In all honesty, he had expected Isaiah to be the first to jump to battle. He wasn't quite sure what he was doing here--that is, until his Esper would decide to do the talking for him. "[color=indianred]Unfortunately, Addramelech has a point. We are in a state of an emergency, and must act accordingly--that being, with haste,[/color]" Roman couldn't help but scold his cousin, completely in agreement with the Esper. As he listened, a grim expression would take place. "[color=indianred]I figured as much,[/color]" He admitted, though at the very least, getting some confirmation was useful. He would begin to rummage through his desk, buried in his own thoughts. "[color=indianred]How troublesome...it would seem this is entirely out of my hands.[/color]"

The situation was more dire than he had imagined. He pulled out a scroll, unraveling it for Isaiah to see. "[color=indianred]A time ago, when I learned of Empress Reia's intentions, there was a question that lingered on my mind. How is it possible that a single person was a living key with a connection to the Espers? No matter where I looked, I could find no answer,[/color]" He spoke to the pair, though it seemed he was speaking directly to the Esper. "[color=indianred]The only clue I could find was text related to that of the thirteenth--Zodiark.  And yet, Chaos himself was sighted in Ivalice by Rozarrian troops around twenty five or six years ago. Why was it only Chaos? I thought the two events connected...It was said that when Zodiark was sealed away, rather than pour his energy into escape, he would instead focus on corrupting one of his siblings--Chaos, to be exact. And so when a pact was made, unwillingly did the summoner take on Zodiark's power as well.[/color]"

He let out a sigh, tapping his index finger on the image of Zodiark in the scroll. "[color=indianred]But Zodiark is not able to manifest itself so easily in this world. It would take to unlock all twelve of his brethren first, and once they roamed Ivalice, it was only then that he could hope to spring forth--but not by himself. He would probably make use of his key...but a Seeress foresaw this, and planned for the day of its destruction, hoping to stop Zodiark.[/color]"

Roman looked directly at Isaiah at this point, no doubt knowing that Addramelech already knew where he was going with this. "[color=indianred]If this is correct, that means Jackson is currently fighting Zodiark--who has probably taken possession of Emiri right now.[/color]"

[hr]

Nadeline was glad as ever to see Wesley, though she was slightly preoccupied with Shion's words. After watching Hashmaal carefully carry her, she would nod at Wesley, though she grabbed his hand, knowing that what she wanted to say couldn't wait. As they walked out, she decided to speak her mind. "[color=coral]Ultima said that Zodiark--the real one--has been freed. But I do not understand, how could this have come to pass?[/color]" She said to him, a worried expression on her face. "[color=coral]It doesn't help that neither Jaakuna nor Emi are anywhere to be found. I know my father left the city with Grant and Savayna, but the other two...you don't think...?[/color]"

[hr]

Emette's hands were balled into fists, a pained expression on her face. How she wanted to prevent this, but even now, she should have known better. She listened to Grant and Savayna speak to one another, knowing the answers they sought. Her breath seemed caught in her throat as she backed away, watching Jaakuna's magicks surge forth. Emiri shook her head, one of her swords flying forward to meet it. It hitched itself through one of the links, yanking it in such a way that it would not touch her. She shrugged at him as his magicks exploded behind her, as if taunting him. Rather than go the magical route, however, she would go straight in, her swords spinning behind her as each one would move for a strike.

Letting out a breath, Emette turned around, looking at Grant, who was watching the confrontation. "[color=magenta]It's not just Emiri that's changed,[/color]" He noted out loud, squinting at Jaakuna. "[color=magenta]Jaakuna...is Lohgrif? How did I know that name?[/color]"

"[color=mistyrose]The Scions of Light cannot exist on their own in Ivalice,[/color]" She informed him quietly. "[color=mistyrose]Just as the Espers are bound to their hosts, so must we cling to our own mortal hosts. In this way, when we fuse with our mortal, we may draw upon Ivalice's power directly.[/color]"

"[color=magenta]And so your own power wanes, because your host has passed,[/color]" Grant stated in understanding. He then saw Emette's rather grim expression, his hand to his gun almost reflexively. "[color=magenta]Tell me you aren't thinking of asking me to shoot your own daughter.[/color]"

"[color=mistyrose]I'll admit the thought crossed my mind, but do you think it would work at this point? Not even Lohgrif can touch her,[/color]" She said, though there was a desperation in her voice. "[color=mistyrose]And if he does...If he manages to land a decisive blow...can Jaakuna himself handle that? I wanted to prevent this, but now that it has come to pass, I...I know not what to do...[/color]"

Well, there goes asking her for the next possible step. Grant let out a small cough, though he looked at Savayna. "[color=magenta]Any ideas your way?[/color]"