Delta strode down the hallway, magical energy still tingling at her fingertips; it was a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time. Perhaps she could have enjoyed it, if not for the underlying fear that haunted her whenever she was apart from Brook. I have to get back soon. She increased her pace, marching past the servants that strolled down the hall with such a casual pace.

She almost envied their idleness, but her job was far more important than anything they had to do; ideless was an easy sacrifice. Delta felt their eyes follow her as she walked; long since immune to the opinions of others, she carried on.

The endless, unbroken expanse of white stone that covered the hallway was maddening. Delta couldn't escape it; the blank stone was everywhere she went, undecorated, unblemished, cold, empty. The miniscule cracks and chips that marred their surface were a welcome break from the monotony. She seemed to be noticing far more than she'd ever seen at the palace six years ago. Perhaps there were more, or was she better at picking them out?
"Delta."

The voice, cold and terrible familiar, rang through the hallway from behind her. Though she almost stopped, Delta willed herself to keep walking, picking up her pace. "I'm sorry, Lord Balog. I cannot talk now. I must return to Brook."

"Delta, stop." Again Arroyo spoke, voice firmer.

"Didn't you yourself say that I must be with Brook at all times?" Delta couldn't keep the accusatory edge out of her voice. "You even ordered me to train. Now I am returning to properly perform my duties as guardian."

"Delta, I said stop."

Instinctively, at the order, Delta's feet froze. Cursing her habitual obedience, she listened as Arroyo's footsteps grew nearer.

"Face me, Delta."

Reluctantly, she turned to face Arroyo. Fighting back a scowl, Delta tilted her head up to meet Arroyo's cold glare. "What is it, Lord Balog?" Her tone was sharper than she intended.

"I've come to tell you that you will be participating in the mission to bring Princess Alina back home."

Delta frowned. "I can't. I must stay here with Brook."

"No, you will go on the mission."

"Sir, protecting Brook is my duty--"

"Not anymore," cut in Arroyo flatly. "You are hereby relieved from your duties as guardian.

Anything else Arroyo might have said was drowned out by a roaring in Delta's ears. The world swayed around her as a wave of dizziness slammed into her, almost knocking her off her feet. Unbelieving, unable to steady herself, she stammered, "Y-you can't do that."

"Yes, I can," replied Arroyo. "The council voted on it, and we decided to rescind the position so you can be better focused on the mission."

"The council?" gasped out Delta. Her rapid heartbeat thudded in her ears, jumbling her thoughts. It's finally happened. I wasn't good enough, so they're punishing me. But I can't--I can't--I-- "I--I need to talk to Captain Sidereus." She attempted to turn around.

Arroyo's firm hand grasped her shoulder, preventing her from moving. "No, you don't," he said, voice infuriatingly calm. "There is no negotiating the issue. Please prepare for the mission. You--"

"Please, give me another chance," protested Delta weakly. "I know I've failed. I'll never make that mistake again. I'll protect her with my life. I'm nothing without her. She needs to be protected."

"Delta, you've technically failed twice," stated Arroyo. He held up his pinky finger, a painful reminder of her failure during the attack six years ago. "And Princess Brook will be safe. We have a capable team of guards watching her. Now go prepare for the mission." He let go of her shoulder.

I'm not worthy, of course. I'm not capable. I know, I know. But I can't leave her alone! "I'm talking to Captain Sidereus. " Delta swung around, stumbling down the hallway as fast as her unsteady feet would take her.

"That will do nothing," insisted Arroyo calmly, starting after her. "Focus on your task."

As the dizziness faded and confusion turned to red hot anger, burning her face, Delta found her balance and sped up her walk to a run.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

"Captain Sidereus!" shouted Delta, marching into the courtyard. Her yell pierced the murmur of conversation, echoing loudly as the crowd of soldiers fell silent. Astin, standing at the front of the group, started at her call. His eyes widened as he saw her, and he hurried over to her at the entranceway to the hall.

"I see you've talked to Arroyo," he murmured as he approached.

"What the hell was that about?" demanded Delta, not caring as her voice rang out clearly through the courtyard.

Astin winced at the noise, and ushered Delta back into the hall. She refused to walk past the archway. "Can we talk about this somewhere else?" He cast a nervous glance at the crowd in the courtyard.

"No, we can't." Delta planted her feet. "So, is it true? Am I..." Her voice faltered as the adrenaline died down, replaced by a cold, creeping fear. "Am I really relieved from my guardian duties?"

Astin sighed. "I think Arroyo might have been misleading. It's temporary, Delta, so you don't have to worry about Brook while you go on the mission."

Delta's breathing steadied somewhat. "So I'll be guardian again when I get back?"

"Most likely."

"What do you mean, 'most likely?!'" demanded Delta.

