Now for the part where clarification on Alex's family name is finally brought to light...after other things happen first.

Hollow Realization

Dateline, August 20th, 1206.

After a day of resting, we left Bryonia Island and we were on the ship's bridge.

"Are you sure you're okay with enough numbers?" Rean asked.

"It's fine with the numbers we have." Gaius assured. "If anything, things might start getting a little too cramped."

Elliot nodded. "Yeah, the ship's already a bit of a tight fit for us as it is."

"And given our objectives, it's only going to become more of a crowd from here on out." Machias said.

That reminded us of what we set out to do. Whilst the Septian Church would do what they can in trying to find intel on where our foes are moving so I can do my part, we'd be touring around western Erebonia, in the hope of finding the other students. After all, Elise, Tita, Towa and Alfin were still missing. There's also Tio that the SSS haven't heard from yet.

As for Crow and Duvalie, well, they ended up getting new outfits and they looked pretty well in them. I also got an outfit, a new and improved cape to hide my tail, and a headgear to hide my ears. This was so that I didn't cause any civilians to panic by showing my demonic self to strangers.

"In any case, do we have any leads at the moment?" I asked.

"Not at this time, I'm afraid." Rosine replied. "As of now, we're limited to exploring some parts of Erebonia."

"Parm and Eryn are the only places we can visit for now, along with Bryonia Island." Gaius said. "I suspect the more details we learn about this security, the more viable locations we'll discover."

"At least we could have some contact on the east side, just in case." I said.

Jusis nodded. "Indeed. I'll get in touch with Arnauld and see if he can reach some of our contacts further east."

"Then I'll touch base with some RF members over on my end, ones we're sure to trust." Alisa said.

"Well, maybe only some, since Irina still holds a lot of control over the company." I sighed. "Anyways, let's have a look at the nearby computer."

"Yeah, let's see if there's anything we can do for now." Rean said.

We went over to the computer and there were a few requests for us.

"Hmm, looks like we've got one in Parm, and one at Titus Gate." I pondered. "There's also a report of a strong monster on the Parm Byroad."

"Looks like Saint-Arkh has been blocked off for the time being." Rean pointed out. "Let's look into these for now."

"Instructor. After careful discussion with Juna and the others, I have assigned the duty of 'first watch' to me." Altina said. "As such, I will be serving as your chaperone once we have landed."

"First watch? I appreciate the concern but-"

"I am afraid that this particular matter is not up for debate, Instructor. We will not take our eyes off you, for a single moment."

I laughed. "She's got you there, friend."

Rean chuckled. "All right, Altina. Just make sure you're prepared, I'll call you down once we get to the surface."

Altina smiled. "Thank you, Instructor Rean."

"Well, if you students wanna do my work, I won't complain." I stretched. "I suppose I can get some training done while you're on the ground."

"In that case, may I invite you to a duel in the training room?" Duvalie asked. "I wish to experience how fast you are."

"Hmm, why don't you count me in for a duel as well?" Laura offered.

"I think the training room would get wrecked, if all three of you were in there." Juna said.

Rosine laughed nervously. "No destroying our ship's room, please?"

"Then I'll just have to settle for one showdown." Duvalie sighed. "Are you ready, Laura?"

She nodded. "Certainly."

Rean and the new Class VII students went with Rean whilst I stayed on the ship, I was in the lounge with Emma and Celine.

"How are your powers holding up?" Celine asked.

"Nothing major at the moment." I answered. "Whilst I'm glad to have unlocked new powers, I still need more if I'm going to match up to McBurn's power."

"Well, there are limits to how much your body can handle." Emma said. "There's no doubt that you are so strong now, but I still worry about your body, and how much that power takes its toll on it."

Celine sighed. "Oh Emma, still worrying as ever."

"True, but Roselia wouldn't have given me this training, if she didn't believe I could handle it." I replied. "Being able to wield any weapon at any time, as well as being able to instantly zoom around is amazing. But I think it would be more favorable, if I could wield all element types along with my weapons."

"So in other words, you wish to use those attacks with magical elements present." Emma said. "Hmm, then I may have something for you, but I'm going to need help."

Celine nodded. "Very well, all the more reason to save the world."

"Thanks, you two." I smiled at Emma and she smiled back.

I used the training room to conduct a few magic spell lessons with Emma and Celine's help, although we did have to wait until Duvalie and Laura were done with their sparring.

