—The Hub, Meeting Room, Monday, Oct 10, 4pm—

After arriving home, Jake was called to the Hub. After he arrived, the warrior found Reinstar standing in the Living Quarters, then approached her. He knew the princess had left earlier in the morning. Yesterday, she informed them about leaving early today, so her absence was expected. Earlier, he and the Radiant received a farewell text, which he found amusing, and invitation for them to visit the palace when they are allowed in Galvania. They planned to do so. As he neared the canokian, he greeted her, then Reinstar shoved a folder filled with papers, leaving him confused.

"What is this?" he asked

"A list of the princess's recommendations based on her one-on-one meetings with all of you. By the way, she enjoyed meeting everyone, especially you." She had a mischievous look. "She found you the most endearing. Perhaps you will be her escort at the next ball."

"What? Me?" The boy’s face turned a deep shade of red. "I..." Realization dawned on him, and he scowled. "Stop it."

The canokian giggled. "Sorry, sorry. These recommendations aren't mandatory; they're what she believes would benefit you in Galvania, and here. What if one of your wants to go into to be in law enforcement, learning how to interrogate can be beneficial."

The Fire Radiant nodded. "Yeah, I'll look into this with the others." He flipped through the pages. "Yep, I think we all need to learn first aid. You all have been drilling how to fight for months."

"Some of you will benefit more than the rest. I believe Lina is ahead of you in health with her Ivy seeds. Mixing her mana with plant seeds, water, and soil is a good idea."

He chuckled. "Yeah, but I think she would be more interested in the rest of the stuff here. I'll show it to them and we'll decide what to focus on."

"Don't overwhelm yourself. You all don't need to act like you have know all of it instantly, take your time. Just learn one thing and improve on it. "

"Yeah." He grinned. "Especially if driving is circled in red."

"By Earth's, or at least you country's standards, you should receive your license as soon as you passed the test." responded the shinobi. "However, there is another reason I called you, and you need to relay this to the others."

"What?" Jake sounded worried as he looked around. "Where is everyone?"

"Luka is at Rye with a collegue; there is nothing to worry about, just getting a second opinion. Javo is in Galvania to help escort the princess and to check on his informant. He'll back in a few days. Selen-ja and Jin are the reason why I called you. We received news earlier today about Pilot. He completed his mission."

"Really?" Jake smiled. "Awesome! When will he return?" He noticed Reinstar uncertainty. "He's returning isn't he?"

"He will, but when depends on his mood. From what we learned, the mission left Pilot sour, and he return to his village to remedy himself."

"What's so bad about the mission? And what does it have to do with Selen-ja and Jin?"

"Selen-ja and Jin are the closest to him, so they're traveling to see him to keep an eye on him. They and others were apart of a unit that made names for themselves. However, a tragedy drove a kunai through thier seemingly tight bond. Pilot wasn't always the way he is. From what I have heard he was less strict, and more willing to joke."

Jake grimaced. "Something caused their team to break. Is that why he is so hard on us?"

"Pilot is strict because he does not want the same situation to happen to all of you. Plus, you are the Radiant, and Pilot wants all of you to know how to fight and handle situations. In the Mirror World, you said you wanted to scope out the territory and make camp? Pilot instilled that in you."

"Yep, even though Selen-ja took charge."

"You analyzed the situaiton." She smiled at him. "You, Blair, and Jack could've hid, but our teachings helped."

He nodded. "But... how were Pilot's old team?"

"They were a good team, but they were betrayed by one of their own, causing the death of another member and fracturing their unit."

He gasped. "Betrayal?" The voice squeaked. "How?"

"I can tell you some details; you can ask Pilot for the rest of it. While you are in Galvania, you might encounter the rest of his team. Besides Pilot, Jin, and Selen-ja, one other person remained in Guardian. Another retired and returned home, and another became a bounty hunter." She frowned. "The traitor joined the institgator and has not been seen since... until Guardian received information in August."

"He never said what his mission was about, only that it was his priority." He frowned. "I do feel hurt he never went into full details and he was harsher than usual."

"It's wasn't something you were privy too at the time, but since you all came a long way I believe you have the right to know what is happening. After all, you all are growing stronger and January is approaching."

"If we meet any of them, what do they look like, and what are their names."

She smiled. "Wanting to know everything about them?"

"Knowledge is power," he quoted.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Alright!" She gestured for him to follow. "I'll show you the instigator. His name is Brakt, a ex-captain from a foreign province."

The fire warrior nodded while following the shinobi. He felt the world was moving when he was given the opportunity to learn about Pilot's mission and a little of his past. The man named Brakt seemed like a distant danger, but he felt it was looming since he was being told of his mentor's past. He wondered if they would be given the opportunity to face him, unless Pilot already defeated him. If his mentor did not defeat him, then they would need to be ready and learn as much as they can in case Brakt would be their foe. He looked at the document in his hand with resolve. Time was moving.

----------------------------------------

—Planet Galvania—

Along the dusty road surrounded by grassland, a carrage was being drawn by a creature similar to a horse. Inside the carriage, Selen-ja and Jin sat. Jin quietly tapped his foot while the noble quietly read a book. The blonde knight turned to the woman with a worried expression.

"How are you not worried?"

"Not as worried as you."

"If we had finished our tasks quickly, we could have assisted them. This is similar to what happened years ago."

"I know."

"I still believe we should have taken a Rover. Our time would be cut short."

"It's not a crisis nor is this a mission for us to use a Rover, and the civilians prefer us to arrive on a traditional transport." She closed her book. "Yes, this is worrisome, but we were told he did not regress."

"That boy with him does not know him like we do. Sitting before a grave for hours is not normal, so that's why he needs us, not his squire."

