Alright ladies and gents, I am free from school! Hope you're all ready for an exposition section before we go to war with a big bad dragon!
Let's do this!
A Festive Day
Silence.
Dead and utter… silence.
No one could speak in the face of Prince Olivert's words, they were simply too outlandish and alien to even start comprehending. Add on the worry everyone felt for the injured Paula and the class just gaped at the prince.
"I see my words have stunned you." Olivert mused as the silence dragged on. "First things first though, how is the most recent Seven?"
Emma was the one to answer, Elliot continuing to tend to Paula's new wound. "She's… stable, at least. There's heavy bruising around the site of invasion and I don't want to guess at what the swelling's doing to her organs. The only reason we haven't run for the nearest hospital is because her blood pressure is normal."
Olivert nodded in understanding. "Very well, continue to tend to her. Jusis, my young friend, don't hold back on my account. Go to your lover."
Jusis flushed but dashed around the table to cradle Paula's head, Emma taking the chance to lower her to the ground for better access to the wound.
"Now then, time to explain." Olivert declared as the rest remained quiet. "First, yes, I am the Chairman of the Board at Thors and it was my idea to start Class VII. I've seen first hand how the class divide in this country threatens its very stability and I wished to show the stubborn mules in the government that there was far more they hold in common than not."
He gestured to the ARCUS at Elliot's waist. "Thus, the ARCUS came into being. My researchers developed the device in accordance with my idea of unity, and the links are the physical manifestation of that idea. The stronger the bond between each holder, the more in tune they become, and the better they're able to work together."
The class nodded in understanding and he winked. "So that's where the idea to use a class in Thors for the trial run came in. We adults are too set in our ways to change our minds and work together on a dime, but students like you are more… open. Considering what I've seen and heard, the experiment has been a resounding success."
Fie had a quick question. "Um, if I may ask, why did you let Paula join? I mean, she can use that axe like few I've seen, but I'm sure you heard how she was fighting with Jusis."
"Her skill and knowledge are all that matter." Olivert answered. "Though you can imagine my surprise when I heard that little Jusis had not only stopped fighting with Ms. Dern but entered a mutually amorous relationship. I assure you, it sent the court into a tizzy."
Fie was mollified and Olivert continued. "Now that you know the grand reason behind your class's existence, I turn my tongue to the matter of the artifacts. One of which has deigned to bury itself in Ms. Dern's back while another three rest on some of my cute students."
Laura, Gaius, and Alisa subconsciously gripped the artifacts, or its location in Laura's case.
"It's quite a story, so I suggest you take notes." Olivert said, chuckling when journals were swiftly pulled out. "But before I go on, I must ask my dear sister and her friend if they would like to stay. This is sensitive information after all, and I don't wish to drag them in unwillingly."
Alfin shared a look with Elise before nodding, their answer clear.
Olivert shook his head in amusement. "Very well then, time for a history lesson."
He strummed his lute and began the tale.
"Prior to the Great Collapse, a great civilization ruled Zemuria. All know this from Sunday School, but what few know is that a text from that era still survives, inscribed upon walls of stone buried far beneath the earth. On it, the walls tell of a land divided between the Sept-Terrions we know and a second faction that opposed them. An uneasy peace lay between the factions, but great weapons were manufactured in case war broke out so that each would have an edge."
He chuckled as everyone gave him their undivided attention. "The greatest weapons on either side were known as 'Knights Divine' and 'Knights of Sin'. Six of each if the legend is true, a set for each side. Eventually, as expected, war did break out and it lasted many years. The knights clashed and dueled against each other the entire war, developing great enmity for each other. Supposedly, there was to be one great battle to decide the war, but the record ends there. Best guess is the Collapse happened and the knights ended up either sealed by the remnants or lost entirely."
Olivert strummed the lute again. "At least until explorers from the various nations started to discover the ruins and artifacts left behind. Once Erebonia was founded, the land we came to encompass held the resting places of many ruins, including one where a trio of the Knight's had been stored in much smaller form."
"Wait a minute," Machias interrupted, face twisted in confusion. "How did you even find out what these 'Knights' were? I mean, we know next to nothing about the pre-Catastrophe civilization as is, so where would you even find the information needed to identify the artifacts we have? And even then, are these things related to the 'Sin' or 'Divine'?"
Olivert nodded at the astute observation. "Good questions, Mr. Regnitz. The reason I know is because I was informed by those who have overseen the ruins ever since the Knights were sealed. An acquaintance of mine by the name of Leonard is a descendant of the original guardians and shared the history with me, the relevant details of which I now share with you."
He gestured to the artifact owners. "All those here with an artifact hold what Leonard calls an 'Ark' which carries the spirit and power of a Knight of Sin. If his stories are true, then the Knights require a 'Contractor' that allows the Knight to use their soul as a source of power, which in turn makes the pairing absurdly powerful. In addition, the Knights themselves can 'resonate' allowing themselves to become even stronger the more of their number are nearby."
Olivert shook his head at the looks he was getting. "In case you're wondering, Leonard grew lazy the week your class was visiting the ruins and didn't discover the Arks were gone until he got off his rear. Sadly, by that point, the three in the ruins had already bonded to your friends."
He nodded to Alisa. "Leonard filled me in on which Knights are which and what the Arks look like. You, Ms. Reinford, have been bound to the Ark of the Moon Maiden. Archery was that Knight's forte, supposedly to the point its arrows could level mountains when with its fellows. I don't think I need to tell you to not accept any offers from mysterious voices, yeah?"
Alisa looked down and rubbed her glove, nausea suffusing her mind as memories of a voice not her own invading her dreams resurfaced.
"You, Mr. Worzel," Olivert continued, "have the Ark of the Dragon Knight. Leonard paints the Knight as a lancer of unsurpassed skill who's only rivaled by one of the Divine Knights. Supposedly, it can lay waste to entire regions because of its ability to fly."
Gaius sighed and nodded. It only made sense that something named after a dragon would be able to do that.
Olivert shrugged and looked to Paula. "Ms. Dern has had the misfortune of having the Ark of the Executioner attach itself in far grislier manner compared to the rest. Quoting Leonard once again, the Executioner was the most savage of the Knights, and the fields ran red when it sortied."
Paula had recovered enough to sit up by that point, Jusis offering his shoulder to lean on. "That… sucks… to hear…"
Olivert nodded sympathetically before looking to a stoic Laura. "You, Lady Arseid, are perhaps the worst off. You have the Ark of the White Knight, the de-facto captain of the Knights of Sin. Leonard described this one in detail, as his family was the servants of whomever held the Ark all that time ago. Supposedly, it's at home with shield and blade, able to deflect devastating blows and return them with thrice the strength."
He sighed and pushed off the pillar he'd been leaning against. "Oddly, Leonard described that one as the noblest of the bunch unless its rival was near. Maybe it's just being raised on the stories, but I made sure to get information from more than just one source."
"There's more like this Leonard person?" Fie asked, breathing a silent sigh of relief when Paula was able to be guided to a chair. "You'd think scholars would be all over them."
Olivert shrugged. "They're very secretive, I only met them because Leonard knew them. At the least, the stories matched up, and I felt confident letting you all know as a precaution. The compulsion the Knight spirits can place you under is incredibly strong, and few have been able to resist their temptations in the past."
His eyes sharpened, and he looked directly at Laura. "Your Instructor's been very keen on keeping me up to date on you, Ms. Arseid. You've had the Ark bonded to you for the longest, so I must ask. Have you been offered something by a voice not your own?"
Laura glanced away, just barely nodding in answer.
"I have too." Alisa interjected, smiling at Laura's surprised gasp. "When I was having those dreams after you and Rean had that fight, someone kept trying to talk to me and tell me I needed to let them help 'protect that which is precious' or something to that effect. I couldn't sleep since it felt like I was drowning the whole time."
Gaius sighed and added his version of events. "I've heard whispers every so often, nothing too out of the way. I do want to ask if the Knights can influence whoever their Arks are bonded to in other ways? Like messing with the senses?"
