--Flashback--15 years ago--
Back before Lloyd became a Postmaster-General and before Alastair became a Vice-Postmaster General, they were twenty-two years old Emissaries at that time-they were full-fledged and faithful to their duties. Until they received informations of Albaerin suddenly made a move and started attacking the cities and provinces near the Amber Mines.
Amber Mines are known to produce Melodic Ambers that they needed to fuel their Automotive Gears, and they were able to obtain them in huge quantities. Alastair was the person behind the main idea of Automotive Gear weapons, he was the one who came up with that—and his mentor Albaerin want to steal that secret, which made Alastair furious.
Alastair is desperate and need to stop the Postmaster General; his own mentor Albaerin, until Lloyd came to him to help. He was amazed that he didn’t expect that his friend would actually join him in stopping his mentor Albaerin.
But he did.
“I’ve heard about Albaerin’s plan, but I don’t think that I can stop him alone,” Alastair explained, Lloyd nodded with a smile at him.
“Don’t worry, we’ll save the future of National Postal Service for sure!”
“Thank you, Lloyd.”
Alastair smiled at him, once they rose into positions of Masters—the mentor-classed Mail-Hunters, they immediately began their plans. They were able to seize control of Amber Mines because they had a lot of resources and manpower to reclaim their organization. They were even able to take down defensive formation of the Amber Mines, and seized it without any resistance from the guards and workers in the facility. And they overthrow Albaerin from his position as a Postmaster-General, placing the responsibility of running the Amber Mines under Lloyd and Alastair’s supervision.
All the Mail-Hunters in the National Postal Service are grateful to both of them, especially for Lloyd, he had a good reputation around the regions. Lloyd was appointed as the Postmaster-General of Emissaries at twenty-five, the same goes for Alastair who became a Vice-Postmaster at the age of twenty-five.
--End of Flashback--15 years ago--
The people in the city of Welkin were horrified to see a Cabernet Husk appearing, the first time a creature have barged into the city that made the government official got panicked. Of course, Alden wanted to get out of here and escape his responsibilities--until he noticed that nobody wanted to help him--let alone another officials. The Cabernet Husk crushed against National Postal Service's Headquarters, much to Simon's surprise none of the Mail-Hunters are inside and all of them were already evacuated from the start of the battle--it's too late for him to react now because his plan failed miserably.
Simon laughed merrily at the destroyed headquarters, thinking that the people there already dead so he can retrieve the Melodic Scores--when he approached the scene he was shocked that no one was there. "This is strange…" Brando stated, narrowing his eyes while looking around his surroundings. "I thought our offer to Lloyd Warren is working out, turns out he turned down the offer," Rufus grumbled, after he escaped--he thought Mathilda unable to reach out for him-turns out she escaped.
"There's Reverse Organization no more for you, Gallagher."
Alastair stated, with the Mail-Hunter Armed Enforcement Squad behind him as Gilbert and Cordelia were standing across them--with the Hybrid Children along both Senja's coordination and apparently Mathilda was present after she recovered from what Rufus had done to her. "Alastair! You bastard!" Brando yelled, watching him smirking as he folded his arms firmly. "Where's your leader?!" he snapped, Alastair shrugged--looking over to his side.
Vincent arrived with his vintage motorbike parked on the grounds, with Lloyd seated behind him as he grinned at Simon and his peers. Lloyd grinned when they find out about this, he was wearing a white formal shirt with black vest under his dark purple tailcoat suit with light green ribbon around the opened collars, black pants tucked into his dark brown riding boots and wears a dark purple Inverness cape--along a dark purple deerstalker cap.
Simon growled, looking up at him. "Lloyd... you fool!"
The Postmaster-General snickered, before he got off from the motorbike and grabbing his cane. "Too bad," Lloyd taunted him, adjusting his glasses on his eyes. "Reverse is finished, the war starts over there. The next time... things will get more complicated because the Day of Disappearing Stars isn't just an event--it's happening right here, right now. You think I will take your side that easily? I already think twice about it, and sacrificing these innocent people has gone too far, don't you think?"
Lloyd asked, watching Xingfa and Zhilan who stood there after negotiation—which involved their own subordinates. "I don't know how did they went along with our plan, but it seems like they had change of heart," he said with a pout as he rubbed his chin, before Xingfa gave out his usual smile with eyes closed. "No worries, I already made my decision--only for both factions' benefits."
Ruka has arrived at the rooftop of the clock tower, together with the Executive Enforcers who were Shintaro, Rin, Nico and his mistress--the youngest Enforcer Alice Liddell--while Jilian and their leader Henriette are the eldest. "Urgh, it took four damn hours to convince Lord Xingfa to change his mind! And, I can't believe we had to make Lady Zhilan to fight him!" she snapped, making Rin sighed and rolling her eyes when she observed the view.
"And, we had no choice but to let Lady Zhilan battle him which is a bad idea… at least, we managed to change his mind," she said as she unleashed her Locomotive Gear, the signature weapon for the Stardust Express Executive Crew as the equivalent of Automotive Gear for all of the Mail-Hunters in National Postal Service; that is forged and manufactured by them.
Ruka’s Locomotive Gear; Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV. 565—it took a form of the prototype crossbow-flintlock, which fired bullets using compressed air instead of conventional firearms. Each bullet had enough power to kill an ordinary human with one shot—the bullets can penetrate steel armour plate easily and it could reach a speed of 1,300 kilometers per hour—it can kill a Husks in no time at all. It has two large barrels with six rounds each, allowing her to fire two shots at a time or four if needed—which made it easier to use for her.
