Code: ASSIMILATE

"You're right Caroline. You're my best friend, after all." Marcia laughed.

And then Marcia finally smiled, something she had not done in a long time since this war had begun. But with the Whitewings' victory, the small militia group would be able to finally live in relative peace for a few days, maybe a week or two. And perhaps this would finally be the chance to tell Caroline of how she really felt.

"Caroline, there's something-" Marcia began, but was abruptly cut short as her eyes widened.

The Whitewing commander's mouth was half-open, in mid sentence, and she was twitching. She then fell to her knees as a drop of red liquid splattered onto the ground, which was then followed by many more drops coming from inside her plate armor. Her breathing became irregular as more blood dripped down.

There was an arrow in her back.

"!"

Caroline's eyes widened in horror as she realized her friend had been hit with an arrow. A shriek escaped her lips, as she grabbed a hold of her commander once again, though this time with fear. More blood spilled, and the cheering crowd was soon screaming and swarming around the attacked commander.

Felicia and Serenity pushed their way to the front, the latter's eyes widening as well. She tried to call upon the mysterious healing power that had presented itself several times before. Nothing happened. The entire scene remained the same and she was left to stare in horror. She couldn't fix it. She couldn't heal.

"Marcia?!" came Alexis's voice from within the crowd of soldiers.

Along with the rest of the soldiers, Alexis and Kee had also arrived. However, Kee turned and left the scene as soon as he had come, for he was frightened by the sight of so much blood. Kuori on the other hand, did not bother to go. She had no emotional or social connections to the dying commander, and she did not possess the ability to help, much less save her. She felt no need to just go just to see a woman die.

The Whitewing commander's eyes were still wide as she lost her balance and fell backwards. If not for Caroline's arms just happening to catch her, the arrow would have been pushed in deeper, it would have pierced right through her. But even right now the wound seemed fatal. With Serenity unable to call for one of her signature miracles, hope seemed to have faded for her. It was unlikely for her to live through this, as there was no other healer in camp.

"...Caroline..." Marcia began, her words were soft and her breath shallow, "If...if I happen to...leave you...I want you to stay...with the Whitewings...follow Alexis as your new commander..."

"Don't talk like that."

Caroline's hands remained around Marcia as best as she could without disrupting the arrow. Any further than the commander would be dead, though in this situation it seemed that was the only outcome. Looking around wildly, she realized that no medics were around to fix them up. The only healer in the area was Serenity, who stood in the same shock she had been feeling.

"Serenity, please! Help her!"

Serenity never felt more helpless in her life. Staring at the distressed pegasus knight, she could only manage to stare at the dying Marcia instead. Should she die here, Caroline would never be able to deal with it. She knew that much. Shaking under the pressure, she fell to her knees, Felicia pursing her lips as she helped the Assimilation Cleric up. Serenity closed her eyes tightly as she wished for her unknown powers to activate. If never again then now, only now.

Fate has a strange way of working.

A bright light shone for but a moment, and a warm wind passed. As Serenity shook worse, the wind passed over Marcia quickly. The arrow disappearing, the blood fading, the wound closed. However, when the wind went, Serenity fell forward, another flash of light illuminating the area. When it faded a phrase was engraved in the ground.

Sacrifices have consequences.

"Caroline..."

Marcia's expression softened as the wound on her back closed from that miracle Serenity had just pulled. She coughed, a small amount of blood spurting out from her mouth. The Whitewing commander smiled for a brief moment, looking into her friend's eye, before her eyes closed shut and she became motionless.

"Marcia!"

Alexis immediately rushed to Marcia's side, despite being weighed down heavily by his armor. He took the metal gauntlets off his hands and held his breath as he felt for a pulse. He let out a sigh of relief, as faint as it was, there was still a pulse. Whatever Serenity had done, it managed to save their commander from the grip of death, even if just barely.

"Marcia will be fine, Caroline." Alexis assured the younger knight, "She's just fainted from blood loss, she should be fine in a few days time."

Caroline just nodded, unable to speak as she held onto her dear friend. Burying her face in the unconscious girl's shoulder, she just sobbed in relief. She was alive, that's all that mattered. She was alive thanks to Serenity. For a second she looked up in the direction the young healer had been standing.

"Serenity!"

All eyes darted towards where the cleric had been standing, only to find Felicia tending to a passed out figure. None other than Serenity passed out, a possible side effect of her healing. Felicia however, while tending to Serenity wasn't looking at the girl. Rather a phrase that had been burned into the ground in the second light.

"'Sacrifices have consequences'..."

At this moment Kuori came to the group after noticing from afar Serenity passing out. She looked over the girl and then averted her eyes toward the rather cryptic phrase etched on the ground. Kuori had no idea what it meant. She of course had no connection with Serenity at all, save for the fact that they were both creations of DSoED, so Kuori did not know how the girl's powers worked.

