Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

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."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

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."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

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."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"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.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

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."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"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.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

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.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

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.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"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."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

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."