“I have no choice but to defend the innocent citizens,” Ruka said as she aimed at these Marauders, attacking them with accuracy that she was capable of. She can see the fear on their faces when she fires her gun with deadly accuracy. Her aim was perfect; it was almost like shooting ducks in a pond—no matter where the marauder runs, she can hit him without fail.
Shintaro’s Locomotive Gear; Messiah, HWV 56: Part II, no. 44. The weapon took a form of the dual prototype dark velvet brown and black flintlocks with embroidery of melodic scores and light gold platinum beads, making it look elegant and fancy—each flints had a length of thirty inches and weight of six pounds—the barrel had a length of twenty eight inches and weighs nine pounds—it has two hundred rounds capacity, enough for her needs. It has powerful shots and blasts that could kill an ordinary human instantly—it can shoot fifty Melodic Score blasts in unlimited shots.
“Milady, let me guard you!”
Shintaro spoke to her, before Ruka nodded at her guardian. “Don’t die on me! I won’t let you!” he added, realized how dangerous it could be if Ruka died in this war zone.
Nico has two of his Locomotive Gears; Jade Moon and Celestial Palace, it took form of two separate prototype instruments—a traditional zither and guqin—with a length of seven feet long and weighs fifteen pounds each and length of eighteen inches and weight of twelve ounces each—making it lightweight that he could carry it anywhere he goes—they both has a maximum firing capacity of five hundred rounds, which is more than enough for him to handle.
It can blasts his opponents with upcoming attacks through his skilled fingers on the strings while playing the piece, his smooth and swaying techniques of his fingers activate the ability—it creates several needle-like pink and jade arrows aiming at the Marauders, piercing into their vitals instantly with ease, while making a beautiful melody for the audience to enjoy while they wait for the end of the battle. He is good with these two weapons, even his mistress Alice played along with him on her flute.
Henriette’s Locomotive Gear; Der Hölle Rache—took a form of a prototype instrument-like shamisen with golden plating with a length of six feet and weight of ten pounds, it is used as a traditional Japanese instrument that uses bamboo and metal strings that produces an eerie sound that is capable of paralyzing enemies in an instant due to its demonic tone—with a firing capacity of two hundred rounds; this Locomotive Gear is more useful in close range combat—as it can fire up to three hundred blasts at once.
Henriette is one of the most skilled musicians of all of them that makes her performance look effortless. The Executive Enforcers were busy fighting off some of the Marauders, they forgot that there was also another Marauder on the rooftop as well—it was the Marauder known as The Madman who was hiding inside the clock tower, trying to escape from Ruka’s attacks and stay alive. “Ruka! The Madman is on the rooftop!”
“I know!” Ruka responded to him, she turned to Shintaro. “Guard them with your life!” she said, pointing at the Madman. “I will focus on keeping the Marauders away from here!”
“I’ll handle The Madman, he’s the captain after all,” Henriette said, before she jumped down from the rooftop, heading straight towards The Madman. “I won’t let you run!” she said to The Madman when he saw her coming his way. Henriette laughed merrily—as a Chief of Executive Enforcers—she’s known to be a misandrist; loathed all men and hates them—which made her hate The Madman more than anyone else.
“Levine... or should I refer you as The Madman?” Henriette said with melodic tone but most likely disturbingly dark, which sounds eerie in contrast with evil laughter. The Madman smirked wickedly as he watched Henriette, seeing her shamisen morphed into a black metallic fan—her Locomotive Gear can morph into either shamisen or fan by her will—he thought she was foolish to think that she can defeat him easily without any help of her subordinates.
But he was wrong.
Henriette is a skilled musician; she has mastered Shamisen, allowing her to unleash her full potential in musical instruments—and able to kill her opponents without merciful reasons at all.
Ruka was busy fighting off the marauders while Henriette continued to fight the Madman, while Nico kept an eye on Henriette. Shintaro was also focusing on keeping the marauders away from his mistress. Henriette was the strongest even as their chief. Her skills rivaled Ruka’s own skills in terms of fighting—but she wasn’t a member of Chosen Ones, she only serves their country by becoming Captain of Executive Enforcers, making her one of the strongest members of the Stardust Express Station Crew that ever existed in history.
Levine tried to defeat Henriette but it’s useless, her sadistic tendencies scares every men and she killed every man in front of her without mercy, making it hard for him to even move. He knew that if she wanted to kill him then he had no chance to survive. Henriette been a victim of assault before by the Marauders, making her even more vicious than normal women.
“Damn you woman!” he snarled at her, he charged towards her with his arms and legs open, aiming for her chest area with his hands to strike her with his fists—but as expected he couldn’t hurt her at all. Henriette dodged his attack and slashed him across his abdomen, leaving a deep wound there.
Henriette laughed like a maniacal hyena, when Levine writhed in pain on the floor with blood dripping out from his gut. “Ha! You think you can get me by force? I will not allow that, not even once!” she snapped, stomping him on the ground with a high-platformed sandals that she wore.
The Marauders are scared by her terrifying yet, prejudiced aura; they ran off immediately. Henriette continued to laugh like mad, as if she’s enjoying herself too much in the middle of battle. “I will defeat you! I am the strongest here, nobody even Mail-Hunters able to stop me!”
Ruka sighed when she heard Henriette from below there, until she saw one of the Marauders—known as Loda—attacking Ruka but Shintaro stopped her from attacking Ruka by shooting her on the waist with his Locomotive Gear, killing her instantly. “Thank god you saved me,” Ruka said with relief, upon hearing that.
Simon growled at what happened, watching the battle has just begun and he even grinned at them. "Hmph, Cabernet Husk is still capable of destroying the city walls, you know…?" he taunted, watching the creature awakened again and tried to advanced through the grounds--until the creature was interrupted by another large creature; Winter Wolf!
"Wait, is that?!"
