A/N: First off, sorry. This chapter would have been started/finished a lot sooner, but Persona 5 Royal came out. I've been playing P5 Vanilla to prep myself. (Maybe I should do a Persona story later) That pretty much consumed my life, so I didn't really get into writing all that much recently. But better late than never. I'd be angering a lot of people if I dc'ed this story after I did the same to three others, placed one on hiatus, and revealed that uploads for my side project are going to drop. So here we are. Without further ado, let's begin.

Again.

Currently listening to: 5 to one by The Doors.

The Realm of Order, 2:00 PM. Twenty-Nine Days before the events of MK III take place.

Callie's POV

"And that's everything," I finished explaining as we walked out of Green Town into the center of Seido. "As Messenger, I have the power to keep nearly every living being in check."

"But to think that you can actually kill Elder Gods. I thought they were immortal?" JJ responded.

"A now partial truth, JJ. Elder Gods are immortals to every other living being. But ever since Duffeck was gifted the ability to make Messengers instead of Argus, he made it so we can harm and kill any living thing if necessary. And now that I have this power, I have many questions I wish to ask of the Elder Gods. Not to mention possessing all this dirt on Argus. Being a catalyst for so many atrocities is going to bite him in the ass in due time." I swore.

Now my threat towards him that I made back in Outworld is no longer empty. It couldn't be any more real.

"Perhaps this information, along with your new powers, can be a bargaining chip to have him restore Edenia," JJ claimed as we all continued on our voyage.

Us being similar couldn't have been more apparent than now. That talk between us has become the turning point in our relationship. Hmmm, some knowledge on her part would do her some good.

"Remind me later to tell you about the Freedom Fighters, JJ. But yeah, that's the plan. Every other Edenian besides us should know this information as well. I know Mom would lose her mind at the prospect. Hell, Kitty, the princess of the place, deserves to know. And we can't forget Daki either." I concluded.

"Huh. You've matured Cal," my brother remarked. "I thought your hatred for Edenia would never let you fight for her to be separated from Outworld."

"Don't get me wrong, Benji. Damn the Edenian people. Even so, I know when someone deserves a second chance, and some Edenians are deserving of that. If anything, I feel like this is how I make amends with leaving my men on bad terms." I answered. "But more on that later. We're bordering Orange Town. Darrius comes here every other day to gather intel from a corrupt Guardsman."

"Okay, what are we going to do?" Benji asked me.

We stopped at the border. "I'm going to confront Darrius before his mole arrives. You two find somewhere to lay low. I won't be too long." I tell them.

JJ nodded. "We'll be watching over from afar. Be careful."

"What does Darrius look like anyway?" Benji asked.

"He's black and bald. Quite frankly, that's all I needed to know." I answered bluntly.

My answer earned me an annoyed look from my brother, less so from JJ. "Oh, don't give me that look, Benji. Seido is practically flooded with white people. Go hide somewhere. Butterface apparently told Darrius about us, including what we look like, so if he believes the mystic, then he'll lose his mind from seeing me. Go!"

They both conceded and went to find somewhere to sit.

Ah, and the man of the hour.

Darrius wasn't wearing a Resistance uniform. (An addition, thanks to Ryuji. Which further distanced the entire operation from its original goal, but I digress) He was talking to a Seidan Guard, which I assumed was his mole. And just like I predicted, merely glancing at me earned his undivided attention. His mole kept talking, but Darrius silenced him before telling him to leave. Acting like I never saw him, I scan the area for what the populus was doing. Generally, the people weren't as stoic as they were 10,000 plus years ago. I knew what Benji and I did for Seido bore fruit, but to see it? Unreal.

"As I live and breathe. General Callie Ann Maddox." Darrius greeted me. "The Captain told me a lot about you."

"Darrius, I presume? Ryuji told me about you and what you've done with the Resistance since taking over." I said.

A temporary silence as we both look at the more lively population.

"Admiring your previous work, General? I would too if I accomplished what you have. In due time, however, I will have earned that same right." Darrius responded.

"About that," I respond. "I'm here to-"

"Join the ranks of the Resistance once again? I no doubt believe Captain Ryuji relayed to me about what greatness I've done for Seido." Darrius cut me off.

Egotistical was right. And here I thought Johnny was a cocky bastard, but this guy takes the cake by miles.

