A family reunion. Looked like Jaakuna's family wasn't completely insane when they were all reunited. Nadeline stayed on the floor as Savayna and Grant stood, though she rested Emiri's head on her lap. She watched Jaakuna with his father, and she couldn't help but feel happy for him, even if it was just for the moment. Perhaps this was the silver lining in everything that had happened. Simon seemed shocked to find himself having lost three years, and she mildly wondered if the restoration affected his memory in any way. She had never been healed by Emiri before, so she couldn't say, though she did see her heal Jaakuna, and he remembered the fight with Ixion rather clearly. Though she, along with the rest of the room, was rather surprised to hear that Roman would become the new Emperor.

Despite its implications, Nadeline secretly felt very happy. She knew Roman was a just man, so Archadia would be in good hands. She briefly recalled Lnka's words about Ivalice being in turmoil. Hopefully with everything happening Archadia would be alright, and she would think about it. Now that Zodiark was free, she wondered if the Viera would still be after them. She wanted to think they wouldn't, but still. Reia and her many assassins were still an issue, as were the Espers. It was just one thing after another, wasn't it? She looked down at Emiri, who bore a rather peaceful looking expression. You did well. Nadeline thought. She promised that as soon as she would wake up, she would apologize for leaving. To her and Jaakuna. Though she did still want to tell them she was right after all.

Grant crossed his arms, unsure of how to take this news. After a moment, however, he looked at Vincent. "And you are alright with this?" He asked him.

Truly, everyone was surpirsed to find out about Roman taking over as Emperor and Grant would even ask Vincent if he was alright with that. Vincent would sigh loudly and stretch as he stood up. “Of course I’m not, but it’s out of my hands. Hamut — I mean grandfather — is holding all the cards, and you all can’t say that I didn’t do some terrible things to you, especially to you Jackson. Oh the gods, I almost killed you.” Vincent looked down, ashamed of himself.

Jaakuna would stand up with the aid of Isaiah. “It’s in the past. Besides, you weren’t yourself.” Jaakuna said brushing off any pass transgressions. “Plus, we have father back and that’s really why you went all crazy in the first place, right?” Jaakuna said. Vincent smiled and just nodded.

Wesley would think about what their next course of action should be. If what Vincent and Jaakuna said was true, then Roman will be under Hamut’s watchful eye. Wesley didn’t know the man personally, but of what he found out, it would be safe to assume that should he know about Simon’s revival, he would move heaven and Ivalice to get to him. Wesley would then consider the Viera and what that Meli chick said and everything that happened there.

As Wesley was thinking about that, Jaakuna would turn to Nadeline, as he would have Isaiah help him to her. He looked at her and spoke. “Okay, let me have it. I know you want to.” Jaakuna said ready to take any sort of ‘I was right and you were wrong’ speech from Nadeline. Hell, he was half-expecting to hear it from just about all three of them(Nadeline, Grant, and Wesley).

Nadeline looked at Jaakuna, her expression blank. She looked up at the ceiling for a moment, and then she shot a glare at Jaakuna. "I told you so." She hissed, though she then cleared her throat, clearly finished. "Now that that's settled, we need to get moving." She stated, gently placing Emiri down and standing up. "The affairs of both countries need to be put to the side and left to their leaders, something much grander is happening and we must deal with it." She said, referring to the original group. "We cannot afford to have any more distractions. While you and Emiri rest up, we need to regroup and compare our notes." She wanted to talk about what the viera had said, but this was neither the place nor the time. Grant shook his head, though he lightly patted Nadeline's head. She looked at him, and let out an irritated sigh. turning to Jaakuna once more. "And my apologies as well." She grumbled, looking like a child who was forced to say sorry.

"I agree. What shall we do now?" Grant asked.

And there it was, but it was shorter than Jaakuna would have thought it would be. He thought she would had prepared a speech on just how wrong he was, how foolish it was of him to come to Archades, but nope. All she had were a few words on the matter and then she would just drop it like a hot potato. She would then say that there were more pressing matters and that the problems in the countries would have to be left to their leaders. Jaakuna raised an eyebrow at that, but he wouldn’t respond to it.

As Isaiah would help Jaakuna to go over to Vincent and his father, he would look to them both. “Father, I..I have to go.” He said almost regrettably.

Simon closed his eyes and smiled. “Jackson — or is it Jaakuna now? — you are a man now, you have your own life, and you even have yourself a fine woman. I am so proud of you.” He said as a tear dropped from his right eye. [b]“So go, do what you must. I will be here waiting.” Simon said giving Jaakuna a reassuring smile.

Vincent would look to Jaakuna. “Don’t worry, I will be here with father. “ Vincent said.

Jaakuna was stunned, but happy. “Thank you father and brother, I won’t let you down.” Jaakuna said as he would then speak again. “But, when Vincent isn’t here, who will guard you?” JAakuna asked.

