The distant, capitol skyscraper appeared faded due to the falling snow. Governor Fryste stood in front of the glass in the meeting room, high above the surrounding buildings. Just behind her sat a tan man in a navy blue suit and tie like Fryste. He lightly moved his glass in a circle, causing the wine inside to dance. His sharp goatee didn't fully connect, with a gap in the mustache underneath his nose. "Where are they?" he asked impatiently, "I've got an appointment with my hot tub at 3 O'clock." Fryste simply rolled her eyes and shook her head. A knock at the door was followed by the woman's monotone smoker's voice saying, "Come in." 

The armored Granknight pulled open the twin, wooden doors for Dove and Kurt to enter, both wearing heavy coats in white and blue colors. "Governor Fryste, Governor Roderick, it's a pleasure meeting with you," the pregnant mother said. She attempted to lean over the long, meeting table and shake their hands, but her belly was an obstacle. Instead, the sharply dressed man reached farther for her hand. "And it is my pleasure to see such a lovely lady." Roderick moved to kiss her hand, but was denied when Dove pulled it away. Kurt then gripped the governor's and said in a sarcastic tone, "Don't suppose you're gonna kiss my hand?" "Uhh, no."

Fryste also shook their hands, then motioned everyone to sit. "Kurtis, please begin the meeting with a short debrief of the apprentice's progress." "Yes, governor. Gren is getting stronger and even faster. Komo has slimmed down, a little bit. Ellia has become much more supportive of her team, and Delle..." Fryste and Roderick glanced at each other while Kurt chose his words. "...Delle is falling behind the others. I don't think it has anything to do with her abilities, just a mental thing. She can't stand feeling useless and tends to hide in her room a lot."

The therapist added, "I've tried getting her to talk, but she's becoming more and more remote. I can't exactly diagnose her, but If I had to guess from what I know, she seems to be dealing with some form of depression." Roderick took a sip from his wine glass and sighed. "Interesting. Say, would any of them be willing to fill a guard position? Komo sounds like she would be a great, personal Granknight, if you get what I mean."

The uncaring nature of the governor angered Kurt, but he held his tongue. Fryste intervened instead, "That's unimportant now. From Kurtis's testimony and my own observations, the apprentices seem to be progressing at a... reasonable rate. Perhaps they will all pass the state license exam in five months." Kurt nodded in agreement, then changed the subject. "Now about Percy. Has any security footage or eye witnesses found him yet?" "No," answered Fryste immediately, "I'm afraid no one has seen him since the incident."

Dove looked down at the floor, deeply disheartened at the news. Governor Roderick on the other hand, spoke leisurely, "Pfft. After fifteen years of service you'd think he would straighten up all his problems." Kurt stood in a rage and shouted, "Hey! You have no right to say that! You've never had to fight to survive like he did!" "Soldier!" Fryste commanded, "At ease."

The furious mentor let out a slight growl, then returned to his seat with his arms crossed. Roderick resumed, "Anywaaayyy, each passing month adds to the ever growing amount of resources spent searching for him. Eventually we might have to stop looking for the guy." Dove could no longer keep still. "That 'guy' is my husband. And you will find him and bring him back to me." The fierce look on her face lead Fryste to agree. "Certainly. Percy is a great soldier, and he is truly missed by everyone."

Roderick turned his charismatic grin back on and added, "It's a shame for a beautiful woman like yourself to be without a husband. I'll do what I can, Ms. Dove." "That's 'Mrs.'" she countered, pausing the man for a moment. "Right. Well, if that is all, I must be going." All at the table stand and make their way to the twin doors. Kurt and Dove walked down the hall and entered the elevator, where the pregnant mother let out a long sigh. "He's coming back," Kurt reassured with a hand on her shoulder, "Even if I'm the last one looking, you better believe I'm finding him." Dove nodded, still looking sad. "Right. Thanks Kurt."

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HONK! A long line of cars blow their horns at the old lady crossing the icy street at a turtle's pace. "AAHH Shut up! That Reign DR's gonna run over me now, I know it." Just then the elder notices a young girl in pink walking down the sidewalk. "Excuse me, young lady! I need some help crossing the street!" Stuck in her own head, Delle continues to walk on by, causing the old woman to say, "Kids these days." HONK! "CRY ABOUT IT!!" Her purse slams the car, causing the hood to fly open.

As the sad girl stares down at her pink snow boots, a one-sided conversation takes place in her mind. Trying my best doesn't make me any better. I'm always holding everyone back. Delle stops at the crosswalk and looks up at the gently falling snow. I wish I was useful like Ellia, or Gren, or Komo...If only I could... Suddenly something grabs her attention, like a whisper instructing her to look at her left hand. Her winter glove conceals the sharpened and disfigured fingers underneath. Seeing it reminds the witch of the power she commanded when she battled Jang, and a drop of sweat rolls down her head. Ugh, I'm too warm in this thing.

Delle takes off her thick jacket, revealing the pink, long sleeve shirt underneath. Suddenly her wrist watch begins to vibrate and display a message. [ACTIVE ROBBERY ALERT! SYMBIOLIC FORCES REQUIRED!] The witch lowers her right arm and raises her left. Her glove catches fire in a purple color, and the once sad expression turns to fierce determination.