Alisaie fled.

Alisaie fled though the tunnels, beginning to sniff out the aether. She knew the land above them - she remembered it from her time with the Kobold. And, even before that, she had learned from trying to figure out Ga Bu.

Titan would be gone. And thus, Ga Bu would never be enthralled. She’d saved another. But this method of stopping such disgusted her. At the same time, she could smell the ripe aether for the tasting, like a freshly baked popoto. But, no, she couldn’t eat it herself. After all, if it was fully devoured, Titan would come back.

There was a persons’ soul inside this creature. But like any other enthralled - like any other at home - this person was likely gone. (And, besides, she didn’t know them.) Alisaie continued to dart, as she knew exactly where to go.

It was outside these caverns - Alisaie snarling, breaking though rock and rubble both. She was corrupted, of course she could do this! She thought it was better to use her old bow and arrow, though. As soon as she was on the outside of the volcano, she peered out - and ripped off her wing coverings. She nodded to herself, and jumped - catching the air, as she used her whip-like hair to hold the sealed Titan.

Soon, she landed - at another cavern entrance. One she had made herself. A home she’d made for herself - one of a few. She’d dragged in a bit of fabric to make a bed, a bit of wood to keep it stable.

Because, in the middle of the room, was a horse-sized Carbuncle. It stood unmoving - looking in Alisaies’ direction as soon as she landed. Unblinking. It was fluffy, sort of like Alisaie, and had the same golden tear-like facial markings. Gently, Alisaie moved forward- carefully putting a hand up. Her clawed hand pet their face, and Alisaie smiled. “Sorry I’m late,” she whispered, kissing his cheek. The creature bit at her, before looking at Titan.

“Hungry?” Alisaie asked, as she moved to grab some rope. “You can’t have all of it. Not yet,” she said, as she began to tie up Titan. “It’s tasty, though. Full of earth aether.”

With one of her claws, she broke off some of the rocks of the minion-sized Titan, and held her palm out to the Carbuncle-like beast. In a moment, the fragments were devoured - before the Carbuncle tried to lunge forward.

But they couldn’t. Their back legs were shackled, and the Carbuncle whined. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry… you’ll be back soon.”

As Alisaie tried to calm the beast, however, she heard footsteps - and turned, drawing her claws—

—before she saw familiar armour standing there, a familiar figure. “Nero?” Alisaie asked, calming slightly. Something smelled wrong, though.

“The very same,” Nero said, with a smirk under his armour. Why was this lady so calm about him? Ah well, it could be helpful. “You’re quite the beast.”

Right away, Alisaie frowned. Not her Nero. Then what was he doing in the Iron Nero gear? Had he made it before? No, he had told her that he made it after Garlemald. She still had to learn more about his past, Alisaie was realising, as she eyed the man clad in red - oh, and his gun.

Words failed her for a few moments, before she stood firm between her Carbuncle and Nero. “What do you want, Nero.” Alisaie had to catch herself again. Hopefully, he didn’t notice.

Nero was too busy focusing on the creature behind her, and the fragments of Titan. Hm. From his scans, Titan was still alive. But this creature - the Carbuncle - had the same stillness he’d seen from the land Ifrit was sealed in. Sealed was their term, at least. This lady, Alisaie, though - she had a bit more of a recognizable signature.

Both of them were wrong, though, and Nero stayed still. “Information. Data. Your betrayal was curious,” he said, looking her right in the eyes. “Stealing their hard work. Still, you’re not afraid of falling into his grasp?”

Alisaie took a step back, snarling - baring her fangs. “I’ll be fine. Don’t act like you’re worried.”

“Oh? Did I act like that?” Nero laughed, a gleam in his armour, “I’m so sorry. I won’t again.

I want you. I thought Ultima Weapon could have used Titan, but… no, that won’t work.” His voice grew darker and darker, as he stared at her. His head tilted lightly. He raised his gun. But he did not shoot. Not yet. “Whatever your former friend did ruined two Eikon. Not that I expect you to see it.”

