Chapter 9 - DATE

An aircraft approaches the Zafiro landing zone at night, it was a PHSSA which landed and opened the doors to allow the deployment of a platform in the form of a ramp that allowed the aircraft to be abandoned.

From it comes down a figure of average height with a battle suit and a cloak equal to that of the disciples of fate, but with green details similar to a current of wind and a huge wind kanji behind, his orange and spiky hair not they gave him a harmonious combination with his suit, but he didn't seem to care.

That person immediately goes to the hangar guards who were apparently waiting for him.

-Fuuton-sama, only you are missing, the rest of the disciples are waiting for you.

-I see, thanks.

Aisaac enters a door from the hangar and heads to the control room.

-Hey Aisaac, how strange that a Japanese person is late.

-Obviously because something came up, Vesta.

-Anyway, it's time to discuss a bit the strategies and even more importantly, the drop of gold.

-I concur.

Aisaac takes a seat at a central round table where all those who were going to participate in the discussion that day were gathered.

The disciple of the hado of fire, Vesta Rio Montes Guerrero, a person of approximately 170 centimeters with light brown hair and yellow eyes, wore a white robe with crimson details in the form of flames and the kanji of fire on the back, under the robe. He wore an articulated black suit for battle like the rest of the disciples of hado.

The disciple of the hado of Water, Fernando Ramírez del Rio, a person very similar in height to Vesta, had long black hair untied with blue eyes, wore a white coat with blue details similar to the waves of the sea and the kanji for water in the back.

The disciple of the hado of purity, Santiago Hernández Montes de Oca, a person slightly taller than Vesta and Fernando, had short dark black hair and completely white eyes, wore a white coat with small black outlines on the colored sleeves and the kanji for purity on his back.

The disciple of the hado of the earth, Emiliano Cortes Altamirano, who was even taller than Santiago, had light brown hair and black eyes, wore a white coat with yellow details similar to rocks and the kanji for earth on his back.

The disciple of the hado of wind, Toudou Aisaac, the disciple of hado with the smallest height of all those present in person, although not by much difference, he had semi-long pointed orange hair and black eyes, he had not changed so he wore the same robe and battle suit with which arrived.

In a hologram on the central table were the disciples of the hado of light and darkness.

Hayashi Akira, the disciple of the hado of light, a person with blond hair and blue eyes, it was difficult to know his height for sure because as he was in the form of a hologram he was barely 30 centimeters tall, he wore a white coat with golden details that went from the sleeve to the elbow fading like rays of light and the kanji of light on the back.

Kojima Kenzo, the disciple of the hado of darkness, had light black hair which if he crouched down a bit would cover his grayish eyes, he wore a white robe with black details that assimilated shadows and on the back the kanji of darkness.

In the room, but not at the table, were also the 7 apprentices of hado.

Tokisaki Tome, apprentice of the hado of darkness, a girl of approximately 160 centimeters, with hip-length black hair with a translucent ornament at the end of it, her bangs covered her right red eye while revealing her left black eye without trouble, she was wearing his battle suit.

Konoe Sophia, apprentice of the hado of wind, a person a little smaller than Tome, with green hair in a braid that reached her lower back but not to her hips, she had blue eyes and wore her battle suit as well.

Alex Montes García, Apprentice of the hado of fire, a person considerably taller than Tome and Sophia, had bright red hair, but it was not long, had black eyes and also wore his battle suit.

Leal Bosques Trejo, apprentice of the hado of light, a person with light brown hair and brown eyes with a burn scar on his chin, his battle suit consisted of a gray vest with light gold details that ran around the contours of it and pants the same color as the vest, on the back it had a mostly white circle but a little faded to black at the end, the opposite of Tome.

Just like Kenzo and Akira in holograms there were also some apprentice of hado in them.

Nanami Kazumi, apprentice of the hado of purity, a girl with short white hair and white eyes, a pure albinism, her battle outfit was very similar to Sophia's, but with blue details.

