Chapter 1: A Stolen Dream

The Order Tower:

As the saying goes, nothing gets done on an empty stomach. Office work, building a house, medical interventions and even continental conquest. The Tower's cafeteria was always buzzing around with constant movement, the hungry soldiers entering to sate their hunger after a long mission or drill session, and leaving with a full stomach ready to tackle on the next job. The Tower was connected to many nearby villages associated with the military nation that gave out part of their funds and produce as taxes to the organization. In return, the Order supplied said villages with protection from the Kingdom and bandit factions, as well as new tools to improve their lives, from new agricultural machines, building renovation and even funds from the Order humanitarian section to help local cultural events.

So, the airship hanger was always receiving supplies that would get stashed away in the pantry. In the Attila days, every meal was made out of whatever the lowly ragtag group of soldiers could scrap up, but in the present day, every day presented a lavish feast for the soldiers, the cafeteria gigantic in size, many tables lining up one after the other, the Order soldiers, sitting around each one, laughing, eating and generally decompressing. On the right edge of the room, a row of other soldiers lined up with metal trays on their hands to get their food directly from the kitchen.

And with lots of food, it resulted in many dirty dishes and leftovers to stash back. It was a literal mountain of porcelain to sort through and the kitchen staff had their hands full every day with taking care of both putting out the food and then cleaning what was received.

Thankfully they had a little help that day...

The sound of clapping and a happy little hum came from the table nearest to the kitchen. It had three chairs on both sides of it, the middle one occupied by a giant brown teddy bear, the size of a small child, covered in sewn repairs, its right eye drooping just a bit. And sitting beside it, on the leftmost chair, kicking her legs as she clapped away, was Salacia, the Order's third echelon, codenamed the "Siren". With her long blue hair, tied together in a long braid that swung behind the steel chair, almost grazing the ground, the Order Elite, clad in a form-fitting white robe, hummed away, her oceanic blue eyes peering inside the kitchen.

-Salacia, eat your food, or else it'll get cold.- Gibson said, looking over at the tray of food in front of the blunette.

Salacia shook her head, her lips curled up in a wide smile.

-No, it's fine, I'll eat when the others get here! I'm used to cold food anyways, from all the long-shift on-site jobs Balthazar gives me. Besides, I don't want to miss a single second~- she giggled.

-Dunno what's so exciting about me doing the dishes...- Gibson said, the Order's fourth echelon, the "Oracle", was standing a few meters beside where Salacia was sitting, inside the kitchen division, his grey hair covered by a bandana and a white apron tied around the matching grey and blue standard Order uniform. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his toned arms, as his hands disappeared inside a soapy sink, a clean dish emerging from there every fives seconds and neatly placed on a nearby pile.

-But you look so handsome! Household chores is not something I usually see you do, always busy with complicated tech stuff, so it's both a refreshing and attractive sight~!-she said, a sly grin on her lips.

-The chore wheel landed on "Dishes" for me this week, so it's not something that surprising...- Gibson said, examining a soup dish and scraping away a big of smudge off of it with his nail- You don't see me acting all mushy whenever you get to do the dishes.

Salacia eagerly tapped her palms on the the table and quickly stomped her feet on the ground.

-Hush and let me keep watching what I like! Keep rolling up those sleeves, you handsome you!- she then let out a satisfied squeal.

-What's this about a "chore wheel"?- a familiar voice sounded. Sitting on an empty chair across Salacia, Ryu, one of the new members Balthazar had brought over a pair of days ago, joined the conversation. His burgundy eyes, which matched his short bobbed hair, peered over between the working Gibson and the infatuated Salacia, a slightly confused expression on his face before letting out a chuckle, which he courteously covered with one of his fingerless gloved hands, part of his black ensemble- Oh wow, I never expected to see the head of technological development doing the dishes! Sort of gives off a...house husband-y vibe, heh?

Salacia turned towards the so-called "Earth Guardian", that hailed from the closed-off Guardian Village, with sparkles in her eyes. Despite him and his sister Alexis having arrived very recently, the blue-haired priestess already saw them as close friends.

-Doesn't he?! Oh, he looks like a dream!- she shook her head, regaining focus as she cleared her throat- Well, the chore wheel is something we Elites have since the Attila days. When we had few members back then, it was a way to teach us tykes a bit of responsibility, by giving us a new weekly chore. But nowadays, we have so much more staff, so we thought it obsolete.

"But Gibson said that we should keep using it. Attila never liked these hierarchies of power, and it reflects on the non-linear way our Elite ranks work. So, Gibson decided to honor that by keeping the chores because, that way, we keep interacting with the brass, building stronger connections and maintaining a non-toxic work environment!

Because...even if we are 'Elites', we are only other humans. No different from any regular Joe over in the infantry, air force, research department, etc. So, we must share in the same mundane chores as they do."

Ryu give her a kind smile as she explained, slurping a bit of the soup he had on a bowl on his tray.

