[PhoenixFlare]

And now, for the overdue Chapter Five (announced to be out yesterday) ...

When reading Leona's part in her room later, I suggest listening to >>this<<. And yes, that's one of her theme songs.

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha GuardianS

Chapter Five—Amethyst Star

Spoiler for Scene I:

[Crusader, Escutcheon, Cranagan City] [January 22nd, MC 081] [1922 hours]

“Alert! Alert!”

The warning blared through the entire building with its monotonous tempo, crimson signals flashing with earnest urgency and casting the white walls in their ruddy hue.

Caught completely by surprise, the warning had personnel scrambling to their posts, their booted feet scrapping against the polished floor in a chaotic tramp, punctuated by confused exchanges between members working in the same area while those who were more prepared brought their comrades to man their posts. Men and women scurried along corridors and whisked around corners, hurrying to their destinations, some buttoning up their uniforms as they trudged down the path, others utterly disregarding conduct and rushing to their stations in their nightwear.

It was their first day on duty, and it was least expected that the alarm would go off so soon when placements were still underway.

In Crusader, the heart of Escutcheon’s operations, personnel were already busy managing the situation. Shario, Lucino, and several other communicators were seated on the mainframe, their fingers a blur of motion as they tried to ascertain the cause of the alarm. Verossa and Hayate, the latter who had returned to the base from the Saint Church earlier than her two friends, were watching the flow of operation with rapt attention. Griffith was standing next to the Commander, both their eyes intent on the large monitor where a flat map of a particular location was displayed. Blinking dots and radial lines ran along the network of square grids and the outline of contours as satellite scans and security sensors worked in tandem with the communicators’ hand-given orders to provide them a better idea of what was happening.

The distracting alarm ceased automatically after it was announced a minute ago, and normal lighting returned to Escutcheon. The silence that followed was disproportionately deafening.

“Shario, Lucino, situation report,” Chrono commanded, his voice calm and his mind focused. Dressed in complete uniform, he was sitting on a high-backed chair upon a raised platform, giving him the entire view of Crusader. Before him was a computer interface equipped with various intricate buttons and keys that were reserved exclusively only for his use.

Shario, the bespectacled Communications officer, turned around slightly in her seat at the front, her eyes intent. “A large energy reading was detected at coordinates –56, –168 a minute ago. The reading was similar to that of a magic spell, and apparently, it was used in the presence of several civilians!”

“What lies in the area within the coordinates?” Griffith asked.

“Laboratory 30, situated close to the Verlast Dam in the Verlast Forest,” Lucino supplied the information without turning back, her fingers working furiously with the touch-board.

Hayate frowned. “And isn’t that where …?”

Shario confirmed her fear. “Yes, it is the location where one of the Jewels of the Star is being researched. Professor Sayaki heads the laboratory.”

“Any contact with the people still inside?” Chrono asked, disliking every moment of it. The image of the torn bodies of the guards and officer that were supposed to ship the Topaz Star to its safe-house formed with vivid clarity in his mind.

“Negative,” Lucino answered. “I’ve been trying to get in touch with them for the past half a minute, but no one is answering.”

“The alarm was triggered by the intruder who tripped one of the newly installed security system,” Shario added. “The intruder went in through the main entrance. Disturbances in energy fluctuations in the area confirmed that a spell was cast before he broke through.”

At that moment, the doors to the room slid open, and Signum, Tesla, and Kratos rushed in, and all three of them giving a swift salute to the Commander, Vice-Commander, and both members of the Intelligence and Support Division. “What is the situation?” Signum began, her expression grave.

Chrono provided them with a succinct summary of what was happening. “I expected them to act fast, but this is quite a surprise. Are the squads ready?”

“Yes,” Tesla replied. “The Lieutenants are already in place at the take-off point, along with Doctor Shamal and Sergeant-Major Reinforce Zwei and Second Lieutenant Agito for back-up. Pilot Krauetta is already starting up Sky Falcon.”

Just then, several smaller screens popped up on the mainframe monitor.

“This is Justice-One to Crusader,” came a familiar voice.

“And this is Valor-One to Crusader,” another voice sounded.

It was Nanoha and Fate, their faces bordered in the screens. Both of them looked grim and serious. It seemed that they, too, had received the alarm.

“Captain Testarossa and I are still at the Saint Church,” Nanoha said. “Knight Carim of the Saint Church has given us permission to attend to the matter.”

