---

Darcia straightened himself, hardened eyes staring at Boursault after the crude words and the suggested fighting style. Antonis frowned as he and the others looked between the two, all knowing there had been history with them.

"Very well." Darcia said before the large wolf rose onto his hind legs, which transformed into the structure of a furre's as the change in his body and features shifted smoothly, as though there were nothing to it.

An older looking wolf stood in the midst of the crowd, a streak of gray fur on either cheek and brows set low over his eyes, giving the intense gaze through golden eyes. He seemed to be in his later forties but was well built, his chest wide and stature without flaw. His black hair with a few gray streaks was short, drawn back with a few strands falling to the sides of his forehead.

Antonis examined the man, not helping but think how similar he looked to Murdoc. If that wolf had become dangerously brutal in his later years.

"Give me a sword." Darcia's voice rumbled darkly, causing a few to stiffen just hearing it. "And I will show this leader humiliation."

---

Shaken awake, Aidan's eyes forcefully opened but couldn't focus yet, staring blankly ahead. Suddenly he heard Voltrick cry, lowering his ears sadly as his gaze lifted. His vision clearing, he saw Voltrick's head bowed just across his neck, seeing wet streaks down his face. His hand moved, touching Voltrick's cheek, palm pressing harder as though to dry the tears.

"...Don't cry." Aidan said before turning his head, nuzzling his head against Voltrick's arm and chest, lowering his hand finding the warmth soothing. "...I just need help...then I'll be all better." he smiled somewhat, lowering his eyelids again in a daze, "All better--Don't cry. I don't like it when you cry. It's sad. I don't want--" Aidan's voice trailed off like his thoughts, scattering around as the pain mingled his head. Also the exhaustion....what Aidan would give to just sleep right here against Voltrick. Secretly, he closed his eyes, sighing softly against Voltrick's chest, thinking he could at least rest his eyes for a few moments.

Voltrick lightly tightened his arms around Aidan and tightened his eyes as Aidan's voice continued to weaken. "I'll get you some help..." Voltrick's voice trembled to Aidan before tear soaked eyes opened and looked up to Debalora in front of him and Aidan. A desperate look was on his face, but as he saw her more sorrow came upon him.

Debalora was the only one close who close enough to help him, but she couldn't. She was already draining herself too much with the fire. Voltrick looked back down to Aidan, who had closed his eyes again. Voltrick's body tensed as his chin trembled. "Please stay awake. I can get you some help, just hold on a little longer." Voltrick's voice was desperate. Aidan needed to be healed now and with Debalora unable to help, he didn't know who was left to help. He was sure any doctors left were in that basement, but right now... Voltrick will accept anyone's help. He'd even accept help from Denzel, but not even a traitorist dog was here for him.

----

General Boursault smirked with a low chuckle as he saw the noble transform himself. His horse impatiently stomped a hoof and shook its head with a grunt. "I'll never figure out why anyone of your kind was welcomed amongst us. The Eye of Michael forbids any use of magics, spells, or ..unnatural acts against God. Yet a creature as yourself commanded us, a crime against everything we stand for... Your mere existence is an insult." The wolf coyly said, shifting his gaze to the soldiers infront of himself and around Darcia and Antonis. The soldiers were fearful, but they would attack if they were ordered to.

"Kill them." The black wolf quickly said, keeping his spiteful gaze down toward the mutts.

By the general's command, the soldiers around Darcia and Antonis held up their swords and quickly moved towards them to attack.

As the soldiers moved in, Boursault quickly backed up his horse. But as the horse moved, a flaming arrow struck the horse's hind quarters. The horse whined wildly and reared back in panic.

Boursault desperately tried to regain control of the horse, but was knocked back and fell to the ground before the horse ran off in a panicked cry.

The arrow was shot by a Faholgan soldier charging forward along with a group of soldiers. The Faholgan army was gaining ground fast with General Draco's shouts echoing over the field.

---

Debalora groaned as she exerted more and more energy from herself to the fire. Her entire body was strained painfully, giving more than she was able to force out. And with her efforts, she over heard and saw Voltrick and Aidan next to her.

