As Jaakuna spoke, the group looked to him. It seemed the deeper they went, the more troubled Jaakuna became. This time, however, it looked like it was too much for him. The blonde haired man was brought to his knees, though from what was the real mystery. Wesley and Savayna each tried to snap him out of his state, but to no avail. Nadeline couldn't help but put the mysterious voice to blame. Obviously someone or something was manipulating Jaakuna from here, where they were. But who? As she tried to think of any possibilities, Emiri walked over to Jaakuna, kneeling down before him. The brunette lightly took both of his hands off his head, grasping them tightly beneath her own. Once she was able to hold both of his hands to her with one of hers, the other gently touched his face. "Who said your name, Jaakuna?" Emiri asked him softly, looking directly into his eyes as she spoke. She wasn't even sure if he would hear her, and she did have another idea in mind, but she hoped this gentler version would work first. "Who was it that called you Jackson?"

Nadeline looked at Wesley. "At this rate he'll become catatonic. The further in we go, the worse Jaakuna gets." She stated, placing one hand on her hip.

"What, are you suggesting we turn back?" Grant asked her, narrowing his eyes. "The Esper is still here."

The blonde shifted her weight off one leg and onto the other. "If we still want to go after the Esper...he cannot continue." She spoke slowly, though what she was suggesting was obvious, even if she didn't want to say it. "The voice is obviously becoming a problem now."

Grant shook his head in disbelief. "So we leave him behind, is that it?"

He heard Wesley's and Savayna's words. Like, how could he not hear — and feel — Savayna. She was tugging, yelling, and doing all that she could to get him out of the craze that he found himself in. Emiri's words hit him. Or rather they got to him. He looked at her(half-not his choice) as she gripped his hands, taking them away from his head and looked into his eyes. She first asked him who said his name. Though, Jaakuna just looked at her. He was a wreck, so Emiri asked a different question and simply asked who was it that called out to him. JAakuna didn't know. No, that's not true. He did know, oh the gods he knew, but it was impossible. This person was killed by his own hands. "I-I know who called out to me, I know who said my name." He stuttered, but got his words out slowly, "but it can't be him. It just can't." Jaakuna was terrified. If not seen in his eyes, then heard in his voice. Even as he grasped onto the name, he was just so unsure about it.

While Emiri was trying to get through to Jaakuna, Wesley overheard Nadeline and Grant talking about what they would do next. He felt mixed about it and he agreed with both of them. Wesley stretched his arms and spoke. "There's only one course of action that we can take." He said finishing stretching his arms. "Emiri and Jaakuna stay here in this very spot — it seems to be void of any monsters, so they'll be safe from harm — and the four of us go after the Esper." Wesley suggested.

Savayna looked to Wesley and shrugged. "Whatever works for you will work for me as well." She shrugged again.

Wesley then looked to Grant and Nadeline. "Does that work for you two as well?"

Jaakuna seemed to recognize the voice but was either in shock or disbelief. He seemed absolutely frightened by this person. Emiri was not sure who it could be, though as the conversation between the rest of the group proceeded, she had to agree Jaakuna just wasn't in a state to continue. Still, she didn't like the idea of splitting up, not after what happened last time, but they had little choice. She pulled him into a hug, lightly petting his hair. "It's okay, Jaakuna. I'm right here. I'll protect you, okay?" As she spoke, Nadeline looked at her. The brunette slightly nodded, signaling her agreement with Wesley's plan. So long as they remained here, once the group obtained the Esper, they could just come back and they would all leave together.

Nadeline nodded at Wesley and Savayna, and looked at Grant. It seemed he was the only one who opposed this plan, but he was clearly outvoted. He then nodded. Nadeline looked forward. "Onward then. We will be back soon. Just stay put, and don't go anywhere. We don't know how big this place is and it isn't worth the risk for you to get lost." She told them, this time taking the lead. Grant looked back at the pair with uneasiness, though he too followed suit.

Jaakuna was in Emiri’s arms. He didn’t know what to do. Nothing about this made sense. Even when the rest of the group would go to get the Esper, the only thing that Jaakuna could think about was the person who was The Voice. First off, he couldn’t even fathom how this person was still alive, let alone why this person started to contact Jaakuna as soon as they got into the area of Giruvegan; or at least the general vicinity. Was he really here? And if so, why? How? When? Jaakuna just asked himself all of these questions and all the while he found himself crying in Emiri’s arms. His cries weren’t loud, but they weren’t silent either.

Jaakuna would slightly break away from Emiri’s hug only to look at her, still terrified, still shaking, and still confused as all hell. “I just don’t understand. This person I know called out to me has been dead for three years. I killed him with my own hands.” Jaakuna said as he looked at his hands, which were shaking. “I just don’t get it.” He said squeezing his hands into fists. “I just don’t understand why my father is calling out to me here.” He said completely perplexed about the entire situation.