"No." I deny his claims bluntly, and he looks like I punted a puppy.

"No!? But I'm Darrius!" He rebutted.

"Not to me, you aren't. What I see is a soldier who took what the Resistance originally stood for and tarnished it. You and Ryuji have completely forsaken the original purpose of the Resistance."

As expected, Darrius attempted a counter. "I beg to differ."

"Really? Then why does the Resistance exist, Darrius? Indulge me if you can." I call his bluff but refrained from making a scene.

"To spread our influence across the realm, so that a new era can be ushered," he answered, confident that his answer was correct.

"Wrong." I shut him down. "The purpose of the Resistance was to kill escapism in Seido by chipping away at the Seidan Guard and changing the laws one by one. Then when the Guard was completely wiped, the Resistance would disband. You and Ryuji ignored the plan altogether, devolving the Resistance into becoming a two-bit rebellion, thus compromising the Resistance."

I was hoping my thought out counter would relentlessly shoot down whatever counter argument he could ever develop.

At least, so I thought.

"Compromised? Or redirected? I saw what you never saw, General. The power that lies in between my palms. It was then I knew what had to be done. The Resistance must take over. It is the only way." Darrius retorted.

He's really close to pissing me off. "Darrius, since you took over the Resistance, the Seidan Guard has brought their morale back up from the brink of practically nothing. All because you decided to ditch a plan that my brother and I spent a very long time constructing."

"I, as well as the Captain, failed to realize the potency of a plan," he revealed.

"How old are you?" I asked, already constructing another arsenal of valid points to shut him down again.

"33, General," Darrius answered.

"I'm 22,027 years of age, Darrius. To me, you are nothing more than an infant, not even grown enough to be in his carriage. Hence why you're playing checkers, where I have placed you in checkmate numerous times. The Resistance is living on borrowed time. And I'm here to see to it. Say your goodbyes, Darrius, because none of your comrades will survive this ordeal. And there's nothing that your bald, frail, feeble, fragile mind can do about it." I threatened as I stood back up.

But before leaving, I screwed with him by patting his bald head a couple of times. "Good talk."

My actions left Darrius wordless Darrius as I went to find Benji and JJ.

Mai's POV

Everest is growing nicely. Alas, I know little of birds, let alone mythological ones. Still, even I can tell that she's maturing into a beautiful Ice Phoenix. And with Guinevere aiding me in nurturing her, Everest is blossoming quite nicely. Flying around the estate with what I assume is joy, I, as well as Guinevere, can't hide our elation.

"She is growing nicely," Guinevere spoke as she landed on my shoulder.

"It hasn't been a day since she was shy to continuously hide in her eggshell. Now a day later, she's happily flying around." I concurred with the White Dove. "Hmm."

Guinevere noticed my expression. "What are you thinking about, Doctor?"

"Gwen, what do her tails signify? When she first hatched, she didn't have any, but now, she has three of them." I asked

She cooed in joy. "Very perceptive. Her tails signify different stages of maturity. When they stop growing, she'll be fully matured. Her fourth tail will signify her final growth spurt as she is still smaller than me. But for now, let her have her fun. She'll eventually tire out and rest for a while."

"Are there triggers for them?"

"One. The tails' growth is triggered by her level of happiness. That's why having a Phoenix as a mythological summon is normally a hassle. It's because something else would have given them their tails so they wouldn't respect the person who gained them because they're already grown. But since Everest is a newborn, that won't be a problem. That's probably why Lady Phae gave the Reverend a newborn Phoenix because as powerful as he is, the problem would've still persisted."

Summoning is slowly starting to make sense to me now. This is reminding me of when I began Illusion Magic. I motioned to ask another question but was cut off by the doorbell. Everest, still being a little shy, flew right back into her shell. I grabbed my Jambiya while maintaining a facade of genuine curiosity.

"Who is it?" I ask as I creep up to the door to look at the peephole.

It was Kenshi.

"Mrs. Maddox, may I please come in?" he voiced from the other side.

I placed my Jambiya back in my leg holster and opened the door. "Kenshi, dear! It is good to see you! Do come in!"

He accepted my invitation and entered the estate, immediately commenting on the low temperature inside. "It's freezing in here. Were you hot earlier in the day?"

