Wow three months late. So October, I got wrapped up in irl stuff that month and literally forgot about working on the next chapter. I was ready to post a few days into November when my house caught on fire. No one was harmed, but it's displaced me and I've had a hard time adapting to a new environment and I've constantly been doubting myself. Sorry for both chapters being so short, they were both supposed to be for October. I hope that actually posting these will get me back on track.

The first rays of the new day spread over the plains as the sun crawled up from beneath the horizon. Scattered in a loose formation across the barren rock, the nine girls covered every direction. But the only movement was the shooting star that came from the sky.

As if there was some special value in seeing each other's faces, not a word had been exchanged by the three groups since the meeting was arranged. In a blink of light, another seven appeared a couple dozen meters from the others. Everyone tensed, the silence only broken by the shuttle decelerating and landing in between the two.

From the small craft stepped the three, all eyes attracted to them alone. Nadine very deliberately stared at Erwine, turning towards her as the shuttle lifted off again. Under her arm she held a case, and as she saw it Reitia spoke, that's the parchment.

At the same time Estelle turned towards the others, Farhana taking a step forwards, face twisted in suspicion. "Please wait a moment, our primary goal is to deliver that to Erwine," Estelle explained, as Viola came to stand beside her.

Erwine walked to meet Nadine, who wordlessly extended the case to her. "Where have you been?" Erwine asked, staring her in the eyes, not accepting the gift.

"You'll understand," Nadine said.

"When will I?" Erwine demanded, but she received no reply, "Still, I'm at least correct in my plan, then?" she asked as she took the case.

Nadine nodded with a proud smile, "That you are,"

"Nadine," Farhana called from behind her, "We have no time to waste."

"What might we be doing instead?" Nadine asked, turning around with a grin.

Unfazed, Farhana gave only a brief sigh before saying, "Before figuring out how we make this work. If Erwine's right, then our job is to help her as best as we can. Given that a dozen different inquisitors are about to bear down on this planet, we'll have our work cut out for us."

Nadine chuckled, but Farhana didn't show any reaction, if she had one. "It's good to know you're on our side." She said, while Erwine slowly opened the case, Wei stepping up beside her to look.

Erwine blinked once, then twice as she looked upon what lay inside. Encased in plastic, perfectly preserved, the paper still looked ready to fall apart. Nonetheless, instructions were clearly written on it, the others coming forwards to see that, to see what they'd been awaiting.

The angel's fall begins with a precious gem's theft.

Her journey reaches an intermission upon a planet of nothing.

The star to the east shines bright,

Calling the faithful to its luster.

The box of secrets awaits its fated opener.

The fates call for a sacrifice to open the gate.

Long-held dreams come to reality.

And with them arrives the end.

Eight simple lines, that was all the parchment held. Still, they sent a shiver up her spine for some reason. "Have you read this?" Erwine asked to the three.

"Of course," Nadine nodded, turning back to her "But the exact meaning will only be known to you when you see it."

Scanning over the paper, Erwine felt no revelation. The first two lines are obviously how they found us, she said, and they're clearly metaphorical, so the rest has to…she hesitated, knowing how dangerous it was to make such assumptions.

Do you think it refers to the present? Wei asked, and was immediately followed by a chorus of the others.

I'd imagine the third and fourth lines refer to our next destination, Arianna said, Mila immediately concurring.

Box of secrets? That could refer to some more hidden things, perhaps Golden Age? Reitia said.

The end? Theodora was surprised, but it could be just an end in a sense.

A sacrifice? Ileve was discomforted, I would hope that's a metaphor.

Hold on! Erwine stopped the others, calling out to Nadine, "Do you know what this refers to? How much do you know about it's meaning?" Her tone left no room for refusal.

And so Nadine gave the truth, "I honestly don't know anything for certain," she admitted, "I can say that the parchment was intended to be read and interpreted by you."

Erwine sighed, "But still, this is all we have," She took a deep breath, "But this may be enough."

"And you'll have plenty of time to look over it," Farhana shouted, "But for now there are more pressing matters."

"Farhana is correct," Estelle said, looking at Erwine's group, ignoring the gazes of Ileve and Sechylia. "It's best we develop a plan first, before anyone else arrives."

