Hello again! As you remember, last time, we saw the end of the hunt for the Elecdraco. But as it turned out, it turned out to be a machine. Where did this machine come from? Well. These questions will be answered in the future, but now, there will be something else to focus on. It's finally time to see, what lays beyond Falmart. I'm sure, that some of you were looking forward to this.

Also, I have something to say. I have big plans for this story and what comes after it. This is why I decided, that I will try and make it a weekly thing, or at least release chapters more often. I can't promise that I will keep the schedule of releasing one chapter every week, but I will do my best and I hope you appreciate it.

Before we go, reviews.

To A Reader: Thank you.

So. Now, to the story.

Chapter 25

,,What lays beyond"

October 5, 2150

06:55

Fenrir Star Base, two kilometers from Alnus Hill

Fenrir Star Base was one of several bases, which were set up around the Alnus Hill, serving as the forward observation and warning points. They were manned often by just five to ten soldiers, which in case of facing overwhelming enemy force, had to quickly fall back to the main Alnus Hill fort. This is why they were equipped with an armored car or an APC.

However, most of these bases were currently sitting idle, since the last time Imperial Army was defeated and the since the death of Elecdraco.

"Man, this is such a chore."one of Marines manning the post said.

"Quit it, Mitchel."his friend said."Be happy, that we're here, not in the middle of the fight."

"Exactly, Frank!"Mitchel replied."We're here, instead of our Galaxy, where we could do something useful and kill more of these Holy Order bastards!"

Frank just rolled his eyes. Mitchel was always like that, even during the basic training they went through together, back in 2144. Since then, it got them into all sorts of trouble, from which they miraculously came out of.

"Sucks."Mitchel said once more.

"Cry yourself a river, build a bridge and get over it."Frank said, having enough of his friend's whining.

"Fuck off."

As Frank had to say something else, he noticed something in the distance. It was a single point in, certainly a person, as it was approaching them. Frank activated zoom in his helmet and saw, that he was right. It was a single rider, coming fast towards them.

Frank activated his radio.

"Be advised, we have unknown rider approaching."he said.

All five soldiers manning the post quickly made their way to their positions, two of them manning the machine guns and lowered the barrier to block the way. Then, they waited for the rider to approach them.

Soon, the man came to them and stopped his horse, seeing red-white bar blocking the way and soldiers aiming their weapons at him. He was already informed by his King, which was informed by Emperor Molt, what these things can do and he rather wanted to obey their orders, rather than get to meet these weapons closer.

"Who are you, why are you here and what is your business?"Frank asked.

Man looked at them from the back of his horse and replied in a language, which surprising resembled English:

"I wish to talk with thy leaders."

07:48

Fort Terhis, meeting room

After the man explained what he came here for, he was led by one of the soldiers to Fort Alnus, where he was told to wait in the meeting room, until all commanders of the Task Force 03 will be free to come to him. Fortunately, they quickly took care of everything they had to, what allowed them to meet the man and learn what he wanted. Pina decided to go with them, just in case situation needed her comment.

"Welcome to Fort Terhis."Amanda said, as they all sat down. She was informed, that the men spoke in English-like language."First of, would you mind telling us, who are you?"

"Of course."the man said, as he stood up. His rich clothes, composed of golden armor and red cape made several sounds as he did."I'm lord Amhar Fraten of Terton, loyal servant of the Kingdom of Soutland."

Hearing this, Pina immediately looked at the man.

"Soutland? What does Soutland need?"she asked.

"Allow me to tell."Amhar said, as he unrolled his scroll. He cleared his throat and started reading."By the order of the King of Soutland, fearing the wrath of the Other Worlders, His Majesty King of Soutland, to maintain the alliance with Saderan Empire, a war is being declared on the invaders from beyond the Gate on Alnus Hill."

As he finished reading, everyone present, widened their eyes, trying to digest what they just heard. Pina was the most shocked of all of them.

"But…why? Why would King Orman declare war on the Resistance?"she asked, still barely able to speak these words.

In response, Amhar grinned.

"I should expect, that you don't know the news."he said."King Orman is not a King anymore. He was…removed. The new ruler is King Zander."

"Zander…I knew something was not right."Pina said."And now I remember, that lord Hetran Maklin was lord of Terton."

"He was."Amhar said."But he and several lords did not like King Zander and wanted to get rid of him. Before they were killed in their own houses by me and rest of Scarlet Lightnings. After that, me and other lord killers got their places."