Olivert hummed in thought before shaking his head. "Not that I know of, but it is possible. Has there been any other strange occurrences that I should know about? Leonard and his friends want as much information as I can give if they're to help."
Laura looked to Rean, who sighed when she nodded. "Your Highness, something did happen yesterday. In the middle of the night, Laura woke up and felt herself forced out of bed and made to walk into the boy's room. She… felt like a puppet."
"I could see what my body was doing, but not control it." Laura continued, eyes on her hands. "The Ark came with a dagger and I was forced to unsheathe it and strike at Rean. Thank heaven he sensed something and got out of the way, but it was like a living nightmare. I heard that voice, Wizel I guess, demanding I kill Rean despite my every effort to halt such an act. Then, it just stopped."
Olivert's lips turned into a frown, sympathy in his eyes. "I'm sorry you had to go through such an ordeal. Did you notice anything else, like what your body felt like or if the resistance you felt ever relented prior?"
Laura sighed. "Yes, Your Highness. Every muscle in my body seized like a cramp, and my heart started beating far faster and harder than I've known. It was enough that the vessels in my eyes burst and blood flowed like tears. As for resistance, I felt like I was moving through a thick sludge, and it didn't abate until Wizel's influence ended."
The room was silent, all eyes on Laura, before Olivert bowed slightly. "Thank you, Lady Arseid, that helps more than you know. With that done, however, our time is at an end."
He gestured for everyone to stand except for Paula, who was still winded. "As you now know, I created Class VII to act not just as a place for promising youths to expand their horizons, but also to show through your experiences and trials the many obstacles that lie before us, especially when it comes to the existence of factions."
He smiled proudly, as if realizing something. "And while I have no say in the day-to-day now, study locations included, I believe that this class can navigate the subtler objectives of the directors and become a shining light that can help push back the darkness of this country!"
Stunned silence met his declaration, Olivert laughing sheepishly a moment later. "Oh, forgive me, I put a heroic bent on that. Flare for the dramatic I suppose, but I can tell that you're all more than willing to meet and surpass the expectations I've put forth."
He winked at the determined faces that met his words. "That's what I like to see. Don't rush it though, you're all students first and foremost. Eat junk food, do something stupid, go enjoy yourselves!"
He laughed as his words calmed everyone down. "I'd tell you to fall in love too, but several of you have already boarded that boat. I have to get going though, so does anyone else have anything that needs to be added."
The sharp-eyed in attendance noted Alfin gain a devious smirk on her face. "Actually, I do have a favor to ask of Sir Schwarzer."
Elise and Laura's eyes snapped to her, Alfin happily ignoring them. "I've been invited to a garden party at Mater Park tomorrow at Governor Regnitz's request. As such, I'd like to ask you to be my dance partner, Rean."
Rean blinked thrice before the shock wore off. "Wait, what?! Your Highness, that's far too great an honor to give someone like me. I mean, Jusis would be a far better choice."
"If anything, I like her choice." Jusis mused, enjoying the unhappy stares Rean was getting. "My own relationship has likely caused a great deal of scandal, choosing me would be most unwise."
Alfin giggled and twisted the knife further. "Besides, the Schwarzers have close ties to my family despite being a Barony. I recall my father and mother going there for the hot springs and staying for your mother's cooking."
"I had to pry Cedric out of there." Olivert recalled, amused. "He didn't want to leave those fresh venison roasts behind if he could help it."
Rean didn't know what to say, but Alfin gave an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, forgive me, I shouldn't have asked. You're already Lady Arseid's paramour, I must ask your forgiveness for being so rude."
She chuckled and bowed her head. "I relent for now, but next year I will be sixteen like your sister. Do give my invitation some more thought, I'd love to have a friend be my first dance after debuting in high society."
Rean just nodded, not willing to risk further aggravation.
Olivert saw the writing on the wall and grabbed everyone's attention. "With that out of the way, it's time for all of us to be on our way. Elise, my dear, could you see our guests out? I need to talk with my sister a bit before I call it a night."
Elise snapped out of her stupor. "Of course, Your Highness. Come along everyone, I'm sure you're all exhausted and we should get Ms. Dern seen to by a professional."
Everyone agreed, and they bid the imperial siblings goodnight. The walk out of the academy was silent, most marveling that night had already settled, until they were out of the gates and saying goodbye to Elise.
Who was still riled up by Alfin and refused to even give Rean her attention.
Laura, fed up with this, stopped Elise from closing the gates. "Elise, can I speak to you for a moment?"
The younger Schwarzer looked confused, but she felt nerves rise as Laura shooed everyone else away from them, so the chat could be private. "What do you require of me, Lady Arseid?"
Laura looked at Elise for a time before shaking her head. "Elise, let it go. I know Princess Alfin riled you up on purpose, but that's no reason to be so rude to your brother."
Elise took a sharp breath, but Laura pushed on. "I know you're angry that he didn't sound firm when he turned down Princess Alfin, but I feel you miss the bigger picture. You're close to her and used to her antics, but that's still the Imperial Princess. You and I both know we've been raised to treat them with the utmost respect, even when they have a none too subtle crush on our mutual object of affection."
Elise scowled and looked away. "So, you can tell. He sure can't even if I can't help but be obvious. I know it's not right…"
"You're not blood, so it doesn't surprise me too much." Laura sighed. "But you have to realize that Rean has matured. I had a hard time believing it, considering his propensity for throwing himself into harm's way, but he does understand the risks and why he takes them. His decisions are not whims."
Elise looked up with a glare. "How would you know? I've had a first-hand view of his actions since he joined the family, and he always done stupid things without thought to how others feel. I'll always worry after him, but that's because he's bound to do something that puts him in danger again. He needs to be more considerate of others, especially with what he says."
Laura glared back with twice the heat, making Elise flinch. "Cease acting like a child, it doesn't suit you. Rean is who he is, and no amount of scolding or cold-shoulders is going to change that. Do you not trust him to make his own decisions and take them seriously?"
"Someone has to keep an eye on him!" Elise exclaimed, only a deep breath keeping her from shouting. "If not, he'll run off and get himself killed trying to help someone and leave everyone that cares for him behind! If that means I must show him the consequences, then I will do it!"
She panted hard, voice just loud enough to be heard. "He has to understand that going off half-cocked isn't the way to do things, and I will treat him like a child until he stops acting like one."
Laura stared at Elise and briefly saw herself, set in her ways and believing that her charge must be sheltered from their own self-destructive habits. "I can sympathize, but Rean has to come to those conclusions on his own. You acting like this only confuses him, and if I've learned anything about him, it's that open communication is far better at getting the idea across to him than acting like a spoiled girl who got her toy taken away."
Laura ignored Elise's indignant gasp. "What is so wrong with just clearing the air with him? In case you didn't already know, your brother and I had a big fight a month prior to your visit, but we ended up having to resolve it after I nearly killed him thanks to the Ark on my arm. Is that what you want? For Rean to think you hate him for some reason and the only way he can resolve it is to do something drastic? Or do you just want your dear brother all to yourself now that he's left the nest and you by proxy?"
"Take that back!" Elise snarled, advancing on Laura and glaring at her. "I do not want him to do something drastic, nor do I want him to myself! I just don't want my family to die a foolish death, especially when his paramour seems set on not reigning him in!"
Laura looked downright insulted, but refused to answer in kind. "…Very well then, I see sense will not sway you on this matter. I'm frankly amazed someone who has such impeccable manners can so easily hold a grudge against their own family, especially when there is no fault on his part besides that which you decide is his."
She turned and walked away, but not before adding one last thing. "Your brother has his faults and must be reminded of them from time to time, but we all do. To pretend we are flawless and able to direct the actions of others, no matter the reason, is the height of arrogance and terribly manipulative."
"I know, because I once believed as you do."
Laura did not look back as the gates closed behind her, the sound of Elise's footsteps fading into the night. She could only hope her rebukes and words had given the younger girl something to think about, but she had a feeling stubbornness was a family trait.
"What was that about?" Alisa asked as Laura walked up, everyone waiting for her. "I didn't think anyone would start yelling."