Alisaie drew her bow, until she felt the Carbuncle snarl again, pulling towards Nero. The chains would hold, but Alisaie still hesitated. “I’m the only reason he hasn’t broken free. And he’s so very hungry.” As she said that, the Carbuncle pulled again.

Nero did not hesitate. He didn’t believe the young woman, and yet, he still didn’t shoot. Perhaps it was because he watched how her own aether shifted, scanning it with his armour. It was fascinating.

Nero tol Scaeva thought he had seen everything. “And what if he does escape? It’s of no consequence to me - no, having something feeding on these savages might make it easier for van Baelsar.”

His gun still pointed at her, Alisaies’ movements slowed… disgust beginning to enter her eyes. “Just as I thought. Garlemald ruins everybody,” she said, her bow now drawn. Before she could shoot, though, Nero shot first.

It went right though Alisaie. Golden blood dripping from her wound, eyes widening and shifting to more golden. Her bow clattered to the ground, and without thought, Alisaie jumped towards Nero. Latching onto his arm, Alisaie couldn’t think normally. Her hunger had returned, her anger had returned. Nero tried to pull away, and realised she wouldn’t be worth this hassle.

And, thus, the armour on his arm was suddenly shot off, knocking Alisaie back. And Nero jet packed away, keeping his eyes on her.

Alas, Alisaie couldn’t truly fly. She could only glide, and thus, she couldn’t catch him. She continued to rip at the armoured gauntlet, until realising he was gone.

After eating a few more pebbles from Titan, Alisaie could think again. Her Carbuncle-like beast was calm. Alisaie let out a little sob. And then began to cry into his feathered fur, as the Carbuncle snarled towards the opening of their little home.

“Oh, Alphinaud…”

Far, far away, in the frozen wastelands near Camp Dragonhead, two Ascian sat, at the edge of the Steel Vigil. The mangled metal protected them from the current blizzard - not that one of them, Igeyorhm, would mind being in the midst of it. She reached out a soft hand into the raging storm, satisfied - before turning back to the half-sulking Lahabrea, who sat barely paying attention. A small aura of warmth surrounded him, of course - fire and ice, together.

Before Lahabrea could react, however, he was on the ground - Igeyorhm placing a foot on his chest. “This isn’t about me, Lahabrea,” she snarled. “You know I am not a fan of your ideas. And I haven’t been for the last few Rejoining.”

Lahabrea looked up, making sure with one of his hands that the crystal around his neck hadn’t shifted too much - nor had it become visible though his robes. He wasn’t in the mood for that conversation yet. “I know. But it’s working, now isn’t it? We both know that these Ishgardians have been a ticking time bomb.” Still, Igeyorhm looked colder then usual from this angle. Or was it because the skin of her current body was so pale?

Igeyorhm didn’t move. Nor did her mood improve. “I despise working with them. We have to take bodies similar to theirs.”

“And here,” Lahabrea mused, used to their routine, “I thought the snow would improve your mood.” With that, he felt her foot push into his chest - and let out a little weak cough.

“Careful there, Igeyorhm. We don’t want this body wrecked - it’s a boon.”

Igeyorhm glared down, now kneeling down to Lahabrea. Behind her mask, he could see her eyes - a mix of green and pink. Not even he knew why. “And why exactly is that?” she asked, looking him right in Thancreds’ brown-yellow eyes. Trying to examine them. Lahabrea hadn’t even altered this body. “You can recreate it if I break it.”

Break it. How she spoke of one who carried the soul of one they’ve been seeking. Lahabrea scoffed, pushing her face away slightly. “And ruin myself more? Please, you know the Unsundered are looking for any chance to replace me.”

While Lahabrea felt Igeyorhm pondering if she should move her limb, as she twisted her foot slightly, a little shudder escaped his lips. Death didn’t scare him, usually. Only being unmade did. But he had to protect—

“—Lahabrea.”

