What Emette and Aloa had just done warranted the first, genuine expression from the main operator of the Collective - the one whose powers most resembled the Creature’s own. This, of course, wasn’t part of their plan. They didn’t anticipate this. To think the Angel of Clarity would actually sacrifice herself just so she wasn’t held hostage (in a manner of speaking) by them. And what was even worse, her powers had transformed into pure magickal energy that flowed into ALoa, resulting in such a powerful display of mist, all but one of the manifested shadows of the Collective were wiped out.

The smoked cleared and within the light, an even greater shadow was cast. It remained and fed off of those who were vanquished, absorbing their mist into its own. What had been known as the Collective was no longer, for now only the Creature remained. The embodiment of darkness stood in front of the Aloa, the Angel of Death and now the true battle could begin.

As the air around them would shift, the relic that sat in the center had now disappeared, its essence flowing into the Creature, those within would feel a forceful disturbance from whatever they had felt before. The air itself becoming thicker and harder to handle as compared to what it was like before Emette sacrificed herself. Added to that, the Creature’s body expelled a smoke-like mist. The smoke would cover its entire body, covering an area of ten yards, sucking in all forms of life and light. Only was it when the ground had been reduced to rotting soil did the smoke cease, but as it did…

The Creature was gone.

Until he wasn’t, appearing behind Vlyn. Before the male viera could even react, a pulse of ancient, death magicks flowed through him. For a moment, death seemed imminent, but as a series of seconds passed, Vlyn wouldn’t find himself knocking on Zalera’s doors but rather a combustible force, first imploded inside him that would cause him to feel a sensation akin to a bad stomach ache. Then, as it would settle for a moment, copious amounts of magick exploded on his skin, forcing him to be sent flying opposite of the Creature, possibly crashing into the wall.

And as that happened, the Creature disappeared once more, this time its body multiplying into ten separate entities. All of them surrounded Aloa, and they prepared to the very same thing. Arms were out and pulses of ancient, death magicks made their way for Aloa.

Aloa had raised her arm, half expecting an attack, but it had vanished. The sound of Vlyn hitting the wall quickly revealed its intention. She sent him a mental apology for not immediately going to him, though she would brandish her claw, her glyph appearing beneath him. For just a moment, it wavered; whatever this creature was, it had completely eaten a majority of the mist in the area. Even breathing would soon become a task in itself. However, the last thing she needed was a distraction, and as Vlyn let out a groan, she looked back at him.

Seemingly realizing what she was about to do, he struggled to get up, reaching out towards her. "Aloa--" He was cut off as her magicks finished, his form vanishing entirely from the area.

And now, it had her full attention.

It separated much quicker than she had anticipated, though an attack was immanent. Letting out a small sigh, she knelt down, her knee nearly touching the ground, and she would leap high, high into the air. Turning her body, her feet were planted firmly on the ceiling for a moment. Just before gravity would pull her down, she opened her mouth wide, an unearthly scream erupting from her as she channeled the shamaness' death wail. Colliding with the magicks, it seemed to work to spread them, loosening the concentration of the spells. She would then finally come down, her foot slamming the ground and crumbling it, sending a shockwave of both magicks and the ground itself surging forward in a circle around her.

She was truly Zalera's Chosen One. There was absolutely no mistaking about that. Her supposed co-ownership was a false pretense just to make that other Viera feel like he was important. The Creature knew the truth and that was Aloa had inherited the true powers of Death Magick, which made it think that, if it allowed her to continue without any real opposition, she would be able to turn the tides against the Creature without it really noticing.

Much like the Death Wail that caused a circle of mist to explode around her and most of the copies of the Creature had been vanquished. Of course, the few that remained continued their attack, waves of magick that, in any other case, would've reduced its target into bones and dust; however when the two like-minded magicks collided, one thing was clear in this colliding of forces: they were from the same origin, yet that did little to nothing to stop its power overwhelming Aloa's own, starting to cause a shift. She had started as being in control and on the offensive, but now, as she'll most likely realize, she was on the defensive and the Creature held all the cards.

The tide of the battle had turned. Too bad it hadn't been in her favor. Still, she had come to accomplish something, and she'd be damned if she let Emette's sacrifice go to waste. She had a few ideas how to go about it, but this was probably the very first time she only had ideas on her next move. Not to mention she had repeatedly blown through nearly every plan she did map out, and all of them had gone straight out the window. Clucking her tongue for a moment, she watched her magicks get overpowered. Lovely. It was to be expected; her Death magicks allowed her to exist here, and while the Creature's magicks wouldn't affect her as much, eventually, she too would be drained of life. It was more of a resistance than an immunity.

Alright, time to finish, then back to the world of the living, She sighed inwardly as she took a step back, her free hand gripping her tattered cloak. Pulling the hood over her head and ignoring the bending of her ears momentarily, she threw her cloak behind her, her shadow stretching far in front of her. She stepped in, letting the shadows surge upwards. Once again, they would shoot out at the Creature's shadows that remained. They would pierce through each one, though they did not look to maim, the instant they touched a very small pulse of light magick emanating. They would do little, but they alerted Aloa to what she wanted to know.

Burtsing forth towards one of the remnants, Aloa would thrust her hand into it. She knew she had only seconds to work, but she was seizing that chance. Feeling her hand grabbing something, she worked quickly, and when her time was up, she could feel it trying to pull her in. The deed was done, now the question was whether she could get herself out, preferably with her arm still attached. Looking into the darkness, she released another explosion of magicks, sending herself flying backwards.

The struggle between their magicks was near even. Aloa and Zalera’s combined power was splendid. Such a display of refined mastery over the Death Seraph’s ancient magick truly was something to be proud of. To be able to handle such dangerous, hazardous power with little to no difficulty showed just how far this Viera had come. To think, this was the same young Viera who couldn’t do a single thing right in her youth, yet she was standing toe to toe with one of the most powerful beings to ever exist in Ivalice’s history. Her power even rivaled the Occuria - the very godly beings that forged Ivalice into their image.

And yet, it just wasn’t enough. This strong Viera who displayed absolute domination and control over death magicks literally had no idea that inserting her arm into one of the Creature’s copies was exactly what the being of death wanted. Though it wouldn’t be explained in the exact moment she did it, the explosion that followed, however, might be a totally different story. As mist centered around Aloa and then it unleashed itself in a widespread display of brilliant, bright magicks, the Creature then enacted its plan.

