The main street of Concordia's capital city, Edla, basked within a peace so serene, one would have taken the stories and tales pertaining to the outskirts of the city to be nothing but a facade.
A simple walk near the street would grant one the wondrous greenery from the trees accompanied by the lamp post lights emitting soft lights to compliment the foliage. Skyscrapers towered over the streets lined with gray, accompanied by flashing billboards and muffled ads. Lights that fluttered over the facades of the buildings also stretched into the clouds, dancing along the azure sky above.
Amongst it all, stood the citizens of the nation indulging within the daily harmony. Voices filled the street corners as families and couples accompanied the stores and cafes.
The entire land had a harmonious feeling planted over it, one radiating with a lively tune.
The sights were equally as mesmerizing in the night as well, although the twinkle of stars within the sky were veiled by the city's powerful lights. To make up for that, shades and songs of twilight and midnight hues echoed their songs throughout the roads and buildings once the sun departed.
Although it may have not been the stars themselves, these lights surely replicated the beauty of twinkling stars—if anything, complimenting the night sky's wonder rather than diminishing it.
Although the city always had a lively and even busy tune to it, today was especially more livelier than usual.
Parties and festivities flourished within the plazas, as the laughs and joyful cries from the citizens partaking within the events echoed throughout. Music chimed from each corner—confetti, banners and balloons dancing in unison, as the singing joys from the people accompanied it all. Dancers, performers and musicians displayed their craft, entrancing their viewers in ways to captivate them and further fuel their spurs of excitement.
"...Really noisy."
Amidst all the harmony, a young woman found herself treading along the main street of the city, passing by the happy citizens.
The booming music penetrating her eardrums, and the swarm of balloons and banners clouding her view mingled into a mess that would have otherwise been considered to be a sight of bliss.
After all, everyone was smiling, relishing a day of harmony. But the only thing presented on her face was discomfort.
Strange.
The pacing of her steps slowed as her eyes swayed to the side, where the sights of bliss and joy awaited her.
Couples danced away together, twirling around in unison as the banners and balloons accompanied their waltzes. Children darted across the broad streets and plazas, undoubtedly searching for whatever games or toys on sale to snatch up. Students strolled along the walkways and various food stands, finding a moment of respite from their studies and swarms of work.
The smiles on their faces, the liveliness planted within their demeanors, the flashing lights and twirling banners all mingled together to form a world of joy.
Surely, even a foreigner to these lands would have been entranced by the energy and aura radiating within this day, no doubt being swept up in these gestures of delight.
It seemed to be a day, where universally everyone came to witness what the word "peace" meant.
"..."
So… why?
Why was it that someone like her, a native to this land, couldn't share the laughs that echoed around her?
Silent and still, she attempted to force her lips into a smile, but it wouldn't form.
All she could do was gaze. Staring among the citizens that indulged within something she seemed to lack.
Her brief moment of idleness came to a halt however, as the sound of cases thumping against the ground met her ears, accompanied by a slight shriek.
"Ah!—"
Her eyes quickly widened, before swaying down the sight of the sound.
Before her stood a young girl with ash-brown hair sprawled out on the sidewalk, with various cases and books ranging from video games, CD albums, and art books scattered about on the gray walkway before her.
The young woman's lips were quick to part to speak to the girl, but before she could echo a single word, her eyes caught wind of something else.
Among the mess, one of the cases donned a color scheme and design that snatched the woman's attention away.
A picture of an idol forming her hands into the shape of a heart was attached on the front portion of the CD case. The woman on the cover donned a red and white dress, with a pair of transparent wings sitting behind her. She also held bright pink eyes and gorgeous pink hair accompanied by a flower ornament matching the shade of her dress. Her luscious strands of hair formed a crown of petals that graced the cover and helped in further stylizing and complimenting the various renders of flowers and hearts plastered on the cover.
"...Ah."
The more she scanned the cover, the more she could feel her lips tremble, nearly forming into a frown.
That is, until another voice reached out.
"Look where you're going! Geeze, what are you in such a rush for?"
The stern yet calm voice snapped her out of her trance, causing her to lock her eyes back in front of her.
There stood a middle-aged man with matching ash-brown hair to the girl helping her off the ground, picking up some of the scattered cases and books off the ground.
Dusting the girl off and fixing her hair, the man's eyes swayed to the woman in front of him, gesturing a slight bow to her.
"Sorry about that ma'am. My daughter here's a little too excited over today. I can barely keep her under control, haha."
The young woman hesitated for a bit, a pause presenting itself before her words would sound. Her eyes fluttered away in… surprise? It was hard to tell, the sudden social interaction presented to her came out of nowhere, but thankfully the man before her didn't spot that awkward glimmer in her eyes.
Grasping her composure back, she spoke with a soft tone. "There's no need to apologize. It's understandable why she'd be so excited in the first place."
The woman picked up the album plastered with floral ornaments and petals, handing it to the little girl and shining a warm smile at her.
"There's nothing wrong with having fun, but don't run off ahead without your dad like that again, okay?"
The girl's eyes broke away from her father and instead to the woman that handed her the CD case.
For the small moment that she stared at the woman, the little girl could feel her eyes widen in amazement.
Shining emerald eyes graced her features, as they were complemented by white frame glasses. She wore a white shirt accompanied by a black tie withholding a green brooch embedded into the fabric, along with a black miniskirt and black tights that traced above her knees.
Even amid a crowd, one's gaze would undoubtedly falter onto this woman, considering how well dressed she was.
But there was that one other thing about the woman that made the little girl's eyes twinkle in wonder.
The woman's luscious, softly flowing hair, which was riddled with a sweet sakura shade.