It was taking a while and I knew time wasn't on my side, but I also understood that a lot of patience can go a long way. After a lengthy discussion on elements and training, I was ready to do a test.

"Okay, Alex. Concentrate and call for the element." Emma said.

I raised my hand and spoke 'Fire!' in my head before a small flame appeared on my hand.

"Good. Now use it on a weapon of your choice." Celine ordered.

"To me...Divine Armament!" I floated up a little and the weapons appeared around me. "Fire Sword!"

I grabbed the sword and there was a flame glow around it before it vanished away when I ceased the spell.

"Well done, Alex." Emma praised. "That should be enough for now."

Just then, there was an announcement.

"Attention! This is captain Rosine. Please report to the bridge as soon as you can."

"Looks like we're out of time." Celine said. "We'll discuss other elements when its relevant."

"Okay, let's get to the bridge." I replied.

We entered the bridge and then, Rean and everyone else joined the ship once their tasks were done.

"So, what's the situation?" Rean asked.

"We have found two leads." Rosine replied. "The first lead is one that concerns you all. We've received word about an ongoing house arrest at the Cayenne Mansion in Ordis. According to this report, the two in custody consist of a special VIP and a faculty member from Thors."

"Ordis, I should've known." Musse said.

"A faculty member...could it be Towa?" I asked. "And who is watching over the city?"

"Carl Regnitz. My dad." Machias answered. "Given his position and that of those, there's no way he wouldn't know about this house arrest business. No doubt in my mind, he's got something to do with it, one way or another."

"Our next destination is decided then." Rean declared. "They've got someone important to us over there. We'll make our first move by getting them back."

"What about the second lead?" I asked.

"This one concerns only you, Alex." Rosine replied. "Thanks to members of the Church working in secret, they've found your Soldat!"

That got my attention. "What? You mean my silver Soldat? Where is it?"

"It was located in the forest in The Izellia River, which is much further south and off the Ordis coastal road."

"So it's that far down, huh?" Ash asked.

"However, we received a report that our enemy has also learned of its location. The Red Constellation has the soldat, the forest and the river under complete lockdown."

"The Red Constellation is there?" Fie asked.

"If they're present, then that means..." Sara paused.

"Gareth...looks like I have my first target." I declared. "But I'll need to find a way to get back to you once I found it. Celine, do you think you can come with me, just in case?"

"I suppose you do need someone to keep you from going overboard." Celine replied. "Sure, I'll come with you."

"Thank you, do keep watch over him." Emma said.

"So we have our mission." I nodded. "I'll deal with the Red Constellation and get my Soldat back, whilst you and the others head to Ordis and rescue the VIPs."

"Understood. Be very careful, Alex." Rean advised. "Let's get ready to move out, we'll rescue them, and Carl as well."

"Thanks, Rean." Machias replied. "And don't worry, I'm ready for this."

"If it's the port city we're going to, you can count on me for help." Crow said. "I've got a few ties to that place, thanks to Ordine and Cayenne."

"I would like to see the situation there myself. I am one of its local noble women, after all." Musse added.

Ash nodded. "I'm taggin' along, too. My own hometown's future depends on it."

"I'll start planning our infiltration route, it should be over an hour away." Gaius said. "If anyone has anything left to do, now is the time to take care of it."

After doing a few last minute checks, we arrived at the Lamare province and the airship with the soldats and Divine Knights landed on the large empty ground which was where we had our field camp back in June. I exited the ship first with Celine. Rean, along with Machias, Crow, Musse, Ash, Kurt and Alisa followed afterwards.

We left the field camp and made our way along the Lamare Highway, turning right along the roadway, we made a quick detour to the Juno Naval Fortress and we could see that the Imperial's 3rd Armored division was occupying the fortress. It was better for us to leave and continue heading towards Ordis. When we arrived at the entrance, there were two guards stationed on both sides.

"Heimdallr Military Police." Rean said quietly.

"Damn, that's not good." I muttered.

"Sounds like we've got our work cut out for us then." Crow said. "How's your acting, Rean?"

"We're about to find out, I guess. We should be careful." Rean replied. "Ash, Machias, you should probably disguise yourselves, just in case."

"In that case, I'll find a good vantage point and wait for the right moment." I then smirked. "All I need is a temporary disguise and I'll be able to go through the South costal path."

"Don't forget that you still have me." Celine said. "In which case, I better do the same and hide with you."

