It was time. Haru was among the first to receive word. Everyone knew Orchidia was just the beginning. There had been reports of a second one in Baska, but it would seem that was quelled by the Holy Knights swiftly enough. However, the next imminent one was supposed to be in Astera. And this time, the Holy Knights shared that information with the Rune Knights. Haru was certain they would do that only if they were certain that they couldn’t handle it by themselves.

While the two factions had agreed upon a treatise, the Vampire Knight was certain that the church was looking to establish their power and would only resort to asking the Rune Knights for help if it was absolutely necessary. Word has been sent to the other guilds as well—both good and bad. He hated to admit it, but he needed their power; and they needed a functioning Earthland to continue with their crimes. So, for the moment, it would seem the whole country had put their differences aside and united as a front to fight the incoming demons.

Given the need to travel swiftly between the cities to protect them from the incursion, the Knights had arranged for some mounts. There were a few generous merchants in Orchidia who were more than happy to discount the cost for them, as a thank you for their efforts in fighting against the demons. Usually, Haru wouldn’t have accepted this, claiming it was their duty to defend their country. However, seeing how they were in a dire need for resources, he couldn’t deny this was essential. Finally, he was convinced when someone among his ranks pointed out that it was also the people’s country and they are free to help it in whatever way they want to. Now, that was a sentiment he could get behind.

His mount was one of the most beautiful beasts he had seen. The four-foot tall Gryphon was both gentle and majestic at the same time. She lay on the grass near a clearing, away from her party. The breeder did not recommend her for Haru. “She is too wild Commander,” he said, trying to get him away from the beast. “Let me show you a fine one. One that could be tamed easily,” he added, when he noticed Haru wasn’t budging.

The Vampire Knight approached the resting beast. She lifted her head to look at him. He held her gaze as he took one step after another, naturally, but carefully. When he was just a few feet away, she sat up straight and growled. “Easy,” he breathed, lifting both his hands to denote he meant no harm. The breeder had run away from them at this point. He saw himself in those penetrating green-black eyes of the Gryphon. Isolated, unwanted, cautious… and somewhere deep inside, scared. He could see right through her and he knew she could see it in him as well.

Haru extended his hand slowly when he was close enough. The Gryphon took a step back apprehensively at first, but then bent to graze his hand with her beak. He smiled gently. She flapped her large wings, sending a gust of wind rush past him, and stood up on her hind legs as she let out a caw. Haru wasn’t fazed by any of this. He stood there, knowing full well that she wasn’t going to harm him. Her fore legs landed right in front of his with a loud thud and she bent once again to face him.

He knew it was time. Holding onto the leather reins strapped around her, he mounted her and she let him. She flapped her wings once again, a lot stronger than before, and kicked off from the ground. Haru steered her towards Astera and grinned like a child as the wind blew against him.

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