Anima: Ahahaha look whose back after 2 friggin years. I honestly didn't think I was going to pick this back up. I don't even know if people are still reading or following this after it hasn't been updated for 2 years, but hey… I guess y'never know. Here's some important announcements:

1. So if you're an original viewer who submitted their OC please let us know you're here and still reading! It's not fun incorporating other peoples' OC when they don't get the joy in reading about them in other fics.

2. I'm hijacking Potattoo's account. Haha jk I let him know already that I would be posting stuff again. I still go to him for story ideas and stuff so the story is just as much his as is mine.

3. On another note we've got a bunch of wonderful OC's to our assortment and we want to use them to their full extent, so for now we're going to have to close OC recruitment.

4. I realized we bleeped out some swearing in the first chapter with asterisk such as sh** and stuff but that's not happening anymore, as it's too much work to keep track of. Especially with Nero's potty mouth.

5. I'm posting 2 chapters today which was all originally supposed to be one, but it became a lot – like 9,000 words a lot. After these two chapters we'll be cutting down on 1st POV as it gets to be a bit much switching around like that. It will only be added when necessary in the story.

*Note: In the prologue we used El Gems as the term but the objects in question will now officially be termed El Crystals.

(Eir's POV) Feita. 10:00

The squeak of the gate opening was music to my ears as my weary body finally stepped through the dark metal gates of the town. My hands pushing the scratched and battle worn gates forward. A warm and nostalgic feeling overcomes me while breathing in a sigh of relief and taking in the scenery of the town.

Much of the town had been destroyed in the last war and not many buildings nor citizens remained. No matter what time of day it was, the place was always cloudy giving the town an ominous look. I chuckled at the thought of the "cursed" stories people used to tell about this place because of the temple nearby, however nobody remembers the true Feita anymore. It was a lively and bustling city full of life and families, and because of the brick wall surrounding Feita, it had become a great military garrison full of skilled soldiers and leaders.

However, the esteemed barrier now laid crumpled into the earth, and the families gone. Leaving a desolate town full of soldiers with nowhere else to call home. However that was then, and this is now. Now the town is beginning to rebuild itself, slowly and surely it was coming together. With the war over most of the soldiers can relax, settling down to rebuild their life.

As if sensing my thoughts, a little girl ran out of one of the old houses with a large smile plastered to her face, calling back to her mother to hurry up as they went out for a walk. The mother recognized me and gave a friendly wave in which I returned. The current population was still very low, and so anyone and everyone knew each other.

The sound of shuffling feet behind me caught my attention and I remembered my tired soldier behind me, begging me to let them go and get some rest. I felt the corner of my lip twitch into a smile, "Alright, guys. Free time starts now. We'll be here for a day or two so pitch up a tent or rent a room, but don't come knocking on my door in the middle of the night for no reason unless it's an emergency." I gave a pointed look to some of the guys before my eyes landed on Lonnie suddenly reminding me of last time, "And no pranks on Lonnie." I gave as a final command wincing at the memory of the boy coming to my house at night because there were "ghosts" whispering things to him in his room at the inn.

Some of the soldiers snickered while others replied with a weary, "Alright," before heading off in several directions.

I easily maneuvered my way through the town with a set destination in mind. On the far side of the town closest to the temple was where most of wreckage could be seen. Set up in the area were now tents used for monitoring and studying the temple from afar.

The center of town came into view, along with a feeling of lightness, as if all the burden and tiredness on my shoulders had been lifted. I took in a breath as the air felt clear of any sort of pollution. In the center of town, sitting in a stone goblet on top of a pillar, two crystals shone brightly. They were about the same size as the famous El Stone, only a few tads smaller and we referred to them as the El Crystals.

They exist in every town and were in various forms, however that was never the case before. They were created after the fall of the demon invasion. The story goes that during the battle with the crowning demon, the well-known El Search Party had battled fiercely before finally slaying him. The demon did not succumb easily though, and with his final breaths swore the world into darkness. He destroyed his own body, having become a deadly miasma that quickly began spreading through the land. It could not be contained and could not be stopped.

Yet something akin to a miracle had happened. It was as if the Lady of El herself had been watching and strengthened the power of the El Gem. Beams of light shot into the air and across the sky. That day, I vividly remember a smog surrounding my small body, and a deep pain in my throat making its way through the rest of my body. Soon though, everything had begun to clear away. I watched in awe as the beautiful beams whipped across the sky and one of them landing in the center of Feita. Everyone in town ran to see, and as the light receded we were left with the Crystals.

