Trails of Blazing Ice and Ashen Steel

by eternal fire123

Class VII has fled from Thors, the place where they've made invaluable memories and bonds that would last beyond a lifetime. As the Civil War rages on, they all ponder on the path to take, especially Jusis who is in a unique position. In the end, the trails that Class VII blaze will leave an impact on not just the Empire, but Zemuria as well, as they push forward, relentlessly.

4. Until We See Each Other Again

Hey guys! How's everyone doing today? Wow did it take me way too long to finish this chapter. Then again, the word count for it came up to almost 17k so that could explain why it took forever to finally finish writing. Plus there's the fact that I'm basically covering everything in the game prologue besides the Bareahard section and spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to cut and what to keep in order to showcase the subtle and not so subtle changes I made to the canon events of the game. On that note, we haven't gone completely canon divergent yet, that'll be the next chapter, but the timeline in this fic will basically be like the timeline of the games. Also, please enjoy Elise being a character that actually has a sense of agency and some screen time for Kurt. Hope y'all enjoy the chapter!

As always, I enjoy any comments, except for those that are just full of negativity and not constructive at all. Just give me something to work with instead of just "It's bad." I also appreciate any positive constructive criticism since I'm always looking to improve my writing and storytelling capabilities. Thanks for reading this story! Virtual hugs and cuddles to y'all.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except any OC's that may come up, any world building that has not yet been officially stated by any medium, and any plot points/structures that have not been used in the games or Drama CDs.

Warning: No beta, we die like Rean's ability to understand anyone's feelings for him.

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Chapter 1: Until We See Each Other Again

XXXXXX

11.29 S.1204

"I…can't lose…not here…not without seeing everyone again…"

Unfortunately Rean couldn't help but close his eyes as death swiftly approached him in the form of the blade of a magic knight that towered before him. As he waited to meet his end, his life didn't flash before his eyes. His mind was not filled with thoughts about what happened to Thors after his escape, about his clash with Crow and his regrets from not being stronger, about his promise to reunite with his classmates and dear friends.

Instead, he could only think of Jusis on the day where they were forced to part, the confident smile the other noble wore when he said they would see each other again.

'Jusis…I'm sorry…'

"Not today buddy!"

"Take this! Aerial!"

Rean opened his eyes in surprise and watched as a wind vortex swirled into existence around the knight, trapping it in place while a golden cross formed underneath it.

"Cross crusade!"

The art was cast, bringing the knight to its knees as it broke the ground underneath it. Rean and Celine watched in disbelief as the knight disappeared from the clearing to the depths below.

"Are we…safe?" Rean asked.

"Who did that?" Celine demanded more than asked.

"Rean!" Two different and very familiar voices cried out.

Rean gasped sharply and turned to where the voices came from. Nearby he saw Toval, Elise, and Alfin with Toval wielding his battle orbment and Alfin an orbal staff, standing on the path on the other side of the clearing. The girls were filled with relief at the sight of him alive and whole.

"Stay right there, Rean!" Elise called out before running down the path towards him.

As Elise made her way to him, Rean began to flag as exhaustion hit him like an orbal truck. "Elise? Is that…really you?" He weakly muttered as he collapsed to the ground.

Distantly, he could hear Elise call out his name in concern and soon felt the cool rush of a healing art. As he faded into unconsciousness, he heard a strong metallic voice speaking to him.

"Doust thou desire the power?"

He fell unconscious before he could answer and when he did, for a moment, he could hear another voice, soft and warm, that hummed a gentle lullaby as he finally gave into the sweet embrace of oblivion.

XXXXXX

11.30 S.1204

Rean slowly awoke and pushed himself up from the bed he lay in, blinking blearily as he struggled to get his bearings. He managed to get out of bed and soon realized he was in his room back home in Ymir.

"So it wasn't a dream," he muttered in amazement as he took in the snowy landscape of his hometown.

A sharp gasp drew his attention to the door where he saw Elise staring at him with wide-eyed surprise. She rushed over to bring him in for a hug.

"Oh thank Aidios! I'm so happy you're awake! I was so worried about where you were and now that you're here, I'm just…so relieved."

"I'm sorry for worrying you so much Elise," Rean said, not knowing what else he could say.

She shook her head. "You don't need to apologize. I knew that somewhere out there, you were alright and that you'd come back safely." She let go of the hug to step back and give him a teary smile. "Welcome home, Rean."

He smiled back at her. "It's good to be back, Elise."

Alfin giggled, announcing her presence as the two siblings turned to see her and Cedric by the door.

"Good morning Rean!" Alfin cheerfully greeted.

"It's good to see that you're doing much better, Rean," Cedric said with a smile.

"Alfin? Cedric? You're here too?" Rean asked in disbelief, "Am I still dreaming?"

Algin giggled. "You're so silly, Rean. I would've thought the warmth of your sister pressed against your chest was proof enough that you're very much awake."

"Alfin!" Elise cried out with a blush.

Cedric sighed and shook his head. "It is much too soon to be teasing Rean, sister. He's still recovering."

"Alright, alright, I'll stop," Alfin conceded with a wink, "For now at least."

Rean laughed nervously. "Thanks, I guess?"

"How are you feeling Rean?" Cedric asked, "You've been asleep since you were brought back yesterday."

"I'm still a little sore but it doesn't look like I have any serious injuries at least," Rean honestly answered, "Though I doubt I'd be able to say that if Alfin, Elise, and Toval hadn't come when they did."

"Yes, it was quite fortunate we were able to make it as soon as we did. I don't want to think what would've happened if we didn't," Alfin said.

Rean nodded. "Yeah. But now that I'm a little more awake, how did you, Elise, and Cedric get here? Is Kurt here too? Not that I'm not grateful you're here but I know you were all at Heimdallr when it was invaded."

"How about we save those questions for after we get you something to eat?"

Everyone turned to see Teo and Lucia standing by the door.

"Dad! Mom!" Rean happily exclaimed.

"Good morning, Rean! It's wonderful to see you finally back home," Lucia greeted warmly.

Teo smiled. "Now let's you some food and then we can talk."

XXXXXX

Rean sat at the dining table with Teo, Lucia, Toval, Alfin, Elise, Cedric, and Kurt in attendance. Celine was napping at the fireplace nearby but still keeping one ear open on the conversation.

"I've really been gone for a month huh, and so much has happened too," Rean said, dejectedly.

Teo nodded grimly. "Yes. Currently, the two factions are at a stalemate with neither side willing to yield what they've managed to gain control of."

"From what I've been able to gather, the Imperial Army still have a majority of their forces intact and regained control of half the railways," Toval explained, "Meanwhile, the Noble Alliance continues to control most of the land with the help of their advanced weaponry and the power of a few key figures."

"I had a feeling that would be the case," Rean said with a sigh, "If nothing else, at least you four are safe."

"We all happened to be at St. Astraia when the invasion happened," Alfin said, "It was only thanks to Kurt and Elise's quick thinking and Toval's timely appearance that we were able to escape."

Rean nodded appreciatively to Toval. "Words can't express how thankful I am."

Toval easily waved off his gratitude. "Eh, it was nothing. I got a tip saying that I should hang around the capital during that time and it's not like I could ignore it when it came from Prince Olivert you know."

"So Olivert asked you, that explains it," Rean said.

Elise nodded. "Yes. Toval was able to escort us out of the capital and barring a little incident along the way, we were able to reach Ymir in ten days time."

"Unfortunately, we haven't heard so much as a word from our brother since and we last heard mother and father were under the alliance's 'protective custody' but they were at least confirmed to be safe," Cedric added.

"That's a relief," Rean said, "But it is concerning that no one's heard from Olivert since that day."

"You needn't be concerned," Alfin assured him, "We're sure that he's perfectly well. After all, he made it through the chaos in Liberl unharmed. He's always been a resilient one."

"And I know he has my brother by his side to make sure he doesn't get himself into more trouble than he should," Kurt added.

"Yeah," Toval agreed, "And considering there hasn't been any news about the Courageous since it was spotted over at Trista the day of the invasion, I think it's safe to say they're doing fine. After all, the alliance would be having a media field day if they managed to get rid of the Crimson Wings. And speaking of Trista-"

Rean immediately slammed his hands on the table and stood up. "Please tell me everything you know! What happened to the academy? Is everyone alright?"

"In regards to Thors and Trista, unfortunately they both fell under alliance control not long after the war began," Toval responded.

Rean collapsed back into his chair in shock. "And what about my friends?" He hesitantly asked, almost too afraid to know the answer.

Toval smiled reassuringly at him. "Actually, there isn't much news on that front."

"What do you mean? Where are they?" Rean asked in wide-eyed alarm.

"Whoa there! Slow your roll, it's not anything bad, I promise," Tova said, continuing when Rean looked at him pleadingly, "Quite a few students, including everyone in Class VII, managed to escape from Trista and they're all scattered across the country right now, locations unconfirmed."

"So then no one knows if they're alright?" Rean asked, torn between concern and relief.

"Try not to let concern get the best of you," Teo calmly advised, "It's too early to presume the worst has happened."

Toval nodded empathetically. "I agree. In this case, no news is good news.'

"If it's any reassurance to you, Emma is alive," Celine finally chimed in, lifting her head to address everyone who was surprised by her remark, "I can't tell you where she is but she's fine."

"How can you tell?" Rean asked.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm her familiar so we have a link between us. If anything were to happen to her, trust me, I'd know."

"There you go then, so try to have some faith, alright Rean?" Toval said, "Your friends are more than capable as I'm sure you know. And besides, they're probably just as worried about you as you are for them and yet here you are, safe and sound."

"You've got a point," Rean hesitantly agreed.

"Safe and sound you may be, but you're hardly in peak condition. Take this chance to stay home for a time and recover your strength," Teo all but outright ordered.

"And while you're here, why not go pay everyone a visit?" Lucia suggested, "The whole village has been eagerly awaiting your recovery."

Rean nodded with a strained smile as he wanted nothing more than to leave Ymir and find his friends but knew he was in no shape to even lift his blade. "That sounds like a good idea, mom. I'll do just that."

XXXXXX

Rean sighed as he walked back home, having just finished making his rounds around the village to let everyone know he was alright. He was still fighting back a lingering blush from when he spoke to Toval and the bracer had slyly added what little info he knew about Jusis' whereabouts, citing how he knew Rean must be really worried despite Rean's protests that he was worried about all his friends and not just Jusis.

He perked up when he heard the sounds of sparring close by. He wandered over and saw Kurt, Cedric, Elise, and Alfin sparring against each other. Kurt and Elise, armed with dual blades and a rapier respectively, were paired against Alfin and Cedric, armed with an orbal staff and saber respectively.

He watched as Kurt locked blades with Cedric while Elise tried to close in on Alfin who slung arts at her as quick as she could cast them. Kurt and Elise then suddenly jumped back and switched opponents, catching the twins off guard and the two were soon knocked to the ground.

