o.0.o.0.o

Chrom let out a long exhale as he approached Frederick's office. He wasn't sure how to describe this feeling right now, but it almost felt like he was about to scold one of his parents. Like when a parent is trying their best to encourage their kid, but subsequently embarrases them without intending to…and not understanding how they're embarrassing.

Frederick had always been around in his life. Ever since his parents had passed and Emmeryn took the throne, Frederick was simply there. At first he was just something akin to a tutor, but as Chrom grew older, he began to realize that Frederick wasn't exactly a tutor, so to speak.

"Frederick, we need to talk."

He opened the door unannounced, causing Frederick to quickly close out of whatever he was looking at on his computer. Truth be told, Chrom figured out a long time ago that Frederick was something like a bodyguard to himself and his sisters. Why Frederick was being so secretive about it, he didn't know, but at a certain point it went from him doing his job well to just being downright stalkerish.

"Chrom," Frederick greeted him. "What can I do for you today?"

"This whole following me around thing needs to stop." Chrom spoke, deciding to address the situation as bluntly as possible, seeing as Frederick was not the type to dance around words. "Like, I understand you're trying to keep my safe and all that, but you also need to understand-"

"You noticed me?"

"... Yes." Chrom affirmed. "Sully did as well."

"Sully noticed me?!"

"No offense Frederick, but a trench coat, fedora, and sunglasses doesn't exactly make you subtle." Chrom spoke sharply, meeting his gaze. "I understand that you're just trying to do your job as a bodyguard or whatever, but can you do it in a less attention grabbing way? And maybe in a less stalkerish way as well?"

"Well… what do you think I should do, then, if my current methods are lackluster?"

"I don't know, enroll as a student, become a waiter at the diner, I mean, even becoming my professor is better than stalking me." he said that as a joke to lighten the mood, hoping that Frederick wouldn't take his advice literally. "But seriously, I'm an adult, I don't need you following me around."

"You may be an adult, Chrom, but you are a very important adult." Frederick folded his hands like he was about to begin a lecture. "But I understand your point of view. I will take into consideration some more… subtle forms of ensuring your protection."

Chrom, with all due honesty, was surprised by his willing agreement. Typically, Frederick would always stubbornly insist on how what he was doing was best for the crown… Mostly with a surprising air of innocence that made it very difficult to argue without looking like the bad guy.

"Seriously, thank you for being so understanding." Chrom sighed in relief. "Because at this point, literally anything is better than the stalker thing you're doing now."

o.0.o.0.o

Maribelle stared into the mirror in her locker, tucking a stray curl behind her ear before she deposited her purse into the locker. She believed that there was a fine line between being vain and caring about one's appearance. Certainly, given her status, she felt she belonged to the latter half of that group.

Her family, based on what she has been told, was descended from a long line of nobility and riches. Each subsequent generation of Themises took their wealth and power, and extended it over and over again. Soon, what was once a small village of land evolved into a near empire… As well as each subsequent business that was opened.

So, with all due terms, she was technically a lady of the House of Themis, even if the title is rarely used anymore, and she was known more as "Governor Hemingway Themis' daughter".

Which is why the idea of keeping up appearances was so important to her. A value instilled in her by her father, she always did her best to look good, act accordingly, and simply be the best heiress she could be. She had great pride not only in her family, but the history of her family. She was very careful about how she looked, very careful about who she hung out with, very careful with her appearance overall, so not to shame her family or her ancestors. Which was why…

"Say, have you heard about that new sophomore?"

"Which one? The country hick?"

"No, the other one. The blond girl."

"Oh, yeah, pigtails. Her name is Alissa Juno, she's in my chemistry class."

"Yeah, soooo… Ever heard the name 'Juno' before?"

"Not really. Every time I google it or her, for the matter, I get nothing."

This incessant gossiping about her dear Lissa was starting to really annoy her.

Since Lissa began school, the rumors surrounding her origins have been incessant. Who was she? Where did she come from? What company did her parents run? No one really knew, mostly because 'Alissa Juno' was a pseudonym, a fake name to cover up the true treasure among them.

But…

"I heard that she was hanging around that Tinhead kid the first day."

"Please, I heard she was actually talking to him in public."

"Seriously?!"

"Seriously. Like, walking into some diner across the way from that theatre, and plain talking to him."

"Maybe she really is a mooch like him… What with a hairstyle like that, I wouldn't be surprised!"

