"How have you been, your highness?" Lucas led his princess through an empty corridor, the girl following solemnly. Golden chandeliers suspended off the ceiling whilst dagger-shaped glass windows dotted the decorated sapphire walls to their left. Alice gave a shrug, the princess trailing behind her guardian across the matted red floor without uttering a word. She'd been under the weather for the past couple of weeks and he wanted to identify the root of her strife. "I hear from your instructor lessons are going well."

"I guess," she sighed. "We've discussed a lot of Sanctuary's history, specifically the rulers."

"Learn anything worthwhile?"

"Only that my performance as ruler in waiting is lackluster. My people are suffering yet I can't do anything to help them." She stopped at a window, staring over the kingdom she was meant to one day run. The night sky's darkness rained on the blackened city void of power. Sanctuary's districts were covered in a sheet of inescapable shadows. The street lamps which normally illuminated Cordra and the neighboring Gourse district remained inactive. It went without saying the lack of exos crystals was taking its toll. Through worried eyes, the princess released a sigh of frustration as she lowered her head. Alice believed it was her destiny to stare humanity down the correct course. However, she'd no clue where to start. "What's it like, Lucas? I'd love to visit myself but my father still hasn't permitted me to leave the castle."

"I can't necessarily blame him as the situation in the lower districts is rather . . . Bleak." He turned to face her, his hands tied behind his back. "This is largely due in part to the shortage of exos crystals extracted from Sparce District. The quantity has met an all-time low this year resulting in an increase in power outages and technical difficulties."

"Really? Why wasn't I informed of this sooner?"

"You never asked." The unamused princess frowned. "In addition to his majesty instructing me to keep a closed mouth regarding the matter. He wants to suppress this problem as swiftly and subtly as possible."

"How?! If what you say is true then it won't take long until everyone knows!"

A lack of exos crystals wasn't a laughing matter. They were the lifeblood of Sanctuary, a natural resource that must be protected at all costs. They served as the main power source for practically every major piece of machinery. Stallions required them to run and the holoscreen company needed them in order for their broadcasting systems to function properly. Not to mention, those glowing crystals kept a decent amount of power flowing throughout each district. She'd learned while Aether, the giant diamond-shaped emerald hanging from the ceiling of the domed city, was responsible for maintaining a habitable zone for its residents it didn't provide them with power. In the old days, people relied on electricity to run their equipment. This changed when exos crystals were discovered, old methods of power generation disappearing through the ages. It'd been a miracle they'd survived this long without running into their current roadblock. They'd counted on the Sparce Mining Company to constantly resupply society with crystals but times were changing. Unless they found a solution dark days would approach in more ways than one.

"Worry not, princess. We're doing everything possible to quell the issue. The king is adamant about supplying Sanctuary with reliable power."

"Because he doesn't want things to escalate," she muttered under her breath. "Lucas, why did you wish to speak with me?"

"Ah, yes." Lucas grinned alongside the princess. "I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately. This is because you're unsatisfied, is it not?"

Sometimes she hated how good Lucas was at detecting her true feelings and thoughts. Then again, what did she expect from someone who raised her since she was a child? Turning a corner, Alice stated, "I'm the princess, however, my father isn't interested in exposing me to the conventional experience of managing a kingdom. I don't want to end up like every other king and queen in Sanctuary's history. I want to truly make a change for the better. I want to help my people. Although, my dream won't be accomplished unless I can view their hardships for myself."

"And this conflicts with the king's wishes, does it not?"

"That's one way of putting it. The reason he keeps me locked in the castle isn't solely to ensure my safety but to blind me from how bad things are," she explained. "He also doesn't have a need for me causing unnecessary trouble."

"He's simply taking the course of action he deems is correct. Nevertheless, while he's the current decision maker of Sanctuary's fate, there is something our future ruler can contribute. Assuming she's willing to accept the challenge."

"What are you talking about?"

They arrived at the end of an empty hallway. There wasn't a door or eleshaft, just a plain sapphire wall. Before the girl could ask why they'd come here of all places Lucas held a small silver chip to the wall. Blue lines spread from it in a similar fashion to how Sanctuary's barrier dissolves. However, instead of dissolving the wall folded in half to reveal a darkened pathway. Alice covered her mouth as her guardian entered without hesitation. Maybe she should've left but as the secret door started to close shut she found herself leaping inside. Lighting the path were torches that lit upon her arrival. Sticking closely to Lucas's side the princess followed him even further into the concealed entrance.

"I've put a lot of thought into this, your majesty. Your intentions are admirable. You wish to play a part despite the impossibility of making notable changes until you're crowned queen. This predicament might seem hopeless but I'm here to present you with an opportunity of sorts." At the bottom of the stairway, they stepped into a large rectangular room, brightness consuming the area. "This is the best I can offer, for now."

Her eyes widened, not knowing where or what exactly to look at first. Filling the chamber was a ring-shaped race track, an obstacle course, a climbing wall, human-shaped targets, and finally, decorating the walls were an assortment of ancient energy-based firearms and melee weapons. The lights of the torches painted the walls in gold. Looming in the air was the scent of petrichor, Alice struggling to cope with the highly distinctive earthy smell. Droplets of water fell from the ceiling above, splatting onto cracked earth which differed from the normal tiled floors found in the rest of the castle. Lucas marched to a hovering trolley cart ahead of her, managing a piece of equipment resting on top of it.

"Lucas, explain yourself. Where are we?"

