The group had agreed to meet in the morning, making sure they had all caught up with each other on their encounters, as well as offer additional information or advice.

“Hey Matt, glad you’re here to see us off. I thought you’d be training with your dad; are you taking a day off?” The cleric dropped off a large bag next to the bench Matt was sitting on.

“Yes and no. Since this training is so draining, I’ll be relaxing for most of the day.” The knight began to contemplate yesterday’s events, his mind filling with one particular image. “There is something that’s been bugging me about Jonathan though. Yesterday, I noticed his hair starting to go gray. It bothers me, and I don’t know why.”

“Geez, I didn’t think he was that old!” Brian put his hands over his mouth, tensing up for the ire he assumed was coming his way.

“He’s not, which is why it’s weird. Do you think it’s just an issue he has?” Matt hadn’t even considered the dragoon’s comment rude, he was still preoccupied over his concern.

“Good thing you have a cleric on your team, or else this question might go unanswered! You see, gray hair could be a genetic issue, but given the whole princess debacle, it could also be related to stress.”

“Stress? Hmm, I don’t think it’s just the princesses’ kidnapping that’s got him stressed.”

“It’s about Luke, isn’t it?” Adriana had already figured out what must have occurred. “I’m more surprised he has any hair left.”

“I remember how he exploded when you told him what happened. I’m sure he’s really worried about Luke.” Sarah noticed the knight was clenching his fist, much like the night prior.

“He doesn’t care about Lucy, he just doesn’t want people to think about him. I’ll talk with him tonight, but I’m sure the only thing he cares about is his reputation.”

“Ehm, speaking of our parents,” the dragoon had finally worked up the nerve to interrupt again, “My parents are going to be out today. They’ve been joining the search for the sins, though they’ve been checking towns to the east and west.”

“My dad left to go check some towns to the south.” Adriana sighed to herself, “Matt, I want to talk to you when we return. Don’t worry about it until I get back though.”

“Alright, and I want to tell you something.” The knight turned his attention to the group. “I want to tell you all something. I relayed Sarah’s information to the queen, and she told me this: all search parties are to remain as far away from Doran Mountains until we can confirm the princess is there. She won’t risk losing anyone on a rumor; also, we’re the only ones allowed to check any towns north of here. Speaking of, are you heading out now Eric?”

“Almost, but I wanted to tell you guys something, about the mysterious man. I forgot to ask Sarah more about him, but I don’t think it matters. The way I see it, when Sarah said he ‘warped’, that leaves only two possibilities: he can use space or time, and I believe it’s the latter. Unfortunately, we would need another time user to counteract his ability, and I don’t know anyone who can use time and fight.”

“So what you’re saying is, if the man finds us, we’re as good as dead. Thanks for brightening up the mood Eric.”

“No problem Jess.” The cleric picked up his bag, steeling himself for the journey ahead. “Well, we got our bags and we’ve done some training. We’re probably not going to beat the sins if we find them, but we’ll relay what happened. Now remind me, which sins have you guys fought?”

“I remember a small, brown skin girl in a royal dress who turned into a four-eyed devil who could summon glass. I think. And a rotund guy that turned into an even more rotund demon that swallowed me with his stomach and spat me out. Those were Pride and Gluttony, or Hayley and Clyde.”

“Brown skin? Not very descript there.” The rogue’s comment made Sarah visibly nervous, perspiring as she tried to apologize. “Sorry, I’m not very good with colors, and I was swallowed, and I-I…”

“Relax,” Adriana patted the archer on the head, “I’m just messing with ya. I doubt there are many people running around dressed like royalty, especially in random towns. I’m more worried about the fat guy. Lot of those around. Guess if he sticks out like the girl, he shouldn’t be too hard to spot. Jess, Brian?”

“Well there was a large, quiet man in silver armor. The woman with him called the guy Xander, or Wrath. He turned into a bigger demon without any horns, tail, or anything. His sword got bigger, though he barely used it.” The mage’s eyes directed to her nose, cringing as if she could feel the devil punching her square in the face even now.

“That woman Jess is referring to wore fancy clothes, like those rich guys in Temperas, and she turned into a devil with wings and a red dress. I think she prevents you from moving your body. I’m not sure though. I wasn’t able to check, you know, not being able to move my body and all. She called herself Lust, or Alex.”

