A/N: Guess who's back

…

Chapter 21

To say that the Council was frustrated was an understatement. If one were to open the doors to the main hall, they would see His Immenseness sitting in his usual spot, a look of regret and anger on his face while numerous high-ranking members of the Guild stood nearby, arguing and screaming expletives whenever they got particularly heated. The topic?

The Guild's loss of the Ace Hunters, to which they blamed it entirely on His Immenseness.

"Look, this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't been so careless!" chastised the current Head of the Defense, pointing towards the towering Wyverian man sitting nearby.

His Immenseness looked offended. "I am not careless!"

The Head Strategist rolled his eyes. "Sure, you are…"

His Immenseness angrily tapped the end of his sword to the floor. "Y-You dare act this way in-"

"Please do not interrupt, Your Immenseness," interjected the Head of Intelligence. Though she rarely ever got angry, the look on her face was enough to send a message to the Wyverian man.

The Head of Defense silently thanked the woman before turning back towards His Immenseness. "I apologize for this, but I and the rest of the Guild members have been discussing this for weeks now. I hate to be blunt, but we've all come to the agreement that perhaps…you've grown senile. Therefore, we think it's time for you to step down and let someone else take charge, someone younger, more ambitious, and far more concerned with the safety of people instead of needlessly pursuing that frivolous "Egg Syndicate" of yours."

His Immenseness looked surprised for a second before clearing out his throat. "Harrumph! What makes you think you can give baseless accusations like-"

"Oh, don't act like we don't know what we're talking about!" The Wyverian man flinched at the tone of the voice of the Head Strategist. "Thanks to the efforts of the Head of Intelligence, we have discovered that you've repeatedly been neglecting your duties in favor of participating in activities within this "Egg Syndicate" of yours for the past year!"

The Head of Intelligence shook her head, clearly disappointed. "Your mistake in sending the Ace Hunters alongside that disgraced Guild Knight was the last straw. Your failure to consider the consequences of such actions has cost us our best warriors. Now, what do you suggest we do hmm? Especially with the recent return of the Revenants?"

"I-I…I'll admit, I should have put more thought into the decision. But I can assure you! I have the best intentions for everyone-"

"Best intentions?! My ass!"

All heads turned towards the source of the voice, their eyes widening as the Commander of the Border Watch, Catherine Sawyer, stormed her way towards them, aggressively shoving away the guards that attempted to hold her back. To everyone's shock, she reached for her sword and would have attempted to run it through His Immenseness, size and strength difference be damned, stopping short in her way only because two Guild Knights intercepted her.

"What sort of "best intentions" did you have when you sent Edmond to his death?!" When he didn't answer, the grief-stricken Catherine grew even more furious. "Answer me!"

"Commander, I insist that you calm-"

"You knew he was going to die! You knew that because of his past failures, what better way to get rid of him than to send him on a "mission" so you can get rid of him without being too obvious!"

"Knights, kindly escort the Commander off the premises."

Before they could touch her, she jerked her body away from the Guild Knights, giving them a sharp glare. "I can walk on my own thank you very much."

And with that, she was gone as the Guild members continued on with their discussion as if nothing had ever happened.

Dundorma Prison Block…

Siegfried heard knocking on his cell door. "Who is it?"

"Who else but me?" answered a haughty feminine voice from the other side. Siegfried smiled slightly as he got up from his bed and walked towards the door.

"You're here again."

She huffed. "Of course. I told you I'd visit you whenever I can. Besides, you should be grateful because I'm the only person nice enough to visit "criminal" like you."

The hunter rolled his eyes with a smile. "Whatever woman." He watched her sit down on the chair in front of his door. "You don't have to do this you know."

"Do what?"

"This. Visiting my pathetic self in my cell."

"But I want to. Is there a problem?"

He noticed her furrowed eyebrows and the barely perceptible frown on her face. "Problem?"

"…Was your blond friend always this big of an asshole?"

