Cid's face ran through a gamut of emotions at Eve's words. Anger, concern, sympathy, all shown in turn before he eventually nodded. 

[b]"I was aware of this possibility. It certainly explains why I felt Bahamut's essence up above earlier. To create life unbidden by the order of the Mother and the Seven is a sin, but the beings artificed from such sin do not inherit it. Lest they choose to do so, of course. To be as you are is no crime, girl. You did not choose to inherit the Dreadwyrm's essence. However,"[/b] He closed his eyes briefly, shaking his head.

[b]"My magics detected no trace of Odin's power. Whatever it is you faced, it has naught to do with the Eidolons."[/b]

[color=#736AFF][b]"Undead."[/b][/color] Izayoi cut in, her gaze far off. [color=#736AFF][b]"It must be. I killed him. I [i]buried[/i] him."[/b][/color]

[b]"A soulless affront to Etro's order."[/b] Cid's expression darkened. [b]"Regardless, we will cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we return to the matter at hand."[/b] His gaze swept out over the party, softening slightly at Rudolf's troubled expression, though he said nothing further to him for now. Instead, Cid slumped slightly, his age showing. 

[b]"Four elemental crystals across the continent channel the light of the gods and convert it to the flow of elemental aether that balances and regulates nature. Water in Drana Asaneu flows to nourish the land. Wind in Skael carries the seeds of life wheresoever it blows. Earth in Edren cultivates and shelters that life. Fire in Osprey brings about cleansing destruction so that new life is free to flourish."[/b]

[b]"Valheim cannot be allowed to seize the crystals. Here in Osprey, the Crystal of Fire is already lost to their clutches. For the moment, you must travel to each crystal in the other nations and ensure that they do not fall to darkness and Blight. Be warned, however: each elemental crystal has a guardian. Judging by their charges' corruption, they may also become equally as Blighted. Should that be the case, you must slay them. The Fire Crystal's guardian is...already lost to us."[/b] Cid shook his head mournfully at that before steeling himself. 

[b]"I would advise caution. Valheim knows of the importance of the crystals as well, and will surely send their forces to seize them. Now,"[/b] He rose, supporting himself up to his feet with his staff. [b]"That is all the guidance I possess to provide for the moment. From this point onward, the rest is up to you. Though I can speed your way to the surface-"[/b] 

[b][i]WHAM.[/i][/b]

The doors of the cathedral slammed open, revealing the Revenant, sword in hand. Cid's eyes widened in alarm, and he brandished his staff aloft with one hand. 

[b]"Abomination! You will not pass one step further into sacred ground!"[/b] He slammed the butt of his staff onto the floor, and firey aether welled up around him. [b]"By covenant, by binding, I call upon flame and fury! Lord of hellfire! I summon thee, come, Ifrit!"[/b]

[url=https://i.imgur.com/2KVPlYE.png]A horned, demonic beast emerged in a burst of flame[/url], roaring in savage fury at the Revenant. Izayoi moved to draw her sword as well, but froze as she saw a magic glyph emerge into existence below not just herself, but every single Kirin as well.

[color=#736AFF][b]"What...?"[/b][/color]

[b]"Fly, all of you! You are in no condition to face a foe of this magnitude!"[/b] Cid bellowed back in the direction of the party, gesturing Ifrit forward to lunge towards the armored titan. [b]"You are this continent's first and final hope! I will not see you lost!"[/b]

Izayoi snarled in fury as the teleport circles began to activate, Ifrit's fist bearing down all the while. The last thing any Kirin saw before the world faded into a flash of white was the Revenant dashing past and inside Ifrit's attack range to deliver a slash that sent the Eidolon of flame crashing back among the pews of the cathedral, Cid gritting his teeth in determination all the while. 

___

When the Kirins next opened their eyes, they found themselves back on the surface, the ruins of the village barely on the horizon. In comparison, the airship supporting the Revenant was but a speck in their eyes. Too far away to have any chance of making it back for an assault from the party before night fell or it left the area.

Izayoi regained her bearings, looking around with her expression still furious for but a few moments before she seemed to deflate, weary and still barely able to stand. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"I suppose you have questions for myself specifically."[/b][/color] She looked back toward the others, exhausted. [color=#736AFF][b]"Considering what we were just told...I require time to marshal my own thoughts. Once we make camp, I will provide what I know of,"[/b][/color] Her breath caught slightly, and she turned away. [color=#736AFF][b]"Him."[/b][/color]