Their reactions had been understandable, but as all Utena members knew, Shion and the one called Leviathan had a very complicated relationship. One could say they helped each other when necessary and worked against each other all the same. It had depended on what one had to gain from the other. If they needed information, one would provide it. If someone needed to set up some form of a trap, then, of course, the other would provide the means. Truth be told, Leviathan, despite what actions she has taken in the past, though not officially, was a member of Utena.

But of course, that didn't make Shion's decision to allow her entry despite the outspoken disapproval of her being her any easier to digest. If anything, it made it even worse - well, as far as Emiri and Grant seemed to be concerned. The others didn't particularly like it any less than they did, either. Leviathan has done at least one thing to everyone in the room to warrant hatred. Even so, Shion, at least for the moment, had placed some amount of trust in her. What were they going to do?

"Why have you come, Levi?" Michel asked her. He figured it should be someone who was at least half-unbiased towards this woman to address her.

"Oh, how good to see you again Michel. I heard about your unfortunate run-in with the Creature. How awful it must've been for you. To think you had to resort to using the Void Whisper." She eyed him sweetly, tone feigning concern.

"Please, spare me your theatrics and just tell us why you've come all this way."

She let out a disappointed sigh. "You're no fun, you know that? Fine, I'll tell you all." She turned around, looking at everyone. "I heard through the grapevine that the dear Creature has stolen something of value."

"Why doesn't it surprise me that you know about the Dynast Dome?" Wesley muttered, shaking his head.

"My dearest nephew--"

"Not another word!" Wesley snapped, earning a genuine oh from Levi.

"I know of someone who might be able to help you. In fact, this third party has agreed to help you all."

"Who is it?"

"Why tell when I can show you?"

As Levi had raised her arms up into the air and over her head, she let out a loud, passionate scream. Once she did that, a dark mist surrounded them all(minus Ren). It put them in some kind of vortex of blue and black mist, their eyes seeing the images of famous locations in Ivalice from the Phon Coast to the Tchita Uplands, the Pharos of Ridorana, and how it towered high in the sky, but not even that could penetrate a dark castle the was as high as the heavens itself. Before anyone could say a word because a couple of the group knew where this was, they were brought to a single throne room with only one inhabitant in it.

And they all knew who it was.

"As we've discussed, I've brought them here."

The figure in the throne smiled. "How wonderful it is to see you all again," Venat spoke, smiling at all of his lovely guests. "Please, make yourself at home."

Why?!

What.

So that's where this was headed.

Grant didn't quite appreciate Levi's rather...interesting way of performing magicks (though he put on his best pokerface, lest Savayna notice) though he had to admit his surprise as their surroundings changed around them. He looked around, entirely confused, though it wasn't until he bumped into Nadeline that he noticed the sole outsider in the room. His hand immediately went to his weapon, going so far as to take a step back, although he realized that he wasn't the only one hostile to their new place. Nadeline didn't look to pleased, though she retained her air of authority. Emiri wasn't too happy either, though she made to step behind Jaakuna, her hand on his shoulder. She didn't understand where this was going, and as she looked to the blue haired woman for an answer, she nearly screamed in terror. Saying Shion looked angry was an understatement, if looks could kill, she was pretty sure everyone would be on the ground lit on fire. Shion couldn't quite hide her absolute displeasure, though for once she remained completely silent.

Aloa would be the first to speak. "Choosing the lesser of two evils, are we?" She asked, a curious tone emitted. "What a gamble, with yourself to reap the rewards the moment someone's guard is let down."

"Lesser of two--are you serious?!" Grant immediately protested.

“This has to be a joke.” Jaakuna said. He knew that Levi had a twisted sense of humor, but of all people-- “Tell me you aren’t--actually, fuck that. I knew this was a trap.” Jaakuna’s eyes glimmered bright gold and his Transcendent Blade manifested in his hands. “If we take him on together, we can end it right here and now. Who’s with me?” Jaakuna looked around.

“You know I’m game!” Savayna stood beside Jaakuna, Mateus’ trident appearing in her sword hand.

“Normally, I wouldn’t, but I cannot agree to this partnership.” Wesley announced, joining the two blond Archadians as he donned his own sword.

Grant didn’t bother with words, immediately joining the rest of the group, weapon at the ready, though he made it a point to avoid eye contact with Levi.

Honestly, it wasn’t that Nadeline didn’t disagree, but… “Before we go into full on battle, can we hear what exactly their intentions are?” The princess asked her battle ready companions. “I can’t help but feel this is happening for a reason.”

“The reason being that this was a trap from the get-go,” Emiri pointed out.

“As much in line as if would be for Levi to simply drop us into a pit of despair only to get fed on by a monster, I must insist that--for now--we listen,” Nadeline was persistent.

Grant scowled at her, not quite liking the look on her face. “And your insistence comes from…?” He asked, slightly afraid of her answer.

Nadeline sported a wicked smile, knowing exactly who to go to in order to get the rest to lay down their weapons, if only for a moment. She turned on her heel, her eyebrows high as she gave Shion a rather amused look. “You’ve been rather quiet through all this, haven’t you?” Nadeline invited the woman to the conversation. “Go on, tell Jaakuna to take it easy for a moment.”

Shion looked like she was either going to throw up or start screaming, it was very unclear what her next action would be. Taking in a very deep breath, she raised her hand, waving their concerns away. “It’s...not something I derive any pleasure from whatsoever,” She grumbled, though she cleared her throat. “We’re out of options. Even if you were to go confront the Creature now, it would result not only in your deaths, but the deaths of anyone and everyone we hold dear.”

“You realize what you’re saying,” Emiri couldn’t help but say. “You realize what they have done to me, right?”

“And I’m saying to listen.” Shion seemed to be losing whatever patience she had. “Does it look like this is something I want?”

As their spat had continued, Venat and Levi exchanged a series of glances and some entertained chuckle. [color=36454]“As much as I’d love to show you once again I’m stronger than all of you, the Blue Rose is right. If you hear what I have to say, perhaps we all could arrive at some understanding.”[/color]

Jaakuna gritted his teeth, looking back and Shion, then to those who had joined him in what was supposed to be a badass assault. “Fine, we’ll listen.”

“We will?” Savayna asked.

Jaakuna reluctantly nodded. “If you try anything funny, you’re dead.” He warned Venat.

“Oh but of course!” Venat seemed to comply with Jaakuna, offering him a smile. [color=36454]“Ah, where do I begin?”[/color] He pondered on that for a brief moment before having an ‘a-ha’ moment. “Oh yes, let’s start with the obvious: I sent the Creature to the Tomb to retrieve the Dynast Dome for me.”

“Which backfired. Horribly.” Grant couldn’t help but point out. “And instead of retrieving the relic as you would have hoped, it decided to take it for itself and essentially doom all of Ivalice.”

“Oh..” Amid all of the animosity, Venat had just realized something. “A shame that you sound like yourself now. That girly tone suited you better.”

How the hell did he know that? Grant scowled once more, though he was effectively silenced. Feeling some pity for him, Emiri decided to pick up where he left off. “So you fucked up. Now what?” She asked.

“I’ve figured, of anyone, you’d pick up on the obvious, Time Scion.” Venat sighed, disappointed in Emiri.

She refused to back down. “Enlighten me.”

“We work together and get the Dynast Dome away from the Creature.” He stated rather casually.

“Wait--we--’we’?!” She was completely flabbergasted. “You can’t be serious!”