“As expected of her,” Chrono replied, smiling slightly despite the gravity of the situation. He cleared his throat before he continued. “Then, this is the current mission: all squads are to head out and secure the location, with the priority of the mission being the safety of the civilians, undoubtedly researchers still in the laboratory. Secondary to this will be to ensure that the Lost Logia is not lost to the intruder and possibly the accomplices. Apprehend them using as little force as necessary. Limiter release is currently set to Level One.”

“I’ll go as well and provide help as needed,” Hayate offered. “Also, I think it best that we split into two groups: one going to help the civilians still inside the laboratory, while the others pursue the enemy that I’m sure will be fleeing from the scene.”

Chrono nodded. “I leave it to you to decide what the groups will be.” Then, he looked at the faces of the frontline members. “Any questions so far?”

Kratos nodded. “Commander, Captain Tyriel is still in the base. She will be he—”

He was interrupted by the doors that opened for a second time. Standing in the entrance was Leona, whose pale face was haggard and her hair disorderly. She seemed to be panting heavily, as if she had been running with all her strength to the room, which was located just three corridors away. Her chest rose and fell as she drew in deep, rattling breaths. Stranger still was that she was leaning against Aurion for support, his hands holding onto her shoulder and arm. Her own hands were trembling, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, and her eyes looked bloodshot.

Slowly, the two made their way past the threshold, and the doors closed behind them. Aurion looked up at the people gathered in the room and said, “I found her outside of the command room. She seemed as if she almost fainted, her face so white it was like chalk.”

Everyone who heard him was shocked except for the Chrono, who narrowed his eyes critically.

“Captain Tyriel, what happened to you?” Kratos asked, alarmed. Hayate and he moved forward to help her, but the Commander raised a stifling hand. Both of them became hesitant, Hayate looking utterly confused, while Kratos seethed with indignation. Even Nanoha and Fate, who were witnessing the exchange from their screens, were baffled. Verossa shot Chrono a strange look, but did not say anything.

“All squads,” Chrono said, his voice deathly cold. “Prepare to move out.” It was as if he did not notice that Leona was there.

“Wai—” Leona tried to speak, but her weak voice was overridden by Chrono’s stronger one.

And most of all, a stronger voice with all the authoritative command that broached no further questioning.

“Vice-Captain Kratos, you are to take lead of the Gallant Squad in the stead of Captain Tyriel,” Chrono spoke, his face a mask of inscrutability. “Now, all squads, move out.” The order was unmistakable, marked so by the indomitable steel in his voice.

Signum and Tesla were bewildered by the drastic change in their Commander, but they did not ask. Silently, they saluted Chrono and walked towards the doors, looking briefly at the captain without a word before making their way past the entrance. Kratos, on the other hand, appeared as if he was ready to give his superior a smack, but, with an indignant air, turned around without saluting and tramped briskly to Leona, who was still in Aurion’s hands.

“Milady, please have a rest. I will be back shortly,” he spoke softly. Leona did not reply, but weakly nodded. The simple effort seemed to be draining a lot of her strength, and she slumped backwards. Were Aurion not supporting her, she would have fallen onto the ground. Hayate looked troubled; she was torn between helping her friend and attending to her duty at the moment. A few moments later, she, too, walked out to follow the rest, but not without a sympathetic glance at Leona.

“Captains Takamachi and Testarossa,” Chrono said, turning his back to the pair at the side of the room.

“Yes?” both of them answered at once. Yet, their eyes looked with concern at their comrade, who seemed to have taken a turn for the worse after the incident back in the training grounds.

Chrono did not miss the gesture, but he continued. “The two of you are to make it to the location as soon as possible. Shario and Lucino will provide you with the necessary data.”

“Affirmative, sir!” With one final glance at their friend, they turned off the screen, heading off for their mission.

And the heavy blanket of silence fell into the room, broken only by the taps of keys and the beeps of computers. The prominence of the quiet seemed to radiate between the Commander and the Captain.

“Why?” Leona finally asked, her voice a hoarse whisper.

Chrono took a moment to reply her. Without even turning back, he answered: “I have no need for an ailing captain in the frontline, more so one who could not even make it to the briefing. A Vice-Captain works just as fine to serve the purpose of relieving a Captain ill-suited to perform her tasks.”

His words struck like a viper’s venom, the subtle poison working its dark way slowly, painfully, crushing her defenses with utter brutality, so that it could finally reach her unprepared heart and dispense its lethal consequence. Leona was muted, unable to respond. If anything, her face became whiter than before, an ashen complexion of one who had gone to the afterlife. Aurion, who was still holding on to her, felt Leona’s whole body tremble, her hands extremely cold as she gripped them with all the might that was left her, the nails biting deeply into the pale flesh.

