Chapter 67

As long as we are alive, the journey will never stop.

Magno Vivan (Vandread)

Poem 'Sun In Night' (with some changes) belongs to TAZZ

Three hours after the event in Geffen, Elraven, Fiorentin, Felicia, and Frea have returned to Sagramore's carriages using the butterfly wing. The newfound Prophecy of Eisenheim proved the mission to be successful. Now, as the carriages are stopping to save some power for tomorrow the heroes are resting inside their own respective carriages, preparing themselves for the upcoming war tomorrow morning…

Inside Frea & Elraven's carriage…

It's only normal for us to wonder inside our minds when we learn an inconvenient truth, especially when the truth is about ourselves. For Elraven, the success of finding the Prophecy of Eisenheim is being overshadowed by what Randgris told him, about how his eyes only contain a power without hope.

"You have such a strong eyes, guardian. Deep inside those eyes, I could see power. But unfortunately, I couldn't see hope"

Usually, just one or two statements wouldn't bother Elraven at all, but this time, her words keep echoing inside his head. "What did she mean by hope?" The purple glassed gunslinger asked himself, "Is it my will to protect? Is it my mission? The more I think of it, the more I don't understand".

Seeing her lover sitting and dwindling all by himself, Frea gently approaches him and caresses his head, slowly trying to comfort him. "Elraven" The soul linker slowly calls his name, "If you have something on your mind you can talk about it to me, my dear. There's no need to keep your problem for yourself".

With a passionate look, the black haired gunslinger stares at the woman sitting beside him. "Alright, it's you after all" Elraven puts a little smirk which the soul linker returns by smiling, "I actually promised not to tell the others before tomorrow's war is over, but you also made me promise not to tell about you or Ragnarok until tomorrow's war is over. I guess there's no harm telling you about this, you're a goddess after all".

Elraven told Frea what actually happened inside the secret passageway. Along the telling, the soul linker listens quietly to the gunslinger. When Elraven finishes, Frea keeps quiet for a moment before responding, "Your story was…actually quite expected. I don't know what Randgris was actually doing telling you all the historical stuff, but rest assured, she meant no harm. As for what she said about you having a power without hope…I think I actually understand what she meant".

Elraven's eyes are suddenly filled with hope listening Frea, "Really, Frea?!! You knew what she meant?! Then, please tell me!!".

"Answer me first" Frea quickly replies her lover, "What are you fighting for? Who are you fighting for? If you can give me the right answer, then I will let you know what Randgris meant".

The gunslinger seems stunned upon knowing the question, but he decides to answer nonetheless, "I…I fight to know my past and help Sagramore win this war against Valdomir Kingdom".

"Is that all, Elraven?" Frea questions again with a deeper tone, "Are you sure that is all?".

With a bit hesitation inside his heart, Elraven answers, "Y…yes. That is all".

Frea let out a long sigh before putting a sad face, much to the disappointment of Elraven, "I am sorry, Elraven. But with that kind of answer, I think Randgris was right. Although I cannot see your face, moreover your eyes, I can tell, you only have power, not hope. No one can tell you how you fill those eyes with hope, because only you would know how to fill your eyes with hope".

"Valkyrie Randgris" Elraven slowly comments, "She told me the same thing".

"Because she was right" Frea gives another straight reply, "Only you would know how to find your own hope. Remember this, my dear; a power without a hope is like a bubble in the sea…meaningless".

The gunslinger looks down upon the floor; his heart feels sad after what Frea said to him. But Frea isn't an evil woman; she doesn't want to upset her lover. So, she decides to whisper on his ears and tells him, "But if it's you, I'm sure you will find it…the hope".

No one says anything anymore after that, Frea quickly stands and prepares to sleep, leaving the wondering Elraven alone.

****

Fiorentin gave The Prophecy of Eisenheim to Talia after having a quick discussion with the mentioned librarian, Alphard, General Hagi, and General Dorn. The five decided to postpone the research on The Prophecy of Eisenheim until tomorrow's war is over.

After the short meeting…

Fiorentin and Alphard could be seen walking together among the carriages. Most of the soldiers have been asleep, some of them are still busy preparing their weapons and some others are eating.

