"Here they come!"

"Don't let any of them through the gates!"

The Trocks and Caskeys roared as they charged. With equal vigour, the warriors of Sander clashed against them.

Elsword led the front charge, Elesis rushing ahead of them. She had been stewing over the fact that she was not able to take on Bootru, the biggest fish of the fry. Her resentment that Rena and Raven had that battle were only tempered by that had they not, everyone would be dead.

So now, she could charge ahead and exact vengeance tenfold.

Rena surveyed the battlefield. The enemy force was organized, but not as big as it could be. This was no doubt another hit-and-run designed to harass Sander and keep the Wind El from fully recuperating. A small smile twitched on her lips as she saw that her traps had done their job, the miniature explosions sending the enemy frontlines into a panic.

"Did you do that, Rena?" Rua asked.

"Only a few." Rena shrugged. As proud as she felt, it was not something she'd boast about.

"We only learned basic trapping back home. This is from the Night Watchers?"

"…yes, I learned most of it there, as a Trapping Ranger."

"All right. Now it's our turn to shoot, let's go!"

"Right." The two elves dashed off to the sidelines, sniping Caskeys dumb enough to get in their way.


She didn't want to believe it in the beginning. Besides, she had trusted Raven's words. Even after the most unspeakable act of cruelty he thought he would never do, she reached out to comfort and believe.

"Raven, I understand that you still grieve. It is all right."

But he pulled away from her, ending the embrace. "Rena, don't!"

She stopped, she had eyes so green as to appear gold; he saw bewilderment in them and slow pain. Her voice was unsteady. "I don't…"

He saw her, and his heart broke—he said wretchedly, "By the El, but I never wanted to hurt you, never. Not you, of all people. I swear by the El Lady I didn't!"

Her hands, which reached out again to comfort him, suddenly halted. She stared at him. "I see," she breathed. Abruptly she turned away, stooping to retrieve her shirt. With infinite care, she put it on and the rest of her clothes, as if wearing her clothes was the only thing that mattered to her now.

It was a bright morning devoid of sun. The clouds kept the light subdued, which made the room colder still. She put on her clothes, not uttering a word.

The silence was oppressive and Raven struggled to say something. But at the same time, any words he might have uttered to comfort her would've felt worse. He was the one who lied, struggled, and ultimately it came to this.

"Rena…Rena, I'm so sorry."

Rena's voice shook a little as she clasped on the last buckle. "Why? For what? Because I made a fool out of myself?"

He moved toward her at that, but she backed away, out of reach.

She continued talking, her voice breaking several times. It was not the first time he had seen her so vulnerable, but rarely did the sight tear at him so.

"Part of it's my fault."

This stirred him into blind denial—what was he good at other than blind denial? "No, no you're not!"

"If it comforts you, Raven, I blame myself. I should've seen, should've known. But I wouldn't let myself face the truth. When you gave me the necklace that she wore, the flowers she liked—I found a thousand different reasons as to how and why, except that you still saw her in me. That's why, isn't it?"

He said nothing, and she continued on.

"At the last," she said, very low, "you…called me Seris. Even in intimacy with me, you love your fiancée. You still love her, don't you?"

"…"

"Aren't I right, Raven?" Her voice suddenly rose, accusing. "You love her!"

"Yes," he said, and he watched unhappily as she clenched her fingers tight together. What sort of words could he say more that could be a balm?

"Rena, I do care for you, I care very much… "

"Don't, Raven." She shuddered. Her long bangs covered her face, turned away from him. "Please don't."

He sat on the edge of the bed, appalled. He had on only his pants, his upper body reflecting the soulless light of the vapid day. She used to trace his battle scars, marvelling at his resilience…

"I think it's best that I go." she said.

Not knowing what else to do, he reached for her hand, held it for a moment against his cheek. She tensed at his touch, and he thought she would yank her hand from his grasp. Instead, she closed her eyes and gently put his hand away.

When she raised her head, her eyes held no tears. However, her voice was tight, and there was such a look in her eyes that would not be easily forgotten.

He loved Seris, that was inarguable. He cared for Rena, too, and not just because one resembled the other, he fiercely reminded himself. His dreams mocked him for daring to boast a claim that he couldn't keep. Seris, Seris, Seris. Rena, Rena, Rena. It was a battle he lost either way, yet he lost in the most shameful way possible, dragging another down with him.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" He almost begged, wanting to escape this painful moment but also not wanting her to leave like this.

"Yes, there is."

"Then name it." He said without thinking. "Tell me what I can do."

She gave an unconvincing smile. "Always so impulsive. My request is this: do not tell the others. Aisha and Chung are perceptive, but they mustn't know. This shouldn't be something that any of them should be concerned about."

