“Notice: In response to a recent incident that occurred near Grats Hall. The Academy is asking for all affected parties to remain calm and schedule any future demonstrations with the administrative office. We will also be taking measures to ensure the safety and protection of our students by assigning more Guardians on patrol, so please do not be alarmed and contact staff should issues arise. We will be here for you. Thank you for your cooperation.”

- Academy Bulletin, Various Buildings Across Campus, “Incident Response”

Sophie absorbed blow after blow. She parried or blocked the countless strikes, taking defensive stances learned from classes, Blademaster Taurox, or her own experiences. When she sensed an opening, she burst into a ferocious counterattacking, recklessly slashing ahead with a volley of blows meant to soften her target.

Sophia would dodge or try to avoid most of the strikes. Her strength was equal to Sophie’s but her techniques were far more bouncy and relied on her agility. The two were fast but even Sophie had to admit that her counterpart was far more nimble, able to dart between strikes before rapidly launching her own.

The two had attracted the attention of a few other students taking advantage of the weekend to spend Morus practicing. Focused on their own bout, Sophie did manage to parse a few words muttered on the sidelines. About their ‘lack of technique’ or ‘messy fighting’. For the two of them fought in a dirty and disorganised duel. Where Sophia was trying to get Sophie to apply her knowledge and use her lessons during this skirmish. Sophie was trying to test out her sister’s skills and absorb the tricks Sophia employed to stay so nimble.

Neither would relent in their battle. For the prize was something so abstract yet important. Because whoever won, would be able to hold that over the other, and gloat. Seeing as Sophia’s base personality was copied from Sophie, she knew that her counterpart had no intention of failing.

Backing off, they eyed each other warily. Sophie’s caught sight of someone that made her tense up. Eva and a few other saints were on the second floor, flanked by a few temple guards. Eva however, had stopped to watch.

A scratch of boot against dirt was all Sophie heard before her counterpart attacked, seizing advantage of her distraction. She felt the wooden blade smack against her arm. Sophie winced but pivoted to create an opening.

She counterattacked. Sophia ducked past it. She lunged and was parried. Sophia performed a riposte and counterattacked, Sophie fell into a defensive posture and deflected the blade with her own. Taking a chance, she took an offensive stance and shoulder charged her counterpart, knocking Sophia off her feet. Her joy was short-lived as Sophia recovered quickly, her agility on full display as she braced herself with her left foot, keeping herself upright. With a snarl, her counterpart dashed forward and ducked to strike at her abdomen. Though she was slow to react, Sophie was not found wanting and leaned into the attack, pushing her weight onto the oncoming blade. Landing atop it, the sudden jolt ripped Sophia off her feet and the two tumbled into a pile, Sophie temporarily pinning her counterpart in a grapple. Noticing her own training blade had fallen from her hands, she sighed.

“Draw.” Sophie grumbled.

“Sixth one so far. How unexpectedly frustrating.” Sophia mumbled, “Now get off me! I’m not Ary.”

Hearing this Sophie blushed and hurriedly obliged, rolling off her sparring partner and helping her sibling up. The two dusted each other off and just stared at each other, their expressions tinged with dissatisfaction at the result. Their eyes slowly wandered, seeing the crowd behind each of them. Sophie tensed for a moment then sighed, Sophia nodding in response.

“I suppose that’s enough for today. I’m feeling a little sore.” Sophia announced, a little louder than usual.

“Me too.” Sophie affirmed.

Her words reached the intended targets and the other students began returning to their own activities. A few even clapped and the two of them bowed politely in response. With the clean up beginning, Sophie cast a glance upwards, but Eva was no longer there. Damn.

“For the record, I could’ve struck you down faster than that. When you were looking up.” Sophia interrupted.

“Tch, I reacted in time, didn’t I?” Sophie scoffed.

“Only because I gave you that time.”

“Lies. You’re faster than me, but no saintess.”

“But I could’ve hit you.”

“But you didn’t.”

“But I hit your arm.”

“But we agreed arms didn’t count.”

“But it was a hit.”

“And it hurt like hells.” Sophie winced, touching what was likely a new bruise, “But it didn’t count.”

“Spoilsport.”

“These are your rules.”

“Spoilsport, me.”

“Heh.”

“Heh.”

The two snickered, their competitive desire slowly fading away.

“Fine. I concede the argument.” Sophia sighed reluctantly, “There’s always next time.” she slyly added.

Sophie grimaced. She was tired and in minor pain, the thought of a next time seemed a little less appealing after having done it once.

