Hi guys! So sorry for the extra week wait, it wasn't done yet and I was gonna make a second chapter to make up for it but since I didn't have enough time (and motivation) I just made this twice the size as it has only 24.4 KB while the average for the usual is 12.7 KB, yes I did the math, it's called the calculator, a wonderful invention...sorry...got no sleep... this chapter is a little different, and the next one will be a little to, as we all know if you remember that Friday is the day that THAT is supposed to happen, well this chapter basically is a little over the place.

It's in Yuri's PoV the entire time, the time is him explaining what happened in the time period of the hour. But only two have him talking at current time present.

Warnings: Swearing, Violence (sorta), bad fighting scene written (I've always sucked at those for some reason), little blood...

Disclaimer: I do not own tales of Vesperia...

Onmy3dsandproud (guest): No need to be upset at the DS for it's inability to review, yeah the hole Raven thing I had no idea what I was thinking with that but it worked out in the end I guess. And how do you know I'm not mean enough to let Flynn die hm? huh? Well? I'm just messing with yah, I could never kill those two, I don't know about the others but definitely not those two...maybe seriously injured or something. And yes you did sound like a creeper but if you did act like one I would tell you to get out faster than you can say Canada, I get annoyed quickly so yeah. And Yugioh? Nice!

Okay there is an OC in here that will have something to do with the plot, I more of hoping to hear what you guys think of how he should be involved...Just an annoyance (like a familiar character you'll see after you meet this OC), or a bigger part to the plot (which I do have an idea in mind if you guys want him to be a bigger part). I usually don't like OC's for some strange reason, but I'm always willing to try something new so please let me know what you think.

So now that that's over cause I'm sure you want to get into the chapter now... enjoy.

Chapter 14

10 A.M.-Friday

(Yuri's PoV)

It's friday, I took the day off so I can think and go meet up with Flynn, and Raven to hopefully hear that they heard from Captain Schwann. But sadly when I asked they said that they still had no word from him yet, and I hate to say it but I agree with Flynn when he said that he's nervous about what had happened to the Captain. We should have heard at least SOMETHING by now, man I hope everything is going fine in Dahngrest, either that or he hasn't reached there yet. Which he should have by now, according to Raven his brother likes to travel pretty quickly so he can pay attention to important details and can send a small report. So it's weird that he hasn't yet sent a report or anything.

"Oh don't you worry you two, Schwann can take care of himself, heck knowing him he'll show up when we need him the most." Raven says with one of his usual bright smiles. I have to admit, with everything going on I have to give him points for trying to lighten the mood.

"I hope your right Raven." Was all that Flynn said, I nod in agreement, the room then falling back into silence. Damn, it's to early for it to be this quiet, I've never been one for silence during the day, feels like something should explode any moment. Maybe I should have re-decided about taking that day off. Sigh...no, I highly doubt that'll keep my mind in one piece till then. And as much as I hate to say, I hope that what that guy Yeager said was false, go...stupid nerves.

11 A.M.-Friday

Okay, so earlier Flynn had invited me to go train the Knights with him, I thought that attending the Knights training session with Flynn wasn't such a good idea, however I agreed to it anyway.

But then I came to regret that decision...

It wasn't the glares I got from his men, no I can handle that. Even their big talk, thinking they can take on whatever came their way (there overconfidence is gonna get them killed). I didn't care about all the whispering, hearing all the words of 'traitor' and 'deserter' and 'lazy' didn't bother me.

So Flynn had them just pair up and practice there fighting techniques when one of them had asked if they would get a chance to kick my but...Again that doesn't bother me.

While it did make my heart warm for some reason when Flynn scolded him saying I could kick there assas (More of my words than his words) if they tried to fight me, one of them, since they couldn't keep their noses to themselves, asked if he could beat me.

I had glared at Flynn and mentally told him "No do not tell them" I know he saw it, cause I saw a slight smirk gracing his face. He looked at his men, and gladly stated "Never once in our entire lives has Yuri EVER been able to beat me." And he knows, that if looks could kill he wouldn't be standing.

All of them had laughed at that, it was bad enough Flynn flaunted the fact that I never have beaten him out of our entire childhood, but I heard a chuckle behind me that made my blood boil. I recognized that voice and I turned around to see Sodia smirking back at me.

dammit! Out of all people that had to hear that it was damn Sodia!

Somehow, without loosing my cool on the outside I looked at Flynn and me being stupid me at time, I had said, "Well it's been a while since we last fought. How about we go a round?" And that got everyone's attention, and I could FEEL Sodia glaring dagger at my side for dare challenging Flynn.

