So let us not live in deceit and become self righteous for a simple
act of goodwill because maybe once upon a time in our lives we
needed a favour from others, and we have forgotten that we owe
them something as well. Just remember life is a two way road.
-Amy Pulumbarit
AN(1): If it wasn't obvious from the previous chapter, this has spoilers from IHaveNoIdea8's story, Not What It Seems. Please read at your own discretion if you're not caught up to around chapter 22.
"Please, you can refer to me as Elder McGovern. I have since retired from my duty as Field Marshal." The older gentleman spoke, his eye twinkling. Were she not distracted by his appearance, she might have found herself a bit annoyed.
However, now wasn't the time for that.
"Forgive me. You were referred to as such when my companion spoke of you." Briefly, she wondered why Alex hadn't corrected her when Reyna had spoken of the elder earlier. Perhaps she could ask her later, but it didn't matter so much now. What's done was done.
"If I may ask, who was this companion you speak of?" Elder McGovern question, peering closer at Reyna with his one eye.
"Colonel Jade Curtiss of the Malkuth military."
The other man, Glen McGovern, asked. "And who are you exactly?"
"Ionian Major Reyna Milas, Commander of the Fon Master Guardians."
A raise of the brow from the younger McGovern followed by a nod from the elder as he spoke. "Well, we will gladly lend you aid. What is it exactly that you need?"
"Just a place to stay while I await the arrival of Colonel Curtiss and my other companions. I wish not to burden you further."
"She can stay at my place." Alex piped up from behind, causing Reyna to turn and catch her gaze. The Guardian received a shrug. "I'm sure Adela won't mind. She would love to have a guest over."
Turning back to the two males, Elder McGovern heeded the suggestion and met Reyna's eyes. "I hope this is fine?"
"It is. I graciously accept the help you have given me." Honestly, she preferred it was Alex than a stranger anyway. She still needed to clean up before everyone else arrived. She only hoped that it wouldn't be too long. The longer she would have the wait, the more she feared something bad may have happened to the rest of the group.
"Then I will leave you in Miss Garcia's care."
With that over with, the Guardian turned to face her host. With a gesture to follow, they left the building. Prior to the meeting, Alex had dropped off a report to one of the soldiers stationed in the building and then guided her to where Elder McGovern and Gleen McGovern were currently.
Curiously, she wondered why help a stranger out. Reyna felt a bit skeptical but Alex didn't seem to think anything of it. Anyway, once they were both outside, she asked, "Do you need anything? Like some gels or maybe a change of clothes?"
"A change of clothes. Anything will do until I clean my own." A pause as she considered her situation. She only had a few gels on her thanks to a small pocket she had stitched into her uniform, which those gels were strictly for emergencies. Other than that, she had nothing. "I think that's what I need the most. I shouldn't have to worry about anything else once my companions arrive."
"If you're sure, then come on. I think my sister had a few spare clothes that you can wear. Adela will probably even wash your clothes for you."
"I hope not to be a burden." She replied back, an automatic response to someone being overly kind to her.
Alex, though, was quick with her replies. "You won't be."
Leaving the conversation at that, the two continued on their way.
The city really was beautiful, though occasionally, her eyes would glance at the tree. It was the biggest one she had ever seen and she wasn't even exaggerating when she thought that it may be the biggest one in the world. All around, people were busy about with their life. Only a few probably had any idea of the war that was to come if they didn't get this peace treaty to the capital of Kimlasca. Anyway, once they were close, Alex indicated the residential area she lived. Her house wouldn't be too far from where they were, a few minutes at least.
She didn't like being in this situation and hoped that once Jade and he others arrived, she could find a way to repay Alex. It was a thing she hated—owing people. Daemon with his cloak or when she had been 'saved' by Zae and Anthony. In a way, it made her feel helpless and even if Alex told her she wasn't, the idea of relying on another had never appeased her much. She understood too well what it had been like to feel helpless and unable to take care of yourself. She never really wanted to feel like that again.
Her attention drifted from these thoughts as she noticed all the families around her. Someone deep inside of her, a feeling tugged at her. Reyna pushed it back, ignoring the faded memories of a gentle father and a stern, but loving mother. Memories swirled around in her mind before she realized that's all they were; memories. Reyna liked to think she had put her past behind her, but sometimes, that wasn't always the case when it came to these little reminders.
It was thanks to Alex that she was brought out of her thoughts.
"So, what do you actually do in the Order? Being a Fon Master Guardian and all."
"Commander of the Fon Master Guardians." Reyna added, pausing for a brief moment before deciding that there was nothing wrong with telling her more. "Besides dealing with the innings of the Order, I'm the one that picks who enters the program as a trainee. After they graduate, that's when I personally train with them, along the other Guardians."
