A/N: A quick note to say that there are skits in this story since it didn't seem right to have a Tales story without them. However, like skits, they are not always important to the actual story, so skip the bolded script talk if you only want to true story.

Usual disclaimer applies.

The road to Zaphias was as smooth as expected, but the escorts were so duty-bent on my safe travel that none of them were much for conversation. Thankfully, I still had Dora to talk to since they let her come without much controversy… that is once I mentioned she was a Spirit. No monsters attacked us, which I considered lucky. I may have been athletic, but my strength was nothing compared to a few monsters in the area. If anything like that happened, the only people capable of fighting would be the knights and Metrodora.

That capital was as grand and majestic as I heard once we past the walls. The streets were full of life and everyone on the main road was enjoying themselves. I looked over at Dora and even she was in awe at the grand city. Honestly, I had to laugh while watching her stare at all of the buildings.

However, our breath was taken away when we closed in on the castle. The display was unlike anything I have ever seen. However, I heard from people that visited Halure say our tree was a marvel beyond the castle. It may have been that I was too used to the tree that I never took the time to actually enjoy it, but this was new and enticing. I would've just stood at the gates and gazed at the awesome structure if it weren't for the guards urging me in.

But then I was again in awe at the beauty of the Grand Hall. The design of the structure, not to mention the wondrous stain glass windows set in the back of the hall. If I had to classify myself in this situation, I'd say I was a country girl in the big city.

"Welcome." Dora and I turned our attention up front to a woman in a brighter suit than most of the Imperial Knights. She had short light orange hair with one inner strand longer than the rest and tanned skin. But what I mostly found odd was her violet eyes. I thought only my mothers family had those. "I am Commander Sodia of the Imperial Knights, second-in-command to Commandant Flynn Scifo. I assume you are the representative for the town of Halure?"

I swallowed when her eyes were firmly set on me. However, I did my best to stand straight and answer. "Yes, ma'am. My name is Kimberly Crais. I have with me the status report for my hometown." Next, I gestured towards Dora. "And this is Metrodora. She's my friend and has lived in the town for the past five years."

Sodia turned her attention toward Dora, relieving me of my hot seat for the moment. "Metrodora? It's hard to tell, but you look to be a Spirit."

Dora nodded. "Yes, I am. I wanted to accompany Kim during her delivery for both her safety and a chance to see the capital."

A smirk appeared on the Commanders face, comforting me a little. Knowing that she wasn't as duty-bent as the other knights lessened my nerves under her gaze. "Both personal and selfish reasons, is it? Reminds me of myself during a time." However, once again her face became serious. "Follow me, Miss Crais." As she started to walk, Dora and I exchanged glances at each other before following her footsteps.

Country Girls

Kim: So this is what it's like in a castle…

Dora: Have you never been here before, Kim?

Kim: If I have, I don't remember. Basically all my memories are in Halure.

Dora: So you grew up in the countryside, hmm? *giggles*

Kim: Well… yeah. But what makes you any different? You've been with me since you were first formed.

Dora: Very well. I guess we're both country girls then. *giggles*

Kim: *sigh* Why do I get the feeling you're gonna start using that?

After a walk in the long, maze-like halls of the castle, we finally entered the throne room. This area was brighter than the rest of the castle, probably thanks lights and chandlers hanging overhead. The red carpet in the middle led up to an extra piece of carpeted floor that covered the inner half of the room with the throne in the middle. Setting in the high seat was the Emperor himself, Ioder. Ioder had semi-short blond hair, blue eyes and fair skin. He wore a blue/light blue robe that covered him from the shoulders to his feet.

"Your Highness," Sodia said as she bowed when we neared. "Representatives of Halure have come bearing the condition report for their town."

Ioder stood and, in a calm and reasonable voice, replied, "Thank you, Commander." His eyes then fell on me, a wave of anxiety suddenly rising. "And what are your names?"

Fighting off stiffening feeling, I followed the Commander's example and bowed as gracefully as I could. "My name is Kimberly Crais, Sire."

"I am Metrodora," Dora replied with a curtsey. The way our motions in front of the Emperor differed reminded me of how ladylike Dora truly was, not to mention how much of a tomboy I have become. "I'm a spirit formed in Halure and a guardian to Kimberly."

'Guardian?' I repeated in my head. 'Where'd she get that idea?'

"A spirit?" Ioder repeated with a hint of surprise. "I wouldn't have guessed. You look so much like a human."

"You're not the only one, Your Majesty," she said as we both stood straight.

A small smile appeared on the Emperor's face, making the atmosphere feel more casual. "Perhaps so, but back to business." He turned to me once more and gestured me forward. "You have the report?"

Without hesitation, I pulled the letter from my back pocket and walked up to Ioder, handing him the sealed paper. "Here you are, Sire." Ioder opened the letter and started to read with curiosity. However, his eyes became wide as he reached the bottom and then snapped to one man to his left.

"Commandant!" He said to a man with light blond hair, dark blue eyes and slightly pale skin. He wore a higher ranked Imperial uniform with a cape that split in two a third of the way down. "I want you to take your troops and investigate any suspicious activity in Capua Nor. But on your way there, have a group of volunteers stay in Halure."

"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied and made his way out of the throne room, but not before looking at me and nodding.

My eyes followed him for a moment as he left with a couple of knights. 'What was that about,' I asked myself, thinking of both Nor and the nod.

"I thank you for delivering this information," the Emperor said, gaining my attention again. "However, I'm afraid with the sudden state of affairs I will not be able to give you another escort until tomorrow morning. I'll lend you a room until that time has come for compensation. I hope this isn't problem for you."