---

The rest of the party continued through The Great Crystal. They traversed up, down, and repeat the cycle in reverse. As they did that, Wesley couldn’t help but still wonder about the voice. He didn’t know why, but he had a feeling that leaving Jaakuna and Emiri alone like that might solve that, but still he had this very uneasy feeling that somehow things would get complicated. Still, he couldn’t worry about that too much. Emiri’s strong, so any danger that presents itself to the pair, she’ll protect him.

As they ran through various paths, Savayna would speak. “Grant, I know you’re worried about them, but Jaakuna has been through worse than this. Or do I need to bring up the first time he and I fucked. Boy that was a train wreck; he knew absolutely nothing.” Savayna had no shame and she knew it. Wesley laughed at Savayna as they marched forth.

The place was big. Very big. And that was an understatement. Grant hoped they would remember the way back, and not just for Jaakuna and Emiri's sake: one wrong turn and who knew how long it would be before they found their way out? Still, it was a good chance to think about himself and his own heart. He felt utterly and completely confused. He thought he could be satisfied with Emiri's friendship. He thought he could maybe even perhaps start a new relationship and work something out with Savayna. And yet, every time she would smile so gently at him it would make him think, her touch making him remember the old days. But the past was the past. Nothing could change that, and it was more than obvious that she loved Jaakuna dearly. Yes, that was the truth. And he genuinely wanted something with Savayna, so those thoughts would just have to mean nothing to him.

That is, until Savayna mentioned Jaakuna's name.

Hell, I might always have feelings for him.

A flare of anger waved through Grant, though on the outside, he remained as emotionless as ever. Why did he remember her saying that? Why did it bother him so much?

"Savayna, do you ever consider your words before you speak?" Nadeline asked rather loudly, shaking her head. "Honestly! Besides, Emiri will make sure he is safe!"

As you will for Emiri

If this was how he was feeling, what if Savayna was in the same boat? That thought alone immediately put his flame out, but it also made him more confused and envious. It seemed Jaakuna had both their hearts, his old love and his new one. Why, why did it bother him so much? He didn't understand it. But deep down, maybe it was just a truth he didn't want to admit. A truth that hurt the more he realized it. But why? Why now after all this time? Was seeing Emiri with Jaakuna that much of a bother? Was hearing Savayna mention their first time something so troublesome?

Grant didn't bother replying to Savayna's statement.

---

His father was the voice in his head? Emiri couldn't quite understand, she felt just as confused as he did. She wanted to tell Jaakuna that perhaps it had been a trick of the mind, but the way he acted made that very unlikely. She watched him, for once at a complete loss. What should she tell him? That he was right, that his father was truly dead? How did he feel about it? Perhaps it haunted him, and that was why he was so troubled. She placed her hands on his, looking at him. "What...what do you want to do about it...?" She asked uncertainly, not quite sure what to do to help him.

When they continued, Wesley just shook his head at Savayna and Nadeline did the same, but she would do much more than that. Nadeline spoke her opinion, just going off on Savayna about if she ever thought about what she said before she said it or not. Wesley chose to keep quiet about this, and unfortunately for Nadeline(and maybe Wesley), Savayna wouldn’t.

“Oh, and like you’re some goody-goody doer? Last time I checked, you were two minutes away from getting your vagina fucked the crap out of from Wesley!” Oh dear, she went too far, that’s’ for damn sure.

Wesley stopped, anger filling his body, but on the surface he was a Hume tomato, red from head to toe. He slowly turned to Savayna, and then turned back just as slow. His eyes went to Nadeline and he did not like the look on her face. There’s about to be a catfight, I just know it.

---

When Emiri asked Jaakuna what he wanted to do about it. He really didn’t know. Even as she had her hands on his — which stopped the shaking slightly by the way — he didn’t know. The majority of the decision-making part of his brain wanted to go seek out whoever this was, but there was the part of him that makes him listen to reason that was wanting him to stay put. Though, if The Voice truly was his voice, then Jaakuna owes it to himself to seek him out, no matter what was going to happen if he did.

“I think…no, I know I want to find this out.” He said, slowly getting up. “But, I don’t want to put you in danger, but I also don’t want to do it alone. “ He said taking her hands. “Will you go with me?” He asked her looking deep into her eyes.

As Jaakuna stood up, so did Emiri. He wanted to find out more about the voice. He didn't want to put her in danger but he couldn't do it alone either. She wanted to tell him that at the moment, she felt herself more capable than he. He was just a wreck. It seemed this would be the only course of action that would comfort him. Still, she could already hear Nadeline's voice in the back of her head, telling her to stay put. No, this was too important. Hopefully they would be back before the others would. She grasped his hand, smiling at him. "Of course. You have nothing to fear. I'll protect you from anyone, okay?" She reassured him. "Let's go. I'm right here with you."