The redhead gave her a sideway glance. "Is that so? What kind of weapon do you use?"
She held out her hands, showing the gauntlets. They weren't oversized or anything of that sort. They appeared almost as normal hand amour, nothing more, and nothing less. Her leg braces were woven within her boots, allowing her kicks to be more effective. "I have to be quick and able to execute any course of action. My duty, along with the other Guardians, is to protect the Fon Master at all cost."
"You take it very seriously, don't you?"
Her eyes met green ones. "Wouldn't you?"
"I wasn't saying that I wouldn't or trying to make it sound like a bad thing." She replied back. "It was the way you spoke about it that made me notice it, is all."
The Guardian shrugged, starting to take a more casual approach to what was going around her. "I do, but I was trained to be that way. It's important since he is the leader of the Order."
At such an age too…
"Yeah, I guess I can understand that." There was a pregnant pause before Alex pointed out a nice two-story house. "That's where I live. Adela should be home, but be prepared. She likes to coddle people."
Her lips twitch and small smirk appeared not long after. "Thanks for the warning."
.
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.
She had changed into some comfortable clothes while Adela, at her insistence, washed her clothes. Reyna honestly wondered what the elderly woman thought of the bloodstain but realized that she had probably seen blood before. Considered the skirmishes between Kimlasca and Malkuth lately, along with the Hod War, Reyna doubted that this woman hadn't seen her fair share of blood.
The clothes she borrowed from Alex's sister were a snug fit, nearly the same size as her. That was good, but above all, she had placed the sealed letter somewhere safe in the guest bedroom she would be staying in tonight.
All was well.
Afterward, she asked Alex if she wanted to spar with her. She agreed and they two left the house and headed to the backyard of Adela's house. It was spacious and perfect for them. When asked, though, Reyna told her they could do a few hand-to-hand combat rounds before going to weapons. Alex told her she didn't mind and they prepared themselves.
Alex was good, better than a few of her Guardians. Probably even close to being on par with most of the Oracle Knights. The young woman had managed to get her good in one instance, but that was all Reyna allowed her to get afterwards, taking this more serious as if she were training with one of her Guardians.
They took a short rest, the redhead going to get some water for them, before they moved on to weapons. Reyna watched carefully as the young woman gripped her dual daggers. One was of an interesting design, a note she would remember and try to use to her advantage.
Honestly, she wasn't sure how much time passed. The only thing for certain was that Alex knew a thing or two about fighting. More than an average citizen. She wondered if she was a soldier off-duty or perhaps even an mercenary? Her stance revealed years of training and her stamina showed that she had done some exercises to help her from falling to fatigue. Even her control over fonons was excellent.
Even when she put more into her hits than what might considered fair, Alex proved to be able take the blow with her daggers. She was fast too, able to keep up with her without much trouble. Reyna honestly wouldn't have mind having the redhead train some of her Guardians were the opportunity to arise.
Reyna blocked an attack from the blades with her gauntlets before twist her body and trying to hit her with a kick. The only advantages Reyna had was experience and her ability to be creative when the situation called for it.
They just finished a bout with each other when a voice calling out to them broke their concentrations. "Alexandra! Miss Milas! Dinner is ready."
Their attentions leaving each other, the two females turned toward the backdoor where the elderly lady waved her cane at them, a toothy grin on her face. She gave them a nod before hobbling back into the house.
The sun was setting, indicating the time that has passed.
A sigh left her lips as she relaxed and let her body unwind. Alex was making her way over to the Guardian, a smile on her face. "You're good," She commented, "A lot better than I'm used to. But I guess that's to be expected from the Commander of the Fon Master Guardians."
"Have to be at top form if I want to protect the Fon Master. Still, you're pretty good yourself."
Gesturing for the Guardian to follow her, they headed toward the house. "Come on. Adela's cooking is pretty great."
"Someone work up an appetite, huh?" Unfortunately, Reyna's stomach decided to make an announcement as it growled from her own hunger.
Reyna simply chuckled at the timing while Alex smirked and said, "Probably, but it appears I'm not the only one with an appetite of her own."
"Apparently. Let's hurry, Alexandra." Her tone was light, teasing. It was almost similar to how she might have treated one of her Guardians.
After dinner, Alex had to do the dishes. It was a chore that she didn't like if the expression on her face was any indication. Adela waved her cane at the redhead while she shooed Reyna to the living room, which was a shame since it was amusing to watch the elderly woman. She had only been standing in the room for a minute when the older woman came out, standing by the Guardian. "She'll be a bit, dearie. I hope ya don't mind t'at."
