Rean found himself enjoying jazz music as he relaxed into his beer. He had to admit this little bar tucked away in the back alley was an enjoyable spot and was thankful to Lloyd and Randy for bringing him there. For a change his beloved partner was nowhere to be found.

It had started earlier that evening, as the duo returned to the Guild after a day of doing routine missions. They had only been in Crossbell for a few days, but were already gaining a reputation for being quick and efficient and Michel was more than willing to send extra work their way. They had just walked through the door when they were ambushed by an unstoppable deadly foe.

"Yay! I caught a Fie!" Aeolia squealed as she held the shorter girl in a tight hug. For her part Fie looked completely unamused, but decided it wasn't worth the effort and made no move to escape her grasp.

"And what are you going to do now that you have caught her?" Rean asked with curiosity.

"Hmm... Oh! I know! I'm gonna take you shopping! There are so many cute outfits I want to see you in."

He shot a look towards Fie, and saw the tiniest hint of interest showing through the last Claussell's eyes. He knew with the childhood she had that she never got to experience girly things like shopping. Even after graduating from Thors she was stuck with Sara who had a very similar upbringing. While she would always be a more practical person, Rean knew that a part of her wanted to try it out.

"Alright. I'll finish up here so the two of you go have fun. Try not to stay out too late, she's a growing girl after all." He knew he would be paying for that comment later, but the look on her face made it all worthwhile. Aeolia happily dragged the semi-willing Fie off to Aidios knows where, while Rean approached the amused Michel to give their report for the day.

So here he was, having accepted Randy's offer for a night of drinks and stories. It was nice catching up with the Crossbellians. While he knew the major events from the news, hearing what actually happened to Crossbell since the end of the Twilight was enlightening to say the least. In turn he recapped the events that led to him taking up the supporting gauntlet and told Randy some stories about the students of Class VIII and Ash. Sure Juna had probably said a lot already, but the perspective of a fellow teacher was appreciated.

"Wait... Lloyd and Tio?" He asked in shock after Randy told him a particularly interesting piece of gossip.

"Ahah..." Lloyd laughed sheepishly.

"Yup. I couldn't believe it myself. Apparently he promised to take her to Mishelam during the Cult incident, but with everything that happened that didn't happen until after the liberation. Something must have happened over there cause when they got back Tio Tot had this victorious look on her face and Lloyd looked like he had lost a fight against a Gordian."

"Randy..." Lloyd muttered menacingly, not that the former Red Constellation Jaeger cared one bit.

"Honestly it should have been obvious in hindsight. Wouldn't be the first brave and noble leader to hook up with a younger girl, after all. Maybe it's just a hero thing? All that desire to save the world and help everybody leaving no desire for a good pair of breasts." Randy could only grin as Schwarzer joined Bannings in sending threatening looks at him.

"You know," Rean started as a thought came to mind, "one of our jobs yesterday took us to Bellguard Gate. I finally got to meet the infamous Lieutenant Mireille. She seemed quite interested when I mentioned I was your co-worker at Thors and seemed quite eager to hear stories about Instructor Randolph and the kids he was so fond of." Randy paled at the threat.

"I still can't imagine it." Lloyd admitted. "I mean Randy as a teacher? Sure it's a military academy, but it's Randy. I've heard stories from Juna, but still..."


It was late in the evening by the time a tipsy Rean returned to their shared apartment. It had been an enjoyable evening that ended with promises of them joining the SSS for dinner at some point. As he approached he noticed the lights were on, signaling that Fie had already returned.

"Hey Fie, sorry I'm late...whoa." Rean was not expecting to see what he saw.

"Well? What do you think?" His Sylphid asked as she gave a twirl.

The cause of his surprise? The new outfit the girl was wearing. A sleeveless blue and tan vest over a white skirt held together by a pair of belts. Separate black sleeves ran down to her hands and her legs were covered by laced black boots. On her head rested a blue beret.

"Beautiful." Was all he could mutter. He once again considered himself a lucky man.

"Hehe, thanks." She delighted in the simple answer, especially as desire was plainly visible on his face. "She may be crazy, but she knows her stuff. I also got a couple cute outfits for our days off. And..."

"And?" He repeated.

"I got a little something special for myself. If you want to see that outfit you are gonna have to earn it, but it might be a bit much for an innocent boy like yourself."

"O-oh." Rean gulped nervously. Fie wasn't normally one to act seductive, but when she did it was always a critical hit.