---

She did not.

She did NOT just say that.

Grant's eyes widened at Nadeline's less than pleased look. Her eyes were dangerously narrowed, her anger practically seething off of her. This...this was not going to end peacefully. Not at all. "Now, Nadeline--" He tried to mediate, but she would have none of it. She glared at him, and that put him to silence. Nope, he was not going to get through to her that easily. She directed her attention back to the goddamn woman in front of her. "What I do is my business, thank you very much." She snapped rather angrily. "You need to watch that mouth of yours. We aren't in school anymore, Savayna, that little trick where you say things to get attention? That doesn't work here."

“I beg to differ.” Savayna simply stated as she was clearly amused.

Nadeline said that calling her out in front of everyone wouldn’t work or get her attention. Savayna doesn’t need to get any attention. She is confident in who she is. She just loved getting under Nadeline’s skin and clearly she was, so Savayna would call this a very successful endeavor. “I clearly got your attention, so obviously it worked.” Now that she got that out of the way, Savayna walked up to Nadeline, so close that the sparks of their anger were matching each other equally. “Now, you listen to me, little girl.” She said, “You’re obviously under the assumption that I’m doing this to get some attention, but that’s not even the slightest bit true. The fact of the matter is that I’m jealous of you. Gods know that I’m jealous of how good you have it, both with your royalty and with Wesley.” She quickly looked to Wesley and then back to Nadeline, who was probably confused at this point. Or not, who knows? “I had to work for everything that I gained, and then I left it all for you guys.” She said almost bitterly. “I’m not regretting it or anything, but maybe I just want what you two have.” She said looking to Grant briefly and just walking ahead.

Wesley couldn’t believe how…good that ended. Of course, he wondered what exactly Savayna was feeling. Such mood swings made him wonder what exactly could going on in her head. Though, Wesley’s thoughts now focused on Grant. Wesley just wondered how he was feeling about all of this? Surely Savayna, unknowingly, admitted some advancement of her feelings for him. “Well that turned out in a way that I didn’t expect.” Wesley stated.

---

As Emiri answered Jaakuna back as she wanted to go with him, they proceeded down the path, to which Jaakuna was barely hanging on. He wasn’t physically weak, but mentally he was and by result, his movements were slowed down. He would, however, try his best to climb up the paths. In the coming minutes, they would go down some paths, then up some, and just the same for about ten minutes. When they came to an area, there was a Way Stone there. Jaakuna felt odd about that one.

Use it, Jackson; it will take you to me.

Jaakuna’s head was hurting and his nose was bleeding. No doubt Emiri would see it, but Jaakuna would force himself to go forward. “That Way Stone…It’s what we must use to reach him…we...have to...hurry...” Jaakuna’s words were scarce and even worse, they were getting low in volume.

Emiri bit her lip at Jaakuna's continuing deterioration. Oh no, this had been a mistake after all. And yet he pushed forward, and she wasn't going to abandon him. Eventually, however, the trip proved too much for him. She hung onto him tightly, as if afraid he was going to slip away from her. They reached a Way Stone, and it was here that he told her they needed to hurry. She reached out for the Way Stone, but her body stopped. She didn't understand why, but it was as if she was about to do something forbidden. Something that she should not do under any circumstance. Her hand actually trembled--why? She looked from the stone to Jaakuna, and back at it. She had to do this. For him. Taking in a deep breath, she touched it, and the familiar light and sensation occurred. The two were whisked away.

---

What the actual fuck was that?

Savayna had managed to stun the group to silence. Nadeline's anger had not subsided, though for the sake of everyone else, she forcibly put a lid on it. So suddenly she's the spoiled princess? She didn't choose this life, just as Savayna did not choose how and where she was born. She didn't even know why she was angry, but boy did the woman know how to get under her skin. For a moment, Nadeline remained still, though eventually she exhaled. She looked at both Grant and Wesley, who were each surprised as she was, no doubt. She then shook her head, and she too began to walk. With nothing left to be said, the group continued onwards. But Grant (and probably Wesley) knew Nadeline better than that. No doubt this conversation was far from over. She didn't even have to say anything; her anger was practically seething off of her.

As Jaakuna was getting weaker and weaker, he was pretty much leaning on the Way Stone just so that he could stay standing. As Emiri activated the Way Stone, they were warped within seconds. As they came to the other side of it, Jaakuna looked around(and most likely Emiri did as well) and from what they would see, the first thing they would notice was that the shades of yellow and green were more mysterious. Mist was at an all-time high here. Just breathing it in Jaakuna felt his condition getting worse. He was breathing heavily and as he would walk forward, just the pure desire of seeing his dad was making him press on. As he would stagger forward, Jaakuna would notice that while the absence of natural light was gone, there was an artificial light source from just in the distance. Jaakuna slowly moved there with Emiri helping him to do so and as he came to an edge of a cliff, a path of green glyphs lit up and stopped about midway.