'He's very kind,' I thought to myself before answering him. "No, Your Majesty, there's no problem. We're very grateful for you giving us a place to sleep in the city."

"Not just the city, but here in the castle." My eyes widened at his statement. I expected one of the inns, but the castle? "Don't look so surprised. You are guests here at the capital, so as the host I must make sure you are safe and comfortable."

"Of course," Dora came in. "It would be our honor to stay inside the Imperial capital."

Ioder smiled again, but even bigger this time. I could see why he was chosen the emperor. "Could someone see these two to their rooms?" As he called, a knight walked up and motioned us to follow.

I looked at Ioder once more and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

He nodded. "Enjoy your stay."

The knight led us to an open room in the west wing, as they called it, that had a dresser, a desk, and two beds. The room was lighted by two overhead lights covered with glass that held a windy design. In short, the place was cozy.

"This will be your room for the rest of the evening," the knight announced as he was leaving. "Have a nice sleep." With that, he closed the door and left us alone.

Dora walked around and checked the desk while I jumped into the bed closest to the door. It was soft, but it didn't allow me to sink into the mattress. I just laid there for a minute to enjoy the comfort until Dora tried her own by the back wall. At first she just sat on it, but then fell back and fully felt the mattress.

"How is it?" I asked while sitting up.

Dora took a deep breath before saying, "Is it time to sleep yet?"

I couldn't help but start laughing. I only remember hearing myself say things like that, but apparently I started to rub off. "It's not that late, but if we go to sleep now, maybe we'll wake up earlier than they expect and be ready before they notify us."

"Good." Without any other warning, Dora untied her robe and draped it over the foot of the bed, fully showing her shirt and shorts. Then she rested her head on the pillow, exhaustion clearly taking over her.

"That tired, huh?" She nodded, making me smile. So, following her example, I kicked off my shoes and lay back down. I didn't realize how tired I was until my eyes closed, sleep quickly taking over my body as if I was being submerged in a pool of liquid.

"Wake up!" A voice called as the slumber I was in quickly left. "Please, I need your help!"

Once I moved, my body didn't feel like I naturally slept. My movements felt as if they were being held, not acting sluggish as it usually was. I opened my eyes and saw a woman with pink hair held in a bun and emerald green irises hovering over me. "W-who are you?" I asked, trying to fight off the tiredness.

"Never mind that. We need to leave here." The woman jumped up and ran to the door, putting her ear close to it as if to listen for something. I sat up and noticed she was wearing a blue-green noble dress. "I think it's safe for now."

"Then we should go." My eyes snapped to my right, seeing Dora already up and having her robe on.

"Now wait a minute!" I exclaimed and startled the woman. "What is going on? Don't I have a right-" She suddenly lunged over and covered my mouth, surprising me with her speed and accuracy in such a swift movement.

"Just trust me." Her voice was calm and kind, but also dripped with authority. I couldn't tell if she actually cared or if she was abusing her status. "Tell me. Are you able to fight?"

As she lowered her hand, I replied, "If you call winning a fist fight with neighborhood bullies that, then yeah."

"Have you made a pact?" The term 'pact' made me tilt my head in confusion. "Then we'll need each other for this."

Still confused about the situation, I turned to Dora. However, her eyes were still, trusting, and held a message that I read as 'You'll know soon.' Feeling defeated, I looked at the woman once more and secured my glove. "Okay."

The hall was empty and quiet. The only sounds being made was our footsteps, even though we were trying to be quiet ourselves. I know it was late a night, but I would at least expect a few guards to be on duty. So either there really was danger or this is some kind of dream.

"It's too quiet," the woman said as she checked a corner. "We should have heard them by now."

"How do you know there're people here?" I asked, wondering if she's only imagining things.

"I was spotted. The people were armed and started rushing towards me. I was able to get away, but I needed to find a room and hide in it."

"That's when she found us," Dora came in and I looked at her. Apparently the woman already told Dora the story.

"Yes. Since I disappeared, I was worried they would check the rooms in the area, so I woke you two from the spell."

That last bit of information surprised me. "Spell? You mean someone casted a sleep spell on our room?"

"Not just the room, but the entire castle."

"The castle?" The shock of the idea made me take a step back.

"But how?" Dora asked, sounding intrigued. "Aer can not be manipulated anymore unless you are an Elemental Spirit."

"Or a Child of the Full Moon." What the woman said clicked in my mind as memories suddenly arose. I remember hearing about a group of people talking about that title and the power they had. Then I remembered when the tree was dying when I was nine years old until a young woman that looked just like this one suddenly brought it back to life.

"Wait," I said, finally realizing that I met her before. "You're the girl who healed the Great Tree, aren't you?"

The woman looked at me, some surprise in her eyes. "You are from Halure. You were the girl who was kneeling by her father while he was hurt, right?

Suddenly, I started to feel happy. I was sure a smile formed on my face. "Your name… It was Estelle, wasn't it?"

A smile crossed the woman's face as well. "Yes! That was me! But I never did catch your name."

"I'm Kimberly, but just call me Kim."

"Wow, it's been years since then! You've really grown up!"

A chuckle escaped my lips at the statement. "Yeah, I can say the same thing about you."

"I hate to interrupt you," Dora spoke and brought us out of our moment, "but I believe I hear footsteps approaching."

"Footsteps?" Estelle repeated. We kept quiet and listened. At first, I couldn't make out much, but then I heard a light sound that repeated itself in a fast rhythm. It was footsteps, and by the sound of it, either they were running or a lot of them were coming.

"I think we should probably be moving."

I nodded at Dora's statement. "Makes sense to me."