Towa Herschel (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
overworker) wrote2020-09-02 06:16 pm
overworker) wrote2020-09-02 06:16 pm
Entry tags:
Memory Registry
Baby Stars
First Loss
( time gap )
Class VI
School Festival
( time gap )
Orientation Meeting
( time gap )
Bonds and Books
( time gap )
First Death
( time gap )
Pick a Weapon
Graduation
Beginners' Lessons
Crossbell Bracers
( time gap )
Second Loss
Reunion and Heartache
Third Loss
( time gap )
Captain Towa
First Loss
( time gap )
Class VI
School Festival
( time gap )
Orientation Meeting
( time gap )
Bonds and Books
( time gap )
First Death
( time gap )
Pick a Weapon
Graduation
Beginners' Lessons
Crossbell Bracers
( time gap )
Second Loss
Reunion and Heartache
Third Loss
( time gap )
Captain Towa
Memory One. (Day 283)
This seems to alarm the entire room. Guests are demanding to be let out. It’s a complete disaster. The room is filled with noise. You can’t make out any one voice anymore. So you shout out over them. “Please! Listen, everyone! I know you’re scared. That’s why we need to work together. There are people out there fighting with everything they've got to stop it.... But we can't leave this all on them. We can’t stay here. We need to evacuate the building.”
Orchis Tower is too much of a target, and there are few means of protecting themselves here. Together, an evacuation plan starts to come together. A few at a time, people are escorted towards the emergency stairwells.
You hear the blast second before the impact sends you tumbling to the floor. Light fixtures burst and tables collapse. But you’re immediately grabbing the first solid thing you can find and standing, albeit on wobbly legs. You’re terrified and yet--
“Get everyone out as quickly as you can! Avoid the elevator passage-- take the emergency stairwell!” You’re motioning to indicate the necessary paths, offering guidance and comfort to the panicking masses around you. “Do we have a detailed list of the personnel that are in the building? We need to organize the staff and get everyone out safely. What floors were being occupied?” The people around you are quick to offer the answers they have and it tells you what you need to know. There should still be people higher up. “I’m going to check the landing-- please make sure everyone gets out safely!”
No one can find the words to argue with you; although you see the uncertainty in their eyes like they know they should say something. But you don’t have time for that. This is the moment you realize your arm is bleeding through your school jacket. It must have been the glass earlier.
You immediately push it from your mind.
Everyone else descends. You climb. It’s just an extra floor, but you’re grateful that’s all it is. You don’t have much time. You feel the foundation shaking and cracking underneath you. If you had to guess, there’s probably little more than five minutes before the whole building falls.
There’s a group of people stuck behind a door that got stuck in it’s frame. “Stand back! I’ll make a path!” With your orbal gun, it only takes one shot to knock it loose and help get them back out into the hall.
“Hurry! The emergency stairs are that way! Everyone’s begun evacuating, you can still catch up!”
Just one more room to check.
You can’t linger.
But just as you pull that final door open, you feel the whole building shift. A crack on the outside of the building is causing the upper floor to cave in. You try to hold on to something that might be attached yet, but your grip is too weak. With a scream you plummet into a sea of debris; resting upon rough patches of broken stone, steel shards, splintered wood and even small bits of shattered glass. You brace yourself, heart in your throat as you feel yourself falling.
You just hope that everyone else made it out alright… Class VII too.
At impact, you know several things are broken. Not just from the fall, but from the debris still falling around you. Your body is tossed like that of a ragdoll into a heaping pile of parts from the once standing building. You can feel yourself growing weaker. You’re losing blood from several places and the pain itself is bad enough to make your consciousness swim. You fight it because you know that if you don’t, you won’t wake back up.
Sorry… everyone…
No matter how much you want to, it’s too much. You’re too weak. You can’t make it on your own. In your last moments of consciousness there are three people you think of, their names sharp and vivid in your mind.
Crow... Angelica... George...
Memory Two. (Day 285)
There are books upon books piled at your feet; several are open to different pages with colored tabs marking the ones you want to remember.
Outside, the sky is beautiful. There's a darkness that's only filtered through by the moon and stars. For some reason, the view of that vast space fills you with warmth. It's interesting and exciting and you don't want to look away.