“Y-yeah.”

“Aww, little baby Sophie scared of the hurties? Need a little huggy?” Her counterpart teased.

Sophie rolled her eyes.

After they had finished putting away their kit, they both looked up to the second floor, Sophia shooting Sophie a knowing look.

“Alright. No point putting it off I guess. We were going to check on Eva anyhow.”

“If the guards let us in.” Sophie pondered.

“Oh you’ll find a way.”

“I’ll find a way?” Sophie arched an eyebrow, “Thought yesterday was all about ‘we’.”

Sophia snickered, “Yesh, but I don’t want to use my brain today, see? Empty.” She tapped her forehead, “Besides, I did my good deed of the year pulling you out of the crowd.”

“As if that was enough. But whatever, I’ll think of something. Let’s go.” Sophie huffed in dissatisfaction. But internally, she felt somewhat at peace, it’s nice having someone around.

“Rough work down there. But no entry to those not affiliated with the church.” A templar shook his head at the two.

“Well at least tell Eva-Evaline Rosengart that Sophie’s here about yesterday’s incident.” Sophie sighed.

“No can do, mam. The saints are not supposed to be bothered.” The man declined their generous offer.

Frustrated, Sophie moved to speak when Sophia held her back.

“Do you really want us to shout ‘Oh! Evaline Rosengart! Sophie is here to see you!’ out loud just to get her attention?” Sophia threatened.

The templar was unfazed, “Speaking like that to a church official could lead to serious repercussions.”

“S-sorry. My sister’s a bit aggressive.” Sophie quickly reigned her in.

“Sure she is.” The man dryly remarked, “Now if there isn’t anything else. Then you best-”

Sophie noticed her sister sucking in some air. But Sophie was too slow.

“Sophie is here!” Sophia cried out loud, her voice reaching not just the training room but likely the rest of Grats Hall.

Both the templar and Sophie looked in horror at her counterpart’s smug expression. For the briefest of moments, a small alliance was formed. Sophie clamped her hands around Sophia’s mouth and the templar helped restrain her in place.

“Mam!”

“Sophia, what the hells?”

The templar and Sophie exclaimed in shock. A hurried flutter of movement occurred from inside the training room and the door clicked open. The orcish inquisitor Sophie recognised from a while ago and Eva both burst through the door, followed by a guardian. Noticing the situation, Sophie managed an embarrassed nod as she released Sophia, the templar followed suit.

“What is the meaning of this?” The orc demanded.

Almost immediately, Sophie tensed up. She dropped into a defensive posture with her leg braced, ready to brawl if need be.

“Excuse us, my lords and lady saintess. This one was trying to make a scene and myself and her compatriot were trying to restrain her.” The templar kneeled.

“Ho, if it isn’t the little warrior.” The orc looked more amused than anything, “A twin too. I’ve only recently been appraised of this development. How strikingly strange.”

“That’s us.” Sophia crossed her arms.

“Sophie? Sophia?” Eva questioned.

“Eva.” The two replied in unison, though Sophie could feel her counterpart glaring at her. Sorry.

Sorry is not enough.

Sorry.

Okay, stop apologising and ask her before we get reprimanded.

“E-Eva. How are you? After everything?” Sophie managed to say.

“Oh.” Eva’s expression darkened, “I suppose I’m alright. But about yesterday…”

“It’s alright! I didn’t mean anything by what I said! We were just trying to make sure you had a way out.” Sophie hastily tried to reassure her.

“Ah, I figured. But ‘we’? So you two…”

“Guilty as charged.” Sophia interjected.

“Hah.” Eva let out a tired sigh. But in that instant, Sophie could see something flash across her face, an expression of almost disgust or hate. Yet, almost as soon as it arrived, it left, and Eva’s expression became more gentle once more. “In that case, many thanks to you both.”

What was that about?

“Much appreciated for saving the lady.” The orc nodded, “Though we could’ve handled it.”

“I’m sure.” Sophia snarkily remarked, “That’s why I didn’t see any of your folks getting involved for-ow!”

Sophie smacked her twin on the back of her head, “What my sister meant to say was, we were simply there to help my mistress.”

“Sophie.” Eva cooed.

“Eva.” Sophie bobbed her head.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Sophie beamed. But her smile faltered slightly at the sad glint within Eva’s eyes. Something is wrong. “What is it? Something the matter?” She asked.

“Huh? Ah, nothing. It’s alright.” Eva half heartedly grinned.

Ah! Of course! Eva loves her family. It must only be now setting in that she won’t get to see any of them for a year, at least.

