Look not at the days gone by
with a forlorn heart. They were
simply the dots we can now connect
with our present, to help us draw
the outline of a beautiful tomorrow.
-Dodinsky
Groaning, Reyna curled her body more into a ball to keep the warmth. Her blanket scrunched around her, the commander let out another groan. Was it too much to ask for another day off? It had been so nice to relax, even if it wasn't exactly relaxing as it might have been. She had fretted about the boy most of the day until her friend told her to calm down and reassured her.
Now she regretted not taking the time to get more sleep.
Pushing herself up and wrapping the blanket around her shoulder, Reyna moved to the edge of the bed. Yawning, she stood and headed over to the bathroom. The longer she stayed in bed, the more she would have to deal with later on. Being in charge of the Guardians was no easy task, as the last two years had proved. After a shower and getting some breakfast, she'd have to swing by her office and pick up some paper before heading to check on the Fon Master.
She would have to remind Iris and Mari to let the Guardians know what exercise they would be doing today as well.
Busy days had become the norm for Reyna.
Leaving her blanket at the bathroom door, she entered and began to strip off her nightwear. What she liked best about being in a position of power was you were allowed to have your own bathroom in your own room. You didn't have to share bed space or go to the public bathroom. It was pretty great, if she was being honest. A perk, even!
Of course, some families had a similar treatment if they were lucky or 'devoted believers', which was basically saying they had the money for it. Others, like soldiers, cantors, and such were forced to share rooms. It wasn't a bad set-up. Then again, she had roomed with Iris most of her time as a Guardian, so she couldn't complain as much.
Those had been good times.
Starting the shower head, she waited a few moments before it was warm enough for her to get in. The shower definitely helped with waking her up more and the tension in her shoulders began to go away. Reyna decided to not rush as she washed her hair and body.
When she stepped out, Reyna felt more alert and awake. Grabbing a towel and drying herself off, the woman began getting ready for the day. As she walked into her room, she began to dry her hair, moving over toward the closet. She pulled out her uniform and boots and threw them on the bed. With her hair at least damp at this point, she took her brush and brushed it thoroughly.
It was funny since she could remember the times her hair only came to her neck.
Braiding her hair quickly and pulling on some undergarments, Reyna put on her uniform. Having made some minor modifications, it was easier for her to move around in and especially fight in. However, the tabard was part of it, something she still disliked greatly. Pulling on her boots, finding her gloves and gauntlets, she pulled them on.
A quick check in the mirror and she looked presentable. No need to worry about Mohs or one of his people making some snide comment.
Eh.
Time for breakfast and if she was lucky, nothing major had happened that would require her attention right away. Because, Yulia forbid, Stephan was already in trouble or something like that. Food first, then Anise, then the other Guardians.
With a schedule in mind, she set off.
.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
The day had been going relatively well. Breakfast had been good, Anise had already been on her way to check in with the Fon Master, and Stephan hadn't caused a ruckus yet.
That was a good start.
It was nearing noon when the Fon Master stated he wanted to go for a walk. It was a request she heard often enough these days, especially around this time of day. Plus, Reyna liked it when the Fon Master got some sun. It did a good thing for his health, at least she figured at much. It might be the civilians he saw when he walked around Daath. The people of Daath loved the Fon Master and he loved them back, if the look on his face after his walks were any indication.
Anise was the first to voice her approval for this. "That sounds like a great idea, Ion! Time to take a break from all of this boring paperwork."
Reyna gave a shrug before nodding in agreement. Since she would be spending most of today with him anyway, there wasn't any harm of him leaving his office. It made him and others happy and though she didn't admit it, being out in the sun instead of inside had always been a preference of hers.
At any rate, Malkuth emissary wouldn't be arriving until a while later, so they were good on time. This, however, wasn't something she was looking forward to. In all honesty, politics were never her thing, though she imagine it wasn't much of anyone's 'thing'.
The trio had only just left the Fon Master's room when, to her surprise, Gerard stood right in their path. With that smile of his on his face, Reyna couldn't help but give him a half-smile of her own in return. It was hard not to since it was sort of an infectious smile that he had.