"The soldiers have pretty much prepared themselves, don't you think, Fio? Hopefully this is a good sign for Sagramore tomorrow" The male lord knight expresses his thought after watching the soldiers.

"Hopefully" The former princess answered, "Number wise, we outnumbered Elysion Guild by far. We have 57,000 while they only have 50,000 soldiers, but what worries me is their higher ranks warriors. There may be few of them, but I have heard that their powers are unimaginable".

"Do you mean Ifrit and such?" Alphard gets the point of the former princess, "In this case, I could not agree more. I have heard about Ifrit like you witnessed, I also heard about Thanatos Phantom and Great Demon Baphomet, but let's not overestimate the others and their powers before seeing them for ourselves; let's not worry about what we should not. We better concentrate on what we can do for tomorrow. If the higher ranks of Valdomir Kingdom really show themselves and join the war, then all we can do is to fend them off, as much as possible".

Fiorentin smiles and slowly nods, agreeing with the brown haired man, "Thank you, you're right; I shouldn't worry too much about them. I should not forget how important a victory tomorrow is".

"Exactly" Alphard agrees without hesitating, "By defeating and conquering Glast Heim, literally Sagramore would have conquered Rune Midgard. Especially after defeating Lethe Guild, which is actually the along with Elysion Guild, is the biggest conquering guild in Rune Midgard. We are also helped by the fact that the other three guilds are not actively working on Rune Midgard, but their respective areas instead".

Remembering something, Fiorentin speaks with smile, "Take a good look at it, a year ago we wouldn't even dream on conquering Midgard. But in just three months, everything changed. I think Elraven somehow deserves the credit. He cost Valdomir Kingdom a guild and two of their Quarter Kings, he really is a gift".

The last name suddenly stops Alphard from walking and stares directly at Fiorentin, "Elraven, huh? He sure deserves some credit. But I would like to think that he is nothing more than a soldier, and his work was also done because of the others".

"I understand, he's just one soldier" Fiorentin gently argues, "But it's an undeniable fact, that whenever he faces one of the higher ranks of Valdomir, he happened to defeat them, and that helps us a lot. Even now, the words that Valdomir already lost some of its trusted warriors have spread and it opens many opportunity for us to have more alliance. Either from Amatsu or even Einbroch entirely. That's why…I believe he is a gift".

"Einbroch, huh? If I were you, I will not be so sure. They have a different view from us, Fiorentin. I honestly do not believe an alliance between Sagramore and Einbroch would truly ever happen. They view us as primitives, and I think they are nothing but a bunch of barbarians with destructive behaviors" Alphard cynically replies, much to the thoughts of Fiorentin, who didn't reply his words.

Closing his face to hers, Alphard lifts her chin and stares directly to her eyes as if he is warning her about something. "And don't forget" He said with a deepening tone, "Elraven is just one man, Fiorentin. One man can make a change, one man can make a difference, but one man cannot win a war. One man…cannot face the whole kingdom. And let's not forget, originally, he's not even one of us. There's no guarantee he would be on our side forever. Had his country ordered him to do otherwise, he would become our enemy in no time. Think about it carefully, and you will realize that your blissful thought about him is nothing but vain".

Finishes expressing his thoughts, Alphard waste no time to walk away and leave the pink haired girl alone, leaving something for her to be thought about.

****

Meanwhile, inside Felicia's carriage…

Felicia could be seen preparing three cups of tea while George and Olivia are sitting not far from her. The trio decides to spend some time after Felicia returns. The champion and the high priest didn't say any words, making the paladin realize something is going on inside their minds and that troubles them. Being a mother figure, just like she always does, the paladin serves the tea and sit beside her two comrades.

"What is it, now?" The curly yellow haired woman slowly asks with a smile, much to the surprise of the other two, "Don't hide it from me, guys. I can tell whenever you have something that troubles your minds. And just like always, I'm ready to listen".

Having a sip of her tea, Olivia couldn't help but smirking, "Really…you can't just escape from Felicia's mother eyes, do you?". George, having some sips, nods as Olivia continues, "It's nothing important, really. But, Felicia…has you ever wanted to feel…needed by someone else?".

