Author Notes:

This one is rather hard for me, so sorry if it seems odd. Please enjoy and remember, Borders is the root of all problems.

Disclaimer: I don't own Ace Combat.

I watched as his latest victim hit the floor from another flurry of punches to the nose. I looked at the rest of them, some were knocked out cold while the other were writhing in pain on the ground. A big part of me wanted to check on them, to make sure they're okay, but I was told not to move from where I was standing.

I looked at the one that gave me the order, a boy around my age. He's wearing a hoodie with the hood up. He's currently facing away from me, standing between me and his supposed last victim for today, another boy several years older than us.

"I've warned you to stay away from her," he said.

"Y-you can't tell me what to do! I'm the king around here!" his victim said, trying to act tough. He may succeeded if he's not trembling.

The boy didn't say anything in response, instead moving a step closer to him. The older boy took a step back. I can hear a chuckle from the hooded boy. He stared at his would-be victim, who look more and more distressed by the second.

"I wonder, have you ever eaten an eyeball?" he asked suddenly, catching me and his victim by surprise.

"What?"

"An eyeball. That squishy thing you use to see things. Did you ever eat that?"

"N-no."

"Do you want to?"

"Of course not! Why would I even… why would you even asked that?!"

"See, I planned to feed you yours the next time you or your lackey bully her. I wanted to make sure you didn't see the would-be punishment as a treat first," he said flatly, as if what he said was what a 6 years old normally said. His victim looked as if he's just a breath away from fainting.

"Y-you… you—." He was cut off by a punch to the eye, knocking him out.

I can only watched dumbly throughout the exchange. Just a few minutes ago, I was being picked on by the recently unconscious boy and his friends. Now they're all on the ground, obviously hurt. I feel tears rolled down my cheeks. I don't want this to happen. My saviour quickly turned around when he realised I was crying.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice is as flat as ever.

"They… they…"

"They deserved it."

"But… I… I don't want them to get hurt."

"These guys were bullying you. Don't tell me you feel pity for them."

"They suffered because of me."

"They brought this upon themselves."

"They… they'll never do that if I did what you told me to."

"It will only make things worse because they'll end up bullying the two of you."

I kept quiet, I don't know what else to do. He noticed this and wiped the tears off my face. I feel my body tensing up, he never done this before.

"Even if you were to stay at home, it won't stop them from bullying someone else and I'll still end up running into them."

A part of me knew he was right, they're the ones that choose to bully me despite numerous warnings from him. They also attacked first.

"Unless they're actually killer robots without free will of their own that you've unleashed yourself, you aren't and can't be held responsible for the choices they've made. So don't beat yourself up over it because none of this is your fault," he said as he put his hand on my head.

That… actually does makes me feel better, I still feel somewhat guilty though. I just can't help it, it may not be my fault they got beaten up but I could just told him to stop and he will.

"You're still thinking it."

"If I was braver—."

"They'll be more persistent in their attempt to bring you down," he looked up and then he continued, "Look, I know it's a bit hard to understand and I won't act like I'm some sort of expert in this sort of thing but give it time, you'll understand, one day," he said.

"Okay," I said. I'm not really convinced but I guess it'll have to do for now. If he said I'll understand why things happened the way it did some day, then it must be true. He always right. He tousled my hair.

"Right, let's go. We've wasted enough time here already," he said as he started to move away from the scene. I was about to follow him when I remember that his victims were all still lying on the ground around us.

"What about them?"

"They're okay." Of course he would said that.

"Shouldn't we at least tell someone?"

"A waste of time. They'll recover by themselves, eventually." …He always right.

We walked back toward my home. It's not really far and I can get there myself, I just happen to be 'too young' to wander off on my own. As always when there's only the two of us, we walked in silence. He love silence and I don't want to annoy him by breaking it. Which is why he surprised me when he break it.

"Explain to me why you're out here by yourself. Where's Fiona?"

"She's busy with homework and… I was bored," I replied hesitantly.

"So you saw fit to break your habit and actually leave house? Didn't your parents told you not to leave by yourself?" he asked, clearly disappointed with my short-sightedness despite keeping his tone flat.

"Well…." What should I say? From my parents to him had told me not to go outside by myself. Being bored was my only excuse to disobey them. Even I know that's equal to no excuse at all. He sighed.

"Next time you're bored and Fiona weren't available, you tell me. Got it?" Is he serious? He hate people, can I really come to him all the time? Won't it annoy him?

"But… what if you're busy as well?"

"That'll never happened, don't worry."

"Really?"

"Really."

I can feel myself perked up almost instantly. He's not the warmest person in the world, but hanging out with him is always fun. In the span of an hour, he has break many of his own rules for me. Even I know the significance of the gesture. I hugged him.

"Thank you," I said. He didn't return it, he pinched my nose lightly instead when I released him. I looked up at him and all those guilt I have earlier almost resurface instantly. Most of his face were covered by his hood but I can see his mouth, which currently sporting a split lip.

"You're hurt!"

"No I don't."

"Yes you are! There, I see it," I said, pointing at his mouth.

"You did, but I don't. That means I'm not injured."

"That doesn't make any sense!"

"For you," he said as he walked off.

"Come on, let's see if we can sort Fiona's homework problem. You can fuss about my wounds all you want then."

He better believe I will.

Farbanti, Western Erusea

16 May 2019

Rosa Cossette D'Elise

I opened my eyes.

Another glimpse of the past. I've been having these sort of dreams often lately, it's starting to worry me. Sure, I have dreamed about the past, but only now and then instead of in a row. It never this vivid either, usually it would be as if I was there watching myself and I would remember all about it in the morning since it was about my past, but that's all there is to it, when I woke up it would be like any other dream.

These days it was as if I was back there myself, like I suddenly got sent back into the past to relieve it. I can sense everything, seeing, feeling, I can even remember what I thought at that moment. And then all of it will remain when I woke up. The worst part is that I don't know how to feel about it, many of those memories I would rather not remember.

I looked at the clock, 5 am, no wonder I still feel sleepy. I admit that I wasn't exactly a morning person. The only reason I woke up at all is because of that dream. Hmm, I can get at least a few more minutes in before I have to really wake up. But I'm afraid I'll end up having that sort of dream again, not to mention what day it is, and school is starting in about 3 hours. Ugh, who come up with the bright idea of starting school at 8 am in the morning anyway? Oh well, guess it's time to prepare.

As I was having a shower, I heard someone entered my room. I knew who it was, she's the one that usually ended up having to wake me up on most days.

"Good morning, Your Highness. My, you're up early again. Finally starting to make it a habit, Milady?" she asked cheekily from the other side of the bathroom door.

"Ah, Miss Sofia. It's a bit too farfetched, don't you think?" I asked back. I heard her laugh.