“Oh, he is,” Shion assured her bitterly.

“Yeah that’s not going to happen. I’d rather take my chances with the Creature than ever team up with the likes of you.”

”Seconded.

”Make that thirded.”

“Just hold on,” Michel used his portal to appear between Venat and the anti-Venat club. “What makes you think you could be any help to us? You said you sent the Creature to the Tomb of Raithwall to retrieve the Dynast Dome for you, but it decided the relic was too valuable, so it decided to keep it for itself. Am I correct?”

[color=36454]“You are.”[/color]

“And, as I’m sure you know, we have no idea where the Creature is nor why it made that decision. And I’m guessing you don’t either. If you did, then why send Levi to fetch us?”

“All true, but you’re leaving one thing out.” Venat said, looking at Michel, “While you may all hate me(and with good reason), unlike the Creature, I do not wish you any real harm. I simply require the Dynast Dome to return me to a form before this crusted version of myself you see right now. The Creature, however, wishes to use it for something too evil for even my standards.”

“Uh huh, and as soon as you get what you want, we get thrown to the side or worse--you go ahead and take advantage of our guard being down and strike!” Emiri huffed.

“Having six sacrifices to whatever concoction to return you to whatever you used to be, and then you get to do whatever you desire,” Grant added, unconvinced.

Nadeline seemed to remain composed. “I’m not concerned with the ‘why’ of the matter, I’m more interested to know if you have any concrete plans to take the Creature head on,” The princess said. “Perhaps then you’d have a chance at gaining the attention of my comrades.”

Venat smirked, eyes focused on Nadeline. He admired her bold confidence. Not all humes remained calm in front of him, especially those who had an axe to grind against him. “I do have a plan — one I’m sure will interest three of you here a great deal.”

Three out of eleven? How convenient. Shion exhaled a breath, placing her hands on her hips. “Which three?” She asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

Venat smiled. “You, your protege, and your right-hand woman.” He simply stated.

She couldn’t quite contain her laughter at that point, her eyes positively venomous. “You’d dain to step down from your throne and ask me for help?”” She asked. “How beautifully ironic.”

“You’re letting your anger cloud your natural intuition, Blue Rose. You’d be best to calm down.” Venat suggested, doing as Shion had asked him to, and he approached her, phasing through Michel and the others. Before they could even do anything, he was in front of Shion. He leaned in to her ear, the stench of his mist quite possibly numbing Shion’s senses. Though it surely would’ve been hard to handle, he would whisper fifteen words into her right ear and as soon as he did, he would appear back in his throne.

Amber eyes would widen as she took a step back. There was a mix of both fury and disbelief in her expression, though after a moment, fury took over. She took a few steps forward, almost as if she was going to confront him, though instead she turned back to the group, a deadly look in her eyes. Without bothering to explain anything, she would return to the group, dragging Jaakuna with her a few steps towards the throne. To her surprise, Emiri had taken Jaakuna’s hand, halting her progress immediately.

“This doesn’t concern you,” Shion informed her, pulling Jaakuna towards her. “We need to speak. Alone.”

“And you expect me to just accept that?” Emiri asked, incredulous as she would tug him back. “Clearly, you’ve lost your mind.”

“This is not up for discussion.” Shion insisted, pulling on Jaakuna’s other arm.

“You’re right, there’s nothing to discuss! Leave him alone!” Emiri yelled, pulling him as well.

“Stop acting like a child!”

”Ladies..please, there’s enough Jaakuna to go around—” He said, but was interrupted by their continued squabbling.

“Shut up! This is serious!” Shion snapped.

“Let go of him!”

“You let go!”

“No, you!”

Nadeline let out a groan. “Tell me this isn’t happening right now…”

“He’s enjoying himself,” Grant noted.

“Enjoying himself--Grant! Stop them!” She told him.

He laughed. “I am not getting in the middle of that.”

Levi appeared between Grant and Nadeline. “Is it always like this?” She asked, giving Grant a spontaneous massage with her hands.

“I’m afraid so--Wait, what do you think you’re doing!?” SAvayna just noticed Levi having her hands on Grant.

“He looked stressed, so I’m helping my dear brave knight feel relaxed.”

“He’s not yours, you slimey bitch! He’s mine!” Savayna yelled, grabbing Levi by her hair as she yanked her away from Grant.

Grant shuddered, though he managed to slip away from the pair of women, and despite his better judgement, he realized they were just wasting time. “He said he needed three, so clearly they have something to talk about,” He said, trying to coax Emiri.

“Nothing could be so important I’d just leave Jaakuna!” The brunette insisted.

The blue haired woman dropped all pretenses, though she would also release Jaakuna, glaring at Emiri. “All of you, out. Now.” The order was absolute, no arguments would even be considered.

Aloa’s ear twitched, though she clucked her tongue. “How truly troublesome…” She sighed. “Best to do as she says, run along, children.” Nadeline compiled a little too easily, though Aloa knew her princess always sought out every possible solution before making a decision, and for this she was glad.

Grant could already see Emiri’s protest brewing in her mind, and would kneel down in front of her. As Emiri opened her mouth to protest, instead of words, a yelp came out as she found herself on Grant’s shoulder. “What--Hey! Put me down, Grant!” She flailed, reaching out for Jaakuna. “I don’t like this! Jaakuna! Don’t let them use you!” She yelled out as Grant would lead her away.

As it proved to be unavoidable, the rest would follow suit. Wesley joined Michel with a sigh as they joined their respective significant other and Savayna couldn’t help but mutter some obscenities as she was the last to go. Even Levi made herself scarce has she disappeared into a portal of mist.

And all the while, Jaakuna waved to Emiri. “Love you too, dear!”

“That poor woman,” Aloa shook her head slowly, giving Jaakuna a look of pity. “Her concern falls on deaf ears.”

Watching the rest of the group take her leave, Shion would then turn her attention back to the asshole. “We’re all ears,” She stated coldly.

Venat’s eyes scanned all of them. As per the usual, Aloa was neutral in every sense of the word, while Jaakuna and Shion had leaned more towards the anger axis, though it was obvious to him that Shion was far right. “How rude, Blue Rose. You don’t even want to enlighten them as to why it’s you three that should hear this?”

“The truth of Rio Corona is not one she is willing to share lightly,” Aloa mused. As Shion looked at her, surprised, Aloa pointed to her ears. “They’re not just for decoration.”

Shion scowled, crossing her arms. “You’d call me rude...and yet you dare speak his name.” She muttered, closing her eyes.

“It’s not as if the reveal would be a shocker to anyone here. You two and myself know how he oh-so-tragically died by her hands. And why? Because he wanted to see who was stronger.” Venat was enjoying this too much. “I guess we know who proved their strength that day. And what a shame since it had to happen just moments after they were got engaged.”

Shion turned away from the three of them, completely quiet. Aloa sighed, deciding to try to steer the conversation back on track. “I understand it amuses you, but I would very much like to get on with it if you will.”

He offered her a nod. “Very well, but Blue Rose, allow me a question: did you ever go back to the scene of Rio’s death?” He asked her. “No, I’m not meaning that grave you made for him similarly to the one you made for innocent Avira - I mean the same spot that he took his last breath before passing into the afterlife.”

“It may be difficult for someone like you to understand, but I’ve avoided that area of the Paramina Rift for hundreds of years,” She started quietly but bitterly.

“A pity.”

“Care to elaborate?” Jaakuna answered for Shion to spare her the wasted energy.

