Xian Du – Residence

Yurgen ran through the darkened streets he's known since childhood. It feels like forever for him since the last time he's been in Xian Du, but the last thing on his mind was to reminisce. He's never been so scared in his life. Even though he made it to his hometown in record speed, it still took a few hours. Alvin tried to join him as back up, but he convinced him to stay back for an important conference that was happening next day. Alvin did try to help in his own way still though. He was able to call for help that was closer to the area. Even so, he knew there was an attack. As he closed in on his home, he immediately saw some structural damage such as the door missing and the window broken. His heart was pounding so loud, it was the only sound he could hear. He ran up to the elevator and rode it up. The closer he got, the more nervous he became. He was already attempting to mentally prepare himself to see the carnage. As soon as he reached the balcony, he took note to a dim light flickering from inside the residence. Holding his breath, he entered. Instantly, he could see bloodshed all over the walls, floor, and even ceiling. As he climbed the stairs, very slow now, he noticed a battered and bruised Rhea lying on the sofa. He couldn't tell if she was simply unconscious or dead. He didn't study her for too long to tell since she wasn't his main concern. He looked at the bed and instantly fell to his knees when he didn't see her there. All he saw was more blood. As he felt tears begin to grow, someone began to shake him. He looked up seeing Ivar and his eyes widened.

"What are you doing here..?" the exhausted man asked.

"Alvin asked for my help," Ivar answered.

"What happened here..?"

"For what she told me, some people wanted to hurt you for betraying Rieze Maxia for Elympios. She had heard about their plans so she did what she could to stop them. It was crazy. At least twenty bodies were flung all around. There were just too many of them though. There were at least fifty of them in total. When I got here, she was completely surrounded."

"Isla's safe..." a weak voice whispered from behind.

Yurgen jumped to his feet right away and ran to the exhausted Rhea. "What was that?" he asked cautiously.

"I put her under the bed before they got here..."

He ran over to the bed and quickly got on his hands and knees. He reached underneath and instantly tears began to fall. He pulled her out and held her tightly against him. He looked down at her, seeing that she was the cleanest thing in the apartment. Her condition was the same as before and right now he couldn't care less. She was alive and he couldn't be more thankful. Ivar looked around uncomfortable. He didn't feel like he exactly belongs and yet he didn't dare leave after what just happened. While attempting to deal with his conflicted ideas, his GHS went off. To give Yurgen some space, he went out to the balcony before he answered.

"What happened?!" Alvin quickly asked.

"Everything's fine. Your buddy just got here," Ivar answered.

"And Rhea?"

"She got hurt somewhat but is fine. She's sleeping."

He let out a sigh of relief before saying, "thank you Ivar."

"Sure thing. I'm the best after all."

"... Right..."

"Of course I'm right! Well, if there's nothing else I'll-"

"There is something."

"Now what?"

"Rhea wants to explore Rieze Maxia and take pictures. Will you be a bodyguard of sorts for her until she comes back to Elympios?"

"Hmm... Well... I guess. Got nothing going on anyway."

"I appreciate it."

"You'd better."

"Just keep me updated," he told him as he hung up.

"You're welcome," he told the GHS as he put it away.

He went back inside, seeing nothing had changed. Rhea and Isla were both unconscious and Yurgen clung onto the shorter-haired one. With nothing else to do, he sat down on the floor at the top of the stairs and leaned against the wall. In knowing that if something else were to happen he'd wake up, he allowed himself to fall asleep. The next couple days passed by quickly enough. In no longer being able to stay in the current apartment, Yurgen found a new one across the river. Ivar and Rhea did their best to help. The day times were dedicated to the move while in the evenings, the two studied her map and tried to figure out the best way to explore his home nation. It was good for Rhea since she was healing from her fight. By the time everything was situated, she was fully healed again. The two were ready to leave once the sun rises which wasn't too far away. They woke up early to triple check the extra added security. Yurgen had to go back to Elympios a little while ago, having to put his entire faith into them to make sure his wife stayed safe. By the time the two finished eating breakfast, the stars were vanishing from view. They check out the security cameras and multiple locks before leaving. Even if the door were to breakdown this time, every other trap set up would stop them. To properly disarm everything, you would need five keys and five passwords. Only two sets of the keys existed, Yurgen had one and Rhea the other. After securing the keys, they left.

Hamil – Eastern District

Rhea and Ivar clinked their glasses after setting on the chairs that the took out of the room they're staying in tonight to the balcony. They reached Hamil as evening time was coming around and so they decided to stop there for the night. Their legs had enough anyway. She took in a deep breath of the citrus air and looked out at the fields. Once in awhile, she took small sips of the porange juice she was holding. She enjoyed it so much that she was trying to stretch it out. Even though she was staring off into the distance, she also kept an eye on the boy sitting next to her. He has really impressed her in the short time they've been together. When they were still in Xian Du, Alvin was telling her over the phone how he was overly obnoxious and how he continuously got into his group's way. She can't imagine it. He's been nothing but helpful, from helping Yurgen move to showing her places to take pictures that she didn't see. And just watching him now, he just looks like a well-behaved young man.