"Tell me about it! She looks like she came from some poor house! Who even wears pigtails like that at this age? What is she, two?"

The girls let out cackles of laughter. The most recent rumor the student body have been humoring is that Emmeryn's contest didn't just accept one student, it accepted two; a boy and a girl. That Tinhead boy was one candidate, while Lissa was thought to be the other.

"But even better… Maribelle Themis was seen walking into the diner with her."

Maribelle gripped her locker door a little tighter than necessary. Adjusting the door slightly, she angled the mirror to get a glimpse of such audacious gossipers. She didn't even recognize these girls faces… Which surprised her. She knew mostly everyone who was anyone in this school through company and government functions she's attended with her parents. If she didn't recognize these girls, then they, simply, weren't of that much importance… They weren't even in the same class as she was. And yet...

"You know, I've noticed she's been really chummy with Maribelle and Ricken lately."

"... Wasn't there a rumor or something that that Ricken boy was, like, super close to that Nowi mooch? Like, back in middle school or something?"

"Oh my!" one girl laughed mockingly. "How far Little Miss Themis has fallen, associating herself with a mooch and someone who sees it fit to hang out with a mooch."

… They must have some gall to think they could speak badly about her or her friends.

"If," she spoke sharply, shutting her locker door with an air of cold calmness. "you are quite done gossiping about me, may I get a word in edgewise?"

A hush fell over the two as she turned to meet them. One of them stood confidently with an arrogant smirk on her face, while the other looked slightly pale, all bravado gone.

"Since you've made yourself quite aware of my name, might I know yours?"

"Of course," the more arrogant of the two smirked down at her. "Alicia Cedillo."

She didn't offer further explanation, as if Maribelle was simply expected to know her name. Suppressing the smirk, this hubris made the blow she was about to deliver all the more satisfying.

"I've never heard of such a name." Maribelle answered coyly. "Now then, you two must be the type to just believe anything you're told. As if I would degrade the Themis household by associating with those who, quote, "mooch" off the government. Rest assured," she eyed them sharply. "neither Ricken nor Alissa are leeching off of the school, the government, or off of me. Now run along, before I decide to mention your name to my father."

The meeker girl immediately turned and almost sprinted she was running so fast. The other girl began to scowl, then she glanced up. Her scowl deepening, she turned on her heel and trailed after her friend.

"Heya, Maribelle!" the cheerful voice echoed in her ears in an almost sing-songy manner. Turning with a calm smile, she responded to Lissa.

"Lissa. How are you today?"

"Fine as can be!" Lissa grinned. "So who were you just talking to? Friends?"

"Oh, no one you need or should concern yourself with, Lissa. Just worthless gossips talking about the scholarship boy."

"Scholarship boy…?" Lissa trailed off, biting her lip. "Oh. You mean Donny, huh?"

Maribelle sighed. It had slipped her mind that Lissa was somewhat… attached to the farmboy.

"Don't worry yourself over it, that's simply how it is, as unfair as it is." Maribelle spoke simply. Deciding to exaggerate the talk, she continued. "After all, this school very rarely allows scholarship students in, let alone a boy from such humble beginnings."

"When you say it like that, you make it sound positive!" Lissa smiled back at her. "Donny sure must be something… I'd bet thousands upon thousands of teenagers applied for the scholarship, but he was chosen!"

That had backfired, unfortunately. She didn't want to disappoint Lissa or anything, but sometimes she still catches Lissa waving at him or smiling at him. One too many things like that, and people really will get the wrong idea… And heaven forbid if Lissa becomes the backlash of rumors here…

"Anyways, I ran into Donny this morning!" Lissa continued, bubbling with happiness. "He said he and his sister are going to be at Gregor's diner again. And good news! So will Chris! So I'm gonna go as well, wanna come?"

Maribelle could feel the irritation pique in the back of her mind. She honestly would rather be anywhere but that grease filled commoner pit, especially if the scholarship boy was going to be there. She didn't want to risk Lissa getting any closer to him, but as she thought about it… Well, if Chrom was going to be there, then it also meant Frederick might not be far behind.

"Yes, of course I'll come."

o.0.o.0.o

"All right! Let's take it from the top again, okay? Okay! Action!"

"Um… Mr. Crow…"

"Nuh-uh, we already discussed this, Olivia! Henry is fine! But right now, I'm not Henry!" shaking the script in his one hand, he smiled brightly. "I'm Detective Brian Kitt right now, so let's get moving!"

