There was something especially radiant about the village of Ymir that morning, Laura mused, as she made her way back to the Phoenix Wings. Not only was the place simply wonderful to behold, but knowing all of her friends were present made it even better. And it didn't help that she was in such a radiant mood after the events that had transpired that morning and the previous evening. Everything was nearly perfect.

The one thing stopping it from being fully perfect?

"Sooooo... How'd you like handling Rean's little tachi?"

"Fie!"

"I bet he liked his new scabbard..."

"Fie!"

It seemed that her usual penchant for mischief and chaos had returned tenfold after the emotional struggle the younger girl had gone through that morning. And with it just being the two of them walking together it meant that all of Fie's teasing was focused solely on her. Normally Laura wouldn't begrudge Rean's desire to spend a couple hours with his family that morning, but she had a sneaking suspicion that her fellow practitioner had realized what was about to happen and had fled like the coward he was.

Fortunately she would not need to deal with this for much longer as they neared the resort. Unfortunately, the myriad eyes tracking their arrival made it quite clear that it would not all be smooth sailing.

"And just where have the two of you been?" Alisa asked, arms held akimbo.

"Given the direction they came from one can only assume they were at the Rean's house." The smile on Gaius's face was far too innocent for him to not have known the fires he was fanning.

Millium gasped in delight. "Oooh! Fie were you banging him again!?"

"Seriously?"

While Jusis sounded exasperated their instructor's eyes lit up in delight. "Wait, really!? Fie you gotta tell me all about it later!"

"Sure." The girl answered simply enough. "But if you must know, no I wasn't banging Rean..." The sidelong glance and sly smirk she sent in Laura's direction were all the warning she got. "...It was Laura's turn last night, after all."

She braced herself for the painful onslaught... only for none to come. Save for some dirty chuckles from Millium nobody really responded at all. Eventually the silence was broken by Machias throwing his hands into the air. "I don't get it. How can one man constantly be such a lucky son of a..." He shook his head in dismay. "What does Rean have that the rest of us don't?"

"Compared to you? Everything." Came the immediate and expected response from his rival, causing the two to glare at each other heatedly.

"Maybe it's just karma from all the bad stuff that happened to him?" Elliot supplied helpfully.

Although nobody really had an answer to that question, the tepid response from their classmates surprised Laura in a good way. Her initial mortification withered away under their collective apathy.

"W-What the hell!?" Fie did not respond as favorably. "I had to listen to you idiots for hours and all Laura gets is this!?" She fumed loudly.

"Speaking of..." Emma completely ignored Fie's angry question as she countered with one of her own. "You said that Laura was with Rean, yes? But that doesn't answer where you were."

The girl shrugged despite her visible annoyance. "Someone had to be on the lookout so they could have their privacy."

Laura narrowed her eyes thoughtfully at that answer. "Is that so? Perhaps I have underestimated you, as from my perspective it seemed like you were too busy looking in on us to be looking out for anyone else."

Did she need to say that out loud? Not at all. But while she may have understood Fie's intentions and even forgiven her actions, she was still the victim. And as such was allowed to smirk in satisfaction at the horrified look she received from her new girlfriend.

"You were spying on them!?"

"Eww! That's so wrong!"

"...Gotta admit, that's kinda hot – I mean immoral! It's kinda immoral!"

Beset from all angles Fie frantically looked for an escape. "W-What the hell!? How come you all believe her? She might be lying!"

The others shared a glance before announcing their unanimous opinion. "No."

With all the attention now firmly on the panicking jaeger Laura decided to quietly excuse herself and go inside. While she normally wasn't so petty as to delight in the misfortune of others, Fie absolutely deserved everything coming to her. Feeling a baleful glare on her retreating form she turned to see the girl in question sending a look of pure murder in her direction. In response the swordswoman merely grinned radiantly before closing the door behind her.

Punishment received.

After a much needed real bath and change of clothes the Arseid heiress was back in Ymir and looking forward to the day ahead. It seemed that the class had dispersed during her absence and she could only wonder what deserved fate had fallen upon Fie. Still, there was nothing she could do about that now and it was time for her to spend the day with dear friends until the time came for Class VII's meeting to determine their future later that afternoon.

