As Velvet continued to help Eleanor, there was a spark. It was there, buried under piles of emotions and guilt. In those days, it was at the end of their journey, under the star-lit skies from the seas. Just like those pale moonlit days with Laphi, watching for a sailing boat, visible only by the candles that glowed by its windows and the bow of the ship.

No, she experienced those days once more. In dreams, a never-ending life. But in the back of her mind, Velvet reflected. Some of days seemed off. Like fragments that were scattered across her brain, needing to be picked up for the pieces. The therion had her tender moments, gently brushing Eleanor's face as she fell asleep.

Not that she'd tell her. As the Shepherd collected her equipment and weapons, she looked to Velvet. "We're heading out."

"So you're leading the charge on this?"

"It's only natural. We know the Wings are targeting the Elemental Empyreans. Why, we don't know. But if they're going to end up like that… We can't let them continue. And maybe we'll figure out along the way."

"You have any idea where the next Empyrean is?"

"A vague idea. We can go to the south, where we'd find the Water Empyrean. Or head northeast to find the Wind Empyrean."

"And those two are..?"

"Melchior and Oscar's souls respectively."

Velvet scowled. "Great. My two biggest critics."

"It was gonna happen one way or another." She admitted. "They won't be exactly keen on me either."

"But how will this help stop these Wings from attacking?"

"If we can just capture a few, maybe see what's going on, we'll be able to find their boss."

"Do we even know who their boss is?"

"We do."

Eleanor and Velvet turned to see Amelia with crossed arms, leaning against the door frame. "Fergus Quinn. One of the major players in the Morrígan Wings. I guessed he was the major player in the old Abbey."

"And you waited this long to tell us this, why?" Velvet raised an eyebrow.

"I was here to talk with Shepherd Eleanor. Finding you was just coincidence."

As the Hunter opened the door and headed out, Velvet turned to Eleanor. "You sure she's fine?"

"I'm confident in Amelia's abilities. She was the winner for tournament, the commander of Ala Alba, the frontline soldiers of the Abbey and a great friend. She's a lot sweeter than she looks."

"If you say so."

The two signed out of the inn and headed outside. Sun shone down over Westgand. A few stalls were set up along the fortifications of the port. Port Cadnix. It was the first place that their crew came together, under tense terms. Further back, towards the mining ravines, it was where Velvet defeated Eleanor, making her swear to serve her under oath.

Where this crazy journey all began.

The Van Eltia patiently docked in the corner as Eizen watched Benwick and Amelia making faces at one another. Alex was leaning against the ship's railing, only turning when she noticed them approach.

"The ship's been restocked and ready to head out." The blonde malak nodded. "Still can't believe that a ship like that existed. Taking a full barrage of cannon fire without a scratch."

"Your wounded pride aside Eizen," Velvet started. "Do you think you could drop us off to the Empyrean of… Water?"

Eleanor frowned. But Velvet proved a point. Amenoch was the closest. They didn't need to return to Midgand for now.

"That's in the south isn't it?" Eizen crossed his arms. "Once we find the closest port, we'll be heading off."

"You're not staying?"

"No, we've got another job that requires our attention. We came this way because it was along the way."

"You mind telling us what it's all about?"

"Sorry, but its confidential. Under orders."

Eleanor nodded. "Very well, we'll be fine. Just the six of us."

"Except it's an entire team of women."

Eizen chuckled. "Yes, yes. Get on board and we'll set out."

As they boarded, Amelia flipped the bird to Benwick before skipping over to Alex. The two women decided to relax on board, leaning against the ship's rails. The grand sails of the ship flushed down, catching wind.

Sailors hauled large oars and shoved the ship away from the dock. A large thick rope was pulled back with its anchor. "Set sail!"

The sails caught the wind as the ship pulled out of port and set for the open ocean. Already, the Van Eltia pirates were heading off to perform their duties. Some pirates ran past Eizen as if he didn't exist. Benwick looked over to his captain. Sometimes he squinted at him, making sure he wasn't somewhere else.

