Welcome back again my fellow readers. When we last saw Marta and the others, Marta has accomplished her third day of training with Emerald. As they made their next move to travel into the Tethe'alla region, Azure and Topaz made a request to travel to remote areas around Asgard and Hima. For Azure, to pick up something and perform maintenance on her cybernetics. For Topaz, to visit the grave of her grandfather. Wanting Azure to be prepared and not wanting to deny Topaz a chance to visit the grave of a loved one, agrees to the detour.
The first spot was to the place where the secret laboratory of Azure's father laid. After traveling, they found their way inside. So what will occur now?
Once we see the reactions in the Present Day, we will see what occurs.
Grass Field Outskirts [Present Day]
Nothing major happened other than the training session between Marta and Emerald. However, the fact Marta skipped ahaead two days meant nothing much happened during that gap.
"Wait... why did you skip two days prior?" Genis asked, although it was a late question as Marta skipped certains days already acordding to earlier parts of the story.
"Nothing much occurred during those days aside from us traveling together as I would focus on the more important parts. Although, it allowed us to reconnect with Scarlet and Lavender. Not to mention, Emerald's training was more on agility as those sleeping kunai really wears me down." Marta explained to Genis about why she skips days at a time along with her training with Emerald.
"Have to admit, the training Emerald teaches you is very similar to Mizuho training." Sheena replied with a smirk, knowing full well that it is indeed Mizuho training, considering Emerald is using the methods the Mizuho ninjas use to teach younger warriors. Makes sense, considering Kuchinawa raised and trained Emerald.
"Maybe Emerald's master might know your clan." Marta theorized, unknowingly hitting the mark dead on, but Sheena brushed it off to the side, not intending to tell her about right now. Sheena scratched the back of her head while laughing it off, much to Marta's confusion.
"So, you went to this secret lab in the forest around Asgard?" Emil asked his beloved, surprised he never knew about it. Granted, he and Marta didn't have a reason to go there and Marta most likely kept it a secret for a reason. On a side note, he eagerly awaited to hear Marta's sing after the story as yet again, her voice brought ease to Emerald's anxiety. He can't help but wonder how she will sound.
"Yeah... sorry I never told you. We just had no reason to go there and I thought it would be disrespectful to barge in there without Azure there." Marta apologized and explained herself, expressing her desire to respect Azure's place to return to occasionally.
"No, not at all. I think it's a good thing you repect Azure's boundaries regarding her father's laboratory." Emil reassured Marta that there was no harm keeping the laboratory hidden from him. Although he would like to see it, he would rather ask Azure permission first... assuming he ever met her... unlikely as that seems now...
"Indeed. You honored Azure's trust in you and kept her father's workplace safe." Regal smiled, expressing his approval for the Young Girl's decision. This was a secret worth keeping instead of hiding.
"Not everyone respected that, it seems like. You mentioned someone stole notes for her father's work?" Raine added on, expressing disappointment that someone Azure's father trusted would steal his notes. Considering how it saved Azure, it could benifit a lot of people and save a lot of lives.
"We would eventually discover that later on. First things first, the next part of Lady Marta's journey would occur around when Azure asked us to come to the back room of her father's laboratory..." Tenebrae added on as he and Marta recalled the next part of their little 'Side-Quest'...
Azure's Laboratory [Backroom]
As they entered the backroom, Marta, Tenebrae and Scarlet eyed the room around them. It's a sterile looking room with a chair in the middle of the room, most likely where she performs maintenance. The three waited as Azure took out her gun and placed it on the table nearby along with her glasses and whatever she had on her person.
"I know you asked us to come back here, but was there something you need specifically?" Marta asked Azure out of curiosity. Not that she didn't mind helping out a friend of course, but she figured Azure managed to accomplish her maintenance on her own so many times.
"Well... I figured it would help things go quicker. Yes, I can do this by myself, but maybe it cut down on the time needed." Azure admitted to Marta, who wondered by her saying "make this go quicker".
"You sure you want to rush this?" Scarlet asked while waving a hand.
"Not rush. Quick. Cut down on the time needed to do a maintenance check. We still got to do Topaz's request. Besides, I intend to pick up what I need here after completing the check up." Azure explained as the two girls nod in understanding.
