Kingdom of Hallos, City of Beswind, Present day.
Xeto kept his focus away from Anaria as he cursed himself for allowing her to see him with Adulfus at his mercy. He couldn't bring himself utter anything to her as she walked beside him through the empty city. What he had did was what needed to be done. Though it seemed what needed to be done always brought a wave of discomfort and shame with it. The world wasn't pretty, but he wished it was. So that people like Anaria would never lose their light of purity. It was what made her beautiful. Beautiful.
"Do you think they'll retaliate, Commander?" Rebecca broke the silence shared between the group.
"I doubt it," he answered, unsure of his own claim.
"It seems Roxas made himself known to some in his time alive, aye lad?" Roy put a hand on his left shoulder.
Xeto walked with his head down, his focus on the long rectangles of the paved road. "Looking for an overseer. He never told me anything about it. I was his brother and he never shared anything to me about that."
Roy patted his back. "Perhaps it was just a lie then. Roxas wouldn't hide anything from you, you were his only family."
The words repeated themselves over and over in his mind as he kept his head low. "It was too specific for a lie. Now I'm beginning to think others knew more about him than I did."
"Then let's uncover more," Roy continued eagerly. "Let's start with what we know. He was looking for an Allseer." He paused as he scratched at his ear. "Uh…what is an Allseer exactly?"
"A myth," stated Rebecca, before Xeto had the chance to answer. "A myth of men that could paint using your memories."
"I'm not sure I follow."
"They use some sort of magic that comes from a violet stone embedded into their glove. That magic is one capable of altering your thoughts, emotions, and memories."
"Then some sort of mind aura?"
Rebecca shrugged. "Not aura, so I believe. It's something else, as if they wield your mind."
Roy cringed. "These seem like the type of men I'd like to avoid. Furthers the question on why Roxas would willing track one, aye?"
The group reached a road that led up towards the regal district of the city. Unlike the section they had left, this district was devoid of live. Only a handful of soldiers walked about, their faces nearly hidden by the night.
"You there," called one of the distant figures. He approached with lantern in his hand.
Xeto's muscles went tense as hand found his hilt.
The candle within the steel lantern flickered, illuminating the guard's stiff face. "No one is to be walking the streets of the Regalia District this deep into the night."
Xeto breathed a sigh of relief as the man's faction was revealed.
Orange flamelight bounced the silver cuirass he wore above a layer of chainmail and a green tunic. A Loradel soldier.
Rebecca stepped into his light. "My apologies, the city was simply too big and we got lost."
"A murder took place nearby. You shouldn't be out at this time for your own safety," said the bearded man.
Xeto reached for his emblem inside his pouch and presented it. "Stand down, soldier. Were Loridian Demon-Hunt."
The man's skeptical eyes landed on him.
"I'm Commander Xeto Alcazar."
Rebecca turned sideways, showing off the matching emblem on her cloak. She smiled with a customary salute. "Captain Rebecca Orvein."
"Captain?" echoed Xeto.
The guard's eyes went wide. "Wait. Captain Orvein? Would you be the same huntress that protected his majesty on the water?" He looked at her with eager eyes.
Xeto's eyes darted between the two, also awaiting a response. This was the first time he had caught word of it. It seemed that they were constantly on the move and hadn't got the chance to speak. He never thought he would wish to sit and listen to her tales as much as he did now.
Rebecca nodded happily. "That would be me."
Xeto smiled. It was amazing how she was able to jump from hushed whispers to a grin with a lively voice.
"That's amazing!" said the guard. "I was on the second wave of ships that arrived here. We heard about the demon attack and how the entire King's Fleet was reduced to blood and splinters. A shame for the men lost, truly. But we heard better news, that of Commander Cerlaus the Shield, and Demon-Hunt knightess fending off the monsters and saving the King." He pointed to himself. "I never believed in demons. Well—I did. But I thought they only attacked sinners as the Book of Holy Virtue said."
Xeto rolled his eyes. "You can retreat now, soldier. We'll be on our way."
The man's focus remained on Rebecca. "You hunt the stuff of nightmares, how is it that—"
Rebecca patted the man's shoulder. "Questions for another time. I hope you understand, we have urgent business with the King."
It was visible that many questions still rested on the man's tongue. But he put a hand. "You're correct, Captain—er Huntress Orvein? The kings have each put out a fraction of their force to help secure the Regalia District for the time being. I'll personally guide you so that no others will confuse you with a common prosaic citizen." He saluted before taking the lead and lighting their path.
Xeto raised an eyebrow to his lieutenant, or rather, his captain now.
"Jealous?" she said in a low tone. "Don't worry, Commander. I know it must be difficult for you, being in my shadow that is." She shot him a smile before looking back at Roy. "Back to the topic on hand."
Roy put his arms behind his head as he quickened his pace. "Were you not done speaking about those mind-lurkers, las?"
"You asked why someone may look for an Allseer." She paused and looked back to their guide who strutted ahead of them, his attention elsewhere. "Well, I once looked for an Allseer myself." Her voice was low again.
Xeto tried meeting her eyes but looked passed her and found Anaria looking back at him. Their lock was short-lived as they both darted their heads away simultaneously. Why does this cycle keep repeating itself? She must hate me for being…for being a soldier.
Rebecca rubbed at her side. "A scar from years ago decorates my waist. The injury was caused during a hunting session that took my eldest brother's life."
Anaria's eyes glistened as looked up at her.
Rebecca paused for a second. "I don't remember most of what had happened. Just flashes of memories, scattered throughout my mind and my dreams. I searched for an Allseer against my family's wishes. I heard stories that they could also restore lost memories. My mother said I was fortunate for not recalling the event. Said that I wouldn't want to relive possibly seeing his death."
Xeto felt a lump in his throat as thoughts of Roxas raced by.
"I can't recollect the memories, but I know he saved me that day. I know he gave his life for mine. And if I found an Allseer…he could assure me of it."
Roy kept his gaze on her. "Did you find one?" His eyes full of wonder.
"No. I gave up on it. I realized that I cared about him too much to risk seeing him at the death's archway. My mother was right. I found my peace believing that he saved me…there is no other outcome."
Newborn sunlight shined on them as some birds began to chirp at its arrival.
Xeto looked up, not realizing that they had walked a great distance within the span of her story. Before them were even larger walls that led to an immense castle.
"She is quite a beauty, isn't she?" said their guide. "Castle Hilonad. Heard this was where Ered resides. Also, where the meeting of kings was taking place."
"We appreciate your help," said Rebecca, a new smile on her face.
Xeto gave him a nod of approval before looking back up at the stone beast before them. It was time to meet the King, it was time for answers, it was time to end the atrocities of Zuland.