Without warning, black shadows gathered around the Creature, first swallowing him into nothingness, then after a short moment, its form reappeared in front of Aloa. Of course, this time it resembled nothing humeoid. It didn’t have a physical form per-se; the entirety of its existence had become a literal manifestation to what it, above all else, represented.

Death.

In its new form, the Creature was in a circular state of dark matter, formed and molded from the darkest regions of the void to become an all-consuming mass that was intent on absorbing any and all forms of energy...living or otherwise.

And unfortunately for Aloa, her explosion did very little to stall it. Within seconds, her last-ditch efforts were moot. Anything she might’ve come up with on the spot was useless. All matter of magick, life, and energy was fuel for this black hole that it had become.

Right about now, regardless of the fact Aloa had put up some kind of complex web of protective magicks, it wouldn’t do her any good in the long run. In a matter of one minute, even that wouldn’t be able to save her.

The minute had run out and the ground that Aloa stood on cracked, robbed of its life, but more importantly, it's connected to Ivalice herself. As a result, it was reduced to a blackened state that rejected Aloa’s connection to the Gods and propelled her towards the Creature. It all seemed bleak. She was facing death in the eye and nothing Zalera would do could save her.

She was dead.

She had no options left.

She had to...

No, there was something of a glimmer in front of her.

It started out as a little dot of light within the darkness, then it expanded at such a rapid rate. By when Aloa was mere inches from being swallowed up by the Creature’s mass, the light beat her to it. And just as soon as it had done that, had the Creature been led into a temporary state of victory. It was long enough to allow what had actually happened to enable Aloa to get a safe distance away.

Not even a full, ten seconds later, Aloa would find herself being spat out of that same portal, no doubt preparing herself for death’s embrace, but what she’d find was not the abysmal darkness of hell but the sunshine of Ivalice and the cool winds of the Phon Coast. She’d feel the sand between her bunny-like feet, and the waves crashing ashore. She’d hear the sounds of seagulls flying overhead as they frolicked above the water, catching fish as they came.

Then, as if adding a looming cloud to the blue skies above, a sound of absolute terror from a familiar raven-haired woman would be heard as she hovered over another familiar male with forest-colored hair. She’d hear the sounds of the Void threatening to take him as a portal the size of a thumb appeared through his clothing.

Aloa would see the consequences of Michel overusing the Void.

The salt breeze had been such a shock that it took Meli's frantic scream that would show her that this was reality.

She could feel the sand all along her legs--they had given out, and she fell on them. Her entire body shook something fierce, a cold sweat down her face. What an unfamiliar feeling that had gripped her heart so, something that had shaken her to her very foundation. It was so foreign, there was something that maybe a long, long time ago she had it once, but...gods, how it gripped her. So tight. It was paralyzing, it was tremendous, and even as she would plead with her body to move, it would not let her. Tears threatened to fall, but she fought against them, though she already had wrapped her own arms around her body, trying to fight off that feeling.

Fear was a poison she thought she had long conquered.

Aloa forced herself back to her feet as reality would once again set in, rushing to Michel. She had to ignore Meli's barrage of words, none of which made sense (though whether it was due to Meli's shock or Aloa's own fears was up to debate) as she placed both her hands on that small, dangerous void. She knew how to deal with it, or at the very least, knew how to prolong it. But as she willed the magicks to appear, they would not heed her call. It took her a moment to realize her arms had been trembling.

Not like this. My own death, perhaps, but not his. The grim thought crossed her mind, pouring a warm feeling over her body as focus returned to her. Lacing her magicks over his body, she poured her mist--or rather, someone else's--into Michel's body, and for the moment, the portal would lessen, and after a moment, it would vanish. She released a breath she had been unaware she was holding, throwing her head back. I've gotten sloppy, She sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"Is--Is he going to be alright?" Meli asked, having calmed down herself.

"For now. I know little of the void," Aloa admitted bitterly.

If ever there have been a call too close to accurately measure, that was it.

Michel knew he had to get there before anyone else did. When he had left Archadia, he knew that he was the only shot anyone had at getting to the Creature first. Due to travel restrictions put in place by the Jagd to ensure that their land was protected, Meli and Michel couldn’t travel through conventional means. However, that didn’t mean they lacked means of not only traversing through the Sandsea but get to the Tomb as quickly as possible.

When they touched ground in the Sandsea, Michel had ensured a quick path from each major checkpoint from the start of the Sandsea to the tomb, all the way to where he had sensed the Creature’s deathly presence. Once he did and once he realized the severity of the situation, Michel had done something drastic. It was something only those with decades of training and mastery of the void would do. It was, as Shemhazai warned Michel before he went through with it, the last resort for any user of the Void. Even as the one who commands the empty, vastness of the Void, Shemhazai rarely used it. But Michel assured her that there was no other choice.

He had to activate the Forbidden Portal: The Void’s Whisper.

This ancient form of Void Magick called upon the remnants of the Occuria within Ivalice. It called upon the Void’s deepest regions to create a time portal so accurate and precise that not even someone as ancient as the Creature would be able to stop it.

When it was cast, for a moment, Michel caught a glimpse into the future. It was only for a few seconds, but he saw Aloa being dragged to the Creature, who had taken in a new form. “Ancient whispers of naught, hear me now. I bear the mark of the Void and call unto you; forsake all so that the Death Seraph may live. Ancient whispers of naught, project thy will unto me.” Michel chanted out, a portal of pure white appearing before him, and he and Meli were sucked into it. Without any warning nor any time to process it, the same portal appeared in front of the Creature and ran interference so that Aloa was sucked into the white hole, rather than the black hole.

They all traveled through the void, eyes blind to all and unable to dictate where they’d land, it was only after the sounds of nature did Michel realize where they had landed. Unfortunately, however, Michel’s body could not handle such prolonged exposure to the Void. Unlike previous uses of the Void, he would only be in the Void for three seconds(max) peruse, but this time, he spent a whole minute in it. To Shemhazai, it was nothing; she lived in the void, but for Michel - a hume with limited experience - he had a reaction to it as if he was holding a double-edged sword. Literally, the ancient magicks of that place tore a piece of his soul out, and now he was facing grim possibilities of death as a void portal had replaced where his belly button was. And as it continued to collect mist, it increased in size almost to the point where it was as wide as a balled fist.