"But… But why in your office?"

When Henry had told her they were going to do a rehearsal today, she almost had a panic attack at the very thought at a full cast rehearsal. Even though she had been working with Henry daily on this role, she couldn't help but feel anxious. This was especially so, considering that she still felt she was underqualified for the lead role of Willow, especially in comparison to some clearly more talented actresses…

Sure, it was easy when she was a backup dancer, or she had maybe one line to say as an extra…but being a main, leading woman…she was struggling more than she cared to admit.

"Because this is where we always practice, crazy lady! Anyways," Henry cleared his throat, and plastered on a preppy, feminine voice. "It won't take too long, cross. My. Heart~!"

That last word came out like he was singing the word. holding the note for an extended period of time. Along with the 1920's accent he's adopted with Detective Kit...it seems he's adopted his own interpretation for Tom Yorkey as well…

At some point, she had to wonder if this was some sort of test. Because she was struggling, really, really struggling to not smile. Inhaling and exhaling, trying to shake the idea of the actors dressed as a twenties detective and a valley girl respectively, she fell into her role. There weren't any eyes on her this time. No one was watching or judging, just Henry.

And with the way Henry typically was, it was almost as if she knew he wasn't one to judge.

"Now," Henry adjusted the brim of his fedora, a prop he had found from wherever to help play along with his role. "Tell us what happened the last time ya saw Lea."

"We were in the dressing room backstage." Olivia spoke calmly, slipping into her role. "She came to talk to me about the show, wishing me luck and all that."

"Was anything, like, off about her?" Henry's voice suddenly rose about two octaves, laying on the accent thick. He had removed the hat from his head, now twisting a piece of hair compulsively around his finger. "Like completely different from normaaaaaal?"

"Not that I could tell." Olivia shrugged, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "I mean, of course she was a bit on edge, but who isn't when it comes to performing? Even the best gets the nervous, pre-show butterflies."

"And I suppose your big fight two days ago was all, but forgotten," Henry switched tones again. "Yes?"

"We were friends and co-stars, of course we made up."

"Like, I totally see. And I totally get it, girl. But please, you've got to, like, tell us the truth so we can find the killer."

"I don't understand." Olivia shook her head. "Everything I've told you is the truth. I haven't lied, nor do I have the reason to lie."

"Oh really?" Henry suddenly switched back to Brian's role and slammed his fist down on the desk, leaning over it and in her face like the overbearing cop was instructed to do in scrip. "Then how 'bouts an explanation about the strands of pink hair found in the victim's hand?"

"Wh-What?"

"Here's, like, a theory," Henry suddenly settled back. "Maybe you totally killed her… And she grabbed your hair to, like, defend herself."

"I did not kill Lea!" Olivia suddenly exclaimed, standing up and pushing her chair back with such force, it clattered, knocking into an adjacent shelf. With that, Olivia flinched, breaking character as she assessed the damage. "Ah… um… S-Sorry, H-Henry…"

"Sorry?" Henry exclaimed. "Are you kidding, that was perfect! Wonderful! Hexcellent, even!"

"Hexcellent…?" Olivia echoed as she picked up the chair, though Henry didn't seem to hear her.

"Now why can't you do that with everyone else?"

"Oh, um…" Olivia swallowed as she slowly sat back down. "It's just…I don't really know…I-I only ever did m-minor roles…s-so the idea of performing in front of a crowd as a lead role, especially if I don't really deserve it…"

"What?!" Henry suddenly exclaimed. "Oh, no, no, no! Are you really talon me that you have so little faith in yourself? You're not a lost caws Olivia!"

Olivia just stared at him. She was fairly certain he made a joke or a pun in there, but he looked genuinely worried for a second there.

"There's really no need to be so low on yourself." Henry crossed his arms, tapping his fingers against his arm. "I chose you because I thought you would be the best fit for the role…"

He trailed off thoughtfully as Olivia sat in her seat, twiddling her thumbs. He had that much confidence in her? That was…honestly both surprising and touching to her. As well as pressuring. Incredibly pressuring…

"Well, I wouldn't be an acting coach if I didn't coach you along!" Henry laughed. "This was a good session, I think. We'll have to set up a schedule-"

"Schedule?" Olivia echoed.

"Yeah, for acting sessions. 'Cause I'm your coach."

"W-Wait…you…you were serious about that?"

