A few hours later…
Night time soon dawned upon the enforcers of the AEOC. The galaxy shone above them brighter than the sun. Below, the earth was cast down by a dark shade which signaled the time of slumber. Only ten individuals wearing black outfits which made them blend into the night stood. Among them was Arthur's team but their captain wasn't present due to his hospitalization.
Amelia yawned. "What time is it?"
Maple pulled her sleeve, checking her watch. "Almost midnight."
Amelia put her hands behind her head. "We still got half the night…"
"Yeah…but nothing's happening though…"
"Then, it seems the supreme commander worried for nothing."
"Oh, don't say that, Amelia. We're getting deep into the continent. You don't know when danger's going to come."
"Yeah, you're probably right…"
"But I also questioned it. Wouldn't the supreme commander's veil protect us?" Maple stated, pointing upward.
"I asked her and she said that the veil isn't in her vault at the moment."
"Not in the vault?" Maple raised a brow. "Why?"
"I don't know…" Amelia sighed. "It's all very confusing."
"Hmm…then, let's continue with our patrol. No need to think about it if we can't understand it." Maple stated.
"I wish that was true…"
Amelia and Maple separated from the camp – watching out for danger as crows circled above the camp.
***
Harvey was proactive in his search. He peeked around every nook and cranny. He crouched down and tugged the grass. He heard the clock embedded in his glasses tick.
'It's midnight already?'
He questioned, blinking. He groaned and looked around the camp, seeing no danger. Then, it started once again… He got crushed to the ground, his face eating the dirt. An immense pressure pushed him down as well as crushed the tents.
'What t-the hell…?'
He strained and gazed forward, seeing the crushed tents. As he felt his bones begin to crack and muscles tear under the pressure, his shadow damped. He moved around and halted in front of him. He stared in shock as the shadow transformed into humanoid figure. The figure crouched down and lifted Harvey's chin as his eyes began to bleed.
"You're a different one…and neither did you bring the second sun."
Then, it disappeared and everything returned to normal? The tents weren't crushed and neither was he face-first on the ground nor was he hurt. He patted his body, making sure he was okay.
"That's not good…that's bad…" Harvey whispered, cold sweat covering his body.
***
In the medical tent where Arthur and Kay were sleeping – only silence was present. The two enforcers were sound asleep in their beds with no sign of waking up. Just as the peaceful air began to settle, a shadow strolled into the tent. Turning into a humanoid figure, it grinned, staring at Arthur and Kay.
Arthur felt an immense force enter the room. Kay had felt it too. Their instincts screamed for them to run. Adrenaline rushed through their veins, causing them to wake up. But when they did, they were not in the same place. Arthur was tied to a pole with firewood under him.
'Huh…?'
He blinked and looked forward, seeing the enforcers staring at him with malevolent eyes. He glanced to his side. Another was there – Kay. Just then, one lit a match and threw it onto the wood. An inferno blazed high enough to touch his face. Pain shot throughout his body and he tried to escape but the rope was too tight. He and Kay let out shrill screams that resounded throughout the forest. The smoke made them cough, tears covering his face as unbearable agony overtook.
As Arthur was experiencing this, his mind was in a state of confusion. He gritted his teeth and looked forward. The enforcers eyes were filled with disgust and hatred. In the middle of the crowd, a shadowy human figure manifested. It opened its mouth and asked a question.
"Where is the second sun?"
The next instant, he woke up. He sat straight, panting. He checked his body – no burns.
'W-what? Huh?'
Suddenly, he heard a thump. He glanced to his side – Kay had fallen off his bed. His eyes filled with fear and confusion. He locked eyes with his captain. They stayed silent, unable to process what had just happened.
***
Near the edge of the Veil, Maple patrolled the area.
'Nothing seems to be out of place…'
She strolled around, slowly, checking everything in detail. In the distance, she could make out the figure of Amelia leaning on a tree.
'Oh, she's procrastinating again, isn't she?'
Maple sighed and headed towards her friend. But right then, she disappeared from sight. Maple froze, staring at the spot where Amelia had been. She glanced around frantically, searching for her friend. Suddenly, another person appeared in front of her. It was…Arthur? Maple froze again, her mouth twitching.
"A-Arthur? Aren't you supposed to be asleep?"
Arthur didn't respond. He merely stood there – neither approaching nor disappearing. Maple gulped.
'What is happening…?'
She neared him carefully. Arthur lifted his head and gripped his katana. Maple blinked as Arthur unsheathed his katana. The next second, that katana pierced her stomach. The sword drew blood and she gasped for air. She gripped the blade and coughed blood. Her mind raced with all kinds of thoughts. She lifted her head, locking eyes with her captain. Arthur peered at her with his blue eyes and opened his mouth.
"Where is the second sun?"
Maple stood confused as Arthur pushed the sword deeper. Arthur spoke again with more malice.
"Where is the second sun?"
"I-I don't know…" Maple responded while panting.
The next instant, Arthur disappeared – the blood disappeared as if it had never happened in the first place. Amelia shook Maple awake.
"Hey! Are you okay?"
Maple fell to the ground – bewildered. She patted her stomach. Then, she glanced around frantically as if she was checking for danger.
"What was that…?"
"What was what?" Amelia questioned in a worried tone.
Maple locked eyes with her friend – worry and confusion riddled across her face. Maple bit her lips, contemplating whether to tell the truth or not. In the end, she made her decision.
"Nothing…"