Sofia Velasquez, the head maid and the most senior one around here. She said her family come from Sapin and had served the royal family for a long time, how long I'm not sure but father said they're still loyally served our ancestors even when they're overthrown by those who would turned Erusea into a federal republic. Why they would do that, I don't know. All she told me is that it was a matter of preference. Regardless, I'm grateful, without her things will be a lot harder for my family. She helped me getting ready for school after I'm done.

"Is this really necessary? I'm just going to school, you know," I asked as she helped me do my hair.

"You're the princess of the kingdom. It wouldn't do for you to look like anything other than one," she answered simply. I huffed, this is one of the things I don't like being a princess. Back then, I could look and act however I want and no one would care. Now, do that and it would be as if I was burning a house or something.

"And don't do that. You're a princess, Milady. Please act like one," she continued.

"But we're in private! I'm sure it's okay to drop the princessly stuff while there's only two of us." Having to keep up appearance in public is one thing but in private as well? That seems excessive to me.

"Every bit of attempt would help in making it a habit." Ugh, stupid mannerism rules.

"Milady," she said sternly.

"Sorry."

As I sat there with Miss Sofia standing behind me, I feel something nuzzling against me. I looked to my left and saw my best non-human friend lying down next to me.

"Good morning, Theo," I greeted him while scratching his ear.

He nuzzled my hand in response. Unlike most dogs I've seen or knew, he's very quiet, well for a dog at least. He's still has his flaws though, as he has the tendency to wander off all over the place if left unchecked and tend to be rather violent whenever he thought I was in trouble. All in all he reminded me him. Maybe that's why I named him that, I'm not sure.

"Your Highness? Are you okay?" Miss Sofia asked. Apparently I have unconsciously shed some tears whole thinking about Theo's name origin.

"I'm fine." She didn't look convinced but thankfully she decided not to press any further.

"It's that time of the year again, Milady," she said, changing the subject.

"Yes." I really don't want to be reminded of today. In the span of 18 years, I lost 4 of the most important people in my life on this day, 5 if I counted him. But I won't, as far as I know he's still alive somewhere, he's just gone under the radar. He always love anonymity.

"Are you going to visit them today?"

"Of course." Ever since their passing, we always made sure to pay their graves a visit every year at least once. It's painful but it's the least I could do. She hummed and she finished doing my hair soon after.

I looked at myself in the mirror, crown braid, just like how mother used to style her hair. I hear Miss Sofia took a deep breath.

"You really look like your mother," she said putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Well, I am her daughter," I said cheekily.

"Yes you are." We stared at each other's reflection in the mirror for a moment before she continued, "Right, now put your makeup on and try to put some effort this time. Your father is waiting for you in the dining room."

"Okay, thank Miss Sofia," I watched her leave before I turned back to the mirror. Pfft, makeup just for school? If he were here, he would comment on how much of a nonsense this was.

I put on my makeup, as minimum as possible. I personally not sure why I should do this, even if I were to put them as much as other people I doubt it will make much difference. It's not like the colour differ much from my skin. After I'm done, I turned toward Theo.

"What do you think? Do you think it will be enough to satisfy her?" His response was to simply yawning at me. That's so like him. I looked back to the mirror, I'm sure it's good enough.

I got up and head toward my bed. I grabbed one of the pillow, the one that I didn't use and I reached inside the covering to take the thing that I was looking for. A locket with a red ribbon resembling the silhouette of an F-15, though I'm not sure which variants, I know it was one of the basic models.

I know because of games and also because they fascinate me. I always loved watching them fly. The way a pilot manoeuvre their plane without fear or care for the earth below, it's amazing! Especially if the pilot is an ace, I never saw one in flight myself but Miss Sofia does. She said it was the most exhilarating thing she ever seen. I hope one day I can see one for myself, or even experience being flown by one. I would even be tempted to be one myself.

Says the girl that couldn't even climb a tree without being reduced into a pathetic gibbering wreck if she still conscious by that point.

I focused back to the locket. Once his most treasured belonging, he left it for me after that day. I don't know why he did it, especially since our time together weren't exactly ended on a high note. I can feel regret started to surface inside me. No, no time for that now. If he were here, he would chastise me for it. Clearing my head, I put it in my pocket, the way he always did.

I grabbed my bag and left my room, letting Theo out to come along. I greeted anyone I come across, they worked hard almost every day the least I could do is being nice to them. When I reached the dining room I saw Miss Sofia waiting near the door, talking with the guards looking a bit upset.

"Miss Sofia? Is something wrong?" I asked her.

"Your father is currently having a little meeting with some military officers, Your Highness." Ah, so that's why she's looking upset. While she understand father's duty as the king means he's busy almost all the time, she has known him long enough to consider him as her own family and thus couldn't help but feeling perturbed when something she feels disturbed him happened.

"Who is it this time?" Like her, I also wasn't exactly keen on my father being disturbed this early even though I know it is a given. Also, I have a feeling I knew who are the officers she was talking about.

"The usual, General Dufort and his fool of a lapdog," she replied, hatred in her tone. I looked at the guards and saw a smirk on their faces, it seems they're agree with her.

I decided to sneak a peek from the door first before I actually enter, keeping Theo from looking in as well. He for some reason tend to gets aggressive whenever he saw them. As Miss Sofia said, there they were. Father sitting in his usual spot at the head of the table with two military officers standing near him. One was an older man probably in his fifties and the other a handsome young man a few years older than me, General Constantin Dufort and Major Conny Taiter. They're keeping their voice down, but from the look on father's face I can tell what they are talking about.

They're talking about the tension between us and Osea. Most likely they're talking about the next course of action Erusea should take after the attack yesterday.

Deciding they're disturbed him enough, I make my presence known. Father was the first to spot me and his expression immediately did a 180 degree turn, glad for the distraction.

"Gentlemen, I'd like to continue our conversation but as you can see I have an appointed with my daughter." Both of the officers looked at me for a moment and then at each other. The General then spoke up.

"Of course Your Majesty. But please, I beg you to reconsider our proposition. Osea is right on our doorstep, it best to act now while we still have the momentum," he said.

"I'll think about it." He dismissed them afterward. They bow to him and made for the door, greeting me when they passed, which I reciprocate. The General then head through the door, but without his subordinate. The man in question instead remain standing in front of me.

"Good morning, Milady," he said as he tried to grab my hand. Tried because I instinctively retract my hand when his got close. I didn't mean it but I can't help it. He thankfully doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he looked strangely happy.

"Y-yes good morning, Major."

"Major? Please, we've known each other since primary school, remember? No need to be so formal," he said smoothly. I remember, among other things I remember about him.