Laura sighed and shook her head. "I cannot say, but I hope what occurred reaps some windfall down the line. For now, though, we should either return to our lodgings or seek out a place to eat."
"We have a lot to talk about." Elliot agreed. "But first things first, Jusis is going to take Paula to a doctor with Emma. Gaius and Alisa have promised to get them all up to date after we discuss everything."
Laura nodded in agreement before a familiar voice reached them. "Now why in the name of the Goddess would one of my students need to see a doctor? Did the Princess pull out her infamous puppy-dog eyes?"
The class turned to find the one and only Instructor Sara walking towards them, a grin on her face. "Hey there everybody. Considering you guys need to discuss something, I assume the director was being himself. Any questions?"
"Not particularly, though he wanted us to be surprised when he gave your work history as we were leaving." Fie said, making Sara laugh awkwardly. "I don't know why he would think we wouldn't want to know what your background was considering your… interesting teaching style."
Sara shook her head in disbelief. "You know, I always thought I at least had some charm, being an adult an all. You guys have really done a number on my self-esteem."
"I hear the sigh of an old-maid." Paula cracked, the show of humor marking her as almost back to normal. "But yeah, long story on why I need a doctor. Feeling a lot better now, but Juice here insists, and I don't want Emma to give me 'The Glare'."
Everyone knew 'The Glare' and silently agreed that it shouldn't be brought to life once more.
"Anyway," Sara started, "I came by to let you all know that the governor has suspended tomorrow's field study activities. Instead, we have a… less tasteful set of tasks."
Another woman walked up at that, her uniform and characteristic blue hair marking her as Captain Claire. "Hello everyone, I hope your evening is going well despite any unfortunate events."
The class greeted her before Sara started to hem and haw. "You guys will be working with this one and her lackeys in the execution of their nefarious schemes tomorrow. I believe one such thing was smuggling several wine casks out of the city via parade float."
Claire sighed, exasperated. "Sara, don't make us look like a bunch of amateur criminals, you'll turn them off before I even explain. Anyway, there's a matter that I believe your class can aid the RMP in, and the governor concurred after I discussed it with him."
On cue, a pair of military cars rolled up, engines humming.
"Now if you'd please get on board," Claire continued, "we'll be on our way. I'll explain everything at our command post in Heimdallr Central, and I'll see to getting a doctor for Ms. Dern."
All was silent for a moment before Alisa groaned.
"Dammit, and here I thought we'd get to try out that burger place."
-Command Station-
About an hour had passed since they piled into the RMP cars and were driven to the station.
In that time, Paula had been seen to by a doctor who was swiftly sworn to secrecy while Sara got her first look at the wound. While not the worst she'd ever seen in her career, she couldn't deny it was sickening to think the sphere had drilled itself into Paula's back. In addition, Paula described seeing what looked like an armored skeleton with a glowing green axe in hand baring down on her when she took a short nap after her exam.
To top it all off, Claire was apparently contrite about the class not having dinner, so one of her squads brought back food for everyone from the burger place Alisa had wanted to take everyone to.
It was good grub.
Regardless, once everyone had their fill and Paula was clear to be up and about, the class found themselves in a meeting room with Claire at the head of the table.
She'd barely started the debriefing before Machias voiced his disbelief. "You're telling me terrorists are targeting the festival?!"
Claire sighed as everyone's wide eyes looked to her. "That's the short of it, yes. Problem is we're missing just about everything on them, from group name to size and individual member identities. We don't even know why they'd be targeting the festival, which is far more unknowns than anyone should be able to account for."
"Can I ask something?" Rean interjected, a thought entering his mind. "We ran into a man in the Nord Highlands who called himself Gideon, or G, he wasn't very specific. He was trying to start a war up there, which sounds like it fits the terrorist profile."
Claire nodded. "I read the report, and yes we think he's a member. Good job taking his hand off by the way, made narrowing the search results a lot easier."
"I'm still amazed you could do it with a man-eating spider the size of a tank in front of us." Jusis muttered, the members of that group chuckling in answer. "But that means we can be on the lookout for someone short a hand."
Claire shook her head. "Were it that easy, we'd have caught them. No, if Gideon gave his name so easily, it wouldn't surprise me if him and his group start acting more openly."
Fie agreed. "Terrorist M.O is to gather strength in secret then arrive with a bang and keep going. Stopping them cold tears apart the whole premise and ability for them to stay in the spotlight."
"Like wannabe divas at a talent show." Sara concurred. "As you can imagine, the governor wants to shore up security tomorrow since we think that's when they'll hit. If you want to, you guys can act as a reserve force. Fill in spots that the RMP and Guard can't fill in."
She gave Claire a smug look. "Sure would be nice if the guild were still here. This is right up their ally."
Claire looked distinctly uncomfortable. "That's… true enough… Sara, you do know the RMP had nothing to do with the guild pulling out of the capital, right?"
Sara made a snide remark about Claire's boss and brother, the latter of which surprised the Sevens, before moving on. "As I said, you guys don't have to do this if you don't want to. There's plenty of other tasks tomorrow the governor would like help with, since the first day of the festival is so big. It's up to you what your final day's assignment is going to be."
Alisa and Rean looked to their respective groups, a silent conversation passing between them before they looked to Sara and Claire. "We'll be glad to help with the countermeasures."
Sara almost laughed as the students spoke in stereo, Claire allowing herself to smile. "Very well then, let's start confirming your patrol routes. Please take notes."
Paper came out and the next few hours were spent getting their tasks organized. After that was done, Claire bid them all goodnight and they were escorted to the trams. Group B split off first, Sara promising to speak with them in the morning, before Group A boarded one of the last trams with Sara in tow.
The ride back was quiet, everyone tired from the long day, but Sara called them together shortly after they got back to the guild house. "Alright ladies and gents, do we have any questions about how patrol works before I head off to get Paula her very own bottle of pills?"
"If I may," Laura began, "what exactly caused the Guild to leave the capital in the first place? As I recall, many of the branches were attacked, but the damage was fixed not long after."
Sara sighed and shrugged. "That's the chief reason, but those attacks got the Guild under the government's scrutiny. They started making life difficult and soon enough the branches started closing one by one."
She chuckled at Machias. "Don't give me that hang-dog look, your dad wasn't all that involved beyond pushing paper. His friend though was very much involved along with the IID, the RMPs sister organization."
Everyone knew who she was talking about, so they moved on.
"Can I ask what corps went after the Guild?" Elliot asked, holding out a hand to placate Fie's hurt look. "I know it's not Fie's, not with how she's described them, but I am curious."
Sara smiled and reached over to pat Fie's head. "Nah, not Zephyr, a middling corps called Jester. Zephyr was a much bigger deal with every combat specialty you can think of covered, they didn't do sabotage. Gave me and the guild plenty of trouble elsewhere though."
Fie looked unimpressed by the patting. "First, stop that, and second you gave us plenty of trouble too. Even Boss knew it was time to leave if you showed up."
The others stared at the odd pair in disbelief. To think such things had happened to people they actually knew.
"Well, it's time the lot of us got resting." Sara chuckled after she'd had her fill. "Get those reports written and hit the sack, we'll be up bright and early. I'll set up our meeting place in the morning, but for now, I'll go crash in one of the empty rooms. Night!"
With that and a happy whistle, Sara went up the stairs and out of sight. The students groaned at the reminder of the report, but they set to it and finished just under an hour later.
As Machias went off to take the first shower, the right won in a round of rock-paper-scissors, Fie and Elliot went upstairs to organize some items. This left Rean and Laura alone to discuss the night's events.
Though it swiftly turned to what Laura had said to Elise.
"You didn't have to do that." Rean sighed after Laura finished her explanation. "Elise and I have our issues and it's up to us to resolve them. I don't want you throwing yourself into the ring over a little spat."
Laura smiled helplessly. "And you would give her rebukes? Rean, that's not who you are, and I can tell you are saintly in your patience with her. Well, outbursts on the training field aside, but she's stubborn like you. Sometimes it takes getting called out on your delusions to make any progress, and I know because I speak from experience."