Isaiah would speak. “I will. I owe it to you.” Isaiah would then set Jaakuna on the chair and turn to Wesley. “When this is all said and done, I will happily go with you and face any punishment that you or your sister will deem worthy of my crimes against your family.” He said.

Wesley should be happy. If this were a few days ago, he would be jumping in joy, but now? He’s half-happy, half-confused. He wanted to accept Isaiah’s future surrender, but how come he couldn’t? Wesley would just put on a false smile. “And as a Prince of Dalmasca, I accept your future surrender, Judge Isaiah Darcone.” He said acknowledging it, but he didn’t like the feeling in the pit of his stomach.

When that was all settled, Wesley would help Jaakuna up and when someone got Emiri, they would be off. To the Aerodome where most likely they’ll find the Ifrit.

As the group prepared to leave, Grant would get down and hook one arm under Emiri's knees, the other supporting her back. He managed to scoop her up this way, and Nadeline mockingly applauded him. He shot her a look, though the pair followed the Archadians and Dalmascan out. They exited the laboratory, a few odd looks cast their way, though nothing the group actually cared about. They walked on through the streets, arriving at the Aerodome shortly afterwards. "Oh wait." Grant stopped in his tracks, frowning slightly. "I have to return the Thorn to Lorenzo, no doubt he'd be unhappy if we just left it here."

In all the excitement and action, Nadeline had forgotten about it. "Right...Then shall we meet up in Stigma?[b]" She asked the group.

Grant nodded, though he realized he had been the one carrying Emiri. "[b]Yes...here, take her." He told Nadeline, beckoning her to go over to him. The blonde approached him somewhat hesitantly. She had never really carried anyone before, and she wasn't sure if Emiri was heavy or not. She held her arms out, though Grant gave her a look. Obviously he wasn't going to just hand her over, no doubt she'd end up dropping her. Nadeline let out a nervous laugh, and carefully took Emiri from Grant. Boy, was this a first, the girl was heavier than she looked, Grant made carrying her look so easy. Grant then nodded, though he did think of something. "Right then. Later." He stated, walking off.

When they all left the labs and walked down the streets, they were given mixed looks. Some were cheers for the clearing of Jaakuna and Savayna’s crimes, some were just dirty looks that three Rozarrians, a Dalmascan, and two Archadians were all walking together — well two of them were being helped — but still, it was odd for some citizens. Jaakuna was being helped by Wesley, who seemed to not mind it one bit. For the most part, the trip back to the Aerodome was a quiet one, well that’s until they got to the dome itself.

When they got to it, Grant stopped. He would say that because of the way that him, Nadeline, and Wesley came to Archades, something called The Thorn would have to be returned or Lorenzo would be mad at him. That’s when Grant handed off Emiri to Nadeline, who seemed to be surprised at how much she weighed despite Grant making it look like she was light as a feather. Jaakuna would never openly admit it, but Emiri was indeed surprisingly heavy for her small frame.

When Nadeline took Emiri, Grant would then just depart alone, but Savayna wouldn’t have that. “Where are you going?” Jaakuna asked.

“Where do you think dummy? I’m booking a ride with Grant.” Savayna hissed back.

Jaakuna tilted his head a bit. He didn’t realize they were that close already. He would just shrug.

Meanwhile, Savayna had caught up with Grant. “Hope you don’t mind I’m coming with.” She said as she happily went with Grant and even hooked her hand with his and the rest of the group saw as she did. Eyes were widened and glances were each exchanged.

While that was happening, the rest of the group would then head off to the Ifrit. Thankfully for them, IRIS had been keeping tabs of all the communications on Archades and when she heard that Jaakuna and his friends were cleared, she booked herself into the Aerodome’s docking bay. Within three or four minutes, everyone was in the medic bay and Jaakuna and Emiri were laying down in the two beds resting up. By this point, however, the Ifrit had already set a course to Stigma. An hour would be the estimated time of arrival.

After some time, Nadeline and Wesley exchanged what they learned from the Viera with Jaakuna and got what had happened after Jaakuna had left Stigma. As they were finishing, a low groan would let them know that Emiri was awake. Her eyes drooped as she looked around, and she let out another groan, this one would sound more annoyed than anything. They were back on the Ifrit, and every bone in her body ached something fierce. Still, she didn't want to be in the Medic Bay, she wanted to be in bed with Jaakuna. Nadeline shook her head at her. "Welcome back Emi." She chided her, raising an eyebrow.

The brunette made to sit up, though was clearly shown as being much to weak to even do that. "My turn to be the one here, is it?" She asked rhetorically, though when she looked at Jaakuna, she let out an irritated huff. "It looks like this place is becoming your second bedroom." She muttered.

"How are you feeling?" Nadeline ignored most of what she said. "It can't have been easy restoring Simon like you did."

"I feel terrible." She admitted rather wholeheartedly, though she managed to prop herself onto her elbows. "I can't rest here, I hate this place. Take me to Jaakuna's room." She ordered Nadeline.