"I'll… keep that in mind." He was about to continue talking when Miss Sofia and Theo entered the room and interrupt him. Theo in particular looked like he was about to pounce on him.

"Excuse me Major, but the Princess is busy," she told him, putting a bit of emphasis on the last word.

He looked at her and Theo, for a moment I swear his smile wavered slightly into… something.

"Of course. My apologies, I just find it's hard not to be friendly to an old friend. Especially if that friend is of such beauty." I feel my face heating up from that comment.

"Well I should be off, I'd hate to delay a father-daughter moment from happening. Excuse me," he said. I released my breath that I've been holding when I was sure he was out of earshot.

That man, he used to be my senior in primary school, though to call each other old friend is a bit of a stretch. He was my senior for only a year since he graduated the next year and we didn't go to the same school afterward only meeting each other once again at least a year ago when he and General Dufort approached father about the Osea threat.

For some reason, he unnerved me though I don't know why. As far as I can tell, he's the very picture of perfection. Perfect physique, smart, charismatic, essentially he's like the perfect protagonist from one of those silly romance stories, only real. Maybe it's because of our past history or maybe because he's so different from back then that the change alarmed me. Whatever the reason, there's something about him, and until I figured out what it was I'll keep my distance from him. He certainly would.

Well, maybe not. He's probably would've figured it out and dealt with it if it was a problem by now. His overtly curious nature makes him an absolute expert in figuring things out.

Shaking my head, I focused back to what I was going to do. I approached the table and sat on the chair closest to him on his right, with Miss Sofia standing nearby.

"Good morning father," I greeted him, interrupting his train of thought.

"Oh. Yes, good morning," he greeted back without his usual embarrassing greeting and lacking his usual enthusiasm. That can only mean one thing.

"What's those two want this time father?" I asked. He sighed deeply before answering.

"I don't think you need to concern yourself with this. It's still far too early for you."

"But father, it is part of my duty as the princess to concern myself about whatever involving the wellbeing of my people."

"True, if I weren't here at least. As long as I'm here, your duty is to live your life to the fullest the way you wanted to live it."

"Well, then I wanted to uphold my duty." If this has anything to do with the wellbeing of Erusea and everyone then I need to know. I can't just stand by and do nothing when their safety are threatened. He sighed again in resignation.

"You're really like your mother, you know that?" I hear Miss Sofia chuckle at that. That's basically what she told me earlier.

"They wanted to increase the pressure against Osea and IUN by attacking Osea directly."

"I see…" Yesterday father has given a greenlight for the military to launch an attack against IUN. The attack were supposed to be a 'demonstration of power', a warning for the Osean that Erusea have the capacity to fight back in retaliation to their aggression. The plan was to attack some of IUN bases around the continent with drones. He claimed he will make sure the damage is as minimum as possible and no one will be harmed, including all of the personnel within the bases. Hopefully that will be enough to discourage Osea from their plans.

Personally I disagree with father's decision. Yes, Osea might seem like they're coming to take over the continent with their aggression against us and their micromanaging of the IUN but what if we're wrong? What if all those reports about the attacks by the Osean are false and they're genuinely trying to help everyone? Back when Former President Harling is in charge that would certainly be the case, but now… well, they're nowhere near as pacifist as they are then but surely they would continue to uphold his ideals. Why wouldn't they? Surely, everyone desire peace.

And on the matter of the attack. Can the drones really avoid hurting anyone? Why attacked the IUN if Osea is the enemy? Sure, Osea have a lot of presence and obviously influence within the IUN, but they were supposed to be the world's peacekeepers, right? What if the attack was more than what the General claimed? He said some but what if it turned to be all of them?

And now he wants to press Osea even further despite the fact that they haven't even responded to the warning yet. The attack was essentially planned so that it would be enough to make Osea taking Erusea seriously, but not enough to make them do something drastic. Won't attacking them directly will give them an excuse to do exactly that?

But in the end, father is the one that decided what to do and he decided to believe in the General and as his daughter obviously I have to trust his judgment. That's why I'm willing to speak on his behalf at the press conference yesterday, one of the reason at least. The other being father never been good at that and he believed I would be more convincing. I feel like being used, but if that's what I have to do for Erusea, then I'll do it.

There's one other reason, but I'll keep it to myself.

"What did you say?" I asked.

"I said we'll stick to the plan. Giving 'warning' is one thing, but direct attack? Osea attacked first but never directly. If we're to strike directly first, who knows how the world will react to that? So I told them that we'll wait for Osea's response before we do anything. The attack was successful, by the way. They have showed me the result, no death." Thank goodness, that's something at least.

"I'm glad. Thank you for telling me, father."

"Can't let my little white rose gets distracted from her lessons now, can we?" he said, using his embarrassing nickname for me.

"Father, you said you'll never going call me that again."

"Correction, I promised not to call you that in public. I didn't say anything about in private."

"Ugh, father, you're unbelievable." Despite my words, I can't stop a smile from creeping onto my face. It's nice seeing some things didn't change.

"Anyway, we talked enough. Let's dig in."

We started eating, chatting occasionally, though every time we did, Miss Sofia is quick to remind us that talking while eating is bad mannerism and not good for one's health. We didn't talk about today though, we both know very well what today means for both of us. After we're done, father bid me goodbye with a kiss on the forehead, leaving me with Miss Sofia. We headed for the car, but midway to it we were stopped by Major Taiter.

"Excuse me Milady. May I have a moment of your time?" he asked. This must be about what he's going to say earlier, before he got interrupted.

"Major, the Princess is—."

"I'll be brief, I promise. This is important."

I hesitated to allow him, but decided to give him a chance. I motioned to Miss Sofia, signalling her that it's okay and give us some privacy. She looked reluctant, but comply nonetheless. She bowed and leave us, heading for where the car was, taking Theo with her.

"Is something wrong, Major?" I asked. I can still see Miss Sofia from where I was standing but already I feel a chill slowly running down my spine. He took a step toward me.

"Princess, I'm sure you remember the reason why we launched the attack yesterday."

"Yes… I do. Why?"

"You see, I believe Osea might see this as more than just a warning."

"What do you mean?" I don't like where this conversation is going.

"War Milady. Osea might claimed that we're trying to provoke them into starting a war."

"But… we're not. They're the one that—."

"That's what we know, but not what everyone else know. They don't know that Osea has been harassing us and there is no way they would believe us if we told them."

Sadly, it's true. Despite our best attempt, most countries on the continent still haven't forgive Erusea for the war one and a half decade ago. If we're to tell everyone about it, no one will believe us and might even see this as another excuse to start another war.

"Why are you telling me this? Have you tell father about this?"

"We have. But he didn't believe Osea would do such a thing. He believe Osea will heed our warning and would be willing to resolve the matter peacefully."