"Do you know when that will happen?" Erwine asked with narrowed eyes, shutting the case, having already committed the writing to memory.

"No," Nadine said, "Though it's good to know you suspect us."

"I just want to be certain," Erwine answered, though can we be? She asked, voicing that thought to the rest.

"We should assume it will be soon," Arianna said, then answering Erwine, I think it wise to assume there's something she's not telling us. Though it may not be out of lack of trust.

You're right, Erwine answered to Arianna, as Farhana concurred with the same person.

"Let's assume so," she said, then asked Nadine and Estelle, "What is your goal. What should Erwine do from here?"

Nadine sighed, "As the parchment tells her to, I don't know. I know that there's another parchment in free hands, if this one guided us here, its owners may be guided here as well."

"That being Ishna's subordinate," Erwine nodded, thinking over the lines again.

"In any case, our job is to buy time for Erwine until she comes to a conclusion," Estelle said, "That being everyone here save for you all," she said to Farhana's group, "And I think you understand your role."

"We make sure Erwine isn't caught," Farhana replied, "Hopefully doing so without being seen as heretics ourselves." She hesitated a moment, and as several others were about to speak in her place, she suddenly continued, "No one needs to know the truth, not right now. Nadine arrived right after, fickleness of the warp. I was brought down, and I barely managed to get away and join with the rest. There's been little combat, we're unaware of each other's strengths, we don't even know her power," Farhana said, gesturing to Freyja, standing behind Erwine. "Seems like a good enough reason to hesitate."

"You suspect me as well," Saoirse added, "Maybe even Celestine too, given that Estelle's here helping Erwine."

Celestine looked downcast at that remark, but didn't complain. She just kept staring at Estelle, who refused to so much as look at her for a single second.

"Are you alright with that? They may take drastic measures," Farhana said, glancing at Celestine for her approval as well.

"I was ready for that with you," Saoirse shrugged, and she looked to Celestine beside her, who was silent for a minute.

Are you sure about this? Sanae asked her.

No, but it seems to be the best option, Celestine replied, then speaking aloud, "If I must, and if it is the right thing."

"Alright," Farhana said, looking back to Erwine, "If it comes to blows, we'll do our best to ensure your safety, delay them as much as we can."

"We'll stay with Erwine, of course," Nadine said, "And do our best not to hurt anyone pursuing." Though she spoke for everyone in Erwine's group, no one disagreed.

"Do you have a plan to get her off the planet?" Farhana asked, "Betting on Ishna's subordinate saving you? We could stage a takeover of one of our vessels. If it's from Eawegh they'll trust me."

"It may be best to merely let that play out," Nadine answered.

Theodora agreed, "We've gotten this far making things up as we go, for the most part. We have to assume Ishna knew of any planned moves we'd make."

Farhana nodded, though not happily. "Then, are we finished here? Anything else could be over telepathy." Indeed, it all could have been, had she not wanted to see the faces of her newfound allies.

"I think so," Nadine said, and Erwine assented.

"Thank you," she said to Farhana, looking over her and the others, "I understand this may be difficult but…I think it's for the best. Again, thank you all."

Farhana bit her lip, "You're welcome…The Goddess Protects." She turned towards Shinta, her subordinates following, while Saoirse waved goodbye to Erwine, staring at Nadine for a moment, then gathered with the others.

Celestine and Sanae hesitated, both still looking at Estelle. "Is there a problem?" Estelle asked.

"I suppose it's been eight years, I can't expect you to be the same…but this?" Celestine shook her head, "I remember when you criticized Adrianne for her coldness. But…" she interrupted Estelle, about to speak, "It's necessary, you'll say. No?"

That caught Estelle off guard. She hesitated before replying, "I'm sorry, Celestine, Sanae." She looked over her shoulder, "Sechylia, Ileve." She understood who she'd hurt. "We all have a common goal, and we're all…trying to achieve it, right? So trust me, please. I haven't forgotten anything, I haven't changed…" She trailed off, and turned away from Celestine, "The Goddess Protects, I'll…see you soon."

Celestine suppressed a gasp, and promptly wasted no more time. "Let's go," she muttered to Shinta as she stepped towards the others, Sanae beside her.

