Emiri returned Jaakuna's smile with one of her own. She would copy him and get on her side, getting as close to him as she could get. "I love you too." She told him gently, placing her hand on his. "I'll always love you. Forever." Even if I can't reach you anymore. Even if I can never hear your voice again. Even if I can't be with you. She wanted to say, but she couldn't bring herself to say it. There was always the possibility of her power doing it again, and she was more than sure she would have to use it more. Maybe it was best if he didn't know. "I promise."

As they looked at each other, and she gripped his hand with her own, she returned his words with her own. Jaakuna just kept thinking on what Justine said about Emiri's powers. Would she really be stuck in time for good if she were to use her powers in such a way again? Jaakuna didn't want to think about it, but the more he resisted thinking about it, the more he found himself doing it. He didn't want to lose her and if Jaakuna was given the option, he would be stuck in time with her if it came to it. He didn't care about what was to come of him if he did get stuck in time with her. All that mattered to him was that he would be with her forever. Jaakuna said nothing, he just closed his eyes, repeating her name as it got softer and softer.

After some reluctance at waking up (the entire castle could hear Savayna yelling at Grant to get up already), a nice breakfast (which ended with Emiri having to go wash out her hair again after making a comment how Nadeline could never match this level) and some farewells (Lorenzo was apparently upset he did not get to 'bond with his future son-in-law'--though Karolina noted that his idea of bonding would have been a duel. Wesley politely declined) the group headed out once more. They boarded the Ifrit and as they were on their way to the Dead Capital of Nabradia--Nabudis, they had gathered around the dining room table, as Nadeline wished to reveal the results of the meeting.

"Reia will remain at the throne--if only to keep up appearances." She announced to the group, lightly turning a page in her Esper's Tome, revealing a drawing of Chaos. "Despite this development, Vlyn informed me that the group of assassins--apparently named Utena--have their own agenda. Reia may have hired Lola, but the rest of their group has their own motives. As to what they are, well...we aren't sure. There is a chance we will be encountering them in the future, as well." She clasped her hands together at this point. "We know of three of their members so far: Michel, Lola, and Meli. The last of which has demonstrated quite an interesting power...somehow manipulating shadows. My Protect seemed to have been able to, well, protect us from it, but it is something not to be underestimated."

"Which leaves the question of what exactly are the other two capable of? And are there more members we need to worry about?" Grant interjected.

The morning was a good one for the most part. Aside from a few tossing and turning , the group had a good sleep with their significant other. They would definitely be woken up by the loud sounds of Savayna waking up Grant. Once everyone was awake, they would make their way into the Royal Dining Hall to which they were presented with a glorious breakfast. They were joined by Lorenzo and Karolina. All throughout the breakfast, Lorenzo would keep on implying that he would love to bond with Wesley. It didn’t take an Archadian Scientist to figure out what Lorenzo meant by that. He wanted to duel Wesley. As much as he would love to see what Lorenzo was made of, Wesley politely declined.

When breakfast was over, goodbyes were given and when Emiri finished washing and drying her hair, everyone left. They were sent off by the maids and butlers as well as Nadeline’s parents. They walked through the streets, and it only took them about ten minutes to get to the Aerodome. They would board the Ifrit and after two minutes of everyone getting settled in the dining room, the ship took off on Jaakuna’s command to Iris to set a course to Nabudis. There was slight talk about how to get there and after Nadeline would mention that the safest way would be through The Salikawood. When that was settled, Jaakuna would tell Iris to set a course for The Salikawood and not Nabudis itself. When that was settled, they all sat down.

As they all sat down, Nadeline would reveal that Reia would remain on the throne, but only as a public face. She further stated that despite these developments, Vlyn informed Nadeline that the group of assassins known as Utena have their own agenda. She further said that Reia may have hired Lola, but the others definitely had their own reasons for doing what they did. She also said that there’s a chance for the group to encounter Utena in the future. Wesley knew that much to be true, but he still didn’t like it. Nadeline continued and said that the one called Meli showed a rather unique shadow manipulating power. Everyone thought real long hard about it. That’s when Grant would just ask what the others can do.