That got me to laugh. "No, dear. Come, I will show you."

I led him to the living room where Everest was located, still hiding in her eggshell. "This is Everest, a newborn Ice Phoenix. She's the reason why this room and by extension the entire estate is frigid. Alas, she's growing fast and will find a more suitable habitat when she completely matures. Would you like some tea? It should be finished by now."

Kenshi nodded. "Sure. Thank you, Mrs. Maddox."

My guest sat down at the table as I took the seat across from him. After handing him a mug, I poured him and myself a warm cup of tea. It does make me curious as to why Kenshi is here right now, though I wouldn't be surprised if it had to do with Callie.

"Please, call me Mai, Kenshi." I eased his nerves.

He relaxed afterward. "Has anyone ever told you that you have a very enthralling voice, Mai?"

"I've earned my share of admirers because of it. But you should be careful, Kenshi. You're a married man and shouldn't lead anyone on." I warned.

"Noted." Kenshi quickly understood his mistake, even if that wasn't his intention.

"So, what brings you all the way here?" I questioned. "Callie Ann told me you went back to Special Forces."

After taking a small sip, he answered, "That's actually why I'm here. My boss, Sergeant Michaels, is requesting her presence at the Special Forces HQ in California. He said it's urgent." He answered.

My daughter is requested at Special Forces after retiring?

Consider my curiosity piqued. "Well, Callie Ann is in Seido and will be for another few days, at least. But what is the purpose of this? I thought Callie Ann was retired?"

"She is, but the Sergeant wants to offer her a position as the next Drill Sergeant and Kombat Instructor. Though I get the feeling Callie will say no due to her strained relationship with Sonya. Drill Sergeant is a higher position, so she wouldn't be taking orders from Sonya but still might give her a hard time." Kenshi responded.

I calmly take a sip of my tea. "How perceptive, but that would make sense considering you served under my child for years. I am in the same boat as you, Kenshi. From what I saw of those two, disappointment was an understatement. I can safely say that she'd decline, but alas, I'm not Callie, so I won't answer for her."

"I see. Well, when she returns, please tell her if you don't mind, Mai." Kenshi requested, rising out of his chair after finishing his tea.

I stood as well. "Of course. I'll let Callie known when she returns. It's always a pleasure to see you, Kenshi. Allow me to see you to the door." I tell him as I walk him towards the door before offering my hand for a shake. "Until next time."

He took my hand and softly kissed it. "The pleasure was mine, Mrs. Maddox. I'll be seeing you."

Kenshi walked away after the gesture back to presumably the Special Forces HQ. Quite the chivalrous man he is. His wife is a very fortunate woman. As I closed the door, I gave my wardrobe a quick once over. I'm currently wearing a blue cheongsam, the same one I wore when I reunited with Benjamin in what remained of Edenia. It was then I remembered what Callie Ann told me a few days ago:

"Would it kill you to dress more casually?"

I wore dresses to honor Joseph's memory as he said many times that I look stunning in them. But now, I should work on being a good mother as opposed to being a good wife as I feel that I've honored him enough. My children, of blood and of marriage, should take priority from now on. In fact, it might be in my best interest to converse with all the children when they return. I won't need to speak with Dakini due to already bombarding her with thousands of questions earlier today.

"Gwen," I called for the White Dove.

She flew into my peripheral vision. "Yes, Doctor?"

"I will be in my room sewing a new set of outfits for myself. I have faith that you can take care of Everest, but you'll know where I'm at if you need me." I told her.

"Of course, Doctor," Guinevere said as Everest happily flew around the lounge area again as I walked into my room.

When I got to my sewing machine, I immediately start making the first of what I feel are many pieces of clothes. A change is coming, one that should've been made a long time ago.

Dakini's POV

With Mama, Dad, and Auntie on the prowl for Darrius to threaten him, I had time to kill. I found myself sharpening my Tomahawks with some flint after an hour of meditation. Placing them on their racks, I sat down comfortably to begin another session when an all too familiar voice spoke to me.

"Greetings, child of the Great Spirit."

There was no question whose voice that belonged to. "Lady Phae? To what do I owe the pleasure?"

The Goddess of Summons then said, "You flatter me, Nightwolf. I have come to grant you a boon."

"A boon? I already owe you and the Great Spirit too much." I attempted to decline.