Rean knew too, it's how his mother had made him realize Elise had an actual crush on him. Still not sure how to bring it up, not with everything going on, but he knew at least. "You make a good point, I'm not the type of guy to raise their voice at someone else unless it's in battle. It's just… family's very important to me and I really feel like I have to work it out with them or it's meaningless."
Laura took his hand and squeezed it. "Rean, I feel the same about my family, but when we confessed and started dating, we welcomed each other into our lives. It may be uncomfortable, and perhaps a tad invasive, but I care about what happens in your life. Don't you?"
They both knew it was a loaded question, but Rean nodded. "Of course, I do… I'm sorry again, old habits die hard."
"Hello pot, my name's kettle." Laura chuckled as she picked up his hand and pushed it to his chest. "How's this? I hereby pass on my burdens and delusions on to you, may you guard them well and make use of them should I grow arrogant."
Rean smiled and pecked her hand. "I accept, milady. In turn, I pass on my burdens and delusions to you. May you guard them well and use them should I grow arrogant. Just… no embarrassing stories please."
Laura laughed and pulled him into an embrace. "Sure, so long as we have a duel when we get back. I want to test myself against you once more, to see how we've grown from this."
Rean kissed her forehead. "I look forward to it. Just have to make sure tomorrow goes smoothly."
Laura grew somber and tightened her hold. "We will, there are too many innocents here to let terrorists have their way. We'll be each other's eyes and ears if need be."
"Let's leave any sleuthing to Fie though." Rean chuckled as Laura leaned her head into his shoulder. "She knows what to look for at least. I won't mind gallantly saving the city though, it'd be a good story."
Laura sighed, exasperated. "Why do you make light of every task? Don't think I haven't seen your log entries about what we've been doing either, you leave it wide open."
Rean ran a hand through her ponytail, a blush on his face. "Well, I just feel the need to put down my thoughts afterwards. Considering some of the things we end up having to do are held up by people being dumb, I have to get in my biting remarks somehow."
Laura pulled back and gave him an incredulous look. "Really? So, in the interest of being a polite young man, I am deprived of your razor wit? Shame on you, how else am I to amuse myself during the duller portions of the day?"
Rean looked quite surprised. "I didn't think you'd want to hear it, let alone approve. You never seemed the type outside our spars."
"I care little for the opinion of fools." Laura answered, a devious grin on her lips. "And I always look forward to seeing them taken down a peg or two. Please, don't spare me the show."
Rean just had to kiss her, taking his fill before speaking. "You have a devious streak, I can see why Alisa likes you so much now. I'll need to pull out my best now that I know."
Laura gave him a flirty grin and kissed him, not bothering to speak.
Sadly, before they could start making out again, Fie appeared by the stairs. "Oi, don't start trading spit. Laura, Machias is done, mind getting yourself up there so the rest of us can have a turn tonight?"
Laura pulled back with a flat look, her gaze turning to the grinning Fie. "Must you interrupt everything? We were having a moment."
"I don't want to explain to the Instructor why clothes ended up everywhere." Fie responded, making the couple flush scarlet. "Or what the smell is. Now then, I want a shower before we head out on patrol, so if you're not up there in the next minute, I'm taking it."
Laura rolled her eyes and kissed Rean's cheek. "Very well then, but you need not be crude about it. I'll see you in the morning Rean."
Rean smiled and bid her goodnight, waiting until Laura was upstairs and out of sight before looking to Fie. "To be fair, it's more likely Jusis and Paula would have to give that explanation. And even then, no one in our class is anywhere near far enough along in their relationships to consider it."
"The heart's a funny thing." Fie replied. "The guys in the corps always talked about 'passion' and 'poor decisions' when relationships came up. Wouldn't surprise me if something happened that led to one of our local pairs staining some sheets"
She chuckled at Rean's flushed face. "Sorry, I haven't gotten to do any dirty jokes for a while. You ready for tomorrow?"
Rean forced the blood from his face and took a deep breath. "…Yeah, more or less. I've done my fair share of patrols back home, but never in a city, let alone the capital itself. Hope you don't mind giving everyone a crash course in the morning."
Fie nodded and gestured for him to head upstairs. "Will do, now head on up. I gotta go let Fiona know what's going on tomorrow before I get my turn in the shower."
Rean nodded and went to get ready for bed. Fie waited a moment before meandering over to the Craig household and giving the hysterical Fiona a run down. She had to stop the elder woman from running out of the house but was able to get back in barely ten minutes.
Apparently, Fiona trusted Fie to look after her beloved younger brother, which made Fie's heart quiver a bit with strange emotions. She attempted to process those emotions and name them the entire time she was bathing but could come to no conclusion even after drying off and taming her hair.
For whatever reason, it got curly after showers.
Such was her distraction though, that she soon realized that her night-clothes were back in the room. How she'd forgotten the damn things escaped her, but thankfully everyone else was already done with their showers and back in their rooms.
She still poked her head out of the door first, just in case. As expected, no one was there, so Fie dashed to her and Laura's shared room. Once inside, she found Laura already asleep, so she snuck to her case and changed before settling into bed.
Tomorrow would need a lot of energy, she just knew it.
-Two Hours Later-
The problem with wanting to sleep before an important event was that dreams and nightmares came regardless, all with the intention of disturbing your rest.
Fie knew that, but it didn't stop her eyes from flying open and her body shooting up after a particularly nasty nightmare passed her by. Adrenaline was flooding her veins, and she knew there'd be no more sleep tonight, damn the pills.
Sighing, she snuck out of the room and went to the ground floor, splaying herself across a couch and looking at the moon. As she did, memories of the corps came back to her, no doubt brought on by the last conversation with Sara.
"I miss you guys," she whispered into the silence. "I could use some advice on what to do after we get back."
Only the moon stared back at her and it wasn't much for conversation.
Fie groaned and rolled over, deciding that no one was around to see her be crazy. "I just don't know what to do after this. Sure, I can do something after I'm done at Thors, but what do I do about the friends I've made? You always told me not to get too attached since we could always lose someone the next day, but…"
She closed her eyes with a sigh. "I like these guys, it's like being with you all again. Different of course, but… it's nice. Warm, I guess. It's a family all over again, and they gave me something all that fighting took away."
A smile played on her face as her mind turned to Elliot. "What would Dad think though?"
"What would your Dad think about what?"
Fie jumped and flailed in surprise, the floor rushing to meet her as she rolled off the couch. Landing with a thud, Fie rubbed at her sore back and looked up to find concerned emerald eyes looking down at her. "…Elliot?"
The boy in question nodded, a hand going out to help Fie up. "Yeah, sorry for startling you. I usually have to make some tea around now to help me sleep, the only reason I haven't been able to at Thors is because of… well you."
Fie blinked and grinned. "Oh, that's why you have the tea set in there, makes sense now. It's alright, I was just lost in thought."
"About what?" Elliot asked as he helped Fie to her feet. "I don't mind listening while I make us a batch. Don't know about you, but this blend really helps me sleep if I've got too much on my mind."
Fie looked at him strangely for a moment before shrugging. "Sure, if you'll think it'll help."
Elliot nodded and went off to grab the necessary pieces. Fie in turn settled onto the couch and started to think up a plausible excuse for why she was here. After a time, she heard the sharp whistle of a boiling kettle which was swiftly silenced before Elliot returned with the pot and a pair of cups.
"Careful, it's hot." Elliot said as he poured her portion. "Give it a minute to sit then sip."
Fie shook her head with a smile but did as instructed. After a few moments of comfortable silence and soothing tea, Elliot spoke. "So, what's on your mind? Something to do with the Jaeger King?"
"Yeah, more or less." Fie sighed. "Just thinking about what he'd say if he saw me now. Happy, disappointed, something else? I just don't know, and that is what's keeping me up. Same with what the rest of the corps would think."
Elliot frowned and nodded. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I can't help but wonder what my mom would think about what I'm doing, and I haven't heard from Dad since our midterm results came back. I… can't help but feel like I'm disappointing them from time to time, even if I'm following the path I've chosen with all my heart."