"I'll have you know that I carried your sorry bottom all the way here!" Nadeline protested. "And speaking of bottom, you need to go on a diet, Emi, you weigh considerably much considering your size!"

Emiri shot her a rather weak looking glare. "I'm all muscle, what in Ivalice did you expect? I'm a hunter, remember? The only fat I have on my is on my butt and breasts." She shot back, shifting slightly. "Please don't make me sleep here, I hate it here so much." She whined.

"Will you relax? You pushed your power to the absolute limit, you need to rest!"

---

As Grant and Savayna rode in the Thorn, they too exchanged their stories. From what Grant could tell, it seemed Ixion had helped them out. That was odd to say the least, but for now they had more important things to worry about. As they rode, Grant couldn't help but get curious. He diverted from the normal path, and soon Savayna would see where he was headed. At the familiar jungle, Grant put a stop to their journey, opening the hatch. To his surprise, he spotted both Kuya and Aloa at a distance, the two in heavy discussion. He looked back at Savayna. "I need to talk to them." He was about to ask here to stay put, but he knew she would end up coming anyway.

As he approached the two viera, neither one of them seemed surprised at all to see them. Aloa placed one hand on her hip, eyeing the prince. "And he returns, just as you predicted, Kyua." She mused lightly. "Zodiark has awakened. Ivalice trembles, as does the Wood."

"So you know already." Grant said. "I hope that means we won't be tracked down by any viera or assassin."

"The assassin was a result of Reia's doing." Kyua told him. "Though you are correct. Lnka no longer wishes for your lives...though blames you all wholeheartedly."

"Where is Reia?"

"Gone." Aloa sighed at this point, shaking her head. "Back to Stigma, back to her throne. Rozarria is in chaos...though the Wood tells me Archadia's own has subsided somewhat." She paused, looking at Grant. "What will you do now?"

"That was why I came here, actually. I had hoped you would give me the answers I was seeking. Zodiark must be stopped."

"The gods themselves feared their creation. For many eons they kept him bound to Ivalice as a child, though it seemed that his power has only grown more and more as the centuries passed. I wonder if there even is a way to stop him." Kyua said.

"The remaining Espers threaten to also flee their imprisonment, lest they be stopped." Aloa told him simply. "Zodiark may be strong, but he too is an Esper. Defeat him and he shall be bound to its victor. But before you can hope to touch him, you must restore balance to Ivalice. As things are now, four Espers remain in wait for their chance to escape. Claim the Walker of the Wheel, the Bringer of Order, and the Darkening Cloud--the path to the High Seraph herself will be revealed. That is all the wisdom I can offer you."

So it was back to gathering the Espers. "And what will you do?"

"I will return to Stigma...in time. My village is also in chaos, thrown asunder by Zodiark's awakening. I will remain until I am no longer needed." She gave him a small shrug.

They all talked and when Emiri awoke, Jaakuna found himself waking up, but not until he heard Emiri sort of mumble something to him about how the medic bay was becoming something of a second room. Jaakuna laughed, but he felt pain in his ribs as he did so. Obviously too soon for him to be laughing or moving. Jaakuna just didn’t realize how much Zodiark did to him. Jaakuna definitely had usage of all of his limbs, so he wasn’t crippled, not even in the slightest, but he was very, very weak. He definitely couldn’t walk on his own.

Jaakuna would hear Emiri and Nadeline go back and forth about how Emiri is fat(Nadeline’s saying) and how she isn’t(Emiri’s saying). Jaakuna just couldn’t help but laugh at their friendly bickering and Wesley just chuckled. That’s when Emiri would tell Nadeline to take her to Jaakuna’s room, but after Nadeline telling her that she overused her powers, it would seem Emiri backed off from moving. Though, Jaakuna would look to her and hold her hand. “Don’t worry, I’m right here with you.” Jaakuna said.

Wesley would look to Nadeline and he tugged her over away from Jaakuna and Emiri. “Let’s leave them alone. They could use the alone time.” He quietly said to her as he pulled her arm slightly

---

Savayna thought that they would be going straight to Stigma, but it would seem Grant had a totally different idea. Instead, they would take a detour to The Gilmore Jungle and by extension, the Viera village of Eruyt. She did think it would make sense, based off of what had all happened to them. Who would have known that the sister of Lola would also be in the same group. That made her think about Michel and how he chose to get himself wrapped up in cahoots with some crazy bitches. At that very thought, she would laugh, but then she thought about how Reia was another crazy bitch, but not the type of crazy that Miss Big Boobs(Lola) seemed to be. Then the thoughts of how every hume who got control of an esper was going to be in danger crossed her mind. She didn’t know what was going to happen, but she knew she wouldn’t back down from it without a very cold fight.