There was a pause as Reyna could hear the hints of an accent. The question that followed almost felt natural. "You're from Chesedonia?"
A surprised look appeared on Adela's face before she gave her a bright smile. "Aye, I am."
"I...used to be from Chesedonia. I could just barely catch of a hint from the way you spoke." She quickly explained, hoping she wasn't being rude. Normally, she wouldn't have cared but she figured she wouldn't have enjoyed it if someone had figured out she was Chesedonia herself. "Forgive me, I shouldn't have-"
"Child, 'tis fine. I don't getta speak too often 'bout ma days in Chesedonia." Reyna couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the twinkle in Adela's eyes. "T'ank ya..."
They exchanged a small conversation, but Reyna's thoughts drifted after a while. She was worried about the Fon Master and Anise, knowing that Jade could take care of himself. Adela soon seemed to pick up on this and let her be. The silenced help out a bit and by the time Alex appeared, Reyna appeared more at ease. While she wasn't reassured just quite, it would do her no good to fret over the others. She was in the company of two people that had taken her in for the night.
"A'ight, darlin's, time for this ol' lady ta get ta bed. Ya'll better not stay up all night or I'll be whippin' someone's behind!" And for the last time that night, the elderly woman shook her cane at the two of them. It was, obviously, for more of a dramatic effect than anything else. She hobbled away, disappearing down the hallway.
Alex sighed and let out a grumble. "...still treats me like I'm a kid." Leaning back into the chair she was sitting in, she asked the Guardian, "So Reyna, you think you're going to be here tomorrow?"
"I honestly couldn't tell you. Why do you ask?"
"Since my sister decided to stay in Grand Chokmah a bit longer, I'll be stuck here with Adela. Don't get me wrong, though! She's cool and all, being a mother and grandma all wrapped in one." Crossing her arms, she shook her head. "It's not like I can ask her to train me though."
"So you're saying you'd get bored beating up on a grandma?" Reyna teased lightly, a grin on her face.
Alex laughed before saying rather sarcastically, "Yes, exactly. Since I can't beat up Adela, I need someone as a stand-in for my sister. Want the job?"
"I already have a job, thanks." retorted the Guardian before she stood, stretching her arms. "But if I am here tomorrow, we can train some more. But anyway, I think I'll take a quick shower before heading to bed myself."
Alex stood as well. "I'll get you some clothes to sleep in. Adela mentioned earlier that your uniform should be clean by now, so you'll have something to wear tomorrow."
Nodding her head, she replied, "Thanks, Alex."
Leaving her be, Reyna headed upstairs.
She had taken a shower earlier when they had arrived earlier. Adela had been quick to push her into the bathroom the moment she saw the state she had been in. Reyna probably wouldn't have been able to protest even if she had wanted to. Despite that, the hot water had helped a lot to pull away the tension in her body, mostly her shoulders. This second shower was somewhat similar, but having trained with Alex earlier and eaten to help quell her demanding stomach, this was more of a 'cooling down' kind of shower.
Once finished, Alex, as promised, had found her something to sleep in. Pulling them on and thanking her once again, she was left to her own accord. Reyna headed to the guest bedroom and, gathering her thoughts, she combed her hair with her fingers. It had been a long while since she let the Fon Master out of her sight for so long. It bothered her and she worried about Anise as well. The Tartarus's situation had been bleak, at best, and she had no clue how it had ended after she had fallen off the side.
The others had to have made it out. She was given no choice but to believe that.
.
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.
"Commander!~" Her voice is light, almost airy and Reyna can even tell who it is before turning around to meet familiar pigtails. A grin is on her face. "Ion said he wanted to know if it's alright to take a walk around Daath."
She nearly replies when she feels someone tug at her wrist, trying to drag her somewhere. To her surprise, she meets the gaze of Anise once more. "Hurry, Ion fell down a flight of stairs!"
Wait what?!
She barely has time to process this, feeling a vague sense of déjà vu. Her words seemed so-
"Reyna, there is a crowd over there. We better make sure Ion doesn't get lost!"
Green fills her vision as the boy smiles at her. "Reyna, thank you. I know you're busy with training Guardians, but I appreciate it."
Laughter follows this as the youngest Guardian stares at her from atop of Tokunaga. Not far behind her is the Fon Master, staff in hand. He waves at her, gesturing for her to come over. An overwhelming sense of warmth overcomes her. In a distance, she could almost see the others, recognizing the colors of their uniforms.
A smile on her face, she approaches.
"R—NA!"
Wha...?
"W- UP!"
