Syren: *is sitting in his office, looking out the large window behind his desk* Is this what you wanted? To have your children fight a war on your behalf? *he turns back to the papers on his desk. Photos, letters, postcards, and drawings all cover his desk. He picks up one in particular, one showing Himself and Zero back in highschool, sprouting those goofy grins and peace signs they thought were cool in the day. He then picks up a letter he had been given by Zero. Though it never reached the intended recipient, Syren had kept it in case Zero had the nerve to send it again. He opens it and reads it again.*
"To the fair and radiant Artemis. I know, it may sound cheesy, but it is true, you are fair and radiant. I'm not a man of many words, hell, I'm not even a man yet, but I can tell you that while we've been friends, I've always wanted more. Instead of shaking your hand, I wish to hold it. Instead of thinking I love you, I long to say it, to yell it. My love for you is like that of a flower's love for the sun, for without the sun, there would be no flower. And without you, thre would be no me. I haven't the courage to say it in person, so I hope this letter will suffice. I love you, and wish to be with you, but I cannot. I'll be going away tomorrow, on an endeavor that may change my whole life. But when I come back, I will tell you my feelings. I swear. With love, Zach..."
*Syren places the note back within its envelope and looks at the desk top. Each picture had a memory he shared with another: the first time he beat Ace at chess, that time he went deep sea fishing with Zero and Haru, bow hunting with Artemis. He shifts the around the photos, bringing another into view. It depicts the last memory he has of his friends together.*
"this sure brings back memories..."
*flashback to five years ago. A large, elaborate sign saying Celeste General Masquerade Ball is shown strewn across the large doorway of an old building, with paper mâché lanterns hung randomly, giving shadows off of one another. Up the steps is a doorway and within the doorway is a large hall, with masked people dancing. Off on one side of the room is a door that leads a smaller room filled with smaller people, crowded around an air hockey table.*
"now guys, calm down! It's just air hockey!"
"shut up Syren, no body asked you! Take that Shiro!"
"Agh, damn Kazuhisa, you couldn't hit the broad side of a barn if you were touching it!"
*Kazuhisa and Shiro are on opposite sides of the table, furiously hitting a puck between each other. Syren looks at Haru, who is standing beside him and smiles broadly, showing off his braces. She laughs.*
Shiro: "come on Kazu, you hit like a girl. I thought you said you were an ace at this?"
Kazuhisa/Ace: "you know I'm distracted by that fox! If she wasn't here, well, I'd be freakin winning! Hyaaah!" *smacks the puck into the wall*
*everyone laughs at Kazuhisa, making him flush scarlet. Syren looks over at Zach/Zero, who is across the table from him. Beside Zach is Artemis, who is looking bored as ever*
Zach: "wanna go watch some tv Artemis?"
Artemis: "no"
Zach: "okay, that's fine. I don't really like tv. How about we go out to the hall and dance?"
Artemis: *sighs, then turns and smiles broadly* about damn time you fool. I didn't wear this dress because I wanted to watch a movie in it!
*the two rush out the door, leaving Syren and Haru watching the two hockey aces battle it out. The door opens again with Sora walking in*
Sora: oi, Syren, get out here and dance with me you wannabe doctor. You owe me a few songs...
Syren: sure, oka-*
"doctor?"
"what?" *Syren snaps back to reality (oh, there goes gravity) and looks up at the nurse*
"I was told Doctor Zephyr that the shields need replenishing on the western wing."
"I'll get right on that. Thank you."
*the nurse leaves and Syren looks at his picture again*
"I want this back. Why am I the only one? *sighs. He then begins to sing softly as he walks over to his cabinet where his Qiang is on display**
"I wasn't always this way
I used to be the one with a halo
But that all disappeared, when I got my first taste
And fell from grace
Which left me here, in this place."
* he pulls the spear out and holds it in ready stance*
"I tear you down
I make you bleed eternally
Can't help myself
From hurting you when it's hurting me
*he thrusts it forward and spins it elegantly around his neck as he sings quietly*
"I don't have wings
So flying with me won't be easy
Cause I'm not an angel
I'm not an angel"
*with the final verse, he twirls it behind his back and spins back into his ready stance*
"I don't care what it takes. If I had to put my soul on the line... I will. To bring my friends back."
*Syren then turns back to his desk and grabs Zero's letter, placing it in his pocket.*
"Zach, she never got your letter. But she will tonight. Cause youre still human"
*He walks out the door, and closes it*
"I'm not an angel"
(maybe? I don't think so. However, if this was a manga page, it would have this scrolled at the bottom: with his weapon in hand, and feelings on the line, will Syren fulfill the will of his soul? Next issue: The War begins! Ch. 31 "the Declaration of Ace")