Hearing how casually he was talking about this, only made Resistance leaders grow more angered, frustrated and hating towards him. They did not know what to say. Finally, Jessica came up with something.

"So you say, that we and Soutland are at war?"she asked.
"Yes."Amhar said.

"That means, that you are on enemy territory."Jessica continued.
"Y-Yes…"Amhar said, as it started to sink in.

"Which also means"Eriksson joined, knowing where Jess was going"that you have no support here and nobody will help you."

Amhar's face became pale, when he finally understood, what they were talking about. Victorious smiles appeared on their faces, seeing how Amhar probably started panicking, as he realized, that he gave his sword to the guards outside as 'security measures'.

Pina quickly activated her terminal.

"Bozes."she said."Take two people and come here. We have a prisoner, that needs to be placed in the cell."

"Of course, Your Highness."Bozes said.

Few minutes later, Bozes, flanked by two other Rose Knights, entered the meeting room, BRUISE assault riffle in her hands. Pina showed her the man and without asking more questions, three Rose Knights led Amhar out of the room, with him protesting loudly.

Resistance leaders looked at Pina.

"Pina…"Uki'Oparla said.

"…I think we need some explanation."Magar finished.

"Of course."Pina said, as she stood up."Follow me."

With her words, the commanders left the command room and went to the main command room.

09:21

Fort Terhis, command room

Resistance commanders were standing around the main holo-table in the command room. Except the people in physical form, they were also accompanied by Sammer's hologram, who was still on-board of Ike, which was still in the orbit, mainly to monitor the situation across the continent. Pina asked Eriksson to call him as they were walking here.

"So, Pina."Chesterfield said."This man said, that he came from Kingdom of Soutland. Where is it?"

Pina looked at Egon's hologram.

"First Officer Sammer."she said."Did you made the scans of the planet you had to do?"

Egon confirmed. Except of supporting Recon Three in fight with Elecdraco and monitoring the continent, his another task was to perform a full scan of the planet to know it's geology, topography and landmasses. And as they did, they were surprised to find out, that there were more continents.

"Of course."Egon replied."Here it comes now."

He pressed something on his hand terminal and soon, hologram of the planet appeared in the air, projected by the holo-table. Everyone saw blue oceans with four landmasses between them and two ice caps on both tops of the planet.

"Wait, four?"Pina said."I thought that including Falmart, there are only three continents."

"Seems like this one was not discovered yet."Eriksson said."But we won't be dealing with this now."

"First, show us where Soutland is."Jessica said.

Pina pointed at the continent laying to the Southeast of Falmart. It was a little smaller, but still big.

"Here."she said, pointing at the island in the South of the continent."This is Orisian continent. Soutland lays on the biggest of Southern Isles, taking northern part of it. It borders Kingdom of Accaria to the South and by the Soutland Sea, is Kingdom of Meathia, laying on Dublia Island."

Jessica narrowed her eyes.

"Meathia, Dublia…Why does these names sound familiar to me?"she asked.

"Meath and Dublin. Places in Ireland."admiral said."I think we need to look closer to it."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"What other countries are on this continent?"Magar asked.

"Several. To name a few, we have Empire of Xae Jong, Sultanate of Ahiris, Jarldom of Nordia and Kubliatan Empire."Pina replied.

"Okay…Pretty familiar sounding names."Egon said."And what about the other continent you know about?"

Pina pointed at the continent North of Orisia. It was even smaller then the previous one.

"This"she started"is continent of Gernea. Place to various kingdoms, like Araluen, Galica or Teutonia. It was at peace for some time now, with no wars or crises. So it's probably the most peaceful place of all, maybe except Galica, which still experiences unrest of several lords."

Everyone looked at the globe in front of them. All of them knew, what these continents meant: possible allies and possible enemies. And it would be better to know, who is who in this regard.

"Okay then."Uki'Oparla said."We now know, that these landmasses exist. The question is, what do we do with this knowledge?"

"Isn't that obvious?"Amanda asked."In my opinion, we should send someone to scout these places and try to start peaceful relations with the locals. We might get new friends."

"And new enemies, too."Eriksson pointed out.

Admiral nodded in agreement.

"I know. This is why we need to send someone, who we can trust one hundred percent in these regards."

Everyone looked at each other. It was pretty clear, that they had the same people on their minds.

"Okay then. Get me Ester."Chesterfield said.

