CHAPTER FIVE
VENTI DAWNBREAK
I want to see her again-again-again, I want to see her so bad.
"Oi Venti take Arthur back to the room, I will start my training with Guru Yagi, and snap out of whatever you're stuck in. What is your head dreaming about man?"
"Ah-n-nothing Nevera, yeah I'll take Arthur back."
I grabbed the massive idiot and started heading back to our room.
"There you go!", I said placing Arthur on the bed.
"Curse yuse Neverua", Arthur muttered while unconscious.
(Man, Nevera must have really snapped to have knocked him out this bad)
"Now then, I have time for myself so what should I do?"
"Pweat siht"
"What the actual- how are you speaking while unconscious, wait are you even unconscious?"
"hehehehe"
He was laughing like an idiot.
Leaving him, I headed to the Drakenguard office the headquarters of the FMA, I saw a familiar face there.
"Erika how are you?!"
"I'm fine Venti, how are you feeling? you wouldn't come here just to give your rescuer a visit."
Although we smile at each other, I'm sure that she doesn't completely trust us. Not that I blame her since neither do we.
"How rude, I came with good reason too."
"I was just kidding, so tell me what are you doing here, at the FMA headquarters."
I sensed her guard go up slightly but I feigned ignorance by being casual.
"I just wanted to know where Miss Viviane was, could you tell me?"
"Oh, we want to talk to the next heir now do we, unfortunately for you she is currently with her father and Aether discussing something even I am not privy to."
"Wait, Aether? Why is he there?"
"It could be a discussion about what is the next course of action for you folk, he might be discussing about leaving this city and heading out to the Central Dominion, I heard that you folk had been selected for phase 2 training in the Central Dominion."
"We're leaving? Wai-wait okay but then why is Miss Vivi-"
"Because she is his attendant of course, they might even be discussing terms of marriage~"
Wait. Is she teasing me? Sure I'll play.
"Ma-ma-marriage? With whom? Aether? What? I don't follow?"
Although it was true that I was interested in her as a member of the opposite sex, I couldn't be sure about the feelings I had. It might also be because she was the first girl I'd seen.
"It's interesting to see that I have intrigued you so much Mr Dawnbreak."
A cold voice shot out into the office. It was followed by two figures of great power.
"Miss Viviane! You're here and Aether too!"
"Yeah, we finished our discussion, Venti tell the others that we will be staying here for the next five months for training, we still don't know why we were attacked back at the Classrooms, there is something going on that we need to get in on, let's stay here and help the FMA and take help and get stronger in return"
"I see, yeah you're right. I'll tell the others…"
I set out to tell the others but then I remembered I had to ask something.
"Wait, I forgot to ask but are you two getting married or something?"
They looked at each other and then shook their heads in unison
"No, why do you ask?", Aether asked me looking into my eyes.
"I heard Miss Viviane was getting married to someone?"
"That would happen to be the Prince of Rainier, Albaine Degarmo."
"Oh, I see."
They then left for somewhere else and I was left without anything to do.
(Bad luck huh Venti..)
VIVIANE LAPIS
After the meeting with my father, I couldn't get that man off my train of thoughts.
His blade was long and shined with brilliance. It was a beautiful sword.
Under normal circumstances I wouldn't think so much about someone, but this man was different. After all he had that sword. I just couldn't help but think of him and his squad.
***
Three weeks passed and we got to know each other better.
Nevera was a charming but cold man, Venti was way too childish, Arthur was- well always incapacitated when I saw him but Aether was different.
The way he walked, he conversed, he carried himself, his presence and his eyes, they were all different. As if he was born in some great noble clan and had been trained in social engagements since his childhood.
I decided to meet up with Aether at the training grounds where he was training with Nevera. Arthur was taking time off in the city and Venti was…
"You know it isn't nice to stalk a lone girl, people could mistake you for a perverted creep."
"Hey come now that's rude and besides, I wasn't stalking you, our paths merely coincided⁓"
"That's the sixth time you've told me that this week…"
"What can I say, it is fate that brings us together⁓"
He went on to speak about abstract feelings and artistic ideas but I ignored him and moved forward.
I could hear weapons clanging and men grunting near-by, a few moments later a figure came flying at me, I prepared to dodge but the person stopped midair and flew back through the path he had come from.
Nevera and Aether were sparring with each other, Nevera was going all out, trying to defeat Aether, desperation clearly visible on his face but Aether didn't break a sweat.
He was dodging Nevera's form imbued strikes with next to no difficulty. This irritated me, albeit very slightly.
I couldn't see the arts of the Lapis clan be so useless against an enemy. Our arts were taught to us by a Descender after all. But then it wasn't much of a surprise considering that, Aether had that sword with him.
Realising that I was gawking, Guru Yagi approached me and asked, "Do you too wish to practice with the boys or simply continue staring at them, closely observing each one of their movements?"
"Greetings, Guru Yagi, I'm sorry to intrude but it's just rare for you to decide to teach not one but two students at the same time so I wished to see them training in person."