In a flash of light the group disappeared, back towards the site of the first battle. "Well then, Erwine," Nadine said as she and Viola approached, Estelle hesitating, "We should get moving. You have a lot to do."

"That's true," Erwine muttered, having slipped into thought during Estelle and Celestine's conversation.

"I'll lead the way," Reitia suggested, "Erwine has more important things on her mind."

Wei and Mila stood to either side of Erwine, while Freyja was still behind. Reitia gestured in the direction they were to go, and the others were off. "We're coming," Mila assured them as they jumped away.

"Are you alright?" Wei asked, her hand on Erwine's shoulder.

Erwine did nothing but nod, while Freyja slowly reached out for her hand, gently holding it. That made Erwine smile. "Alright, it's best to move, I think," she said, turning around and lifting Freyja up as her wings spread from her back. Wei and Mila to either side of her, she leapt after the others.

Smoke from the massive fire that had raged still turning the light of the sun to a weird hue, the massive swathe of jungle was nothing more than a charred husk. Upon a small bump in the ground, covered in ash, Farhana sat down, taking a deep breath.

"Regretting your choice?" Saoirse asked, coming to stand beside her.

"No, the opposite," Farhana replied. Celestine and Sanae stood apart from the rest, while Farhana's subordinates clustered around her. In fact, Farhana grinned a little, "I'm feeling rather confident. Erwine's expression, whatever she saw meant something. And I do think that the lord inquisitor had this in mind." She looked at Saoirse, then to Virginia, "There was never any further word from her?"

Saoirse nodded, "It seems she's a bit of an unpopular figure at the moment. The Oversight Committee's not pleased."

"So we can't necessarily count on her immediate support," Farhana concluded, "We have to be discrete about this. But if we do as I said, we should be alright."

"I agree," Saoirse said, before she glanced at Celestine, "I just hope she's alright."

Farhana spoke nothing aloud, she may be a problem based on how Laelia acts. Trying to convey our intentions to her, and her helping us, may show our hand and cause a problem.

So we keep her in the dark, Shinta concluded.

Farhana waited before replying, looking out of the corner of her eyes at Celestine. Though she wasn't looking Celestine returned Farhana's gaze, feeling her eyes, I know Laelia, and she knows me. If I talk to her, she'll understand. And I won't fight her, not for anything. I've done enough.

Shinta was about to reply, but Farhana raised her hand and she calmed, I understand, you'll inform Laelia, if we cause enough delays and Erwine makes enough trouble, they shouldn't notice, not with so many inquisitors butting heads.

That will probably be our biggest help, Saoirse agreed, there's no way they're going to agree on anything without a squabble, once there's enough of equal rank and standing.

Then it's settled, Farhana concluded, we can only hope Erwine get's something out of that parchment.

Do you think we can trust them? Shinta asked, Nadine and…?

We can trust Erwine to not let herself be betrayed, Farhana assured her.

They sat in the same little circle of rocks as the night before, everyone having split off into their little groups, as the sun made its way across the sky. Nadine, Estelle, and Viola all stood together silently, giving little attention to anyone but Erwine, who sat with her back to a rock, Wei to her right and Freyja to her left, while Mila sat above the trio, her legs dangling down beside Wei's head.

In her hands Erwine firmly, but gently, held the parchment, reading the few lines over and over again. She didn't know how long it had been since she sat down and began, but she didn't stop, and had no intention to. She would blink, and only for a moment pause before she returned to the top of her page, making her way down and then up again, down again.

Yet no hidden meaning revealed itself to her, nothing more than they'd already concluded. She had been left to her own revelations, it was meant for her, after all. Star to the east, Erwine echoed, her thoughts were open to the three sitting around her, we spoke with Volvis and Leao about the other parchment being used. I think that's what might be meant by this.

Faithful…faith in what, the Goddess? Ishna's plan? Ourselves? Erwine focused on just that line now, reading over it again and again. The realization struck her suddenly, what if, it's faith in myself alone? For a moment everyone else disappeared, and she merely imagined herself seated across from Ishna, this was written for me, right? So she's trying to get me to see something.

