Hurt & Heal (Arknights)

by Dr. Sebastian

The doctor... A man that took many faces, and many names. But as Amiya wakes up a giant from the sarcophagus in Chernobog, and as Terra more than ever needs a saviour, Doctor Sebastian raises up, ready to pick up a fight. (Arknights x OC)

40. Chapter 38: The young squire

A/N; i'm sick and tired of who has by far the worst uploading system for works. There's some troubles with formatting towards the end of the chapter. Which i didn't manage to fix. Ya'll shall just read on wattpad ngl...

I'm also proud to finally talk about maria nearl event. One of the very first I did, and the first one where I defeated a boss.

She was on her way home from the boxing club that evening. As usual. The ache in her muscles made her slow to find the keys to their flat. A hint of panic seeped through her body when she couldn't find the keys at first, but quickly subsided when she remembered that she'd put them in another pocket. A sigh, and she opened the door, removing her beanie to let her long violet hair cascade down her body. The cold of St Petersburg and the approaching storm could no longer reach her within the walls of their home. She really had to cut them...

She said to herself as she looked at the mirror above the cabinet in the apartment entrance, passing a hand through her hair, and taking off her shoes before taking a few steps.

Olena: I'm home!

Silence.

It just wasn't right. Everyone must have gone home by now, even Yuri would have said hello to her from their room. The walls were thin, and her senses weren't dulled; she heard something in the kitchen, movement and a few words. Walking slowly towards it, she caught an all-too-familiar whiff of blood. Her eyes immediately caught the small stain on the edge of the table. Her pace quickened as she reached the kitchen of the small apartment.

There was her family. Her father was sitting in a chair, having Nicholai stitch up a wound on the back of his neck. Her mother sat opposite the wounded man, holding his hand and caressing it. The atmosphere was heavy, the eyes soaked. All the more so those of their father, who seemed to have been crying profusely.

Olena: What happened...? Where's Yuri?

Her instincts compelled her to ask him.

Viktor: Your brother-

He stopped talking, grunting in pain.

Nicholai: Easy, Dad, don't move...

Olena: What happened?

Nicholai: Yuri ran away.

Olena: So what are we doing here? We have to hurry and find him-

Her hand was gripped by her mother's, forcing him to look into her eyes. Of the three, it was she who most resembled the mute giantess. She tilted her head ever so slightly, her gaze calming the agitated girl, and understanding the movement, she pulled out one of their chairs to sit down and have a quiet chat.

Nicholai: Believe me, I want to go out and get him too. But I've got to sew Dad up first, and you can't go out on your own.

He frowned, his face twitching for a moment, and Olena knew the torrent of emotion running through her brother's mind, for if there was one thing he wasn't adept at, it was showing his emotions. That and trusting anyone but his family.

Viktor: Your brother wanted money and to get out... I refused him, the tone rose, I tried to get in front of him to stop him leaving, then I fell and hit the table. It all happened too quickly... Yulia, do you think he'll come back?

The poor man was lost. As so often in recent years, he didn't know what he'd done wrong to end up like this. And that fueled his despair. Perhaps his wife was as desperate as he was. Again, she tried to speak to express her sadness, to reassure her husband and children. But nothing came out like the day she was born. So she just nodded.

Nicholai removed his glasses before sighing. For a boy who had just turned eighteen, healing such complex wounds was feasible.

Nicholai: I'm going to bandage you up. With the blizzard they're predicting tonight, we won't be able to get you to the hospital...

Olena: We'll stay here tonight...?

No problem, she could run away tonight and look for Yuri.

Nicholai: I already know what you're thinking. Do you really think you can go out in this weather? Even more so on your own? One of us has to keep an eye on Dad during the night, and do you really think you'll be able to get away if you run into someone with bad intentions without Mom?

The young girl gasped and looked at her mother. The mountain of muscle fought as a profession, they knew that, but she looked too shaken to walk the streets at night.

Nicholai: He'll be forced to take shelter tonight too. He's not stupid, he knows he'll freeze to death otherwise. We'll look for him in the morning.
He had walked all night.

The eldest walked to the kitchen sink, rinsing the blood from his hands.

Nicholai: Go to bed. I'll wake you as soon as the sun comes up.

She could have objected, she could have screamed and struggled to defend her opinions, but nothing would change. Something terrible had happened today and she couldn't change it.

With a heavy step she walked to her room, opening the door, closing it behind her, and dropping her bag. Her green eyes landed on the bed on the right-hand side of the room. Yuri's. The size of the apartment didn't allow the two youngest to have their own room, but that wasn't a problem.

Olena and Yuri were twins in every way except that they were actually from the same batch. Nine months separated them, but they'd always been together, in the same class, the same activities, the same games, the same mischief...

Not for nothing did everyone at school call them the twins.

She walked over and sat down on her bed in the left-hand corner of the room, not taking her eyes off the empty bed in front of her, her muscles screaming in pain as soon as she rested. At this point she'd start discussing her day with her brother, her training, she'd start begging him more or less to go back to class with her, to which he'd simply answer soon with a big smile. He was gone.

He'd come back, right?

Of course he'd come back. He wouldn't leave her alone...

She got up and stood on the floor, quickly doing crunches. The effort was the only thing chasing her thoughts away.

She opened her eyes a few moments later. Greeted by a few rays of sunlight illuminating the sandstone ceiling above her head. She rose without a word, the desert heat caressing her skin despite the early morning. Her morning routine was short, even when she combed her long mane of violet hair, inherited from her mother. The most time-consuming part was putting on her armor plates and sunscreen, putting on her gauntlets and making sure her scimitar was in perfect condition. She took one last look at herself in the bronze mirror, which had turned green with age.

It was rare for her to dream of the past.

No problem.

As Olena emerged from her chambers, a score of warriors lined up in front of her to greet her, welcoming her to a new day in the fortress. The surviving zhayedans proclaimed her name and titles. The one she never tired of was 'albarq dakhil alrimal', the lightning within the sands.

Among the fortress walls as she made her customary rounds, her soldiers passing by diversified their greetings. A simple, respectful bow of the head or a tap on the hilt of their weapon at her belt with the back of their hand for those who had lost the ability to speak. And 'libua' most of the time for novices.

Her long morning walk ended at the top of the fortress ramparts, looking out over the warm expanses of Foehn.

The weather was a bitch. It was yesterday that she had the impression that ahead of her to the south lay great green expanses. That it was the day before yesterday that Dalad and Lugal had set out with the aim of destroying the damned gate. Leaving her with the sole task of cleaning up the mess behind them

And that was it. Now nearly a thousand years she'd been fighting in this hellhole.

In a few days' time, the first arrivals of the great gift and its cargo of sunscreen would start arriving, and in two months' time, the great annual expedition would begin
Inwardly, she cursed her inability to tan like Yuri. The sun here was violent for her.
With a little agility, she leapt up, sitting on a ledge and gazing at the horizon.

Her brothers would have done a much better job than she did. Nicholai would have found another of his scientific solutions to stabilize the region and send the demons back to their world, and Yuri would probably have managed to round up half the planet to clean up the mess.

But she wasn't her brothers; all she knew how to do was fight. Surely better than them, but still. Feeling something on her right hand, she turned her gaze to see a small eight-legged creature climbing on top of her.

Raising her hand in front of her face, a big smile spread across her lips.

Olena: I'll call you George!

'Hey... Wake up...'

Five minutes... It's a nice morning, so they weren't in a hurry.

'Come on... Are you planning to sleep all day?'

He felt a pinch, intense, in a place he didn't really appreciate, on his upper chest. Immediately Sebastian opened his eyes, landing on Meteor's just above him, who had just pinched one of his nipples through his clothes.

He frowned, looking at the woman smiling mischievously.

Sebastian: Really?

He was resting, stretched out in a clearing among low trees, lying on the grass where the kuranta had offered her legs as a pillow. They had spent the day tramping through the wilderness around Kawarielki, on the outskirts of Rhodes Island. Information had reached them that Sarkaz mercenary encampments had been set up all around the town.

They soon received a mission from the adeptus sprawiedliwi, politely asking the mercenaries to leave...

It might have worked. Mercenaries were attracted by money and juicy contracts, they remained reasonable. After all, it wasn't the first time he'd done something like this.

A simple mission, politely ask the sarkaz to leave, show their fangs, they'd leave then come back in a week or two, but Rhodes had completed the task and would be paid.

Under normal circumstances.

But here they had attacked the doctor on sight every time

These would have been easy fights, even in spite of the mercenaries' surprisingly well-equipped and well-trained equipment. They would have been easy fights if the colossus had stopped restricting his hatred and anger.

His eyes lifted to look at Meteor just above him, the kuranta unable to banish the smile that had graced her lips when she left her village.

Sebastian: What time is it?

Meteor: Six o'clock. Let's hurry to Rhodes Island.

Sebastian: Already? Crap...

He relaxed his muscles a little more, giving them time to repair after his struggles, concentrating on the gentle heartbeat of the woman beside him, the breath of the wind against his skin, the feel of the grass blades against his clothes. The sound of leaves dancing in the trees, the song of the birds. Just as he was about to close his eyes again, feeling that he could never have as much rest as he had here in all of Terra.

Was this what she was offering him?

Swiatla: It's not my offering. It's from my land, my garden.

She took a moment to speak, the goddess seeming uncertain of her own words.

Swiatla: I'd like to give you the rest you seek, the rest you deserve. But the truth is, I need you... I need you to save my people from themselves, I need you to save my land from poisoning, I need you to protect everyone else from the dangers that lurk just outside our door.

He had already given up any idea of resting long ago...

Simple moments like that.

A bird landed on the colossus' belly, quickly joined by another, both rubbing their heads together.

Were enough for him. Rest was something attainable, even for a second. Redemption, however, was not promised even after an eternity of crawling the floors of hell as penance.

Hoofbeats echoed across the clearing, drawing the two travelers' gaze to the armored mare, who neighed as she found them.