A few years later, we would learn that the Crystal is almost like an offspring of the Stone. And that there was one in every town to help stave off the miasma which still continues to lurk on the outer edges of Elrios. Feita along with a few other towns were granted 2 or more Crystals, as the miasma was very strong in the area.

My feet slowed to a stop as I began nearing the edge of town and as tents came into view. The area was empty minus a few soldier milling about, I passed them all with my destination set. Two tents came into view, both with a weathered sign hanging over the entrance. I made my way over to the nearest tent, the sign of a much faded potion hanging above. I opened the flaps with a grin on my face, however it fell as there wasn't a presence on the inside as I had expected. I quickly left and moved over to the tent next to it, opening the flap and peeking inside. It was empty.

'They must be out.' I thought to myself, while putting the flap back down and turning to leave. 'I guess I can tell them tom-' My thoughts were cut off as I abruptly ran into somebody behind me. I stumbled slightly, from shock and looked up to see a familiar dark haired male with a small smirk looking down at me. Behind him, another familiar, glasses wearing face waved with a kind smile on his lips.

I instantly grinned at the two, "Allegro! Lento!" and with arms wide began moving forwards. I stopped short of my hug suddenly though as a realization crossed through my mind, my face slightly heating from embarrassment, in which I coughed to hide. I looked back at the two and gave them each a nod, "Allegro… Lento…"

Both of their smiles grew and Lento spoke, "What? No hug this time?" The older man crossed his arms looking down at me with amusement, last time's memory playing in his mind. The first time I returned home was after being away for a grueling 1-2 years in Hamel. I returned with a patrol group and upon seeing Lento and Allegro I was so excited that I just hugged the life outta them, or at least tried to. The least to say it was an embarrassing moment for me in front the patrol group, I was supposed to be the serious-minded sergeant after all.

To his question I also crossed my arms, "I'm not a kid, and I don't need hugs every time I see you guys after a few months." I turned my head away and whispered to myself for my own assurance, "I'm the Sergeant of the Black Crows after all." but Lento and Allegro had heard either way.

I felt a warmth surround me and realized Lento had me in a hug, I quickly hugged back knowing the Knight of Feita also had his own pride to look out for, he pulled back and ruffled my hair before pushing me towards Allegro who had his arms slightly outward in an inviting fashion. I happily took the offer.

Allegro said in a soft and comforting voice, "It's nice having you back, Eir."

Walking back into the heart of the city, buildings began surrounding me once more. I thought back to my conversation I had with Lento and Allegro, my mind at peace knowing they were now well informed and prepared for any signs of danger. After catching up, we headed inside the tent, where I warned them of the fiends which had appeared in Bethma. They agreed it would be safer to enforce the border control and increase the rounds, until we figure out the cause and origin. I smiled at the thought, knowing that the two would do their best to protect Feita.

My eyes were suddenly caught on the figure of a younger boy walking out of the grocery store carrying a few bags too many. One of them under his arm began slipping and before I could even warn him it had tumbled to the ground, produce rolling on the ground. I jogged over to help him pick up the goods and smirked when I recognized the 10 year old.

"Need some help, Ezer?" I said leaning down do help pick up the colorful array of fruits.

My voice calling his name and catching his attention, he gave a wide smile upon seeing my face, "Eir!"

I returned the smile to the spiky haired brunette as we finished retrieving and placing the all the produce in the bag. Once everything was in, I picked up two of the four bags and began walking in the direction of his house. "Eir, it's okay! You don't have to help me. I know you're busy!" Ezer quickly said picking up the two bags, running up to me while trying to get me to relinquish the bags.

I shook my head, "It's all right, I'm not currently on duty right now and I was heading home anyways. Plus, what kind of neighbor would I be if I didn't help you carry your groceries home?" I asked, looking into his light green eyes as we began walking.

He pondered the thought for a while, knowing that I had a made a point. I looked back in front of me and whispered to myself, "I did promise your parents after all…"

I didn't think Ezer had heard me, but I saw his eyes cast downward with a sad look to them. I realized my mistake and quickly tried to change the subject, "So how's Albaer doing?"