“Matt, didn’t you say you met Luke, er Lucy?” The knight sighed, struggle to recall his little bout. “I did, but I don’t remember what she did. She didn’t say what sin she was, and I don’t remember seeing any unique power. If it helps, she’s tall and has horns and a tail.”

“How tall are we speaking?” Matthew raised an eyebrow at Brian’s comment, a knowing grin forming on his face. “She towered over me. So probably eight or nine feet.” The dragoon began pouting, the rest eating up his frustration.

The group gave their goodbyes to the rogue and cleric as they parted. The group of four had split, Sarah following Brian and Jessica as Matthew returned to his training.

“So, I guess Jess and I will continue to train. What are you two going to do?”

Matt had simply exhaled, “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. I know you guys are used to me thinking of everything, but…I’ve kinda been as stressed as my dad.”

“Maybe you can show me more of Lumina?” Sarah’s question had gotten his attention. “I really wouldn’t mind taking time to explore the city without stressing out about stuff.”

“Sure.” The knight turned to his other friends. “Well, you two have fun. Try not to kill each other.”

“Easier said than done.”

Taking Sarah’s hand, the knight led her away from the pair, not wanting the innocent girl to witness the ensuing bloodshed.

“So, did you have any place in mind?” Matthew was eager to hear the girl’s suggestion, but as she dwelled on the question, it was quickly becoming clear she hadn’t thought it through. “I have no idea. I would be fine going anywhere.”

Deciding to go to the southside of Lumina, the two were surrounded by a more marine-based market place. “This place seems rather, fishy.” The knight groaned at the pun, but inside he knew he was the one to blame. It was his idea, now he paid the price. “I see Eric is growing on you.”

“You’re all growing on me. I’m glad I got to meet you guys, cause…well, I’m sorry about yesterday.”

“About what?” The teen tilted his head.

“I know I was really laying it on thick yesterday, it’s just that I’ve wanted to get back at that man, but then I realized that I could be getting you guys hurt, and-“

“You worry too much,” the knight patted her head, “I don’t know what it’s like to be in your situation, but I know I won’t let it happen to my friends.”

“Thanks.” The archer embraced the knight. “I’m sorry if I get emotional.”

“It’s fine. I could use a hug after all this crap.” The knight began chuckling to himself, “If you keep hugging me, people will think we’re a couple.” The archer relented, though not flustered like the knight expected.

“Why did you take me here anyways?”

“Honestly, I barely ever go here. Given the smell, that’s not changing any time soon, but I thought it’d be cool for us both to explore.” The archer smiled at the knight before yanking him along to the west. “Let’s get going then!”

“Did we really have to run all the way to your stupid house?” Jessica was panting and sweating, feeling the bandage threaten to escape from her nose.

“Sorry Jess, I thought you could use the exercise, maybe put all that caffeine to good use.” The dragoon wasn’t really sorry, rather he was eager to take revenge on Eric’s behalf for the mage’s earlier dismissal.

“What are we practicing? Raining fireballs while I shoot ice at a moving target? Blowing we around while I slip and fall on my own ice?”

“I was thinking, team work?” Brian was regretting being stuck with the mage, but he had no desire to make her Sarah or Matthew’s problem. “Maybe we could make cold wind? Steam?”

“Look, this is a waste of time and you know it. Brian, do you really believe that girl?”

“If Matt trusts her, I trust her. Why? Do you think she’s working for that man?”

“Brain, Matt might see the truth, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t a crazy person. She might believe what she’s saying, but it sounds completely unrelated and stupid. I bet Sarah is just some person who really wanted to fight, but no one would let her, then she got chased by some weirdo, and then she found her way to our town.”

“What about her team? If they were just a lie, Matt would know. Just admit Jess, you don’t like her cause Matt does.”

Ice formed in the mage’s hand, fire burning in her eyes. “Brian, I’m being serious, that girl is full of it. It’s not jealousy, I really don’t believe her!”

“What’s your problem?” Fire formed in the dragoon’s hand, “You seemed to trust her yesterday, now you hate her? And why did you act like a jerk to Eric?”