She had always known that Ymir was a lot like Legram, but walking around it by her lonesome further reinforced that thought. The atmosphere was so lively and friendly as everyone went about their business. Even though she was a recent arrival and had only been there once prior everyone treated her so kindly. Truly the only real difference was the far colder climate of northern Erebonia, not that such a thing really bothered her much.

Naturally, in such a small village it was impossible to not come across her friends. Some of them seemed to be having fun doing their own things while others appeared contemplative, clearly already deep in thought about the upcoming class meeting. Among the latter was Elliot, who appeared so consumed by his thoughts that he stumbled over a pile of snow, barely avoiding an unfortunate accident.

"Are you all right?" She asked in concern as she approached the sheepish looking musician.

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Ahah... I really wish you hadn't seen that."

She smiled in understanding. "I know. Tonight's meeting is very important, after all." Still, the embarrassed boy seemed really interested in moving past his near accident so she decided to throw him a bone. "I heard that you were able to meet up with your father?"

"I was!" He embraced the question like the lifeline it was.

"That must have been a relief..."

Her true thoughts must have been plainly visible as Elliot's expression softened. "It was, and I'm sure you will find that out for yourself soon enough."

"Ah..."

"It's hard, isn't it?" He continued through her hesitation. "Realistically we know our dads are more than capable of taking care of themselves and everyone else says the same thing, but we can't help but worry. They're our family, after all." He let out a shrug. "Still, he's probably just as worried about you as you are him and is doing whatever he can to keep you safe, even if it's from afar."

Even if his words weren't anything out of the ordinary, hearing them from someone who suffered through a similar ordeal did make her feel a bit better. "Thanks, Elliot. And sorry for being so selfish when so many others have it worse.." Rean's father had been shot. Carl Regnitz was imprisoned. Alisa's mom was almost certainly in the same boat. And there was also Duke Albarea...

The young musician shook his head. "I think we're all entitled to be a little selfish when it comes to our families. I'm still super worried about Fiona, after all."

"I would tell you that she is fine, but..." She let out a short laugh. "We just had this conversation, didn't we? Instead I shall offer my support: If my blade will be of any assistance in locating her, it is yours."

"Well that's definitely more reassuring than simple words." Elliot grinned happily. "Hopefully it doesn't come to that, but thanks, Laura."

"It was my pleasure." The two soon found themselves walking back towards the resort. "I feel like I should not be bringing this up after your prior incident, but have you managed to come up with anything for tonight?"

He shook his head with a rueful sigh. "I wish. I know what I don't want us to do, but outside of that..."

"I understand just how you feel. I find myself wondering just what role a knight can serve on a battlefield dominated by soldats and tanks. Still, I truly believe there is a path for us and hopefully we can figure it out."

"I know you will. You and the others are always so confident that I know you'll come up with something!"

"Hmm..." She gazed at the bashful looking boy. "I know as well as any that seeing ones own improvements can be difficult, but you should take a look in a mirror sometimes. Not many students would dare stand against a panzer soldat on foot, after all."

The musician laughed nervously. "...I think I was just too panicked to think straight."

"I am quite certain we all were." She admitted without shame. "But you held your ground all the same and from what Fie has told me you handled yourself admirably during the past month. I remember wondering why someone like yourself was at Thors during our initiation, but now I have no doubts in my mind. You are a worthy comrade and friend and should start seeing yourself as such."

"...Thanks, Laura." The boy's face was practically glowing as he looked away from her. "I think I'm gonna head inside and continue thinking..." And with that he took off inside the resort, leaving her to her lonesome. Perhaps she had been a little too blunt with her encouragement? Still, she meant every word she said.

Before she could consider her next course of action the door opened again and this time it was Fie who exited. As soon as the former jaeger laid eyes upon her she let out an annoyed huff. "You're lucky I have bigger fish to fry right now."

That would probably be related to the object in her hands. "...Why do you have a pair of glasses?" She wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer but curiosity compelled her onward.

Fie glanced down at the object before looking back and shrugging with a blank expression on her face. "Me and Millium are gonna make the ultimate Snow Mishy today. Thought it might make a good decoration."

"Alright, but where did you find a pair of eyeglasses?" Especially a pair that looked rather familiar and well-worn.