"But enough of that. How was your evening, dear?" And just like that Fie went back to normal, but the innocent smile on her face was anything but. The Chevalier took a breath in an attempt to calm his body down.

"You're such a tease." He complained. "I knew I should have asked Laura out that night."

"H-hey! You can't do that! You're stuck with me!" She knew he wasn't serious, but it was something of a concern for her. She was sure that some of her friends still harbored feelings for Rean and while she had no doubt they wouldn't do anything to get between them, she suspected that they might try and act if they saw an opening. Some might consider her possessive, but she fought hard to win that battle and she earned those spoils of victory. No way she would allow some harpy to steal her prize!

"Fine. I suppose there are worst people to be stuck with. You really do look great though. Very... mature." Apparently those were the right words to say cause the girl brightened happily at the compliment.

"Alright, I changed my mind. We're turning in early tonight so I can show off that special outfit. Please look forward to it."

Needless to say, he was. And it lived up to his expectations. He would spend much of the night showing his appreciation for such a display and the two would end up sleeping in late cause of it.


The next day was a busy one for the two, as their stuff had finally arrived thanks to the Capua Delivery Service. Unpacking it didn't take long and they were glad to have all their gear finally available. Rean especially was looking forward to casting a few lines on Elm Lake now that his fishing rod had arrived.

Once finished they made the short trek to the Bracer Guild. As they approached they sensed a powerful presence within. Stepping inside they were immediately able to put a face to the presence as they saw who it was. While Rean had only spotted the man briefly, both were easily able to identify him as Arios MacLaine, the Divine Blade of Wind, and former ace of the Bracer Guild.

"Ah, I was hoping to meet the two of you before I departed." The older man said with a small smile as he recognized the two newcomers. He gave them a small bow. "I am Arios MacLaine and it is an honor to finally meet you, Rean Schwarzer and Fie Claussell."

"Hey."

"Not at all. The honor is all ours. Master has told me much about you and I have been wanting to meet you for some time now." Rean's reply was a little more impressive than his partner's curt greeting.

"Unfortunately, I made a promise to spend the day with my daughter, so I must leave now, but before I go I must ask. Rean Schwarzer, would you be willing to honor me with a duel at some point?"

A duel with the senior Divine Blade? "Sure, I can agree to that." He did his best to keep the giddiness out of his voice, but at the very least knew that Fie could read his excitement.

"Oooh, a fight between Divine Blades? That sounds exciting! How about tomorrow so I can set a few things up first?" Rean and Arios shared dubious looks at Michel's desire to 'set a few things up', but neither saw any reason to decline his suggestion and so acquiesced. With that, the Divine Blade of Wind made his exit.

"So that's Arios MacLaine..." Fie muttered after the man had left. "Sara has told me a lot about him. Kinda surprised he was let back in after the whole Dieter Crois business."

"That certainly didn't do him any favors," Michel admitted, "but he is too skilled for us to throw him out. Not to say he didn't go unpunished, as we busted him down a few ranks and barred him from ever holding A-Rank status again. Honestly though, he probably sees it as a favor as it leaves him more time with his precious Shizuku."

"Do you think you can win?" Fie asked Rean curiously.

"Not at all. He has been a Divine Blade since before I first took up a sword. Of course I'm still going to give it everything I have." He humbly admitted.

"Well, just make sure to give us an exciting fight. So are the two of you ready for another busy day fighting monsters and helping the innocent?" With that last statement from Michel the two got back on track and accepted some requests for the day.


As was the case with most days, the missions they took were simple enough and completed without real difficulty. However, they came across an interesting piece of info after completing their last mission at Armorica Village. According to the village chief, strange monsters had been sighted the past few days and while nobody had been attacked it was an unsettling situation and they were about to ask for assistance when the two Bracers had arrived. They agreed to look into the matter and left the village on Rean's bike (which Fie had demanded that they take as she was done with walking).

About halfway down the Old Armorica Road Fie spotted a familiar looking monster as it darted down a side road. She signaled for Rean to pull over.

"What did you see?" He asked after parking the bike off the road.

"Didn't get the best look, but I thought I saw a pair of Blade Cougars running down that road."

"Wait, Blade Cougars? Aren't they..."

"The beasts that the Red Constellation uses? Yeah..."

"That road leads to the Ancient Battlefield. Lots of ruins there for a large group to hide out in." Rean vaguely recalled the place from the occupation.

"Let's check it out, but be careful. It's almost dark and we would be in trouble if we got ambushed." With her decision made the two set forth cautiously while keeping their focus on their surroundings.