He let out a sigh, his full attention on Shion who seemed to be one push from attacking him. “I imagine, had you gone back to that site at any point in time you would sense that your dearly beloved, the Fallen Knight Rio Corona is very much alive.”

Shion stared at Venat. “He died over two hundred years ago,” She said. “It isn’t possible.”

“Are you sure he was dead?”

“I murdered him.” She said plainly.

Aloa let out a hum. “Interesting...and that is truly something to ponder,” She couldn’t help but say.

“And yet, I’m sure if you focused, you’d sense him.”

“Stop toying with me,” She seemed to have lost her patience. “What could any of this have to do with anything? If there’s a point to be made, then get to it.”

“I wasn’t speaking to you, Blue Rose,” Venat stated, “I was directing that at Aloa.” He specified clearly. “I’m sure you felt it, did you not?”

Scratching the back of her head, Aloa averted her gaze for a moment. “It certainly would explain how it was able to get to the Dynast-King’s place of rest with little issue, though I couldn’t imagine it to be the case,” She would admit, though she looked at Shion. “When we collided, there was the faintest sign of life deep within.”

Shion froze.

Venat had kept his eyes on Shion. “You may not want to believe it, Blue Rose, but it is the truth. The Creature is your beloved, Rio Corona.”

Whilst Aloa had confirmed what Venat had been saying, Jaakuna also looked to her, but he did so for a different reason than Venat did. He was genuinely worried about her, so much so that he had approached her, a hand on her shoulder, though a scathing gaze was shot to Venat, eyes burning gold. He had an entire mind that had decided to take him out in honor of Shion, but he knew he couldn’t. “So what then? How’d this happen?” Jaakuna asked Venat.

“By all rights, Rio died, this is true, but my influence — the power that drove him to become the man that Shion had killed — manifested itself in the form of a shadow that consumed his body. When that happened, a literal Creature of Death was created. It was my creature. Every bit of me lives within it, but...”

“But?”

[color=36454f]“There is hope.”

“Hope for...?”

“There’s hope to bring back Rio.” Venat revealed, no doubt earning the attention from Shion. “This is why the Dynast Dome is required. The life force of the King Raithwall is enough to purify even my power.”

“Why tell us this? With this knowledge, who’s to stop us from using it on you, and ridding your presence of Ivalice?” Jaakuna asked.

Venat chuckled, smiling at Jaakuna. “You could do this. I’m sure the knowledge is within your grasp, but it’ll take the entirety of Raithwall’s life force to kill me.” He informed them. “ You could do this, but you’ll be wasting your one and only chance to save the Blue Rose’s beloved.”

The bastard. He knew exactly.

Jaakuna wanted to say something in retort, but he’d only say what had already been said. So rather than sound like a broken record of sorts, his eyes went to Aloa and Shion. Certainly one of them had something to say to all of this.

The blue haired woman never took her eyes off Venat, and she wasn’t about to do so now. She knew where he was going with this, and as she raised her chin, her amber eyes were unreadable, her line of thinking impossible to guess. Aloa eyed her curiously, though she decided if Shion would not speak, then she would.

“A generous offer,” The viera commented, a finger on her cheek. “What, exactly, do you have to gain from this? This generosity is unbecoming of someone like yourself. It begs the question of why you would go out of your way for your former protege.”

”Much like you, I’d rather not be destroyed by the Creature. It is that simple.” Venat stated to Aloa’s question.

“The word ‘simple’ doesn’t apply to someone of your nature,” Aloa would remind him, though despite her statement, she would not press the issue any further. “How would we go about getting rid of your creature?”

He closed his eyes, smiling. When he would open them, one of his long fingers pointed to Jaakuna. “That is how.”

The blond Archadian looked to his left and right only to realize that Venat was pointing at him. “Who? Me?” Jaakuna didn’t quite understand.

Venat nodded. “You are in possession of the Sigil, are you not?”

Jaakuna nodded.

“Then that’s how you do it. With that power, you can purify anything, including me.”

Venat stood up, rolling up the cloth that had been covering his entire right arm. As he did, the three of them would bear witness to a bright light trailing down like tribal marks from Venat’s right shoulder down to his inner-elbow. He had then turned his gaze to Shion. “This is what happened when we fought, Blue Rose. And you weren’t using your full power then, yet, since that fight…” Venat let the cloth fall back down. “Bottom line is that she used that power she passed to you and it was able to weaken me - and she wasn’t meant for that power. So, just imagine what the Transcendent could do to a mere shadow of the great Venat.”

Jaakuna thought on what Venat said, though he did turn his eyes to both Aloa and Shion. He wondered what they thought about this. He had the thought of calling it a bunch of Chocobo shit, but seeing the injury on his arm and a smirk that he caught from Shion, he had to admit there was a lot of merit in what he said. Still, all of this is putting a lot of weight on Jaakuna’s shoulders. He could handle it, of course, but it seemed no matter where they went or what obstacle they faced, all of the worst of it seemed to be placed in Jaakuna’s hands, making him the only one to deal with it.

He let out a sigh, though it was one of fatigue. “Ya know, I’m not exactly sure what you expect me to do.” He said to all three of them, sighing once more. “I get that I have this awesome power and all, but surely I’m not the only one who can do it. What about Nadeline? She’s got Ultima. Or maybe Grant. Levi did say he’d be stronger than me when he finally ascended. Why’s it always the same? ‘Oh Jaakuna, you have to do it. Oh Jaakuna, it’s all up to you. Oh Jaakuna, you’re the Chosen One.’”

Aloa held her hand up, signaling Jaakuna to cease, if only for a moment. “I suppose we do have another option, if we so chose another path,” She stated airily.

“If it doesn’t involve me having to constantly save your asses, I’m all for it!”

The viera gave him a small smile, a rarity. However, it was not genuine, and Shion had to hold back her own chuckle. “So eager to agree before he hears the rest of it,” Shion noted.

“Technically, your Transcendent Light would be the most effective,” She said. “If you would shirk your responsibility to another, we could ask the Scion of Time to take a shot at it.”

“What? No, absolutely not!”

Venat mused a surprising sound. “She could reverse time to the point that Rio’s darkness wasn’t overwhelming his hume body and destroy the Creature.” He stated, offering even further insight since he knew Jaakuna wasn’t necessarily all that bright despite him gaining some of Shion’s observational skills.

“It would work, though it would be strenuous on her,” Aloa added, looking at Jaakuna. “As you said, you are ‘all for it’, no?”

“I--no, I didn’t mean--”

“If I recall, your exact words were ‘if it doesn’t involve me constantly saving your asses, I’m all for it’.” Venat said, chuckling.

They all had walked him right into that corner. “I hate you all.” He mumbled through a scowl.

“That should teach you not to agree without hearing the entirety,” Shion scolded him.

Jaakuna had turned his head towards Shion, almost saying exactly what had been on his mind in that very moment, but as he thought about it more, he decided against it. Instead, he turned away, facing Venat. “So, how would I go about this exactly? Just fight him and hello Rio?”

“I suppose you’ll have to find that out for yourself. I’ve more than done my part.” Venat stated, refusing to say anymore. “You’d best hurry; the Creature isn’t going to wait that long before the Reckoning enters stage two.” He gestured them away with a smile.

Shion gave him a short, curt nod, and then turned on her heel. Aloa’s smile faded, though she would follow Shion. For a moment she wondered what was on her mind. Venat certainly knew how to dangle Rio in front of her, though she expected her to have a more emotional response to his idea. The blue haired woman seemed more concerned about finding the rest of their entourage than anything. A distraction, or perhaps she had a plan?