She wanted to heal Aidan. Someone had to save him and heal his pain. Aidan tried to help the people within the cathedral, and now he lay dying because of the cruelty and malice of the soldiers. But Debalora couldn't pull herself away from the fire. She had to save the people within the cathedral and the mansion... There was no one else who could.

Maybe... if she increased the power into the fire... Debalora could use the fire as a sort of healing aura. Just like the time she did with her friends a long time ago. ..Before Vincent, even before she found Debbreh again. The fire wasn't of this size but, the fire was used as a catalyst to heal everyone inside it.

Aidan needed her help and so did the people within the cathedral and mansion. Aidan was one person and Debalora could easily chose to only help the people. But Debalora couldn't live with herself if she did. She refused to let anyone else die... even if it meant more from her.

"No..." Debbreh approached and moved her face closer to Debalora's side. "Don't even think about it. You can barely handle this amount of power as it is. How do you expect to heal him as well?!"

A sorrow quickly filled Debalora as she weakly turned her head to face Debbreh. "I..." She winced. "I have to try.."

"I'll go find a doctor, a healer! You can can only do so much!" Debbreh's tone started to sound desperate. As uncaring as she would like to appear to be, Debbreh loved her sister. Debalora has held more faith in Debbreh than anyone else, she couldn't lose that. "I care for him too, and I now see how much he matters to everyone here. But you cant force yourself to use too much of your power."

"You cant..." Debalora sadly turned back to the cathedral. "When the fire is sustained, you have to go in and get the people out. ...I can save them and Aidan." Debalora turned back to Debbreh with a raised, emotional brow. "I couldn't save everyone else... Don't take away the only chance to save those who can still be saved."

Debbreh's features softened and raised her brow worriedly before looking over toward Voltrick and Aidan, Voltrick desperately holding Aidan in his arms. "This isn't my choice..." Debbreh said quietly and looked back to Debalora. "What would you have me do?"

"The light has purified the fire enough..." Debalora took a weak breath. "Get them out."



----

Even with the gentle shakes Voltrick did with his arms, Aidan was silent, his eyes remaining closed as he breathed gently. At times he would tense, gritting his teeth with a strained expression, emitting a small cry every time the pain stung his side like fire. He didn't feel like he could bare with it any longer...no, he couldn't think that. Voltrick has always gone through worse pain than himself. He'll be strong like him...he'll handle it.

Aidan forced his eyes open with a squint, keeping himself from being tempted to sleep again. He found it was incredibly hard.

---

"To know a coward killed my kin is a disgrace unmentionable in any realm." Darcia said calmly as he held one soldier by the throat, holding him in a choke as he briskly took the held sword away. With a quickened stab, the soldier fell to the ground as others bounded towards himself and Antonis.

"How sad it is to know that the sense of honor has been lost after so many generations after the Nobles dwindled." he continued, beheading a cat who had ran up to him with a spear, grabbing hold of it and throwing it into the chest of another as Darcia gradually made his way closer and closer to Boursault in his rhetoric. Soon the soldiers began to avoid him, pushing back as sense began to settle within them. Boursault had sent them against the Noble...but the wolf only wanted the general. Boursault had also been unfair with them in a general sense of disgust. He ordered them to attack two cities in such a short amount of time with barely any food. And even when the Faholgalan army charged, he insisted fighting a lost battle.

This all became clear to the soldiers surrounding as they glanced at one another, a settlement of doubt coming over them. Before long, two soldiers even parted the way before Darcia, letting him through to get to Boursault, some canines even lowering their head submissively in respect. A Noble was their ancestor...and to kill one was...even mutinous.

Antonis stood as the rest of them did, watching the scene unfold between the two foes as Boursault rose to his feet, glaring around him seeing the soldiers stand still.

"What are you doing, you fools!? You received an order! I'll have your heads for this!" he barked before his eyes widened as Darcia came before him.

"...You are mistaken, Boursault. Nobles has had an agreement with the Eye of Michael, however, you broke your own beloved regulations when you killed two packs on the Til Mountains." Darcia said in a strangely calm manner, causing the wolf to gulp, attempting a step back. He felt some of the soldiers look at him in surprise to this news. "In everything, you are the traitor. A heretic. A vessel of unauthorized deeds and I find it repulsive to even look at you."