Strands that seemed to be forged from silk itself stretched down to her ankles. Her gracious hair, reminding the girl of blossoms she longed to see, flourished within the wind, blowing behind her as if an angel was fluttering their wings away.
Who could really wrong the little girl? Staring at the young woman in such amazement. She practically was akin to some sort of superstar you'd see advertisements or magazines.
Shining a smirk, the girl's father patted his daughter's head, snapping her out of her sakura entranced daze.
"See? Even this young lady is saying the same thing. Go on and take her advice, will ya?"
For a moment, there was a strange tingle within the girl's lips. There were words that she wanted to echo, but refrained from doing so, perhaps out of shyness.
The little girl's hazel eyes quickly darted to the ground below, straining to move an inch upwards. "Okay…"
A sigh came forth from the man, one that was of relief, but also compassion as he grabbed his daughter's hand. "C'mon, let's go meet up with mom at the bookstore, alright?"
"Okay!" The girl beamed, staring up at her father.
The two walked off, with the father waving the back of his hand behind to the woman he conversed with.
Her eyes locked onto the happy father and daughter, sparing a final glance to their backs as they walked away before soon turning to the towering beacon in the distance that emitted a piercing light in her direction.
As she bestowed her gaze upon the tower, the smile that once sat on her face faded away.
So seamlessly as well, almost as if it was snatched away from her.
That same piercing light made its presence known when the sun departed, and the sky faded to black. This peculiar structure that challenged the night sky's light would emerge, emboldening its twilight song and gracing the roads and facades of city buildings as if it was fluttering its wings over the world.
No matter where you were in the city, this structure stood in the distance, shining its twilight orchestra over the land.
Sumeragi Tower. A grand, towering skyscraper that housed not only the main head offices of Sumeragi's business divisions, but also served as their core military headquarters.
To the citizens of Concordia, that tower represented not only their pride, but also represented a strong sense of security for them.
It was almost akin to a grand guardian, an angel that would enclose its wings over the blessed citizens living within the walls, shying them away from all tragedy outside.
…But for those that opposed the nation—for those that lived on the outskirts of the city, that tower served as a message, a warning.
Seeing it stretch over the numerous skyscrapers and buildings presented within the city was enough to make it serve as a beacon to the nation.
Seeing it also tower over the grand walls of Concordia was enough to make any foreigner shiver in fear.
She stood still on the sidewalk, staring up at the skyscraper as it beamed its light over the city.
In fact, there were others that seemingly stopped in their tracks to stare at the structure, marveling within its radiance. Some slowed the pacing of their steps as they pointed away at the building, while others took a moment to stand still and snap pictures of it.
While the citizens gazed away at the profound tower, the flashing lights satiating their eyes full of wonder, she, on the other hand, stared at it—not in awe, but rather, indifference.
This slight irritation that soon swirled into a silent, yet sweet bitterness, repressed through her clenched teeth. The rims of her eyes, twitching away as she tightened her eyelids at the sight of a world beyond her.
At that moment, her expression darkened.
"Yo."
Snapping out of her sorrowing trance came a soft voice from behind, scarcely detectable amidst all the voices throughout the street. She swayed her eyes over to the side where a young man with sandy blonde hair and maroon eyes stood before her, shining a smile.
"...Crimm?" She questioned, her eyes fluttering away in bewilderment.
The young man was dressed in a white shirt with a black waistcoat layered over it, accompanied by black pants and black dress shoes. An orange scarf laid coiled around his neck and a matching colored belt traced his waist.
"What's with that face?" He questioned, while fixing his scarf.
His eyes soon swayed up at the tower she once stared at, seeing its light glimmer before darting back to her expression.
"Don't tell me you're already itching to run back to work, Isola? Sheesh," Crimm snickered.
Her eyes broke away from his gaze, uttering a frail response. "...No."
"Thought so, I didn't take you for a workaholic."
Crimm then let out a big yawn, before inquiring about her.
"So what've you been up to?"
"Nothing in particular." Her gaze faltered once more, swaying over to the occupied streets of the city. "What about you? I'm surprised you're out walking around," Isola mentioned.
"Oh you know me too well." Crimm shared a giggle. "Well, staying home all day and sleeping in seemed enticing at first, but I couldn't exactly get any shut-eye because of all of the commotion"
"That makes sense."
"Yeah, so here I am. It isn't so bad though. Actually—"
Crimm pulled out his phone, quickly glancing at the time before returning his gaze to the person in front of him.
"Something wrong?" Isola tilted her head.
"I was planning on heading over to the cafe down the street. Wanna tag along? Since you're doing 'nothing in particular'?"
A nervous laugh slipped away from her lips. Her repressed bitterness from before came to a halt as she shined a smile at him, and accepted his offer.
"Sure thing."
Maybe, this'll take things off of her mind for a bit.
While the innards of the cafe had every set of tables filled with happy customers, outside the restaurant ran rampant with vacant seats, perfect for the two to gain space. They took their seats where the sounds and sights of joy continued to boom within their ears and flourish through their eyes. Crimm ordered the same old java chip frappe, him not needing to say much as the waitress finished the order for him, showing how much of a regular he was. Isola however, wasn't particularly fussy on what she received, requesting a simple glass of peach tea, the very first thing her eyes brushed upon on the menu.
Crimm glanced over to his side, watching a child point his loving parents in the direction of a woman singing away. Her voice filled the plaza, raining down a wonderful tune on everyone and anyone that heard it. Those that were entranced by the woman's voice, gathered near the fountain sitting in the middle of plaza, where she sang away.
"Seems like everyone's in high spirits today, huh?"
"Mhm," Isola hummed, as she took a sip of her tea.