The dark skinned paladin stares at her sister when Olivia continues, "I…feel like nothing but a burden this whole war, doing pranks and jokes, never really doing something useful. Meanwhile, the others have proved themselves. Fio, El, and now even…you".

"Me?" Felicia points at herself.

"Yes, you" The black haired high priest rights her answer, "You contributed a lot upon the finding of The Prophecy of Eisenheim, right? Do you even realize people start regarding you as "Alexandria's right hand woman"? Sometimes, seeing you make me envy. How great you are and how suck I am. People wouldn't believe we're siblings. You are totally useful while I'm totally useless".

Sorrow and pain could be felt from Olivia's statement. Felicia understands what she was talking about. Her feeling, her pain, her wish to be needed, she understands it all. George stares at both sisters, feeling the same way as Olivia does.

"Me too" George slowly admits as Felicia looks at him, "I happen to be the son of one of Prontera greats, but all I could do is screwing up. I have never won facing Valdomir top ranks warrior, heck, I even got a lot of difficulties facing their lower ranks. And the only way for me to escape from my problem is by relying on the strength of others…even some other thing inside me. I want to be needed, but I cannot even do what I believe. Sucks, isn't it?".

The paladin takes a deep long breath upon learning her comrades' problems. She remembers when she told Orc Hero that what drives her is her wish to protect her happiness, which also happens to be her loved ones' happiness. And she knows and believes, enlighten the burden of the two childhood friends sitting not far from her is a part of her wish too.

"Olivia, George" Felicia finally answers after some moment of silence, "It is only normal to feel small and weak, especially at times like these. But you know…we are all needed in this world, this circle of life. There's no such thing as useless or worthless, no. Somehow, someway, someone out there needs you…for whatever reason. There's no such thing as vain existences. Someone needs you, George. Someone needs you, Olivia. All you need is to have the courage to wait, and embrace those people when you finally meet them. Stand still, look up, and take a good look at the world around you. You will meet them, your destined people, just wait and see".

George and Olivia stunned upon listening to her. Her words, echoing inside their minds and their ears, and give them encouragement, the encouragement to live and walk, until they meet the people who need them, and will make them feel needed in return.

"Felicia…thanks. That was…beautiful" Olivia slowly says as she hugs her sister, who quickly returns the hug. George couldn't help but thanking too, "I agree with her. Thank you for your words, Felicia. That was pretty encouraging".

"Your welcome" Felicia slowly breaks the hug, "Now, let's make a promise. Promise me that…we will walk out from the war tomorrow…alive. I don't want any of us die tomorrow. And not to mention you won't meet your destined people if you're dead. So, we must return, alive".

"I will" George promises with an ensuring voice as Olivia follows, "I will!!".

Seeing the other two, Felicia makes up her mind and without hesitation, she says, "Then I will too".

And with a little oath, the night goes darker as the three comrades continue their tea party inside the carriage.

****

At the exact same time, in the generals' carriage…

General Dorn, General Hagi, and Talia could be seen having some tea party just like their kids. "Well, tomorrow's a big war just like many we had in the pasts; are you ready to die just like always, Hagi?" General Dorn teasingly asks his champion friend.

"No kidding, fellas" The old champion answers "The only thing I'm worrying is the safety of our kids. Sometimes, thinking about them entering the battlefield shiver me to death. As a father, I couldn't help but feel sorry for them".

"Cannot agree more" The paladin replies, "My daughters' safety worries me more than the whole war itself".

"Oh, quit it you two" The former head librarian barges in the conversation, "Let's not brag about our children's safety. Why don't we do something other than worrying, instead?".

"And what that 'other thing' might be, my dear?" Dorn quickly asks his wife.

"Praying" Replied the professor, "Let's pray to god and hope not only for our children's safety, but also their futures. I think that is something we as parents could do other than endlessly worrying about them, while its their choice and also our choice to let them enter the battlefield".

The other two best friends look at each other before kneeling side by side with Talia and the three starts praying to god, hoping for their children's safety.