-When I heard about the Order, back at the Village, I thought it was just fancy window-dressing. A military nation, detached from the hierarchy-heavy Karashian Kingdom? I thought it a joke, that you'd be no different from every other society, ruled by nobles, kings...well, the elite. But seeing Gibson over there...

-There's always bound to exist a ladder, no matter where you go.- Gibson interjected from behind the sink- But Attila taught us to not let that ladder define the way we view other people. If you're lower on the pyramid, you support those who are higher, who in turn, help making that support job easier and more rewarding. Abusive systems of nobility and monarchies, where one person decides they are King, that they are superior to everyone else...That's not something we here in the Order abide by. That's the system we're trying to overturn.

-The only beings above us are the gods.- Salacia said, clasping her hands together- But not even they interject in our affairs, they only offer wisdom. Nobody in this world should live ruled by another. If a hierarchy must exist, we believe that it should be built on respect and trust.

Ryu gave her a worried look, his spoon sitting still inside his mouth for a few moments before he took it out.

-Sounds...overly idealistic, if you don't mind my bluntness.- he said- Utopic, even.

Salacia shook her hand, a gentle smile on her face.

-It's alright. We know that these ideals are, perhaps, a bit too lofty to realistically achieve...but I believe that...if your intentions are in the right place...if you desire a truly free and just world, that you should try to, at least, create something as close or pointed towards it, right? Then, the next generation can try and improve upon it. And even if we waver...improvements are built on top of failures, no? All that matters is the heart.- she said, placing her palm on her chest as she explained.

Ryu raised his brow.

-Pardon me saying this, but I don't see a lot of "heart" when fighting a war with the Kingdom over continental dominance. Certainly don't see any higher "justice" in destroying barbarian villages and Karashian forces in the process.

Salacia froze for a few moments. Her lips parted to answer, but she was interrupted by someone grabbing the black scarf around Ryu's neck and strongly tugging on it, causing the young man to let out a choked noise of protest.

-How 'bout you stop bothering the nice lady, ya dork?- a familiar voice sounded behind Ryu. Looking back, the young man saw his sister Alexis, tugging on his scarf with her left hand, while her right hand held onto her own tray of food. Her burgundy eyes gave him an admonishing look and she shook her head, her bobbed burgundy hair swaying from side to side- There's being down to earth, but then there's just being a killjoy.

From behind her, stepped out Sera, the "Dragon" of the Order, it's 2nd echelon Elite. Holding up a tray with rice and sardines, she gave Alexis a look of worry. Her blue hair, tied in a bun by a red sash, was glistening slightly, as was Alexis'.

-Easy there, if you two are going to fight, put down your tray first. You don't want to waste half of our pantry by dropping it on the floor.- Sera said, peering into her companion's tray. For someone nicknamed the "Heaven Guardian", Alexis food portion was anything but light as air, holding up a mountain of a bit of just about everything the cafeteria was serving, from rice, pasta, veggies, meat and bread.

With a grumble, Alexis sat down next to her brother and Sera sat down beside her. Alexis reached out to lock Ryu's head down with her arm and delivered a noogie on the top of the head. Sera began eating in silence, but couldn't help but notice that Salacia looked down on her tray with a guilty look on her face, lips curled up.

Gibson, from the kitchen, was about to open his mouth when he was approached by the kitchen staff. They exchanged a few words and the Oracle dried his hands and put down his apron, his "shift" at the dish-washing station done. Picking up his own tray, he got some meat stew for himself, water and a strawberry gelatin, before heading over to the Elite group, where Ryu, tired from his sister's torment, shoved her arm away.

He looked at the two newcomers. Both Sera, with her white robes and blue baggy hakama pants, mark of her Samurai lineage, and Alexis, with her black tanktop and matching shorts, seemed quite glistening, from their hair, faces and arms.

-Did you two just come back from training?- he decided to change the subject. He wasn't a big fan of verbal altercations, so he figured that, by relieving a bit of the tension that had set in from Ryu's question, he could then approach it and respond in a less confrontational manner. He tapped the sulking Salacia's shoulder and she jolted in place, immediately taking the teddy bear off of the chair beside herself and allowing Gibson to take his seat there.

Alexis grinned back at him.

-Yeah, I couldn't find that grumpy-pants Zanten anywhere, so I asked Sera here if she could spar with me!

-You have been challenging him at every possible turn, ever since you settled into the Order Tower.- Sera calmly replied between bites- Figures he'd be a bit tired of you. But best we avoid any confusion that might come from you knocking down every door looking for him, so I agreed to fight you. Next best thing, I guess.

-Ah, he's a coward, that's what he is!- Alexis retorted, the complete opposite of her training partner as she answered with her mouth full, tearing into the food she had on her tray with almost wild abandon. After drinking a full glass of water to wash it down, she smacked the cup on the table before pointing to the bluenette- But don't sell yourself short, Dragon! You're super strong too!

Ryu cleared his throat, as to give his sister a signal. She noticed this, causing her voice to die down a bit and her shoulders to slump down.