Celine and I snuck off and with my powers, I climbed up the wall from out of sight and slowly walked along the top side until I was just above both of the police guards. Celine and I watched as the others tried to persude them to let them through.

"Hmm, it doesn't look like they're falling for it." Celine said. "So much for their acting."

"Yeah, looks like the Heimdallr Police have been well-trained, damn that Osborne...screw it, time to go to Plan B." I sighed.

I then heard Crow speak. "I guess we're going nowhere, maybe it's time for Plan B?"

"What do you mean by Plan B?" One of the gaurds asked.

"It's to take a little dirtnap, idiots!" I answered before I swooped down on one of the gaurds, taking him down and knocked him out with one punch.

"Ah! What the-OOOF!" I punched the other gaurd out cold.

I smirked. "There we go, nice and simple."

"Damn, dude, you knocked them right out." Ash said.

"Was that...really necessary?" Machias asked.

"Hey, desperate times, desperate measures. Besides, I only just knocked them out, they won't be awake for a long time." I replied. "Anyways, better hide these guards from plain sight. And I think one of them has the disguise that might just fit me."

"Then make it quick, we don't have much time." Celine said.

I carried both gaurds and moved them away from the pathway. I then grabbed one of the gaurd's uniforms and put it on to disguise myself, keeping the cape and headgear hidden away.

"All right, let's head on inside." I said as we entered the city.

"Heehee, back home at last." Musse said.

"And for the moment, this is where my path diverts from yours." I responded. "Celine and I will turn left and head on South to get my Soldat back, then once I've done that and gone through the Red Constellation, we'll find a way to catch up to you."

"All right, take care both of you." Rean said.

"Make sure you both come back in one piece." Alisa added.

"Oh, we will. Let's go, Alex." Celine replied.

"Right, time for me to put on my best acting." I said as we broke away from the group.

We walked past the fountain and into the Noble District before turning left to enter the coastal path. There were two gaurds at the enterance as well, but I chose to knock them both out before I snuck away and removed the disguise, it was of no use to me now.

"Okay, the Izellia River is far down this path, it'll be a long one, but we'll get there eventually."

"I'm right behind you." Celine said before she turned into her other form. "I better get a ride if we're walking that far."

"Works for me, I'll just use my demon form to fly over."

I turned into my demon form and Celine latched onto my back before I flew across the coastal path. Once we saw the view of the forest, I slowed down and gently landed at the nearby river. Along the edge of the forest, we could see a checkpoint was built and several red jaegers were patrolling.

"Looks like we were right, the Red Constellation is here." I said. "And with much more of them than I thought."

"Yeah, security around the forest is tight." Celine replied as she turned back into a cat. "You'll have one heck of a fight, if you're planning to get your soldat back."

"I know, I'll also need to find Gareth and take him down, so I can test the sacrifice spell. Well, let's go...I'll try to be sneaky, but if the whole forest goes on alert, then...I'll make sure there are...no witnesses."

Celine hummed quietly as we snuck around the forest. At least she had it easy due to being a cat, but I was struggling to keep myself hidden. We made our way across the river and then found one area that wasn't guarded. We snuck inside and now we had to watch ourselves carefully as we moved around.

"Hold on, Alex. Looks like there's a conversation going on." Celine whispered.

We snuck behind along the wall of some kind of storage room and listened in.

"We've got a visitor from the Society, captain. What should we do?" A jaeger asked.

"Nothing. Just make final preperations before we have to ship out the Soldat." Another jaeger replied.

"But what if she sees us?"

"What did I just say? Carry on, Lieutenant!"

"Ja, Captain!"

So they're planning to move my Soldat away? Not if I have anything to say about it.

"Who is the 'she' they're talking about?" Celine asked. "Could it be Sharon?"

"Somehow, I doubt it. It must be someone else, possibly Shirley?"

"At any rate, looks like we'll have to double time it."

I nodded. "Yeah, let's keep moving."

We passed the storage building and then after passing by a cafeteria area, we somehow ended up in a very big and open area with several large tents, with a very big one in the middle.

"Shoot, looks like we're in the crew quarters or something." Celine said. "That big one may have some useful intel."

"Yeah, now that I think about it, I could gain some info on these jaegers, and find out what their next move will be."

We snuck around the tents until we crawled into the back door of the big one. I then had a look at the huge table with had a communication system set up. There were a few files as well, including one that had 'confidential orders' written on it.