****

Meanwhile, inside Clyde and Sasha's carriage…

Kirigi and Wendy could be seen sleeping quietly in one of the carriage corners (after having another bet of course) when Sasha and Clyde could be seen having some conversations in the other side of the carriage.

"Are you serious, Clyde?" Sasha asks in a worrying tone, "You are going to use 'Berserk' in tomorrow's war?".

"Only if needed" Clyde seriously answered, "Ever since coming to Midgard, I think I have…weakened. Or maybe it's just the enemies who have gotten stronger, I don't really know. But I dislike feeling w have decided to use the Berserk Mode if necessary".

"But that would endanger your safety!!!" Sasha lets out a loud protest, "The last time you tried to use 'Berserk', you nearly killed yourself!!!".

"I know, I realized that" The older of the siblings answered, "But this is also the call of my duty, I have been accepted into Ropera Squad, and I cannot let my weakness hinder my mission. If I have to put my life on the line to fulfill my duty, then I will do it".

Sasha sighs and clenches her fist. She looks away from her brother, and leans to the wall. Clyde approaches her and pats her back, "Don't worry, I will live. You can count me on that one. We will not take a shot if we were to hesitate, right?".

The younger sibling looks at the older one, and slowly replies, "If you die, I will pretend on not knowing you forever, Clyde. I mean it".

Clyde smiles afterwards, feeling grateful for the approval of his sister.

****

Meanwhile, inside an airship floating in the skies of Rune Midgard…

Airship is the main transportation used in Juno, especially because the place is located in the sky and unreachable without the ship. Military'sairship size is usually bigger than the normal ones, upgraded with some heavy artillery on its sides and several rooms and little barracks for soldiers.

Being Ropera Squad's special airship, Pegasus is specialized in war more than the other military airships. More cannons, more rifles with heavier and harder protecting walls and armors. Having one would make the owner feels invincible.

General Eduardo Barragan could be seen standing quietly, with his usual military coat hanging loosely on his shoulders, watching the starry sky from inside one of the meeting rooms. The meeting room is a large round room with the main door in the middle of the room and windows covering half of it.

Emilio and Martina quietly enter the room and greet the waiting General. "Dad, we're here just as you requested" The captain of Ropera Squad reported to the general.

"Good thing you two came earlier. It's only Ty and Hugo now, isn't it?" The older gunslinger, with his usual friendly tone, approaches the other two, "Can anyone tell me where they are?".

"Hugo is here, and he will join us soon after his maintenance. Ty's whereabouts is unknown" Martina was the one who took the initiative to answer. However, Emilio has a better idea, "Maybe Ty is peeking woman in a bathroom, just like he always does. It's not like Valdomir would stop him from doing his daily chores, right?".

"Captain, please refrain from using the word 'peeking' while we're in a formal meeting like this. I also dislike his doings, but words are important to be noticed" Martina, the acting vice captain, politely reminds her captain. But the mentioned captain didn't take it politely, "OK, no word 'peeking' anymore. How about 'observing'? Or maybe 'spying' like he always prefer to use? 'Ty is observing woman in a bathroom', do you like that, Martina? Or do you like 'Ty is spying woman in a bathroom' more, Martina? Which one do you prefer?".

But before Martina could answer,

"I prefer spying, it sounds more artistic".

A sound from their behind make them turn their back and spot Ty is slowly approaching them with Hugo follow him from behind. "Good evening fellow Ropera Squad members, and also good evening to you too, General Ed" The western graced gunslinger greets the other gunslingers politely, much to the dismay of Emilio, "And I am wondering, why is our beloved captain putting a sad expression on his face?".

"Because a certain someone is here where I hope he's not" Emilio harshly answers the eye patched man. Knowing what he meant, Ty slowly nods and calmly responds, "Well, a critique is obviously normal for an artist like me. Your critique has been accepted and taken into consideration".

Too bad, Ty's words only made Emilio angrier, "I was not critiquing you, for god sake!!! That was cynicism!!! Cynicism!!!!".

"One should not take small words inside his heart. I didn't feel critiqued at all, Captain Barragan".