"Hey Ivar?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah?" he responded.

"Do you have any life goals?"

"I used to, when I was the handmaid of Lady Milla. My life was dedicated to her. Now though, I just feel lost." After a moment of remembering Milla, he asked, "why?"

"Despite not knowing you too long, I can see you being my assistant or manager or something along those lines."

He looked at her shocked and asked, "are you serious?"

She smiled and nodded, "yeah. I do have a deeper reason for taking these pictures than just doing it for fun. I want to share them with the people. I want to do my own part in easing the tension between Rieze Maxia and Elympios."

"What about that boyfriend of yours?" She took a sip of her juice as he asked and she ending up chocking on it. As she began coughing, her cheeks burned. He leaned in closer to her curiously and asked, "what kind of reaction is that?"

She held her hand up as she finished her coughing. After a bit, she rubbed her throat, answering, "not my boyfriend..."

"Are you serious? Then what exactly are you?"

After thinking about it for a moment, she answered, "complicated. The only word that comes to mind and fits, is complicated."

"Whatever..." he says and he leans back in his seat. He then asked again, "whatever the relationship, wouldn't he be the one to work with you?"

"No, not at all. He's got his own career. Right now I'm alone in my endeavor. You don't have to answer now. There's still much of Rieze Maxia to explore."

"I didn't think anyone would ask for my help again."

"Hmm? Why's that? I can tell you're full of potential."

"I knew it!" he exclaimed as he jumped to his feet. He placed his hands on his waist as he stared out at the scenery. For a bit, he nodded to himself as if he was holding a conversation with someone who wasn't there. Afterwords, he looked back at her with a grin. He pointed to himself with his thumb agreed, "whatever you need, I'm t there."

She smiled back at him saying, "thank you."

Kijara Seafalls – Below Falls

Similar to the day prior, the duo left at the break of dawn. The spirit climes made it a bit difficult to do that, especially for Rhea. She's never seen skies that don't change light before. Completely threw off her internal clock. It was thanks to Ivar that they left as early as they did. He was taking the term 'manager' very seriously. Which she does appreciate because more and more each day she just wants to go back to Elympios. For now, they were traveling through the seafalls. About halfway through, they decided to take a break. Mainly because she was mesmerized by the scenery. While she was busy taking pictures, he was setting up their lunch. After a few minutes, he called out to her to ask her what she wanted to drink, but she didn't respond. He looked up from the food, seeing that she was on the phone. Just from her expression, he knew exactly who she was talking to. He shook his head and just chose for her. He knew that if he wanted her attention, he would have to go right up to her. Right as he finished getting everything ready, the air changed. He looked back at her, seeing that she was now off the phone and looking around carefully.

"You sense them too?" she asked him.

He nodded in agreement as he readied his daggers. As soon as she did the same, monsters jumped out from all directions. Her main goal was to keep her camera safe while his was to keep her safe. She was free of the creatures before him since not as many went to her. She looked over, seeing that he was completely surrounded. As quickly as she could, she went over to him and helped him get rid of the rest. When the last one fell prey, the two sat on the cool sand and took a moment to catch their breath.

"You're hurt!" Ivar exclaimed, crawling over to her.

"Huh? I am?" she asked, looking down at herself. Her eyes widened when she saw a huge slash running up her right leg. "What the..?"

Without thinking twice, he picked her up and brought her over to the bags. He carefully put her back down and then quickly opened a bag to get bandages. As he rummaged, her GHS began to ring.

The second she answered it, Alvin's voice cried out from the other end, "what just happened?!"

She dropped the phone at the unexpected volume. While rubbing her ear, she picked it back up with her other hand and pouted to him, "don't scream at me like that..."

"Sorry..."

She smiled a bit and told him, "alright, I'll forgive you."

"Heh... So what happened just now?"

"Some monsters attacked us but we're fine."

He sighed in relief before saying, "I'm glad."

"Worry wort..."

"So anyway, what were you trying to ask me about?"

"Oh, yeah..."

"Rhea?"

"I'm kinda scared to ask."

"What is it?"

"I won't if you don't want me to but... Do you mind if I climbed the Hallomont past Nia Khera?"

"... I take it you found out what happened there?"

"Yeah..."

"Just promise me, stay away from the edge. I don't want to lose you."

Her cheek instantly became red at his words. After messing with her hair she said softly, "I promise..."

"Good..."

"I miss you..."

Right after she said it, she realized what she actually said and her entire face became red. When he didn't respond right away, she ended the call and quickly turned off the device. Ivar was doing his best to not laugh at her. He never expected to see such an awkward side of her. Before he could tease her about it, he could hear his own ring tone going off. He wasn't surprised when he saw the name on the display.

