If looks could kill, Savayna would be on the floor with that pretty smirk of hers wiped off her face. Nadeline crossed her arms, clearly both irritated and displeased at the general, but by whatever mysterious forced she managed to keep her mouth shut. As she watched Wesley carry Jaakuna, she shot Savayna a seething glare, though she said nothing. Now was not the time to be fighting (and she didn't dare to repeat the same mistake twice in front of Wesley) and she wanted to get the hell out of the place while they still had the chance.

Emiri shared Nadeline's desire to leave, and thus made sure to take the lead with sword in hand. No matter what it took, she would make sure they got out. Once they were close to the exit, however, she felt something odd. As the group continued she stopped in her tracks, looking the other way. What was this feeling she had? It almost felt like an Esper's power. But that wasn't possible, was it? Savayna had claimed Mateus, so they had already taken care of the Esper here. And yet, she could not deny this feeling: it was the same as the Garamsythe Waterway. But as soon as it came, it was gone.

Shaking her head, she dismissed it. Whatever it was, it was gone. There wasn't any time to waste, either, as she did not fancy a meeting with Grant or his men. She returned to the group as they reached the exit, and sure enough the Ifrit was revealed to them. "[b]Let's go.[/b]" Nadeline said.

--------

And thus Zeromus fell.

Grant was surprised, to say the least. No sign of the little group, nor were there any of the general. Aloa and Vlyn had reported their escape, and yet they were not found. The soldiers scoured the place, but it would seem that a certain pathway had not been available to them. Nonetheless he had found a consolation prize of sorts--an Esper for him to command. The symbol glowed on his hand, and he examined it curiously as the viera pair approached him. He turned to them, already knowing what they would say to him, but he did not interrupt.

"[b]There is no sign of any of them, Highness.[/b]" Aloa reported. somewhat disheartened.

"[b]It's weird, it's almost like they were never here.[/b]" Vlyn commented, scratching his head. "[b]The Mist explosion we mentioned before also seems to have lessened, but it too has gone, as well as the girl.[/b]"

Emelia had managed to slip through his fingers. He was impressed, to say the least. He did not think she had what it took to run again, but he credited his niece and her allies for that much: he blamed himself for not being more attentive. Still, the chance to gain an Esper was too good to pass up, and so he didn't bother going after them. There were only so many places rats could hide after all. He couldn't say he was surprised by the general's betrayal, either--fools always made sure to stick to other fools, after all, especially ones that have no idea what the enemy was capable of.

"[b]We'll have to send word to the Emperor about his general's little trick.[/b]" He sighed to the two, raising an eyebrow. "[b]We will run into them again, and I'll make sure to bring back both Nadeline and my doll. Send word to Harris about the Esper, I know my sister has him tracking them down.[/b]"

Yes, they would meet again. And next time, he would be ready for them.