Brutal Journey Of An Unfortunate Heroine

Lydis c.a.r.e.s.sed Ui gently, her fingers sliding over the sharp gash on it's shoulder.

"Ui, what happened while I was asleep?"

"News about Haven should've reached you already but the news about the Zodiacs must not have. Since Master Lydis has been in sleep for the past two days the report will commence from our last parting."

"Begin."

Ui's body shook before it rolled in on itself, curling into a ball and revealing a holographic screen. Valfafer curled up in Lydis's arms, content to watch as well.

Although fuzzy at first, the image soon stabilized and revealed the night of the explosion. From Ui's perspective it was low to the ground before flying upwards, making sure to stay within the cover of the trees.

It showed the massive slyphir burst, long strands of purple slyphir oozing out like a monster. Amidst the slyphir was a short girl, black veins crawled over her quickly, devouring the girl. Her body contorted in impossible ways before falling into a limp heap. From her c.h.e.s.t, the slyphir exploded again, this time launching a small metallic object into the air and disappearing in the woods.

Ui's perspective changed once again as it began to rapidly move from the back to the side of the dorm. Catching sight of a human-like shadow, Ui followed it underneath the brush and shrubs of the forest, careful to keep a good distance as well as keeping itself concealed. The image fizzed out and after a pause it revealed a group of four people surrounding a man.

"Zzzh."

"---"

The noise from the video w.h.i.n.ed until it had focused in on their conversation.

"… Adams couldn't control the core."

"I told you she wasn't ready!"

One of the men grabbed the other, fist raised. The two standing beside the other man quickly intercepted the angry man and pushed him to the floor.

"Quiver, I expected more of you. Adams had potential, talent, but, she was just one of the many blades of grass you see here. There will always be another."

"Will there? Or is every life just a tool for you Oliver?"

The man named Oliver turned to face Quiver, looming over him.

"We had a job, the mission was completed without too much error, and now we need to leave. If you're going to hold us up then we'll dispose of you here and now. If you've forgotten our purpose should I remind you again?"

Quiver hesitated for a moment but nodded his head in compliancy.

"Good, now let's go. Since we have Adler there's no reason to stay. Let's mo-!"

The man named Oliver paused and slowly turned around, his sharp gaze scanning the trees. Slowly, steadily, Oliver's eyes locked with Ui's camera.

"You incompetent fool…"

Oliver disappeared and a gush of slyphir slammed against the trees surrounding him in waves. Having been half a kilometer away, Ui's camera still shook violently.

With another rush the camera began to move wildly. Ui scampered down the tree, laying low to the ground. Weaving under the brush, Ui began to retreat from the group. Another wave of slyphir hit the trees. Following the wave, blades of slyphir rained down in Ui's area. Piercing the trees like butter, the light purple slyphir carved holes into everything.

"Stop, we can't alert anyone else. We----move."

*tch* "Quiver, your punishment----back----fool."

"Ye-zzzch----"

"----"

The audio was soon distorted due to Ui moving out of range. Cutting the image off, Ui's recording blanked before showing an image of the hospital ward. From the perspective, Ui seemed to be hiding in a corner of the room, hidden under blankets or used towels. Through a small sliver in the folds and fabric, Ui's camera was able to capture the entirety of the room in front of it.

The older fifth year Zodiacs were gathered around two hospital beds, a few holding back tears while others clung to themselves.

"F*ck!" The boy slammed his fist against a nearby empty bed, bending the metal frame easily.

"Calm down, w-"

"CALM DOWN?! We just lost a member; how can you say calm down?"

The member who said to calm down placed his hand over his comrades' shoulder, his eyes filled with the same sadness as the other.

"Losing Curt took a toll on us all, I hope you can understand the feelings of the others before you speak and for Mesa who is still recovering over there." Turning to the rest of the Zodiacs, the boy's voice held a heavy sadness. "It's been a long day for everyone. Let's return to the dorms to rest. We'll talk about Curt and Mesa tomorrow…"

Giving a small nod, each member left the hospital room, the last to leave being the Zodiac who had yelled prior.

Before fully exiting the door, the boy turned around one last time, a shadow of regret looming over his face.

"…I'm sorry Curt…"

Ui's screen buzzed out, the hologram dispersing.

"Why were the fifth year Zodiacs attacked?"

"The cause is currently unknown but to recap yesterday, as the footage has been damaged, the academy has been on a lockdown-like state. Strict screenings to get in and out, Central sent over troops to monitor the area and detain Haven."

"What was the cause for your damage Ui?"

"During the first video, one of the slyphir blades the enemy shot out landed too close and exploded, the fragments of scattered slyphir caused this state. I fear that the Zodiac who died was the bearer of the snake, your mentor."

"What makes you think that?"

"The members leaving the room all have their Zodiac sign on their uniforms. Out of the twelve, the snake and the rat did not leave. Out of the 50% probability, I have determined the death of 'Curt' to be the snake bearer."

*mhm* "Just recover for now. When I have time, I'll look for materials to fix the damage."

"Yes, Master Lydis."

Ui moved rigidly away from Lydis, having only three of it's four arms, Ui still managed to slip off to Lydis's side. Choosing to rest in the space next to Lydis.

Valfafer shuffled over and nudged Ui, his wet nose sliding against Ui's smooth body.

"Robot, can you show me where you saw the enemies?"

"Request denied."

"Why not? If I'm there, then there's nothing to worry about!"

"Request denied."

"But-"

"Request denied. Initiating recovery deep sleep." Ui's red eye dimmed and turned into a soft ruby, glowing and dimming like a heartbeat.

*pah* "I don't want to talk to it either. Master, what will you do now?"

Lydis looked at Valfafer and Ui, her head swirling with all the new information. Haven was going to be killed, Ui was injured, her mentor most likely died, Hal's mental state didn't seem right, and she wasn't well enough to get up. Much less escape the room.

"I guess the only thing we can do is wait. For now, just sleep."

Valfafer yawned and curled in Lydis's arms, his whiskers tickling her arm before finally settling down.