"Their training has hardly begun young princess, both of them possess immense potential but that Aether boy is something else. I sense a familiar power within him, but I can't exactly tell whose it is…"
"Hyaah!"
With that cry the sparring had come to an end. They talked to each other for bit after which Nevera went to have a bath and Aether came to talk to me.
"So, what brings you here Viviane?"
"I simply came here to see the state of your training"
"I'm afraid I cannot possibly believe that."
"But it is the truth?"
"Whatever it is, you are aware that Venti is stalking you and trying to hear us right?"
"Of course, I don't know what training you people went through, but it clearly didn't include stealth training considering how Venti tries to sneak up on me. Even a slothmonkey would see him coming from a mile away."
"So tell me, do you have anything in particular you want to talk about Vivane?"
"I want you to tell me all about the Classrooms."
"I see…", he then continued, "but it's too long to tell you now. Maybe some other time."
The way he said it didn't make it seems like he was asking, underneath that calm, carefree demeanour was a sleeping dragon.
(He is dangerous, my instincts warned me.)
"Fine, I will accept that, for now."
"Good, then I'll get going."
"Wait, you will accompany me to the party this evening as compensation for this."
I made sure to speak in a tone, which would tell anyone that I wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.
"A party huh…fine I'll come along", he turned his back to me and waved.
***
[7PM same day]
I was waiting for Aether, there was a party being held tonight because my brother had returned from his long expedition to Zelandia. We would be attending and welcoming him.
Just then I heard the sound of footsteps and I got excited, "What did you wear Mr Nightbl-"
It was Mr Dawnbreak instead. Aether set me up.
(I will get back at you for this Aether!!)
Venti smiled at me and looked at me top to bottom.
"Where are you looking?"
"U-uh nowhere ma'am- sorry, your highness!", he hurriedly replied.
Venti and I entered the party hall where the event was being held, I saw my father, Erika and Avenir standing alongside my brother- Aurele Lapis.
They were having a serious discussion, completely out of the celebratory vibe of this party.
The hall was large with a ceiling made of obsidian which reflected the light in the room, making it look like the starry night sky.
The walls were studded with gemstones and there were relics on it hung for display. Music was being played and people were dancing. It was common for people to dance at parties with their partners but even if someone didn't, they could just ask another who was without a partner.
I was an exception to this. The only time I ever danced was with my brother as a partner.
"Miss Viviane, may I please have this dance?", an unexpected voice spoke out and it wasn't Venti.
It was Nevera who sought me out. "Yes, with pleasure."
He took my hand and we began to waltz slowly matching the slow pace of the song.
"I must ask you to stop trying to get in our captain's way."
I didn't quite follow what he said.
"I'm sorry what are talking about?"
"Even though others don't know, I have noticed the way you behave around him. Your guard is lowered and you are very casual with him, the captain is kind unlike the rumours that surround Users and so being in his presence is pleasantly warm but.."
He paused and increased our pace to match the song.
"Please do not open up more to him, for all you will find is pain and a burden you cannot hope to bear, that is all I would like to say."
The song ended and I was left in shock.
I didn't understand what he told me but whatever it was, it hurt.
Nevera had known Aether the best or so I had heard.
I sat down at a table, and thought deeply about those cutting words he left me with.
NEVERA DAYLIGHT
"We Users are looked down upon, but with this place, it is different. This place could be a safe haven for Users in the future, and when that happens, we will need someone we know ruling this place. If she comes with us, she too will be looked down upon and the people of these mountains may come to resent us for that. It is best that we restrain our contact and maintain some distance just as Trojan said."
That was what Aether told me when we were having a meal after our training together. But the words I told her were my own, I knew they were cold but they were cold only because I knew his intent.
As for if she was conscious of it or not, that was a different matter. If she would be hurt in the end, then why not hurt her now and save her from even more pain later.
I stepped outside to see the real nightsky, it was dark. There were no stars visible and the moon was in its waning phase.
"So this is the real world…"
The mountains always had a cold air about them, making me feel detached from the rest of the world. I looked around at all the buildings and the mountains, the lake and then the training grounds.
I saw a figure there, it was Aether.
Not being interested in the party, I headed towards him and then the figure of another person- a man came into view. The number then increased to three and then four and finally five.
(Looks like they're having a secret meeting that I wasn't invited to.)
ERIKA DRAKENGUARD
"So why have we gathered out here in the cold when we could be sitting inside the hall with food on our plates and drinks in our hand?"
"Erika our purpose here is to talk about Aurele's findings on his expedition to Zelandia and we can't possibly discuss that amidst the hustle and bustle of the party." Avenir looked at her with a reprimanding expression.
"Zelandia is in tatters, the demons there are running rampant. The Yakshas have all been slaughtered and the dwarves are slaves,"
Aurele's voice was calm but it had hidden spikes in it.
"The humans and elves are hiding in the rainforests but it won't be long before they get caught. The blood of the Zelandians is mostly pure since it is a secluded island continent and their unity is strong but the numbers of the demons there is overwhelming. The Users and other demon hybrids are very few in number. After the disappearance of Kronos, no one has been able to lift the divine switchblade."