Fie tilted her head in thought before speaking. "You know… you never really said anything about your mom or dad. Um… want to trade stories while we wait for the tea to knock us out? I have more than a few about Dad being a dork."
Elliot looked glum for a moment before smiling. "Yeah… I would like to hear that. I've got some good ones too, but let's not be too loud ok?"
Fie knew it would probably be rough for him to talk about his mom, but Elliot didn't disappoint with his stories.
And so, they whiled away an hour with humorous anecdotes. Fie shared the times her adoptive father would start a det-pack way too soon and end up running out of the area screaming his head off. Other times he'd get way too drunk and end up passed out in mock-stockades while the others pelted him with tomatoes. Then she shared the time he came riding into their camp on the back of some strange cat-demon and claimed to have tamed it for Fie, only for the thing to swallow him whole and the corps had to cut him out.
Elliot shared the many times his father had blown something up while inspecting the tanks, to the point he was only allowed to do formal inspections while his second-in-command did the actual inspections. Brave and tactically brilliant he may be, Olaf Craig couldn't be trusted with anything related to fire. He'd even come close to burning the house down on several occasions when he tried to cook for his wife on their anniversaries.
The best though was the story of when Fiona was born. Apparently, his mother grew belligerent as the contractions set in and Olaf had to hoist her into his arms and run for the hospital, all while being assaulted by his wife. The total injury count came to multiple lacerations, two broken ribs, a cracked wrist, and the shame of being pummeled with a fish.
They laughed about it all the time until his mother died.
As the time passed, Fie sidled closer and closer to Elliot until she was close enough to lay her head on his shoulder, exhaustion calling her to rest once more. "That's… a lot to grow up with, those big personalities. I wonder if our dads ever fought against each other."
Elliot was blushing, but felt the need to sleep just as strongly. "Who knows? Don't think… I'll ask though, that'd be an awkward conversation."
"I'll ask… for you." Fie said, a yawn delaying her next words. "It'll… be fun, right?"
She received no response and a quick look showed Elliot had nodded off.
"Yeah… sleep sounds good." Fie mumbled, leaning further into Elliot. "Should… probably get a blanket first though."
She forced herself off the couch and staggered to her room. Laura was too deep in her sleep to be roused by Fie stumbling around and clumsily yanking her bed's comforter off. Didn't even twitch when the younger girl kicked her case.
Fie was tired enough to ignore that, swaying like a drunk down the stairs and back to the couch where Elliot had slumped over and was now lying on the cushions. Fie threw the blanket over him and crawled in beside, arms around him so they wouldn't roll off.
It was warm next to him and under that blanket, just like back at the dorm. Fie felt herself relax again as the warmth spread over her, reminded of nights bunking with her dad, but with an altogether different feeling.
Smiling sleepily, she craned her head up and pecked Elliot's cheek before dreams claimed her at last.
Sara watched from the second floor with a dopey grin, wondering at how the little Jaeger Princess had changed from that time they first met. Stumbling around tiredly, sharing stories, and even falling in love. Oh, she just knew the old Jaeger King would have a fit, but Elliot would probably win him over.
Those would've been some interesting days.
Sara shook her head and returned to her room, silently hoping nothing would happen tomorrow. The poor kids didn't deserve to have their big festival ruined by a bunch of grudge-holders.
-Next Day-
It started out well enough.
They started down their patrol route, popping into stores along the way to make sure everything was peachy, and generally keeping an eye out. Nothing suspicious far as they could tell, which was a good sign.
They ran into Crow of all people though, which was a surprise. According to him, the Academy didn't hold classes during the Summer Festival proper, so the students would have some time to relax. He was using his time to see if the predictions he made for the Summer Races were on point, as he'd entered a magazine contest where if his predictions came true, he'd win a prize.
Sounded like gambling to everyone else, but no one could fault him for wanting to have fun. Wishing they had his boundless energy, yes, but nothing else as he skipped on his way to the Sankt District's cathedral.
Rean would need to double check with Towa though, just to make sure Crow wasn't playing hooky again.
Regardless, the morning went smoothly after that. They helped a man from Crossbell find his briefcase, chatted with Becky and Hugo who confirmed Crow's story, spotted a suspicious man which they reported, and so on.
Ultimately, they had several rumors and testimonies to think on, from renters vanishing to men discussing a plan of some sort. That last bit was courtesy of Vita Clotilde herself, the group having the pleasure of catching her right as she was leaving her hotel.
One of the more interesting things that happened was checking the underground passage, only to pop up and find the Imperial Guard in Mater Park knew nothing about it. Pointing out said hole got them out of pickle, along with a call to Sara, but they also ran into Patrick as they were leaving.
Rather than act hostile though, he was just his usual smug self. Said something about getting to introduce himself to Alfin while Class VII did 'errands'. The group didn't bother to say anything, knowing they'd already made friends with the princess and Rean had been invited to be her first dance partner.
Rean did feel an aura of danger around him though, specifically coming from the new sword he had belted to his waist, the black metal almost humming with energy. It looked mostly ceremonial though, so that's probably why he could carry it.
Anyway, there were still lots of things to be suspicious about. The underground entrance in the Ost district had been tampered with and many of the dock workers at the port outright quit. The timing was beyond convenient, so they dutifully informed Sara and Claire.
They then got marching orders to watch Princess Alfin's limousine until she was safely at the Crystal Garden while Group B handled Prince Cedric. Rean was surprised to see Elise again as the princess's attendant, but considering they were friends, it made sense. They also saw Machias's dad welcome the pair, so all seemed in order.
They even got to see Towa and Angelica after a quick lunch, the larger girl having kidnapped Towa and taken her to the festival. Towa was ok with it though, considering Angie was nice enough to pay for their lunch.
They also received further proof Towa was an angel incarnate, as she apparently helps get all the arrangements for the field studies done. She even recruited Angelica and Crow to help with security, though she wasn't expecting to be kidnapped and brought there by bike.
Crow, who showed up while Angelica was fantasizing about having Alfin, Elise, and Fie in the same place, said the same thing. He was sad that he missed the prize, as his moaning and groaning showed, only to wail the cruelty of the universe when he found out Angie had won the prize.
Then everything went to shit.
It started with the fountains overflowing, the Imperial Guard racing to figure out what was going on, before water shot out of every opening in the street it could find. Towa and company immediately sprang into action evacuating the area, Rean and his team breaking off for Mater Park.
This reeked of terrorists and their fears were confirmed upon arrival.
Guardsmen were fighting sharkodiles that were swarming out of the park's water system. The creatures weren't too much of a threat to the guards, but they were distracted and that was probably the whole point.
A massive boom and shaking ground soon followed, Rean and Fie the only ones to keep their feet. They made all possible haste to the garden, slaying a sharkodile that wandered in front of them, and burst inside.
It was a nightmare, an entire section of the garden caved in with two huge sharkodiles menacing the guests while two armed men held Elise and Alfin hostage. If Rean could take a sick pleasure in anything, it was the sight of three similar men laying prone on the ground, blood oozing from slashed torsos.
Their killers were the governor and Patrick, the other boy's black sword dripping blood as he stood back to defend the other guests. The governor had a short knife as well, but he was clearly wounded by how he was clutching his shoulder.
Rean though knew the man that had been giving a grand speech just a moment ago. "Gideon! Release them or I take your other hand!"
"The Thors brats again." Gideon scowled, Rean gaping at the sight of a new hand where a stump should be. "I won't be so careless this time, and I won't let you interfere."
A strange flute appeared in his hands, a tune drifting through the air before Rean could move. The two sharkodiles stalked forward, hissing and growling at Rean and Fie.
"That's how the monsters got out there." Fie snarled, pistols pointed at the closest beast. "We need to destroy that flute."
Rean nodded, but there was no easy way forward and the previous day's pills were still dulling his senses a bit. One wrong move and Elise or Alfin could be hurt, not to mention those behind them.