"I'm not going anywhere, you can let go of me now."

The prince wasn't convinced, which is why his hand remained a tight grip on her wrist. The moment he had set her down, she had nearly run off; if it wasn't for his quick action, he was certain she would have burst through the haphazard meeting between the three and their enemy. He understood that she wasn't happy, but he also trusted Aloa's judgement. Emiri, on the other hand, knew that whatever came out of the room would be nothing but bad news. She had made numerous attempts to escape, until Grant had decided that if she was going to continue to act like a child, then he would treat her like one.

"I don't believe you," Grant replied. "At least, I would, and yet even now you're inching towards the door."

Nadeline watched the pair, a bored expression on her face. She had opted to have a seat in the rather...oddly decorated room they were in. Despite being seated, she was ever alert, her glance occasionally flickering around them. In all honesty, she expected to be attacked at any moment. It didn't help that she could practically feel Meli's eyes on her, for...some reason. She wanted to ask, and yet, she couldn't quite find herself to care too much. There were too many other things to consider, she supposed, though she had a feeling it was because she was Aloa's student, and so Meli probably hated her by proxy.

Joy.

"This sure was taking a long time. I wonder what he could be telling them." Michel mused aloud, tapping his foot somewhat impatiently.

Truth be told, his real problem was how Venat only wanted to speak to Jaakuna, his mistress, and Aloa. What could he possibly have to say that'd only concern them? Knowing him like everyone in this surprisingly elegantly-decorated room did, he was willing to wager that, if nothing else, it wasn't anything good, though curiosity did outweigh his uneasiness about how they were sitting among the Scions who were doubtless ordered by Venat to keep an eye on them. Michel paid them no mind, especially Igeyorhm. As far as he was concerned, he was a nobody. Maybe he knew that. Maybe he didn't. Whichever it was, Michel treated it as he treated him: as nothing. Instead, he went back to what he had been thinking about. However, he couldn't help but notice something off about Meli.

She was glaring at Nadeline rather intently. It was almost as if she had held a dislike for her. His mind wandered there for a brief moment, but the coughing from Wesley brought his mind — and eyes — to the dark-haired Dalmascan. He saw Wesley subtlely shaking his head. Whatever Michel had wanted to say, it seemed the future King of Dalmasca urged him not to go through with it. Michel knew this to be the truth. Besides, the last thing anyone needed was a reason for Meli and Nadeline to clash regardless of how entertaining it might've been to see.

"These abominations better stopped staring or they'll lose their eyes." Savayna openly threatened them.

They did not repsond well. A couple of them — mostly the ones who were already agitated (Igeyorhm and Lahabrea). They didn't take too kindly to Savayna's comments and it seemed both of them had lookeed at Savayna and were almost certain that they were going to attack. As she caught onto this, Savayna smirked, standing up. She drew out her Emperor Trident( a miniature version of Mateus' Trident) and took a stance.

Wesley shook his head and took a giant step back, hooking Nadeline's arm with his own. Michel did the same with Meli(despite her vocal protests). Whether they were ready for it or not, a fight between three angry parties was about to begin and knowing Savayna like he did, Michel knew this would only end with their or her death.

And Savayna went forward with the first strike, sweeping Lahabrea with her long legs, kicking him against the back wall. When her momentum had rotated her around, she brought her trident down at Igeyorhm's face, nearly as fast as he was.

Nadeline shook her head as Savayna would go through with her first strike. As she stood, she smoothed out her skirt, taking Wesley's arm and stepping back as he did. Not that she didn't seethis coming, as Savayna was rather easily agitated. Still, there was little tension as the woman would literally sweep the floor with the pair, and instead she would give Michel her intention. "I'm sure Venat is offering his terms to the three. I'm more than certain whatever plan they have includes Jaakuna's sigil, though I admit, I cannot see Venat himself offering much more. I'm certain they'll let us know once they arrive," She said, ignoring Meli's glare.

"I still don't like it," Emiri was firm on her mistrust. "None of this would have happened if it weren't for him! Why should we be the ones to clean up his mess?"

Grant let out a sigh at the ensuing brawl, though he decided he would rather not include himself; or rather, he was more than certain he would get dragged into it eventually. "That 'mess' is threatening all our livelihoods, though I wonder if we are truly capable of felling such a creature," He stated. "Not that I discredit Aloa's abilities, but what could we possibly hope to do?"

"Provide Jaakuna an opening, most likely," Nadeline suggested, ignoring the burst of lightning that had erupted from Igeyorhm. "It makes you wonder if there's more to the situation that we don't know of."

As lightning had crackled and danced towards Savayna, Lahabrea came at her. She did her thing as she countered both with her mist. And all the while, everyone else was discussing what could Venat could've possibly said to the three who were with him. There was an air of mystery surrounding that and what it could've been. FOr all they knew, it could've been a trap, but while it had been suggested, the musings from Levi suggested otherwise. She hinted that she knew, so perhaps it was a genuine request that Venat had for the three of them.

"We're not disagreeing with you," Wesley stated to Emiri, addressing her comment about Venat being at fault. "No one here likes this situation, but the Creature has forced our hand. In times of greater strife, even if we hate it, alliances with those who would have our heads must be made for the greater good." Wesley found the right words through the grit of his teeth. Anyone with eyes could see how visible his anger was and how difficult it was for him to keep it under wraps.

Michel let out a sigh, looking over as Savayna was sent through the wall on the opposite side of the room with Lahabrea and Igeyorhm following her, sending a wave of ice and lightning magick. He shook his head, seeing Savayna unleash a blizzaga that canceled out their joint attacks and caused the entire room to feel the effects of the fight.

The Void Ascendent snapped his fingers and created a similar veil of protection that he had done back in Archadia when they spoke to Grigori. "Hopefully that will mute out their bothersome squabble."

"Yeah, we 'ally' ourselves with him, then we get a knife to our backs for our trouble!" Emiri huffed, still not convinced.

"Working together doesn't necessitate trust. The same way he uses us will be the same way we use him; a means to an end," Grant pointed out. "And once the dust settles, I'm more than sure we'll be at odds."

"And that is when we finish him off once and for all," She declared.

Nadeline wasn't so certain. Scheming as he was, Venat was likely to anticipate it. Not that they had much choice, and even though she wasn't as vocal, Nadeline found herself agreeing with Emiri. But rather than rush in recklessly, they needed to make sure they had a plan. This wouldn't be the best place for it, but once they were alone, she would make sure to bring it up once more. Meli was watching the fight, bored, though the sound of the door opening would distract them all.

Shion didn't look happy, though she never did look happy anyway. Aloa looked more like she was having the time of her life, walking through Michel's barrier with ease. "It would seem we have come to an agreement," The viera announced.

"An 'agreement' wouldn't be how I would describe it," Shion said dryly.

"You can say that again," Jaakuna retorted, scowling. His attention went to everyone, but he did seem to notice Savayna duking it out with two of the scions. "The hell is going on over there?"

Michel gave Jaakuna a shrug. "Savayna mouthed off and they didn't like it. But never mind that," Michel said, looking at the three, "what's this agreement you say that the three of you and Venat had reached?"