Crimm shrugged his shoulders. "Y'know I'll be honest, parties and festivals aren't really my type of thing, but seeing everyone have so much fun makes you wanna join in, no?"
Isola stayed silent.
"I guess it only makes sense. Today's a special day after all. It's been, what? Over a decade since we've had one of these festivals?"
Isola's eyes then glistened with a bittersweet nostalgia.
"...Yeah. I vividly remember the last one we had before—well, you know…"
Crimm smiled wryly, rubbing his nape as he glanced over at the people within the plaza.
"We were kids back then. Damn, who would've known we'd be where we are today, huh?"
"—And now folks, today is an incredibly special day which everyone has been preparing for."
The street-side television screen boomed with a charismatic voice echoing from it, causing the two to direct their attention to it. Its structure was much like a grand billboard. Most of the holo-screens and billboards within the city hoisted advertisements for products and services that were only a phone call away, but this screen housed one of the main news stations responsible for distributing information and general content to the public.
"As you all know, in the year 2132, the national security of Concordia was both threatened, and breached by a terrorist attack on one of the many Sumeragi facilities around the nation. Sumeragi Building 13, one of the many buildings that housed the offices of Sumeragi officials suffered from a direct bombing, spreading a whirlwind of fires and robbing the world of profound individuals that contributed nothing but harmony to our nation. This attack was orchestrated by none other than the group named Chimera—an organization that strongly opposed the direction that our beloved nation was heading towards, deeming the technological advancements and implementation of artificial septimas as 'unruly' and 'against the principles of the Lifewave.' This devastating event was one of the many fires that ignited the divide between Humans and Adepts, with debates and protests soon swirling into riots and outright chaos in each and every city."
Isola glanced at the TV's holographic display, a man adorned in black uttering words that reminded her of a bitter, bitter past.
"In the following year, 2133, these tensions soon swelled up into a spur, leading into an all out civil war between Adepts and Humans spanning across an entire decade. This conflict finally saw to its conclusion in the year 2143, when the High Commander of the Azure Division sought out and captured the leader of Chimera and crushed the organization's attempt at another massive scale attack within our capital city, Edla. Ever since then, the nation's security has expanded, and its territory scaled down—the grand white walls bordering the outskirts of the city, and the nation's proud boundary defense system that guards us from foreign threats being a display of those efforts."
"And that brings us to today. On this very day—many, many years ago, the very nation of Concordia came to be. The Founder's Festival—an event aimed at honoring officials and supporters of the nation, past and present—and giving citizens a chance to rejoice over the greatness of our advancements, as well as our achievements, had reached an abrupt halt from ever gracing the streets due to the war.
But today, has graced our eyes with a sight that we had longed for years."
"After ten long years of hardship and suffering, the festival that reminded us of what our flag stands for, and why it still stands has been brought back. This grand day, one of the many days of rejoice, harmony and prosperity that was robbed from us in those harrowing ten years—has returned to remind us why we are strong, and to show that we have not surrendered to despair."
Isola took her eyes off the screen, instead staring at Crimm who kept his eyes closed.
"Because through the smiling faces and cries of laughter that echo throughout the stores, cafes, roads, cities—the entirety of this nation… I can say with full assurance, citizens of Concordia—peace… has restored itself."
Crimm then opened his eyes, and narrowed them on the screen.
"None of this would have been possible had it not been for the collective grand efforts of Sumeragi's military, ensuring and securing peace to a nation that not long ago was in the midst of war. So please, ladies and gentlemen—let this day be one where we not only celebrate the founding of this nation, but also recognize the efforts of those that made this peace possible and continue to prolong its glory—and I also ask, to keep the memories of those lost to the flames of war in our hearts. That's all for now folks."
Gesturing a firm salute, the man's voice swelled with a proud, bombastic tone that thundered with pride, as he recited a string of words that the two were all too familiar with.
"Beyond humanity! For glory, and prosperity!"
There it was, that motto.
Isola's expression darkened once those words left the man's mouth. The very same words that represented the principles that Concordia—and in extension, Sumeragi founded itself off of.
Peace, evolution, and freedom.
Surely, such wonderful things could be found within the nation, needing only a simple glance on the street side or local cafe to bear witness to it.
But beyond this land filled with grandiose, towering skyscrapers and wondrous, free flowing trees…
Beyond this land that hosted luxuries and commodities to satiate those that danced along the neon lights of the city…
Beyond, perhaps, this world—the same couldn't be said.
Those words meant nothing.
"Peace and freedom, aye?"
Crimm's voice, far away from his usual smug nature, dwindled into a dissonant tone. His voice felt frail almost, his eyes swaying down to the concrete below.
Pale green eyes scanned the young man, a concerned voice gracing his ears.
"Crimm?"
Crossing his arms, he leaned back against the chair's cross rail, gesturing a smirk to the woman in front of him to dismiss her concerns.
"Anyways, what do you plan on doing today? You've got the entire day off Ms! Doesn't that just sound wonderful?"
The small slice of peach within Isola's glass cup began swirling around, as her straw stroked the waves of her tea.
"What do I plan on doing...?"
She continued stirring, unconsciously this time as she caught herself in a trance of deep thought, watching the small piece of fruit knock against the glass.
"...What am I supposed to be doing today?"
Funnily enough, she hadn't given thought on what it was that she wanted to do. Days where swarms of free time presented itself were rare for her. Statements akin to "take your time" almost served as poison to her demeanor. There was always this grand sense of urgency placed within her day, like an internal alarm dinging away, screeching at her to combat her deadlines and secure her responsibilities.
In the office, she was incredible. Always meeting deadlines earlier than expected, displaying organizational competence like no other, and wielding perhaps, what others may refer to as a terrifying amount of both tolerance and patience.