“Professor Dauer,” Chrono said then, when they did not reply. His back was still facing them.

Aurion looked up from his observation of the distressed captain. “Yes?” he asked.

“If you do not mind, please escort Captain Tyriel back to her room,” the Commander said slowly. His voice, though still cold, now had a peculiar tinge to it, almost like … concern?

“She needs to rest.”

Spoiler for Scene II:

[Vicinity of Laboratory 30, Verlast Forest] [January 22nd, MC 081] [1952 hours]

A dark figure flitted past the foreboding walls of large trees with the agility of a cat, black cloak streaming behind him in a fluttering trail that followed him like a haunting shadow, shifting in and out of sight almost like phantoms of night. He was surrounded by darkness all over—his attire the color of deepest twilight—except for a portion of his face. His ruby eyes watched his surroundings with the keenness of a hawk, his senses alert for possible signs of enemy hidden within the folds of night’s blanket.

As a Master of the Sword, he was trained rigorously in being vigilant all the time, watchful of adversaries even when circumstances did not present such opportunities for their appearance.

A training he had chosen to endure since he became an Astral Templar.

A training that had saved him countless times against certain death.

A training to uphold their sacred duty: the protection of the hallowed Princess.

A training that I have failed utterly …

Wind whipped past Grandia’s face in biting gusts, his auburn hair snapping in the gales of night. He moved with the surety of a feline, his feet touching the ground lightly and propelling him forward, his destination being the dam some distance away from the laboratory where he had emerged from. There, someone awaited him, patiently remaining at her location for his return with the object of their assignment.

From under his cloak, he opened his right hand. Something sparkled on the palm, a beautiful, faintly purplish gem set into the heart of an elaborately-made platinum ring, the radiance pale yet mesmerizing.

The Amethyst Star—the fourth Jewel of the Star, one of the nine keys that would allow us reunion with our dearest Princess.

The procurement of the artifact had been smooth; Sharazad, from her vantage point and following the information provided by Trystahn, had been able to set up a barrier around the laboratory and lull the researchers to sleep. With no resistance in his way, Grandia had been able to infiltrate the lab with ease and found the location where the Star was being investigated exactly as Trystahn had described it.

It seemed that the senior research officer that was taken into questioning—a certain Provost Zakharov, whom the Magi had invited to their abode—had not been lying about the artifacts.

Yet, Grandia felt his senses warning him of danger in the strangest, and perhaps one of the more severe, way. It was a peculiar tingling sensation at the back of his mind that something was wrong with the entire scenario, yet he could not quite place his fingers on the elusive conclusion at the moment.

As much as he liked the fact that the Star was easily found, he frowned on the fact that the law enforcement officers had not been taking any action to prevent—or at least make it more difficult for—them from taking it. He did not believe that they would be so lax with the security of the fabled artifacts, with seemingly little effort to buff up the defense or update the precaution measures. It was really strange …

Perhaps they are overlooking the losses of the Stars as mere accidents? he mused. Then, he shook his head. No … this is not common among the people of this planet; they take stealing of such powerful artifacts seriously. Even the Magi acknowledged that.

Perhaps they do not understand the wonder of these Stars? But, the Provost had recognized their potentials the moment they were mentioned …

Or perhaps, they are trying to …

The final notion struck like the blow of a hammer. Grandia’s eyes widened as he realized, with the largest probability, what the enemy had in place for them.

So, they are not being lax at all.

Hastily, he contacted Sharazad. [Sister.]

There was a short pause before the reply came. [Yes, Grandia? Have you reached here?]

[No.]

[Then, what is the matter? Did one of the civilians awaken from the spell?] Sharazad asked, a little worried. She, like him, did not like the idea of hurting innocents unless it was really necessary. Even then, they were careful to restrain themselves. To them, it was absolutely pointless to kill, and more so because their doctrine forbid such an action. Sharazad, particularly, advocated the thought, because she understood that life was too precious to waste it away.

Because they did not have long to live themselves.

[No.] Grandia replied calmly. [Listen to me. We must prepare to leave immediately.]

[What?] came Sharazad’s bewildered telepathic voice. [But, why?]

[I don’t have time to explain right now. Just be ready to contact Trystahn right away once I reach you.] he said. [It is important.] Grandia added as an afterthought.

The gravity of his answer caused another short pause from Sharazad’s side. Then, she said: [All right. Will you be fine?]

[Don’t worry too much about me.] Grandia replied. [Just remember what I say.]

Sharazad did not reply, but Grandia knew that she heard him. His heart quickened slightly as the inkling of what the enemy was thinking formed again in his mind, and he hastened his pace. There was no time to lose, and the sooner he reached Sharazad, the better.