As they would pull up to the Gilmore Jungle and the Viera Village of Eruyt, they would see two viera, one in a red attire and the other being Aloa. Grant would motion Savayna to stay put while he talked to them, but of course she didn’t listen and she followed him after giving Grant a very stern, ‘I’m coming with you and you can’t stop me’ look. When the two of them came to the red dress-wearing Viera and Aloa, the bunny bitch(Aloa) would just announce that Grant had returned just as the other Viera predicted. She would then say that she — and most likely every other viera — that Zodiark was brought out of captivity. She would then say that Ivalice and The Wood trembled.

As Grant and Savayna heard that, he would say/hope that the viera nor the assassins would be coming after him, and Aloa would confirm that the Viera shall not pursue the Humes that possess the Espers, but the assassins, however, remain to be known as they were under Reia’s command to begin with. Speaking of Reia, Grant would ask where she was and Aloa would reveal that Reia went back to Stigma and back to her throne. She would further state that Rozarria stood in chaos.

As Grant would state his real reason coming to the Viera Village of Eruyt, he would request answers about how to defeat the King of Espers, Zodiark. Aloa would reveal the tale of him and say that the gods feared their creation, and that they kept him bound in his prison deep beneath Ivalice as a child and that his strength had increased only further since his original imprisonment. She would also state that the remaining four espers also threaten to free themselves unless they were stopped. She would say to do so, they must conquer The Walker of the Wheel, The Bringer of Order, and the Darkening Cloud, only then will a path to the High Seraph be shown to them. Something in Savayna’s brain clicked. “Wait a minute…The High Seraph..” She mused to herself. “Damn it, where have I read that name? I know it was in some book.” She mused further still.

As she continued to fade in and out of the conversation, the words of Grant asking what would Aloa do, she answered by stating that in time she will return to Stigma, but her people need her at the current present, so she will remain until no longer needed. Savayna just yawned slightly, but it was just cause she figured their business was probably done. She would tug at Grant’s coat. “If we’re done here, we should get going. Jaakuna and the others are most likely almost to Stigma.” She said, though she would turn to Aloa. “You know, that Vlyn character really sucks at telling what soul is whose. He completely missed the mark what we asked him. “ She would say to Aloa as if blaming her for Vlyn’s lack of correctness of sensing out the then Simon’s soul back when it was still under the impression that it was Simon and not the spawn of fucking Satan.

Nadeline shook her head at the pair. Like two peas of a pod, at least this time they were hospitalized together. She made sure to follow Wesley out, and now that they were out of the Medic Bay, she thought she would take the chance to ask Wesley if he noticed what she had when Emiri used her power. "When Simon was healed, did you notice anything strange about Emiri?" She asked him rather bluntly. "I thought...for just a moment it looked as if she had disappeared. It was...how do I expplain it? Just...bizzare. Perhaps it could have been a trick of the light. Still, I wanted to know if you noticed, that way I would know that I am not losing my mind just yet."

Meanwhile, once the pair had left, Emiri shook off Jaakuna's hand. She then rolled off the edge of the bed, landing on the floor with a small 'oomph'. She thought she would have been able to break her fall, but she underestimated her lack of strength. Still, she was not done. Slowly, but surely, she crawled her way over to Jaakuna's bed. Determined, she gripped onto the edge, and mustering every ounce of strength she had left, she pulled herself up and onto his bed. She snuggled over to him, wiggling slightly, though that little stunt of hers felt like a workout. "This is better." She stated, slightly out of breath.

---

Aloa let out a slight chuckle. "I wonder...perhaps you can confront him about it at your return to Stigma. Best of luck." She lightly patted Grant's shoulder as she walked away. Kyua looked at the pair, as if she had wanted to say something, but she refrained, instead bowing her head and then running off after Aloa. Grant would take Savayna's hand and lead her back to the Thorn. The two would get in, and once again would take off. He thought hard about Aloa's response to Savayna's accusation. He personally could not blame Aloa for Vlyn's actions, though he did find it curious.

Emiri and Jaakuna were left alone and boy this woman was determined, not that Jaakuna minded. She would break the hold that her and Jaakuna had on each others hands and roll onto the floor and he heard a sound as a result. She would then proceed to roll herself to his bed, lifting herself onto his bed, rolling over him, and snuggled against him. He didn’t mind it of course, but she sure was determined. Jaakuna would just smile and close his eyes. “Silly girl.” He said quietly as his voice trailed into a light snore and there they laid, asleep and snuggling to each other.

---

“Yeah, I noticed it too. It was very slightly though.” Wesley said as he and Nadeline were out of the medic bay and they were talking about the very slight disappearance of Emiri right after she healed Simon. Wesley definitely found it very weird, though a very far-fetched theory came to him. “I have this theory that the more Emiri uses her power — or at least, goes to a certain degree of regressing time on something — she risks losing herself in time itself.” Wesley was probably over-thinking it, but maybe he was actually onto something. “I don’t know if that’s the case. I don’t even know if I’m right about this.” Wesley said as he wasn’t even sure that what he said about his theory was actually the case for Emiri or not.