"The council will have to vote to return the position," Astin said. "I doubt we'll continue the suspension after the mission. Be at ease, Delta."

Delta crossed her arms, willing herself to calm down. "Okay," she said shortly. "But why do I have to go on this mission anyway. Is it so important that you'd send me away from Brook?"

"Alina is the heir to the throne," said Astin with mild surprise. "You understand the importance of that, don't you?"

"Of course I do," scoffed Delta. "But aren't there different people you could send on the mission?"

"Alina was sent to a small mountain village up north," explained Astin evenly. "It will be very snowy, so your water magic will come in handy."

"There are plenty of others with water magic," countered Delta.

"How many are as skilled as you in its use?"

"I thought I was relieved of my duties because of my inadequacy," shot back Delta. She kept a flat face, but just saying it stung her.

Astin sighed. "That's not why, and you know it."

"So is that the only reason you're sending me away?"

"No, it's not. We also know you're close with Alina," answered Astin. "Seeing a familiar face that she trusts will be calming."

"Brook needs me more."

"Brook will be in good hands," assured Astin. "Listen--I think this will be good for you, Delta. A chance to get away from the palace, to use your magic, to not have to worry about Brook--doesn't that sound nice?"

"My job is to worry about Brook."

"Don't you want to see Alina again?"

"Of course, but my wants are second to my duties."

"Which you are currently dismissed from," reminded Astin, beginning to look irritated. He cast a worried glance at the guards, who were beginning to chatter impatiently. Delta had to squint to see them; the sun glared brightly off the glossy stone. "There is no arguing the matter, Delta--this is an order from the council. I know this is difficult for you, but you must be compliant. You will be going on this mission. You leave tomorrow morning." He turned and strode to the guards, ordering them back into neat lines.

Delta watched him with narrowed eyes before withdrawing into the palace.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Brook's breathing was soft, even, steady, a gentle sound so soft Delta could barely hear it in the silent room. That sound had become her world in the last few days, a constant always whispering into her ears. As long as it continued, everything was okay. The sound was quite relaxing; Delta found herself almost lulled to sleep, but, of course, she couldn't let herself do that.

She opened her eyes and stared at the wall. Flat, glossy, blank. There was nothing to look at in the room, not even a window to let in sunlight, and it hurt to much to look at Brook's pathetic figure, bundled up in blankets, face swathed with bandages.

She missed seeing Brook's smile, hearing Brook's voice, witnessing Brook's kindness. Those were the only assurance Delta got that her efforts were worth it, that they meant something. Without them she felt lost and empty, wandering down a dark path with no light or guide. Flailing around in the pitch black--just as Brook would--searching for a grip but finding none.

Perhaps she might never see that smile again.

Overwhelmed at the thought, Delta buried her face into the blankets.

"...hello?"

Am I imagining her voice now? Delta sighed and sat up. What am I even doing?

"Who's there?"

Again Brook's voice, with a touch of fear; faint, weak, but real.

"M-me, of course!" Delta exclaimed, hardly believing her ears. A boundless joy welled up within her as she saw light shining over the dark path, something to follow. Unable to contain her excitement, Delta grasped Brook's hand and beamed.

"Delta," said Brook with obvious relief. "Of course." Though her face was covered by bandages, Delta could hear the smile in Brook's voice.

"I'm so glad you're awake," murmured Delta. The only thing tainting the happy warmth glowing in her heart was a cold edge of fear, a cruel thought lingering at the fringe of her mind: She's probably angry, at you and your failure. "Are you feeling okay? Any pain?"

"A--a little bit."

"I'll call the healer!"

"No, no!" exclaimed Brook. "I'm fine, really. Don't worry." Delta got the sense that Brook was smiling under the bandages. "So...how long have I been asleep?"

"About a week," answered Delta. "You were put under some sleeping spells so you wouldn't wake during the healing sessions. It probably kept you out for a bit longer."

Brook was silent for a long while; did she remember what happened? Did she understand why her face was swathed with bandages, why the world was all dark? Finally, she spoke, voice unusually solemn. "How...how bad is it?"

Delta shifted uncomfortable as the mood grew far more somber. "You remember what happened?"

"A bit...we were attacked, there was a fire, and there was....well, then I blacked out."

Delta nodded, then recalled it was a useless gesture. "I see. That's pretty much what happened. As for your injuries..." She sighed, wishing she didn't have to say. "Severe facial burns. The healer tried to restructure the worst bits, but there will still be scars and disfigurement. There's also some less severe burns on your neck and shoulders. A lot of your hair was burned, but that will grow back, of course. And...as for...well, she doesn't think fixing your eyes is possible.... I'm sorry." Does she blame me? She had every right to. She should. It's my fault.