She wasn't having any of it. "I adore you, Dakini Maddox. And I love to spoil those like yourself. But this boon is also to give the Mark on your face a purpose."

Indeed, I don't actually have a summon despite having a Summoner's Mark. I questioned every day why I even had it in the first place. Lady Phae must have seen something within me to grant this power and infuse it with my other abilities.

"You're planning on giving me one summon?" I asked.

"Two, Dakini," she corrected. "And your first is coming to you now."

On cue, a sound occurred from the hut's flap. I opened my eyes and see my first summon. A full-grown Husky!

"My Gods!" I couldn't help but smile.

I'm a lover of animals, whether they are harmless or predatory. They give me a sense of comfort whenever I was troubled, even with my parents and other relatives around. To say I was happy was a complete understatement.

It ran up to me and started licking my palm, to which I petted him. "What's its name?"

"Hamlet," she answered. "While unable to speak, he understands the English language perfectly."

Hamlet barked in response before licking my face. I giggled before introducing myself. "Hi, Hamlet. I'm Dakini."

"Bark!" (It's nice to meet you, Master!)

"As for your second summon, the Great Spirit will talk with you at a later date. I'll continue watching over you, Nightwolf. Until next time." Lady Phae said before disappearing from my thoughts.

That left Hamlet and me as he sat in my usual spot. "Come on, Hamlet. Let's go outside."

He barked in compliance and followed me outside of my hut, where we saw Mama, Auntie, and Dad return from the center of Seido. They saw me but showed confused looks when they saw Hamlet and motioned for us to join them.

"Dakini, who is this? A summon?" Dad assumed, pointing at my Husky.

"Uh, huh. This is Hamlet. Hamlet, this is my Dad, his sister and my Aunt, and my Mother." I introduced him to my family. "He understands English despite not being able to speak. He's also my first summon. The Great Spirit will grant me my second one later."

Dad nodded. "Not surprising. Lulie still had a masterful understanding of English though she couldn't talk." He then whistled twice to summon a Raven out of its Nexus portal. "Lulie, it's been a while."

"Indeed, Sir. I missed you," she spoke up before eyeing me. "Sir Ben, who is this?"

"That's my daughter, Dakini. Dakini, this is Lulie, my spectral Raven." Dad responded.

Lulie flew on my shoulder. "Daughter? I didn't know you had a child, Sir. It's only been a few days since we last spoke. You got Ms. Jade pregnant that fast?"

I gave a soft laugh. "I'm from the future, nearly three centuries to be specific. It wasn't a fun place to be, especially during my last days there."

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Princess. Even if the circumstances were admittedly dark." Lulie voiced.

Her statement made me blush openly. "She called me Princess," I said giddily.

Dad, Auntie, and Mama all started laughing before Lulie flew back to her Master. "And that's her Husky, Hamlet."

"Can he talk too?" she asked.

"No, but he does understand English," I answered.

"Bark!" (It's nice to meet another summon. Even if it isn't a dog like me.)

"Very nice to meet you, Hamlet," Lulie responded before looking back at Dad. "Will that be all, Sir Ben?"

"Yes, Lulie. You may go," he told her.

Lulie nodded. "At once, Sir. Nice to meet you, Princess. You too, Hamlet."

With that, Lulie flew back into a portal. I was always curious as to what summons my Dad inherited. I certainly got my answer there. Lulie is very smart and intelligent. I hope there's a way to have Hamlet speak as if he were human.

"She is very well-spoken," Mama said observantly.

"I had a feeling Lulie was a lot smarter than she let on back when all she could do was caw and chirp. To show affection, she routinely cuddled my neck whenever I summoned her." Dad said before heading off to his tent. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be talking with Sareena."

I looked at Hamlet and rough his hair up. He ended up nuzzling my leg, showing he appreciated my gesture. "Go stay in my tent, Hamlet. I'll see you later."

"Bark!" (Yes, Master.) He responded before running into my hut.

"Well, what should we do now?" Auntie asked us both.

I now realized that Mama and Auntie, from the look of things, have talked over their differences. Though I remained cautious for how long that will last. Carefully, I approached them before giving each a heartfelt hug, to which they both returned.

"Thank you both for not fighting anymore," I said to them.

"No, daughter. It should be us thanking you," Mama replied as they backed away.

