Chapter 9 – Aperture

It was the sixth day since Voltron's abrupt appearance on their planet, and just one day away from the offensive. Military operations were booming, members working day and night to complete installations and check ups before the big day. It was therefore inevitable that Almira and Arden were eventually called back to their respective commands a few days before the attack for individual details and final check ups, leaving the paladins either in the capable hands of Akil or free to wander the crater on their own. Pidge and Hunk often alternated between offering assistance to Akil's divisions, completing tune ups and major fixes to the air crafts that would be used, and spending time with the paladins in their lions, checking up on their own weaponry to ensure they were operating at the highest level. After spending a few days with their royal tour guides, the infamous sibling duo, it felt strange to wander in relative quiet without their sarcastic quips to liven the conversations.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, they weren't alone for long. On the morning of the sixth day of preparations the paladins found themselves being escorted into another meeting room, something unexpected. Akil tended to brief them on the necessary meetings the day prior, allowing the paladins to build their schedules as they pleased, but there had been no notification of this particular meeting. As they wove through the palace hallways, walking up stairs and twisted corridors, they came to a hidden meeting room near the top of the palace, something they had never seen before. Ducking inside, they noted the few members that were in the room, mostly all high-ranking officials.

"So you were invited after all."

Just inside the doorway, Arden leaned casually against the wall, Almira standing with impeccable posture next to him with her arms crossed. Unlike prior meetings and the last time the paladins had seen them together, the tension had mostly dissolved, although a level of formality was still hovering between them. Similar to most other people in the room, their faces were serious, matching the hushed tone of the rest of the room. The group stepped away from the door and closer to the familiar faces, looking for answers.

"Is everything alright?"

Almira's scowl deepened on her face, and she tossed a cautious look around the room before answering Shiro's question. "Something's wrong. They called this meeting on incredibly short notice, and there's fewer people than there usually are at the normal meetings."

Lance peered around Shiro's figure, his gaze narrowing in scrutiny at the duo that had been missing for the past couple days. "You two look more… friendly than last time."

Both pairs of golden yellow eyes looked at one another, holding their gaze and communicating without words. It was a cautious look that Arden had sent his younger sister, and while her face betrayed little, it was much more gentle than before, more forgiving. She was the first to speak on their behalf, eyes refusing to move away. "We've settled our argument for now. There's more important things for us to consider right now than our own personal differences."

Arden nodded solemnly at her words, turning back to the group. "Like this meeting. I don't even know the agenda, and I'm the general of a division. Whatever we're here for, it's important."

A response from the paladins was unnecessary, as the doors hissed open again for another group of people. Alastrine and Akil led the pack, with Eaghan and another elder tactician following suit. Eaghan glanced around the room and rested his eyes on Almira, a stressed and dark look in his eyes. Tilting her head she returned his look in confusion, but he turned away before anything could be said or gleaned from his look, striding to the front of the room with his brothers and leader.

"Good morning. And thank you for coming in on such short notice." At the center of the room, a virtual diagram of the planet appeared, displaying craters, Galra bases, and other notable features. It rotated slowly, and Akil clicked away at a control panel to manipulate the image as his elder brother continued.

"This meeting and its contents are to remain completely confidential until tomorrow morning before take off." His fiery eyes took in the members of the room, surveying them with a grave look on his face. "There is a mole in our ranks, supplying information to the Galra."

The temperature of the room dropped as each individual considered these new prospects, silence at the severity of the accusation that hung in the air. Almira froze at the thought. A mole? Who would even do such a thing? It was the highest level of dishonor and disrespect, to work with the very enemy who had oppressed their people for thousands of years, and it hurt Almira's heart. The reason for the meeting and the lack of personnel became clear; no one knew who the mole was, and every move they made from here on out had to be done in secret.

Arden was the first to raise his hand, petitioning to speak. Alastrine nodded his head in permission, and Arden's golden eyes narrowed in anger. "How did this come to happen? How do we even know that the Galra know our plans?"