Outside the building however? Well, that was a vastly different story.
Continuously, her days followed a strict schedule of issuing orders, validating reports, and gesturing salutes. Paperwork was a staple to her day, so having a moment—or even better, a full twenty-four hours where layers, sheets and markings that mingled together to weary her emerald pupils laid absent felt rather… bizarre.
A weary sigh slipped from her lips as she veiled her eyes. Now that time finally presented itself to her, she had the opportunity to think about it.
…But not a single thought flourished within her mind—in fact, she had trouble thinking of anything even.
Parting her lips, she spoke. Her voice, riddled with diffidence, dwindled as her response barely met Crimm's ears.
"I'm not really sure."
Crimm glanced over at the citizens swaying and dancing in the plaza as her words struck his ears.
"In that case, I recommend you find something to do then. Don't get many days like this where we get to sit back and unwind y'know. Hell, I'm sure I don't gotta tell you that." He announced while pointing a finger at the sight.
"We don't even go outside the walls regularly like Blade, yet our jobs are equally as stressful. You should take the time to just… unwind, y'know? Buy yourself something nice, spend some time in the plazas, dine out—just do something. It's better than working all the time or thinking about work all the time. C'mon Isola, where's that work-life balance, huh?"
Isola stood silent, letting his words soak in.
Dining out, and shopping around. Were… those the things that were missing within her day to day life? These… "tasks," these day to day gestures….
Was that what was missing? Was that what she was supposed to be doing today?
What about the ability to even enjoy these things? To view these trivial things with grandiose, rich meaning.
Did… she lack that? And if so, when did she lose it?
Crimm planted his frappe back onto the table after taking a sip.
"I'll be honest, I'm surprised you haven't fallen flat on your face with the way that you've been carrying yourself lately."
Just as those words struck her ears, her anxious stirring came to a halt, and her pale green eyes widened in front of the young man.
"...Are you worried about me?" She questioned.
Crimm snorted, shining a smirk at the woman as heard her tone shift to one of concern.
"Nah, not really. I know you can take care of yourself."
He latched onto his frappe again, swiping it off the table and taking another sip, as his eyes darted to the side.
"It's just… I think you should loosen up, you know?"
There was a rather awkward pause within his statement, and that only made sense. Crimm wasn't the best when it came to expressing his emotions. Any sense of vulnerability that coiled itself around him caused him to almost writhe and cringe in discomfort. Oftentimes, his demeanor carried this dismissive attitude, one that may allude to another referring to him as self-centered. Isola, of course, was well acquainted with this behavior, as were the others in the office.
But just then, in this small moment where those words caused her to sway her eyes off of the table and instead onto his scarlet gaze…
Maybe, just maybe, this was his way of showing care for his peer.
Dancing along the glass frame of her cup, stood a faint, fuzzy reflection of her own image.
She stared into it, watching her reflection sway and distort with the small ruptures and waves of the tea helping do so.
Crimm continued taking sips from his latte, watching the people in the plaza harmonize.
And then, he heard Isola's voice reach out to him once more.
"Say, Crimm."
"Hm?"
Clutching onto her glass, she broke her eyes away from him and stared directly into her own reflection again.
"If... If the war hadn't happened. What do you think you would be doing right now?"
The weight of Isola' question caused his eyes to narrow in her direction.
"Huh?"
His eyes soon darted away from the girl in front of him, and instead to the people dancing and singing near the fountain. It was an odd question, one he hadn't taken time to reflect on. Reflecting on a time never granted and a world never seen wasn't exactly his ideal way to go about his day. A slight frown appeared onto his face, but it didn't reach Isola's gaze, considering it disappeared as fast as it formed.
Finding a lost dream within him, he finally spoke.
"I'd probably still be attending art school. Really wanted to hone my craft y'know?" He snickered. "I think I'd be pretty damn good if I kept at it."
Isola's voice trailed. "I see…"
She could feel scarlet eyes scanning her, a heavy silence enveloping the space between the two.
Crimm bit his lip, "Look, I get you're one of those 'self-reflective' types of people, and that's absolutely a good thing, don't get me wrong. But getting caught up in things that could have been and never were isn't good for you, y'know."
Isola's eyes drifted away from her reflection and back into Crimm's face before her.
He stood up, sparing a final glance at the people dancing in harmony just across the street.
"All we've got is now, and although it may not be the best, it's the only thing we've got."
The weight of his words snapped her out of her trance. Dumbfounded, and even nearly confused, her eyes slowly widened.
Those words… coming from Crimm? Out of all people?
Maybe, just maybe, today really is a day of marvel and wonder.
She found it in herself to shine a smile at him, doing so in a way to acknowledge his words.
"How insightful of you," she giggled.
A smile wrapped itself back onto his lips, away from his tense expression from before.
"Right? I should probably write a book when I get the chance."
Throwing his plastic frappe cup into the trash, he began walking his way into the street filled with festival goers.
"Anyways, if you need me, I'll be at the Museum"
Granting his peer a wave, he soon departed, treading along down the walkway the two initially met up at.
As she granted a final glance at her partner's back, Isola's eyes soon swayed over to her side, where the unison of citizens danced and sang. The woman's voice from before thundered into a proud, harmonic tone of beauty, with the singing joys of the citizens accompanying the tune.
As she stared off at the sight, a strange weight settled within her eyes.
"He's right but…"
That familiar, sullen look that plagued her expression, the same one that took hold when she stared at the Sumeragi Tower and at the street-side television played over her lips.
And once more, she stared into her own reflection.
"But my heart won't let go."
Isola found herself standing in front of onyx shaded gates as an orchestra of voices echoed their way outside it.