Auntie nodded. "Agreed. Your mother and I still have some work to do, but we're in a much better place now."

"Well, sister. Seeing as you were around when Edenia was thriving, why not tell us about the Fighters?" Mama inquired.

Auntie had surprised written over her face. "You want to hear about that? You couldn't have asked Mom? She's the oldest person we all know. Or you could have asked Benji. He was part of the Freedom Fighters and was around for longer than me."

"Oh? I did not know that actually. I will inquire about that when next we converse. But I have a feeling that you have a better understanding, seeing as you led them." Mama brought up.

"Ah, you have a point. Let's go to my hut. You too, Kiddo. Time for a history lesson," Auntie said as she started for her hut with Mama and me in tow.

When we arrived, Mama and I sat side by side while Auntie took off her coat, exposing her right arm and the mechanisms of her hidden pistol and the pistol itself. After removing it from her hand, she sat down.

"Since you want to talk about the Freedom Fighters, we should discuss how it was structured." Auntie began. "The army's structure was basic on the surface. A civilian's point of view would follow this. The Infantrymen followed by the Scouts, with the Head Scout being second in command to the General who ran the army. With that in mind, the requirements to become a Freedom Fighter were extremely strict."

"Where do the complexities come in?" Mama asked.

"They all align with what the requirements were. To be an infantryman, you had to master any one weapon on top of being an adept Archer. Along with that, you needed the mindset that your next battle may be your last. To be a Scout, the Head Scout has to recommend you to the General, and he would test your fortitude by stranding you in a forest. You would become a Scout by navigating back to society." Auntie explained.

"The Survival Test, as the soldiers called it, tested your sense of direction, survivability, and tracking skills. If you lacked direction, then you would be lost. Without survivability, monsters would waste little time picking your bones clean. And a lack of tracking skills meant that you wouldn't have picked up on the faint, but visible footprints in the ground. About 100 Infantrymen are recommended by the Head Scout to take the Survival Test. Yet, only 25 soldiers can pass, marking that same number of success rate percentage-wise."

"Was there a time limit?" I asked her.

"You had two days. I took the test and was the first to return, not to mention recording the quickest time. But still, it didn't earn the respect of the other scouts," Auntie explained.

"At that point, what would it take? They had to warm up to you eventually," Mama pointed out.

Auntie shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, sure. After Black Monday."

"Black Monday?" I repeated.

"Easily the darkest day in Freedom Fighter history and one Edenian Historians ignore," she answered.

Mama was confused, and so was I. Auntie of my time never told me of this before. And it's clear to see that Mama never knew such a day existed. I bet there is a cold hard truth as to why that was the case.

"What happened on Black Monday?" I asked.

Auntie took a deep breath. "I'm surprised Butterface didn't tell any of you what happened, considering he was there when it happened. The reason why it's rarely talked about is that the remaining Edenians knew nothing of it, like you two. Those who were there and their refusal to tell it because they don't want Edenia's seemingly heavenly like aura to be tainted, like Sindel or Jerrod, if they were around. Or they could be like me."

"And what category do you fall under, sister?" Mama asked.

"Those who were there but just didn't want to relive that day. Until now, anyway." Auntie said as she got comfortable. "Let's wind back the clock a bit."

Trigger Flashback: 10,500 years ago; Edenian Wastes

Callie's POV

During that time, a rebellion evolved or, in some cases, devolved into a civil war. Most of the rebels were Freedom Fighters, the cockiest and most egotistical of the bunch. However, most of them had skills in tactics and battlefield experience as they were all either Infantry or in the running for the position of Head Scout.

It was at this point the war was at its bloodiest.

Casualties plagued both sides, and since both sides were all Edenians, that means we were murdering our own. It mattered to me back then because I still cared for the Edenian people. I just got promoted to Scout, and the camp just learned of the circumstances of my promotion. General Muraco had summoned the new crew of Scouts into his tent, roughly three times the size of this hut.

"Scouts! Not a moment too soon! The Infantry is about to do battle with the Rebels north of here. They are currently marching there as we speak. I need one of you to go ahead of them to scout the perimeter and report to the frontliners. Who will take on this task?" General Muraco informed us.

