At the crack of dawn, the odd pair departed. Vlyn thought he knew the way they were going, but was surprised when they ended up on the Paramina Rift. The drop in temperature didn’t seem to bother her at all, her hair billowing behind her. The woman was truly a force of nature, not even a single shiver sent down her spine. He was pretty cold, but he couldn’t help but question how she managed to keep a straight face as the winds blew snow at them.

“[color=deepskyblue]A small detour—it will not take long,[/color]” She would assure him as she began to walk up a cliff.

Following suit, he was glad when the winds finally died down, if only for a moment. Rubbing his arms, he followed Shion to the top, where a rusted blade sat, firmly imbedded in the ground. Shion would approach it, getting down onto her knees and offering a silent prayer. From this, he assumed it was a grave, and paid his respects as well.

“[color=deepskyblue]That was kind of you. I appreciate it,[/color]” Shion stated, her hands on her lap.

“[color=thistle]A fallen friend?[/color]” He asked.

“[color=deepskyblue]What remained of him, yes,[/color]” Shion nodded, much to his confusion. At his expression, she would continue, “[color=deepskyblue]Surpassing the limits of our humanity is something only a select few are capable of. Even your race has extraordinary people that rise above the rest, do they not? This man…his name was Rio Eron. He, along with myself, Avria…were survivors of the destruction of Nepal. Despite living in the same village, we did not interact—it wasn’t until each of us were shipped off to Achadia did we start to get to know one another. He was a passionate boy, though his heart was heavy with wanting revenge against the country that destroyed his home. He gathered us together, his words filled with understanding and hatred. I disliked him. He was a man of words, I a woman of action.

“Still, as the years passed, I would seek out power. But the more I looked, the more I realized that I was helpless as a hume. Even if I had the best weapon or forbidden magicks, it was not enough. Rio agreed, so together, we sought out the gods themselves. Arvia was the voice of reason, though she would end up coming along. Sophia was intrigued, but she had nowhere else to go, and so followed as well. I think that despite her words, deep down, she agreed with our way of thinking. We were granted power only to find that said power was not so easily controlled.

“It was not something that was noticed right away. Perhaps I was gifted. Or just lucky—I had no problem with it, embracing that which did not belong to me. But Rio and Avria…they struggled. I wasn’t too surprised with Avria, her soul was so gentle, even with sword in hand she would not be able to fell an enemy. But Rio grew frustrated, and tried to keep it under wraps. We confronted him, but it was too late—the Mist warped him and his mind. Now that I think about it, I’m certain it was done on purpose. He was stronger than I was…but I was chosen instead of him to become the next Ashlesha Ascendant, with my friends thrown to the wayside.

“With his new form, he lost whatever humanity remained, and became a monster in every sense of the word except physical. He slaughtered many, regardless of their allegiance with the Empire, and became bloodthirsty. And when Avria stood up to him…he decided he had no further use for us. But he feared me. He feared I could overcome him. And so he let me here, to the Paramina Rift, and ambushed me upon arrival. We fought for what seemed like days…and then Avria arrived. She pleaded with him, tried to appeal to his old self, but the gods did not wish for this. His outer appearance would match his heart as he transformed into a monster, and without so much as a second glance, he murdered his best friend.

“As she died, he realized what he had done. He was quelled, though I could not let him get away with this injustice, and I slayed him. I buried them both here…and stuck his blade as a sort of memorial. The entire thing was set up as punishment, this much I am sure. I forsaked the power given to me, choosing to walk my own path. The gods were probably delighted to see my anguish…and so I made sure to leave my heart behind as well. I surpassed my humanity without their aid…and obtained true power. Until now, that is.[/color]”

Vlyn listened intently, though his gaze returned to the sword before them. “[color=thistle]Rio Eron…it isn’t the same General Eron from Archadia, is it?[/color]” He asked, surprised. “[color=thistle]I remember hearing about it…but the story went that he killed his subordinates and then himself.[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]And that is what history will remember,[/color]” Shion stated as she would stand, brushing the snow off. “[color=deepskyblue]I suppose I still pity him. I wanted someone to know the truth…and unfortunately, that would be you.[/color]”

He was grateful for that. “[color=thistle]How did the Garif know of Avria?[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]She went to them, hoping to learn to control her power. Maybe if Rio had done the same, things would be different.[/color]”

“[color=thistle]And Sophia knows of this? Wait…[/color]”

Shion shook her head at him, and began to walk. Vlyn followed, the realization dawning on him, though he couldn’t bring himself to confirm it. After a time, the grand gates leading to Giruvegan had come into view at last. Vlyn had never been so happy to see what amounted to a giant wall. Still, the trek had been completely silent, with him following in her footsteps as she led the way. Shion was deep, deep in thought the entire time, probably because of the story she had spun for him Still, it did little to distract her prowess in battle, as whatever unfortunate creature that chose to bar her path would quickly learn.