Jaakuna wanted to answer, but he looked to both Shion and Aloa respectively. While the latter seemed to not care who was the one to tell them, Shion, on the other hand, was more inclined to decide that. After all, how did either of them tell the group about the extent of the agreement? How did they even approach it? Oh, yeah, so The Creature is actually Shion's long, lost fiance, and to purify him, Jaakuna has to do it.

Yeah, like that'll go over well. It'll be one of those 'it raises more questions than answers them'.

Jaakuna let out a sigh, earning curious looks from all. "Maybe not here." Jaakuna suggested, eying Levi, though he looked over to Savayna who had just delivered a finishing, non-deathly, blow to the ice ninja and Igeyorhm, sending them both in opposing directions of her. "You done?" Jaakuna called out to her.

Savayna noticed Jaakuna and would walk over. "Now I am."

"Good," he let out a sigh and gave Levi a look.

As she laughed, Levi simply snapped her fingers and without any warning, the entire group was teleported back to the Utena headquarters...with the lack of Levi herself.

"Much better."

After a moment had passed, it was time they knew exactly what they were going to be dealing with.

Ren let out a rather quiet cry of surprise as they returned, immediately ducking behind a chair out of fear. Emiri actually felt bad, but she didn't blame her; Shion was radiating an anger so fierce she was convinced she was going to either punch the next person who said something stupid or blast a hole in the wall. Shion snapped her fingers, and within seconds, a woman with her hair in a bun came through the door. Taking out a scroll from the sleeve of her kimono, she passed it to her soundlessly. The woman then bowed, leaving as quickly as she had come.

Still, it seemed Shion wasn't done. "Venat claims the Creature is the corrupted form of a man who died more than two centuries ago by the name of Rio Corona," She didn't seem to beat around the bush, deciding to lay it all out there. "Supposedly, Belias' Sigil is able to cleanse the darkness and return him to a former state of being."

"And you have reason to doubt this?" Nadeline asked, though she was glad to see her guess was accurate.

"Just because he says it, does not mean it is the truth. For all we know, it could end up being entirely ineffective and be a way for him to wipe out the competition," She said.

Emiri seemed to agree, though she wasn't thrilled about it. "So, that's what you guys talked about? That's it?"

"I wouldn't dismiss it so easily. The power of Ivalice's chosen is much to be desired, though we may be able to land a proactive strike, so should we choose to," Aloa stated.

"I wouldn't call it proactive, especially if it's expecting us," Grant admitted. "You don't seem too convinced either, Aloa."

"It is do or die. Either we go, or we stay here...and die with the rest of Ivalice," She shrugged.

Emiri seemed to be thinking. "Do you really think that Jaakuna's Sigil is all it will take?" She couldn't help but ask. "And it's not like it'll keel over so easily, either. I understand you're not mincing words, but there's something about this I really don't like."

"We have an alternative plan. Though Jaakuna has voted against it." Aloa gave him a look. "If he fails, we go to that."

Emiri didn't seem convinced, either, but she didn't respond. Nadeline simply listened, though there really wasn't much else to say. One problem at a time, and once the Creature was disposed of... "And what of Venat?" She asked.

"He will be swiftly dispatched once we are finished with the Creature," Shion immediately laid out the solution to the question. "He is already weakened, and will be dealt with accordingly. Of course, I expect retaliation."

This was quite the revelation. To think that the Creature could potentially be an actual person and not an empty mass of darkness as everyone had previously predicted. GRanted, there hadn't been any hints to suggest otherwise, but this certainly made things a whole lot clearer. It explained why this creature had such an attachment to this world and why, when Wesley and Nadeline had sensed it underneath Rabanastre and why, for a while, he took control over Sylvester's body. Everything about this creature was pointing to this direction.

And as Wesley closed his eyes, pondering about everything said, he knew why it had to be Jaakuna. "I understand now." Wesley said, eyes still closed.

"Huh?"

"Jaakuna, I get why you're the one who has to do this and why no one among us aside you has the power to do it."

He scratched his head, seemingly not understanding what Wesley was meaning.

"Please, if you will, tell us what you mean, Wesley." Michel inquired of Wesley.

"I recall Jaakuna once told us about how he cleansed Emiri using his powers bestowed unto him by Belias. That was when she was under Venat's influence." Wesley started, "when this happened, it wasn't nearly as much as the Creature seemed to have. Of course, this was before JAakuna received Shion's power and before he became the Transcendent."

"Please don't bring that up again." Savayna rolled her eyes, fists ready to strike Jaakuna if he dared say anything to that. He didn't.

After Wesley had laughed, he continued. "I firmly believe that Jaakuna has the potential to do the same to the Creature. He has the power to do so." Wesley gave Jaakuna a smile.

Meanwhile, everyone seemed to be a little reluctant to come to Wesley's way of thinking, especially Jaakuna. Not that he doubted his own power, but healing Emiri was child's play compared to what the task of purifying something as ancient as Rio's current form seemed to be. Plus, he didn't even have a full grasp on his new powers. He didn't know what he was capable of nor did he believe it would be enough. He wasn't a seasoned warrior like Shion is. She had centuries to perfect and hone her skills with this power inside her. Jaakuhna, on the other hand, at the most, has been training and fighting for fifteen years. Hardly pales in comparison to two-hundred years.

"As great as that is, we still need to find the fucker." Savayna oh-so-colorfully stated.

Seeing Jaakuna doubt himself was quite a sight, especially considering it was the complete opposite of how he acted not too long ago outside Jahara. Perhaps the weight of his power was finally getting to him. Perhaps his eyes were finally open to his burden. Emiri frowned at him, though she was at a loss as to what to say to make him feel better. It wasn't exactly something she knew how to help with; sure, he had used it on her, but that didn't mean she understood it any better than he did.

"As I said, my flowers get things done," Shion repeated herself in response to Savayna's question, causing Emiri to scowl. "I can't imagine finding an atrocity robbing life out of everything it touches to be difficult to find."

Aloa nodded in agreement, though she then turned around. "I will help in the search. I'm certain Vlyn is wandering the Phon Coast aimlessly, and I will enlist him as well," She stated as she departed the room without another word.

"For now, rest up. You're going to need it," Shion stated, though she would then give the cowering girl her attention. "Ren, you'll attend to our guests' needs. Understand?"

She let out a squeak of understanding, though at the very least she wasn't shaking anymore. She still stayed behind the chair, as if expecting an attack of some kind. Shion sighed, deeming the girl hopeless, though she, too, would leave the room.

"I'll join the search, since I'm no use in any other field," Meli resigned herself.

Nadeline smiled, though she resisted the urge to say what was on her mind. Grant scratched the back of her head, letting out a slightly nervous laugh. "I suppose we should take this opportunity to...explore?" He suggested. "Although...I have to ask, you don't seem too sure of yourself, Jaakuna."

So it had been decided: the search for the Creature had begun. With the combined efforts of all, no matter how clever and secretive it might be, the Creature wouldn’t be able to keep its presence hidden from the combined efforts of the Ascendants and Utena. The latter were expert trackers whilst the others had their handy, dandy Espers to help them if they so needed it. Even so, that didn’t mean it would be easy. As noted earlier, it wasn’t as though the Creature was going to make it easy for them. A crafty creature, that one. Odds were that, much like its creator, it would only want to be found if it allowed its presence to be felt.

Upon that realization, Jaakuna let out a sigh as most of everyone went their separate directions. Meli and Michel stayed in her room for...personal matters. Wesley and Nadeline were led by a couple of Shion’s Flowers to their room. Savayna was tired, so she would note to Grant she’ll see him later on. Shion and Aloa had seemed to go about their own business.