With that, Azure went behind a curtain to strip down to her undergarments, a pair of black shorts and a sports bra. She than sat down in the chair as the scanner around it began to scan her body, going from head to toe. Marta and Scarlet saw seams and certain machine like designs on her arms and legs, understanding why she wears pants and long sleeved clothing. After five minutes, a chime went off.
"Marta, Scarlet, what does the screen say?" Azure asked, wanting to know how her parts looked. As Marta and Scarlet checked the screen near her chair, they see an image of Azure's body with it's left arm colored orange and the rest of the body colored yellow.
"W-Well... your arm... is orange and the rest of your body is in the yellow." Marta hesitantly spoke, not being able to sugarcoat things for her.
"It's my fault... I caused this..." Scarlet said in a sad tone. She didn't wish to be reminded of this. Azure's eyes widen as if she was struck with guilt.
"Scarlet... Ugh, I'm so stupid!" Azure grunted in guilt and disappointment at herself as she clutched her head at what she did. Marta understood why as Scarlet did use Scorching Tempest on her, hence why her parts would be damaged.
"N-No... it's only right I help with getting your parts repaired... especially your left arm..." Scarlet spoke in an understanding tone, before noting her arm.
"Actually, it was a Yeti Alice controlled that damaged her left arm... that's why it's in the orange." Marta explained to Scarlet, which didn't make her feel any better, much to her understandingand dismay.
"Besides, I know all of my parts just need some repairs. Marta, Scarlet, listen carefully as I tell you what to put on these "arms" surrounding my chair..." Azure said as she told Marta and Scarlet which tools to find in the backroom and install while she instructed Tenebrae to watch the screen. Marta and Scarlet would also find replacement pieces the chair needed as it repaired Azure. The arms did something that made Marta squeamish as the arms removed her limbs from the knee and elbow down for a moment to do some inside work.
"Whoa..." Scarlet said in a mix of intrigue and unease. Marta raised her hands to her mouth in a mix of awe and disgust as she saw this. Additionally, one of the chairs arms picked up the oil Scarlet was told to place as it filled the four robotic limbs like a blood transfusion. It's obvious seeing this makes them feel uncomfortable. Not that it would change their views on Azure...
Tenebrae eyed the screen, seeing the parts slowly become green.
"She's making a steady recovery." Tenebrae said with a reassuring smile toward Marta and Scarlet, who are relieved that they played a part in helping Azure recover fast. The machine placed Azure's limbs back into their joints, the Cyborg breathing a content sigh as she flexed the fingers and toes in a slow yet gentle motion.
"You may want to look away for this... next bit..." Azure metioned as her eyes would need to be looked at next. Marta understood as she closed her eyes, but didn't turned her back to Azure. Scarlet just toughed it out as she and Tenebrae watched the machine used a special laser on her eyes, healing and repairing them.
"Okay... I'm done." Azure said as Marta opened her eyes. The Young Girl stepped forth and offered a hand to Azure, helping her up and supported her until she regained her footing.
"Thank you... all three of you..." Azure said with a thankful smile as Scarlet handed her glasses.
"If you don't mind me asking, how long does it take your maintenance to go through? Especially since you said Lady Marta and Scarlet would make it go quick." Tenebrae inquired, something that Marta and Scarlet themselves wondered.
"Usually about three hours... I have to get all the components into place, make sure everything is up to code... sometimes repairs don't work the first time..." Azure admitted, surprising the two girls and the Centurion. She had to spend a good amount of time making sure her parts function.
"Father gave me a second chance... and I gladly accepted it, responsibilities and all." Azure spoke in a bittersweet tone. Marta's taken aback by how Azure didn't resent her father for the hard work his daughter would have to routinely perform. In a way, this earned both admiration and sympathy for Azure as Marta hugged her, surprising the Cyborg.
"You don't need to do this alone anymore Azure... not by yourself..." Marta spoke softly, not wanting Azure to handle this self-repair work alone any longer.
"Marta..." Azure spoke softly, touched by what she's saying. The cyborg had done this for so long based on her answer to Tenebrae. Tenebrae sat down as he looked at the two girls and listened to their conversation.
"She's right Azure... you... can trust us to help with this from now on..." Scarlet said as she softly touched and carrased her left arm as Azure raised a gentle hand to Scarlet's hand.
"I... I'd like that." Azure said in gratitude as soft tears pricked her eyes, thankful for Marta's kindness and Scarlet's support. With that, after taking a minute to pull herself together, Azure put her clothes back on and put her glasses back on.