Boursault sneered, grabbing his sword, holding it before Darcia threateningly, "And what will you do about that?" he tested, readying himself for a fight.

Darcia glanced down at the tip of the sword as though it were some strange and interesting item on display. "...I will not do anything," he finally said, stepping back and turning away, "I will allow your 'men' to follow through with what they do with heretics such as yourself."

The general stared at Darcia with widened eyes before they turned to the soldiers around him. What he saw caused his chest to tighten. Some were turned away with sneers on their faces, as though everything had been wasted on nothing. Others were in thought...but most were looking at him...with disappointment and anger.

"Don't listen to what he says! He allied himself with that dog, Antonis! Have you all forgotten that he is the most wanted traitor?!

"--at least he never lost a fight like this--" a voice in the crowd grumbled.

Boursault turned his head swiftly, "Who said that?!"

"--Things were a lot simpler with the Antonis..."

"--Hah hah! Look at 'im. Starting to break out in a sweat--" one laughed.

Others followed, joining the chorus of jeers against their own general. Boursault stiffened, glancing around as he soon found he wasn't in any position of control. Even if he shouted orders, none would promptly be followed. He clutched his sword, glowering as he felt this humiliation until his eyes set on the white dog with the red hair.

"...You--" he hissed, as he saw Antonis staring back at him with quiet features.

---

Debbreh pulled her hood further over her head as she looked at Debalora in worry. Debbreh couldn't predict the future or make any kind of prophesy of what may or may not happen, but the felt the horrible feeling that... Debbreh lowered her brow and turned toward the cathedral. A heavy breath was realised before running through the broken doorway and into the white fire.

A weak groan escaped as Debalora pushed more power into the fire, closing her eyes tightly and lowered her head exhaustedly. The pain in her shoulder throbbed, only growing as her body strained to keep the light flowing. Debalora's eyes winced heavily as she turned to see Voltrick and Aidan again, narrowing as exhaustion began to take its toll.

Aidan was dying, and the people within the cathedral and mansion would have the same fate if she gave up. But would she be able to hold it long enough for everyone to get out? She only had so much energy left, how could she expect to hold it long enough... or even exert even more power to save Aidan as well?

Debalora now faced a choice. For years, she choose a peaceful life; staying at home and giving up the life she left behind by hiding her power from others. But did others suffer because of that choice? Was it her place to decide whether to continue fighting or stay with her family? And if it was her place to decide, what would the consequences be?

Debalora knew what the consequences were the day they found the town, the town she grew up in, that was destroyed and everyone killed. She knew the consequences the day Brandon was taken and Voltrick forced to become a monster. Could she have done more to help or even prevent those she loved from dying?

She had lost so much and so many. She felt helpless as everything was taken away and there was nothing she could have done to make it better.

Debalora's eyes widened slighlty as he brow raised sadly again; looking from Voltrick and Aidan to the mansion and then finally to the cathedral before her. She did have a choice, just like every other time but failed to act when everyone needed her most. The choice to do what can be done and hope everything works out... or do what MUST be done regardless of what happens, even if it meant sacrificing everything she had to protect the ones she loved. And Debalora didn't want to lose anyone else.

A hard gaze soon came upon the cat's face, narrowing her eyes and lowering her brow sternly. Her teeth grit hard, taking heavy breaths as her entire body stiffened as she summoned every once of strength she had; groaning frustratedly.

As Debalora's groans grew louder, the light emanating from her hands quickly grew brighter as the fire around both the cathedral and mansion became consumed in white and glowed even brighter.

Debalora could feel her body losing the battle to keep the flow moving, but she could not stop. No matter what happened to her, she had to keep the power flowing. Her groans soon turned to an aggressive yell; giving everything as the pains of over exhaustion consumed her entire body. It felt as if every muscle within her was burning in pain and any feeling of comfort or relaxing leaving her through her hands.

The flames of the fire shined more brightly and grew as more power coursed through it; now illuminating the entire city as if the sun, itself, had given all of its light into the mansion and cathedral. Anyone within the flame or around it also began to slowly heal from any inflicted wounds. It wouldn't heal as fast as if Debalora had touched them personally since she was expanding her power to heal and purify an entire area, but fast enough to visibly see the wound heal.