He looked back up to me a small smile gracing his face, "Gramps? He's doing fine. Lately he's been getting ill a lot…" He smile faltered, "I'm getting kind of worried."

My stomach ties into uneasy knots, Ezer has been through so much already and there's only so much I can do to help him, being away from home and all. I give him a reassuring smile, "Everything's going to be fine. The squad will be here for a while, so I'll be coming by a lot more, is that alright?"

My reassurance seemed to help ease his worry as he gave a grin, "Yeah! Of course!" He excitedly answers as I nudge the door of his home open with my shoulder. I move into the small home crossing the living room towards the kitchen and place the groceries down.

Ezer follows suit as we hear a weak voice call from the back room, "Ezer? Is that you?"

"I'm in the kitchen grandpa! Eir's here too!" He calls back. I make eye contact with Ezer and tilt my head towards the back room in an offering way. Ezer smiles and nods in return, and we make our way to Albaer's room.

When we arrive I notice Albaer slowly struggling to sit up on his bed. Ezer quickly walks to his side and aids him.

"Hey, Al." I greet, relieved to see him doing well.

At the sound of my voice, the old man looks up, "Eir, it's wonderful seeing you again." His dark brown eyes squint closer at me, "How long has it been? You've grown quite a lot since last time. Two years? Three?"

I couldn't help but laugh, yet a small twinge of grief nagged at me, "It's only been nine months, I haven't been gone that long."

A fake look of surprise crossed his face, "Really? Nine months is a long time!" He laughs but it soon erupts into fits of coughing.

"Grandpa!" Ezer called out worriedly before reaching over to the bedside for a glass of water to give him.

I could feel a pang of distress spring in my chest from the sight, "You're getting too old, too fast, gramps." I said softly. The old man drank the water before pushing it back into Ezer's hand for him to set away.

He let out a hoarse chuckle, "I don't know what old is for you, but I'd say I'm still in my prime." I smiled at his words which slightly eased my distress. "So how's the proud soldier?" He asks.

Before I could reply, I hear a low grumble and Ezer bashfully turns his head away, "How about we talk and catch up over lunch?" I suggest to which Ezer agrees and runs out of the room towards the kitchen.

I look to Albaer who gives me a grateful nod which I take as permission to leave, "Get some rest, I'll wake you when we're finished." I tell him before heading towards the sound of the sink turning on.

I make it to the kitchen to see Ezer filling a pot of water, making my way to one of the cupboards I open it and pull out a box of matches. I threw a few logs into the fire place and struck a match on the box before tossing it into the dry grass at the bottom. As the flames began licking at the wood, shouts are heard from the outside and suddenly a Feita citizen bursts through the door.

He looks frantically around the room, eyes panicked before they finally landed on me in the kitchen. "E-Eir! Somebody has stolen the El Crystals!"

As if to prove his point a sudden feeling of dread overwhelmed the three and fits of coughing erupted from the back room. I could instantly feel the fading of the Crystals getting farther away, and my instincts took over, "Ezer! Stay with Albaer!" I told the boy who nodded and was already running off to the back.

I nodded to the citizen who ran me to center of town, upon stepping outside I could hear the sound of metal clashing with metal far off in the distance. "Did you see which direction the thief was headed in?"

He nodded hurridly, "I saw him heading towards the east gate." He said as we entered the square. At the base of the empty pillar I could see many soldiers sat injured, including much of my squad, and a handful of Feita citizens running around, tending to those in need.

"Sergeant!" I hear a familiar voice call out and turn to see a familiar blonde running towards me. When I turn to look at him, I notice blood running down the side of his face.

"Lonnie! What happened?"

"I-I can't remember much, everything happened in a blur. I was over near the west gate w-when I heard about a suspicious g-guy who entered the town recently. I decided to c-check it out but before I could the west gate was under a-attack!" My mind was flooding with the information he was telling me as he continued, "Sir Lento sent me here to inform you of the attack and is asking for assistance."

I frowned, I was informed earlier today that there hadn't been any recent demon activity near Feita, "Lonnie, were the attackers… like the ones before?" I asked, slightly wary.

He nodded. I bit my lip, worried for the Feita soldiers in the west. I don't think Lento and Allegro have caught word of the missing Crystals, the urge to go help was there but I knew the Crystals took priority. I nodded to myself as I quickly decided the best plan of action. "Lonnie, take any abled soldiers of ours and go provide support for the Feita soldiers. Notify Allegro and Lento of the missing Crystals and let them know I've gone to pursue the thief."