-So...ah...I'm sorry for talking all that trash back at the reception hall. I tend to run my big mouth when I'm excited for a fight, and that translates to a bunch of smack-talk. Didn't mean to insult your ability, which you did show me in full form when we trained. And damn, I still have a ways to go! My hands still feel numb after clashing Blades with you!- she grinned, regaining her loud energy.

Sera gave her a patient smile.

-Apologies accepted, Alexis. And I appreciate this chance to spar with someone as strong as yourself, as well. From the fight we saw between you and Zanten, I thought you were surely some kind of brat reliant on a gimmick, but you've got the fundamentals down and then some. Your style is a breath of fresh air, as well. It kept me on my toes.

Alexis chuckled, rubbing the back of her head.

-Daww, you're making me blush~

-I'd just advise you to calm down a bit..?- Sera added, though, causing Alexis to jolt in place- I'm not going anywhere, so no need to keep challenging me to a rematch, even in the showers. Barely was allowed to properly dry myself...- she sighed.

-That explains why you're both still damp.- Gibson pointed out.

-Yeah, she tends to do that. If she seems someone who seems decently strong, she immediately wants to challenge them, frothing at the mouth .- Ryu groaned- For someone named after the heavens, she's more like a demon. Or an ape.

-That second comparison was unnecessary, Ryu!- Alexis gritted her teeth as she pulled on her brother's cheek, who fought back by pulling on her cheek as well, sparks flaring between both siblings' glares- And if I'm an ape, then you're just an itty-bitty butterfly!

-Well, then feel free to keep yourself on the ground, banging on your chest and throwing your poop around, while I fly away beautifully.- he retorted.

-Your comebacks suck! You're such a loser!- she mocked as she pulled on his cheek harder.

-And you're such a simpleton!- he groaned as he pulled on hers as well.

Their sibling quarry was interrupted by a burst of laughter coming from in front of them in the table. Her voice pure, innocent and genuinely filled with nothing but happiness, Salacia clutched her stomach as she watched the two squabble. The two let go of each other as they gave the priestess, whose eyes were welling up with tears of laughter, a look of confusion.

-You guys are a riot!- she said as she tried to hold her laughter down, gasping for air.

-Great. Yet another brother-sister rivalry in the Tower. Like we needed even more of those.- Gibson sighed, but had a smile on his face.

-Keeps things interesting, though.- Sera chuckled.

Ryu's complexion was now the one dying down, as she looked at the happy priestess with a guilty look on his face.

-Miss Salacia...I'm sorry I said those things. I didn't mean to call your Order soldiers or you Elites a bunch of heartless killers.- he said.

Salacia shook her head, a gentle, understanding smile on her face.

-It's fine, I understand. You know, Ryu...you're a lot like Gibson, here.- she said, looking to the side towards her lover.

Ryu smirked.

-Lucky me. But how come?

-You're both very analytical and pounce on anything that smells fishy or contradictory. You're pragmatists, but still have others' feelings in mind when you speak. That's why you're able to apologize when you feel like you've hurt another.- she answered, while Gibson looked to the side with a sheepish expression as she spoke.

The priestess sighed.

-We Elites...all of us in the Order...have been made to kill since a young age. We Elites were 10 to 12 when we picked up arms. Not because we were in danger of being killed ourselves...but because that was the mission Attila gave us when he made us Elites. That's no self-defense, no lofty justice or retribution. Fighting in the front lines, we severed many families and friendships with little hesitation. In my opinion...we are bad people.

"But, at the very least, we don't want other people, those who live their day to day in a quiet village, to become killers themselves. We don't want to drag in a war or the rage that a faulty social structure would bring upon them, that would compel or force the everyday Joe to pick up a Blade and go beyond that moral line, towards murder.

So when I say that our war is fought with heart...it's for the future. We, bad people, fight to prevent others from becoming bad people too. By creating a safer and just continent, we hope that we can change the general lifestyle of the inhabitants, to one where fighting is not the solution. That way, we change the wider cognition, the people's 'heart', to one of peace and justice. One that relies on dialogue and love to solve what was once solved with violence and hatred.

The same violence and hatred we're coated in, in the present."

-So you don't fight for fame and glory, nor to be forgiven of your sins?- Alexis pointed her fork at Salacia- Sounds pretty "perfect" to me, too.

-I won't deny that helping people feels good, but we do that to make their lives be peaceful, not ours. An humanitarian mission is often preceded to a bloody battle, for example.

-Heh.- Ryu shook his head- I still believe I'm right, then. This Order is built upon an idealistic base, shooting towards an utopian goal. But I can see now that said base is not a dream nor fantasy. But that it's built around people like you, Miss Salacia. You are the ideal of peace and love, it seems. Almost feels fairy tale-ish.

Salacia's cheeks deepened in color as she shook her head quickly, her braid swinging from side to side.

-Ah...I'm nothing like that. I'm just a humble priestess with a few skeletons in my closet...