Jaakuna and Emiri would start walking down that path and as they got to the end, a mist-created image came in front of them. It was a man with mocha skin, white hair and piercing red eyes. His frame was tall and slightly muscular. This man smiled to the both of them. Jaakuna couldn’t believe it. By the gods, he just couldn’t believe it.

“Father…is that really you?”

The man smiled. “Jackson, it’s good to finally see you.”

Though barely able to stand, Jaakuna spoke. “Tell me this is a dream? Just tell me that this is the God’s form of a practical joke cause I just can’t deal with this right now.” Jaakuna was pleading that the man in front of him wasn’t really his father.

The man looked concerned. “It’s really me, Jackson — or rather a piece of me.” He said walking right in front of Jaakuna.

“But how? I killed you. I punched you, and you fell out of the balcony window. You landed on your head and you laid dead in the streets just outside the palace.” Jaakuna said, trying to understand what exactly was happening.

Jaakuna’s father looked down. “You didn’t kill me. The man you thought you killed was not me. It was your uncle and Isaiah’s father.” He said revealing a shocking revalation. “The one who should be responsible for my inprisionment is my own father, and your grandfather, Brandon Hamut Darcone.” Simon stated, revealing to Jaakuna and Emiri that Hamut was the one who put him in Giruvegan.

When Simon told Jaakuna the truth, he couldn’t believe it. He literally was speechless.

---

Obviously it was an awkward journey from what Savayna had laid out upon the group. Grant didn’t speak, Savayna had said all she wanted to say, Wesley didn’t know what to say, and Nadeline obviously was too angry to speak less she want another fight to break out. Though, Wesley wondered where Grant and Savayna would go from here. They just began whatever it was that’s between them and surely this didn’t help. Or maybe it did. Wesley wasn’t so sure. He was just too concerned about if he would have to intervene between Nadeline and Savayna.

As the group got to a certain point, they arrived at Way Stone and while they were all awkwardly made at each other(more so everyone at Savayna), but they gathered and activated it. Within seconds, they were warped to a room that had pretty ancient markings on the walls. There was a door and as they went through it, they would come to see two people — one in green and one in pinkish-purple clothing — and a bright light took up the room. Of course, it would blind them, but the light would soon be absorbed to the male in the green. As they would come to sight of them, Savayna couldn’t believe it.

“Michel!? What the fuck are you doing here?” She shouted out.

Turning, the one in green turned and smiled. “Savayna, looking as bitchy as ever.” He laughed. “I am just here with a friend.” He said pointing to the one in the pinkish-purple suit. “Do say hello.” He said, talking to Lola.

The kunoichi looked at the group, somewhat surprised. She put on a pout as she looked back at Michel. "My little pet...she's not here. There's another missing, too." She whined as she lightly bit her lip, her hands behind her back. "I don't want to say hello to these people, I want to say hello to my pet..."

Nadeline didn't so much as wanted to say 'I knew it', rather she wanted to scream it. She saw the signs and yet she said and did nothing. Incredible. She didn't really recognize either of the two, though Savayna and Grant recognized Michel. Grant himself was rather surprised to see the man here. Nadeline assumed he must have been Archadian, but the woman beside him was rather odd, speaking about a pet. However, she had the slightest hunch that she knew who she was talking about--Jaakuna and Emiri. Something in her head clicked, however, and for some reason, she could guess the woman's identity. No, it couldn't be--that whiny woman was an assassin? It couldn't be, this woman hardly looked strong at all!

"Lola, I presume?" Nadeline asked rather warily.

Grant's eyes widened. So this was the assassin? Had they truly been tracked all the way here? The woman's talents were just as Emiri said. Lola did smile a little bit, and she winked at Nadeline. "Bingo~ I suppose my pet told you about me. Good, we can skip introductions, Princess." She looked at Michel. "See? They already know who I am. What do you want to do about the other two?"

---

If Emiri had not seen it herself, she would never have believed it. Yet there he was, the previous Emperor of Archadia himself. Vincent resembled him greatly. Emiri stood with Jaakuna, mainly supporting him. It was just the oddest situation. Hamut had been the one to trap Simon here. Jaakuna was at a loss. She couldn't even begin to imagine his thoughts. Should he be relieved? Happy? He needed to be guilty no longer. But Emiri didn't like this situation, not one bit. "Why?" Emiri asked him. "Why would your father do that to you?"