But he had only smiled and said, "Bring it Yuri, let's see if you can beat me after all this time."

And let me just say, in defense of my honor, that it was pretty close. But once again, he managed to disarm me and grab hold of my weapon before I could reach it and had me trapped.

That...was...humiliating...

After (reluctantly) shaking hands, I said bye to Flynn and dismissed myself early, telling him to join me for lunch after training so we could chat. That was at eleven, they had been training for two hours and should have been done at one.

1:23 P.M. - Friday

But of course, here I am, with lunch ready in a clearing where we would train when it's not at the Castle. We hardly every come here to just eat and relax but we had already practiced so I thought it would be nice for once, see his smile and the sun...woh...where did that thought come from?

I shake my head and look around and lean against a tree. It's a little outside the barrier but for as long as we've been out here there's never once been a monster here, it's not large but it's not to small either.

"Where is that idiot?" I sigh, he knows I'm not the most patient person in the world, and I'm already getting annoyed from him taking so long 'even though it's been eleven minutes.'

There's some rustling over on the left and when I look over there I tense and reach to my katana, even though there's never been a monster seen over here doesn't mean there hasn't been any. Though when I see Repede's head stick out of the bush I relax and sit back. He walks out then Flynn finally shows up. From what it looks like he hadn't seen me, but he's was frowning, when he finally noticed me he sighed and then smiled and walked over here with Repede. "There you are, you know next time you say we should meet up for lunch you should tell me where. I thought it was at the bakery and when they told me you weren't there I stopped by your place. After a few minutes I finally realized we were meeting here, so if you're gonna blame anyone blame yourself for not telling me."

"Oh shut up." We start taking out the food and I give Repede his food and he just eats it quickly. "Though I do have to admit I'm surprised."

I look at him questioningly, "What do you mean Flynn? That I actually challenged you in front of your men?"

He pauses a moment, looking a bit thoughtful, but then he shook his head. "No, while I was a little surprised by that cause you know I'm better than you-"

"As if." I interrupt crossing my arms then looking away. That probably seems like a childish gesture and it probably is, but I can't help it.

"That's not what I was talking about." I look back at him in question, he taking the sign to continue, "I meant with everything going on, especially today where we can be attacked unguarded, you wanted to get out of the barrier to go for lunch? What if something happens?"

"Its day time Flynn, assassins work better in the dark, if they are planning some sort of attack wouldn't it be better for them to attack at night where not only there are less Knights on Gaurd they'll have an easier time sneaking in from the shadows." After I stop Flynn looks at me with wide eyes, like I had lost my mind or something. "What?"

"How did you come to that conclusion Yuri?"

I just tell him that I learned a thing or two from all the encounters with them and being one myself for a little more than a year. I also told him that it was something Raven had mentioned once during the first year since I had left the nights.

"Trust me kid, the key to doing a job quick and easy is silence, stealth and how quick you can move your blade."

"After he said that it kinda just, fell into place. It definitely helped to have some free time to give it some thought to think on it. I guess that's why Raven isn't stressing it out too much right now."

"I guess that's true, but if that's the case why doesn't he just get more knights on duty at night then?"

"You're a Captain to Flynn, and your smart enough to know all these things so don't go quizzing me on my intellect on all this stuff." A.K.A. Don't go asking questions that you know I know the answers to, it's annoying.

Flynn 'frowns', "Aw where's the fun in that then? Annoying you is better than Raven's reaction to when he's told he's old." He teases me, trying (and failing) to keep his frown on his face.

"If you like teasing so much then how would you like this?" Then I jump on him and start tickling his sides, where I know he's the most ticklish.

"Hahaha! Y-yuri stop! Haha, Yuri! Seriously!" I ignore him as I continue to tickle him, till he called out "Repede help!" Let's just say I wasn't prepared to be attacked from the side and lying on the ground with Repede on top of me this time. Flynn's laughing fading probably to catch his breath. "Good boy Repede." He pets him as Repede huffs and walks off.

I glare at the traitor then to Flynn as I sat up, he had a smug smirk on his face and dammit. How many times was he going to win in one day? Well...luckily there's one thing in this world I know he'll never beat me at...Cooking...

5 P.M.- Friday

Man was I right, as always Flynn can't cook to save his life. When we went to my place to eat I volunteered to cook but Flynn told me he was. I did spend a good ten minutes trying to convince him not to but he didn't listen, he actually forced me to sit down and wait for him to make dinner.