For hours you sit there; gazing at the stars and reading page upon page from your grandfather's books. They're old, but ever so well cared for. And there's so much information in them. You could spend years in here and still not absorb it all. His study is your favorite room in the whole house. You spend more time here than anywhere else.
But as much as your spirit longs for it, you eventually start to drift. You don't know when you fell asleep but minute after minute you slowly find yourself closer to the floor; until you're sprawled out on it.
In the dark of the night, your grandfather finds you with your face in a book, with your arms curled around it; peacefully sleeping. There are lines on your face and arms but you haven't moved an inch in hours. Chuckling, he picks you up in his arms and carries you back to your room with the book you'd been so attached to.
After he lays you in bed, he sets the book on your desk with a smile.
That night your dreams are filled with beautiful images of the cosmos. And when you wake, you see that the book you were reading is still there. When you ask your grandfather he simply smiles and says "It's yours now."
Memory Three. (Day 285)
“Class VII… heehee. I hope you guys are ready. It’s not going to be easy. But I hope our test studies helped a little.” You look up at the clock and realize it’s almost time for the students to start arriving; quickly grabbing your books and heading out of the Student Council room. To the end of the hall, down the stairs and through the Cafeteria and you come to the entrance of the Student Union building. There’s a feeling of having made this trip back and forth many times; you can rush without incident.
Another student meets you at the front door. George is always punctual like that. He smiles, looking at you and the pile of work you’re taking with you-- “Ready to go?” He has his own set of tasks to help with, nonetheless you’re happy to be working with him.
“Yep! Everything’s all set. Let’s go welcome our bright-eyed new students!”
Students begin filing through the front gates wearing uniforms of white and green, all of whom you give simple directions to the opening ceremony. But the occasional student in red comes and when they do, you know each of their names. The last one to arrive is a boy with black hair.
“Welcome to Thors Military Academy! You’re… let’s see… yes, you’re the last of them! That’d make you Rean Schwarzer, right?” He introduces himself-- though he seems surprised that you know him, asking why. To which your response is a bit of laughter. “Heehee… it’s a long story. Don’t sweat the details right now.” You’re not surprised he’s confused but you can’t help him yet. He has to do this on his own. The boy with you explains that he has to take Rean’s weapon.
“The entrance ceremony is going to be held in the auditorium. Just head straight back-- you can’t miss it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your first day at Thors!” Watching him go, you worry for him just a little bit. But you hope everything goes well and tell yourself that you’ll just have to do everything you can to help him get through this.
Memory Four. (Day 288)
You turn around and there he is. You’ve gotten so used to seeing Rean Schwarzer, in between school and all the help he’s done for you and the Student Council. You explain that you were planning to do more studying on Crossbell before the trade conference. In fact, you seem quite excited about it.
“Haha. Somehow I’m not surprised. Hopefully everything goes well for you.
“Ahaha. Well, Prince Olivert and the chancellor will be the ones doing all the hard work. But thanks. I’ll make sure to be the best staff member I can be!”
For a moment there’s a look on Rean’s face that clearly says he wants to help you-- but you’re certainly not about to pressure him. After all, he already does so much for you. But true to form, it doesn’t take him long to decide. “Need a hand finding all the books you're looking for?”
Although you don’t want to bother him, his offer is both sweet and actually very useful, so you don’t have the heart to turn him down. Hopefully it won’t take the two of you long if you work together. “You mean it? Eheh, thanks. It’s kinda tough for me to get books off of the higher shelves. You take that section and I’ll take this one.”
“On it.” He takes your ist with him and begins hunting down each of the titles that you’ve marked for your studies. Of course you’ve probably asked for about five times as many books as are really necessary but you’re always thorough. But he collects each one without complaint. That gives you time to scour your own section. Of course, even with the divide, there are still some books in your section that are up high-- you’’ just save that one for last. So by the time you get up on the ladder Rean is finished. Just in time to see you hopping on the tips of your toes trying to reach a specific book. You’re staring up at the book in question with great focus as your fingertips just brush the edges.
“Almoooooost… Just a liiiiittle farther…”
But that little bit is just one bit too much as your movements cause the ladder to tilt and bang against the bookshelf; enough to cause the ladder to fall over and send you falling backwards with a scream. Except instead of hitting the floor, you feel yourself fall hard into-- Rean’s arms. So when you open your eyes, his face is right there and…
“...I’m so glad I made it in time. Are you okay?”