---

"Ten men to the mansion! The rest of you with me!" Viggo ordered as he ran up the road towards the cathedral. "The people are trapped in there we have to get them all out before...!" Viggo's pace was suddenly halted as he approached the cathedral, his men promptly stopping behind him and sheilding their eyes from the growing light.

Viggo stared at the white fire in shock before lowering his gaze to see where it came from. His eyes widened to see Debalora as the source and using her power on the fire. "What is she doing to the fire?..."

----

Within the cathedral, Debbreh frantically searched through the debris for the basement door. She had never been in any kind of cathedral before and didn't exactly know what to look for... until she saw a large chunk from the cathedral's stone wall that had crashed into the ground and against the back wall.

A snarl appeared as she rushed over towards it. Seeing the broken door it blocked, Debbreh quickly used all of her strength to move the stone. After moving it slightly, she faced her back to the side of it and used her legs to push back against the stone and slowly moved it from the door way and allowed it to crash against the ground.

A stressed look was on her face as she rushed to the door and kicked her boot to break away the wood of the door. As she did so, the white fire quickly grew brighter and shown past her and into the basement.

Murdoc winced as the light flowed inside the basement suddenly, squinting as a hand moved to shield his eyes, seeing a figure inside. It was ironic such a sight was inside a cathedral. And that light...he's seen and felt it before. That woman...Debalora...He quickly got to his feet, moving towards the others who have gotten up themselves and came to Gordan.

"Come on. Hold my shoulder." he said, moving Gordan's arm over his shoulders, lifting the boy up. Then he looked to the civilians who began to quickly became weary as the light shone through.

"Anyone who wants to live will go through the door!" He said before turning, carrying himself and Gordan towards the figure blocking the doorway.

---

Vincent squinted as the light grew brighter until he could even feel the burst of energy and warmth fill inside him. They had first seen it on the roof, deducting that it was Debalora and promptly began to run towards the cathedral. But then this...Vincent had never seen such power...it was even too much.

His features dawned on worry as he broke into a run again, surprising Aeth at first before following.

---

A warmth washed over his body and at first he was frightened, believing it was from another source until his eyes lowered. He saw his wound beneath his torn shirt, the bleeding had slowly stopped, small pieces of flesh beginning to mend. Aidan looked past Voltrick, finally able to see Debalora with her hands stretched out towards the cathedral, light surrounding her.

Aidan's head pressed back against Voltrick, closing his eyes in exhaustion as breathing became easier to do. He was thankful for every breath. Although his wound healed, his blood loss could not be regained so easily. He still couldn't move, his mind seeming to twirl inside as his eyelids lowered dizzily.

A hand moved, taking hold of Voltrick's vest weakly, looking up to him. "...Voltrick...you have to help the others." he said, brows lifting up in worry, "Gordan's inside--"

By that time, Vincent and Aeth arrived at the scene, the mouse staring in near horror at what was happening. The cathedral looked like it was consumed in a white fire, so did the mansion as he saw Debalora's arm extend to each.

"Debalora!" he shouted, his eyes in a constant squint to the light as he came closer to her.

Aeth moved in another direction, recognizing the two on the ground with the tiger huddled over the cat. Arriving before them, Aeth lowered to a knee, examining Aidan's condition.

In the field, Draco fought upon his steed with his sword clashing against a ministry's sword and quickly struck him down before a faint light made him turn towards the city. The old dog's eye widened to see the largest fires quickly become white and grow brighter, illuminating not only the city but the field before it.

The sounds of swords clashing and shouts from the soldiers quickly died down as each man turned, their faces reflecting the white light of the bright fire.

Boursault fearfully crawled back away from the soldiers approaching him, a vicious, defensive snarl on his face. "You are soldiers of the Eye of Michael and I am your general. You WILL do as I command!" He shouted in panic, his hand tightly raising his sword.

Before the soldiers would have attacked, the bright light reflected from the General's face forced every soldier to turn around and look back toward the city. Boursault's entire body tensed as he watched the light grow.

The entire field went silent before fear and realization struck both armies. Some continued to watch, more looked to each other in confusion, but most of the ministry's army was struck with fear; turning and attempting to run back toward the forest.