Sebastian: I think that's our cue to leave.

The birds on his belly, which almost looked as if they were about to make a nest, left with a flap of their wings, leaving the colossus to straighten up. Once on his feet, he held out his hand to the kuranta, who accepted it and stood up too, wiping the grass and dirt from her back as she sat down.

But from the angle she gave, she looked at the giant and her smile deepened.

Meteor: Need a hand...?

He didn't have PRTS giving him warnings about his sanity lately. But he could be sure this woman was draining him. Directly inviting him to lay his hands on the plumpness that the fine fabrics of her dress were hard pressed to conceal.

God, she was beautiful...

Sebastian: Ahhh Maybe it's better that I keep my hands to myself... They can do things without my knowledge.

Meteor: What a shame...

The kuranta began to redo her ponytail, revealing her back and the bow resting on it. The giant's handiwork had held up beautifully for the past three days.

Even if the weapon often had the power of a ballista. He didn't know what was in the ground to give life to such trees...

He took a moment to notice that Meteor was putting a little too much energy into the movement of her hips as she walked towards the mare. He shook his head and slapped his cheeks to calm his mind. Grabbing his backpack, he approached Llamrei.

The kuranta smiled softly, turning her back on the giant. The last few days had been pure pleasure for her. Teasing the giant every now and then. A simple effort, to make sure she'd keep him close to her... But she also wanted to enjoy the moment.

She trusted the goddess, she trusted Sebastian, she trusted that they had been united by the dance.

But she couldn't ignore who the colossus was...

A veritable magnet for women. And among them all, she was just an old archer...

He was always busy with Nearl, who was still young and beautiful. Amiya had already talked a few years ago about the fact that on her 18th birthday, she would ask for his hand in marriage. He might even have a chance of getting back together with Kal'tsit, given the cordiality of their current relationship. Not to mention all the other women who were fighting for his favor, and would be fighting as soon as they returned to Rhodes Island.

So she took advantage of what she thought were fleeting moments.

With a leap she jumped to land on the mare, having surprised herself in recent days by being much stronger and more agile...

Meh, it probably wasn't that important.

Sebastian quickly joined her on the armored mount, the two riders speeding through the woods towards Kawarielki.

The vibrations of the AV lulled her ears, slightly calming the stress on her trembling knees.

Amiya was still not in her body, still not in her own memories.

She began to play some music in the background, to calm but her nerves, but a very useless effort when her eyes went to the TV in the deluxe unit.

"Hello, I'm Gillean Jordan. Welcome to the world report on N54 news. We have just received information on a cyberpsycho assault on the Arasaka tower of Night city, the exact identity of the culprit is still unknown. Although the security forces are seemingly completely outmatched by her."

Shit... She had already begun her assault.

Pilot: ETA 30 seconds !

Without a thought, she took her machine gun, and opened the door ready to jump off and burn all of this to the very ground.

She woke up just as she was about to jump. Falling from her couch.

The young cautus grunted, rubbing the bone in her nose. Even a simple twenty-minute nap brought nightmares... She'd have to ask the doctor how to avoid this thorny problem. And when she spoke of the wolf, she began to feel its presence approaching Rhodes Island.

Getting up and putting on her jacket, she left her room and headed straight for the outer starboard passageways. Just needing to follow her instincts to be led outside.

The fresh Kazimierz air immediately caressed her face after the first step outside. The view lulled her azure eyes.

In pure landscape terms, it beat the Lungmenite desert or the desolate landscapes of Kazdel. Leaning on the railing, her gaze settled at the feet of the land cruiser. The colossus was there, his phone in hand, a soothing smile on his face.

He had let his hair grow...

It suited him...

Next to him was Meteor, looking much changed, whether by her clothes, her face, or the bow which looked like it had been taken from one of those anime movies Exusiai used to watch...

And... a horse? A real warhorse in armor. The mare looked at her, she was certain, and neighed, turning the colossus towards the cautus.

Their eyes met and they smiled.

Amiya: Doktah!

She waved her hand widely, attracting the attention of the kuranta who began to smile, the doctor returning a simple wave of the hand.

Sebastian: Yes. Well yeah that's how I know the cattle crane is fixed. I got myself a mount hm... how heavy is it?

He didn't even have time to say anything, as Llamrei's head was right in front of his.

Sebastian: Not so much...

The mare exhaled, and turned, walking lightly towards Rhodes Island.

Sebastian: Over a ton...

He murmured into the phone before switching it off. A crane began to move on the land cruiser before slowly descending. Amiya, tired of waiting, jumped over the railing and began to descend the tens of meters of the vehicle, leaping from corridor to pipe and grabbing at every scrap that came along.

Meteor: Luckily she wears shorts under her skirt...

The colossus was too busy watching the impressive display of agility and grace by the cautus, who had all the air of an Olympic gymnast

One last pirouette, and she landed on the vibrant grass in front of him.

He began to clap, and Amiya leaned forward with a bow, laughing slightly, the crane arriving at the same time.

Sebastian: Nice.

Amiya: Thank you, thank you...

She stood up, placing a hand on her hips. Meteor hadn't seen the cautus for some time and couldn't help but notice the change in her. Her face bore not the expression of a child, but that of a woman, and every little gesture, every little micro-expression exploded with self-confidence.

Amiya: How was the road?

The colossus glanced at Meteor. Thousands of words wouldn't be enough.

Sebastian: Tedious on some points. But quiet on the whole.

He started moving towards the cattle crane, whistling to his mount to come with him, and began tending to the various straps.

Amiya: Really? Seems like a lot has happened...

She took a moment to look at the mare, who seemed less than thrilled at the idea of being tied up and lifted into the air.

Sebastian: Most of it happened over what... 24 hours?

He finished fastening the last strap and pressed a button on the crane, which quickly began lifting the mare.

Meteor leapt up, clutching the crane, surprising the cautus and the giant.

Meteor: I'm not taking the stairs!

She looked at the giant, before giving him a wink. Leaving the colossus and the cautus alone.

Amiya: The nightmares don't stop...

Sebastian: It's rare not to have some.

He said sadly. Knowing full well the effects of the double-edged blade Amiya was assimilating.

Sebastian: You'll get used to it after a while.

Amiya: Isn't there anything I can do?

Sebastian: For me... spending the night with company helps.

The cautus gasped and began to blush. This was definitely not helping her other growing problems. Seeing her, the colossus shook his head and sighed.

Hormones...

Sebastian: Just someone by your side. Don't need the rest. And I said it's just for me... You it could be something else. Try a stuffed animal. A big one. Or get yourself a boyfriend.

Amiya: I'm fourteen!

Sebastian: So you can do what you want with your private life!

Amiya: But why do you all want me to-?! Gah!
With a final grunt of frustration, she threw her hands up in the air. Decidedly annoyed that all of Rhodes Island suddenly seemed to care about her emotional life.

Amiya: Let's go!

She said before making an inhuman leap to board Rhodes Island. Of course, she was nowhere near the upper reaches of the cruiser, but he could feel the power in that simple leap.

Sebastian: Take it easy! I don't have cautus legs...

The colossus began to climb the walls of the cruiser, arriving after a few moments at one of the accesses that would lead them inside, the cautus waiting for him with bated breath. Not wanting to earn her ire any longer, he gave her a slight smile and nodded. The cautus chased away what little anger she had inside her, encouraged by the doctor's charm. After a few moments' walk to the colossus' office, he began to speak.

Sebastian: What was the last one?

Amiya: The Arasaka tower...

Sebastian: Shit...

His face seemed to be tinged with pain, regret, anger and a hint of nostalgia. Before being swept away by a mixture of sadness and compassion.

Sebastian: It was no picnic... And it wasn't even me who got the worst of it...

The girl looked down at her chest, her hand settling over her heart.

Amiya: Memories are always fleeting... But I feel like they're still there... Even if I forget them. As if they were a part of me.

Her ears flopped forward, drawing the emerald's gaze to her. Noticing, quite simply, that her mood was down.

Amiya: I'm afraid... That these memories will change who I am, or that I'll drown in them and forget who I was...

The colossus nodded.

Sebastian: You can feel it, just as I can, your heart hasn't changed and it won't.

His eyes sparkled as he looked at the cautus. He trusted her. Probably more trust in her than in himself. Simply because he knew there was more hope in a noble, pure soul like hers than in the piece of hell that inhabited her body. The cautus's ears perked up. Any doubts she had were dispelled.

As after their discussion on the Rhodes Island deck, as after Lungmen, she wouldn't disappoint him. She would live up to him.

As they took the elevator, a comfortable silence settled over them, only to be quickly interrupted by the incessant hubbub on the security deck. Frowning, the colossus looked at the cautus. It was usual for his territory to be much noisier than Kal'tsit's... But this was a lot...

She shrugged.

Amiya: When the cat's away, the mice dance...

Sebastain: I've been away for ten bloody days...

He took a few steps forward, his backpack slung over his shoulder.

Silverash: Ah doctor I'm looking for you, I've had a few incidents with the training of my forces...

The first one to fall on his face was Silverash. Just off the elevator. He continued walking towards his office, with the feline in tow.

Sebastian: Enciodes. I see you don't need F cup size anymore.

Silverash: Hillarant. And it was a G cup.

Sebastian: I've had the reports, we're going to have to put their training on hold for a good week or two until things calm down. Victoria is a powder keg at the moment.

Silverash: Was the initial choice really the right one?

The doctor glanced at the feline.

Sebastian: It's also to our advantage, who would look for a troop of secret soldiers in Victoria? It would be a needle in a haystack

He sighed, telling himself that it was better to remain cordial with Silverash, even if he was now a friend.

Sebastian: I'll take care of it tonight.

Silverash: Tonight?