Lonnie saluted and began gathering the men who were still able to move, I noticed even the battered ones were beginning to stand and arm themselves, and my stomach curled in. I would never get used to the feeling knowing they would be placed out in the face of danger, even in such a weakened state.

Before I left I called out to them, "Soldiers!" Their faces turned at the sound, "Be careful, stay close and watch each other's backs!"

A few grinned while many gave weary smiles and salutes. It only slightly eased my worries as I ran towards the gate. Feita was a small town and knowing the culprit couldn't be that far ahead I pushed myself to go faster, adrenaline beginning to fill me. It took only a few more minutes before I managed to spot a figure in the distance.

The dark figure stood on the open dirt ground at a slight angle, with his back faced towards me and the corner of their face darkened, but slightly within view. I silently took a few steps closer as I observed the figure bringing an object closer to his face. The eminent glow of one of the Crystals was seen as the thief brought it closer for inspection. The glow lit up the shadows on his face and I instantly narrowed my eyes. I noiselessly brought my gun up and took aim. I took in a breath of air and when I released it, I pulled the trigger.

(3rd Person POV) Feita, Town Center. 12:30

A black cloaked figure stood at the base of the pillars holding the crystals high into the air so that it's light would touch all the corners in the town of Feita. The figure slowly lifts its right hand up and with a flick of its risk the atmosphere became dark and musty as the light of the crystals blinked. A darkness swirled in its hands and in a matter of moments the crystals were enclosed in its hand. The area closest to the pedestal was the first to feel the air become murky as it continued to spread over the town.

"Hey you! Stop whatever you think you're doing!" A voice shouted from a soldier nearby who had witnessed the crystals dully glowing the figures hand.

The figure turned away ignoring the soldiers calls and began walking away, and so the soldier followed and attacked him. Behind the figure the soldier charged at him with a sword in hand, but was too slow as the figure turned, and by only whipping a single arm out, was able to push the soldier back fiercely with a strange force of power. The soldier becomes knocked out but more soldiers begin filing in when the commotion had been heard from the citizens and the figure turns to flee the scene.

(Nero's POV) Feita, Northern Entrance. 12:20

Finally. I've arrived at the next town. I made my way past the gates leading into the city passing a well-worn sign - 'Feita'. The people were lively, yet at the same time the scenery seemed… in a way lifeless.

'The war really messed them up.' I thought while observing the area.

As I walked further into the village I noticed a small cart filled with bright fresh fruit. My mouth began to water and my stomach let out a rather loud grumble. It had been a while since I last rested or gotten food, and looked to the sign underneath it. '10 ED per Apple', it read.

'What a rip off.' I grumbled under my breath and walked towards the cart.

While the shopkeeper was conversing with a customer I swiftly snatched up an apple and blended into the people surrounding me. When the cart was a good distance behind me I looked back and gave a sigh of relief. Lifting the apple into the air, I held it up against the sun and inspected it.

"For a broken town their fruit is so clean and fine." I said to no one in particular as I began pulling down my bandana, and my mouth watering in anticipation of its sweet taste. I was stopped short however as I sensed an approach from the right. I quickly turned only to notice a young boy probably around the age of seven. I could tell he was scrawny from the tattered clothes that draped over his small and pale frame. His eyes were set on the apple in my grasp. After observing the boy, I looked back at the apple. Its red skin shining under the midday sky causing my stomach to let out an unruly rumble. I paused for a second and made my decision.

I lifted my hand and tossed the apple into the air. Its trajectory headed towards the boy who managed to awkwardly catch it. He looked at me with wide eyes and before he can say anything I motioned with my hand to shoo him away. He gave me a wide toothy smile and ran off. I softly let out a smile as I watched him bound off feeling a bit more at ease than I did before.

I began my trek through the town once more, but the calm moment was short lived when someone came running up from behind me. He harshly bumped into my shoulder before continuing on his sprint towards the city gates.

"Help! Somebody help!" I heard screams coming from behind me, from the way the man came from. "The El Crystals have been stolen!" Another man closer to me cried.

Without hesitation I went into a dead sprint towards the mysterious stranger. I knew full well what the El Crystals entailed and meant to the city and its people.