"Oh! I really thought I had you that time Elise," Alfin sighed in disappointment.

"Sorry Alfin. Maybe next time?" Elise tried to say in consolation.

She pouted and looked away with a huff, making them all chuckle as Kurt helped pull Cedric back up to his feet. "Are you alright, Cedric?"

"I'm fine, Kurt. You don't need to keep asking me that," Cedric said with a hint of annoyance.

"Sorry," Kurt swiftly apologized, slightly chastised.

Cedric sighed. "And please stop apologizing when you're not even in the wrong. I know you're only concerned about my health but I promise I'm fine."

"I'll say," Rean said, finally announcing his presence, "You four look like you've been putting some serious training in."

"Rean! How long have you been watching?" Elise asked.

"Long enough to know that you and Kurt have great synergy, Elise," Rean responded, "The way you two work off each other's weaknesses and strengths was the main reason you were able to defeat Alfin and Cedric so soundly." Then he turned to the twins and said, "And you two worked like two separate combatants being made to partner up without much thought on how to work together. Just because you're twins doesn't mean much in combat if you're not going to take advantage of it."

Cedric sighed. "That's exactly what Uncle Teo says whenever we do group sparring."

Alfin hummed thoughtfully. "You know Rean, I believe you'd make a pretty good instructor one day."

"I can certainly see it," Kurt nodded in agreement.

"I agree as well," Elise said, hands clapping together in delight at the idea, "Rean's always had a knack for teaching. He'd even volunteer to help with Sunday School whenever he had the time!"

"Oh come on you guys, anyone can do that. It's nothing special," Rean bashfully waved off their praise, not believing them for a second.

The four preteens gave him deadpan looks and shook their heads with a sigh. Then they exchanged looks with each other before nodding in determination. Rean tilted his head in confusion before he shouted in surprise as the four descended upon him.

XXXXXX

Rean leaned back in the hot springs with a sigh as he allowed the water to relax his tired muscles. In the quiet of the springs, he couldn't help but get lost in his thoughts, finally beginning to process everything that's happened since that day in Trista.

'If only I wasn't so weak,' he thought, 'If only I'd been able to hold my ground, maybe things would've been different. Instead I ran away and left everyone behind. I finally found a place where I felt like I belonged and people to share it with and I lost it all. I thought my life was finally gaining some direction but now I feel totally lost again…'

"Rean?"

"Elise?" Rean asked, sitting up in surprise when he saw his sister walking in, "What are you doing here?"

She smiled knowingly at him. "I heard you were here so I thought I should join you before you ended up drowning in your thoughts."

"Was I really that obvious?" He couldn't but ask with a chuckle.

She gave him a look that he smiled sheepishly at. "Come now, Rean. I'm your sister, give me a little credit." She stepped into the water and sat down with a sigh of relief. "The water is really nice today. I'd almost forgotten how pleasant it was to sit here and admire the snow."

"You mean you haven't been here since you arrived?"

"Not really. I've been too busy training with the others under father and Toval's guidance."

"You really have come a long way, Elise," he said, looking at her with pride, "It makes me proud to be your brother…and I'm sorry to keep making you worry."

"Rean…"

"And I know you're not the only one. It's like everyone I meet goes out of their way for me. It's been like that my whole life, the way everyone feels like they have to act around me."

Elise frowned with her brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"That day dad picked me up in the blizzard twelve years ago, the day I lost control and scared you eight years ago, the day Master Ka-Fai cut my training short, the day my friends risked their lives so that I, and I alone, could be saved," he explained with his expression growing more downtrodden with each given example, "Looking back on my life, I've been too fortunate, too lucky. All I've done is bask in the kindness of everyone I know, never giving anything worthwhile in return. On the contrary, all I've brought is misfortune instead, like I'm some kind of curse."

Elise breathed in sharply.

"I don't have the right to be treated kindly," Rean continued, oblivious to her reactions, "I don't deserve to have others putting themselves out for me, not when I can't seem to return that kindness, when I'm too weak to fight for them when they need it the most. If I'd known it would be like this, then I never would've gone to Thors-"

"Stop," she sharply demanded, "Did you seriously mean everything you just said?"

"Uh, I…"

"The right to be treated kindly, and who exactly decides who has that right? What's that supposed to mean?" She angrily asked, turning to look him straight in the eyes, "I don't look out for you because I'm expecting something in return or need you to defend me. Acts of kindness aren't debts to be repaid. I look out for you because I care about you, because you're important to me. And I know everyone, your family, your friends, and all your other acquaintances feel the same. So please, from the bottom of my heart," she gently grabbed hold of his hand and smiled gently at him, "Don't say you don't have the right to be treated kindly. Of course you do, you just don't want to realize it. You care so much about the people who matter to you so why can't you accept that those people care just as much about you as well?"

Rean looked at her in surprise but eventually huffed in amusement. "You know, Alisa told me something similar. She said friendship was a two way street, that she wasn't friends with me just because she wanted something from me."

"Well she was right and you shouldn't forget that," Elise said, "Think about the day you parted with your classmates. What did they say? How did they look at you?"

He took a moment to think and chuckled in disbelief as the memory appeared clear as day. "They were smiling. They all believed that we'd see each other again no matter what happened along the way. That we'd all be reunited one day and move forward as a class again."

She let go of his hand, now smiling happily at him. "There's nothing wrong with feeling lost and impatient from time to time, Rean. So you should believe in your friends and prove yourself worthy of the trust they have in you."

He nodded in agreement. "You're right. So long as I keep moving forward, I'm sure that you gave me exactly what I needed to do just that."

She shook her head. "You don't need to thank me. I didn't do anything except remind you of something you already knew. It was your time at the academy that gave you what you needed and I'm happy for you!"

He patted her on the head and she gladly accepted it without complaint. "I'm glad to have you in my life, Elise. I know I might not be the most dependable brother in the world but I'll keep striving to be one you can be proud of."

"I'm always proud of you, Rean," she said with a smile.

"It seems we had nothing to worry about."

"Indeed. All's well that ends well."

Rean and Elise looked towards the entrance of the baths and saw Alfin, Cedric, and Kurt walking in with the princess sporting a mischievous grin while the boys were fondly exasperated.

"You guys? Why are you here?" Elise asked, bewildered and a little embarrassed.

"We heard you would both be here from Uncle Teo so we thought it'd be a good idea to come along and see if there was anything we could do to help cheer up Rean," Alfin explained, "But instead we happened to stumble upon such a heartwarming sight during our humble quest."

"Considering you were waiting for the perfect time to make your grand entrance, I would think stumbling is a bit of a stretch," Kurt dryly remarked.

Cedric laughed awkwardly as Rean and Elise deadpanned at them.

"Seriously?" Rean sighed.

"Were you listening the entire time?" Elise pointedly asked Alfin who merely smiled innocently at her.

"Oh Elise. Have you ever known me to do something so un-lady like?"

Cedric coughed at that, making Alfin glare at him before returning her attention to the Schwarzer siblings. "Anyways, I can see you've done a fine enough job for all of us." She smiled sadly. "The bond between siblings truly is a miraculous thing."

"Alfin," Elise murmured sympathetically.

"Now enough deep thoughts for today. Let's enjoy the crisp winter weather in these delightful hot springs!" Alfin cheerfully suggested.

However, before they could do so, a rumbling followed by a roar that sounded like the magic knight Rean and Celine fought against could be heard.

"What's going on?" Kurt asked.

"It's the magic knight we fought!" Rean exclaimed in realization, "It sounds like it's coming this way!"

XXXXXX

Rean reported to Teo about the magic knight with Celine backing up his belief that it was making its way over to Ymir. He decided to take the knight on because if he couldn't even do that than what hope did he have in reuniting with Class VII? He asked Toval and Celine to join him and they both agreed.

"I'm going with you as well," Elise said.

"Elise?" Rean exclaimed in surprise, "But-"

"If you're going to tell me it's dangerous then you should know that I'm well aware of that," she said, cutting him off.

"And you still want to come with me?" He asked in bewilderment.

She smiled sharply at him. "Someone has to make sure you don't overexert yourself. And while I have faith that Celine and Tovla can do just that, I would prefer to take that job instead. Besides, I'm not the little girl you have to protect from the scary monster anymore, Rean."

He gaped at her, completely speechless, while the others chuckled at his predicament.

"She's got you there, Rean," Toval remarked.

"If it will make you feel better, then how about having Kurt accompany you as well as extra reassurance," Alfin suggested.

Cedric nodded in agreement. "I second that. He is the strongest fighter amongst the four of us."

Kurt was surprised by the twins' suggestion and shuffled about uncertainly. "I'm not sure if I like the idea of being too far from your side, Cedric, Alfin."

"Oh come now, Kurt, have a little more faith in us and the training we did," Alfin said.

"Besides, all we'll be doing is evacuating the townsfolk with Uncle Teo and Aunt Lucia as a precaution. There's nothing dangerous there," Cedric pointed out.

"Very well then," Kurt hesitantly agreed.

"Do I get any say in all this?" Rean asked.

"No you don't so you might as well give up now and let us join you, Rean," Elise responded.

Rean sighed in resignation. "Alright. I know a losing battle when I see one."

"You sure about that?" Celine asked, snickering at him.

He glared at her. "A-ny-ways, let's get going now, before it's too late."

XXXXXX

"In case you were curious, Crow has been keeping himself very, very busy. The Noble Alliance sees him as their little joker. They even call him the Azure Chevalier now," Vita said with a smirk as her projection floated above the group.

Rean frowned and was about to say something when he was interrupted by the distant sounds of explosions and gunfire.

"That didn't sound good," Kurt nervously said.

"It sounded like gunfire!" Toval exclaimed in realization.

"Uh oh," Vita said, not sounding too concerned, "I wasn't expecting them to arrive so soon. Sounds like the jaegers hired by Duke Albarea have arrived so it's only a matter of time before their highnesses are taken into their custody."

"Jaegers in Ymir?" Rean said in alarm.

Elise gasped. "Oh no! Alfin! Cedric!"

"Damn it!" Toval cursed.

"While I can assure you I had nothing to do with that, I think you're going to want to hurry," Vita suggested with a coy smile, "If you run fast enough, you might be able to get back in time." Her projection faded before they could respond and Grianos flew away.

"How dare she act like this is all a game?" Celine hissed in outrage.

"Let it go, Celine. We gotta hurry!" Toval shouted.

The group booked it back to Ymir as fast as they could and arrived just in time to see Teo gunned down, Lucia knocked to the ground, and the twin royals held hostage by the jaegers. The sight of it all was enough to push Rean over the edge as he was quickly consumed by his power, going berserk and attacking the jaegers in a fit of rage. Elise grabbed hold of him before he could strike a killing blow that she knew he would regret once he regained control.

"Rean! Don't lose yourself to anger again. You're better than that!"

