Fie did her best to keep a yawn from spilling out as she sat at the table while waiting for Rean to start the meeting. She wasn't especially tired, per se, but a long boring meeting was absolutely not what she wanted to be doing during their free afternoon. Even after Laura had somehow turned her reveal against her and got her in trouble with others Fie had still been having quite a lot of fun hanging out with the others and enacting her vengeance against Machias.
...Who was still glaring at her from his seat near her as he cradled his glasses protectively in his hands. It didn't help that Jusis had been mocking him about it ever since the vice-president confronted her about the theft, which she appreciated.
Still, it wasn't as if Fie didn't understand the importance of this meaning even if she had a good idea as to how it would go. While none of them were too keen on fighting alongside the Imperial Army, it was a far better alternative than joining the Noble Alliance. At best she could see them working towards their goals in an independent manner removed from the government's chain of command, but still close enough to not be seen as enemies.
"I've thought long and hard about it, and I think we as a class need to find a third way." Rean finally began. "A path of our own, separate from the ones the Reformist and Noble Factions are taking."
She barely withheld her smirk at calling it so effectively. None of the others seemed particularly surprised by that declaration either, and that included Captain Claire who was at the end of the table along with the other adults who had supported them thus far.
The discussion shifted towards what they could actually do, with her even chiming in on occasion. Realistically she knew that as students – even as talented as they were – there wasn't all that much they could do to alter the course of a war on their own. They were gonna be going against an army with tens of thousands of soldiers and plenty of airships, tanks, and soldats, after all.
But that was on their own. Not many teenagers were in possession of a Divine Knight like they had. While it wasn't unbeatable she knew just how effective a small group with that kind of firepower could be if leveraged correctly. Thanks to Valimar they had the capability to make a real difference.
"Hmm..." Millium mused aloud, getting to the core of the matter. "What're gonna do, then? Even if we agree on not siding with either of the factions, I'm preeetty sure each of us have different stuff we want to do. And different things that we have to do, too."
Rean nodded along. "Yeah, that's true. For my part, I need to rescue Elise and Princess Alfin from the Noble Alliance's clutches."
"I'm concerned about Dad, too, what with them having him under arrest..."
"I still can't get in contact with Fiona, either." Elliot continued after Machias finished. "I'm glad I was able to see Dad, but I'm worried about her."
"For me, I'm worried about Roer as a whole." Alisa echoed the others. "It's a a huge relief to see you're all right, Sharon, but Mother's still unaccounted for."
On it went. Laura was still worried about her missing dad, Jusis was more concerned about having to fight his family, and Emma just wanted to question Vita as to why she was now with Ouroboros. It seemed like all of them except Gaius had some real connection to this war.
For her part, while she did have plenty of questions for Xeno and Leo, that was of secondary concern to her. Like the others she wanted to protect her family, except hers was in that room with her. In a perfect world none of them would have had reason to fight and they could have simply enjoyed their peaceful days together.
But it was not a perfect world. The others had their reasons to fight and they were her reason to fight. So she was going to fight. It was that simple.
"You're going to need to decide on a more specific course of action, though." Sara pointed out. "Resolving to find a third way is a start, but only a start. It also leaves plenty of questions that need to be answered on top of it all."
While agreeing with Sara on anything went against all her principles, there was no denying she had a big point. Wanting to save the princess, rescue imprisoned family members, and liberating cities were all well and good, Fie had absolutely no idea where to start on any of them. Even with a Divine Knight that all currently felt very... optimistic.
Rean hummed thoughtfully. "...Well, then how about this? Let's figure out right now whether or not we want to keep using Ymir as our base of operations."
Celine – who actually seemed to be rather interested in the conversation – decided to chime in from her seat next to Emma. "Just so we're clear on this, there's a limit to how many people can use the Spirit Path at any one time. And with as many people as we have now, I'm not sure how useful it's going to be at this point."