"Strip them to the bone, my pets." Gideon laughed, his goons forcing Elise and Alfin towards the hole in the floor at gunpoint. "Anyway, I can see when I'm not wanted, so I'll bid you all farewell."
Rean snarled and got ready to take on the sharkodile when a loud bang rang through the air, a chunk of the one nearest him disappearing in a red mist. Its head was separated from its shoulders a moment later, Laura's blade carving through flesh and bone.
"Go!" Machias shouted as he charged into the garden, Elliot right behind. "Take Laura and get those bastards, we'll catch up!"
Rean nodded and his eyes snapped to Patrick. "Hyarms! Take care of the monsters outside and keep these people safe! You're always going on about that noble spirit, so show it to me!"
He didn't wait for a response, both him and Laura leaping into the hole in the floor. Their targets were still in sight, but Gideon seemed keen to slow them down, the haunting tune of the flute drawing all kinds of monsters together in an effort to bar their path.
The couple carved every one of them apart, dazzling displays of speed and power turning every monster to mulch. Sadly, it did slow them down, but not enough they weren't able to track the terrorists to a room past a bridge lined with ever burning torches.
The problem was the pair of winged demons that barred them from entering the large room.
"Those things aren't going to be easy." Rean muttered, eyes aflame. "But it'll be a cold day in hell before I let this stop me."
Laura nodded, a flash of light drawing her attention to her left hand. "Rean, something's happening with the Ark."
Rean glanced over before a voice filled his head. "You, of all people, propose a truce?"
"The demon lies here still." Another voice answered, filling Laura and Rean's head. "Its evil must be extinguished at long last, and this is the best chance we have. If there's one thing I loathe more than you, it's these abominations, and I will swallow my pride if it means their end."
The voice in Rean's head huffed in amusement. "Very well, our interests align this day. Awakener, I hereby give you full access to the power that your medicine put to sleep. Use it well and destroy that which lies here."
"To you I grant a portion of my strength, Contractor". The other voice said. "See it done and end those who would threaten the world!"
Rean felt a trance settle on to him for the first time in months, everything slowing down while he sped up. His eye-sight sharpened as well, every weak point on the demons before them appearing clear as day.
Laura felt her vision shift as a similar trance settled in, but the Ark went a step further and glowed brightly before growing up her arm. When the glow faded, shining armor now covered her arm, with the white-gold metal ending in a splendid pauldron.
Both of their blades held a faint glow now to finish off the change, ready to rend even the stiffest hide.
The demons that a moment ago seemed so intimidating were little more than leaves on the wind a moment later, Rean landing three fatal blows in the blink of an eye while Laura hewed the second in two with the pressure generated by flourishing her blade.
They looked to each other and nodded, their senses falling in sink as a link burst to life. As one, they entered the great chamber and beheld the majesty of the construction, looking all the world like an old arena.
Laura did not wait for the shock of the terrorists to fade as they strode in, her form blurring as she dashed forward and took the two lackies heads in one strike, her speed carrying both her and the hostages away from the arena before the lackies knew they were dead.
Gideon immediately pulled out his flute and began to play. Rean appeared before him, ready to rend the flute in two, when one of Gideon's knuckles opened and shot out a net that enveloped Rean and began to electrocute him fiercely.
The tune finished as Rean roared in anger, black miasma rising from the ground and suffusing a pile of bones that sat to the side. The crack and crackle of bones bumping into each other and reforming filled the air for several seconds before a dragon of bone with a truly sinister aura stood over the struggling swordsmen.
"The plan will continue unabated!" Gideon cried in glee as Rean stared at the dragon. "The power of the Demonic Flute can hold even the dark tyrant of Heimdallr under its thrall, your sudden strength is meaningless before its might! I will avenge my comrades with your destruction, and then everything will go as we will it!"
He gestured to Rean. "Go, Zoro-Agruga, end this nuisance!"
The dragon roared and reared to strike, but Rean freed himself and rolled away. A blur shot in and blades of light bit into the reanimated bone, Laura's sword shining with what could only be called holy light.
Rean in turn dashed into the fray, every blow nicking at the dragon, but the miasma healed most every wound instantly. Only Laura's attacks stuck, the light from her blade driving away the darkness from the broken bones.
Rean summoned flames to his side as the dragon finally connected on Laura's armored side, sending her flying into the wall. The stone buckled under the force and collapsed alongside Laura, Rean roaring in fury before vanishing, lines of fire the only trace of his movements.
The dragon roared in rage and pain as the flames burned to its dusty marrow, but Rean could not escape unscathed from the merciless movements of the loose bones. Every strike, no matter how glancing, felt like getting kicked by a horse, and one that connected sent his arm into a 360 spin backwards, tearing almost every muscle in his shoulder along with dislocating the joint.
Laura chose then to rise from the rubble like an avenging angel, her sword burning with righteous might. A blast of darkness flew her way, but the Ark's armor conjured a spectral shield that dissipated the energy.
Laura flew into her dance of light, the energy and force burning away the dark miasma. Laura, at the end of her combo, brought her sword down in an almighty cleave that separated the skull of the dragon from its vertebrae.
She then played a quick round of golf with the severed skull, the bone shattering to dust on the wall next to an utterly shocked Gideon.
Laura went over to Rean and helped him up, Rean showing no signs of pain or disability as he took his stance again.
"What… the hell are you?!" Gideon demanded, the flute falling limply from his hands. Rean took advantage and blurred forward, stealing the flute and breaking it in his hand when he returned to Laura's side. "No two humans could ever stand to that beast, not even your entire class!"
Rean and Laura did not answer. Even in their trances, they knew that the others would be there soon, and it would be best to take Gideon into custody. He'd be better served there rather than dead.
"Well this is a fine mess."
Laura's gaze shot up and she intercepted a blade, several strikes following in a lightning fast staccato of steel-on-steel. Jumping away, she found a voluptuous woman in red with orange hair and a patch over one eye, the other an emerald green
Rean had to flip away from a hail of heavy caliber bullets, the rounds tearing the floor apart. When he stopped, a large man with wild hair and a scar across his face stood before him, the bulky man's frame hidden by green-brown clothes and a mini-gun.
"What the hell happened G?" The man asked, a confident grin on his face. "We were just stopping by to take a look and we find two of our guys dead while a pair of brats take down a freaking dragon."
Gideon seemed to relax. "S, V… I apologize, this was well beyond my expectations. It appears that Thors is holding out on us in more ways than one if this is the strength of their students."
"That's not surprising." A distorted voice answered, Rean and Laura watching a figure in black with a helmet of the same shade walk down the stairs nearby. Once on the ground, the figure turned to them, the blood-red face mask they wore hiding their identity further. "Even the best laid plans go awry. Your preparations were near perfect, but no one can account for something like this."
The rest of the group chose then to dash in to the room, Machias gaping at the destruction around them while Elliot ran to the prone shapes of Elise and Alfin, the distinct smell of an anesthetic telling him what he needed to know.
Fie ran forward and joined her friends, noting the detached look in their eyes and the snazzy armor that Laura now sported. "Alright, who are you lot? I know the big guy, but the rest off you could be anyone."
"It matters not." The masked figure answered. "Despite losing our hostages, today's main goal was accomplished. You have what you came for and so do we, so why not let us go before further blood is spilled?"
Fie answered for her silent friends. "Yeah, not gonna happen."
"You kidnapped the imperial princess and her friend." Machias added, gun trained on Gideon. "What Erebonian would let the kidnappers get away?"
The masked figure shrugged, and the large man laughed. "These guys have guts, gotta give them that."
"I'd like some roughhousing too." The woman giggled, Machias feeling a shiver go down his spine at her tone. "They did take down a dragon after all."
The masked figure held up a hand, halting further talk. "No, it's only right that they face me as the final test. Step forth wielders of the blades, and test your strength."
A bladed staff whistled through the air as it was drawn, the shape strange even to the well-read Machias. Fie recognized it though, a familiar feeling of detachment suffusing her mind the longer she was next to Laura and Rean. "That's a double saber if memory serves, a weapon from the Dark Ages. I heard masters of the thing can fight multiple opponents at once.