Fie stopped Rean when they arrived at the battlefield. "Look, mines." She pointed out a few of the explosive devices partly hidden in the path.

"Yeah, and I sense someone among those ruins. Probably a sniper." Rean pointed out his own observation.

"Definitely the Red Constellation, but why are they here?" She asked rhetorically. The entire situation stunk and she was wary of advancing further, especially as night was advancing rapidly. To proceed further would be to invite an ambush. "Let's turn back for now and report this to Michel." She finally decided.

"Aww. That's no fun. I was hoping you would stick around and play for a bit Sylphid." Both Bracers tensed at that annoying female voice.

"I should have figured you would be here, Shirley Orlando." Sure enough the Enforcer of Ouroboros appeared in front of them.

"Hehe. It's been too long Sylphid. Ashen Guy. How's the Bracer life treating ya?"

"What are the Red Constellation doing in Crossbell State?" Rean ignored her question and instead asked one of his own, with one hand on the hilt of his tachi just in case.

"We have some biiiiiig jobs coming up soon so daddy decided to move to Crossbell so we can bloody the new recruits." Surprisingly, she seemed more than willing to answer that question.

"The War Ogre is in Crossbell?" Fie questioned warily. She had only witnessed the brother of the War God a couple times on the battlefield during her Jaeger days, but that was not a man one would ever forget.

"The War Ogre is right here, actually." A deep voice announced with dark amusement. Neither of them could figure out how such a powerful monster was able to evade their senses, but sure enough striding towards them was the menacing figure of Randy's uncle, Sigmund Orlando.

This was rapidly becoming a dangerous situation. While they were confident they could beat Shirley easily enough and working together they probably could take Sigmund, fighting both of them alongside whatever reinforcements could arrive from the rest of the fierce Jaeger Corp was a dangerous proposition. Luckily it didn't appear they were in any immediate danger as neither Jaeger made any move to attack.

"Gotta say, I wasn't expecting to run into Rutger's little urchin or Osborne's brat when I decided to bring the corp back to Crossbell. Must be my lucky day."

"What's this about a big new job?"

"Nothing for you to worry about. Right now you both should be more concerned with us." Despite his calm demeanor, both could feel the barely-contained blood-lust of the Red Constellation leader.

"So why not attack us now?" If the Ogre was willing to answer questions Fie saw no reason to not ask them.

"While the idea is tempting, it defeats the purpose of training the new recruits if I murder you both myself. I want the two of you to scurry back to your masters and let them know we are waiting."

"Don't forget Dolphy and his police friends too! You might want to hurry before Testa-Rossa gets thirsty~!" Shirley finished with a sing-song voice.

"Tch, fine. We will." Rean hated agreeing to the demands of a terrorist, but there was little choice in the matter.

"Make sure you take a nice look around before you go. This place is perfect for ambushes. If the CGF rolls in here with their fancy armored cars they will be ground into dust. You have one week before we raze the nearby villages to the ground. Now go!" Showing the two absolutely no respect Sigmund turned around and walked away without any worry. Shirley sent them a cheerful wave before skipping off herself.

"Damnit..."

"C'mon Rean, let's head back." Fie was just as bothered as her partner, but chose not to dwell on it.

With the encounter concluded the Erebonians grudgingly departed and returned to their Orbal Bike. After that it was a silent ride back to the city. They went directly to the Guild and recounted the events to an alarmed Michel. They waited as the receptionist placed a few phone calls.

"There is an emergency meeting at Orchis Tower in an hour with the Mayor, representatives of the Diet, and leaders of the CGF and CPD. The two of you will be there with me to repeat your story." Gone was the boisterous flamboyant attitude of the receptionist and in it's place was the steely resolve that carried the Crossbell Guild through one crisis after another.

"Only been here a few days and we're already meeting all the top brass." Fie quipped in order to reduce the tension a bit. Michel snorted in amusement and Rean gave her a playful elbow.

"Normally I would have Arios represent the Guild in my stead, but I don't want to ruin his day off with Shizuku." The receptionist admitted as the trio made their way to Orchis Tower.

Once inside they were ushered to the elevator which took them to the conference hall. They weren't the first ones inside and Michel took the time to introduce them to the present occupants. Leading the procession was the elderly Henry MacDowell, now in his third stint as mayor. Alongside him were a gaggle of politicians from the Crossbell Diet. Representing the CPD was the Commissioner, Vice Commissioner, and two men that Rean recognized from reports as Chief Sergei Lou and Detective Alex Dudley. After a few minutes the representatives from the CGF arrived with Commander Sonya Baelz, Deputy Commander Douglas, and Sergeant Major Noel Seeker.