Michel sighed. He and Lola were a good team, but boy did he hate women like her. “Gods, why do you curse me with these type of women?” He mused loudly, but then he turned his attention to the four in front of him. He did hear Lola and Nadeline exchanging words and he scratched his head. He’d rather not fight them if it could be avoided. “Lola, aren’t you forgetting our mission? The boss clearly stated that we are to get the Esper and leave. Or do you not remember the last time she got angry at you?” Michel felt like he had to remind Lola that the boss didn’t like them deterring from the task that they were given.

Meanwhile, the group would just watch as Michel and Lola bickered. Savayna was angry before all of this, but now that Michel was in cahoots with Lola, she was even beyond angry. “WHAT THE FUCK MICHEL!? WHY ARE YOU ASSOCIATING WITH THIS HUSSY!?” Savayna yelled out.

Michel looked to Savayna slightly annoyed. “Sheesh, could you be any louder?” He said cleaning out one of his ears. “I don’t need to answer to the likes of you.” He stated.

Savayna was about to go off on Michel again, but Wesley stopped her. “Okay, so why don’t you tell us exactly what you have to gain to get the Esper?” WEsley asked calmly, though he was anything but.

Michel looked at Wesley. “Prince of Dalmasca, why I have came here is not important. Just know that you all will see us again real soon.” Michel said “Do say hello to Jackson for me~“ As he said that, he waved his hands and three dozen, equally split, male and female ninja appeared as if from literally nowhere, each lining up, the males and females on different sides.

---

Emiri had asked why Hamut had put Simon in here. Or at least, the piece of him that mattered, Simon looked frustrated, but he would answer, though Jaakuna remained silence as he was still in a state of shock.

“Hamut feared I would run Archadia to the ground — or at least, his vision of it. Three years ago, I was in the process of reaching a treaty between Dalmasca and Rozarria. If Hamut would have just saw what I was trying to do would have prevented so many lost lives, things wouldn’t have gotten so horribly wrong.” Simon said.

Jaakuna was listening and he got into a place that he was able to listen and now he spoke. [b]“Why didn’t you tell me Grandfather was so far gone from recovery?” Jaakuna asked.

Simon sighed. “Jackson, I couldn’t lay that burden upon you. You were only reason I was doing this for. I did it for you and your lovely, albeit vulgar and sexually-provocative wife, Savayna--” He was cut off.

“We’re not married anymore.”

“Oh? Are you not dating or seeing anyone?” Simon said intrigued.

Jaakuna looked to Emiri. “I am father. This is her.” He said holding onto Emiri. “Her name is Emiri, and I love her so very much, more than I could even dare to dream for Savayna. It’s more real with her and she accepted me for all I am and thought I was.” He admitted smiling and even blushing.

Simon was happy for his son. “I am glad Jackson. You truly are your mother’s son. You have her love, you have her heart, and dare I say it, you two have almost identical looks. I mean, just look at that blonde hair of yours! Also, you have her bloody stubbornness. Vincent definitely took after me in every way.” Simon laughed.

Hearing his father say that truly made him happy. Jaakuna was such in a bad place when it came to his father, but hearing him say that made him so happy. It actually brought tears of happiness to his face. He quickly wiped them away. “Father, why did you call me here? I mean, aside from seeing me, there must be an important reason why.” Jaakuna asked breathing heavily.

Simon saw that his son wasn’t in the best condition. However, he would respond to his son first before he addressed that. “There is something you need to know about all of this. I can still be saved. I might not know about everything that goes on, but I saw it through your eyes and Vincent’s. I know why he kidnapped you dear.” Simon said turning to Emiri. “He thought you would be able to heal me, but without my soul inside my body or nearby, it is entirely impossible.” Simon admitted. “However, I do know of a way that you two can help.” Simon said.

Jaakuna looked at his father with open and curious eyes. “Tell us father. I will do anything.”

Simon looked to his son, running his hand across his face, but it went right through him. “My soul will bond with your body and you venture to Archadia and insert my soul back to my body.” He revealed.

Jaakuna didn’t quite understand how that would work, much less what would happen if he did it. “How exactly would that work? And even more to that, will it be like two people inside?” JAakuna asked slightly worried.

Simon chuckled. “Dear gods, no. Think of it how Belias, The Gigas works. My ‘marking’ will be imbedded into your skin and when the time comes, you will release me.” Simon said.

Jaakuna understood now, but he still was skeptical. He looked to Emiri. “What do you think?” He asked her. Her opinion on this was one of the most important things right now.

It certainly sounded like something Hamut would say and do. For the moment, Emiri only listened. Jaakuna seemed genuinely happy to be able to talk to his father again. Simon certainly was different from what she had expected as well. Yet, something deep insider her said otherwise. He knew about Vincent's attempt at reviving him. So that was the reason Vincent truly doubted her. She didn't like this. She couldn't even put it into words as to why. It wasn't even that she wasn't happy for Jaakuna--gods knew he deserved it--but she didn't like this. She didn't like any of this. But Jaakuna looked so happy. And if anything happened to him...