“Rean…? No, I’m fine…” He takes a moment to process his relief, while you take a moment to process what happened. “Ehehe. You’ve really got my back, don’t you?”
“Haha, I feel the same way about you. And it’s not just my back you’ve got, it’s everyone at the Academy’s.”
During this very heartwarming response, it finally clicks. You. In Rean’s arms. Still being held. While he says such sweet things about you. It’s entirely too much. You let out a soft “aaah” before escaping from his arms, flustered and blushing quite heavily. “I-I’m sorry… that was so careless of me!”
...while he acts like everything’s fine. “No worries, I’m just glad you weren’t injured. And the next time you want a book from one of the higher shelves, just ask me to get it for you.”
“S-sure…” Your heart is still pounding and you can’t help it. But you pull yourself together enough to start gathering the books and take them over to a nearby table. “Whew… well, those are all the books I’ll need. Thanks for the help, Rean.”
“Anytime. It sounds like taking part in the trade conference is going to be a lot of work.”
“You can say that again. It’s going to deal with a lot of challenging and sensitive issues that heavily involve Erebonia. As long as I’m part of the team, I want to be as useful as possible.”
“Haha… that’s some real dedication.”
Despite yourself, after a short moment, you admit—— “No matter how much I study, though, I’m still really nervous. Sure, they asked me to go, but at the end of the day, I’m just a student. What can someone like me do at a huge international conference like this?”
“It all sounds pretty daunting… But I’m sure you’re going to be fine. All you have to do is be yourself.
“Um… I think you’re going to have to be a bit more specific.” You blink, sincere confusion written on your face.
“You’re always supporting us behind the scenes so we can reach our full potential. I… no, every student here knows that you’re there for us. I can’t overstate how reassuring it is to have your support. Bring that support to the conference and the staff will be thanking their lucky stars that they thought to bring you along.”
“You really think so...?” What he says… means a lot to you. There’s a warmth there, where all your anxiety had been building. And you feel that much better for having heard it.
“I wouldn’t say so if I didn’t. You’ve got to have more faith in yourself. Besides, if you ever need help, I’ll be there to back you up. Just… try not to fall off of any more ladders.”
“...yeah, I suppose you’re right. If I’m going to have people relying on me, I’ve got to project an air of confidence! ...and steer clear of high bookshelves. Thanks, Rean. I think I needed a bit of your positivity.”
“I’m glad my rambling cheered you up. This is a big deal, to be sure, but remember that you’ve always got us to fall back on. We’ll all be waiting to celebrate your success when you get back.” He gets up, to leave you to your studies and you smile up at him suddenly overflowing with energy. You can’t let a little fear beat you.
“Hehe… I can’t wait!”
Memory Five. (288)
In your search, something comes up. The death of a young man. Not just any young man though. He was the leader of the Imperial Liberation Front. Very few sources talk much about the incident. Suspiciously so, considering his connection to the Crossbell Trade Conference incident as well as the shooting of Chancellor Osborne. From start to finish, you can feel yourself holding your breath, devouring every word on the page like your life depends on it.
Crow Armbrust. Former second year student of Thors Military Academy.
There is a picture, as well, though just touching it-- your hands are shaking. But you clutch the smooth paper desperately in your tense hands.
Looking at it, your vision begins to swim with tears. It’s as though the information has crashed through a wall in your mind, causing the haze that covered your memories to lift. There’s so much to process all at once. It’s overwhelming and leaves you feeling breathless. Your forgotten home, family, friends-- all the precious moments you’d loved and the hardships that you’d survived just to be sitting here right now.
You remember far too late that the person responsible for the Railway Gun firing on Orchis Tower and the injuries that caused you to lose your memory was one of your most precious friends. But you cannot even be happy to remember it, because any chance you had to go back and see that person is gone. He is gone. Not for the first time, your heart aches over things you can’t possibly change. And you feel powerless and heartbroken.
There is hatred there... in a way you’ve never felt before. Disgust. Frustration. You cannot—- will not—- forgive Chancellor Osborne.
But more than that—- you cannot forgive yourself.
Memory Six. (294)
Some might say it sounds demanding. To you, it sounds important— you can’t begin to guess why you were chosen, out of all the other students in your year but if they want you to do this then you have to do your best not to let them down. And it may be another way to test your abilities. See just what it is you might be able to accomplish here.
