Emiri was elated to hear Jaakuna say as much, and eagerly climbed on the prototype once more. At Jaakuna's warning, she nodded, and made sure to wrap her arms around him tightly. As they took off, she let out a squeal of surprise, hanging onto him tighter. He wasn't kidding when he said to hold tight. The ride temporarily would ease her mind, or at the very least distract her from the looming feeling at the pit of her stomach. Everything would be alright, she would go back home, she would see them again, she would. There was no way anything could have happened to her family. Her denial began to take a hold on her, though she would gladly oblige. She was sure they would arrive any moment now.
[hr]
Grant couldn't hide his disappointment, though he would linger in silence. He wanted to say something, but for once, the embarrassment was just a little too much this time. Maybe it was [i]because[/i] she protested so much that he could tell that just maybe she wanted a wedding too. Maybe, just maybe his little reverie could happen. Why couldn't it? All he had to do was make sure he would win her heart. He stole a glance at Savayna this time as she marched forward, catching her expression. He hid a small smile, though he would do as he was told and focus. 

Nadeline shrugged, still giddy, though her expression fell as a shudder would hit them all at the same time. "[b]T[color=fdc68a]his...this Mist...[/color][/b]" She said slowly as they continued. They didn't have to be viera to feel it, to feel the Esper awaiting them. "[b][color=fdc68a]...She knows we come for her.[/color][/b]" Nadeline stated, nodding. Indeed, and as they would finally reach what should have been a dead end, the group could see what looked like sand pouring down from above. Upon further inspection, Nadeline quickly realized that it was actually the Mist that they had felt. As she looked up, she let out a small gasp, taking a step backwards.

A combination of both machine and feathers descended upon the area, and what looked like an angel with her back to them upon a machine would float above the ground, stretching golden wings aloft. She would let out a sigh as she would turn around, her eyes still closed, daintily grasping her pure white dress. Her skin was colored a muted blue, and for just a moment, it was hard to believe that she was an Esper and not a goddess. "[b][color=fdc68a]Masterpiece among the scions created by the gods, and the mastermind of the plot to rise against them. Prior to her betrayal, she was tasked with guiding souls to heaven and aiding in their reincarnation. Called the High Seraph for her angelic wings of glimmering gold, yet it was on wings of deepest black that the tainted angel Ultima rose against the gods.[/color][/b]" Nadeline began to speak softly, gripping her rapier. 

"[b]Since her fall, her heart is without light, and impossible to know.[/b]" Ultima finished the passage as she opened her eyes. "[b]You have all come a long way, it would seem. Though I admit my surprise to see that the group is not whole.[/b]"

So the Espers really did communicate with one another? Grant couldn't help but narrow his eyes at Ultima. She wasn't the first Esper to converse with them, but for some reason, he felt that she was actually talking down to them much like an adult would speak to a child. "[b][color=darkorchid]We are all that is needed to bring you down.[/color][/b]" He stated boldly.

Ultima studied each of them closely, though after a moment of silence she would let out a chuckle, letting out a small sigh as she finished. "[b]Truly, you cannot be so foolish to believe that, can you? I don't believe you would leave behind your comrades by choice. No...Chaos's Scion must be in recovery of her memories. Chaos was truly foolish...but not as much as the arrogant Hume who would underestimate my power.[/b]" She said, raising her head. "[b]You have all come far. For some time, I have been watching the six of you. The bold Sky Pirate, the Scion of Time, the boisterous princess, the honorable prince, the valorous general, and the redeemed one. Such a long, arduous journey...and yet, you may not rest until Zodiark is slain, lest Ivalice is lost to all.[/b]"

"[b][color=darkorchid]But you will not yield without a fight, will you?[/color][/b]" Grant asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ultima would release her dress, holding her arms in the air. "[b]Power is the only thing that can change anything in this world. With power, anything is accomplishable and within your grasp. There is only one hume I have met that has shown me her power, the one who the Sky Pirate challenged--and failed to conquer.[/b]" She told them, closing her eyes. No doubt she spoke of Shion. Still, before Nadeline could retort, Ultima would extend her wings and open her eyes. "[b]The thrill of battle...let us see whose power will conquer who, then.[/b]"

"[b][color=darkorchid]And here we go...[/color][/b]" Grant muttered, immediately readying his gun and making sure to fire the first shot.