Rean didn't hear her, the voice from earlier speaking again. "I see that Ordine has found his Awakener already. Go forth, one who bears the same responsibility, show me you too may overcome the trials ahead."
"Another one." Laura heard her voice say, the name Wizel attaching itself to the voice subconsciously. "At least it's something to fight against while I'm in this truce with Valimar. Take that hypocrite down."
The figure took a stance, ready to fight. "I am C, that's all you need to know. Show me what you have before the RMP ruins our day."
An unheard signal started the fight, Rean blurring forth only to be met by the staff's blade, Laura held back by the other. Fie took the opening and opened fire, C twirling and ducking down to create distance and dodge the bullets.
Rean charged in again and swung with abandon, his strikes increasing in speed the more he was blocked until no one save him and C could keep track of the blows.
Laura supported with crushing blows that crumbled the floor, forcing C to move or lose their footing. The masked terrorist threw small spheres at them that turned out to be bombs, the first few exploding against Laura's spectral shield while Rean sliced the rest out of thin air.
Fie was now in the throes of her own trance, her speed akin to teleportation as she dove at C from every imaginable angle.
The masked terrorist was keeping up though and getting their own strikes in, the blows bloodying the combatants. The pressure was on though, and an observant witness could tell the terrorist was incredibly shocked by how much the students were pressuring them.
The fight came to an end when Fie and Laura charged in unison, their attacks demanding C's full attention less one get through and either behead them or hamstring them.
The double-saber blocked and knocked aside both attacks, but it made C lose sight of Rean.
A blade of flame arced down from the darkness, Rean having run along the arena wall in a burst of speed strong enough to blow out his ankle. He was ignorant of the pain though as his blade cleaved through C's armor and bit into their back.
C howled in pain as the fire cauterized what the blade cut, a wall of bombs sending the attackers away so that C could retreat. The terrorists lackies were watching in stunned disbelief that their leader had sustained a wound, but they couldn't join in before the sounds of many boots echoed through the arena.
"We have to leave." Gideon growled. "Let's see you lot dig yourselves out of this next grave."
He grabbed something C handed out to him, the click of a button followed by an explosion.
"You can call us the Imperial Liberation Front, my darlings." The woman called back as the terrorists retreated down a tunnel. "I'm sure you'll see us soon!"
With that, they were gone, just as Sara, Claire, and several RMP officers entered the room. Sara ordered an immediate retreat as the ceiling started to crumble, but not before the trances on the fighters came to an end.
Pain flooded Rean's mind and he was forced to grit his teeth and bear it. He barely heard Laura tell him to grab Alfin before they were hightailing it out of the passages, Elise being carried by Machias while the terrorist corpses were picked up by the RMP for identification.
Once they were safely away, Rean passed Alfin to Sara, answering her confused look with a groan of pain before slumping over unconscious.
While the class panicked over him, alongside his sister and Alfin when they woke up, Claire and the RMP set about getting order restored to the city while Governor Regnitz saw to making the remainder of the festival go smoothly despite his injuries.
Thus, when Rean woke up, he was met with a big hug from Laura and a relieved group of friends who caught him up on everything. Thanks to the power of orbments and modern medical care, he was able to walk shortly after one last dose of a Teara spell, though he was warned his shoulder would be very stiff for about a month while it healed.
The entire class went to sleep after that, flat exhausted from the day's events as Group B had also foiled a terrorist attack on Prince Cedric and Prince Olivert. The next morning, they were surprised to find their luggage already packed and ready to go with Sara calling for them to gather in Dreichel's plaza.
Where they were stunned into a stupor upon discovering they were invited into Valflame Palace itself.
While the girls panicked over their less than stellar morning appearances, with the boyfriends among the guys assuring them they were lovely no matter what, Sara guided them into the splendor of the palace, the class gawking at the luxurious interior and beautiful décor.
Eventually, they came to a stop in what Sara called the 2nd Reception Hall, where Prince Olivert, Princess Alfin, and Elise were waiting for them.
"Thank you all for gathering on my selfish request." Olivert began once he had everyone's attention. "In truth, I don't know how to ever begin thanking you for your actions yesterday. You've done so much for my family in just a few hours that Father was considering giving you all rewards of your choosing from our personal vault."
Jaws were dropped, and denials swiftly given, Alfin sighing at the modesty. "Come now, all of you, myself and my dear brothers are safe thanks to you. It scares me to think what would have happened to me and Elise were we taken by those people, and doubly so for Cedric and Olivert. Of course, you deserve thanks for saving us."
Olivert smiled at them all. "Sara told me to think of this as paying back my idea of making Class VII a reality when I first extended the invitation. Truth be told, Father and Mother wished to thank you personally but couldn't due to the after-shocks of yesterday's attacks."
Jaws dropped further before Olivert turned serious. "Now though, we have this Imperial Liberation Front to worry about, insurgents in the truest sense."
"Yeah, they weren't malicious like you'd expect of terrorists." Alfin noted, face set in a frown. "More like in the grip of an intense passion, like when a painter's mind strikes upon a masterpiece of a composer realizes their magnum opus."
The class nodded, each of them noticing the same thing, even the ones who'd been in a trance at the time.
Machias though, had to add something. "I have a feeling there was this big speech they had prepared, but we threw their plans out the windows. Probably something cheesy and full of ham."
"I'd love a sandwich, thank you Machias." Paula muttered, standing uncomfortably amongst all the opulence.
On cue, another voice reached them. "Oh, good, I'm not too late."
The class looked up to see a blonde boy the same age as Alfin walk into the room, Governor Regnitz next to him. Considering the crimson coat he wore and his regal bearing, it was obviously Crown Prince Cedric himself.
"Your Highness came to see us off?" Jusis asked as the prince joined his siblings. "You needn't do that, we only did our duty."
Cedric gave Jusis a calm smile. "I'd call you and your paramour jumping before me and my brother in the face of an explosion deserving of my personal gratitude, same with saving my sister and her friend."
He looked to Group A. "I extend my most sincere appreciation for helping my sister in her time of need. Please, should you need anything, simply contact me and I'll do what I can."
Alfin sighed at her twin's words. "Gentle you are, my dear brother, but you'll never shed that sweet baby image if you don't man up at some point. Maybe take some lessons from the fine gentlemen of Class VII, hm?"
Cedric looked annoyed at her. "Alfin, come on, no need to ruin the moment."
"I live to ruin the moment." Alfin chirped back. "And you cannot stop me."
Cedric looked determined and pulled out a paper fan, Alfin doing the same. While the twins squared off in a duel for Cedric's right to be free from his sister's teases, the students turned their attention to the governor.
"Glad to see you hale and hearty, Your Excellency." Sara started off. "No doubt you'll be back to normal in no time."
Machias sounded worried when he spoke. "The injuries were nothing too serious, right?"
Carl laughed and rolled his shoulder. "Still smarts a bit, but nothing serious. If anything, I'll be back to work before long and this whole thing will be behind me."
"And you can head back to chugging coffee by the pot." Machias deadpanned, Carl looking comically stricken. "That's what you do with the cheap stuff when you're busy, don't deny it."
Carl scratched his cheek with an embarrassed laugh before growing serious. "Jokes aside, I must congratulate you all. While none could have seen how this field study ended, you have all performed above and beyond the call. On behalf of all the directors, congratulations again."
He glanced to Olivert before chuckling. "We all may have very different views on how Class VII should be run, but I think we can all agree that this class has performed well beyond our expectations and become something that will one day do this nation proud. Also… I think we all agree that you should live student life as you choose."
Alisa spoke for them all. "Thank you, Your Excellency. That means a lot."
Paula looked like she wanted to say something, but was interrupted by the sound of a fan smacking flesh and a deep voice calling: "Point, Princess Alfin!"
The class, Olivert, and Carl turned to the erstwhile duel to find Alfin standing triumphant over a dramatically weeping Cedric, the twins hamming it up for all they were worth. While certainly amusing, the group found their gaze to the officiant.