"Another question if you don't mind? Do you need this glasses sinc pe your eyes are mechanical?" Tenebrae asked yet again as Marta shot him a glare, not wanting to upset Azure.
"It's okay Marta. Truth be told... I don't really need them, but I keep them because... back when I was younger, I needed them as I was near sighted. It reminded me of my past. Secondly, these glasses used to belong to my father. Even if they get damaged, I'd always repair these as they are a precious momento of my father." Azure said with a fond yet sad smile as she held the glasses by it's frame.
"I see. They're what you have of him." Scarlet somberly noted as she watched Azure glide a finger on the lens. Marta saw photos and what appeared to be rewards on a desk. The desk showed a man in his thirties with a little girl. This must be Azure when she was younger alongside her father. Than, she saw photos of Azure, who appeared to be nine years old, struggling to walk with the same machine like patterns on her legs. It was most likely after she became a cyborg. Than, one where Azure was admitted to Palmacosta University.
Marta felt herself get misted eyed as she saw those photos along with pictures of her and her father along with the many rewards she earned. The cyborg saw her friend looking through.
"I won most of these due to my inventions and knowledge... my father was proud of how smart I am... but they pale in comparison to the love father gave me... that's the best prize any child can get; A loving parent you made proud." Azure spoke fondly in a serious and bittersweet tone, something Marta understood. Marta remembered the time when she did something impressive or praise worthy, the look of pride and love in Brute and Lily's eyes. Right now... she could only see disappointment from Brute the way he is now... and... she will never know if she's making Lily proud right now.
"Yes... making your parent proud... is the best 'prize' a child can ever receive." Marta agreed, knowing these trophies and medals pale in comparison to a parents love and praise.
The room went quiet for a good while until the Centurion of Darkness broke the silence, hoping to break the somberness for Marta's sake.
"Azure... you said there was something else you came here for?" Tenebrae spoke up as Azure wiped her eyes.
"Y-Yes... that"s right." Azure said, knowing that her body is all fixed up now and after a brief trip down memory lane. However, before she went to gather her belongings, she took a glance at the three of them for a moment.
"Marta, Scarlet, Tenebrae... thank you..." The cyborg spoke with sincere gratitude and a small smile.
"Anything for a friend, Azure." Marta spoke with a bright smile, happy to help her friend in some way.
"It's the least I could do." Scarlet spoke with an awkward smile while scratching the back of her head.
"It's an honor to assist you Azure, in whatever way I could." Tenebrae spoke with an air of respect toward Azure. With that, Azure picked up her belongings and walked over to what appeared to be an upgraded version of her Sapphire Blaster.
"You planning to dual wield?" Scarlet asked in a half joking manner.
"Psh... you wish. Don't have the dexterity or even the cockiness for that. You see... when we fought Alice, my gun's ammo ring locked up. Not exactly a good sign, even with the repairs. I made an upgraded model ready to go... but... I never used it... because my father made this model, Spahhire Blaster, for me... I... I'm scared of replacing what my dad made for me... compared to my cybernetics..." Azure explained to the others. All this time, she intentionally fought with a weaker model because she wanted to keep more momentoes of her father.
"You... could just keep the old model while using the new one. You don't need to get rid of it." Scarlet suggested to Azure, giving the cyborg an idea she never thought of before.
"Scarlet's right. Just because you made a better weapon, it doesn't mean you have to get rid of the old one. Besides, what if you need a spare or if you want to use it for old time's sake?" Marta agreed with the Crimson Swordsmaiden and Azure had to admit, they both made a good point. Azure stored Spahhire Blaster in it's holster, but move the holster onto her right hip instead while placing the new holster on her left hip. She picked up the new high tech pistol. It is more sleek, colored steel blue with black accents instead of the baby blue color with white accents.
"Why didn't I think of that...?" Azure smiled, realizing the truth in Marta and Scarlet's suggestion. With that, she holstered Aquamarine Cannon. With that, Azure was all set to go. Marta and Tenebrae each thought to themselves though... who would steal the notes to her father's work? Marta thought to one person who resented the cyborg... Azure's mother. But if she was able to get in, why would she do such a thing? Marta obviously was mad the Azure's mom rejected her Azure just because she was saved through cybernetics. At this point, it's just speculation and decided to keep it to herself for now until proven otherwise.