With the last people present the Mayor instructed the Bracers to give a detailed account of their encounter. Fie, being Fie, was more than happy to let Rean do all the work himself. He shot her a dirty glare, but not wanting to make a scene in front of all the VIPs he relented and gave the most thorough retelling of the evening's events that he could.

It was quiet until he finished, but once he ended the room was filled with shocked mutters and exclamations. A few questioned Rean and he answered their queries to the best of his ability. Only once the questions ceased did he allow himself to relax. Speaking to so many important people that he barely knew (and many that he once opposed during the occupation) was more exhausting than he had expected.

"The Ogre is correct. If we assault them head on our casualties will be enormous."

"Are we sure this isn't a ploy to draw us out before attacking somewhere else like last time?"

"Of course the Guild offers it's full support. Not sure if I can get any Bracers from outside Crossbell in such a short time-frame, but I can at least offer five extremely skilled members."

"Word will get out about this. We need to take steps to keep the people calm."

The two Bracers silently listened to the back and forth from all the parties involved. After a few minutes Michel leaned over and told them that they could leave if they wished. Seeing as how they had no real authority and weren't even Crossbellian to begin with, they decided to take him up on the offer. As they were leaving they caught the attention of Sergei, who ushered them over.

"You two leaving? Can you do me a favor and tell my kiddos for me? I have a feeling this meeting won't be ending for some time." The request was simple enough and Rean agreed readily.

"Glad that's over with." The silver-hair girl stretched after they left the conference room.

"Yes, cause you did ever so much in there." The sarcasm in his tone was about as obvious as it came, but ultimately accomplished nothing as she brushed him off like it was nothing.

"It was very stressful watching and praying you wouldn't make us look like fools." She answered cheekily as they entered the elevator.

"Very funny. So what do you think they'll decide?" He knew that Fie had more experience in matters of war, especially regarding Jaegers.

She closed her eyes in thought. "A strong perimeter around the area. Small strike teams from multiple directions. Use the elites to hunt down their commanders." She answered at last. "It's giving them exactly what they want, but it's probably the best way to minimize casualties and keep the civilians safe."

"And here I was hoping for a chance to go fishing. Guess that isn't happening anytime soon." Rean sighed sadly. After a minute the elevator reached the bottom and they departed.

Exiting Orchis tower the two made their way to Central Square as they wanted to fulfill Rean's promise to Chief Sergei. Darkness had fully settled on Crossbell by the time they arrived at the SSS Annex. If he thought that Fie would do the proper thing and knock for once since she barely knew the SSS, he was sorely mistaken. As usual she just opened the door and waltzed in like the she owned the place.

"Sorry for the interruption." Rean, as always, did his best to cover for his partner's perennial lack of decorum.

"Oh? Rean and Fie are here!" Shouted KeA in excitement. The former Sept-Terrion was not alone, however, as the entire SSS was gathered around a large table, presumably for a meal. Alongside them were two unusual guests in Arios MacLaine and a teenage girl that they assumed was his daughter.

"Chief Sergei asked us to deliver a message."

"Is it about the meeting going on in Orchis Tower?" Seeing their surprised looks Elie elaborated. "Jona told us it was happening, but had no idea what it was about."

"If the news is going to be bad then leave it until after dinner." Tio's glare left no room for argument.

"Why don't the two of you join us? KeDo made her famous Catfish Hotpot and we have plenty to spare." After sharing a look the two found no reason to deny Randy. It took a minute for Lloyd to fish out a couple extra chairs, but soon the two of them were seated with the rest of the SSS.

Dinner was served soon enough and the group of ten dug in. "This... is more than edible." Fie admitted in surprise as she thoroughly enjoyed the hotpot. It kinda annoyed her that a kid could make something this tasty.

"Agreed. You're pretty amazing." Rean praised the youngest girl, causing her to giggle in delight.

"Yeah, that's most people's reactions when they try her cooking." Lloyd didn't attempt to hide the proud smile on his face.

"Rean, Fie, this is my daughter Shizuku MacLaine. Shizuku, these are the Bracers I was telling you about." Arios cut in as he made introductions.

"So you're the one that father is having a duel with? You must be pretty skilled because I haven't seen him this excited in a long time." The stoic man actually looked slightly embarrassed at his daughter's comment.

