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Bettel closes his eyes. Cold, evening breeze gently caressing his cheeks as strands of his dual-toned hair sway calmly along every deep breath. Hand traveling across the large trunk of the hollow tree that ties and guards the guild spiritually from afar.
Silence reigns over Tempus's unlucky jester. Quite ironic to think that such a seemingly fleeting moment could carry a weight of rather utmost significance. Bettel pictures the image in his head; one where he stands with his friends right by his side, hand in hand, as they take a final bow together for putting on the greatest show ever known to Elysium history.
A subtle smile forms upon his lips.
We can do this.
He mentally chants to himself. An incantation he has been repeating almost endlessly for who-knows-how long. What once is a hopeful prayer now turns into a conviction-filled reminder that each guild member's and bounty hunter's blood, sweat, and tears will be worth it in more ways than they could ever imagine.
The time is near, the night is young. Once all is over, they would have grown as different people from who they used to beーeven bigger, better versions of themselves.
Bettel fidgets his fingers; fumbling over as he fails to contain the excitement he's brimming awfully with. He isn't normally one to allow his emotions to run wild; but considering the gravity of the adventure he is a mere few steps away from getting himself into, he ought to acknowledge them head on and indulge a little to remain... well, sane.
Two pastel hued pair of orbs swing open. The faint ringing of his phone snaps his consciousness back to reality. Fetching the device from the pocket of his pants, the smooth screen is brought to life from just a tap of his finger. Names of his fellow Vanguard boys hover along with the following messages:
Machina X Flayon
ー Where are you? Everyone's looking all over for you!
Banzoin Hakka
ー The show's about to start, you know?
Josuiji Shinri
ー We can't start without you, Bettel. Please come back to us soon.
A sigh of relief escapes the jester's mouth. For how truly could Vanguard function without their beloved leader? Bettel hugs his phone close to his chest, before sending a unanimous reply:
Gavis Bettel
ー Oops! Sorry, I'll be there in a jiffy!
Bettel breathes in deeply again; this time taking with him three year's worth of sentiments evoked by the full moon peaking out from the thick hollow tree canopies overhead. He brings his gentle gaze up. The stars in the wide expanse of skies shining brightly amidst the endless darkness of the night greet him with a glimmer of hope.
Three years down. Forever more to go. For not just TEMPUS, but ARMIS as well.
Vesper. Magni.
We couldn't have gotten this far without either of you. Wish you guys were still here but... We'll be sure to continue what you two, Axel, and Altare started. And more.
So, please.Don't stop watching over us.
...Is the jester's honest plea, as he heads off to an adventure of a lifetime, that begins on tonight's stage.