Sebastian: Time difference, it's earlier there. I'll take care of it.
he said insistently, trying to reassure the feline. That and his bloodline... As he walked, he could hear other footsteps behind him, quickly recognizing the beating of her heart. A habit he'd rather lost by being so far away from any contact, and now finding himself immersed in the hive of noise that was Rhodes Island.

Sebastian: Louisa?

Folinic: Doc, I needed your help...

He walked on, waving goodbye to Silverash.

Sebastian: What is it?

Folinic: I've got a case that was a bit difficult...

She quickened her pace, handing the doctor a file. He opened it, his abilities allowing him only to leaf through, until he reached the radios.

Sebastian: Fuck.

Folinic: Yes, I know... Everything points to a cancerous tumor, but finding it in there among the originium growths...

Sebastian: Here. Look. This one presses on the femoral nerve. The oripathy avoids attacking the most important nerves at this stage of infection. You have to think you're facing an almost sentient enemy when you treat an infected person.

He handed over the file.

Sebastian: Do a biopsy on it anyway, better safe than sorry. And Kal'tsit didn't help?

Folinic: Nah, she's been holed up in her office for almost two weeks now, not talking to anyone. Now she's finally come out of hibernation and is so immersed in her work that I haven't been able to see her for a minute!

The colossus laughed at the young feline's anger, knowing full well that it was due to her emotional state.

Sebastian: Maybe she was in heat.

Folinic freezes for a moment.

Folinic: You think...?

Sebastian: Ah you never know... It wouldn't be the first time someone here has had their season off.

Folinic: I can imagine...

Misha: Daddy!

Had it been anyone else, the colossus would have sighed at not having a moment to himself, but certainly not for his daughters. Misha and Ifrit came running up. Folinic patted him on the shoulder, not really enjoying the children's presence.

The colossus dropped to one knee, opening his arms wide for the two little girls who threw themselves around his neck. The excited children's conversations raced by, Amiya smiling slightly at the doctor's side. She could understand the appeal of having children... But soon the colossus had to break the ice.

Sebastian: Sorry girls, I've got some very important work to do, but tomorrow's Sunday. So... you can head to my quarters as soon as you've finished your classes, then we'll have a movie night...

Misha only nodded. Never being the talkative type.

Ifrit: Yeah! it's going to be so good!

While Ifrit seemed on the verge of exploding with joy.

Sebastian: Go away, my darlings, I'm already swamped with work.

Misha took him in her arms, Ifrit quickly doing the same, her crystal tail wrapped around the ursine. And in a flash they were off again. The doctor sighed as he got back on his feet. Damn, he felt as if everything here revolved around him...

Amiya: This whole island turns around you... That's the downside of setting yourself up as the bulwark against which everyone else can lean.

As much as the doctor appreciated the cautus's words, he gave her a rather remonstrated look.

Sebastian: Stop reading my mind...

Amiya: I don't read your mind, I perceive your emotions.

Sebastian: Stop it!

He said, tugging on one of her ears before walking back to his quarters, making the last few metres, he really needed that shower... nice and hot...

He opened the door to his quarters (which he NEVER locked for fear Specter would break down the door.), and low and behold, the shark woman was right there on his couch, having tea with Nearl.

Sebastian: Hi girls... ?

Both turned to him, smiling. Of course he didn't mind them making themselves at home in his quarters. But he was still amazed by Specter. She was sick, obsessive, possessive. But yet she had no problem with other women hovering around him and showing him affection. He'd asked her about it, choosing his words as carefully as if he were walking on eggshells. And she simply replied that she didn't care as long as she remained number 1 in his heart... (and that she'd be the first to marry him and bear his child).

Clearly, the Aegirs had no problem with polygamy...
Which he kind of did.

Margaret rose from the sofa, walking over to the doctor before taking him gently into her arms, the colossus returning the embrace.

His heart chattered languorously at the touch of the kuranta.

Nearl: Hi...

He stopped the embrace before it was considered too indecent. He took a moment to look at the knight, her armor and her outfit. The paint was banged up in a few places, but beyond that, the armor itself hadn't been scratched.

Nearl: So, what's my country like?

Sebastian: Beautiful.

His eyes hadn't left hers.

Nearl: Long hair suits you...

The doctor laughed lightly, having let his hair grow slightly so that it reached the top of his neck. His hair, slicked back, always gave him the appearance of a lion.

Sebastian: Thank you...

Specter: She has a point.

Amiya: I like them both ways...

He took a few steps into his quarters, accepting as best he could the kiss on the cheek that Specter rose to give him. Then put down his heavy bag and stowed his sword in the umbrella stand on the coat rack beside his door.

Sebastian: And your training with miss degenbrecher?

Nearl: It was difficult for the first three days. I'm almost getting out of the habit of dueling against someone other than you... But in the end she's a remarkable opponent and teacher... I scored my first win this morning.

Sebastian: Already?

He said as he climbed the steps from his quarters into the living part of his apartments, heading for his closet before taking a fresh set of his usual clothes and undressing.

Nearl: I'm a fast learner, you know?

Said the kuranta, raising her voice a little so as not to have to get too close to the giant who was undressing.

Sebastian: I don't doubt it... Can we just chat after I've showered?

Specter: Do you need help cleaning your back, my love?

The colossus shuddered at the thought, clearly not wanting such a physically strong woman to have her hands... on various parts of his body.

Sebastian: I'm flexible enough!

He said before isolating himself in the bathroom, positioning himself under the showerhead and turning on the hot water.

He had enjoyed bathing in the cool waters of the Kazimierz lakes... But a hot shower was one of the few comforts he really appreciated...

This place wasn't so bad... Granted, it wasn't wide plains where she could gallop without stopping, but it was warm enough, the smell wasn't pestilential, and the company was...

"Moo..."

Not very disturbing.

The herbivore area was a large space with hydroponic soil, where the few domestic animals kept by the land cruiser were stored. She walked over to a large pile of hay and lay down on it, having missed the contact of her armor.

Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, she heard the other beasts around her quickly move away. Opening her eyes again, she came face to face with a familiar figure.

Gawain: You... What are you doing here... Atrocity...

The lion showed her his fangs. As if he was ready to pounce on her at any moment and tear her to pieces. If he could.

Llamrei: Gawain, it's good to see you too.

Her voice was haughty, as it always had been.

Llamrei: How is the young man under your protection... Lugalszargus... Is it?

Gawain: It's been over a thousand years... He's dead, like all the others...

Llamrei: Oh please, don't be so hostile, after all we're just two friends getting back in touch.

Gawain: And that nameless idiot you loved so much... What was his name?

Llamrei: Appolyon.

She was about to get up, to crush Gawain in anger.

Llamrei: He founded a great nation, and is still seen by men of this age as an example.

Gawain: But what are you doing here...

Llamrei: Don't worry, I'm not after the character under your protection. I've found a new rider.

Gawain: Him...

Llamrei: Who else? On this little vehicle, we're both there, and yet I sense the presence of yet another ferraerus, several feranmut, and even that smell of the ocean... So particular to leviathans...

Gawain: Christine... She arrived this morning.

Llamrei: Gods and men meet here... And I'm sure it's thanks to him. I've felt it. He's the kind of man who strangles the threads of fate with his hands. You know very well that a new age is approaching.

Gawain: Stay away from my protégée, and don't cause trouble here... This is a warning.

Llamrei: Otherwise what? You'll give me a boo-boo?

In a flash, the lion was gone. The mare returned to her will to sleep. Her voice was all distorted from not speaking for centuries... And neighing or exhaling didn't really help.

Stepping out of his shower and dressing quickly, the colossus froze when he saw the view of his quarters. W, Siege, Pramanix, Andreana, Exusiai, Rosa, Hoshiguma. He had the impression that a real meeting was on the agenda.

He received embarrassed greetings, as Ch'en also entered the room, adding to the silence.

Sebastian: Damn it, I've been gone ten days... Meet me at the bar tonight... I've got some business to take care of in town, and I really don't have the time...

He said, hurrying out with his coat, refusing even to look at any of the women in his office for fear of being delayed even more. Before sighing outside his office door. Glad he'd dodged the gathering of women in his quarters.

Part of him loved his success with women, and the fact that Rhodes was filled with beauties... The other part was tired of it.
For even if he knew that his heart was big enough… Days, hours, time ran only so thin. To be able to love, and take the time to love too many.

His coat slung over his shoulder, and having retrieved his weapons, he started walking towards Dr. Kal'tsit's office. Listing in his head everything he had to do. His vacation with Meteor had been fun... But it would be hard to get back.

He arrived in front of Dr. Kal'tsit's office, knocked for a few moments and entered. After a few moments, his gaze fell on a familiar figure, chatting with Kal'tsit, and the two women turned to look at him.

Phantom: how we meet again...

He drew his revolver and fired three times, but the assassin disappeared in a plume of black smoke before vanishing into the shadows. The colossus felt the shadows and the woman's presence moving around him, and fired again, keeping a single bullet in his barrel, but Phantom dodged. The presence was felt in his back, and he turned, exchanging several blows with the assassin. It was all over in an instant, when she had her dagger against the giant's throat, and he had his revolver and his last bullet just beneath her skull.

Kal'tsit: Enough.

Kal'tsit's voice was cold and calm, but it was the sound of Mont3r being summoned that calmed the giant's ardor. As for the assassin, she was the only one of the two who could see the creature. And with only a few centimetres separating them, he could see the uncertainty in the feline's gaze. Despite the mask of coldness and calm.

Kal'tsit sighed.

Kal'tsit: It seems you already know Julie...

Sebastian: I had a little run-in with her at Lungmen.

He said, pressing his revolver a little harder under her chin. Who, in response, merely mimed a kiss and winked at him.

Sebastian: May I ask what she's doing here...?

Phantom: I'm looking for a job.

He frowned.

Sebastian: Here? Murder doesn't pay enough anymore?

Phantom: Times are hard... And I killed my employer.

She said, finally summoning up the courage to put away her dagger.

