As they had arrived in Stigma, the trio would go on over to the Beaming Station. Once they were in Stigma's Aerodome, the prince would hesitate. Grant would raise an apologetic hand. "[b]There is something I must confirm while I am here, if you do not mind.[/b]" He would inform Jaakuna. "[b]I will leave her to you, if you need me for whatever reason I will be at the castle. My sister is there, but I am her target, so even if something happens my brother will make sure nothing happens to you.[/b]" He paused for a moment, thinking hard. "[b]The Mists have shifted...no doubt that's another thing we may just have to deal with. I will ask Vlyn.[/b]"

"[b]You're leaving?[/b]" Emiri asked him curiously.

Grant nodded. "[b]Don't worry, Jaakuna will take care of you. Hasn't failed once.[/b]" [i]Though I have.[/i] He would offer them a wave and depart his own way.

Emiri watched him leave, and then she would look at Jaakuna. "[b]Where will we go?[/b]" She asked him.

--------

The last time something had already been activated, she ended up with a katana through her gut. Nadeline couldn't help but narrow her eyes at the mechanism. Ordinarily she would be delighted in her surroundings, but she simply could not trust this. Not again. Wesley would mention it was lucky, and she immediately threw him a look. This was not luck or coincidence. Someone else was here with them. She didn't trust this situation at all. Her first thoughts were that Clyde was leading them into a trap; if that was the case, she was not going to hesitate to stab the bastard.

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"[b]And you are absolutely certain of this information?[/b]"

Lola nodded. "[b]Yes. My Esper informed me as such...what does this mean?[/b]"

Shion closed one eye, the other looking down at her desk. She tapped her nails against the surface rather impatiently. "[b]It would mean...that they've not only solved their issue, but they will do whatever it takes to ensure whatever little plan they have going on will continue.[/b]" Her eyes closed for a moment, though they would open again. "[b]Is Meli back, yet?[/b]" She asked, her voice coming out more impatient than she had intended. "[b]I need to know if she is finished or not.[/b]"

"[b]Uh...not yet, Boss.[/b]" Lola replied. "[b]But why the rush? I mean it'll happen...Meli knows how to use it, so it's only a matter of time...[/b]"

She knew that already. Blue Rose glowed very softly, and Shion gently petted it. The fight with Jaakuna had been very useful in gathering information on Zodiark's abilities. While clearly it was not the real thing, it was an excellent chance to gather intel. The Blade of Ultima had proven much more useful than she had anticipated, though no doubt Zodiark was already working on a counter to it. Jaakuna would most likely try to cleanse himself, as she had not gotten the job done completely. Still, it was somewhat interesting that the girl of time was amnesiac at the moment. Was her existence so necessary that the Espers had done whatever it took to keep her around? Regardless this information would change nothing. They weren't any closer to obtaining Ultima, no thanks to Lola's less than stellar reports. She couldn't keep wasting time on it, either.

A dark shadow appeared on the floor, and Shion would stand. Meli would emerge from it, slightly panting. "[b]My lady--apologies for...taking longer than anticipated.[/b]" She murmured. "[b]It is done.[/b]" She stated, holding out the now Mist-less Midlight Shard."[b]As predicted releasing the stone's Mist held catastrophic results...though it was more than we had thought, much more.[/b]"

Shion eyed the empty Shard. "[b]In times of desperation chaos is multiplied. You've done well.[/b]" Shion stated, taking the Shard from her. "[b]I'll have to thank Levi. The trinket had its use after all.[/b]"