The mage launched a blanket of icy powder where the dragoon stood, Brian jumping up to avoid the ground that froze solid. Retaliating with a rain of fireballs, Jessica shielded herself with an ice barrier as she ran from the dragoon, stopping at a certain distance.

“Matthew believes this random girl instead of using his head! I bet he didn’t even check if she was lying, and now we’ll go to the mountains and find nothing!”

Ice shards had launched in the dragoon’s direction. Strafing through the air, the dragoon created burst of fire from his hands to propel him forward quicker. As he came within melee distance, the dragoon used a burst of fire to bounce himself upward before hitting the ground, predicting the mage’s ice wall. Smacking her on the head with a halberd, Brian returned to the earth, kneeling so his eyes easily met his opponent’s.

“It’s not fair,” she whined, “he trusts a total stranger. I don’t want Matt to get hurt, but everyone doesn’t care.”

“That’s not true, Jessy. We all care, but we just don’t see her as a threat or a liar. Maybe instead of complaining to us, you should talk to her yourself.”

“That’s what I wanted to do,” the dragoon pulled the mage to her feet, “but she got Matt to go with her today.” The redhead hadn’t made eye contact with the blonde, instead she faced the ground. “Maybe I am over reacting, maybe she’s not a liar, maybe I-“

“Not to interrupt Jess, but my parent’s lawn is currently on fire. You think you could help?” Her head shooting up, the girl watched as flames began to spread across the grass in front of her friend’s abode. “Hold on, I got it!”

Matthew concentrated, the metal liquid moving over his face. He was beginning to tire, but he pushed onwards, hoping to reach the top of his head. Matthew had felt the liquid metal crawl its way up his face; the entire experience was surreal, unnerving, and not helped by the oncoming fatigue he was experiencing at an increasingly rapid rate. As the ooze had reach over his head, finally encasing his entire body, he let it fall to the ground.

“I can’t believe it, you’ve already gotten the metal to encase your body.” The man had brushed the liquid off his son while acting as a weight to keep him standing. “I could’ve kept it up, John, but I didn’t want to be dead tired today.”

“Understandable, and in a real situation, highly strategic. Take a rest, tomorrow we begin the most important part: molding the armor. Once you achieve this step, you will have finished the technique. Whether you can master the caveats of the ability is up to you, I cannot teach you any further.”

As Matthew began to gain his bearing, he could merely feel his father waiting and wanting to ask a question. “Is something bothering you?”

“Why do you continue to disrespect me? I’m not angry, I’m just confused.” The knight knew what he meant, what ailed him.

“Because I don’t respect you anymore. Not after last night, not after what you said about my sister.” The knight prepared himself for another explosion, another round of yelling; instead, he watched his father grow pale, distinguishably so even under the moon beams.

“Is that so? I understand you care deeply for your brother. As a father, I know I shouldn’t ask this, but what have I done that has caused such a rupture in my family?”

Matthew couldn’t understand why, but he was now angrier then last night. “You could have encouraged her, you could have said she had done a good job when she got a good grade. Lucy left because you pushed her away, because you wanted another me, but Lucy wasn’t me. And I won’t let her become you, or mom, or any of the people who hurt her. When I rescue the princess, I’ll do everything in my power to bring my sister to aunt Shelly.”

“Do as you may, son.” Again, his tone was quiet, regretful. The father had turned away, “You are becoming an adult, and so you’ll be making important decisions. I will still train you tomorrow, but I will have nothing to teach you afterwards. Use what I teach so that you can do as you propose. If you think you know what’s best, then do it, I will not stop you.”

The teen watched his father as entered the house, but Matthew had chosen to sit outside. Taking in the sight of the moon and the chirping of the crickets, he meditated on what he said in relation to his sister. ‘Lucy, why? I still want to know why you did it. I still want to know what exactly made you think it was a good idea. Please tell me you have some remorse, or that you secretly have some plan.’

“Are you okay?” Matthew’s head shot toward the voice, having been too engrained in his thoughts to realize Sarah was standing by him. The archer took a seat next to the knight, “Your dad came inside, but you hadn’t come in, so I got a little worried.”

“I’m fine. I had something to tell him, but it’s okay now. I was just thinking about my sister, hoping that she’s okay.”

“Despite all the terrible things she must have gone through, I bet even now your sister is thankful she had you.”

“I’d like to think you’re right.”