"And we're limited on how frequently we can use it." Emma added. A shame, as having the ability to teleport around the country was extremely useful and cool in Fie's opinion.
"But we're also just as limited on where we can go otherwise." Machias refuted. "We haven't exactly been the most subtle group around. Who's to say we can even operate elsewhere?"
And that was the problem. They couldn't really do much while based in Ymir, but there wasn't anywhere else they could safely go that would suit their goals. "There's got to be something that only we can do..." She tiredly muttered aloud.
Despite the pessimistic back and forth Rean did not appear deterred as he nodded in agreement to her. "I don't know what it is, but I know it exists – and I'm sure that we'll find it. The best thing we can do now is keep talking things out until we find a way. There's no point in rushing into a decision."
"Well, doesn't this look fun?" Came a voice that didn't belong to any of them. That said, it was a familiar voice, one that jolted Fie from her drowsy state and put them all on guard. "Mind if I joined in?"
"What in the world...?"
"It couldn't be..!"
"Vita?!" Emma cried out, placing a name to the voice.
They all watched in mute horror as that weird bird appeared out of thin air before conjuring an image of the Ouroboros Anguis, just like how Rean had described it before. "It's lovely to see you again, Emma. You were finally able to reunite with all of your classmates. I'm happy for you. Really, I am. The Goddess was on your side after all, hmm?"
Briefly Fie contemplated shooting the bird. Sure shooting the messenger wouldn't actually accomplish anything, but shutting up the annoying witch would certainly make her feel better. Reluctantly she refrained, as even though she was sure whatever was coming next would be very bad for them she still wanted to hear it for herself.
"Where are you?" Emma asked, her voice a mixture of worry, confusion, and a little bit of longing as she talked with her older sister for the first time.
The Azure Abyss let out a mocking giggle. "I'm not far at all. Listen closely, now."
As much as she hated listening to an enemy, she did as told. And that was when she heard it. The distant rumble of very large and very powerful engines. From above. She paled in stunned realization as she figured out what it meant. As one Class VII and allies drew their weapons and raced out the door to see the horrifying truth above.
"I-Isn't that the Noble Alliance forces' flagship?!" Alisa exclaimed as they beheld the gargantuan airship hovering stationary above the small village. A ship that could carry thousands of soldiers and dozens of Panzer Soldats, as they had witnessed at the capital.
In short, Fie knew without a shadow of a doubt that they were in serious trouble.
"But why now!?" A frustrated Sara asked, not really expecting any sort of answer.
But she got one anyways. "Why, because our preparations are finally complete." Turning they witnessed the return of Vita, but this time in person and not an illusion. "Good day to you all, Class VII. Hmm... As nice as it would be to finally give you a hug, Emma, I wouldn't want to keep our guest of honor waiting any longer, so without further ado..."
Before anyone could ask for clarification they heard it. Fie had been worried about the arrival of an army of soldiers and mechs, but instead what came down from the Pantagruel was far worse. A single machine, glowing a bright blue as it flew down from the skies before hovering above them. "It can't be... Isn't that...?" Elliot muttered aloud.
"The Azure Knight." Rean said, confirming what they all knew. "Crow."
"Long time no see, guys." She wasn't sure what to think as she heard the familiar voice of someone she still considered a friend. Sure being a jaeger meant that those you fought alongside one day could be an enemy the next, but even when facing Xeno and Leo she knew it wasn't personal. This however...
"Is that really you, Crow?" She wondered if Laura was feeling the same conflict within her. A friend who had seemingly made it his life's work to constantly interfere in the happiness of his former classmates.
Unlike her and the rest of Class VII, there was no conflict in Captain Claire. "C... You damn terrorist!"
"Heed my call! Valimar!" Sure Rean summoning his own Divine Knight was inevitable given the circumstances, but Fie couldn't help but feel a deep unease at the sight. It was obvious that Rean had gotten a lot better at piloting a Divine Knight, to the point where regular soldats were no match anymore.