So naturally, you agree to take part in it. You’ve heard there are three other students taking part, but you don’t know who those people are. And since you’re the first to arrive, you’ll have to wait a bit longer to find out.
You take a seat at the front of the classroom while you wait. But it’s not long before someone joins you. However, you take one look at the girl that steps into the classroom and stand up in a hurry, gasping softly. She’s wearing a white uniform, unlike your darker green one.
“O-oh! You’re…”
Of course you know who she is. That’s the daughter of Marquis Rogner, Angelica Rogner. As nobles go, you don’t get much more noble than that. She couldn’t possibly be in your class. You’re just a commoner. Someone like that doesn’t even have one reason to speak to you. And yet her sharp eyes look straight at you and you begin to feel your whole body tense up nervously. You’re almost terrified of what comes next. Was there a mistake? Were you not meant to be here after all?
“Well aren’t you just the cutest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on?”
You blink, dumbfounded, as her expression shifts from predatory to something you can only describe as “smitten” although your brain denies the very idea. You’re at a complete loss.
“...Huh?”
She steps closer and you have to fight the urge to take a step back.
“I could just eat you up in one bite. ♡”
She ever so gently lifts your chin with a finger and for a second you wonder if she’s going to kiss you— but that’s crazy. Right??
“Huh?!?”
You sputter, face red with embarrassment.
“Oh but where are my manners. The name’s Angelica Rogner.”
You feel like you’ve stepped into some very strange alternate dimension.
“I— y-yes, of course, I’m—“ Name. Your name. “T̸͚͚͚͊̓͒o̴̡͇͚͌̐͐ẅ̸͓̘̟́̈́̕a̸̞̪̾́̿ H̵̼͙͇̓͘͘e̵̡͎͒͐͋͜r̸͍͚͙͑̈́͠s̴͔̻͎̀̽͊c̵̡͓͍̀̽͘ḧ̴̺͓̠́̓̈́e̸̞͉̞̕͝͝l̴̢͖͒̓͜͝. I-it’s a pleasure to meet you. But… why are you here? I thought this classroom was being used for—“
“Their little experiment class, right?” She grins. “Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other, my little kitten.”
In those few moments you think you may have aged seven years between the stress, confusion and embarrassment.
- - - - - - - -
Notable:
- Her name comes out distorted-- if you've never heard it before, you won't be able to recognize it.
- She knows she was a part of Class VI, some form of trial for new curriculum... on top of her standard work for Class IV.
- Two other members-- hmm! She might have a guess to who those two are, but there's no concrete proof to back it up.
- Her friend Angelica was a noble... and some manner of important one at that. And her family is nothing near that level.
Memory Seven. (301)
Just trying to think about it, you feel a headache coming on. So you shake your head, and with it, shake off any attempts to think further on the past. You have a life here. As much as it hurts you to think of the life you've lost, you are still happy here. That will have to be fulfilling enough for you.
"What kind of weapon are you looking for?"
There are a lot of options to choose from. None of them really jump out at you though. Picking up martial arts for self defense and suppression techniques sounds like a solid place to start though.
You buy yourself a thick pair of fighting gloves, made to both support your hands and help maximize the damage you can do.
But then you see, out of the corner of your eye, a particular weapon that you cant look away from. It's design is lightweight and yet powerful looking. But more than that, the blades can also retract-- making them good for suppression as well.
"...you interested in the double sabre? Might be a bit tough for you though." The shop owner laughs. It's clear that he more than underestimates your size. And honestly, you can't blame him for thinking it. You CAN blame him for saying it though.
Your expression changes, darkening to one of indignant pouting. You never were good at making intimidating faces. "How much?"
His surprise is only momentary, before he grins. He's getting extra money, so what does he care?
And you? You've just given yourself more homework. Not just one, but two different weapons to learn to work with. Even though you're aware of it, honestly... you don't really mind it. If anything, you're happy for something to focus on.
Memory Eight. (301)
The grandfather who spends time looking at the stars with you or taking you to the museum. Who listens to all your questions and never gets tired of having to answer them even though they're childish and silly.
The mother and father that always seem to be working and yet always have time for you. You admire them for their drive and passion as well as their intelligence which goes way over your head.
