“[b][color=purple]Or, you could ignore me and just jump off, that’s a thing, too But hey, a simple warning, or, I don’t know, ‘I’m getting off’ would’ve sufficed.[/color][/b]”

Grant’s grumblings were lost to the wind as he would park his car, only mostly listening to the actions taking place. Savayna was always one for the dramatics, so he really shouldn’t have been too surprised. Once he was sure the Thorn was secured, he would take the key in his hand and place it in one of his inner jacket pockets. He’d pat the spot, feeling a small bump of resistance, though he seemed satisfied. The Paramina Rift was as chilled as always, though his coat seemed to protect him from the cold enough, so he wouldn’t worry too much about it.

Letting out a small sigh, he would casually make his way around the crowd as Savayna would wave him over. The crowd’s cheers were rather noisy, though he supposed the opposition had angered people enough that Savayna’s actions were warranted. He’d inspect the fallen remains of the closest machine curiously, looking for any sign of a manufacturer or a clue for whom it could possibly belong to.

He would stand, looking at Savayna. “[b][color=purple]Should we ask what’s going on?[/color][/b]”

[hr]

Lorenzo’s mouth was wide open as he leaned on the garbage can for support. As the Espers disappeared, he would crawl over to Reia, hugging her legs. “[b][color=darkorange]I don’t understand what’s happening, Sis,[/color][/b]” He whined, his lower lip quivering. 

“[b][color=turquoise]And this is a first for you? [i]That’s[/i] the real shocker here,[/color][/b]” She looked down at him. “[b][color=turquoise]Do get up, don’t you want to continue the tour?[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=darkorange]Of course I do! But Jaakie’s talking to that weird guy again. Why are we always getting stuck with the weirdos?[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=turquoise]The only weirdo here is you, I can assure you of that much.[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=darkorange]What?! I’m the most normal guy here![/color][/b]”

“[b][color=turquoise]It’s quite the opposite. For example, you’re still on the floor hugging me like a child instead of acting like the thirty-five year old you’re supposed to be.[/color][/b]”

Lorenzo let out a gasp, looking up at Reia with his watery, golden eyes. “[b][color=darkorange]You should be taking care of your big brother instead of scolding him![/color][/b]”

Reia wisely chose to ignore Lorenzo at this point, simply waving Jaakuna’s concerns away. If the Espers were little more than a punchline, she believed it would be best to move on. Walking over to Lorenzo, she would pull him up by his collar until he was on his feet, and promptly smacked his back. He almost threw up again, but Reia would ignore him and turn to Jaakuna once more.

“[b][color=turquoise]I would like to rest. If you would be so kind as to show me to a room, I would greatly appreciate it,[/color][/b]” She requested.

“[b][color=darkorange]I want the rest of the tour![/color][/b]” Lorenzo added.

[hr]

Karolina let out a small sigh, holding a hand to her head as the water ran from the bathroom sink. She glanced at herself at the mirror for a moment, though she would wince as a sharp pain ran through her chest. There was something very wrong, though between having to repeatedly calm down the Senate and trying to keep a watch on Emiri, she found that she was really pushing herself. No, it wasn’t nesessarily her body that was giving her problems. She was always weak, but she always had a good idea just how far she could go before exhausting herself. Right now there was something messing with her own mist, though she didn’t have any idea what it could possibly be.

Taking in a deep breath, she would open a cabinet and take a small bag of herbs from it. As she would leave her bathroom, she spotted Vlyn on one of her chairs, looking worse than she did. He perked up, shooting her a grin as she began to prepare a tea. He would watch her carefully for a moment, though was surprised when she would offer him a cup.

“[b][color=thistle]You’re too kind,[/color][/b]” He told her as she would take a seat across from him with her own cup. “[b][color=thistle]Lorenzo would lose it if he knew you were giving me this. He went through a lot to get these herbs, didn’t he?[/color][/b]”

She seemed to disagree. “[b][color=orange]No…my Lorenzo would never question it,[/color][/b]” She told him, though after taking a sip she would frown. “[b][color=orange]Actually, I am glad you are here. There’s something I would like to ask you.[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=thistle]Is this about Lord Andre?[/color][/b]”

She nodded. “[b][color=orange]Is it true he would have died were it not for his daughter’s intervention?[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=thistle]Unfortunately. But this does not trouble you—there’s something else, isn’t there?[/color][/b]” He asked, curious.

Karolina nodded again, this time a serious look on her face. “[b][color=orange]One of the nurses informed me that there was a young man with Emiri in the hospital. He doesn’t seem to be from around here as no one recognized him. At first I didn’t think much of it, but one of the guards informed me that he was also in the gardens,[/color][/b]” She said. “[b][color=orange]I made an order to detain the man so we could question his motives, but anytime anyone gets close, he makes a rather quick and unfollowable escape.[/color][/b]”

Vlyn paused, thinking. “[b][color=thistle]As if there weren’t enough problems…I’ll keep an eye out, if that’s what you want,[/color][/b]” He said.