Long, unbound, scarlet tresses shaking as they lay scattered around his shoulders, Alastrine looked somewhat defeated. "We don't know who it is. We know nothing."

The third prince was the one who had a more articulate answer, manipulating the map to highlight a few Galra outposts. "Our intelligence detected Galra movement at these outposts, with a sharp increase in patrols in the area around the clock. This sudden change would suggest that they're expecting something."

The lead tactician now spoke, huffing in irritation. "Obviously, this corresponded with our original plan to have the lions attack the outposts in order to cut off aid to the main bases. If the lions are detected now, it's likely that they'll be sending reinforcements from the central bases to assist the outer edges."

"Wouldn't this be effective, Jin?" A captain from the main army spoke up, addressing the lead tactician and slightly apprehensive, seeming to expect an answer to shut him down. "I mean, if the main bases are depleted."

Jin shook his head. "The last thing we want is to have the Galra troops all up and ready. It would be too easy to overwhelm our troops, and it's a risk we are unwilling to take. The original plan set it up so that we could easily erase the outer bases from the equation before moving in, enclosing the battle at the center of the planet."

"So what do we do?" A gray haired general spoke up, hands clasped together in front of them. "What is our plan now?"

Shifting his weight, Eaghan looked to the lead tactician briefly before addressing the group. "We have a plan, but it's going to take more work, and troop movements will need to be rearranged."

Jin took the lead again, green eyes flickering in the dim lighting. "Instead of sending the lions, we'll be sending in the Warpers and Wind Benders to assault the outer bases." The majority of the group began nodding in assent, seeing where their plans were headed and considering the possibility of it working.

On behalf of the paladins, Eaghan turned to the five, explaining to them what had been so intrinsically understood by the natives of the planets. "The outer bases consist of drones and up to five live commanders that head their operations. Since these two groups are most experienced with stealth based missions, taking this portion on shouldn't be much of a problem."

As Arden and Almira were the two highest ranked members of these two groups in the room, let alone the only members from their respective groups in the entire room, Jin turned to address them specifically. "Your mission is to get in, eliminate all threats, and shut down the entire outpost. No guidelines, except that you must do it without sending an alarm to alert the primary bases."

The duo nodded, golden eyes glittering at their new mission. Considering that their units had been placed with the regular assault groups, the opportunity to thrive in their normal working conditions was appreciated, and even highly anticipated. It was what they did best, and the thrill of the chase was readopted into their minds. Even though the entire operation was still sending chills and waves of nerves through her system, Almira found a bit of security in the familiarity of their new assignment.

"This means," Jin continued, "that the original troops that had been stationed as backup for the lions will need to be diverted to other craters in order to assist in the primary assaults. Since we don't know where the mole is, you'll need to do this at the last minute. Inform only those who are necessary. Stealth is our friend.

"I have the reassignments for your units here." The majority of the room began making their way towards the three leading figures in the room, now beginning to talk amongst one another regarding strategy and movement coordination. As the room began to split into two groups, Eaghan made his way over to the paladins and his two siblings.

It was the first time that the Shiro and Keith were able to identify the fourth prince that Arden and Almira had mentioned a handful of times already. With sharp eyes and pointed features, he exuded an arrogant confidence, although the red and black paladins noted the softer look in his eyes as he nodded in his younger sister's direction. Back to business, he clasped his hands behind his back, observing the paladins with a critical eye. "With these changes, it means that the initial assaults on three of the primary bases at the center of the continent will be left to you five."

Her arms still crossed, an inquisitive look crossed Almira's face. "Three?"

With a nod, Eaghan explained. "Our intelligence tells us that the southern most stronghold at the ruins of Doseogwan is mostly staffed by Galra scientists, without much security. We're leaving its securement to a few squads in Alastrine's division."

Arden leaned forward slightly, nose wrinkling in distaste. "You sure you don't want extra security just in case you're wrong?"