Michel was conscious for this and heard Meli’s cries, begging Aloa to help him. Michel himself wasn’t fearing death. He knew the risks when he had used the Void’s Whisper. He had prepared his mind for the results of death. If he had to spend an eternity in the Void and not have his soul saved, then so be it. If it must happen, then he had resigned to that fate.

But it seemed Aloa had a different idea for him. Her hands hovered over his body. He couldn’t help but notice how her hands emitted an oddly-familiar glow. Something about it made him feel welcomed and how under its light, he was safe. As long as he remained still, then maybe he wouldn’t have to set himself at Shemhazai’s door just yet. After a moment or so -- long moments, mind you -- Michel felt a tingling sensation crawl up his spine and make its way all around his body. It was weird but welcoming. As he had looked down, he noticed the portal that had appeared on his body was no more. Whatever Aloa had done, she saved him - at least, for the time being(as she noted).

He slowly got up to his feet, using Meli and Aloa as an aid. Though he still felt tenderness in his stomach, he had enough strength to stand. “And to think I had this big speech prepared about how I got to you just in the nick of time,” Michel admitted, chuckling, wincing slightly through the tender pain he felt.

“You have my thanks,” Aloa replied, though she closed her eyes. “I would note your recklessness, but sadly I am not in a position to defer your judgment.”

“Of course you can! He could have died!” Meli couldn’t help but yell.

“But I didn’t.” He noted, giving Meli a smile.

“My question is, what the hell were you thinking, rushing in there all alone?! Did you want to die?!”

“It would have been inconvenient, I suppose,” Aloa mused out loud, her voice once again airy. “Ivalice would have marched on without me. I am certain Shion would have been glad to take my mantle.”

“She would’ve grieved for you.” Michel said, “Ivalice knows your presence here and if anything was to come out of what you accomplished, you are just like the rest of us. You are an Ascendent, which is exactly why you can’t die just yet.” He informed her, almost sounding as if he was ordering her to stay alive.

“A comforting thought, though at the very least I can say I walked away having accomplished something,” She admitted, looking at her hand. She let out an uncharacteristic sigh. “It took a sacrifice...but it was done.”

“Sacrifice?”

“I chose to withhold my ascension for as long as I could. I sought out Emet-Selch’s counsel, had hoped to find a way to form a crack in the Collective’s nonshattering shell...but to do that, I had no choice,” Aloa was bitter as she spoke. “She has passed on to the afterlife, robbed of her chance on Ivalice. I only pray it was not in vain.”

Michel closed his eyes. “So, it was her power I felt coming from you when you saved my life from the Void.”

Aloa nodded silently. Meli looked between the two, not quite understanding. “I’m more concerned about your ‘temporary’ fix,” The dark haired woman decided to press the manner.

“It is temporary because should he chose to push it, it will unravel. I thought this a simple explanation,” Aloa couldn’t help but show the slightest hint of annoyance. “He knows the risks. If he were to go the rest of his life using his magicks in moderation, he would live to a very old age. But our enemy will see to it that he will not go quietly.”

“As if Michel’s willing to risk his neck for yours again! Have you no shame?” Meli revealed the mutual feeling of annoyance. “I’ve heard nothing but praise about the ‘almighty viera’, but here you are nearly getting yourself killed and forcing Michel to save your sorry ass!”

“A pity.” Aloa’s response was rather curt, though she didn’t seem to bother with an explanation nor an apology.

Though he appreciated Meli’s loyalty and willingness to defend him, it wasn’t necessary, so he waved towards her. “There is no need to put any blame on Aloa here. I am at fault here. I knew the risks in using the Void Whisper. Shemhazai told me I wasn’t ready, but I knew it was the only thing that could save Aloa in time. What’s done is done.” He gave a shrug, though his eyes opened and they glanced solely on Aloa. “We did have another reason for coming all this way.”

Aloa seemed to understand, giving Michel her full attention. “Do tell.”

“About, oh, I’d say no more than a full hour ago, we, the Ascendants, received a visit from a monk who revealed himself to be someone by the name of Grigori--an alias, no doubt--who informed us of a troubling fact about the Creature and how it may be the true enemy to us all. He stated that neither Zodiark nor Venat posed us any real danger but rather the Creature was the one who we should be focusing on.” Michel told Aloa, “he told us to seek out the one who bears the Calling of Death.”

Staring at Michel for a moment, she quirked an eyebrow at him. “...hm,” She mumbled. “I wonder why.”

“Y-You don’t know?!”

“I’m not omniscient.”

Ignoring the peanut gallery banter, Michel remained focused on Aloa. “Admittedly, I do not know his exact reasoning, but he did only want to reveal this to those of us who were Ascendants. And he wouldn’t do it until all of us were present. Of course, most were unavailable. Another thing to note is he knows about what we become when we ascend.”

Aloa looked at Michel in understanding. “I see.”

“Let me guess: you know who this Grigori is, don’t you?”

“It is a name I am familiar with, though I cannot say we’ve met in person,” She admitted, ignoring Meli rolling her eyes. “Much how the Occuria were Ivalice’s shepherds, you could say Grigori was...the next being in line.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning that it is a watcher. An otherworldly being tasked with Ivalice’s good will in mind. There is probably more with numerous legends attached to it, but that was the relevant information given to me,” Aloa surmised.

“And who was it that told you this information?”

“The one who taught me everything I know. She has long since passed, though not without giving me the information I needed for Ivalice’s prosperity,” She replied.

Michel knew who exactly that was. He recalled Shion had told him of a strange Viera she encountered in her travels. “Shion did mention that I believe. Kyli, if I recall. She referred to her as ‘one strange Viera’, though she didn’t go into any details.” Michel bit his thumb as he pondered.

“Likely due to her inability to recognize the phenomenon known as ‘personal space’.” Her answer was pretty quick, accompanied by the tiniest of smiles.

For an obvious reason, his mind went to Jaakuna, which prompted Michel to let out an unforeseen chuckle, though there was a slight wince in his face. Meli gave him an extremely concerned look, though glared at Aloa, knowing she was the reason behind his odd behavior. Not long after taking a moment to collect himself, Michel gave both of them an assuring smile. “My apologies, but I was just reminded of Jackson and how he and Kyli have that same problem.” Uh-oh, he had one more chuckle left in him and, of course, it came with a double-edged pain.