Kal'tsit: Julie will now be a member of our close security team. I've had confirmation that she has indeed exterminated the entire Crimson troupe.

Even with the surprise, the doctor didn't move too much, only slowly lowering the firing pin on his weapon.

Sebastian: Her? Bodyguard? I'd still rather keep Gravel.

Something about Kal'tsit appealed to him. Since Amiya had started changing to look like him, he too had begun to notice changes. It was less difficult for him to know what those around him were feeling. But now, coming from Kal'tsit, he felt as if something was wrong. As if her emotions had dulled... And her voice, he felt as if he were talking to a machine. He would even have preferred the anger of their early days to this atrocious coldness.

Kal'tsit: good timing, both have been assigned to you.

Sebastian: Chto?

Kal'tsit: You heard me.

He lowered his revolver and turned his back to the assassin.

Sebastian: Are you kidding me...?

He knew it was the wisest choice. As with Gravel, Julie's loyalty was far from certain. So to avoid another Theresa... It was better to keep these bodyguards close to the one who could kill them if anything went wrong.

He had a real murderous urge, when he felt the young woman throw herself at his neck behind his back, pressing herself against him, and purposely pressing her chest even harder against his back.

Phantom: Oh sweetheart, why the long face... We're going to spend a lot of time together... Tu vas voir, ce sera marrant…

He did his best to calm those murderous urges. Keeping his state of mind, not wanting to be overcome by his own emotions, not wanting to draw power from rage. With one movement, he forced himself out of her embrace. His gaze burned into the young woman's soul.

Sebastian: I want your completed operator file by tomorrow morning. Is that understood?

Phantom: Oh come on… We can just fill it together and discuss around a glass of wine?

He didn't blame her; for many of the other spies he'd worked with, seduction had become part of their nature.

Sebastian: No. I'm busy right now.

He turned to Kal'tsit.

Sebastian: I just came to say I was back, and I'm off to settle our business in town.

She simply nodded, and returned to her work.

The good doctor sighed, and put on his coat in a neat gesture, before stepping out and adjusting his sword at the belt. Preparing to face Kawarielki and-

Miss christine: *Meow*

The giant could see the blue-eyed, two-tailed black cat he'd seen before... He leaned forward and began to pet it, the cat appreciating the giant's love.

Sebastian: Hi there...

His day got a lot better.

The only time Maria Nearl's brain reconnected her ears was when her teacher finally said something that might be interesting.

Professor: And don't forget that the final exams start next week, so don't spend all your time looking at the major.

He said, putting away a ream of paper and looking into her eyes. Absolutely her whole high school knew she was going to fight in the Major. And she had no idea how her own family didn't know. The bell rang, signaling the end of her school day. And with a heavy sigh, the girl began to put her things away, a dozen of her classmates gathering around her. She didn't really know who her friends were anymore. All these faces seemed the same, false, deceptive.

"So Maria, you're training now? Who do you think you'll be up against in your first fight? Do you post pictures of your gear on nowgram? My dad works at Pywo, did you have a sponsor that would be-"

Voices blurred. The people she saw no longer had souls. It had been stolen from them. They mingled in their desire to rise to the top, to grab ever more power, influence and money. Even though they hadn't even finished high school. For two months now, she felt like she was talking to machines.

She got up and picked up her things without saying a word. Leaving the high school. Walking home, her head bowed so as not to be recognized.

She was more recognizable because of her face. Due to her similarity to Margaret. Surprisingly, not her bushy tail and golden-blond coat.

She walked on until a car stopped right beside her. Recognizing the vehicle, she smiled, a familiar face showing itself after the window was rolled down.

Blemishine: Vogel! Kowal!

Vogel: We're lucky to find you, kid! We've got a present for you!

The old kuranta grinned, and parked a little further on. Maria hurried off to join them, a big smile on her face at the prospect of meeting up with her real friends. A few rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, indicating that the day was almost over.

Maria: My armor...?
Kowal stepped out of the car, a tall, white-coated ursus antro, grinning as he opened the trunk to reveal the white steel plates.

Kowal: I've finally finished readjusting it completely for you... Theblade is so sharp I cut myself handling It, and the shield is gleaming!
he says with craftsman's pride. Blemishine enthusiastically inspecting the equipment. Or at least until the car began to make a noise that was far from natural.
The eyes of all three turned to the front of the car, and before long, the engine seemed to be revving up, before emitting smoke and finally coming to a screeching halt.
Vogelweide: Oh no no no... Not now, you piece of junk!
He and Kowal gathered around the hood of the car, opening it only to be taken by surprise by a veritable smoke screen in their faces. Blemishine frowned and began to think about what was wrong with the car. Her passion for mechanics showing so early. But first she looked left and right. The street was so deserted it was almost frightening, so she took the opportunity to change quickly and put on the armor. Listening to Kowal and Vogelweide squabble over the engine, she didn't know how to fix it.
Her sister's armor. Now hers. The armor on her shoulders made her feel proud. She grinned, hurrying towards the front of the car, the two men. Both looked at the young woman in the shining white iron armor. Both were obsessed by the star shining proudly in front of them.