Rolling his eyes, the complete exasperation returned to the youngest prince's face. His own face wrinkled in response as he snootily looked down his nose, a near humorous look considering that he stood a full foot shorter than the Warper captain. "Given that every tactician and the king unanimously passed this plan, yes, I'm certain we'll be fine."

A leery smile came across Arden's face, distaste clearly written all over his expression. "Always daddy's little boy, aren't you?"

"Arden."

Backing down immediately, the general looked quite like he had been kicked, a painful look complementing his demeanor that drew inward. Sheepishly tossing a glance at the younger woman, he saw the anger in her eyes as she narrowed them in frustration. Silenced, he backed off from the rest of the conversation at Almira took the lead.

"What do you need from us?"

Pulling a small device out of his pocket, Eaghan pulled up a similar map to the one that had been floating in front of the meeting, a schematic of the planet twirling around at a languid pace. Punching a few more instructions into the device, the three outposts he had mentioned popped up from the map in greater detail, and the paladins all leaned in closer to look.

"Of the three, the most problematic will be the base at Altaira." With another click, the base began flashing, highlighting its location on the map. "We suggest that you select one lion for each of the other two bases, and take three of you to Altaira. As a refresher, the plan is to have the assault end at Altaira, given that it's the most fortified and heavily armed base. Whoever is placed there will need the endurance to last in a long fight."

Shiro moved a hand to his chin, considering the map for a minute before making his decision. He moved away from the map, turning to look at the rest of his team. "Alright. Keith and Lance, you'll each be taking an outpost on your own. Pidge and Hunk, you'll be with me on Altaira."

Lance gave a whoop at the assignment, punching the air playfully while Keith crossed his arms and smirked. The yellow and green paladins managed grins of mischief and readiness, and as Shiro smiled at his team, Almira grinned as well. It was what she had expected, what with Keith and Lance being some of the most aggressive and offensive members of the party, aside from Shiro. Turning away from their excited chatter, she noted that the meeting was beginning to disperse, members leaving out of the door quietly as they moved with purpose. As their own group began to move, a voice called out to her.

"Captain Almira."

Turning, she saw Jin staring at her with a serious look, beckoning her over. As she looked to the team, she saw Arden cross his arms, giving her a hesitant but warm smile. "We'll be back in the apartments." Nodding, she watched them go, the parting group excited and rejuvenated by both the idea of a morning snack and the development in their orders. As the doors closed and locked Almira into the room, the jubilant vision of her companions severed by the movable wall of metal, she turned around and walked over to Jin and Eaghan.

As she drew closer, she noticed the severity on their faces. It was even graver from the looks they had worn when first entering the room to break the news of a potential Galra agent, if it was possible. Eaghan's looked seemed more nervous as his eyes darted to the side every once in a while, in contrast with Jin's stoic, impassive, mask. Her stomach turned at the sight, but she swallowed her nerves. "Yes?"

"You've a different assignment. Forget everything that's been said thus far."

Pursing her lips, she dropped her hands to her sides. "Sir."

Eaghan moved to the console, pulling up an enlarged image of the fourth Galra outpost that team Voltron had been urged to forget in favor of the other three. Her brows furrowed, but she remained quiet, waiting for instruction.

"Prince Akil has noticed an escalation in strange Galra movements around Doseogwan for the past few years. Single transports coming in with cargo, but always leaving empty. And most strange," his voice lowered, face leaning closer to her, "about one month ago, they pulled something out of the Shendian."

The intel was becoming more strange by the moment, and even Almira couldn't deny that she was intrigued as well as slightly horrified. The Shendian was the mountain range that stood at the center of the continent, with four ancient Fleogan buildings guarding the four entrances in each cardinal direction; the ancient capital of Altaira to the north, the holy temples to the East and West, and the legendary library of Doseogwan to the south. At each location, the Galra had planted heavy bases as signs of power, cutting the Fleogans off from their heritage and homes. But the Shendian had thus far remained untouched, and many believed that it was the power of the gods that prevented anyone from entering. Realistically, it was host to sharp inclines and cliff dives, along with gales that threatened to tear anything that dared enter apart. But all the same, no one knew what lay in there, and to hear that the Galra had brought something struck fear and curiosity in her all the same.