Blond friend? Oh… "Jason has always been somewhat of an asshole, though mostly whenever his sister is involved. You won't believe how overprotective he is of Amber. It gets a bit creepy to be honest…Did he do something to you?"

"Don't even get me started!" Eris said, clawing her hair as she began to retell her admittedly infuriating encounter with Siegfried's old friends. After she finished, Siegfried could only sigh.

"Well, that isn't the most surprising thing he's done.

"Oh? Do enlighten me."

"Alright, this one time back in the Academy, he found out a few of the other students were talking shit about Amber behind her back out of jealousy of her skill, and you know what he did? He somehow managed to obtain information about their backgrounds and used it to publicly humiliate them in front of our entire class!"

Immediately, something clicked within Eris' mind. "…Wait a minute, was it the one about how they only got the money for application from drug distribution?"

"Yes that's- Huh, how do you know this?" Siegfried narrowed his eyes at her. "Tell me, which Academy did you go to?"

"Dundorma Academy?"

Siegfried took a step back. "…The fuck? How come I have never seen you before?"

"What do you mean you haven't- Huh?! You were in Dundorma Academy too?!"

The two of them couldn't believe it. Did they go to the same hunter school together? How come they never saw each other before?

Eris looked genuinely surprised. "That's impossible. The Academy only accepts those who have passed the preliminary tests for-

"Oh, shut it, woman. I'm far from uneducated despite my commoner background…" Siegfried interrupted, glaring at her. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I think I do somewhat remember seeing someone like you back then, but I guess I was too focused on my training to even care."

Maybe that's why I can't remember why Hilda is mad at me…or that I used to be her friend. "It's the same for me too."

Soon the two became engrossed in their own world once more as they talked about what they could remember during their time at the Academy. There were several moments where Siegfried had (much to his own chagrin) let slip a few embarrassing memories, most of which are related to his mishaps during physical exams and most of which Eris had laughed, at Siegfried's expense. The huntress, on the other hand, had mostly talked about her achievements, citing that she had passed all her classes and exams with flying colors, to which Siegfried let out a groan.

"Come to think of it, I do remember seeing a name frequently listed on the weekly leaderboards…Oh fuck off, don't give me that look!"

Eris laughed again, still plastering on the arrogant smirk on her face. "Jealous?"

Siegfried scoffed at her. "I'll have you know that I happened to be an exceptional student loved by the trainers!"

"Whatever you say…" Eris shrugged as Siegfried pouted at her, an expression that Eris found to be rather cute and endearing. It was refreshing she thought, to talk about these things with him. Normally, she wouldn't have ever talked so casually with someone, but with him, she could make an exception. He was a good listener but most importantly, they could just be themselves. There was no need to keep up the image they made for themselves. In public, they were the Fire King and Ice Queen but in private, they were just Siegfried and Eris, a man and woman who appreciated each other's company.

The hunter then remembered something. "By the way speaking of students…do you mind if I ask you something?"

"As long as it isn't anything deplorable sure."

"What happened between you and Hilda? I recall her saying you were both classmates? But she seems to really hate you for some reason…"

Eris sighed. "Here's the thing. I don't remember. All I know is that she was my classmate and that she hates me. I tried to ask her what it was I did but that stubborn woman refuses to tell me!"

"Have you tried I don't know…apologizing to her?"

"Oh, so now it's my fault? Well of course I did, but that stubborn bitch refuses to accept my apology!"

"Well, she does claim you did something so…"

"Excuse me but whose side are you on?"

Siegfried raised his hands defensively, "I don't want to get into another argument with you but really, the best thing you could probably do is pester her for details and-"

"I'm leaving."

"Wait for what- Hey!"

The huntress stopped in her tracks. "Just so you know, I'm not going to apologize again for something that is clearly not my fault." She turned her head and gave Siegfried a brief smile. "It was nice talking to you today, but I have to go."

Back at the Dundorma Hall…

Suddenly, the door to the Archives burst opened and out came a red-haired woman dragging the figure of a man by their collar. Everyone in the room went silent as the woman threw the body unceremoniously onto the ground.