The Fon Master smiled as well while Anise waved and greeted the other. "Hey Gerard!"
The man waved back, bending down just a bit to be more on level with. He had, after all, a good foot on her. "Well hey, Anise. I haven't see you around in a while. I hope things are going good with the Fon Master and Reyna."
"Of course! I have to keep them in line, y'know. Reyna just can't stop talking about you." She teased, giving Reyna a sly look and a mischievous smile played on her lips. The older Guardian did her best not to roll her eyes. Anise had this thought, like others in the past, that she and Gerard had feelings for each other. "What are you doing here anyway? Going to ask Reyna out?"
Gerard, way back when they first started out as friends, would have definitely become a bit flustered over this. However, they were beyond that point, so the Oracle Knight just laughed. "Nah, I need Reyna for something. It shouldn't take too long."
Reyna raised an eyebrow at this.
Gerard gave a shrug. "Don't worry, Reyna. I'll tell you on the way."
Sighing, Reyna could only assume it was some business with one of the higher-ups. And since it was Gerard that was here, it would likely be Largo.
She turned, her eyes to the boy and his other Guardian. "Anise, I am sure you can handle this. Please see to it that the Fon Master is back before the emissary arrives."
"Will do~"
With the two of them heading off in one direction, Gerard gestured for Reyna to follow him.
Acting as the guide, Gerard lead her down the hall. They took the stairs to another part of the cathedral. Reyna kept up with him pretty well and they started to chat. Nothing important, or even Order related. She considered Gerard her best friend and she was pretty sure he felt the same. By this point, it had been about...what? Nine years since they've known each other? Even if she had known Iris just as long, she consider him the one she was closest to. Though Iris did come pretty close to it—her confidant maybe?
Anyway, it was nice. It had always surprised her how he managed to continue to be in her life. There were times she thought he would move on, especially when finally started to date around. However, that didn't happen and though some of relationships with the other females hadn't worked out for him, he always had that smile.
Gerard bumped shoulders with, her eyes glancing at him. "By the way, it's God-General Legretta that wants to speak with you. I don't know much besides that, though. Sorry."
"That's alright." Reyna replied, waving him off. She took note that his uniform was crisp and perfect as always. The one difference between his uniform and other divisions was the design on the front. It was how each division was told apart. Unlike them, the Guardians had more lee-way with their uniforms, such as color and design. "I hope it doesn't take too long. That Malkuth emissary should be arriving today and I have to make sure Mohs doesn't get all high and mighty during the meeting. Yulia only knows he would."
The man laughed. "You should be more careful what you say around here. You know how his faction likes to hang around everywhere."
"Mohs knows my distaste for him."
"Still..."
She bumped his shoulder, just like he had done. "Don't worry about, okay?"
"Okay." He said with a nod, at least looking a bit more reassured. Reyna hated worrying him with what was going on between the factions. Gerard was one that would often tell her that it might get her in deep trouble if she wasn't careful.
The rest of the way was filled with quiet chit-chat. She mentioned how training with her Guardians were going. He talked about how his division might be going on a field mission soon. It was sort of calming to her. By the time they reached the designated place, Gerard was, once again, smiling. "God-General Legretta is within. Blah, blah, blah, y'know the rest."
"Gerard, did I ever tell you how very formal you can be." The Guardian sarcastically replied.
She watched the smile disappear from his face, though she was sure it wasn't from her joke. She could tell that he wanted to say more but he was hesitating. Reyna knew that he needed to be pushed sometimes, so she simply said, "Gerard."
"Hahaha, sorry." The male looked embarrassed now and it made Reyna smile again. "Do you want to hang out later, if you're not busy?"
He was always worrying about that.
Since she was in charge of the Guardians, it made him feel like she wouldn't have time. Gerard should have known better because she would always find time to at least try to hang out. They were best friends after all. "Oh I suppose. I mean if you want to hang out and not train this time."
"It's a date then." He said with a chuckle, patting her shoulder. Rolling her eyes, she waved her hand, in a dismissive manner this time.