It was then that her mission became clear, and she nodded her head slowly. "You want me to infiltrate their base to see what's going on."

Jin's eyes hardened. "Not just that. We need to know what the Galra have been doing in there. It's a scientific stronghold, and if there's any variables that are going to effect this assault, they're most likely to come from there."

Entering into the conversation, Eaghan was more apprehensive than his commander, and his voice was gentle. "Your mission is to search and destroy anything that could threaten Fleogan forces."

"Unfortunately, we cannot afford many more troops in your direction, with how we've now been spread out. We originally wanted to assign a full squad, but seeing as how every Warper and Wind Bender are now being deployed to the outposts, we cannot afford that luxury."

Almira swallowed hard. "It's a suicide mission, then."

Silence. Eaghan looked away, unable to make eye contact, and Jin's eyes closed. For the first time all day it was clear to see the stress on the man's shoulders, the calculations that he and his team had designed in order to maximize the profits of war. She knew it was impossible to escape completely unscathed and that sacrifices had to be made, but the prospects of this mission created a coil in her stomach that tried to eat away at her insides. When the leading tactician opened his eyes, she saw regret, but also determination.

"It may well be. But we've done the math. Of anyone in our military you stand the highest chance of survival, given your background in three different sects and your proficiency in your abilities and arsenal." Clapping a hand on her shoulder, the elder man sighed. "I don't want to see you dead. No one does. You're valuable, talented, and young. So I'll just tell you to get this done right so we can see you come home successful, and so I can sleep even just a little better at night after this is all over."

"And my squad?"

There was no hesitation with his answer. "We've already contacted Garen with the details for the Wind Benders. He knows you're busy with something."

It wasn't the pep talk she needed, but it struck a chord in her. If she was the most capable, how could she send someone else in her stead? They would most certainly die. If she even had a chance of survival, she would have to run with it and watch her back every step of the way. It was the same as all her mission growing up; the Wind Benders and Warpers always ran the highest risks of death. That's why they handled the most serious business; they were the most capable, and they certainly weren't going to give their missions to some new kid that was inexperienced. They wore the gloves of death on their hands all the time, not knowing when it would leap up with bony fingers to warp around their necks and take them instead. Finding the courage inside of her, she nodded, straightening her posture and clenching her hand over her heart in a salute. "Yes sir."

She couldn't hide her surprise as both Jin and Eaghan copied her movements, saluting back at her in response. After tensing for a few seconds, Jin relaxed, dropping his limbs to his side. "Go get them."

As he turned back to the map, busying himself with something, Eaghan moved around to stand next to his sister. "I'll be stationed at the base here. I was able to pull someone Akil trusts to aid with intel, and to help you move around the base. Of course," he paused, the smallest of smiles on his lips, "I've been designated to help you as well with making calls, so I'll be with you in a sense too."

Jin harrumphed, grumpily muttering his response half to himself. "Gods know you'd be worried sick otherwise."

Putting a hand to her mouth Almira chuckled in amusement, watching Eaghan roll his eyes in irritation. He had worked with Jin for so long, it was as though Jin had become a second father in a way; with his intimate knowledge of Eaghan's buttons and when and how exactly to press them to get his desired response, it was little surprise that the man had figured him out, front to back. It was amusing, but Almira managed to pull herself together again, watching Eaghan mirror her own seriousness. "You'll be deploying from here at midnight for Urudu, so meet me at the north eastern cave entrance before then."

"Alright." Dipping her head, she back away, making her way for the exit. "Until later then."