As Jaakuna and Savayna looked at each other, they knew exactly what Michel could do, but Savayna more than Jaakuna. Savayna sighed and spoke. “Michelangelo von Sicarius, son of Second Judge Magister Francis “Fenrir” von Sicarius. He started as a promising member of the Sicarius family. “ She said, “being the son of a judge, Michel spent most of his days learning about every ins and outs of Archadia. He was later taught how to sneak and kill by Levi, who then pretty much made him her second-in-command. He is young, but a worthy foe. I even took him under my wing last year. His mastery over Black Magick is even beyond anything I’ve seen from anyone. Though, his real strength does not lie within magick, but influence. Even though he is barely a man, his influence stretches far beyond anything that I’ve seen. “Savayna sounded displeased at the path that Michel had chosen. “I would fear him the most. Michel has many allies and since he is the son of a judge, he could very well be more dangerous than anyone we have encountered yet.” Savayna said.

As Wesley listened to Savayna, he seemed very disturbed by what she said, but mostly because that he was the son of a judge and even more so, taught everything he knew about sneaking and killing. Yes, this disturbed Wesley immensely.

Everyone would listen to what Savayna would say about Michel. Nadeline nodded, thinking to herself. "That leaves Lola as an unknown." She stated the obvious. "Each one of them is dangerous for different reasons, though at the very least we know what to expect from Michel and Meli. If it comes down to it, they have her ability as an advantage. Michel concerns me, though...to whom is his true alliance? Archadia? Or Utena?" Nadeline asked rhetorically. "I also can't help but wonder...they knew where Shemhazzai was, we may just encounter them in Nabudis as well."

Grant looked at Emiri, remembering something from their encounter with Michel and Lola. "You know, she did mention a pet...was she referring to you?"

Emiri wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Yes." She stated bluntly. "But knowing she's obsessed with me is not something we could use."

Nadeline seemed to agree with that much. "She seems...odd, but she is just as dangerous as the other two. Do NOT forget that." She scolded Grant.

It was true that they knew nothing about Lola. They definitely knew some stuff about the other two current members that they knew who were in Utena, but Lola remained a mystery. Jaakuna didn’t know what to think on what this Lola chick could do and Savayna didn’t get much aside that she has big o’tities. So, she was also drawing a blank. Even when Grant would mention the fact that she mentioned a pet and that pet being Emiri, Savayna didn’t think anything of it, nor was she now.

Wesley, unlike the rest of the group, was actually thinking real hard and a theory came into his mind. “This might be a long shot, but what if the answer of what Lola can do was right in front of us.” He said.

Jaakuna looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Elaborate oh dear prince?” Jaakuna said.

Wesley chuckled at Jaakuna’s remark. “Okay, so she obviously has this very weird obsession with Emiri and having her as her pet, right?” He rhetorically asked. “Okay, so what if her power lies within exactly that: pets. I mean, what if she can someone control the bodies of her so-called ‘pets’, like a puppeteer.” Wesley probably wasn’t making any sense. The theory itself was way out there.

Jaakuna didn’t know what to really think about that, but it was at least something for them to discuss. “I don’t know, that’s kind of out there.” JAakuna said. “What do you guys think?” Jaakuna asked the rest of the group.

---

The morning sun gleamed down upon Archades. People were out and about just doing their morning routines, whether it was walking to work or whatever, they all just did it cuase it was their duty as citizens. Above in a flying limo, there were two people doing their morning routines: Judges Levi and Francis. The two of them were on their way to their first meeting with their new emperor, Roman. However, the way there would be a while, so Levi thought she would just pick at Francis’ mind for a bit.

Levi picked up a glass of champagne, and her legs were crossed. “So, I’m sure you’ve heard Francis, right?” Levi asked smiling at Francis.

Francis looked at her intrigued and confused. “I do not know what you mean, dear Levi.”

She smiled and was genuinely surprised. “Oh, dear you actually haven’t.” She laughed as if she was dying to tell him.

He saw her laughing, but he knew not what for. “No, I don’t. So, why don’t you enlighten me.” He said with a slight hint of annoyance under his breath.

She set the glass on the table. “It’s about your dear son, Michel.” She said.

Francis now turned his expression from slight annoyance to full annoyance and slight anger. “What about my son? Did something happen to him?” He asked as if desperately wanting to know.