Reyna knocked on the door while Gerard went off to attend to his other duties. She didn't wait for an answer as she entered and started. "You called, Legre-" The blonde God-General looked up from the papers she was bent over as Reyna entered but that was not who made her stop. In the room was Largo and Arietta as well. "Am I interrupting something?"
"Commander..." The Guardian's eyes came upon the petite and fragile-looking girl with the title of the Wild. She hid her face behind that strange doll of hers but nevertheless, Reyna offered her nod of acknowledgment at the very least.
Her eyes went toward the larger and only male of the three here. It never ceased to amaze her how large Largo was and she made a note that she would not want to face him in battle. He gave her a nod before saying, "It is good to see you are well."
"The same to you, Largo."
Legretta was quick to put an end to the formalities. "Enough idle chatter. How are things with the Fon Master? Is he well?"
"He's good." Though the reply was curt, Legretta seemed to be satisfied with it.
"I see. You are also aware the Commandant is not here in Daath?"
Of course she knew. Crossing her arms, Reyna stared at Legretta. Did she take Reyna for a fool or that she just didn't pay attention to what was going on. Van went to Baticul to train that boy. It wasn't like she didn't know this. "Yes, I am aware. Is there something you need?"
The older woman shook her head as she went back to overlooking some paperwork. "No. I just was checking up on you and the boy. I heard an emissary of Malkuth will be here today to see the Fon Master. I hope things will go well with that."
"Of course. Considering how Mohs will handle it, it'll go smoothly." Reyna rolled her eyes at this. Largo gave her a look, even though that the man probably didn't like Mohs much himself. Even Arietta looked a bit uncomfortable, at least more so than usual, though if she was being honest, it was probably because of she was here. Legretta didn't seem to care too much about what she had said. Largo could only shake his head as he headed past the woman.
"I'll get my soldiers ready." Largo said as he left the room. Reyna turned her head to glance at his back, wondering if this was the field mission Gerard mentioned.
When her eyes went back to the two woman, she noticed that Arietta had kept her eyes on her until their gazes met. She glanced away while Legretta continued. "In an hour, Largo, Arietta and I will be going on a mission. We'll be gone for a couple of days. The others will be busy with other tasks as well. Please watch over the Fon Master and make sure the Order remains intact."
Reyna would have scoffed but decided it would be best not to. Like she really needed to be told to do her job! Reyna wondered what was really going on with the older woman. Had Van asked her to check up on Reyna?
This did not please her. When she saw Van next, she was going to have a chat with him.
Departing, Reyna was scarcely half-way down the hall when she heard her title being called out. Turning, the woman saw Arietta running to her and stopping just before the Guardian. "I-I…wanted to talk to you."
She had an idea what it might be about. "I see. About anything particular?"
"Will you make me a Fon Master Guardian again?"
She should have known this was what Arietta wanted to talk to her about. She could see that determination in her eyes, knowing that this was her only way to get back in. After all, she was the commander. She had say about who stayed and who didn't. If it had been up to her, she would have allowed it. Damn the decision they had decided! She knew what she was doing.
Yet...
She also knew why Arietta could not be back with the Guardians.
Best to squash this while she had the chance. Letting out an aggravated sigh, almost like she was annoyed, Reyna replied, "I can't Arietta. We've been over this."
"But why? It's not fair! That stupid girl! She took Master Ion away from me!"
Reyna's face harden. "Arietta, that's enough. You are with the Special Forces. I cannot and will not change that."
'Don't let her know. This is the only comfort I can give her.' A familiar voice played in the back of her head.
"I don't care! I want Ion back."
Reyna didn't even feel the need to answer before she turned and walked off.
They had this conversation before and it had ended up just the same.
Arietta didn't follow nor did she call out again. Reyna was her only connection to possibly being let back into the Guardians. Reyna really didn't like the position she was in because it only left her to disappoint Arietta. She couldn't change the fact that Arietta had to stay with the God-Generals. Plus, she knew Van said to keep it this way. Maybe she was just putting too much thought in this but it wasn't like she couldn't avoid Arietta forever either.