He hadn’t noticed her hand go under his robes, a bit of the silvered string sticking out. Her claws curled around the deep purple gem in her hand. She dare not tug it, but coldness filled her every sound. “Are you thinking?”

Not what he was thinking. Lahabrea looked defiantly at her. “We need the numbers.” A simple statement that belies how his heart ached, how he wouldn’t do it for any other. Igeyorhm pulled the chain - harsh enough to pull Lahabreas’ head closer, to leave a mark on the flesh. The cold seemed to build - the wind beginning to blow the snowstorm into their little metal hall.

“You, of all people, disobeying a command. I thought better of you, Lahabrea.” Her face drew closer, steam mixing between the two of them. “We are not to wake Emet-Selch.”

“Bah,” Lahabrea snarled, his glyph flickering in and out of sight. Blood dripping from the back of his neck. “It’s a stupid reason why not. The Unsundered are far too sentimental - we both know he could funtion without Hythlodaeus. It might even make him work better.” So often, Emet-Selch spent time away from work due to the call of both Hythlodaeus and… anger flickered over his face as the very thought of the one who abandoned them entered his mind. (The one who he had intentionally let slip from his mind.) “If he can awaken, we’d have another on our side.”

“You remember what happened with Fandaniel, Lahabrea. It’s not our choice which of us are re-Ascended.” Igeyorhm was still cautious with the crystal. She would not elaborate on what happened with Fandaniel - she didn’t feel she needed to, but she saw Lahabreas’ mood change right away. “But… now I wonder. His soul resists?”

This much exposure should have Ascended somebody. And yet, Lahabrea hadn’t been kicked out of this flesh, nor had she been summoned to discuss each. Lahabrea nodded, and Igeyorhm finally removed her foot - though, she made sure he didn’t move. Ice had wrapped around his legs. “And you didn’t take that as a sign that, perhaps, he doesn’t want to wake up?”

Lahabrea snorted. “It’s Emet-Selch. He tends to like his beauty sleep.” Especially after the Calamity began, and before he was Sundered. After everything happened. They all took the burden seperately. Still, Lahabrea pulled the crystal closer. “I’ll wake him.

But that’s not what we’re here for,” Lahabrea said, trying to change the subject.

Igeyorhm sighed, looking back towards the chasm made in the Steel Vigil. “We shall discuss this later. But, you’re correct.” She stood, and finally let Lahabrea free. “The Ishgardians have attempted to reclaim this Vigil again. And, with such, the area below has shown itself.”

The blizzard seemed to slow - Lahabrea causing warmth to radiate, as he rushed behind Igeyorhm, tucking the necklace back into his coat. “It’s connected to Elidibus, isn’t it. The crystal growth.”

Looking back for a moment with a roll of her eyes, Igeyorhm sat at the edge - peering down. “Yes. It’s the same as before. And with it, those moving dolls return, as do the cracks.”

Sitting next to her, Lahabrea shrugged. “I believe I saw some new colours. Blackened ones - shining like twilight.” His hands trembled, as he tried to still them. “Just like the others. They’ll fight until their bloody end.”

Igeyorhm tsked, beginning to slide down - hovering slightly away from the mix of metal and rock. “There’s something else down there.

…our latest task is to investigate it, Lahabrea. You can get back to your own secret missions later.” Lahabrea groaned. He did not like travel in lands like the Palace of the Dead, broken lands caused by destroyed Torsions (as Elidibus had insisted the rips in time and space were called, but would not explain why) - but he knew that he couldn’t disobey. To think, Igeyorhm was meant to be following him around! The two jumped down - the storm vanishing with them.

Unlike when Minfilia and her crew had gone down into the Palace of the Dead, however, Lahabrea and Igeyorhm would not find Earthgift. Which, honestly, was a good thing - for Thancreds’ soul was there, still safe from possession and Ascention both. But not safe from crumbling walls, from the assults of what were called Seelie. Beings of the Sun, of the Light.