"Hello," he simply said.

"Hand the GHS over," Alvin told him. Instead of simply handing it over, he pressed it against her so that she didn't have to hold it herself. After a moment of silence, his voice came through, "Rhea?"

"Y-yeah..?" she barely squeaked out.

He laughed softly before saying, "I miss you too."

Instantly she felt herself calm down. She held the phone up so that Ivar could rest his arm and she asked, "really?"

"Really really. I miss you falling prey to my tickling."

She burst out laughing at that. Anything remotely silly makes her laugh. As she wiped away a fresh tear she said, "silly boy."

"Well this 'silly boy' has to get back to work. I'll call you later, so turn your phone back on."

"Yeah yeah..."

"Take care."

"You too." After she ended the call, she gave the GHS back to Ivar who was watching her suspiciously. "What?" she asked him, unsure of what he was thinking.

"You sure you're not his girlfriend?"

After a moment, she nodded and answered, "despite how it looks, it's complicated."

"Whatever. Well, the food's completely destroyed thanks to the monsters. Let's just get to Nia Khera. We're almost there. They should be able to fix your leg there too."

"Only question is, how am I supposed to get there without making my leg worse?"

"Uhh..."

He looked around quickly. In getting an idea, he ran off. While waiting for him, she rested her hand over her still beating heart. In her mind, she might as well have confessed completely to him. Especially with how she was acting. The fear of him not being able to look at her always lingers in the back of her mind. They can talk all they want over the GHS because it is just the voice. She's still wearing the scarf, but his scent has completely vanished from it. She had to wash out the blood from the attack at Xian Du which also washed away the cologne. It just came to her that every place she's been to, since entering this nation, she's been attacked in one way or another. With a tired sigh, she lied down on the sand and looked up at the sky. Just a minute later, Ivar came back grinning. She sat up and looked at him seeing that he found a large and sturdy enough stick she could use as a crutch. She stood up and took it from him with a thanks. He quickly picked up the bags and they were on their way again once again.

Nia Khera, Village of Spirits

"Ivar!" a little girl squealed happily as the two approached the small village.

"What? Ivar? Ivar's back!" a villager noticed and quickly went over to him.

Instantly, the two were surrounded by the excited villagers. Rhea just stood there, unsure of what to do. Ivar, on the other hand, was over the moon. He was talking happily with everyone. It didn't take them too long to notice the female accompanying him. Soon enough, the majority of them were staring at her curiously. She simply felt completely awkward. In noticing, Ivar introduced her and explained the situation. A good number of them became disappointed. They were hoping she was his girlfriend. In hearing their pouts, the two looked at each other confused. Just a moment later she just shook her head while he verbally denied it. After the initial shock of the handmaid's return, they all entered the village. The majority went back to whatever they were doing before. One stayed behind to help Rhea with her wound. While Ivar took the bags to his home, the villager took Rhea to a seat. While her leg was getting healed, she looked around the scenery. It wasn't look until her gaze rested upon the Hallowmont. Instantly she felt her heart ache. She wasn't really sure if she wanted to go or not. She tells herself that she doesn't want to so that she doesn't have to worry Alvin. She doesn't want to think about what he'd do if something would happen to her, especially at the same location where Presa died. But at the same time, she feels that if she doesn't take the opportunity now, she'll regret it. She didn't realize she was so deep in thought until Ivar shook her.

"You okay?" he asked her suspiciously.

She nodded telling him, "yeah, sorry about that. So, I take it that's the Hallowmont?"

"Yeah. You wanna go there?"

"Yes."

"Then let's get going."

She looked down at her leg seeing that it was back to normal. Nodding, she stood up and agreed, "let's go."

Nia Khera Hallomont – Summit

Ivar watched Rhea closely. Ever since going through Milla's shrine, she had been acting off. No matter what he would say to her, she wouldn't respond. This was the most determined he's seen her yet and she wasn't even taking pictures. For the life of him, he couldn't read her eyes. Only thing that he could tell was that she wanted to reach the top. However, just before reaching the summit, she completely stopped. She rested her hand over her racing heart. The determination disappeared. He rested his hand on her shoulder and they made eye contact. A second later she sighed deeply and nodded. She lowered her hand from her heart to grasp onto the scarf. Knowing stalling will only make it worse for her, she climbed up the rest of the Hallomont. As they reached they top, she froze in place. Something was telling her to not go any closer to the edge. Still, not wanting to just go back down right away, she sat down and leaned against the rocks.

"I'm going to be here for awhile if you want to go back down," she told him softly.

"You want me to leave?" he asked.

"Please."

"Call me right away if something happens."

"Okay."

He looked at her unsure, but soon did leave. Once he was gone, her eyes locked onto the cliff. She just knew it was here where she fell. As a light breeze blew her hair, she closed her eyes. Just a moment later, she fell asleep.