Your parents are away right now-- you don't understand what it is they're doing but you know that it's important to them. You saw them off when they left, promising they'd bring you back a souvineir. You wanted to go-- but they insisted you stay with grandpa and wait patiently like a good girl.
So you go home. And you wait.
Just another day. You're up early and deeply invested in your books and drawings when your Grandfather comes in. He looks different-- his eyes have a weird shine to them and his skin is kind of red and puffy. But he kneels next to you and pulls you into a tight hug.
"...it's just you and me now kiddo. I know this won't be easy. But we're going to make it through. Just remember. You will never, ever be alone."
You don't understand exactly what he's telling you at the time. But there's a pang in your heart because you know he's hurting-- and yet somehow he's worrying about you. Your tiny arms don't fit around him, but you wrap them as best you can-- as tightly as your small four year old body can hold him.
"Grandpa... I'll be okay. Don't cry... mmmmm!!"
You just squeeze and try to wish away the sadness. Maybe if there are stars tonight, they'll listen to your prayers.
Memory Nine. (311)
“Congratulations!”
They’re all there. Lloyd, Elie, Randy (who some will recognize as Marnie/Lance), Tio, Wazy, Noel, KeA… even Chief Sergei and Zeit. And you’re speechless just looking at all of them; trying not to let your eyes water. But they really are tears of complete and total happiness. “You guys... “ You sniffle, laughing at your own sentimental behavior. “Thank you so, so much...”
“It didn’t feel right not celebrating after all the hard work you’ve been putting in.” Lloyd pats her shoulder as Randy pulls out a bottle of champagne, gently nudging her in the side with his elbow. “That’s our girl.”
You’re still in shock but you can feel each of them pulling you into their little circle and the warmth of it brings tears to your eyes.
This feels like it should be perfect. To complete an accelerated course and be properly labeled as a member of the Crossbell Police Department… to be able to celebrate that with the Special Support Section… You couldn’t ask for more.
But there’s an ache deep down in your heart that tells you that something is missing. You can’t name it, but there’s an emptiness that you don’t know how to fill-- that seems impossible to fill. Focusing on it doesn’t help. So instead you let KeA pull you over to the table where a spread of colorful party foods have been made with her expert help.
Memory Ten. (311)
Randy has a point. It’s something that nearly any person of Crossbell would question. But you’re not of Crossbell— not really.
“It’s okay… I trust him.”
And you do, that’s never been a question, even if it has been what-- nearly a full year if not more since you’ve seen him last.
Considering it’s a request from the Special Support Section, you’re certain that he won’t expect you. But you want to keep the nature of what’s about to come out as tightly sealed as possible. If certain people in Erebonia realized who you are and what you're doing now, it could make helping them a whole lot harder for you. And yet it’s a risk you’re taking because there are people out there that you want to know the truth. And it’s important enough that you’re willing to risk your life to do it.
He made it to the meeting place before you did. You can see how anxious he is just from the way he’s sitting there. With an apologetic smile you reach out to him—
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
There’s a moment of chaotic silence in which he looks up and your eyes meet. Then all at once he’s standing up, the chair screeching against the floor as it’s shoved out of the way. It’s like he’s seen a ghost… and in a sense, he has.
“No— it can’t be… but you…”
You promised yourself you wouldn’t cry. But seeing Rean again, watching him get so emotional, that promise is one you won’t be able to keep. Your eyes are already tearing up.
“It’s… been a long time, Rean. It’s so good to see you. I’m sorry for springing this on you so suddenly. I promise I’ll explain everything.”
And you do have a lot to explain. But first— before anything else, you embrace him tightly. He’s still in shock, but his expression has softened considerably. You bury your face in his chest and take a deep, trembling breath.
“I’m so glad you’re safe.”
The two of you sit for what feels like hours. You drink tea together, and it feels a little bit like the old days. But the things you have to talk about these days are darker. You tell him about the Trade Conference… about how the building collapsed while you were evacuating the others. You tell him about how when you woke up, you didn’t remember anything— not even your own name. And you tell him how that led to you throwing yourself into your work; entering the Crossbell Police Academy and joining the Special Support Section...
He fills you in on what he’s been doing too— the aspects that don’t make it to the news. You ask about Class VII and… ultimately the subject that hurts you both the most to talk about.