Armando Casares Valencia, Apprentice of the hado of the earth, was the owner of brown hair and orange eyes, if it were not for the huge scar that crossed his right eye, he could perfectly pass himself off as Vesta's twin, his battle suit was like the black battle suit of the disciples of fate, but instead of black it was brown with yellow details.

Toujo Eliot, apprentice of the hado of water, a boy of an unforgettable appearance with his purple hair and red eyes, you could see a little that his teeth were pointed and like those found in a hologram, it was difficult to know his height Exactly, he wore a light blue battle suit made up of a short-sleeved upper part with metal-reinforced parts such as the abdomen and shoulders, its lower part was made up of the same color and reinforced on the shins with silver metal and at the As in the upper part, the metal reinforcements were outlined in purple, on the sword it had a drawing of sea waves.

Vesta took the initiative and got up from his chair to start the meeting.

-As you can see, those who are in Ruby accompany us by holograms, so first we will deal with the simplest topic. The organization regarding the movements of Dark Moon and ARASHI. In the last couple of months the Dark Moon attacks have not been extravagant, but strategic, they have only attacked economy generating ports such as import ports, commercial districts, factories and airports. This could be a difficult move to counter, however it is too obvious to be a viable strategy so I think it is more of a camouflage to cover up the preparation of another project and this idea is reinforced by the fact that it has the same time the fact that this pattern started, like Hex not appearing on the battlefield.

-So you suggest we be ready for an unexpected attack?

-Yes, but we must not neglect the other objectives, it is also a possibility that the project is not yet complete, so what we will do is the following. The economy generation zones will be on a special alert as if they follow this pattern they will be the most targeted, while we will prepare a rapid deployment squad that is ready to depart at any time from Zafiro.

-Well, as for ARASHI, what is the point to be discussed?

-Despite everything, ARASHI may not be as big a threat as Dark Moon, but recently they specifically carried out three missions in which they managed to get a high-pressure reactor and military electronics components, which suggests that they are building a weapon and we know that it will not be a big problem if the weapon is designed to counter us, the problem lies in whether it is a massive damage weapon. In that case we will need to prioritize the safety of the Japanese population and the stability of the stasis camp. So the strategy to prevent the ARASHI problem will be to bring a supreme master and 4 grandmasters to each attack to maintain the stasis field.

-Okay, now let's get to the hard part.

-Ok, according to the warning of the golden drop…

Tome raised his hand, interrupting Vesta.

-I know it's rude, but the apprentices of fate have not been informed of the content of the warning, could it be too much to ask that you please share it with us?

Hearing this, all the disciples turn their eyes towards Santiago who at the same time looks away sadly and takes a sip of his glass of water.

-Uhm…. I think... I forgot...

-Don't tell me

-he he…

-Well, the content of the golden drop is as follows: "The light of the last centuries in the area will witness the beginning of a crucial point in its trajectory. An event that will decide the beginning of the decline of one of the two most important groups of the land where the cave of fate was settled. The flame will know his destiny and will have an encounter with the one who will steal something that he did not think it was possible to steal from his, the encounter with the princess of the cataclysm will define the beginning of a series of events that cannot be overlooked"

Tome turns to see Alex whispering something to him after finishing hearing the content of the warning.

There is a short silence in the room which is interrupted this time by Kazumi's voice through the hologram.

-Then the topics to be discussed in the warning are: the decline, the princess of the cataclysm and what is gonna be stolen, right?

-That's right, the rest of the warning seems very clear to us.

-The problem lies in those of us who were present during the fall of the drop, all the disciples of hado were present with the exception of Vesta and Kenzo.

Aisaac's comment surprised the trainees causing Tome to raise her voice.

- Katon-sama wasn't present?

-No, I was at my residence to fix the papers of the SPA, That's where the main problem arises.

-I already noticed. The problem is that the warning is directed mainly towards Katon-sama obviously, but he was not present, that had never happened.

-Indeed, and that is the main issue to be discussed. The possibility that we are misinterpreting the warning.

-Very well ladies and gentlemen, what are the theories?

-The first and the most rational, I would say, would be that with "The flame" he does not refer to Vesta, but to another person.

