Majestic was one way to describe it—
As the preservation chamber flung itself open with the cacophony of mechanic whirring, the sight of that man lifting himself out with his hands gripping either side of the now-open pod made itself clear. His muscles, which one would assume to be weak from lack of use, showed no such signs as he effortlessly and elegantly straightened himself and stood in the center of the dark room.
His only fanfare was a slow clap from the young woman standing before him. As soon as his gaze met hers, she pushed a lock of her platinum blonde hair behind an ear and stepped forward to speak.
“Welcome back, my lord.” She was able to get out through intermittent breaths.
Noticing her abnormal breathing, the man leaned himself forward, his long white hair flowing backward as he did so, and held the woman’s chin in his hand. She backed away slightly out of fear, but as she felt his embrace a soothing sensation spread throughout her body. “I’m glad you are so excited to see me, Levema. Please, calm yourself.” He gave a warm smile to her and re-assumed his normal posture. “How about we get out of this gloomy room, first?”
The two figures walked across the room, interacting with a keypad fitted next to the triangular door as it swiftly made way for them. It opened its way to a brightly lit white hallway, with the man’s eyes taking a moment to adjust. Looking back, he saw the once dark room had even been illuminated by the lights, him and Levema’s long shadows now cast onto the stasis pod and the other crude machines, which were a stark contrast to the sleek hallway. Facing forward again, his skin made contact with the unfamiliar air, causing the man to instinctually rub his arm. He had just now noticed he was dressed in a mere pair of black shorts. The most efficient manner of dress for cryostasis. However, not so efficient when one was outside of one, it’s only purpose now being to show off his semi-muscular build.
“It’s a tad cold, Levema.”
“Er- Yes! Excuse me a moment sir!”
Levema sheepishly ran off and returned shortly after with a folded white garment draped over her arm. She stopped in front her lord before handing it off to him.
As he grabbed it from her, the man let out a small smile and “thank you” before unfolding the pristine trench coat and finally clothing himself. He wrapped it around his front as well, ensuring his more embarrassing outfit would not be seen for the time being.
“This will work until I get myself more settled in,” He said as he gave himself a quick look. He then focused himself back on the woman beside him as their casual stroll continued. “Now tell me, how were operations in my absence?”
Levema gave a nod in response before revealing a digital tablet she had held close to her chest up until she had been reminded of her purpose for meeting her lord. She pulled up multiple profile shots of people wearing similar white uniforms as the one Levema donned herself and began to scroll through.
“The recruitment programs have been going along smoothly, and our alliance with the Western States’ government has successfully been established. They’ve been a major source of new members, alongside some new upper level members.” Levema’s face then turned towards the man peeking over her shoulder at the tablet. “But, if you ask me, we’ll do a lot better now that the face of our cause is back!” She gave an enthusiastic smile before putting the tablet back down to her side and continuing forward.
“I am relieved that things have been smooth for you all, but…”
Levema turned to her lord’s concerned face. “Hm?”
“Are the whereabouts of The Heart still unknown?”
A chill ran down Levema’s spine as she gave a nervous chuckle. “U-Unfortunately, we have yet to locate it after it disappeared following that man’s escape, but we allied with the Western States hoping that they would kno-“
The white-cloaked man put up a hand.
“That’s enough, I understand if it’s a source of stress for you. Forgive me for prying.”
“Oh, no! Not at all, sir! You have every right to know of our failures!”
“Not in this case. The only man deserving of that right is my friend, but it would seem he has yet to awaken.” He looked across the hallway to an identical door to the one he had emerged from, still closed and barred off. “I shouldn’t be surprised, it makes sense I would naturally regenerate my Aether quicker.” He gave a despondent look at his palm as he open and closed his fist.
“Yes, by our estimates he still has a long time now before he will awaken.” Levema pulled out her tablet once again and navigated to a different menu. “We can’t say an exact time, but certainly not within the year.”
“Then that settles it.”
Levema shifted her head to view the man’s face.
“We simply have to complete all of our preparations before he awakens, don’t we?” He gave an assured smile to Levema.
Between where the two were currently standing and the door at the end of the hallway was a turn into a more open area with many more triangular doors. Once the two turned the corner, one of the farthest doors opened, revealing an old man with black hair beginning to gray in a more formal variation of the white uniform Levema was wearing, his left eye concealed with a black eyepatch.
“Ah! This must be the man I’ve heard so much about!” The old man clasped both his hands around one of the man’s and gave a subtle shake to it. “I am delighted to finally make your acquaintance, my lord.” He gave a small formal bow as he let go of the man’s hand.
“Let me introduce you,” Levema said. “This is Octavius. He’s a more recent member, but quickly made his way up to achieve the same rank as me. As I mentioned earlier, he is one of the key reasons we’ve driven recruitment up so high. He rivals even the numbers of the entirety of the Western States himself!”
“Oh, don’t flatter me, Levema. It’s just my honest work.” The man gave a subdued shake of his head and wave of his hand.
Octavius was met with a nod of approval from his newly acquainted boss.
“I look forward to working with you.”
“Well, good! There is much to be done already! I came to fetch both you and Levema since we just received word that our request to see the Western States’ best recruits has been approved. I thought, what better way to reintroduce our leader than allowing him to choose the newest wave of members?” Octavius showed a sense of pride in his face, pride for his plan he had concocted. Levema, however, shared no such sentiment, as steam rose from her head.
“Octavius! I thought I told you when making decisions like these you need to consult others first!” She whipped out her tablet and began bashing Octavius in the head repeatedly. Octavius’ grunts from being hit were only stopped when both the attacker and victim heard the hearty laugh coming from the man watching both of them.
“It’s great to see the relationships you’ve been able to grow since I went to sleep, Levema. Truly, it makes me happy to know you opened your heart to others.” His laugh turning to a soft look towards the woman he was addressing.
“W-what is that supposed to mean, my lord?!” She blurted out, unsure whether she was being complimented or made fun of.
“You know, you can drop the formality at this point. I already feel welcome enough.” He began walking in the direction of the door Octavius had emerged from.
Levema quickly composed herself “If you so wish… Vergil.” His name was one which did not escape her lips easily.
“Yes, that’s better.” Vergil gave his arms a stretch as he let his cloak flow while he walked. “Now, Octavius, you said you wanted me to evaluate some of the new blood?”
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