-And a man, too, it seems.- Alexis pointed at Gibson, who gave her an alarmed look- I mean, I thought all priestesses had a vow of chastity. You sneaky Oracle, you snagged the forbidden fruit~!

-It's nothing like that..!- Gibson vehemently shook his head,as well, at the statement, causing Alexis, Ryu and even Sera to give him a sly smirk.

Salacia giggled, adding to the fire by clinging onto Gibson's arm.

-Vows of chastity depend on the religious order you're under. My parents and I were under a religious order in Soula and they allowed marriages...hence, my parents being...well, parents. So I can have a hubby and even children. And it's aaaaalllll right~! Just no tomfoolery before marriage.

Alexis smirked, putting her arms behind the steel chair as her tray had been quickly emptied already.

-Aw please, boys are boys, no matter if they're researchers or warriors. I bet he's tried to crack that vow a couple of times~

Salacia leaned forward, pumping her arms as she enthusiastically talked.

-Nothing at all! Gibson's a gentleman! Only smooches and hugs!- she exclaimed, causing a few of the soldiers of the nearby tables to turn around and snicker, which caused Gibson to cover his red face with his palm.

-Oh, and let me guess...unprotected hand-holding too?- Alexis placed her elbows on the table as she leaned in, a sly, gossip-loving grin on her lips.

-Well...-Salacia's face became beat red as she looked down, embarrassed- All of these only apply in our room...

-So you two share a room, heh?!- Alexis smacked the table with her fist, her grin widening- Oh, do tell!

-Yup, and Gibson only allows mushy stuff behind closed doors. Every time Salacia demands anything past a pat on the head, he clams up and tells her to wait 'till night.- Sera interjected, a triumphant smirk on her lips.

-Kinky!- Alexis shot out.

-Wow, the shy one is actually Gibson?- Ryu pointed out, a curious expression on his face.

-It helps...promote a serious work environment...-Gibson tried to defend himself from behind his palm- What kind of serious military organization would we be if we had people flaunting their hormones everywhere?

-Pretty sure I saw two chicks making out between two cargo boxes outside, just the other day, but suuuuureee...-Alexis chuckled- Still, it's pretty wild that a serious researcher like you and a dainty priestess like Salacia here would ever get together...

-We disagree on some stuff, especially when it comes to gods, but we respect each other's beliefs! As long as they don't hurt anyone, we can believe and pursue anything we like!- Salacia pointed out, her voice sing-song-y.

-So you date a priestess, but you don't believe in gods, Oracle?- Alexis chuckled, before pointing towards Salacia's rotund chest, which pushed against her robes- Makes me wonder if you just like Salacia because of her boobs.

Gibson gave her a nonchalant look and a shrug of his shoulders.

-I like everything about Salacia. Including her boobs.- he calmly responded, causing the Siren to cover her mouth with her hands, face red as she looked up at him in shock- A person's nature is more than just their beliefs or occupations. Me and Salacia have known each other since we were incredibly young, so I've had plenty of time to grow alongside her and know her beyond her priestess self. I respect what she believes in and love that she can accept that I can believe in something else, and still like me as a person. It's that simple.

-Gibson...-Salacia whispered, eyes watering again, lower lip trembling.

-Salacia's order back in Soula worked around a mantra that promoted helping those in need, putting them above yourself. And even after her temple was burned to the ground and her parents killed by those who opposed that order, Salacia still wants to believe in and help people, even to a fault. How could you not like someone that selfless?- he shook his head, like had just said the most obvious thing in the world.

-Gibshoooonnnn!- Salacia shook him by the shoulder, tears rolling down her cheeks and snot dripping from her nose- You're sho nicheeeeee..!!!

-Wow. It's so sappy that I can't believe you two are not trees.- Alexis rolled her eyes, but smiled widely- Honeymoon phases are adorable.

-We've been together for 6 years already.- Gibson interjected amidst the shaking- I call it the result of a relationship maturing over communication, compromise and being able to apologize.

-Yeesh, aren't you two Mister and Miss Perfect...-she glared at him with jealousy in her eyes.

-But it amazes me how you two opposites even got to interacting in the first place.- Ryu said as he put his cutlery away, mumbling a prayer of thankfulness towards his empty plate.

-Salacia was actually the first orphan Attila rescued. Me and my sister Allie were the next ones and, because I was older, I was tasked with taking care of Salacia, making sure her frail health never got too bad and the such. From there, the rest is history. Honestly, I've been a babysitter for all the Elites, in some way or another. Taking care of them, we've become an united bond, a family.- Gibson explained.

-Even with the ones that betrayed you, heh?- Alexis' expression got more serious as she slowly uttered those words- Even with Lucy Crow?

Gibson gave her a serious look as well, before nodding.

-Even them. That's why we don't see them as "traitors", no matter what Balthazar may tell you, Alexis. I don't know how your relationship is with him, but we Elites don't intend to harm our comrades. Even if we do clash with Lucy, we'll make her see we're in the right and that it is her guild, associated with the faulty Karash, that is in the wrong.