"E-lise?" Rean uttered in confusion. Then with a pained shout, he fought to wrestle control over his power.

"He's still breathing! Your father's still alive, Rean!" Toval shouted before returning his attention to the heavily injured Teo, "Hang in there. I'll do first aid right away."

"Auntie Lucia is fine too!" Alfin cried out.

"She was only knocked unconscious," Cedric added.

"Oh thank the Goddess," Elise breathed out in relief, "Do you hear that Rean? Mother and father will be alright, so please…"

Her words seemed to reach him as Rean let out another shout before his power slowly dissipated and he returned to normal.

"Sorry Elise. I lost control of myself again," Rean panted out with regret clear on his face.

Elise shook her head. "It's alright. You came back in the end and that's all that matters."

With the jaegers out of commission, the group checked on Lucia who momentarily regained consciousness and Teo who was still critically wounded. They were about to move him somewhere safer when Vita's projection appeared again.

"What do you want with us this time, Vita?" Rean demanded.

"I had some concerns so I decided to come and have a look. Duke Albarea's really gone and done it this time. It's clear he wants to get ahead of Duke Cayenne but this certainly isn't the way to do it," Vita sighed with a disappointed shake of her head, "It really makes me wonder how the Eternal Tranquility can be related to such an impatient man."

Rean breathed in sharply. "What did you just say?"

Vita smiled teasingly at him. "Don't get ahead of yourself now. I have no clue as to where our mutual acquaintance is. He's rather skilled at being elusive after all. Anyways, at the very least, allow me to help clear this mess for you."

Before anyone could react, Vita sang a lullaby that disoriented the jaegers and sent them down the mountain with instructions to tell Duke Albarea that there was nothing out of the ordinary to be found in Ymir.

"Oh dear," Alfin breathed out in equal parts awe and fear.

"Unbelievable," Toval shook his head, "So this is what you're capable of."

Vita smiled apologetically at them. "It's the least I could do after all the trouble you've been through. Although a gesture like this pales in comparison to what I would have to do to earn your forgiveness."

"Vita…" Rean said in surprise.

"Don't be taken by her sweet talk!" Celine cried out in warning, "She doesn't do things like this out of kindness."

"Targets in sight."

Everyone was surprised when a young white haired girl in a sleek black rabbit suit appeared in the arms of a black combat shell that looked strikingly like Lammy.

"What?" Elise cried out just as the black combat shell grabbed hold of Alfin and Cedric before anyone could properly react.

"Cedric! Alfin!" Kurt shouted.

"Shit! Was she here the whole time?" Toval asked as he pulled out his orbment.

Vita laughed, shrill and mocking. "Now that was silly of you wasn't it? You shouldn't take your eyes off the royalty you're meant to be protecting. As fast as knights go, I'm afraid you've failed spectacularly in nearly every regard!"

"Targets identified as Objective 1 and Objective 2. Mission complete," the white haired girl said as Alfin and Cedric struggled to get out of the black combat shell's hold.

"Who are you? What do you want? And why does that thing you're on look like Lammy?" Rean shouted at the white haired girl.

"Are you an enforcer or something?" Toval asked, eyeing the girl warily.

Vita shook her head. "No, she's not with Ouroboros. Think of her as another ally of the Noble Alliance, much like ourselves, Zephyr, and the Imperial Liberation Front."

Rean breathed in sharply.

"Couldn't ask for a more terrifying line up right there," Toval grimly remarked.

"Lady Clotilde, please give the order to retreat," the white haired girl said, "There is no need to remain here any longer."

Vita hummed. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Let us be going."

Without another word, her projection faded as the girl and combat shell floated away with the twins still in its clutches. Rean, Elise, and Kurt shouted out for Alfin and Cedric.

Vita's voice could still be heard from Grianos as he flapped above them. "Our story is well underway. There will be many obstacles waiting for you but struggle on and overcome them and I'm sure that you'll eventually reach the stage where the Azure Chevalier awaits. Don't let us down, Rean Schwarzer."

"I won't let it end this way! Hang in there you two! We're coming for you, I promise!" Rean vowed as the twins slowly disappeared from view.

XXXXXX

12.01 S.1204

The damage to Ymir wasn't as bad as initially thought but the injuries Teo sustained were serious enough that he still hadn't awoken yet. Even still, Rean decided that he needed to depart Ymir as soon as possible to reunite with his friends and rescue Cedric and Alfin.

"We're coming with you, Rean, and there's nothing you can do about it," Elise stated as if it were non-negotiable which it was.

Kurt nodded firmly in agreement. "Yes. We can't just sit around here twiddling our thumbs when we can be out there doing something to help get our friends back."

Rean sighed but couldn't find it within him to argue. "Alright. I learned my lesson last time and I'm not going to fight either of you on this."

"Please be careful, all of you," Lucia softly said.

"We'll see you soon, mom," Rean said with a smile.

They departed the town and journeyed back to the valley where Valimar was. Celine was glad to see he was still fine and Vita had left him untouched. They soon learned that he was able to sense the general well being and whereabouts of the others in Class VII because they were secondary contractors due to participating in the trials with Rean.

They learned that there were three members in the Celdic region, three in the Legram region, and three in the Nord Highlands.

"Even if I don't know who is where, it's good to hear that everyone's alright," Rean said, "But how are we going to get to them?"

Celine took that as her cue to introduce them to the concept of spirit paths, invisible roads that connected places with strong animism influence but had the drawback of taking too much mana to use. The group then decided to go to Celdic as it was the closest region so it wouldn't drain Valimar as much.

Without further ado, they activated the spirit paths and disappeared from the valley.

XXXXXX

The group arrived at a windmill situated on the East Celdic Highway, having been directed there by a convoluted chess puzzle that could only be solved because Kurt happened to be a master at the game. They'd been given the puzzle by Becky who could only shrug when asked why she didn't give the precise location instead.

'Dunno why 'e wanted ta go abou' it in such a convolu'ed way, but who am I ta argue?'

Rean swallowed thickly and with trembling hands, put the key into the door and unlocked it. He eagerly opened the door and stepped inside, jumpy with anticipation.

"Took you long enough."

Rean gasped. "I knew it was you!"

Machias smiled from where he stood in the middle of the windmill. "Hey Rean. You look well."

Rean rushed forward and pulled Machias into a back crushing hug.

"Oof! Rean!" Machias cried out in protest as his bones creaked from the other's strength.

Rean quickly let him go but was still overcome with emotion by their reunion. "Sorry. I'm just so glad you're alright. When we parted that day, I didn't know when I'd be able to see you all again."

Machias chuckled and shook his head. "Come on Rean, none of us had any intention of losing our lives in that battle. You know that's true, otherwise you wouldn't be out looking for all of us."

Rean sniffed and wiped the tears from his eyes. "Yeah, you're right."

"Honestly, I couldn't tell if you were trying to hug me or break my bones but I'm happy to see you," Machias said, "Thanks for not giving up on us."

The others smiled at the wholesome scene, allowing the two reunited friends a moment before they got down to business.

XXXXXX

"Rean!" Elliot cried out as he ran over to hug Rean in the same manner Rean did with Machias, "It really is you!"

Rean laughed and graciously accepted the bone creaking hug. "Yup! It really is. It's great to finally see you again."

"I couldn't believe my ears when I heard you over the communicator," Elliot said as he released Rean from the hug, "And now seeing you with my own eyes, I just can't believe you're here."

Rean nodded. "Likewise. I can't help but feel a little bad for how things happened. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to worry you all so much."

Elliot shook his head. "Don't apologize. We had faith you would come back to us one day. We just didn't know when that might be."

"Thanks Elliot. That means a lot to me," Rean said before looking around for the still missing third member, "By the way, where's Fie?"

"Over here."

Everyone turned to see Fie standing on a nearby hill. Before anyone could react, she jumped off and landed right on top of Rean, sending him tumbling to the ground with a shout.

"Whoops," she said, completely unapologetic.

"A little dramatic don't you think?" Machias said with an exasperated sigh.

"I'm not so sure that was such a great idea, Fie," Rean said as he groaned in pain, "It'd kind of spoil the reunion if you broke a bone or something, or me for that matter."

"Well the fact that you're in pain tells me all I need to know, that this really isn't a dream and that you're really here," Fie grinned as she retorted in her usual smartass manner.

"Usually you're supposed to check if you're the one who's feeling pain to see if you're dreaming, not inflicting it on others," Rean sighed.

She shrugged. "Eh, semantics."

Then she got off of him and helped pull him up. "Thanks for coming back to us, Rean."

"Thanks for giving me a place to come back to," he said in return.

"Well that's all of us here," Machias remarked.

"Yeah…" Rean nodded, but there was a flash of disappointment in his expression that Fie managed to catch.

She smiled knowingly. "Something wrong, Rean?"

"Eh? No, it's nothing, I promise," he assured her.

That only made her smile turn sly. "Sure about that? You're not disappointed that none of us are a certain someone, are you?"

Elliot immediately caught on. "Oh! So that's why you looked off for a second there, Rean."

"What are you talking about? I'm not disappointed," Rean denied with a frown.

Elliot shook his head and sighed. "Oh Rean."

"Just for the record, if I had to go into hiding with who I think you're talking about, blood would've been shed," Machias deadpanned.

"C-Come on Machias, don't say that," Elliot said, "You two might've found a way to get along."

"Key word being might've," Fie dryly remarked.

"Who are you guys talking about?" Rean asked, exasperated and painfully oblivious.

The three members of Class VII deadpanned at him. Even Toval, Elise, and Celine deadpan as well.

"Oh Rean," Elise sighed, "How can you be such a complete and utter blockhead?"

"Elise?" Rean asked in confusion.

"Um, who is this person you all are referencing?" Kurt asked, genuinely not knowing.

"I'll tell you about it later, Kurt," Elise promised.

"Alright, I think that's enough of that," Toval said, stepping in to save Rean, "Now that we've found you guys, where to next?"

XXXXXX

"Sometimes I wonder why I ever open my big fat mouth," Toval grumbled.

"Less talking, more crawling," Fie grunted irritably.

Toval sighed and continued to crawl with the rest of the group through a vent in the Twin Dragons Bridge.

They'd all decided to follow through on the original plan of checking out Garrelia Fortress and hopefully making contact with the 4th Armored Division. However, they hit a roadblock when trying to figure out how to get to the railway tracks in order to sneak their way past the bridge. A hooded stranger who knew more about them then he should offered help before running off which was how they ended up crawling through a vent chasing after said stranger.

"This wasn't what I was expecting when I decided to join you guys," Kurt said.

"Rean did always have a habit of getting into strange situations," Elise dryly remarked with all kinds of judgment heard in her tone.

"I would feel more offended if it weren't true," Rean said with a sigh.

"Are we at the end yet? My knees are starting to get a little sore," Machias lightly complained.

"Better get used to it if you ever plan to get with Emma," Fie slyly teased, "After all, it's always the quiet ones."