Rean had actually forgotten about the duel and had to take a second to decide if the current crisis would even allow it, but figured any action taken against the Jaeger Corp wouldn't happen for a few days. "Yeah, we should still be set for tomorrow." He answered. Although Arios didn't yet know the events of the unfolding crisis, he understood Rean's thought process and nodded in understanding.

"Wait, you're fighting the old man tomorrow? Lloyd let's go watch."

"Please, Lloyd? I want to watch Arios kick Rean's ass?" Rean was pretty sure Juna didn't actually mean that.

"Randy, Juna, we can't just barge in on their fight like that, but... If it's ok with you guys...?" Lloyd tried to be more considering, but it was obvious that he was just as interested in the duel.

"I see no reason not to..." Rean asked before shooting a look towards his opponent, who merely shrugged and nodded. Randy whooped happily and high-fived an equally excited Juna.

After a few minutes another conversation began. "Now that I think about it, your background is pretty similar to Randy's, right Fie? Oh! Only if it is ok for me to ask." Elie realized how insensitive her remark might have been and tried to backpedal, but Fie didn't mind.

"Nah, it's fine. I guess we did." Sylphid had never actually thought about how similar her past was to the Red Reaper. "Our dads even ended up killing each other."

"And yet you didn't turn out like Randy. How come we got stuck with him. Want to trade spots?" Tio couldn't resist taking the shot at the older man, much to his chagrin.

"Hey! But still... How bout it Fie? Want to have our own three day duel to the death?"

"Pass. As fun as kicking your ass would be, that's three days I could be spent doing better things." She paused to consider what those better things would be. "That's three days of head pats." She finally decided.

"Yup. Head pats are way better." Tio was quick to agree with her.

"You are all weird." Juna was just starting to understand that the people she idolized were all total messed up in the head.

"Hehe. You might have had a past similar to Randy, but you are so much like Tio." The oddity of it was amusing to the mayor's granddaughter.

After a while the small talk faded and dinner ended. With a subtle hint from the adults KeA and Shizuku left to go spend time in the former's room, leaving the group to talk alone.

"Alright, let's hear it. On a scale of 1 to 10 how bad is the news?" Randy was the first to ask.

Fie shrugged. "Well, we met your uncle and cousin today." That elicited a few wide eyes and gasps of shock.

"So that would be a 12."

"Hmm... That is indeed cause for concern. Can you tell us exactly what happened?" Arios was as calm as ever, but his wariness was visible.

"Right." For the third time that evening Rean recapped the events that took place at the Ancient Battlefield. Thankfully this time was among friends and thus was far less stressful to the Ashen Chevalier.

"Well I wouldn't put it past my uncle to use the distraction to launch an attack somewhere else, but..."

"It matches up with the reports about Ouroboros being more active." The detective finished for him. "It would make sense for the Constellation to want to build up if they are still under contract."

"Still, to think they would hold Armorica and the other villages hostage just to get a fight, it's reprehensible."

"They are scum." Tio easily agreed with Elie's sentiment on the matter.

"Well, not much we can do about it tonight. Let's just wait until Chief and the others finish planning their response for now.

"As long as a certain someone doesn't go running off on their own... again." That got a round of chuckles from those who knew the events of the previous Red Constellation attack.

"Ouch. That one kinda hurt Tio Tot."

Fie let out a yawn, causing Rean to chuckle. "I think we should get going soon. Fie skipped her daily nap and will get cranky soon."

"I will end you." She knew she was playing into his hands, but treating her like a kid in front of other people was a crime worthy of death. Still, she was pretty tired so she wasn't against his suggestion of leaving.

"True. Shizuku and I should be going as well." Arios left to fetch his daughter, unknowingly cutting off the mock argument between the two partners.

After a minute the two of them returned and the group of four left the building together. The group made small talk as they traveled, with both youths being interested in the stories of the Bracer who was once considered for S-Rank. That went doubly for Rean who also respected the man as one of the greatest masters of the Eight Leaves currently alive. They also enjoyed their conversations with Shizuku as she was such a sweet child. They were surprised when they found out that she had been rendered blind by a terrorist attack from the Erebonian government until she was cured three years prior.

Arriving home neither of the two felt particularly interested in doing anything else, so they turned in early that night. As they lay in bed Fie was able to tell just how anxious Rean was about his upcoming duel and the unfolding crisis so she captured him in a hug. Rean couldn't help but smile as he relaxed into her embrace. For as much as she claims she still occasionally struggles with understanding human emotion he was positive that nobody understood his heart as well as she did.