Nobody bothered to ask how and when did the woman get here as they were all too focused on the body dumped right in front of them. The Head of Defense could only gulp. "Knight Becky…is that-"

"Yes. They've already infiltrated our ranks," Becky coldly stated, planting her foot onto the man's back. "Speak now."

The man who had been their current librarian and caught attempting to smuggle important papers via messenger bird, let out a cough and cackled loudly. "You're too late! I've already done my job. Now it's just a matter of time!"

He gagged when she dug her heels into his back. "Might as well kill me because I'd rather die than tell you anything!" Becky crouched down, pulled the man's head back by his hair, and pressed his face against the floor.

"If I may speak, I think interrogating him may yield useful information…such as the location of their base." Becky glanced at the Head of Intelligence. "I heard that your scientists are attempting to perfect a 'truth serum'? Well? Here's your first test subject."

Rowan dreamt again that afternoon. It had been another peculiar dream, one that had manifested itself for the first time.

"Hey wake up. We're here."

Rowan once again found himself within his younger self as he slowly opened his eyes, rising up from his mother's lap and rubbing his eyes sleepily. Beside him, Romero had already woken up and was eagerly bouncing up and down the interior of the carriage. The young boy had his eyes glued to the windows, watching as the carriage moved past the gate and groups of armored guards.

"Don't forget to give her the gift."

"I won't mother," the young Rowan found himself saying, reaching for the wrapped present on the seat.

After some time, they felt the carriage stop. The door then opened as a young man dressed in a sharp suit greeted them. "The princess awaits you."

It wasn't their first time in the castle so both brothers knew their way around. He heard their mother giggle as the two boys quickly ran past the amused guards and towards the throne room.

The moment Rowan entered the throne room, he saw that same girl again, this time sitting on a throne beside an older man, who he guessed to be the king. To the king's left, was a tall armored guard who continuously watched Rowan though he had no idea what sort of expression was under that helmet. As soon as the girl saw them, however, her body perked up and she waved enthusiastically at the two boys. "Hey!"

Beside her, her father the king smiled as he watched his daughter's two friends enter the throne room. His eyes caught sight of their mother and his expression grew soft, something Rowan noticed. To the king's embarrassment, the woman noticed and reciprocated with a gentle smile of her own.

His daughter, meanwhile, had already stood up from her seat and greeted the boys. They briefly talked before she giggled and grabbed his younger self by the hand and ushered him and Romero away. Rowan glanced back and saw their mother talking to her father, noticing the unusually bright smile on his mother's face and the king's flushed look. He saw him offer his arm and the two walked off towards the balcony.

It was only after the girl took the two boys to her room did Rowan realize that she now had a face. She was most definitely older, possibly twelve or thirteen years old at that time. But what surprised him the most…was how familiar her face looked. He noticed it all, the color of her eyes, the shape of her face, and even her voice. She looked vaguely familiar to someone, but he just couldn't put a finger on it. But as the girl continued to show the two boys her books and prized items, she said something, and Rowan's mouth opened to respond.

He couldn't believe his ears.

…

As soon as Rowan arrived, he vigorously knocked on the door. When nobody answered, he knocked again and again, causing dents on the wooden door. And then the door opened as Rowan's fist was caught in a strong grip.

"Yes?" the man asked, obviously displeased.

"Hanzo can I talk to you?"

"…About what?"

Rowan fidgeted on his spot. "I-It's about Hilda…"
At the mention of her name, Hanzo immediately grew skeptical. Still, he relented and allowed the man inside. Rowan uttered out a quiet 'thanks' and hastily entered Hanzo's room, quickly settling down onto the singular bed there.

"Do you want a drink?" Hanzo asked over, grabbing a large bottle.

As much as Rowan didn't want it, he knew the alcohol would at least calm his nerves. "Yes please."

After Hanzo handed him a cup, the taller man leaned against the wall by the bed. Unsurprisingly, he had his helmet on during the entire exchange. "So? What about Hilda?"