"Of course." Henry laughed, eyes sparking as he laughed at her. "Did you forget, crazy lady?"

"N-No, it's just, you're the director and screenwriter, you've gotta have more important things to do than…than to coach me…"

"Nope!" Henry suddenly pressed a finger to her lips, as if a means to quiet her. "We're gonna meet twice a week. And every week, we'll try to get you up on stage so you get comfortable with other people! Once you're done, you'll be the brightest star this theatre…no, the acting industry has ever seen!"

"Uh… B-But…"

"I know being on stage can be scary sometimes," Henry continued with a shrug. "Trying to uphold expectations is very hard. But practice makes perfect is the ideal in this world, and I know you didn't learn to sing and dance like that just by shying away from it."

"Um, you're right, but-but…"

"So if we can expand those skills into acting, I know you'll get a lot more work, which, based on our initial meeting, you wouldn't mind getting, huh? Come on," Henry held out his hand with a smile. "Why don't you trust me this time, and see what happens?"

Olivia, truthfully, was scared to shake his hand. She didn't want to burden Henry, since she clearly wasn't fit for this role in the slightest, but…but she had a point to prove about her career, and she had a reason to make more money. To leave that apartment…to thrive primarily off the theatre…

"Great," Henry smiled as she shook his hand. "I'll see you on Thursday."

o.0.o.0.o

It was quite well known that the more people living in a single abode, the more sustenance was required for those people. With that being established, this fact is proven even more so when a guest is suddenly sprung upon someone else. So it wasn't much of a surprise to Panne when she saw Lon'qu shutting the fridge with a little more force than necessary.

Apparently, they were out of food. On top of this, Lon'qu seemed to be a very studious, routine person who did not like this routine to be disrupted.

"Well, what did you expect?" Panne had demanded while he grumbled, flicking over his calendar. She noticed a couple days marked off with certain color, as if he had memorized some secret code that he was unwilling to share with others. "There are two of us here, of course provisions will run out twice as fast."

The forced living accommodations were icy at best. Lon'qu barely gave her a passing glance, let alone spoke with her, whereas she was quite frustrated with his antics. Panne did not consider herself a particularly social person in the slightest, but she did always have her brothers and her friends to keep her entertained. At least if she wanted to, she could take a brisk walk if she wanted to clear her head, but now, she couldn't even do that. Because Lon'qu, ever duty bound despite his complete and utter distaste of her, would follow her. Even if she snuck out, and by god above did she try, Lon'qu always somehow managed to be walking across the street adjacent to her.

He was astute, she would give him that. Annoyingly so, as he had proved time and time again that she wouldn't be escaping her 'protection' so easily.

She pondered her situation as she slathered on foundation to cover her facial tattoos. It was an understandable condition, as anyone who was even slightly involved in the underbelly of Ylisse would understand what those marks were…not to mention she could justify the use of the police-disguise grade makeup by wanting to 'hide her identity'. Strangely enough, it was very easy to manipulate the police when one was a victim…or assumed to be one. Panne herself didn't like to think of herself as such, but that didn't mean she wouldn't manipulate the situation to her advantage.

Once she exited the bathroom, Lon'qu gave her a once over and nodded, then turned and led her towards the door. Per usual, Lon'qu remained as far away from her as possible. deciding to take a few good strides ahead of her in order to lead her to their destination. He didn't say a word or even acknowledge her presence as he led her down the street and into a small Mom and Pop store.

"Go get what you want." Lon'qu muttered gruffly. Panne was surprised by his order, not expecting him to let her wander about freely. However, as soon as she darted down an aisle, she realized why, exactly, he was letting her roam.

"What buffoonery…?" Panne muttered as she pushed some cereal boxes aside, and saw Lon'qu peeking at her through the products. Feeling an eye twitch slightly, Panne brought out her cellphone, courtesy of Flavia, and called Lon'qu.

"Speak."

"What do you think you're doing?" she asked.

"Monitoring you."

"Couldn't you do that by standing next to me?" Panne demanded. "Honestly, I know you have your issues but you might arouse more suspicion-"

Panne blinked her eyes once, slowly pulling the phone from her ear, grinding her teeth. He hung up on her…

Slowly, she continued down the aisle, hearing Lon'qu's footsteps on the other side of the shelf. Then, she paused, turning towards the shelf…then lashed out between the shelves. She heard a yelp as her fingers gripped Lon'qu's nose, yanking him into the cereal and leaning in to get a word with him. His breaths were coming out of his mouth in ragged, panicked spouts, but she held fast.

