Since the fight in Archadia had ended and Dominic and the others were left to their own devices, they have since been on the path to recovery. Archadia, though out of its state of emergency, still required all hands on deck. Because of that and because of the bravery they’ve demonstrated, Emperor Roman Darcone awarded them - well, Dominic at the least - a complete pardon from all prior crimes and the recent one of breaking out of the Archadian Dungeons. Apparently Roman wanted to try and repair the damaged relations between the main, royal family of Darcone and their branch family, the Wards.

So, in the wake of the Judge Magisters seeing fewer numbers and Ixion the only remaining Judge of the initial five since Vincent’s tenure as Emperor, a royal decree went out that would name Lannit Terra, the Violet Needle, Shinto Sogeki, the Silent Sniper, and  Dominic Ward, the Crimson Arc, all would take an empty spot as Judge Magisters of the Imperial Court of Archadia with Isaiah Darcone leading them as Supreme judge Magister, which has only belonged to those of ruling house of Archadia. It was the Solidors until the Darcone’s took over when they seized control of Archadia.

The news, of course, was met with mixed reactions, namely how three once-convicted criminals were now holding three positions of power. But despite this, it seemed as though Roman assured it was the right decision. However, one thing remained uncertain and that was if Dominic specifically would be able to act accordingly. His first mission was not proof of that. He was a hothead to say the least and when he got riled up, most feared what he’d do, especially since once he got going, it was hard to get him to halt.

Though it was apparent that Dominic’s new responsibilities would be a test of his character, the other two, at least, seemed to be handling their positions of authority better than their red-headed friend. 

The three were roaming the streets as part of a plan that Roman put in place to ensure the safety and rebuilding of the city. However, just as they had rounded the sectors just a few blocks from where Roman was secured and protected by his cousin, Isaiah, a series of unfortunate events unleashed upon Archadia’s soils. First, a shaking that felt like a mild to moderate earthquake, then not long after, a great, dark cloud loomed over Archadia. Now, this wasn’t uncommon for the time of year it was, but from the cloud came shadows shaped like smoke shot down in the hundreds. Several beasts of various forms from hounds to bears to some the size of behemoths had started to tear apart the city, causing fear and panic all around as hell itself had been unleashed upon Archadia.

The three judges, whom, aside from Dominic who had been clad in some armor that covered all but his well-buit abs, gave a glance. Without warning, the three of them donned their respective weapons: Shinto had his trademark Silent Killer Rifle in hand, Lannit brandished his Magicite Needle Gun, and Dominic had his Gauntlets of Awesomeness. [color=cb0015]“TO VICTORY!”[/color] Dominic hollered out as he rushed towards the beasts of shadow. 

Through a sigh, Shinto and Lannit followed suit, shooting their way through the hoards of the beasts. The fight for Archadia and Ivalice started tonight!
[hr]
Isaiah felt the mist around him. He had no doubts there was something in the air that didn’t feel quite right. Ever since the day before last, he had felt something truly mysterious. Adrammelech felt it too, though he was a tad vague about it. Despite the two of them having bonded for quite some time and Isaiah donning the moniker of Isaiah, the Benevolent, it was still an interesting relationship between the two. Adram never was clear when speaking to his Chosen One and always seemed to snark at him when he had a chance. Not only that, but Isaiah and Adram both suffer from huge egos. The gods were cruel when they paired the two.

And yet, the feeling deep inside his gut couldn’t be ignored. Even the Wroth found it troubling.  [color=ff5349][i]the snake awakens.[/i][/color] Adrammelech spoke to Isaiah. [color=ff5349][i]That’s the Keeper of Precepts if you didn’t put it together.[/i][/color] He spoke again, this time with a sass unlike any of the Scions.

Why me?

Isaiah inwardly sighed, though he glanced towards the door. In the past five minutes, more than a dozen of knights came and went from Roman’s office. The latter giving them orders to defend the people. Isaiah felt as though his place was there as well, fighting alongside the knights and the other judges, but there was also a sworn duty that the Supreme Judge Magister had to protect their Emperor.

[color=gold]“Roman, my esper, Addram--”[/color] Without warning, Adrammelech summoned himself as he parked it on the edge of the window. [color=gold]“What are you doing?”[/color]

[color=ff5349]“You were taking too long.”[/color] Adrammelech retorted. [color=ff5349]“Roman right? Look, I’ll tell you this as simply as I can: Zodiark—the real Zodiark, not the one that has been parading as him—has been awakened and that’s why your not-so-beautiful city is under its second attack in a single week.”[/color]

[color=gold]“I could’ve said that.”[/color]

[color=ff5349]“But you didn’t. Now, just shut up and let your Emperor respond before I lose my patience and throw you out the window.”[/color] He retorted nastily. Isaiah could tell that he wasn’t kidding either.

Isaiah scowled, looking to Roman. 