That just left Jaakuna with Grant and Emiri. Of course, Emiri wasn’t leaving Jaakuna’s side. He had noticed she was being strangely protective of him. It was a little unnerving. He appreciated her concern, but it was interfering with his heroism. Hard to be the Transcendent when the old ball and chain refused to let you do anything that was even remotely dangerous. Of course, he did the same for her. On that, he shrugged; it wasn’t worth stressing over, especially when he knew it came from a good place.

Jaakuna let out a sigh, walking with Grant on one side and Emiri on the other. Thankfully, only one had hooked his arm. He’d feel weird and very uncomfortable if Grant suddenly felt the need to hook his arm. “You have a problem with me being too sure of myself and now you have one with me not being sure enough.” Jaakuna noted, lightly scowling at Grant. “You really can’t make up your mind, can you?” He scowled again.

Taking a seat in her office, flames danced in Shion's eyes as she stared at the candle on her desk. She was deep in thought, Venat's words ringing in her ears as if replaying themselves over and over. It was completely ridiculous. Why hadn't Venat simply told them what needed to be done? Why drag the possibility of Rio's return like this? Why? She wanted to think it was to create a false hope only to get crushed, but there was something she hated about this. If it truly was Rio, would she have to relive his death? The thought seemed to form a pit in her stomach. How emotions often ignored time, it was as if the pain reopened an old wound.

"My lady?" Ren asked nervously, afraid to break her concentration.

The blue haired woman would stand, a weary expression on her face. She stared at Ren for a moment, though she seemed resigned. "Remain here. Alert me should there be any notice," She muttered the order, though the obedient Ren would bow to her nonetheless.

Uncertainty accompanied her as the walked through the halls. She paid no mind to those who bowed to her; at the moment, reality didn't exist. All her work, everything she had strove for all these years, nothing seemed important. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she was plagued by the thought of his return, even though she continued to deny it. She wished she could rip it out of her heart and bury it somewhere, but that wasn't happening. She didn't even realize she had stopped in front of a door, feeling as if someone foreign was going through the motions for her as she would open it without knocking.

"I've returned," She announced to Francis.

---

Emiri held onto Jaakuna as best she could without hindering his walk, though her clinginess was apparent to anyone who watched them. He put up with it well, though his annoyance couldn't quite be held back. For once, however, she knew she was being entirely selfish. Nothing about the situation could possibly put her at ease, and no one would be able to convince her that both Levi and Venat had their own, hidden agendas, ready to strike as soon as they got what they wanted. There was no way this would go smoothly either; they'd probably come out with more injuries than they could count. The thought made her hold onto him tighter, though she couldn't quite deny the real reason she didn't want to leave his side.

If she let go, she was certain she would end up losing him, too.

Grant couldn't help but smile at Jaakuna's response, though it wasn't unexpected. "Too much of anything is bad. Too much confidence, too much recklessness, too many risks...I had thought after your encounter with the viera you'd be able to find balance, but I suppose your personality gets in the way of that." He couldn't help but comment, shrugging. "And just like too much of something is bad, lacking is just as dangerous. Especially now, considering how everyone is essentially shoving the purification of the Creature onto you."

“Ah, so you have.”

When she had stepped through the door, Francis had just stepped from the office portion of their room. Though she didn’t need it because she had her own separate office a few doors down from their bedroom, Francis, however, did. Even though he had one in Archadia, he had been spending most of his free time here and had taken a leave of absence from Second Judge Magister for personal reasons. Although he never specifically stated it, Francis knew Roman understood exactly what this meant. He had stepped down from being an Imperial Judge to officially become a member of Utena, bearing the moniker of Lupine.

There was a rare sight for Shion as Francis had appeared in casual attire. Usually, of course, he was in his usual golden armor, but that was during the times he served as Shion’s stand-in when she was out and about, doing what she had to do for the good of the organization and Ivalice. He understood that, so he did what he could to make sure her garden was well-taken care of. And, as she had seen upon her return(he was assuming), he was just as strict as she was. After all, he was the one who trained Michel and his son was someone who had a lot of potential. His magickal reserves was even greater than Francis’ had been in his youth. Though he lacked the conviction to become a judge, Francis was relieved that he found his calling in Utena.

The dark-haired male gave Shion a kiss and a hug as she seemed to be fixated on taking a seat. “How did it go? With Jackson, I mean.” Francis said, stern eyes on Shion. “Unless something happened during the transfer?”

---

How was someone supposed to react to comments like that? Grant practically insulted Jaakuna, but then he also gave him a compliment. Talk about sending mixed signals. As he would round it out, it was obvious where this was heading; it was the same thing he had noted previously: the surprise that Jaakuna had doubts.

Of course he had doubts. The weight of the fate of the entire world was being placed on his shoulders and, if Jaakuna was being completely honest with himself, he felt a bit overwhelmed. He, of course, knew that he was the only one who could do it because of this power that he had, yet that did him no good with actually drawing upon it. Sure, Wesley was right about how he had used Belias’ powers to rid Emiri of Venat’s influence, but here’s something that he probably didn’t consider: The Creature isn’t just one fucking seed of Venat/Zodiark. It is a literal embodiment of that dark influence. In other words, it would require not only the confidence to use that power but also the willpower to draw upon it whenever the situation called for it.

But guess what? Jaakuna hadn’t been able to feel that power since that night in Henne Mines. The most he could do was manifest the weapons.

“Yeah thanks, I hadn’t thought of that.” Jaakuna rolled his eyes. “Have any other bright observations? Maybe this one: the sun is yellow!” Jaakuna feigned shock. “What are your thoughts about that, huh?”

What didn't happen? There was a tiny part of her that wished he hadn't brought it up, but it was more than obvious that for the first time in a long time, she was tired. There was no escaping it, and even as she let herself relax for a moment, Shion realized she didn't even know where to start. 'So my lover who I had murdered is supposedly a being bent on drowning Ivalice in darkness, did I mention he could possibly come back to life too? What'll that do to our relationship?' was not where she wanted to go with this, but as her mind swimmed around in the many thoughts occupying her head, she realized she had stayed entirely silent the entire time.

Breaking it with a soft groan as she would sit up properly, she noticed his staring. "The transfer was successful; he now bears Belias' Sigil, though the gods revel in my frustration as we are now forced to cooperate with it," She decided to inform him, but she couldn't quite hide her displeasure. "Apparently it created something that went out of its control--as these things tend to happen--and thus it falls on Jackson to make an attempt at purifying it to its former self." She seemed weary, a hand to her forehead as she spoke.

---

Grant's eyes widened, a look of genuine surprise on his face. "Well, the sun's color is actually closer to white--" He began, though Emiri would throw him a glare so threatening that it effectively halted his sentence. "I suppose the point I'm trying to make is that it would do you well to bring back some of that previous confidence you had before — some, not all."

Emiri had a sneaking suspicion that Grant was starting to get on Jaakuna's nerves. Grant's cluelessness didn't help things, though she figured she would do her best to alleviate Jaakuna of him. Coming to a halt outside one of the doors, Emiri would lead Jaakuna in, though when Grant would try to enter, she would hold out a hand to stop him. Lightly pushing him back, she would then close the door in his face, turning around to face Jaakuna. Inhaling a deep breath, she tried to think of something she could do to cheer him up. It took her a moment to realize the sound of water could be heard, though rather than a room as she had thought, the room was dimly lit with the exception of a tank that went from the floor to the ceiling. The blue light that the tank emitted was a quiet tone,, a contrast to the red Jaakuna wore, though it matched the expression of doubt he wore.