“Whereas Jackson intrudes simply to show his authority, my mentor believed it to be an unneeded social custom. She believed that as creatures of Ivalice, we all shared the same spiritual plane...admittedly, while the idea had some merit, I do think she simply liked to tease,” She admitted as Meli began fussing over Michel. Aloa looked to the sky, frowning. “I suppose I should inform Shion of what has happened. No doubt she’d want to consider our next move.”

While he wanted to push further to hear more about Kyli, Aloa was right about one thing: they needed to go. “I’d offer to take us through my portals, but after what I just did--” Michel caught the scathing glare from Meli by even just mentioning using his powers. Apparently, she still wasn’t happy with him. “--I think our best option is to rest up. Utena headquarters isn’t far. We can send word to Madame Blue Rose, and she could meet us there.” Michel more or less suggested.

Aloa looked upon the coastline. It wasn’t preferable, but she would agree. She didn’t quite want to look at Meli, considering she was glaring, though her ears would twitch. “Lead the way.”

Roman's head went from side to side, his eyes on the woman pacing his office. It was funny to watch considering the woman was entirely composed, though clearly something was bothering her. Her face showed that she was deep in thought, contemplating something as she turned this way and that. Her arms were crossed, a single finger tapping her arm. He chuckled, which would break her stride, and he offered an apologetic look. She shook her head at him as he wasn't quite able to hide his grin. He normally would have assumed her concern was with the incoming group of troublemakers, but her reaction had come even before he was informed of their arrival by a soldier.

Reia had been off in her own world, though she seemed just as amused as Roman was. "You're going to pave a path if you keep that up," She would break the silence as she called out to Shion.

The woman let out a huff, though she would finally stop, taking a seat on the edge of Roman's desk. "All things considered, it would be the least of anyone's worries," She grumbled, lightly patting her rose. "A message...excuse me for a moment." She closed her eyes, concentrating.

Roman and Reia looked at one another, then at Shion, who wouldn't speak or move. Reia stared at Shion, confused, though she was distracted by the door to the office opening once more. "Welcome back," She said. "And welcome to the rest."

Nadeline scoffed lightly, tossing her hair off her shoulder. "How inviting, but unfortunately we haven't the time for pleasantries," She said. "Roman, if the Ifrit is ready, we would take it. Our next course is laid out for us."

"It should be," Roman replied. "I received a report from one of the engineer moogles shortly before your arrival. All repairs have been to my brother's requests as well as any final tunings."

"We'll be on our way then," Grant said, looking at the group.

Shion finally opened her eyes, looking at the group. "Indeed. We will." Shion stated as she uncrossed her arms.

"...'We'...?" Nadeline asked.

"Yes. We go to the Phon Coast."

It had been so long since Jaakuna had set foot in his most prized possession. Not even the Mark of the Transcendent could top how he felt about the Ifrit nor could his love for Emiri. Sorry babe, I love you, but my heart belongs to the Ifrit. She’s helped me in ways you couldn’t possibly understand. The things that they had gone through, the jams that she got him out of - it all was something that bonded two individuals in ways only few could comprehend. The only person Jaakuna knew would understand was his fellow engineer and lover of machines, Lorenzo. Bless his heart, if he were here, no doubt he and Jaakuna would share a moment or two about the latter being reunited with his one, true love.

This had been especially so when Jaakuna had heard the voice of his beloved Iris once again. “Captain, welcome back. I’ve missed you.”

“And I you, Iris.” Jaakuna emoted lovingly, a sparkle in his eyes unlike anything anyone has seen before. “I hope they treated you well.”

“Your brother’s engineers were gentle. But they did add in a few upgrades.”

Jaakuna’s eyes were now with a high curiosity, shining as he looked around. “Do tell!”

“Why tell when I can show.”

For a moment, everyone seemed to look at each other with wary eyes - at least, everyone who wasn’t Jaakuna. It was within reason too, because as they would feel a warmth pass through them, just as soon as the Ifrit had left the Aerodome, it went into some kind of hyperspeed, rocking everyone to their core as most of everyone was tossed backwards and forwards, causing them to tumble all around the foyer of the ship. And while they might’ve felt unease or discomfort(possibly broken bones but nevermind that), Jaakuna was smiling and laughing, loving the new additions. His Ifrit was fast before, but holy shit on a Chocobo Steak, it was faster than it had ever been.

Within seconds, they were at the Phon Coast, a powerful gust of wind being caused by the Ifrit’s large size. Despite it being high above, its new upgrades had made it possible for its might to be felt from a fourth of a league high. Unfortunately for the Hunter’s Camp, however, it felt the full force of it with all of the tents and some of the members being dragged into the water.

But Jaakuna ignored them.

“That’s my girl!” Jaakuna laughed, standing up. He seemed almost unphased by the rocking and shaking everyone had gone through.

“Well, that certainly was quite the rush, now wasn’t it?” Wesley noted, brushing himself off as he helped his beloved up.

Meanwhile, Savayna was gritting her teeth. “I’m going to kill him.” She cursed, her fists balled up as she was getting ready to follow through with her threat.

Grant let out a low groan, almost afraid to stand in case the Ifrit would decide to throw him back on the ground. It was with shaking legs that he would stand, on alert. He let out a groan, rubbing his rather sore back. He was still rather dizzy, bumping into the wall as he stepped forward. He held onto said wall to stabilize himself, though a sharp pain coursed through his back. Getting thrown around like a ragdoll was not fun in no way shape or form. As Savayna voiced her threat, he couldn't find it in himself to disagree. He offered a hand to an displeased Shion, who took it gratefully.

"If I knew it would turn out like this, I would have opted for Emiri's unstable magicks," Nadeline let her rather loud complaint be heard as Wesley helped her to her feet. "I thought we were going for stability, I think I hurt myself more here than I did in battle in Rabanastre!"

"I'll send the bill for a chiropractor, ow," Grant added, unable to quite walk in a straight line. He nearly tripped over Emiri, who was still sitting on the floor. "Everything alright there?"

"My wrist really hurts," Emiri whimpered, holding her hand to herself. "I think I sprained it..."