Of course if she thought Fie was actually gonna answer... "Dunno, just found them lying there." ...She was sadly mistaken. "Since you're so interested in asking pointless questions I'm outta here." She didn't look nearly as annoyed as she acted, especially as the short girl gave her a quick hug before running off.

But Laura was still curious so she decided to investigate further. After heading back inside she went up the stairs, passing by Elliot as she did so. Outside of him the only other person present on that level was... Machias.

A Machias who was looking very confused as he walked around without his glasses on.

"Laura! I seem to have misplaced my glasses. Have you seen them anywhere?"

Valiantly she managed to resist the temptation to facepalm. "...Have you perchance done something to upset Fie?"

"Huh? Not that I recall. Why do you ask?"

She hesitated briefly before answering. "It's nothing. Unfortunately I have not seen your glasses anywhere." ...Some battles just weren't worth fighting.

"How odd. I had them just a little while ago, but I took them off for one minute and now they're gone..."

"I am sure they will turn up eventually."

He let out a sigh. "I suppose so. Good thing I kept my spare on hand during the past month." The gunner briefly vanished into his room before coming out with a larger pair of glasses on his face. "I really do not like these frames. Hopefully Albarea doesn't spot me with them on."

Laura couldn't help but shake her head in wry amusement. Of course his greatest concern was that his rival might see him like this. Truly they were like a strange old married couple. Naturally this caused her to think about her own rival...

Amusement gave way to a heated blush. Perhaps the boys were not the ones with the unusual rivalry.

"Ahem!" She coughed aloud, more for her own sake than anything else, but it still drew the focus of the vice-president. Quickly she came up with a question to ask. "So what were you doing before losing your glasses?"

"A couple days ago I played Rean in a chess match. It was quite enjoyable and I thought it would be fun to beat Albarea into the dirt again, but like this..." His heavy frown turned around as a proverbial light bulb went off in his head. She grimaced, already knowing what was coming. "How about it, Laura? Would you like to play a round?"

"I-" She couldn't help but shyly glance away. "I'm afraid I am somewhat unfamiliar with the rules."

Eyes widening in surprise Machias hastily backtracked. "I'm sorry! Sometimes I'm still stuck on old ingrained notions like the idea that all nobles would know how to play chess."

She shook her head. "You are not wrong. Father tried to teach me when I was younger, but as a young girl obsessed with swinging a sword I didn't see the value in it at the time..." Not her finest hour in hindsight.

And yet Machias seemed more interested than offended. "And now?"

"A battle is more than just a clash of blades. One needs to go into a fight with both a plan and a level head, both of which are things that chess can teach."

"Very good." He nodded in approval. "In that case, would you like me to refresh you?"

"I would like that very much. Thank you."

The shotgun user led her to a nearby table where a board was already set up. Machias' explanation was probably too much for a total beginner, but since she at least had basic understanding of how the pieces moved she was able to keep up well enough. Unlike her times as a child she paid rapt attention as he went over unit synergy, advanced moves, and other little tips and tricks.

Naturally, after all the explanations came a real game. Knowing that she was facing a more experienced player she opted to play aggressively lest she get picked apart. She did her best to treat her army like it was her sword training, seeing each piece as its own unique move and doing her best to use them in a way to compliment each other and keep her advance flowing in a positive way.

Machias for his part seemed to have no counter to her push, instead opting to give ground freely as he moved his pieces with seemingly no rhyme or reason to them. She knew that given his skill and experience he must have had a plan, but since she could not see it she continued onward, slowly but surely cutting into his line of pawns. Whatever he was planning would have to be unleashed soon or else she would get to his valuable-

She was only slightly surprised when the jaws of his trap swung shut, cutting her vanguard from the rest of her army. Valiantly she tried to break out of the encirclement, but the trades became increasingly worse for her until the inevitability of checkmate ensued.

She couldn't help but sigh unhappily as she gazed upon her defeat. "I knew you were going to win, but I did not think it would be so... decisive."

The victor let out an apologetic shrug. "Don't take it so personally. Honestly I was quite impressed by your efficient movements and how you kept all your pieces covered at all times. I kinda forgot I was supposed to be taking it easy on you after a while." He paused before humming thoughtfully. "Would you like some advice?"

