Chapter 13: The Sentinel
The well-lit library remained silent for a long moment. The sound of Yome and Bridge dropping to one knee filled the space a moment later as they bowed in respect and reverence.
"We greet the Sentinel."
Bastian watched them both with an appraising look.
Yome blinked as she glanced to the side, realizing Arbus was still standing upright with the same blank expression he'd worn since they'd gotten here resting on his face.
A flicker of irritation crossed her features. He had done the same thing earlier when they had met Ophilia, a retainer Commander directly under the Sentinel. Someone who most sentries could only dream of meeting in their lifetime.
And now, he was before the Sentinel himself. A being far different from a simple Commander, or even a High Commander.
Most Star Systems in the sectors of the universe controlled by the Renegades didn't have one due to how hard it was to ascend to the 5th Stage.
If the Emperor and the Pinnacles were deities, then Sentinels were akin to minor deities. And a normal sentry was being so casual in front of one, seemingly not understanding the difference in rank.
Then, the emotions in her eyes dimmed slightly as she recalled why they were here in the first place. The scenes she saw firsthand flashed through her mind as she imagined what Arbus must have gone through. He was the lone survivor of a massacre that had taken place just hours ago.
She realized it was unfair for her to expect him to maintain normalcy at present.
"Both of you can stand now," Bastian said suddenly, drawing her attention back to him. "There's really no need for such formalities. In fact, I would prefer if you didn't feel the need to be so formal," he said with a slight exhale as he leaned back.
"I thought my dressing would make my preference rather obvious, but I suppose something like this wouldn't be enough, huh," he mused.
Yome stared forward at the Sentinel, an expression of stunned disbelief etched on her features. She'd already been taken aback by the Sentinel's clothing when they noticed his presence, but now, she wasn't really sure how to feel about his casual tone and requests.
Bridge was the same, unsure of how to proceed. The Sentinel had just given them an order. One that went against everything they'd been taught in their time in the organization.
Ophilia's heels sounded against the dark floor as she strode to the corner of the large room, finding a comfortable chair to sit in as she watched the meeting with interest.
Eventually, Yome slowly got up, her head still slightly inclined forward. Bridge straightened too, glancing at Arbus strangely after noticing he didn't pay his respects.
"That's better," the Sentinel said as the corner of his lips curved upward.
Yome noticed his gaze shift toward Arbus for a brief moment before turning back to her. "As you may have noticed, I'm not really one to care about protocol as much as some others do. In the end, it accomplishes nothing," he shrugged. "I really despise when things are more complicated than they need to be. Especially when someone acts more important than they really are."
"We are all the same, after all. Guardians of this universe, fighting at different scenes to protect it. And I want you all to never forget that."
"...I understand, Sentinel," Yome replied, her serious expression returning slowly as she adjusted to the situation.
Bastian gave a small nod at her response. "I'm sure you're wondering why you are here."
"Considering the situation, it's pretty obvious your captain should have been the one to escort my dear guest here, instead of a simple Vanguard squad," he said with a gesture at Arbus, who was still staring at the Sentinel silently.
"…That thought had crossed my mind, Sentinel," Yome acknowledged truthfully.
"Of course it did." He laughed. "But don't worry, it's nothing too serious," he said, not speaking more for several long moments. Then, the smile on his lips widened further. "It's simple really, I just wanted to see how much my investment was paying off."
Yome raised a brow in confusion. "Investment?... Investment in what, Sentinel?"
"In you, of course," he replied, clasping his hands together as he chuckled.
Yome's brows creased as she stared at the Sentinel in puzzlement.
"More precisely... in your potential," Bastian continued upon noticing her confusion. Then, he pointed at her heart. "Thankfully, I'd already confirmed my assertion when you managed to seamlessly assimilate with the Heart Shard and gained a unique ability, like me. I'm truly glad I was able to ensure your Vanguard application for you was accepted."
Yome's eyes went wide as she stared at the Sentinel in disbelief again.