Velvet looked over, couldn't help but pity this sight. For the balance of the world and its malevolence, the resonance of the world lowered. Malakhim were disappearing from the world. While an entire race was freed from their human abusers, she knew that not everybody was like that. After all, Eleanor rebuild the Abbey.

She was never one for long-term planning. What would happen once this journey was over. Whatever happens, happens. Goal oriented and never focused on the future. This was a second chance… or was it?

The thoughts shivered down her spine. Hands clawing the jacket around her closer. She wanted to believe this wasn't another dream. That it was true that her sense of taste was returning. It wasn't immediate like that false dream that Melchior put them in Aball.

Aball… She remembered. It was burnt to the ground in their escape. Her hands pulled tighter on her jacket.

"Velvet?"

The therion looked over, seeing Eleanor hold her shoulder. "If your cold, I could find you a thicker jacket."

"No, no. It's fine. The ocean breeze is just getting to me."

"If you're sure. I'll grab some oranges for us to eat."

"Do whatever."

The redhead smiled, turning towards the galley. While she waked, Velvet couldn't help but watch her go. Wandering eyes for a moment before turning away. Those were looks she really shouldn't have done.

Much to her annoyance, it seemed like somebody caught on. Alex walked over; arms crossed. "Really now?"

"Really what?"

"Don't give me that. I can see where your eyes are looking." She chuckled. "Eleanor, really? This was the girl that you eyed?"

"What." Velvet glared back. "What exactly did she tell you?"

"Nothing great. She told us the truth about what happened with Artorius. What really happened to the Empyrean Innominat. And the fate of you." The blonde admitted. "Didn't expect this love-triangle to show up."

"Love-triangle?" She asked. This was incredulous. There was never a love-triangle! Nope! Never!

It took a moment for Alex to finally piece together what was going on. "Oooh, n-never. Never mind. Guess that's what happens when you read too many romance books."

"What makes you think there was a love-triangle?"

"Because… Uhh… I mean, Eleanor hooked up with Rokurou and then there's you?"

The therion crossed her arms. These disingenuous accusations were getting on her nerves. "There was nothing between the three of us."

"Yet I saw where your eyes were looking. Skirt or not, that's Eleanor's butt you're looking at."

"But I thought I saw a bug on her skirt."

Alex rolled her eyes. "Ok, sure. I'm not that dumb."

"If you want to talk about what I'm thinking of, how about we talk about Amelia, huh?"

That immediately stopped her. The Legate pursed her lips. "Boo. But… I mean, if you want to." A paused. "Did she ever talk about me?"

"No. She talk about the rebuilt Abbey, but never went into detail about everything."

"Oh." The blonde looked to the ocean. A bit of sea water caught her eyes as she cursed and brushed it away. "Great, I'm gonna be all salty later but…"

"Just take a shower when we get to the next port."

"And feel disgusting for a while?" Alex sighed, "I really do hope the next place has a village that's nice."

Velvet frowned as she looked at her. The legate immediately explained.

"They weren't the friendliest of people. Of course, the old Abbey's to blame for all of that."

The therion was unconvinced. "You share any regrets when you were under Melchior's command?"

Her hand drummed against the railing. Eyes looked pirate crew, then to the sea. "I did what I was supposed to do. Justice isn't black and white, but… it's what I can do."

"What's the worse you've done? Especially if you're working with the 'Lord of Calamity'?"

"Assassinations, bribery, extortion. You know, the works."

"Not bad. Ever set a town on fire?"

"No, but I saw the after-report of that." She crossed her arms. "You cost the Abbey and Northgand a lot of money with that stunt. A few people got burns."

"… How many?"

"Like fifteen, I think. Nothing too severe. Thankfully the medical corps was there. But not a bad first showing."

"Not exactly my best work." She admitted.

Alex rose an eyebrow. There were plenty of worse things that Velvet did those seven years ago. But she kept her silence.

"Ever feel regretful for it?" She finally asked.