-The flame can refer to the core that keeps something running or to someone else who could also be referred to with that.

- Could it also refer to Alex? After all he is the apprentice of the hado of fire.

-Mmmmm…there is a possibility.

-I doubt it, Alex does not have as much relevance as the disciples so that the drop of gold takes him as a reference.

-Hey Tome, I heard that.

-But it is the truth.

-Obviously it's the truth, but you said it as if it was less than the rest of the apprentices as well.

-Ara… did I do it?

- "Ara" What?, don't play innocent.

-He he…

-You two, we are in a somewhat important meeting.

-Oh yeah…. Sorry…

Alex and Tome calmed down and regained their composed posture as they continued to listen to the discussion about the drop of gold.

Well, the discussion made me think about something.

- What thing?

-I think there is no mistake in saying that the protagonist of the drop of gold is Vesta, but the context in which he refers to him with "she stole something that he believed impossible" could it be for the same reason, something that he does not Can you identify how it was stolen?

-In that case what could I DON'T identify that was stolen?

-Uh….

The room was silent for a while as everyone thought of various alternatives to find routes that would fit their idea.

-…

-…

-Uhmm… Katon?

- Yes?

- What about the fire resonators? Have you ever thought about them being stolen?

-Definitely, it is a weapon only made for me, but I always keep that possibility. I am prepared in case that happens.

-I see…

-…

Looking to the center of the table and with the data on it, Tome begins to consider a huge number of factors until it occurs to him to say something.

-Could we consider that you already met the cataclysm princess Katon-sama?

Tome's comment, around the analysis of everyone in the room, especially Vesta, who tried to remember a person who met all the conditions.

-Katon-sama, let me try something.

Tome begins to slowly approach the chair where Vesta was, which he turned and sat on her legs while she held Vesta's face with one hand and stared into her eyes.

-Uh… Tome… Exactly what are you doing?

-Just wait a moment Katon-sama.

The gaze of several in the room turned from discomfort and after a few seconds returned to normal after Tome got up.

-And…

-It was a test, but it may not be the case, and it may still be too early to detect it... Although I would prefer the first one.

- What was the last thing?

-No, nothing… What I mean is what would happen if what would be "stolen" was something similar to an experience.

-Something not material...

Immediately after saying the last sentence Akira's hologram raised its voice.

- The relic of fire?!

-Definitely not. After the events of three years ago, it's what I mainly think that someone could steal from me.

-Well, in case they stole that from you, you wouldn't have to worry at least, you'd already be dead.

-I guess.

-By the way, Tome, what exactly did you mean by an experience?

-Ah… it could be that the phrase "she will steal something that he would never have imagined" was interpreted as "she will steal his heart" in the metaphorical sense.

The room was silent for a while and a small laugh from Santiago caused the whole room to start laughing.

-Hahahaha Vesta? Being a prey of love? Haha hahahaha… oh God… now you made it…

-You're right Hahahahaha, there is no way that Vesta imagines that...

After that comment the whole room fell silent again and the faces of several became more serious than they were a moment before Tome's analysis.

Alex dared to break the silence.

-It… It agrees… There is no way that Katon imagines or realizes that…

-... I don't know how you see it, but I didn't find it funny and at the same time I feel it as an offense towards me...

-Do not take it the wrong way, you are simply extremely blind to that subject. But he fully agrees with the motive.

-Right, there is no way for you to identify that and it is not something you can avoid. Meaning…

Fernando, after finishing saying the sentence, pounced on Vesta, anchoring her neck and shaking her hair.

-Our little Vesta is going to grow up.

-If you don't let go of me right now, I'll burn you to death.

-it's fine, it's fine, calm down man.

-…Ahhhhh… so… Are they supposed to steal my heart?

-It's not sure yet, but it's possible. Which means that the "princess of the cataclysm" will be the person you fall in love with.

-... That kind of news doesn't make me particularly happy...

Well, that's what it is at the moment.

"Fuuton-sama, Shiba-sama is waiting in the terrace."

-Right, I promised Yuuki that today we would go out on a date.

-Aisaac. You are lucky.