Azure's Laboratory [Main Room]
The other girls in the meantime, the other girls looks around the lab seeing all of Azure's inventions while having snacks. Emerald is mesmerized by the machine that generates ice from air moisture alone. Vermillion glances at the sword fashioned out of a rare typr of metal. Lavender sees the robot arms and was temoted to press the button, but remembered Azure's words and eyes them. Selene sees what appears to be a strange box of some sorts that interests her. Lastly, Topaz is staring at some form of training equipment that caught her eye.
"Enjoying what you see girls?" Azure said, her spirits lifted slighty. Marta and Scarlet smiled too while Tenebrae remained neutral, but is nit in abad mood. The girls all said yes or nodded.
"Tell you what, since you listened... I'll show you the intentions that caught your eye. Emerald?" Azure spoke, wanting to sate their curiosity before starting with the kunoichi.
"Well... this ice machine is cool. It sucks the cold air in?" Emerald asked in wonder. Marta thought it's really sweet that Azure is doing this. Azure rarely shows her inventions to her friends, but here she is now doing so.
"On the contrary, there's water molecules in the air at all times. This sucks in some of those molecules, freezes their molecular structure and turns it into fresh ice to use for work or cooling purposes." Azure proudly exclaimed and needless to say, Marta and the others are impressed. Even Emerald was star struck as Azure walked over to Vermillion.
"Interested in the blade Vermillion?" Azure asked the Lady Knight, noticing the intrigued look in her eyes. Marta knew it was surreal to see her face after seeing her face obscured for so long, but it was nice to see her facial expressions more often.
"Yes, this sword here..." Vermillion chimed in, which at that point Scarlet took an interest.
"I never pegged you for a swords smith Azure..." Scarlet chuckled as she walked over. Tenebrae couldn't help but blink athiow more relaxed the Crimson Swordsmaiden is now compared to the hostile rage he saw previously.
"Well, this was something I thought I try my hand at. This sword was made out of a rare metal not used in any weapon smith shop. I tested it and it can cleave a block of wood like butter. However, it can't slice through a tree trunk like an axe can, yet it is very durable." Azure explained to the Lady Knight and the Crimson Swordsmaiden, earning looks of approval. The Cyborg made her way to Lavender, with Marta free to look around to see what caught her eye the most.
"So, are these arms prosthetics, like your arms and legs?" Lavender asked in curiosity as Azure pressed the button the Vibrant Girl eyed. The arms came to life as they picked up a ball and juggled. Everyone in the room watched as they picked up more balls to juggle until it was juggling 20 balls in a fast motions before it tosses them in the air and let them fall in the bucket.
"Very impressive Azure!" Tenebrae exclaimed. The Centurion is rarely surprised and yet to see this.
"This could change the world Azure!" Lavender spoke in an awe struck tone.
"Indeed. This can help people in the long run. I just need a way to install it the the person's nervous system for it to work properly." Azure explained, mentioning the only road block to make these prosthetic limbs work properly to their full capacity. With that, Azure walked over to Topaz.
"Go on, give them a lift." Azure said with a smirk as she encouraged Topaz to pick up the dumbells. Topaz grab them both and she nearly fell to the floor, much to everyone's surprise.
"HRNGH! AHHH!" Topaz grunted as she stood up and took some breathes in.
"T-These... are heavy...!" Topaz grunted as she folded her arms halfway, straining with effort as she does arm reps with them.
"100 Pound dumbells. I figured those seeking muscle building would want a challenge. Just something I made on a whim. Although, there are settings to lower the weight mass to 75, 50 or 25." Azure smiled with closed eyes as she pushed her glasses up.
"Anyome else want a go?" Azure questioned the others as they all expressed with "I'm good!", "No thanks." and the like. Topaz sweated hard as she was doing the arm reps until she got to 25 reps before putting them down.
"Whoo! That was... tense!" Topaz said as she waved her arms with a satisfied smirk. This impressed Azure.
"I can say those are a success at least. Just need a good way to promote these inventions... if I could, I would be able to make a legit living." Azure said with a degree of longing, hoping to put her inventions to good use.
"I'm sure you can Azure." Marta smiled with encouragement as she looked around some more to find something to speak about. Azure in the meantime went to Selene.
"This box... it resembles those cameras that take pictures..." Selene inquired as she pointed to the metal box in question.
