(Bittersweet Victory)

*September 20th, 1918*

*2:00am*

The night sky illuminated towards the room where Anastasia was currently at as she lied in her bedroom as she thought about what had transpired hours ago as she stared at her ceiling trapped in her thoughts.

"I wonder how Kaede is doing? It's been almost two weeks since we've last seen her but I hope she's doing okay.." Anastasia thought to herself as she heard a knock on the door which caught her attention.

"Please come in" Anastasia whispered as the door opened to reveal Olga who had a purple nightgown on.

"Oh, Hello Anastasia. You can't sleep as well can't you?" Olga said with a smile as she slowly walked over towards the bed and sat right next to her as Anastasia got up.

"What did John Claude say to you during your chat with him? You can be honest with me as well Shvybz" Olga asked with a warm smile on her face as she gently held the palm of Anastasia's hand.

"He spoke to me about fighting for our future like he wants Kazumi, Kaede, and Bartok to train for the next two years or so but does this mean that Kaede is gonna spend the next two years or less in the woods? That's what's making me worried Olya and I just don't want anything bad happening to her as well…" Anastasia explained as she looked down with a look of worry in her face.

"I'm sure Kaede will be okay like I have a feeling that she's gonna be okay and It's always good to have faith within yourself and in her safety too my dear Anastasia but going back to what you said beforehand. Let's change the future! If John Claude wants us to fight for a good future then let's break those chains and show him the power of friendship!" Olga said in a motivated tone of voice as she smiled at her sister who gave a smile in return.

"Thank you so much. I'm sure that once Kazumi and Bartok's injuries heal then I'm sure that they will quickly get into training so let's support them the best that we can to the very end! And besides! Our bond is so much stronger than before and I know that the people we care about aren't here with us anymore however we found so many new and wonderful friends so let's cherish them forever!" Anastasia said with a warm smile as she looked at her older sister who had tears in her eyes but held her cries in so she wouldn't disturb anyone.

"You are right my dear sister. I didn't have much motivation when I was in the Ipatiev House a while back since I was struggling with inner demons but ever since meeting Kaede. I've just felt like things have a purpose once more like a new sense of hope for all of us" Olga said to Anastasia as she smiled while feeling the warmth of Anastasia's hug in the process.

"Just you wait John Claude! In two years time or less we will defeat you! I just know it!" Anastasia thought to herself with a smile as she continued to embrace her older sister with a warm hug.

*Bialowieza Forest*

*11:00am*

Kaede was swinging her sword around while The Peddler watched her in the process as he had seen the progress she has made in the last two days.

"Impressive! You are doing very amazing, just practice those movements everyday and eventually you're gonna master the Phoenix sword!" The Peddler said with a smile as he was finishing up the last of his breakfast.

"Thank you so much. I feel like I've improved in such a short time but I feel like I can win and save my friends as well so that really makes me motivated to train even further" Kaede replied back with a smile as she sat down to take a short break from her training as she heard a sound from her walkie-talkie.

"Who's calling you? Is it one of your friends?" The Peddler asked with a curious look on his face as he saw Kaede attempting to answer the call.

"It's a good friend of mine. I hope it's good news" Kaede answered back with a smile as she answered the call.

"K-Kaede! A-Are you there!" Doc said from the other side of the walkie-talkie as he awaited for her response.

"Doc! I'm here! It;s me! How things are going in the future! I missed you so much!" Kaede answered back with great joy in her voice.

"I've been doing quite wonderful and I've come to tell you some things regarding your journey but I don't think you'll like it…" Doc said with a mixture of joy yet concern in his voice.

"W-What do you mean? Is it bad?" Kaede answered back as her mood became more serious.

"You must remain in the Bialowieza Forest for at least two years to complete your training since Peter Ermakov is undergoing the same type of training as well. I know it's rough but in order to fully master the sword! You must train for those two years" Doc explained in a serious tone of voice as this revelation shocked Kaede.

"P-Peter Ermakov!? What is he doing in a place like this?! I thought he was in the Russian Civil War at this point but are my friends okay?" Kaede answered back in a concerned voice as she knew what Peter Ermakov was capable of.

"They're okay and Anasastia told me everything this morning so you don't have to worry but Kazumi and Bartok battled against him but were quite injured but luckily it wasn't life threatening but to make a long story short Akito managed to defeat Peter but John Claude took Peter Ermakov in order to train him for two years so I want you to do the same as well not just for your future but for everyone's futures!" Doc explained even further while Kaede continued to think about everything that was explained to her.

"I see. Please tell Anastasia and the others that I will miss them so much and that they must stay safe as well but I'm glad they're doing okay" Kaede said with a smile as she gave a thumbs up to The Peddler who in return gave one as well.

"Thank you very much for everything Doc and I'll start my training ASAP!" Kaede thanked in a more motivated tone of voice as she grabbed her sword in hand.

"That sounds good and I wish you the best of luck in everything and keep in touch as well if you want to chat okay?" Doc said.

"I will keep in touch my good friend!" Kaede replied back with a smile as she hung up the walkie-talkie in the process.

"I'm sure your friends are gonna be okay. I just know it!" The Peddler said in a comforting tone of voice as he smiled.

"John! Peter! Just you both wait! I will change the course of history! No matter how much it takes! I'm ready for anything! Even if it takes two years or so I will save my friends!" Kaede said to herself as she stood up to further continue her training.