Headed by a Snake

Even though Haelvia's savior was blanketed in living flames, she recognized its form.

It was, without a doubt, Divine Armor Lancelot.

But... the Duplicarius... he called it--

"That's... an affirmative," The green-haired pilot tilted his head, "'Talks-With-Fire' is the name of this Divine Armor... Regardless, I say again: Echo-Four-Libra, do you require medical attention?"

"H-how?!" Haelvia half-stood up and shouted at her console, "How did you learn that Divine Armor's name? L-l-loki had been his pilot for--"

"Answer the question, girl," Tychon frowned.

Haelvia grit her teeth, her cheeks flush.

It wasn't the time for questions.

The combat zone was still very hot-- and that was besides the fact that Lancelot now-Talks-With-Fire was literally aflame... and that all of Haelvia's exposed skin was burning with a half-dozen emotions.

Gaheris grabbed hold of Talks-With-Fire's outstretched hand and steadied himself on still-wobbly knees.

"N-negative, Duplicarius," Haelvia managed... "We're still in good condition, but--"

"Echo-Four-Libra, withdraw to the walls," The Duplicarius replied impassively.

"I say again--" Haelvia growled, "Gaheris and I can still--"

"This is a *direct* order, Echo-Four-Libra," Tychon said in a firm voice. "The damage your Divine Armor has sustained isn't even close to regenerating. Your mana is in shambles and your presence here--"

A series of powerful explosions shook the earth, interrupting Tychon.

Haelvia turned her head to the side, watching in horror as six magical attacks sped towards them. Their impending deaths shot towards them, trailed by streams of white and gold against the backdrop of the endless blue sky.

Despite the pain in her head and the bile rising in her gut, she asked Gaheris to dash forward. Using what little remained of her pitiful mana reserves, she channeled everything she had and more into reinforcing her Divine Armor's metallic frame.

The Duplicarius had come to save her... or rather-- to save Guild Metal Wolf. He was even skilled enough to learn Lancelot's true name.

However, his Divine Armor Lancelot couldn't withstand a single barrage of those cannons.

They couldn't hope to dodge it, either. Haelvia had a near-perfect connection with Gaheris and even they couldn't do that.

Gaheris stood in front of Talks-With-Fire, crossing his arms over his chest... doing his best to protect his pilot.

Haelvia bowed her head... hot tears dripping down her cheeks, "Thank you again... dear friend... for letting me be so selfish."

Gaheris had always been... the most loyal guardian. But... even if he managed to survive annihilation, she would not.

Her sacrifice would pave the way for Duplicarius Tychon's victory.

Throughout history, the Holy Country always emerged victorious... but the price it paid was in the lives of her people.

"Tss," A voice scoffed... "So you could still move, even in that state."

The flameclad Talks-With-Fire shot his metal hand up, palm forward... and the sky blurred with heat. It was like... an invisible shield. Each of the Bear Armor's projectiles exploded in mid-air, close enough to make her ears ring but too far to substantially affect either of them.

Haelvia tried to wrap her head around the sheer ridiculousness of what she just saw. Talks-With-Fire... with a simple wave of his hand, had completely nullified the enemy's attacks?

"What... what in the Flame... just happened?" She asked the golden-eyed Duplicarius.

"Miss L," Tychon smiled, "thank you for your concern, but please, withdraw to safety."

"Look, guy," Haelvia ignored the heat in her face as she tried to argue, "That... that THING was responsible for half my century's casualties! Just because you're... you're handsome and the best pilot I've ever seen in my life doesn't mean you can just... disregard my help!"

"Hah! Hahahaha!"

That man... he just laughed at her. Haelvia's head had become so hot, she was starting to get dizzy.

"How about this, then?" Tychon smirked, "Should you continue to be disobedient, I'll bend you over my knee and spank you."

Haelvia rolled her eyes, "Joke's on you, Duplicarius. That's my definition of a good time."

...By the Flame, what was she saying?

"Hm. If you insist... I'd like you to at least withdraw from the blast zone. Stand by and provide support should you deem it necessary."

That... was actually pretty reasonable.

"If you behave..." The Duplicarius tilted his chin down, "I might even grant you a reward at battle's end."

"Psh," Haelvia scoffed in surprise-- so hard she snorted, "Like I'm interested in anything *you* have to offer."

The young pilot gave a casual shrug, "For that remark, I think I'd like to see you beg for it on your knees."

On... her knees...

Haelvia covered her mouth, absolutely speechless.

It... would be inappropriate for her to accept that offer-- in... any circumstance!

But... that--

No... She... she wasn't--

Indecent thoughts cluttered her brain.

Was... doing that... really something she opposed?

...Haelvia was definitely blushing. She wasn't used to that kind of attention from... anyone, really.

She coughed to hide her embarrassment, "Y-you're mistaken, Duplicarius. I... I don't like guys with green hair."

"And I, young lady," Tychon responded, "judge based on ability and competence, rather than looks."

Flame Eternal. Haelvia decided she was going to stop talking. Every time she opened her mouth, she just made herself look more like a fool.

"Once I defeat this fellow," The Duplicarius continued, "you and I will discuss working through your issues from whatever shite boyfriend you had in the past."

Haelvia reeled back in shock-- that was definitely too much!

"Oh, so what?" She groaned in disgust, "You're going to kiss me and magically make me forget every bad thing that's ever happened to me?"

Oh.

Oh, no.

​ Haelvia cursed herself and her stupid tongue. She had just sworn not respond to the Duplicarius' mockery, but she ended up getting caught in his pace, anyroad...

Her whole body was steaming hot... with shame... indignation... and... and...

"That..." The Duplicarius chuckled, "would be an excellent start... Be advised, Echo-Four-Libra. After this, I'm going to *thoroughly* discipline you for your... insubordination."

This man...

Haelvia closed her eyes, trying to ignore how fast her heart was beating.

That person was... even more arrogant than Loki. However, she had seen a glimpse of his abilities. It was... more than arrogance. It was confidence.

It made her... want to trust him.

"Duplicarius..." She gulped... "if you can win... I'll accept your punishment willingly."