I managed to catch up, and with only inches away I was able to get my arms around the culprit's waist, tackling them to the ground. Before I could even roll the stranger on their back, they quickly melded into the shadow underneath them, and after putting a couple feet of distance between us returned to their original form.

"What the hell…" I whispered to myself. I un-sheathed my kusarigama from my hip and began to spin it vertically. Static lightly began to crackly around my hand, and I allowed currents of electricity to travel through my chain scythe to create an electrical wheel.

"Fear!" I screamed and launched the wheel towards my enemy. He gave out a chuckle as the shadows underneath him shot upwards surrounding him. The wheel continued forth but upon contact with the barrier abruptly dissipated. I gritted my teeth and instantly unrolled the katana strapped on to my back.

"Downfall!" I rushed towards the sphered barrier dragging my sword as sparks flew from the ground, and once I was close enough I had upper-cut the blob. To my surprise it cut through, and my blade barely reached his torso on the inside.

The cloaked man winced and jumped back, "I've already wasted enough time…" The space next to him looked like it collapsed inward as suddenly a void-like gate opened up. I bent my knees as my body shifted slightly across the ground. The air in the surrounding area beginning to get sucked in. He stepped inside. "You can't stop the king from taking back his throne." Was the last thing I heard before both he and the gate disappeared.

'The king? What's he talking about…' I thought, puzzled at his words. I put my weapon away as I regained my posture. As I was about to walk away a glimmer caught my sight in the corner of my eyes. I bent down and picked up the beautifully glowing object. I carefully examined the small crystal, "What does he want with this?"

The hairs on the back of my neck suddenly stood up and my eyes shifted to my left side as soon as a loud shot rang out.

(3rd Person POV) Feita, East Side. 13:20

Eir stood watching her enemy. Even with the barrel of her gun smoking she knew she had missed. Her enemy wasn't that stupid.

Nero let out a breath in relief from dodging that bullet and looked over at his attacker. "Well, well. Looks like we meet again Repi-." He began but was cut off by the shooting of three bullets. He instantly pulled out his kusarigama and managed to block them.

"Shut it, Renegade." Eir's patience quickly thinning. She looked desperately at the Crystal in his hand and anger began to fuel her. The crystal was very important for her city to thrive, and she wasn't going to let some low-life just get away with it. "To think you'd be the thief all along… I should've expected it." She shifted slightly allowing the rifle on her back to rest in a more comfortable position, and without warning began her assault.

"Bullet Barrage!" Bursts of bullets began heading in Nero's direction and he tenses. He swings his kusarigama around in defense blocking bullets with chain and scythe.

Amongst his swinging electricity begins crackling in the air, "Fear!" He shouts, sending the electrical disk towards the gunwoman.

Eir jumps to the side, however her foot manages to take get struck by the wheel. She winces before swiftly pulling out an object and throwing it among the Renegade's general vicinity. His eyes glued to the grenade. 'Shit.'

With the pin in her mouth and a devious smirk on her face, Eir lifts her gun, "Grenade Shot!" she said before shooting the grenade cause it to promptly explode.

Dust and dirt filled the air, but Eir was still tense and straining her eyes to see across the cloud that had formed. After a few seconds of silence she thought it was over, however the sound of crackling quickly caught her ear. "Liberty!" She heard a voice shout and shooting from the cloud came a scythe in her direction. She jumped back but was cut on her right side. She carefully began to dodge, watching as the scythe swung on the chain wildly almost hitting her again, but at the same time clearing the cloud away.

When the cloud of dirt finally dissipated both side were hunched over from their injuries, but neither giving in. Eir brought her gun up again just as Nero took a step forward.

"Eir!" A familiar voice called out to the side of her and running down the familiar road she came from. She tightened her grip and kept aim on Nero as they both looked over to the voice.

"No! Stop! Don't go over there!" Another voice, Lonnie's, shouts from behind the young boy ahead of him. "It's too dangerous!"

Eir lowers her gun when she notices the two people running at her, "Ezer, get back! Lonnie, get him out of here!" She shouts at the two. Lonnie looks out of breath as he's running, unable to reply, while the boy promptly ignores her and runs straight up to her.

"Eir! It's grandpa! I-I don't know what to do! T-The doctor is there and they're trying to help him but… They say it's getting worse!" Ezer has troubles speaking as his eyes begin to water, "He's all I have left, Eir! Please help!"