"You're right." He said after a brief pause. Leave it Rena to always be putting other above herself, even when it shattered her to do so.

Just like that, she allowed herself and her feelings to fade into the background. She remained motherly, tenderly caring for her friends, even remaining cordial to him when she had every right to scream at him, hit him, or even kill him.

Just how much must she have suffered to face him every day and be constantly reminded of the deceit and doubt that ruined what she once believed was a loving relationship? It wasn't just at Rena's request that Raven outwardly pretended that nothing happened. He ignored because it was easier to ignore. Sometimes, he blamed Rena for falling into his past illusions. Those thoughts made him burn with shame now.

"The Night Savers?" Elsword had never heard about this group before.

"Yes. They offered me a chance to join them. They're an ancient, hidden sect of the elven society, and I believe that I can learn a lot more to improve my fighting abilities."

"But we'll miss you…!" Aisha looked forlorn.

"I wish I could say I'll return as soon as possible." Rena soothed, "But I won't make promises I don't know if I can keep."

"Well, if you're sure about joining them…"

"You're on a mission to help the El, Elsword. That is a common goal." Rena was always compelling; it was hard to argue against her directly. "No doubt I will be given permission to rejoin once I learn enough."

"You lost a lot of weight…maybe going back home is a good thing."

"Don't worry so much, my dear. I shall be fine."

Raven couldn't find the words to ask her to stay. She didn't deserve that. Maybe it was better that they spend some time apart to heal and leave the unpleasant experience behind them. That was what he had thought, then.

When she came back, not as the Rena they recognized, but a distant warrior that preferred battles to be expedient than honourable, scorn sentimentality in a time of war, and kept entirely to herself, only belatedly did all of them realized just how dreadful the absence of kindness could be.


"They're withdrawing." Chung said with renewed spirit. "What's left of them, anyway."

Sander's armies were roaring their victory as the scattered demon minions scurried away with nothing but their lives. Elesis felt something close to sexual satisfaction when she finally dug her blade into a Trock Mage-Commander that had been entirely surrounded by Caskeys.

When the armies cheered behind her, she felt the adrenaline rush as well as a distant pride. This was what her comrades of Velder should've been: led to victory under her hand.

"Where is the Wind Priestess?"

"She is with the El. She will be pleased at the victory won today." A guard replied.

"How long is the full ceremony for the El?" Raven asked.

"A full day and night, sir. While the ceremony takes place, she must never be disturbed."

"I see. Then let's wait on that until we're sure the Trocks won't harass us again."

"We might not have the time for that, commander." The guard looked sombre. "I heard that the priestess needs to finish this ritual as soon as possible."

"Then tell to start at once." Elsword called, still flushed from the triumph of battle.

"At once?" Aisha exclaimed. "That's a little rushed, don't you think?"

"We can hold off the rest if they attack again." Elsword assured confidently. "A few of us can scout ahead to track down the Trocks' lair while the rest stay and defend the village. We have enough forces for that, right?"

It sounded optimistic, but sensible. Rena found little reason to oppose the plan. Still, she looked hesitant. "It sounds risky, but if it works, it'll make things easier once Lady Anduran is finished."

"It'll be fine." Elsword brushed off every concern. To him, things were finally stepping into place. It could only get better.

Rena looked as if she were about to say something more, but she nodded to endorse the leader. "If we can sort the details out, I think it can be a solid plan."

"Great. If you want, you can go with Elesis and Eve to ferret out the remaining demons. You commanded them well back with the dark elves."

"Actually…I was thinking of defending this position."

"You do?" His eyebrows rose. "Sure."

"Elesis and Eve are good candidates, though. Do you want to go with them?"

"Me?"

"I'm sure Elesis would listen to you more than I."

"Well…"

Rua readily agreed that she would stay with Rena defending the village. A part of her wanted to go outside, but with a bloodthirsty avenger and emotionless seraph, it looked to be better staying with her friend. She felt a bit sad, though, that Raven would be going to the monsters' hideout.

"I'll be back soon."

"Be safe!" Rua called out, waving her hand.

Raven smiled back, and looked to Rena, who stood beside her. She only nodded briefly before looking away.

He still had a long way to earn back her trust, after everything what he did. But this was a start that he could live with and was thankful for.

"Are you and Raven okay now?" Rua cautiously asked.

Rena raised a questioning eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"No, it's just," she hesitated, "I think he likes you."

"I know." Rena's expression didn't change. It was easier to regard the fact almost dispassionately in his absence.

Rua gasped, the way Rena would have in the past. "Really! Then why didn't you say so?"

"It's not that simple, Rua." Rena didn't want to explain it to her. Not just because it hurt on a personal level to tell, but as a Night Watcher, every vulnerable emotion was a sore spot.