"By all means." She was not one to run away from the truth, even if it pointed out a flaw of hers. Constructive criticism was the best way to improve oneself, after all."

"While your fundamentals were sound and you had a good overall strategy, your tactics were... rigid. Inflexible. Once I realized what you were trying to do it was easy to devise a tactic to counter your push. Perhaps you can work on becoming a little more unpredictable? Still, like I said, you performed admirably. Save for Albarea and possible Rean I could see you defeating any of our other classmates."

Despite herself she couldn't help but let out a short laugh. "Chess really is a useful tool, isn't it? Others have told me that I am still too rigid in combat, so hearing that about my chess tactics only further reinforces that it is a flaw I need to work to correct." It was something she was already beginning to do thanks to her choice in companions, but it would take time. Time they sadly did not have in the middle of this war. "Still, I thank you, both for the game and for the advice."

"Not at all. I enjoyed myself too. If you ever want to challenge me again I assure you that you are far more pleasant company than Albarea." The boy let out a sigh as he stood from his seat and began to walk away. "Now where could those glasses be..." It took all she had to keep a straight face as he left.

After Machias left she too got up and made her exit down the stairs. While she had no destination in mind, the swordswoman knew there was still plenty of time to kill before the meeting. Surely she could find something to catch her eye-

She blinked as something caught her eye before she even exited the resort. That was fast.

"Instructor Sara?" She asked, approaching the haggard looking woman. As she got closer she could make out the telltale signs of sword cuts along her outfit. And given her heavy breathing... "Were you in a battle?"

The older woman looked down from the drink she was holding to her jacket, frowning as she too noticed the cuts littering it. "That obvious, huh? Yup. I wanted to make sure Rean hadn't been slacking off."

"A duel, huh?" Truth be told the idea of a spar against their instructor held a lot of appeal for her. Perhaps she would-

"Sorry." Sara read her mind and cut her off before she could lend voice to her thoughts. "As interesting as fighting you would be, Rean left me all worn out." The grin on her face turned positively sly. "I bet he's left you even more worn out, hasn't he?"

Don't give her the satisfaction of a reaction. Don't give her the satisfaction of a reaction... Her internal mantra did little to stave off the flush on her face and Sara grinned victoriously, much to her chagrin. "S-So." She stuttered out. "How did the battle go?"

This caused the woman to let out a groan. "Let's just say I need to step up my own training as I refuse to let any of you catch up to me until at least graduation."

Laura blinked at the admission. "You sound quite confident that we will reach your level at some point."

"You kidding? You and Fie managed to hold off the head knight of the Stahlritter. That's pretty damn impressive. You guys are way ahead of where I was at your age, and it isn't just the three of you either. Whatever you guys come up with tonight will have my full support, 'cause I know you all have the skill to make it reality."

The genuine praise threw her for a loop. "Um... Thanks?" While she knew she had been getting stronger, the idea that she was potentially closing in on the level of someone like Sara Valestein was encouraging to hear. It had taken the three of them working together to best her during the last combat exam they took at Thors, after all. Just thinking about her movements and skill... She blinked. "Forgive me for asking this, but your fighting style... In a way it reminds of Fie. Are you perhaps...?"

"A former jaeger?" Laura's silence provided her the answer. "You got it. Is that gonna cause a big rift between us?" The last question was asked with a teasing tone, causing the Arseid to look away in embarrassment.

"O-Of course not! I was just curious." She really did not need that reminder. "Your fighting style just seemed so unique. I suppose that would be why you have such an affinity for Fie."

"That brat? As if!" Sara scoffed in derision. "More like she was a stray that I took pity on." Her words were a stark contrast to the fond smile on her face. A smile which sent chills down Laura's spine when it turned more sly and knowing. "Besides, it's clear to me that you have become a lot closer to her, haven't you?"

Laura felt her eyes widen in surprise. "W-What do you mean?" Surely she couldn't have noticed-

"The way you two were walking together and looking at each other, of course! Rean isn't the only one anymore, is he?"

"...Was it that obvious?" Sure they hadn't really discussed trying to keep her new relationship with Fie from the others, but she certainly didn't expect to be discovered this quickly.

"Nah, it was just a total guess on my part. Thanks for confirming it for me." Sara's grin widened upon the admission.

