The hallways were dark and almost empty. This part of the hospital must’ve been the least active, but even that felt strange to Chase. Then, in the dark halls, he sensed something just as a white figure standing behind him alone announced his presence to him.

"Silverwing, I see you've fully healed." The white figure wore an iconic mask covering his face, with his arms folded behind his back, standing tall and authoritative.

"Mr. Azerasaki." Chase said.

"Please, just call me Kingsmen."

"Your celebrity name?"

"At this point, I only recognize that as my real name. And I'm no celebrity, just an outspoken diplomat, so I would appreciate it if you don't refer to me as such. I'm sure you would understand."

"What do you want, Kingsmen?"

"Well, I was here to visit my daughter, after her recent injuries and to check up on her recovery." Kingsmen said coldly. "But I was also hoping to see you." Chase didn't say anything as Kingsmen continued. "First, as you probably know my daughter was injured during her time with you, so the responsibility would naturally fall to you."

"I'm willing to take full responsibility for what happened, but you and Alice both knew of the risks of working with me and the police force. Still, she's incredibly strong and showed courage in the face of danger."

"Of course. Fortunately, she's recovering well, so there won’t be any further consequences. Although, I hear you’re still willing to work with her?"

"You were eavesdropping?"

"I couldn't help myself."

Chase sighed. "She showed promise and determination during her short time working with me, and even helped take down one of the most dangerous criminals I've faced yet. I have enough reason to think that she has potential as a guardian. Not only that…but the city could use another one."

Kingsmen gave a slight chuckle. "I'd be lying if I said I was surprised. She's been quite restless when I want to keep her close to me, always wanting to do more. But I think the main thing that pushed her was you specifically, Chase."

"What?"

"Did you know you're quite the iconic figure in this city? Of course, being their Guardian would do that, but Alice quite enjoyed watching you either on recorded videos or just looking at pictures of you, I think she actually idolized you quite a bit. Although, nothing too strange, just I think you really inspired her to pursue a path that she would find fulfillment in."

"…"

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"And now perhaps she can finally follow that dream." Kingsmen said with a wistful voice, like a father who was proud of his child, before it returned to his usual solemn authoritative tone. "I also assume you know of her second mission?"

“I do. And I won’t play your games.”

Kingsmen sighed. "Chase. Understand that I don’t play games. Every move I make is calculated for the sole purpose of preventing more needless violence between age-old populations of people that can’t seem to accept that the past is the past. Sounds familiar, yes?”

“...”

“Tell me, do you know about the centuries old conflict between Altaria and Eurona?"

"Yes, Alice told me about it."

"Well then, you should know that Eurona has had a very tense history with Altaria that's been littered with wars and battles. Many attempts at peace were made but all have inevitably failed, except for the most recent one — the Treaty of Coresia after the Dark War where all the nations of Coresia agreed to not wage war against one another."

"So, Altaria and Eurona should be at peace," Chase noted.

"So far yes, but not completely. You see, a piece of paper can only do so much, but the tensions that came from years of conflict are still fresh in the minds of these people. To the point where even terrorist groups have formed specifically to seek revenge against the other country that has wronged them for so long."

"The Black Dragons."

"Ah so you know about that?"

"I've been dealing with their crimes for years now, I think I would've picked up on their motives by now."

"Well, that's why I made it my mission to bring true peace between our nations and our people."

"Okay, but what does any of this have to do with me or the city police?"

"If I want to get the Altarian and Euronan people of this city to make peace, then the police department would serve a crucial role in that process." Kingsmen said. "You are the city’s Guardian, along with the police, which control what each citizen is allowed to do and not do. With so much power in the social structure, I would of course need to see if you’ll be an obstacle and how much of my own control I should exert."

"What exactly are you saying?"

"You may not want to work with me, and that’s perfectly understandable. But you even said it yourself, I believe our missions align, and so it would be beneficial if you worked with me. However…” Kingsmen glared into his eyes. “If you or the PD choose to work against my cause, to work against the peace between people, then the consequences will be severe.”

“Why would we—Is that a threat?”

“I will not take violent action, that’s what I’m trying to avoid. However, my words are a warning, because there are many factions that would gladly take Eurona’s resistance as an excuse to take extreme measures."

Chase stared back at Kingsmen. "Why are you telling me this?"

"I suppose I just felt you deserved to know. You are working with my daughter after all. Not only that, but I can see that you truly do care for the people. So, I just don’t want us to find ourselves facing each other when our goals are largely the same."

"Just stay within the law and I won't care what you do." Chase said and passed him by to leave.

"Mmm, if only things were that simple." Kingsmen said, and as Chase got a few feet away he called out again. "Consider this, Chase. How much trust do you place in the people around you? And how far would you be willing to go for them? Even if it meant going against what you believe in?"

Chase stopped in his tracks and whirled around to look at Kingsmen. But he saw no one, Kingsmen had vanished from the dark hall. Leaving Chase standing alone to think about his words, which echoed in his mind.