Nadeline shook her head, placing her hands on her hips as she glared at Jaakuna. "Happy?" She asked Jaakuna, visibly annoyed as she knelt down to Emiri.

"Disappointing, but quick." Shion commented, turning towards the exit. "Our landing has drawn attention to us, I'd rather get going sooner than later."

"Not that I expect a clear answer, but why are we here?" Grant asked her.

"I'm sure we'll find out once we get going."

Jaakuna looked all around at everyone, seeing their not-so-pleased faces with how they got to the Phon Coast. He didn't quite understand why they were so displeased. Okay, so maybe the ride was a little bumpy and okay, maybe they could've gone without using that new hyperdrive function, but there never would've been a better time to test the new additions to the ship. Better it happen on a harmless, quick journey to the Phon Coast rather in some long-term, possibly dangerous, voyage that'd otherwise put everyone at a grave risk of dying. But of course, they had to blame someone, so why not the likely suspect, right?

As he saw how banged up there were, Jaakuna pulled out a pad of paper and got an ink pen. "Let's see, a few sprained wrists, some very sore backs, and a couple of dozen bruises collectively spread throughout all of us--I mean you guys." He jotted it down, nodding and mumbling to himself. "I've deduced that it's no big deal."

"No big deal? NO BIG DEAL!?" Savayna exploded, "I've got a big bruise on my face. Do you realize what this means?"

"That you're less ugly than before?" Jaakuna offered his educated guess, not realizing it was a rhetorical question.

"No, you Jaakass. It means you have no care for your recklessness. Emiri has a sprained wrist, we all have bruises. And Grant has a tweaked back. Now when he and I...you know, I'll have to do all of the work." She huffed and puffed and was the first one to leave the room, no doubt making her way to the Mistifying Room where she would be teleported down to the Phon Coast.

Following Savayna's explosion, Jaakuna caught glances from everyone else, somewhat emoting the similar rage that Savyana had. And to that, he said, "but did you die?"

Grant opened his mouth to comment, but decided against it as Savayna would storm out. He would follow suit, managing to contain his grumbling to a minimum. Shion shrugged, having no further comment to add, though she was visibly curious about the Ifrit as one would notice her looking around as she would follow Grant and Savayna. Nadeline had a million things she wanted to say, though she decided that she would focus on Emiri, pulling the girl to her feet. As the pair descended the Ifrit, the smell of the sea hit them. Nadeline let out a sigh, casting her healing magicks over Emiri's wrist.

The brunette gave her an apologetic smile. "Thank you," She said as she bent her wrist, the pain ceasing. "It's been a long time since I've been here. Hunter's paradise and all...and they do not look happy." She noted the many, many, many disgruntled looks the group was getting.

Nadeline walked over to Grant, healing his back. "Considering the manner of our landing, I can't say I'm surprised. The coast is an absolute mess now," She stated as her magicks finished their work, dusting her hands off. "I'm more concerned with us not knowing why we're here. Why lead us somewhere if you do not know why?"

"I figured it would be nice if we all found out at the same time," Shion said as she began to walk, though she shot a look at the many hunters, who immediately averted their eyes. "I assume you had plans to go elsewhere, but before that it would be best to hear what Michel and Aloa have to say."

"Didn't we just see Michel? Did he do something?" Emiri asked.

"My flowers get things done," Her answer came off a little harshly, especially when she gave Emiri a look.

The mention of Michel brought Wesley to something he had said just before he had disappeared with Meli into one of his portals. “Michel did say he had something to do. Perhaps it had to do with why we’re here in the Phon Coast and not going to the Sandsea as previously agreed upon.” Wesley mused, wondering now about what it could be about. Perhaps Emiri was onto something about how they did something. Shion’s not-so-subtle comment did point in that direction.

Jaakuna let out a sigh, stretching his unharmed muscles. “Only one way to find out.” Jaakuna said rather casually, looking to Shion, “lead the way!”

Savayna seemed to have something on her mind, but she bit her tongue and would simply follow Shion’s lead. It wasn’t like she had anything useful to say at the moment. If anything, it would’ve been more of the same -- just recycled and directed towards Jaakuna(as always).

The group followed Shion through the beach as she led the way. It seemed inconspicuous enough as she led them to one of the still-standing huts, though it was difficult to ignore the rather nasty glares, particularly at the pilot of the Ifrit. Shion ignored them all, simply walking past as she went inside. There wasn't anything too interesting on the inside, either. It was decorated simply, though a desk sat on the other side of the wall, a young woman with boyish short hair studying something from a book. She didn't bother looking up as Shion approached the desk, more interested in what she was reading.

"I've been pressing a lot of flowers lately," She sighed, flipping a page through the book. "My favorite has to be the camellia, but I can't remember what page I left it on."

"Try page eighty seven," Shion suggested. Flipping the page to the one Shion suggested, a blue flower was pressed. Taking it, she handed it to Shion without looking at her, and went back to her previous page, still reading. "Even fallen petals have their uses."

"All you have to do is find it. Welcome back, my lady," The woman said, nodding slightly.

"What a cute code," Emiri commented as they followed Shion to the next room.

Shion scowled at her, crushing the pressed flower in her hand as it emitted a blue powder. "Cute? It's our motto." She told her, closing the door as the last of them entered.

Grant looked around, noticing the room was entirely empty, and with no way out except the way the had came. He looked to Shion, who shook her head at him, and she would open the door they had come from. Instead of the hut, however, they would see what looked like a great library. Books littered the walls from the high ceiling to the ground, the place filled with people. As soon as Shion walked, however, every single eye turned towards the group, a sudden tension thick in the air. Grant found himself hesitating--their numbers were massive--but with a wave of Shion's hand, the tension would dissipate. Each one would bow to her as they walked past.

Leading them to a corner of the great hall, Shion approached an absolute mess of books. On the chair sat a young girl dressed entirely in green, her brown hair in two buns. She was poking what looked like a small lotus flower, a frown on her face, though she would then look up at them. Her brown eyes shined as she noticed Shion, though she quickly shrinked back as she noticed the rest of the group.

"I've returned, Ren," Shion greeted the child.

"W-Welcome back, Mistress..." She managed to squeak out a response, shyly looking up.

"Where is Michel?"

"M-Michel...he came back with a viera...they went to Meli's room..." She told her meekly.