Blemishine: Can I have a look?
The two older men nodded and stepped aside, well aware that the young girl was far more adept at mechanics and the arts than the other two.
The kuranta set to work on the engine, testing here and there.
Blemishine: Not the circuits... But the engine doesn't respond... Interesting... Third generation... And if I do that...?
She was having more fun than with many games or activities. Biting her tongue to keep from talking too much to herself. Using and concentrating art in several places on the engine, to scan and test the originium circuits.
Kowal: She reminds me of Kyril... With her arts like that...
he says, a hint of nostalgia perhaps even regret in his voice.
Vogelweide: Me too...
A little spark, and the engine purred again.
Blemishine: And here's the work!
Vogelweide: Ah, much more useful than a crappy blacksmith like Kowal!
Kowal: That's just it, I'm a blacksmith! Not a mechanic! I remember you were in charge of the war machines when we were fighting Ursus, yet you're not that much useful yourself !
Vogelweide: There was no originium in it, you hairball!
Blemishine: Boys.
Both stopped their bickering when they heard the kuranta, turning to her.
Blemishine: Where's my cape?
Kowal remained silent for a few moments, noticing that the long white cape was not on the young woman's shoulders.
Kowal: Shit! I forgot it at Marcin's!
The young Kuranta began to sulk.
Blemishine: But I had to have it!
Kowal: Relax! If we drive fast enough, we can pick it up and get there in time for the opening ceremony!
Blemishine: Then let's go! What are we waiting for?
Without further ado, she climbed into the back seat of the car, with Kowal and Vogelweide climbing into the front, before setting off again with a bang through the streets of Kazimierz.
The doctor watched as the car sped off into the city as if they were escaping from a robbery. His hearing picked up that the engine was in bad shape. At this rate, it wouldn't be long before it exploded... Meh. Not his business.
He said to himself before shrugging his shoulders and continuing into the city to reach the stadium.
Kowal: Hurry up, Maria!
His breath was coming in gasps.
Blemishine: I'm trying! I can't run! at my top speed! with the armor on!
she shouted between heavy breaths. But the three froze, for in front of the bar stood perhaps the person they least wanted to see at the moment. Waiting with arms folded in front of the front door, tapping her foot on the floor. Staring straight at them with a gaze that was blood-curdling, but burned with fury.
The young kuranta stopped immediately, raising her hands in front of her to protect herself.
Blemishine: H-hey... Hi Aunty...
The older kuranta started walking towards her, almost at a run.
Whislash: Maria Nearl you little idiot!
In a flash, the blue-eyed one began to tug at the horse's ears on top of her head. With the sole purpose of inflicting punishment, her face red as a tomato.
Blemishine: Stop it!
Whislash: What were you thinking, you stupid poney?! You signed up for the major behind my back! Behind your uncle's back! And what's more! And you made the same mistake as your sister by not taking a sponsorship! But did you even train once?! What will you do if your next opponent is Toppola ?! Or Ingra?! What will you do?!
Shaking her in all directions and screaming in her ears, as Whislash's anger slowly began to subside, Blemishine was on the verge of passing out. By dint of being shaken and shouted at.
With one last push to save herself. She pushed Whislash's hands away from her.
Blemishine: Stop!
Gasping, the girl tried to summon all her willpower. Making fire appear behind her great golden orbs.
Blemishine: I've got to do this!
Whislash froze. It was the very first time Maria had shouted at her since they had reached adolescence. This was the moment. The moment when she was finally faced with her choices, unable to turn away.
Blemishine: The Nearls need a knight primus... Otherwise... KGCC will take everything from us.
Whislash: Is that all...? Maria! Do you really want to get killed in the major for material goods?!
She took a deep breath. Whislash knew the Major better than she did... The infamous scar running across her skin on the side of her stomach was a bitter reminder. Especially when the pain of it coursed through.
Blemishine merely bit off her tongue. This had nothing to do with just material possessions.
Her aunt didn't agree. Nothing was worth participating in the Major for people like them. People who didn't chase riches, glory or recognition.
Whislash: You're going to die, they're going to do everything to hurt you, destroy you, drive you out! Everything! You didn't take a sponsor! Carrying the same name as Margaret already marked your head with a target! But refusing all sponsors...! To them you're the same danger she was!
Blemishine: I do it for my name!
She says, almost showing her non-existent fangs.
Blemishine: And my parents' name! And Grandpa's! All this... All they want to take from me, from us, is more than just material possessions! It's absolutely everything they've left behind! What they built, earned, left for us! I can't let them do that. And I'd rather get hurt than blemish our name and their memories by strutting around with the name of a brand of cookies!
Kowal: M-maria...
Blemishine/Whislash: What?!
said the two kuranta, turning sharply towards the ursin. Kowal felt the fear of his life. When he'd found himself facing Yuri of Ursus, blade brandished straight at him, this was nothing at all in comparison.
Kowal: I-There are thirty minutes left... Before the ceremony begins...
The two kuranta were immediately mortified, Whislash in the first place more by instinct. Hating to be late. Then it was Maria's words that slowly had an effect on her. Maria was an adult. Even if only recently. Not only free to make her own choices... But also to make a choice she herself had made years ago.
To stand up and fight.
The wounds and atrocities had scarred her. But the will she'd been pushing away again and again lay dormant deep inside her. Maria had touched it.
So she sighed, her face lightened, much better than after using all those anti-wrinkle creams she'd been buying, terrified of looking too old.
Whislash: Have you been training at least...?
Blemishine: I've been running a bit...
A vein appeared on Whislash's forehead upon hearing the news.
Whislash: You're such an idiot...
Her eyes were filled with hatred. The bar door swung open and Vogelweide came out holding a large white furry object.
Vogelweide: I've found it!
Blemishine: G-good! Let's go then!
Whislash: I'll come up with you!
Kowal: Let's get a move on! There's going to be some traffic!
In a flash, Whislash attached the cape to Maria's back and the whole gang climbed into the car. When Vogel turned the ignition, however, the engine made a strange noise, as if it had suddenly become that of a racing car instead of the old taco the former country knight could afford.
The three passengers turned slowly to Maria, who began to panic inwardly. At the mere idea that her manipulations on the engine had had unintended consequences.
Blemishine: C-come on...
Everything's going to be fine.
The two young women moved forward, amidst the chaos generated by the knights preparing to enter the fray. The sound of the audience further back in the stadium was deafening, as if the walls were shaking.
Maria was nervous, as was Whislash.
Both looked at each other as the contestants approached. A TV replayed what was happening in the arena.
The entry.
All the contestants who would take part in the major, entered the arena to the cheers and jeers of the audience and the speech of greatmouth bob. Before making a small gesture to introduce himself as they left the hallway. And finally to their rightful place on one of the small podiums.
Ingra, Toppola, the Sarkaz twins, Szewczyk, the usual big names, but there were also new faces never seen before. Some of the famous Knights from Pinus Sylvestris.
Referee: Kelly Attenborough? it's your turn!
A knight in black-and-white armor and a heavy helmet passed by the two Nearls. When Maria caught sight of the knight, she was struck by a wave of familiarity, and almost exclaimed her sister's name. Then she snapped back to reality when she saw the knight's equine tail.
Margaret had never cared for her appendage. So to see a beautiful tail like that, well groomed and brushed. Even better groomed than hers...
So of course it couldn't be Margaret.
Maria watched this Kelly's entry, seeing a sober, ordinary fighter. First time entry, no big name, strangely enough no sponsor. She wouldn't last long.
Maria shook her head. Shaking these thoughts out of her head. Trying to banish the kind of thoughts that came to her after years of watching the Major on TV.
Referee: Maria Nearl? Nearl...? To you!
Blemishine: Y-yes!
The girl adjusted her equipment one last time before looking at Whislash, the kuranta giving her a smile and a thumbs-up, hiding the fact that she was mortified too.
With a little fire in her step, Maria began walking through the stadium corridors, seeing the spotlight at the end, and hearing the roar of the crowd. And Greatmouth Bob's voice.
Bob: Well well well!
She took a single step. And took a deep breath. Starting to walk down the corridor.
Bob: This year is unique, my dear spectators, for today we witness the return of a great lineage! Don't let this cute face disarm you! For in her veins flows the power of a golden bloodline!
She stood just before entering the arena. Calming her breath.
Bob: She fears neither hardship nor darkness! Some have already named her "The Blemishing knight!"
She took that step forward. Dazzled first by the bright spotlights, she felt her soul crushed by stares, cameras, lights and screams.
Yet she was smiling.
Bob: Mariaaaa! Neaaaarl!
The whole stadium erupted. Half of them screaming with excitement, the other half camouflaged their booing.
Blemishine, unsheathing her sword, put one foot slightly behind her, and raised the point of her weapon to the sky in a pose.
*maria flex pose
She felt the earth beneath her feet tremble with the clamor of the audience. She walked to her podium, energy in her steps. She climbed the few steps and stood proudly, her sword in front of her, pointing to the ground. She glanced at the woman beside her. The Kelly Attenborough... Her armor was truly marvelous...
Bob: Now, ladies and gentlemen! Something even bigger! I've been given a personal and absolute order not to open or read the text in the envelope I'm looking at, concerning our latest candidate! But now I can open it!
Half a second passed, as a slight silence settled over the stadium, people wondering what was going to happen.
Bob: Neither man nor beast. They fear him as much as they respect him!
In the corridor from which the fighters emanated, a blood-curdling sound was heard, that of sharp steel against concrete.
Bob: A warrior and fighter without equal! Although he disappeared, he's back today to take part in the major! Leithania, Kazimierz, Higashi, Yen, Sami, all fear him! No, I- By the goddess! It's him! It's him! It's him!
Steel approached again and again, some of the fighters on their podiums trembling slightly, the weaker-minded unable to stop themselves from trying to peer into the darkness of the tunnel. Bob's voice reached a pitch of excitement few could match.
Bob: The demon from a forgotten age! The red devil! The knight of black iron and blood! The Emperor's red left hand!
Half a second passed between the moment Greatmouth Bob uttered his words, reminding all present of their history lessons, or their childhood rhymes depending on their age.
And then he emerged from the darkness.
Blemishine felt it more than she saw it. Terror gripped her being, her own soul shaking, like a flame being swept away by an icy, whistling wind. She could see those who had turned to watch falling from their podiums in terror.
Bob: Yuri of Ursus !
The stadium, no, the whole town shook and screamed.
The Major was the most televised and watched event in all of Terra.
In other words, the world was watching a legend come back to life before their very eyes. Blemishine thought she was about to lose her hearing, so loud was the excited howling. Or at least, until she turned around and saw the knight in black armor slowly raise his hand. Calling for attention.
The stadium filled with silence, a camera drone closing in on the armored colossus.
Once the stadium was silent, he spoke, his voice husky and metallic.
Yuri: I'm not here for the Emperor! I'm not here for any nation or leader! I'm here because I've seen the world change with my own eyes over the last few years!
He pointed the blade of his sword skyward.
Yuri: Because I've seen its warriors grow! And I stand here before you to make sure that the best Terra has to offer is still up to my standards...
He put the blade of his sword to his shoulder, his helmet staring at the drone. His air exuded certainty and self-confidence. As the stadium shook again in excitement.
Yuri: So to all those who think they can, show me what you've got...
For some strange reason, all the fear in Blemishine's soul was swept away, and she stopped herself from letting out a laugh. The knight next to her laughed just a little more.
Now that was a showman.
He walked to his Podium. The last one free, the one right next to Blemishine. His pose was traditional for knights. She couldn't take her eyes off him. But soon something else caught her eye. His equipment. Having always had a passion for mechanics, she could appreciate the armor that had been made by a master craftsman. The dark metal seemed to ripple on the surface, showing the use of a technique unknown to her. The articulations were so well designed, one wondered if someone of slightly different proportions would be able to move in them. But... It seemed to have been remade, many times over, as if to accommodate someone who was just growing up. But it was also very aesthetically pleasing-
Yuri: Is there something on my face?
Blemishine: N-no...
Of course he'd seen her staring at his armor. And what happens when you're caught doing something rude by the most dangerous person in the world? You look down and apologize.
Blemishine: S-sorry...
Yuri: Hold your head up high, kid, your country's watching you.
Hearing his words, she straightened her back, to get an impression of pride. Okay... She had a mission... Something to do... Even though... Even though the strongest man in the world was standing right next to her, she couldn't let herself be impressed.
Bob: And there you have it ladies and gentlemen, all this year's Major contestants! Nothing but excellence! To give you a major like no other! Of course, we're not immune to last-minute entrants or substitutes, but take a good look at the fighters in front of you! Because this season! They're going to fight their way into legend!
The stadium's clamor returned for another moment. Until Bob spoke again.
Bob: And without further ado! The kick-off match!
The eyes of all the fighters turned to the stadium screens. And Maria began to pray that she wouldn't be selected.
The kick-off match was a 'friendly' match held to signal the start of the major. By selecting two candidates completely at random. There was a drumbeat as the knight profiles rolled in.
Blemishine: Not me, not me, not me, please...
The parade stopped at the photo of another knight.
Bob: The first selected will be Carter Briggs!
A knight a little farther away tapped his breastplate in excitement. Briggs was a Columbian, big strong, equipped with high-tech weaponry and power armor, sponsored by Raythean. He had finished third in the last three majors.
Bob: The knight of nine!
The profiles began to scroll again as the young Kuranta trembled slightly. Kelly and Yuri looked at each other, before looking at her and sighing.
It was the clamor of the stadium that caught their attention. The random selection had stopped on Yuri. Blemishine glanced at the living armor, thinking it was high time she found out whether he was who he said he was, or a sad impostor who had wreaked havoc on the countryside. Caught up in her thoughts, the podiums and fighters were cleared from the stadium in an instant, those wishing to watch the match being directed to special bleachers where their trainers could join them.
Blemishine had moved to the front in a flash.
Her grandfather had told her many great stories of his adventures and battles. As she sat on his lap, big eyes shining with admiration and innocence at the time.
And there was one warrior he respected more than anyone. The one standing in the stadium. Totally motionless on his side of the arena.
This would be the perfect opportunity to find out whether he was indeed a living legend among men, or a freak show.
Brigs raised one of his two swords, and pointed it skyward, slicing towards the Sarkaz knight.
Carter: You! The world has trembled enough living in your shadow! fearing the illusion of a ghost! I'll show you that a demon like you has no place among men!
Briggs was a notorious bastard who was well-known enough to have had a run-in with the law at over tax evasion. Yet he seemed noble enough at the moment.
Yuri put his sword on his shoulder, and raised the two fingers of his left hand, before making a hooking motion towards him.