"Of course. That's what we've been hoping for isn't it?"

"Yes, but what if what I just told you is the correct one? Even if we have the means to fight back, imagine how many lives would be lost if they start a war."

"Then what you're proposing is…" I really don't like where this conversation is going.

"We must strike first. Cripple them before they could do anything."

"…What?"

"We cripple them and then—."

"I heard you the first time! Declaring war ourselves?! How's that different from what you claimed would happen?!"

"The difference is that we can limit the damage we'll done. We can keep it clean as long as we keep the upper hand," he said with such confidence. I regained my composure.

"How can you be so sure?"

"I'm sure your father has informed you of the result of the attack yesterday?"

"Yes."

"We can easily replicate it. We can use the drones to cripple them and not a single civilians will be hurt."

He's so confident about it that I almost believed him. Still, a clean war? Can it really be done? I remember something he used to tell me once.

"Be careful when you use violence, RC. No matter what sort of trouble you're in, no matter how it started and what started it, the moment you put violence on the table, downhill is the only way things can go. Be prepared to face the consequences because there will be one, like it or not."

That's what he used to say and I believed him. I personally never heard of a clean war. Whenever it happen, regardless of reasons and how it started, it always gets worse down the road.

"Still, a war…"

"I know. Lives will be lost, but it will be worse if we don't take the opportunity. Especially for us. If Osea attack, Innocents will be caught in the crossfire."

"And if we do, we can avoid that?"

"Yes. Yes we can."

"Then… what do you want me to do exactly?" I still not convinced but at least I should know what he wanted me to do.

"I ask that you convince your father. Make him agree to our proposal so we can prevent the unnecessary death of countless of people."

"I'll… think about it." He chuckled.

"Funny. That's what your father said. Just remember that we don't have forever. I won't pressure you but please give your answer as fast as you can." With that, he bowed and left.

I took a deep and long breath once he's out of earshot. What should I do? On one hand, declaring war ourselves can potentially save a lot of lives and prevent Osea from claiming the continent but who knows what other nations will react to that. On the other hand, if Osea were to strike first, things will be messy and by the time we tried to retaliate it might be too late. The thought keep swirling around my head as I made my way to the car.

"Milady, are you okay? What that fool wants from you?" Miss Sofia asked, surprising me. I was so preoccupied that I didn't even realise that I've reached the car.

"It's… nothing," I said. I'm not sure whether I should tell her or not. Miss Sofia hate the Major so much that she might do something drastic if she learned that he tried to persuade me to convince father to start a war.

She looked sceptical but thankfully didn't press the matter further, instead she handed me some candy of various types. Ever since my love for it became apparent, she has been more strict about my sugar consumption. Can't blame her, Eating too many sweets aren't healthy for one's health but sometimes I can't help it. One of the many tics that I picked up from my childhood.

"Remember not too eat much."

"I'll try," I said, smiling at her. She purse her lips but then smile back.

"Have a nice day, Your Highness."

I said my goodbye to Theo and greeted the guards before getting inside the car. I greeted the driver once I'm inside, an older man about the same age as father. As soon as the door closed, I ate one of the sweets, a strawberry flavoured candy. I looked at Miss Sofia, who gave me a disapproving look. Despite the fact that she can't see me through the window, she somehow know what I was doing. I lowered the window and gave her an apologetic smile, the last thing she saw before I left for school.

On the way, I chatted with the driver, mostly about everyday stuff. We stopped midway through the ride, as usual. We waited for a close friend of mine to come so that we can go together. A few minutes later, she finally showed up with her sister. I exited the car and approached them. The street's is quiet but the guards assigned to protect me remained on high alert.

"Hi, Ionela! Alma!" I greeted them.

"Hello," she said simply and then turned to Alma, "Alma, say hello." Despite the simple order, her sister huffed indignantly.

"Ugh, big sis. I know what to do. Hi, big sis Rosie!" I nodded at her and pat her head. I then turned back toward the older one of the two.

"So, you're ready to go?"

"You really don't have to, you know. We don't want to burden you."

"Don't you ever get bored saying that? I already told every time that it's no trouble. Besides, the one driving is Mr. Jacob here and he's the one that insist that we should go together. Right, Mr. Jacob?" He smiled at me.

"Don't be so modest, Your Highness. The way you said it, it was as if it was my idea alone to lend a helping hand to your friend."

"See? It's fine. Now come on, we're going to be late."

"Well, okay then. Thank you, Mr. Jacob."

"Always a pleasure, Milady."

We continue our ride. We chatted along the way, though it's mostly Alma asking about things. I wanted to offer them some of my sweets but the last time I did she chastised me and Alma for eating them this early.

Ionela and Alma, I met them when about 7 or 8 years ago when I returned to school. I was nervous then, scared even, of everything. I still don't know how I should act in public as a princess yet and I'm scared that my new classmates weren't as nice. I also feel a bit embarrassed since my old classmates has become my seniors at that time. The worst of my worries is that I feared what my new status would do to how everyone perceive me as. What if it cause them to hate me?

During that time, Ionela comes along and befriend me. While not knowing what it feels like being older than most others, she do know what it feels like being the youngest among her peers and know how the meaner ones act around someone like me, coming from a noble family herself. She reminded me of him, albeit with slight differences here and there. Around that time, she introduced me to Alma. She was still barely an adolescent then. Which make it all the more depressing when I learned of their family predicament.

Their parents died when they were still young, forcing them to live under the care of their grandfather. I heard he was EAF best pilot before he was transferred to EASA to become a test pilot at his own request. I don't know why he would do that, especially since it make him too busy to actually care for his granddaughters most of the time. One think I know for sure, his job means Ionela is the one that actually raised Alma to who she was today. That thought never fail to make me feel guilty.

That is why I always wanted to help them whenever they can. Life hasn't actually been kind to them, if there is anything I can do to help them, I will do it. Even if it did, the fact that their grandfather has done so much for Erusea means it's practically an obligation to repay them. Speaking of which…

"So, how's your grandfather?" I asked.

"He's… doing fine, though he's been really busy lately," Ionela replied. The hesitation in her voice made me even more guilty.

"I'm sorry. If only I could—."

"Don't bother," she suddenly cut me off.

"What?"

"I know what you're going to say. Grandfather choose to stay being a pilot on his own volition. That's what he wants, that's what he loved. Nothing and no one can discourage him from it."

"But if he retire, he would be able to spend more time with you two."

"We've spent enough. He deserves happiness and if this what makes him happy, then I'll do whatever it takes to keep it that way."

I really didn't think of it that way. Everyone have their own version of happiness and their grandfather are no different. I can't help but feel foolish for selfishly thinking the way I did.

"I see. Sorry, it's just that… with only having my father, I sometimes wished he would spent more time with me. I thought maybe you'll feel the same way."