"...I see." Brook's tone was impressively stoic. Whatever was going on in Brook's mind--Delta wished more than anything that she could know, and help. But she didn't know, so she let Brook to muse in silence.

"Well...that's--that's enough about me," Brook finally said, voice a bit cheerier. "Is Adrian okay?"

A surge of affection raced through Delta. Always so worried about others, even in her current situation. Even for that apathetic deadbeat that didn't deserve an ounce of Brook's worry. "Oh, he's fine. Since he saw me use magic, I took him to the palace to decide what to do with him. We sent him home just yesterday...memory cleared of angels. He's probably back to his normal life." Knowing what they'd saddled Adrian with would only worry Brook more; for now, the truth wasn't worth it.

"That's good," said Brook in relief. "Then...are we back home?"

"Yeah," confirmed Delta, glad to deliver some truthful good news.

"It's been so long!" exclaimed Brook. "Six years? I can't believe they managed to make me completely forget this life for so long. It's a little scary, actually. Tell me--what's happened while I was gone? How is everybody? Are any of my siblings back?"

Delta smiled at Brook's enthusiasm. "No, but we're planning a mission to bring Alina back, and I'm sure Falak will be soon after. You'll be able to s--oh, I-I mean...well, they'll be here soon."

"I can't wait!" exclaimed Brook! "How about the council? How are they?"

Delta bit her lip. She could lie, but it would far be more difficult to get away with than her lie about Adrian. Better to tell the truth now, difficult as it may be, than lie and cause more trouble later. "Enyah...Enyah died."

Brook let out a cry. "What? When? How?!"

Delta grimaced at the distress in Brook's voice. "Three years ago, I'm told. She was ambushed in an attack on the palace. Even so, she managed to weaken the slayer enough that he was easily chased out. She must've scared him off, because there hasn't been an attack since."

"I can't believe it," murmured Brook. "Enyah was so strong. I...can I pay my respects?"

"Her family has her ashes. I'll talk to them for you."

"Thank you." Brook paused. "But...who's taken her position?"

"Her daughter," answered Delta. "Do you know her? Her name's Blaise."

"We've talked once or twice, but she was never in the palace often," said Brook, sounding worried. "But is she okay? She's only a year or two younger than me, isn't she? Being a council member must be a huge burden, especially at that age, and in this situation."

"Oh, she fine," said Delta dismissively, hoping her light tone would hide the strain in her voice. "She's definitely under pressure, but she seems strong-willed. She's handling it well." How could she be okay? Forced into such a position under the council's pressure...I'm amazed she hasn't quit yet. Or perhaps she's being pressured to stay. There's no way she could be "okay."

"Thank goodness," sighed Brook. "It's a shame we never talked much. This will be a good chance; I want to get to know her more?"

Delta recalled Blaise's almost irritating enthusiasm. "I think you'll get along well."

"And...the other council members are fine?"

"Yes."

"What else has happened while I was gone?"

"Three more years of scattered attacks," said Delta. "The slayer remained in the city, constantly evading the guards and killing anyone that got too close. He always escaped us. After...after Enyah, the attacks stopped, the city grew quiet, and the slayer's been quiet ever since. Until now, that is."

"So you guys think slayer was behind the attack on us?"

"Yes." Delta dropped her head, weighed down with guilt, as she thought of the attack. "I'm...I'm really sorry."

Brook sighed. "I know where this is going. What happened wasn't your fault, Delta. You don't need to apologize."

She's not angry. Unsurprised but relieved nonetheless, Delta sighed. Even so, she couldn't just let this go. Guilt choked her, making her breathing uneven. She couldn't not apologize, not after what she did, even if Brook thought it unnecessary. "Yes, I do. I failed you. I failed to protect you."

"That's not your fault," murmured Brook. "I was stupid and fell for their trap."

"We wouldn't have been in that situation if I'd gotten my priorities straight," insisted Delta. "I-it's my fault. Your face--your eyes--my fault." Her voice caught in her throat, and her hands, still grasping Brooks', trembled. "I can try and pin it on others to lessen the burden, but, in the end, I'm just lying. It's my fault, and no one else's. I'm--I'm just a coward, running away. I failed. I'm no good...as a guardian, and as a person. I don't deserve to be your guardian. You shouldn't forgive me! You should...you should find a new guardian." Delta blinked as her vision blurred.

"It--it's okay!" Brook twisted her hand so she was holding Delta's, not the other way round; her grip was firm and comforting. "I'm not mad. There's nothing for you to forgive you for! There was nothing you couldn't done."

"B-but, your eyes..."