There were 15 of us as we all passed the Survival Test. Among them was myself and that pompous brat, Rain. Back then, I had no reason to hate him yet. He was gunning for Head Scout already despite being a regular Scout for mere days, proving he was in over his head.

No one stepped forward as we were admittedly fighting a losing battle. Save for the General, everyone was pretty full of themselves despite his rigorous training regimens. I didn't want to do it since I was better off in the backline, tracking and tracing enemy steps for information. But General Muraco was the only one who knew of my accomplishments in the Survival Test.

"Maddox! Front and center!" he practically demanded.

I hair stood on end from the bellowing of my name. I frantically moved so he could see me as I was behind everyone, standing at attention before him. "Yes, General?"

"I'm surprised with your performance in the Survival Test on top making history as the first female Scout of the Freedom Fighters. I suspected you to be more enthusiastic about the prospect of silencing your critics," the General praised before questioning my subdued expression.

"Sir, I will silence my critics when they reveal themselves." I simply replied. "It's bad enough I had to work three times as hard as every other soldier in this army due to my relation to Doctor Maddox. I've nothing left to prove from the way I see it."

General Muraco could do nothing but smirk at my response. "Well said, Maddox. I am giving you this task. I know you won't let me down."

"General, most of the Infantrymen don't respect me despite my superior position. What if they don't take my warning after I finish scouting the area?" I questioned.

"If they don't take your advice and get injured or killed, that's their problem. You have your orders, now go!" General Muraco commanded.

"Yes, General!" I immediately moved out of the tent with nothing but the echoes of General Muraco's orders to the other Scouts fading out of earshot.

Soon enough, I heard the sound of melded footsteps, meaning the frontliners of the army were here. Among them, I saw who would eventually be my top Scout, Ryuji. From what he told me, Black Monday was his first day in the army. Satisfied with the frontliners' position, I moved farther ahead, not stopping until seeing two rebels. Finding a suitable hiding spot, I eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Is the army coming soon?"

"They are marching this way as we speak. Are the archers ready?"

"Yes. They are in a Pincer position high up in the trees. The main path is blocked off so they will travel through the forest, and when they do, we'll let the arrows fly, virtually hitting all of them. When they are injured, the soldiers hiding behind the husks will finish them off." The rebel finished as they both went back to what I assume was their camp.

I frantically moved to catch up to the marching infantrymen, and when I found them, I immediately reveal myself.

"At last, a Scout comes to reveal what lays ahead, even if it is from a green female scout," the soldier leading the march said before snickering. "What do you have for us, girl?" He asked me with a definite undertone of condescension.

Immediately, I frowned at the soldier's crass. "Female or not, I am still your superior. So shut up and listen." That earned me an angry look from him. As if I cared. "The Rebels are waiting in the forest to ambush you as the main path is blocked off. Archers hide in the treetops and will pelt you all with arrows. Rebels are hiding inside tree husks to finish off those who weren't killed by the arrows." I flawlessly recited the plan. "Find a separate road in the forest to avoid the ambush. Simplicity itself."

The leader, still salty about my previous comment, continued to demean me. "We don't have to take orders from a Scout who got lucky during the Survival Test and got a fluke time."

My face showed indifference to the comment. "If you don't take the suggestion, you will die. All of you perishing after ignoring my observation will not negatively affect me in any way, shape, or form. The General's words, not mine, if not paraphrased. Use your head before your pride gets you all killed. Some of you have families to go home to."

He didn't get a chance to retaliate as I took my leave. As a Scout, you can't interfere in a battle with the Infantrymen as you have to report the death toll afterward. I followed them as they made it to the blockade and headed into the forest. Most of them paid no attention to my observations, ignorantly marching straight into the rebel's ambush. The only one who took my suggestion to heart was Ryuji, continually looking up as they continued deeper into the forest.

That's when all hell broke loose.

In an instant, arrows struck them all with no remorse. The army was thrown into disarray in mere minutes, half of them already dead from the onslaught. The heart, lungs, and kidneys were the main target areas, and if unlucky enough, heads were struck. Blood and guts decorated the dark trees serving as a canvas for the victims' blood. Those who were still alive were sprawled on the ground, ignoring their fellow comrades entirely while assessing their wounds. The arrows missed their vital organs, hence why they managed to live.