As afraid of the light as Boursault was, he knew he had to use this as a way to escape. His features hardened as he looked to the distracted soldiers around him before he scrambled to his feet and started to run with the fearful soldiers toward the forest.

----

Debbreh quickly made her way into the basement, her hood falling to her back before she was able to see everyone inside. Her gaze quickly trailed to Murdoc, who was helping Gordan. "We have to hurry everyone out." Debbreh said to Murdoc, but loud enough for everyone to hear. "Debalora has purified the flame to get everyone out, but she cant hold it for very long."

---

Voltrick sunk down as the light grew increasingly brighter, trying to sheild his eyes from the light hurting his eyes. Narrowed eyes barely saw Debalora before him as she forced out so much power at once... he didn't even know that she was capable of so much. And to have it not hurt him was strange in itself.

The tiger's gaze quickly lowered back to Aidan as he moved. His brow raised emotionally to see him show signs of recovering. He was obviously still weak, but as Voltrick looked to his wound, the bleeding had stopped and began to slowly heal. He'll be okay... Voltrick gave a relieved smile over his worried features.

After Aidan spoke and told Voltrick to go help, Voltrick gave a silent nod before looking around himself. He couldn't leave Aidan alone like this, not so weak. Someone had to stay with him, Voltrick wouldn't allow Aidan to...

A familiar face revealed itself through the bright light and approached Voltrick and Aidan. At first, Voltrick wanted to turn him away.. But realizing the situation was far more important than his own distrust, Voltrick gave a hard stare to the dog before speaking sternly. "Don't leave him alone."

After hesitantly allowing Aeth to help Aidan, Voltrick quickly turned towards the white cathedral and stood to run inside.

----

Debalora's white eyes weakly raised to see the white fire completely consume the fire and illuminate it brightly. It was working... The pain from losing so much energy, coursed through her. Her entire body trembled uncontrollably the more she exerted herself and became more weakened. Her breathing became panted as she grit her teeth tightly. Everything within her told her to stop, the pain even feeling as if it was some invisible forcing trying to pull her arms down. But she couldn't. She knew in order to save everyone inside she had to hold it and force more and more from herself.

A faint voice called her name beyond the loud rush of fire and the force of her power. Debalora's brow raised sadly, unable to turn or move to see who it was. The distance voice had some familiarity, but if it was someone she knew.... Sadly, she knew they would be trying to stop her like Debbreh tried to.

She couldn't stop, not until everyone was out and safe from the fire. But... she was weak... and the overwhelming pain within her consumed her more than anything she had ever experienced.

---

Murdoc nodded, eying those inside before swiftly moving out past Debbreh, taking Gordan with him. At first he avoided the white fire, but after one licked his arm, was surprised to find it didn't cause any harm. Manuevering past broken stones and the debris of the cathedral, Murdoc finally made his way outside, the cold air stinging his lungs. He suddenly realized that he had been holding his breath the entire way unconsciously. Others followed behind him, scattering across the courtyard while shielding their eyes. The light was so brilliant.

Vincent hurried, up to them, moving to the other side of Gordan to help him up and the other civilians.

Voltrick passed them, leaving Aeth to hold Aidan. Seeing the strain on Aidan's features from the bright light, Aeth removed his coat, placing it carefully over Aidan and his face. The poor thing was shivering too. Aeth trailed his gaze along the ground, seeing the pool of blood streaming between the cracks of the stone ground. Curiously, Aeth lifted a part of Aidan's shirt where the blood soaked and found that the wound was healing gradually. Suspicious eyes rose to the woman responsible.

---

Boursault reached the forest, panting heavily as he moved to grasp a tree, his hands shaking in anxiety. He barely escaped! Those traitors would have gutted him! He had to return to the Ministry...report to the Mistress!

The wolf moved away from the tree, gaining a second wind as he moved to run, but stopped with a scream as something sharp pierced into his leg, causing him to fall face down on the ground. He moved, pushing himself up slightly to look back, eyes widening as he saw the huge Noble release the leg, standing at full height.

"Run. I enjoy catching my prey."