"Commander?" Reyna stopped, her mind brought back and she stared at another Guardian. It was Antonis and she noticed that he had a new haircut. Reyna looked at him curiously and when he noticed how she was staring at him, he touched his cropped black hair. "Yeah, I thought the long hair was getting in the way. Besides, Cora said it fit my build better."
Reyna nodded at this.
With his heavy and solid build, which actually reminded her somewhat of Largo's stature albeit not as large or as tall, this haircut suited him more. That was when an amused expression appeared on her face as she added slyly, "You sure you aren't doing it for one of the girls?" Atonis opened his mouth but nothing came. He began to look flustered and Reyna found this highly entertaining, especially from someone like Atonis, who was the very serious leader type. "Just remember, you and Stephan are the only males in the Guardians at this moment. It's a special privilege so don't go chasing after the girls all time."
"A-Aye, Commander. I should get going."
She really was a horrible tease to the boys when she wanted to be, but they both deserved it. The two of them acted like idiots sometimes. Dear Lorelei! It reminded her of the first time she had Atonis and Stephan train together. Bad idea on her part. Still, she smiled at the male. "Off to do an exercise with the others then?"
Before he could answer, another voice rang. "Commander Milas!"
Anyone that saw her face in that moment would see her joking nature was dropped and replaced with annoyance. Her stance going rigid and her expression turning neutral, Reyna took a deep breath before turning. There was were few people she despised and Grand Maestro Mohs was one of those few. It didn't matter what Van said or how essential he was, Reyna hated the guy.
Answering back, Reyna simply said, "Grand Maestro."
"I have heard the Fon Master is out."
"Yes, he's taking one of his usual walks."
This obviously displeased Mohs. "Even though the Malkuth emissary is coming today and soon? I find it very irresponsible for the both of you to disregard this. The lack of keeping to his schedule and you letting him do so reflects badly on all of us. Even if he is a teenager, he is the leader of our Order. You would be due to remember that."
She could see that he was rather enjoying this. Scolding her in front of her subordinate and all. Behind her, Reyna could almost feel Atonis stiffen. He was biting his tongue only because she was here right now and speaking out would not make the situation better. She was glad that it was Atonis here and not Stephen because this would be a very different conversation.
"Of course, Grand Maestro. I'll go see to him at once and bring him back." The woman replied with a pleasant smile, at least as best as she could manage with the man before her.
"Good. I need to speak with him before this emissary arrives. Don't waste time Commander." With a smug look on his face, one that made her want to punch him, the man left.
Reyna glared at his back.
"Commander, why did you take that?" Antonis finally asked and when Reyna turned to look at him, he had a very confused look. Atonis was with the Fon Master faction of course, so she understood. "He even spoke poorly of the Fon Master!"
Renya shook her head, sighing. "Sometimes, you have to bite your tongue and choose your battles. For now, I do need to attend to the Fon Master. Please head back to the others and make sure Stephan stays in line this time. Don't want another exercise to go wrong. Also tell Iris I wish to speak with her later."
Saluting, Atonis and Reyna parted ways. He still didn't look happy, but he was a good soldier and did as he was told. She was glad he hadn't spoken up because she knew that Moh would have thought that she didn't know how to keep her Guardians in line. She had gone through enough of that with Stephan.
It didn't take long for the commander to find the two as they were just heading back. When Anise saw Reyna, she smiled and reported back, "All goes well. We made it back safe and sound, just like you asked." She added a salute to this.
Reyna's eyes went to the Fon Master and he looked calmer and a bit happier. That was the effects of him going on a walk around the city. Not only did it show that the Fon Master cared for his people, but that his people cared for him and made him happy. This, in turn, helped the boy to continue doing his best. "I see. Grand Maestro Mohs wishes to speak to the Fon Master before we begin the meeting."
"Alright."
.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
.
Reyna stood almost directly behind the Fon Master while her eyes lingered on the man before them. He was bent down on one knee, waiting as the Fon Master and Mohs looked over the letter. Anise stood back a couple of steps, trying to keep her face neutral. The man before them, Colonel Curtiss, there was something about him she couldn't put her finger on, but it was there. Having only caught a glance of him directly before the meeting started, she hadn't been able to get anymore from him.
