The ending of the last battle left the Arena charred and glaciated, forcing the educators to call for an intermission to make the necessary repairs at the request of the disgruntled onlookers.
During the break, some of the students from Class 1F left for lunch to find something for their companions to eat, with Stephen and Erai waiting on Torren as he rested.
"You seem to be having quite the day, and it's not even noon yet." Shynerai caught someone's attention as he left Torren's side in the Medical Ward to get a bit of fresh air.
Stumbling across Ren in the hallway, he invited him to sit by one of the benches. Ren wondered about Torren's condition while they spoke for a minute before he left to check on Alleiyna as Erai was joined by one of his classmates.
"My lady, I hope your recovery is coming along nice-ly?"
"...Wait, Lady Alleiyna, where are you going?" Ren rushed to her bedside, trying to have her return to her bed while she assured him she'll be fine.
"I was gone only for a moment, you can't be wandering in your condition."
"It'll be fine, the good doctor has done well to patch me up."
"Still, whatever you need I will go and get it. I insist."
"Calm down, Ren. I'll return soon, I only need to run a quick errand. Please inform the others if they come looking for me. And do not follow, understand!" She gave him a stern look, before smiling as he slowly shuffled out of the room
'Lady...'
Alleiyna seemed to be roaming, as she left the Medical Ward and strolled down to the classroom buildings. Coming past the courtyard below said buildings, she finally stopped.
"I'm not surprised that you would be following your classmates, though it is quite unnerving when your eyes are on me..."
"You were prepared to come and look for me. I merely chose the place of our meeting. So, what would the Lady Alleiyna Illses like to discuss with me?" The stranger's voice ended with the sound of distant thunder, crackling.
The stranger explained that he was counting on Ren to pull through not just for his class's sake but his own. Alleiyna would have shared her thoughts before he immediately stopped her,
"You can refrain from saying what's on your mind. It will simply not come to pass."
"Ketsuiko! Ren is a kindred soul, but he'll take his duty as my sword to his very death. Facing his determination, I fear that Astrapordt will not survive, and I don't wish to put either of them through something like that."
"Then simply speak to him..."
"I think we both understand the burden of leading those that serve us, they will strive with everything they have to uphold their duty. The young knight of House Strum was proof of that...that is a distance Ren will not hesitate to go if it means serving our class."
"Apologies, my lady, but I fear nothing I say will convince Shynerai either, nor would I try to steer him away if I knew it would."
"How can you be so sure, are you so willing to risk his health, his life, without a second thought?"
"You misunderstand, I don't think there's a soul alive that can stop him from fighting now. But even without knowing that, I refuse. I refuse to do what any leader would want of his subordinates."
"..."
"To see them grow. He must overcome this obstacle, and he must do it without being driven towards a given outcome. Whatever he chooses, there will be a lesson that he learns."
"I cannot stop him, and I will not even try. Not after he saw what happened to Torren. One of our own was thoroughly beaten in the last battle. He'll make sure that he wins."
"...Then I pray for his health, as I do for Ren's victory."
"I would expect nothing less from the Silver Sword Maiden. Though...you shouldn't be so quick to dismiss Shynerai, he may surprise you."
"..." She turned around after hearing the same stroke of distant thunder, only to find the air beside her still crackling with static in the wake of the missing stranger.
With an expression of half-hearted relief, she made her way back to the Ward where she met with an anxious Ren who seemed to run out of the patience needed to allay the fears of his classmates.
"Captain, where have you been?"
"You should've stayed in bed, Alleiyna. What if your wounds opened up?"
"It's quite alright, Sol. I was simply getting some fresh air. I think any doctor would welcome the outdoors as part of my treatment." Outstretching her hand as Sol helped her onto her bed.
"I trust you aren't upset with my stroll, Rydriff?" Noting his reserved expression, but a simple nod from him was enough to establish that his concerns were not necessary.
"..."
"Altia, are you upset with me?"
"Not you Captain, but Gladiolus. He was supposed to take care of you. If I had known he would be slacking, I would have kept my eye on."
"Altia! That's enough. I don't want my classmates to be at each other's throats, and the last thing I would ask of you is to use your concern for me as a reason to act with resentment and cruelty. That's not the kind of leader I want to be for all of you."
"Just...try to be more observant next time." She said while glaring at him. Though his attention remained squarely on their Captain, from the moment she entered the room.
"Ren..." She turned to him, with glassy eyes holding a tinge of the hue from her vermillion bangs that hung low as she let out a weary sigh.
"Please, in your battle, I ask that you discern your own actions."
"Lady Alleiyna..."
"You must be the one to decide on how you will act, for how hard you choose to fight is what you need to decide for yourself."
"You...this is the first time you've granted me such discretion. Why does my choice matter now?"
"It has always mattered, but you've always chosen to heed my word. And I cannot in good conscience allow you to act in a manner you think would please me. I will not send you to kill your friend, and if there's anything I can say to stop you from doing so, I'll say it."
"... it's quite alright. After all, I still expect you to do your best and win for us. But in that fight, I want you to remember that you're more than just my sword." Playing her hand on his chest.
"See...you're a person. And usually, people don't kill their friends."
"...I'm not sure I completely understand, but I do appreciate your concern for Shynerai, Lady Alleiyna. However, I doubt you'll need to be too concerned."
"Shynerai is quite the capable opponent. He will no doubt expect me to go all out...and truthfully, I may need to." His words never carried anything more than sincerity and excitement, noted by the shimmer in his eyes.
"Sigh. You're all so stubborn. Be safe out there."
"I will. Doing otherwise would mean I could not be your sword." Making sure she sat comfortably before leaving the room.
With a strange sight for the Tournament, both combatants walked through the corridors on their way to the gates of the Arena, not facing each other but standing beside one another.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do. I missed my chance in the Configuration, so let us make this moment count." Patting Erai on his back, standing several inches above him.
"Then let's both give it all we've got!"
"Right!"
The pair nodded as the dramatic display of the returning spectators introduced the students into the completed Arena.
"Welcome all and thank you for your patience as we completed the preparations for this next battle."
"The combatants standing before us have made it through all the challenges and difficulties we've thrown at them and now they present themselves ready for a new one."
"For the second battle of Cross Gardens Tournament's Semi-Final match, we have Shynerai Astrapordt from Class 1F, and from Class 1B we have Ren Gladiolus. Both of them have demonstrated great decorum and tact throughout the carnival which has set the stage for a display worth anyone's eyes..."
'Wha–who wrote this...did someone edit my speech?' Ms. Yuria's fury could be felt by her fellow staff, all of whom turned to the culprit wearing a satisfied grin as she realised who the menace was.
'When this is done, I am going to hang him by his pointed little ears'
"If the both of you are ready, then this next battle shall–Begin!" While Shynerai and Ren stepped out onto the field, waiting for Ms. Yuria to continue.