-Lucy is still a friend to us.- Sera nodded, arms crossed.

-She is still a sister to us. No matter how...misguided she may have been.- Salacia agreed, clasping her hands in a praying motion.

-Now that's overly idealistic.- Alexis shot back- She's an enemy, no?

-Some people might agree with you on that...- Salacia sighed.

-And speak of the devil...-Sera motioned with her head towards the entrance to the cafeteria.

Suddenly, the Order soldiers on the tables beyond the group's stood up in unison. Straightening out their bodies, clacking their boots together and offering a salute towards the entrance. Even the kitchen staff and the people on the line to get lunch stopped what they were doing to salute as well. Stepping inside, red armor glistening from the sunlight coming in through the room's windows, Zanten, the 1st echelon Order Elite, the "Inferno", commanded an unapproachable aura of respect. His face was cold and unmoving, his red eyes shooting daggers at nothing, the visor clasped around his left vision giving off a mysterious and dangerous vibe and the dark cape fluttering behind his back certainly painted him as nothing short of a king.

-Good afternoon, sir!- the soldiers all exclaimed in unison. Zanten gave them a look before raising his hand up and saluting them back, his motion swift and concise. He then waved his hand dismissively, ordering them to be at ease. Like a well-oiled machine, the soldiers all sat back down and, soon, the buzz and chatter around the cafeteria returned.

Zanten himself turned to grab a steel tray, before quickly turning around to grab a lunging Alexis by the wrist, the woman having lunged from her chair towards him, drawing out the long katana that was resting inside the scabbard that she always brought with her, the blade stopping close to his face.

-You finally show your face, Inferno!- she exclaimed, an eager and hungry grin on her face.

-Would you give it a rest, woman..?- Zanten sighed- I'm trying to get some lunch!

-No rest for the wicked! Face me, Zanten!- Alexis roared, an almost sadistic glint in her eyes- This time I'll clobber--

But before she could finish her sentence, Zanten raised his free hand to place it near her forehead. Tensing his middle finger with his thumb, he gave her a strong flick, causing her to stumble back, more in surprise than in pain. She gritted her teeth at him.

-Why you little..! Don't treat me like an irritating child, and fight me seriously!- she growled, rubbing the spot he hit her at.

-If you want to fight me, beat Sera first. Which, at your level, it would be literal child's play to her, so if you do, you'll have become much stronger as a result.- he nonchalantly said before turning back to get his food from the lunch lady on the other side of the counter.

-Don't toss your unwanted opponents onto me, mister!- Sera protested, furrowing her brow at the caped man.

After a few moments, Zanten returned to the table, taking the last spot on Salacia's right side, his tray filled with an assortment of food, just like Alexis' did, although much less in quantity, save for a healthy pile of peas over some rice and poached eggs.

-If memory serves me right, last time we trained you said, and I quote: "If I spar with you any longer, your scowl will stick to me like the cooties".- he said, his voice becoming high-pitched and nasally- So, I figured you'd like a new opponent, to change up the pace.

-Yeah, that's because you're the scowling master, Zanten. Every time I step into the training room, it feels like I'm walking into a funeral.- the samurai rolled her eyes, Alexis sitting next to her, glaring at Zanten with her own scowl.

-I'll be happy to replace ya, then.- the Heaven Guardian quickly interjected, spotting her chance.

-You don't want to, Alexis. Your overly enthusiastic attitude is a good trait, no need to lose it after entering the Edgy Dome.- Serah shook her head.

-Aw, c'mon, training is training!- the burgundy-haired woman said, before pointing at Zanten's tray- I respect anyone that takes their BladeMaster-ing seriously! Even if he's got Resting Bitch Face 24/7, he's already fueling up for his next session with all sorts of good food! You can't tell me you don't respect that kinda irritatingly good training ethic.

-Speaking of RBF...-Gibson sighed.

Alexis looked over at the Oracle with a confused look, but when she looked back at Zanten, she was taken aback at his incredibly huge scowl, the corners of his lips turned straight down, his brow furrowed so much that she wouldn't be surprised if he gained permanent wrinkles as a result, and his eyes filled with so much fiery hate it could start up any oven, his glare directed at his plate of food, at the pile of peas specifically. He kept staring and staring for a few moments, fork in hand, not moving.

The Heaven's Guardian was at a loss for words for a few seconds, but after a while, she couldn't help but snicker.

-Daww, what's the matter, Zanten~? Does the mighty Inferno not like nasty peas~?- she smirked smugly.

Zanten replied with a growl, his whole body tensed up, causing Alexis to laugh.

-Hahaha! That's hilarious ! You're on such a high horse all the time, but you're a picky eater? That's almost cute..!- she then blinked, a realization dawning on her- Then why did you let the lunch ladies give that to you?

Salacia shushed her, placing her finger in front of her lips.

-Shhh...just watch, Alexis!- she said, an eager smile on her face.