She smiled. “No, it’s nothing like that. “ She said leaning back against the couch, arm along the top of it and she looked to the window. “I just heard this little rumor that he’s now with an assassin group known as Utena.” She lightly said.

Francis’ eyes widened and he was in such disbelief. It wasn’t the fact that his son joined a group — he fully supported his son to be his own man. No, it was the group he chose to join. “Of all the--” Francis couldn’t believe it. “--are you sure?” He asked Levi wanting to make sure.

She rolled her eyes over to Francis and shrugged. “Like I said, it could be just a rumor, but why should it matter? Your little Michel is becoming a man now and he’s sure to have a time of his life with the sluts of Utena, would he not?” She said as she playfully smiled and laughed.

Francis was not in a laughing mood and this wasn’t a laughing matter. “That’s quite enough, Levi. Until I find out more, this does not leave these steel doors, do you understand me?” He said pretty much ordering her.

“Fine, I have no interest in your personal affairs either. Just thought I would let you know.” She said.

Francis definitely didn’t like any of this. “Where did you hear this rumor?” He asked her.

“I have my sources”
“Tell me!”
“Fine. I have a spy in the Viera Village of Eruyt.”
“I thank you, Levi.”
“Yeah, just don’t make a big deal of it.

After Levi told him, Francis’ flying limousine arrived at the Archadian Palace and as it landed, the two of them would get out of it. They walked into the Palace(more like a building, but whatever), and as they would ascend six floors, they came to the seventh. They would inform Roman’s Assistant that they were there to have their mandatory meeting with the new Emperor, Roman. The assistant would inform them to wait where they were standing as he would go inform Roman.

The assistant would press a button on his desk. “Emperor sir! I have Judges Francis and Levi here to meet with you. Shall I send them in?”

"A puppeteer? But then wouldn't she have called Emiri her puppet, not a pet?" Nadeline asked rather curiously.

"Maybe she's a beast tamer. You know, people that can control animals and wild creatures?" Grant suggested. "Those kind of people always refer to their monsters as pets."

"Maybe she has an ability to seduce people? I mean, that outfit of hers was...interesting." Nadeline recalled the violet bodysuit. "Well, no, I am sure she would have seduced Emi already, then..." She looked at the brunette. "Hmm...does that mean she's playing for the other team? Now that I think about it, she did act like a young girl with a school crush..."

"If anyone would have an ability like that it would be Meli." Grant rolled his eyes, remembering the woman's rather ridiculous garb. "Now that was an 'interesting' outfit...provided it could even be classified as one." He briefly looked at Wesley. "They both look like they could be dominatrix mistresses...ah, perhaps Lola can only seduce men? Quite inconvenient if she is a lesbian however..."

Emiri shook her head at both Nadeline and Grant. This guessing game was apparently very fun for the two of them.

---

Roman thought being Marquis was tough. He never thought he would be pining for the paperwork back in Bhujerba, but as he stared at the stacks of paper placed in front of him, he only let out a small cry. Archadia sucked. He let out a sigh, lightly pushing the stack to the side when he would hear his assistant buzz in. It seemed both Francis and Levi had arrived. "Send them in." He instructed, gladly taking papers and placing them in his desk. They would provide an ample distraction...for now, at least. He cleared his throat, making sure all his worries of paperwork were cleared off his face. Sure, he was used to ruling a country, but Archadia was much more vast than Bhujerba, and the people had a tendency to complain more in Archadia.

He watched as the pair of judges entered, and beckoned them to sit.

Everyone just watched Grant and Nadeline guess and guess and guess about what Lola’s power could be. Wesley didn’t know what to think. Sure, some of them were good guesses, but they were having way too much fun with it. Wesley just shook his head at it. Savayna also didn’t know what to think about it. She struck her face with her palm in a ‘I can’t believe it’ way. Jaakuna was just glad that Emiri didn’t get in on this or else he would be forced to also palm his face.

When it seemed that they were done, Grant would bring up the possibility that if she was a dominatrix. Wesley took his gaze to Savayna who was getting more angry as they went on. Wesley gulped and would mentally say This can’t go well.. As he said that in his mind, Savayna stood up and whacked both Nadeline and Grant in the head. “GODS YOU GUYS! STOP ACTING SILLY AND BE SERIOUS!” Her voice raged through the dining room and instantly, everyone would fear for their life. Savayna would then kiss Grant on the forehead and smile so cheerfully at him. “Sorry I had to hit you.” Her closed-eye smile probably confused him.