The Winter Wolf appeared in front of Cabernet Husk before the Husk creature will attack the city, growling before he charged at it with his fangs--but the Husk quickly flew away from it, before it crushed back to the giant wolf's direction; since the giant armored insect took a shape of a dragonfly. Both of them collided against each other; the impact caused dusts and pieces of rocks to fall on them.
"Winter Wolf…"
Simon murmured, then Brando clicked his tongue at Vincent who tipped his goggles on his eyes. The three Hybrid Children were with the Hybrid army, fighting against the Mail-Hunters and Enforcers. "What did you do to the Winter Wolf?" he asked them, before Lloyd chuckled--then he folded his arms. "See it for yourself, you know how sacrilegious to tamper with legendary creature like the Winter Wolf we have," Alastair agreed, before he saw Senja grinned while holding his Automotive Gear on his hand so does Mathilda. "Oh right, there's Spring Serpent too."
The Spring Serpent roared at the Cabernet Husk as the large dragonic serpent lunged at the massive insect, snapping his sharp fangs and he had the same color palette with the wolf, except their fur colors are totally different. The Serpent looked at the Winter Wolf; they nod at each other, before the two legendary creatures fought against the creature to keep the creature away from the city.
"Looks like the war has begun, you shouldn't have let the Hybrids escaped… and turns out they fled from our sight."
Sonya, Serena and Irina tried to attack the Mail-Hunters despite their efforts in escaping, but stopped by Mathilda with her fatal blow of her Sixteen Waltz, Op. 390 that now upgraded with the pistol-flintlock adjustment she made. "Stop right there, kids! We're not done with you yet!"
Simon growled, before he saw the Enforcers' army has charged against them--with the Mail-Hunters securing the whole cities from them; the Husk creatures even the Premium Ranks.
"Don't get into our way!" Ruka snapped at the Mail-Hunters, causing Gilbert to get pissed but he hold it back. He knew it's useless to complain because they have their own agendas, before Cordelia whined. "You're the one who gets in our way!" Ruka was shocked dramatically by her response, before she sneered at Cordelia.
"Shut up, all of us Enforcers got here first! Step aside, you commoners!"
Shintaro laughed nervously when he heard his master Ruka arguing with her, before Nico was paying attention to Alice instead due to his protectiveness over the ten-years old girl. "Nico, stop wasting your time doting her!" Rin yelled at him loudly, before Natsuki rolled his eyes and Jilian laughed nervously at them. "I think this is our first time working together in a team…"
Claire grumbled as the Mail-Hunters are guarding the National Postal Service's Headquarters, before she look away from Ruka because she always get ticked off by her attitude. Gabriel wished he has wax plugs so he can focus on securing the area, while he doesn't have to hear their arguments. Sonata kept her wolf ears pinned back, keeping their noises of arguing from getting heard. "I don't have time to listen to your arguments," Xinglan said with a cold gaze as Suona and Amaris agreed, he saw Dr. Chamberlain carried Claude's younger sister Sylvette--knowing that she need to be carried in emergency state due to her paraplegic state. Claude also participating in the battle, before he spoke. "Come on, we have to stop them."
Claude was participating as well, to assist them. "Why am I working together with them…" Vincent grumbled, before he revved his vintage motorbike and drove off with his Automotive Gear on his hand. "Hey! Don't you dare leave us like this!"
Henriette heard Ruka yelled at the Delivery Express Mail-Hunter when he drove off from there, she shrugged. "Told you, don't piss of Vincent due to his cool-like attitude," Gabriel told them, before he saw how super annoyed his mentor towards the Enforcers--despite his professional attitude. "Are you okay, Master Senja? I can tell you look pissed."
Senja smiled painfully at his apprentice Gabriel, before he stared at Mathilda restraining the three Hybrid Children who tried to break free from her Automotive Gear weapon. "Yes, unfortunately… I'm more than pissed, Gabriel, bear with me please… and if they became part of Stardust Express Station… that's a fuel to the fire," he whispered, which made Gabriel grumbled. "Yeah right… let's stop these bastards and this large pesty bug Cabernet Husk anyways--we're Mail-Hunters after all."
"We got a lot of work ahead of us, let's get going!"
The other Mail-Hunters nodded, listening to their Postmaster-General's orders until they battled against both government soldiers and the anti-Canarian organization. Including the king of Husk creatures--Cabernet Husk. They're the strongest enemy they must defeat first if they want to win the war against Alden, that's why they must gather all of their strength. They clashed with Simon's men who're armed with both old and new weapons--they're the ones that changed after they became aware of the existence of Hybrids.
The battles between the Mail-Hunters, Enforcers and the Anti-Canarian Organization's forces were bloody, they were injured but they tried their best to stay neutral and protect the people of Canaria even in the capital of Welkin City. "It's been a long time since we last fought side by side," Shintaro commented, watching how his comrades struggle to survive in that battle. "At least we're not alone anymore."
"Shut up," Gabriel retorted at his younger step-brother, before he saw how his friends tried to block the bullets fired by the Anti-Canarian Organization's soldiers with their Automotive and Locomotive Gear weapons. "It's not like we're having a picnic here, Shintaro."
Claire shot Simon with her Automotive Gear weapon; Pachelbel's Canon in Major to break the shells of his armor; she also targeted his armament, but she missed as it is dodged by him--she's not getting through his defensive ability.
"Sonata!"
Claire shouted, before she nodded as she used her Automotive Gear weapon; Chopin's Nocturne Op. 20 on her hand to finish off his shell armor and armament. Her blade pierced through his flesh and blood spilled out from it; she didn't care about hurting him at all, he deserved that for what he did to her. "You brat...! You're just like your father!"