After a pleasant night of rest the two were back at it the next day. It was a quiet trek to the Guild as Rean was mentally recapping all he knew about the Divine Blade of Wind, which wasn't much. The biggest thing was that the man was easily the most skilled practitioner of the second form, so he would be at a disadvantage in a battle of speed.

When they arrived it was to the odd sight of Michel withering under the deadly glare of Arios MacLaine while Lynn and Aeolia looked on in amusement. Rean had an ominous feeling that whatever caused the ire was related to his ominous comments about the duel he made a day prior. Feeling a headache approaching and knowing he was going to regret asking, he did so anyways.

"Our esteemed receptionist had the bright idea to make our duel into a public affair and commandeered the park in the Harbor District for it."

"He also informed Grace about it, which means that half the city is aware by now." Lynn supplied helpfully.

Rean just let out a pained sigh. "Honestly, I'm not even surprised. This kind of thing happens to me... a lot."

"At least you aren't fighting Aurelia in front of the entire school again." Fie's attempts to boost his spirits were actually mildly successful. Although he had never seen Arios fight, he suspected he wouldn't need to worry about accidentally getting maimed in a friendly spar.

"Think of this as our attempt to give the city some excitement to cheer them up before they hear about the current crisis." Michel made a compelling case, except...

"That excuse would work better if you didn't tell everyone before Fie and Rean encountered the Red Constellation." Michel did not appreciate Lynn's efforts at landing him in hot water, but the Taito practitioner just grinned at him.

"How bad can it be?" Aeolia wondered aloud innocently.

Come to find out, very bad. When they arrived at the Harbor District they discovered that the place was packed. It almost felt like a festival as extra food stands were in place and even a few musicians were playing. A large arena had been assembled in the middle of the park.

A lot of prominent figures were present as well. Not only was the entire SSS present, but so was the mayor. Many of the VIPs from the meeting last night were there. He also spotted Rixia Mao and the other Arc en Ciel stars. Even the local mafia leader Cao Lee was there, calmly slurping up some noodles from one of the food carts.

"W-what the hell..."

Michel laughed sheepishly at Rean's disbelief. "...This might be a bit much." Even he was willing to admit that much.

Mayor MacDowell approached the group, with his granddaughter in tow. "Arios! Rean! I am so sorry. When I heard about your spar I thought it would make a good impromptu festival to boost morale before we inform them of the Red Constellation, but in our haste nobody remembered to inform you."

While it was a bit embarrassing, Rean couldn't find it in himself to be mad at the older man who was only trying to look out for his people. "It's... not a big deal." He finally said.

"Indeed. Although it is a distraction, it shouldn't interfere with our fight." Arios agreed.

"Hey Rean! This place is awesome!" Fie happily proclaimed as she rejoined her partner after having explored the place. In her hands was a big wad of cotton candy. "They are even taking bets for the fight. The odds are so stacked against you that if you manage to last five minutes we are filthy rich... Buuuuuut if you fail we are probably going without food today."

"Um..." Should he thank her for her support or be upset at her irresponsible gambling? In the end he decided to just leave the matter alone for now. He could scold her later, not that she would ever listen.

"Ah! The champs have arrived." Strolling towards them with a giant grin was Grace. "So what do you think? It was a bit of a rush job, but I think we did a good job collaborating with the Business Association to get everything setup so quickly. The arena should be ready by now so if the two of you want to head over there we can get this show started."

The two bewildered swordmasters followed her suggestion and made their way to the arena, all the while cognizant of the many cameras setup to record the fight for the orbal net.

"Ladies and gentleman, can I have your attention? Our two champions have arrived and the fight is about to commence!" Where did Grace get the microphone from? "And remember: If you like the fight make sure to pick up the Crossbell Times special edition which details the exploits of our two contestants along with a history of the Eight Leaves sword style they use."

Rean couldn't help but chuckle as he prepared for battle. "At the very least it is nice seeing Crossbell this lively."

Arios smiled slightly. "True. It hasn't been like this since Dieter and I seized control." He paused and sighed as he thought about his mistake. "But past regrets are not why we are here. Master has always spoken highly of you and I want to see everything you are capable of."

"I won't disappoint you." Rean assured as he placed his hand on his sheathed blade, with Arios doing the same.

Grace took this as her cue. "It looks like our fighters are ready! So let this fight... BEGIN!"


I can't be the only one to think that Fie's Kuro outfit makes her look a lot like Aeolia, right?