"F-Fie!" Machias shouted, completely red and flustered.

"Fie," Elliot said, exasperated.

"Fie," Rean said in warning.

"Sorry, not sorry," Fie said in response.

"Class VII sure seems to be rather lively," Kurt tentatively remarked.

"Understatement of the century right there," Celine grumbled petulantly.

"Hey look! I see a light at the end, we're almost there!" Toval shouted in encouragement.

Machias sighed in relief. "Oh thank Aidios."

They reached the end of the vent and crawled out only to realize that they were now on the train tracks.

"It seems we won't need to worry about getting on the tracks anymore," Elise happily pointed out.

"That's great and all but what happened to that hooded man?" Machias asked, looking around and seeing no hooded stranger in sight.

"I can't sense him nearby," Rean said in growing concern.

"We're better off forgetting him for now," Toval advised, "Even if it leaves a sour taste in my mouth not knowing who he is considering he seemed to know plenty about us."

"He was definitely suspicious," Fie agreed, "But I didn't get the feeling that we were enemies though."

"How about we just say this was a very elaborate way of helping us and call it a day?" Elliot suggested.

"That's being a little too optimistic but in the end, we got what we wanted," Celine said, "Shall we proceed?"

Rean nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

XXXXXX

The group arrived at Garrelia Fortress and took in the full magnitude of the damage done. A giant hole took up at least 90 percent of where the fortress once stood. Crossbell City could be seen in the distance with a glowing blue barrier around it.

"What the hell?" Machias gaped in disbelief.

"I mean, I heard what happened but…" Elliot trailed off as he took in the damage around him.

Fie nodded at the sentiment. "Yeah. None of that really prepares you for how it looks in person."

"But what happened here?" Kurt asked.

"The attack on Garrelia had something to do with Crossbell City right?" Elise tentatively asked.

Rean nodded. "Yeah. You can see it in the distance but what's that blue barrier around it?"

"From what little info I could get from the guild, its bad news," Toval responded, "An absolute power that no one knows anything about."

"And I'm willing to bet that Ouroboros is involved somehow," Celine said with click of her tongue.

"Wouldn't surprise me but we shouldn't make any judgments yet, not when we don't have enough information," Toval cautioned.

"There are a lot of questions that need answering," Rean agreed, "But let's focus on finding the 4th Armored Division for now."

He went to take a step forward but Fie grabbed his arm to stop him. "Wait, don't move."

"Huh?"

She pulled out a small knife and threw it at the ground only a few paces away. Upon contact, a small explosion was set off.

"What the hell?" Machias cried out in surprise.

"Was that a mine?" Elliot asked in disbelief.

Fie frowned. "I knew it. Come out, you two. I know you're there!"

"Haha, you noticed?"

"You haven't lost your touch Fie."

Everyone turned around to see the two jaegers they saw during the occupation of the capital standing atop the nearby arch of the fortress entrance.

"Aren't those two the jaegers you told us about, Fie?" Machias asked.

Fie nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, they are. The skinny one's Xeno and the big one's Leo. Two commanders from Zephyr."

Xeno and Leo jumped down from the arch and landed in front of them.

"Long time no see, Fie!" Xeno jovially greeted as if they were all just old pals reuniting at a bar and not adversaries meeting in the ruins of a military fortress, "About a yearish right? Haha, still pint sized but I can tell you've grown quite a bit. Brings a tear to my eye honestly."

Leo nodded, crossing his ripped arms with a proud smile. "Indeed. Her strength, reflexes, and agility seem to have greatly improved. I suppose there's no stopping the flow of time."

Fie smiled despite the context of their reunion. "Even though it's been a year I see both of you haven't changed much."

"Well adults have a lot less room for growing after all," Leo said.

"I'm fifteen already you know, you don't need to treat me like the little girl boss found wandering a battlefield," Fie said with a put upon sigh.

Xeno shrugged and grinned toothily. "Can't help it. You were basically the baby of the corps, the little sister everyone loved to dote on."

Fie was quiet, closing her eyes as if to reminisce in those memories. The others looked at her in concern only to be surprised when she opened her eyes and drew her weapons.

"Whelp, with the both of you here, this makes my goal that much easier to achieve."

"Fie, are you going to?" Elliot began to ask only for Machias to finish the question for him.

"Really? Here? Now?" Machias asked in disbelief.

She nodded sharply. "What better time and place than here and now. After all, I don't know when or even if I'll be able to run into them again."

Elliot and Machias exchanged looks and nodded before drawing their own weapons.

"Guess we have no choice but to back you up then," Elliot said as he readied his orbal staff.

Machias nodded as he cocked his orbal shotgun. "You got that right."

"You two don't have to, but thanks," Fie said with a nod of gratitude.

"Guys?" Rean asked.

"What are you all doing?" Kurt added, looking completely bewildered.

"It's the jaeger way to fight to get what you want and now that you two are here, I'll get the answers I deserve to know and I'd greatly appreciate it if the rest of you helped me," Fie responded.

"Fie…alright, I'm in," Rean said.

"Us as well," Elise chimed in.

The rest of the group drew their weapons and joined Fie who stood at the front. Xeno and Leo exchanged proud yet sad smiles.

"You really have grown, haven't you, Fie?" Xeno said.

"If the boss could see you now," Leo began to say before deciding otherwise and shaking his head, "Very well then. We'll see if you're strong enough to take what you want."

The two jaegers drew their weapons, surprising the group with their unusual shapes.

"What kind of weapons are those?" Kurt asked.

"A blade rifle and a weaponized gauntlet," Toval answered before cautioning them, "Careful everyone. It's clear they mean business."

"Get ready guys, here they come!" Fie shouted in warning.

The group clashed with the jaegers who immediately charged at them. It took all they had to capitalize on every advantage and opening they could get but somehow, the group managed to eke out a narrow victory. However, the jaegers didn't look as if they'd been put through the same ordeal as the group, still looking fresh and energetic even as they kneeled in defeat.

"I know you two are still holding back and we didn't really beat you but I'm going to ask my questions anyways," Fie said, undeterred now that her goal was just within reach. "Why did you let me believe Zephyr disbanded? Why didn't anyone keep in contact in the year after? Why did you abandon me after the boss died?" She demanded with her voice cracking emotionally at the end.

"Oh Fie…" Elliot said sympathetically.

Xeno smiled sadly at her. "Sorry Fie but as much as we want to, we can't answer those questions."

"Why not?" Fie angrily asked as her eyes began to brim with unshed tears.

"There is more at play here than you know, than even we know despite being in the middle of it all," Leo did his best to explain while still keeping everything hidden, "But one day, you will understand."

"Sadly, today isn't that day," Xeno concluded.

The two jaegers stood up and jumped back onto the arch of the fortress entrance.

"However, before we leave, I suppose it's only fair we share a piece of information to help you in your endeavor, Fie," Leo said, allowing his shades to slip down a bit so he could look her in the eyes to convey how serious he was, "The answers to your questions, I believe the only person who can help you get them is the bracer known as Celsius."

Fie breathed in sharply and the others of Class VII gasped in surprise. Meanwhile, Toval frowned in concern and Elise and Kurt were confused.

"Celsius? Who's that?" Elise quietly asked Rean.

"I'll tell you later," he muttered back to her.

"Excuse me? How?" Fie asked, still struggling to comprehend what she was just told.

"While we do not know all the specifics, it is clear that Celsius will play a great role in the grand scheme of things and the boss' death as well as the aftermath are tied into that," Leo responded.

"Anyways, it's time for us to bounce now before our uninvited guests arrive," Xeno said, "Better prepare yourself and that Ashen Knight of yours."

"Wait!" Fie cried out.

But the two jaegers disappeared. Before anyone could get a chance to properly process what just happened, Noble Alliance soldats from the Twin Dragons Bridge arrived and their attention was soon focused elsewhere.

XXXXXX

The group now sat in the conference room of the temporary base that the 4th Armored Division managed to set up on the proving grounds of Garrelia Fortress. Craig the Red sat at the head of the table with Claire sitting to his right. Everyone had just finished recounting what had led them to arrive at the fortress.

"I'm so glad to see that you're alright, especially you Rean," Claire said, "When none of us had heard anything from you or Millium, we couldn't help but fear the worst even as we held the hope that you both were alright."

"I'm sorry for all the worry I've caused you, Claire," Rean solemnly apologized.

Claire shook her head. "It's fine." Then she winked. "Just business as usual you could say."

Elise giggled. "Indeed."

"You guys…" Rean whined as the two ganged up on him.

"It's nice to see that even in wartime, some things never change," Kurt remarked in amusement.

Fie nodded with a grin. "You can say that again. No matter what, Rean's always going to be the butt of some joke."

Rean decidedly ignored the snickering from the rest of his friends. "While I'm glad to see you're alright, Claire, I will say it is kind of surprising to see you with the 4th Division."

"I'm only here on a temporary basis," Claire explained, "Now that the RMP has regained some control of the railways again, I've been jumping around wherever I can to help set up communication amongst the scattered Imperial Army."

"Captain Rieveldt is perhaps the sole reason why we were able to mobilize at the proving grounds and establish a base here," Craig said in compliment of her skills.

"Wow, really? That's impressive Claire!" Elise cheerfully praised her.

Claire smiled humbly and said, "It was the least I can do as both a captain of the RMP and an Ironblood. Now that His Excellency is no longer with us, the Ironbloods have been doing all we can to keep the Imperial Army together."

"And I say you're all doing a fine job so take heart in that, Captain Rieveldt," Craig assured her.

"Yes," Claire accepted with a smile that still held an edge of sadness.

"Claire…" Rean began but she shook her head.

"It's fine, Rean. We all knew what we were getting into when we became Ironbloods. I can only apologize to you and Elise that we couldn't do enough to keep him safe."

Elise shook her head. "You don't have to apologize, Claire, really."

Rean nodded in agreement. "Yeah. I'm sure you all did everything you could and I can live with that even if it still hurts to know he's gone…"

The others looked at the two siblings sympathetically. Claire cleared her throat to bring their attention back to the present.

"Shall we move on with our discussion then? It's no good to linger on such memories right now. We'll have plenty of time to mourn after this war is over."

"You're right," Rean agreed.

'Can I start off with asking where Instructor Neithardt is?" Elliot asked, curious, "I thought he'd be with you dad."

"He's currently off on a personal mission of his," Craig responded with a frown, "One that I am rather torn on how to feel about but it's not as if I can do anything about it when he isn't here."

"O-kay?" Elliot said, confused.

"What about the current situation between you and the Noble Alliance unit that's stationed at Twin Dragons Bridge?" Machias asked.

"The Noble Alliance is starting to put more resources into finishing us off but as we've managed to regain a supply chain through one of the railways, we've been able to hold them back for now but that has only brought us to an impasse," Craig answered.