"My own fault." Brook squeezed Delta's trembling hands. "So please don't apologize." She paused. "No, no, that's terribly selfish of me. Listen--you're forgiven. For everything that you think you did, I forgive you. It's all okay. It's fine. So you can stop apologizing, okay?" Brook's voice, impossibly steady as she spoke, finally faltered. "Please. I don't want you to keep tearing yourself apart."

Delta let out a choked sob. She pulled a hand from Brook's grasp to hurriedly wipe away her tears, even though nobody could see them.

"You're amazing, Delta," murmured Brook. "I wouldn't want anyone else as my guardian. You're so strong-willed, determined, skilled, loyal. I can only wish to be as strong as you. Your magic is so powerful; sometimes, I have trouble believing were were magically similar enough to be linked. I'm so weak--always needing to be protected. Honestly, I really envy your power."

"You're the amazing one, Brook," insisted Delta. Though she didn't deserve any praise, Brook's words warmed her heart. "You're kind and caring and compassionate. You always know what's best for others, and everybody likes you. Those are things I could never be or do. Think of all the horrible things you've stopped me from doing. What would I be without you?"

"If you were as nice to others as you are to me, I'm sure you'd have lots of friends." Brook chuckled softly.

"I only care what you think of me."

"I think having more friends would do you good." Brook paused. "...I'm sorry."

Delta started. "What are you apologizing for?"

"For being so needy," murmured Brook. "Because I can barely fight for myself, you feel like you have to be with me at all times. You don't have any time for yourself."

"It's fine, Brook. Being with you is my duty. That's what I must do as a guardian."

"None of the other guardians are so...obsessive. They have friends, hobbies...Delta, what do you have? And it's because my siblings are capable. Alina doesn't have attack magic, but she's quick and resourceful. Falak's always been so talented. But what am I? Useless."

Delta's heart ached at those words. "You were nine when you left the palace--not exactly an age to be training. Alina and Falak are older than you."

"I'd always wanted to become more capable," Brook sighed. "Of course, now it will be more difficult than ever, but--" Perhaps feeling Delta's hand begin to shake, Brook gasped. "No-no--I don't mean--no, no, it's not your fault! You're okay...I'm okay. It's not your fault. What I mean is...since I'm so incompetent...because I messed up and got hurt, it will be harder for me to be independent, but for you...for me, too, I'll try. I won't keel over and give up. You wouldn't give up easily, so I won't either."

I'd hardly call your circumstances "easy." Burying her doubts, Delta said, "I'll support you every step of the way."

Brook shook her head fervently. "No! Have you been listening? I'm doing this so you don't have to babysit me."

"I'm your guardian. I can't just abandon you."

"Of course I understand that," Brook said. "But take some time for yourself, too. You're worth something. You're a person, too."

Delta frowned. Adrian said that, too. "...I'll consider it."

"Thank you!"

Delta leaned back in her chair. Pride and admiration burned inside her; Brook, still caring about Delta even after what happened. Brook, full of determination ever with her injuries. Brook, so amazing and full of kindness. Delta couldn't think of a person more worth protecting. But that was exactly why, no matter how many times Brook said it was okay, Delta could never forgive herself for her failure. What kind of pathetic guardian would put someone as perfect as Brook through such suffering? Delta, of course.

"Actually," Delta began weakly. "I've been ordered to go on the mission to retrieve Alina. I leave tomorrow. I don't know how long it will take. One day, two days...a week."

"That's great, Delta!" exclaimed Brook. "Won't a trip away from the palace be nice? I know you hate it here. And you'll get to see Alina sooner!"

"That's what Captain Sidereus said," commented Delta. "And, sure, I'd like to see Alina again, but I'd rather stay here. The palace is my favorite place to be, as long as you're here too."

"You're very sweet," said Brook warmly, "but I think you should go. Besides, if it's an order, you don't have much choice, right? Go, and I promise I'll be back on my feet by the time I get back."

Delta smiled slightly to herself and rose from her seat. With some reluctance, she said, "I have to go, then, to prepare. I expect to see you walking when I return."

"That's a promise!" exclaimed Brook happily. "I won't let you down. Enjoy your trip, okay? I imagine you won't get to leave the palace much after this, so savor every moment. Stay safe!"

"I should be saying that to you," Delta shot back lightly, stifling the uneasiness welling up inside her. She'll be fine. She'll be fine.

"I'll be safe, Delta," assured Brook. "There's a squad of soldiers protecting me, too. They won't run away the moment I leave your sight.

"Of course," murmured Delta. She took a few steps back. "...I'll miss you."
Brook's words were soft. "I'll miss you too."

For a moment, the world around Delta blurred. When she spoke, her words were choked. "I'm--I'm going, then." She headed to the door.

"Have a safe trip!" said Brook, words full of warmth.
Delta stepped into the hall. "I'll see you."

She shut the door behind her, leaving Brook alone in the dark, quiet room.