And when he was done I poked at it, it looked okay, maybe this was one of those times where he actually succeeded in cooking. Ignoring that little part of brain that told me not to eat it I had taken a small bit and tasted it, trying to ignore Flynn's stare.

I should have listened to that part of my brain, cause it tasted horrible! How can Flynn cook food, make it look good, then have it be disgusting? After putting it straight to him, he looked crestfallen and it broke my heart a little to see him like that.

When I had Flynn throw it away (cause I knew Repede won't eat it either) I got up and made some stew, luckily it didn't take to long and we ate it silence. Flynn told me it was delicious, and I told him I was happy considering I made it for him. For some reason he blushed a little. After a few minutes he told me to stop staring, making me realise I was.

10 P.M. - Friday

It's ten at night and nothing has happened yet, looking out from the balcony nobody has come into the Castle that I have seen other than Knights that were making their rounds. And luckily they were each ones that I recognized so I didn't have to worry about any of them.

I heard a sound of clanking metal and turned around to see Raven dressed as his brother walking up to me, looking all serious. I nod in acknowledgment and turn back to look outside, as he comes to stand next to me. "Nothing out of the ordinary yet. Did you hear anything from the Commandant?"

"Nobody has seen the Commandant in the last few hours, I couldn't find him either. "

"What?" I look at him, obviously shocked. "So first you brother, now the Commandant? Damn...did you manage to get any additional guards on guard?" I ask him hopeful, that's gotta at least help right?

But clearly not since he shook his head, "Sorry Yuri, without the Commandants orders I can't. Sorry."

I shake my head, "No don't be sorry, I should have seen it coming. I'm just...I don't know, nervous? We don't know if it'll happen and how bad it'll hit, it could be nothing or it's a huge threat." I sigh, finally shaking my head, this definitely a little too much pressure that shouldn't be bringing me down, so why is it?

But as if he read my mind Raven spoke up, "Maybe it's Flynn?" I look at him, waiting for him to continue. "I mean come on, he's your best friend and from the looks of things he's the main target in all of this. You don't want to fail to protect another person, especially if it's someone you..." He trails off.

"Someone I...what?"

He shook his head, "Never mind."

I"m about to push him further but I decide against it, Raven wasn't one for spilling details and answers if pushed so I bet it would probably be a waste of time. Though what he said did make sense, Flynn's the main target and I don't want to lose my best friend...I can't..He's the last person in this world I want to lose.

The world would be a lot darker place without him...

Wait...what am I thinking? I feel a blush coming on, I can't believe I just got all mushy just thinking about Flynn and I really don't like where my thoughts were heading next. I notice Raven is smirking slightly, and looking away, he was most likely watching me and noticed my reaction...Damn him..

I'm about to say something when someone calls out, "Captain Schwann!" Raven and I turn around to see a Knight running towards us, panting, trying to say something but all the words started to sound all jumbled up.

"Easy soldier," Raven says, taking the role of his brother. "Calm down, take a deep breath and tell me what happened."

And he did that, he took and deep breath and said with a panicky voice, "A-A Knight was just found in the halls...d-dead!"

"What?" I asked him if he was sure and he nodded his head quickly, I look to Raven who looked at the ground.

"Apparently it has begun." He says under his breath, so quietly I think I only heard it. He looks back up, "Can you lead the way?"

The Knight nods his head quickly and leads us to the other side of the floor and there were only two other Knights they're looking down and one laying on the ground. After arriving Raven took a look at him and frowned, "This man was in my Brigade..Erickson if I remember correctly."

I examine the wounds, two wounds that looked like they were made by daggers, in an 'X' shape, blood seeped out of it.

"Alright men I want one of you to go to the medic center and get someone to wrap the body," one of them nodded and with a 'yes, sir' ran off in the direction of the medic center. "Okay I want one of you two to stay here to make sure nothing happens to the body and I want the other one to go find and warn the Commandant of this," and with a nod, the one that led us here dashed off to do what he was told to. "Yuri I want you to go find Flynn and bring him okay?"

I nod, "On it Captain." I leave, but not before hearing Raven say 'Be careful.'

Only a few minutes later and I arrived at a familiar hallway, I have to remember to thank Flynn for making me take the door every now and then or I might have had trouble finding his room. I ran up to the door and not bothering to knock on the door I quickly opened it and looked around, only to find it empty with no trace of Flynn having to be in here. "Dammit!" I yell out, "Don't tell me he already left." Rushing out of the room I started searching the floor.