After the doors closed behind her, Almira heaved a sigh. Her head was swimming from the revelations. First a mole, then a secret solo mission that was probably higher in risk than she'd ever been in? And her call time wasn't so far off, with the preparations she needed to take. Setting off at a brisk walk she made her way back to their rendezvous point at the apartments, ready to break the news to the rest of the group.

Nothing was ever simple.

When she finally made her way to the guest apartments where the paladins were staying she heard the rambunctious laughter resonating from inside, Arden's booming voice mixing with the sounds and cadences of their guests. It made her pause before entering, considering the weight of everything that had been revealed to her and her mission.

This was it. With the preparations she needed to make and the task ahead of her, there was a chance that this meeting was their last. Closing her eyes and breathing, she had to steel herself. Of all the missions she had taken and executed, this was the first where the odds of her making it back alive were fairly slim to none. But if she was to go through with this, she couldn't get herself stuck in thinking about every possible thing that could go wrong. Pushing through her emotions and the doorway, she entered the room, surprised at the interior.

The entire team had been waiting for her, lounging around the room on various cushions with snacks and drinks. But her eyes were drawn to Arden, who was sitting directly in her line of sight, a set of familiar items on his lap as he smiled into here eyes. Tentatively walking forward, she grinned, coming to sit in the middle of the entire mess. "Are those…"

He handed the weapons over, a sheepish but happy look on his face. "I cleaned them up for you myself. Took the time to make sure they were in top shape again. Although, I guess there wasn't much to do, considering that you keep them in pretty good shape."

Picking one of the pieces up, she unsheathed her dao sword, admiring and scrutinizing it in the morning light. It remained spotless, sparkling and reflecting her image in the shine. After giving it a thorough look over, she placed it back in its sheath, running her fingers over the other three pieces as well. Her two daggers and her retractable lance were all touched up as well, and she looked back at Arden with a smile. He bowed his head, a sign of repentance and apology. "I've taken the time to think about my words. I'm sorry."

Fortunately, their time apart for the past few days had softened her heart. She wasn't sorry at all for the manner in which she had treated him, the way she had shown him nothing but coldness for the distasteful words he had brainlessly spewed. Almira had realized at this point that there were times when she had to get serious and brutal if Arden was ever to listen to her seriously, and this had been one of them. But she accepted his apology all the same, seeing the honesty in his eyes. If he had taken the time to clean her weapons, she was certain that he had definitely been thinking about their conversation, and she appreciated the gesture and the thought. "Forgiven."

It was time to move on to her business. Looking at the rest of the paladins, she turned to Shiro. "Have you received your instructions for placements for tomorrow?"

"Yeah." He raised a small device that I immediately recognized; it was a common missive for mission details and reports, and surely had all the paladins' information on it. "We're to be in our places an hour before dawn. Looks like we'll be traveling tonight."

Logistically it made sense. It was likely that they would be using the waterways once more, and it would take a while for the lions to travel the necessary distance. Still, it was confirmation that she would most likely miss their leave, if she wanted to get enough rest before her own mission. Arden's attention was drawn to her silence as she fiddled with the hilt of her blades. "What's wrong?"

The paladins had quieted down, and now all eyes were on her. She looked up, taking in the room and allowing her eyes to rest on Keith for a moment longer than the rest. For a moment she wished that they could return to the moment they shared just a few days ago, where they could train and laugh about their journeys in life thus far, finding peace and often much needed quiet in one another's presence. But this moment would have to do. "I'm leaving tonight as well."

Arden raised an eyebrow. "I mean, of course. Our portion of the assault starts an hour before dawn."

Shaking her head, her golden eyes lowered to the ground. "No. I won't be joining you." Golden eyes met their opposing pair, and Almira desperately tried to convey the anguish, the sadness, and the fear without having to say it herself. "I've been given another mission by command. I'm afraid I won't be seeing you after this."

"What do you mean?" Pidge piped up, adjusting the glasses on her nose. "I mean, won't we see you after all this is done?"

"Yeah, you say that like this is it." Lance threw his arms in confusion, but his own admission made him pause. "Wait, this isn't it, is it?"