"We better go back. We'll have to take Serenity to DSoED as soon as possible." Kuori said, picking the girl up in her arms.

Then Kuori turned her eyes to Silver, whom she had shot with a tranquilizer a short while ago. Out of all the people here, she was probably the only one that can carry either of these two people. Her eyes barely glowed and a light blue aura surrounded Silver, gently lifting him into the air and levitating him. Then the boy's still body floated toward Kuori as she left to set the two unconscious party members on the cart waiting to take them back.

"Again, we are very grateful for your aid." Alexis said and handed the group a bag, "Take these, there's not much we can give you, as a military detachment. But hopefully they'll help keep you alive."

Mission Completed

The party obtains rewards:

Healing Salve x1

Linen Cloth x20

Healing Salve Recipe

Rations Recipe

Bandage Recipe

After a long ride back to the laboratory, Kuori entered alone, carrying Serenity in her arms. There was no need for Felicia and Kee to come, and Silver was only barely conscious. The effects of the tranquilizer had not completely worn off, and thus he was in no condition to see the supercomputer.

"I see." DSoED said, after hearing Kuori explain everything, "Very well, Serenity will be staying with me until she is better."

Kuori nodded, setting Serenity down on the metal floor and turning away to leave the laboratory without another word.
-----------------------------------
~Weapon Shop~

+ LOTUS MK-II - A weapon system with its main feature being a modified rifle with a ridiculously long range. [+3 ATK; +3 INT; Range: Any] (8000 Credits; Equippable by Kuori; Stock: 0)

+ Yggdra - An instrument made from a piece of the great world tree, however the passage of time has withered away its abilities. [+3 INT; +2 SPR] (7000 Credits; Equippable by Kee; Stock: 0)

+ Barrier - A deck of cards said to contain special properties to protect the holder from harm. [+5 ATK; +1 DEF] (8000 Credits; Equippable by Felicia; Stock: 0)

~Academy (Tier 1)~

N/A

~Armor Shop~

+ Imbued Battleplate - Durable steel armor enchanted to also boost one's magical abilities. [+3 DEF; +1 INT; +1 SPR] (5000 Credits; Equippable by Kuori; Stock: 0)

+ Armored Mantle - An almost cape-like cloak padded on the inside to stop some of the force from physical attacks. [+2 DEF; +2 SPR] (4000 Credits; Equippable by Kee: Stock: 0)

+ Wasp-Waist Dress - A dress tightened especially in the waist area, for women who wish to show off their figure more. [+2 DEF; +3 SPR] (5000 Credits; Equippable by Felicia; Stock: 0)

~Item Shop~

Potion – Restores 20 HP upon use (500 Credits; Number in Stock: 10)

Herb – Restores 10 MP upon use (400 Credits; Number in Stock: 5)

Antidote – Cures Poison upon use (300 Credits; Number in Stock: 5)

Elixir – Cures any status effect upon use (1000 Credits; Number in Stock: 3)

Yggdrasil Dew – Revives one fallen character with 20% (3000 Credits; Number in Stock: 3)

~Krak Pot~

+ Hi-Potion - Restores 50 HP upon use. [Reagents: Potion x3; 500 Credits]

+ Healing Salve - Restores 100 HP over 5 turns upon use. [Reagents: Potion x1; Elixir x1; 1000 Credits]

+ Mana Drop - Restores 20 MP upon use. [Reagents: Herb x3; 400 Credits]

+ Fairy Powder - Restores 20 HP and 10 MP upon use. [Reagents: Potion x2; Herb x2; 700 Credits]

+ Rations - Restores 50 HP and 20 MP upon use [Reagents: Hi-Potion x2; Mana Drop x2; 1000 Credits]

+ Bandage - Removes Bleeding/Blood Loss upon use. [Reagents: Linen Cloth x5; 300 Credits]

+ Yggdrasil Leaf - Revives one fallen character with 50% max HP upon use. [Reagents: Yggdrasil Dew x3; 5000 Credits]

+ Stimpack - Grants Haste and 20% ATK and INT upon use, user takes 20% max HP damage initially and loses 10% max ATK and INT each turn during the next 5 turns. [Reagents: Potion x2; Herb x2; Antidote x2; Elixir x1; 1500 Credits]

+ Bottled Mojo - Drink it and see what happens. [Reagents: Elixir x1; Troll Mojo x1; 2000 Credits]

+ SUPERCHARGE - A weapon system designed specifically to harness the energies of electricity while not harming the wearer. [+3 ATK; +2 INT; Lighting element; Weapon; Equippable by Kuori; Reagents: MT-002 Prototype x1; Rusted Arm x1; Electric Conductor x1; 7000 Credits]