Her heart pangs at the thought and sight. She bends down to be level with him, "Ezer. Don't worry. We will do our best to help him. But… you have to be strong no matter what happens." She couldn't pain him to tell him that it might be the end for Albaer. As if knowing what her words entailed Ezer's eyes watered over even more and he buried his face in his hands. "Can you do that for me? For Albaer and your parents?" She asked rubbing circles around his back.

He nodded and Eir stood up ready to walk back to the house with him. She looked over at Nero whose stance had fallen at ease and his weapon packed away. She hesitated in leaving him alone, especially since he had the crystal in his possession. Her eyes glanced over his person looking for that well known glow she has seen for so long. When she couldn't find any sign of it she figured he must've put it away, and she bit her lip in frustration. She couldn't let him go especially with how important the crystals are for the well-being of the city. A tremble under her hand made her look down at the young boy whose shoulder her hand rested on.

Lonnie looked at her noticing her hesitance, "Sergeant. What about Renegade?"

"Leave him." She finally decided with a sigh, unable to believe her own decision.

(Eir's POV) Feita, Ezer and Albaer's Residence. 14:00

"How is he?" I asked upon entering the room. Ezer quickly running over to Albaer's bedside.

The middle-aged doctor looked up and removed his stethoscope from Albaer's chest, he smiled warmly in recognition at the sight of me. "Eir- err I'm sorry. Sergeant Eir. It is good to see you again."

I waved off his self-correction, "Eir is fine doc. You've known me long enough." The doc has been the one of the best doctors in town for years going back into my childhood. I tiredly smiled back. "So how is he?"

The doctor walked over to me and glanced back at Ezer talking to his grandpa, "The displacement of the Crystals caused the miasma to diffuse among the city. Because of Albaer's illness he's very sensitive to the repercussions of its disappearance, and it's affecting his breathing even more than before." He looked solemnly over at Ezer and Albaer, "If there's any hope in helping him recover it would be the retrieval of the El Crystals… Without it his life will continue to diminish." He ended with a sad expression and moving his eyes to the floor from the grief of looking at the two.

My mind went blank for a second at his words. I breathed in deeply in hopes of calming myself. 'I'm such an idiot. I knew I should've pursued after the crystals. Why did I think the result would be any different? Why did I think that everything would be okay even without the crystals? I… I failed them.' In that moment I felt as if there was no one to blame but myself. I would have left the house and went after the crystals but with how much time had passed I wouldn't even know where to start looking. I sorrowfully looked over at Ezer trying to talk to Albaer, 'There should still be a chance, right?' As if to prove my thoughts wrong Albaer begins coughing and doc rushes over to aid him. It takes a while for him to recover, but even still I could see his body shaking under the blankets.

I was too deep into my thoughts to notice the footsteps coming down the hall and a person appearing in the doorway.

(3rd Person POV) Feita, Ezer and Albaer's Residence. 14:25

The young boy and the doctor looked up when they heard the floor near the doorway creak. It wasn't until the young boy gasped that Eir noticed a change in the air around them and the extra presence in the room.

The dark indigo-haired soldier looked up surprised and off-guard, but she quickly tensed and reached for her pistol upon realization of the being.

Nero raised his hands up as if he meant no harm, and slowly moved his right hand down towards his pocket. Eir was about to pull her pistol out on him, but Ezer suddenly got up and walked towards Nero causing her to falter as she tried to stop him.

Much to her surprise a warm glow began to emit from the object that was pulled out of the pocket and it was placed into Ezer's hands. Ezer quickly ran back over to Albaers' bed and placed the crystal next to him, and almost immediately the old man's shakiness began to slow.

Tears of joy began to prickle at the corner of Ezer's eyes and the doc quickly set about to checking over Albaer's condition once more. Eir smiled at the sight, and from the corner of her eye noticed the Renegade quietly slip back out of the room as if he wasn't even there. She gave Ezer a pat on the back and a reassuring smile before quickly following to catch up with her target.

Stepping out of the house the sergeant looked around before her eyes finally narrowed on the familiar black and red hooded sweater of a figure walking away. Unconsciously she reached for her gun, but when the cold metal touched her palm she shook her head at herself and let go. From the events that had just unfolded she would keep an open-mind.