"Riptide" I muttered slowly.
"To make things worse, they seem to be readying their troops to strike here next- to strike the entirety of Verdana Tempus."
"They must be having the complete support of the demons of the Central dominion..."
"So then, what do we do?" I said, trying the take the conversation down a lane more constructive.
"I'll go there."
All three of us looked at Aether with our eyes widened.
"And how do you plan to do that?", Aurele asked Aether with confusion written all over his face.
"By ship."
"And where will you get the ship from?"
"Central dominion.", he spoke as if it was obvious.
"Ridiculous, do you expect them to help you?"
"No."
The moment the boy said those words I remembered who he really was within. He was unimaginably strong for someone who was only 18 and that blood thirsty gaze of his made him seem like a seasoned war veteran, not some well-trained child.
"I believe you will be leaving after 2 more months then?"
"Yes, we will be but," he added an afterthought, "We could use some help."
"Very well. I will send some troops with you but not to the Central dominion, after you secure the ships, god-knows-how, we will rendezvous at Kraken's coast."
"Fine by me, in the mean time, I will need to know who you will be sending, so that I can get them thorough with their jobs on this rescue operation."
The old man gave a nod and then said, "I will have Viviane send the files to you by tomorrow morning."
With that this short and heated conversation came to a close.
AETHER NIGHTBLADE
[One week before the operation starts]
"One week from now, we will be heading to Zelandia. All the necessary information is given in the operation file I've given you but let me run you through it verbally."
"After securing the ships we need, all of us will meet at Kraken's coast. The FMA troops will reach the rendezvous point 2 days in advance and will set up a camp there. After the User squad arrives, we will take a day's rest, check all our equipment and then head to Zelandia, our destination being Port Pierre."
"There are relatively fewer troops and they will be taken down by the native resistance forces there. I have already spoken to their leader through the Vanderbilt terminal and they will be glad to help us."
"After setting foot in Port Pierre and joining forces with the- Human and Elves Resistance Organization of Zealandia..."
I saw the look the face of my comrades, they didn't seem to fancy the name.
"Or HEROZ for short." I added and their faces relaxed instantly, sighing internally.
"Our forces will be divided into different strike and rescue squadrons, The first will be a squadron of 10 members consisting purely of Users, which will be led by me."
"The other will be the Training Grounds Squadron or TGS for short, led by Viviane Lapis, it will consist of 100 troops and then the bulk of our forces, the FMA squadron consisting of 1000 troops. It will be led by Captain Avenir since Commander Erika has already been dispatched on a mission to raid the Classrooms and bring back Users who cooperate, to this place."
"Anyways the FMA will be combining with the HEROZ which I am told will be sending over 70 raiders, as they call them in Zelandia." I then continued after a short pause.
"The resistance leader Calibri Vanos will be joining the squad too."
"Any questions about the mission so far?", looks like I was clear, "No? good."
"Now comes the next phase, we will secure Port Pierre and set up a temporary base there because we will be staying there for 3 days."
"TGS will be guarding the base while our joint forces will infiltrate the enemy locations and evacuate refugees simultaneously."
"After complete evacuation, TGS and the FMA-HEROZ squadron will return to Verdana Tempus."
"In the meantime, the User squadron will venture deeper into Zealandia in an operation to gain information and whereabout of other refugees."
"After our operation of 3 days, we will head back to Port Pierre, which will be operational by then, in order to escape we will hijack a ship on the full moon night and head back to Verdana Tempus."
"Once we return, the operation ends."
"Any questions?", a hand went up.
"What about the refugees we bring back, will they be sheltered here?"
"Yes, they will be sheltered here temporarily and then sent to Rainier during the next operation."
Another hand went up, "Isn't the prince of Rainier, Albaine Degarmo a pervert? Why is the princess even entertaining the idea of getting married to him?"
This riled up the crowd assembled here, many voiced their disagreement and the training grounds were soon filled with people refusing to give away their princess.
I increased my force output to quiet them. I did this just to show them who the one holding the reins is here. The noise died out and they looked at me.
"I can understand why you are unhappy, but it is not within my power to change the decisions that have already been made, we must cooperate and hope this marriage succeeds. If you have any problems, take it up with your ruler."
I wouldn't be surprised if they actually went and did that.
"Disperse and enjoy this week with your family, friends or whoever is special to you, we don't know how many of us will return here after the next week."
The crowd broke and I too started heading back to my room. On my way back I saw the door which I first saw when I came here again.
I reached out to open it but the door repelled me away in a way which be described as almost violent.
I let it be and got back on my way.
It was time for lunch now and I headed over to the cafeteria. It was a newly constructed building meant specifically for us Users and with increasing number of us, this was the perfect place to spend time alone… or so I thought.
Arthur was placed in charge of this place by me, since I judged that this job would be perfect for him. He was brewing coffee behind the counter and was in a black high neck. There were four girls seated at the counter ahead of me, watching me as I entered.