These front gates which were oftentimes completely closed off, presenting themselves to be grand barriers of aluminum, stood open this time. An inviting walkway, filled with a path embellished in carved marble and rich greenery, stood beyond the onyx tinted gates.
The path lined with flowers of varying shapes and colors, emitting a sweet tinge led to a large, open courtyard filled with benches, a fountain, trees, flowers and greenery of all sorts.
Oftentimes, the courtyard was empty, the only sound echoing its way throughout the pathways being the fountain's own tune of splashing water. This time however, exhibits of all varieties stood in each corner of the courtyard, filling the space up with a livelier tune than usual. One stand withheld a plethora of black jackets attached with silver accents, differing slightly from the ones that Sumeragi soldiers would wear in their training. Another hosted keychains and shirts with the Sumeragi sigil attached to it.
As Isola stood in the middle of it all, she could feel a bittersweet nostalgia wrap itself within her stomach. Knots formed from memories soon transpired into strands of nostalgia. The sights of the greenery and carved marble, and the sweet smell of flowers twirling their aroma within the courtyard came together to remind her of those days.
Days where the sun soaked pathways and roads shined brighter.
Maybe… maybe this is what she needed. A trip down memory lane, a scene that helped fill her mind with recollections riddled with joy.
As she stood idle, a boy and girl no older than she was herself passed by, treading along a pathway that led to another grand white gate.
The clothes they wore were of a pristine and profound quality. Their outfits appeared to be matching, seeming to appear as uniform one would wear at an academy.
Of course, Isola would know.
This was the very same uniform she once donned.
It was a uniform that would undoubtedly cause any student to stick out in the middle of a crowd. Men would wear white dress shirts with blue ties, veiled by buttoned black and blue blazers along with matching black pants and matching black shoes wielding golden clips on each. Women would wear the same, but instead donned skirts that contained an azure criss-cross pattern, and leggings that were of a midnight blue shade.
The uniform in itself was already quite formal, but what really made it stand out against all others was the gold imprint on the left side of the blazer, bearing the outline and shape of a falcon, representing the school's very logo.
As her eyes locked on to the two, sparing a glance at their backs as they passed through the white gates, her eyes soon caught wind of the large building beyond them.
And there, it stood in the distance.
Artemis Military Academy, home of the Falcons.
Isola couldn't help but surrender a smile to the sight.
After all, this was the academy she attended. It wasn't that long ago that she was treading along the hallways of this school, bearing the principles and image that defined it.
And in fact, it wasn't that long ago that she graduated from it, being thrown into a world that heeded the call of young and new souls, aiming to forge a stronger future and prolong peace to their nation.
Only then, could she ponder on the idea.
This path, one of prolonging peace and securing a future for her people…
Was she still on it?
…
"Isola?" Came a voice, stern and firm from behind her. The pink-haired woman turned slowly, and found a familiar individual wielding dark-green hair and eyes standing before her.
The man donned a simple white dress shirt with a blue tie, accompanied by black pants and leather black shoes with golden clips.
Isola, slowly widening her eyes in surprise, finally spoke to the man.
"...Mr. Sakurazaki?"
"Indeed it is! In the flesh." He laughed. "It's a pleasant surprise to see one of my former students here at the academy again. So, what brings you here? Come to check out some of the displays the school has to offer? It's been hectic setting this all up, I'll tell you that, heh."
Isola gave a hushed reply, her eyes breaking away from the man's gaze.
"Uh… something along the lines of that, yes," She nodded hesitantly.
"Really? Huh, I'm surprised. Nothing's changed all that much, besides…"
As his lips loosened into a frown, his words drifted away, trailing off. He uttered a single, other word, displaying an unfinished thought that contained a melancholic edge to it.
"..Well."
Isola tilted her head in confusion at the sudden change. "Instructor?"
Reflexively, a smile latched back onto his face, dismissing his altered demeanor.
"Nothing that concerns you, no worries. Oh!—But where are my manners?"
Her former instructor then locked his shoulders in a firm position, anchoring his hand to his head and gesturing a firm salute to the woman.
"It's an honor to meet you, High Commander."
Isola's cheeks reddened as she flailed her hands in a cluster. "O-Oh please, there's no need for the formalities, instructor."
"I disagree! I have to honor the achievements you've made so far, you know. It's not everyday you hear about a graduate soaring across the rankings of Sumeragi's offices and becoming a high commander in a single year!"
Isola smiled wryly.
"When I heard of the news, all I could say was, 'Isola? The girl with the pink hair? That's one of my former students! Of course she'd be able to pull that off!'
Isola chuckled, restraint undoubtedly holding her as she internally sighed at her instructor's display of applause.
"...Am I the one being praised here or…?"
Mr. Sakurazaki then reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone and quickly taking a glance at the current time.
"Actually, now that you're here, I have a request for you, directly from me—if you have time for it, that is."
Isola stared blankly, "What is it?"
"How would you like to attend my class as a guest? It'll just be like how it was a few years ago, only this time you'll be the one doing lectures if you so desire."
Isola's eyes fluttered away in surprise. "M-Me? Lecturing? I'm not sure if I can pull it off.."
"Don't go all shy on me now, you'll be fine! Come on, don't tell me all those presentation skills you learned here slipped away from you now?"
"N—No it's just…"
It was strange. When the request first reached Isola's ears, the first thing she thought upon was forging words of encouragement, words of enlightenment and spreading them to those in an environment she once resided in.
But even at this moment, she still couldn't think of anything. Questions akin to 'What would I even tell them?' 'What do I have to offer to them?' Bounced around in her head, foolishly clouding her thoughts like a dark haze.
Isola bit her lip. She didn't want to disappoint her former instructor, but her confidence in being able to articulate her words and thoughts well wasn't all there either.