After a few moments, Zanten began to move, his fork assaulting the pile of peas, as the Order's Elite began downing the green orbs by the forkful, his movements quick like he had been a pea-lover all his life, but his face was twisted by such pain, that you'd think he was being stabbed. Alexis could even swear she saw a tear welling up in the corner of his eye.

"Is...this the same Inferno I've known the past few days..?" she thought, genuinely appalled.

After a few seconds of suffering, Zanten cleaned out all the peas in his plate and began eating the rest normally, like nothing every happened, although his face was still a bit pale.

-What...was that..?- Alexi asked slowly, equally surprised at the other Elites' lack of reaction towards that display.

-Ya see, Zanten hates peas.- Salacia said.

-Detest them.- Zanten added.

-Well, you could have told me that for free.- Ryu interjected- But why order them, then? And the staring contest too?

-Well, a few years back, little Zanten was an incredibly picky eater. Didn't matter if the food was healthy or not, the guy only liked about four things in the culinary world.- Gibson began explaining- Then, he got in his head that he had to begin liking all foods, so he began what you just saw with every food item he didn't like. Bellpeppers, boiled fish, curly noodles...he orders a bunch, glares at it for a while to gather courage and then downs it all.

-But...why..?- Alexis asked again, baffled by this bizarre story and Zanten's surprisingly childish side.

-It's mental training.- the Inferno replied- Well...that's just half of it. I'm a soldier, I can't afford to be a picky eater out on the battlefield. So, even if I don't like the food, I have to force myself to eat it anyways. Until there's no food I hate in this world.

-And how's that working out for ya?- Alexis rolled her eyes.

-Super good!- Salacia replied for him- Zanten tackles this one hated food at a time. He orders one specific item in large quantities every meal, eats it and rinse and repeat until he either gets used to it or begins loving it! He had the Bellpepper Period, the Fish Period, the Curly Noodle Period, and so on. Sometimes it lasts days, other times weeks, until he quits hating the food.

-I quite like green bellpepper now, for example.- Zanten added with a shrug- It might look goofy to you twins, but it's surprisingly efficient. I've been at it for about...four years and now, I can eat just about anything.

-Peas haven't treated you so good, though...-Salacia pouted- It's been five months since you started eating them and you still hate them...

-Yeah...-Zanten scowled.

-Nearly half a year of ordering piles of food you hate every meal, every day?! Dude, just accept that there's some foods you don't like! You look like a psychopath with this regimen!- Alexis protested.

Zanten didn't reply right away, looking down at his plate of rice and eggs, half-eaten.

-If I have to hate something in this world, at least let it not be the food good people make for me and for everyone else. Here in the Order, we all have to come face to face with things we'd rather avoid, every day. Be it battle, schooling, cleaning...Better than complaining or avoiding stuff that you'd rather not face, why not compromise and play with the cards you're dealt? It's not like I just order food I don't like, I always reward myself with food I do like afterwards. In the same sense, by being able to deal with Order stuff I don't really like first, I can focus on what's really more important for me, afterwards.

-And what do you really want to focus on, then?- Alexis questioned, arms crossed as she listened to Zanten. It was a weird experience for her, to listen to this silent, stoic and unsympathetic guy open up, for once.

-Getting stronger, obviously.- he succinctly answered- And, in a way, forcing myself to like every food counts for training, so I should be glad I experience this every day. And if I can be surrounded by people that push me to file out the weaker parts of myself during these weird rituals of mine...all the better.

-So, in a sense, doing what you hate is also what you love, if we're speaking on the food subject.- Ryu pointed out.

Zanten nodded.

-Contradictory, yeah, but it works out. It was Salacia that suggested this to me. Heck, it was because of her ideas and the encouragement of the other Elites that I began taking more responsibilities at the Tower and began rising in the echelons. I thought it was weird and annoying at first, but after a while, I found myself...growing up because of it.- he said, his expression lighting up just a tiny bit, as he looked at the Siren, who opened her mouth to let Gibson's fork slip past her lips, the priestess happily chewing on the food Oracle gave her as she listened.

-Speaking of growing up, I think you're big enough to eat by yourself, Salacia.- Zanten shook his head, the blue haired woman looking down, a bit dejected.

-Showwyyy...-she mumbled as she chewed.

-Today's a harder day for her, Zanten, cut her some slack.- Gibson sighed.

Zanten looked down to look at Salacia's hands atop the table. From the tips of her fingers to her wrists, she was trembling. It wasn't violent shaking, but it was constant and far from stable enough for her to properly hold the cutlery. He frowned at this.

-Didn't Balthazar give her her shot a few days back?- he asked.

-Yuuuup...-Gibson sighed- Her headaches are better, but the shaking isn't gone. I told you that medicine is faulty, but there's nothing I can do about it.

-Sorry about this...-Salacia pouted at Gibson and Zanten.

-It's fine.- Gibson said, using a handkerchief to clean the corner of her mouth.

Zanten didn't say anything else, finishing his food and standing up from the table. Alexis could see his fist clenched tight.