"It shouldn't have to be." Rua urged. "He looks so happy with you. Maybe after all of this is over, you two can remain together. It'll be wonderful!"

"I…don't think that's a good idea." The very thought was alarming.

But Rua went on talking. "Elsword and Aisha thought so, too."

"What was that?" Rena turned sharply. "What did you say?"

"They said that you guys used to be so close." Rua looked gleeful. "It can happen again!"

Rena fought off the flashes of images that rushed through her head. It was overwhelming to even think that things could truly go back to how it was—but for a moment. For one, small moment, she imagined a remnant of her past blending into a hopeful future.

She and Raven could make it work, for him to see her for herself as he put his past to rest. After restoring the El, they could go back to a cheering kingdom that would happily accommodate them. Rena, who saw the customs of marriage and family life, would bask in the pleasure of peace and a domestic lifestyle.

But there was a limit to what could be achieved in this lifetime.

"I'm not sure. Let's go check on the garrisons. We need to make sure the Trocks won't catch us by surprise."

Rua followed after her, silently admiring Rena as she surveyed the forces, gave battle advice that sourced from experience, and even asked the spirit-children to survey the area and alert her for incoming attacks.

"Rena, please take it easy. You're going to work yourself to death." Rua said more than once.

"Don't worry, Rua. I'm used to this." Rena gave a reassuring smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"When are Elsword and Raven coming back?"

"Emirate said that the hideout was closer than expected. I thought that they wouldn't be back until several days but it seems like they'll come back pretty quickly, unless the sandstorm continues into the evening."

"You don't plan to work right into the night, do you?"

Rena stopped, and then gave Rua a reassuring pat. "No. You're here, and I'd like to enjoy some time with you after the preparations. Do you have time later?"

Rua had no real reason to refuse. "I…I should."

"Great." Rena signalled towards Emirate, who was heading their way. "I'll see you then."

What wasn't Rena good at?

This compounded to her former question that haunted her subconscious: why was she so good?

When they grew up, Rua watched. She watched Rena play with the spirits and command them. She watched her be taken as Branwen's disciple. She watched as she excelled in everything that she did, so much that she was given the title "Living Hope for Our People".

Always beside her, Rua watched for something. Something to let her know that Rena was still…like her.

If Rena had some sort of noticeable flaw, would it have made things better? Maybe it would have made it easier for Rua. Just to know that even perfect, precious Rena had some kind of failing.

But no. Every accomplishment made Rena shine that much brighter.

What could Rua really fault her for? That she was kind to everyone, skilled in archery and combat, and never wavered in her resolve? It was jealousy, which reflected on its holder rather than the target.

Even now, amongst humans, Rena commanded great respect. When Rua first came to her, she thought Rena to be a shell, and while she understandably despaired at this, a part of her felt closer to her, to know that she had withdrawn emotionally as one would tuck an injured arm to her side.

Now, Rena seemed happy again. Rua wanted her to be happy, yes, but not so happy to the point that she no longer needed her…again.

She heaved a shuddering sigh, but when Rena caught her eye and smiled at her, Rua couldn't help but smile back. Rena was, despite it all, her closest friend. She would be cheerful for them both.

Besides, she was happy here. This was a large world filled with wonders, and by travelling with Rena's companions, she was living the dream that she had nurtured for a very long time. With this reminder of her luck, how could she not be happy?


"It's a beautiful moon." Rua remarked as Rena approached her. "Isn't it, chingu?"

"Geulssae." Rena looked up at the moon thoughtfully. Her eyes reflected the light gently. "It's a bit tense to enjoy it fully."

Rua shook her head and smiled. It was as if their positions have been swapped, now Rua the carefree and reckless one while Rena held both of them back with a cautious attitude. It was a gross oversimplification, but they had come far.

"How are things with the El?" Rua asked.

"Priestess Anduran remains undisturbed so far. There have been three skirmishes with some Caskeys, but they didn't get through Chung's line of defence. If they're preparing for a counterattack, we'll be ready."

"Should I go there, too?"

"I'll let you know when. Come walk with me, Rua." Rena reached out for her hand as if it were still the most natural gesture in the world. It was a movement reminiscent of mutual loyalty and innocent affections.

"Do you enjoy this world?" Rena broke the silence between them.

"Of course." Rua beamed. "I couldn't be happier!"

Rena closed her eyes and smiled. "I'm glad."

"Truly?"

"Yes." Rena clasped her friend's hand. "It was hard being away from our home. I've encountered great joys in this world…and great sadness. But seeing you…" Rena cleared her throat. "Seeing you has restored my vision. You reminded me why I am here and why I must continue fighting."

"That's good." Rua said with a smile. "I'm glad to be with you, too. You were so cold in the beginning…it was because of the Night Savers, wasn't it?"