"So the scales aren't tipping for either side then," Rean concluded, "That's better than I was expecting but still not good."

Toval nodded in agreement. "All it takes is one wrong move or one more advantage no matter how small to dramatically change the situation."

"Is there any information about what's going on in Heimdallr? Specifically about the people still trapped there?" Machias asked.

Claire shook her head with a frown. "Unfortunately not. Even with the network we've established, it's hard to get any sort of information in or out of the Capital considering the Alliance's chokehold on it."

"So then we don't know what happened to Fiona or Governor Regnitz?" Elliot asked.

"It pains me to say this but no, we do not," Craig answered with a grim expression.

"Damn," Machias softly cursed.

"Now if you don't mind me asking, bearing all that we've discussed in mind, what do you intend to do from here on out?" Craig asked with utmost seriousness.

Everyone exchanged looks with each other, especially those of Class VII who nodded as an understanding passed amongst them. They all then turned to give Craig their full attention.

"As much as we want to bring an end to this war, we can't make a decision on the how, not yet at least," Rean began.

"Right, besides the war, we need to rescue the prince and princess as well," Machias continued.

"But first we need to find the rest of Class VII," Elliot finished.

Fie nodded. "It wouldn't be right to make a decision without every one of us here."

"Once a member of Class VII, always a member of Class VII," Toval said with a smile, "Can't say I'm all that surprised."

Claire smiled and nodded. "Indeed."

"How abhorrently sweet," Celine commented, half sarcastic and half impressed.

"Very well then," Craig nodded in acceptance, "You may have been separated from Thors but you still have every bit of spirit as a student and it is the duty of a Thors student to absorb the world around them and decide how they wish to become a foundation for the world."

"Dad…thanks," Elliot said, touched.

"But that is merely the path the four of you wish to take," Craig said, not yet finished, "What about the others of your group?"

Class VII looked to Toval, Elise, and Kurt in surprise. The three of them had also exchanged looks and seemed to come to an understanding at the same time as the others.

"I will continue to follow Class VII as I believe that I can learn much from them on their journey to reunite with their classmates," Kurt responded, "In addition, there is the chance for me to go the highlands and I would like to see if my uncle is doing well."

"Oh yeah," Elliot nodded in remembrance, "You're a Vander and One Eyed Zechs is supposed to be at the gate on the border."

"As for me, I'll be separating from everyone," Toval answered, "Planning to head to the Capital to get more information since I'm assuming the Icy Maiden will be joining you guys in returning to Ymir?"

Claire nodded. "You assume correctly."

Toval grinned. "Great! That takes one load off my plate."

"And I will be joining him," Elise said.

Rean looked at her in surprise. "Elise?"

"Don't try to tell me not to go, Rean," Elise said before he could protest, "This is the path I wish to walk upon and nothing you can say will stop me."

"But…are you sure? It's going to be dangerous you know?" He couldn't help but ask in concern.

She nodded, resolute and unwavering. "I'm firmly aware of that. Even still, I want to do this. I know I should return to Ymir with you to make sure father is alright but I have faith in his recovery and I know he would support me in my desire to follow my own path just as you and your friends are choosing to do so as well."

"Elise…" Rean said, suddenly struck by how much she'd grown when he wasn't looking. He nodded reluctantly. "Alright, I won't stop you. But you have to call me daily to let me know you're alright and Toval," he glared sharply at the bracer, "You will make sure that she doesn't get a single scratch or there will be consequences, alright?"

Toval laughed nervously. "Of course, of course. Who do you take me for? Sara?"

Rean sighed. "Fair enough."

The meeting soon concluded and the group prepared to go their separate ways.

XXXXXX

Rean, Machias, Elliot, Kurt, and Claire, who was now dressed in civilian wear, stand before Valimar. Craig, Toval, and Elise stand before them.

"I guess this is where we part ways," Rean said with great reluctance.

Elise giggled. "Only for now, Rean. Don't forget to call me if there's any change in father's condition."

"Yup. We'll come racing back to Ymir in no time flat," Toval said.

"But won't you be around the Capital?" Rean asked in confusion.

Toval winked. "Don't sweat it. You have your ways of fast travel and I have mine."

Rean had no choice but to nod in acceptance. "Alright then. Take care Elise. I'll see you later."

"You too Rean," Elise said. Then she turned to address the others. "And please look after him for me."

"Of course," Machias agreed.

"Don't worry, we won't let him get stuck in his head too much," Elliot assured her.

"Or let him pull any self sacrificing stunts," Fie added cheekily, "Not on our watch."

"On my honor as a Vander, I'll be sure to help you look after Rean, Elise," Kurt solemnly vowed.

"Guys," Rean huffed in exasperation.

"If you're all done now?" Celine sighed.

"Yeah, yeah, we're going," Rean said, "See you all later."

The spirit paths activated and the group returning to Ymir disappeared as Toval and Elise waved farewell.

XXXXXX

12.5 S.1204

The group consisting of Rean, Fie, Elliot, and Kurt made their way to Zender Gate through the Nord Highlands after having witnessed a battle between the Noble Alliance and the Imperial Army that ended with both sides retreating after a stalemate.

"I can't believe the war's managed to reach the highlands like this," Elliot dejectedly remarked.

"Me neither. I wonder how Gaius would feel about this," Rean said.

"Well we could get the chance to ask him soon if he's here," Fie pointed out.

"We're almost to the gate!" Kurt announced, "I can see it now."

The group soon arrived at Zender Gate where the Imperial Army was understandably on high alert and thus greeted them at gunpoint.

"H-Hang on a sec-" Elliot stammered in a panic.

"What are a bunch of civilians like you doing here?" One soldier harshly demanded, "You don't look like you're from the settlement."

"They must be Alliance spies," another soldier incorrectly deduced, "Put your hands in the air right now!"

Celine sighed. "Oh brother…"

"Okay, I think there's a misunderstanding here," Rean said nervously.

"Pardon me," Kurt spoke up as the soldiers swung their guns at him upon his interjection, "I am Kurt Vander, nephew of Lieutenant General Zechs Vander. If you could please inform my uncle of our arrival, I'm sure we can clear up this misunderstanding."

One of the soldiers scoffed. "How are we supposed to believe what you say?"

Before anyone could respond, a deep, authoritative voice asked, "What is going on here?"

Rean and Kurt immediately relaxed upon spotting the arrival of One Eyed Zechs as he approached the group with a deep frown.

"Sir, we have potential Alliance spies before us," a soldier responded.

"Is that so?" Zechs said before examining the group. "Ah." He blinked in surprise. "Kurt? What in Aidios' name are you doing here?"

Kurt smiled sheepishly. "Hello uncle. Apologies for my sudden arrival but if you could?" He waved at the soldiers still holding the group at gunpoint.

Zechs sighed and shook his head. "Stand down men," he ordered the soldiers, "They are no threat. Merely my wayward nephew and some students from Thors."

"Sir?" One soldier asked in confusion, still reluctant to lower his gun.

"Return to your posts at once. I will not repeat myself," Zechs sternly commanded.

The soldiers all lowered their guns and saluted him. "Yes sir!" Then they left the area to follow his command.

Zechs looked at Kurt with an exasperation that was torn between being fond or tired. "I expect your brother to arrive unannounced in such a fashion but never you, Kurt. What are you doing here?"

"I am here with Class VII, uncle, to help them reunite with their friends and I also wanted to see if you were alright," Kurt dutifully responded.

"Well as you can see, I am doing as well as one can be given my situation," Zechs said with a wry smile.

"And what is your situation, sir?" Rean asked.

Zechs sighed. "Unfortunately not good. The Alliance managed to take the watchtower from us at the start of the war in a surprise pincer attack and placed an orbal jammer that stopped all communication going in and out of the highlands. We've been operating with the bare minimum to make our supplies last as long as possible, even resorting to using decommissioned tanks. It's been successful so far but…"

"It sounds as if it's only a matter of time before the gate falls," Celine observed.

"Celine," Rean lightly scolded in warning.

Zechs huffed and looked as if he'd aged ten years in that single moment. "She's not mistaken. I'm afraid without a significant development in our favor, the gate could fall within the month but we will do all we can to avoid that. However, it is still a possibility we must accept."

"Uncle…" Kurt said in concern.

"Do not fret, Kurt. Even if the gate should fall, this old uncle of yours will not go down so easily," Zechs assured his nephew with a light hearted smile, "After all, your mother still owes me that rematch."

Kurt nodded reluctantly in acceptance of his answer, trying to return his uncle's smile but it came out as a grimace instead.

"But still, it sounds like we should do something to help here," Elliot said as the others nodded in agreement.

Zechs shook his head firmly. "No. You needn't concern yourselves with us. This war is between the army and the Alliance. Leave the fighting to us and focus on the task you came here for."

"He's right," Fie reluctantly nodded with a frown, "We still gotta reunite before making any decisions on what we should do in the war."

Rean sighed. "As much as I hate to agree, you're right."

"Do not look so down. I do have some good news to share with you," Zechs said with a smile, "Your reunion may be sooner than you think as Gaius and some of your classmates are here."

"Really?" Rean asked, perking up at the information.

Zechs nodded. "Yes. He returned a few weeks after the war broke out with a few other students before leaving to assess the situation at the settlement."

"Which means we know exactly where to find him!" Elliot said excitedly.

"I will warn you though, the fighting grows fiercer with each day," Zechs interjected so that their excitement wouldn't go straight to their head and make them impatient or impulsive, "I won't stop you from leaving but please take caution, especially you Kurt. Forget your mother and father, it's your brother who will be the first to hang me should something happen to you within my jurisdiction."

Kurt nodded solemnly to show he was taking his uncle's warning seriously. "I promise to take care, uncle."

Zechs nodded. "Good. And I hope you are able to find the direction you seek."

"Uncle?" Kurt asked, brow furrowed in confusion.

Zechs huffed in amusement. "Don't act so surprised. I have seen the look in your eyes before. Your brother had the same look once upon a time."

"Mueller did?" Kurt gaped, eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Indeed. But he managed to find his way with some assistance from His Highness and I hope you are able to do the same with the people you have found yourself surrounded by," Zechs wisely said as he gestured at the present members of Class VII.

Kurt nodded. "Yes uncle. I hope so too."

The others were confused by the conversation but were supportive regardless.

"Yes sir, we would gladly help Kurt if he needed it," Rean said.

"Rean…" Kurt said, taken aback by the surety in which Rean spoke.

Rean smiled and slapped him good-naturedly on the back. "Come on, Kurt. I've known you since you were a kid. After all, you, Cedric, and Alfin were a package deal just like me and Elise. You know I've got your back."

"Thank you, Rean," Kurt said, smiling gratefully at him.

"Now I suggest you be on your way before the sun sets," Zechs advised them, "We shall provide you with the same horses from your field study so you should already be familiar with them."

"Thank you very much sir!" Rean said.

Zechs shook his head. "No thanks are necessary. May the Goddess bless you and the path you have chosen."