10:33

Fort Terhis barracks

"Say what?"Yuko asked, as Ester told them the same what she was told by the admiral.

Following the fight with Elecdraco and Giselle, all members of White Squadron were given the medical treatment they needed. Only Ester and Dora had any bigger injuries and they had to stay in hospital for two days. Others were let go immediately after check ups and treating of their bruises. Aquexymeva additionally had to get herself a new Tertan armor, as her previous one was damaged beyond repair during fight with Giselle's dragons.

"What I just said."Ester replied."Admiral gave us a mission of exploring two continents that are East of Falmart. She wants us to find out what kinds of people live there and see, who can be our friend and who can be our enemy."

Everyone looked at each other, including Seyi, which was again sitting next to Yuko. They all sighed.

"Three days of peace. I think they really like to toss us all around from place to place."Lena said.

"Not gonna argue with that."Aqi said."I only hope there will be no more dragons we have to fight."

"Same."Ana said.

Seyi pulled Yuko's sleeve.

"Does this mean, that you're gonna be away again?"the cat girl asked. Yuko took her time and managed to teach her how to speak English.

Yuko stroked her head.

"Sorry. I don't have any influence on this."she explained.

"Okay…"Seyi said, as her ears went down.

"But don't worry. When I come back, I will spend as much time with you as you want."the Japanese said, as she hugged Seyi.

Once more, everyone could only smile at the two. At the beginning, Seyi was really annoying for Yuko, with all this cuddling like a stray kitten, which she could actually be. Then Yuko finally started to get used to this and ultimately, she started to become more and more loving towards her. Every time they observed them, their hearts became warmer.

"Okay. You have two hours to prepare. After that time, we will have to move out."Ester said."I don't know how long may it take, but it will take as much time as possible. We can also call any form of support we want, if situation call for it. Understood?"

"Understood!"everyone replied, saluting.

Next, they stood up and walked away in separate directions. All, except Dora, which came up to Ester.

"So, we are gonna play Columbus?"she asked.

"I think so."Ester said."Does it bother you?"

Dora threw up her arms.

"Who knows, what lays beyond?"White Squadron second-in-command stated."What if there are things even more unthinkable than what we have back home."

"I don't think so."White Squadron leader said."Pina said, that these continents have some local wildlife, but majority of the population are Humans. Fun fact, she said, that these continents have no Elves, Dwarfs and other such things. They only live here, so there, we will meet only Humans."

Her friend narrowed her eyes.
"Interesting, not gonna lie."Dora said.

Ester narrowed her eyes and smiled archly.

Before Dora could say anything else, Ester jumped behind her and grabbed her chest from behind.

"Ester, what the…?!"shocked Dora exclaimed.

"Come on, admit, that you are excited."Ester said.

"I could do it without you acting like Suvi!"

"Somebody called?"Suvi said, appearing out of nowhere.

Her eyes immediately landed on Ester's hands on Dora's breasts. Without thinking a lot, Finnish-Martian joined and put her hands on them, under Esters.
"Gotta use the occasion!"she sung.

"Oh, come on!"Dora shouted.

Finally, she couldn't stand it and simply pushed the two away and ran away. Suvi, not wanting to lose her prey, quickly ran after her, leaving smiling Ester behind.

"Enjoying yourselves?"familiar voice asked.

Ester looked in the voice's direction and saw Rory sitting on top of the nearest barrack, with her axe laying next to her. And, much to Ester's surprise, instead of her standard clothes, she was dressed in a fair sundress and sandals.

"New look?"Ester asked.

Rory sent Ester her trademark smile and jumped off the roof. She gracefully landed in from of her.

"It's pretty hot today. And this dress is certainly better to wear in such hot days."Rory explained."I'm sure Emloy won't mind this one time?"She blinked.

"I see."Ester said, nodding."Is there something you need?"

Rory's expression immediately changed to serious one.

"Giselle."she said.

Ester also had change of expression.

"What about her?"she asked.

"I was at her interrogation."Apostle replied."I could say, that she's still pretty depressed."

White Squadron leader nodded. She remembered, how shocking it was for Giselle to find out, that she was rid of her Apostle powers by Hardy after her capture. Because of that, her wings could not grow back and she couldn't fly away. Base's psychologists described her current state as 'slight depression'.