"Which is why Sir Zeracakja told us to check on him and not rely on the protege. You are right about the boy's idolization. Pilot tried repremanding him, but was unsuccessful. I worry about the reprecussions when he meets the Radiant."

"They can handle themselves against him. The young warriors have resolve."

"Yes, but they are about to arrive here where a different set of eyes will be on them. Allies and foes converging with judgement."

"AND THAT!" He slammed his fist on his chest. "IS WHY WE ARE HERE!"

She sighed at his enthusasim. "Indeed."

They perked up when the carriage stopped and a voice informing them they reached their destination. They stepped out of the carriage and in viewed the village before them. It was nestled in a lush, verdant valley, exuding an air of warmth and tranquility. A home for those who prefer to stay away from the bustiling cities, especially when there are array of crimson barked trees with red leaves scattered around the valley. The homes appeared to be constructed from wood and clay, each home showing the craftmmanship of the villagers, each with a unique design while blending with the others. Wooden beams carved with local motifs and terra-toned clay walls and roofs gave it a rustic appeal.

Jin's gaze softened. "Redwood Village. As much as I adore the city and kingdom, seeing villagers like this warms my dutiful heart."

"Agreed."

"I see you showed up."

The duo flinched at the familiar voice they have not heard in a long time. They turned past the village and carriage to see another carriage with a familiar canokian in front. He had buzz-cut blue hair and a scar on his right eye, appearing rough and rugged. He wore a torn black vest over a charcoal gray shirt along with green pants. Jin narrowed his eyes and was about to speak until Selen-ja grabbed his shoulder. He grimaced and turned away as the noblewoman spoke up.

"Jarlon, I did not believe you would be here." She gazed at his right hand, noticing a black gem engraved on it. She sighed. "It is true."

Jarlon nodded. "Yes, and goodbye."

"HOLD ON!" Jin roared. "It's been ten years you scoundrel! It's bad enough you left Guardian, but you act like you were the only person affected."

The blue haired man chuckled. "Haven't changed, Jin. I think you gotten more obonxious."

"How dare you!"

"Jin." The Aura Art user spoke harshly. "Please, not right now."

"I'm glad you are with him Selen-ja." The black gem holder glared. "There could be a huge problem if he continued."

"Restrain yourself, Jarlon."

A new voice spoke out of the carriage. Poking out of the carriage was a blue feathered aviana with green eyes. The noble settled her eyes on the bird woman, who gazed at them with contempt and interest.

"Greetings" said the aviana.

"Hello." nodded the Aura Art user.

The bird woman retreated in the carriage. "Let's go, Jarlon."

He sighed before stepping into the carriage. "Pilot's over at the grave along with his sidekick." He turned to them. "Also I gave him Intel you might find interesting."

"Intel?"

"I'm glad you both are well. Until next time."

He entered the carriage, and a moment later, the driver called to the horse-like creature, and the carriage rode off. The duo stood silent for a minute, then Jin frustratedly kicked the ground.

"That wretched cur. He still acts like the tragedy did not affect us all."

"But it hit home." She glanced at the village. "He was born here too." She moved toward the entrance.

"I know, so was our fallen comrade." He said softly while follwing her.

They entered the village, ignoring the chatter and serene atmosphere. People moved around, performing their daily activities: selling merchandise, communicating with friends, reading at the fountain, and other activites. They ignored them all and moved to the section of the town where the cemetery stood. They moved around the cemetery until the caught sight of two familar canokians. Pilot sat at grave while a boy stood over him with arms crossed. The untamed spiky brown haired boy's ears twitched, then turned slowly with guarded demanor. His yellow eyes glared as if anticipating trouble. His expression changed from the guarded look to a surprise, then calmed down. He smiled and placed his fist on his heart.

"Sir Jin, Lady Selen-ja! You didn't have to trouble yourselves to come here."

"I'm sure you had the situation handled, Jex." said the noble. "But I think our leader wanted reassurance. Make sure our friend does not succumb to his own personal hell."

The youngling nodded. "I understand." Then he scowled. "You didn't run into... them on the way here."

The noble felt the youngling wanted to say something negative about Jarlon and the avaiana. Probably not while Pilot was there. "Yes, then they left immediately after we spoke."

"He actually stayed until you arrived." said Pilot wearily. "Dumbass."

Jin sighed. "Honestly, I was surprised too, since you both ended your friendship."

"Which he shouldn't." Jex clenched his fist. "That man is not the only one hurting."

"Enough," sighed Pilot. "If you're both here that means the Count and Masked Piper were defeated. I'll be reading the reports when I return to the Hub.""

"Indeed," Selen-ja responded. "The Radiant proved themselves. They all miss you, Jake especially."

The youngling frowned at hearing about the Radiant. "Jake Ishida, Blaze. The Fire Radiant." He scoffed. "Dealing with threats on Earth pale in comparison to here. I would of slayed all of rhem immediately. When they arrive I want to challenge them, especially the Fire Radiant."

"Why are you intererested in him?" The blonde knight raised his eyebrow.

"A few reasons, but mainly because you mentioned him specifically.” He sneered. “I want to measure his worth."

"Jex, enough." Pilot stood up and turned to face him. “You will do no such thing, understand?”

The young flinched under the hardened gaze. He slouched his shoulders. “Yes, sir.”

Pilot shook his head. “We have a lot to discuss, not out here. To my home.”

"Jarlon mentioned intel he offered you." said the noblewoman."

"That will come up soon, but I will tell you about the mission."

The youngling nodded fervantly. "Indeed, first thing we did."

"No." Pilot shook his head. "I will tell you about what happened there and not how we arrived." He moved away from the grave and toward the gates of the cemetary. "The world is moving as usual; we must be ready."