Chapter Nine

A woman with long blonde hair and pallor skin sits upon a throne made of elegantly carved branches and leaves of countless colors, watching as groups of three or four Keiju chat or play games together.

A young man with darker brown hair- quite a distinction that earned him nothing but insults when he was younger and was still ongoing as of now- walks into the camp, and stands before the woman.

"Tyris?"

"Miss Sylfiel, I have something to report that may pique your interest."

"Please, call me Aviva. Do continue."

"Three unfamiliar but powerful people have entered the Cineian Forest. They do not yet seem hostile, except for one young man who wields... U-um... Would you like me to continue?"

"Does he wield it?"

"Yes."

"Impossible. I destroyed it when I killed him. It must be a replica of sorts. Is the young man..?"

"It seems to be him. Same appearance and same temperament as when he left us fourteen years ago."

"Bring him here. Who are the others?"

"A cheerful young spy and a rather physically weak prince. I'm afraid the spy has been exposed to Verda, and will most likely turn into one of them given enough time has passed where he is not treated, which we have not yet discovered a cure to."

"A prince? Could he be..?"

"Shall I bring all three of them in?"

"Bring me the young man and the prince. Leave the spy to the care of the Moreen."

"As you wish. That is all I have to say."

"Very well. Thank you."

The young man leaves the camp, and the woman closes her eyes, allowing a small smile to grace her lips.

"Welcome home, Edgar. I've missed you."

***

"Wait, wait, wait, wait. You want us to pretend we're out here practicing for as many days as it takes Luddie and his companion to arrive and then leave here by boat? Do you know how much of a risk that is to not just us, but you as well? I don't want to die now!"

"For the fifth time, his name is Ludwig. And yes, I do understand how much of a risk it is for you. It is of no risk to me, as I am not officially affiliated with you, as far as the knowledge of my enemies goes. But you two are the two most capable people to see their journey through. And, your positions give you a viable excuse."

"As directed, I have appointed Kylia as captain until I return. Russel is second-in-command."

"You made her older brother her second-in-command? Did I not make myself clear when I said-"

"Familial bonds are more harmful to a hierarchy than you think! But I trust Captain's decision, as he has not made a single mistake yet!"

"Good to see you're in high spirits and still possess a sharp intelligence, Levo. Finn, are you..?"

"I'm fine, Mykel. Just worried about Ludwig. Does he know that you've changed the original plan?"

"Not yet. I plan on contacting him as soon as my conversation with you two ends. Do you understand what I've laid out for you to follow?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Yes."

"Good. Ludwig may be embarrassed to see you two, but he should warm up like he usually does give or take a few minutes around your presence. If not...something is wrong, and you two are the ones who have the best chance of obtaining answers for me. If the problem is something dire, I need you to contact me with him beside you, alright? If you have no more questions, farewell."

The hologram projected from a small round device on the ground disappears, and the two young men are left to stare at each other in silence.

"Yay! Luddie's coming back!"

"He's just passing through, Levo. Not coming back. He abandoned us and the lifestyle a long time ago, and I doubt he wants to come back. Though he still possesses the power, I think he's taught himself to not harness it. Hopefully, though, he knows it is needed in some situations where he must save his life or that of the prince."

"Hehe! You worry too much, Captain! Oh, watch me lift that fallen tree, okay?"

"Wait, Levo, that's not a tree, that's a-"

A screech splits the air, but it is cut short as Levo drops his arm from where it was out towards the animal, while Finn thrusts his hand out, and makes a fist, crushing the animal with a single motion.

"That was a Lio, Levo."

"Was it Li-Li?"

"I pray to Chi that it wasn't."

"Ahhh! Li-Li, I'm sorry!"

"Mew?"

"Li-Li! You're alive!"

"Mew!"

Finn closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

"Why did I appoint you as my second-in-command, again?"

***

A young boy and girl stand side-by-side in front of two thrones that they silently agree not to retreat to at the current moment.

"The weather is nice today," the girl speaks first.

"I could see the stunts of the First Aerial Team perfectly."

"Not a cloud in the sky."

"Our Air Force is quite formidable, don't you think?"

"It might rain tomorrow."

"I honestly admire Milan. He's so brave and an amazing leader."

"It may even snow in the near future."

The boy turns to look at the girl, who meets his gaze.

"Are you even listening to me?"

"Blizzard is friendly."

"Milan."

"Blizzard."

"His name is Milan."

"His call name is Blizzard."

"So you were listening to me?"

The girl returns to staring out the large windows on either side of the castle's doors.

"I hope it rains tomorrow."

***

Ludwig emerges atop a rocky outcrop, staring out at the night sky. On the horizon, in the distance, he can see a familiar purple shimmering light.

He closes his eyes and places his hands over his heart. The visions of the blazing fire and the sounds of gunfire begin to flash across his eyes and ring in his ears. In contrast to the violent experiences the spy goes through, he remains calm. His breathing does not stray from its slow rhythm, nor does his body tremble, staying perfectly still.

Eventually, he whispers to himself. A routine recall of who he is.

"My name is Ludwig Casimir. I am twenty-one years old. I am a spy from Chidora. My superior is Mykel Cyfrin. I was recused during the Lintenial Conflict by Mykel. I have promised to return Crown Prince Theo Veles to Luimesha. After I complete that mission, I will..."

Ludwig's voice trails off, becoming lost in the night. He has never given much thought to what he will do after he ensures Theo is in his kingdom.

Something within him knows he can not stay with the prince, but he wants to so, so badly. He wants to be by Theo's side forever. To make sure he is protected from all dangers. But would Theo find that intrusive? Generally uncomfortable? Would Theo become Ludwig's enemy? He doesn't want Theo to hate him.

But those thoughts concerned the far-off future. Right now, Ludwig needed to focus on guiding Theo to Luimesha, and keeping a close eye on Edgar. Something about the young man with the black spear bothered Ludwig, yet he couldn't pinpoint what it was exactly.

But if Edgar ever thought about bringing harm to Theo...

Ludwig would not hesitate to kill him.