Her eyes snapped open and she sat up instantly, her body tense and ready for battle. "What's wrong? What happened? Is the Fon Master here?!"
Quickly, Alex tried to explain. "No, it's something else. Oracle Knights have arrived at the gate and they're looking for someone. You aren't-"
"No." Reyna spoke calmly, though she was still ready to fight as if someone was going to come through the door any moment. "It's not like that."
"You aren't wanted then?" Alex seemed skeptical, especially given how she was likely the only Order member here besides the Knights. It made sense for her to come to come to that conclusion.
Her gaze remained the redhead female, searching her eyes. Her tone was even when Reyna decided to finally answer her. "I told you, it's not like that. I can't reveal much but I helped the Fon Master leave Daath without permission."
"So...you kidnapped him."
Alex was so eloquent with words.
The Guardian let out a frustrated sigh and attempted to...explain further. "Look, he wanted to go. He wished to do something good for everyone but those fools wouldn't let him."
This confused her apparently. "He's the Fon Master though. Shouldn't he be able to do whatever he wants?"
"Things aren't that easy. Not right now, not in Daath." There was a small pause before Reyna shook her head. "I just need to see Elder McGovern. This needs to be sorted out before it gets worse."
Arms crossed, Alex seemed to be thinking this over before she simply nodded her head. "Then get ready. I'll meet you downstairs."
Gratefully, she did just that, reaching for her uniform. It took a few minutes for her to throw off the gown, put on her uniform, and braid her hair. Afterwards, she rushed downstairs where Alex stood ready. Just as she reached the bottom, she added, "Thanks Alex."
"Yeah. Let's go."
They didn't waste any time, though Reyna briefly wished she had at least left a note to thank Adela for the food and her help. Regardless, she had to focus on what was going on. Reyna noted that it had to be early in the morning as it was still kind of dark out and though they didn't run, they certainly weren't taking a stroll either. It didn't take too terribly long for them to near the main building but Reyna stopped in her tracks. In order to get to the main building, they had to walk in front of the entrance.
The problem? There was a lot of Oracle Knights in that direction.
Reyna took a few steps back, catching Alex's attention.
"What?"
Reyna gestured with chin in the direction of the entrance. "I'm pretty sure I'll be noticed if I go that way. Is there another way we can get into the main building."
"Yeah, follow me." She answered, leading Reyna a ways back before they took a different route. They went through a few alleyways before arriving at the back of some building, which she assumed was the place they were trying to get to. Alex dug around her pocket before finding a small key and unlocking the door. She gave Reyna a look and said, "I guess this goes without saying to not mention this to anyone."
Rolling her eyes, she nodded her head for the two of them entered. Upon entering, Reyna noted they the place was already busy, which wasn't a surprise considering all the Oracle Knights outside. A few soliders nodded at the redhead and continued on. Reyna, obviously, didn't know where to go from here but Alex took the lead once more. They walked for a minute in silence before they nearly turned a corner when the Guardian grabbed the redhead, pulling her back and clasping a free hand over her mouth.
"Shh." She whispered just as another voice spoke aloud.
"If they can't say if anyone suspicious has arrived, we'll just keep guard around the city. They're bound to arrive sooner or later." That's Legretta's voice! "As for the other, she may have already left. For now, report back to Sync. From there, we'll decide our next course of action."
"Yes Ma'am!"
She heard footsteps and remained very still. A minute or two passed before Reyna relaxed, knowing that they were gone. She let go of Alex and took a step back, letting out a breath of relief. Her eyes glanced at the redhead next to her and she saw Alex take a deep breath before glaring at her. "What the hell?!"
"Sorry, I just acted on instinct. I just caught sight of God-General Legretta just before she spoke." Reyna took a moment to rub the bridge of her nose, mildly annoyed herself. "I didn't want her to catch sight of us or, in particular, me."
Alex, still frowning, but not glaring, waved it off. "Okay, I get it. We should hurry though before any more God-Generals appear."
"I agree."
They checked the hallway Legretta had left to make sure they wouldn't be surprised and hurried along to the room she had met Elder McGovern and McGovern Junior. Upon their arrival, the two appeared to be having a small argument, which stopped the moment they entered the room. The older of the two McGoverns made his way over to the women. "Miss Milas? Is there a problem?"
The Guardian gave him a respectful bow. "Not exactly, but I would say my being here has something to do with the Oracle Knights."
At this point, Glen McGovern spoke up. "You are one of them, are you not? Perhaps you can explain more on who they are looking for."
Her eyes narrowed, not so much glaring at the man, but she did not appreciate that tone he had taken upon addressing her. "That would be an easy explanation. Who they're looking for is me."