Beads of sweat dripped down his face as Boursault grit his teeth, staring in horror before he fumbled to an unbalanced stand, running deeper in the forest with an injured leg. Arms swung back and forth as he ran, after a while looking back and found the noble wasn't following. He couldn't see anything in the dark forest, tripping over a log but continued to run. He could get away! Maybe he lost hi--

There was a barked snarl to his right and before he could turn to look, Darcia leapt on top of him, tearing the muscles out of his arms, clawing the wolf's stomach amongst the screaming, making it a long, painful death.

"Go inside and help get the rest out!" Viggo commanded as he and his men ran up to the brightly lit cathedral. As the soldiers ran inside, Viggo looked up with a narrowed gaze; seeing the fire reach high into the sky. He then looked, as much as his eyes allowed, toward Debalora, who's hands shined just as brightly as the fire she was somehow changing to white.

---

"Antonis!" Draco called out as he rode up to Antonis on his horse. "I'm relieved to see you alive." he continued after halting his horse before Antonis. "What is causing that light within the city?!"

---

As more time passed, the white flame began to dull in brightness; the flames themselves calming to a soft glow.

Debalora found it increasingly harder to breath, losing more strength than her body could handle. The pain coursing through her increased unbearably and forced a loud, pained groan. "Stop the fire... Stop the fire" She quietly, but weakly said; trying to motivate herself to keep going even though everything told her to stop. "You have... to save... " Her voice quietly gasped as her arms slowly lowered.

The light and flow of power emanating from her hands slowly dispersed as Debalora's hands weakly fell to her sides. Debalora slowly turned to see those around herself, her breaths slow and wheezed. Before she could do or say anything, her last tiny bit of strength left her weakened and pained body and Debalora fell limply to the ground.

The white fire quickly disapated as Debalora fell; disappearing and fading away into nothing. The cathedral and mansion quickly darkened as the fire put itself out, leaving only the fires of the torches and other smaller fires to light the area.

"Miss Debalora!" Viggo shouted in surprise and ran to the fallen cat after she hit the ground. He tried to move her, but as his arm and hand touched the metal armor she wore, Viggo pulled his arm back; the skin nearly burning to the heat from the metal.

---

Orange hues narrowed as they turned back to the city, watching as a white streak traveled up into the sky. Around Antonis, the soldiers stared in wonderment, never seeing such a thing in their lives. And in some way, it made them all feel small.

Antonis moved his gaze as Draco rode up to him. He withheld the sigh of relief, remembering that he had to thank Draco somehow. "It must be Debalora," he answered, looking back, "The light is similar to her abilities."

"S-Sir?"

Turning, Antonis found a feline soldier stepping forward, ears lowered in a submissive way...almost ashamed. The dog only looked at him with some curiosity before the cat took that moment to continue, bowing his head respectively.

"I...I have served under your name in the battle of Rena and..." the cat bit his lip, finding the words as others behind him had lowered their gazes in a similar fashion. "Er..."

"Out with it." Antonis commanded, causing the cat to stiffen his shoulders, straightening himself immediately with his hands at his sides. "Sir! It would be an honor to serve you again!"

Now that came as a surprise to Antonis, staring at the soldier in slight perplexity. Looking behind, Antonis saw the mass of soldiers look amongst themselves in agreement.

"Many of us has served you as our General and...if I may be at ease, sir, what that Noble said was right. There hasn't been any honor in our actions ever since you left. They even told us you were dead! There's rumors you led a rebellion. I'll join it! This--" the cat turned his head, looking at the white lights of the city, "--This is beyond us..."

Antonis frowned as he listened, considering the words as his gaze trailed to those surrounding him. They watched on, unsure of the outcome. True they had served him...but they were also told that he was a traitor and a criminal to the Ministry. "...Do you speak for everyone?" Antonis asked, meaning it to be rhetorical.

"No, sir! But there are those who share the same feelings!"

"Tell me. How can I trust you?" Antonis said, looking at the feline sternly. The soldier paused, lowering his eyes in consideration before his teeth visibly clutched together, moving his hand over the patch of cloth that held the Ministry's symbol. Briskly, he tore it from his chest, lifting it in a fist above his head, turning to the other soldiers.