"Halt!" Someone said, I stopped and looked around, there was no one there. Slowly walking forward someone talked again. "Didn't I just say do not move?" The voice came again and this time he jumped down out of no where shocking me.

"Wow! Where did you come from?" I looked at the guy in front of me, he was dressed like all the other Assassins I've seen before but he wasn't wearing the stupid head wear and those stupid red goggles so I could actually make out what he looks like.

Black short hair, and dark grey eyes similar to mine. He eyed me heavily, looking slightly annoyed. "Well? I did tell you stay still yet you kept moving? Why didn't you listen to me?"

I reached for the handle of my Katana, but staying relaxed, "Well technically you told me to halt, I did halt for a few moments." He looked at me with a blank look and blinked.

"Oh...so I did." He looks down for a few moments. Is this guy really an assassin? He just seems to be more of a distraction then anything. "So anyway, you must be the Yuri Lowell guy that the boss told me to keep busy. I'll be honest, you definitely weren't what I was expecting." He drew two blades that look like a kodachi (1), and readied them.

"And just what were you expecting? And will it hurt to introduce yourself? I would like to know the name of the man I'm about to fight." I draw my katana, placing it on my left shoulder, watching him carefully.

"Oh, so sorry about that." He says, then he runs up to me about to strike, I quickly block the attack then jump back slightly away. "My names Asuta, but I prefer Aster (2)."

As we started fighting I had a hard time keeping up, he was quick and it was hard to dodge both the blades. "You never did...answer my first question." I struggle to find the time to say that,

"Oh, well I was expecting someone more...I don't know...someone more blood thirsty, I was definitely not expecting someone this skillful yet sane. I must admit, I like you, I bet HE would have lots of fun fighting you once he deals with your little blonde friend." He laughed and landed a cut on my cheek, I felt a something wet slide down my check. I moved back gaining distance between us.

"And who is 'he'?" I asked him, I need to keep him busy so I can find a way by and find Flynn.

Aster chuckled and smiled, "The leader of the attack force, that the boss sent here. He's ruthless."

"Were you the one that killed the guard earlier?" Two weapons like those can easily make a wound like the one that was on the guard and kill him.

He stopped and raised an eyebrow at me, "Huh? A guard was killed?" I open my mouth to say something, "Nope wasn't me, it was probably our leader, he always goes over bored when hunting for his kill. I was just told to keep you busy unless called for.' And we went back to fighting.

This guy, Aster and I were only fighting for about ten minutes. I know I was constantly moving but I was getting really jumpy, I needed to end this soon and find Flynn.

"Asuta, Sir!" Someone interrupted the fight and Aster groaned and turned around and I saw someone wearing the entire uniform.

"What do you want? Can't you see I'm in the middle of something!? And don't call me that!"

"Sir, we need your help, the Commandant is arriving and we need your help in keeping him back."

'Alexei is here? When did you leave?' I ask myself, Aster groans and shakes his head.

"Fine, lead the way." He turns around and points at me, "This isn't over Yuri, we'll meet again. And I look forward to it."

He steps back and takes out something small and black, I reach forward trying to stop him. "Hey, wait!" Next thing I know there's smoke every where leaving me coughing. When it finally clears he's gone. But I can't dwell on it long, I start running. I couldn't wait to long.

I enter the courtyard and the first thing I notice is Flynn with his sword drawn in a defensive stance in front of someone. "Flynn!" I run up and I notice the person in front of him, pale and big spiky, black, blonde and...pink(?) hair.

Flynn looks behind him at me, "Yuri! Don't worry about me, I'll be fine!." I would have believed it if it wasn't for the fact that he was covered in dirt, a few tears on his armor.

I walked up next to him and looked at him like he's crazy. "As if I'm gonna leave you alone with this guy Flynn." I look at the guy in front of us who had a bored and annoyed look on his face. "Are you the leader of the attack for the Blood Alliance that the guy Aster mentioned?" Flynn raised an eyebrow at me.

But the guy in front of me perked up a little, "Aster? You mean Asuta? What did you beat him? Hm...that must mean your good. My name Zagi, and you must be the Yuri Lowell that's supposed to be so good. After I kill Flynn Scifo and carve my name in his bones I'll kill you next."

I tense up, sensing Flynn doing the same next to us. Then we start fighting. It was nice to fight side by side with Flynn just like old times, I forgot that when we fought it was like we were reading each others minds because we never once got in each others way.