---

In a matter of minutes, Grant and Savayna were both in the Thorn. Grant would drive off and soon enough they exited through the Gilmore Jungle and above the Ozmone plain they were. Savayna thought about everything and she was still thinking about The High Seraph. “Say Grant, do you know anything about The High Seraph? I feel like I read something really important about that somewhere. I just can’t place it what it was.” She asked clearly frustrated by this.

Savayna mentioned something about a High Seraph. Aloa had mentioned it, along with several other titles. "Sounds important, though I believe she may have been referring to the remaining Espers. Not that I know much of them...I stumbled onto Zeromus by chance" He admitted, keeping his eyes on the road ahead though they did briefly flicker to his left hand. "Nadeline may know more." He could only offer, letting out a small sigh. He didn't like not knowing things.

---

Nadeline was somewhat glad, somewhat concerned that she had not been the only one to notice. At Wesley's theory, she pondered about it for a moment. It seemed logical enough, then again she didn't really know or understand Emiri's power in the first place. If maybe she understood the mechanics behind it, then perhaps she could confirm it. For the moment, she would try not to worry about it. "Perhaps just keeping an eye on her will suffice...once things have settled and everyone is at full strength, perhaps then we can properly address it." She stated. "Ah, well...at least I have yet to lose my own mind."

---

Emiri wanted to feel happy by seeing his smile, but as Jaakuna closed his eyes, signaling his sleep, she worried. She leaned her head against him, feeling her body tremble. She wanted to feel better, to feel safe as she always did so long as she was with him, but something inside would not let her rest. For the first time in a long time, Emiri felt frightened of her own power. What had happened back there? Why had she been stuck like that? Was it going to happen again? That thought alone shook her to her core. Frozen in time, having to wander through that space, unable to speak or come in contact with anyone...always alone. At this point, her breathing hastened, and she had to force herself to stop thinking. Even as she tried to calm herself down, she found that she was trembling. She hugged Jaakuna, feeling so desperate and on the verge of despair.

She ended up having to cry herself to sleep.

Almost an hour went by and the Ifrit was coming close to the view of Stigma. As it did, Iris would inform the group aboard the Ifrit that they would make dock five minutes from the current time. In response to that, Wesley would wake up both Emiri and Jaakuna and tell them that the Ifrit was just about to dock at Stigma’s Aerodome. When Wesley did that, Jaakuna heard the words, but he didn’t open his eyes fully. It took a few minutes for him to do so, in which he noticed Emiri clutching onto him like a teddy bear. Jaakuna looked at Emiri and he brushed her hair and spoke. “Time to wake up.” He whispered softly into her ear.

---

Further going through the air, The Thorn also was making its way to Stigma as Savayna could see it within her sight, though it still looked a few good minutes away, she could clearly see it. She yawned just slightly. The discussion that her and Grant had about The High Seraph was a short one. He was right about how Nadeline would most likely know more about the titles and such. Savayna would just have to wait until they all were reunited in Stigma and ask her then.

Emiri heard Jaakuna's whisper and she opened her eyes. An hour of sleep was nowhere near enough rest. She let out a small groan of protest as she managed to somehow sit up. Everything still hurt. However, there was business to attend to, and she was sure Nadeline would come barreling in if she didn't get up. Through sheer forced of will she got up from the bed, clambering over Jaakuna, and she stretched. She felt like she had gotten mauled by a Behemoth. Nonetheless after a few stretches, she felt good enough to walk, at the very least. Her body ached slightly, but she could put up with it for now.

"Ready." She mumbled, scratching her cheek.

---

It seemed that the Ifrit arrived just as the Thorn did. Grant watched it fly ahead of them, lightly accelerating faster onto the path. Obviously Grant and Savayna would arrive at the castle. As they approached Lorenzo's workshop, he spotted both Lorenzo and Vlyn in discussion. It was just like encountering Aloa and Ryua. Once they approached, Lorenzo grinned and opened the door. Vlyn also grinned, though he did notice that they continued talking as Grant entered the ship into the workshop. Once the Thorn was back in its place, Grant helped Savayna down, and the two approached the pair.

"I'm surprised you made it back in one piece." Lorenzo chuckled as the wall concealed the Thorn once more. "Though I'm sure there were some bumps, right?"

"When you get past a certain speed, the body can't handle it." Grant replied, though he huffed slightly.

"I know. That's what I'm trying to fix."

Grant shook his head, though he pressed on. "Is Reia here?"

"Her Eminence is in a meeting with the Council at the moment. Apparently something big is going on all over Ivalice--cockatrices are running, monsters growing stronger...Though I suppose you already know all this?" Lorenzo informed the pair. "Vlyn here is quaking in his boots."

The Viera scowled at him, though he did cross his arms. "Well when it's the King of Espers creeping all over your Mist, one is bound to have some difficulty staying still. Humes don't have the luxury of Mist sensitivity as we Viera do." He paused for a moment. "...Except for the blonde guy and brunette girl with your group. Do you know how they're handling this?" He asked curiously.