"Okay, let's see what this is about." I read the files. "Hmm...what?! It says that in the event of Ordis being liberated by Class VII or their accosciates, the Red Constellation is ordered to move in and...burn down the entire city?!"

"Shhh! Not so loud!" Celine whispered.

"Sorry...but damn...I guess this is how the jaegers will be contributing, when the war with the Republic begins."

She gasped. "Someone's coming, we need to get out."

"Right." I put the folder back where it was and we snuck away, but the back route was blocked by two jaegers outside. We had no other choice, Celine and I had to hide behind a few boxes, whilst hearing the sounds of footsteps enter the room.

"Gather around, gentleman and lady." A commanding voice said...that was Michael for sure. "If you would, Gareth?"

"Just a moment." He replied. "This is Gareth The Blitz, you copy?"

"Yes indeed. Start the meeting." A voice replied on the speaker, that had to be Alberich.

"Understood, Alberich. Nothing new to report on the Port City. Ordis remains under firm control of the Heimdallr Military police." Michael said. "Both Major Claire, the RMP, and Red Rosswiesse have the mansion secured with the VIPs in the Banquet Hall, over."

"Good. What about you, Gareth?"

"My men have secured the Soldat and we're ready to pull it out once they've finished final preperations." Gareth replied. "We'll then meet up with Zephyr once the Soldat is transferred to the Naval Fortress, over."

"Excellent. Now how about you...Miss Crois?"

"Oh ho ho! I have just received word from the Grandmaster that the Society is hearby granted permission to find and capture Alexander alive." An unknown female voice answered. "She believes that removing his freedom, will ensure the Great Twilight remains uninterupted."

"Good. As for the rest on our side, we have no reasons to worry. The Rivalries and the war will soon begin. This meeting is adjourned, we will speak again. End transmission, Gareth."

"As you wish." Gareth responded.

"In that case, I shall return to Leeves." Michael said. "I assume you have your weaponary stock at the ready?"

"Yes. They are stored in the warehouse that was built a few days ago. We plan to use those in case Ordis is liberated. I'll escort you both out."

"Well, if you must." The lady spoke.

Miss Crois? Wait...Mariabell Crois? The one that Shirley mentioned back at the Gral?

"So they have a warehouse of weapons?" Celine whispered.

"Yeah, there's no way I'm gonna let that happen." I replied. "We're gonna find that warehouse...and I'll use my powers to blow it up."

"Well, if you're going to do that, try not to get yourself killed."

The jaegers outside the backdoor tent finally moved away, and we snuck out, making our way past the other tents until we went past a small hallway and out into another big area where in the middle was a warehouse building with a side door that was open.

"Listen soldiers, whatever you do, do NOT smoke around the warehouse!" A jaeger spoke. "One flicker of light in there, and that place will go up sky high!"

'Heh, thanks for the tip, stupid jaeger.'

Celine and I snuck around the various large crates and containers until we got to the side door of the warehouse. We snuck inside and we were greeted with countless rows of weaponary, mostly rifiles, longswords, and I think there were loads of grenades in there too.

"Brace yourself, Celine. Once this catches fire, there's no going back." I said.

"Okay, just make sure we're far away before it explodes." Celine replied.

I went over to a crate that was opened and I picked a grenande before using my new power and element skill to light it on fire. I threw it far away and we ran out of the warehouse, trying to find cover from a distance, and once we found one...

*KA-BOOOOOOOOOOM*

...the warehouse exploded many times over until it all stopped, and the building was now a crater with countless crates and weapons all singed by the fire.

"Well, that was explosive." Celine said.

"That's an understatement." I nodded. "But there we go, now they won't be able to burn down the Port City. Next, we need to find Gareth, take him down and get my Soldat back!"

We saw three jaegers rush to the scene.

"What the hell just happened?!" One of them asked.

"The warehouse! It's gone..." Another one answered. "All of our supplies...our weapons..."

"Dammit! I told the others to never smoke around here!" A third one exclaimed. "Stay back, it could blow up again!"

*KA-BOOM*

It sure did, and the explosion took down two of the jaegers who screamed in pain. Then a siren was heard across the entire area.

"Intruder presence has been confirmed! Find the intruder and eliminate him! Kill or be killed, that is an order!"

Damn, looks like I'll have to take them down now...no witnesses.

I snuck behind the third jaeger, he turned around and tried to fire at me, but I was quicker at taking him down before clawing through his body.

"What the...you just killed him!" Celine said as she turned into her other form again.