There was so much that he didn’t know - that all of them didn’t know. But Thancred woke, as always, under the burning sun. Laying over him was the purring sphinx, which he knew was Urianger in all but body. A promise had been made - Urianger would explain himself when Thancred could wake in the Source once more. Gently kissing Uriangers’ forehead over and over, Thancred watched as the cat-like man woke up with a small grumble.

But before Urianger could complain, they heard a quite scary sound. Collapsing stones, crumbling sounds. Half-awake, Thancred moved to put on his armour - until Urianger stopped him. “Pray, let me dress thee.”

Before Thancred could protest, he felt the familiar tingle of magic - and his armour surrounded him. He let out a little grumble. “You know I prefer dressing myself, Nabel,” Thancred stated, remembering the name Urianger used here. Not a true name, but a name gifted to him by their Queen.

They had to be off, to see if the Queen was safe.

Thankfully, their palace was small. And even more thankfully, they soon got to their Queen - a young woman with long ice-blue hair, long enough to touch the floor. If not for the pink ribbon tied in it, it would be far too unruly. She was still in sleepwear - a thick blue sweater dress, and long blue boots. Mishiva was unharmed.

But she sniffled, stepping towards her guardian and her court magician. “…Earthgift is doomed. The Seelie are too strong - we can’t live here anymore.”

Thancred kneeled to her, as she cuddled into his arms. Even if she was called Queen, both him and Urianger knew she was still a young teenager - and they also both knew she was, well…

Urianger spoke up, with a purr. “Then we return to thy home. The journey should be swift, if thee allow me to weave mine own magic.” Both Mishiva and Thancred looked to him - Urianger already standing up tall. His ears twitched, and he let out a yawn. “I am certain your father shall not mind, my dear Queen.”

Mishiva sniffled. “He said I was ready, though.”

Thancred stroked though her hair, cursing his armour. “He didn’t expect the Seelie to strike - nor having to move here.”

That much was true. Mishiva smiled a little. “I still did good, though. Moving places though dreams is hard. And moving multiple places…” she frowned. “But— we don’t have any guards left, except for you and Raiden.”

As if on cue, another young woman entered - though instead of being icy like Mishiva, she had an aura of static electricity, hair like a storm. While one might expect an electrical faerie to wear yellows, this one instead wore blacks - looking over Mishiva with a slight glare. “Seelie’re dead,” she said, a hammer made of electricity vanishing. Mishiva let out a happy little squeak, but remained in Thancreds’ arms. “Selale’s finally up? Good.” She strode towards Thancred, expression cool and cold - before looking up at Urianger. “You know that your magic will catch the Seelies’ attention, right?”

Urianger cursed under his breath, dropping back to his feet. “If we do not use magic, the trip shall take a long time. And we shall need to fight off the Seelie.”

Raiden gave him another look, as if he was a moron. “We’d need to fight them off anyway. Mishiva, do you have any transport ready?”

Mishiva let out a little squeak, and then nodded quietly. “We might still have— the hovercraft might still work, but it’s not really… it’s not too reliable.”

Thancred looked between them, as Raiden crossed her arms. “Better then nothing. Your fathers?”

Now, Mishiva barely talked about her father. The true lord of the Unseelie - who had given her some freedom to live out here in Earthgift. But a little bit of pride entered her eyes. “It was a gift - from before he became a King. I’m so glad he let me have it…”

The two girls began to walk off, talking, and Thancred looked to Urianger. “I suppose we’re out of luck if I wake up,” he said quietly. Sighing. How long had it been out there…? “Please say our… shared friend is safe.”

Urianger knew Thancred was speaking of Minfilia. “She has gone to quell the beast of the Earth. I am certain she’ll do well - for she has the willpower.

…I shall keep an eye on her. And I shall keep safe, as well, as long as thee keep my body here protected.” Finally, tiredness entered Uriangers’ voice, as he finally felt himself waking. “We’d best get enough food.

The trip to Corneria taketh a week, at the very least.”