She closed her eyes for a moment took a deep breath, right, this is all her game with me. She wants me to win, at least I think. If that's the case, then maybe that is what she wants, me to have faith in myself, or maybe it is to trust her…And in any case, where does trusting myself or her get me?

Her arms fell a little, and Wei reached out, it's alright, she said, we have time.

But you're thinking on the right track…Mila said, before pausing to think, there's something she wants to tell you.

I can tell that, but if I guess wrong…but can I even guess wrong? Erwine shuddered, wouldn't it be like her to set it up so I can't fail?

Don't worry about that, Wei said, we'll beat her, remember that.

Erwine nodded, steeling herself before raising the parchment again. Let's assume I have to be faithful in myself, I have to trust that the answers I draw from this are right…I have to trust that everything I'm doing is right. She took another long breath, ok then, the next line.

But as she looked at that, she found herself learning nothing more. The first two lines are connected, based on how Nadine and Estelle found us, and the next two are. Based on that, it's chronological, so it may be best to save everything after for later, Mila suggested.

Following her advice, Erwine looked back to the line concerning the star. We need to figure out what this star is, metaphorical or not. But she had no idea, and neither did Wei or Mila.

Well…Freyja started, and Erwine looked at her in surprise, I remember a book I read-

No. Erwine suddenly stopped her, fury in her eyes. Don't. Freyja shied away in fear, but Erwine quickly said, you can't say anything. If you do…She looked away from her, then you're part of Ishna's game too…I won't allow that.

Mila's voice was heavy as she said, but she's already saved us. There's no way Ishna didn't know.

A tear fell down Erwine's cheek as she shook her head furiously, I won't allow it, I won't allow Freyja to be hurt like this, not her too!

But Freyja leaned back towards Erwine, and hugged her arm. I said I wanted to help, I meant that. I don't mind being a part of this. She spoke so innocently, so naively.

I know what you said, Erwine assured her, I know.

Then let me help, Freyja insisted, I want to!

Erwine turned her head slowly and looked her in the eyes, I'm sorry, I just wanted to protect you.

And you did, you have, Freyja said happily, smiling back at Erwine's sadness, so let me pay you back.

Erwine cried harder, you shouldn't have to, she said. Despite that, she said, tell me, about the star in the east.

I read a book once, or rather my father did. It was some legend about a star in the east that held a great treasure. It's supposedly been passed down for thousands of years. I don't remember any details.

Star in the east…Mila thought, then asked everyone else, does anyone know of a book, a legend, about a star in the east, and some treasure? The message went to Nadine and the other two as well, but they didn't pay any mind.

Arietta looked from where she stood with Reitia, I know of the story, you think it relates to what Ishna's saying. I considered it, but it's not possible, that legend's been investigated, every star in the east has been combed already, unless it's been covered up, but Ishna wouldn't need to give such a message like this.

In the east? Freyja asked, I remember, the story said the was to the east in the sky.

I know, that's how the legend goes in some parts, but it's a mutation of the original tale that specifies the galactic 'east', Arietta explained, so I wouldn't-wait a moment, she could mean-what's Siothea's pole star? No one had the answer, Farhana's group still has the network, hold on.

A few moments passed, Makris, alright, Makris, if that's the pole star to Siothea, she thought for a moment, we'll need the position of your location on Siothea. Which city? Freyja replied, and a few moments as the exact location was requested, then we have a completely new set of possibiliites, looking up at the north star and casting one's gaze east. It could still be many different directions, but it's a start.

So we need to find uninhabited planets? Places something could be hidden on for a long time, Erwine said.

Not necessarily, the vault on Vasilica went under everyone's noses for ten millennia, it could be anything, Theodora reminded them.

But if this is to guide us there, it would have to be somewhere uninhabited, or else there'd be some sign, and no need for this parchment, at least that line, Reitia pointed out.

So we check all uninhabited systems, even if it has been previously explored and mapped, something like this planet right here, Arietta concluded, sending the parameters off. No one spoke as the minutes passed, everyone tensely glancing at one another.

A response finally came, four possible planets, Halvira, Oxete, Vaneta, and Ponefa. There's no evidence of any activity, it's likely that it existed but was covered up, since this operation is coming down from the hightest authority.