"You're Colonel Jade Curtiss, correct?" asked the boy, as he looked up from the document. "I understand your request. From this document, it is clear that Emperor Peony wrote it sincerely, not merely stating it."
Colonel Curtiss nodded his head and glanced up to meet their gazes, particularly the Fon Master's. His reply was a simple, "Yes."
"His Majesty must truly wish for peace from the bottom of his heart." The green-haired boy spoke softly now, causing Reyna to glance at him from the side. "This must be why the citizens love him more than anything…which I truly think is wonderful." A serene expression cross his face while he said these things and Reyna did her best not to make any kind of facial expression because of it. She could tell that Mohs was not happy with the way the boy was speaking and continued to glare at the paper. The Colonel, on the other hand, stared at the Fon Master with an odd look and the boy noticed this. "Is something wrong?
The man shook his head and pushed up his glasses. "Nothing at all. Pardon me." A very brief smile appeared on his face. "Those thoughtful words are indeed, reassuring. I think it sounds very promising."
"Colonel Curtiss!" Reyna nearly jumped when Mohs spoke suddenly and with a harsh tone in his voice. He moved to the front of the rounded table he had been behind just moments ago.
"Yes?" It kind of surprised her how he could remain so calm when Mohs could easily lose his temper but then again, the Fon Master was here. Regardless, she felt the need to applaud the man. If only she could, just to see Mohs' reaction.
"Leave the letter here. We'll give an official response tomorrow." Honestly, Mohs was overreacting to all of this. The boy's eyes remained Grand Maestro's back but he said nothing. Reyna wanted to say something herself yet kept her mouth shut. No point in causing a scene, especially with what Mohs said to her earlier.
The Fon Master continued to remain silent as Colonel Curtiss bowed his head. "Understood. I'll be waiting at the port then."
With that, he stood and left room. Mohs turned back to the boy and spoke in a tone of authority. "I need to speak with you, Fon Master." His eyes went to Reyna and Anise, glaring at the two Guardians. Anise stiffen, while Reyna openly glared back at him. "Privately."
"Of course. Reyna and Anise, you're dismissed for lunch." He said, turning towards the two of them.
"Yes, Fon Master."
"Of course, Ion!"
Mohs began to guide the Fon Master back to his room with Reyna's eyes lingering on them. She followed Anise out, her thoughts wondering on the events today. Pretty much, every day was somehow an extension of this one. A dab of her Guardians and dealing with their problems, a dash of Mohs being Mohs, a small spoon of the Fon Master and Anise, with just a hint of meetings that ends up with Mohs getting mad or trying to make moves that make him think he is above the Fon Master. It frustrating, to say the very least.
"Reyna, what is the plan for now?" asked Anise, walking ahead, before turning to look her.
She met her eyes and shook her head. "Well, most of the others will probably done with their exercise. You may as well as have lunch."
A wide smile appeared on her face before it turned to a grin. "What about you? Are you going to have another lunch date with Gerard?"
The Guardian rolled her eyes. "No and just for a fact, we are not dating. I don't see why you are so adamant on the subject."
From there, the two of them discuss various things but sometimes Anise would stray back to the fact of her and Gerard. It did get annoying from time to time but it was Anise. Reyna made no attempt to tell Anise her encounter with Arietta. The pink-haired girl displayed her dislike and even hatred for Anise and the feeling was mutual for Anise as well. There was nothing Reyna could do or say to either one of them to make them understand, so Reyna had simply given up on it. Besides, she really didn't want to have to choose sides in the end.
If it came to that...
Finally, they parted ways. Reyna pretended to head towards the small room that was called her 'office'. At least until she was definitely sure that Anise wasn't following. Sometimes, Anise tended to be in places that she normally shouldn't be or said she would be somewhere else. Reyna would admit, Anise was a hell of a lot more clever than she let on. Still, she changed her route and made her way towards the Fon Master's room. She didn't like nor trust Mohs enough with his private chat with the boy. She always felt the need to be there.
When she neared the door, she approached it slowly. When she was close enough, she pressed her body near the wall and tried to listen to the conversation behind the closed door. Her only choice was to press her ear to the door and-
"-planning to depart from this city?"