---

“He’ll see you now.” The assistant said. Levi and Francis would go in and once they made their way right before the steps in the office, they would stop.

“Emperor Roman, Judge Levi here.”
“Emperor Roman, Judge Francis here.”

They both bowed their head and would raise it after a few seconds. They came to the view of Roman sitting down and they couldn’t help but take notice of the stack of paperwork on his desk. Levi smiled a bit as she found it a bit amusing that Roman was having such a tough time with the paperwork.

“We are here for the mandatory meeting that always must take place between the Judges of Archadia with their new emperor. I know that Judge Hamut is busy and Judge Ixion is busy with other matters, so that leaves us.” Francis said.

Emiri made a mental note never to anger Savayna. She shrunk in her seat, obviously terrified, though Nadeline next to her was not amused to being hit. "But I was serious..." Grant said, rubbing his head. He received a glare from Emiri and would cough a bit, clearing his throat. "As Nadeline was saying...there's a high probably of encountering one of, two of, or even all three of them in Nabudis. We better stay on our toes, lest we fall prey to whatever they have up their sleeve. I also think even if Reia was to call Lola off, she would...still be interested in...her pet." He said the last part rather slowly, as if afraid he would set Savayna off again.

"Next time...she's mine." Emiri stated, crossing her arms. "I have to get back at her for her little stunt." She said, remembering Lola's promise to kill her friends in front of her.

"Where you were attacked in your home?" Nadeline asked. "I don't know, Emi, you'll probably be her first target."

"Anyway...what is Nabudis like? Or rather, what remains of it?" Grant asked.

---

Roman wanted to say the meeting with his grandfather and cousin were slightly unneeded, but the fact that his grandfather was not present did bother him. He did not forget Vincent's words. Still...he found his number of people to trust rather lacking these days. He smiled at the pair of judges. "Ah, you must think this a waste of time, do you not?" He joked lightly, a hand on his chin. "Anyway...anything to report? Something not in this stack, I mean." He eyed the papers, though turned his attention back to the two in front of him.

“Yes, actually, I do find this a waste of time.” Levi bluntly said. She was every bit as serious too, as seen from her face.

Francis looked to her obviously appalled by Levi’s words, but he did not engage that further. “Your eminence, I report that since the clearing of your brother and his friends, the reception has been met with favorable responses. Among the commoners, Jackson — erm, I mean Jaakuna — is widely popular, especially the famed Pirate and former Leader of Balfonheim, Lannit, and his wife, Wendy. They are prominent members of Old Archades. I believe that Archadia is heading in a great direction, Emperor Roman. Perhaps your father’s vision of peace between the three great empires of Ivalice may just be realized, but I’m rambling.” He admitted, which was true.

Levi yawned. Truly, she wasn’t interested in this in the very least, but she spoke. “So, Jackson is regarded highly, big deal! We still have that little problem about the strong mist that took the form of a shadowy-smoke yesterday. Or are we not even going to address that?” She said clearly disinterested in what Francis was saying.

---

When the discussion went on the topic of most likely encountering at least one of the three known(to them) members of Utena in Nabudis. As Grant would say that, he would tread on thin ice as he would mention Lola wanting her ‘pet’, which Emiri instantly responded to by saying that next time she will have her, as she would state that she wanted to get her for her little stunt. Grant would ask about Nabudis and while Jaakuna and Savayna drew a blank, but they put on their thinking faces, Wesley, however, looked down, squeezing his fists.

“Nabudis…” He angrily said, “it’s the place where man’s obsession with power came to be. My father showed me the ruins and it’s by far one of the most horrific sights I have seen, especially after the story I was told by my father. He said that men, most likely of Archadian descent, experimented with Nethicite and wanted to see how far it could be maximized and that’s where a lot of people died from the Midnight Shard’s power.” Wesley said clearly still plenty angry about what happened. He would then proceed to slam his closed fists(pinky side down) on the table. Wesley’s expression was the angriest anyone saw him get. “Those fucking bastards.” And there it was, Wesley’s first time cursing, but there was more to the story that Wesley was letting on and it would be plainly obvious at how emotional he was about it.