Taking a step forward, she placed her hands behind her back. "I figured you could use a break from him," She explained, though she realized she had no idea what to say. Shifting nervously, she looked him in the eye. How she wished it was her instead of him; doubt was a familiar thing to her, and she was so used to it. But he was always so sure. Always… “He does have a point. They’re all waiting for you to ‘return to normal’, so to speak. But that’s not really how that works, is it?”

”I get what you’re trying to do. I get what Grant and just about everyone else is trying to do as well, but just because I have this sigil, it’s as if I’m the only one who has to do this.” Jaakuna sighed, giving Emiri a glance before having returning to the empty vastness of the other side of the room he had been staring at before. “Why is it always me?”

Now he was just complaining.

She stared at him for a moment, though an idea popped into her head. “Well...if you don’t want to, maybe I can?” She suggested as she approached him, frowning. “Someone needs to do something. Does it really matter if it’s you...or if it’s me?”

“Not a chance in hell.” Jaakuna retorted sharply.

That was an expected response, but the way he said it… “I’m sorry,” She muttered an apology. “I just wanted to help, I can’t stand seeing you like this. I just thought…” She stopped for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts. “I know how you feel. It just sucks being in that position. I never wanted you to feel that way if I could help it.”

Great now he was feeling guilty.

Jaakuna turned to Emiri, his hand on her shoulder as he gave her a smile. ”It’s not your burden to shoulder. It sucks, but I know everyone is right. Besides,” he sighed, “I think I can understand why I’m the one who has to do this.” Jaakuna thought about what he just said. And as he kept his eyes on Emiri, it hit him. “The same thing could’ve happened to you like it did to him.”

To him? What? She looked at him, confused for a moment, though it took her a moment to realize what he meant by that. “Even if that is the case, even if you think you’re being forced into this--I’m right here,” She said, her hand on his. “If you’re right, and this is something you have to do, it doesn’t mean you’re alone. All this time, you’ve been protecting me, so now it’s my turn. No matter what happens, I’ll protect you this time.”

”Since when did you get this confidence? Did you use a sapping spell and steal mine away?” Jaakuna half-joked, chuckling. After a moment of it fading into silence, he let out a sigh as his eyes looked down at her hand on his before going back to her gaze, simply smiling at her.

“It’s nice to be on this side for once!” She admitted full heartedly, returning his smile. “All about balance, right?”

As Shion had explained the situation that all of them were in, he took it upon himself to prepare a cup of tea for the two of them. Shion was predictable in that sense, or maybe he just knew her well enough to know that she preferred hibiscus tea when she was in stressful situations. It seemed to calm her some even though she was in stressful situations nearly every time she came back to the headquarters. Despite this, Francis just knew this would mean the world to her.

“Here you are.” He handed her the cup he had prepared and sat across from her. And as their tea would cool down just briefly, with Francis having some tea brewed by some of Shion’s flowers. Tonight, he felt like enjoying a nice mint brew that had a fresh squeeze of lemon to add to its flavor. When he took a sip, his face scrunched up. “Still not as pure as when you make it.” He commented, a sigh coming from his lips. He looked almost defeated.

Francis shook his head slightly, responding to what Shion said. “Anyway, it seems as though you’ve been dealt a tough hand, my dear.” He mused a pondering noise. “That being said, unlikely alliances have been made to ensure survival — especially in times of a greater threat arising.” He stated, looking to Shion, “if this Creature of Darkness poses such a great threat to our livelihood, then a beneficially-mutual alliance with the likes of that Venat character is necessary for our survival. But, know this:” Francis took her hand, rubbing it gently. “if and when he tries to strike, all are ready to be there by your side, including myself and all of your flowers. This much I am sure of.”

The woman listened politely, though it was obvious that she wasn't entirely all there. No, something was bothering her. She had raised her cup to her lips, the liquid bumping against them, but she did not drink. Almost uncharacteristically, she couldn't bring herself to drink it. As Francis touched her hand, what should have been a comforting warmth felt entirely foreign. She knew why; despite the closeness they've developed, she had kept her fair share of secrets. Or rather, the more important ones were a mystery to him. It wasn't that she was afraid of his reaction, but it wasn't the easiest of topics she could bring up. He never asked, she never bothered, though...he did ask, and she preferred not to tell.

How troublesome.

Shion finally took a sip, closing her eyes as she did, though it was short, and she placed the cup down. She would shift so that she was better facing him, deciding that now was as good a time as ever. She would let out a sigh, trying to calm the mental storm in her own mind. "Rio Corona was a notorious general, one who singlehandedly brought down Archadia. His name stained in history, all to get revenge on the same Empire that destroyed his home." She was surprised at how steady her voice was, though she wasn't about to stop. "Archadia obliterated Nepal...he craved power in every single way, whether physically, magically...romantically..."

She couldn't quite hide the bitterness in her voice, though she forced herself to continue. "History doesn't know what truly became of him. Most say he committed suicide, others state he was assassinated. The truth of the matter is that he was brought to the brink of death by his fiancee, then apparently reclaimed by Venat." She had planned to ease into it, but she was getting more annoyed the more she talked. "I suppose that's why I never speak of my past lovers..."

Francis was at a loss for words, but not what Shion might think.

Hearing the name Rio Corona brought Francis back to when he was younger. It brought him to a time when his father, Lionel von Sicarius — a famed scientist who oversaw many of the military projects that the then-Emperor, Hamut Darcone, ordered. These projects were what ended up paving way for such innovations like the MTB, or otherwise known as the Magicite Transportation Beam. A prime example of it could be seen used in the Ifrit. Indeed the name of that famed general of Archadia’s history, back when it was at its darkest time, had struck a chord with Francis.

When she ended up telling him how she and Rio were lovers, at first, Francis thought he might’ve heard her wrong, but he knew her well enough to know that she never said anything unless she was telling the absolute truth. In that, his mind went to something he had thought about once when they first met in the Golmore Jungle, just after they fought. It was that she was an ancient being whose strength outclassed his in almost every single way that mattered. Her swordsmanship was perfect. Her fighting stance was unmatched. The way she could effortlessly switch from physical to magickal attacks was if there was no transition. Her ability to go from one to the other appeared to be organic. Francis had thought that maybe she was something more than hume. Maybe she was a Scion herself, but of course, after the events of that day and when they went on their series of dates, it had retired those thoughts for something more logical: she was a spectacular woman around his age that taught him how to love again since his wife’s passing a few years back.

And now? Well, those thoughts not only came back but now they were proven. Francis, of course, took it as only someone like him could: step by step.

He took a few minutes for himself. The silence was a killer, this was true, but the wolf always had to prepare for the worse in any given situation, so time was essential for the thought process of how to attack any situation. Of course, Francis wasn’t just an ordinary wolf. Francis von Sicarius, son of Lionel and father to Michelangelo, was also the man that Shion had chosen to confide in. This made him a particularly exceptional man. A lucky man, if you will.