"Listen here," Panne shot him a cold look. "I understand your job is meant to be discreet, but peeking at a woman through shelves is a bad idea. How long do you plan on acting like a psychotic stalker?"

"Release me!" he whispered harshly. "I plan to do this as long as you are under my protection."

"Really." Panne answered bluntly, not relinquishing her grip

"Yes. And I do not look like a stalker." he seemed flustered now, breathes coming out faster and faster. "Release me."

"Lon'qu." Panne commanded his attention. "You are following me around whenever I leave and peeking at me through aisles. It is strange. How many other people do you see talking through the-"

"Ma'am?"

Panne turned to look over her shoulder, and saw a small girl with wavy blond hair wearing a frilly blue dress. She was smiling politely, curiously.

"What're you doing?"

"Nothing." Panne answered. "I'm simply trying to reach something in the-"

She ground her teeth together as she felt teeth clench momentarily around her pinky finger. As soon as she released him, however, he relinquished his bite. However… Had that man really just bitten her?!

"You okay, lady?"

"Fine." Panne growled out. "I think a spider bit me or something…"

"Oh dear!" the little girl exclaimed. "Oh, that's no good! Don't worry, I'll tell my dad and he'll take care of it in a heartbeat!"

The little blond girl then bounded off, and Panne, with renewed vigor, marched around the corner to confront Lon'qu. She wasn't even gripping his nose that hard, he didn't have to bite her!

"Lon'qu-" she growled out, only to cut herself off to see him sitting against the shelf with his hand over his heart, breathing way too fast. He looked way too pale, and his hands were trembling. She paused, knowing and having seen such symptoms before…

"I am asking you," Lon'qu spoke simply. "To go on the other side of the aisle. Please."

Panne slowly exhaled, then turned on her heel and returned to the other aisle. She hadn't thought he was serious when he said he was scared of women. She thought he was being overdramatic at best, sexist at worse. Yet such a touch seemed to elicit a panic attack from him…

However, he seemed to get over it quickly, as he soon stood, and was again speaking to her through the cereal boxes.

"... Don't tell anyone." Lon'qu muttered.

"You're quite the odd man…" Panne responded. As she moved, so did Lon'qu, his eyes never leaving her.

"I'm just trying to do my job." Lon'qu stated. "That is all."

"... Of course." Panne responded. They settled into an uncomfortable silence as they navigated through the aisles, picking up food and provisions that would last them for the week.

Soon, they were ready to leave, with the little blond girl from before yanking open the door and wishing them a good day. This time, Panne led the way back to the apartment with Lon'qu trailing behind her. Whilst walking, Panne was picking up random bits of conversations, as she often did.

"...haven't found her yet…"

"...been over two weeks now!"

"...flash drive has been pinpointed…"

"Good...find it…"

Panne tensed, coming to a full stop, and subtly turned towards the conversation. Her eyes settled on the outdoor tables to an overcrowded cafe. Her eyes flicked over the patrons, though she couldn't point who was having that conversation. Those people...they were talking about her...and they knew where her-

"... What are you doing?" Lon'qu cut into her thoughts, suddenly approaching from her left, while leaving a significant amount of space between them. He glanced up at the establishment, brow furrowed. "You like this place?"

"Not at all." Panne answered, marching forward. "I'm not partial to coffee."

"I see." Lon'qu responded, letting the conversation drop.

They knew where it was. God above they knew where the flash drive was. If they got their hands on it…all their work would have been for nothing! She couldn't let it happen…she wouldn't! But she had no clue where she lost it and hadn't the slightest clue where to look. She was certain she had it while she was running, but she had no clue where and when she lost it…she knew she had it when her feet hit pavement, and then…

"Lon'qu," she turned to him. "... Let's go out to eat."

"What?" Lon'qu asked. "We just bought food, why?"

"Because I'll pay." Panne responded bluntly.

"With what money?"

"Then I'll pay you back." Panne marched forward.

She had to get that flash drive back. Even if she had Lon'qu attached to her hip due to police protection, there was no choice. She'd figure out a way to shake him, a way to get a moment to retrace her steps and obtain that flash drive. That flash drive…

That flash drive was imperative to everything.

o.0.o.0.o

"Now, this next patient suffered from a gunshot wound," Libra explained as he stood at the end of the hall from the patient's room, talking to a couple of nurses. "From what I understand, his family is quite shaken by the events. Supposedly an accident among his friends. Teenagers fooling about with a gun they thought was unloaded, until he accidentally shot himself in the leg. Thankfully, the bullet was removed and didn't seem to cause any permanent damage."