The entire forest flashed past him, dark images of oaks and maples melding into an impregnable wall of shadow, their branches intertwined with one another forming a thick canopy that blotted out the little light that was left to illuminate his path. The moon was veiled behind a thick bank of rain clouds, and the canvas of darkness stretched across the horizon unblemished, the winks of the absent stars hidden. Even the cries of the nocturnes were noticeably silent, the only sounds being the crunch of fallen leaves and twigs under his feet and the sighs of winds that rose with each passing second. In the distance, a thunder rumbled, its groan muffled within the bellies of the advancing clouds that bore with them the filled wells of spring rain.

—Snickt.—

The approaching storm was a prelude to an unexpected meeting between two opposing forces.

—Snickt.—

Fate was finally revealing they who were destined in its infinite and whimsical game of chance.

Just a little while longer before he reached the dam …

—Snickt.—

There was a burst of bluish-white light as a spear of lightning flashed, its jagged edges piercing the darkness as a strident boom exploded. The force of its thunderous clap reverberated within the forest, causing a sudden hail of dark, shadowy leaves.

And from within the blizzard of fallen leaves came the unmistakable gleam of something metal that parted the leaves in halves, as if they had been sliced by the sharpest of edge …

Yet, Grandia had already felt the attack coming even before his falcon-like eyes witnessed its appearance from within the shadows or his ears heard the sound of its approach, years of experience honed to perceive danger before it happened making him alert of the slightest changes in the surroundings that might herald the arrival of trouble. With a graceful twist in mid-leap, he whispered: “Αστραλ Αυγμεντ—Δανχε ωϕ Ηερμεσ. (Astral Augment—Dance of Hermes.)”

The winds answered his call, and with their help, he did a backflip as soon as his feet touched ground. The simple technique made his body lighter, more maneuverable, and the feat propelled him back much further than a similar reaction would under normal circumstances.

And the place where he would have stood previously was struck with a powerful blow that shattered the earth, sending debris and rocks flying in all direction.

Grandia noticed, with a passing glance as he was somersaulting, that the weapon that attacked had been a long chain, similar to a whip, except that it was linked with solid pieces of immaculately sharp metal. There was a small tearing sound: his tattered cloak had been nicked by one of the blades.

From the edge of his vision, he also picked up movement at either of his sides, shadows leaping from within the maw of the forest where the first attack had come, closing in fast for another attack. Quickly, he put both hands down onto the forest floor and pushed himself upwards, just in time to hear two distinct voices yelling “Ice prison!” and “Extreme blaze!”

Again, the ground exploded, this time in a bright incandescence of blue and red, shrapnel of shattered ice and sparks from extinguished fire leaping into the air. The momentary light revealed two small figures—both smaller than even an infant—floating in the air, looks of surprise evident on their faces at their failed attempt to catch him unaware.

Grandia landed lightly on the ground, having successfully evaded two surprise attacks. But, just as he turned around and tried to escape another way, the air around him wavered as if made of liquid, and something coalesced from the hidden depths. An arm formed, its slender fingers wrapped around a brilliant orange-colored energy-dagger, the point of which was placed below his chest.

An illusion spell! Grandia’s eyes widened.

“Optic Hide, off,” the disembodied voice of a person spoke in front of him. Slowly, the cover of illusion vanished, revealing a teenage girl with orange hair and white outfit. Her hand held the dagger in front of her steadily, while the other was clutching what appeared to be a gun. She eyes looked intently into his eyes, fierce determination radiating from her own.

“I am Teana Lanster, First Lieutenant of the Justice Squad of the Escutcheon,” she said calmly without taking her eyes off him.

Justice Squad? Escutcheon? Are those the names of the law enforcement officers that will become the bane of our existence?

“And I am Signum, Vice-Captain of the Justice Squad of the Escutcheon,” another person spoke behind him.

Grandia turned around to see, despite the darkness, a pink-haired woman with a proud and noble bearing. Garbed in knight’s armor and protective gears, she appeared to be one of the warriors of old. In her hand, she held a long white sword, which Grandia did not miss to be the weapon that had initiated the attack. With firm, measured steps, she walked towards him, her eyes looking into him with the same intensity as the one wielding the dagger.

The two smaller figures that he had saw previously flew to his side: one a crimson-haired being with bat-like wings, the other a charming girl-like creature with long silvery hair. With a wave of their hands, several magical strings formed and bound themselves around him—legs, arms, and body—preventing him from moving.

Binding spells … this is going to be troublesome.