Sonata growled, before she stabbed his body with a single strike. Then, she saw Sonya, Serena and Irina tried to ambush her from behind--they were stabbed by the appendages of the Cabernet Husk. Sonata was horrified, seeing them dying in front of her as they fell down on the ground. "H-Huh...?" she look up at the creature, realizing how horrifying it is when the Husk began to absorb the Hybrids and devouring them before her eyes.
Although some of the Mail-Hunters are injured, some of them are able to withstand their wounds. Not even the strongest Mail-Hunters like Postmaster General and Vice-Postmaster General can defeat the beasts which is too powerful for them. Claire and Gabriel were injured as well, even Xinglan almost had his stamina ceased like Vincent and Amaris--all of them were injured as they had to save their Melodic Scores. Not even the ex-Enforcers and their leaders able to defeat them, although they can defeat Marauders and other Husk creatures--Cabernet is no more than that and that creature is too powerful and regenerative.
Sonata stared at her Automotive Gear gunblade; Chopin's Nocturne Op. 20, before feeling the resonating musical power that were residing in her-even the single gold platinum earring on her left wolf ear shining with the rune. Her eyes are shimmering crimson red, she was determined to defeat it as her body glowing in bright light--it is almost similar to Artificial Light. "Wait a minute… what's this?" she asked.
Lloyd was observing everything from a distance while he was holding his cane and watching over Alastair's shoulder even Xinglan and Amaris observed them, as well Claire and Gabriel--he was thinking about something; is Sonata the 'child of light'? He shook his head as he looked at Alastair, now he knows better than that. As they combined their Melodic Scores to Sonata, boosting her strength and ability to stop the Cabernet Husk from attacking the Artificial Light.
"You inherited half of my power, Sonata. The power of the Crimson Melody, a powerful antithesis of darkness which is 'melodic lights' of your Melodic Scores. You can defeat it, I may able to defeat it--but it might risking my strength and yours is vice versa."
The Winter Wolf spoke to his daughter, seeing that Sonata listened by using telepathy and she nodded at him with determination. "Master Alastair!" she called her mentor, turning around to face him--she was no longer afraid. Alastair look up at his apprentice, panting a little from the exhaustion. "Can you lend me your Automotive Gear?" Sonata requested. Alastair stared at his apprentice for a moment, before he let out a deep sigh as he replied. "Alright... as long you still remembered the training that I taught you," he handed his Automotive Gear towards her.
Sonata received the gunlance as he gave it to her, holding it tightly as her body glowed brighter than ever before, now the two are standing side by side. "Sonata!" Suona called, approaching her. "Are you going to be okay on your own?"
"Yeah, and... Suona."
Suona heard her voice, before she added. "It's nothing, just wish me luck."
Sonata said, smiling a little. "Do you really think that's true?" Alastair asked her, he looked at how the Cabernet Husk approaching them slowly. "Alastair," Lloyd scolded his subordinate with a smile, before using his cane to hit his head hard against it--he didn't care if his cane broke because he knows what he can do. "Oh, shut up! Just because you are the Postmaster-General doesn't mean you're the only one who are capable to use those guns of yours," Alastair whined, before he sighed.
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"We believe in you... Sonata."
"Father, could you please let me get any higher? Also, Suona's father! Help me get to the highest point too!" Sonata asked her father Solvine in his giant white wolf form, he nodded his head before giving her his paw and he spoke to her telepathically.
"Step up, you're ready."
As soon as they touched hands, her eyes shone brighter than ever before; it felt as if someone is pouring all of his / her strength inside of her--she can finally feel her true potential as a half-Winter Wolf human--as a half-hybrid. Then she stepped on top of the wolf's paw, she jumped off once he lifted her up any higher and the Spring Serpent obeyed as he allowed Sonata to land on top of his head and facing the creature. Now is the time to act, he thought as Sonata readied herself for another strike against the Cabernet Husk--no, the last strike.
Sonata took a deep breath, her body glowing in bright light as she aimed the two Automotive Gear weapons on her hands before the Husk. "This is the endgame now, Simon... Alden, the Prime Minister of Canaria," Lloyd declared, looking straight at Sonata before turning around to look at his companions.
"Let's finish this."
Simon was stunned upon seeing Sonata glowing in bright light as she took aim on their Cabernet Husk--now is the time to show them how strong her Automotive Gear weapon and her mentor's Automotive Gear weapon on her hands worked. The Cabernet Husk roared in inhumanely, before flying away from the Artificial Light and headed towards Sonata and Solvine.
"Automotive Gear, Reload," Sonata whispered, before her eyes shimmered in red color as she pressed both triggers on the two projectile weapons.
"Chopin's Final Movement... Nocturne... Op. 20, No.2!"
The two Automotive Gears reloaded with two rounds each in rapid succession after shooting two powerful shots at the Cabernet Husk from a certain range, hitting it in a few vital areas--the red pastel-like projectile thunderous blasts strikes through the vital weak spots of the creature--thus destroying the entire organs of the creature.
Their armor broke down due to the impact of the gunshots, leaving its internal parts exposed and vulnerable to damage--its insides can be seen through the cracks of its armor; and most importantly: it is completely defenseless and helpless. It will become a giant pincushion for Sonata to shoot her Melodic Scores into its body; the same goes with Alastair's Automotive Gear weapon on her hand as well.
The creature's corpse fell into the ground and demolished into ashes, leaving Simon outnumbered including Alden.
Alastair watched for a moment--he smiled as he watched over them being taken into custody, he was thinking of what Sonata meant to him when she asked if she has his approval. "That's what I'm talking about, my apprentice," he whispered to Sonata while looking at her as she saw her heaving tiredly from all the strength she used. "Wait... she's gonna faint, isn't she?" Gabriel asked that made Suona covered her mouth, making Claire yelled. "Let's get her!"