"We'll find out soon enough." Grant stated.

When they were in view of Stigma and it was much closer, Savayna couldn’t help but notice the rather large airship known as the Ifrit went over them. Grant made it his mission to catch up to the speed of it, but of course, they wouldn’t stop at the Aerodome. Since this was Lorenzo’s vehecle, they would head to what Grant mentioned was the Royal Hangar, but as they would arrive at it, Savayna saw that it was just a workshop. It was then that they landed and both of them got out. Well, Grant got out and helped Savayna as it was tricky getting out(Savayna found out as he tried previously). Once they did, they were approached by Lorenzo and Vlyn.

Lorenzo would make a note about how there were bumps while riding in The Thorn. No shit Sherlock. She would say mentally. Grant would then make no hesitation and ask where Reia was. Lorenzo would state that she was meeting with the council, as no doubt discussing the shit going down around Ivalice. Savayna couldn’t help but notice that Vlyn was all shaken up. Savayna wanted to laugh, but she actually felt bad for the guy. Though, a very slight chuckle came out.

Savayna would remember what she said to Aloa, and she wouldn’t hesitate right now. “You know, if you hadn’t gotten the reading of the soul we had you examine, we could have foresaw this, Vlyn.” She would not really attack him, but throw in an accusation of sorts.

---

As Emiri would climb over him, and stretch in the process, Jaakuna would get up as she announced she was ready. Jaakuna felt a little better, but he still wasn’t at full strength. It was to be expected as he had the King of Espers within him and then forced out. So, the fact that Jaakuna was even standing meant that he had some very high stamina or he was just very stubborn. Whichever it was, Jaakuna would stand up too, and as he and Emiri would walk on by, they would most likely get their weapons as Wesley definitely did.

As they would head out, they beamed through the beaming station and they would exit through the Aerodome., they would pass straight through the streets. Jaakuna would take notice that it seemed that the citizens were better off. At least, compared to what Nadeline and Wesley had told them about how things were in chaos. Like, Jaakuna definitely saw that the Rozarrians weren’t in the best of moods, but it did seem that they were at least neutral on whatever they weren’t at beforehand. Wesley would notice a change in their behavior as well.

When they passed through the poor districts, it wouldn’t be long until they arrived at the front gates and just like before, the guard would step aside when he saw Nadeline. In the minutes that it took for the gates to open, they all found themselves inside the castle, to which Jaakuna would speak. “So, now what?” He asked.

"That's the golden question, isn't it." Nadeline responded to Jaakuna's question rather dryly. "No doubt Grant and Savayna are at the Royal Hangar. Let us be on our way, then." Emiri shook her head, though the group would notice a pair of women passing by. It was none other than Karolina and Justine--the pair stopped as they saw the group. "Mother, is everything alright here?" Nadeline asked. Emiri and Justine would look at one another, though they would say nothing.

"Sweetheart, you've returned." Karolina sounded somewhat relieved. Emiri noted that Karolina looked a little paler than usual. "Goodness, everyone certainly seems tired today, don't they?" She noted to both Jaakuna and Emiri. "Reia has returned, though she is in a meeting with the Council. It seems Harris went to fetch her from the Viera...although things have taken a grave turn, or so Vlyn has told me. The truth of the matter is that everyone is in a panic, it's as if something is influencing everyone and bringing out their fears. The people are panicking."

"Reia's return has caused some relief, though I am sure the Council is only keeping her around until things are settled." Nadeline replied in a somewhat thoughtful tone. "Where is Father?"

"Awaiting Grant, it seems." Justine replied. "We were about to ask Vlyn if Aloa would return or not."

"Let us go together, then."

---

"You try having that thing in you and see if you come out unscathed." Vlyn shuddered at Savayna's accusation. "It wasn't willingly, that much I can tell you. I am NEVER going to look at another soul for as long as I live!"

Grant shook his head, though the door leading to the castle opened, revealing the rest of their group as well as Karolina and Justine with them. "Darling, you should be resting. Though I can actually say that you are not the only one." Lorenzo stated, raising an eyebrow.

"I am fine." Emiri replied, looking at Grant. "I presume the trip back went smoothly?"

"We stopped at Eruyt and spoke with Aloa. She says that the only way to stop Zodiark is...well, defeating him." Grant said. "Though before that, we need to rebalance Ivalice and collect the remaining Espers." He paused for a moment as he tried to remember what Aloa had said. "The Walker of the Wheel...the Cloud of Darkness...hmm, what were the other two?"

Justine looked somewhat surprised. "The Walker of the Wheel...that would be the Esper Chaos." She informed them.