Standing several steps away from him, she raised her sword and pointed it at him. With a strong voice, she pronounced, “Intruder, you are hereby arrested under the laws of this country for infiltrating into government facilities, stealing a highly dangerous Lost Logia, and attacking innocent civilians. I advise you to follow us without resistance, or we will have to detain you by force.”

Lost Logia? Is that what they call the Jewels of the Star?

Grandia gazed at the woman called Signum, and his mind made a quick calculative assessment of the situation. He was overpowered in terms of strength: he was one while they were four. And he was rather sure that they would not just remain in that small number; reinforcement should be on the way.

But, he could not, and would not, submit to them, because he must fulfill this one mission entrusted to him.

[Sharazad.] Grandia made a telepathic contact.

[Grandia!] Sharazad answered almost immediately. [Where are you? Preparations are already complete, but you’re later than usual. Is something holding you up?]

[Yes. The enemy forces have shown up.]

[What?] Sharazad gasped in alarm.

[The enemy outnumbers me four to one, and I am sure that they are not just the officers around here. More will probably come later.]

[Then, I will go to you immediately!] Sharazad replied.

[No!] Grandia said tersely. [Remain where you are, and maintain the spell. You can help me from that distance.]

[And let you be apprehended? I won’t do that!]

[Don’t worry, I am not going with them.] Grandia answered.

[You mean … are you going to call them out?] Sharazad gasped again. [They’re dangerous!]

[These officers look quite strong, I’m sure they can fend for themselves.] Grandia said matter-of-factly. [Remember, do not reveal yourself.]

[I am going to need some time to charge for a spell.] Sharazad spoke.

[It will not be a problem.] Grandia replied.

[Be careful, brother …] Sharazad said softly.

[I will.] And the link between them was terminated.

Grandia noticed that the Vice-Captain, the one who identified herself as Signum, had narrowed her eyes suspiciously. She must have observed something strange with his moments of silence and the almost imperceptible changes in his expressions.

“Speak your name, intruder,” she said grimly.

“It avails you naught to know my name,” Grandia replied.

“Tell us, do you have helpers or accomplices around? What is your motive in stealing the Lost Logia?” the silver-haired girl asked, her tiny voice unusually sharp.

“And you should already have your answer, little one. I would not reveal such information, even if you tortured me,” Grandia said, smiling behind the cover of his mask.

“Brave words, young man,” she scoffed. “And I am not ‘little one’! I am Reinforce Zwei, Sergeant-Major of the Intelligence Division of the Escutcheon and a Unison Device!”

“And don’t forget me, the great master of the flames, Agito!”

Unison Devices … I am going to remember them.

“Regardless,” Signum began, her eyes still gazing at the man before her, “you are going to follow us to th—”

“I don’t remember saying anything about following you anywhere,” Grandia replied calmly, but his features were hardening. His face darkened, as if another veil had just been thrown over him.

“What?” The four of them were shocked at his answer.

Taking advantage of the surprise, he called out to the night, his voice death-like and chilling.

“Creatures of death and carnage, come out and serve thy master! Minions!”

Spoiler for Scene III:

[Leona’s Room, Escutcheon, Cranagan City] [January 22nd, MC 081] [2024 hours]

Anger.

Sadness.

Those were the two feelings that were rampaging within Leona’s mind, each an equal in its own ground. They tore through her with the blistering heat of flame and the wintry chill of ice, such that she was rendered senseless by their antagonistic nature. She felt the need to scream, to release her frustration, and yet, the opposing force wanted her to let her tears out, to nurse her wounded heart with their flowing misery.

She could do both, actually, if not for a stronger voice within herself that warned her against them.

A warning against the possible ramifications that were irrevocable, irreconcilable, should she submit to her emotions.

She had seen it happen before—not once, but twice—when she lost herself in the limbo world that was her inner feelings, the strange and inexorable pull of temptation, the projection of her dark self within mortal’s realm. Her strength would magnify then, doubling, tripling, until the point that she would be able to transcend flesh and blood, the fetters of mortal-kind releasing her from their paltry binds, her might growing exponentially …

Strong enough to even escape from the poor reasons that she had kept to herself in order to remain here.

From Chrono, the one whom she had come with to know the intimacy of human life and the intricacies of their nature.

From Chrono, who did not even look at her when she almost collapsed, his back a solid wall of repulsion, his eyes the gaze of disgust, his words the wretched spears of woe.

He has not forgiven me still …

And then, she remembered her promise back two years ago. Her promise to Chrono, that she would exercise her power with discretion, that she would not go overboard, surpassing the limits of her body.