"Ah, that's a portable camera prototype. With this, taking picture become much more easier. Just get some film and the pictures come out the slider. I even put a timer on the camera so the person taking the picture can be in the shot too. I even made a little stand to place it on. I haven't tested it yet... I do know I need good pictures..." Azure spoke about this handheld camera she made. It can make taking photos much more simpler.
Marta's heart ached a bit as she remembered the photo of her and her parents. Marta looked in her pouch and took it out, still in it's frame. She looked at it fondly, recalling how she pocketed it before she left as she noticed cracks in the frame, most likely because of the hits she took during the many fights she took. It's a miracle her battles didn't destroy it.
"I even managed to buy three of these books that can store pictures." Azure said as she pulled them out and gave one to Selene.
"What...?" Selene asked in a confused tone as she took the photo book.
"So you can put your photo somewhere safe and maybe more photos we take. I wasn't planning on it... but I'm going to take this with me, partially to test this and so we can make some memories together. Thankful, I managed to procure plenty of film." Azure spoke as Selene took out the photo of her and Soleil before sliding it into one of the plastic sleeves in the book she was given before she hugged the book that now contains her beloved photo.
"Thank you..." Selene whispered, deeply touched by this act. Even Marta felt teary eyed as she put her own photo back in her pouch as she looks at something that finally caught her attention. She took a close look at the invention in question... a small circular device the size of Marta's palm with a blue black orb in the center. What does this do exactly?
"What's that Lady Marta?" Tenebrae chimed in as he walked over there, a bit curious himself after seeing all of these incredible inventions himself.
"I'm not sure..." Marta replied as she eyed it, trying to make since of this little gizmo.
"A little thing thing I've been working on since when I was a little girl... even before the accident. I call it a "Recorder"." Azure explained to Marta as she walked over to the Young Girl, surprising everyone in the room.
"When you were a little girl!?" Marta exclaimed, saying what everyone else is thinking.
"Yup. The very first thing I made is a device that can record sound and voices, up to 20 minutes tops. I managed to complete it before my father's passing. I even gave this to him as a present. It's a momento to me... I... I don't know if he ever used it or not... I've been afraid to try..." Azure spoke, feeling uneasy as she spoke about it.
"Have you tried? To see if he used it?" Scarlet inquired, making a valid point a out this "Recorder" device Azure's proud of.
"No... I haven't... you see, before I started on my other projects, I made four other recorders and stored them, but I changed their designs to make them stand out from the one father gave me... as a means to preserve what father made. Even if he didn't use it... what mattered is that he loved it." Azure spoke with unease in her voice. Azure than steped forth to it. Once again, Marta brought unease to a friend aithout meaning too. Why does this happen, she meantally scolded herself. Azure saw the buttons, with the record button long since taken out of it, no longer operable so that the recording if there is one, can't be written over. She pressed it's play button. With that...
"Okay... okay. Now that I tested it, I can actually leave what I want to say." Said a man's voice in his thirties. Azure's eyes went wide.
"That's... my father..." Azure whispered as the other girls and Tenebrae came up to the cyborg. With that, they remained silent as they listened to the recording her father left.
"Well, in two days, you'll earn admission into Palmacosta University. I intend to tell you in person, but I always knew you such a bright young woman. *Cough* *Cough* S-Sorry you heard that... I know I said I've been getting a cold lately, but by the time you heard this... I... will not be here... as you know by the time you hear this, the genetic weakness you suffered... came from me... the nanomachines I injected into you was meant to cure the disease inside you... I intended to make more so we could both live and so we can help others... but... someone stole the notes to make more..."
Azure's father spoke as the girls listened. As they did, Marta felt tightness wrap her heart as Azure's father spoke to Azure, with the cyborg's eyes becoming wet and running.
"I ultimately used the completed nanomachines to save you... but I don regret it. My only regret was your mother leaving us. Although what she said to you was horrible... I couldn't bring myself to hate her... I think she's afraid... not sure about what I did to save you... because she believes machines can't feel. Even... if you were a full robot... regardless if you have a motor or a pulse, you're still my precious little girl, Hope. Like the name we gave you, always keep hope in your heart and don't be afraid. And... if you can, try to reconcile with your mom... but if you can't... at least do her no harm for you bith already wen through so much. Please know that I will always love you and be with you for eternity. Take care Hope... I love you sweetie."