"Sorry, but that announcement said 'kill or be killed', and I don't plan on dying." I replied before turning into my demon form. "Besides, I'm getting riled up by how much our enemy is gloating. I want a dose of payback, and I will not stop until I get it."

She sighed sadly. "All right, I'll make sure to not get in your way."

"Thanks."

We rushed past the blown up hanger.

"Intruder sighted! Kill him!"

A trio of jaegers showed up and I showed no mercy to any of them. We then carried on past the small hallway and back to the main quarters area.

"Look, there he is! It's the demon guy!"

"Release our animal support!"

Four jaegers and four armed leopards came at me...I zoomed by each one, taking them down with lethal skill.

"It's true! The warehouse blew up!" A jaeger yelled.

"Go and tell the Blitz!" Another one replied.

I rushed past the tents and took them out, then another two and a pair of leopards showed up, they met the same fate as well. We were now passing by the outdoor storage area. Our way out however was sealed off by two heavy containers. We had to go another way to get to him.

"I swear, Blitz! I swear that our fellow jaegers saw him!" A jaeger pleaded.

"It doesn't matter if you saw him or not, just keep him from getting to the Soldat!" Gareth replied. "Whatever happens, he's going to pay for this!"

"Ja!"

I then saw the jaeger, along with three more and three armed leopards, they had to go down.

We then rushed through a long hallway and into a smaller area, this was some kind of communications area. Five jaegers and five armed lepoards were guarding a doorway. I took a deep breath and went wild on all of them, leaving a trail of bodies behind.

"Alex, we're getting close, Gareth is nearby." Celine said.

"Got it." I replied.

We made our way through the doorway and down a long indoor hall before we reached the end to where there was an empty airdock, and on one of the helipads, was a silver soldat.

"There it is! We found it!" Celine said.

"Don't take another step!" Gareth intervened as he had his rifle aimed at us.

"Gareth the Blitz, so we meet once more." I replied. "But it seems Shirley isn't with you this time."

"I'm ready to lay it all on the line. Even if the one I'm sworn to protect is not here!"

"So you're just a yes-man, then that's gonna make this much easier for me."

"Don't underestimate him." Celine warned. "I can sense that he won't go down easily."

"Oh, I'm aware. We may not have battled him much, but I'm ready to take him on." I slapped my fists. "I hope you're ready, Gareth. Because this will be our first and last one on one battle, let's fight like there's no tomorrow!"

"Fine! I'll bring all I have against you and fight you to the death! In the name of Miss Orlando, and His Highness!"

Then, four of those new soldats showed up, possibly to assist him.

I growled. "Oh, I'll be dealing with them too...let's end this!"

*Battle Skip*

Gareth and the soldats gave me a really good fight. But depsite him, his large rifle and the numbers against me, I was able to overwhelm them all.

"Arrrrrrghhhhh! Nggggghh!" He roared in pain.

"I'll admit, you were pretty strong. Far much stronger than all of the red jaegers combined." I replied. "But I can assure you that what I plan to do, it's nothing personal since we don't have any past aiffiliation with you, it's the only way for me...to survive."

"Hah...what do you...mean?"

I called for my new power and with a flame sword at the ready.

"Your soul...is mine."

I charged right at him and lunged the burning sword right through his gut. I looked at him as he coughed and splattered blood that was gushing out of his mouth and his stomach. A bit of a grueling sight, but it had to be done.

"Miss...Orlando...forgive...me..."

He then gasped his last breath and fell to the side.

"Okay, now for the spell." I sighed. "Oh grieving soul that now wanders without a purpose, surrender yourself to the demon lord, and become a savior of the world under my guiding hand!"

Just then, an aura appeared around his body and a small bright orb came out from the chest. It then flew into my hand and I grabbed it before it moved into my body. I then felt a sudden surge of new strength being added to my power, and a familiar voice spoke.

"Ahhhh, we meet again, my lord! I congratulate you on acquiring your first soul."

"Reef?! Is that you?!"

"It is indeed me! With this soul, I can now determine the exact amount of how many you need to save your life. With the amount of power this soul possesses, I can conclude that you must possess at least four more souls."

"Four? So I need to get just another four, and not all of them?"

"Yes, my lord. Once you have five souls collected, they will manifest and cease the eternal transformation. I shall wait for the day when you acquire a second soul."

"Alex? Hey, Alex?" Celine called.