-I just found the right person.

-It will only be 13:00, isn't it?

-That's how it is.

Well, you better take care of her. You hardly ever find women like that.

-I know, if you'll excuse me, it seems that we've just discussed what's important and I need to go with Yuuki.

-Well, the meeting ends here. Disciples and apprentices may withdraw.

After Vesta's comment everyone present got up and after saying goodbye, everyone left the control room.

Aisaac went to a slightly more sophisticated place in Zafiro and opened some white wooden doors that led to a beautiful room with armchairs and a low table in the center that held a vase, in front of the vase there was a decoration that made an illusion A technological feature of a fireplace, further on there were some wooden doors made up mostly of glass panels that revealed an impressive starry sky with clouds under the balcony in which the slender figure of a white-haired girl with two pigtails stood out. blue bow on each one, she wore a long light blue dress with white details that highlighted her hair. Aisaac stood contemplating the scene for a while and then closed the door through which he had entered, by doing this the girl turned towards the direction of the noise revealing her large emerald eyes and seeing Aisaac she gave him a warm smile while waiting for through the glass doors onto the terrace. Aisaac instantly struck up a conversation in Japanese.

- Enjoying the landscape Yuuki?

-That's right… it's impressive… all this.

-You've never been in Zafiro, right?

-No. Only in Ruby.

-I suppose that the time difference will be strange to you, here it is 23:00 and there it is 13:00.

-hehe, you will never change your schedules outside of exact standards right?

-It's a habit and as much as I try to avoid it, it's still there.

I know, but sit down for a minute. It makes me uncomfortable to be the only one sitting here.

-Of course.

-Hey, Ais-kun, how can you completely get used to the difference of 14 hours in just seconds?

-We are trained to go weeks without sleep, but it would be absurd to use it in an everyday situation, so we use an ability that we colloquially call "clock". It gathers active fairy particles from the environment and readjusts our body's energy consumption automatically, of course it doesn't work like that just because after the adjustment we need to eat a few calories to finish the readjustment.

-Wow… they are prepared for everything.

-We are the protectors of both regions, we cannot neglect ourselves.

-That reminds me that I have many doubts about how the legion and fate works… I know some things, but since we started dating I haven't found out many of them.

- Do you want me to explain them to you?

- You may?

-Of course, I didn't do it at the time because I wasn't sure if they would protect you or put you in danger. But I think it's better that you know so you can do something with them.

- Cool!

-Well, it's about time we went to Ruby.

Aisaac got up from her seat and extended her hand to Yuuki who took it and leaned on it to get up. After holding Yuuki firmly, Aisaac generated a wind particle in his left hand which he implanted in his chest and began to generate a symbol that finished showing after 5 seconds, once complete both disappeared from the terrace and appeared in a very large room. similar to the one they were, but with a more rustic color difference.

-Well, we're already in Ruby, now let's go out.

-Yes.

While the couple headed down a corridor to an area that said "Leap" and positioned themselves on some circles on the ground that, after a bright light, gave a rapid fall in which no type of alteration was seen in the passengers, in In a matter of 10 seconds, they dropped low enough to be at ground level and emerged from a dressing room of a clothing store run by the legion to cover up one of their entrances.

- Where do you want to go first?

-Mmmmm, how about we go for an ice cream?

-Okay, meanwhile tell me your questions, I'll answer what I can.

-So... I know that the disciples of hado are the strongest users of their element in the legion, but what is the triangle of power?

-It is a trio of people throughout this world who are considered the three strongest users of hado in the world, in the current power triangle we are the disciple of the hado of fire, Vesta, I, who am the disciple of the hado of wind and the evil leader of Dark Moon, Hex.

-So… Hex is at the level of you two?

-It's hard for me to admit it, but yes, it's great. He is skilled and insane, which makes him a very dangerous enemy and on top of everything, his fate ability is called "general" and allows him to command highly elaborate missions.

-He's very troublesome from what I've heard...

-Too much, whenever we have a chance to catch him he escapes somehow, even sacrificing his subordinates.