"That's why I said, I was not critiquing you!!!! I was being cynical!!! Don't you even realize it?!!".

"No".

"No? Not at all?!! Not even a bit?!!!".

"No".

"Ty, are you stupid?".

"No".

"So, can you say anything other than 'no'?".

"…No, I guess not".

"I'm talking to you and I demand you talk normally!!!"

"….No".

"Ty, I will kill you, you freaking pervert!!!!!!!" Emilio pulls out his Hyperion as Martina tries to hold him from shooting his ultimate weapon, "Captain, please!!! Get a hold of yourself!!! We still need him!!! You cannot kill him now!!!".

And as if he intentionally wants to make things worse, Ty suddenly grope Martina from behind, taking his time and chances, "Ow, Martina…you really want me alive that bad, do you? Say, why not we go to bed and have some action before tomorrow's big fight with Valdomir?".

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaahhh!!! Let go of me!!!" Martina fights back with everything she had, kicking and punching the smiling Ty relentlessly. Seeing the scene, Emilio takes his chance to assist the female gunslinger. "Let her go, Ty!!! Let her go!!!" Emilio takes this opportunity to beat up the western graced gunslinger with his Hyperion again and again. But even in a bloodied and battered condition, Ty doesn't want to let go of Martina and keep holding her.

"I….won't…let go!!!" A desperate statement could be heard coming from Ty, but the continuous beating gradually weakened him, and finally, with all her might, Martina kicks him right in the groin, "Take this!!!".

DUAGH!!!

"Aaaaaaaakh!!!! Akh….aah!!" Ty slowly collapse to the ground, defeated after so many beatings. Emilio and Martina heavily pants and try to get some air, beating Ty to death took almost all their energies. General Eduardo couldn't help but slowly shakes his head, mumbling, "And they are supposed to be Ropera Squad from the Military of Einbroch? Can't they be calmer like Hugo? I hope this plan works…".

After letting the younger gunslingers calm their selves down, General Eduardo slowly walks in among them. "Ok, guys. I think you pretty much have calmed yourself down. Now, I believe we can talk about our mission properly just like civilized people and Hugo. Right, Hugo?" The general points out to the calm robot which slowly nods as a reply.

"But, dad!! Ty started it!!!"

"I could careless about who started it. I'm here to straighten our mission tomorrow and that's what exactly I'm going to do" The older gunslinger seriously responds to his son's protest, "So, let's begin the briefing for the mission tomorrow".

Martina, Hugo, and Emilio sit on the prepared chair while Ty is still unconscious on the floor because of the pain when General Eduardo begins, "As we have agreed earlier, tomorrow during the battle between Sagramore and Elysion Guild, we will serve as the support for Sagramore. We are to help them at any costs. And rest assured, the entire crews inside Pegasus has agreed upon this mission. This would be a big stepping stone towards the alliance between Sagramore and Einbroch. This is the path to our 'Utopia'".

The other three soldiers listen quietly as General Eduardo finishes his exclamation, "We all knew and realized, what we are going to do is against the decisions of many inside The Military of Einbroch. And not to mention our doings might gain Rekenber Corporation some advantages towards their goals to rule Juno completely. But rest assured, soldiers…".

The general takes some moment of silence before finishing, "Rekenber gaining advantage has been the part of our plan. And we should remember, diversity shouldn't make us feel any different or higher than the others. That's why; we're helping the people in Midgard despite so many controversies from our own people. Good luck on your mission, soldiers. You must return alive, and that's an order".

"Yes, sir!!!" Emilio and Martina straightly answer when Hugo slowly nods. General Eduardo cannot help it but putting a big smile on his face, feeling his trust for his squad will be paid dearly. Without being noticed by anyone, Ty smiled, showing his readiness just like his comrades.

****

An hour before dawn, in Rune Midgard, near Glast Heim…

Elraven could be seen sitting at the top of his carriage, gazing upon the dark stillness of the sky with many thoughts venturing his mind, "I have never thought that I would have a great lack within my own ability…my own power. I don't have hope within my power? Why did she say Felicia, George, and Olivia have it but I don't? If those three have it, then Alexandria must have it too. What do I have as a lack? Is it my will? Is it my mission? The more I think of it the more I don't understand. But…both Frea and Randgris believe I could find my hope. The thing is…how? To whom I should ask? Myself?".

