Lorenzo scowled after Shion's figure in the distance. As much as he hated to admit it, she had a point. Still, as Dominic voiced his ver thought, he scowled once more. He hated everything right now, but the only thing to do was to keep going forward. Letting out a groan, he scratched the back of his head, looking at Reia, who was simply scowling at him. No doubt she truly regretted coming to Archadia, but now wasn't really the time to complain. What should they do? What could they do? What was the right thing to do?

Roman clapped his hands together, twice, drawing the group's attention. It seemed he had enough of their gloomy expressions, resulting in Reia lifting an eyebrow at him. "[color=turquoise]The floor is all yours, might as well get it out,[/color]" She welcomed whatever thought was pent up in his head.

He let out a rather hearty laugh. "[color=indianred]Now, now, the best thing to do at a time like this is to make sure we don't lose our heads,[/color]" He stated rather cheerfully, lightly dusting his shoulder. "[color=indianred]A time of crisis is upon us, and I must see to it that my people and my guests are safe.[/color]"

"[color=darkorange]Oi! I don't need protection from a geezer like--OW![/color]" Lorenzo's bold statement was interrupted by Reia elbowing him.

"[color=turquoise]He's saying that if you're going to go after Shion and find Hamut, now is the time to do so,[/color]" Reia told him, rolling her eyes. "[color=turquoise]Honestly, must I explain [i]everything[/i] to you?[/color]"

Lorenzo placed both his hands on her shoulders, staring hard at her. "[color=darkorange]That's what I need you for. You know I'm hopeless without you![/color]" He grinned. "[color=darkorange]I'm going then. Make sure to hide somewhere so you don't get caught up in any of this.[/color]"

Reia scoffed, batting away his hands. "[color=turquoise]As if I'm going to play the damsel again. I'll assist Roman, of course.[/color]"

The blonde grinned once more, cracking his knuckles, though he glanced over at Dominic. "[color=darkorange]I guess if you wanna tag along you can, though I can't promise that you won't get hurt.[/color]"

[hr]

Shion came to a halt, letting out a surprised cry as her arm pulsed with darkness. She grabbed a nearby wall for support, watching the darkness crawl up her arm, twisting her skin into hard plating, lacing itself with blue magical veins, glittering against her skin. Her free hand immediately clutched her arm as she made an attempt to steady her breathing. This was really it for her, wasn't it? No, like hell she was going to give up and die, if she was going to be pathetic she would at least make sure she died a warrior's death. She wasn't going to deny Emiri's magick was definitely starting to take its toll, despite her resistance. Unless, perhaps, rather than resist, would it buy her more time if she gave in?

Before she completed the thought, she pushed herself off the building, continuing her walk, though she spotted someone worse off than she was. She shook her head at the blonde, clucking her tongue in disapproval. "[color=deepskyblue]You've seen better days,[/color]" She mentioned nonchalantly.

[hr]

Dying was not part of her plan at all, no matter what her previous experience with the thing nearly crushing her throat was telling her, no matter how much Sylvester believed it. She narrowed her eyes as the beast approached them. Why did it look familiar? For some reason it reminded her of that...that thing she had seen with Emiri and Keiran. Not to mention it was trying its damndest to kill her. It would have to get in line with the numerous lords repeatedly sending assassins and the numerous monsters she had battled, though. But no, this wasn't about her at all--it was about Wesley. She was willing to bet that Sylvester--or whatever that creature was--only wanted to kill her to get to him. Was it to tempt him into the darkness? 

Nadeline gripped Wesley's sleeve, though she stared at the beast. [i]Its darkness seems to have revealed itself. How curious.[/i] Ultima mused to her. [i]Though I wouldn't get a big head. It only desires your death because of my precense.[/i]

An idea clicked in her head. [i][color=coral]Are you saying I could purify it as Shion did for Jaakuna?[/color][/i] She asked.

[i]Considering the staggering differences in your powers and her talents, it's a long shot.[/i]

[i][color=coral]...thanks.[/color][/i]

[i]I didn't say it was impossible.[/i]