But this was Crow in his own Divine Knight. The last time they had fought Rean had been painfully outclassed and she didn't think his improvements were enough to overcome that experience barrier. Still, they at least had the combat links to even the odds a bit...
Or at least that was what she thought until the situation grew a whole lot worse. It seemed that Vita wasn't out of tricks as other enemies started teleporting into Ymir. The weird knight she and Laura had fought, the immensely dangerous fire enforcer, the crazy Phantom Thief B, the little girl she assumed was Altina. And worst of all...
"Long time no see, kiddos. You doin' all right, Fie?"
"I see the Purple Lightning has joined your ranks."
"Xeno... Leo..."
As much as she wanted to see them and ask some questions, now absolutely was not that time! Rean needed her help and these two were going to prevent that from happening. Even with the entirety of Class VII and their powerful allies on hand Fie wasn't sure if they could break through the array of enemies in time to help Rean in his own inevitable battle.
"This could pose a problem." Sharon stated, her normal levity gone. "Why send so many powerful allies here, and all at once?"
"Heh." Came a surprising but still entirely unwelcome voice as yet another enemy teleported in. Beside her Jusis stiffened in recognition. "You've proven to be rather formidable adversaries, after all. It wouldn't do to underestimate you."
"Rufus!" Sure enough, now standing before them was Rufus Albarea, one of the key members of the Noble Alliance and Jusis' older brother.
Unlike the others standing against them Fie had no idea just how powerful the noble was, but the way he looked completely unconcerned by their group was worrisome. It was the same nonchalance an elite jaeger would use when faced with inferior foes. "I'm pleased to see you all again, ladies and gentlemen of Class VII." He kept up pretenses as the perfect noble, even on a battlefield! Turning away from the rest of them he focused on Jusis, who looked so shocked and worried. "As for you, dear brother, I was told that you'd run away from home. It does my heart good to see you safe and sound. So, you've finally gathered up the will to make the difficult choices life's set at your feet, I presume? Even if those choices place you in my line of fire?" Despite the threat it almost seemed like Rufus was proud of Jusis.
"...Yes, I have." The younger brother finally responded after a long pause.
Now they had seven extremely dangerous enemies opposing them, not counting Crow and Ordine. Things truly had hit rock bottom. "The Noble Alliance is pulling out all the stops to finally get rid of us, aren't they?" Alisa muttered in horrified realization.
At least Sara and the other adults seemed to be keeping their cool despite the odds being so stacked up against them. "Rean, we'll take care of everything here. You and Valimar have your own battle to fight!"
Toval, Claire, and Sharon followed Sara's lead in moving to engage Xeno, Leo, and the Ouroboros agents who happily met their charge head on. The battle that began was so far above them that Fie couldn't help but hesitate a little, and it seemed that she wasn't alone in that feeling as the rest of Class VII held back.
"Well," Crow began from inside his machine. "what do you say we get started?" With that a battle began that easily eclipsed the one taking place on the ground.
After a brief clash of Divine Knights Rean took Valimar into the air and began retreating out of the village with the obvious intent of keeping Ymir safe. Crow didn't seem all that bothered as he followed at a leisurely pace. By all accounts, that was a good move as a battle between those two could very easily end in the total destruction of Rean's hometown.
On the other hand, Fie absolutely hated him for his selfless decision. By taking the battle elsewhere he ensured that even if Class VII were able to make it through the wall of really strong opponents opposing them it would still be really hard for them to support him in his battle. Support that she was sure he would need if he hoped to best the more experienced Crow.
But even if Rean were still there for them to help him they first needed to help themselves. And with Sara and the others being outnumbered, Class VII needed to find a way to help however they could. No plans were made as no plan would survive against such experienced foes. Instead as one they drew weapons and moved in to assist-
"Always in a rush, aren't you?" Oh, right. Rufus didn't engage alongside the others. "Stay where you are. I'll serve as your opponent today."
"You... You will?" Perhaps having a jaeger corp as her family wasn't the worst thing in the world, as Jusis seemed so conflicted as he stared his brother down after just opposing his father.