The blonde shook her head, placing her cup down. “[b][color=orange]There’s something else I’d like for you to do.[/color][/b]”

[hr]

Aloa’s walk was brisk, though she was deep in thought. With Zodiark around, her sensory abilities were hampered somewhat, though she could have sworn that something was happening in the castle. It was strange to have her ears clouded, it was as if something was covering them and purposely throwing her off guard. Even so, all that was nothing compared to the bad feeling she had in her gut. 

And the rule of thumb was that you should always go with your gut feeling.

The Viera stopped as the wind from an open window would bring in what looked like several blue flower petals. She recognized them and would walk to the window to see Shion in the gardens. Without hesitation, Aloa leapt out of the window, landing on the grass with ease. At least she was fine physically.

Shion was admiring the rosebush with complete sincerity, a rather gentle look on her face as she would lightly feel the leaves. They were lovingly taken care of, this much she was sure of, and it honestly pleased her to see that the plant life had the best gardeners take care of them. She straightened as Aloa approached her, her blue rose glowing softly.

“[b][color=mediumpurple]We meet once again, Blue Rose of Nabradia,[/color][/b]” She greeted her.

Shion closed her eyes for a moment. “[b][color=deepskyblue]I’ll get straight to the point, if you don’t mind,[/color][/b]” She said, almost apologetic, though when Aloa nodded, she would continue. “[b][color=deepskyblue]Zodiark seems well aware that I am hunting him. Whether he believes I am a threat and hides or he leads me on false trails for enjoyment is unclear, but I cannot seem to pinpoint his location. I had hoped you would be able to assist me.[/color][/b]”

Aloa was surprised. “[b][color=mediumpurple]You intend to fight him?[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=deepskyblue]No. My battle with [i]them[/i] showed that their strength grows. While I cannot ensure a victory, what I can do is guarantee a fighting chance,[/color][/b]” She said as the wind would come between them once more. “[b][color=deepskyblue]For this end, I need only two things—a passageway to Zodiark, and the Treaty Blade.[/color][/b]”

So that was what Shion had been up to. And here Aloa believed she had simply sunk back into the shadows. Aloa perched her elbow on her hand, her fingers to her lips as she would think. “[b][color=mediumpurple]I see…’only’, she says, as if they were a simple task,[/color][/b]” She couldn’t help but retort, earning her a look from Shion. “[b][color=mediumpurple]The Treaty Blade itself is a relic of ancient times, having been granted to Queen Ashelia B’nargin Dalmasca centuries ago. If anyone were to know its whereabouts, you would have to seek out Wesley Alexander—who is on his way back to his home. As for the former…it could be possible, were I to have time.[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=deepskyblue]Time is not a luxury we have, Aloa,[/color][/b]” Shion reminded her. “[b][color=deepskyblue]Though I thank you for directing me back to the prince.[/color][/b]”

She sure was casual about this whole thing. “[b][color=mediumpurple]You must understand, the entire village slumbers to prevent themselves from going mad from the Dark Esper’s power, and this is something I cannot do alone.[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=deepskyblue]Then tell me what you need. Manpower is something I do have,[/color][/b]”Shion said, though she was shocked to see Aloa hesitating. “[b][color=deepskyblue]Aloa…would you have me beg?[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=mediumpurple]It is not so simple. I could have a hundred people helping me and fail.[/color][/b]”

Shion couldn’t help but become irritated. Taking in a deep breath, she would open her mouth to make another attempt at persuading her when something in the air caught her attention. There was a great darkness nearby, though it was still. What was that? She narrowed her eyes as she looked around, though she would turn back to Aloa. “[b][color=deepskyblue]Do you not feel that?[/color][/b]”

To her surprise, Aloa looked away in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. “[b][color=mediumpurple]That…I know what you speak of, although my senses aren’t what they used to be…[/color][/b]” Something was up, then, and Shion wasn’t about to have another Jaakuna situation happen if it meant harm to Aloa. She raised her hand, palm down, and would tighten it into a fist. As it glowed, Aloa would widen her eyes. “[b][color=mediumpurple]You would alert the castle of your presence?[/color][/b]”

A brilliant blade of light would form in Shion’s hand, and as she whipped it to her side, the light would fade and reveal the blade in its entirety. “[b][color=deepskyblue]Another seed…who would reach out to the Dark One?[/color][/b]”

Aloa’s eyes widened, and she immediately looked at the castle. “[b][color=mediumpurple]I was a fool to think my magicks would keep hold in this state,[/color][/b]” She silently cursed. “[b][color=mediumpurple]The Serpent planted a seed of the Dark Esper in the Scion of Time.[/color][/b]”

Serpent? That could have been no one else but Levi. Shion inhaled sharply, though she would look at Aloa. “[b][color=deepskyblue]Then lead me to her. I will purify his influence once and for all.[/color][/b]”