He was a tall man with long dark-brown hair intermixed with gray, his robes of state black with a crimson streak. His face held eyes of teal, a sharp and unyielding intelligence sparkling in them alongside grand charisma.
"Chancellor Osborne, I didn't think you'd arrived." Carl greeted the man. "Nor did I think you'd indulge the prince and princess in their contest."
Osborne chuckled in response. "Why would I not? Young Cedric is learning to stand up for himself and move past the sting of defeat, why should I not encourage it?"
He looked to Alfin with a kind smile. "I'm beyond relieved to see you smiling and safe, Your Highness. The Goddess continues to bless us with your continued safety."
"Flatterer." Alfin giggled with a curtsy. "I assume Father is done with his meeting then?"
Osborne nodded before turning his attention to Olivert. "Before you ask, I've already begun a nation-wide man-hunt for the members of the Imperial Liberation Front. I'll make sure Lester shares all his information with you, bar none."
"Nothing gets by you." Olivert said with a forced smile. "I assume the security detail for the trade conference is well in hand?"
Osborne returned a far less sincere grin this time. "Why of course, I'll make sure everything is taken care of personally. I refuse to let something like today ever occur again."
He seemed to notice the others at that point and he cleared his throat. "Forgive my dreadful manners, I should properly introduce myself to our guests. My name is Gilliath Osborne, representative of the Erebonian Empire. Those who read the papers probably know me as the 'Blood and Iron Chancellor'."
The class gave hesitant greetings, knowing quite well that the man before them was not only powerful, but dangerous as well. He was the one that put Sara out of the job too, so most of the class felt a small grudge with him.
Paula, oddly, was trying to hide behind Jusis.
Osborne though, noticed her. "Why, is that Paula Dern? Hello child, it's been some time since I saw you last. How's your father doing?"
Paula could hide no longer, and she stepped forward. "He's… well, Your Excellency. Still trying to figure out how to lead a horse to water and make it drink."
Osborne let out a genuine laugh at that. "Good-good, I'd hoped to hear that. There's no better man in this country I'd trust with my horse and it would sadden me greatly if something happened to him. Do tell him to write, I miss our chats."
He turned to Sara, Jusis taking Paula's quivering hand in his with a look of support. "Oh, and the young bracer too. I'm glad to see your new line of work is doing you good. Your work with these students speaks for itself, you should be proud."
"I'm quite proud, Your Excellency." Sara said with poorly feigned cheer. "It's all because of you I'm here in the first place."
Osborne ignored the veneer and looked to the class at large. "Indeed, and the program has shown great promise. At first, I thought the idea of running across the empire for first hand experience to be quaint, yet impractical. Now that I see the results, I'll be sure to send you some additional assistance. It should be ready in a few weeks, so please keep your ears open."
Sara tried to get in a word to ask what that assistance would be, but Osborne kept going. "Before I go, I wish to impart some advice. In this time that lies before you, continue to nurture and grow the bonds you hold. Train bodies and wills of steel that cannot be broken by any force under heaven."
The very air turned heavy with his next words, as if Osborne commanded gravity itself for but a moment. "I have no doubt you will need them in the turbulent times that seek to sweep across this country."
With that, he left, the class frozen in place by his words. Truly, he was a great speaker, and seeing it firsthand only confirmed it.
Rean though, felt his chest pulse with pain, an old scar flaring up.
What the hell?
He could give it no further thought as someone else entered the hall. "Oh, Carl, have you seen Giliath? I was told he came this way and I need to discuss a recent development with him."
A small army of guards came through the doorway, followed by a couple in resplendent gold and crimson dress, their blond hair marking them as older versions of the royals before them. On instinct, the entire class and Sara kneeled, knowing who they were.
"Oh, Mother, Father." Aflin greeted the Emperor and Empress. "You just missed the Chancellor, he went off that way."
Her father nodded his thanks before spotting the kneeling class. "Ah, I didn't think we'd get to meet the saviors of our children today, what serendipity. Please, stand, I wish to look you all in the eye."
The class rose, nerves clear in the air around them, while the Emperor scrutinized them.
"…Good, I like the look in their eyes. What about you, my dear?"
The Empress smiled and nodded. "Indeed, they have a fire in them at so young an age, just like our own blood. We could not ask for better saviors, and for that you have our greatest thanks."
"Well said," The Emperor agreed. "Were it not for Olivert talking me out of it, I'd prefer giving you all a more substantial reward than mere words. Unfortunately, all I could do was see to it your trip back was as easy as possible."
The rulers of Erebonia bowed and curtsied respectively, humbling the class to no end. "Again, we thank you all for you work. Should you ever have need of something, you have our ear. It is not in our nature to leave debts unpaid."
Everyone in the class was having heart palpitations at this point, and the Emperor could tell. "Oh, forgive us, this is likely overwhelming. Please, don't let us keep you any longer."
"We look forward to hearing more of your exploits in the future." The Empress said with a light chuckle. "In the meantime, as my husband said, we've arranged for transport back to Thors. Please, enjoy your trip, and best of luck with your studies."
The class could only bow, leaving the hall in stunned silence when the Emperor dismissed them. Once they were gone, Olivert looked to his father with a tired smile. "You snuck something into each of their cases, didn't you?"
"Of course, what do you take me for? An ungrateful father?"
Alfin sighed, guessing what the transport that had been arranged was. "Oh dear…"
-Heimdallr, Central Station-
"What the hell are we doing on the Eisengraf?!"
Machias's shout was echoed in the minds of everyone there, all of them just giving up on this train of luxury they were being hit with.
They'd been escorted to the station by the RMP, Claire calling it her personal thanks for their assistance, only to find out they'd be going back to Trista on the train reserved for the Imperial Family and the Chancellor. 30 minutes of unearthly luxury.
In the interest of getting their minds off this strange turn of events, Jusis started talking to Paula. "Um… I if I may ask, how does Chancellor Osborne know you? I don't recall ever seeing him when we were growing up."
Paula sighed as the class looked to her, a hand playing with her ponytail. "Well… about that. Chancellor Osborne and my dad met several years before I was born while the Chancellor was in the military. He was stationed in Bareahard for a time and they became good friends, to the point he was invited to my parents' wedding. As you know, neither of my parents have siblings, so…"
"They made him my godfather."
Jusis gaped at her along with the rest of the class, not expecting that in the least. "But… your father never mentioned him, not once."
"They had a big falling out when I was three." Paula said, grimacing as a memory rose unbidden. "Don't recall what it was about, but my parents cut ties with him and haven't spoken or written to him since. The government still has him listed as my official godfather though, and I still get presents from him on my birthday."
Jusis shook his head in disbelief. "Now I know why I'd see those expensive gifts every year and why your parents always disliked them so much. What a strange few days we've had."
"Amen to that." Alisa groaned, slumping into her seat. "Who says we forget everything that happened for a few days after we get back?"
She retrieved a unanimous cheer and the class slumped over in collective exhaustion.
Was it too much to ask for a little peace?
…
Of course, it was, the universe was never that nice.
Ch. End
Good heaven, I apologize for the long wait. I was buried up to my neck in schoolwork, but it's over now. I'm on break, and that means the ability to write again and it is glorious!
I hope the explanation was ok, since I couldn't give full details. Olivert's knowledge is ultimately incomplete, as can be seen with Valimar and Wizel calling a truce on the matter of Zoro, so there's more to be learned in the future.
Beyond that, I hope you enjoyed the fights as well and look forward to the next part, because I sure do!
Finally, reviews!
Heero de Fanel: We'll really veer hard after the events of the first game are over, which isn't too much further into the future. Sadly, most of the side ships are getting put on the back burner during the next field study as we head to Legram, but Jusis and Paula will get their turns alongside Laura and Rean. Machias and Emma will be a big focus in Roer though, so bear with me!
OmegaYeicker77: Thank you for your kind words, and yes we are getting ready to jump into the real meat of this story. The last bits of set-up will occur over the course of Legram and Roer before the real work begins, so don't be surprised if this story gets real long. I mean, just look at this chapter!
That's all I have folks, see you all next time!