Truthfully, if they were looking for her and what she had picked up from Legretta's words, they must have known that Reyna had the letter. As for the others, they must have gotten away, though that must also mean they are traveling on foot. There was no way anyone could miss the Tartarus and besides, the safest bet was that the dreadnaught had been taken over from what she last remembered. Regardless, it was not safe to be here much longer.
"And why would that be, Miss Milas?" asked Elder McGovern.
There was a pause before she straighten. "I cannot give away too heavy of details, but what I am allowed to tell you is that I am on a mission with the Fon Master. We've been separated and though I would wish to remain here in St. Binah to await his arrival, I must leave. He entrusted me with something vital to this mission. I only ask that you allow me to leave."
Glen looked unconvinced but Elder McGovern kept a steady single-eye gaze on her. "You are telling us the truth, Miss Milas?"
"Yes. I am almost certain that my companions, Jade Curtiss and Anise Tatlin, another Guardian, will be here soon with the Fon Master." She wasn't sure if she was convincing them that she needed to get out of here before she was found, but she had to keep trying. "If I may, I would like to leave a letter to explain why I am not here."
Silence followed for a few moments until Elder McGovern nodded his head. "Then I'll have Glen get you some paper and something to write with."
"Father! You're just going to let her go?! She could be lying!"
"She is with the Fon Master and I have a feeling she is telling the truth. I'm sure whatever is going on with the Fon Master and this Oracle Knight business, it will be okay." Turning his attention away from his son, he gave Reyna a nod. "I'll make sure to keep those Oracle Knights preoccupied."
Reyna bowed once more and while Glen looked displeased, he did not argue. It didn't take long for him to gather a piece of paper and a writing utensil. Reyna scribbled a message for Jade and Anise. With that done, Reyna told them that she would be on her way. However, Alex spoke up and said she could show Reyna a different way out besides the front entrance, to which Reyna agreed. Bidding the two McGoverns a farewell, she followed Alex back out of the Malkuth base.
They were on the street and walking before Alex decided to speak to her again. "So, secret mission with the Fon Master, trying to escape the Oracle Knights despite you technically being one, and who knows what else. You sure you can handle this by yourself?"
Reyna was glad for one final quip from the redhead before she left. She would have hated leaving on bad or awkward terms.
"I'm pretty sure I can handle myself. Just another day as a Fon Master Guardian and commander of said Guardians." A small chuckle left her lips, surprisingly.
A smile formed on the other female's lips. "Good to know."
They walked for a bit longer before arriving at a small passage way. Alex explained that it was just a straight path so she shouldn't have any problem getting through the other side. Then, before Reyna turned to leave, she handed her a small satchel she had been carrying with her. Surprised, Reyna wasn't sure what to say. Alex picked up on this. "Take it. You'll need it more than I do. Especially since I'm not sure where you'll be going. It as some supplies inside that will help."
"Thanks Alex. Really, I mean it-"
"So you didn't mean it before."
A let out a laugh, shaking her head. "I meant it every time I've said it. Still, this will help."
"It's no problem. Just take it and go. If I see the Fon Master or Colonel Curtiss, I'll make sure they get that letter."
Nodding her head, she took a deep breath and readied herself. "Tell Adela thanks too. Maybe we'll meet again, who knows."
"Maybe. I guess this will be a 'see you later' then."
A smirk appeared on Reyna's lips. "Yeah, see you later."
AN(2): Wow, okay here's another update. I should try to upload these faster because I don't want to just update this monthly. I will never finish it if I go at that pace. So from here on out, I will try my best to super update so we can get caught up to where I had originally left off. I've been having problems lately since I've changed how I want to do some things, so I'm setting certain stuff up early on.
Also expect changes from what I originally had, so it may be a good idea to read the chapters fully so you can catch those extra details I added. But anyway, I plan to super update since this is the last chapter which will be purely in Reyna's POV for a while! Which is good, because man, Reyna is fun and all to write as but I need a break!
Oh! And I'd like to thank IHaveNoIdea8 again since she helped me with Alex's parts and letting me use Alex for this. I still haven't quite gotten her character down so this helped me greatly! But yeah, I appreciate any and all reviews. I shall try to get the next chapter up as soon as I can!
Chapter 10: Pave The Way Forward- Gerard finds himself struggling to keep going as he continues to chase after his best friend. Questioning why she would kidnap the Fon Master, the Oracle Knight soon find himself in the company of the party. He soon realizes that maybe, his mission isn't what it seems and he soon is forced to make a decision between his duty to his division or his duty to the Fon Master. Meanwhile, Reyna makes her way toward the next rendezvous point but soon finds herself involved in something more...