She didn't reply for several moments, trying to find the words. "That was... your doing, Sentinel?" she stammered out, her surprise evident. "But, why would you..."
"Because I could," the Sentinel interrupted as he leaned forward in his seat, his elbow resting against the desk. "You see, I often have more free time than I know what to do with, despite my rank. And in that time, I like to go over the information of the most recent Renegades signing up to this organization for one reason or another."
Yome watched the Sentinel go through the scattered books on his desk, taking up a few files that had been beneath them. "It's my way of understanding the people that work under me. Understanding what drives and motivates them to devote their lives to facing an ever-constant enemy."
She saw a few names on the files as he went through them, which surprised her. Recognition dawned on her as she realised that they were all documents on the personal information of Renegades kept in the official Renegade database. She wondered why he had them printed out instead of simply going through them with his device.
"And sometimes, finding those I believe could go the distance if given the opportunity," he continued, finally pulling out the file he wanted and facing it toward Yome.
As she expected, it was hers.
He opened it, his eyes scanning through it for what she was sure wasn't the first time. "Your story was especially interesting to me, Yome Kyun," he said.
"A Red Mornan who moved to this Star System to be a Renegade at the young age of sixteen. Credited with taking out several pirate crews and bandits at fifteen. And often referred to by your peers as the chosen one for your excellence despite being a Red Mornan."
"Quite the impressive resume, I would say. It would have been strange of me not to sponsor someone as talented as you."
"...Thank you for your praise, sir," Yome replied with a hardened expression.
Her brows trembled slightly as she fought back the urge to correct the Sentinel. She knew it would be a dumb idea. "But, you are wrong about one thing." Yet, she did it anyway.
The Sentinel's brow raised in interest. "Oh, what part?"
Yome's fists clenched as she continued. "I am not talented at all. Far from it, in fact. Everything I've accomplished so far is a result of my hard work and perseverance, not something as unquantifiable as talent. It took me a long time to become the person I am today. So... I'd appreciate it if you don't overlook all of that because of a few files."
Yome struggled to keep her facial expression steady as she stared at the Sentinel resolutely.
Her heart dropped when his smile disappeared. He slowly placed her file down, his eyes still fixed on her.
He studied her silently for a moment. Then, a smile spread across his face again as a glint appeared in his eyes. "How fierce. You really do have a powerful conviction," he laughed. "Just like I thought, you truly are quite similar to me. Or should I say you are more similar to him instead... My old friend, Sagitta."
Yome was once again surprised by him casually glossing past her attitude, but quickly forgot about that when she heard the name of the Mornan she looked up to the most. Norman Sagitta, the only Red Mornan in recent history to reach the rank of Commander. The man titled the genius of failure.
He chuckled slightly as he watched her. "It seems you misunderstood me somewhat. My statements weren't meant in a way that dismisses your hard work. Far from it, in fact."
"...Talent is just another word for hard work," the Sentinel said suddenly, his expression turning melancholic. "Someone dear to me told me that a long time ago."
Bastian's bright purple eyes fell toward the table for several moments.
Yome's brows furrowed slightly at his sudden change in mood. Bridge was the same, a concerned expression etched on his face as he watched their conversation quietly.
"We cannot control how we are born, no matter how much we wish we could. That's just a matter of luck," he said with a small smile. "But, we can control what we become." He glanced at her again. "After all, no matter how good someone is supposed to be at something, it won't mean anything if they never give the effort to try."
"If they don't have the conviction," he continued as he glanced at her.
"But you do. I know you have what it takes to reach what Sagitta strived for, and then surpass him. So keep going while holding onto that, no matter how hard things get for you. Always remember what you're fighting for."
Yome didn't respond for a long time as she stared at the Sentinel with a complicated expression. Several emotions flashed through her eyes as her gaze turned distant, her mind drifting to the past.
After almost a minute—she bowed again, her dark blue hair cascading to the sides. "...Thank you, Sentinel. I am truly, eternally grateful for what you have done for me. And now, I am thankful for the faith you're putting in me. It means more than you know."