"Sonata!"
Sonata closed her eyes from the exhaustion she endured before her father Solvine reverted into his human form, catching her in his arms before she could fall and he landed down on the ground.
Xinglan was relieved that she was alright--before he grabbed both of the Automotive Gears from her that she used earlier and Amaris carefully hold the other one. Alastair obtained his Automotive Gear; Canon and Gigue in D Major, T. 377 back to his side. Mathilda and Senja were relieved Sonata was able to defeat the Cabernet Husk on her own, Gabriel, Vincent and Claire were glad to see her alright despite Sonata still fainted.
***
Sonata opened her eyes slowly when she regained her consciousness, still wearing her signature Emissary uniform that she was laying on the bed of the infirmary in National Postal Service's Headquarters. "You're awake, Sonata," Claire greeted her best friend with a smile, standing beside the bed with Gabriel as he found her best friend awake and doing well. Sonata smiled weakly and tiredly but alright as well, as Claire sighed in relief.
"Thank God that you're okay..."
"Yeah, I am now..."
Sonata said as she sat up on her bed, looking at her surroundings, she saw Gabriel staring at her while Claire looked at her worriedly--while Mathilda was smiling at her. "How long... How long I've been fainted from defeating the Cabernet Husk...?"
Sonata asked, seeing Dr. Chamberlain was there as he answered. "You've been fainted about ten hours, but it's alright--you need to rest for three days--we don't have any beds available so we had to put you in this room..."
"Thanks..." she murmured tiredly. She then glanced around the infirmary as she saw Mathilda, Senja, Alastair, Suiren, Solvine and Lloyd were present inside the room, along with Claire, Gabriel, Xinglan, Suona, Amaris and Claude--they were waiting for her to wake up. Sonata remembered that she used her mentor's Automotive Gear weapon, Canon and Gigue in D Major, T. 377 that she borrowed to defeat the Cabernet Husk--it was strapped behind Alastair's back holster that he has.
"W-Wait, I didn't made a scratches! I swear--"
"Of course not!"
Alastair replied back with his usual stern tone, the Vice-Postmaster General was indeed proud of his apprentice Sonata for her bravery to defeat the Cabernet Husk creature--and Alastair masking his kind and caring side with his stern and disciplined disposition; he was always strict in teaching his apprentices about things that he learned from his previous experiences.
Solvine agreed, he patted his daughter's head which made her smiled shyly--even though she was still scared at Alastair for now.
"You have defeated the most powerful creature among the hybrid creatures, my apprentice. You have shown us all the true potential of our Automotive Gear weapon--and that even a person such as yourself can wield a dangerous Automotive Gear weapon that I had, and no one can wield."
Lloyd heard his subordinate Vice Postmaster-General spoke to Sonata with cold and calculating gaze, his eyes shined in pride and admiration towards his student; but this wasn't the first time Alastair did this to him, even Lloyd couldn't deny that this man was truly amazing in terms of knowledge and experience in combat; since Lloyd is the Postmaster-General and Alastair's friend--he understand Alastair's disposition and noble upbringings, even if Alastair is very different from Lloyd himself--while Solvine always kept his composure and tranquility most of the time.
Gabriel was looking at the Cabernet Husk's remains that were left behind from Sonata's fight with it—now he realized why her mentor is proud of Sonata, this girl is indeed a worthy successor—Claire also surprised her father Alastair—or Sonata's mentor is proud of this achievement.
Sonata was surprised by this, before she laughed nervously. "Thanks but... I don't think I can be a good Emissary if I use a gunlance instead of a blade... but I'm grateful for your kind words."
"Don't say that," Alastair said sternly, folding his arms. "Even though you are only a second generation Emissary like my daughter Claire and her servant Gabriel, even your friend like Xinglan, Suona, Amaris and Vincent--it doesn't mean you're incapable of using them. You just need to train more and more; you will find a purpose that suits you well."
"What do you mean?" Gabriel asked curiously.
"I can explain later," Alastair answered as Claire giggled at the awkward conversation they were having, Lloyd snickered quietly as he patted Alastair's shoulder. Vincent was also trying to hold his cackle like Lloyd.
Xinglan rolled his eyes and Amaris snickered as Suona hugged Sonata--glad that she's alright. "Now now, we have to pay for the damage on our Headquarters thanks to Cabernet Husk that Sonata defeated earlier," Lloyd reminded him, which made Alastair's face went pale--though they are wealthy... they still need to pay for the damage for their Headquarters and the Welkin City...
"I know..."
Alastair muttered as he stood up from his seat, he went straight out of the infirmary, leaving his staff behind to deal with it and followed by his subordinates who were also stunned by Alastair's sudden change of mood.
Well, that's because Alastair need to count how much they need to repair their headquarters and how many people got wounded by Cabernet Husk during its rampage... including Alastair himself along Lloyd. As for the Hybrid Children, they unfortunately passed away because the genes no longer compatible to them-which means Sonata's ex-friends; Sonya, Serena and Irina has passed--and Sonata paid tribute to them along Suona.
Alastair was counting some cashes to pay for the damage, he was wealthy like Lloyd but they need to think on how to pay for these damages... it cost millions of Dinars for them to repair everything... though he can just make money by selling the Automotive Gear weapons from his armory but this one will be expensive... so, they asked Mathilda's help because she's good at handling finances.
"Why did you plan to let the Cabernet Husk crashing the Headquarters, Lloyd?!" Alastair whined at his friend, Lloyd snickered as he scratched behind his head in embarrassment. "Haha..." Lloyd chuckled in response. "You can't blame me for this, right? I've warned you and told you about it already! But you didn't listen to me!"