XXXXXX

The group watched as the jaegers and their beasts retreated after Gaius came swooping in to their rescue on the back of a white horse, looking like something out of a five mira romance novel.

"We got lucky," Fie grimly remarked.

Elliot breathed out a sigh of relief. "Yeah. That was looking really bad for a minute."

"Hold on, they were using communication devices weren't they?" Kurt pointed out.

Rean nodded. "You're right. Which begs the question as to how Nidhogg was able to use one but not the rest of the highlands."

"It's good to see you guys!" Gaius happily greeted as he walked over to them.

"Same! You were right on time, Gaius!" Elliot exclaimed.

Fie nodded with a grin. "Yeah. You came swooping in like a hero from a fairy tale."

"Looks like young and impulsive Gaius makes a reappearance huh?" Rean said with a teasing smirk.

Gaius laughed. "As long as you don't tell my father about it, that'd be much appreciated. Even if we are in war time, he'll still lecture me from sunup to sundown."

Everyone laughed at the image his words provoked.

Once the laughter subsided, Gaius turned to face them all with a relieved expression. "That aside, it's only now starting to sink in that you guys are really here. I've been praying for the day of our reunion since we parted and it brings me more joy than I can express to see you all standing before me. Especially you Rean."

"I feel the same," Rean said, matching the other's sentiments, "When we parted, you all put yourself in harm's way to protect someone like me and here you are doing it again. Thanks for never giving up, Gaius."

"No hardship is too great to endure for the sake of my friends. As sure as the wind blows that will never change, not now and not ever," Gaius solemnly swore.

"Aww, group hug!" Elliot said as he grabbed Fie and they dragged Gaius and Rean in for a hug full of laughter and smiles.

"You sure are channeling your inner Millium right now, Elliot," Fie said, highly amused.

"I'll take that as a compliment!" Elliot happily chirped in response.

"What a sickeningly sweet sight," Celine sighed with an exasperated shake of her head.

"It's alright to admit that you're happy, Celine," Kurt gently teased.

She huffed indignantly. "Don't you start either."

Rean chuckled at her reaction as the group hug broke apart. "By the way, Gaius, who else is here with you?"

"Alisa and Millium joined me on my trek to the highlands," Gaius responded, "They should be with the settlement at Lake Lacrima."

"Well that was easy," Fie said.

Elliot nodded in agreement. "Now we know who the other two are!"

Rean sighed in relief. "So Millium is here and she's okay. I'm sure Claire will be happy to hear that. And it'll be good to see Alisa too."

Fie leaned towards Elliot and not so subtly whispered to him, "How much you wanna bet he's still disappointed that Jusis isn't here?"

"That's a suckers bet and you know it," Elliot not so subtly whispered back.

Kurt sighed at the two's antics. "Guys…"

Gaius smiled knowingly at them while Rean somehow managed to continue to remain oblivious.

XXXXXX

The giant dragon like cryptid, Unsutr, fell under the combined might of Class VII and Kurt. It disappeared in a burst of light and Rean could feel the world minutely shift around him before settling. The others didn't feel the shift itself but they did feel an unexplainable shiver pass through them.

"Down it goes, finally," Rean said with an exhausted sigh.

"Yes. We should be in the clear now," Gaius agreed.

"Oh thank Aidios," Elliot breathed out in relief.

"But what kind of monster was that?" Kurt asked, still eyeing the spot where the cryptid once stood in concern.

"It's similar to the one that was in the Old School House," Fie reminded them, "But this seemed even stronger."

"Celine, you called it a cryptid right?" Rean asked the cat familiar.

"Yeah," Celine nodded with a troubled expression, "Cryptids shouldn't even exist on this plane to begin with but there's something abnormal taking place in Erebonia and it's not just the war."

"But what could that abnormality be?" Rean wondered, frowning in concern.

Celine did the cat's equivalent of a shrug. "Beats me. But whatever it is, it's not good at all."

"Reanie!" Millium shouted gleefully as she raced full speed at Rean. She immediately flew at him for a tackle hug that he, for once, wasn't prepared for and ended up falling flat on his back.

"Millium, really?" He groaned in exasperation more than pain.

She ignored him and proceeded to squeeze the living daylights out of him. "I'm so glad you're not dead, Reanie!"

Rean chuckled. "I'm glad I'm not dead either and I'm also glad to see you're alright. Claire will be too."

"Claire? You mean Claire's here?" Millium looked around for said person and frowned when she couldn't see her, "Where is she? I don't see her."

"Not here exactly," Rean explained, "She's back in Ymir which we turned into our base of operations of sorts."

"From Ymir? Then how'd you get here?" Millium asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"Long story but the short of it is that you'll get to find out later," he said.

"Yay!" She cheered as she finally clambered off and allowed him to stand up.

"Honestly though, I'm a little surprised to find you here," Rean said, "I thought you would've tried to meet up with the Intelligence Division but Claire told me she hadn't heard from you since the war began."

Millium sheepishly giggled. "Well I thought about it, but then I decided staying with you guys was better. Class VII's gotta stick together right?"

He nodded. "Exactly. We wouldn't be the same without you, Millium."

She laughed and hugged him again, this time graciously choosing not to knock him over. "Yup! Class VII always and forever!"

Alisa suddenly collapsed to her knees, startling everyone.

"Alisa? Are you alright?" Rean asked as he rushed to her in concern.

"I'm fine, I promise," she assured everyone with a tearful laugh, "I guess I'm just so, so relieved to see you, Rean, and you guys too, Fie, Elliot."

"Aw, same here Alisa," Elliot said.

Fie gave her signature peace sign and smiled. "Yup."

"But forget about me for a moment, what about you?" Alisa asked, "Where have you been since we parted? How did you end up here?"

Rean scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Again, it's kind of a long story and I'll be sure to tell you all about it later. But for now, guess all I can really say is sorry for being a pain."

"Oh, enough of that already," she sighed in frustration as she pushed herself up from the ground, "We should be the ones apologizing for everything we put you through."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Rean asked, genuinely confused.

"We knew just how much it would hurt you to part from us like that," Alisa explained remorsefully, "We knew our choice would only bring you pain and misery since we knew you'd blame yourself for what happened. And don't try to deny it, Rean. I'm your best friend. I know you. But it was the only choice we could come up with in that shitty situation and at the end of the day, we all believed that it was for the best for Class VII and this country as a whole. I personally have no regrets except for the fact that I helped hurt you and for that, I'm so sorry, Rean."

The others of Class VII nodded empathetically with Alisa's words, their expressions also filled with sadness and remorse at the hurt they'd caused him.

"You guys…please, you've got nothing to apologize for," Rean said, shaking his head and smiling with understanding, "You're right, you didn't have any other choice. But now we're slowly but surely coming back together and it was only because I trusted you all that I was able to come this far without giving up hope. I couldn't be more grateful. If anything, I should be thanking you. I didn't choose to find you all just for the sake of helping you guys but because I genuinely wanted to see you all again." He chuckled sheepishly. "Looks like I'm finally starting to take the advice you gave me back in Roer even though it took me a while to get it."

Alisa looked at him tearfully. "Oh…" She brought him in for a hug. "You're such a big goof, Rean. Thanks for coming back to us."

He smiled at her as he returned the hug. "And from this point on, I promise I'm not gonna go anywhere without you all by my side."

She smiled brilliantly at him as they broke the hug. "And I'll be sure to hold you to that. Now who else have you found besides those of us here?"

"Machias is back at Ymir and that's basically it," Elliot helpfully answered.

"We got a lot to fill you in on but that can wait when we get back to the lake," Fie added.

"Huh, so that means we just got Laura, Emma, and Jusis to find next right?" Milium asked.

Rean frowned at the mention of Jusis before smoothing his expression, trying not to make it so obvious that he was worried. "Yeah but last we checked, they should be in the Legram region. So long as that doesn't change, we'll be reunited with them soon."

Alisa looked at him in concern. "Are you sure you're okay, Rean?"

"Yeah! Why wouldn't I be?" He said, like a liar.

"Because I'm sure we all know that we're not the ones you were hoping to find, not that we're offended or anything," she said knowingly.

"Eh? What do you mean?" He asked, confused.

She looked at him like he couldn't be serious. "I saw how you reacted when Millium mentioned Jusis. Don't try to play dumb with me, mister."

He immediately grew flustered at the call out. "What are you trying to say, Alisa? Of course I reacted. And I'm not just worried about Jusis, I'm worried about Laura and Emma too."

She sighed. "Oh Rean, you useless blockhead."

"It's okay, Alisa. He'll get there…eventually," Fie chirped.

"Try all you like but Rean's denseness is certainly on another level," Kurt remarked with a sigh.

Millium nodded gravely. "Yeah. It'll be a miracle if he gets a clue."

"Come on guys, have a little more faith in him, yeah?" Elliot said, trying to speak in Rean's defense.

"May the Goddess and the winds bless us in our efforts to remain patient," Gaius solemnly prayed with a playful smirk.

Elliot sighed. "Not you too, Gaius."

"You know I can hear you guys, right?" Rean said, frowning at everyone in annoyance.

"That's the point, Rean," Alisa snapped back at him.

Off to the side, Gwyn laughed with Celine shaking her head beside him.

"Oh youth," Gwyn said with a nostalgic expression, "How I wish I was a few decades younger again."

"This is one thing about humans I'll be glad to never wrap my head around," Celine dryly remarked.

XXXXXX

The group stood triumphant before the defeated Bleublanc and finally introduced Altina and her black combat shell, Claiomh Solais. The adversaries had appeared to interrupt the group's mission of destroying the Noble Alliance's jammer and capture them. But they managed to triumph against the two despite the great strength they displayed.

"Damn, they're strong," Alisa said, panting to catch her breath.

"Guess we know why Jusis told us to be careful with Bleublanc now," Fie huffed in annoyance.

Rean glared as he pointed his blade at Bleublanc and Altina. "Are you ready to start talking now? Where are Cedric and Alfin? There better not be a single scratch on them!"

"I do not know the answer to your question," Altina said, frowning in confusion, "I have yet to be informed of their location since I delivered them to Lord Rufus."

Everyone was taken aback by what she just confessed.

"Wait Rufus? He was involved in that?" Rean asked in disbelief.

"Well he has been making quite the name for himself as the Alliance's Chief of Staff," Bleublanc haughtily remarked, "It is largely thanks to his skill that the Imperial Army has yet to gain the upper hand."

"But why would he do that?" Elliot asked, hands nervously fidgeting with the handle of his orbal staff.

Fie frowned. "Dunno. But based on what I know about that bro con, there's more to the story here, that's for sure."

"Regardless, you two seem to have the answers to questions we have and you better answer each and every one of them once we destroy the jammer," Rean firmly stated.

"Pardon?" Altina said, tilting her head in confusion.

