"[b][color=f6989d]In my hands, I hold a now empty Midlight Shard,[/color][/b]" Emiri reiterated to Jaakuna. "[b][color=f6989d]We have had both the Dawn and Dusk Shards in our possession, and believe me when I tell you that I would recognize either one of them at any moment. But this one, this is one whose Mist I have never felt before...even the stone itself in appearance is different from the other two.[/color][/b]" She stated, shaking her head. "[b][color=f6989d]Whoever had this...they got it...from...from Nabudis.[/color][/b]" She informed Jaakuna as she would look at him, unwilling to recall their horrid encounter from their experiences at the place.

Lorenzo would take the stone from her, inspecing it carefully. "[b][color=f26522]The same nethicite that destroyed Nabradia would return only to show up on Rozarrian land. Ironic, isn't it?[/color][/b]" He asked, tossing the stone in the air and catching it, though he would turn his attention tot he brunette. "[b][color=f26522]If I didn't know any better, I would suggest you were part viera. Actually, I don't even think Aloa would have gotten such detail from the place as you have.[/color][/b]"

Emiri would look up, a thoughtful expression on her face. "[b][color=f6989d]I have always been sensitive to the Mist. Even now, I feel as if I'm underwater, suffocating and trying my best not to drown.[/color][/b]" She said, shaking her head. "[b][color=f6989d]Though...I would credit knowing about the nethicite to our time with them. They had a very distinct feeling to them, and this stone does as well. Thus my logical conclusion that this is the Midlight Shard.[/color][/b]" She said quietly, closing her eyes as her vision would blur. "[b][color=f6989d]I can hear it...I can hear the whispers of the nethicite in the Mist: this is my power, and I want more.[/color][/b]"

At that, Lorenzo couldn't quite stifle his laugh. "[b][color=f26522]Talking rocks, huh?[/color][/b]" He asked, inspecting the stone. "[b][color=f26522]Tell me, Emiri...are you drawn to it?[/color][/b]" He asked, offering her the stone.

She should have been repulsed by the stone. Gods knew how many times those things made her quake in her boots, the downright uncomfortable feeling she would get from it. And yet, as she looked from Lorenzo tot he stone, something deep in her mind seemed to click. The stone was truly powerful, even devoid as it was, she almost felt like it was calling out to her. All it would need was Mist...all it needed to give her the power...power she could use for anything, anything she wanted at all. Lorenzo would take the stone back, pocketing it, and taking note of Emiri's blank expression and her eyes. There it was again, though this time at least she was much less hostile. Her eyes would flicker up to his, and they would stare at each other for a moment.

Lorenzo carefully placed a hand on her shoulder. "[b][color=f26522]I'll be keeping this for the time being. You may accidentally trigger it with your powers, and we wouldn't want that now, would we?[/color][/b]" He asked her. Emiri was deathly quiet, though she would give Lorenzo a nod. The blonde stared at her, though he would give Jaakuna his attention, almost as if he was asking if he was seeing what he was seeing, but at that moment, Emiri would grab her head in pain. "[b]H[color=f26522]ey, what's--MOVE![/color][/b]" Lorenzo suddenly shouted, immediately leaping back as a sword would pierce the spot he was standing.

Emiri managed to dodge, but would freeze in place as she saw the sword. She would recognize that weapon anywhere. She spun around to see Lola approaching the group. "[b][color=ed145b]Nice reflexes! I didn't think an old man like you had it in you![/color][/b]" Lola clapped sarcastically. It was [i]her[/i]. Emiri's blood boiled just looking at her, her clenched fists shaking in anger. Lola noticed Emiri's rather scathing look, and shook her head. "[b][color=ed145b]Now, now, little pet, I'm not here for a fight. I just want the Shard, that's all.[/color][/b]"

"[b][color=f26522]Eh? HEY! WHO ARE YOU CALLING OLD?![/color][/b]" Lorenzo shouted, waving his arms frantically, though he would stop as he realized what Lola wanted. "[b][color=f26522]Huh, a random chick dressed pretty weirdly who wants what amounts to a weapon of mass destruction. Seems legit.[/color][/b]"

The brunette could not contain her anger anymore, and would grab Lola's sword. "[b][color=f6989d]You...you should have died in Archades.[/color][/b]" She growled, the pulse in her head getting stronger.