A conflict that his brother did not share as he let out an amused laugh. "I'd rather our intrusion cause as little inconvenience as possible for the people of this village." The noble drew a sword similar to the one Jusis used. "I'll let you make the first move. It's been quite some time since I last instructed you in fencing, Jusis. I look forward to seeing how you've improved."
Although Rufus appeared relaxed as he faced them down, Fie could see his eyes darting between each and every one of them, cataloging their locations and movements. The way he positioned his feet for quick movements. His blade held at the ready with ARCUS in his free hand... "His guard's perfect!" She warned the others.
"Stay alert! Rufus is a master of court fencing." Jusis confirmed. "We'll need to put all we have into this battle to even stand a chance against him!"
"I would have it no other way!" Fie wasn't sure if she shared in Laura's confidence, but at least it was reassuring that the girl was the same as always.
As the fastest member of Class VII it was usually her who ended up making the first move - a role she relished greatly – and this fight was no different. Darting forward she tried to catch Rufus off guard. But while most nobles tended to be suckers who fell prey to a good old surprise attack he appeared to be the exception as his knight sword immediately met her gunblades.
She was about to try again, but found herself moving out of the way as the Noble Alliance's Chief Of Staff raised his ARCUS to fire off an art she hadn't known he was preparing. It was a moot point, however, as it quickly became clear that she hadn't been the intended target as a beam of light shot well off from her previous position. What it did, however, was both stop Millium's own advance and force Alisa to abandon her own efforts at casting an art.
Two people who hadn't been forced away were Laura and Gaius and together the two engaged the adversary. Fie knew from experience just how terrifying Laura was and Gaius was no slouch at all with his pinpoint spear thrusts from mid-range, so seeing Rufus take them head on without hesitation was concerning. He wasn't so foolish as to parry Laura's heavy sword with his lighter blade, instead dancing around her strikes like a trained dancer while deflecting the Nord's strikes with his sword.
Fie thought it odd he hadn't been taking the offensive, but soon realized he had intentionally been keeping the two between him and the ranged users of Class VII. He was using their numbers against them! Instead of immediately returning to the fight Fie decided to slink into the shadows and wait for an opening.
The man grew a large smile once his younger brother appeared poised to join the fray. Immediately the older man switched from defense to offense and forced Laura back with a barrage of rapid-fire sword thrusts before firing off a mirage art towards Gaius. The return art Emma fired his way was avoided with contemptuous ease as he stood against his brother with wide smile still plastered on his face. "Ah, Jusis. It has been a while since we last sparred, has it not? I am looking forward to seeing how you've improved since joining Thors."
Jusis didn't rise to the words, instead bringing his own sword to bear in a clash of steel. Fie supposed it was interesting watching two fencers fighting, but the fact that Rufus so clearly outmatched his younger brother made itself known very early on. Despite the disadvantage he possessed in strength, speed, and skill, Jusis fought on with determination and Rufus didn't appear all that inclined to stop him just yet.
Since he seemed so focused on testing his brother Fie tensed herself to strike... But found herself beaten to the punch as Millium finally entered the fray with a shout. Lammy's big fist would normally be enough to worry most foes, but not Rufus Albarea. As had previously been the case when pressed, the noble already had an art prepared and fired it off towards the combat shell. Quickly abandoning her assault Millium was forced to erect a barrier to deflect the attack. "While I appreciate that my brother has made close friends, I do request that you keep out of our spar."
Despite addressing the words to Millium the noble leader wasn't looking at the bunny. He was looking directly at her hiding spot. Did he know she had been about to attack?
"My. It does seem that you have improved a great deal since our last spar." Rufus commented as if he were merely chatting about the weather. "You have gotten stronger, faster, and your footwork is much improved too. Still..." With a deft riposte the younger Albarea found himself staring owlishly at his empty hand after being disarmed. "...You have a ways to go before you can think about turning your ideals into reality."