-Must be hard…

-It is.

-And… How does that neuron of hado work?

-Mmmm… when you start to manage your energy of hado you will learn to materialize it, it will materialize according to the element to which you are related and its activation conditions. Once you learn to materialize it, a neuron awakens in your brain that affects the reception of all the lobes and causes your body to generate what we officially call a "hado ability" but it would be easier to understand as the passive of a video game. This ability allows you to improve or obtain a normally cognitive ability which greatly defines the combat style of each person.

-Is it a completely mental ability?

-It is a correct statement and at the same time it is not, because although its beginnings are mental, it seems more like a physical ability because it triggers them.

-And what is yours?

-we call it "Hypercontrol" it is an ability that allows me to have control of all the molecules of my physical extremities and allows me to move them at will, such as my hair or eyelashes.

-Uah… I don't see it very useful for a fight.

-Actually it is extremely useful to me, my element is the wind and before I told you that each element needs a condition to unfold, right? Well, the wind needs the user to detect the movement of a molecule to deploy a gust of wind and thanks to my ability, I can deploy them from any part of my body since, as they are molecules of my body, I can identify them and follow their movement.

-Wow… They can take advantage of any ability…

-It is really very interesting to see all the types of skills that are in the legion.

- And isn't there a side effect of getting them?

-The chance of what we call a physical side effect from getting them is extremely rare, 1% to be precise, but not impossible. The apprentice of the hado of darkness, Tokisaki Tome, upon obtaining the ability from her, developed heterochromia in her right eye, but it is not any kind of harmful effect.

-Eh… And what are the activation conditions of the elements?

-The wind, as I mentioned before, requires that you be able to detect a movement of particles. Water needs you to have good hydration levels in your body. The earth needs you to have enough minerals in your body. Fire needs you to be able to detect the friction of two molecules. Purity needs the energy that flows through your cranial nerves to remain active. Darkness and light need the same thing, that your body has calories.

-I think I don't see the way to activate the fire very convenient.

-It would seem, but Vesta makes it look simple… he can detect the friction generated by the molecules of his body even with the beating of his heart or the passage of blood through his veins.

- Don't need a minimum friction limit?

-You just need to be aware of the friction, that is, feel it.

-Wow… detecting that… must be difficult….

-It's impressive, it's not in the power triangle for nothing.

-We got to the ice cream parlor.

-Oh, right, we came for an ice cream.

-You always get lost in conversations

-Sorry about that.

-There's no need to apologize.

- What are you going to want?

-You choose it.

Aisaac goes to the counter and talks to the store manager.

-Can I have a strawberry ice cream please.

-Sure, here you are.

-Thank you.

-Here you have Yuuki.

Yes, you know me well.

-We've been dating for quite some time, it would be strange if not.

-I suppose… but what about you?

-I can take yours.

Yuuki blushes a little and looks away, but quickly collects himself and smiles back at Aisaac. Yuuki takes Aisaac's hand and they continue their tour.

- Do you have any other questions about hado?

-Yes… Why were you named disciples of hado?

-I guess the quick answer would be that we are the strongest at the moment. But it is an extremely long story… and it is not easy to talk about it.

- Does it have to do with Gouken-san's death?

-Yes… That was a very hard and extremely critical time… another day I will tell you about it in detail, okay?

-Okay… So, what specifically defines them as disciples of hado? You told me that a disciple of fate can only be relieved every 30 years. Why?

-That is because a disciple of the fate to which he is relieved must also deliver his relic of the hado, it is a spiritual essence that has passed through each disciple of the hado of his own element and that gives access to two things.

The hereditary branch that possesses the techniques that create other disciples of the same element and the exclusive technique that defines you as the disciple of hado, this technique is special and depends on the region, since each one has its exclusive technique that is inherited from the leaders. The other has always been known as the purge and this is exclusive to the disciples of fate, while the rest of the regions only pass the hereditary branch, we pass the hereditary branch and the right to use the purge, but for the moment not we have used and I think it is not time to explain it yet.