"But..."
Alastair tried to argue but then his eyes widened as he looked around, it's been days since the Cabernet Husk crashed the Headquarters and the repairs are almost finished. "How long are we going to wait for this to be finished?" he questioned to his fellow Emissaries, who are busy dealing with the injured people in the infirmary. "Uhm... about three months, sir!" one of the Emissaries replied, making Alastair clenched his fists with a scowl.
"Huh...? Three months?!"
Lloyd could see the annoyance on Alastair's face, he love to make fun of others due to his playful and relaxed demeanor. He was always carefree when it comes to work and stuff that needs to be done--even if Lloyd is the Postmaster-General of National Postal Service; he never takes things seriously when it came to business--but in reality, he is very serious and meticulous with all his plans.
Solvine shake his head while he was saving the important documents and the files that he gathered, listening to their bickering. So, Lloyd relied on Alastair when it comes to business because he's good at handling finances; he knows how to invest money well too.
And now, they're facing with huge amount of expenses due to their HQ got crashed... plus their facilities and properties. But Lloyd was still calm and collected in this situation, unlike Alastair who was panicking right now. "Well, the repairs will be done soon, don't worry about it."
"Don't worry about it? Don't worry about it?!"
Alastair snapped, before he sat back down in front of his desk. "We might need to sell the armory for additional funds. We don't have enough budget to finish our repairs right now, not to mention how much the damages are costing us..." he rambled, staring at the piles of bills-which he couldn't do anything about it. "We're going to be bankrupt if this continues!" he cried out, exasperated. "Calm down, Alastair, what's wrong with you?" Lloyd asked happily, before he reminded him.
"Both of us are wealthy, remember? We're nobles!"
Lloyd said casually, making Suiren facepalmed while Senja let out a deep exhale and Mathilda sighed. "I will kill you in your sleep after this is over..." Alastair grumbled, making Lloyd laughed at him--while Claire was looking at her father and her superior. "What's the matter with you two?" she asked, feeling awkward. "It's nothing serious, Claire!" Lloyd said to his friend's daughter, which made Alastair even more pissed off. "Why do you always have to joke around whenever I'm mad?!" Alastair yelled out as he slammed his fist on his desk.
"This isn't funny, Lloyd! This is serious!"
"Relax, I still have several money from my personal account, just give me a few days to recover from this," Lloyd replied, giving Alastair a reassuring grin. "I know you have some money stashed somewhere, but we don't have that kind of time you know!"
Alastair snapped, before Solvine sighed when he listened to them--counting the damages on the table. "Well, I guess we can't do anything about it... it would take weeks or months for us to get rid of all this debts... but come on, Lloyd has several incomes from his business in stationery and paintings," Solvine spoke, he was looking at Lloyd who grinned at him in agreement.
"Besides, it's not like we're broke anyways."
"You two are over my dead body..." Alastair murmured, shaking his head in disappointment. "Alright, Dr. Chamberlain said that his lab and entire facility in his infirmary requires a major repaint because of the Cabernet Husk--and we need more extra money for this. Looks like it's time for you to have our side businesses.”
Alastair said to Suiren while crossing his arms firmly, Lloyd agreed as he said. "Also, don't forget that we have to fix the signature clock tower of National Postal Service, want to know the cost? Seven millions of Dinars," Suiren nodded, writing things down as he grabbed the chart and started scribbling everything they needed to do next--Lloyd was reading the list as Suiren was standing by them, holding the blackboard on her hands.
"How about the Festival of Lights' properties and...?"
Solvine trailed off, watching Alastair's shocked reaction. Alastair was still too ashamed to talk about the current situation they're in--he was just standing there without saying anything. Mathilda stared at her superior, noticing his expression of frustration--this man was the man who was composed and calm during stressful situations. "Uhm... about that, it will continue like usual but we have several bills to pay for..." Suiren whispered to Solvine, before he nodded at him understandingly.
"Please remind me again--about the festival?"
Oswald requested, glaring at all of them for the mess. Alastair was going to lash out at Lloyd (mostly because he was the one who proposed this in the first place) but instead he responded with an exasperated sigh. "Hey, I already relocated the Festival of Lights in the different place, don't worry about it."
They were ignoring how pissed Alastair is.
***
The offspring of the Cabernet Husk awakened suddenly but it’s no problem for Mail-Hunters after Simon and Alden are arrested, before they are able to perform their survey about the tomb after getting rid and capturing the offsprings. Alastair, the strongest Emissary as a Vice-Postmaster General like his superior and friend Postmaster General-Lloyd, would use their time to defeat it with ease due to learning the creature’s weakness first—even Solvine joined them as the third strongest in his human form.
The three of them found them in the rocky mountains, which they need to get rid of this dangerous offspring Husk. “Let’s do this, Alastair, Solvine,” Lloyd remarked, holding his Automotive Gear weapon equipment.
Alastair nodded as he wielded his Automotive Gear weapon, along Solvine who nodded as well while he’s holding his respective Automotive Gear, he was already prepared to finish off this creature. “I know that,” he replied to Lloyd, before the three of them aimed their weapons on the offspring Cabernet Husk creatures who were hovering in mid-air.
“Ready?”
Lloyd nodded, before he fired his Automotive Gear at the Husk, the blast of the thunderous aquamarine colored pastel blast hits the creature in the head and caused a massive explosion that shook the creature’s vital organs—weakening the wings from flying in the mid-air.
Alastair fired his Automotive Gear as well towards the armor shells and the head of the offspring Husk—with purple-colored thunderous blast that has thunder-like sound effect, along critical and massive damage that used as an offense to the Husk and injuring the insect beast.