“Don’t worry. It’ll be alright.” Sophie cheered, “You’re one of the most capable people I know!”

“Heh. Thanks, I think. But… but I think I still need some work. At least, when compared to you.”

“Huh?!” Sophie squeaked before bowing, “I am unworthy of your admiration.”

“Cheeky shit.” Eva managed to giggle a little, “But I’m fine, really.”

“That’s good! And-”

“If there’s nothing else.” The guardian finally spoke up, cutting Sophie off. “We should get back to things. Lord Inquisitor, Lady Saintess.”

Even the orc seemed a little miffed by his interruption of the moment but said nothing. Another bout of sadness flashed in Eva’s eyes but she nodded anyways. “Captain Lancaster is right. I should get back to training the others.”

“O-oh okay!” Sophie mumbled, “I’m glad you’re alright! See you later!”

“Cya Eva!” Sophia casually waved.

Eva waved back, “You just wait. I’ll be just as capable as you soon!”

Just like that, the posse returned to the training room, leaving the duo standing in front of the slightly confused templar.

“If that is all.” He repeated the guardian’s words.

Sophia sighed, “Sorry for the trouble. That’ll be all. C’mon Soph, let’s go.”

“I-”

“Sophie, let’s go.” Sophia tugged on her arm.

“Sorry.”

With that, their two goals had been accomplished. To train a bit more and to check up on Eva’s wellbeing. Yet that visit just left Sophie more uncertain of the future ahead. Eva had been unsatisfied or worried about something. But what?

A gentle snowfall tried in vain to coat the seas, each little crystal joining the never ending blue the moment it landed. The rougher crashing of light waves made Sophie a little wary, but there was a calm in the way the countless ships navigated the waters. Ferries came to and fro the Academy Isle; Arterian and Nautican naval ships patrolled the waters. Occasionally, large trade ships would cross the waters, their flags flying banners of other countries, even Carrador’s. Didn’t even know we owned ships. Being landlocked and everything.

It was a moment of unexpected serenity. Even if their faces grew increasingly chilled by the seaside air. After their encounter with Eva at Grats Hall, the two of them had a few hours to kill before either of them had any plans. Upon Sophia’s suggestion, Sophie followed her to a parapet on the walls that wasn’t patrolled by the academy guardians. Though initially reluctant, she had followed her counterpart and the two sat in silence simply admiring the landscape. The fear of being found out by a stray guardian still worried her, but Sophia had seemed so certain that she followed along. Sophie let out a heavy sigh, her mind slowly processing the myriad of thoughts that swirled within it.

She shivered from the cold, her lips getting chapped but she remained there. Sophia had said this would be a good spot for contemplations, some place she discovered within her first week of being here. Unfortunately for Sophie, without much outside distractions, she was left squarely to deal with her own thoughts.

Looking at her sibling, she felt conflicting emotions bubble to the surface. On one hand, Sophie was impressed at how daring her counterpart was, on the other she felt almost jealous. She isn’t afraid of pushing her weight around or causing a scene. Hells, even with the templar… that was certainly not what I would’ve done.

She knew that in combat, neither of their bravery would be questioned, that much was obvious from their time down in the deep. But outside of it, although Sophie was more comfortable now with people than ever, she still couldn’t conceal her worries as completely as her twin.

She also hated causing a scene or drawing attention to herself. Something that Sophia had no problem doing. At the same time, her counterpart was just as adept at fading into a crowd. So much so that she had no idea Sophia had even returned to drag her out of yesterday’s fiasco until she revealed herself.

To Sophie, it was clear that although Sophia was a clone. She had developed her own way of handling the world. A way that Sophie believed was far superior to her own tepid steps forward. Fuck, I guess I am a little jealous. Perhaps knowing that she couldn’t ever fatally perish gave Sophie an incentive to focus all her heroics in the fields of battle. But that left precious little for life outside of combat. Whereas Sophia had more courage facing people and other challenges within life. But hells, with the strange magical connection to Ary, I can’t afford to even fight like I can’t die anymore. Not least because it hurts Ary. So what do I even have left?

Looking at her gloved hands, she flexed her fingers and watched the curves of the wool wrinkle. She could feel the tension in the gloves, the slightest pull against her. For the strands of fabric, she imagined it was much like what she felt right now. The strange weight that tugged at the edges of the threads, not enough to make it snap, but tense.