Passing the clipboard to the nurse after his brief summary, he continued.

"I believe it was an accidental shooting. If you could send these medical records to the police, it should prove that it was and they can drop the case."

"Of course, Dr. Scales."

"Oh, and one more thing." Libra spoke before the nurse could leave. "Have you seen Dr. Grimm?"

"No, I haven't." the nurse couldn't suppress her shudder.

"Well, that's no good." Libra murmured, glancing down the hall as the family of the teenage boy came out, crying to the nurse. "She was supposed to work with that family today. A gunshot wound, regardless of how it is received, is extremely traumatizing."

Dr. Tharja Grimm was quite strange in terms of therapists. She shuffled with her head bowed, yet her dress was completely opposite of her personality seemingly… not quite shy, but antisocial personality. She always wore all black, occasionally accenting the black skirt and tights with a colored shirt, almost always dark in color. Her clothes always accentuated her figure, and just her foreign looks alone brought attention to her. Typically, shy, introverted people didn't make a point to dress in a way that brought attention to them. Perhaps she wasn't aware?

He wondered if he had somehow offended her on that first day. He wasn't certain on Plegian culture, but surely a handshake wasn't wrong, was it? If it was, she wouldn't have shaken his hand…

He also wondered if she had her own medical troubles. After all, the minute she gripped his hand, her hand immediately tightened and her eyes flew wide, and she began trembling. A panic attack? A seizure? Possibly an epileptic disorder?

He didn't know. Ever since that woman, Panne, had left their care and went into Witness Protection, Tharja seemed to make a point to avoid him. Of course, he was glad to not have to see, nor did he want to see, a hurt patient under similar circumstances, but still…with him being a head doctor of the ICU and her being a twenty four seven trauma therapist, them not communicating would soon become detrimental to the patients here.

"Dr. Scales, are you quite sure about her? She's so creepy…" The nurse's voice cut his thoughts off. Slowly, he brought his gaze back to her. "She might cause more trauma to the patient…"

"Don't spread such rumors." Libra scolded. "Dr. Grimm has become quite successful. She wouldn't be such a success if she had traumatized her patients further."

"I…I suppose."

"Yes. Now, then." Libra smiled at her. "Please, get those notes to the call center, and advise them to call the detective investigating the case," he pulled the business card from his pocket. "They should have interviewed the family and friends already. Tell them the injuries line up with an accidental gunshot."

"Understood, Dr. Scales!" the nurse chirped, dashing off. Libra turned, about to go check up on another patient, when his pager went off. Pausing, he glanced down at it, furrowing his brow. The information desk? How odd.

Typically, he wasn't one to be called to the information desk. That was reserved for nurses doing rounds if they really needed to talk to a medical professional. Even still, he knew the receptionists there were extremely capable of answering all, if any, questions.

Briefly he panicked. Was there an injury? Many elderly patients visited the hospital to visit their loved ones, it was a natural part of working in the medical field. Hurrying, slightly panicking due to the idea of a poor grandmother suffering from a heart attack, he turned the corner and shortened his slight sprint to quick strides.

His eyes quickly flitted over the waiting room. No one seemed to be suffering or in pain, and there was a lack of panic in the room.

Thanking the heavens, he adjusted his tie and strode to the information desk.

"Hello," he greeted the receptionist, who smiled politely in response. "You paged me for assistance?"

"I'm sorry, Dr. Scales, but this young woman," she nodded towards the waiting area. "Claims to know the Royal Physician and was personally asking for you."

"Young woman?" Libra echoed.

"The redhead. You honestly can't miss her."

Libra nodded again, turning to the waiting room. Immediately, she saw a young woman with bright, long red hair. Strangely enough, she had a couple of cube block built sticks in her hands, and was tapping them against the table while children surrounded her. Connecting two and two, Libra realized she was using the handmade "drumsticks" to teach a simple children's song to the kids, who was singing to the beat. He waited politely for her to finish the song, then cut in as the children cheered.

"Miss?" he asked. She glanced up with a smile. "I'm Doctor Libra Scales. I'm aware that you wished to speak to me?"