Solvine fired his Automotive gear at the offspring Cabernet Husk’s exposed armored shells, by the purple-violet blue pastel-like blasts expanded into thousand arrows and filled the insides with Melodic Scores and exploding the beast. The offspring Husk’s armor shells shattered, causing the creature’s head to explode in a massive spray of blood and gruesome, smoke covered the area as it died instantly.
The three Mail-Hunters breathed sighs of relief as they saw the offspring Husk’s corpse fall on the ground, now the alcoholic scent of the creature that already made them disgusted. “We killed it,” Alastair said as he stared at the dead Husk, they really are the kings of Husks. “Solvine, could you tell us how powerful you are?” Lloyd asked, Solvine hummed before he folded his arms. “I’m afraid not, and it’s something I can’t share to all of you.”
Alastair nodded, it was understandable that he never tell them his true original power as a Winter Wolf.
Lloyd walking towards the dead Husk, before he stopped in the distance to prevent the smell of the corpse from getting into his nostrils. He knew that this creature was strong, and it took his two companions and himself to defeat it, he also realized that the hybrid Husk is more powerful than the other normal Husks that they have encountered before. “These remains and the organs... are similar to the insects, this one is similar to moth insects but bigger... and more evolved...”
“It’s likely related to the moths of Earth,” Alastair said as he examined the remains and organs of the offspring Husk. “As for the blood vessels... are humans’ blood vessels... as for the brain... it’s probably similar to human’s brain as well, I can tell that this creature is definitely related to humans,” said Solvine, observing the remnants of the offspring Cabernet Husk they hunted and killed.
“But what does it mean? Why can these creatures evolve into hybrid species?”
Alastair asked him, who folded his arms as he hummed while answering his colleague question. “This is the mystery that I want to solve regarding the Husk insects... I wonder if there’s another Emissary who can unravel this mystery. What do you say… Lloyd?” Solvine asked, seeing him nodded with a calm smile. “I agree, there’s something mysterious about their existence and why they keep roaming around the low-ground areas like Campbell Altus.”
Alastair nodded at his superior and friend’s answer, before he observed the creature’s corpse while he spoke. “I have a hypothesis... regarding the alcoholic scent of the Husk creatures... I believe they were evolved into hybrid species from the alcohol that they drink from the fermented fruits of the trees of the Amber Mines. They transformed their bodies into plants, using the alcohol that they drink as a catalyst to their evolution.”
“Amber Mines... do you mean the mines filled with amber stones? The stones that used into becoming Melodic Ambers for forging and manufacturing Automotive Gear weapons?”
Solvine asked him, he seems curious about this—the country of Canaria has been hiding so many mysteries before, but fortunately, they are able to overcome this as both of them are the strongest Mail-Hunters.
“Yes,” Alastair replied as he glanced at the offspring Husk remains, before he elaborated. “The Husk creatures needed Melodic Scores, a life force of people’s hearts and souls for their evolution; a substance that we call ‘Melodic Ambers’. It’s a crystalline material that can be found inside the Amber Mines, they are collected in large quantity within the mines. It’s quite powerful, but the side-effects of using it is quite a toll—which is why we weren’t allowed to overuse the Automotive Gear weapon’s use, otherwise we’ll suffer a severe fatigue.”
“That’s right,” Lloyd said when he recalled his previous battle against the Cabernet Husk. “But the reason why I recall those memories is because I used the Melodic Ambers of humans’ hearts and souls to fuel my weapon, back before Automotive Gear weapons hasn’t made yet... there has been fallen Mail-Hunters by the Husks, when they died... their eyes were dull and empty—their heart and soul were sucked dry by the Husks. They were drained of their Melodic Scores, which were used to fuel the Automotive Gear weapon.”
“So that’s why the Husks are stronger,” Solvine concluded, before Alastair continued. “But, they still have weak spots, I remember when I fought with my former mentor Albaerin... he told me that there has been an experiment conducted by the previous Postmaster-General with the Husks, he tried to create something similar to the Husk creatures but with enhanced strength and abilities...” he narrowed his eyes, before he gulped. “It was a failure, he tried to kill the Husks, and it ended badly... that’s why we’re not allowed to use the Automotive Gear weapon’s full potential, so the Postmaster-General won’t make a mistake again.”
Solvine listened to them, learning about the previous Postmaster-General who used to lead the postal organization.
“Yes, the previous Postmaster-General used to have a bad reputation from the other Mail-Hunters, he is a smart man,” Lloyd replied. “He knows how to keep his secrets until he needs to use them in order to achieve the best result of his plan, but... he became greedy and I understand you must be worried of the National Postal Service’s future—so am I.”
--Last Day of the Festival of Lights--Final Week--
The last day in Festival of Lights in Welkin has gone well with lots of happy faces, people celebrating their victory from defeating the evil forces; and the festival has become more lively than ever before.
The citizens of Welkin are happy with the results of their success, they feel safer than they've ever felt before, the National Postal Service also helped the citizens in peace--especially with the help of Mail-Hunters who protects them at all costs. The National Postal Service's Headquarters has been repaired successfully, with some new facilities and buildings added to the HQ grounds with new Automotive Gear weapons that were built inside the headquarters itself.
The Reverse Organization leader Simon Gallagher and the Prime Minister; Alden Walker has been escorted to the prison of Arcturus--where all of the criminals are kept including Henriette herself--the Enforcers of Canaria Government were disbanded; they were transferred into working in Stardust Express Station as a train crew and cargo handlers in the station itself; they were also given a new place to live and able to live in new life-which cutting off their past lives as an Enforcers. The citizens of Welkin are happy with the results of their success, they feel safer than they've ever felt before, the National Postal Service also helped the citizens in peace--especially with the help of the Mail-Hunters and Enforcers who protect them at all costs.