Sophia seemed much the same, a more pensive if downright dour expression on her usually lively face. For Sophie, it was much like her times spent in ancient ruins or in the deep. She knew that something bad lay ahead, that the current calm was temporary. However, she didn’t know when or where that bad thing was, and that only made the wait worse. Especially after the heated confrontation yesterday. Since then, she had kept an eye out for who she was around, taking pains to not aggravate any dissatisfied elements of the Traxian or Carradorian student body.

She noticed the tension hanging in the air, the unspoken sensation that something could go wrong at any minute. Unease within the student body as it slowly builds up to a boiling point, on the cusp of overflowing but not quite yet. It was as if the peace around her was a small and fragile thing. To be protected lest it shattered.

“It’s frightening, isn’t it?” Sophia spoke up.

“Eh?”

“We don’t know what lies ahead. Did you see Eva today and yesterday? She was completely different from when we met before the semester started. Far more angry and worried. Like something inside her snapped.”

“Yeah…” Sophie grunted, “It’s almost like… she was afraid of something.”

“But what?”

“Indeed. That's the question to figure out.” Sophie sighed.

The two looked back out to the Sea of Sorrows, its waters uncaring of the ships that sailed upon its back. When their gazes met again, her counterpart nodded.

“And the protests too. Or whatever you want to call them yesterday. So much hate. Then the Traxians joined in. It’s going to get worse.” Sophia stated without much emotion.

“Why’s that?” Sophie asked, her voice lowering.

“Have you read the news?”

“No, but based on your tone, I can guess.” Sophie grimaced at the thought, “The war’s starting back up.”

“Yeah. No peace for the weary.” Sophia looked away, “It only gets worse from here.”

“There’ll be a target on our backs. I’m sorry.” Sophie lowered her head.

“It’s fine. I expected as much when you insisted on bailing Eva out. People were bound to talk about the strange half elven twins anyway. Heh.” Sophia grinned.

“Heh.” Sophie joined in.

“But… you need to be doubly careful. You’ve got to watch over Ary too. They’re going to put two and two together at some point and she might get caught in the crossfire. Not to mention her tribespeople in the academy.”

“Fuck. I forgot about them.” Sophie swore, a wave of guilt flooding her as she had barely even thought about the presence of the wildlings at the academy. All because it didn’t directly affect me.

“Every week.” Sophia declared.

“Huh?”

“We train. Every week. For your sake and mine.”

“I… that works.” Sophie agreed.

“Good. Then write a letter.”

“A… what?”

“A letter. Write it to the church, ask after Taurox, see if he’s around. If he is, try to get him to work with you. With us. Outside of official channels.”

“I… how the hells am I supposed to do that? He’s a blademaster, not just a warrior. He has responsibilities and-”

“And nothing. It'll take at least a month before anything might even happen. Until then, we keep going at at. Besides, you have a dwarven friend in the city who’s suspiciously well connected, I’d ask him if anything. Or just ask him if there’s someone willing to take in some half elves for students.” Sophia chuckled dryly, “The Academy’s good for learning the basics. But I think you and I both feel like it won’t be enough, am I right?”

“Yeah. About right.”

Sophia walked over and rested a hand on her shoulder, a melancholic but grim expression etched onto her face.

“Write it in the next hour. Then go to the city and find Karzan. I’ll explain to Ary why you’re late.”

Alarmed, Sophie frowned, “Why the sudden urge to get this over with so fast?”

“Hmm, how do I explain this?” Sophia looked even more downcast, “The Mistress of Shadow hasn’t bothered me since the deep, true to her word. But I can feel that something is amiss, that even the shadows around us are nervous about something. And whatever it is, that feeling alone worries me too.”

“So… a gut feeling?”

Sophia almost managed to laugh, her mood lightening up for a split second, “Yeah, I guess it’s a gut feeling. Sorry if I can’t-”

“It’s alright, I believe you.” Sophie stood up and clasped her shoulder in return, “And just for the record, I think you won the bout.” She shot Sophia a smile and started walking away.

“H-huh? What? Wait! You can’t just change the subject like that! Hey!” Sophia spluttered and bounded to her side.

“Maybe. I even had a whole argument and planned to debate you! But alas, someone said to write a letter to a templar blademaster in an hour. Figured I’d need a few extra minutes to make it not shit.” Sophie teased.

“I-hey!”

Sophie found a small amount of delight at her counterpart’s presence, but in truth, it was her words that had hit deeper. Sophie could feel those same worries too, and she knew that she needed to be prepared. If this could help, then she would do it. She would do everything to keep those she cared about safe. And Eva… I’ll find out what’s wrong and fix it. You just wait, mistress.