"You know…wondering alone in a night before a war won't do you any good, O Angel of Darkness" A soft voice suddenly came from his behind as Elraven turn his head and spot Fiorentin slowly approaching him.

"And you know…" Elraven calmly responds as the lord knight sits beside him, "Surprising me by coming from the top of my carriage won't do you any good either, O Alexandria. I might have shot you if I thought you were an enemy".

"But you didn't, right? That means you fully regarded me not as your enemy" A confident reply for the purple glassed gunslinger.

Knowing he wouldn't win this 'argument', Elraven rolls his eyes, "OK, alright. There's no way I'm going to win this argument contests against the best debater on Midgard. You win, Alexandria. Just like always".

"Don't say that, you flatter me" Fiorentin lightly punches Elraven's shoulder, "And since when I'm the best debater on Midgard? A lot of people could debate better than me. Sir Alphard and Felicia would be a good example".

"Really? Guess you could nominate me for worst debater, then. I have never been good on debating against anyone".

"You only need more practice…and lose some of your insensitivity".

"That's impossible, you talked about nonsensical things. I losing my insensitivity sound more impossible than George becoming smart".

"Hehehehehe" The lord knight couldn't help but chuckling, "You know, that is so true and so mean. You shouldn't have said that…a good one, though".

The two let some silence hung in the air before Elraven breaks the cold silence. "So, how are things going, Alexandria? Have you prepare yourself for…well, you know….today's war?".

"I prayed all night long, so yeah…I think I have prepared myself" The light pink haired girl answered seriously, "I always pray every night ever since I took this responsibility to lead the soldiers before entering a war. Every night, that's why I….sometimes I don't sleep at all during night".

Elraven stares at the lord knight while thinking, "Wow, hardly ever sleep? Is that why she's here in the first place? She has such a big burden, huh? But, I think I have realized about this. Maybe she could give me a clue for the question that has been haunting me all night long".

"Say, Alexandria" The mentioned lord knight turns her head to Elraven, "Mind if I ask you something?".

Upon listening him, Fiorentin couldn't help but feel challenged, "A question? From Elraven? The most insensitive man on Rune Midgard? This is rare, but I'll take this challenge, what's the question?".

And without anymore hesitation, Elraven asks, "Have you ever feel afraid leading your people on this war?".

"Afraid?".

"Yes, I mean…leading so many soldiers in a battlefield. I know…maybe when you decided that you would take this responsibility; you have steel your heart and your will. And you also got a lot of support from people around you so you will never feel lonely. But well…have you ever feel afraid…even just once?".

Fiorentin didn't answer directly. She stares to the sky before finally answering, "Elraven, before I answer…please tell me how do you see Sagramore, or should I say, Rune Midgard within the last three months you spent in here".

Elraven doesn't know why she asked him that, but he answers nonetheless, "I think…Sagramore…I mean Rune Midgard is more like a family than battalions of soldiers. The people treat each other kindly. The lord knights, the hunters, the champions, and so many others treat each other equally. They greet each other every morning after they wake up from their bed and again before they go to bed at night. When you look upon their faces and their smiles, you would feel their gentleness, their kindness. If I were to be a king, I would want my people to be like them".

His answer startled Fiorentin for a second. But afterwards, she smiles, and then responds, "That was…a good way to illustrate the people in Rune Midgard. Since it was you yourself who said it, didn't you tell me you could feel their kindness? Those kind of people…knowing I fight for those kind of people, so…it's a no, Elraven, I have never felt afraid fighting for them and I never will".

At the exact moment the former princess finishes, Elraven looks directly at her eyes. Her golden eyes looks as if they are glimmering with something, "I knew…and I have realized she has such beautiful eyes. But, what's with that glimmer of light I could see inside her eyes? It's as if…her eyes are filled with…something, but what is it? Is that… a hope? Her hope within her power? So, that's how your eyes are going to look like if you have hope inside them? Glimmering? How beautiful…".