“I’m so sorry… I should have been there. I should have been helping you— helping Crow. When you all needed me most, I was…”
You choke on the words. There are so many regrets you’ve bottled up— blame you’ve placed on yourself that others would argue is unfair to you.
“I left him to suffer an additional weight he didn’t need to bear. I should have been there to support you. All of you.”
Rean’s eyes are just as cloudy, lips pursed tightly. He understands you better than anyone, perhaps, because of how similar the two of you are.
“None of that is your fault Towa— I’m just glad you’re alive! And I know all of Class VII will feel the same way. I can’t wait to tell them. This might just be the news we all needed. I doubt we’ll all be able to get together, but once you’re back, we can replace your ARCUS and—“
Your face must have given you away, because he slows to a stop, a painful thought being realized.
“...you’re… not coming back… are you.”
You wish it was a question. You wish you could say anything other than what you know you’re going to say. What you know you need to say.
“Rean, I… I can’t go back now. If I go back now, I’ll lose everything I tried to accomplish while we were apart. I’ll have to start over again. I won’t… I won’t be any use to you. If… If I stay with the Special Support Section then at least there’s a small chance that I can offer you all some kind of support. We both want the same things, I know we can be allies.”
You can see the pain on his face, like he wants to argue. You can’t blame him— look at how much you’ve dumped on him without warning today already. In the end Rean says this--
“You’re wrong. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you choose to do— I know you’re going to do great. I won’t say that we aren’t losing a great part of our team. But if you think there’s something that only you can do with them— then I believe in you.”
This hurts. It hurts more than if he’d just argued. Both of these places have been “home” to you. But staying with one means walking away from the other.
“It won’t be forever. When this is over… I promise I will come home. Ever since I got my memories back, I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you guys. I’ve missed you all so much. I don’t want to go but— I want to fight. So that… when this is all over… I can see you all again.”
You think about it-- about telling him how you feel. But it feels incredibly unfair. You know this might be your last chance... but you can't. You can't do that to him.
"Just... please promise me... you'll stay safe."
It's not fair of you to ask that of him either, but you know Rean. You know that he'll throw himself at anything that threatens the people he cares about-- because you suppose you're the same way these days.
"When I come back, I want you to be there. So... promise me..."
Even if it's just a false promise. You want him to say it. You're so tired of losing people you love. You need this one thing to cling to.
"...I promise."
Memory Eleven. (314)
Then you hear your friends walking up behind you. You drop the curtain and stand up a bit straighter. A quick nervous adjustment of your outfit and-- you turn to them with a big smile.
"Okay guys... it's our turn. Let's do this exactly like we rehearsed it!" You sound more confidant than you feel, but maybe that's because you planned this meticulously. Well... most of it, anyway.
The concert is a hit. Rock music fills the room and you sing your heart out; forgetting at least for a little while that you should be nervous. Your closest friends are right there with you. Several songs are played-- because the crowd is eager to call for an encore. And in your heart you know you never want to forget this moment. You even had someone record the events.
Memory 12.
It’s turned on by default, so it’s a simple matter of watching Tio make a selection on the screen. A few quick clicks and a new screen of data appears.
“This is our main source of contact with the Crossbell Police Department. What work they have for us gets passed on as requests. Here, we can check what needs to be done as well as any limits or stipulations that need to be followed. And when we’re finished--”
She presses a few buttons and a different screen pops up.
“We can report our results to Fran directly as well. You can submit them one at a time, as you finish them… or wait until they’re all done and submit them all at once. Just make sure you don’t forget.”
You nod your head. “I think I’ve got it. Starting tomorrow morning… leave it to me!”
Tio smiles. “Well. If anything happens, I can offer support.”
Memory 13.
“Well, well-- if it isn’t the Special Support Section.” A built man with a feminine voice sits behind the counter when your group arrives.
“Sorry, I hope we’re not interrupting-- I know you guys are busy too right now. We just wanted to introduce you to our newest member.”
Michel looks at you intently, as if making a very careful judgment based on that short observation.
“I’ve heard about this one. Quite impressive, if the rumors are true. Well… you’ve been through a lot, so don’t worry. Looking forward to working with you.”
“Adalaide. But you can call me Ada. Likewise!” You bow your head respectfully, hands clasped tightly in front of you. It’s a bit overly formal, but you haven’t quite kicked the habit, despite several people having told you already that it’s unnecessary.
