Ace jerked the both of them inside and they followed him from behind as he began to dash. "Let's get there fast. The reception's in the North Hall." There were two halls at the opposite entrances to the Heart Base; one of which was where everyone was waiting for the Captains.
They passed through the doors, dodged anyhting that got in their way and even slid under a pair of people carrying a food tray with Ace leading them both.
"We're here!" Ace opened the double doors after they stopped their sprinting. The moment they stepped through, the trio viewed the entirety of the place. There were other soldiers and Heart Members arranged, standing on their side and a variety of food on tables and chairs on the other side.
The trio got through the crowd and could see a long, black and gold carpet that had been laid over that the Captains would walk on and would lead to their quarters. There were also banners bearing the Heart Symbol hung all over the place.
Another thing to note was that everyone was dressed in their uniforms and luckily, Raten and Annie had changed or more accurately, only the latter as Raten always had his on.
People chatted and murmured to each other and with so many people, it resonated through the entire hall.
"This must be a big deal."
"It is," Sky said, standing next to Raten as he stared at the runway intently, his eyes looking a little discomforted.
'Ugh, what is HE doing here? I thought he didn't hang out with us 'lower breeds of humans'. Ughh.' Annie thought and wanted to say aloud but she held back because it didn't look like the two boys were complaining so why should she? After all, she didn't want to spoil the mood.
From a higher floor several feet in the air, the three Vice Captains sat on their own chairs with their own food table behind them as well. They weren't directly above the others below so they could have a proper view when the Captains arrived through the glass pane.
"Wait. I thought Captain Abigael returned a few days ago?" Annie asked in confusion as she couldn't see her on the higher floor where the Captains and Vice Captains stayed. The Captain she was talking about, Captain Abigael had been the first one Raten had encountered and the first one that had spoken with Raldin in his office.
"She was called as backup on another mission two days ago. She might not return today," Sky replied but then, a trumpet had sounded and all the soldiers became quiet. "They're here."
The sound of the trumpet welcomed in the Captains who strode in, mounting riding horses with protective armor, their medallions with blue chains placed proudly on their chests.
The one in front, a female smiled charmingly and waved while she strode on her steed. Her mane was as white as snow and held in a debonair ponytail. Strapped to her waist was a sheath and worn finely on her lean body was a white chestplate with a golden snow flake insignia as well as a blue cape on her waist. As she waved, she remained calm and collected, her blue eyes portraying that as well. She looked to be in her mid twenties as well.
The man before her was a bit more rough around the edges and flared up. His brown hair was the only thing that looked regal, slicked back with no fringes compared to the rest of him. His eyes were a bright orange and on his back were two axes. He wore a confident, lively look on his face and he looked to be in his early thirties.
The third and last Captain strode in with a royal presence, his smile was a bit on the cold and fake side too. His red eyes were a big contrast to his aqua blue hair held up in a ponytail that rested on his shoulders. He had weirdly shaped sheaths that masked his weapon of choice as well, sporting a white chestplate and a blue cape on his back.
He looked in Sky's direction, giving a smirk of superiority, belittling Sky in the process. He had just mocked him with a mere glance.
Everyone applauded the Captains while Annie and Ace just clapped a few times, like there was a question on their mind. Raten asked, "What's wrong? Are they not the Captains?"
"No, they are. It's just that..."
"One of them is missing. Ours. Captain Avery," Ace added and the trumpet came to an end after the Captains left the Hall. 'Where could he be?'
Dinner had started and the soldiers were free to go from table to table, picking the food of their choice and chatting with one another. Raten would hear gossip and talk about the Captains and they all brought up the subject: Why was Captain Avery not present?
His roommates could hear them as well and it was getting unnerving.
"Maybe he died in battle or something." Ace heard one say and almost slammed his food down on the table, much to their surprise. He darted his eyes around, trying to find the person, his eyes blazing from the provocation.
"Whoa, chill. Don't listen to those idiots. If he were dead, they would've announced it and the Captains wouldn't be so cheery," Annie said, making a good point.
"Plus, they would have brought his body back or at least his weapons. They wouldn't just keep it a secret, anyway. You know the Heart better than any of us," Sky added as well, remaining in their company rather than that of his own teammates, earning a knowing and disapproving glance from the Fire Mage. "What?"
"What?" She mocked. "Don't play dumb. Did your teammates expire or something or did you realize that our team is at the centre of the plot?"
"There you go again with that weird crap you say. What plot? You really need to get your head out of the clouds."
"Yeah, I didn't expect you to get it, as usual," she countered, seemingly finding something extraordinary about her nails as she kept looking at them, dismissing the other. "You see how you're dodging my question. Maybe you don't want us to find out that your team doesn't actually exist."
"You've met all of them several times!"
"Sure, I have."
"Ughh." Sky facepalmed. "Whatever, Annie. Just whatever."
She sneaked a glance at him and realized he was through arguing with her. She folded her arms, letting out a low, disapproving 'hm'. 'Yeah. I'm always gonna hate this guy.'
Raten rolled his eyes at the Nobles' little spout which he had only seen twice but was already getting old. "Why don't you just go up there and ask them? You must be close with this Avery guy so they should be fine with it," he suggested without much thought and Ace tilted his head up.
"You're right. Let's go!"
"Wait, now?"
"Yeah, Annie. It's not like the food's going anywhere," Ace replied to her as he was getting ready to go.
Sky contemplated something for a second before speaking. "I'll be coming too", he said. "I have a word or two I'd like to share with my older brother."
"I'm coming, too," The Fire Mage announced before turning to Sky. "And of course you have to come with us. Otherwise, you'd despawn." Annie's weird quip was completely lost on all of them but Raten and Sky found it too cumbersome to ask her to explain. She got up as well but Raten held her by the wrist and the physical contact between them that was so rare sent goosebumps through her skin, making her melt inside.
"Uh... yes?"
"Who's his brother?" He referred to Sky and being the newcomer and all, he didn't really know a lot about the place.
"Ohh, he's the stuck-up, cold one with that god-awful ponytail," Annie informed him, sharing her obvious dislike of the Captain. "He's Captain Tyden Torrich otherwise known as Sky's older brother. They're family are high-ranking nobles with the Taikon Power in their bloodline. They're also..." She trailed off at the end, reminding herself of something that sickened her to the core. Her reaction to it was apparent and the Zen Wielder was curious as to why.
"Well.. whatever. Let's just go." Annie stomped away and he followed after, unaware of what would soon follow.
* * *
Isn't this food great, Snow?" The rougher Captain asked as he munched into meat like a barbarian which he would be if not for his good looks which were enough to be regarded as a Prince Charming. "Maybe its cos' we weren't able to fully enjoy our meals with the stress on our minds. Right, Snow?"
At the moment, they were at the higher level that was designated for the Vice Captains and Captains alike to partake in the feast for their return whilst being able to watch the other soldiers from above.
"Yes, I suppo... Um, can we help you with anything, boys?"