But then the rebels hiding within the husks mutilated the survivors, using lances, swords, and axes. They took no survivors and slaughtered the injured. It was this lack of mercy that placed them in the winner's circle at the time, and I was a first-hand witness. But Ryuji, being smart, played dead so he wouldn't have gotten killed. I take my Combat Knife that Benji just gave me and the one I would use for millennia until Argus broke it and quickly rushed in on the perpetrators.

The first one was none the wiser as I slit his throat. I took out a throwing knife, and tossed it at the one west of him, lodging itself in his cranium as he fell. The third swung his axe at me but missed wildly. I jammed my knife into his leg before repeating the same action through the bottom of his head, allowing me to lay my eyes on the last rebel. I ran in and stabbed him multiple times in the heart, blood spurting out, which landed on my Duster and face, my body entirely covered in blood.

As soon as he fell to the ground, I checked for survivors. Most of them were dead, the archers successful at aiming for their vital organs. Ryuji remained motionless when I reached him, kneeling down to get a better look at his wounds.

"They're all gone. Are you still alive?" I asked quietly.

He raised his hand, albeit slowly, proving that he was alive.

"You played dead, smart move." I complimented before inspecting his person.

The arrows hit him around his heart and larynx. He was alive but bled profusely.

"There is blood on your face," Ryuji uttered weakly.

"My appearance should be the least of your worries, soldier," I retorted. "What's your blood type?"

"O." Was all he could say.

A miracle if I ever heard one.

"Good, we're the same blood type." I rolled up one sleeve before obtaining my knife to make a small incision on my arm. "Here, suck on this. You need some blood if you're going to survive. Don't question me, soldier. Just do it."

He relented and sucked my oozing wound. I slung his arm over my shoulder and began carrying him. My arm was throbbing, but it was nothing to what he felt. I maneuvered us both out of the now blood-drenched forest back to the camp. The other Scouts and Infantrymen stared at me with wide eyes as I eventually made it to the General's tent. I entered, and he and the Head Scout mirrored everyone else's looks. I eased him onto a medical table.

"Get him to my brother ASAP," I said before leaving the tent so I could apply ointments to my arm wound.

End Flashback: Dakini's POV

"What a horrifying image," Mama said, dread all over her expression.

I was left speechless by Auntie's storytelling ability in conjunction with the horrors that story entailed. A part of me boiled in anger at the mere thought of our own killing each other in a deadly civil war. No wonder Auntie had a sore spot for our home.

"News of that spread around the camp like wildfire, and it was what put me in General Muraco's good graces. For two months, everyone called me the Edenian Grizzly Bear due to coming back looking dirty and rugged with a dying soldier. It also what earned me the respect of the entire army, though it took the deaths of every mainline infantryman. They didn't listen to me, so what can you do? It was most likely Black Monday, on top of my Survival Test, that convinced the General to put me in the running to become his successor. But that would be a millennium later." Auntie finalized as she stretched out. "What an eventful day. It's getting late. You two should head to your huts, and we'll talk about our plans in the morning.

"Of course, Auntie. Good talking to you." I said as I gave her a hug.

"The feeling's mutual, Kiddo." She backed away. "Now, run along."

She and mother nodded to each other as we left. "Come, Dakini," Mama said.

When we got to the heart of our camp, Mama stopped walking. "She certainly is strong."

I nodded. "Uh, huh. Auntie certainly is a grizzled veteran and one of the mentally strongest people I know."

"I agree, child. She hides her pain well, albeit too well due to a lack of trust in those around her. In time, she'll be more open to us." Mama laid a hand on my shoulder. "Give her time. You should go get ready for bed."

A yawn left me. "Alright, Mama. I'll talk with you tomorrow. Love you."

She smiled. "I love you too."

We hugged before departing to our separate huts. Hamlet was already asleep when I stepped inside. Such a cute dog. I took my vest and headdress off before getting into my bedroll. Sleep took me quicker than usual tonight.

A/N: Alright!

Not much to say here, but GbNF is almost a year old. To think that much time has passed since starting this story. I know what I was a year ago in April 2019. I was a moderately depressed College Sophomore. Now, I'm a motivated College Junior. A lot can change in a year, that's for sure.

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Currently listening to: Flava in Ya Ear (Remix) by Craig Mack featuring, Biggie, Rampage the Boy Scout, LL Cool J, and Busta Rhymes