"Oh, yes!" she stood, passing the drumsticks to the oldest child, who tried to repeat her teachings. Turning back to the children, she smiled. "Excuse me!"

Leading him a little ways from the happy children, she continued.

"Okay, so my name is Cordelia Faulkner." she smiled, holding out her hand to shake his. "Phila's like a mentor to me, and she spoke quite highly of you."

"Ah, yes. Dr. Shore mentored me once upon a time." Libra smiled. "She was quite a hard woman to please, but it made me a better doctor in the end."

"Oh, I'm sure!" Cordelia smiled. "But being a woman in such a stressful field must be difficult. I'm sure she was only preparing you for your life ahead!"

"Excuse me, Cordelia, but I am a man." the correction slipped off his tongue like any other day. Immediately, he expected her reaction.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she began to frantically apologize, looking as if she was about to kick herself before she even began.

"Don't worry about it." Libra waved his hand through the air, smiling serenely. "It happens all the time. Daily, in fact. How can I assist you today?"

"Well, I go to Shield of Flames University, and we plan on holding quite an extensive career festival in a couple of week from now. This festival is meant to also show off our campus and our degree programs, and we wanted to get some alumni to represent certain stands."

"A festival, you say? What will happen at this festival?"

"Oh, basic college campus tour stuff." Cordelia explained. "Students will visit and you will be at stands in order to describe your careers and your experience at Shield of Flames. This way, prospective students from across the country, including from Iris Academy, can get the full experience and success of what it means to be both a student and a graduate from SoF. Phila recommended you for the medical half and another woman for the psychological half. I tried asking for her name, but apparently she wasn't here. Anyways, I figured, since Phila said you both were so successful with the patients, that you would work perfectly."

"I see," Libra gestured for her to follow them back to the information desk. Smiling at the receptionist, he continued where he left off. "Listen. Cordelia here would like me and the recommended therapist to volunteer at an alumni-student event at Shield of Flames University. Could you forward an email to the board so we can get…"

He trailed off, glancing at Cordelia.

"What day, Cordelia?"

"Oh! Two Fridays from now." Cordelia answered. "It's from eleven to four. These," Cordelia pulled up an email on her phone, showing it to the receptionist. "Are the two people Doctor Phila Shore recommended for the event."

"I see…" the receptionist's gaze flicked to the phone, then back to Libra.

"I'll make the executive decision for the therapist, if you will." Libra spoke. "I'd like you to request that date and time off, for the event."

"Of course, Dr. Scales." the receptionist smiled respectfully, then continued on with writing the email.

"Thank you very much, Dr. Scales!" Cordelia exclaimed thankfully. "I'm sorry for the drop and run, but I have a shift starting in about fifteen minutes."

"It's my pleasure, Miss."

"Again, thank you!"

Then, the redhead dashed out the door, waving over her shoulder as she left. Libra in return, offered a goodbye wave as well. Feeling his pager buzz yet again, he cast it a fleeting glance, knowing he was being summoned back to his department.

"Thank you for your help."

"Anytime." the receptionist smiled.

Libra offered a smile in return, then began to rush back to the ICU. Certainly, he figured, the therapist Phila recommended must be a loving, gentle, calming woman if she not only graduated from Shield of Flames, but also got Phila's recommendation. He hoped the board would let them off for the day, if not to go see his old school, but to meet this no doubt brilliant woman.

o.0.o.0.o

Hello everyone! It's been a bit since this story has been updated, hasn't it? Sorry bout that, Amy and I got swamped with school for a while, we've been working on this chapter scene by scene for months now! But it's done, and I'm happy with how it turned out!

Anyway, thanks to Maetrix (Our first ever review that wasn't Amy! Haha, I hope you continue reading and reviewing, cause we've got quite a few plans in store ;)) and Amy (I'm always here for you, you know that!) for reviewing, all 11 followers, 7 favorites and 673 readers!

Now, as for this chapter. The reference in Henry and Olivia's scene this time, well the new one, is Tom Yorkey, who is a reference to Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, once again.

In Panne and Lon'qu's scene, the little girl is a reference to another FE character. I dunno if anyone will get it, but it's definitely a hint of our plans with this universe (yes, you read that right: universe. We're ambitious XD)

Let's see...anything else? Hm...I can't really think of anything, so I'll end this note here.

Hope you all enjoyed and leave a review to let us know what you thought! Things are picking up now, folks, so stay with us!

Bye bye!