-Call me if you need anything. I need some air.- he said, nodding to the group, before exiting the cafeteria.

Alexis quickly stood up, looking at the caped man. Ryu's hand quickly placed itself on her shoulder.

-Don't you dare...- he warned, but then his eyes widened as she placed her scabbard, Blade inside, on his lap.

-Don't worry.- she said, before stomping out of the room, after the Inferno.

Navigating through he halls, Alexis would find Zanten near a balcony on the tower's second floor, looking off into the distance, arms crossed as he leaned against a nearby wall. He looked at her, before groaning.

-Give it a rest, woman..!- he said, but then dropped his exasperated tone as Alexis raised her empty hands at him.

She walked towards the young man.

-Chill. Even I have some tact. I wanted to ask you something.- she said.

-Shoot.- Zanten answered, looking to the side, a bit uninterested.

-I'm not...the most complex of gals. I may yell at my brother for calling me dumb, but I can recognize that I'm pretty heckin' simple. I like a good fight, a good laugh, some good food, a good nap...I don't seek much else beyond working hard and playin' hard. Then, I look at you, always serious, forcing yourself to eat what you don't like, forcing yourself to look after your peers and saluting the brass, when I can tell that you'd much rather be training by yourself. Why don't you just... say "screw it" to it all?

Zanten took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before answering.

-Because I'm not a kid, Alexis. I'm an Order Elite. The first echelon, at that. I have a responsibility to look after my peers, especially those below me. What kind of leader doesn't deign themselves to recognize the base that supports them?

-But you certainly don't seem to like it.

-It's not something I'm the most comfortable with, I'll admit. Being saluted, being feared, having a big shiny tittle on my lapel...it all feels alien most of the time. But don't confuse my scowling for me hating the other Elites and the other soldiers. This is just my face. Just like for the food, even if I'm not comfortable with it at first, if I keep forcing myself to interact with the stuff I don't like, I may realize I actually can grow to be OK with or even like it, eventually.

-Suuure. It's hard to believe that this "forced" leadership of yours inspires much charisma towards everyone else. Yet...they all still seem to love you. More than Balthazar, even...-she curled up her lips as she said that last part.

-Maybe people just like genuine folks.- Zanten let out a dry chuckle.

-Are you saying Balthazar isn't genuine?

-More like that I hate fake smiles.

-Well, I think that him managing to smile, despite all the burdens he carries is as much charismatic as you forcing yourself to eat and working on what you're not comfortable with. Yet, there's seems to be a divide in this Tower, from what I've seen. Half of the soldiers fear and tremble when he speaks, the others adore him. Yet, they all respect you equally. And when I bring up what Balthazar hates, like Lucy Crow, they just...disagree with me! It's weird! I don't get it!- she exclaimed, throwing her arms up in exasperation.

-How did you two meet, anyways..?- Zanten eventually asked, looking towards Alexis.

Alexis sighed and leaned towards the edge of the balcony, looking off into the distance, her eyes seeming to travel beyond the plains surrounding the Tower, towards something farther off into the distance.

-The Guardian Village...is high up on the mountains. Travelers rarely show up. As a result, we've grown detached from the BladeMaster War, since it didn't reach us. Life up there is simple: if you're strong, you fight, if you're not strong, you serve those who are. I'm of the former category. I was chosen to be strong, my power was recognized by the village Elder as the strongest in the village. Nobody ever kicked dust on me, both because I'd beat their butts, or because I wasn't challenged in the first place. I was a sort of...chief, princess..? Whatever...

"Then, one day...he showed up. I was about...17 or 18 at the time, when Balthazar entered the village. He was all smiles, soft-spoken, eager to be friends. I immediately challenged him to a fight, thinking he was just another mild-mannered weakling. And he beat me good. I was on the floor in seconds. I was in shock and mad at myself for falling for such a cheap trick of a fake smile.

But then...he extended his hand to me. Helped me up. Complimented my fighting. I was confused. He was the stronger one, so why was he concerning himself with me?

That's when I realized, that my inner world was just as small as the Village. That I was just being a crappy brat. Balthazar told me that the strong exist to help the weak, the complete opposite of how I acted back then. He told me that, down here in the continent, he was a part of a group, the Order, comprised of strong people that existed to support the weak Karashians and rid the world of the law of the jungle that I had always known.

Until then, I didn't want to leave the village, I wanted to keep being the strongest, the princess on the pedestal...but after he left, I wanted nothing but to follow him. So I kept training to be stronger, so I could, in turn, guard people like him. And one day he did return, asking for my assistance! So of course I said yes. And now, here I am."

Zanten let out another chuckle.

-How quaint. Is that why you want to defeat me, Alexis? So you can "guard" lil' ol' weak me?- he asked.

-Obviously.- she answered, dead serious- I defeat you, I guard you. You beat me back, you protect me back. That's the world Balthazar showed me. The bigger shield the smaller.