"We do wish he would, but we also want him to be happy. Isn't that what loving someone is all about?" Well, that is what I thought. From experience, I know not all people feel the same way. I'm glad they're thought the same.

"Yes, I thought so too."

We continue to talk from then on, from one subject to the next until we reached Alma's school. The school wasn't far from our own, hence why they have no problem walking from their home. It's still a pretty far walk though. When we stopped, Ionela immediately turned to her 'mother mode' as her friends like to call it.

"Now remember Alma, don't, under any circumstances, leave the school area until I come pick you up and always keep your phone on. If anything happens, call me, okay?"

"Okay."

"Make sure to always pay attention to what the teachers says."

"Yes, I know big sis. Geez, I'm not a kid anymore," Alma said while puffing her cheeks. It might be the most adorable thing I'll see today and it took every ounce of my being not to reached out and pinch her cheek.

"You're ten and I'm your sister. Now off you go, you're going to be late." Alma looked even more annoyed at her sister but comply anyway, saying her goodbye as she ran to her school.

I feel a pang of jealousy when I watched her. I can't help it, at her age going to school are probably one of her favourite time. It certainly was mine when I was her age. We waited until we saw her enter the building before we continue our journey.

After a few minutes, we've finally reached our final destination. The most prestigious high school in Erusea. Thanks to me being temporarily pulled out from school and her being a prodigy, we currently were in the same grades. Something that I'm grateful for. We thanked Mr. Jacob and headed toward the building.

We passed some familiar faces along the way to the class, greeting them as we passed by. One more thing I'm grateful for is that Ionela is almost exactly like my former protector when it comes to the… less pleasant of the students. They tend to keep their distance from her if possible and will usually go through the extra mile not to gain her ire. However unlike him, she didn't control them through fear, at least not entirely. She use her wits to put them in line, and if that is not possible then she will make use of her resources, which in this context means her grandfather. The exact opposite of him who prefer a more… mercenary means.

When we reached our class I took my usual spot at the front row nearest to the window with Ionela beside me. It's still a while before the class actually started. Ugh, I knew I should've use that few minutes to sleep. With nothing left to do, I decided to do what he claimed to be his favourite activity, daydreaming.

I looked out of the windows, looking at the trees in the schoolyard. It's funny how even after all these years, whenever I saw a tight group of tall trees I still find myself looking at what's hiding in among the leaves. Hoping to see a boy… he should be 19 this year, man dangling from the branches. Even though the last I heard of him is that he's at least a continent away from me.

I wonder what he would looked like today. Will he still remember me? Is he still the same quiet, but smart and violent sweet tooth that I used to l—, admire? I keep trying to picture his possible appearance until the class started.

Math, the bane of almost every students everywhere. Personally I don't hate it, though I don't necessarily like it either. He on other hand absolutely love it, for some reason. Maybe it's because everyone hate it. We continued to endure the torture until around 10 am, when we heard something that I never thought I would heard.

Air raid siren.

I heard everyone else start murmuring or downright panicking around me. I turned to Ionela and then I looked out of the windows, the area around the school is pretty clear so one can look far from where I was looking. I spot some dots coming quickly from the direction of the sea. It took me a moment to realise what they were. I immediately turned to the class.

"We're under attack! Everyone we need to—." I was cut off by an explosion nearby. I looked out of the windows again, and I can feel dread quickly building up. A part of the school just got bombed. I looked up and saw the culprit.

Two F-16s is already flying overhead, ahead of what presumably their allies. One of them is currently darting between the buildings, flying so low and so fast it's a miracle they didn't crash. That one then turned toward the school and then flew past us, the other one following close from a safer altitude. I noticed two things when the lower one zoomed past, the Osean Flag and what appear to be an orange thing on its tail. The teacher has finally managed to collect herself and order everyone to evacuate. I look at the clearing one last time, watching as more planes joined the two fighter jets.

Panic and confusion erupted throughout the school, everyone scrambling for the exit. The teachers and the staff is trying to maintain order but against the sea of students, they efforts weren't that effective. When we reached the exit, I saw soldiers already moving to evacuate us. I saw Mr. Jacob running toward us with the rest of the guards and some of the soldiers.

"Your Highness! Quick, we need to get you out of here!"

"We need to get everyone to safety first! Where is your leader?" I asked the one I believe to be the squad leader.

"Over here Your Highness. This way."

While we're talking, one of the jets, the one that's been flying low approached and attacked us. Thankfully they didn't dropped a bomb on us and seem to be aiming for the armoured vehicles. They fired but before they could destroy anything, abruptly do a manoeuvre and change their heading toward the school, joined by the other F-16, though that one remained above the buildings. It took me a second to realise what they're planning, so does the squad leader.

"EVERYONE GET DOWN!" I do exactly that the second I hear his order. I can hear explosions from somewhere behind me. At that moment, I prayed that they missed.

"Ionela, are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

When I got back up, I almost too scared to look back. But I ended doing that when Ionela tapped my shoulder.

Our school, just a minute ago stood proudly now little more than a ruined building.

"No…"

"There's nothing you can do, Milady. Now let's go, we should hurry if we want to get the survivors out of here," Mr. Jacob said, putting a hand to my shoulder.

"Yes, you're right," I said.

When we reached the commander, we immediately got to work evacuating the survivors. As we did, Ionela expression suddenly contorted into one of fear. She quickly pulled out her phone. I've been so caught up with everything that I forgot about Alma.

"Mr. Jacob, take Ionela to Alma's school and then get them to safety."

"What about you Rosa?" Ionela asked.

"I'll be fine. Quick, while you're still can. I'll catch up after the evacuation her is done." She nodded and I watched them leave. I asked a couple of my bodyguards to accompany them.

We continued our work while the Osean continue their attack. I looked up at the sky, planes bearing Osean flag dominating the sky. I watched as burst of light from the ground start appearing from somewhere in the city, indicating the defenders have started to fight back. A few minutes later, I was surprised by the appearance of General Dufort and Major Taiter.

"Your Highness! Thank goodness you're okay," Major Taiter said. I nodded at him and then turned toward the General.

"General, we have to do something! Those aircraft—." He suddenly raised his hand, cutting me off.

"Don't worry, Milady. Everything is taken care off," he said. He looked up and I follow his gaze, relief washed over me when I saw it. Our fighter jets have arrived.

"All right! The air force's here!"

"Give them hell! Make them pay for what they've done!"

I hear everyone around cheered as the air force quickly engage the Osean. In term of size, Erusea military forces might be smaller than the Oseans, but for this one battle, we got the upper hand. One by one the Osean started to fall.

"All right, everyone in. Let's go!" the Commander said. He then turned to me.