She dismissed her hazy thoughts, soon forcing a smile and accepting the offer.
"Okay then, I'm up for it. I'm sure it'll be nice."
Mr. Sakurazaki beamed at her, patting her on the shoulder and shining a warm smile.
"Wonderful then! I'm sure the students will marvel at the fact that they get to speak to a profound military official such as yourself!"
"I hope so," Isola laughed wryly.
"Profound…"
Whispers and quiet murmurs echoed off the walls as students thronged the halls of the main building. Some were mindlessly goofing off, re-enacting dances and jokes in unison as if they were rehearsing for a play. Others chatted their heads off and some were making their way outside the building, withholding festival materials. These swarms of voices, filled with hints of laughter and joyful cries were almost comparable to the mingled tune of Edla's main street. It didn't necessarily bother her however. Perhaps this was because of the sight and sound of it all, reminding her of the days at the academy when class change was in order. The sun stood in the distance, shining its wondrous glow through the window, soaking the floors with a sea of light and shedding its glow onto the falcon emblems each student wore, emboldening their golden crests.
That only thing that ensued within Isola's mind was how bittersweet the taste of nostalgia was. Sights, sounds, and feels that were once regular to one's day to day play would depart from the lives they once inhabited, becoming nothing but faint recollections—strands of memories always at the risk of being forgotten, severed, or perhaps, even replaced by memories that swindle the joy of those that came before.
How unsettling.
Isola banished the familiar haze hovering over her demeanor, robbing it of its opportunity to take hold of her. Now wasn't the time for sentimental reflections, especially when a possible presentation from her was in order.
She made her way throughout the hall, passing by the students clad in midnight blue. Majority of them continued indulging within their own matters, not paying mind to the pink-haired woman passing by.
But a select few of the students gave her a stern glance. Whispers and murmurs grew, only a sliver of their words brushing upon Isola's ears. She didn't dare to stare a single person in their eyes, but their gazes—only inches away, radiated a tension that conjured a weight inside the hallway.
A weight prominent enough to make her feel as if the very walls of said hallway were caving in on her.
Despite the tension from the few eyes looming over her, she dismissed it all, continuing her way to the very end of the hallway where a classroom door stood open.
Up top the door, stood a small white sign attached with a room number emblem above it.
"Room 250-A. Same room, I see."
Slipping her hand into her pocket, she pulled out her phone to take a glance at the current time.
"Seems I'm just on time too."
She tensed herself up, inhaling slowly as she absorbed the sweet metallic fragrance the building wielded.
And then, she exhaled, letting the tense and anxious swirls within her fade away.
"You got this."
As Isola stepped inside the classroom, she found herself staring blankly at a group of students. All of which were indulging within their own personal conversations. Some stopped to glance over at the woman, curiosity eating away in questioning her presence. One student in particular sat at the very end of the row, distancing himself from the others. Donning black hair and eyes of a scarlet hue, his gaze met hers. The gesture caught her off guard, prompting her to force an awkward wave and smile at the student.
The interaction was quite uneasy, but it wouldn't be long before the student fell back into staring outside the window, Isola sharing an internal sigh of relief as the motion occurred.
Her eyes scanned the entirety of the room, taking in a sight that was once a regular to her days.
It seemed as if not many changes had occurred since she left. The classroom wielded five rows of seats, only two out of the five were filled completely with students. Bookshelves fizzled with trails of dust populated the back of the classroom, withholding various material ranging from "Lifewave" to the technological advancements of Sumeragi's efforts, "The Seventh Wave" being one of the books that held information on it. At the very front of the room, near the desk the instructor would sit at, stood a large flag bearing the Sumeragi sigil hanging over and veiling the whiteboard.
Isola then—suddenly felt the warm kiss of the sun's glow on her skin through the window.
How nostalgic. As always, the sun stood outside, shedding its shine into the room, wonderfully illuminating the wooden desks the students accompanied and crests they donned, as well as brightening the Concordia flag with a stronger tinge. She glanced over at one of the seats near the window, the third seat in the very last row of tables—that being the one she once sat in.
And once more, she felt her lips loosen into a smile.
Despite the familiarity of it all, Isola did miss one thing at first glance, something was different about the room she once inhabited.
In front of each student's desk sat screens attached to the wood through a metal handle, structured not vastly different from the data terminals one would stumble upon in the walkways and corridors of Edla.
These terminals withheld a vast array of information, ranging from Concordia's very founding, to the various military divisions, educational programs, and technological advancements made throughout the nation's history.
All were each labeled with their own heading, packaged into a neatly oriented display of information, available at just a single tap on a screen.
How convenient. These devices weren't all too different from a typical laptop accompanied by an internet connection, allowing quick surfs on a browsing service.
These screens, wielding the power to disperse such information to the public only had one issue however.
The information was highly selective, and only pertained to the history, and principles of Concordia.
All of these panels withholding the same words and sentences, awaiting to be consumed by a daily citizen or student, delivered their presentation in the same format. Nothing changed from screen to screen.
Who wasn't to say that false narratives, or blatant misinformation pertaining to the nation could be spread?
Isola didn't recall utilizing these terminals during her attendance at the academy. During her final year, she had heard rumors of the implementation of such a device into the day to day life of students at the academy, but they came from peers of hers, so she never really dawned much on their words, receiving their theories with a grain of salt.
But now, with the back of those white screens facing her, she could only wonder 'why?'
She didn't have much time to indulge the thought however, as the moment her unwavering feeling began settling, a familiar voice entered the room.
"Ah, it seems you got here earlier than I did."
As Mr. Sakurazaki entered the room, the tune of idle chatter within the room dissipated, and the students that were standing latched down to their seats.