Come.
He said without a word.
Bob: Fight!
Carter began to run, faster and faster, the servos on his armor assist crackling under the effort as the colossus remained motionless. The speed of the columbian once it reached its target was such that it generated gusts of wind.
*clang*
One of the Columbian's swords snapped. And he was quickly thrown several meters away, rolling with a crash on the ground.
Briggs was fast, but Yuri was on a completely different level...
Yuri: I've defeated dozens like you...
He said, approaching and removing the fragments of metal and plastic that had found their way into the blade breakers of his gauntlets. He laughed under the heavy helmet. And bent down. Blemishine's eyes opened wide as he watched the colossus drop to the ground. Like a beast, he used one of his hands as a paw to dig himself into the ground. His other hand was clutching his sword, the blade resting on his back.
Briggs tried to stand up, but struggled, sparks flying from his power armor. Wires had been ripped out.
He clutched his remaining sword.
Carter: Come on!
Realizing that his opponent was far TOO strong, the Columbian knight used the weapon he certainly shouldn't have revealed in the first match of the competition.
The suit under his armor turned a bright orange, and turbine noises sounded as if an airplane was about to take off. Lightning erupted from his armor.
Overcloacking his reactor.
The two men took off at the same time, for there was no other word for it than take off.
Their speed and strength caused the ground to crack all around them, and Blemishine missed none of the action. Briggs was about to strike a devastating blow between the armor plates.
But suddenly, the colossus skimmed the ground, as if neither gravity nor inertia had any hold on him. He found himself in Brigs' back, and backhanded him to the ground.
The power armor grunted and howled under the strain, but managed to prevent his opponent from dying instantly, crushed as if he'd been hit by a speeding train.
Briggs rolled on the ground and got back on his knees, while the colossus threw himself on his enemy, brandishing his blade like a whip before striking
*clang*
A heavy metallic clang like a hammer on an anvil resounded. Briggs' breastplate shattered into pieces. An unimaginable show of force for the screaming audience. As for Maria, she couldn't help thinking how impracticably strong the sword had to be to withstand such treatment.
Briggs' undersuit began to glow yellow around his torso as he drew back his arms, exposing his torso.
The Sarkaz knight understood long before the spectators what was about to happen. He leapt back and continued to face Briggs, grasping his sword with both hands in front of him.
An explosion resounded, the Columbian having directed the energy of his armor towards his torso to project the armor fragments like a directional mine.
The sarkaz needed only a single movement.
Sparks flew all around him.
Whislash: W-what happened?
Quickly, the two men's movements seemed far too quick to be seen. Appearing only as vague blurs of color. But sparks were flying everywhere.
Blemishine: It's Yuri! He's stopping the explosions! One by one!
Even far from Kazimierz, in Chernobog among the reunion the Major was being watched.
Crownslayer: Holy shit have you ever seen anything like this?!
The reproba-
(because yes, now we know her race.)
She turned to the other reunion ringleaders a big smile of wonder on her face. Which she quickly calmed down after receiving nothing but murderous stares from the others. Having forgotten that this was supposed to be their enemy...
Wordlessly and slowly, she turned back to the TV to watch the Major.
Next time she'd watch with her soldiers, at least they'd really enjoy watching the games...
She accepted one of the sweets Frostnova beside her handed her.
An explosion louder than the others echoed through the arena, the two contestants flying back and forth. Briggs screamed, as his armor began to heat up and emit even more lightning energy, the ground vitrifying in a short radius around him.
Bob: Wait a minute, shouldn't we stop the match? This is going a bit far...
Yuri reversed his grip on his sword, pinning it to his forearm before raising one of his talons towards his opponent.
The two threw themselves at each other with abandon, the columbian no longer caring about his own safety, the armor plates of his power armor having been vaporized by his own hand.
The clash of their blades shattered Briggs' and sent it flying into the arena, but it was a sacrifice, a diversion, for using the gap in Yuri's defense, the knight in power armor threw a punch with all his might, his armor cracking and generating a bolt of lightning that struck one of the screens at the top of the stadium.
Yuri fell...
But all of the eyes on them didn't have time to widen before revealing that he hadn't fallen. But that he had just used the momentum generated to deliver a devastating and unexpected high kick to Briggs.
Blemishine's eyes widened.
Those capable of such flexibility were rare... But those capable of it in armor? Didn't exist...
It was the first time she had seen protection that allowed to move with such great mobility.
The materials of the power armor were crushed beneath the black Damascus irridium, sending the other man crashing to the ground as if he had the gravity of a neutron star.
As the opponent's skull bounced off the floor, Yuri grabbed it, digging his claws into the helmet, before throwing himself towards one of the arena walls and ramming it in, eventually running along the wall, using it as sandpaper on his opponent's head.
The coup de grâce came when the colossus threw his enemy into the air towards the center of the arena. Then he ran to catch him with a knee to the head.
The only sound was the colossus breathing heavily. Briggs lay motionless on the ground.
His power armor opened with a great cloud of steam, letting Carter Briggs escape. A liberi barely reaching Yuri's navel. But who was unconscious, two men equipped with a stretcher running towards the two knights.
Yuri raised his fist and the stadium roared with excitement.
Bob: What better way to start this major! Than with a match that will be remembered for centuries to come! It seems that after all these years, Yuri of Ursus! Is still on top!
Putting his sword on his shoulder he took a singular step.
Yuri: I hope we meet again for a real match, kid.
He said, looking at the unconscious man before leaving the stadium, whistling a happy tune.
Blemishine turned slowly to Zofia, trembling and close to tears.
Blemishine: I'm not likely to be against him in the first few games, am I...? Huh?!
Kelly, who was standing right behind Whislash, got up and left too.
-