“...a sweet thing like that… goodness. What a sad world we’re living in.” Michel’s words are barely audible, but you know. Many have said similar things about your “situation”. You know they mean well, and yet it leaves you with this awkward feeling you can’t shake.
The only ones who didn’t were the S.S.S. which might be why you feel so attached to them. They don’t make a big deal of it, even though they probably have more right to do so than many, as your co-workers.
Memory 14.
Chief Sergei doesn't call you into his office alone very often, so you... kind of have a bad feeling about this. "Did you... need something?" Your voice shows just how nervous you're feeling. He doesn't quite smile, but he offers you a look of understanding.
"I received some news from the Empire. I thought you should hear it first. Just... take your time with it. You don't have to read it now."
So you take the envelope and clutch it to your chest with a small nod. "Thank you. I'll do that then."
Upstairs, your feet carry you to the door of your room. You open it, close it and lock it-- if the Chief thought you needed that space then it's probably wisest.
In the folder is a newspaper article-- the Imperial Chronicle... it's been a long time since you've seen any of their writings. It's bittersweet to see it now. It's been opened to a certain article. `Heimdallr Museum's owner passes away at 89.` Your chest grows tight as you continue to read. `He has been buried next to the memorial plot purchased for his granddaughter, Towa Herschel, who passed during the horrible incident that occurred in Crossbell two years prior.` There's even a picture of the two, both decorated in flowers.
You never got to tell him. And now it's too late.
The article is set aside and you curl your legs up, burying your face into them so you can cry it out.
Memory 15.
You feel more alive than you have in possibly months-- or maybe that's just your heart racing madly because this is crazy, YOU might actually be crazy. You're not sure yet. But you're aboard the Courageous II, heading for a marked neutral zone that hangs above several countries.
A battle is currently breaking out-- on one side there's Ouroboros and it's allies and on the other there's a combined force made up of Bracers from Liberl, Crossbell's SSS officers and Erebonia's Class VII.
"Everyone-- get ready! We're entering hostile territory!"
The Prince is there, along with several of his important allies-- but despite having many options, he managed to find and reach out to you, asking you to be it's Captain. This felt like the first time you could return to Erebonia and do something to help the situation. So... you accepted.
With the Courageous II, you're able to turn the tide for your allies.
And you're able to properly reunite with some old friends who are very dear to you.
There are a lot of tears and laughter-- you only ever told Rean the truth after all. For everyone else... it's a complete shock. And that's not the only news. After all, the Prince's situation isn't entirely unlike your own here.
"Sorry it took me so long everyone. I'm glad you're all safe. Now that all that is out of the way-- let me personally welcome you aboard the Courageous II."
Memory 16.
Standing outside the General Store, you think of at least twenty reasons to turn around and run away.
But eventually you open it, even if your hands shake a little against the doorknob.
"Welcome! Can I help--?"
Your aunt stops and you suddenly feel your heart in your throat. Her face is unreadable, but you know she's trying to process it. Your voice is so small and fragile you think for a second that it might not come out at all.
"...hi Aunt Martha..."
"Oh. Sweetie..." Her eyes are full of tears and... so are yours. She swoops you up in her arms before you have even a moment to think another thing. "Fred! Fred, it's-- Towa. Towa's home!"
Your uncle looks every bit as surprised as your aunt did and yet when he smiles it feels real. You're really here. You're...
"I-I'm home..."
Memory 17.
Angelica has her arm slung over your shoulder as she talks about protecting you from bad influences. Crow of course has some smartass comeback for that. And George... well he's enjoying the show and his food. He still shoots you a sympathetic smile anyway.
"It's been a while-- alright. How are we settling this?"
"The usual?" Crow's grin is infectious. Even when Angie is really mad, she can never keep a straight face when he smiles like that.
"You're on!"
Blade it is. Out come the cards. Somehow you got made the referee, even though you're not a big player yourself. But you think it might be nice to get better so you could play with them without being a total pushover.
Angie loses the first round and as usual, immediately calls for a rematch.
It's probably about five or six rounds before she finally concedes. Crow remains triumphant and you all know you're going to be hearing about it. At least until next time.
"Guess that means you're buying dinner next time~"
"No one SAID that!"
You can't stop laughing, even though they're ~fighting~ with each other. You're really glad you decided to join this class and you hope the four of you will always be like this.