'He could have skipped town with the crystal, but he brought it back and saved Albaer… Perhaps…', she began organizing her thoughts. Had this been the Eir a half an hour ago she would have never come to this kind of conclusion. 'If he wasn't the thief he may know who was, but… if he does turn out to be as infamous as his reputation holds, savior or no, I'll be sure to take him down.' Eir nodded her head as if to confirm herself.

"Renegade!" Eir yells jogging to catch up with him.

Nero tensed, stopped and turned around. Out of habit he grabbed the handle of his kusarigama, but quickly released it when he felt no malicious intent. Least to say he was a bit surprised for once that she hadn't greeted him with a gun to his face.

Eir stopped a few feet in front of him with a tough look on her face and Nero looked back indifferently. A tense silence filled the air in between them.

"I have a favor to ask of you." She finally said.

"So explain to me what happened, again?" Eir asked while scouring the scene where she had confronted Nero.

Nero stood in the middle of the road scratching the back of his head as he recounted his run-in with the thief, "I was passing through town before I heard shouts of the Crystals being stolen and gave chase. I caught up to him around here and managed to land a cut on him before he disappeared into a hole."

Eir tilted her head to the side, "A… hole?" She looked around the ground but found nothing akin to that in the area.

"It was like a doorway, hole, or vortex of some kind. It opened up next to him and began sweeping everything up." Nero tried to explain.

Eir held her chin and thought out loud, "Perhaps magic… maybe… a transportation spell?" Though the question wasn't directed at him, Nero shrugged. "Where was the Crystal?"

Nero walked over to the spot where he landed a hit on the enemy. Small drops of dried blood stuck to the earth. "And you only found one?" Eir asked walking over to examine the area.

She received a nod in response, but narrowed her eyes at him. The raven and red-tinted haired criminal placed his hands up in defense, "Hey, I know how important Crystals are to a city. Why do you think I returned it?"

Eir turned away, "Well sorry if I have troubles believing a guy branded for vandalism, theft, and murder." Her eyes continued to scan the grounds surrounding the area before finally landing on something out of place. "What's that over there?"

Walking over to a little mound on the ground, Eir was careful in approaching it. The closer she got she realized it was an object covered with dust and dirt. She removed the grime from the top before picking it up and revealing it to be a sack. Nero walked closer as well; curious as to what it was.

"From the thief?" Nero questioned.

The sergeant carefully held the bag and nodded, "He must've misplaced it during the fight. I'm going to assume that the dirt covered it up after he casted the vortex spell." Warily she opened the bag all while quietly hoping the other Crystal lay inside.

Much to her anguish the second Crystal was not within its contents. She pulled out a large rolled up paper and unfurled it. It was a map of Elios. All in all it was a regular map, however there were a few notes written around it. Eir placed it to the side and pulled out another two sheets of paper. The first one was yellowed and aged, but as Eir tried to read it she realized the language of the scripture wasn't normal. She flipped over to the second document behind it. The paper was much newer and the words written were recognizable, but it had become so worn and the ink smeared so much that it was barely legible.

"What's it say?" Nero asked from behind her. Eir was so deep in thought she had forgotten he was with her.

The soldier in front of him shook her head, "I don't know. One of them looks like it's in a different language and the other's so worn I can barely make anything out."

Nero indicated to the newer paper with his head, "Let me see for sec." He pulled his hands out of his pockets to receive the paper.

Eir handed it to him as she studied the map and foreign paper. 'What are these numbers here next to the towns?' She thought while analyzing the map. At the same time Nero stared intently at the ink smeared paper.

While the two of them were lost in their own thoughts they didn't see the newcomer appear behind Nero.

Arms rapidly encircled Nero catching him off guard, and two clacking sounds were heard. Eir turned around as the paper that Nero held fell in front of her, and she quickly stood up to face the stranger.

"I-I did it!" The familiar voice sounded.

Eir stopped short of her assault as her mouth hung open slightly at the sight of the person beaming before her.

"I d-did it, Sergeant!" Lonnie smiled proudly before her. "I c-captured the T-Thunderous R-R-Renegade!"

"Y-Yeah. Good job Lonnie." She awkwardly smiled at him. Not knowing how to explain that she was receiving aid from the branded criminal.

Nero stood with his hands cuffed in front of him. His brain still processing what just happened. "You call this a capture?" He says a little irritated before sighing and shaking his head. There was nothing he could do at this point.

Don't forget to let us know who's reading!