"Don't stare at me like that, Elraven. Do you like my answer or not?" A statement from the former princess snaps Elraven out of his mind as he quickly nods. Seeing him trying to regain his composure, Fiorentin remembers what Alphard told him, that Elraven is only here because of the order from his country. If his country tells him not to side with them, he would do so. And this thought disturbs the former princess all night long.

"Elraven, it's my turn to ask, OK?" The lord knight takes her chance to clarify something with the gunslinger, who quickly turns his attention on her when she asks, "If…your country tells you to stop siding with us and…battle us, would you do what they said? Or would you stay by our side and goes against their will?".

Elraven couldn't believe he would hear such a question from the lord knight, especially because he never even thought about it. But seeing Fiorentin, he urges himself to gives an answer. "I'm…a gunslinger from The Military of Einbroch" The black haired man answers, "There is no way on earth I would disobey the mission my country gives me".

The answer literally knocks Fiorentin's heart, if not shatter it. She couldn't believe what Alphard said was true, that Elraven only fight because of orders, not his own will.

"But as a human and as a friend" Elraven suddenly continues, "There is no chance in hell I would betray my comrades. I would rather die than doing it".

"Does that mean…you would choose to stay with us?" Fiorentin asks with a hopeful tone upon knowing Elraven's answer.

With an ensuring smile on his face, the gunslinger answers, "Yes. And how would I leave you, Alexandria? I'm your angel, remember?".

His ensuring tone calms something inside her mind and her heart, knowing that he wouldn't leave or move just because an order really erases a burden on her shoulders. Not knowing how grateful Fiorentin is, Elraven suddenly remembers something as the thought pops out inside his head, "Come to think of it, you promised me the poem tonight!!! Right, Alexandria?".

Elraven's devils smile got right into Fiorentin's head again, "Uh…yeah, but…uh, the war is today and…".

But Elraven doesn't want to lose this chance, "Uh,no,no,no!!! No other reasoning or argument, Alexandria. Nobody's here to hear you other than me, and I want the poem…now!!!".

Fiorentin clenches her fist when she looks at Elraven's face. He doesn't say anything, but his face looks like as if he is saying, "I want poem! I want poem! I want poem!!".

Making up her mind, Fiorentin finally agrees, "OK, alright. I will recite you the promised poem. Only in one condition!!".

"Name it".

"If you dare to laugh or even giggles when I'm reciting, you will not live long enough to participate on today's war, I guarantee you that!!!" The lord knight pulls out her Claymore and points it right on Elraven's stunned face.

"OK, OK. There will be no laughing or giggling. I promise" Elraven forcefully promised. Fiorentin sheaths her sword and takes a deep long breath. She stands up and closes her eyes, throwing a glance to the smiling Elraven.

"Don't laugh!!!" Fiorentin pulls out her sword again, making Elraven defends himself, "I was not laughing!!! That was only a smile. Don't tell me I couldn't even smile?!! What kind of poetry reading if you can't even smile?!".

Upon arguing, Fiorentin sheaths her sword again. Closing her eyes so she wouldn't see Elraven smiling, she recites,

I sit alone in the night,

Enchanted by the stars' soft light

Lightening splashes the distant sky

And, yet, the air is cool and dry

"Not bad…" Elraven mumbles upon listening her.

I saw a face it then disappear
I'm looking for it running everywhere
I don't know who you are but you are the one I want
If you are an angel I m ready to give up my life

Elraven is an insensitive man, but somehow he feels this poem is dedicated to someone. Who? He does not know.

If this is the only way to be by your side
I now see future of my life
Kids playing in the garden and you are my love
No, don't shatter this dream

Fiorentin has a soft voice. And the more she recites her poem, the more Elraven could feel her softness.

I am happy by just imagining
Everything is now a mess
Because you are the one I miss
I cant believe what's happening with me

Deep inside her heart, Fiorentin knows that perhaps this is not a poem. This is a confession, confession of her feelings. But then again, she doesn't hope too much for Elraven to realize it.

