Near the lush green fields just a few kilometers from the Normandy shore, birds sang all around, as if whispering secrets of battles fought and lives lost. Axel Collins, contemplating the next move for his team and companions, decided to reach out to Mission Control for further guidance.
"Mission Control this is Comet 01, we have successfully secured four Arcanist on our side. Over."
"Comet 01, this is Mission Control. Acknowledged. Excellent work securing the four Arcanists. Please maintain situational awareness. A skirmish has erupted approximately thirty-five kilometers to your south. We have lost thirty-one operatives. Hostile forces from Chrysalica have established an underground nest. We successfully compromised their operation, but it is also critical that you place heavy effort on the Rat King disinfection operation. Over."
"Mission Control, this is Comet 01. Acknowledged on the intel and the situation. Should I rendezvous with Fairy 001, located six kilometers away, to expedite the operation, or continue to the designated location one hundred fifty kilometers away to prioritize the major rescue operation of Jeanne d'Arc? Over."
"Comet 01, this is Mission Control. Acknowledged on your update. The intel for the rescue of Jeanne D'Arc cannot be divulged at this time due to operational sensitivity. Please note that it is necessary for you to rendezvous with Fairy 001 and collect the supplies from her. This maneuver will fully replenish your inventory, ensuring you are fully equipped for the mission ahead. Proceed with caution and confirm once you have secured the supplies. Over."
"Mission Control, this is Comet 01. Acknowledged on the update regarding Fairy 001. We will proceed to take the supplies from her and ensure our inventory is fully replenished. Standing by for further instructions once secured. Over and out."
Phoenix watched closely as Axel engaged in what seemed like a conversation in the air. His focused expression intrigued her, and she noticed the intensity with which he interacted, though she couldn't see the system he was using. The way he gestured and responded seemed to create an invisible dialogue that fascinated her. A mix of wonder and yearning to understand filled her heart, as she wished to learn about this mysterious form of communication. The contrast between her magical abilities and his technological methods sparked an intense curiosity within her. As she thought about what to feed the children left in her care, she caught the aroma of melted cheese and freshly made bread prepared by Luc from his inventory. He then passed it around to the team, except for Wong, who was lactose intolerant and relished his noodles on the side. They then proceed to travel on foot towards the city of Bayeux.
While on the road, Axel urged his team to continue their objective of disinfecting the plague-infested areas to minimize human casualties. The children watched in amazement as they smoked out multiple villages that had been ravaged by the disease. Rats scurried around here and there, but with Phoenix present, she burned the critters away. This prompted Axel to reprimand her, concerned that people might call her names for her actions. However, she simply replied with a snort, which made him exasperated.
Around noon, they arrived in the city and noticed the carcass of a Huechromixix operative being pulled by a carriage. Whispers and gossip among the townsfolk filled the air as they speculated about what type of creature it was. Most of them believed it had been summoned by heretical individuals who were thought to be worshipers of the devil.
One of them then shouted, "Did you see that!? What kind of dark sorcery is this? That creature looks like it came straight out of the devil's own lair!"
"I heard it was summoned by those heretics who live on the outskirts. You know the ones I mean, the one who cured people with strange liquids."
"It's true! I've seen them sneaking around during the witching hour, their shadows flickering like flames. They're surely in league with the devil!"
"Those foolish souls think they can control such monsters. Mark my words, their nonsense will bring ruin upon us all!"
"I heard the couple was already killed and hanged on the gallows by an angry mob yesterday. Serves them right!"
"I also heard they have a pretty daughter that looked like royalty. Maybe the scoundrels sacrificed the people for youth and vitality!"
"Aye! If we don't act now, we might end up as their next sacrifice!"
As Phoenix overheard the townsfolk's slander, her initial shock quickly morphed into a seething rage. The words struck her like daggers, each accusation stabbing deeper as the townsfolk spoke of people resembling her parents being hang on the gallows. The air around her grew oppressive, heat radiating from her body as her anger flared.
"Sacrificed!? How dare they speak of my family like that!" she hissed, her eyes flashing with fury. The small patches of weed on the road she was stepping on started to dry up and sizzle, the air shimmering as the temperature rose around her.
Axel, standing beside her, instantly felt the shift. He gripped her hand tightly, urgency lacing his voice. "Phoenix, please! You can't do this here! Don't let them see what you can do!"
"They're lying about my parents! They're spreading poison about them colluding with the unknown horrors!" she spat, trembling with a mix of grief and fury. The heat emanating from her grew more intense, warping the air around them.
"I know, and it's horrific," Axel replied, his voice low and steady as he scanned the crowd, wary of their reaction. "But if you unleash your power now, it'll only confirm their fears and make things worse. You have to stay calm!"
Phoenix's breath came in sharp gasps, the emotions swirling inside her like a tempest. "It's not fair!" she choked, the heat subsided replaced by her choking sobs.
The thought of her parents dangling in the rope of the gallows, judged, without the righteous law of the land, pierced Phoenix's heart, especially knowing they had only aimed to aid their community by passing out cure for free to those who are in need.
