As early as dawn can get, the rebellion is already at the ready. But since a large group of people in light armour – as so they’re not easily distinguished from the royal guards of the Kingdom of Theia – standing so menacingly right outside the city walls right before an important installation is about to take place is only going to be like confessing and surrendering themselves to the forming empire, they wait patiently for morning, when civilians arrive for the real event near noon.

Lancaster is too recognisable in Theia, so he has to follow Trajan and Clyde to hide in the shadows – at least, until everything is in place. The same goes for Alaina. Although they do play significant roles, it’s only until the main event – when the emperor is being announced and crowned – do they need to really show up. So for now, it’s safer if they stay on the side-lines, or people might start noticing how odd it is to see the princess and her personal knight attending the installation when they have basically turned their backs against their very own kingdom.

The self-proclaimed strategist and analyst Lloyd – although everyone does admit he’s the brain of the group at one point – on the other hand, is going to work with the other information specialist, Trevor, at an old bell tower close enough to the centre of Theia that it overlooks the entire podium along with the statue of the titan woman and her miniature sun. They are the key signals.

Lancaster had knocked out the lazy knight who guards the bell tower beforehand in order for them to use it. And although Lloyd does not seem too pleased about this idea that he has no say in as Lancaster executed it in a single swift move, he is certain that no one so much as to glance at the old, crumbling bell tower, so they’re in safe hands.

Then there’s Rose and Kai, who aren’t so lucky, because they do not get to watch the rebellion up close. They station at the forest hill, just as Trajan suggested, because they will draw too much attention with their powers if they were forced to use them in any way. Kai has been complaining for as long as Rose can remember, and he only shuts up when Lloyd hands them a viewing glass that allows them to observe the insides of Theia from where they are positioned.

And finally, there are the rebels, who simply blend into either the knights or the locals or civilians as the audience. They do not need to do much of a huge role, but they are a big part of the rebellion, nevertheless, since most of it is made up of them. The rebellion is nothing without them; they are the very source of their growing flame. The group consists of even young children and the elderly – perfect for blending in.

Alaina can’t seem to stop twiddling her fingers nervously, even with Lancaster by her side constantly assuring her that it’s going to be fine. But she isn’t only nervous about the rebellion.

For some reason, she can’t seem to look at Kai now, after sitting together for the entire night in silence. It’s as if the awkwardness is an after effect, and only now does she feel so, because she was completely comfortable before.

Seeing that she seems tongue-tied, Lancaster sighs, deciding to step forward first. “See you later,” he says to Lloyd, Rose and Kai.

“When is later?” Rose asks, slightly unsettled.

“When it all ends.” Lancaster turns to Lloyd. “Survive, for our kingdom.” Then he turns to Rose and Kai and adds, “Same goes to both of you. Be safe.”

“That’s the first time I hear a good note from you,” Lloyd comments. “But thank you. You, too. Survive. Don’t get caught.”

“Certainly,” Lancaster says, smiling slightly. “But I do not think it shall come down to that.”

“Of course we’ll all be fine!” Rose quickly adds. She walks over to Lloyd and looks up to him. “You promised, anyway.”

He stumbles backwards, but Lancaster behind him doesn’t budge to give him any space. Lloyd internally yells at Lancaster as he shoots him a sideways glare, but Lancaster doesn’t seem to be fazed. Turning back to Rose who’s looking at him expectantly, he stutters, “P-Promised what?”

Flaring, Rose deliberately steps on his boots. “The Opuxes, Lloyd! You promised to go back to the forest with me! You’re so useless.”

“Y-Yes, I promised.”

“So, you’d better keep it.”

“You do not want to make her angry,” Lancaster chimes.

“Then it’s only fair you be careful too, Rose,” Lloyd says finally. “Kai, watch over her.”

Kai laughs. “Nobody can touch her, really. If you need our help, you know, just in case… Give us a signal,” he says to Lloyd. “You’re the eyes for all of us.”

“Will do,” Lloyd says confidently. “I’ll be watching over Lancaster.”

“Watch over yourself first,” Lancaster retorts.

Alaina finally steps forward. “I’ll see you all when this ends.”

Rose gives her a hug. “Take care.”

“You too.” She smiles, returning the hug. “Kai, make sure to watch over her.”

“Why is everyone asking me to watch over her? Who’s going to watch over me?” Kai crosses his arms. “She hardly needs protecting, anyway.”

“Yeah, I don’t need protecting,” Rose agrees.

“But aren’t you the one who says the world shall burn before you die?” Alaina teases, remembering his words. Happy she’s finally able to look him in the eye now like usual, she adds, “That arrogance will work well for you when danger arrives.”

“You’re lucky I’m not planning to burn anyone today.”

“Just make sure to watch each other’s backs,” Lancaster says. “Lloyd, no one is with you except Trevor, so just watch out.”

“I’ll make sure to watch over you from above the tower, too, don’t worry,” Lloyd replies, smirking.

“So you do not have to stress out too much and do something like not letting your guard down for a single split second.”

“Is this some agreement I’m sensing?” Alaina laughs at Lancaster and Lloyd’s friendly exchange of concern. “Finally.”

Immediately as she says so, Lancaster adds, “I am always on my guard.”

“You’re welcome.” Lloyd narrows his eyes at Lancaster. “But really, be on your guards like Lancaster at all times.”

“Be safe, everyone,” Alaina says softly. Then, smiling, she adds, “I do not want to see a single scratch on your pretty faces.”