The Ark Of Mordred's and Midori's Goal

"What makes you think that we do not care for them?! If that were the case, I wouldn't have answered the summons to take care of this child!" yelled Mordred, standing up.

"Then why are you rushing into battle when the child isn't ready to fight a real conflict?"

"Because it's her wish! Midori requested to enter the Pillars and fight for Mavislin!"

"Are you sure that it's her wish? Would a child wish to fight in the war zone when she had just recovered from the horrors of experiments? Are you trying to make yourself and the girl like a hero from the legends?" asked the Headmaster, straightening his posture to look down at the child.

As the last question ran through the twins' minds, Mordred and Midori were the first to snap as fury overtook their eyes. To hell with controlling emotions when this useless excuse of a man is taunting the Knight of Rebellion into an argument.

"We want to participate in this battle because we are the Pillars! Not some kind of wish like people wishing on a star! It's our goal, our ambition! The same ambition you guys, as Founders of the Arks, sought to create a haven for the stray Mages! Not some wish to be a hero!"

"These walking dead wastes are destroying our home, so we have to do something, don't we?! But, what are we supposed to do, sit around and wait to be saved while the rest die?! Do you know how many times have I seen that happen... To..."

"To see the ones that cared for me jump into the fray to protect me? How many allies have I lost just because I was too weak to stand up for myself?! I am sick and tired of others putting their lives on the line to save mine. How can I live on like that?!"

"Why did I become a Mage? Why did I have powers when others didn't? Something gave me powers so I could save my friends; so many died for me to let me live another sunrise... Why in the world should I sit back and do nothing while the Domains, my home is in danger?!"

"I want to stand on my own two feet and swing my sword for the people I love. I don't want to be sheltered and protected; I want to be the defender of my homeland and my loved ones. This is the wish, the ambition I sought after realizing that I could be saved from the Infinite Experiments."

"So is that wrong to ask for?!" shouted Mordred and Midori, slamming onto the table.

The air was so tense in the room that it could be likened to a vast blanket suffocating the occupants. Even the Ankou had nothing to say as Mordred made such a strong argument. Mavislin was surprised not because of the content of the statement.

It was because the Valkyrie knew it wasn't only Mordred's voice answering the Headmaster. Midori also shouted at the top of her lungs in anger and pain while Mordred fought for their reason to partake in the battle. And the Valkyrie knew it thanks to her enhanced hearing.

Though it was very faint, Mavislin could hear Midori wanting to argue against the Headmaster. Finally, after at least a Tock of silence, the Headmaster broke into a smile, much to the relief of the room.

"I never thought I would have the honor of arguing against the Knight of Rebellion... What did I expect? Myself to win against the Knight of Treachery?! I'll be a fool if that happens! But, very well, if you choose to step on the battlefield on your accord, then I shall allow it."

"You will shoulder your wounds by yourself and not blame anyone for your choice on this path. It's not glorious like the tales tell you about. There's no honor in victory as you stand upon countless fallen bodies to mark your win. With those in mind, this is the path you've chosen..."

"Are you ready for it?" asked the Headmaster as he leaned forward to give a challenge to the twins.

"Yes, we are!" chimed the twins while they glanced at each other.

The Headmaster threw his head back with laughter while Mavislin and Raiyen thought that Gillian was starting to lose it after the stress of not sleeping for an entire day. But then again, Akis don't require sleep... Do they? After this small encounter, Raiyen suspects that insomnia equals insanity.

"Uhm... Are you okay there, Headmaster? Do you want a smoke break from planning out the battle? I've got an extra pipe if you'd like..." offered Tomoe as he inched slowly to the laughing man.

"OI! There are kids here, so no smoking in the room!" scolded Mavislin, halting Tomoe.