Roman couldn't help but smile at Levi's honesty. He reminded her of a general he had met some time ago. Perhaps he too, found this a waste of time in all reality. Still, formalities were formalities...not that Levi cared about them, anyway. He listened to Francis, giving him a nod of acknowledgement. Still, as much as he didn't want to admit it, Reia was still a problem. He hoped that perhaps he could get through to her. That is, if she was even Empress after everything was said and done. Still at this point Levi would interject about the strong mist overtaking Ivalice.

"The problem is being taken care of, apparently." Roman stated, recalling his conversation with Isaiah. "Whatever happens, we must make sure panic doesn't spread. Although I am rather curious to hear your opinions."

---

Everyone fell silent after Wesley revealed the fate of the capital of Nabradia. It only figured that he would now the most about it, being Dalmascan. Nadeline wondered what more he wanted to say, though couldn't bring herself to ask. "I've heard about it, but I've never been there personally. Emiri broke the silence that had fallen over the room. "The Mist corrupts and twists the monsters there...more than once have I heard it being referred to as a Nercohol. Most hunters try to stay away, as the monsters are particularly vicious. Though...I suppose Mama confirmed that much."

Wesley couldn’t believe he lost control of himself like that. He didn’t even know where that came from. No, he knew where it came from and he felt so ashamed of himself that he would stand up. “I’m sorry, but I must excuse myself. I need a moment to…collect myself.” Wesley said as he excused himself, though as he would turn to face the exit, he gave Nadeline a look. He was pretty much telling her to follow him, but it was a quick, short glance. It was in that single moment that Wesley proceeded to walk out of the dining room.

Meanwhile, the rest of them were probably wondering what was up with Wesley, but most likely he just needed his space, so Jaakuna nor Savayna would worry much about it. They would just listen to Emiri as she said that Nabudis was often referred to a Nercohol. Jaakuna had heard that as well. “So, I guess we just wait until we get there, then?” JAakuna said as he rocked his chair back and forth, causing the two front legs to go up and off the ground.

---

“I have no opinion that I care to share on the matter.” Levi said.

Francis, on the other hand, definitely did. “I don’t know much about the mystical stuff, but I got a severely bad feeling from that black smoke thing. I’ve also heard rumors that there are weird things going around Ivalice. Monsters are growing stronger and people are starting to act weird, even in Archadia are acting somewhat not themselves. “ Francis said. “I don’t know what this is, but I know things are going to get worse before they get better.” He admitted.

Despite Levi's refraining from divulging information, Roman found himself rather curious on what she did know. Francis would go on to state its affects on both citizens and monsters. No doubt things were going haywire. "I've heard similar reports from Rozarria, Dalmasca, and Bhujerba." Roman replied to Francis, lightly pulling out one of the papers from his stack. "So far there hasn't been any illnesses or deaths reported, it's more of a psychological effect on people. While ti is certainly better than hearing people dying, it is still somewhat troublesome, all things considered."

---

As Wesley left, Nadeline caught his look. Wordlessly she would stand from her seat and follow him. As Jaakuna would state there was nothing left to do but wait to get there, Emiri nodded. "I suppose so." She stated, though she did look after Nadeline. Nabudis would be a sensitive topic for Wesley. She wondered what happened, but when the time would come, she supposed he would say so. Instead she looked at Jaakuna. "Careful, you could fall and hurt yourself." She warned him.

When WEsley walked away from the group, Nadeline followed him. He would lead her to his room and of course, she would follow. He sat upon his bed and he was looking down. "I'm sorry I lost it back there. It's just--there's more to the story about when my father took me to Nabudis." He admitted, "sure he took me there to tell me about it, but it was more than that. You see, among the soldiers that died, there was one in particular that hit my family hard." He said. "My eldest brother, Silvester, died in the horrible event that transpired in Nabudis, but that's not all." He said, "Silvester — and half of my bloodline — is Archadian, from my mother's side, at least. "He revealed to Nadeline, telling her that he was half-Archadian.