Ruka finally worked as a conductor with her guardian Shintaro, as they were mostly dealing with tickets of the Mail-Hunters. On the other side, Nico and Natsuki are working as the locomotive engineers—while Jilian became an attendant of the train with Alice and Rin—the ex-Enforcers were having a good time working in Stardust Express Station. Henriette becoming the train master as she was no longer a Chief of Executive Enforcers, but still hold a leadership for her colleagues. Everyone working there has a great relationship with each other even though they are working as rivals and enemies in the past. Xingfa now officially becoming the Chief Operational Director of Stardust Express Station, serving his wife Zhilan who was the Executive Director of the station and the management were under Henriette’s hands.
Ruka yawned as she stretched her arms, sitting on the chair of an empty seat in the station. “At least it was much better than working for government!” she spoke, before her guardian Shintaro sitting beside her with a smile as he spoke to her. “At least we’re able to have some free time now, right?” he answered, before looking at Natsuki and Alice who are busy talking to each other in another corner of the station. “You should take care of yourself more often.”
“I know,” Shintaro heard her bored response, while it was just part of her dramatic disposition. “But, I’m glad to have you around,” Ruka added with a smirk, seeing his eyes sparkling as they stared at her—he’s still in love with her—even after they became friends—but she couldn’t say anything about her feelings for him. “You’re so nice to me, Shintaro. I always wanted you to be my prince~” Ruka confessed with a shy smile, holding her cheeks with her hands because she blushed.
Shintaro laughed softly at her confession as he held her hands gently while stroking her cheek, he smirked at her words. “Don’t tease me like that, little girl.”
“Hey! You’re seventeen like me!”
Ruka sneered, it’s true that Shintaro was on the same age like her but few months older than her. Shintaro chuckled at his mistress’ remark and smiled brightly—his golden eyes sparkling with happiness. He never thought he would be spending this kind of moment with her; he’s glad that she’s happy being with him.
“I know,” Shintaro said with a nod, before he stood up from his seat. “Now it’s time for us to work.”
Ruka stood up from her seat excitedly, before wrapping her arms around his shoulders—she hugged him tightly. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me~!”
“You’re welcome, milady.”
Shintaro replied, seeing his mistress smiling at him happily—and she’s been doing this thing ever since she started working here—it was a sign that she loves him. He smiled fondly at her as he returned her hug, his arms wrapped around her body firmly while hugging her back. Henriette watched them in disgust, shaking her head and sighing—before walking away from them while resuming her duty as a train master in the train. “Let’s get ready for our job, milady.” Shintaro spoke.
“Alright!”
Ruka cheered, releasing his arms from her embrace—as they went to work together as train conductors in Stardust Express Station—they were now living their life peacefully, Henriette watched Nico and Alice were inside the train with Jilian and Rin even their cat Victoria came--both Ruka and Shintaro are here too. Xingfa and his wife Zhilan waved at them who were departing from the station—once they began to work in their civil service sector.
"Urgh... these people.”
Claire grumbled, cringing at how her younger cousin Ruka behaved like that—while Gabriel wanted to vomit at why his younger step-brother Shintaro want to be with her--Sonata on the other hand want to hold back her disgust at how childish Ruka is acting... she's trying hard to act cool around them, but sometimes... it's too hard for her to do so. "She's so annoying."
Sonata murmured, even as a Mail-Hunter--they just can't stand meeting Ruka and Shintaro again at the station working as part of the train crew in Stardust Express. "They're really noisy... and annoying." she added with a sigh, feeling annoyed by Ruka's presence at the station--they don't need to deal with them at all.
But, they can't leave Stardust Express Station without any train conductor—that would be chaotic and unsafe for the Mail-Hunters without them. "And so gross," Gabriel added, shivering whenever he sees Ruka's childish attitude—it’s completely different than how he used to act before.
Sonata rolled her eyes at how Gabriel said that, while she herself was also annoyed at how Ruka acted so immaturely--especially with what she did with Shintaro during their work inside the train—especially checking tickets of Mail-Hunters inside the train. “You know, let’s just ignore them,” Suona suggested, walking between Amaris and Xinglan who are her best friends and teammates in her team. “Oh well, maybe we should order the different ticket instead.”
Gabriel suggested, thinking that should avoid them from seeing them again--hoping that happened. “We got a lot of deliveries going on, how about your guys? Aren’t you given the assignments yet?” Amaris asked, Claire nodded when she folded her arms at them. “We have, also good luck on your deliveries too.”
Xinglan shrugged, before he nodded at them while Amaris and Suona waving their hands at them--then the trio heading into the different train. The other Mail-Hunters are waiting for their respective trains, so does the current trio who were in the station for their next missions. “Oh well, I guess this is where our adventure begun,” Gabriel stated, smoking his cigarette like usual. “Right, our train has arrived.”
Claire spoke, before she heard Xinglan asked. "By the way, when we'll can meet your older twin, Amaris?" Amaris glanced at him, before she smirked with her arms folded together. "Eh, maybe someday... if we got the ticket to Selune--we're going to have fun there."
"Cool! Let’s get back to our deliveries and hunting Husks, shall we? Then, we can have fun after that!”
Sonata asked them, Claire and Gabriel agreed with a nod and smile at their best friend while the trio watched their train has arrived on time. “Yeah, let’s go!"
Together, they began to deliver mails and packages into the three cities; Aria, Sonnet and Canon--hunting Husks and continuing on their delivery adventures and also protecting the people from the Husk creatures.
The story of Sonata Nocturna still continues on her journey with her two of her friends who has been with her from their first meeting--with their strong bonds that made them closer.