"Nothing is fair in this world. We can say that from the moment of our birth, our fates are already defined." Axel told with his grim voice, "but know this, there is a group of individuals who defied fate and reshaped the Earth into what it is today and what it will be in the future."
She pondered his words, but her clouded mind, filled with anger, made it impossible for her to process anything at all.
After Phoenix's sudden outburst, Axel initiated communication with Fairy 001.
"Fairy 001, this is Comet 01. I have visual on two church structures in my area. The first is a large one here, I believe it's Notre Dame Cathedral. The second is a smaller church, currently secured and closed off. Please advise on which rendezvous point to proceed to. Over."
"Comet 01, come to the church with the closed off doors, we have visuals on you. Over and out."
Alex provided a situational report to his team regarding their next moves. Recognizing that this city was bustling with activity and aware of the Middle Ages notorious record of crime, including kidnapping and theft, they made the tactical decision to holster their weapons. The team was particularly vigilant about safeguarding the arcanist and the vulnerable children, who had little knowledge of self-defense against potential threats from hostile operators.
While they walked, Pheonix seeing where they were headed, reacted violently, "we're not going! This place is dangerous! I hate the church, the condemn us!"
Axel was stunned in her reaction. He immediately shushed her with his hands as passersby might hear her. "Quiet down, this place is under the control of one of our comrades, don't make a scene, please." He then knocked on the door which opened suddenly.
A striking nun stood before Phoenix, her long black hair cascading like shadows over her shoulders. Her deep, dark eyes mirrored the night sky, holding an intensity that could pierce even the bravest heart. Captivating in figure, she exuded a blend of grace and strength that could inspire nations to war. Her voice, a mesmerizing fusion of Mother Earth's wisdom and the allure of the goddess of love, resonated in the air around them. She confronted her with a fierce expression. "What's your problem? Do you want to get everyone in here killed? Do you not care about the innocent anymore? Are these children mere trash in your eyes?"
Alex and the men were stunned by her beauty, and even the two boys were unable to look away. However, recognizing that a fierce woman required the presence of another equally strong woman, he stepped aside and did his best to fade into the background. Seeing their squad leader's actions, the other men quickly followed suit, suggesting they had no desire to get entangled in what could be a volatile situation. The boys, eager to emulate the adults, exaggerated their movements, comically tiptoeing and peeking around the corner with wide eyes, as if they were hiding from a dragon rather than just trying to avoid the chaos. While the little girl oblivious to what is happening, watched the scene unfold.
Phoenix's anger surged, and she could no longer contain herself. Turning to the nun with a fierce determination, she spoke as if each word was a battle cry. "Are these the animals we are trying to save?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the air. "They can't even tell right from wrong! We judge people by their looks, their wealth, and how they present themselves in front of the crowd. It's disgusting! No matter how virtuous someone has been their entire life, one slip-up and their reputation is permanently tarnished! How can we proclaim to save others when we can't even see the humanity in them?" Each word dripped with the weight of her indignation, challenging the nun to reflect on the very essence of compassion and judgment.
After her outburst, a sharp 'Slap' echoed through the altar, followed by the clatter of metal cups, tables, and chairs as the woman stumbled back from the force of the nun's strong strike. The nun looked down at her with a piercing gaze, her voice dripping with disdain as she asked, "Are you done?"
The men, observing the scene, averted their eyes, while the two children trembled and drew nearer to the soldiers, resembling little chicks in search of warmth. Summoning her courage, the brave little girl stepped forward, tears brimming in her eyes, unable to comprehend why the kind-looking nun had slapped her older sister. "Why are you doing this to my big sister?" she asked, her voice trembling. "She was just sad."
"Little girl, this sister has only banished the bad ghosts in her head. I hope she can come to her senses now," Fairy 001 said to the little girl with a serious expression, causing the young girl to worry about her big sister.
Ella dashed towards Phoenix and embraced the little girl, whispering, "I'm so sorry for what just happened. I wasn't thinking clearly." Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her face stung from the slap, but she didn't mind. The sharp pain had jolted her out of the blind rage that had consumed her.
"Humph! Has the Arcane scrambled your wits, or are you just recklessly trying to gain unwanted attention? You would be wise not to tangle with forces you do not fully understand. I have navigated nearly two centuries without a complaint. Have you ever thought to wonder why? I was the one who guided your parents in their mastery of the Arcane, constantly cautioning them to keep their heads down. You know as well as I do that your kind is unique, yet here you are, foolishly embroiling yourself in matters that do not concern you. And what has that led to? Those nightmarish creatures, not just the humans you scorn, were the ones who condemned them to their fate. Do you believe that brings me any satisfaction? Do you truly believe I'm some sadistic fiend, finding delight in the tragic downfall of my own students?!"
Shame washed over Phoenix as she realized there was a history between the nun and her parents. Knowing she was in the wrong, she didn't know what to say or how she could make amends. The soldiers, pretending to decern the secrets of the universe while staring at the dried-up paint of the stone walls, was suddenly glared at by the nun. Axel, knowing full well he was the designated leader of the bunch, looked at her with a determined gaze.