"Your turn, Your Highness. We need to get you to a shelter immediately."

"Okay."

I nodded at the Major and get inside one of the truck alongside the Commander. The General and the Major get back to their vehicle and followed close behind.

When we arrived at the shelter, we were directed inside but instead I go to the General.

"General Dufort, you're with father earlier right?"

"Yes, Your Highness. Don't worry, it took us quite the effort but we manage to convince him to get to the shelter." Thank goodness, at least he's safe. He ordered the Major to do something and then headed toward the observation room. I followed him.

From here, we can see the battle safely, and also the damage. Smokes billowing from all over the place, and to my dismay, including the residential area. I prayed that it only looks worse than it actually is and whoever still trapped there is okay. I looked up at the sky, seeing the air force trying to push the Osean back, who are busy protecting their ground forces that's currently trying to established a beachhead.

Watching the jets flying across the sky like this, I can't help but be amazed despite the circumstances. Moving at such speed and doing manoeuvres that must've been taken them some time to master. It would be outright beautiful if it didn't involve killing each other.

"Looks like they're trying to capture the capital," the General said.

"Why would they bombed the city if that's what the intention General?"

"They're trying to capture the capital, doesn't mean they'll succeed. They want us to at least suffer in the event they fail." They can't be that cruel, can they?

"Why… would they want that?"

"Because we have the audacity to stood up against them when we're supposed to sit by and let them continue to harass us and the continent."

Is that really true? That's sounds… petty. He looked at the monitor.

"Good, we're pushing them back. Looks like we don't need reinforcements after all," the General said.

I looked at the monitor, it does seems like the air force is in control of the situation right now. However, there is one thing that I noticed.

An F-16 flying at a low altitude with another one following at a higher altitude approaching the air space from the opposite of the rest of the Osean forces. The higher one has smoke trailing behind it. As I watched that jet closing in, the General received a phone call.

"Yes Major, is everything ready?" Ah, so it's the Major.

"What?!" he suddenly said. I don't like that tone.

"Wiped out?! How?! Two jets?!" Two jets? What is he talking about? And did he referred to that falcons?

"All right. We're changing the timetable. Deploy them now," he said before he cut the call.

"General? What's going on?"

"Some of the squadrons assigned as reinforcements were wiped out just a few moments ago." I feel blood being drained from my face.

"W-wiped out? How?"

"They were attacked by a couple of fighters," he said.

"Are the… are the pilots all right?" The last question might be a bit stupid but no one can blame me for hoping nobody got hurt. Maybe the pilot that did it is feeling merciful and decided to only damage the plane, allowing the pilots to eject.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness," was all he could say.

"How many?" I asked. He looked conflicted but give me an answer nonetheless.

"It's best if you don't know." I feel my knees grew weak.

In less than 2 hours, the Osean have caused more death than what the last attack had done, and they're yet to stop. The General noticed my woes and put a hand to my shoulder.

"Don't think about that now, Your Highness. The battle is still ongoing. We need you to be strong," he said.

He's right. I have to stay strong for now.

"You're right. Thank you, General," I said. He nodded.

"But what should we do now?"

"Well first, we have to deal with that pilot. I have enough experience to know an ace when I heard one and I've been in enough battles to know a single ace is all it takes to turn the tide. We just need to find them first."

"Do you know anything about them?"

"Do you… have any knowledge about fighter jets, Your Highness?"

"More than you think." He looked surprised by my answer. I'm not surprised, most people that knew about it were also surprised when the first learned of it.

"They were a flight of F-16s. Our pilots managed to damage one but the other one is the one we need to keep an eye on."

"Why?"

"He's the one responsible for their deaths." That's enough to motivate me.

I looked at the monitor. I searched for that F-16 and spot them taking position beside his damaged wingman. They doesn't seem to be interested in taking part in the fight and more focused in getting his wingman out. There would less death if he's out of the picture.

"Look at that one, General," I said, pointing at the craft.

"Good eye, Your Highness," he said. He asked one of the operator to focus on them and we got a good look at the jet.

The craft looked like any other Osean F-16 only it has a different emblem from the rest including their wingman. An orange wolf with a red ribbon across its neck. There seem to be something on its jaw and some words on the ribbon but I can't make out what it was. It also has 'FG' and number 15 on its tail. They're the ones that bombed my school. That's enough to single them out from the rest.

The General then asked one of the communication operator to contact one of the AWACS in the area. He then asked the AWACS to patch him through to the rest of our forces.

"Attention, all callsigns on this net, this is General Constantin Dufort. Be on the lookout for an Osean falcon bearing a unique emblem with a tail code 'FG' and serial number 15 accompanying another damaged falcon. The characteristic of the emblem in question is an orange coloured wolf with a red ribbon across its neck. Be careful, they're already took out many. Report upon sighting. Out."

I continued to watch the F-16. I never seen or meet an ace myself but even I know how dangerous they can be, hearing tales about them being my one of favourite pastime, until I'm old enough to understand that their stories involve a lot of killing that is. The Razgriz though, will always be my favourite despite only so few are known about them. So does the tale they were named after.

Is he like them? One can only hope. I was interrupted from my musing when I heard a voice on the radio.

"This is Gram 1, positive ID on the priority target. Request permission to engage." The general look hesitant for a moment before answering.

"Granted."

"Roger. Gram 5, Gram 6, form up on me. Take him out. The rest of you cover us."

I watched as three Su-35s approach him and his wingman from behind. The 3 jets each fired a missile at him, and he do something that confirmed that yes, he is an ace.

He pull away from his wingman and then do a well-timed… I think it's called canopy roll, back to his earlier position while all the missiles safely flew past him. Is that even possible? Those missiles are heat seeking right? I know that one can release flares to throw incoming missiles of their track but to essentially move out of the way?

Before they can attack him again, four Osean F/A-18s have intercept the squadron that's been harassing the two F-16s. One is particularly aggressive. The other member of Gram Squadron are also joined in to help. The aggressive one take on two of them and quickly took them down. My heart sank when I saw it. Thankfully I saw a couple of parachutes in the sky so at least the pilots are still alive for now.

I looked at the F-16s again. They're already away from the city area. I heard another squadron on the radio requesting permission to engage, which the General allow. This time four MiG-31s are heading their way. Once again, the pilot didn't seem to be all that bothered despite the threats behind him. And just like the last time, another Osean jet approached them, only there's only one this time. However unlike the last time the jet didn't come to assist them but instead took position on the other wing of the damaged jet. That's not the only thing that differ from the last time. The moment the incoming jet took position, all hell break loose.

The F-16 suddenly turned toward the MiGs and within seconds took them down. I doubt the pilots even know what hit them.

…No parachutes this time. I feel my heart sank even deeper.