"Thank you." The young girl looked nervously at the group, a small blush creeping on her face. Shion sighed. "Come then. I'll need your ability for proper explanations." Shion ordered, turning on her heel.

The girl seemed defeated, dragging her feet as she followed her mistress. The pair would lead the group to a larger room with many beds and just as many cabinets. On the farthest side sat Aloa, looking very disinterested in anything, and a rather irritated Meli, who seemed to be in a storm of fury. As they approached, Meli's words could be heard. "None of my business--if it has anything to do with Michel, it is my business!" She barked at the viera.

"It isn't. You are neither chosen nor ascended." Aloa seemed like she had been repeating herself.

That was a little mean. Emiri was sympathetic to Meli, though she didn't have the courage to say so. Meli huffed, turning around and crossing her arms, though it was then she noticed the group. She immediately got down on one knee, kneeling before her mistress. "You've seen better days," Shion commented dryly.

"I'm slipping in my old age," Aloa admitted. "It is done. Though...not without its price."

Shion sighed once more, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "Ren." She called out to the girl, who had been frozen in place about ten feet away. She squeaked something inaudible, to which Shion rolled her eyes. "Ren." She repeated her name.

The girl shuffled awkwardly to the group, stiff as a board. Her expression was one of terror, though she would hold out her flower, its petals glowing gently. A small orb appeared and floated above it, showing the events of Aloa's adventure from her perspective for all to see.

There have been stories about where the Flowers of the Blue Rose had flourished and how they lived. One tale spoke of an underground cult that was full of skilled assassins. Whilst true to some extent, there were contradicting reports of the true location and nature of this group of thieves, assassins, and other like-minded individuals living so high up in the mountains that it was almost like a monastery of monks. As one could believe, that was even more far-fetched than some of the other stories of them being actors in a constantly-moving theater traveling through Ivalice.

As everyone had found out for themselves, none of the rumors about the always-evasive, always-secretive, group known simply as Utena was, in fact, more grounded than one would imagine. Their headquarters was actually pretty normal. Aside from the scathing glares everyone except Shion had gotten from the flowers(one had to assume that’s who they were). It was obvious to anyone(except Jaakuna) that these ‘flowers’, who had absolute devotion to Shion as noted by their bowing when she walked past them, didn’t like outsiders. It was especially noted with how they reacted to Jaakuna’s ignorant glee. If Shion hadn’t been leading them, one would be willing to bet that a brawl would’ve broken out between the Transcendent and the Madame Blue Rose’s Garden.

Thankfully, however, that didn’t happen. Instead, when Shion had approached a young woman who had a graceful appearance like Nadeine and the shy demeanor — or was it intimidated? — one like Emiri once had. And her eyes seemed to sparkle when Shion had addressed her by her name. Ren was the given name of a lot of women from certain parts of Ivalice, though mostly in nomadic countries that still practiced the old traditions. While it seemed obvious Ren was quite nervous, there was only a brief exchange of words before they had been off to find Michel, to which Ren noted that he with Meli in her room.

As they followed, Jaakuna couldn’t help but be amazed by what he saw. To think this was where Shion spent most of her time. Hell, this was where Francis had spent most his time as of late. Not a bad setup, if he had to admit it.

“Whatever you’re thinking about doing don’t.” Savayna whispered to Jaakuna.

“What?” He whispered back.

“I know that look and bad things happen when you have that look — namely me.”

Just as he was going to open his mouth and quite possibly say something witty in a retort, he was stopped by the sudden sounds of Meli’s words, as well as a familiar Viera’s voice. And, Jaakuna might’ve not been the smartest sword on the weapon’s rack, but he knew that tone more than anyone: it was the kind of tone someone like Aloa and Shion had when they were acting superior to whomever they were talking to.

“Ladies, please, can’t we work something out—” Michel tried to reason with his savior and his beloved, but both, in their own ways, gave him a nasty glare. He sighed, wondering what he did to the Gods to deserve this.

You used a forbidden magick, for one. Shemhazai offered a suggestion.

And now he was the one to scowl. Only a moment later did Jaakuna and the others walk into his periphery. “Oh, Mistress and Ren..and--”

Jaakuna raised his hand up, “let’s just save the individual name-calling, for now, okay?” He let out a sigh. Michel reciprocated with a smile with a chuckle.

After a few hugs and the like had gone through everyone from Michel to them, Shion decided it was time to — well, quite honestly, there wasn't any indication what they were here for, but as Ren would reveal, it was something rather...shocking. This girl’s ability, apparently, was similar to Shinto’s. Both of them could share memories, though Ren’s was more of an outwardly visual whereas Shinto’s was more within the mind. As for the specific memory, they all bore witness to the gruesome fight between Aloa and some creature, which most in the room just had to assume that meant the creature. And based on what they saw, it was a back and forth tussle between them, with both gaining the advantage at some point. The Creature, of course, had used underhanded tactics to get the one-up on Aloa, whilst the latter had impressive magicks that gave her a natural edge over it.

When it seemed like all was going to be over for the Creature, it used quite a low countermeasure by forcing Justine—Emette’s—hand by submitting the remainder of her life force into Aloa, which prompted the Creature to use a last resort(that’s how Wesley interpreted it) as its form changed into a literal black hole. It threatened to suck Aloa into its empty void, there came a glimmer of hope. In front of it, colored pure white, a portal five feet in height and width intercepted her.

After a long silence, someone broke it. “That was certainly the ordeal.” Wesley commented, unsure what else to say.Considering what had happened to Emette, it was, if nothing else, a hard thing to watch. His mind went instantly to Emiri and how she must be feeling. Having lost a parent himself, he could relate. A few others could as well, but there was no one who could relate to the pain of losing a parent twice.

“You are fortunate that Michel got to you when he did.” Wesley noted, looking to the green-haired male, though he happened to see the reluctant smile from Michel. “Oh, my apologies. I didn’t mean to offend.”

“It’s not that,” Michel sighed, looking at everyone, but his eyes went directly to Shion. “Forgive me, the situation was too dire. I had no choice but to use it.” He apologized to her, bowing his head to his Mistress.