Laura meanwhile felt mortified at falling for the simplest trick in the books. "O-Oh..."

The bracer guffawed heartily at her shame. "Oldest trick in the book! Gets em every time!" Eventually the older woman calmed herself down a bit before adopting a more serious expression. "Still I'm quite happy for the three of you."

"You are?"

"Uh huh. I've been around the block a few times, both as a jaeger and a bracer. I've seen the world for what it is. It's certainly no fairy tale. It can be an ugly place, filled with cruelty and violence. Especially in the middle of war like this. So the way the three of you finding your own happiness... I'm proud of you."

Her kind words were enough to stun Laura into silence, so the instructor continued. "I'm sure others might see it differently, but I know you girls aren't gonna lay down and take that crap from anyone. And if you ever need extra help you can always give your Big Sis' Sara a call and I'll do whatever I can to help out!"

"I... Wow. Thank you, Instructor." Sure she had always respected Class VII's teacher, but to hear such admirable encouragement and support from her was stunning. That last part, however... "Still, do not ever expect to hear me call you my big sister."

"Aww. That's too bad." She didn't seem all that dismayed about it. "Still, maybe that's for the best. I mean I am technically Fie's guardian and all. Oh! I know! This gives me something else to talk to your dad about." The older woman flushed indecently. "Maybe you should start calling me your-"

"Don't you dare say it!" Laura yelled aloud. All that earlier respect and admiration? Gone.

Her outburst merely caused Sara's amusement to grow. "What? While I might be supporting you kids, as your instructor I am entitled to tease you three about it as much as possible. Have you thought about your first threesome yet? Fie and you lying there, naked and sweaty, rubbing against each other as Rean-"

"I have things I need to do! Goodbye!" The beet-red swordswoman made a hasty retreat from the resort with the mad cackling of the Purple Lightning trailing in her wake. While she knew she shouldn't have fallen victim to her teasing like that, the imagery was just too much for her.

The cold Ymir air was greatly appreciated, although the cooling effect was diminished as she lay eyes upon one of the people plaguing her mind. That embarrassment was quickly replaced with curiosity as she watched Rean walking towards the exit of the village. "Rean!" Seeking answers she approached the swordsman who had stopped at the call and was waiting for her. "Where are you going?"

The black-haired swordsman seemed to ponder her question before eyes lit up in realization. "Oh, right, you were there before. Do you remember a young noblewoman named Annabelle that we met during our field studies in Celdic and Legram?"

Celdic and Legram... "You mean the woman we found fishing outside Legram?"

"That's the one. Somehow she ended up here when the war began, but according to Gerald at the bar she's been missing since she went fishing yesterday. He asked me to go look for her."

"I see..." She nodded her head, decision made. "Very well. In that case I shall accompany you." While she didn't doubt his skills, it was always better to have a partner when traversing out into the wilderness. Plus it made for a good excuse to spend time with Rean alone.

"Sure, that sound great." He agreed without hesitation. As the two made their exit from town he looked at her in confusion. "By the way, I just passed the snowman that Fie and Millium had been building. You wouldn't happen to know where the glasses it was wearing came from, would you?"

She couldn't help but let out a giggle. "Let's just say that Machias is learning the price one pays for getting on Fie's bad side."

"Ah." He nodded his head, immediately understanding. "I wonder if I should be worried for us?"

"Probably." She answered succinctly. "Still, I would not want to change anything at all."

"Agreed."

Laura hesitated, but decided to speak what was on her mind. "I meant what I said last night, you know. I truly have come to love you. That wasn't just a thing I said in the heat of the moment."

"...I know you did." He muttered shyly, looking away from her. "I still sometimes wonder how someone as amazing and wonderful as you could come to love me, but I don't doubt your feelings. And I feel the same about you."

"Good. So long as you understand that. My blade. My heart. My body. All of it is yours, for as long as you desire it."

"Wow." He breathed out. After a pregnant silence he seemed to find his voice again. "You say it's all mine, but after this morning I think I'm sharing it with Fie?" He teased.

She giggled happily. "I suppose so."

It was fortunate that no monsters chose to attack the two as they walked through the Ymir Valley. While she had no doubts as to their ability to fend off the attack, it would serve as a disruptive presence to their time alone away from everyone else. Even as a silence lapsed over the two she did not mind at all, as it was a very peaceful one.