"[b][color=ed145b]I didn't appreciate that nasty stunt you pulled.[/color][/b]" Lola informed her, placing her hand on her hip. "[b][color=ed145b]Boss really chewed me out for that one...you get less and less cute every time we meet.[/color][/b]" She sighed, though she would lightly touch her lips with her fingertips. "[b][color=ed145b]Though I admit, I do miss those soft, sultry lips.[/color][/b]" She smirked.

Lola was baiting Emiri. And the worst part was that Emiri would take it. "[b][color=f26522]Wait![/color][/b]" Lorenzo called as Emiri charged forward, gripping Lola's Iaito in her hand. "[b][color=f26522]Fuck, what is wrong with her?![/color][/b]" Lorenzo cursed as Lola would pull out a second blade, splitting herself into three and charging forward. "[b][color=f26522]Huh. Chick's got some moves.[/color][/b]" He admitted as one would slice at him, though he dodged it with ease.

[hr]
It wasn't dangerous, it was downright suicidal. For a moment, just a single moment, Grant had to ponder if this was Nadeline's intention all along. The path through Giruvegan and their overall journey had done a lot for her growth, but it also pointed out every flaw she had. Her physical weakness, her inexperience, her short temper...each one highlighted at different points and exposed for them all to see. Grant couldn't help but form a fist as he watched the fight unfold. He wanted to believe that Nadeline could win, but the more they fought, the more it was apparent that she was fighting a losing battle.

Nadeline was surprised to see her Scathe bounced off so effortlessly. Perhaps it wasn't as strong as she had hoped, and as she watched it fly into the clouds, it felt like everything around her had slowed down, if only for a moment. No matter what she threw at her, the High Seraph always seemed just one step ahead of her. She had wanted to prove herself so badly, she wanted to show everyone that she could conquer Ultima. As Scathe would explode above them, the remainder of the spell would fizzle out. The rest of the Ultima clones would begin their next move, and as Nadeline would weave in between her attacks, she would look over at the group for just a moment. The mistake would be her first, and possibly cost her the fight, as the distraction would cause one of the Ultimas to attack her from behind. 

Nadeline spun around, throwing up a Protect, but her focus was lacking, and the shield cracked and shattered. The princess' eyes widened as the magick bound her, her rapier forced against her and burning her shoulder as she fell to the ground. [i][color=fdc68a]No![/color][/i] She struggled, resisting the urge to cry out as her own weapon harmed her. The light would fade away, and the weapon would fall silent in response. It was in that moment that she realized just how exhausted she was. Despite the surrounding crystal and Mist boosting her magicks, it seemed she was almost out of magical energy. She hadn't even realized how heavily she had been breathing, how her struggle against her binds was pathetically weak, even for her.

Ultima approached her, informing her that she had all but lost. She would note her mistake in challenging the Esper alone, how her own inexperience had caused the fight to backfire, and Nadeline could feel the tears forming. Why, why couldn't she win?! What was all this for?!  Still, Ultima would give her the chance to ask for help, and her eyes immediately went to the rest of the group. Grant had had enough as well. It was a valiant effort, but it was just too much for one person. Nadeline wasn't to blame, no single person could best an Esper whose power was probably at triple or quadruple their usual power.

"[b][color=92278f]Nadeline, that's enough![/color][/b]" Grant called out to her, already readying his weapon. "[b][color=92278f]You've done enough! We can help you, together we can--[/color][/b]"

"[b][color=fdc68a]No![/color][/b]" She immediately called out without hesitation. "[b][color=fdc68a]I'm...I'm not yet done![/color][/b]"

"[b][color=92278f]This is foolishness! You have nothing to prove to anyone![/color][/b]" His tone was uncharacteristically pleading now, shocking everyone. "[b][color=92278f]You are not powerless! We're all right here with you, let us help you![/color][/b]"

She couldn't. That absolutely could not happen no matter what. She just had to prove herself, she knew that she could do it. And yet, int he back of her mind, she wondered if she really believed herself. She wanted to show everyone what she was capable of. No, that wasn't true at all. As selfish as it sounded, she was in this purely for herself. She wanted to prove to herself that she wasn't useless. [i][color=fdc68a]Why...why can't I defeat her?![/color][i] Her frustration was imminent as she would look at Ultima. [i][color=fdc68a]What am I missing? Even when I landed my hit, it did so little to faze her...so why can't I win?![/color][/i] She couldn't stop the tears from running down her cheeks, and she would look down in shame. [i][color=fdc68a]What am I doing wrong? Everything I've known until now, everything I've done...was it all for nothing?![/color][/i]