She was probably getting soft in her old age. Or rather, she was weary of it all. Still, as much as Jaakuna had 'grown' (despite that not quite being the right word, it fit the bill). Her amber eyes were more curious, even as Exodus' rage was around them. Their own little bubble, she contemplated whether or not the truth was to be said now. Shion raised her corrupted hand, her fingertips now more akin to thin claws as she stared at Jaakuna. It was painfully obvious now that whatever was wrong with her arm, it was spreading. A very thin, white line seemed to hold it back at just above her elbow, though it one would watch carefully, it would move ever so slightly.

"[b][color=deepskyblue]You're absolutely correct,[/color][/b]" She stated. "[b][color=deepskyblue]Yet just as you have come to know me, I, too, have been watching you. You who could easily be equated with fire itself--flashy, temperamental, unpredictable. Time has shown you slowly grow out of your impulsiveness, but you are not quite at the level to take on Zodiark himself--not yet,[/color][/b]" The magicks around her arm pulsed, though it was under control. "[b][color=deepskyblue]I was careless. If only I remained true to my goal...but that is neither here nor there.[/color][/b]"

She sighed. "[b][color=deepskyblue]I need you to show me that I can trust you. I need you to defeat Hamut now, I cannot tell you what it is that I need to say until I see that you have the power to defeat someone so above your level.[/color][/b]"

[hr]

Son of a bitch, who the hell did he think he was?! It wasn't even HIS idea! The nerve of that scoundrel! "[b][color=darkorange]DON'T GO STEALING MY THUNDER![/color][/b]" Lorenzo yelled, his expression comical as he gave chase. "[b][color=darkorange]WHAT'RE YOU TRYING TO DO, ONE UP ME AT MY OWN PLAN?![/color][/b]"

[hr]

"[b][color=coral]Wesley! Wesley, snap out of it![/color][/b]" Nadeline shook his shoulder, trying to get some response out of him. She recognized the voice as much as he did--though this time there wasn't any mistaking it. Her grip tightening on Wesley's coat as she shook him, though it was a while before she realized she was trembling. The thought of someone rising from the dead...perhaps the man from before hadn't completely been lying after all. Such dark magicks were forbidden--she distinctly remembered her father forbidding her from even reading about it until she was of age.

[i][color=coral]Get it together![/color][/i] She reprimanded herself, trying to stop her own shaking.