---

As Wesley left, then Nadeline, Jaakuna would hear Emiri warn him that he might fall, he just waved it off and he kept on rocking back and forth until he went too far back and his head hit the wood floor. He let out a slight yell of pain. "Ow, that hurt!"Jaakuna said as he held his head and slowly would get up.

Savayna shook her head at him. "She told you dumbass!" She told him.

---

As the two judges would listen to Roman speak about the effects that were taking over the minds of Ivalice from the black smoke thing, Francis would nod with a 'mhm' sound. "I agree. These events are starting to trouble me as well. I think whatever it is, we should go look into it." Francis said. "I think I will make a trip to Eruyt, if his lordship would allow me to do so. I believe the Viera would be able to answer some questions that need answering."

Francis offered to go to Eruyt to consult the viera. Roman thought this was a good idea. "Provided we are not to be blamed for it, I think it a wise decision." He stated, looking at the pair. "Of course the Viera are widely known as isolationists and very disinterested in Hume affairs...seeing as how this affects Ivalice as a whole, they could either be more willing to cooperate...or more hostile." He warned him. "Hm, if only Vlyn was around...still, I am sure you would at least be able to speak to one of their representatives, hopefully get some answers."

---

Grant didn't want to laugh at Jaakuna, but he could not help but smile as he watched him fall. There was a reason chairs were made with two legs, not four. Emiri copied Savayna and simply shook her head, watching him pick himself up from the floor.

---

"I see." Nadeline replied, now understanding Wesley's sensitivity to the topic. For one reason or another, she couldn't help but remember Savayna's words from Giruvegan. She truly underestimated how lucky she was after all. She still had both her parents, no siblings, her loved ones were all close to her. Yet Wesley suffered immensely, with a distant mother and having lost his brother and father. Everyone in their group had lost something to an extent. Jaakuna lost his home for a long time, Grant lost his brother and his parents, Savayna lost her title, Emiri lost her relationship with her own parents. That just left the spoiled little princess that was her.

When Roman spoke, he approved of Francis’ idea of going to Eruyt. He thought it was a smart idea and it wasn’t like that they had many leads to go off of. Roman would warn Francis that the Viera might be hostile to the Humes, especially one such as an Archadian Judge. Francis would make a note of that as he and Levi would depart as that was pretty much there wasn’t anything left to discuss.

When Levi and Francis departed, Francis left to the Aerodome and Levi would just smile. She had something in store, that’s for damn sure. She would just have to bide her time until that came to be.

---

An hour would pass, everyone would chit-chat here and there, and they would just wait until the Ifrit arrived at The Salikawood. Jaakuna and Emiri would chit-chat(and do other stuff), Nadeline and Wesley would do the same, Savayna and Grant as well. Everyone would eat just something here and there, but soon they would all be informed by Iris that the Ifrit had arrived at the Salikawood. Once that happened, everyone would get their respective weapons from the Armory. Jaakuna got what he called the Vengenge Daggers, Wesley got his Demon Shield and his Yagyu Darkblade, and Savayna got her Ice Queen Sword and a new shield

Once everyone had gotten their weapons, they would shortly make their way to the Beaming Station to which all six of them would get in it and beamed down. As they would touch ground, Jaakuna would look around and actually liked the look of this place. Aside from some obvious things that made him surprised, he did seem to like the scenery. Wesley also looked around, but not in the way that Jaakuna or Savayna were, as she was also joining Jaakuna in admiration of the Salikawood.

“It seems this area is called…”Wesley tried to remember. “Ah yes, it’s the Quietened Trace..” Wesley said. His knowledge actually surprised him.

Time for action, it seemed. Emiri let out a small sigh as the Salikawood was revealed to them. It definitely had a different feel to it then the Golmore Jungle. She had been here approximately once when she had gone to the Phon Cost for the first time, though it had been a nuisance since some moogles were too lazy to fix the gate. She didn't see any at the moment though. The area certainly earned its name, not a monster to be seen, and it was eerily quiet. She nodded at the rest of the group and decided to take the lead this time, bow and arrow at the ready.

From the Quickened Trace they went to a bridge connecting them to the next section. As they started to cross, Grant though he could hear a noise. As he strained himself to listen, something very large and red popped up, knocking into several trees before landing in front of the group. Emiri squinted her eyes at it, though they quickly widened as it got up. "Oh no." She muttered, pulling back her arrow.