Fortunately, Resistance doctors had something that, could help her. More precisely, a bio-gel made for use of another allies of Humanity from before Great Galactic War, the Gragonians. Gragonians were a race of draconic life forms originating from planet Graga. This race could easily be described as 'alien dragons', as they looked exactly like these (now not) legendary creatures. They were close friends of Humans as long as Nashini. They also had their version of bio-gel, like the other two, so they agreed to give some to Giselle and now, they just waited for results.

"I hope this experiment works."Ester said.
"Honestly, me too."Rory agreed."But it's not time for this. We asked her about what she knew about Elecdraco's true, machine form, which he hid under the skin."

"And what did she say?"

"She said, that she never knew, that Elecdraco was a machine in reality. She also said, that it simply woke up from time to time and then returned to it's slumber, like Flame Dragon. Nothing too spectacular. She also said, that Elecdraco was even older than Flame Dragon and oldest stories about it date ten thousand years before."

"So surely from before you was born."

Rory chuckled in response.

"Yes."she said."And what about you? Any news from Liz?"

Liz decided to stay behind with the Elecdraco. She wanted to search the mountain in which Elecdraco lived and find out, if there was something more to this place that meets the eyes. Of course, when Liz's historian mind kicked in, Ester could not say no to her. Now, they just waited for news.

"Nope. She's still digging the mountain, searching for any clues. She said she'll inform me about anything."Ester looked at Rory."I want the same from you, if it's not a problem."
Rory smiled again.

"Don't worry."she said."Everything I will find out will go to you first, then to the command."

"Thank you. Now sorry, but I have to get ready."

With these two words, the two went in their separate ways.

15:51

Sky Over the Great Ocean

After White Squadron members prepared what they needed to, they got into their fighters and took off. To quickly and more easily perform their mission, they decided to split up into two groups. In that way, Ester, Lena, Emiko, Ana, Fatima and Jackie flew in the direction of Orisia, while Dora, Yuko, Suvi, Aqi and Arlette flew towards Gernea. Both groups had to hold radio silence, just in case.

Soon, the flight would enter it's fourth hour and still they could not see the land. Some of the Orisia group already started to become more and more bored. Especially Arlette, who decided to turn on some music in her cockpit and transmit it to the others, what managed to cheer them up, but only for some time.

"Hell, we should have fly to the orbit and then descend through atmosphere."Lena said."Why are we going there old fashioned way?"

"You should know, as a mechanic."Ester replied."Simple fuel saving. We're using less fuel this way than burning it in atmosphere and space."

"I know, but still. This is B-O-R-I-N-G."Lena replied.

Ester frowned.

"Lena, one more time will you say this and I swear, I will…"

"I see land!"Ana suddenly exclaimed.

She was right. In front of them, on the horizon, they could see thin line of land. It really was becoming bigger and bigger.

"Well, there it is."Ester said."Okay everyone, get ready. Find some big enough field and we can land in there."

Soon, they flew over a sandy beach and further towards the forest on top of the cliff. As they looked down, they saw, that the trees were the same as the ones they knew from Earth.

"Here!"Jackie said.

She referred to a big glade in the middle of the forest. It was big enough to hold the five Resistance fighters no problem and there still would be place. Ester nodded and activated her fighter's VTOL mode, as did the others. Five machines started lowering their altitude, until they finally touched the ground and their engines stopped. Everyone quickly jumped out of their cockpits and secured the perimeter, scanning the tree line in front and behind them. It seemed, that nothing was there.

"Clear!"Jackie said.

"Clear!"Anastasia repeated.

"Good."Ester said, as she turned to the group."Okay. I want you to remember one thing. We're on unknown ground. We don't know, who lives here or who can we meet here. I want you to behave the best way possible."

Everyone nodded their heads.

"You know us, Estie."Ana said."We would never do something wrong."

"Unlike Suvi."Fatima said.

Everyone smiled at this remark.

"Well then."Ester said."It would be better, if we split into three two people groups. I will go with Lena. Is that good for you?"she turned to the squadron's mechanic.

"Sure thing."Lena replied.

"I will go with Jackie."Ana said.

"And I with Emiko."Fatima said.

Liz's stepsister nodded.

"Okay. If we won't find anything, we will meet here in the next two hours. Wish you all luck."White Squadron leader said.

With these words, three groups went in different directions.

Half an hour later…

Tree branches and bushes were rustling, moved by the wind, as Ester and Lena walked between the trees. They were shooting glances to one side or the other to control the situation. It would be a shame, if someone jumped on them from between the trees and probably stabbed them to death.

