Was it truly their future? Were their efforts truly all for nothing? Everyone's sacrifices, their pain, their suffering, it was all just a precursor for the things to come. Nadeline tried to deny it, truly she did, but remembering Stigma how it was now--broken--Zodiark's vision wasn't quite that far off. She found herself shaking unwillingly, clutching her own arms as she tried to shake off the feeling of dread. No, regret? She didn't know what it was, but it made her feel horrible. It was only worse when she looked to Grant, who seemed to mirror her image.

"[color=deepskyblue]Pathetic.[/color]"

Nadeline lifted her head, eyes wide as she caught Shion's glare. The princess actually winced--her look was absolutely scathing. "[color=coral]Wh-what?[/color]" She asked meekly, half afraid to even respond to Shion.

"[color=deepskyblue]I said [i]pathetic[/i]. Do [i]not[/i] ask me to repeat myself again,[/color]" Her voice was unnaturally sharp, only matching the equally cold look she gave. "[color=deepskyblue]Must you succumb to his mind tricks right towards the end? An animal grows more dangerous towards the end of its life...and clearly, he sees you enough of a threat to throw such a half-assed attempt at breaking you.[/color]"

Grant actually let out a chuckle, much to Nadeline's surprise. "[color=darkorchid]That department isn't exactly my strength,[/color]" He admitted outright, letting out a sigh and nudging Nadeline. "[color=darkorchid]You're supposed to be the optimist, remember?[/color]"

"[color=coral]Nonsense, I've always been both the realist and the voice of reason![/color]" She snapped back at him, though as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized what he meant. "[color=coral]Even if the world should crumble, I would advise against underestimating humanity. We Humes are fickle in our ways--and we won't stop until we've won.[/color]" She warned Zodiark, seemingly picking up back where she left off. "[color=coral]This is our truth--we [i]will[/i] prevail. I suggest you prepare yourself accordingly.[/color]"

[hr]

Keiran noticed Jaakuna's rather frighteneing look, though he let out a sigh of annoyance. "[color=gray]Didn't you hear what I said? My powers are an extension of my master's powers. Zodiark isn't my master anymore, Emiri is,[/color]" He reminded Jaakuna, slightly exasperated. "[color=gray]Get that gunk out of your ear and listen for once, will you?[/color]"

Biting her lower lip, Emiri thought long and hard about Keiran's words. If that was the case, were those dark magicks of his truly her own? Deciding to test it out, she took a few steps back, squeezing her eyes shut as she concentrated. She would snap her fingers, letting out a small yelp of surprise as her clothes dissolved, though they would reform as a [url=https://img0.etsystatic.com/062/0/7843994/il_fullxfull.802563138_hjoj.jpg]simple little dress[/url]. She practically squealed in excitement, taking a good look at herself. "[color=pink]I did it! Wait, I still have dark magicks...?[/color]" Her excitement was quickly exterminated as she realized the implications. "[color=pink]Wait, I thought...[/color]"

"[color=gray]Like I said, if I could do it, it means you could do it. Allegiance to dark lords optional,[/color]" He sighed. "[color=gray]You two were made for each other, I swear, making me say the same thing over and over...[/color]"

"[color=pink]Sit down and shut up,[/color]" She snapped, not even bothering to look at him as he obeyed. "[color=pink]What do you think, Jaakuna? Should we give it a try?[/color]"