Rowan immediately downed his drink in one gulp and placed the cup by the bedside table before clasping his hands together. He stared down at his hands, hesitant to speak. "I uhh…Have I... met her before?"

Immediately after he said those words, the air grew thick. The hunter glanced up and saw Hanzo, whose body had visibly tensed up. His hands tightly squeezed his cup, nearly crushing it before taking a deep breath. He poured the rest of the drink through the hold in his helmet and down his throat. He walked over to the drink table and silently poured himself another.

"Yes," Hanzo answered. "You do know each other."

Rowan's eyes widened, having no idea how to respond. "I-I see…"

"What brought this on?" the taller hunter asked, not bothering to turn around.

Rowan scratched the back of his neck. "It's just…You see, I had these peculiar dreams. Actually, they were more like memories, but point is, I always find myself within my younger body alongside Romero and my mother. I can't remember much, but there is this older girl who appears in those dreams. Her face was always hidden but from what I can tell, my brother and I were close friends with her." Rowan stopped, feeling Hanzo's eyes on him.

"Go on…"

"W-Well the other dream I had was just…This girl, apparently she was a princess? My brother and I apparently were frequent visitors to the castle. The strangest thing, however, is that the girl seemed familiar…I have absolutely no clue who she was, but she must be someone I know. And then as we played, she said something to me and when my mouth opened, one word came out." The hunter paused and stared right up at Hanzo.

"Hilda."

Hanzo nearly dropped his cup. He coughed and quickly composed himself. "I had a feeling that you and your brother's names weren't mere coincidences."

"What do you mean?"

Hanzo let out a sigh. "Sit down and I'll tell you everything…"

Catherine angrily made her way towards the Dundorma Hall, having been summoned by the Council. She had initially wanted to refuse, having grown tired of their incompetence but common sense told her that if she'd rather not be court-martialed, she had to attend.

"Fucking useless piece of shits…" she muttered, climbing up the stairs to the hall. Though she had already accepted Edmond's supposed death, the anger and grief were still there, such that the aura she emitted caused the guards she walked past to shudder. Soon, she arrived at the doors to the hall. She pushed past the guards who offered to open the door as she herself roughly pushed the doors open, startling the people inside the hall.

"I'm here. What do you want?"

The Head of Defense glared at the disrespecting tone of her voice but quickly shook his head to focus on the matter at hand. "Commander Catherine, as you know His Immenseness has foolishly sent a small group of Knights and the Ace Hunters to take care of the looming threat and as a result, we lost some of our best warriors." The man briefly scowled at His Immenseness, who kept quiet behind him.

Catherine gritted her teeth, "Don't remind me…"

"Anyway, you're probably not aware but just a few hours ago, one of our knights caught a traitor within our midst."

"A traitor?"

"That's right. It would appear that the Revenants have already infiltrated the Guild."

Catherine's blood boiled at the mention of their name. "And your point?"

"We know where their base is," answered the Head of Intelligence. "Through my efforts, the traitor has revealed the location and details of their base."

"And so…" The Head Strategist glanced at his colleagues, who nodded. "We have agreed to place you as the leader of a large strike force that would go there to eradicate this threat once and for all. We wholeheartedly trust in your capabilities as a leader and I'm sure that with what…happened recently you'll be interested in this offer."

For several seconds Catherine was silent. Then a scowl formed on her face. "Fine, I'll do it. But I'm not doing this for you people. I'm doing this for Edmond and every other person those bastards hurt."

The Head of Defense clapped his hands, seemingly ignoring her words. "Excellent. As for the team, I would like you to gather all the survivors of the massacre, including that imprisoned hunter. He will be our trump card against them. They will join you, alongside a large squad of knights we've chosen for this mission."

"Understood," she begrudgingly said as an attendant handed her the list of the names.

"Oh, and please do not inform anyone but the Guild and those hunters of this mission. We'd rather not incite mass panic," said the Head Strategist. "You'll depart in two days. Until then, rest and prepare for the battle ahead. Good luck Commander. You'll need it."

...

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