-Well, that's awfully nice of you, but I'll pass on your protection. Why don't you go challenge Tal, then, if you're looking to defeat a first echelon and protect the lower ones like some kind of mamma duck?

-Um...-Alexis cringed- I'd rather not deal with that kid. Sometimes I catch him staring at me from the corner of the hallway. I can see he's itchin' for a challenge to a duel...but the bloodlust on his eyes tells me he wouldn't be satisfied with a win by 10-count. I wanna be the strongest and would steak my life on this dream, but dyin' like that would just be stupid.

-Heh, you have more common sense than I thought. But just so you know, that boy is the product of your beloved Balthazar. He has high hopes for Tal and nurtures his killing capabilities to be as sharp as they are indiscriminate. Not very "protect-y", if you ask me.

Alexis shrugged.

-Then he's nothing more than a weapon to be used by someone greater. And if his killings help protect the people of the territories you shield, all the better for the Order, no?

-Hmph...

-By the way, you never did tell the rest of the class...you go through all these hoops of forcing yourself to be a good example to be strong, but why, exactly, do you want to be strong? What's your end goal?

Zanten turned towards the landscape as well, his hands grasping the iron bars of the balcony, clenching them tightly.

-I want to dream again.

Alexis blinked in confusion and turned towards him.

-Um...what?

-My dreams were stolen from me long ago. By her. To this day, I feel she still has a part of me with her. The part that allows me...to feel at ease. Since she left, I've never been able to sleep well, to eat well, to train well. I'm always feeling like I'm being pursued from all directions. It's a feeling of constant unease, uncertainty in my own strength, my own ideals...my own identity. I want revenge for what she's done to Attila's Order...and to quiet the nagging whispers inside my head.

-By "her"...you mean Lucy Crow, right? You two close when she was in the Order?

-You could say that.- Zanten said, his glare focused beyond the horizon as well- She was the strongest, both the base that supported us and the pinnacle we strove to be. I admired her because of that. To me, she was light.

"But after what she did...I now see the truth. There was no Angel, or better yet, the Angel was not what I thought it was. It was only darkness. Jealousy. Deceit. Bloodlust. If what she took from me is the light of admiration I once held for her, then you could also say she left me only with the darkness she's always brandished. To quell this evil inside me..."

He then reached for his left visored eye, his fingers clasped around that section of his face.

-...I must defeat her. I must reclaim that light. So that I may resume dreaming. So that I can keep pursuing Attila's dreams. Balthazar's dreams. Of a world of light. Where no denizens of darkness may walk. Denizens...such as myself.

Alexis gave him a grave look before nodding to herself.

-Gotcha. So I'm guessing that I should leave her to you?

Zanten nodded.

-Please.

She smirked.

-She's the world's strongest, right? Then, after you defeat her, you'll be the strongest.

-I don't really care for those tittles, to be honest.

She pointed to herself.

-But I do. The world's strongest is also the world's guardian. So after you beat her, I'll defeat you and become that pinnacle. The beacon. But don't worry.- she grinned- Under my shadow, you can dream comfortably all ya want~

Zanten shook his head.

-And when I beat her, you can continue to delude yourself under my shadow all you want.- he said, before turning around and leaving.

-Hey!- she turned back to him, gritting her teeth- Here I am, being all nice, and you insist on acting snotty! I should have brought my Blade after all!

With that, she stomped back towards the cafeteria, but her path was barred. Coming from the corner of the hallway, the woman bumped into a familiar figure. Looking up, her face lit up.

-Oh there ya are, Balthy!- she grinned towards the blonde, who smiled back at her- Working hard or hardly working? You could have joined us for lunch!

Balthazar let out a friendly laugh.

-The work of the leader is ever present, so sorry, I can't exactly choose when I get some free time. But, you know, I'm glad I found you, Alexis. A task just came up that I believe you'd be perfect for.

She placed her hands on her hips, letting out a satisfied huff.

-Did ya, now? So, what's up, what can I help ya with?

Her rambunctious attitude was then promptly shut down as Balthazar placed his palm atop of her head, patting it slightly. Alexis' cheeks lit up, becoming deeply red, almost matching her hair. Her confident stance shrunk and she looked down slightly, curling up her lips.

-Thanks for being so helpful, I really appreciate it.- he told her, his voice low and alluring, wafting its way deep into her, echoing inside her mind- It's just routine stuff, but I believe that your status as an honorary Order Elite will be perfect for it. I hope you don't mind busy work, even if I did call you and your brother down here to help with fighting Lucy?

-N-no, no...- she looked up at him, her loud voice now much softer and sheepish- I don't mind...at all...I'm a guardian, so helping out is in my blood.

Balthazar's smile widened as he ruffled her hair softly.

-Awesome, I'm glad you've blossomed into such a generous soul, Alexis. I hope I can count with you and your brother's help to finally realize the Order's dreams, one mission at a time.

-Of course I will.- she said, clenching her fists in determination- After all, Balthazar...you've opened up my world, to so many dreams...

"Let me help realize yours."