Pressing herself closer, she listen to the boy's response. "Y-yes. But, I'll bring a follower with me as well."
That would be Anise, of course. While she may be the commander, he most likely felt comfortable with Anise by his side. Besides, Reyna would never agree to go unless he agreed to bring along more Guardians with him.
"Fon Master." Just the way he said it made Reyna bristle, because Mohs had no right to talk to the boy like that. That condescending tone had bothered her since the day she met him. He believed himself above others and it rubbed her the wrong way. "You can leave it all to us. Simply appearing at public events and signing documents should be more than enough for you. Just do as you always have."
If things were the way as they had been before, Mohs would have known his place.
Seconds passed by before the boy finally answered."…Yes. I'm sorry."
If she could take the risk, Reyna might have walked in right then and there. However, the game that continued to play behind the scenes was still at work and the woman couldn't take the risk. Even if she didn't want to see the boy walked all over by that bastard.
"Take some short breaks if you like, Fon Master Ion." Reyna heard footsteps approach the door and she scowled.
The commander quickly pushed herself away from the door and stood close by. She waited for Mohs to enter the hallway and close the door behind him. He didn't notice her until he turned to walk down the hall. The shocked and angry look he had made this sort of worthwhile in the long run.
Reyna kept an even gaze while he spoke, regaining that arrogant manner of his. "Commander."
"Yes, Grand Maestro?" Her tone was sickly sweet.
"Do not underestimate the Score." Her eyes narrowed this, though she said nothing as he brushed passed her. She turned her head to watch his back, as her right hand balled into a fist. "…and make sure Colonel Curtiss gets his reply."
Oh, how she hated him.
With pursed lips, Reyna walked right into the Fon Master's room without knocking. The door burst open as the boy whipped around to see his Guardian standing at his door. He open his mouth, perhaps to greet her, but she held up a hand. "Please, Fon Master, let me speak first."
Looking troubled, he just nodded his head. "Understand what Mohs says is right." She wanted to throw up at just admitting this but she didn't need the boy running out and doing something reckless. "We'll...I'll...handle this for you. Just do what you've always done and it will be alright." He looked like he wanted to disagree. "Just do your best."
The Fon Master looked at her with widen eyes. "Reyna?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you." he said with a gentle smile, causing Reyna to frown. "Is there something else you needed to speak to me about?"
Reyna turned her back on him, ready to head out. "No, that shall be all for now. I will return after your lunch and we'll continue with your schedule for today."
"Okay."
With a sigh, she left the room.
Her mind went back to the day and she realized how messy it had become. It wasn't even over yet and she already felt tired. Reyna thought about her little meeting with Legretta, reminding herself that she needed to have a talk with Van when he came back. Then her confrontation with Arietta hadn't ended well and made her feel even more frustrated with how things turned out. Then the audience with Colonel Curtiss followed by this? Why couldn't there be one day when she wasn't worrying over the boy or dealing with Mohs or anything.
Too bad Gerard had likely already left for his mission. Maybe it would be a good idea to go talk to Iris...
AN: Welcome to the end of chapter two! I had to make some more changes to this chapter and add a bit to make it flow better. Nothing too big except the ending since I realized Gerard should have already been gone. It's whatever, but anyway! If any of you notice a mistake, please let me know right away! I'm doing this rewriting without my beta reader, but I do what I want! YOU HEAR ME ASH?! I DO WHAT I WANT!
Anyway, my beta reader is IHaveNoIdea8, so I'd appreciate it if you would check out her story, Not What It Seems. We do cameos for each other's story, so you'll see her OCs here and my OCs in hers from time to time.
Also, any and all reviews are appreciated and thank you for understanding on this reupload. It's been a whole year guys! I haven't updated in a year!
Preview
Chapter 3: Operation Escape - After delivering a reply to the Malkuth emissary, Reyna heads back to Daath. Upon her return, she finds herself barred from Ion's room. Something is going on and the commander doesn't like. It is then she finds out a plot that involves kidnapping and escaping imprisonment. What exactly will Reyna do when she becomes involved?