"Huh? Oh, sorry...I was distracted by some...things." I replied. "I'll explain once we get out of here and-"

"Oh ho ho ho! So you're the one whose been causing chaos."

I gasped as me and Celine saw a young woman with twintail blonde hair and in a formal yet casual attire.

"What a pleasure to meet you, Alexander. That's right, I already know so much about you."

"Well, if you know me that much already, I'm guessing you're another Enforcer?" I asked.

"Hmhmhm, you are close. I am Lady Mariabell Crois, the Third Anguis from the Society."

"So you're the one who has ties with the Grandmaster, just like Vita used to." Celine said.

"Vita? Oh, you've met her before, haven't you?"

"So what are you here for? You're gonna try and stop me, too?" I asked.

"Oh ho ho! Please, there is no need for violence. I merely came back here, because I had a feeling something was going to happen. And what do I find? A man with demon powers who showed no mercy to his foes. Clearly, you are not to be underestimated."

"Well, obviously."

"Now then, I must depart. But do not worry, we shall meet again, along with the rest of your friends."

She then vanished away.

"These Anguis people...I swear." Celine sighed.

I shrugged. "Anyways, there's my Soldat. Now we can get out of here and back to our friends."

"Right, get inside, and we'll teleport to where Rean is."

I nodded and got inside my silver soldat. Celine was inside with me as well. We were then teleported away from the now ruined security base and we had somehow ended up inside the main enterance hallway inside the Cayenne mansion.

"What the?!" Machias exclaimed.

"A silver soldat?" Alisa asked.

"It's Alex, he must've gotten it back." Rean said.

"That's right, I was able to get it from the Red Constellation." I replied. "Looks like you're about to face off against two soldats, how about I join in the fight?"

"Hey hey, nice timing, pal." Crow added. "And sure, let's do this together!"

"All right, bring it on!"

*Battle Skip*

I was a little rusty with the controls, but Crow and I were able to beat them.

"Phew! Talk about a workout!" I sighed.

We then got out of the soldats and Rean briefed me on what they had learnt before we carried on to the banquet hall. When we made it through the door, we saw Towa, Empres Priscilla, Carl, Angelica and Claire.

"I had a feeling you'd show up." Claire said.

"Rean, Alex!" Towa called.

"Towa, Your Highness!" Rean replied.

"Class VII. You're all together." The Empress responded.

"Thank goodness we made it in time." I sighed.

"You're all okay...and..." Towa looked at Crow.

"What's up, Towa? How's life been treating you?" He responded. "Me? Well, you know how it is. Anyways, looks like I'm back with the gang now."

"Crow...I...I can't believe it! It's really you!" Towa then saw me. "And Alex, what's with the tail and the ears?"

"We'll explain everything after we get you both out of here." Rean replied.

"Oh. Didn't anyone ever tell you it was rude to make a plan without a lady's consent?" Angelica asked.

"Ah, looks like I was right. You've been manipulated with that mask as well." I sighed. "But I'm not interested in that. What matters, is you, Claire."

"Alex." Claire responded.

"Now that I'm seeing you again, I can finally get a lot off my chest on what I need to say. I held back when I said this to Lechter, but I need to say it to you. Whilst I appreciate the times you've helped us in the past, I'm afraid those days are long gone. You are no longer the Claire we once knew. Right now, you're nothing but a puppet in Osborne's hands."

"Ah!"

"Yeah, see? That's what I mean. You've been given so many chances to stop all this. Even when Millium was around, I could tell that she knew this was hurting you. But you still couldn't choose, and in the end, you and everyone else had to watch as Millium was sacrificed. And what did you and Lechter do? You didn't mourn or greive, you kept carrying on, like she meant nothing!"

"Oh my, such a fiesty tone you've got." Angelica said.

"And you can be quiet!"

"So what about you, dad?" Machias asked.

"I think it's obvious actually, he's against all of this, right?"

Claire nodded. "Yes...Governer Regnitz has been vocally opposed to the war since the Great Twilight's inception."

"Major Rievaldt." Carl said quietly.

"After which, he led an offical protest of the National Mobilization Law at City Hall. In fact, he even went so far as to claim that the Republic played no part in the assassination attempt whatsoever. But in the end, no matter how hard he tried to expose the facts. That truth fell on deaf ears."

"Because of the people who fell victim to the curse, like a propaganda." I nodded. "So in other words, Carl here was being forced to do all this."

"Dad..." Machias muttered.

