Part ways II
"Well, I was on vacation when the war began. I received the signal for the camp through the arc comm," Lupus replied matter-of-factly, lightly tapping her Stellius ring on her index finger. A holographic interface materialised in the air as she continued, "I gathered a few citizens on my way here."
"How noble of you," Willhelm nodded in approval before asking, "What about your future plans if you don't mind me asking?"
She shook her head, "Umm, since I haven't received any orders from my division or my Lunarius supervisor, I figured I'd visit my clan in Hasenwald."
"Hasenwald? Ah! I know of that place, such a scenic view with its burrow-style architecture," Willhelm mused aloud. "Is it in Western Germund?" He asked, extending his palm towards Lupus.
"Yes! You're quite knowledgeable, Sir Lunarius. For a moment, I almost believed you were from Germund."
The elven mage chuckled softly, his eyes growing distant as though reminiscing. "Aha, I think they also have an amazing carrot cake!"
Lupus nodded vigorously, soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere. It had been three years since she left her parents, twelve brothers, and seven sisters to pursue her dream of becoming an Olympian mage. When she finally achieved that dream a few months ago, she decided to spend at least a month sightseeing before returning to her clan with the good news.
Yet, fate was a menacing trickster, bringing war to her at the peak of her proudest achievement.
After a brief pause, Willhelm spoke up. "Well, I must take my leave for now, just in case the enemy mistakes my barrier as an invitation for war." With a polite nod, he strode away.
At the edge of the barrier, the crowds began to thin. Only a handful of people remained in this desolate area, where ruined buildings stood abandoned, their structural integrity too compromised for safety. Most survivors huddled together in the overcrowded square, uncomfortable, but safe. Occasionally, caravans of refugees trickled into the camp, seeking asylum.
Yet, there was no sign of the Armatus mobile suits. Were they regrouping instead of attacking? A full squad of Bronze Rank soldiers couldn't possibly challenge a Lunarius, could they? Jack pondered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Lupus approached him, her face darkened despite her attempt to mask it with a forced smile. "So… this is where we part ways…" Her voice faltered slightly, following by her trademark chuckle. Jack noticed it was a habit of her whenever she was feeling uncomfortable or anxious.
The breeze softly carried her silver hair, making it flutter beautifully in the air, along with her warm, sun-kissed scent. It was the sweetest and the most innocent aroma that Jack could never forget.
Jack cast his red eyes downward momentarily before glancing up. "Yes… this is goodbye, Lupy. Thank you for everything." His fingers tightened around the tome she had gifted him as the dangling book brushed gently against his thigh.
As he turned away, stepping into the post-apocalyptic war zone, his footsteps grew fainter with each passing moment.
For the past couples of days had proven to be such wonderful experience, almost surreal and dream-like. Yet like all things, there was a beginning, then there must be an ending. Jack understood that notion better than most people.
"Jackie!" A sudden shout echoed behind him, followed by the hurried footsteps of his companions.
Jack glanced over his shoulder, startled to see Lupus and Frain running towards him. "Hmm? Did they forget something?"
Lupus stopped just before him, struggling to find the right words before finally speaking. "Can… can we come with you?" Her golden eyes shimmered like sunlight dancing on a pristine wave.
Jack's softened smile adorned his face, warmth dwelled in his chest, "Yes! Let's go together," He invited them wholeheartedly.
Her excitement surged as she jumped around happily, urging Frain to join in. "Yippie!" They both exclaimed, and the lion Wildren followed with the hopping, albeit reluctantly.
Thus, the mismatched party, Jack, the master tactician ~ Lupus, the Olympian mage ~ and Frain, the strong Wildren. Together they set forth on their journey to Steinburg, Western Germund.