"Any man seen with the Ministry's symbol will be tracked and gutted like a fish!" he shouted before throwing the patch of cloth onto the ground, stomping on it under his boot. "The Great General has just asked whether he can trust us! What do we say, men!?" There was a roar of shouts as the soldiers surrounding cried out, waving their weapons in the air before tearing off their own patches. Those who refused were taken away by the rebels and thus began a movement of an army against itself, flowing out gradually throughout until reaching where the fight was brought against the Faholgal soldiers.

The feline turned, grinning broadly as he straightened himself before Antonis again, as though he couldn't be happier with the situation. Antonis quirked a brow at him, suppressing his own amused smile as he looked around, watching as the rebels took prisoners from their own ranks...he even saw Colonel Reeves dragged somewhere.

"What is your name?" Antonis asked.

"Captain Lance, sir!"

Antonis glanced to Draco before he took another look at the field, seeing the battle between the Faholgal and Ministry begin to settle as the rebels took over in a storm. "You have a way with words."

"I was learning to be a literate before I was taken to the Ministry, sir."

"Well it seems you've successfully taken Reeves' job. Congratulations."

Lance stared a bit dumbfounded. "...Sir?"

"I expect all prisoners to be alive and accounted for and if there is any question with the Faholgal army, follow their orders in obedience, Colonel Lance."

"Y-Yes, sir!" Colonel Lance exclaimed, even saluting in his excitement, hitting off his helmet. "Leave it to me!" Antonis watched as the cat turned, nearly running into another soldier the first two steps before disappearing among the men. The dog finally was alone to make a face, turning somewhat to think to himself as a look of pure confusion appeared.

What just happened?

---

Murdoc still held onto Gordan as Vincent approached, looking back to find everyone running out amongst the white flames. And then suddenly, everything went dark. This caught Vincent's attention, who looked back, watching Debalora stand unbalanced in a daze.

And then things seemed to go slow. It felt like an eternity as he watched Debalora fall to the ground, and another decade for him to move his feet, shifting to run to her.

Someone got there before him, seeing the cougar reach for her but quickly withdrew his hand. By then, Vincent dropped to Debalora's side, panting as he hovered his hands over her, hearing the metal army hiss in heat.

"...Deba...?"

Draco arched a brow and gave a smirk down to Antonis after everything happened before him and saw the look of confusion on Antonis' face. An old chuckle was heard before he spoke to Antonis. "It seems you have more on your side than you thought, ...General Antonis." The old dog sheathed his sword as he looked towards the city as the white light quickly died down. "Captain Smith..." Draco said as he kept a serious gaze toward the city. "Alert the troops the battle is won and to regroup before the west gate of the city. None of the ministry soldiers are to be killed, make that point perfectly clear to them."

"Yes, Sir." Smith responded with a short nod.

"Send the healers into the city." Draco added before looking to Antonis. "Helping the people are our first priority."

Smith gave another nod before turning around to perform his assigned tasks.

---

A surprised look was on Gordan's face as he looked up to see Vincent approach. He thought Vincent was long gone before the battle even started. But now, Vincent was here helping everybody. Was he here fighting too?

Viggo's eyes darted up to Vincent as he came near and to Deba's side. With the way the mouse acted, Viggo could easily tell he knew her. Could this be the Vincent that everyone had been talking about before? The one who had died and come back to life.. only to leave right after coming back?

The captain lowered his brow and disregarded any curiosities he had about the mouse before looking back to Debalora, the armor at her shoulder and chestplate still hissed with heat. "We need to get the armor off of her." Viggo quickly said before unstrapping the armor, careful not to touch the actual metal.

Voltrick was the last person to leave the cathedral after making sure everyone was out of the basement and into the street. A hard look was on his face as he looked around, first looking down the road toward the mansion, which appeared to be emptied of the people trapped within it as well with the help of the Faholgan soldiers.

The tiger's gaze then turned forward toward the people infront of the cathedral. His gaze first went to Aidan with Aeth still with him, but then it trailed to everyone else.

Aside from a select few, who were helpng with children and moving around, everyone faced the same way up the road. Worried and concerned looks scattered across the people who watched what happened before them.

Turning to see what everyone looked at, Voltrick quickly turned his head and widened his eyes in shock. Debalora had fallen to the ground and wasn't moving with Viggo and someone else kneeling next to her. He at first couldn't tell who the second man was until the mouse turned his head slighlty, still looking down at Debalora.