"That's right." Carl replied. "All I've done is acted in accordance with my own conviction. Should I find my efforts have backfired, it can only point to my own failings as a politician. Under the National Mobilization Law, the Imperial government temporariliry absorbed all administrative authority over Heimdallr. As such, I've been sent all the way out here to oversee Ordis. Everything happening now is because I simply wasn't capable enough."

"And that's the reason why these two are here, right? You want us to prove our worth, so we can save Towa and the Empress?" I asked.

"As I expected, you are quick to catch on, Alex." He nodded. "You'll have to convince me, under pretense of your 'inspection', that you are qualified to take custody of my two charges. That way, neither of us will be abandoning our duties."

I sighed. "Very well, then we'll take great joy in beating both of these two down."

Claire's eyes then went pink, no surprise that she's gonna go all out.

"Class VII...I hereby place all of you under arrest." She said. "You may attempt to carry out your 'inspection', if you so please. You're free to take Miss Herschel and the empress with you and go...in the unlikely event you're able to kill me."

"So you've been told what I'm planning to do, huh?" I responded. "If it wasn't for earlier, I would be very much tempted to do just that. But right now, you're acting so pathetic, you're not even worth taking down."

"I'm afraid Alex is right." Rean said. "I was told what the others said about what Lechter told us. A moment ago, you said we'd need to kill you to rescue Towa and the empress. The only thing that tells me is that you're all too willing to die. It just like he says, it hurts my heart to see you acting so pathetic."

"Exactly, so where is your backbone, Claire? Do you even have one?"

Claire glared at me.

"Ouch, that's gotta hurt." Crow muttered.

"Millium didn't sacrifice herself so you could use her as an excuse. Fight for yourself. For your own reasons." Rean drew out his sword. "Even if you have the power of the Great Twilight on your side, I don't intend to lose. Not to this melting imitation of the icy maiden."

"Haha, and so, the indomitable ice cracks!" Angelia said as she got ready to fight. "But like a knight upon her shining steed, I shall come to all these fair maidens' aid."

"Gh..." Claire got out her pistol. "Very well. I will use Millium as an excuse no longer! I am a member of the Ironbloods, and an officer of the RMP! As such, I will use whatever force necessary to apprehend you!"

"Come at us, then!" Rean replied.

"Say Rean, mind if you and the others deal with this?" I asked. "I'm still a little tired from earlier."

He nodded and the battle was starting.

*Battle Skip*

Even though I didn't fight, our side still won.

"Ahh, the flames of passion. It's no wonder at all you were able to melt through..." Angelica paused as a crack in the mask broke off. "Arrrrgh! Towa...Crow? George?"

"The mask." Kurt noticed.

"Yeah, it's breaking up a little." I said.

"Then it's just as we thought." Celine added. "Those masks are the cause of those who lose their memories."

"Angelica? No...I'm...Red Rosswiesse." She replied.

Towa came up from behind and hugged her. "You can do it, Angie! Please...COME BACK TO US!"

The mask cracked more and then it all fell apart to the floor.

"Angie...are you okay?"

She laughed. "I'm not sure, Towa. I think I might need you to give me another little squeeze. It was so hard to see that adorable face of yours through that mask. I'll need to get a nice long look now that I can see clearly again."

"Angie!" Towa walked around and hugged her.

"Hmm...how could I ever forget this lovely scent?"

Alisa giggled. "There's the Angelica we know and love."

"Oh yeah. She's back all right." Ash said.

"Hah...I guess George didn't follow through." Crow added.

"Oh right...him." I said quietly. "So he didn't actually kill her, he chose to take her down and then manipulate her memory with that mask. Well, I'm glad about that, but that still doesn't excuse his other crimes."

"Perhaps he simply couldn't bring himself to." Claire said. "But then again...maybe I'm no different."

"Do you still intend to fight?" Rean asked.

"Without our iron horseman, I stand at a disavantage. Unfortunately, it would seem I have failed in my mission."

"Then I take it you're just about finishing up here?" A voice asked.

Suddenly, General Zechs arrived, Kurt's uncle was here. Claire then declared that the Heimdallr Military Police would be withdrawn from Ordis, so now the city was safe and the VIPs were rescued...well, in some way since Carl still had authority over the place.

"Before you leave, Claire. I do have one final word." I said. "I'll let you go this time, but the next time we meet and if I'm forced to do so, I will not hesitate...to sacrifice you."

"Alex...I understand. But I assure you that I won't be so charitable next time."