"If you want to help him, you should." She found herself telling him. "I'll do what I can, too."

---

"Okay...okay...I'll collect my pet next time." Lola sighed, lazily waving. "Okay, let's get going to the next one then."

As the ninja appeared, Nadeline was shocked at how many there were. How in the world did they appear as such? How did they not hear them? The two main people, Michel and Lola, then made their exit. Stopping them was impossible, there were simply too many of them. Grant furrowed his brow. This was bad. Really bad. They stood ever still, waiting for the group to make their move. He silently cursed, though he aimed his gun at the closest female. All eyes were on them, and this would turn out to be one hell of a fight.

So be it.

"Graviga!"

Grant's spell managed to envelop the entire area around them in darkness temporarily, and each person (aside from the party) would be brought down to their knees. He was surprised that it managed to do this much, he didn't even think he would be able to get them all. Once the spell vanished, light was brought back to their vision, and at this point Grant started shooting. Some hit, some missed, but the battle was on. Nadeline took his lead and charged, her sword glowing as it burst, knocking a few of their enemies off the edge. As they fell, Nadeline brandished her sword, ready for the next few to approach her.

When Michel and Lola had departed, the group were left with the thirty-six ninja, all split down the middle of male and female. It truly was a lot, but thanks to Grant using Graviga, the ninja were brought to their knees just slightly. That allowed the others to get some time over the ninja to get their attacks in before they had the chance.

Savayna would take her Ice Queen Sword and using her magickal prowess to glide into the air, she would swing her sword and as sparkles of ice magick followed, a strong breeze of cold winds would follow, pushing about seven of the female Ninja off the edge and they fell to their death. Meanwhile, Wesley took out his Yagyu Darkblade and as he gathered the mist into his sword, he would swing it towards the male section and a wave of Holara was sent forth, pushing ten of them off the edge. It would be a little while longer, but soon the ninjas would all be gone. “Keep on pressing on!” Wesley said as he went back to attacking the ninjas.

---

Emiri pretty much said yes, but Jaakuna wasn’t too sure that she was sure that he should do this. Just something about the way Emiri said it and the look in her eyes made Jaakuna doubt that he should do this. Jaakuna just couldn’t miss the chance to help his father. Maybe it was just him wanting his father back or whatever it may be, but Jaakuna trusted his dad. At least, he would for now.

“So, how do we do this?” Jaakuna asked.

Simon smiled. “Just hold your arm out.” He said. “It might hurt a lot. Prepare yourself, my son.”

Jaakuna would do what his father said and he prepared himself mentally for the pain as he held out his left arm. Simon then would start flickering until he became a stream of light, but before he did, there was a brief moment that his eyes turned pure black. It was only a brief second, but Jaakuna caught it. He didn’t know what to make of it, his father’s soul was already inside him. However, this is where the troubles would begin.

For just a few seconds, Jaakuna felt fine. However, Jaakuna would get this sharp pain in his arm. It began to be overcome by a bright light, with the marking flashing on his left wrist. It would get slower, but the pain would get even worse. This caused Jaakuna to scream out in pain, gripping his left forearm, and going to his knees. The pain was so intense that Jaakuna was crying so loudly. Every second it went on, Jaakuna just felt worse and worse. So far, it would be at five minutes since it started and it would get to the point where he was beyond crying. Jaakuna fell to his stomach, but he still gripped his forearm. He just couldn’t bare this pain like he thought he could.

Trhough his crying and grunting and screeches of pain, Jaakuna got a few words. “Emiri…It…hurts..so much..” As he said that, he was crying, he was grunting, and just about everything one would do in his condition.

'Might' was just an unneeded word. Truly, looking at it now, it was cruel. Jaakuna had been so eager to help his father, and so Emiri had agreed with it. But deep down in her heart, she felt only regret. She should have protested harder. She should have convinced him otherwise. She should have offered herself instead. She should have done something. Anything. Anything would have been better than this. She was not the one experiencing the pain, and yet she felt her own body twist in its own pain as she watched Jaakuna. It was as if someone had taken her worst nightmares and combined them all, bringing them to life before her at this moment. She didn't cry, she didn't scream his name, she did nothing. No, that wasn't true, was it? What was she doing? She wasn't too sure.

And then she heard him say her name.

