Towards the War

“Now that’s a dumbass idea!” Marcia’s shout had cut through the conversation in tandem with the loud thud of her palms against the table. “You get back up from the crypt and now you’re just going to waltz off into some hellhole?”

After my meeting with Hyla, I’d gathered the rest of the maidens to discuss the coming day. I would be entering into Pride bright and early the following day. While most were concerned and even stunned by my announcement, Marcia had unexpectedly been the most disturbed of all.

“It makes sense for you to be alarmed but I think you should hear what he has to say before taking up arms.” Plutia had my back, having already been clued in as to the stakes of the situation.

“Someone’s life is in danger and it can’t wait any longer. Three knights have already perished from the threat that is Pride. I won’t let another person suffer.”

From that declaration, I’d quickly brought all of the maidens up to speed. Until Marcia herself had begrudgingly come to agree that there was no room to afford remaining by idly. When matters had been well discussed, I’d turned in for the night where I’d laid my head down to rest and had once again been taken to another world.

Bright and early, as the sun had rested atop the hill, I’d come to Hyla to uphold the promise we’d made to each other. While she concludes her check, I think not only of the dreams I’d witnessed, but so too of my final word for the maidens.

“It is a part of my duties as the Celestial Knight to kiss all of you, but I’ll be going it alone from here for the time being.”

“What? Are you sure that you’ll be well going to battle as you are now? At least let us help you.” Celine had replied with concern before being teased by Mercy for the implications she’d given of being open to kissing me.

“Juna… is beyond troubled. And right now I haven’t the conscience to do anything of the sort for the time being. All I can ask all of you is that you would trust me on this.”

“You should finish your tea. I’d made it special for today since you’ll be out into the core of your duties.” Hyla’s calm voice brings me back from my spot of remembering.

“I’ll do just that. Thanks again for all of this.”

There was a gentle stillness as I’d simply sat and sipped with her. Only the light clinking of her silverware against her cup could be heard. All until she’d placed it on the table and raised her voice.

“I’m loathed to let you be on your way, but there’s nothing to keep you. Your health is in stellar condition, even with with that injury you’d taken last night. The one thing that I’d ask is that you’d be cautious not to lose yourself to thought again as you had yesterday.”

“I can promise you that won’t be an issue. My mind is only for the task at hand. And I’m going to see it through. If the head priest can be saved, then he will be.”

“That resolve will take you far, no doubt.”

Thanking her for the tea and the light meal to start my day, I give her my gratitude and make way to the door but her voice catches me mid step.

“Before you go, I have one more thing I think I should give to you. It’d be best if I did.”

Drawing near, she plays with her fingers and can’t seem to decide whether she wishes to lace them or cradle one hand in the other. She takes pause before me and stares at my chest. But then she rises to the tips of her toes and delivers a pleasant shock to my senses.

The smooth and delicate touch of her lips against mine makes sure that any remaining sleep I’d had riding on my shoulders is bucked off of them. And although I find myself enjoying the moment, it comes to an end so quickly that it feels like a little tease to the senses.

“Surprise! S-Surprise…! I’m… a Celestial Maiden as well. S-So I’d just thought to myself that I’d best do something about it before you go off into danger. I hope this will be of help you.”

The sight of her reddened face is simply adorable to see. She’s left without a place to go, a thing to do and so she rocks about anxiously. In an attempt to save face, she walks to her bookshelf where she takes up a medical journal from the mantle. Her eyes haphazardly jump and cross jaggedly across its pages.

Now there’s no way I can only say a simple goodbye and carry on. I go to her and there at her side speak my gratitude. A quick kiss given to her cheek. In response, she becomes as rigid as a statue and her already flushing face is made a fitting pair to the tomato she’d eaten but a few minutes ago.

✩ ✩ ✩

Upon waking I’d undone my bindings and beneath was was a clear palm. Not even the faintest trace of a scar decorating its skin. It brought me into deep thought. Staring at my reflection, I looked to the scar that runs across my body.

A most hideous scar that has never faded in the faintest way after all of these 10 years. But there is one more scar that I ponder to myself. A scar that I would never wish to fade for the purpose it holds.

I pull all the clasp to the buckle around my neck and let it loose. It falls and I see a memento of the darkest hour I’d let be my devastation. A long, line is drawn across my throat.

It was the second life changing wound I’d experienced. Unlike the first, this scar was taken by choice.

I put on a fresh set of clothes. Not the usual uniform I have worn nearly daily since becoming a knight: a new selection for the day to come.

First, an old dress shirt that I cover over with a wrapping vest fastened by a belt at the waist. A set of black pants and long boots. And then a long, black jacket that had been gift from Juna. One that I’ve only ever worn on my casual days off duty with her.

The sky becomes a deeper shade of blue, the light paints the tree tops. I stare out that glass and to the sight while I recall the day that it had been broken. The very same day that the scent of blood had overtaken the room. I look to my hand and remember when there was a piece of glass held tightly in it. So tightly that it had cut into palm much like the wound I’d taken yesterday. And for it, I have a the lightest marking left behind.

I take that hand and pull at the handle of the sword to view its blade. Once more would I hold a sharp piece of glass, but this one will be turned towards those who made me suffer so unspeakably that I’d desired to sleep eternally.

I’d sworn to Solus that I would never fall so despaired again. That I would never again give up hope.

No matter what.

I place its sheath at my hip and replace it. Then I at last conceal the scar running on my neck with a long, black scarf. Decorated with symbols of the moon, a treasured gift from my adoptive mother long ago. A sweet and loving gift she’d made herself so that I could leave the house and hide away my shame from the world.

When I leave my room behind, I walk past Juna’s door. I promise her that I’ll be back for her soon.

✩ ✩ ✩

“Master, I bid you safe travels and great fortune follows you wherever you may go.” Jupa bows to me deeply at the entryway.

Though I had intended to be off without disturbing any of my company, all of the maidens had come out to see me off.

“While you’re away, I’ll do as I’ve promised. I’ll check on Juna and do whatever I can for her.” Celine gives her own word for parting.

“Come back safe. I’ll be waiting for you.” Then speaks Venna.

“There’s nothing else to do but do it. When you fight, fight with all you’ve got. Give them hell.” Marcia.

“Those clothes look nice on you. It’s a shame I only ever see you in those stuffy clothes.” Plutia speaks with good humor. “I’ll take care of the manor while you’re away. You take care of yourself.”

“Be sure to eat when you get a chance. Don’t know what it’s like in those places but I’m sure there’ll be at least somewhere all clear to do it. You have to keep up your protein intake.” Mercy gives me advice for the trip.

“I’ll be praying for you. I hope I’ll be awake when you return.” And then Neptanie.

“I’ll be back soon. Until then, all of you take care as well. I look forward to coming back home to all of you when I’m done.”

When all is said and done, I’m out the door. I take a deep breath and give the sky another glance. No glass to be found, yet I carry a piece of it with me now. Even in this world.