Perhaps that is why he is being so cruel …

Yet, it was not entirely her fault. Her body embodied a most complex and dangerous system of magic that had proven itself to be extremely erratic, such that, even under the best of circumstances, complications would still occur. She had restrained herself back then, trying to reduce the number of Nexus Release to the barest minimum. But, the scene back then had been dangerous; if she had not boosted Sturmreiter, she would have been caught by the full impact of Hayate’s spell …

And also, she had gambled on the chance that the release might give her a slightly better control over her power, which had happened occasionally without a backlash …

Fate is indeed a capricious goddess of fortune.

She coughed suddenly, and instinctively, she brought up her hand to stifle it. Her hand trembled with autonomous reaction then; something happened that she did not quite expect: wet ruby specks dappled the smooth skin of her palm, red globules of liquid that were unmistakably part of her life.

Blood.

Leona could not speak. She continued to look at crimson stain with her deep-blue eyes, as if by doing so she could will its existence away, to erase the evidence of her weakness. She could not, and with a grudging relent, rose from her bed. She walked a small distance, the effort of which should have been so simple, so direct. Yet, it took her a full minute to eventually reach the side of a table, her legs as heavy as lead. Leaning on the wooden panel, she sat on the chair next to it, and took a piece of tissue from its holder. With a slow motion, she wiped blood off from her hand and also from the side of her lips.

But, she did not cast the thin piece of paper into the bin located just below the table. Instead, there was a tiny glow at the end of her fingers as she conjured up mana. The paper suddenly burst into flames, which she released, and as it fell, the hungry fire ate up the contaminated piece. Within moments, it was reduced to nothing more than ash, which scattered onto the floor.

It is too dangerous, she thought silently. But, if this goes on …

She sighed and looked down at her now clean hands, the previous tremble having passed after she sat for a moment. The enigmatic Professor Dauer had offered to bring her to the infirmary for a check-up, but she had adamantly refused. As much as he was kind, especially towards Hayate and the rest, she was not entirely trustful of his intention. His background filled with its own mysteries and secrets, some of which she had difficulty obtaining through the usual means, Aurion Dauer was a man of insight and cunning wisdom. While appearing nonchalant, his mind was always alert and keen, like his very subtle expression changes back then when he had met them at the training grounds. And the looks he had given her just now, though considerate and kind, had the slightest hint of suspicion …

I could not let another person find out about myself …

“Wyrd,” Leona suddenly spoke.

<Ja?> the device spoke, indicated by the brief glimmer of the jewel on her necklace.

“Edit data setting to command X-517-16AT, scramble mode active. Also, increase personal safety control to ‘High’, and block external data intrusion with Stormnet Level 5,” she said. “If possible, attempt tracing of external access to its user.”

<Verstanden.> came the device’s reply. It flashed brightly for several times, making adjustments as per order, and then it was over.

“Thank you, Wyrd,” Leona said fondly. The jewel gleamed in answer.

Now that it was settled, Leona could focus on other things. Dwelling too much on the issue would not do any good, she reasoned, but staying put while the others were out did not go well with her. Though she could not participate in the battle, there was always something that she could do, even in the confines of her room. Moving a hand over the air, several screens came into view at once.

The screens were showing scenes from the mission that Chrono had forbid her to go.

And the first thing she heard was the call: “Creatures of death and carnage, come out and serve thy master! Minions!”

Spoiler for Scene VI:

[Verlast Forest] [January 22nd, MC 081] [2031 hours]

The summon rang out through the air, the strident voice of the black-garbed man carried far and wide by the winds of the approaching storm …

A second passed without anything happening, safe for the whispers of air through the hollows of trees and amidst the branches …

And then came the answering howl.

Nothing prepared Signum and her comrades for what happened next.

As if a piece of night had come off itself, a thick pall of shadow separated itself from the gloom enveloping the edges of the forest. The shadow moved as if alive, gaining speed and size with each invisible step taken, strands of darkness weaving themselves into something that manifested only in the darkest of nightmares.

Something fearsome …

… and hungry.

First to materialize were the rows of pointed teeth, walls of knives ready to cut its prey into ribbons. Saliva dripped copiously from the mouth, the nose a patch of blackness at the forefront of the muzzle. And then came the eyes, ruby-red orbs of crimson fire, crazed and wild. The rest of the creatures’ features were revealed, hollow bodies that seemed immaterial, surrounded by a shadow-like haze, their paws scrapping the ground, ending with tails that snapped like black tongues of flame.

These were Minions, hounds of darkness that hunted for human blood and flesh, unearthly creatures born by magic and malice.