Again, they were at a loss, and Erwine shut her eyes, trying to recall any instance in which she'd heard those names. If I have to be faithful to myself…but she found nothing. Arietta, give me all the details about those planets, location, history of them, everything. I need something to think with.

Even as that data came in, Erwine kept talking, as she found nothing to inspire her, the stars they orbit, give me an idea of where they might be in the sky looking up from my home city on Siothea. Just some vague idea! Their color, size in the sky, give me nearby stars, anything! She said.

All eyes were on her as she sat in thought, running over everything. But only a minute passed until it struck her, stop, I found it. Halvira. A single moment, years ago, one of those first nights, I glanced up at the sky, and my eye fell on something. Halvira was that star.

How can you be sure? Arietta asked, are you certain that's what you saw, are you certain you even focused on a single star?

You know what the parchment says. I have to be faithful, I take that to mean in myself, so I'll be faithful. Erwine said, staring her in the eyes, and Arietta nodded.

I trust her, Theodora said, and no one else disputed it.

Oxete it is, Reitia said, Farhana, you heard that?

Yes, that was quick. Now I suppose all you have to do is get a ship to get there.

Not yet, Erwine said, there's one parchment left.

And you're sure it will come here? Farhana asked.

I choose to be faithful, Erwine replied, I know Ishna, whoever has it will bring it here.

Then wait, we'll support you as we can, Farhana said.

Thank you, Erwine said, before leaving the link, glancing over to Nadine. She raised her eyebrows, as though there was a question.

Nadine grinned, and shrugged, "I don't know the answer," she replied.

"Ten years, and you didn't find it?" Erwine asked.

"Do any of us look like we've been to Siothea?" Nadine asked, "We had no way of knowing any of that, much less which star you saw. We figured out what was meant for us, that is all."

Erwine stared for a moment, longer, before sighing and looking back to the parchment. You trust them? Mila asked.

They've done nothing but give us the parchment, the only thing we have to trust them on is that they won't betray us at some point, Erwine replied, and on that account, I don't think Estelle would be helping if they had harmful intentions…then again, I've… But she stopped herself, no, I trust myself, they won't do anything to harm us.

Mila accepted that, but didn't reply, while Erwine continued to stare at the parchment, Freyja and Wei staying by her side.

None of them had spoken out loud much, everyone preferring telepathy, especially given their age. Yet, they're hiding something, Theodora thought to Ileve beside her. Sechylia sat down on the ground between them.

Erwine seems to trust them, Ileve said, but nonetheless agreed, I just hope it's not something bad.

Never looking directly at them, but never letting them out of her sigh, Theodora shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. Nadine noticed, and returned in kind, though while remaining still. I know we started this with the intention of having unknown variables but…She shook her head, I can't give in.

Then she tore her eyes away from Nadine's group, and suddenly marched across the clearing to where Erwine sat. She and the other three looked up as Theodora approached. As she leaned back against the rock, she asked, do you think we can win this?

Erwine grinned confidently, I have faith. And Theodora tried to return the smile, as Ileve came up beside her, Sechylia holding her hand.

We can do this, Theodora said, and Ileve grinned, laying her other hand on her shoulder.

Across from where the others clustered around Erwine, the three newcomers waited. Viola stared out at the desolate plains as she sat, hiding the uncertainty on her face from the others. Estelle stood with her arms crossed, occasionally looking the same way Viola did, sometimes looking at the others.

Nadine was focused entirely on Erwine, following her as she ran her eyes up and down the parchment, again and again. Yet it wasn't that she didn't notice anything else. Are you having doubts? She asked Estelle

Estelle met her eyes for a moment, then turned away, not doubts. It's hard, doing this to them. But I'm not having doubts. She avoided looking at the others again. Adrianne would want this, I'm sure, Estelle mused.

Nadine nodded in agreement, I think she would.

As she said that, Viola looked over her shoulder, is there anything I should be doing? She asked.

Nadine grinned, for now, just wait, your role will come in due time.

Viola pouted and turned away. Estelle took a deep breath, we all have to wait, this is out of our hands now.

For a moment Erwine returned Nadine's gaze, and Nadine agreed, indeed, we have to have faith too.