"Vincent?" Voltrick muttered almost silently to himself in unbelief. He... came back...

Debalora held a strained look upon her face as she was moved lightly to get her armor off. Her eyes remained closed and wouldn't move, even as her name was gently called by Vincent.

---

Antonis smirked up to Draco for a moment before his eyes trailed back to the city, the light having gone out suddenly in a flash. He knew it was Debalora...the others were inside and he wanted...so badly to check on them.

A heavy sigh escaped as he looked up to Draco quietly, "I have to stay here and tend to, what appears to be, my new recruits." he paused, thinning his lips slightly. Honestly, it was only Draco he could have a heart to heart with. "...I wonder what's happening..."

---

Vincent didn't care about those who had begun to surround Debalora, or the fact that the armor was still searing hot. Just as Viggo loosened the straps, Vincent sucked his cry as his hands took hold of the breastplate, quickly swinging it over Debalora and throwing it to the side. He took a glance at it after it landed, seeing the metal almost melt to the ground as though some aura around Debalora were keeping it together.

His fingertips felt burned off as he took hold of Debalora, lifting her upper body and and rested her head against his arms. "Deba..." he whispered, looking at his wife's face. His features pained gently, letting out a sigh, "Why did you do something so stupid?"

Aeth watched the scene with a quiet expression, still holding Aidan against him. He had removed the coat from over Aidan's face after the light disappeared, covering the rest of Aidan with it. Soon he lowered his gaze, finding the cat turning his head weakly from side to side, trying to open his eyes.

"Is...Are they okay?" Aidan asked, his eyes still barely opened. Aeth moved a hand, turning Aidan's head towards him, careful not to let the cat see the worrying scene in front of them.

"Yes, yes. They're fine." he lied.

"...You're...Vincent's...friend..." Aidan muttered dreamily.

Aeth watched as Aidan quickly fell back into unconsciousness, frowning as he noticed the way he fought to stay awake. Soon the dog reached under and picked Aidan up, coming to a stand as a final glance was given to the crowd, especially when he found Vincent in the center. He then turned away, carrying Aidan to some remote place where the cat could rest.

Viggo's brow raised as he quietly watched Debalora and Vincent. He sighed quietly, a burdened breath released. There was nothing to say now, nothing comforting he could do.

Whatever Debalora did, saved everyone within the fires of the city. But what she did came at a price. Viggo saw this and bowed his head. He then unsheathed his sword to place its tip to the ground and the blade infront of his face to show respect.

Debalora made no effort against Vincent as he lifted her. Her head limply rested upon his arm, her face directed toward Vincent. She was breathing, but very weakly and quiet enough to barely tell if she was breathing at all. The strain on her face never left as she faced him. Not even the comfort of being held in Vincent's arms, something she would have fought anything for, could wake her.

Following Viggo's lead, the soldiers amongst the crowd unsheathed their swords and kneeled to show their respect.

Vincent held his breath as he tenderly motioned Debalora's head, tilting her maw to face up to him, examining her face. She was breathing...but she looked so hurt. Vincent squinted his eyes emotionally as he let out a quick breath, moving his arms to hold her tighter.

Suddenly he heard movement around him, looking up and found the crowd of people beginning to bow to pay their respects. Did they think she was dead? "...Don't do that." he whispered, flattening his ears as he gazed back down to her. She was alive...she'll get better! Why were they doing this?! Acting as if she had passed?!

"Don't do that!" he shouted, glaring up to the others as he clutched his wife to him protectively. Vincent didn't realize the tears in his eyes. "She'll be fine! You can thank her yourself after she wakes up!" he yelled. He truly believed it, but the way he said it was pathetic. He lowered his head again, shutting his eyes. Debalora gave everything for these people...and was it worth it?

Was this how she felt when he left?

He was finally holding her in his arms...but he never wanted it to be like this. No one should ever want this helpless feeling.

Vincent rose with Debalora in his arms, all the while looking down at her as he turned, muttering gentle things to her as he walked. Two men parted the path, letting Vincent go through. She needed a bed to rest. He'll take care of her. He had to make up for lost time.