Siyu opens his eyes and finds himself on a bed. He sees a figure nearby.

“Excuse me,” Siyu calls out. The figure turns and he sees that it’s a nurse.

“Oh, you’re awake. I’ll inform Major Frey.” The nurse says before beginning to turn.

“Wait!” Siyu exclaims. “Please tell me where I am...” He says, a hint of desperation in his voice.

“You’re in Fort Soar, near the border to Paz.” The nurse explains, before waiting for Siyu to respond. Siyu only stares, his brain only now beginning to process the situation. “I’ll go find Major Frey.” The nurse says before exiting the room.

What just happened? Siyu wonders. His mind thinks back, but a sharp pain suddenly strikes him. “Aaah!” He cries out. Messages trickle through the pain, informing Siyu of what happened; his mind knows but it did not want to experience what happened again. Siyu stops thinking and closes his eyes. I just– I just need to think of nothing for a moment…

...

...

“Siyu, Siyu.” A voice calls out, and Siyu feels a nudge on his shoulder.

“Ah,” Siyu says, opening his heavy eyes. He sees Frey sitting before him, looking with worry.

“What happened?” Frey asks with concern as he leans forward.

Siyu lets out a deep sigh. “Let’s not speak of it. How long was I out?” He asks.

“You were unconscious for five days,” Frey responds with a chuckle.

“I see. Give me a few more days. My mind still needs to rest.” Siyu says with a weary voice.

“Sure thing. Rest easy and I’ll come back tomorrow.” Frey says, patting Siyu's shoulder before exiting the room.

…

…

Two days later, Siyu's mind was feeling a little better, but walking outside and watching the soldiers sparring would cause his mind to call on those memories of the battle and he would feel a sharp pain in his mind. But he learned something; he could turn off his senses. If he wished to dim his senses to the level of a regular person, sometimes he could. For other things, as it was with everyone, he would have to watch with eyes wide open, but for moments like this, his mind was able to settle. So, his mind stopped processing that information, and for the next two days, he felt like a normal person again. It felt even better than sleep; like his mind was renewed. He knew it wouldn’t last forever though, and on the eleventh day of his rest, he began to open up those extra senses.

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Siyu began to watch and observe, traveling within the fort, and seeing what the story wished for him to see. He started talking to people, observing their characters and learning their histories. He separated the truth, the half-truths, and the lies; his understanding of the situation beginning to form.

Then, one day, Frey came to find him to attend a meeting.

Frey sat Siyu down and spoke to him. “Now, before we go, I want to bring you up to date on what you missed for the last half of a month. After thwarting the Paz ambush on our journey here, we captured several of their soldiers and learned that the Paz military has been smuggling soldiers across the border. It was a slow process, but they’ve been working on this ambush since they’ve learned of my deployment here half a year ago. From what we know another troop of soldiers has also crossed the border, and they are scattered across the villages and cities near Fort Soar. They plan to meet at a set location at a set time, for what we can only assume is an attack. Scouts have been sent out to various cities but so far there have been no results. Also, from what our spies across the border tell us, the country of Paz is gathering troops at the nearby city of Cross and they seem to be getting ready for battle. Our soldiers have also begun preparing for what can only be an intense fight. Those are the main points. Questions?” He says.

“None. If that’s all, I’m ready when you are.” Siyu says, ready to depart.

“There are a few other things…” Frey says, continuing the briefing.

…

…

“Frey, you’re late.” Lieutenant-Colonel Jared says with displeasure. “Just because you are a prince, it doesn’t mean you’re above military standards for punctuality.” He says, unimpressed.

“I apologize, Lieutenant-Colonel Jared,” Frey says with a bow. “It won’t happen again.” Frey continues, before taking his seat. Siyu follows behind and stands on Frey’s side.

“And who’s this?” Colonel Crowley, the commanding officer of Fort Soar, asks.

“Let me introduce you,” Frey says, gesturing to Siyu by his side. “This is my guide, appointed by the King. Mr. Siyu Grey, the Don of Turtle Shell Inn.” He says.

Colonel Crowley’s mouth curved up slightly. “An interesting title.” He says in amusement.

“And what right does he have to attend this meeting?” Lieutenant-Colonel Jared asks inquisitively.

“His duties, as described by the King, is to advise me on any matters that I may come across. I am simply a greenhorn Major; his advice will allow me to better complete my duties.” Frey replies with a smile.

Lieutenant-Colonel Crowley scowls. He could say nothing more.

“Enough. Let’s get on with the meeting; the Captains are tired of watching you bicker.” Colonel Crowley says with a grin. Chuckles resound across the table, but when Lieutenant-Colonel Jared looks to the Captains, the chuckles were suppressed. “Jared, what have your people found?” Crowley asks.

“3 Paz infiltrators have been discovered. All died by poison. The only useful thing we have learned is that the soldiers have been smuggled into the country by the Blooming Flower Cult. They are an organization with influence across the continent, led primarily by cultivators of the Hell Path. We have sent spies to infiltrate a few of their smuggling rings, hoping to learn more, but there are currently no results.” Lieutenant-Colonel Jared explains.

“Oh?” Colonel Crowleys says with a smirk. “I hope your spies are not the charming sort. Otherwise they may never want to leave. I almost wish I had the skills for it; infiltrating the Blooming Flower Cult seems like it would be a fruitful endeavor.” He says, beginning to dream a little.

“I don’t understand your meaning,” Frey says with an inquisitive look.

“The Blooming Flower Cult. Hell Path, by Love. Let’s just say that the things this cult is interested in, I am not opposed to myself.” Crowley says with a chuckle. “But enough about that. When can we expect the upcoming battle?” He asks, getting back to business.

“Roughly two weeks from now. Their soldiers have not yet fully gathered. It is expected that we will outnumber the enemy when their forces depart, so Fort Plum refuses to send reinforcements. When it was requested, Colonel Vlaire simply replied, and I quote, ‘We’re not kids anymore.’ Either way, it will be impossible for the Paz soldiers to get past the Spring Valley.” Jared replies, his hand knocking on the table in thought.

“Ha! Damn woman. One day, I’ll show her what a man is. If there’s one thing I’ll accomplish in this life, it will be putting a ring on that woman’s finger.” Crowley says with a hidden frustration. “Contact Fort Lefin and ask for reinforcements. This battle is a distraction, and the smuggled soldiers are most likely after the real target. Inform me as soon as our spies have any information. Anyone have anything else to say?” Crowley asks with slight irritation.

Siyu takes a step forward.

Crowley raises an eyebrow. “And what does the guide have to say?” He asks, not expecting much.

“First, may I say that I apologize for any inexperience with military matters I may show. As for what I have to say, I feel I know what the Paz soldiers are targeting.” Siyu says after a slight bow.

“Oh. Enlighten me.” Crowley says with slight sarcasm.

“Their target has been the same from the beginning; Prince Frey,” Siyu states.