+ Academy Uniform - The official boy's uniform of the Magic Academy. [+3 DEF; +3 SPR; +10 MP; Armor; Equippable by Silver; Reagents: Comfortable Clothing x1; Herb x2; Mana Drop x2; 7500 Credits]

+ Ashen Plating - Metal plate armor that, despite its composition and dark color, resist fire and magic fairly well. [+5 DEF; +3 SPR; Half Fire; Armor; Equippable by Kuori; Reagents: Worn Plating x1, Black Steel x5; Chunk of Iron x3; 9000 Credits]

+ Mermaid Tear - A pale blue crystal shaped like a water droplet stranded on a string as a necklace. [+10 MP; Accessory; Equippable by Silver; Reagents: Mana Drop x3; River Water x1; 3000 Credits]

+ Angel's Tear - A chain necklace with three small sapphire-like crystals shaped like water droplets. [+10 MP; +5 MP Regen per turn; Accessory; Equippable by Silver; Reagents: Mermaid Tear x1; Mana Drop x2; 5500 Credits]

+ Voodoo Doll - Strange looking doll said to bring terrible misfortune on whoever's name is written upon its back. [+5 ATK; +5 INT; Curse Effect; Accessory; Equippable by all; Reagents: Troll Mojo x3; Linen Cloth x10; Cotton x1; 10000 Credits]
--------------------------------------
~Town Square~

+ File X6: The Ring of Blood - The Ring of Blood is a battle arena where groups of adventurers, warriors, and mercenaries can come to fight for a bit of quick cash. [Requirements: 10000 Credits; TAKEN]

+ File X7: Bloodied Alley - The authorities of the city are currently hiring people to help investigate a strange string of murders. [Requirements: N/A]

As the party returned to town, Silver finally awoke. Though he was not screaming and kicking like he had been before. Rather, his eyes seemed glazed over and his mouth hung open ever so slightly. He looked around slowly, as if he was unaware of the scenery. His face was also paler than usual; It was like he had caught a cold of some sort and was very sickly now. Even when they got to get to shopping, he looked no different, nor did he make an effort to go anywhere.

Felicia did not care, the boy was silent and not overly emotional. Seeing as that was the case, he was fine. She excused herself from the group, now down a member, and walked off in the direction of the item shop. Best to pick up supplies before they do anything else. Upon reaching it, she quickly waved a hand causing a card to appear and wipe over the items. They disappeared and a large amount of credits appeared on the counter.

"I'll take it all."

Felicia buys everything! [Elemental Basics: Ice]

Felicia makes Bottled Mojo!

While Felicia did all the shopping, Kuori and Kee took a stroll through town, looking to pass the time until Serenity awoke again. Their job wasn't going to progress any more without the girl, after all she was the only one capable of healing corrupted towers. It was a power Kuori herself did not possess, even though they were both artificially-created beings by DSoED. What made the girl so special? Why did she have that gift that a similar being showed no signs of possessing?

Kuori then noticed some commotion in the middle of the city, where a large building that resembled the arenas of roman gladiators stood. It must have been newly built, as there was a banner above the main entrance with big red letters written on it that said "GRAND OPENING!" Shouts of both awe and excitement came from within the building, it seemed a very interesting place to Kuori. Perhaps Felicia will agree to spend some time in this arena while waiting on Serenity.

Meanwhile, in the academy where Silver was sent to learn a new lesson, Noon immediately noticed something wrong with the boy. But nevertheless, he gave Silver the lesson as usual. It would be rude of him to ask about a student's personal issues if he did not wish to talk about it. Afterwards when the instructor sat back down at his desk as he always had, he gave his student a gentle smile and said to him, "You are dismissed Silver. But if you have something troubling you or something you want to get off your chest, you know where to find me."

". . . Thanks." Silver spoke rather plainly, his eyes still slightly gazed over. He had not taken in much of the lesson, but what he got down was enough; a strange chill surrounded him now. What needed be learned had been, the effects, though minor, were visible. Without hesitation, ye also without much speed or grace, the Mana Expert stood and left the classroom and began to idly wander until Felicia grabbed ahold of him and brought him back to the party.

As Silver walked down the halls of the academy to leave, there was a thud and in front of the Mana Expert was a little girl of no more than age 12. She was on the floor having just gotten back up after falling backwards and was rubbing her hip. Her short hair was a mix between orange and red, and her eyes were shut, possibly from the pain of hitting the floor. She looked like she could be a student at the academy, yet she was not wearing an academy uniform, instead she had on a fiery red set of robes that stopped just a bit short of her ankles. It looked almost like a dress.

"Ow..."