The moment the last of the Mig-31s turned into a fireball he quickly shift his attention to another group of fighters that were unfortunate enough to be nearby, and they too fall without much effort. Just like before, he immediately focused on the nearest group the moment the last of the fighters share the same fate as the rest of his opponents.

Oh no.

"This is Hrott 1, we—." He didn't even get to report his sighting before he makes short work of them.

Slowly he almost singlehandedly turn the table against us. Anytime a friendly aircraft gets close, either because he chase after them or they chase after him, or even because they're happen to be nearby when he's dealt with his latest victim, they were cut down as soon as they are within range. And each time, there aren't any parachute in the sky to signify the pilot's survival.

"Dammit, we're doomed if this keeps up," the General said. He then makes a call.

"Major, is it ready yet? Good, make it fast. We're losing ground." He turned to me.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. Our salvation is almost here," he said. Salvation?

"Salvation, General?" He smiled.

"You'll see." He then makes another announcement over the radio.

"Attention, all callsigns. Reinforcement is on the way. Stay alive and steer clear of the priority target until then. Out." Steer clear of him? Won't it allow him to freely attack everyone? Seeing the confusion on my face, he explained himself.

"He will shoot them down regardless. At least this way he has to actually go after his prey."

"But what good is that going to do for our forces?"

"It allow them to survive for a few more seconds before he makes mincemeat out of them," he said. The way he said it, it was as if he didn't care about their life.

"General! Please be more respectful of them," I told him. They're literally die for Erusea, the least we could do is to show them some respect.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to offend you."

"You didn't offend me. But we're talking about people's life. They risk their life for this country. We should at least respect them." In spite of everything, he for some reason smile at me.

"Yes, you're absolutely right. My thanks, Your Highness," he said. I nodded, though honestly I don't know why he thanked me.

I shift my attention to the monitor. The F-16 is currently flying low between the buildings, destroying any ground targets in sight. At least the Oseans are no longer bombing the city now.

How long until this battle ends? Didn't the Osean destroy enough? How many people have to die for them to be satisfied? Erusea weren't the only one to bleed out here!

Thankfully the General seems to have the solution.

"Yes! Finally." He then turned to me.

"Watch closely, Your Highness. Our salvation is here."

I looked at the monitor, and for that moment I almost believed him. Drones, many of them, and friendly ships are approaching the city. As soon as they got close, they immediately get to work securing the area. One by one the drones shoot down the Osean planes. In the span of a few minutes, they already turned the tide back to our forces favour. But are they good enough to take him down?

As if to answer my question, he appear from among the buildings by climbing to a higher altitude at around, or even exactly 90-degrees angle and immediately engage the drones, shooting one down and then turned toward the other. It looks as if the drones didn't fare any better against him. At least this time, no life were lost.

However, despite him easily defeating every last one of his opponents, he's just one pilot and the drones are many in numbers. The Osean are slowly losing ground.

The Osean seem to have realised this as well, I saw some of them are pulling away from the fight, including their ships and ground troops. Many of them are still fighting though, including that ace.

"Finally," the General said. He then ordered the fighters to leave the fight to the drones and chase the retreating forces down.

"General, they're retreating. That's enough, right?"

"They might be trying to regroup. I'm not going to risk it."

"But—"

"Your Highness, this isn't the time to worry about morality. It's us or them. Every bit of damage we inflict on them will help us in the long run," he said.

"Still, shooting them in the back…"

"They'll happily do exactly that if we give them the chance. Trust me, Milady. The result will be worth it. You don't want those who fall today die in vain, do you?"

As much as I want to argue, I can't. The Oseans have no problem hurting innocents, who says they won't shoot their enemies in the back as well?

"No."

While I still have my reservations about this, I decide not to press the issue any further. He obviously understood things better than I do.

I focused back to the screen, more Osean forces have started to retreat as well. I searched for that Osean ace. He's still fighting away on his own, though I noticed some of his allies are trying to follow him.

After a few more minutes, we were informed that the Osean have finally ordered a full withdrawal. But some of the fighters, mostly those that's been following him, remained.

"Looks like they believed their trump card is capable enough to hold of our forces. Hmph, arrogance."

The General makes another phone call and told whoever on the other side, possibly Major Taiter, to have the drones to prioritise shooting him down.

"General, can't you just told them to leave? There's only a few of them," Letting a few of them go won't hurt, right?

"And let that ace get away? You've seen how troublesome he was. No, he's not getting out of here alive."

Again, I can't argue with him. That pilot has caused the most death out of all of the Osean forces, probably even more than all of them combined.

I watched the drones and some fighters close in on him, who is currently flying rather casually above the city. No matter how skilled of a pilot he was, there's no way he can win against them.

However, that statement might be more wrong than I thought.

First the closest, and then another, and another one, the drones started dropping out of the sky. Missiles, bullets, nothing seems to harm him. What he lacked in numbers, he makes it up with being clever. He used their own weaponry against them. When a missile is being targeted on him, he flew past or fly close to one of the drones or the fighters and then separate at the last second, forcing them to take the missile for him.

When he can't do that, he makes good use of his skill. Doing manoeuvre that I'm sure defy physics and dangerous to his health and his plane like it's nothing. Zipping all over the place, among the crafts, between the buildings, he even at one point flew under the highway, zig-zagging between the pillars, causing anyone that to tried to follow him to crash on their own, while their missiles and bullets ended up hitting the structures, or even lose sight of him altogether, giving him ample opportunity to counter their attacks.

Before I know it, there's only… nine Osean aircraft left in the sky. Even then, it didn't deter him. If anything, he become even more ferocious.

Miss Sofia was right. I have to admit it was the most amazing thing I've seen. If only it was under different circumstances and didn't involve harming others and causing destruction…

"General, are you sure this is a good idea? I'm sure they will leave if told them to now."

"Don't worry, we have enough drones to last us a lifetime. He can shoot them down all he likes, he will ran out of ammunition before he can take them all out," he said confidently.

Well sure, but that's not what I'm worried about. Some of the drones and fighter jets he shot down didn't disintegrate in mid-air, some crashed into the city below, not to mention the crafts that crashed on their own when they tried to follow his example of flying between the buildings and highway. The missiles and bullets that missed him also didn't exactly disappear into thin air. What if there are people in there? There are certainly people inside the fighter jets.

"What the hell?!" The General suddenly exclaimed.

"General?" I asked.

"AWACS, have some of our fighters take out those bastards! Don't let them cause anymore damage to the city," he said, completely ignoring me.

I looked at the screen and I immediately know what caused him to be distressed. The remaining Osean have used the confusion caused by the ace to bomb the city even more, the residential area specifically.

Before I could say anything about this however, something that I doubt anyone expected happen.