And one of them, foremost in the pack, leapt at the group, its deadly fangs bared, drool flying from the gaping maw, its bloody eyes set on the little floating figure of Reinforce Zwei …

With a resounding battle cry, Signum struck the creature with Laevateinn. The sword cleaved the ferocious hound in twine, but no blood gushed out from the fatal blow.

Instead, the shadow of its being parted, fading slightly …

And from the remnants emerged two more such creatures, still in mid-leap, their dark claws stretched out for the Unison Device …

Yet, the split second intervention had been sufficient for Reinforce Zwei. A bright triangular shield formed in front of her, and the newly formed Minions slammed against the protective barrier with a sickening crunch, several canine teeth shattering from the impact. With a pained howl, they were thrown backward, shaken.

“Be careful, Teana!” Agito’s cry could be heard.

The orange-haired lieutenant, whose dagger was still held at the intruder, turned around to see another one of those dangerous creatures materializing behind her, the four paws clawing the ground furiously. With a quick turn, she put the dagger before her face in a defensive position, just in time to catch the Minion’s jaws in between the blade. The momentum caused Teana to stumble, her back on the forest floor, struggling against the hound. At such close proximity, she could smell the nauseating rot of its ragged breath.

Agito yelled a spell, and the Minion on top of Teana was struck by several fireballs. It rapidly caught flame, the voracious blaze spreading through the creature like liquid. Within moments, it was consumed by the conflagration, and it disappeared without a trace, as if it never existed. Stranger still, it did not form a second one when it vanished, unlike the one destroyed by Signum.

“Halt!” Signum’s terse voice sounded over the growl of the Minions around them.

In the confusion caused by the appearance of the savage monsters and with the two Unison Devices were distracted, the intruder had broken through the weakened binds and was already escaping, the edge of his cloak disappearing into the shadowed fringe of the forest. Signum started to give chase, but was forced to defend against two Minions that blocked her way.

With a mighty slash, Laevateinn tore through the creatures’ open jaws. And they faded slightly, like the first, and returned as four. Signum impeded their attacks with Panzer Schild, then leapt into the air.

What manner of creatures are these? They keep multiplying when killed! she thought furiously. Looking below, she saw that they were surrounded by at least three dozens of such creatures, some lurking in the forest, waiting for the perfect moment, the evidence of their presence being the blood-colored hue of their eyes. If this continues, he’s going to escape!

Then, a new voice sounded amidst the chaos: “Watch out! Solaris!”

<Flare Stream.> a female mechanical voice spoke.

A jet of magical fire gushed forth from within the forest, striking a Minion that was trying to attack Agito from the back. The moment it was caught by the fire, it spread across its body, within the few seconds of which it disappeared without leaving even ashes behind.

A man appeared from the direction where the jet of flame had come, two large circular rings—chakrams, Signum corrected herself—floating around his hands, one of which was smoking. He was dressed in a white uniform with red trimmings, his rust-colored hair wild as he ran towards the Unison Devices and Teana, the latter whom had risen from the fall after Agito saved her.

It was Gabriel.

A Minion descended upon him the moment he appeared, trying to take him on by surprise. Yet, from behind the lieutenant emerged a larger person, as dark and as deep as twilight, an ebony scythe firmly in hand.

“Diablos,” he said calmly.

<Raven Shot.> the device answered. A blast of purple energy flew from the scythe and struck the Minion squarely in the head, blowing it cleanly off the body. And it, too, vanished, following the partner it wished to avenge.

A wolfish grin spread across the face of the dark-haired man. He was Xeno.

“You should be more careful next time, lieutenant,” he said, smirking.

Two more figures approached, this time from the sky. Silver-haired Kratos, garbed in his white Barrier Jacket and his silver wings spreading from his back, flew alongside Tesla, her midnight blue hair almost matching the black outfit she was wearing and her device at the ready in her hand.

“Signum, is everything all right?” Tesla asked as she reached the Blazing Flame General.

“The intruder is escaping. He summoned the creatures he called the Minions to cover his trail,” Signum replied quickly, pointing at the hounds below.

“Then, the two of you better go after him fast,” Kratos said urgently. “I cannot match any of you in terms of speed, so I’ll handle the creatures with them.”

“Are you sure you will be all right?” Signum asked.

“I will,” Kratos answered. “Besides, General Yagami is on her way.” Tesla nodded as emphasis.

“Then, let’s go, Tesla,” Signum said. Without so much as a word, she flew off in the direction of the intruder, followed by Tesla, the two becoming streaks of pink and blue light, respectively.