"I'm sure you're already aware this castle is filled with abandoned rooms and passageways. During my time memorizing its layout I discovered a number of these hidden locations. This one stood out the most due to its grandiose size." Lucas kept his focus on the machine in front of him, telling his princess softly, "I thought this would be the perfect location. As such, I began the endeavor of its repair."

"You're saying a place like this was just . . . Rotting away in my home?"

"I theorize it used to be an armory of sorts. Perhaps our ancestors made use of it during Sanctuary's first days."

". . . Why are you showing it to me?"

Lucas glanced at the reasonably confused girl. "I've been with you for a long time, princess. Long enough to know exactly what kind of person you strive to become. You say it's your destiny to save Sanctuary's people. Well, I believe it's my destiny to guide you on your journey." She stepped back as Lucas revealed to her what he now carried in his arms. It was, in fact, a sleeveless torso. An exos suit to be exact. Unlike those she'd seen prior, this one was a sapphire color and didn't bear the diamond-shaped emblem on its chest. "I trust you know what this is."

"Why do you have an exos suit?"

"Let's face the facts, princess. Our world is suffering due to rising tensions between great families as well as the overall dissatisfaction of the lower districts. Additionally, we have an exos crystal crisis. The atmosphere of Sanctuary is dreary and windswept. People need something to believe in. A symbol in which to place their trust."

"Isn't that what the Seeker Corps are for?"

"I like to think so. But I'd be a fool to believe the public shares the same opinion. Most think the Seeker Corps are a joke. A bunch of freeloaders being paid to play in the sands of a ravaged wasteland. People don't see them as valiant heroes like you or I." he explained rather bluntly. "Plus, they're out there while we're in here."

Suddenly, Alice remembered Rex's promise, the girl's hands forming shaky fists.

"My father-"

"The king is our ruler, it's his royal duty to lead us." He moved closer to her, the heavy torso clasped tightly in his gloved hands. "And you're the princess. You can be the beacon to ignite a spark of confidence in people who lack it."

"How?"

The man chuckled softly, turning to place the suit on the trolley. "Are you knowledgeable of what I did prior to becoming a royal advisor and later your personal servant?"

"You were a seeker." She'd discovered Lucas enlisted in the enforcers only after quitting his previous position as general of the Seeker Corps. They said he was someone to be feared, the beasts of sand cowering from his raw talent and skill. She'd never asked him why he quit although Alice had a distinct feeling she didn't want to know. "So, does this mean you're offering to train me to be a seeker?"

"No, I don't think it's a good idea to have you leave Sanctuary. Not as you are currently." he refused. "What I'm offering is to train you in the art of combat and stealth. My training combined with the exos suit's superhuman abilities could transform you into a covert observer. You'll be granted the chance to fully monitor your kingdom as you please."

"Lucas I- I'm not sure. How do you know if I'm qualified to use an exos suit? Don't you have to take an aptitude test-"

"You'll also need surgery. Admittedly, this will be difficult to pull off. Should you accept my offer, I'll find a way to sneak in a couple of associates of mine to perform the operation."

"You really put a lot of thought into this, haven't you?"

"It's your dream we're discussing. I treat my future queen's desires seriously." She took another step back, a hand clutched to her chest. She should've jumped at the opportunity. Lucas was providing her with everything she could ever ask for. This could be her chance to make a difference. So why did her heart feel so conflicted? "This is solely a suggestion, my princess. If you refuse I'll never mention it again. I'd even expose the room to the king-"

"NO! Don't ever do that!" she snapped. "If he finds this place he'll kill you for sure!"

"Does this mean you're accepting?"

She hesitated once more, her lips glued shut. Currently, two paths unfolded before her. One led to a normal childhood where she studied and waited for the day to be granted authority to rule. As for the other, it showed an image of her going against the king's orders and putting her own life on the line. One was logical while the other was noble. Alice whispered, "Lucas . . . What would . . . My mother have done?" His astounded expression was expected, Lucas struggling to find the words to respond. "Which road would she be contemptuous walking?"

"Your mother . . . Was a woman I can't categorize. Like you, she'd a strong sense of justice yet she remained supportive of the king's more questionable decisions. Truth be told, I've no idea. All I can tell you is she'd choose whatever option led to the overall betterment of Sanctuary's people. She was a truly selfless person. She's similar to Rex in that regard."

"Selfless?" she repeated, heading for the exit. At once, the discord within vanished. It became clear to Alice what she needed to do. In this cruel world, one had to take bold risks in order to achieve their desires. Despite being a princess, she was no different. She pictured the queen in her mind, long flowing black hair sky blue eyes matching her own. Her gentle smile always put her at ease. The drifting memory granted Alice with the confidence she lacked to be able to make this risky choice. To Lucas' surprise, the princess reached for a short glowing energy blade hanging on the wall. Before he could say anything Alice severed her flowing white hair in a single motion. A swift cut was all it took. Princess Alice faced him again, shortened and messy white hair caressing the girl's shoulders. "I guess there's no turning back now, huh?"

"Your majesty . . . You-"

Alice held up a hand, the blade clanging to the ground. "You were there when I made a promise with my best friend. He believes I can make a difference and so do I. When he returns he'll see a better Sanctuary. I will be grateful if you'd train me to be a guardian of my kingdom. I ask this of you, my friend."

There was a long pause prior to Lucas bowing his head. Smirking, the guardian said, "Then we shouldn't waste any time. Let's begin as soon as possible, my princess."