What made her especially happy was just how at ease Rean looked as they trudged through the snow together. Whether it was because of the fact they were in his childhood home or because it was just the two of them, but he seemed completely unguarded. It was truly a shame that their time was limited and they would be forced to head back to the harsh reality where his role as the Ashen Awakener ensured many hard struggles in the days to come.

"Those mountains..." She mused aloud as she gazed upon the distant peaks. "Are they where your master took you to train?"

"Yep. The Eisengard Mountain Range. It's where master Ka-fai and I would spend weeks at a time. It's also where I ended up after escaping Trista."

She let out a sigh. "I would love to see them for myself, but I do not believe we have the time to travel that far today. Especially after you sparred with our instructor."

"You heard about that?" He asked rhetorically. "You're probably right. Maybe one day when this is all over with we can go on a trip there together...?"

"It's a date." Sure camping out in the mountains wasn't the most romantic sounding date ever, but as a fellow practitioner of the blade the thought of a training trip with her beau was very appealing indeed. And while the offer had only been extended towards her, she fully intended to strong-arm Fie into coming along, not that she doubted their shared lover would oppose the idea.

It was another reason for her to want this war to end as soon as possible.

"Ah! I think I see her!" Rean exclaimed as they neared the river crossing. Sure enough, as they approached both could make out the noblewoman in question fishing away without a care in the world. The fact that she had somehow been out here the entire night and didn't get attacked by a monster was utterly baffling, but fortuitous all the same.

One would think given her tired and haggard appearance that Rean's suggestion for her to head back was a sound one, but Annabelle seemed to be the exception. She steadfastly refused to leave until she caught a large fish that she had been struggling against the entire time.

Fortunately Rean seemed to have a solution. "It's a good thing I always have my fishing gear with me!" He exclaimed happily as he pulled out his rod and bait. "Hopefully I can catch that fish in no time."

As she knew she was a neophyte when it came to fishing, Laura stepped aside to give Rean the space he needed to do his thing. As she watched Rean cast his line she couldn't help but notice a shadow move in the water. Was that the fish? Her brows furrowed in confusion as it certainly didn't look like any fish she knew.

If Rean shared in her confusion she did not know, as the angler was so focused on his line that he almost appeared to be in a trance. She could just make out the occasional minute twitch of his arms as the bait glided across the water. The way the underwater shadow moved made it seem like it was becoming quite interested in the lure and might possibly-

"Woah!" He exclaimed as the line went taut. The reason for his surprise had less to do with the bite itself and more with the fact that whatever it was was so strong that it nearly dragged him into the water. Whether he would have righted himself in time was unknown as she had almost immediately closed the distance and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

And yet even with her keeping Rean braced it was still no easy struggle. More than once the fish struggled and dragged them both closer to the edge. She did not relent. If Rean was fated to be caught up in events out of his control than she would be the anchor that kept him safe.

Rean for his part was visibly sweating as he did his best to reel the fish in. With her support progress was slow and steady as his rod bent itself under the strain, yet did not break. With a cry of effort the swordsman gave one final tug and launched the fish out of the water.

...Only it was no fish at all.

The two blinked in unison as they stared upwards at the large monster they had just caught. And yet their surprise wasn't enough to stop them from quickly taking up arms when the beast began lumbering towards them. Luckily, despite its massive size the monster proved to be little match for the sword wielders and after a quick scuffle it fell over, dead.

After taking the time to ensure Annabelle had remained safe throughout the confrontation the three began the return trip to Ymir. Lagging behind the noblewoman the two students struggled to wrap their heads around what just happened.

"I can't believe we just reeled in something the size of an armored car..." He muttered in shock.

"I can't believe your line didn't snap!" She countered.

The absurdity of it all was enough for Laura to let out a rather unladylike snort, which proved infectious as Rean began to chuckle. Naturally this led to her own laughter. It was a good thing that Annabelle was so far ahead of the two as she might have thought the Class VII members were all completely and utterly insane by the way they laughed the whole way back. It was truly a moment for her to cherish.

Which was good, as high in the skies of Erebonia a large object made its way towards Ymir, fully intent on ruining those peaceful moments...