"Wow, you guys are impressive. I haven't had this much fun in a long time." He cackled. "Listen up Yuri Lowell, before I'm done with you I'm gonna have you watch as I kill Flynn slowly, and watch as the life bleeds out of him!" Cackles again, and I swear I'm seeing red. He continues talking, saying things like torturing Flynn. I hear Flynn next to me saying something, he sounds like he's panicking. And then everything faded to black..

11 P.M - Friday

"Yuri...ke up! Yuri!" Flynn? God I have a headache. I open my eyes slowly, and I see Flynn hovering above me, were somewhere indoors I can tell. I see Raven dressed as himself next to Flynn looking down at me. Flynn sighs, relief shown in his eyes, "Good your alright."

"You gave us quite a scare Yuri." Raven says, the corner of his lip perking up.

"Flynn? Raven?" I sit up slowly,my bones are aching and my arms are stiff. "What happened? What happened to Zagi?" I rested my head on my hand, and thought back, "The last thing I remember was...him...saying he what he was going to do with Flynn right in front of me."

Flynn and Raven glanced at each other, then back at me. Flynn's eyes are full of concern, sometimes I hate that I can read him so well, because he can't hide what he's feeling on the inside. It makes me sick on the inside when he's nervous and upset. "Well according to Flynn here you went nuts on Zagi, Flynn had to pull you away before you could kill him, When I showed up I took you two here, a hide away in the castle, and on the way you passed out."

"Things are going crazy, according to Raven there are at least twenty assassins out there, with the Commandant here we hope for things to calm down but I doubt it'll happen soon."

I nod my head, still in a daze, but I heard everything they said, I hadn't blacked out like that in a couple of years. I rubbed my temples, the fuzz in my head wearing away. "So what are we gonna do then? I highly doubt there gonna go away until Flynn's gone."

"Well your right, they won't until he's GONE." I tense when he emphasizes 'gone' and I watch him carefully. He notices my glare and puts his hands up in defense, "Wow don't go misunderstanding. I'm just saying if Flynn isn't in Zaphias any more than they have no reason to stay in Zaphias. They'll leave, and since Terca Lumireis is a big place they'll have a hard time tracking him down."

"So what are you saying? Flynn has to leave Zaphias? Go on the run?" I question him, I don't like the idea of Flynn being on his own in the world. And I don't want ot be to far away that if he needs me I can't help.

"Not alone Yuri, we discussed this while you were unconscious, but I want you to come with me." I blink for a second.

"So you want both you and me, to leave Zaphias to hunt down the Blood Alliance and find out what's going on?" There eyes widen in surprise, which made me raise an eyebrow. "What? Am I right?"

"Actually your dead on, though I was thinking of heading to Dahngrest to to see if you can find my brother and get his help and meet up with the Don and find out what he knows as well."

I stand up and shake my head, "Okay, but i don't think it'll be a good idea for us to travel if Flynn's in his Captain's uniform. Wouldn't he stick out?"

"Yeah, so first we head to his room, Flynn you need to change into something that isn't a captains uniform, then we'll sneak out the back of the castle through the back. I know a way there, then it's up to you two to get out of Zaphias on your own, head north. The rest is up to you, just make sure you get to Dahngrest. Can you walk Yuri?"

I nod my head, "Yeah, of course." We are just about to leave the room when i realize were missing someone. "Hey Flynn." They stop and look at me. "Where'd Repede go?"

"I'm not sure, he left when Zagi showed up, but knowing him he'll show up sooner or later." I agree with him and we leave in silence.

Following Raven sneaking through the Castle, luckily we weren't to far away from Flynn's room. When we got there, Flynn went and Raven and I stood outside of the room, we only faced about two assassins the entire time so far. Which made me even more nervous, cause it's to easy so far.

God, usually I wouldn't leave cliff hangers somewhere in that spot but considering the length of it...and the fact my brain didn't want to continue it considering the lack of sleep I've been having (I don't sleep till pass three...in the morning), I figured it was a good place to leave it off. I might have to put the next chapter for another third week cause I'm gonna be away, and while I'll have my CPU I don't know If I'll have internet or have it finished by then. So either it's up on the sunday after the second week or the third saturday. Anyway let's go over those two things I noted.

(1): Basically it's long enough to not be a dagger, but it's shorter than a sword.

(2): Anybody know how those two names are connected?

I still think my writing could use some work but I guess it isn't so bad if you guys like it..anyway...

Hope to see you all next chapter, don't forget to let me know what you think of Aster and what you think.

Buh-Bye..

(4,493 Words)