Crossing her arms, the visuals certainly put her in a world of questions. Still, she was more certain than anything that this mass of darkness was exactly what Grigori had been warning them of. What bothered her, however, was that despite her best efforts, it had Aloa on the ropes. It certainly began with her having an advantage, but it was almost as if the Creature had been testing her limit, trying to see just how far she could go. If it hadn't been for Zalera and her affinity to Death magicks, she sincerely doubted Aloa would have lived to see them now. The thought was unsettling, to say the least.

She returned her attention to the conversation when Wesley would break the silence. She noticed Shion averting her attention elsewhere, following her gaze to Emiri, who was staring at the floor. The brunette seemed torn, though as she looked up, she seemed to have caught Shion's staring. The two locked eyes, as if daring for the other to speak first, though neither would speak. Nadeline instantly knew what that was about--no doubt Emette's loss affected Emiri, and Shion knew it could lead to another disaster. Shion had no faith in Emiri, and by the looks of things, Emiri didn't quite believe in herself, either.

The blue haired woman would only break off when Michel addressed her. "So it would seem. Unfortunate as if was, it was necessary," Shion commented, a hand on her hip. "The situation is worse than I imagined."

"It was as if it took everything living," Emiri offered her own thoughts, a pensive thought on her face. "No wonder Keiran was terrified of it. Even Aloa's magicks only managed to go head to head, but..."

"Not enough to conquer it. And eventually it regained the advantage," Grant finished her thought. "To add insult to injury, it seemed it underestimated Aloa."

"Underestimated? You mean it was simply toying with her?" Nadeline asked, shocked. "But that's..."

"Nothing could so much as touch it. Anything with mist, anything living would simply be absorbed into it," Aloa stated.

Emiri's eyes widened in shock. "How can you beat something like that...?" She asked. "Then, her sacrifice was for nothing?"

Shion was quick to correct her. "Considering the fact that you all were probably headed in that direction, I'd say it was worth saving your skins," She stated sharply.

"So she had to die to prove a point? Is that what you're saying?" Emiri turned to her, horrified. "That's insanity! You'd throw away lives just for information? If Aloa had died, would you say the same thing?"

"If you hadn't noticed, this thing accomplished its goal. If you thought that it's going to sit around, twiddling its thumbs while you lot parade around Ivalice, you're dead wrong." Shion replied coldly.

Nadeline wasn't sure if she liked where this was going. Emiri took in a deep breath, and Nadeline expected an argument to erupt then and there, but the brunette stayed on track. "And what is this 'Reckoning'? What exactly is this thing looking to do? And why act now when it had the opportunity to do so when it had been at Venat's side this entire time?" She asked, glaring at Shion. "You say it was needed, but nothing was accomplished. Nothing new was learned...only that whatever it's up to, its plan is charging at full speed."

Venat’s rage felt throughout his throne room. He tapped his chair repeatedly, almost to the point where sparks of black lightning surrounded him, further emphasizing what had actually happened. “Damn that--that Creature! Betraying me like this! Did it really think it could do this and not think I wouldn’t react accordingly?!”

It had been days since the Creature was sent off on a routine mission on Venat’s orders. He wanted the Creature to collect an ancient relic that was paramout to the final stage of his plan. It was the only thing he needed. He had everything else: droplets of the Time Scion’s hair that held traces of her mist(as well as her time powers), he had the essence of Loghrif, and the most important facet of this multi-century-long plan, the bones of a certain deceased emperor. It had all been gathered. His Followers — his Scions, whom were created for this sole purpose — had all been awaiting this grandmaster plan to go into fruition. The Relic, the Dynast Dome, no bigger than an urn, was the last thing he needed. It was the last piece of this puzzle.

And it was gone!

“My Liege, I understand that you--”

“You understand nothing, Halmarut! My plans are ruined! And it’s all because of that Creature!”

“Surely there is something else that could replace it? Perhaps the Tome of Ivalice?”

Venat stood up and reached his hand across five meters to grab Halmarut, who was formerly known as Hamutby the throat, lifting the False Ram Scion off of his feet. “Do you not understand what the Dynast Dome is?” Venat asked, though it was rhetorical. “It holds the spirit of Raithwall himself within it. The very man whose will split nethicite into three pieces. It’s not simply something that can be recreated.”

“As always, Venat, you’re missing the bigger picture.” Suddenly, as Venat released Halmarut, a familiar voice had spoke. It was only after a moment did she come out. Dark-skinned and beautiful by Hume standards, she came out from the walls, forming from some black tar-like mist.

“Leviathan. Or should I call you Zodiark now?”

She laughed at his confusion over her name. She walked with confidence, offering Hamut a smile. “Been a long time, old man,” she teased him as he continued to cough.

“What are you doing here?!” Hamut asked her, demanding to know.

“I believe we can help each other.”

“Oh?” Color Venat intrigued, “and what can you, of all people, possibly help me? Do you wish to steal more of my Scions away from me?”

“Mitron and Nabriales were never yours to begin with — at least, not after I got my hands on them.” She seemed to gloat, but let out a breath, signalling that she was getting off-topic. “I am here to propose something to you, Venat.”

Deciding to take a chance, he allowed her to speak, gesturing to her with a nod. What was the worst that could happen?

---

Both Shion and Emiri gave no room for anyone to interject. When one had something to say about one thing they said, the other would retort in such a way that made it nearly impossible for even the most daring(Savayna) to speak. It got to the point where Emiri had enough of Shion’s words and, as the kids say, wrecked her shit. Sweating was a given, but there was a slow clap from Jaakuna. It wasn’t helping, sure, but it seemed highly appropriate considering what Emiri had said. Even though Shion retorted, one had to admit it didn’t have as much effect as what Emiri had said about “had it been Aloa”.

And when asked about the Reckoning, there were a bunch of blank expressions among the group.

“That isn’t true,” Michel stated, interrupting Emiri in her last sentence. “In retrospect, we learned one crucial fact that has to do with everything surrounding the Creature.” He went on to say, eyes now on Emiri, though his eyes went to everyone else as well. “What Ren didn’t show you was what happened when we landed in the Phon Coast--”

“You mean when you almost died because of that damned portal on your stomach!” Meli scowled at Aloa.

“But it’s fixed now, my love.”

“You have a portal on your stomach?”

“This I have to see.”

“I am also curious.”