At her lack of response, Arden began to raise his voice, temper flaring. "What's going on, Almira. What have they ordered this time?"

Waving her hands in small, placating motions, it was all she could do to prevent her throat from choking up. "It's fine. I just have my own mission to complete."

Scoffing, Arden crossed his arms. He was beginning to get worked up again, and while a small part of his brain was telling him to calm down, the rest of him was frustrated. First Lavena, now his other sister? It was driving him insane. "Don't tell me it's a solo."

Silence.

"No…"

The animosity and hate that coated his voice was enough to make Almira flinch, but she inhaled deep and calmed herself. "Who else, Arden?" It was half pleading, half forceful in an effort to convince him that this was the only option. "Who else is as qualified as me?"

"What kind of mission is this?" Shiro interrupted, bringing the paladins back into the conversation. "And why aren't we aware?"

Mentally she had already prepared her excuse, ready to defend the confidentiality of the mission. But the words seemed to die on her tongue as she look at their faces. There were looks of concern, of anguish, and of uncertainty, and she found that she didn't have the heart in her to lie or hide any more. Hell, it didn't matter if she told any of the people in the room. The paladins couldn't have been the mole, and on the unlikely chance it was her idiot brother, she would return from the dead just to smite him and drag him with her back into whatever abyss she died in. Confident in her decision, she lowered her voice, throwing cautious glances around the room as she went against the oath to secrecy. "You aren't aware because it shouldn't be a problem if things go right. I'm going into the scientific labs, on a report of suspicious activity for the past few years. If there's something that the Galra have in there that could effect the assault, I need to put an end to it before it becomes a problem."

She noticed Arden beginning to form a reply to her exposure to the truth, but he stopped, closing his mouth and bowing his head. "Alright," his admission with regret, "it makes sense. Barely."

Almira knew that he would come around to it. He had to. As a general and prominent military member, he couldn't refuse a mission on his sister's part, just because he thought it dangerous. Even if her life was on the line, it was what they did, and just because this was potentially the last stand of the Fleogans against the Galra didn't mean this situation was any different. Standing up, she placed her weapons in a pile near the door. "I have a lot of preparations to make. I came to say goodbye."

"Just like that?"

Offering a small smile, she reached out to her brother. "Just like that."

The members of the room moved to stand up along with the native duo, who pulled one another into an embrace. Arden had tucked her head under his chin, hands wrapped around her head and torso as he squeezed her tight. Much the same, Almira clung to his torso, closing her eyes and trying to engrave the sensation into her mind. "Come back alive. That's an order." Managing a nod, she held back the tears that were threatening to come to her eyes, throat clenching with emotion no matter how hard she tried to keep it cool.

Reluctant as they were, they eventually separated, still looking at one another as they memorized the details in each other's faces. They were only broken out of their reverie by a loud sniffle, forcing them to turn their heads to see an emotional yellow paladin, the other paladins not too far behind. "Can we do a hug? I think I need a hug."

Even though she was almost ready to cry herself, Almira laughed, opening her arms to the rest of the group. One by one the paladins threw themselves onto the clump of bodies, making it expand larger and larger and threatening to fall over with the momentum that Pidge, Hunk, and Lance in particular had slammed into the group. At the center, like a peanut inside a shell, Almira found herself content in the friendships that she had unexpectedly gained. Even if this was the end, she found that it had all been worth it in the end.

It was after a near solid minute of group hugging that they finally broke apart, shaking their limbs out and laughing as they detangled themselves from the clump. With a cheered heart Almira began backing out, gathering her weapons and making her way back to the door. To her surprise, but also to her happiness, Keith drew closer, arms crossed on his chest as his face had morphed into one something of sadness and determination. "Come back soon. I need a teacher."

His comment surprised her. Smiling, she nodded. "Keep stretching, okay? And don't do anything too reckless out there."

A half hearted smirk was worn on his lips in his response, and he shifted his weight. "You too."