He shone a grin in Isola's direction, taking note of her stiff posture.
"You didn't spoil the surprise already did you?"
"N-No, Instructor. I haven't said anything yet."
"Nervous? Come on, there's no need for all of that!"
"...Kinda," She laughed, tucking a strand of her pink hair behind her ear.
Placing his laptop down onto the desk, he cleared his throat.
"If anything, they should be the nervous ones."
As Mr. Sakurazaki turned himself forward to face the class, his voice snapped to a rigid, diplomatic tone, departing from the friendly display he delivered to Isola only seconds ago.
"Good afternoon class."
And not many seconds after his introduction, came the students replying in unison, orderly and stern as he was.
"Good afternoon."
"Today, we have a special guest with us. She used to sit in these very same seats you occupy now, and don the same outfits you wear today. This guest, a former student of Artemis Military Academy, who used to attend my classes by the way, has blessed us with her presence today to talk to you all."
Mr. Sakurzaki took a quick glimpse at his former student, shining a proud smile before directing his attention back to his class before him.
"So, without further ado—I introduce you to an individual who has been helping in prolonging the peace of our nation, and securing the harmony we so cherish."
"Class, welcome High Commander Isola, leader of the Luminary division of Sumeragi's Military Forces."
"H—"
Before Isola could even utter a single word, the students shot out of their seats, anchoring their hands to their back and holding their heads high.
She was caught off guard from the gesture, her eyes fluttering away in bewilderment.
But it only made sense why the students would do so.
She was a military official now after all, planting her presence in a military academy. It seemed as if it was easy for her to forget that at times.
Regaining her composure, she began speaking.
"Hello everyone, it's so nice to see you all here. As Mr. Sakurazaki said himself, I used to be in the shoes of everyone in this room. Looking at the same textbooks, and wearing the same outfit. Trust me, I get it."
Isola felt a strange sensation take hold, a repressed feeling slowly crawling its way up to her chest.
"As you all know, ten years ago this nation broke out into a civil war that took the lives of many. The effects of that disaster can be not only seen, but felt throughout everything we indulge in. Through our infrastructure and especially, through our educational system."
Isola paused, taking a moment to conjure words. Her lips trembled a bit, with slivers of anxiousness nagging away at her.
"Majority of you stand before me because you seek a desire to change things. Majority of you stand before me, because you want to secure the smiles and hopes of what you see around today."
Her eyes carefully scanned the room, making contact with each and every student adorned in blue that stared at her with respect
"Forgive me if this is coming out of nowhere… but—I want to ask you all for a single favor."
And in that moment, sparks of conviction swelled inside her heart. She channeled that strange tenacity through her next set of words.
"Through whatever trials or bumps that come your way, remember what it is that you're fighting for. Remember why you're here. Remember why you enter these rooms and storm through these halls. Whatever ideal you hold onto, don't ever let go of it."
That tone, that edge… in her voice. It was almost as if she was imploring them. Her words were precise, clear, and proud. But the weight within her words felt almost… frail, like a child's plea.
"Please, never forget that."
She forced a smile, her tone softening to a more sincere nature as she gestured a salute to the class.
"You've all made it this far. Attending this school in itself is a great achievement, and choosing a path that's riddled with bumps to come is noble of you all. So, be proud of yourselves."
And as those words left her lips, the class replied with a unified pride thundering from their voices before taking their seats.
"Yes ma'am!"
Another smile snuck its way onto her lips.
"I'll be here for the entire class hour, so if there's any questions you'd like to ask me, I'm open to responding to them all—of course, if that doesn't cause a problem for you, Mr. Sakurazaki."
"Not a problem at all! Ask away class, this is a great opportunity for insight that isn't from me!"
The students once again shot out of their seats, the glimmer of curiosity shining brightly within their eyes as they raised their hands high in the air.
Truthfully, it was a little overwhelming for Isola, seeing a mirage of hands shoot up in the air in such a manner. Through each and every student, she could see and feel the eagerness radiating off them, their curiosities awaiting to be satiated by words and answers from an individual they held in such high regard.
The questions ranged from her experiences and time serving the military to, rather… personal inquiries—one student questioning the softness of her hair, catching the young commander off guard. One student even inquired of the Commander of the Azure Division, Blade and asked how they were in person in which Isola restrained herself, awkwardly laughing away and stating that he's quite mysterious.
These motions with questions upon questions being accompanied with answers and idle conversations lasted nearly the entire class hour, with only a short ten minutes in their schedule left.
Just as she was about to finish wrapping up answers to each and every inquiry thrown her way, the same student donning red eyes from before slowly raised his hand in the air, still staring off into the sight through the windows.
The gesture caught Isola off guard, causing a sliver of anxiousness to creep within her stomach, but she dismissed the tension, finding it to be unwarranted.
She pointed away at the student, signaling that his presence had been acknowledged, and that the floor was finally on him to speak.
As he stood up, Isola noticed something rather… off about his uniform.
Although he donned the same shade of midnight blue that each student on campus wore, the falcon crest he wielded was nothing like the others.
Instead of an emboldened hue of golden taking hold, it was instead—a harsh, titanium shade that glimmered as the sun made its rounds into emboldening its silver shine.
"I believe this question is fairly warranted, Commander, given someone of your stature. You lead an army of soldiers, correct?"
Mr. Sakurazaki glanced up from his screen, briefly brushing his eyes upon the student.
Isola hesitated for a bit.
"Yes, that's right." Isola answered, a prominent delay presenting itself within her response.
The student continued.
"And given you are the commander of these soldiers, I'd assume that you fight alongside them?"
Once more, Isola hesitated for a bit—not entirely understanding where the student's inquiries were leading up to or implied.