As Jaakuna, Emiri, Nadeline, and Wesley all arrived at the castle, of course the one thing was what were they to do now. Just as they were going to discuss it among themselves, Jaakuna make an acknowledgement of two women passing by them, but it was Nadeline who would point out that it was her mother, Karoline and the Queen of the Underworld herself, Justine(also known as Emiri’s mother). Though Jaakuna wasn’t too happy to see her, he would just bite his tongue.

As Karolina would be happy to see her daughter and the rest of them back, Wesley definitely saw that she was much paler than her usual self. Wesley didn’t know if this was a good thing or a bad thing, but she would definitely make a note that Emiri and Jaakuna also look tired as well. She would also announce that Reia has returned, and that quelled Wesley’s heart a bit. At least she wasn’t going to stay gone in return for Emiri and every other person with an Esper. Still, he was worried about what it seemed like Zodiark’s influence upon everyone.

Everyone would take it in and Nadeline would ask where Lorenzo was and Justine would respond stating that he was waiting for Grant, in the hanger no less. That’s when the suggestion of going all together was brought up and everyone agreed. So, it was with that they headed off to the workshop/Royal Hanger.

---

As Vlyn would defend himself against Savayna by just stating that she should try to have that thing inside her and then say if she would feel the same way. Suffice to say, Savayna would just drop the subject and just in time too cause, as the door opened to the workshop, in came the rest of their friends and two others, Karolina and some other chick.

Lorenzo was obviously worried about Karolina, the rest of the group would rejoin each other and Savayna would make her way near Wesley. “So, who’s the other woman?” She asked in low volume.

“That would be Lady Justine, Emiri’s mother.” Wesley informed her.

Savayna made an acknowledgement of Justine and said nothing further.

As everyone got reacquainted with each other, Grant would go on and state that they stopped at the village of Eruyt and that Aloa told them that they needed to gather the remaining espers to at least stand a chance against Zodiark. Grant was struggling to remember the other two titles. Savayna sighed. “The other two were The Bringer of Order and The High Seraph.” She said.

Jaakuna noticed that Justine seemed to be surprised by the mentioning of the Walker of the Wheel. “Why so surprised about that? Something we should know about that specific one?” Jaakuna asked Justine with a raised brow.

Meanwhile, Wesley was caught in deep thought about the Bringer of Order. He of course heard of that one before, but there was more to it. He remembered actually seeing it with his own two eyes. “The Bringer of Order. I know that one.” Wesley would mention. “It was a long time ago, but according to my family history, The Bringer of Order was one of The Three Guardians that protected my Ancestors. One was Belias, The Gigas, which you obviously have Jaakuna, the second was Zeromus, The Condemner, which obviously you have Grant, and the third.” WEsley’s voice trailed off as he tried to remember the name of the third, “yes, it was Hashmaal, The Bringer of Order.” Wesley would reveal.

Justine looked at Jaakuna out of the corner of her eye, though she then looked at Emiri. Said brunette looked back at her mother, albeit slightly confused. "Chaos is...it's where Nabudis once stood." She stated. Emiri could tell there was more to it then that though after a moment, it seemed she relented. "Saying I'm surprised would be incorrect. I simply never thought I would hear of him ever again. Karolina knows what I mean."

"What was it, twenty three, twenty four years, now?" Karolina replied in a rather nostalgic tone. "Hmm...perhaps just a little more. Though that in itself is a story I'm sure Emelia would like to hear from you, Justine."

The woman shot her sister a look, clearly not wanting to be the one to speak, but it seemed that would have to be discarded. She let out a small, a hand on her chin as she would recall it. "Every century or so, they say something awakens the Espers. Sometimes it's events that transpire--war would be one of them. Still, Nabudis has been in ruin for some time, though every once in a while a particularly nasty monster would get mutated by the Mist. In accordance with Dalmasca, Rozarria would always send troops, lest the monster escapes to reek havoc. It happens, oh I don't know, every decade? This one time, however, it coincided with the awakening of the Espers. At that time, Karolina and I were under Andre's command. His squadron was sent in to take care of the beast. As this was a normal occurrence, we thought nothing of it."

"I had no idea you were a soldier in the army." Nadeline raised an eyebrow at her mother.

"I was a nurse, not a soldier." Karolina winked at her daughter. "I hope you don't think you got your White Magic talent from your father! Magic runs in the blood, as you know." She then looked at Emiri, and continued the story. "As Justine said, we went forth to fight the monster. Of course, Nabudis was swimming with monsters, so it was not as if we weren't prepared for a fight. Rather, we were not prepared for..it. It looked like any other Humbaba, really...though we were quickly shown exactly how wrong we were in assuming it to be like the rest. I think, if it had not been for Justine, we would have been wiped out."

"To combat the Humbaba, I contracted with the Esper, Chaos." Justine stated, lightly touching her left hand. "Once everyone was safe, I got my end of the bargain, and thus all was left was his...In exchange for asking for his assistance, he would give me a part of his power. Once everything was said and done, we resealed him in Nabudis, though for a long time I did not understand what exactly I had agreed to. It was...a rather strange request, though looking back on it now and seeing the results, he must have been desperate for freedom, and now I see exactly what his intent had been."