She slowly straightened, her eyes looking lighter than before. And then, for the first time—in a very long time—she smiled.
Bridge's eyes went wide when he saw that.
Bastian sighed as he observed her. "Now, what did I say about formalities?"
Yome shook her head. "This is in gratitude, Sentinel. No matter who I'm with, I would never shirk away from showing my appreciation."
He grunted slightly as he slowly combed his hand through his long silver hair. "Well, I suppose that's all right then. Just this once, though."
Yome glanced to the side, noticing Bridge's surprised expression. She wondered why he was like that for a moment, then realized it was probably because of her smile. She thought back, finding it hard to remember if her crew had ever seen her smiling before. Bridge's reaction was the only answer she needed.
Arbus, to her surprise, had a similar stunned reaction on his face as well. He quickly hid it when she glanced in his direction, his expression turning moody again.
Yome wasn't sure what he was surprised about though. This was the second time she'd seen him react so exaggeratedly to her actions.
The Sentinel suddenly rose to his feet, causing everyone in the room to look toward him, including Ophilia who had begun reading a book at some point. He was tall, but not tall enough to tower over her and the others in the room. Still, Yome suddenly felt as if she was in front of a mountain. Or better yet, the twin suns themselves.
He clasped his hands behind his back, a bright smile that mirrored hers reappearing on his lips. "It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Yome Kyun. I usually never get the opportunity to do that so freely." He paused, glancing at Arbus. "But, I'm afraid I must get back to the matter at hand. And my discussion with our hero of the hour."
Yome glanced in Arbus's direction for a moment, then back at Bastian. "Understood, Sentinel," she replied gravely.
Bastian's gaze shifted to Bridge. "It was also nice meeting you, Bridge.... uh, forgive me, I can't seem to recall your last name for some reason," Bastian said with an apologetic expression.
Bridge jumped nervously. "No! Please don't apologize for that! That's to be expected from someone as busy as you, Sentinel," he said as he waved his hand frantically.
"Bridge Stardom, um, last born of Osiris Stardom, sir," Bridge said with a small bow.
A dark look flashed in Bastian's eyes for just an instant, quickly disappearing in the next. "Oh, is that so. Osiris. I believe I am familiar with your father. It's surprising to see someone of your status coming all the way to this almost deserted side of the galaxy."
Bridge smiled sheepishly. "Please don't overrate me. My family's status is nothing compared to that of a Head Commander, talk less of you, Sentinel. I simply came here to... find myself, you could say."
Bastian hummed. "Hmm, is that so? Well then, I hope you find what you're looking for here. Also, give my greetings to your father when you visit him next time. Tell him I will be visiting him one day, when I have the chance."
"Understood, Sentinel," Bridge replied with another bow, unable to stop himself.
"We'll take our leave now, sir," Yome announced, almost giving a salute without realizing, but stopping herself just in time.
She turned toward the door, striding forward with Bridge falling in step behind her.
Then she paused suddenly, her gaze softening for a moment. "I know this isn't my place to say, but I hope something is done to help those who lost loved ones on Terytl-B," she said over her shoulder to the Sentinel. "I know how they'll be feeling when they get the news of what happened to the people they cared about."
Bastian nodded with a somber smile playing on his lips. "Of course, we're already doing our best to compile a list before we release the news to the public. Renegades will be dispatched to check on the known family members of all 8 billion people who lived there. In fact, your team may even be among those sent, so I suggest you prepare yourselves."
Yome felt a hint of relief in her heart as she gave the Sentinel a determined nod.
Then, she finally reached the door as Commander Ophilia stood to see them out.
Bridge glanced toward Arbus one last time. "It was nice meeting you, Arbus. Don't forget what I said, okay!" he said enthusiastically. "I hope we see each other again in the future."
Arbus glanced back at them, a hint of light appearing in his eyes for a moment. "Likewise," he muttered as Yome and Bridge finally stepped through the doors of the study.
His gaze darkened as the door closed behind them. A moment later, he turned, his hate filled eyes boring into Bastian, the Sentinel of the entire Star system.