“We may have walked different journeys in our lives, but the sands of time have guided us to the same destination. We have felt pain and loss, but we’ve also felt love and comfort.” Francis recited a few lines from a symbolic text he had memorized from his youth. “That was a small snippet from ‘The Trial of Time’, written by one of Archadia’s first emperors, Larsa Solidor.” Francis said, giving Shion a smile. “I am well-aware of what this means. Truth be told, I’ve always had a feeling you had kept some secrets. Understandably so, but I also know that you’ll tell me them whenever you’re ready.” He took her hand, looking at her with the same steely blue that she had seen every night they lay in their bed with their hands locked after a few, long moments of passion. “I’ve never thought I would love again after Mirabella. She was the one who I chose to bear my one and only child. And when she passed due to an incurable illness, I truly thought I was lost, so I buried myself in my responsibilities. I rose the ranks and became Second Judge Magister. I had sworn my oath to the Imperial Court that I’d fully commit myself to that role, but then I met you. Of course, I didn’t know at the time, but I swear it was Mira’s ghost guiding me towards you. As her final act, she shifted my views on love and by her graceful hands, I found my second chance in you.” Francis, while keeping a loving gaze on Shion, got down on his knee. “I know not what awaits us in the next rising of the sun nor do I know if we all will get out of this alive, but a wise man once told me that we shouldn’t waste our breath on the trivial or be wondering ‘what if’. The only thing that should matter is focusing on what you want most out of life.”

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a single necklace. Its chain was crafted from silver and reforged in quicksilver. Along the chain, little stones of blue and white magicite were placed along it, spaced equally from each other. And in the center, framed perfectly in gold and silver magicite was a rare magicite-conductor stone known as Sapphirite. It was carved and forged in magical fires into the shape of a rose. Along the frame were pearls — six of them, in fact.

“I’ve kept this since Mira’s passing. I thought of selling it, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. There were too many emotions and I couldn’t bring myself to, so I decided to keep it. I thought about giving it to Michel and letting him give it to Meli, but I don’t think this would be her style. She seems like a diamond kind of woman,” Francis let out a low chuckle, “but then, just last night, I was looking at it as I was watering your rose bush out in the garden. And then it hit me. All this time I spent here, I’ve had it with me, never knowing what I was going to do with it. Until now.” Francis smiled, letting out three, individual laughs to himself. “I feel as though the signs are all there and it’s time I admit it to myself. Shion, your petals shine brighter than Ultima’s holy light. And they flourish with more life than a Rozarrian festival. I may not be the most graceful of men, but I am a man who knows when he is in love.” He held the necklace above her head, letting it fall gently onto her neck. “I won’t pretend to know what it was like between you and Rio, but what I don’t have to fake is my love for you. That is the one thing I know is absolute. And that is why, with this necklace, I promise I will always be there when you need me. Whether it is my sword, my council, or my heart — not only as an honorable Judge but as your wolf, I will protect you. You are mine and I am yours.”

He took her hand once more, the same steely, loving gaze surrendering itself to her. A vulnerable Francis had all walls down and was now completely exposed to her. And as he waited for her to reciprocate that same regard he had given her, there were only three words he said to her.

“Marry me, Shion.”

Her eyes never left his as he spoke, though she wasn't quite sure where he was going with the conversation. There was the slightest feeling of guilt as he spoke of his late wife, he seemed so certain that their meeting was fate, or something like that. She wasn't exactly a huge believer in destiny and all that, as she preferred to have her own hand in her own life, but that wasn't important. He spoke with such vigor that for a moment she felt enraptured by his words. Though eventually, he got to where he wanted to be, or at least he got to something that meant a lot to him.

And then he said he wanted Shion to marry him.

I won’t hesitate any longer. I know what I want…and that’s you.

I suppose I'll be forever haunted, won't I? She thought to herself rather bitterly, upset that Rio's words were the first thing she thought of after his proposal. She was terrible, wasn't she? Now, however, there was no way that she could continue without him knowing at the very least one of her biggest truths--one that his son already knew, and would likely be brought to light soon anyway. Still it was hard to get the words out--should she just drop it out there? Hint towards it? She needed to say something, the moment had come and gone and she had said nothing.

"Your respect towards my privacy is appreciated...though, I would caution against wanting to be with someone like me without knowing everything," She said, frowning.

That probably wasn’t the kind of answer one hoped to receive from the woman whom he just asked to marry him, but she has always been one for surprises. ”Very well,” Francis said, nodding, giving Shion a smile. ”You have my full attention.”

Great. Time to spill. “I’ve made a pact promising to rid the world of Venat.” She decided to start with the first. “Said pact involved a certain accommodation so that I would live to see his downfall. And by that, I mean I made it a very, very long time ago. So...I’m older than I look.”

”Age is a nonfactor. You are still you regardless if your real age is a little over what you physically represent.” Francis had made a mental shrug. ”Though, you do have my curious. How long ago did you make this pact? Ten years, perhaps?” He asked her.

Shion stared at him for a moment. “No, it’s much more than that,” She said.

”Well, I hope you’ll forgive me, but you certainly look good for your age.” He commented, mentally preparing himself for what was to come. ”If you’re not ten years older than I thought you were, does that mean you’re twenty years older? Or perhaps even thirty?” He inquired again, this time sounding a bit warily cautious.

“Oh, no I mean more along the lines of...I mean, I’m not speaking of decades. Only three centuries. Give or take.” She decided to simply put it out there.

”Ah, only three hundred huh? That’s not so bad--” Before getting that thought out, Francis, in a delayed reaction, let out a raised, almost high-pitched gasp of surprise. “C-could you please repeat that? My old ears are--I mean, that is to say..just repeat it for me, please.”

“I’m three hundred and two years old.” She repeated herself.

”Oh, I see..”

Good thing Francis was sitting down. He definitely needed a moment. To think that the one who he had been seeing and laying in bed with almost every night for almost a full month was not only someone amazing that he had the pleasure of knowing but was someone that was a couple centuries his senior.

After a full minute of letting the breathing ease up, he returned to her orange gaze. What must she be thinking right now? Possibly the worst. Francis had been given such shocking news, she probably thought he was going to leave her. Obviously this was a secret that had been weighing on her mind. And of course, he had no doubt in his mind that Michel knew. Someone who operated so close to her, it was understandable why he’d know. Perhaps because of the close bond he and Shion shared, that’s why it had been difficult for her to come clean with him. If he were in her shoes, he would find it not only awkward but tough to find the right moment to tell him.

”That certainly was something to digest.” Francis took her hand almost out of a reflex of trying to adjust to this new normal. “I’ve only one thing to ask say to that.”

“And that would be…?”

”I still need an answer to my proposal.” He stated, smirking.

Now it was her turn to be shocked. “Are you sure about that?” She asked him. “It’s--There’s the chance to walk away right now. I don’t know how long it will take. I don’t know where life will take me next. Even so, are you certain you want to marry someone like me?”

After taking a short moment, Francis nodded. ”I do not care what happens down the road. Only thing I do care about is knowing that I am going to be at your side for as long as the Gods will allow me to.” He stated.

Shion let out a sigh, perching her cheek on the palm of her hand. There was no getting away from him, was there? “If you insist. Never say I didn’t warn you…” She mumbled, a slight blush on her cheeks. Despite her cool exterior, she truly was touched. “Then I suppose saying ‘no’ would dull the moment. I’ll have to say ‘yes’ after all.”

”Don’t do it because you have to — do it because you want to.” Francis chuckled in typical Sicarius fashion.

It had been an offhand comment, but it was the first time in a long time that she realized what he meant. She always felt she had to do something or needed to do one thing or another. She cleared her throat as she sat up, trying to save face as she realized she was a little more emotional than she would have liked.

“Alright then. Yes.”