As they look looked at the gates, Vlyn finally had to ask, “[color=thistle]What’s here?[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]The Great Crystal,[/color]” She replied, her hand on the door. To his surprise, the gate opened, allowing them passage. Rather than head on inside, she hesitated. “[color=deepskyblue]I appreciate the company, but this is where you and I will go our separate ways. You can tell them the truth, as I entrust it to you to do with it as you please.[/color]”

“[color=thistle]But…Zodiark…[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]If he ventures here, he forfeits his own existence. I’ll need time…but if I succeed, then…[/color]” Her voice trailed off. “[color=deepskyblue]My path is laid before me. See to it that you do the same. If I fail, then this is goodbye.[/color]”

“[color=thistle]You’ll be fine. I’ll—we’ll all be waiting,[/color]” Vlyn told her as she walked away. He would watch as she reached the Waystone, although once she was out of sight, he felt completely at a loss. Her story was too familiar. The Ashlesha Ascendant…No, it was not a coincidence. At the very least, he needed to confirm with Aloa. And if she agreed, then he would be able to say the truth.

[hr]

Morning had come at last, and with it, a second chance. The mood of the castle was considerably uplifted since the announcement of Wesley's return. The details had been kept on a strict need-to-know basis, but to the city of Rabanastre, it was a relief. The start of the day was on the quieter side of things, the castle hushed as their lords were just rising. A grand breakfast had been laid out for the guests, though everything was fresh only one person was at the table, happily eating away. Keiran indulged himself as he pleased, happy with being the first to get up.

Soon after, however, Aloa would appear at the entrance to the hall, watching him carefully. For someone who was formerly serving Zodiark, he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself. Shion had assured her that he served Emiri--though Aloa had reason to doubt. It wasn't that she thought Shion was wrong, for all intents and purposes, it was the truth. For now. But when they would go to battle, would it remain that way?

Nadeline would join Aloa, mimicking her in staring at Keiran. "[color=coral]Comfortable, isn't he?[/color]" She said to Aloa quietly. "[color=coral]Despite all that's happened, I believe it best to address the little pet Emi had picked up.[/color]"

"[color=plum]Perhaps it is because of his nature, there is little to be done. That is, if you favor keeping her life,[/color]" Aloa warned Nadeline. “[color=plum]If you wish it, I can give it an attempt.[/color]”

The princess shook her head, instead choosing to join Keiran at the table. He definitely noticed her staring—Aloa was a little more subtle, but Nadeline was almost glaring at him, as if attempting to burn some holes through his skull. He stopped chewing for a moment, staring right back at her. She scoffed, crossing her arms. He grinned back, though she noticed it came off rather weak. She narrowed her eyes, realizing that he was paler than usual. “[color=coral]Are you alright?[/color]” She ended up asking.

“[color=gray]Wow, that’s really nice of you to ask![/color]” He replied cheerfully. Her scorning look would cause him to backtrack. “[color=gray]Ah…well, Emiri isn’t feeling too well, so I guess I’m feeling it to. Like, it’s super hot in here. But I’m also freezing.[/color]”

A cold? Nadeline stared at Keiran intently, though she seemed to accept it. Before she could ask further, her father practically threw himself on top of her, hugging her tightly. “[color=darkorange]Good morning, my gorgeous daughter![/color]” He greeted her happily.

“[color=coral]Good morning, Father. I’m glad to see you back to your too-energetic self. Quite the run you had last night, didn’t you?[/color]” She teased as he took a seat.

“[color=darkorange]That was a real mean trick! Why didn’t someone tell me Aloa already got to the room?[/color]” He whined.

“[color=plum]You enthusiasm was too much, they could not bear to disappoint you,[/color]” Aloa offered a solution as she would take a seat.

“[color=coral]More like he let Cassandra wrap him around her finger. Honestly, Father! Don’t let her wiles get the best of you![/color]” Nadeline scolded him. “[color=coral]You let her use you! Have some dignity, for goodness sakes![/color]”

[hr]

Letting out a small whimper, Emiri managed to open her eyes. She was breathing heavily, her body feeling sore. She felt like she was on fire, though the chill in the room wouldn’t let her throw her blankets off of her. No, wait, the window was closed. Was she delusional as well? She was tossing and turning all night, unable to get very much sleep. She let out a groan as she forced herself to sit up, catching a glimpse of herself at the mirror above the vanity on the wall across from her. Her bangs stuck to her forehead from all she was sweating. What was wrong with her?

Her body screamed at her to get back into bed as she would place both feet on the floor. She stood, wobbling as the world around her suddenly started spinning. She managed to grab onto the bedpost for dear life, though found herself sliding down, unable to get a proper hold of it. On, the floor felt so nice and cool. She ended up laying flat on the floor, letting the coolness relieve her. No, she couldn’t stay on the floor! Getting herself on all fours, she crawled her way into the private bathroom, just in time to vomit. Great, she was sick.

Managing to stay on her feet, she brushed her teeth fiercely, wobbling over to where she had put her backpack down. She rummaged through, pulling out a shirt, though as she pulled it over her head, she realized she still had her nightgown on. Groaning yet again, she tried to pull the shirt off, only to find it stuck. Well, it wasn’t stuck, she just hadn’t the strength to pull it off. She let out a yell of frustration, struggling until she was out of breath once more. Wait, she had Keiran’s trick!

Concentrating, she felt the shirt dissolve into Mist, her magicks transforming her clothes, though to her surprise, she ended up naked. Shoot, she wasn’t really able to concentrate, was she? Well, since the clothes were off, she might as well take a bath. Wobbling over to the bathroom once more, she let the large tub fill with water. She watched it in a daze, not realizing until it was too late that she fell headfirst in. Panicking slightly, she splashed around hopelessly, though managed to sit up. She spat out water, coughing. Wow, did she almost drown herself? The thought melted away as the cold of the water seeped into her skin, and she leaned back, more relaxed.