The point is that for a disciple of fate to deliver the relic, 30 years must pass to be able to extract it from his body ensuring the well-being of the person from whom the relic will be extracted, let's say that the relic transfer has a cooldown of 30 years… Well, it really is 25 years, but 30 are given, the 25 are in case an emergency relief is needed for some situation… as it happened 3 years ago.

-Really the matter of 3 years ago must have been a critical situation then.

- Extremely critical.

-So…the hereditary branch special technique is the most powerful technique?

-There is no such thing, they are all useful at some point, but if I had to name the one that would most fit that definition it would probably be the Overload.

- What is Overload?

-It is a technique that allows you to increase the limit of your maximum power a certain number of times for a limited time. There are three variants. 110% we call it that, but it actually increases your maximum power ten times for 3 minutes. The 120% that increases your maximum power by 20 times for 2 minutes and the 150% that increases your maximum power by 50 times for 60 seconds.

-Sounds impressive, but why is there a time limit? Can't they just activate it again?

-No… the energy consumption produced by that technique is abysmal so you can't cast it again until a period of 12 hours later. For that reason, we also use it sparingly, because if we use it for training and there is an attack, it could become the problem that we cannot use it in combat.

-It is a very important resource to take care of then right? Everyone must be aware of that.

-They are, but because of how important it is to have a person capable of using it nearby. It is an extremely complex technique, only a few supreme masters are able to use even its 110% version and in fate apprentices, only Tome can use the 120% variant.

-So difficult?

-Yes, it is a technique that demands many things. In the legion, only the disciples of fate can use it at 150%

-Wow… By the way, how do they classify someone's ability in the legion?

-The ability of a legion asset is evaluated according to their ability to fulfill missions, the lowest rank is "Basic" then "Advanced", "Elite", "Elite Warrior", "Master", "Grand Master" , "Supreme Master", "Apprentice of Hado" and "Disciple of Hado".

- So they just rank up doing missions?

-No, after Elite Warrior the quests are very dangerous so we need to make sure the skill of the assets is enough, not just merit. We don't want to send them to die.

-They don't have to want to die either.

-Certainly. We got to the tree.

- Huh?

Yuuki turns to the right and sees a huge tree in a park where she and Aisaac loved to spend time under the shade of that tree. They both walk over to the tree and sit together as they gaze at the scenery. Yuuki falls onto Aisaac's shoulder and closes her eyes.

-These moments are precious, aren't they?

-Of course, they are unforgettable.

-Heh…

- Are you sleepy?

-No... I'm just at peace...

-I see…

-Being like this with you is quite serene...

- Do you want to stay a while longer?

-Only a little…

Aisaac brings Yuuki's face closer to his chest, who had her eyes closed and seemed to be about to fall asleep, lightly caresses her hair and hugs her later while she turns up contemplating the landscape. A small red light interrupts Aisaac's landscape, he immediately uses his left arm to display an interface in her eye to answer a call.

- What happen?

-It's nothing you should worry about, but there are records of ARASHI's movement near your area, I know you're on a date so we're already mobilizing, but stay away from there for a while... Just please don't take her to a hotel.

- As if I would do that!

-I can hear you too Akira-san

-Uh…

- Who will be in charge of the mission?

-We sent Fernando as leader, he has Kazumi, Armando, 3 supreme masters and 10 masters as reinforcements without counting the 4 great masters of Vesta's plan.

-Then there is nothing to worry about. Thanks for the warning.

-You're welcome, channel out.

Aisaac's communicator disappeared and she turned to see Yuuki who was already lying completely in her arms.

-I think we should move for a bit.

-Okay, where do you want to go?

- How about eating?

-Yes, I think it's a good idea.

Aisaac stood up carrying Yuuki in his arms,which surprised her and she blushed, then tilted her arms a little to allow Yuuki to get down.

-I-I could stand alone...

-I know, just let me pamper you a little.

-Well, we're leaving?

-Whenever you want.

Yuuki took Aisaac's hand and pulled it slightly down to be at the level of his lips to kiss him, Aisaac blushed immediately, but calmed down after Yuuki's smile. After that, they both continued on their way.