With Jusis temporarily out of the picture the others moved to attack. Fie continued to hold herself back, desperately searching for any opening in the man's guard. As she watched the man fend off Laura, Elliot, and Machias at the same time she began to suspect no such opening would be presenting itself.
Rufus Albarea was no Rutger Claussell. Nor was he a Sigmund or Baldur Orlando. Those monsters were true terrors of the battlefield with the strength and ruthlessness to make it through any conflict. Many times in her life had she witnessed Boss unleash inhuman feats in order to make impossible situations possible. They were juggernauts of war.
But if she had to classify Rufus as something, it would be a genius of the battlefield. Fighting multiple enemies at the same time was no difficulty for the man as he was able to read the conflict and multitask effortlessly. The way he avoided around Laura in such a way as to ruin Machias's shot, all the while firing off a quickly prepared Luminous Ray at Elliot made it crystal clear to Fie that every action was premeditated. There were no wasted movements at all.
There was also the fact that the man seemed annoyingly keen on chatting in the middle of the fight. "I am sure the Viscount must be quite pleased with your progress." He praised even as he sent Laura flying with an energy blade from his sword.
"I have recently had the fortune of sparring against General Wallace." He informed Gaius as he weaved around the Nord's thrusts. "Perhaps after the war he would be willing to offer you some pointers to improve your spearmanship?"
"I'm delighted that my brother has made a friend like you!" He praised Machias even as he put on a burst of speed that brought him into melee range with the gunner. Like his rival Machias soon found himself disarmed. "I have high hopes for the future of this country if more individuals emulate the two of you."
He wasn't even mocking them either! It was as if he was still taking his role as director of the school seriously despite being on opposite sides of the battlefield, offering praise and advice even as he thoroughly dismantled the group. In a way it reminded her of Sara, except without the teasing.
In a way that somehow made her even angrier.
Her thoughts were put on hold as she felt a combat link being established with her. Through it she understood Laura's thoughts: We'll hold him here. You go help Rean.
While a part of her chafed at the idea of leaving their friends behind, it was clear that the older Albarea had no real intention of harming any of them. And from a far distance it was painfully clear that Valimar was being pushed back by Ordine and probably couldn't hang on much longer. Decision made the former jaeger took one stealthy step towards the Divine Knight-
"I am afraid I cannot allow you to do that, Miss Claussell." And found face to face with their opponent as the noble cast yet another art, but this one was no mere ray of light. Instead he summoned an entire demonic arm that fired a burst of energy in front of her, obliterating the entire area and forcing her far away from her target. "I must ask that you remain here for a little while longer. But I am quite certain this will all be over momentarily."
With strength borne from desperation she and the rest of Class VII renewed their attack in a last-gasp attempt to break the stalemate. Relying on their combat links they were able to coordinate their efforts better and slowly their efforts began to pay dividends as Rufus was pushed back rege by painful rege under their combined offensive. They could win! They just needed a little more time-
Time which they did not have as a loud crashing sound resounded through the town, putting a halt to all ongoing battles as all knew what it signified. As much as she really didn't want to, her gaze was drawn towards the noise and what it meant. As expected, Valimar was on the ground with Ordine above, weapon held at the ready.
"Well, I suppose that's that." Rufus mused aloud as he wiped off a hint of dust from his jacket. "Well, I won't deny that was an entertaining diversion, but you'd do well to intensify your training regimen if you hope to best me."
Fie glared in impotent fury at the man who had so casually made a mockery of her newfound resolve and determination. But that anger was tempered by fear. The fear of what was to happen next.
The answer to that question arrived a few seconds later when Vita cast a spell, causing a window to appear in the sky. In it was a face she had never seen before, but one that wasn't at all hard to figure out. "My apologies for not coming down to speak with you in person, ladies and gentlemen of Thors Military Academy. You know who I am, of course, but I am Duke Cayenne, ruler of the Lamare province, and supreme leader of the Noble Alliance."