"Hey, Estie."Lena said.

"Yes?"Ester replied.

"I have a question."

"Shoot."

"Do you feel…something more to Dora?"

This sudden question made Ester stop in her tracks. She looked at her squadron's mechanic with red face and wide opened eyes. She realized this and quickly looked away from the Russian. Her face was still burning red.

"Why this question, out of the blue?"she asked.

"I just…noticed this."Lena replied."Your eyes are telling this every time when you look at her."

"You and your all-seeing eyes…"

Ester noticed, that Lena is also slightly embarrassed by asking this question and also tried to look away. She sighed.

"Well…Maybe I actually…feel something…"she mumbled.

"I see."the Russian said."Still. If you really do, then what keeps you from telling her?"

"I think, that you should know this."

Mechanic threw up her arms.

"Well then."Ester said."Two things. First, love between superior and it's subordinate is, well, forbidden by the military law. And second is…Dora herself."

"What do you mean?"Lena asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"I just…can't bring myself to tell THIS Dora…"Ester explained."Maybe if it was THAT Dora from before…you know…then maybe…"

She stopped and her face was covered by even brighter shade of red. Lena smiled fondly and patted her commander's arm.

"Eh, I think, that you just make trouble from nothing."she stated.

"What…what do you mean?"Ester asked.

"You and Dora are close, right?"the Russian pressed.

"Yes…"Ester replied.

"Then what's the problem? You have feelings for her, just tell her."

"If it was so simple…"

"Oh, come on. Ester. Was there ever anything, that made you feel reluctance? I never saw you going with the gut feeling. Then why would this be hard for you?"

Ester eyed Lena from top to bottom and sighed.

"You know what, Lena?"Ester asked."You suck at motivating people."

"At least I try."Lena replied."But think about it. For now, let's go."

"Sure."

Soon, the two were on the move again. Ester was constantly thinking about what Lena told her. To be true, he feelings for Dora were longer than she allowed to know. In fact, she first fell in love with Dora the second she stepped into their classroom all those years ago. But she was scared, that Dora will reject her. Because why idol of the entire class would like to be in relationship with someone who always stayed more on the sides? And then, the 'incident' took place and she had to think more about Dora's well being, than what she felt to her. Rest was just a history.

They didn't walk even a kilometer, when the characteristic sounds of metal moving and horses reached their ears. They quickly fell on one knee and aimed their weapons in front.
"You hear that?"Lena asked.

"Sure."Ester replied, as she activated her helmet's visor, which covered her face. Lena did the same."Slowly."
Crouching, the two started walking towards the source of the sound. As they neared a bunch of bushes in front of them, the sounds started to become louder. Ester looked at Lena, which nodded in response. They moved closer and parted the bushes.

What they saw from the top of the cliff, was a vast valley, filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of tents of various sizes and in various colors. Between tents, they could see many people, dressed in various kinds of armor, running from tent to tent or taming the horses, which could be seen tied up to number of poles. It seemed, that they were in real hurry, for reason unknown for the two Resistance soldiers.

"Wow."Lena said.

"Yeah."Ester replied."Looks like a war camp."

"No shit."the Russian replied."It's an entire army out there! You think that we can make a peaceful contact?"

Ester bit her lip.

"I'm not sure."she said."It would be better, if we would come back to the fighters and report our finding to the admiral."

"Or"a male voice said from behind them."you could come with us and explain, why are you spying on Kingdoms of West armies."

Hearing the voice, the two quickly turned around…only for two swords to be placed on their necks. They looked along the two blades and saw people holding them.

They were both boys. First, the older looking one, was dressed in black, leather armor, with black cloak on his back. A clear confidence was emanating from his brown eyes and his black hair were cut short. If you wanted, you could also tell, that he was pretty handsome.

Second, younger, had blonde, short hair and same brown eyes. He was dressed in brown jacket, white shirt and brown pants. On his neck was a red shawl. He looked as confident as the first boy. He also had a bag on his back.

Ester and Lena quickly glanced at each other.

"Who are you and what is your goal?"the black-clad boy asked.

Looking at the blade pointed at her neck, Ester gulped, trying to find a good thing to say to them. Out of spite, her brain could not focus on anything else, that the sword.

"Well, we…"she finally started, but the sword was moved closer.

"You speak Soutlandish?"second boy said."Would you look at that."

"You think they are Zander's spies, Arlan?"first boy asked.