"What exactly do you want me to do?" The legate shrugged. "I've done things for the Empire. For the Abbey. In battle, in war, there is no good and evil. Just killing."

"But you don't feel right with that do you?"

"I want to be a proud knight of the Empire." She chuckled, brushing her shoulders. "Well, its all just politics."

But Velvet could see it. A small fume of malevolence radiated off her body. It was festering. Her eyes were narrowed and focused, as if she was trying to cut off something.

"Tell me, you enjoy fighting?"

"Huh?"

"I can see it in your eyes. The way you fought those Venators or whatever their called."

"I was simply trying to protect Eleanor."

"But you were enjoying yourself."

"And what's so wrong about that?" She frowned. "Aah, never mind. It's not exactly knightly."

The blonde sighed, stretching her arms. "Eh, I'm thirsty. You want anything Velvet?"

"No, I'm good."

As she walked away, Velvet wandered about the deck. The pirates from before rotated around. Some newer faces, other's from before. The seven years she's been gone aged them just fine. A few extra scars on their faces and bodies, but they remained the same jolly and rowdy crew as before.

From the corner of the ship, Amelia relaxed, leaning herself against the front post of the ship. Lailah looked towards the sea, trying to make small fire sparks. Every time the ship broke the waves, the water splashed up and fizzled out her sparks as she signed and tried again.

"You know, it'd be better if you just turned around and did that." Velvet commented to the fire malak.

"Mhmmm, maybe. But just like a certain few malaks, I'd like to practice against the curve."

"Would a mop be a better substitute?"

That gave her pause. "You know, a mop would be the best way to clean up my messes!" Amelia rolled her eyes as she pretended to fall asleep. Velvet was unamused. "Falling asleep while standing up is bad for your health."

"Alright, mom." Amelia pushed herself off and stretched her arms. "It's going to be a short trip. Just like the Abbey's fleet, these ships and their arte embedded wood sail through the waves quick."

"Was that the case for all the Abbey's ships?"

"As far as I could tell. The people needed the exorcists to move out quickly to respond if the danger deemed them necessary. 'Course, being a free-sword in those three years kinda died down when you have the exorcists stationed at every port."

"I'm surprised you wanted to join Eleanor's."

She shrugged. "Prize money and a chance to test my skills. Also, Lailah wanted to see if there were any malak friends floating around."

"Huh. And here I thought you had Lailah after you joined the Abbey." Velvet noted. "So what's her story?"

"My story?" The fire malak giggled. "Well, it's not exactly a fishy story to tell."

Amelia immediately tried crawling herself over the railing before Velvet yanked her back.

"To be honest, I really don't know." Lailah sighed. "I was a malak of the Abbey towards the end of the Abbey's rule and Maotelus's domain spreading. My first chance, I escaped. I wandered around. A little lost. Going from town to town, invisible for a while. Then, Amelia found me. We teamed up."

"It can't be that easy." Velvet crossed her arms.

"Lailah was really weird back in those days. Like a doll. No emotions, just kinda dead-ish."

"Where did her love of puns come from?"

Amelia pulled her face. "It started with a really bad joke."

"Amelia wanted me to talk a little more. She suggested puns. And it just started from there."

"I see." The therion sighed. I guess she really isn't related at all to Celica. In her heart, she had hoped to find some connection. The way she carried herself, the things she said. The attitude and jokes she spoke.

Maybe, just like Phi before her, she was projecting her feelings onto her.

"Can you two armatize?"

"We can." Amelia spoke up. "Still a prototype with a time limit. Aoife's suggestion until she can perfect it."

"Has… Has Eleanor ever tried to armatize with Maotelus?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

She hummed before saying, "Sorry for the twenty questions. A lot has changed since I've been gone."

"I wouldn't blame you. Jumping from one point to another, looking for Eleanor and getting some idea what we're doing. This is the first time we had some downtime, right?"

Velvet smiled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Follow your heart. If you wait too long, Here is Gone

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