In the car that took Kowal, Whislash, Vogelweide and Blemishine back to old Marcin's bar, the mood was dark and gloomy, to say the least. Admittedly, they had seen an anthology match...
Whislash: With a bit of luck, you'll be on opposite sides of the matching pools...
Even she couldn't believe it when she said it. She was a Nearl, and her refusal of sponsors had painted a target right in the middle of her forehead. The KGCC would do anything to eliminate her, and they obviously had the ability to modify the fighting pools... And making her fall against the strongest fighter in all of Terra would obviously be the best way to eliminate her from the tournament...
Vogelweide: When's your first fight?
Blemishine: Normally in two weeks' time... But they won't announce my opponent until the day before...
She says, adjusting the collar of her fur coat, feeling much too warm in . It was then that the back of her neck was grabbed by Whislash, letting only a grunt of surprise escape from Blemishine's throat.
Whislash: What the hell has gotten into you?!
Vogelweide: For God's sake, stop it, Zofia!
The tires screeched as the car began to swerve.
Kowal: You keep your eyes on the road!
As they all arrived at Marcin's bar, he greeted them with a sad smile. The sun was setting on the horizon, illuminating the bar with a light golden glow. With the TV just above the counter, he didn't need to be with them to understand the whole situation.
The four sat down at a table, Marcin approaching with their drinks.
Old Marcin: Three pints and a honey soda for the lady...
Not a word, just little gestures of thanks.
Old Marcin: Oh come on, don't make that face, the little girl's entered the competition, everyone's seen her and they're already talking about her!
Kowal: It's true... Now that you've entered the competition, you're a Primus Knight. It's not so bad if you get eliminated.
The mood around the table gradually lifted.
Whislash: I guess you're right... Now she doesn't have to win her matches...
This option had been unthinkable for the two blondes until now, unconsciously. The will to win was in their veins and in their genes. With a slightly bitter smile, Blemishine picked up her bottle of soda. Of course she would have liked to win. To cover her family with the glory of yesteryear. To follow in her sister's footsteps. But she had to face the facts.
It had been a ridiculous dream all along.
A customer entered the bar, tall enough to cast a shadow on the table of four, who didn't look at him. But who caught Marcin's eye.
Marcin: Hi, can I get you something?
?: Do you have any mead?
Marcin: Straight from Liselia. Would you like a pint?
?: With pleasure.
Vogelweide: That's the spirit, Maria. You can't fight the KGCC. And yet you've already won.
The four of them began to toast, gathering what little joy they could, knowing full well that Maria would be eliminated in a few weeks' time by Yuri.
?: Wait, can you turn that up?
Marcin turned up the TV, set to Rosebud.
"You've reached Rosebud news with Isac Lye. What a twist today! After the unexpected return of the Nearl family to the competition and, of course, the sudden appearance of Yuri of Ursus! Now it's KGCC's turn to surprise the public by announcing changes to the rules just after the start of the competition!
All eyes turned to the TV.
Blemishine: Oh no...
She knew exactly what was going to happen.
"With the new points system! Due to the large number of last-minute, unforeseen participants this year, and to make it easier to eliminate low-level competitors! From now on, a minimum number of points will have to be obtained as the weeks go by to avoid expulsion from the competition."
Blemishine: Shit!
she shouted, banging on the table.
"A decision that shocks as much as it-"
Marcin turned down the TV in deference to the girl who bowed her head, on the verge of tears.
this is it...
They'd still found a way to fuck her. Corner her against a wall no matter what... Make her lose. To take what she had.
The man sitting at the bar stood up and walked slowly towards their table. His steps were heavy if you looked at him. As if he was moving the whole earth under his feet with every move. And yet they didn't make a sound. Like the silent engine of the planet, before stopping at the girl's back.
?: You must be Maria.
That voice?
She raised her head and blinked. For a moment she thought she heard a completely different language. But it wasn't. It was Kazimierzan. Her eyes fell on a giant who left her breathless. He was large, and his face perhaps inspired fear, so little did it hide his strength. But that was overshadowed by the kindness of his smile and his eyes.
Emerald orbs, green as the mint leaves found on hilltops. Filled with tumultuous emotions like the torrents pouring down the valleys. All of this illuminated by the last rays of sun.
His beard added to his apparent age, and his chin-length black hair gave him the appearance of a true ebony lion, surrounding his face.
The thing that really struck Blemishine was that he had just addressed her...
Without using her family name...
The rest of the table turned to the man who already had Blemishine's attention. She simply nodded in his direction.
Blemishine: And you are...?
Sebastian: Sebastian. But a lot of my friends just call me doctor.
She'd seen his face, and heard it described many times before... a long time ago. And that name...
It struck Whislash at the same time, probably because they were both talking to Margaret over phone calls quite often.
Blemishine/Whislash: You're Margaret's boyfriend!
The good doctor laughed very lightly. The other companions in the bar widened their eyes at the information.
Sebastian: I'd almost forgotten she'd mentioned me... But I'm delighted to meet you. And you must be Zofia.
Kowal: Do you know Margaret?
The ursus man turned to the polar bear.
Sebastian: I do. Margaret is one of my closest and dearest friends on Rhodes Island.
he said, smiling and standing proud.
Whislash: Y-you we're delighted to meet you m-mister...
Whislash pic.
The poor kuranta was blushing in the face of the man's charm. And this despite the fact that he had never denied being Margaret's lover. It has to be said that the three Kuranta women had quite similar tastes, and Whislash was the most desperate to find someone.
Blemishine stood up with a smile as she looked at the man, slightly terrified by his size for a moment before pulling herself together.
Blemishine: She's told me a lot about you!
Blemishine 3 pic
Sebastian: So did she about you.
He gestured to a vacant chair, receiving nothing but nods, and so sat down at the table. Vogelweide and Kowal's gazes softened as they looked at the giant, realizing that he wasn't a stranger, but someone who was somehow close.
Vogelweide: So you know Margaret...?
Sebastian: For a few months... Although for me it's practically my whole life...
He says with a slight laugh in his beard before taking a sip of his pint.
Sebastian: I've got amnesia...
He turned his head towards the bar.
Sebastian: Boss, can I have a bottle of that mead? She'd love some local...
he said, finishing his sentence as he looked down at his pint.
Blemishine: I remember seeing you on TV, on 3B, it's an honor to meet you in person...
Sebastian: There's no need to be so enthusiastic, young lady. I'm far from being someone special...
Whislash: It's true, Rhodes Island is just around the corner...
The young woman looked down slightly. To make life more complicated for the company, and to shoot the infected in the foot, Kazimierz officials made getting in and out of Rhodes Island extremely complex.
Sebastian: I could get you in and out one of these days. It would give you a chance to see Margaret...
Whislash: Really? But I thought there was a one-week quarantine for each exit from the vehicle-
She looked at the giant. And realized he certainly hadn't waited a week.
Sebastian: It's pretty easy to avoid the guards all around if you know where to go...
The two kuranta smiled at each other, understanding that they'd finally be reunited with a loved one before long.
Blemishine: What are you doing here anyway...?
Sebastian: I had some business in the neighborhood... And I needed a drink. I guess you could say luck brought us together.
He says with a slight laugh and raises his glass. Before his face took on a more serious look.
Sebastian: But I overheard your conversation... With this point system, it would be virtually impossible to stay in the running during the qualification phase just by participating...
Blemishine: I'd have to win matches... But... I'm not a fighter... And the competition would be fierce...
Sebastian: Yuri...
The gloomy mood returned.
Whislash: I imagine you know that the Nearls are KGCC's number 1 enemy... They'll do everything to make sure Maria fall against him in the first round.
Blemishine: Even... Toppola, Ingra... And all the others who'll be joining at the last minute now that Yuri's here...
Sebastian: You just have to train then.
He says a simple fact. One that had already resonated in the minds of the other four.
Sebastian: There are two weeks before the next fight. It can be done. I've trained quite a few young recruits in Rhodes. Two weeks is short... but it's enough time to get the hang of it.
Blemishine: You want to train me...?
Sebastian: If you agree, of course.
Whislash: Just a moment, Doctor... I'm sure you're a good fighter, but...
She chose her words carefully, trying not to offend a man whose arms were the circumference of her torso and who'd already killed people...
Whislash: You're no knight...
He raised an eyebrow.
Sebastian: Of course. That's why I'm also counting on your support, Miss Zofia...
he says, thinking it had been obvious that her support would be needed.
Sebastian: There's nothing like someone who knows her well to train her.
Blemishine: But why? Why do you want to help me?
She didn't let her guard down immediately. On the contrary, she even raised her guard, wondering if this was normal. After all, hardly anyone helped anyone else in Kazimierz without a reason.
Once she'd formulated this thought, the doctor's face twitched in surprise, before slowly changing to sorrow, as if he could read her thoughts. And his pain wasn't because she didn't want to trust him, but because she couldn't trust anyone in Kazimierz.
Sebastian: People call me doctor, not because I heal people or because I have a doctorate. But because I help people. In every way I can.
It's crazy, but she had the impression that this smile was erasing all the dark whispers in her mind. There was something supernatural behind it. As if it exuded the rays of the sun at dawn, the ones that chased away the darkness.
Blemishine: So when do we start...?
The colossus turned to Whislash and the two looked into each other's eyes, needing only to communicate the obvious.
Sebastian: Tomorrow morning. First thing in the morning.
Blemishine: b-but it's Sunday tomorrow...
Her two trainers frowned at her, their faces darkening.
Blemishine: Okay, tomorrow morning at dawn...
Whislash: Come to my place, the garden hasn't been pruned for a while, but it'll do as a training ground.
Sebastian: And where's that...?
The two kuranta looked at each other, it was strange but he already felt so familiar that they forgot for a moment that he didn't really know where they lived.
Well, he knew where the Nearl mansion was from Margaret's descriptions, but he didn't know where Whislash lived...
Well actually, he could probably look in the mountain of online documents in his network of informers and agents, and the information would be there...
But it was better to pass for a more or less normal guy.
Whislash: Oh, give me your contact, I'll send you the location and we'll be able to talk
The colossus moved slightly, looking for his phone in his coat, among all the concealed weapons, before unlocking it and handing it to the kuranta.
The background was a photo of him and Margaret, a little drunk, standing close and bickering slightly.
This caused Whislash to pause slightly.
Whislash: 'Geez... Is she really going out with that guy...? She managed to find a boyfriend before me while being younger... He's really not bad either... What the hell am I doing wrong in my life...'
Sebastian: Miss Zofia?
Whislash: Sorry, Doctor, I was out for a second...
She said, before entering her phone number and Maria's for good measure.
Whislash returned her phone with a smile and a wink.
Whislash: Don't go sending me messages in the middle of the night though...
Sebastian: Don't worry, it's not my habit...
he says with a smile. The older kuranta jumped in place as she felt Blemishine's heel crush her feet, the younger one imploring the other not to flirt with her sister's boyfriend...
But it was when he picked up his phone again that he saw the time and widened his eyes.
Sebastian: Damn... I'm sorry I'm going to have to go...
He said, finishing his pint in one gulp before standing up, putting his coat back on and throwing a quite few coins on the table.
Sebastian: Maria, Zofia, it was a pleasure to meet you. Gentlemen.
He said, finally looking at Kowal and Vogelweide and leaving as quickly as he'd arrived, not failing to take the bottle.
Kowal: He was in a hurry... And he left more than enough for a pint and a bottle of mead...
Vogelweide: He's buying our round, you idiot.
Whislash: Marcin! Another round for us!
Marcin: Who the hell still pays in crowns though...
As the doctor walked through the streets of Kazimierz, his gaze wandered over the main roads and tall buildings. Long coils of glass in which people worked themselves to the bone.
Compared to what he'd seen of Kazimierz in the countryside...
No.
This wasn't Kazimierz. This wasn't the country he'd discovered over the last few weeks.
Swiatla: So you understand now...?
No... Kawarielki was a feeding ground for KGCC, corporations and foreign powers. The place made for them to fatten up while the city's little souls scrambled for what they didn't need. Making them forget their identities. A machine fueled by useless wills and false needs. Stuffed into their skulls by news channels friendly with the Chamber of Commerce.
Swiatla: Do you understand why I made you my champion?
Amiya wasn't the only one who had started to change. Sebastian had begun to observe that he possessed a certain empathy for the people around him. As he already could with the sankta, but now with all the other races.
And walking through the streets of Kawarielki, he could feel nothing but broken, sad, aimlessly wandering souls.
Swiatla: Save my people... Please...
He stopped walking for a moment. His gaze turned to the immense buildings visible downtown. The strongholds of every vampire in town.
He felt his soul burning, as if logs had been thrown on an already blazing fire. Just as when he'd put on his armor, he felt the same burning. As when he had faced Wei Yenwu to leave Lungmen.
For a single second, his eyes changed from green to gold.
Then he resumed his walk to Rhodes Island. One thing at a time...
A king in the making returned home.