The attire and arrogant attitude of the noble as he looked down upon them from the sky gave Fie all the info she needed about this man. He was one of the bad nobles. A fact that was made especially apparent when he began to mock Laura and Jusis about their decision to stand with Class VII.
But that disdain was nothing compared to what came next, when the Duke turned his attention towards the two Divine Knights. "Rean Schwarzer. I had this meeting arranged because I wanted to speak with you. Perhaps the method was a touch too garish for something so simple, but do forgive me for not formally requesting an audience."
"...With me...?" Rean sounded tired and confused, but at least he didn't sound hurt. She could at least give Crow credit for that small mercy this time.
"With you." Cayenne confirmed with a laugh. "Allow me to get right to the point. I wish to invite you, Ashen Chevalier, aboard our flagship."
"Wait... Why?"
Once again the enemy leader let out a laugh. "I've heard all about your magnificent exploits across the land. And so I thought it would be nice to sit down and have a long, pleasant chat with you. About the future, the present... as well as your future."
Hold on... Was this guy seriously trying to recruit Rean into the Noble Alliance? The very idea was so crazy that had the situation been any different she might have laughed. Surely the smarter people on their side must have known the insanity of that too, so why would they bring that giant airship and all their elites to Ymir like this?
"Should you accept my invitation, we will withdraw peacefully from Ymir." Of course! This was a hostage situation and they all were the hostages. "Furthermore, I give you my personal assurance that we will leave this village alone for the duration of this war. A fine proposition, is it not? Are we interested?"
The small part of her brain that was still thinking rationally understood that this was a smart tactic. Even if they might be able to prevail against all the elites arrayed against them eventually, they had no chance against Crow or the Pantagruel. She couldn't see any option available to Rean except for him to take the offer.
The rest of her was just angry. Angry at Rean for what he was about to do. Angry at herself for not being strong enough to protect him even after vowing to do just that. Angry at Xeno and Leo for being their usual stubborn selves. But most dominant of all, she was angry at Duke Cayenne and the rest of the nobles for once again tearing her family apart. She hadn't had much personal stake in the war until now, but the nobles had just made an enemy out of her.
"And I promise that I'm not going anywhere again anytime soon" Rean's words, from that morning. That promise he had made to them had to mean something, right? P-Perhaps he could think of a solution out of this mess that didn't involve going with them...?
"Very well." Rean agreed, unknowingly breaking her heart. "Allow me to accept your invitation."
"It seems the time has come for us to part ways once again." Rufus informed the group even as Xeno, Leo, and the others began teleporting away. "But remember this: you're an Albarea. There is power and dignity in that name, to whatever end you would use it. I want you to prove that the convictions you cling to are worthy of your loyalty. Not for my benefit, but for yours."
Jusis reached out a hand to stop his brother, but it was the call of another that drew their attention. "Lord Rufus!" Cried out Rean's father as he hobbled his way towards the group.
"Well met, Lord Schwarzer." Rufus bowed his head slightly in respect. "It's a pleasure to see you again. Allow me to extend my apologies for the harm my father visited upon this town and its people."
"Never mind that!" As bad as this was for her, Fie couldn't help but wonder what was going through the mind of Rean's parents right now. "What do you intend to do with my son?! And what is a promising young man like yourself-"
A raised hand cut him off. "We're simply going to borrow young Rean for a short while. There's nothing to worry about. I'm a busy man these days, though, so for now, I bid you adieu." And with a flash Rufus too was gone.
Class VII could only watch in impotent horror as Valimar pulled itself off the ground before turning towards them. "I'm sorry... but I'll be back, I promise! So stay safe!" That absolute jerk, making another promise like that right after breaking his last one!
But as much as she wanted to say that – or anything – to him, she couldn't, as at that moment Valimar and Ordine took off towards the Pantagruel. "Reeeean!" Someone cried out painfully as he departed from view.
It was only when her throat started hurting that she realized it had been her.