Fifteen years ago, in the midst of the Dusk War in Avarell.

Shades were the enemy of Sestyra, all thanks to the actions of a few noteable radicals in their ranks. The Countess Taivas was the most prominent one leading the war efforts, and her power was great. Still, they couldn't give up, lest her visions come to pass and everyone suffers for it.

In a field as soldiers fought all around them, a young Valo Morei faced down Senri Vauleaux, lord of Vauleaux Manor and a once respected friend. The war had turned friends and brothers into enemies, as everyone fought for their survival and ideals. There were no words in this moment, as blue eyes stared past blonde bangs into the red eyes that looked past Senri's own white.

Gripping the greatsword on his back, Valo would draw his weapon, charging at Senri, who stood his ground, hand on his katana. Swinging his blade down from above, Senri would sidestep the attack with ease, drawing his blade and aiming to slash at Valo's torso. Valo quickly kicked his blade upwards to block the blow, gripping it to spin and strike at Senri horizontally. Senri would turn his blade to the side, bringing his hand to reinforce his defense as the blades collided. His feet dug into the ground as he slid along the ground slightly, grunting as he pushed against Valo's blade and forcing him off, swinging powerfully into his sword to send him flying backwards.

Before Valo could completely recover, Senri would dash in, jumping above Valo in an instant, turning his blade down towards him as he dove into a downward thrust aimed at his chest. Valo looked up at him, bringing his greatsword between the two of them to tank the blow as the force from Senri sent him towards the ground with great force. His back striking the ground hard, Valo gasped in pain as blood dripped from his lip, but at least he wasn't impaled. Quickly kicking his legs out, he would strike Senri's own legs before he could make another attack, causing him to lose his footing as Valo spun to once again bring his greatsword down. Senri would bring his own blade up between them, the katana barely blocking the heavy blade as a large crater formed underneath the two of them, Senri grunting in pain before he pushed Valo off again, who jumped back to catch his breath.

Ascending from the crater, Senri would raise his blade, pointing it at Valo, who would respond by doing the same with his greatsword. They would charge at each other, thrusting their blades forward as the tips collided, causing a great wave of energy to surge forth around them from the impact. Their hands shaking from the impact as their blades balanced against one another perfectly, they would separate their weapons before swinging at one another, each blow causing powerful winds to blow around them as heavy booms went off. The ground beneath them cratered with every strike as the foliage itself seemed to retreat from their ferocity, flying in a circle around them. The Wolf and the Bat fought as though the fate of Sestyra was on their shoulders.

After what seemed like a daunting eternity, Senri would gain the upper hand, managing to get into Valo's defenses as he faltered slightly, slicing with his blade in an upwards strike at Valo's face as it struck him around his eye, leaving a gash as he fell to the ground tired, yelling in pain as blood soaked the field around them.

Senri, gasping to catch his breath, felt his own body go heavy as sweat and blood dripped from him, the battle taking a heavy toll on the both of them. He walked towards Valo slowly, holding his blade tightly. As he stood above them, he'd lift it up above him, the blade facing towards him as he prepared to deal the finishing blow. Yet after all of this, he found himself hesitating as his hand shook.

"You have a wife and child waiting for you, Morei... just as I do..." He'd say, shutting his eyes as he lowered his weapon. "... My heart isn't in it."

Valo would look up at Senri in surprise, feeling his guard drop entirely as the adrenaline started to dissipate.

"Guard them with everything you have. That's all I want to do for my own family."

He would walk to leave the field as Valo watched him, doing his best to hold himself up on his weapon as he did his best to stand upright. Soile would find him amidst the chaos at last, coming to his aid as she saw Senri walking away.

Senri's actions would eventually allow the Wolves to overcome their enemy, but at least he stood vigil over his wife and daughter. Nothing else mattered.