Grant listened, but he did not quite get the point of the story. Nadeline, however, understood it well. "Mother, when you say magic is in the blood, does that mean...?" She slowly asked as everything clicked in her head.

"After that, I found that I could manipulate time." Justine revealed, crossing her arms.

Now Grant saw the point. He looked over at Emiri, who was completely shocked by this. "But Mama, you..."

"The power was passed on to you when you were born. It was unlikely that even Chaos himself could have seen that coming." She shook her head. "Gods knew how difficult it was to for a child that couldn't control such a power." She looked at Jaakuna again. "That is what you should know about Chaos."

Emiri fell silent, unsure of what to say. Meanwhile Nadeline was very deep in thought, processing all the information. "Chaos, Hashmaal, Famfrit, and...Ultima." Nadeline would reveal the High Seraph's name. "So we know where Chaos is...do you know where Hashmaal could be, Wesley?"

If there was anyone to be surprised at what Justine and Karolina just said, it would be Jaakuna and Emiri. First off, it was revealed that Karolina and Justine were in the Rozarrian army under Andre’s command and they were both nurses. That was much to everyone’s surprise, especially Nadeline and Emiri’s. That was where Nadeline’s White Magick skills came from(Karolina being a nurse, that is). Justine would further say that they went forth into Nabudis and fought a beast that looked like any ordinary Hambata(yeah cause that’s something anyone says everyday).

Everyone listened as Justine said to combat the strange Humbata, she contracted Chaos. Of course, gasps were going all around the room and Jaakuna first had to wonder that how could one contract an esper. He didn’t know that they were running a protection service. Regardless, Jaakuna wouldn’t say nothing nor would Wesley or Savayna. They would all just listen further as Justine said that in exchange of asking for his help, Chaos would submit some of his own powers into Justine. The confusion was upon her face as she told them and she revealed that the thing that Chaos gave to her was the power that which was passed down to her own child — the power to manipulate time.

At this point, Jaakuna could not believe it. Seriously, if he hadn’t heard this himself, he would have never believed it. Truly, this was a shock to him just as much as it was to Emiri. That’s when Jaakuna looked to Emiri. Jaakuna couldn’t possibly even begin to imagine how she felt about all of this. Jaakuna thought his family was complicated, but now he was just realizing that Emiri’s was right up there with his, if not just a little more. Jaakuna would speak back to Justine. “Wow, I had no idea.” Jaakuna, like Emiri, was also speechless about the matter. Though, he found it within himself to utter more words. “We will be sure to use this information wisely.” He said.

As everyone was trying to process it all, Nadeline would ask Wesley if he remembered where Hashmaal was. Wesley had to think about this. He remembered the general location, but not specifically. He knew of one person who might be able to tell him though. “I don’t know where exactly, but I do know of someone who can tell us.” WEsley said “but for that, I must venture off to Balfonheim Port.” He said almost as he dreaded going there.

To get information on Hashmaal, they would have to go to Balfonheim. Not that making the trip was an issue or anything, but Nadeline did notice Wesley's reluctance. She looked at the rest of the group. "Then shall we head to Nabudis? We know Chaos is there, at the very least. Afterwards, we can go on over to Balfonheim." She paused for a moment as she thought about it, and she looked over at Jaakuna and Emiri. "On second thought, neither of you are in any shape to be traveling. We should rest for now, get what we need, gather whatever intel we can...I'm also interested to know the result of the Council's meeting with Reia."

"I would like to know as well." Grant stated, making his own interest known.

Emiri wanted to go already, but her own body betrayed her. She looked at her mother, who was looking right back at her. The two stared at each other for a moment before looking elsewhere. "I...It's up to you guys." Emiri mumbled.

The plan was set. They would go to Nabudis, but first Jaakuna and Emiri would have to rest. It was safe to assume that the both of them weren't at full-strength, and JAakuna agreed. He knew he was barely at half-strength and that wouldn't do anybody good if they were to go to Nabudis right away. Besides, both Nadeline and Grant wanted to see how things were to play out between Reia and the council. WEsley also was interested. If he was to be married into the Roselia family, he would also have to give interest to what goes on with his future Aunt-In-Law.

Even though Jaakuna wanted to sleep right now, there was something plaguing his mind for a while now. He knew that if he withheld it any longer, he would not have the chance to do so again. Or rather, he would not have the courage to seek it out again. So, as he made up his mind, Jaakuna would approach her. "Lady Justine, I have something I must speak to you about." Jaakuna wasn't sure if she would speak with him, but he would walk away from the group and he would head outside the workshop.

Wesley did wonder what that was about with Jaakuna wanting to speak to his other future aunt-in-law, but if he had to guess, it probably had to do with Emiri. Wesley would wonder more, but he wouldn't let his mind be overtaken by it.