Bleublanc guffawed. "How pitiful. They don't seem to realize we still have the upper hand!" He quickly recovered and before anyone could react, he shouted, "Aiguille!"

Knives were summoned as they hung in the air around him. With a single motion of his hand, the knives shot out and struck each person's shadow.

"Wh-What the-" Elliot stuttered in fear.

"I can't move," Fie grunted as she struggled to do something, anything.

"What's going on?" Kurt asked in growing panic.

"Is this shadow weaving?" Rean asked, incredulous.

Bleublanc grinned predatorily at them. "It is but one of many skills I possess and now each and every one of you are caged birds powerless to fight back."

"We should've been more careful," Alisa said in despair.

"Commencing apprehension of targets," Altina announced.

"I'm afraid I can't allow that," a soft, gentle voice called out.

Metal wires appeared, each thread winding around the knives and removing them from the ground. Everyone was suddenly able to move again.

"Ah! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Millium cried out, flailing her arms as she tried to regain her balance from the sudden start and stop of her body motion.

"Were those wires?" Alisa asked.

They all looked up to see where the wires came from and were surprised to see Sharon standing there, all prim and proper in her maid uniform.

"Sharon!" Rean cried out.

"How in the world? Is that really you, Sharon?" Alisa asked in disbelief.

Sharon jumped down and curtsied with a smile. "But of course. I've come to collect you, my lady. And I'm relieved to see so many of your classmates are in good health."

Bleublanc laughed hysterically as if the sight of her was some hilarious joke. "Now here's a face I wasn't expecting to see on foreign soil. This too must be the will of the Goddess. Nay. Perhaps it would be more fitting to think it the guidance of the Grandmaster."

Sharon giggled, undisturbed by his deranged laughter. "I'm afraid it's neither. I am a loyal servant of the Reinford family. What more reason do I need to come to Lady Alisa's aid?"

"I see," Bleublanc said, disappointed, "Then I take that to mean you've every intention of following the same path as our youngest compatriots?"

Sharon smiled ruefully. "No, that path was closed to me long again I'm afraid. Still, if you intend to harm those I love in your pursuit of beauty," she drew her blade and smiled sharply at him, "Then I'll show not the slightest mercy in severing your ambitions."

"Eek!" Elliot cried out in fear.

"Talk about scary," Fie said, both impressed and terrified.

Bleublanc released a put upon sigh. "Then I suppose it's time we take our leave. Do you have any objections, Black Rabbit?"

"I have none," Altina responded.

The two jumped back and began their retreat as Bleublanc summoned teleportation circles at their feet.

"They're getting away!" Alisa shouted.

"The curtains have only just risen for the Erebonian stage. I wonder what incredible fate will befall our actors!" Bleublanc dramatically declared, "I cannot wait to see how each of you play your respective roles, particularly you, Severing Chains."

"My part in this has long been set but feel free to sit among the audience and watch," Sharon politely replied, "There is nothing in this world that can cause my love for the Reinford family to sway."

"Very well then," Bleublanc easily accepted before turning his attention to those of Class VII, "And to the dear members of Class VII, should you run into our mutual acquaintance, Celsius, do be sure to let him know that the Grandmaster requests an audience with him."

Everyone of Class VII immediately tensed at the message he gave, hands tightening around their weapons in alarm.

Sharon was also taken aback and frowned. "May I inquire as to why the Grandmaster would choose to seek Master Jusis now after all this time?"

"I'm afraid I know not the finer details," Bleublanc said with a shrug, "Only that there is something very important the Grandmaster believes he would like to hear."

She nodded. "Very well then. We shall endeavor to relay your message to him."

"Excellent! And now I bid you adieu," Bleublanc said as he bowed in farewell.

Then he and Altina disappeared in a swirl of lavender rose petals, leaving the group behind to digest what was just said before they moved on to complete their original intended goal. Though, of course, not without a little trouble on the side in true Class VII fashion.

XXXXXX

12.07 S.1204

The group managed to return to Ymir just as night fell. As they stepped into the town proper, confused by the commotion being caused by the townsfolk, Claire and Machias ran over to greet them.

"Hey hey Claire bear! How's it going?" Millium cheerfully greeted.

"Millium! Oh, I'm so glad you're alright," Claire said, bringing the girl in for a hug that she gleefully accepted, "Why didn't you contact me the entire time you were away?"

Millium giggled sheepishly. "Sorry about that. There was a real powerful jammer up in the highlands so even if I wanted to call you, I couldn't."

Claire sighed. "I suppose that's fair."

"Um, not that I don't appreciate the welcome party but what's all the commotion for? Is something wrong?" Rean asked, eyeing the townsfolk nervously.

"Oh, that's right!" Machias said, slapping himself on the forehead as a reprimand for his forgetfulness, "We've got something to tell you about your dad, Rean, he's-"

"Is something wrong with dad?!" Rean interrupted in a panic.

Machias shook his head. "No, no, not at all. On the contrary, he's finally regained consciousness."

"Really?" Elliot asked with an excited grin.

"Oh thank Aidios," Kurt breathed out in relief.

"We contacted Toval and Elise earlier in the day when Teo awoke and they returned to Ymir just a little before you did," Claire said.

"Elise is here?" Rean asked in surprise.

Fie whistled, impressed. "Well damn. That's fast. Wonder how far they were from Ymir?"

"Who cares about that right now," Millium said, "Let's hurry up and go see Uncle Teo!"

"Right there with you, Millium. Let's go everyone," Rean impatiently urged them.

They all left for the Schwazer estate and soon arrived in the room where Teo was resting. Lucia, Elise, and Toval were already inside.

"Hey there you guys!" Toval cheerfully greeted with a wave, "Glad to see you've added three more to your group."

"Rean! Welcome back!" Elise said with a smile.

"Good to be back," Rean said before turning to see his dad who was smiling proudly at him, "Hey dad."

"Welcome home, Rean. I'm glad to see more of your friends have been found," Teo said, "I'm sorry I can't do much more to welcome everyone but I'm happy to see you all again."

"Don't worry about it, sir," Elliot said, shaking his head, "We're just glad you're awake."

Alisa nodded. "We heard about what happened. It's wonderful to know that you're well enough to talk to us like this."

"Yeah, Uncle Teo, give yourself a little more credit," Millium cheerfully remarked.

Teo laughed softly. "Thank you all. Incidentally," he turned to address Toval and Claire, "I hear that you've been watching over Ymir in my stead, Claire, while Toval has been watching over my daughter. I'd like to thank you for all you've both done for me and this village. I truly could not feel more honored to have your aid."

Toval shook his head. "No need to thank me, Baron. I'm just doing what I can where I can."

Claire nodded in agreement. "You needn't thank me either, Teo. Though we may not be related, you have always treated me like family and it's only right I do what I can to help you in return for that kindness."

Teo let out a huff of amusement. "Serious as always. Well I thank you both regardless. I know my family can rest easier knowing there are such reliable people to help Ymir. Rean, Elise, Lucia, I'm aware my injuries have caused you all much grief. I can only hope you'll forgive me for worrying you. Had I not been so incompetent, Cedric and Alfin would never have been taken from us to begin with."

Lucia clicked her tongue at him and shook her head. "You know you needn't apologize, dear."

"It wasn't your fault, father. You fought with everything you had," Elise agreed.

"That's right," Rean nodded, "Now all that matters is that you pulled through which is a miracle so just leave everything to us and focus on recovering well. We'll bring them both back."

The others of Class VII and Kurt voiced their affirmation and support in the task as well.

"Well aren't you all brimming with optimism," Celine remarked with a smile that betrayed her sarcastic tone, "Still we've got three more members of Class VII to find now and hopefully, they're all still together in Legram which will make our jobs much easier."

"You can just say you're looking forward to seeing Emma again, Celine," Elliot gently teased her.

"That's!" Celine was about to protest before deciding better and looking away with an embarrassed huff.

"But she's right," Rean said with a hopeful smile and eyes filled with determination, "Just one more trip and we can finally be together again."

XXXXXX

12.9 S.1204

The group departed for the valley but not before being seen off by Teo who managed to recover enough to bid them farewell and give some parting advice. Kurt decided to stay behind this time along with Elise, Claire, and Sharon whom had decided to stay as well.

Before they left, Sharon pulled Rean aside to ensure that he relayed Bleublanc's message to Jusis no matter how much he may not want to.

"I know you may feel as if you are protecting him by not telling him, Master Rean," she said, "But whether or not Master Jusis chooses to seek the Grandmaster out, it is still a choice that he, alone, deserves to make."

Rean reluctantly swore to Sharon that he would tell Jusis or, at the very least, not interfere if the others did so first. She nodded in acceptance and smiled reassuringly at him. "Do not fear, Master Rean. Even should your paths diverge, it will not be for long or forever."

Rean sputtered at her, wondering what she was trying to get at while the others watched the exchange in a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

It wasn't long before the group arrived at the valley and Rean asked Valimar to double check the location of the final three.

"Acknowledged," Valimar said as his eyes glowed to indicate the use of his scanning function, "Two waveforms detected in Legram to the south southeast. All vital signs appear normal."

"Two? But last time Valimar said there were three signatures," Elliot said, confused and concerned by what that could mean.

"Then who left the area?" Alisa asked.

"We can exclude Crow for obvious reasons but that still doesn't completely narrow things down," Machias said.

Fie frowned and looked at Rean in concern for his reaction. "I have an idea but I don't think a certain someone will like it."

Gaius nodded, eyeing Rean knowingly as well. "Indeed. But it does make you wonder why they left."

"Whatever it is, it probably isn't good," Millium grimly remarked.

"Now hold on there, let's not jump to any conclusions yet," Toval said.

"What's going on Valimar?" Rean asked with a hint of panic in his voice.

"Apologies," Valimar's mechanical voice said, "My detection mechanism is not perfect. The results can be influenced by the energy flowing through the ground."

"In other words, if the third person is on the move or in an airship, he won't be able to sense them," Celine elaborated.

"That's a reasonable explanation but still doesn't answer the question of why the third person left," Fie said.

"Hey now, I understand you guys are worried about your friends but the situation in Erebonia's constantly changing," Toval interjected as he attempted to placate their worries, "Don't freak out just yet when the two still in Legram could have the answers."

"Yeah, you're right," Rean nodded tentatively, "Sorry about that."

Alisa shook her head. "Stop apologizing for stuff like that, Rean. We understand how worried you are. We're worried too."

"Not like he'll admit it's more for the third person than the other two," Fie muttered under her breath.

Elliot and Machias managed to hear her and both huffed in amusement.

"Right then, Rean, time to choose who's going and who's staying," Toval said to get everyone back on track.

Rean nodded and took a deep breath to focus. He ended up choosing Millium, Fie, and Toval to accompany him to Legram with the rest staying behind to help the others watch over Ymir. They bid their farewells and good lucks before departing for Legram.