A final grin on her face, she set off down the steps of their room and along the pathway that she knew took her back to her own room. She refused to look backwards at the group that was standing on the porch, that she had come to adore and respect during the week's events. There was nothing wrong with showing emotion, but goodbyes had never been her strong suit. She knew that if she had looked back, she would have run back to her brother's arms, never wanting to leave. She would ignore her responsibilities if she had the option to spend time in the companionship of the paladins, whose joking and light hearted banter always seemed to make the burdens of life so much easier. Holding her head up high and clutching her weapons in her arms, she steeled her heart in preparation for the next few hours.

The time was drawing near, and there was much to be done.

Arden watched his youngest sister's movements as she strode down the stone pathways, eventually disappearing around the bend as she walked back to her own rooms. He leaned on the balcony of the front porch, the smooth wooden balustrade supporting most of his weight as he gradually put pressure down. Deep in thought, he recalled all the times that he had to say goodbye to the young wind bending captain, all the missions where there had been high risks of failure or death. Never in all those times had he felt like he was now; there was a finality in the air, and whether it was prophesying a good or ill outcome, he wasn't sure. Watching her walk down that path, her head held high in the face of almost certain death made him want to go running after her, to confront the tacticians and beg them to let him take her place. It wasn't fair, that she was so young, and that so much was being placed on their shoulders.

And yet he had to remind himself that he wasn't all that much older either. Neither was Alastrine, or Akil, or Eaghan. Yet the strains of war had been placed on their shoulders and wings practically since the day they were born, the expectation that the sons and daughter of the empire would carry their people ever closer to an unforeseeable future where they might dare to soar in the skies above without the worry of the Galra harping down upon them. But when the possibility dared present itself with the Voltron paladins descending from the heavens themselves, he was skeptical, and considered that future that had been foretold. What would come after the calamity, the fighting, and the bloodshed? Would it end there, or would there be retribution for their people?

Shiro shifted closer to Arden, the ever-constant leader and companion that Arden had come to appreciate during their short time. They were similar people in a similar situation, although Shiro held an inspiring control over his emotions and anger that Arden had yet to learn, even though he held years of experience in warfare over the mildly young paladin. Turning his head, he met Shiro's understanding gaze, a piece of solace in the pain he felt.

"Is she going to be okay?"

Shaking his head, his brown hair moved in waves on his back. "I have to believe that she will be. Otherwise, I'm afraid that I'll lose myself to despair."

The admission was revealing; not even Arden himself was certain that Almira could make it back in one piece. He knew how experienced she was, the skills that she carried to each job, and even the paladins could feel the heart and emotion she put into everything she did. Yet to realize that there was a significant chance that Almira was not going to survive the mission put a damper on all of their minds. Shaking his head, Arden moved back indoors, gesturing for everyone to follow his lead. "There's no point in worrying about things out of our control for now. We just have to believe that she'll fight her way through everything and come out on top. Just like we'll be doing for her."

He had to believe that she could do it. Otherwise, they would crack under the pressure, and everything that had endured for thousands of years would come to fall by their hands.

AN: This is the last chapter I had from before my writer's block. The good news is that I'm chunking out the next chapter and doing my best to beat the ever loving shit out of my writer's block. I swear that this next chapter will be finished in the next week or two, whether I like it or not. You can thank Kirorokat for getting me off my bullshit and motivating me to chunk out a few thousand words for chapter 10. Thanks fam! And thank you all for sticking with me, and for your kind words.

On another note, I've decided to debut my second story. It's an Overwatch fic about a Blackwatch agent, who has powers of her own. I'm not going to spoil much more, since I sincerely want the twists and turns to come as a surprise. But if you could, help me out and read it! I promise that you don't even need much Overwatch knowledge to read it.

Happy fall everyone, and best of luck to all of us that are now six weeks or so into the semester! Welcome back to school all my quarter system peeps! And here's to the people who are working their butts off, wherever you may be.