"A Bomb. Great." Grant stated, aiming his gun. "It's got friends, too." He dryly noted as several smaller ones appeared.

"Kill them fast, before they explode and burn down the bridge." Emiri instructed, firing off an arrow.

Once they had landed in the Salikawood, they would move on from the Quietened Trance. Crossing a bridge, the sounds of footsteps on wood was heard. It was like an army marching through wooden plates. They would then come to a clearing and everything seemed just a little too quiet. Jaakuna sniffed the air and he smelt something burning. It was probable oil or some kind of burning substance. A minute later, there were some beasts that came to the area, but they were different from any monster that Jaakuna, Savayna, and Wesley remember being in the Salikawood.

The majority of those that appeared were Bombs, but the much larger one amongst them was the King Bomb. Jaakuna remembers hearing about these beasts from hunters and bounty hunters. They said that the King Bomb was a really tough opponent and that killing it would be difficult. Jaakuna gulped, but then took out his Vengeance Daggers. He took a fighting stance and as did Savayna and Wesley.

Savayna knew her mastery over Water Magick would come in handy, so using her ice to glide her into the air, she, well glided over to smash some of the Bombs into dust. Her sword would hit one, and split it in half. She would flip her body and axe kick another, sending it to the ground, and exploding.. There were a few more and that’s where Jaakuna came in. He jumped into the air, and by X-crossing one of the remaining three bombs, the bomb was sliced and as Jaakuna would sort of land on his feet in a slight crouching position, the explosion happened behind him.

Wesley looked to the two remaining bombs left. They looked at him, as if ready to make their move. Wesley stood poised. For a few seconds, no one made a move, and in the next few seconds, both came at him, bodies overcharged with Fire. Wesley closed his eyes and in the second of five seconds that elapsed, Wesley raised his blade and sliced once horizontally. His eyes would then open to see both Bombs explode to the right and left of him. Savayna looked to Wesley and Jaakuna did the same. They let out a low whistle.

When all the bombs were finished, the King Bomb just looked at all of them and roared out. It seemed like it was just waiting for them to show it what the group had. Suffice to say, King Bomb was pleased. “The real fight begins now.” Jaakuna said, looking at the King Bomb as it would then launch itself at the group with a full-body tackle. Wesley, Savayna and Jaakuana would dodge, and hopefully the rest of the group would as well.

---

Within the hour that passed, Francis had made his way to his private airship to which dropped him off just outside the entrance to The Gilmore Jungle from the Ozmone Plain. As he proceeded through it, killing monsters when they would appear and trekking through The Wood as he knew he would have to. He eventually came to a portion that led to a few steps and turns. He went up said steps and took said turns. That eventually led him to a dead-end. He would touch the seemingly dead-end, and he saw that a green glyph appeared before him. He knew that he had arrived at the Viera Village of Eruyt.

“Excuse me, I am here seeking answers. “ Francis said at the darkness. “I was told there was someone here who could help someone like me.”

"Look the wrong way you do, Judge of Archadia."

From behind Francis three viera would appear. Two of them were armed with bows, them being Ryua and Mtra, and leading them was none other than Aloa herself. There were not hostile, rather having just come back from a hunt. They approached the judge, Aloa placing her hand on her hip. First Grant, and now Francis von Sicarius was at the doorstep of Eruyt. She personally blamed herself, though would never admit it. The two viera behind her looked at one another, then at Aloa, bows in arms. Aloa would wave her hand lazily, and the pair would place them on their backs, mimicking Aloa and relaxing. Ryua would cross her arms as Mtra flipped her hair.

"Another one here for answers, my oh my, we are popular as of late." Mtra stated, her hand on her cheek.

"Perhaps he too wishes for knowledge of the Keeper of Precepts." Ryua said, clearly more serious than Mtra.