"...Yes, that's correct."
"Soldiers are often deployed on the outskirts of the city to confirm that no threats linger outside—especially your division. Is that right?"
Isola's breath caught in her throat.
She stood silent.
And then, this student, one she knew not the name nor stature of, uttered a question that nearly robbed her of the smile on her face.
"I ask then—High Commander, have you been outside the walls?"
At that moment, Isola could feel her throat thicken.
"...Ah."
Only now, could she see the repressed fury within this student's eyes.
His words, and especially his eyes—showered the room with a murky, thick rain of tension.
A bitter, potent rage repressed within the wells of his heart, the only indicator being the narrowing of his crimson eyes, and his calm demeanor soon being colored by an indignant tune.
That very question wasn't just a simple inquiry.
It was a taunt. A question forged to solely highlight the past sins of this "profound" Sumeragi official. A question forged to seek out the grime and bile that stood beyond her pretty face and flowery words of encouragement.
Isola was well aware of that now.
"I…"
Before she could utter a single word to this strange student, riddled in indignance, a loud buzzing sound encapsulated everyone's attention, signaling them that their class hour had come to an end.
Mr. Sakurazaki got up out of his seat and spoke with a stern tone once more.
"Class dismissed everyone. Take care of yourselves now."
The students shot out of their seats and gestured salutes
"Yes sir!"
The student donning scarlet eyes followed suit, gesturing a salute to the woman as the other students did before leaving the room.
A somber expression played over Isola, robbing.
"Instructor, that student… Is he…?"
Mr. Sakurazaki closed his laptop, taking a quick glimpse at the seat the student sat at minutes ago before looking over at his former student, her face riddled with concern.
With heavy eyes, he granted her a somber nod.
Isola's face then darkened with guilt.
"...I see."
Closing his laptop and gathering his things, he got out of his seat.
"Don't worry your head over it. You delivered a fine speech to the class."
Mr. Sakurazaki walked past the woman and stood behind her, only inches away from the open door that led outside into the hallway.
"...We all did what we had to. Don't let the past consume you."
His voice was nothing akin to his charismatic, friendly gesture, nor a diplomatic tone he showered the classroom with.
No, rather—it was a dissonant tune. One she hadn't seen from her instructor even in her years of attending his classes.
A forced laugh then escaped his lips.
"Let's see, 'Choosing a path that's riddled with bumps to come is noble of you all. So, be proud of yourselves,' was it?"
Isola's eyes widened.
His dissonant tune soon departed from so, and became laced with a somber like honesty.
He smiled at her. "Don't forget to take your own advice, High Commander"
As her former instructor granted words of encouragement to her on his leave, she stood there dazed by those words.
"But… I—"
As always, words wouldn't form. He left the room as she reached out to him, sparing one last glimpse at his back before he took a turn out of her sight.
"Whatever ideal you hold onto, don't ever let go of it."
When she spoke those words, surely, she came to realize that she wasn't solely speaking to just the class.
No… she was also uttering those words to herself. Perhaps, to a past self that hid itself inside of her.
A self, that remembered what it was that she believed in, what she trained for and fought for.
"...What am I doing with myself?"
Suddenly, Isola felt a vibration in her back pocket, signifying that someone was calling her.
Sliding the phone out of her pocket, she took a glimpse at the caller ID and was granted a surprise.
"Crimm?"
Swiping the accept button, she placed the device to her ear.
"Hello?"
"Yo, what's going on?"
Isola frowned, "...Nothing in particular"
"There you go again. 'Nothing in particular.' You know, one of the keys to holding a conversation is telling a little something about yourself."
Isola grinned. "That's fancy, coming from you."
Crimm snickered over the phone. "What? I mean I don't do much outside of work, honestly. There's not much for me to talk about. Can't tell you much about sleep either since that's been escaping me."
A heavy pause loomed over the line, before his voice broke it again.
"Anyways, you sure nothing's going on? You don't uh… sound too good."
Isola paused. "...Yeah, I'm sure."
Crimm sighed over the phone, the exhaustion undoubtedly seeping itself into his voice.
"I see."
"Long day, huh?" Isola questioned, taking the attention off of her.
"Yeah, but it's not as long as tomorrow's gonna be."
She tilted her head.
"What's wrong?"
"Well, not to be the bearer of stressful news but I suggest getting dressed up bright and early tomorrow."
"Huh? What do you mea—"
And soon, his voice transitioned to a wry and stern manner through the phone.
"New orders. They're from the supreme commander himself."
Isola snapped her head into the side, almost as if Crimm was standing right next to her as he announced those words.
"President Demerzel?!"
:A/N:
Anndd we're back! Apologies for the absence folks. With graduation and college prep that took a hold of my time, it was pretty hard to find time to simmer down and indulge in some things I wanted to do.
Anyways, enough about me. Let's talk about the chapter.
Goodness gracious, out of all the chapters that I've outlined... this one was the most difficult to write up. Majority of the time it felt like pulling teeth. There would be moments where I'd just stare at the screen for hours blankly, and nothing would hit me. This chapter in particular went through so many revisions and scrapped drafts, that somewhere in the process I contemplated removing this part of the story entirely, and instead skip ahead to the next plotline in the project, but I persisted. (Not only because I'm stubborn when expressing certain themes, but also because if I skipped this chapter then nothing would make sense in the coming chapter.
Not only that, but this chapter was actually meant to be wayyy longer than it's presented here. But after taking a glance at the word count and thinking some things through, I ended up splitting the chapter into two parts.
So, Isola, huh? As for her, I have very little to say in this note. All I'll say is, I hope you can all look forward to what I plan to do with her character.
Good to be back folks. Promise the next chapter won't be too long.