“I had one. Aloa healed me using Emette’s light.” Michel said, “but we’re getting off-course.” He sighed, looking at all of them, “what I was going to say is, during a conversation with Aloa, she told me that Grigori — that multi-colored monk — is actually a Watcher of Ivalice. It’s apparently someone that watches over Ivalice and he’s the one that intervenes only when Ivalice’s livelihood is threatened.”

“And you think the Creature is the one who is threatening it?”

“Given what we saw and what I saw, I’d bet my life on it, which brings me to my next point.” He started, “when Ren showed us what happened, I noticed something. It was only for a moment, but I’m sure of it now!”

“What was it, Michel?” Jaakuna asked.

“The Dynast Dome.”

Wesley blinked his eyes, uncertain he heard right. “Did you just say the Dynast Dome? That’s impossible. That was…”

“Yes, I am aware what it is.” He said, bothered by this revelation.

“Someone want to clue us in.”

Wesley cleared his throat, looking to Nadeline as he grabbed her Tome. He knew exactly where to look for it. ”And here it was said: when I die, I will rest in the furthest reaches in Jagd. To my descendents, I leave my crown and kingdom to you, but most importantly, my life force. It is in this relic that will be forged from my bones and enchanted with my mist that I will live on in. It is, above all else, the greatest power I can leave you.” Wesley read, looking at everyone. “Those were words written in King Raithwall’s will. It was his final wish. This Relic, if it’s truly the Dynast Dome, the Creature poses a greater threat than we all thought he would.”

"To think it was real...I had only read about it, though admittedly I didn't quite believe in it," Nadeline found herself admitting out loud, giving a small shrug. "There were numerous search parties and treasure hunters that did their best to find it, but no one ever had any proof it existed. There was nary a trace of it or its magicks. If I recall correctly, it would only appear to the descendants of the Dynast-King...but even then, not to just any, only those who proved their worth."

"Maybe it was Cassandra that unlocked it for the Creature," Emiri stated, clearly still bitter. "She's certainly evil enough."

"Now, now, you musn't let your personal feelings get in the way of your thinking," Nadeline scolded her. "Considering Wesley is the only option left, I...admit I'm at a loss as to how the Creature got the Dome to appear. The Dynast-King's strength was legendary, it would have to be truly something out of this world to unbind his magicks."

"Or one of his descendants waltzed right up to it."

"Emiri, no."

"I stand by my theory!"

Grant cleared his throat. "Well, the stakes climb up ever so, yet I'm still curious as to what this 'Reckoning' foretells exactly," Grant said, scratching his head. "And if Aloa's experience proved anything, it was that said Reckoning was well on its way. How would we go about stopping it?"

"I wonder if Grigori would know..." Nadeline frowned, absentmindedly looking around. "What was your next move going to be, Shion?"

"Asking Wesley to go reveal the Dome, though of course, it is far too late for that," Shion said. "Now it's more about finding some way to get the Dome away from it...even though I feel as if the Dome shouldn't work with someone who does not have the Dynast-King's blood."

There was a lot of truth to what both Emiri(no matter how misguided it might’ve been) and Shion theorized. Only someone with Dalmascan blood in their veins could make the Dynast Dome appear before them. But there was something that they weren’t considering, or at least what they didn’t know. “I know how the Creature got the Dynast Dome to appear before him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nadeline knows this, but when she was first taken by Caeru and Sanguine, she was brought to a man who was revealed to be my brother. Or at least, it was someone using his body. I can’t honestly tell you which it was, but I knew that it was my brother’s body. And somehow the Creature revived him or was using his body as a front. Again, I don’t know which it was, but if he still had some of Sylvester’s blood in his system, I’m positive that’s how the Creature was able to get their hands on it.” Wesley revealed to the group.

“Are you absolutely sure?”

“I was there, so I’m positive,” Wesley retorted back to Savayna.

There was a moment of silence, though it was followed by Michel’s voice. “I suppose now we have to figure out what the Creature is going to use it for?”

“A pity the only thing that ascended for you lot was your ignorance to the obvious.” Before anyone could react to that obviously-familiar voice, shadows rose up in the middle of the room and revealed Leviathan. She eyed them all, stopping at Grant. “And how is my favorite silent knight?” She brought her hand to his cheek, smiling sweetly at his face.

“Hey bitch, hands off!” Savayna roared.

Levi let out a small laugh, smiling at Savayna. She removed her hand from Grant’s cheek and glanced around the group. “Meli, how good it is to see you. And it seems my old friend, Shion, the Blue Rose and Aloa, the now-Death Seraph, are here as well.”

Nadeline raised an eyebrow at Leviathan. Of course she would decide to show up, it's not like they didn't have enough on their plate as it was. It was somewhat comforting to know no one was particulary happy, though she admitted she was slightly amused as she noticed Ren literally quake in her shoes, terrified of the snake-woman. Shion didn't so much as blink an eye, though she seemed curious at the very least. Emiri shifted, uncomfortable, though for a second, she noticed her hand emitting Zodiark's symbol, if only briefly. She crossed her arms in an attempt to hide it, though she would take a step away from Levi.

Grant visibly paled as Leviathan would stroke his cheek. Why? Why him? He wanted to think that Levi was just toying in him, but that look in her eye told him that she enjoyed making him uncomfortable. Still, the gods had some mercy as she would greet Shion and Aloa. Aloa let out a low sound that could have been mistaken as a laugh,

Meli rolled her eyes, either unafraid of Levi or not quite understanding the woman. "We haven't seen you in ages, then you suddenly pop up?" She said, surprising Nadeline. She almost sounded as if she was comfortable with the woman.

The princess raised her nose at the woman, unimpressed. "Out with it, then, as I sincerely doubt your visit is one of pleasantness," She stated stonily.

"No need for the hostility," Shion extended a hand to Nadeline, though she never took her eyes off Levi. "I let her in."

"What?!" Grant burst out, completely shocked.

"Not even the 'collected' or whatever can get in here, you have to be invited," Meli shook her head, a hand on her forehead. "Ignorant after all."

"Collective," Nadeline corrected her. "And why in the world would you let this woman into a place like this?!"

"We've cooperated from time to time, why else?" Shion sounded annoyed as she replied to Nadeline. "If you haven't noticed, we are with our backs to the wall, with the enemy ever growing stronger."

"And of all the people you choose to seek help from, you choose her?!" Emiri was equally irritated.