It was as if she had been snapped out of a trance. Emiri immediately dropped down to her knees, looking over Jaakuna. Whatever it was that was happening, it was causing him immense pain. What could she do? She was pretty sure slapping him was out of the question. For one reason or another, she got the bright idea of trying to heal him. In hindsight, it was probably not the smartest thing to do. Yet she held out her hands in front of her, but the very second she attempted it, something went very wrong. Her power was forcibly rejected by some unknown force and it hit her hard. She didn't even realize that she had been set flying back until her head and back hit the ground and she saw the crystal above her. She blinked a few times, but she slowly managed to get up, and once she was on her feet, she dropped once more to her side.

She was so useless. So helpless. What excuse did she have this time? "I'm so sorry." She whispered to him, gently putting a hand on Jaakuna. There was nothing she could do. And she would never forget this.

---

The fight was long and rather difficult. Nadeline felt like everytime she would block one attack, another would appear in its place. It got to the point where she didn't even think about attacking, she just kept reacting to whatever came her way. She couldn't say whether or not she was having a more difficult time then the others, there were just so many enemies. Towards the end, she felt her stamina was low, she didn't even know how many were left, but she did know they neared the end of this battle. She stood back to back with Grant at that point, the two eyeing the four ninja surrounding them. They were at a very temporary standstill, and it ended when the four went in for the attack.

Nadeline and Grant separated, each one running forward. Arcane magic surrounded Grant's weapon, and as one of them came it for the attack, he shot her leg. She staggered, and in this moment the other one picked up its slack. However, instead of attacking him, she jumped over him. This disoriented Grant for a moment, and he turned around, expecting an attack from behind. It never came. Instead the third went right for Nadeline, who had her attention on the ones in front of her. It all happened so fast. The sword pierced through the side of her abdomen, catching her by surprise. She let out a small gasp, though in this moment, her sword had been up in the air, her white glyph beneath them. Her Holy spell came from above like a divine bolt of judgement, easily frying the three ninja around her. Once the light vanished, she wavered, her rapier hitting the ground before she did.

He couldn't believe it. He didn't want to believe it. How did this happen? A missed attack reminded Grant that his battle was not over yet. Grant grunted slightly, though he immediately brought up his gun. The ninja didn't even get the chance to react as he put a bullet between his eyes. Once he fell, a silence cloaked them all, only broken by their heaving and panting. Only then did Grant look to Nadeline's still form on the ground. He walked over to her, as if afraid of what he would see. She lay there, still and pale, her blood soaking her clothes and the ground. He dropped down to his knees, and in his despair he punched the ground. Why couldn't he warn her in time? Why couldn't it have been him?!

The last remaining ninjas were only left for Nadeline and Grant and in brief moments, they not only dispatched of them, but they did it with swag. Though, it wasn’t without risk. Wesley only saw it for a brief moment. Nadeline was pierced through her abdomens. In that single moment, Wesley’s world went dark. His love, his baby — laid still, cold, and bloody. He would drop his Yagyu Darkblade, take his shield off, and walk over to her, arms waving freely at his side.

Going to his knees, Wesley looked to Nadeline. He didn’t bother looking to Grant. He was only focused on her. He could feel blood oozing from her wound. It wasn’t in large amounts, but if she were to go untreated for any longer, she could be in serious danger. Wesley would place both his hands over her would. Weaving white magick from his hands and to her.

“Curaja!” He said.

Wesley’s hands illuminated the semi-dark room, but only around himself, Nadeline, and Grant. The blood was all over their clothes, but that was the least of Wesley’s worries. He needed to get her to wake up. Wesley wasn’t at full strength, sadly. His magick was quickly draining and he knew he wouldn’t be able to save her in his condition. Wesley would have to dig into his life force. He didn’t want to, but Nadeline’s injury was too grave.

Forcing out a blue and white glow from his hands, energy was now being input into Nadeline’s body. In the minutes that followed, Wesley’s vision was becoming blurred, but he forced himself to stay focused and awake. The next minute was the most important one.

“Please Nadeline! You have to wake up! I can’t lose you, not here. We’re supposed to…” He said as his body gave out. Wesley had fainted. However, he succeeded. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Nadeline regained consciousness any minute now. Though, Wesley had collapsed on her legs.

---

The pain going through Jaakuna’s body would not give. No matter how hard he tried to stand, each time would get even worse. Even Emiri wasn’t able to heal him and now Jaakuna felt such pain, both physically and mentally. He didn’t want Emiri to feel bad that she couldn’t help him.

As he would continue to grip his arm, Jaakuna somehow found the strength to stand up. Once he did, he looked at his left arm, Jaakuna would look at the symbol. He knew that symbol. “I get it father.” He smiled. Jaakuna understood what the pain was for. Grunting, Jaakuna forced himself to speak once more. “I am the protector that will be the shield; I am the defender that will be the sword; I am the fire that will light up the Darcone house.“ He said as the light soon faded, the pain soon gone, and Jaakuna, in that same instant, would fall to his back into Emiri’s arms. A low snore could be heard.