When they had disappeared from his sight, mere winks of light in the distance, Kratos returned his sight to the battle below. “Now, to deal with some pesky canine problem …”

* * * * *

Grandia fled.

For the first time in his life, he fled from a battle.

For the first time in his life, he was forced to secure his escape through surprise and ambush.

And for the first time in his life, he was forced to rely on the Magi’s questionable beasts to escape.

He felt tainted, weak. He felt dishonorable, disgraceful.

Not only had he failed in protecting the Princess, he had also violated the principles of an Astral Templar.

There is nothing more shameful than descending into cowardice.

Yet, he had no choice. He—no, they—needed the Jewels of the Star if they were to fulfill their divine oath. And the Magi had promised to call the Princess back should they be able to find all nine Jewels. The possibility was too great to let go of it so easily, even when they knew the action was wrong.

We desire nothing more than the chance to see the Princess again, to tell her how apologetic we are for abandoning her.

Grandia sighed. He was not so sure if he knew which path to follow anymore, not since the Magi allowing the Minions to kill the Topaz Star’s guards, not since the appearance of the officers that were set to detain them.

And he continued to run, his only destination being the dam, where Sharazad was waiting for him …

He burst through the wall of dark trunks and came out on the other side, a small clearing in the heart of the forest, and …

<Blitzschlag.>

Had he not been focused enough, he would have been dead by now. There was the crackle of energy from above—an attack being launched—and he turned just in the nick of time to block five small, but amazingly fast, bolts of electrical energy with a hastily raised shield.

He was surprised; the shield shattered, unable to absorb the attack effectively, and the aftershock jolted him and caused him to stagger. He was unharmed, the leather outfit mitigating most of the electrical energy, but the impact of the attack had caused his hand to become sore and numb, remnants of the energy flashing from his fingers. A thin white smoke spiraled out of the affected hand, burnt by the attack. He winced from the sharp pain.

Two figures stopped in front of him. Slowly, he raised his head to regard them.

One was the pink-haired vice-captain, Signum. The one standing next to her was a newcomer, a blue-haired lady with serious emerald eyes, clothed in a dark uniform. Somehow, Grandia had the strangest feeling that the two were sisters.

“You cannot escape, intruder. Surrender now, or we’ll be have to take you out by force,” Signum said, holding her sword at the ready. The one accompanying her raised her weapon—a glaive—as well, and at once, several bolts of lightning surrounded the curved blade.

So, she was the one who attacked me … Two against one, I have no choice …

His decision was set. “Signum, what do you say to a duel?” Grandia said.

“What do you mean?” Signum asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion again.

“A duel, one to one, between you and me,” Grandia repeated. “If I lost, I will let you arrest me without resistance and return the Amethyst Star.”

I would not let it happen, even if I have to fall deeper into disgrace … For the Princess, it will be worth it.

The winds danced between them, their whispers eerie as they whistled through the trees. Time seemed to have stopped as the two opponents gazed at one another, the decision unannounced.

“I accept,” Signum declared.

“What?” This time, it was the blue-haired officer who spoke. “Signum, you cannot possibly believe that he is to be trusted?”

“Don’t worry, Tesla,” Signum replied, her eyes never leaving the figure of the man before her. “He is also a warrior as I am, bound by the honor of his words.”

“But—” Tesla tried to protest.

“With Laevateinn at my side, I will not lose,” Signum said before the one called Tesla could continue. The sword gleamed as if in answer. Her voice was steel; it seemed that she had made up her mind as well.

Tesla looked as if she was about to speak again, but then decided against it. With a grudging nod, she lowered her weapon, and the bolts disappeared. She walked backwards some distance away from Signum, her eyes also intent on him.

“Laevateinn,” Grandia spoke. “Is that the name of your blade, Signum?”

“Yes,” she replied. She opened her legs and assumed the battle stance of the Ancient Belkan warrior, the sword raised to the side of her face, the tip of the white sword pointed towards him.

“A fitting name for a sword,” Grandia praised. “I guess my partner will be very glad tonight as well.”

As he said so, he flung his black cloak apart, revealing his right arm, the gloved hand seemingly grasping vacant air. Signum watched his movement intently. Where it was empty previously, the faint outline of something solid began to form, the air wavering as if it was an illusion. Thin, red lines traced the silhouette of Grandia’s weapon, trailing along the contour like liquid fire. Then, there was a burst of bright flame as it was completed.

A long golden sword was in his hand, the flat of the blade emblazoned with the motif of a wave of fire.

“Laevateinn,” Grandia called. “Meet the Sword of the Sun, Helios.”