Rena didn't deny it. "Yes. The training is harsh. I won't go into specifics, but it was necessary. But everything done is for the good of our people and our homeland."

Rua shifted her feet. "Yes, that's right."

"It is. I miss our home dearly, but seeing you is like home." Rena let go of Rua's hand to adjust her hairpin.

Rua's ears twitched. "Something's near!"

Rena straightened. The guard patrol in this area was yet to come; the intervals didn't add up. No one else in the village was supposed to be near this place, either. Quickly, silently, she motioned her to take cover behind a cracked boulder.

"A demon?" Rua whispered.

That was highly unlikely—though not impossible. Few select demons had the cunning and skill to infiltrate past the lines of defence.

"Rena, we should tell someone…I'll go alert the patrol."

"No!" Rena gripped her arm tightly. "Reporting an attack inside the village is going to bring everyone here, which will disturb the priestess. We don't even know how many there are. I'll take care of it."

Rua frowned, looking almost desperate. "I don't know. It doesn't feel right. Rena, wait please!"

"Stay behind here."

Rena gave her a pat before walking into the open. Her ears were perked, sensing for the slightest sound of hostility, as she readied her bow with one hand, the other resting warily on her sword.

"Identify yourself." Rena commanded tonelessly. "We are here and we are armed, ready to strike if need be."

Silence.

Rua was about to dash off to help her, but the responding voice stopped her heart in its tracks. She never thought to hear his voice again, of all people.

"Well, well," Rena recognized the caustic voice of Ladmir, "I never thought we'd see each other again, in a place like this, no less."

"Easy, Ladmir." Rena responded. He had always been testy. "No need to be hostile."

"Easy for you to say." He retorted. He emerged in full armour that indicated his position as lead ranger. He looked none too pleased. "That I actually had to step foot in the human world—let's just get this over with."

Rena sighed. "As you say."

"What…no!" A jab from Rena kept Rua's voice to an angry whisper. "They can't do this to you! They don't know anything."

"Shh." Rena urged.

As they peered over, more figures came into sight, all of them armed, all of them guardedly surrounding the duo. Rena recognized most of them all too well. The Night Savers rarely openly interacted with normal elven society, but exceptions weren't out of the question. So it was interesting to see Ladmir, Amelia, and Lime, longtime inhabitants of their village, come with Sunbae Trion and…

"…Erendris." Rena caught her breath. He had changed much while she was away, and yet he looked the same. "You're here, too?"

"Night Watcher Rena." Erendris gave a curt nod. "A pleasure to meet again, though I wish it was under better circumstances."

Rena sighed once more. "As do I."

"I hope you're taking care of yourself?"

"As well as I'm able."

"Now is not the time for pleasantries." Trion looked irritable. "Watch yourself."

Erendris looked at Rena sorrowfully. "Of course."

"Truly, a disappointment." Trion continued. "Not that I expected much from her to begin with."

Rena's hands clenched. Rua, seeing this, could take it no longer.

"That's enough!" Rua stepped forward, outraged. "How dare you speak that way!"

Trion looked, hardly impressed. "But we can, girl. The headache for all this mess is unbelievable."

"I agree." Ladmir rubbed his temple. "This has gone on long enough, I'd almost think her not worth it."

"Don't talk like that about Rena!" Rua looked fierce.

"There is no need to be upset." Erendris cut in before tensions rose further. "This is not an ambush. We are only here to take one back to our home."

"Say what, now?" Ladmir looked confused before hilarity set in his eyes. "You don't think we're actually here for Rena, do you?"

This stopped Rua, freezing her completely in her tracks. "What?"

Rena came beside her friend, her presence ominous. She clamped a firm hand on her shoulder that made Rua want to squirm free. "Rena, what is happening?"

Her friend was always there for her. They swore eternal friendship multiple times. No matter how she strayed, she would be there to protect her, encourage her, empower her, love her…

"They're not here for me, Rua," Rena confirmed, and looked at her friend with a hint of pity. "They came here for you."

Her shock was beset with horror at dawning realization. "Rena, what happened? What is going on?"

"My answers to those questions are clear. What if I asked you those questions?"

"I don't know what you mean." Rua said after a heartbeat of silence.

Rena's expression didn't falter. She remained taut as the rangers walked forth, one of the Watchers stepping in front of her.

"Ranger Rua of Erindel, you are under arrest for deserting your post, sabotaging an elven scout and patrol, and compromising the defensive hold by deliberately entering enemy territory unsanctioned," Trion said all this with a ghost of a sneer on his lips. Under his breath he muttered, "And that's just what's on the actual records."

As Rena, the person she trusted above all others, left her side and to the elves that came to apprehend her, the horror was complete.

"Rena..!"