"I don't know, Harlen."second boy, named Arlan, said."It would be better if we simply take them to the camp and place them in front of the High King."

"Good idea. You have any rope?"Harlen asked.

"It so happens…"Arlan said.

He reached to his bag and pulled a long piece of rope. He gave it to the black-clad boy, which used his sword to quickly cut the rope in two and looked at Lena and Ester.

"Leave these things"Harlen said, pointing at Lena's shotgun and Ester's assault riffle"and put your hands in the front."

"What do we do?"Lena asked through tightened teeth.

"I think we can't do anything else."Ester replied.

She put down her AR4 and put her hands in front of her. Lena also put down her Saiga-44 and also put her hands in the front.

"At least you know when to surrender."Arlan said.

He grabbed two pieces of rope and quickly tied two girls' hands together with one part of the rope, so tight, that they wouldn't be able to shake them off. Next, he used second part of the rope to tie it around the first rope and thanks to did, he had something to pull them with.

"Stand up."Arlan said."And don't try anything. Harlen can do miracles with his sword."

"That and with ladies."Harlen said, blinking.

"I think Suvi would like this guy."it raced through Ester and Lena's minds.

"Let's go."Harlen said.

He grabbed AR4 and Saiga-44. Next, the four, with Ester and Lena as prisoner, went to the camp.

17:01

Kingdoms of West camp

The four soon entered the camp, where the so-called 'Kingdoms of East' armies were camping. As they walked, soldiers were looking at the two young women led by Harlen and Arlan with both interest and suspicion. Especially, they were interested in their strange clothes they never saw before and some looked at two strange 'sticks' in Harlen's hands.

"I fell like if they are stripping us down with their eyes."Lena said.
"I know. But remember. We don't want to antagonize them."Ester reminded.

"Whatever you say."the mechanic said.

They were led through the camp, with even more soldiers looking at them. As they noticed, soldiers were dressed in different colored clothes, just like the tents in the camp. But well. As the two said, these were Kingdoms, not single Kingdom of the West.

Finally, they reached the biggest tent, placed in the middle of the camp. In front of it, they could see a red banner with white eagle with crown on it's head. Something really seemed familiar about it.

"Do you recognize it from somewhere?"Ester asked.

"When you say it…Doesn't it look as Polish White Eagle?"Lena replied.

"Yeah, sort of. Maybe not one hundred percent identical, but similar."White Squadron leader agreed.

Harlen and Arlan stopped and turned to the two.

"We will now ask High King, if he would see you and decide your fate. Just wait here."Arlan said.

"And don't try running."Harlen said."These guys around? They all didn't have any women for some time now."

Ester and Lena looked around at the soldiers around. Some of them actually looked at them with lustful eyes.

"Harlen, maybe better don't scare them like that."Arlan stated.

"Just kidding."Harlen said.

With these words, the two turned around and walked inside the tent, leaving Ester and Lena among the hundreds of soldiers. They all looked at them with strange looks and even more intensively than when they were led here. After longer time, it could really become very uneasy.

After few minutes, Arlan and Harlen walked out of the tent.

"High King Casir will see you."Arlan said.

"Okay then."Ester said.

The two walked into the tent. Inside, they saw several people, standing around the wooden table, with map placed on it. They were speaking in their own language, discussing something. But the one that spoke the most, was a man dressed in red robe, with black pants and boots. He had a crown on his head and spoke with authority.

High King Casir looked at them.

"Are these the two?"he asked Arlan.

"Yes."Arlan replied."They were overlooking the camp from the top of the cliff."

High King looked back at Ester and Lena. The two gave a comforting smile, wanting to show, that they don't want any trouble.

"Where do you come from?"Casir asked.

"Well…"Ester said."It would take a lot of explaining…"

"Okay then."Casir said."If you don't want to say, then we should simply execute you, just in case, especially in current situation."

Hearing this, the two's eyes went wide. They started shaking their heads.

"No, no, no! We can explain…!"Lena tried to object.

"If you are spies, then we should not listen."Casir stated."You will rather meet your overlords in the afterlife."

Two soldiers walked into the tent and started leading the two out of the tent. However, as they did, Ester heard Arlan talking with Casir.

"Have you got any answer yet?"High King asked.

"No. I just sent the messenger. Princess Pina will not answer for some time."Arlan replied.

"If we won't get answer from Sadera, then we are done for."Casir stated.

Hearing this, Ester put all her strength into getting out of soldier's grip.