After a few minutes of hit and miss, Emiri somehow managed to get Jaakuna onto her back. She walked over to the Way Stone, touching it. The famliar orange color returned, and she let out a small sigh. She would walk back to the same spot where the group had split, and by whatever miracle, the rest of the group had yet to return. She wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing, though. She looked along the path the rest should come, and she let out another sigh. She gently placed Jaakuna on the ground, and put his head on her lap. Without realizing it, her eyes had diverted to his forearm. She didn't like that little speech of his, that wasn't like him at all. She gently pushed his hair out of his eyes and let out a low groan. If anything happened to Jaakuna, she swore she would make Simon pay dearly for it.

---

Wesley tried to heal Nadeline, but it seemed that the battle had taken its toll on him. Was she going to die here? Grant was no medical expert, but one thing her knew was that no one should bleed that much and come out alright. Still, Wesley wouldn't give up, and instead of the usual curative magic he was used to seeing, a blue and white light came out instead. "Wesley!" Grant called out as the dark haired prince collapsed. He forced himself to get up and went over to the pair, though to his surprise, Nadeline stirred. "Nadeline..." He couldn't believe it. She slowly sat up, a rather dazed look on her face, though she winced lightly. Her blue eyes widened immensely as she spotted Wesley on her, and she immediately forced herself into a sitting position.

"Wesley--what--what happened?!" She cried out, clearly panicked and confused at what happened. Grant when over to her, and despite what had happened he couldn't help but pull her into a hug. It was quick, however, as he pulled away, turning his attention to Wesley.

"I don't know what he did, but he saved you." Grant explained to her.

She looked between the two men, shaking her head. "I..."

Grant went over and gently picked Wesley up, carrying him over his shoulder. He extended his other hand to Nadeline, who took it. The girl winced again, holding the place where she got stabbed. He then looked at Savayna. "We're leaving. Lead the way."

When the group met up, there was little time for explaining why Jaakuna and Wesley were unconscious or why Nadeline was injured. There was even less time to talk about what happened. The group would literally rush their way out of The Great Crystal and eventually the inside of Giruvegan. In the hour that followed, they would trek their way back through the Feywood until a point of safe beaming would allow them to get to the Ifrit. Once they got on, the first thing that was done was to take Jaakuna and Wesley to the Medic Bay for them to sleep all of this off, but also to get the rundown of exactly what happened.

The rest of the group would sit at the table just talking it out. Savayna would inform Emiri about what happened and Nadeline also was curious. “Nadeline, Wesley did all that he could to save you. Your wound was far worse than any of us imagined. His white magick wasn’t enough, so he resorted to his own life force.” Savayna said as she looked over to Wesley and then back to Nadeline. “He truly loves you. He nearly killed himself just to ensure that you were out of the danger zone of death. I don’t know how much he means to you, but the fact that he went to such lengths to save you shows that you mean so much to him.” She simply said as she told what Wesley did.

While Nadeline took all that in, Savayna turned to Emiri. “So, why don’t you tell us what happened with you and boy wonder over there?” She asked.

Emiri looked at Savayna, unsure of what to say. She didn't even fully understand what had happened. Where would she even begin? Jaakuna's head voice was his father? His father was alive? She couldn't stop him? No. No way they'd ever believe her. "I suppose it became too much for him." She found herself saying without really realizing it. Nadeline looked at her as well. She couldn't believe she was just lying to them. What was wrong with her? She looked down, shaking her head. "That place was...bad news for everyone. I still feel dizzy from all the Mist." She continued, letting out a sigh. She then crossed her arms. "I'm sorry, I think I'm going to lay down and rest. It's been a long day."

Grant couldn't help but agree. "We should all rest, these two won't wake in a while."

Emiri was the first to leave, and she headed straight for Jaakuna's room. She laid down on her side, though she hugged his pillow. What was wrong with her today? She didn't even want to think anymore. She prayed to the gods that Jaakuna would wake. She kept thinking about him, even as she finally fell asleep.

When Emiri had told the group what exactly had happened to Jaakuna, she would express that it was just the place of Giruvegan and that it proved to be too much for him, her as well as she would politely excuse herself and head off to sleep. It had been a long day for everyone, so perhaps an early night was exactly what they all needed. Besides, with Wesley and Jaakuna currently out, it wasn’t like they would be going after anymore Espers today.

When Emiri had departed, Savayna looked over to Jaakuna and Wesley and she would stand up and stretch her arms out, releasing a moan of relief. She would then look to Nadeline and Grant, but her focus was merely on Grant. She sighed slightly, and spoke. “Grant, follow me.” She merely said as she would motion him to follow her as she walked through the door of the Medic Bay.