(S1) Chapter 9 – Eyes of Freedom

She dreamt of a small child crying in despair, he fell onto his knees as there was disaster and death around him. The aftermatch of a conflict that happened between the two regions. A small, beautiful, blonde-haired child, waiting, for his demise…

Gasp, “Urgh, I’ve overslept…”

Haywin stepped out of her bed. The noises of metals clashing beyond her room door caught her attention, and she stepped out of her room after dressing in her normal clothes: a brown t-shirt and a pair of black jeans.

“Finally awake?” Alexis said with a smile on her face, cooking up some eggs in a hot frying pan, dressed herself up with an apron.

“I thought the noises were something else… Good morning, Alex.”

“Moorning! Don’t tell me you’ve been staying up all night doing something else?” She replied with a smirk.

“No, I was…”

“What is it?”

A glimpse of 08’s face shifted through her mind, stealing her ability to talk for a moment.

“Nothing, I just found myself chatting with 08.”

“08? Seriously…? How on earth did you happen to talk with him?”

“Why surprised?”

"You forgot? He's the top soldier amongst us C-Rank soldiers. He's even caught the attention of the A's. Besides, he's a completely mysterious guy, never wanting to share his name for whatever reason. I bet he'll pass the Standing's Test and go straight to the A division."

“His name is Dark.”

“Whaat?! He even told you his name? You really are a lucky person, aren’t you, Haywin.” Alexis said with a deep sigh.

“He just seems like a normal person to me. Nothing out of the ordinary…”

“Right, you’ve never seen him in action, have you?”

“Hmm…”

“Anyways, have some breakfast, omelet will it be for today!”

“Thanks, but I’m fine, I’ll just get a coffee… Besides, how was your night out?”

“It was fun! You really should’ve come along, you’re missing the wonders of partying!”

“I don’t like too many people, Alex…”

“I know, I know… But it never hurts to try something new for once. I’ll stash up your omelet for ya.”

“Thank you, I think I’ll go for a little walk.”

“Sure thing!”

Haywin freshened herself up in the bathroom, put on a pair of black shoes, and stood at the half-opened door.

“Also, Alex, you need to find another place if you want to bring visitors.” She said overlooking her shoulder, pointing her eyes at Alex, who froze in embarrassment. She brought someone with her, he was hiding in her closet, and the noises of him fumbling around Alexis’s clothes caught Haywin’s attention.

“R- right…” She replied as Haywin shut the door behind her.

Walking outside of Excis's dormitory, she took a turn to the right. A long, protracted path that was surrounded by trees led to the outskirts of Vedel. A beautiful landscape that only had very few single-placed houses situated in it. Nearby sat the abandoned city of Fictus. Another city that was left damaged as a result of The Conflict. It was slowly being rebuilt...

She wandered through and came across a field where a fairly large wooden house stood. The sun was casting its beautiful light on the depth of the view, and at the front door stood a young boy. He appeared to be indigent, judging from the torn clothes he wore and the pair of brown gloves he had on. He had brown eyes, short, messy brown hair, and his big eyes looked adorable as he gave Haywin a big smile and waved his hand towards her.

"I guess I can stop by for a little..." Haywin walked towards the house. The distance between her and the boy grew closer. Haywin couldn't help but feel her heart lighten as she saw a child full of brightness shine through her cloudy soul.

"Are you a soldier?" he asked, running towards her and lifting his head.

“Yes, I am…”