-
It was with hesitant steps that Maria Nearl returned home. Of course and as she had expected, there was a sea of journalists and paparazzi in front of the Nearl's mansion gates.
As if they were any differences between the two here in Kazimierz…
As such she had used the secret entrance to the manor, her armor slowly clanking in the darkness of the tunnels as she emerged in the garden of the propriety. Struggling to open the hatch that would lead her to fresh air, as it was covered in vines.
It hadn't been pruned in a while. It's not like her uncle had the budget to hire a gardener.
Her uncle…
Mlynar.
Fuck.
The poor kuranta cringed at the idea that her uncle had came back from work, to see himself face to face with an army of flashing lights and cameras, discovering that his niece had inscribed herself in the major.
And so, it was with dread that poor Maria walked to the door that would lead her inside the manor, directly arriving in the living room.
Her heart neatly stopped, when she saw her uncle directly facing her. In his armchair, his newspaper neatly folded on his lap.
The worst… Was not his gaze. But his absolute silence. The fact he expected her to talk. To say something.
Blemishine: H-hey Uncle… Sorry I didn't tell you about all that-
He sighed and closed his eyes.
Mlynar: Go put back your sister's armor. I hope you're proud of yourself Maria.
He took back his newspaper, reading it.
Stopping to give her the slightest attention.
To even acknowledge her.
Maybe it was childish, maybe she finally wanted to shine by herself. But Maria until then had rarely felt such indignation.
Blemishine: Proud of what ? Of doing what you didn't had the courage to do ?
Immediately Mlynar furrowed his brow and looked back at her. A little spark in his gaze. It was the most she had seen in these eyes for months… Or maybe years ?
Mlynar: Excuse me ?
Maybe she would have been scared. To stand up against her uncle.
But she thought. No one would save her. Do it for her. Margaret was maybe even in Kawarielki, but surprisingly enough it was that knowledge that told her that she wouldn't just mysteriously appear to help her.
She stood alone. Or she had to at least.
Blemishine: I'm participating in the major. It's my choice. To care and protect my family Its legacy. Its name.
He simply huffed.
Mlynar: You're young. You'll understand.
Blemishine: Understand what ? Your cowardice ?
He bit his tongue.
Mlynar: That all of this is worthless. The major. This mansion. The armor on your back. It's all a big pile of nothing. Clout.
Blemishine: Clout…? Everything Grandpa fought for ? Margaret ? And my parents ?! You think they did all of this for clout ?
He flinched at the mention of her parents.
Blemishine: You're ridiculous… They did all of this for people like you. Who lost their sight on what truly mattered.
Mlynar: And what does truly matter ? Enlighten me. Honor ? Lineage ? Fame ? A few weapons and armors ? Nothing that stands in this manor matters. Not you, not me. You will not succeed in anything in this competition except getting yourself injured, at best. Now go and remove this armor. You're ridiculous in it. And your exams are approaching. Focus on that.
With a wide flap, he went back to his newspaper. Rage, sadness, disgust all climbed in the young girl's body. Yet she was unable to talk. Knowing damn well nothing sensical would go out of her mouth in her anguish.
As such, she slowly walked to her room, the metal of her heels clacking against the marbled floor. Once inside, the pieces of armor fell one by one, her feeling of vulnerability staying the same.
She climbed in the shower, and let the hot water stream down.
The drain catching the water and her tears all the same.
Yesterday she had a small sliver of hope and courage. Today it had been crushed and resurrected. Again and again and again.
She slid against the wall, her knees weak after a day of being fully covered in steel.
She had to look for tomorrow… The start of her real training, by two experienced and talented fighters… And… And she would make it, she could have some luck, and the blood of great warriors in her veins…
She just had… To look for tomorrow…
But it was hard to. For the blemishing knight.
The doctor walked with his hands in his pockets. Glad to finally be able to relax for his long long day. He took out his bottle of mead from his coat as he walked towards the honeymoon.
Funny in hindsight… As the term honeymoon came from the fact that newlyweds were offered a 'moon' worth of mead in ancient times… He had indeed named his bar after his favorite beverage in a way.
Sebastian: Oh Natalya.
Just around a corner, on the last few meters to the bar, he had stumbled upon his beloved bear. Her heterochromatic eyes lifted up from the ground to look at him and instantly lit up.
Rosa: Sebastian !
With a smile, and a spring in her step she approached him and hugged his arm.
Rosa: It's good to see you again…
Sebastian: For me too. Your higness.
He said while rubbing her back, the young girl recoiling and pouting at the mention of her title.
Rosa: Stop doing that !
Chuckling slightly he started to walk towards the bar with her in tow.
Sebastian: Better start to get used to it now Natalya…
Rosa: I know…
Fated to become the next empress of Ursus. Despite the weight of a future crown weighting on her head, it never seemed so light. Knowing the doctor would help her, and now that her secret was unraveled to him.
Rosa: You're going to the bar too ?
He simply nodded. Guessing that Rosa would join Zima and her other friends.
Sebastian: Going to catch up with the others… And the day has been long. I hope you don't intend to drink…
Rosa: What If I do…?
She said as a slight teasing. Only earning a flick at one of her bear ears.
Sebastian: Don't… A proper lady like you should give an exemple…
He then smiled.
Sebastian: But you know I wouldn't stop you if you intended to.
Rosa: You made quite a lot of noise with your little stunt…
Sebastian: You liked it ?
He said with a smirk.
Rosa: I think you looked really cool back there… But… At every corner there's worried whispers…
Once again the gift from Amiya allowed him to feel the unrest going around Rhodes Island.
Sebastian: I know… I bet that first thing tomorrow there'll be a reunion of the board of directors…
He would have to find a way to skip that one…
As he entered the bar it was already quite lively, thanks to the presence of Sora replacing him as bartender during his absence. A group of ursus students waited in one of the booths, Irina was joking around with Blaze, and Orchid with a juice sat with the rest of her team, discussing names for her future baby.
The sankta behind the counter smiled at him as she poured a drink and moved slightly, giving him the sight of his real reason here.
Golden beautiful eyes stared back at him. And like a moth to a flame and a spring to his step he walked forward and got behind the bar, looking at Nearl.
Sebastian: Hey.
Nearl: Hey…
He simply smiled at her, as he took out two cups from the bar.
Nearl: It's funny… My sister and my aunt just finished texting me about how they met my boyfriend out in town…
Sebastian: Your boyfriend…?
He said with a teasing smirk.
Nearl: Apparently.
She chuckled. A thousand words going through them silently to keep their secret.
Nearl: What did you think of them ?
Just as he opened his mouth to talk the door to the bar opened letting Gryph and Ace enter the bar.
Sebastian: Oh hey there, it's rare to see both of you here.
Removing his sunglasses for once Ace gave a beaming smile as he circled his arm to the waist of his wife. The wendigo keeping close to her husband and blushing like a high school girl as if they hadn't been married for nearly twenty years.
Ace: Hey Seb ! Two tequila sunrise ?
He simply nodded at his friends as they settled in a booth while he started to mix their drink. Going back to what Nearl has asked him without looking at her.
Sebastian: Zofia reeks of loneliness. Despite how much she tries to hide it. Maria…
He stopped for a moment. Thinking.
Sebastian: She's special. Cute, brimming of light and warmth in her soul. Quite funny too… Her eyes really shine like the sun… And her hair… It looks weaved out of gold.
As he finishes his cocktails he turned back to Nearl, seeing her face much colder, he realized he had fucked up. Although… It felt rather good to see her jealous.
Sebastian: A bit like a mini version of you I guess.
He says with a smile, trying to catch his fault back, and he had succeeded judging by the slight blush on her cheeks. Bringing their drinks to the married couple, Nearl's gaze followed him and she felt a bit envious looking at the pythia and wendigo couple. They were happy In their marriage... So was Orchid…
And for just a moment she wondered…
Until the sound a bottle of mead hitting gently against the bar in front of her broke her out of her trance. She looked at the bottle, noticing the Kazimierzan writing.
Nearl: Wow that's the kind of stuff I haven't seen in a while…
Sebastian: Bought it this evening…
He looked at the window bay, giving a view of the night Kawarielki.
Sebastian: I thought you'd like something to remind you of here…
As he served both of them their glass of Mead, and holding it out for cheers he smiled at her.
Sebastian: So welcome home Margaret.
She looked into his green eyes. They were changing. Since she had first met him. And they had been changing even more since he came back from his adventure in Lungmen…
Funnily enough. The smell struck her.
Her grandfather, Kyril, loved mead like no other man. This brand of mead. Its smell. The city lights in the corner of her eyes. The company.
She was home.
Right now, she wanted nothing more than to jump above the bar and kiss this man until every single drop of air in her lungs had went away.
She clinked her glass with his.
Nearl: Thank you for bringing me there.
Sebastian: Anything for you.
As they began to drink Nearl propped herself up on her elbow.
Nearl: So you're going to train Maria ?
Sebastian: Hm. Poor sod never used a weapon. I bet you noticed… I got to do it if we want her to have a chance.
Nearl: And what if she falls against you in the arena ?
Sebastian: I got plans. Plans in the same way to let them in and out of the landship.
The kuranta almost jumped off of her seat hearing this. The occasion to see her family… After so many years, seemed so outlandish to her… To see them, face to face, to talk to them, normally.
Sebastian: I'll try to set that up soon.
She smiled, like rarely before. Before looking at her glass.
Nearl: Whatever happens… Thank you. For helping me, my sister, and knowing you by the end of it you'll even help my aunt.
She said chuckling.
Nearl: But I just want you to know… That you matter to me. And I'll never thank you enough-
Sebastian: So you're finally confessing ?
She blushed more intensely and buried her face in her glass.
Nearl: Shut up idiot…
The doctor looked at the horse woman, eyes betraying his feelings. Wondering if he even did really deserve to have someone like her in his life…
With a nervous sigh, her hand signed the document she had received just moments ago. Beagle, just coming out of the bathroom and brushing her teeth raised an eyebrow at the young kuranta.
Beagle: What's that ?
It took her a while to answer.
Kazimierz had been the place of her birth. Where her family had lived for generations before her parents moved with her to Columbia… Her phone's screen was still warm from the messaging sessions she had shared with her mother… The woman having returned to Kawarielki.
It was just a crazy idea… After seeing him on the TV…
But all the gears had clicked into place and she somehow had her place in just a few hours after.
Fang showed the piece of paper to her friend with a small smile.
Fang: I'm going participate in the major.
The purple haired twins snapped their heads toward her interrupting their gaming session while Kroos remained deep in her slumber, Beagle's jaw wide open.
Lava: Damn…
Hisbiscus: Wait are you sure…?
Beagle: Wow wow, that's a bit sudden isn't it ?
The kuranta shrugged her shoulders.
Fang: I don't know… I… I heard one of my relatives participated back when I was a kid. I think I want to try. I want to try something more, something new.
She could feel it. She could feel it when the wind blew in her hair when she trained on the upper deck ever since first reaching Kazimierz.
It was her calling.
A/N: I am deeply sorry this took so long to publish.