Wherever I see it looks just a dream
Birds start to swim, fishes start to fly
Stars touch my feet, trees touch the sky
Fire seems to get cold and yet it melts the ice

Water start to burn, you have changed everything
And I can see sun in night

Fiorentin slowly opens her eyes as she finishes the final lines of the poem. Looking beside her, she could see Elraven staring with goggled eyes on her. "Bravoooooo!!!!" Elraven shouts and lets out a thunderous applause, much to the embarrassment of the lord knight.

"Bravo, bravo, bravo!!!!! Perfecta, mademoiselle!!!!" Elraven lets out his praise for the former princess, "That was perfect!!! Five out of five!!!! Alexandria, you're born artist!!! That was stunning!!! Magnificent!!! Absolutely gorgeous!!!".

With a red face covering her smile, Fiorentin slowly replies, "Um, thank you. That was nothing, really. Compared to you, my mom, or Frea, I was nothing".

"No,no, Alexandria! That was great for first timer!!!" Elraven cheerfully explains, "The way you recite it….it was like a confession!!! I don't know with whom you have crush with or to whom you point the poem, but he's gotta be one lucky man!!!".

Seeing Elraven exclaims, Fiorentin couldn't help but speaks to herself with a weak smile, "Lucky…but too insensitive to realize it".

"Wow, a great entertainment before a war. I must thank you, Alexandria. You really made my day" The gunslinger, still not realizing her feelings, continue congratulating her when Fiorentin realizes something, "Hey, Elraven…come to think of it, you have never called me by name haven't you?".

"Huh? What are you talking about, Alexandria?".

"See? You always call me 'Alexandria'. You have never called me 'Fio' or 'Fiorentin', right?".

Elraven tries to recall inside his brain, and finds out what Fiorentin said was true, "Oh, yeah…right. Come to think of it…I have never called you by your name".

"Then say it. I want to hear you calling me by my name" Fiorentin quickly replies with a hopeful tone. Elraven puts a weak smile and prepares himself, but couldn't bring his own mouth to it, "I…I can't, Alexandria. I am not you childhood friend or such, and you're a princess, calling you by just your name would be impolite".

"I wouldn't think of it as impolite. I myself want to hear you call my name, no one should protests. Just do it, Elraven. Call me by my name, not by my nickname" A direct reply for the insensitive gunslinger, who still doesn't know what to do.

"Do it, Elraven!"

After she lets out another 'demand', Elraven makes up his mind. "F…f,f…" The gunslinger tries his best to call Fiorentin by her name when the former princess stares at him.

"F…f,f,f…forget it!!!! I cannot do this!!! I cannot bring myself to call you by your name, Alexandria!!! I just can't!!!!" The gunslinger loudly surrenders as the light of dawn finally comes and shines both friends.

"Fine" Fiorentin exclaims with an angry tone, "Just for you to know, Elraven. As long as you cannot or don't want to call me by my name, I would pretend that you do not exist. Therefore, I will not even look at you if you call me".

And with that, Fiorentin leaves the shocked gunslinger alone. "What?! Wait. Alexandria!!! I can explain this!!! Alexandria, please wait!!! Alexandria!!!" Elraven calls her loudly but Fiorentin lived up to her words not looking at him. And as the day of the war finally comes, Elraven looks at the sunshine at disbelieve, "Not at time like this!!!".

****

Meanwhile, inside Glast Heim church…

Beelzephir The Chaos could be seen surrounded by Albert Gahn, Ifrit, Naght Seiger, Great Demon Baphomet, and Thanatos Phantom. They were having the last meeting before Sagramore arrives.

"And that is the plan for the war today, do we have another question, gentlemen?" The white high wizard politely concludes the briefing when no one answer, indicating their plan is clear enough.

"Then, I may excuse myself as the first step of the plan. Good luck" Beelzephir said as he slowly vanishes, leaving the other five monsters to lead the war against Sagramore as Ifrit proclaims to his comrades,

"LET'S GREET THEM WITH HELL!!!"

****

First, I would like to apologize for the very late update. I got an illness and needed to be hospitalized for nearly two weeks and that pretty much hindered me from updating. So, sorry for the late update.

Second, the next chapter is the big war. Wish me luck on writing it!!! (^^)