XXXXXX

The group arrived in Legram via the Ebel Highway and was surrounded by a thick fog with the presence of the higher elements hanging thickly in the air. The heavy atmosphere concerned them all and they quickly and carefully made their way to Legram. Once there, they made way to the guild branch for information.

Toval grinned when he saw who was inside. "Hey Miles, Klaus. Glad to see you two are doing good!"

Miles and Klaus were also happy to see them.

"Good to see you too, Toval, and to finally meet the famed Class VII as well," Miles said, nodding his head in greeting. "I'm Miles, a receptionist for the Bracer Guild."

Those of Class VII gave Miles and Klaus their greetings, making sure to introduce themselves specifically to Miles so he'd finally have some faces to put with the names.

"Welcome back, Class VII. I take this to mean you are here to reunite with your wayward classmates?" Klaus asked, smiling knowingly.

Rean nodded. "That's right."

"Very well," Klaus said, "I'm sure Lady Laura and Lady Emma will be quite pleased to see you all."

"So those are the two still here. I figured that'd be the case," Fie said.

Millium hummed thoughtfully. "Then that means Jusis is the one who left."

"Where is he? And where are Laura and Emma?" Rean asked, almost rushing his words into an incomprehensible mess from how anxious he was.

Toval grabbed him by the shoulder. "Hold on there, Rean. Calm down."

Rean followed his suggestion but it was a clear struggle to do so. Toval nodded to Miles who was quick to respond. "Jusis left for Bareahard a few days ago for reasons he chose not to explain."

"Bet it has something to do with his dad though," Fie said with a scowl.

Celine nodded in agreement. "Possibly. Duke Albarea's name was tied to the attack on Ymir after all."

"I hope Jusis didn't find out and feel some misplaced guilt about it and that's why he went back home," Rean nervously fretted.

"While I can see him doing that, I highly doubt it considering how much Sara's been pushing him to act in the war only after reuniting with you guys," Toval said, "The fact that he's heading home now can only mean something's changed."

Millium grimaced. "And given everything we know about the Duke, it can't be good."

Fie nodded. "Yeah. It's not too much of a stretch to assume that he caught wind of another one of the Duke's schemes and decided to do something about it."

"Then we'll head for Bareahard after reuniting with Laura and Emma," Rean decided. Then looked at Miles and Klaus. "Speaking of, where are they?"

The receptionist and butler told the group about how the two girls had been investigating Lohengrin Castle to see if they could find some way to stop the fog. They were currently at the castle again for another investigation. The group decided to head over there instead of waiting, ianxious to reunite with two of their three remaining missing members. Miles and Klaus smiled understandingly and sent them off with their well wishes.

XXXXXX

The group, now with Laura and Emma in tow, traveled back to town by boat. The fog was now noticeably reduced but still very much present. The presence of the higher elements had considerably lightened, making the atmosphere feel less stifling. They'd just finished briefing each other on what each of them had been up to when Laura suddenly chuckled.

"Something wrong, Laura?" Rean asked.

She shook her head. "No. It's only just now hit me that you all are here, whole and well before me. I'm genuinely lost for words." She let out a soft laugh. "I never considered myself the type to get emotional but clearly I was mistaken."

"I'm really sorry for making you two worry. But I'm glad you kept fighting so that we could see each other again," Rean said apologetically.

"There's no need to apologize, Rean," Laura assured him, "I always believed we would reunite and I patiently waited for the day I would be able to fight by Class VII's side again."

"I feel the same way," Emma said as she gently cradled Celine in her arms, "I can hardly believe this is actually happening even as I hold Celine in my arms and we sit here on these small boats, traveling back to town." She giggled. "It all feels like a wonderful dream."

"Aw come on Emma, now you're starting to make me tear up," Millium jokingly pouted.

"Same," Fie agreed with a chuckle.

Emma smiled at them and looked down at Celine. "And thank you again, Celine, for all the support you've given my friends. Thank you for coming all the way here with them to see me."

Celine looked away with a huff. "Please, it was nothing. But…I'm glad you're okay, I guess. At least I won't end up a stray."

Emma chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with being honest with your feelings you know."

Celine yowled indignantly causing the others to laugh at her reaction.

"By the way, the fog seems to be less dense now. Was it because we defeated those cryptids?" Rean asked, eying the fog curiously.

"Most likely," Celine responded, "Though it doesn't seem to have solved the problem."

"No, it hasn't," Laura said.

"We've been constantly investigating the castle and fighting against the monsters that appear there but the fog still refuses to budge," Emma explained, "The only explanation I can think of is that the fog is merely a symptom of what's going on in Erebonia as a whole."

Laura nodded grimly. "I agree. And it seems likely to worsen as the war continues."

"From what we've seen, the fighting isn't showing any signs of letting up," Toval said, "Both factions are at a stalemate right now."

"And we've still got no idea what's going on at Thors or with the Courageous," Rean added with a sigh.

"It's been a whole month without any word on both of them," Fie agreed with a frown.

"I believe we have nothing to be concerned about as those who remained at Thors can hold their own and I am certain my father is alive and well," Laura resolutely stated.

"I agree," Toval nodded, "The Viscount's a tough cookie and it's gonna take more than one Divine Knight to make him crumble. If anything, I'm more worried about what Jusis is up to."

Rean turned to address Laura and Emma with a concerned expression. "He was in Legram with you both at one point. Did he tell you why he left?"

Laura and Emma exchanged looks and turned back to shake their heads.

"No, we never ran into him the entire time he was in Legram," Laura said, regrettably.

"We suspected he was here while we were at Lohengrin but didn't get any confirmation until Miles told us so," Emma elaborated.

"I wonder why Jusis didn't want you to know he was here?" Millium couldn't help but wonder aloud.

Toval sighed in exasperation as he pinched his brow from the headache that was starting to appear. "I've got an idea but it's not really my place to say it. Though when you run into him, I'm sure he'll tell you."

"At least we know him to be in Bareahard," Laura said, pointing out the silver lining.

"Which is one of the Alliance's strongholds and most likely heavily guarded," Fie dryly reminded her, "We're gonna be hard pressed trying to find a way in without getting caught."

"We can think about that once we get to town," Celine interjected.

Emma nodded. "And if it comes to it, there are ways to bypass the security but…" She trailed off, suddenly looking conflicted.

"Emma?" Celine asked in concern.

"What's wrong?" Rean asked, also noticing her change in demeanor.

Emma took in a shuddering breath and released it. She dropped her gaze down to where Celine lay in her arms. "I feel that I must apologize to you, Rean, and to the rest of you as well. I should've told you everything about me, and Celine, and the Divine Knights, before we ever went to the Old School House and completed the final trial."

Rean blinked in surprise, not expecting the sudden turn in conversation. "Oh…"

"You didn't have to, you know, even now…" Fie tentatively said, trying to sound reassuring.

Millium nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yeah. If you weren't ready, you weren't ready. You didn't have to feel like you had to tell us."

"Still, it's an unavoidable fact that Divine Knights and their awakeners will be drawn into battle. And just because you had the potential you were put into a great conflict against your will," Emma said, raising her head to look at them while sounding more distressed the longer she spoke, "And not just you, Rean, but the rest of us as well when we became secondary contractors. Yet I couldn't say or do anything. Even telling you everything I know now seems as if it was too little too late considering it's after the fact. How can I call myself your friend when I failed you all like that?"

"Emma…" Laura sighed and shook her head as if this was a conversation that was had many times, "I already told you before, I'm not upset nor do I hold anything against you. And I know the rest of Class VII believes the same."

"Yeah! Don't be silly, Emma," Millium cheerfully chirped.

"Something like this wouldn't change our opinion of you," Fie agreed with a nod.

"They're right, you know," Rean said, leaning over to place a comforting hand over one of Emma's. She gasped softly and looked him in the eyes with her own widening in surprise. "Do you remember what you said back at the Old School House? You said that Class VII is the finest Erebonia has to offer and you're right."

"Rean…" Emma softly said.

He smiled encouragingly at her. "We all come from different backgrounds and we all have things we're too scared to or wouldn't tell anyone. Crow has his past, Jusis and Fie too, you have your upbringing, and I have this strange power of mine. The point is, secrets or not, each and every one of us is a part of Class VII. Me, Alisa, Elliot, Laura, Fie, Machias, Jusis, Gaius, Millium, Crow, and you, Emma. You're not an exception. Without you, our class wouldn't be what it is just like it wouldn't be if any one of us weren't a part of it."

"Sappiness aside, he's absolutely right," Fie chimed in.

"Besides, I'm pretty sure I've got way more secrets than you," Millium proudly stated.

Toval laughed. "Pretty sure that's not something to be so proud of."

"So I don't want to hear you apologize for something that isn't your fault," Rean firmly stated, "We want you right where you are, as you are. You're not just a witch but our kind class president and a caring friend."

Emma began to tear up as the emotions overwhelmed her. "Oh goodness. I don't know what to say."

"See? It's exactly as I told you, Emma," Laura said, "There is nothing to forgive because no one blames you."

Emma nodded as she wiped away her tears. "Yes, you were right, Laura." She turned to everyone else and bowed her head to them. "Thank you, everyone. I think I just needed that reminder again."

"Completely understandable," Fie said.

"Woohoo! Our class prez is back in business!" Millium cheered while pumping her fists into the air.

Toval chuckled and shook his head. "Never a dry eye when I'm with you kids."

"Though I could do without the non stop heart to hearts, I suppose this is a rather heartwarming scene," Celine begrudgingly admitted.

"And now all we need to do is get Jusis back and we'll finally be whole again," Rean said.

Laura nodded and smiled. "Then we have our plan. Once we reach Legram, let us prepare for our departure to Bareahard!"

---

And scene! Man oh man I hope you guys enjoyed this doozy of a chapter and that it managed to fill y'all up and can keep you sated until I manage to get the next chapter out. A lot has happened in this chapter and as such there were a lot of subtle and not so subtle changes that I made. Key being Elise and Kurt play a little more of an active role in what's going on during game events and the details of the war going a little differently as well. I also made sure to make Rean's reunion with certain female characters not exude that harem energy that was starting to become more prominent by the second game. Like seriously, the long ass hug with Alisa and Fie just sitting on him the entire time they talk for five plus minutes was all sorts of uncomfortable.

And don't even get me started on that whole shtick with Elise. Everything about her in the second game just made me dislike her character because the devs really made her only personality trait all about Rean and it was hella annoying to see. So here, have some Elise with a sense of agency and a drive to do her own thing, a kickstart on Kurt's self-discovery journey, Cedric and Alfin being character even if they did end up getting kidnapped only partway in, Class VII have reasonable dialogue for reunions that aren't harem coded, some changed war dynamics from Alliance dominating the scene to just a stalemate that's putting everyone on edge, and some set up for what's going to happen in the future with Ouroboros and Jusis.

Anyways, hope everyone enjoyed the chapter and I will see y'all for the next one. Until then!