"Wait, you know princess Pina?"she asked.

Arlan looked at her with suspicion.

"Yes."he said."And why do you ask?"

"I know her too! Really!"Ester replied.

"Prove it."Harlen said.

"She would."Lena said."But these ropes…"

"Yeah…"Ester agreed.

Arlan looked at Casir and then at Harlen. He sighed.

"Okay. Free her."he said.

"You sure?"Harlen asked.

"I am."Arlan said firmly.

"If you say so."

Harlen came up to Ester and Lena. He grabbed his sword and started cutting the rope, which tied them together. Immediately after rope fell on the ground, soldiers grabbed Lena, just in case if she tried something.

"So. Prove us, that you know princess Pina."Arlan said.

"Wait."Ester said.

She looked at her hand terminal and looked through her contact list. Soon, she found Pina and chosen the video call option. Next, they waited. Ester really hoped, that Pina was not on any meeting, so she could pick up.

"Come on, come on…"she thought.

Finally, Pina's face appeared on the screen. As Ester noticed, former princess was sitting at her desk in her room in Fort Alnus. Hairbrush next to her and untied hair clearly said, what she was doing.

"Ester? What is it?"Pina asked.

"Well…I guess we met someone, that knows you."Ester replied.

"Really?"Pina asked, not covering surprise."Who?"

"Wait."

Ester took hand terminal off of her hand and turned it around, allowing Pina to see Arlan, Harlen and Casir, standing in the tent, stunned by this what they saw.

"Princess Pina?"Arlan asked."Is that really you?"

"Prince Arlan?"Pina said."You're alive!"

"It was close to NOT being alive."Arlan stated."But how…are you here?"

"Technically, I'm still at Alnus Hill."she said."But ask Ester to explain how it works."

"You sure?"the prince asked, suspicious.

"Yes. You can trust her, as well as the others from Resistance."the princess replied.

"Resistance?"Harlen asked, appearing in Pina's view."What Resistance?"

"Oh, Harlen, good to see you too."Pina said."As I said, Ester will explain everything to you. So don't worry."

Arlan, reluctantly, nodded his head. But right then, he noticed something laying on the bed behind Pina. It looked like a book, but something was off about it.

"Are you reading something?"he asked.

"What?"Pina asked.

She looked behind her and saw the manga she bought back in Geneva laying on the bed. She moved a little, to cover it.

"I will explain later."she said.

"Princess."Bozes' voice came from beyond he frame."Admiral Chesterfield is calling you for a meeting."

"I'll be there in a minute."Pina replied and looked back at Arlan."Forgive me, but I have to go. If you need something, tell Ester to contact me."

With these words, the call ended. Ester looked at Harlen, Arlan and Casir. They all stood there for a second, not saying anything.

"So…"Ester said."You are a prince?"

"Yeah."Arlan said."But currently, without a country."

"Sucks."Lena said.

"Yeah."prince said.

Casir looked at two soldiers holding Lena.

"You, unhand her."he said and the soldiers obliged. Next, he turned to people at the table."We need to stop our meeting for now. Would you kindly leave?"

They all obliged, too. All were wearing clothes similar to the ones wore by Casir, but not all. Other were also dressed in armor and such.

Once they left the tent, Casir looked at Ester and Lena.

"Now"High King said"I want you to explain."

"Wait. Before that"Ester said, turning to the wall"Ana, Jackie. You can show yourselves."

Three men gave her asking look. But their unsaid question was answered, when two more girls, dressed like Ester and Lena, materialized from thin air in front of them. The three jumped back.

"How…? Where…? When…?"Arlan asked.

"You didn't notice?"Ester asked with smile."On our way here, I activated SOS signal and called them here. They joined us halfway through."

Anastasia and Jackie just gave them the same smile as Ester.

"Anyway. Allow me to explain everything to you…"Ester said and started explaining.

XXX

Okay, the new arc has begun. For now, we will stick with the group which went to Orisia. After we end with them, we will go to see the group, which was sent to Gernea. And trust me, both groups will have things to do.

Also, for those who didn't notice, remember how I said, that one of the continents I was going to add to the story is a secret? Well, it isn't anymore. It's the continent, on which Ranger's Apprentice book series takes place. I decided to add it to the story, because, well. I like this book series. And I know it's not the one some of you might expect, but I hope you don't mind. Also, because the continent never gets a name in the books, I called it Gernea.

But for now, this is all. Signing out!