With that, the recording ended... Azure weeped as she took her glasses off.
"Oh... father..." Azure cried hard as Marta hugged her from behind as the others all comforted the Cyborg.
"Hope... is that your name...?" Selene asked with some hesitation, not wanting to upset or offend her.
"Yes... Hope Azul is my true name... Azure is a pseudonym I used when I joined the Vanguard... I didn't want the people to recognize me so easily, partially so I didn't run father's name in the mud or... ruin my admission to the School I worked so hard to get into..." Azure explained to Selene as she revealed the reason behind her alias.
"Hope... that's a very beautiful name..." Marta complicated the Cyborg on her true name with a bright smile, sincerely glad to hear such great love Azure's father has for her.
"You parents must have had great faith in you if they named after a treasure concept among humans." Tenebrae added on with a genuine smile for the Cyborg.
"Yeah... my mother... almost lost her life giving birth to me... when I was born... when she survived... they saw my smile and knew what to name me... that's why... it hurt... when mom rejected me for my cybernetics... but even so... I couldn't hate her..." Azure weeped between words. All this time, she never hated her mother.
"Like your pops said... if you can't reconcile... at least no haye will be bred between you both..." Scarlet spoke to Azure, offering her own words of comfort. After a few moments of processing the information, Azure wiped her eyes and put her glasses back on. Azure than got placed the recored in a vault to protect this final message from her father. Azure than got out three of the four recorders to hand them to Marta, Emerald and Scarlet.
"I'd like for the three of you to have these... so you can record whatever it is you three like. It's my gift to you." Azure spoke in gratitude to the Young Girl, Crimson Swordsmaiden and Kunoichi.
"Thank you Azure... or Hope...?" Emerald spoke to Azure, unsure how to adress her.
"For now... just Azure... when this is all settled, I'd like to be called Hope again." Azure said with a fond smile, looking forward to the day where she will no longer need to hide her name.
"I look forward to it Azure." Marta spoke with gratitude before the cyborg gave Marta a picture book as well.
"Azure...?" Marta spoke in stunned surprise as the book was placed in her gloved hands.
"I... never got a chance to give you a birthday present... it isn't much, but I hope it's sufficient...?" Azure nervously spoke as if she thought Marta wouldn't like it. However, Marta smiled instead...
"I love it Azure... thank you." Marta spoke, happy that once again, another member of her Unit opened up and healed. Emerald, Selene, Lavender, Vermillion, Scarlet and now Azure... her friends have confronted thier own personal demons and doubts, becoming more open and freeing themselves from their painful pasts. All that is left is to help Topaz.
Woods [Near the Asgard area]
Once they left the laboratory at around 5:00 PM, Azure altered the passcode to HOPE. Partially to honor the name her father gave her and to ensure whoever stole the notes can't ever barge in to steal or destroy more of her father's work or her own. She instead trusted Marta and the others with the new code.
"Are you certain you want to trust us with the new code?" Topaz inquired, nit that she intends to break that trust.
"Yes. I trust you all to enter the lab whenever you please..." Azure smiled with full faith at all of her friends.
"Even... me...?" Scarlet asked in complete disbelief as she felt she hasn't earned it yet.
"Yes... I can tell you're making great strides... if Marta can forgive you... so can I..." Azure spoke with great faith, pleasing Marta that her unit is starting to fully trust each other completely.
"We still have time to get to where Topaz needs to be right?" Vermillion asked the question in regards to the Martial Artists destination.
"Yeah, we still have time. In fact... the place in question is even better a night time... it's right around Hima, but not in Hima per say. Just follow me." Topaz spoke with fondness and a wink as Marta gave her a nod to go ahead and lead them. As Marta held the new picture book, she opened it to see the photo of herself, Burte and Lily in it, having placed inside 10 minutes earlier. Placing it in her pouch, she ran to catch up.
As Tenebrae walked, he can't help but feel something close by. A familiar presence and an unknown one. Whatever it is, he decided to keep open ears as they headed for the secret training spot Topaz spoke of...
To Be Continued...
With that, Azure's heart has been opened along with getting a well needed upgrade.
What will happen as soon as they reach the training spot Topaz spoke of? What are these presences Tenebrae is sensing?
We'll find out next time.
Note [1/26/2025]: Sorry this next one took so long. I was goofing around and didn't have some creative juices flowing, but hopefully this will suffice as I get the story back on track.