Gods, why did you fate me with such an unbearable esper? Why!?
[hr]
[color=mediumpurple]“What in the hell is going on?”[/color] Cassandra demanded to know, looking to Alistair as the three of them had just arrived in Archadia’s Aerodome. 

“I..don’t know, my princess,” Alistair admitted, seeming disturbed by what was happening. To make matters worse, it seemed the Aerodome was on lockdown until what was happening was no longer the case. “But the Archadian Knights should be able to handle things until they are able to eliminate whatever is happening.

[color=9966cc]“Doubtful.”[/color] A red-headed girl said as she approached the three. Reia would recognize her as Nila, the redhead she met a few days ago.

[color=mediumpurple]“What makes you say that?”[/color] Cassandra asked, not pleased with the woman’s negativity.

[color=9966cc]“There ‘s practically a small army of shadow creatures out there. Our military is vast, but without harming the citizens, they won’t be able to do it. The source needs to be taken out.”[/color] The woman said.

“So what are we supposed to do?” Alistair inquired.

[color=9966cc]“Pray to the gods, I guess. Honestly, I’m not the one with the answers. All I know is that this is a fucked up situation and it’s only going to get worse before it gets better.”[/color]
[hr]
Wesley’s last action bought him some time. But it wasn’t nearly enough nor as much as he would’ve liked. After ten minutes of running from the west to east wing of the Palace, he had to do away with even more of the shadow creatures. Shooting a holy and scathe spell every now and then purified them in the large numbers, so it allowed him more time to freely search for Nadeline. 

He had checked the garden, the Grand Hall, and the multiple kitchens - and still nothing. So, he decided to go in the opposite direction. Only when he searched their rooms did he eventually find her. She was in Shion’s room, though as he saw it was only Nadeline and Shion, he wondered where Jaakuna was. Maybe he was out defending the streets of Rabanastre. Whichever the case, Wesley put that out of his mind. For the time being, he was relieved to see Nadeline was safe.

[color=fff79a]“I’m so glad you’re safe.”[/color] WEsley approached, seeing her kneeling down by Shion’s bedside. [color=fff79a]“We need to go, Nadeline.”[/color] Wesley said, summoning Hashmal without vocally calling out his name. He was more Hume-sized than he was his typical ten-foot height. Instead, he had shrunk down into a seventy-nine-inch height. [color=fff79a]“Hashmal, please carry Shion.”[/color]

[color=sienna]“As you wish.”[/color] Hashmal bowed as he would grab Shion from her bed and carry her over her shoulder. 
[hr]
[color=lightblue]“No, that’s not it, Grant. I mean, yes, I sense [i]that[/i] mist, but someone else is here. I’m not sure, but I’m positive it’s--”[/color]

Before Savayna could get that last thought out,  they would be propelled faster due to Zeromus’ spell, which brought them to the room where Jaakuna and Emette were. And as they did, in front of them, was something neither of them was prepared for.Emiri and Jaakuna were doing battle. As Jaakuna had been clad in golden armor pieces and Emiri was in opposite, dark-colored armor, swords acting as wings, it struck something with Mateus. 

[color=7ea7d8]“Zodiark has seized control of her body. She is his vessel now.”[/color]

Savayna turned back to face her Esper. [color=lightblue]“That’s not true!”[/color] Savayna refused to believe it, but what was in front of her was all the proof that she needed; for in front of her was a clash between powers that only the worst tales seemed to be capable of telling.

Jaakuna had gone after her with two swords of pure light and had unleashed several waves of heavenly fire that took the form of chains. [color=#ED1C24]“[/color][color=#EA242C]B[/color][color=#E72C34]e[/color][color=#E5353C]g[/color][color=#E23D44]o[/color][color=#E0464C]n[/color][color=#DD4E54]e[/color] [color=#D85F64]f[/color][color=#D6686C]r[/color][color=#D37074]o[/color][color=#D1797C]m[/color] [color=#CC8A8C]t[/color][color=#C99294]h[/color][color=#C79B9C]i[/color][color=#C4A3A4]s[/color] [color=#BFB4B4]w[/color][color=#BDBCBD]o[/color][color=#BEBBB4]r[/color][color=#C0BAAC]l[/color][color=#C1B9A4]d[/color][color=#C3B79B],[/color] [color=#C6B58B]y[/color][color=#C7B383]o[/color][color=#C9B27A]u[/color] [color=#CCAF6A]p[/color][color=#CDAE62]a[/color][color=#CFAD59]r[/color][color=#D0AB51]a[/color][color=#D2AA49]s[/color][color=#D3A941]i[/color][color=#D5A738]t[/color][color=#D6A630]e[/color][color=#D8A528]![/color][color=#DAA31F]”[/color] Jaakuna’s voice spoke, but Savayna recognized it as someone else’s. But whose?