---

Grant found himself firing shot after shot, only to find the King Bomb eating his bullets. He shook his head, though as he looked next to him he'd find Emiri in a similar situation. The pair looked at one another as Nadeline raised her rapier into the air. "Bravery!" She called, enhancing Grant and Emiri's weapons. After looking at one another once more, the duo began shooting at the King Bomb again while Nadeline went in for the attack. Their attacks certainly seemed more effective this time, though things would change again as the rest of the bombs fell. It let out a mighty roar and charged at the group. Emiri and Grant leapt out of the way, though Nadeline remained stationary. Instead, she braced herself, her hand outstretched. "Protect!" She called, her barrier encircling her, and once the King Bomb crashed against it, she was pushed back.

As this was going on, Grant would clip his gun to his belt, instead bringing out his handbomb. He whistled as he changed the bomb inside, though once he was ready, he looked to see the King Bomb clashing with Nadeline's barrier. He stopped whistling, looking to Emiri. She nodded at him, and he lazily tossed a dozen bombs into the air. Emiri aimed, freezing time and shooting off one arrow for each bomb. As time resumed once more, each arrow struck the bombs, showering the King Bomb with water. Emiri winced lightly, a sharp pain shooting through her head. Seemed it was too soon to start using her power again, but that didn't matter right now. She instead put one hand in the air, a clock appearing beneath Savayna, Wesley, Nadeline, and Jaakuna. "Hastega!" She called, enhancing the four sword users. Nadeline let out a cheer and immediately began slashing at the King Bomb.

As Francis would wait for any Viera to show themselves to him, he heard a rather odd, yet feminine voice from behind him. When he turned around, he saw three Viera, two of them bearing bows ready for attack. Francis would instantly put his hands up as if not posing any harm. The one who placed her hand on her hip would wave her hand. Francis had seen enough groups of people to know that she was most likely the leader. Plus, Fracnis just got that vibe from her. As they would place their bows upon their backs, one would cross her arms on her chest and the other would flip her hair. One would say that the Viera were popular as of late and the other would mention something about the Keeper of Precepts.

When Francis would hear that, he raised an eyebrow. He knew not what that one meant. “Keeper of Precepts? That’s Zodiark right?” Francis said, “I know a thing or two about the Esper myths. “Francis admitted, “but I am here for another reason. A colleague of mine sent me here to seek out someone whom she has gone to for information. “ Francis said treading carefully as he did.

---

When Jaakuna, Savayna, and Wesley had all successfully dodged the King Bomb coming in for a full-body tackle, he would see that while Nadeline would use a protect spell to avoid any damage from the King Bomb, Grant and Emiri worked together to utilize an attack. Grant would toss a few bombs from his Handbomb into the air and Jaakuna knew that based on the quickness of the attack, Emiri used her power. Jaakuna definitely noticed the pain surging through her head. Damn it Emiri! Jaakuna mentally yelled to himself.

After the attack that Emiri and Grant did to the King Bomb injured it a bit, Nadeline would cast Hastega beneath herself, Wesley, Jaakuna, and Savayna. Jaakuna could feel his reflexes being multiplied by almost ten times what it was at normal speeds, and his speed was increased just as much. Wesley and Savayna felt the same thing. The three of them would rush to the King Bomb. Jaakuna would run on the left of it, Wesley to the right, and Savayna in the air. Jaakuna would distract it by shouting at it, Wesley would fire Holyra at it, damaging it in moderation. All the while that was happening, Savayna was above it, arms crossed, and eyes closed.

As Savayna floated above the King Bomb, she would surround herself in a unique form of Mist that took the form of white and icy-blue. The mist wasn’t like any regular kind of mist. It was chilling the air and eventually it would start to extend its reach to the King Bomb. By this time, Jaakuna had waved Wesley to get away. He knew exactly knew what was going to happen. Savayna would uncross her arms and out flew the mist in a five foot circumference. The ice would freeze the King Bomb where it floated. Opening her eyes, Savayna spoke. “Stillbite Frost!” As she said that, the King Bomb became crystallized and she would descend gently, slowly taking her Ice Queen sword and slicing down the King Bomb. The total amount of one minute would occur and as she touched ground, two halves of the King Bomb crashed down to the floor. As soon as that happened, the area that was frozen soon melted away.

In shock and awe, Wesley couldn’t believe it, but Jaakuna smirked. “Been a while since I’ve seen that from ya.” Jaakuna said as he walked over to Savayna and high-fived her. She smirked as well. “Well you guys were taking too long.” She said returning Jaakuna’s high-five with her own.