The Osean ace, just a moment ago engaging some of the drones suddenly break away and shoot down the bombers, his own allies.

What?

"General, did he just shoot down his own allies?"

"Seems like it, Your Highness," he said, sounding as confused as I was.

What exactly happened there just now? Is something happened that cause him to mistakenly take down his own his allies? But there are eight of them. Sure it happened fast, but his commander should've realised what happened before they were cut down. Did he done it on purpose then? If so, why?

Apparently it doesn't matter, as the General quickly ordered all forces to concentrate on him.

Just like before, he took down whatever dare to challenge him with little trouble. He makes it look so easy that I'm starting to think that he's invincible, so does the pilots as they now have realised they stood no chance against the fearsome ace and decided to hang back, letting the UAVs to deal with him.

"General, tell your pilots and the drones to stand down."

"This is our best chance to—"

"To what? End him? Just look at him General. The drones didn't stand a chance and your pilots didn't even dare to get close. Whatever advantage you though Erusea will have without him around are not worth the loss we'll suffered if you let this keep going. Please, tell them to stand down."

He looked at me with a conflicted expression and I thought he would refuse. Thankfully he didn't.

"Very well." He ordered his pilots to stand down, which now that I think about it, they've done before he ordered it and then called the UAVs off.

"I'm guessing you're going to ask him to leave yourself now." I nodded. I asked that I can speak to him directly. When everything is set, I spoke to him.

"Osean pilot, this is Princess Rosa Cossette D'Elise. I've been watching you fight and I know how capable you are. But please, I asked you to cease this at once and leave. A lot of people have lost their lives today, my people and your comrades. I know you're just following orders. Your forces attack is successful, Farbanti is in flames. Don't you think that's enough? Don't you think you've done enough? Even when you have your allies around you, you fight alone. Surely you're not planning to throw your live away here, think of your loved ones back home. Please, all I ask is one small kindness. Leave and I swear nothing will get in your way."

For the longest time, I waited for him to respond. He's neither answering nor leaving and for a moment I was scared that he was one of those crazy warmongers that fight for the sake of causing mayhem and harming others.

"Pilot?"

"Trigger." I suddenly hear a voice said. It took me a second to realise it was the pilot talking and not a robot.

"Trigger? Is that your name?"

"TAC name." Callsign, of course, I feel stupid for not realising that.

"…Okay then, Trigger. What do you say? Do you accept my term?"

"You're naïve." I stopped for a moment. The way he said it… just a coincidence.

"Perhaps, but at least I know better than to get myself killed like this and leaving your loved ones suffered the pain of losing you," I said. No matter how bad a person are, they must have at least a bit of love for their friends and family. I hear him scoffed.

"I won't die," he said simply.

"What makes you so sure?" I asked.

"I have promised I won't." Promised not to die?

"Well, a friend of mine once said it's stupid to take unnecessary risk when you don't have to. Just because you won't die doesn't mean you should prove it. I'm sure whoever you made your promise to will still be worried regardless."

"She doesn't care." So he promised to a girl that he won't die. But why did he said she doesn't care?

"That can't be true. Why would she made you promised that if she doesn't care about you?"

No response, but I hear him took a breath from the radio. He turned toward the sea. An Osean F/A-18 is heading for the city, no doubt coming for him. When he has flew past the city limit, he spoke.

"You tell me."

With that he left, with the F/A-18 taking position on his wing.

As I watched them leave, his words linger in my mind. What was that supposed to mean? Did he mean to say he has no idea why either or…

Suddenly memories of that day flooded back, along with the pain and sorrow.

"Your Highness, you're all right?" the General asked, surprising me.

"Ah, yes. I'm fine."

"Then why are you crying?" I realised that he was right, I was crying, profusely, and I can't stop.

"I'm sorry—"

"It's all right. If I never seen anything like this I would've cried too," he said. I didn't say anything, what had happened saddened me greatly, but that's the reason why I'm crying right now, at least I don't think so.

"We should get you back to your father. I sure hope he can suppress his worries of you enough not to leave the shelter."

He led me toward the shelter's exit, walking past some rooms used to shelter the people and the wounded, and the dead. So many of them. So much suffering, for something trivial in comparison. When we attacked, we go out of our way to minimise casualties and how Osea repay it? By doing the exact opposite. I was stopped by the General when I tried to enter the room the wounded are in.

"Now's not the time for that," he said. I sighed, no choice but to do as he says.

When we reached the exit, I find Major Taiter already waiting for me. To take me back home.

"He'll see you home. I'll stay here to make sure everything is in order," the General said. I thanked him and greeted the Major.

"All right, now to get you home."

"Major?"

"Yes?"

"Cam we stopped by the shelters first? I want to see how everyone is faring," I asked.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. But I'm under direct order to bring you straight to your father. He's been increasingly restless last I heard. I can tell you that it's no different than this one."

I looked down, dejected. Why the Osea do this? Our attack didn't cause any casualties, only damage. Hitting the military is one thing but the civilians? Those Osean crafts that pilot, Trigger shot down were aiming for the residential area. Deliberately or not I don't know. I'm not sure which one is worse to be honest.

I looked around the city, it looks worse than I thought. The bombing wasn't exactly the only thing destroying the place, not all aircrafts that were shot down crashed into a safe area. Some doesn't even have a choice.

"You see, Your Highness? This is what I told you about. The Osean doesn't care about collateral damage. They seek to win, whatever the cost. Even if millions of innocents were to die in their conquest, they won't care. They even willing to condemn one of their own to their death in spite of all they've done if it means advancing towards their interests and agendas. They're no longer the pacifist that they once was, they're no different than the very people they fought against."

Looking at things now it's hard to argue with him. As much as I want to believe that Osea is still the same 'nation of peace' as when Mr. Harling is in charge, I find it's hard. If he's still the president or if the government still upholding his ideals, none of this will happen. They will never provoke us and we will retaliate against them.

"It's not too late. We can still stop this. Everything is in place. All you have to do is convince your father, and I promised you none of this thing will happen again," he said.

I thought back to the one question that I always ask myself whenever I was in a situation like this.

'What would he do?'

He always has the solution, regardless of how bad the situation was. If only he was here, he would know what to do.

I looked up to the sky above, hoping to find answers. He always does whenever he's thinking about something, and he always has the answer after he's done, like it was hanging from the very sky and he just looked at it. But all I find is blue as far as the eyes can see. No answer in sight.

"I… I'll do it."

"Your Highness?"

"I'll do it. I'll try to convince father to… do that thing you asked of me," I said.

"You're doing the right thing, Milady. I can assure you that."

We'll see. War is something that should never exist, but always does. Now we're going to start one ourselves. We're going to start something that's been well known to cause so much suffering in the hope that doing so will reduce it.

One can only hope.