Chapter Two: The Battle Within

As they set foot into Pieta, they could instantly identify some warriors. Clare had a brief reunion with some old acquaintances, some who were surprised as it seemed to them that Jean treated the number fourty-seven as if she was a higher rank, if that was possible. Jean though, was the least perturbed at the comment.

Clare did not really intend on asking for her opinion, but she gave it anyway. " I treat a warrior like a warrior. Besides, I owe you my life."

" Enough of that," Clare demanded, as they continued to walk shoulder to shoulder. Deep down, she thought it was beginning to get embarassing, like they were starcrossed lovers or something.

When they parted ways for their respective duties, Clare considered other things concerning Jean. The incident of her awakening and reversing back was a miracle worth to tell the others who met a similar situation. Who knows, picking up tips from the experience might help them in combat later on.

Not only that, she was also worried that Jean or anyone else would awaken and she could not apply the same technique again. She had yet to know how to accomplish it properly, hence it was better for the others—especially Miria—to help analyze it so it would have a higher chance of succeeding.

Settling down at a quiet area, she halted and grasped the hilt of her sword. Another chance to practice her flash sword. If she had yet to strengthen herself in one aspect, she would simply advert her attention to another. By and by it was every warrior for herself, but fate entwined them in such a way that death would affect another.

The two met up with each other in the evening, coincidentally just as the sun was setting down the horizon. Clare could not help but felt disturbed by the sunset, it was as if their meeting was timed to be dramatic.

Shoving the feeling aside, she turned to Jean and got to the subject at hand. " Do you remember what I told you about my discussion with the other warriors?" She started.

" Yes," Jean replied, catching on fast. " Go ahead if you want to inform them about my awakening, I won't mind."

" Actually, we are having another meeting later tonight and I'd like you to come along," Clare requested. " That way, the impossible would look more possible and you could learn better on how I did it, so you can do it too on yourself when I'm not around."

" Technically it is merely aligning yoki with the other warrior," Jean recited. " But it requires a strong emotional basis…which I doubt could be developed in a short time."

" Are you doubting the strength of our comrades?" Clare asked, for Jean was not stating her view in a haughty fashion.

" No," Jean affirmed. " But the experience is not the same for everyone."

" How so?" Clare enquired. " I've been there before. It was as described, a tempting feeling of intermixed pain and ecstacy."

" I felt the same thing and more," Jean explained. " I had thoughts. Voices in my head, telling me that the moment I awaken is the moment I can truly be me. Then my conscience reminded me of my true purpose, to protect humans and no way I can do that after awakening. It also told me that the real me has been dead since a long time ago, when this body was thwarted."

" And those thoughts supposedly constrained you," Clare expressed her understanding.

" Probably," Jean agreed. " Deep down, we are still in some ways human. Humans who don't function in the same way and have the same mentality."

" Humans can also influence," Clare stated. " I think it'll be the least of a challenge for you, taking into account that you trust us."

" I have always trusted you," Jean affirmed. It was then she made her decision, not being a particularly calculative person, trusting one person was enough. " Alright then, I'll go with you."