Claire then left the room.

"Poor gal...she's in too deep with her feelings." Angelica said.

"Anyways, I think we can call this a successful mission." I added. "Oh wait, there's still something I need to do here. Your Highness, I've been told from Your Majesty that you have something for me."

"Yes, I have indeed." The Empress replied. "But I would humbly ask if this was to be a private matter."

"Of course, Your Highness." Rean said. "We'll meet you outside when you're done, Alex."

I nodded. "Thanks."

The rest of the group, along with Towa and Carl, left the room.

"Your Highness. I was told from your husband, that you were able to find something for me that I should know." I said.

"Yes, I have the book with me." The Empress replied as she handed me a small book. "The answers you wish to find in regards to your family origin is in this book."

"I see, well this looks a little heavy." We then sat down before I opened the book. "Bookmarks?"

"Yes. My daughter and I placed these bookmarks for you to read. They are the events that are the most important to your family's ancestory."

"Right...so to start with...Day 15 in the month of June...1078. The family welcomed Marcus Damon into the world, he was often fascinated by military life and aimed to enter into service once he was old enough to do so...wait, Damon?!"

"Please continue." She said.

"Day 9 in the month of August, 1099. Marcus Damon entered into military service and was recruited into the 2nd armored division of the Imperial Forces. With his ancestrial background as well as having close ties with his family's political friends, he then discovered the history of Emperor Dreichels the Lionheart. However, he was often jealous of how his family name was Damon, and not Lionheart. So a month later, he spoke with the then Emperor Eugent the First, and with extreme persistence, the Emperor caved in to his demand. Which was to...to change the family name from Damon to Lionheart...what?"

Wait a second, so Lionheart is NOT my family name?

"Records differ on the reason for the name change. But according to one of his closest political friends, he was envious of his great grandfather, Bartholomew Damon, who was part of the Imperial division that fought alongside Emperor Dreichels in the War of the Lions. He was fascinated by what his great grandfather was able to achieve and he wanted to live up to his expectations by having the family name be shared with Dreichels."

I then put the book down and sighed.

"Alexander." The Empress said. "This must be hard for you to understand."

"Yeah, it is I suppose. I guess this is why my father didn't tell me, he was worried that I would act like this. So the reason why my name is shared with Dreichels, was because of my great grandfather's jealousy?! It was just a mere coincidence?!"

"Do you wish to continue reading?"

I shook my head and took deep breaths. "It's okay. To be honest, I feel relieved. Now I know the truth, my real full name is Alexander Damon."

The Empress smiled at me.

"Thank you, Your Highness. This has really helped me."

"It's the least I can do for you." She replied. "Do you wish to keep the family book?"

"No it's fine. I already know about the rest of what happens, because my father mentioned about what his life was like before I was born." I then thought of something. "Say, do you mind if I take a request?"

"A request?"

"If we somehow manage to save this world, would it be possible for your family to change my surname back to Damon?"

She nodded. "We will try, Alexander. But in return, I wish to ask you a private request."

"Name it, and I'll follow it."

"Please find and rescue my daughter. And then, should you meet my son, Cedric, and if he loses his battle against the Ashen Awakener, I wish for you to capture him alive, so that I may speak to him on your arcus."

So she wants me to keep him alive for her...well, it's from the royal family, so I can't say no.

"Request accepted, Your Highness." I nodded as I stood up and bowed to her.

"Thank you, Alexander. I wish you luck and may Aidios be with you."

I smiled back and she gave me a hug, I had to hug back. It felt like a hug of relief in my mind. I then left the room and breathed a sigh of relief. So I have no relation to the Lionheart family at all, and even though this was a private matter, I felt it was right to let everyone in Class VII know.

I soon caught up with the others and we returned to the field camp before exchanging our farewells. The Empress and Carl had to remain in Ordis, but Angelica and Towa came with us, and now we had two more of our friends back with us.

As for me, with the first sacrifice done and knowing that I need to do that four more times to save my life, it was time to start making changes and plan on who I should go after next.

So there you have it, the first AU twist in this story...Gareth has been killed off, and I'll say it now, that whole segment was a nod to an old PS2 game called XIII, it just felt right to put a spin on that. Also, it may seem a little lame, but this is how I've chosen to close the loophole in regards to Alex's surname. His family name will be known as Damon from now on.

Next time! The Erebonian tour continues as Saint-Arkh and Dreknor Fortress come into play.