I was monitoring Clan INFAMOUS HQ, and something happened.

Somehow Fiera's parents located him. It was not a heartfelt reunion for him.

They apparently gave him up at some point, leaving him on the streets. I…can't say I approve of either side's feelings at this point right now.

Hmmm…however, I must say it took me much thought to see the fight between Stitches and Aerith over his affection.

I must admit, I did have a bit of satisfaction seeing Aerith so…weak. How she was strong enough to see beyond my Mask…tarnished by this emotionality she displayed so eagerly.

Emotions…love…caring…friendship.

Those are notions I abandoned long ago. Notions I have no interest in reviving.

But…I remember the sensations. How different it felt when…Deneve was born.

Her mother…Maria…forgive me, wherever you are now.

I hungered for it…I didn't realize what I would do.

I was in love with her…she was beautiful. Much like Coela before her fall into darkness.

And so we procreated. Even as I made love to her, I had no idea what would happen. Eventually, Deneve was born. Maria died during the birth as a side-effect.

I cared for Deneve for several years, but she grew very fast. I left her in the care of someone I trust and know very deeply. One known to others as "The Phantom". As I see it today, Deneve has become very strong, fast, and smart. She searches for me still...but she cannot find me.

I miss her.

…What?

WHAT!

This…this FEELING?

NO! NO! I will not SUBMIT!

NO!

…I…almost gave into my emotions. No. My choices destroyed the last chance of my life coming back. The Mask of Hunger is all I am at this point. However…I need a soul to regain my power. Thankfully, that upstart Hideyoshi Toyotomi delayed him. I now fight at full strength.

I have returned to Giruvegan. It took a while to find a suitable victim.

Anyways…I know what Primo wants from me. He wants my help in fighting Toyotomi. I remember that son of a bitch.

The Toyotomi Clan and I have a history. One I'd rather forget.

Anyway…I wonder if the boy will remember me. Hideyoshi is strong…but that is his weakness. He thinks himself unbeatable.

I am unsure of whether I could defeat him myself…but I will sure as hell try if he gets in my way.

…There is another problem. I have detected several travelers in the south. I know they are not travelers. Coela and the Circle of Umbra are here to destroy me.

Hopefully, Primo's arrival will allow me to escape once more.

Meanwhile…I have decided. Deneve must be found. Quickly.

I know Hideyoshi may know she is my daughter. That makes her a priority. She shares my power, my skill, and my abilities. If he finds her...I may not be able to stop him.

But mark my words, Toyotomi…if you harm her in any way…I will cast down my humanity. I will annihilate you and your pitiful clan. You will burn slowly.

I will devour your soul and scatter your filth to the winds. I will ensure you are erased forever.

Excuse me for the outburst. I...Deneve is the only thing I have left to "live" for…

Anyways…I have been continuing my research into possible reasons Elijah would've attacked the espers.

I discovered a most curious term…one that struck terror into even my heart. One that scares even me. Something I realized. Verde…you're not the only piece of the Occuria. Perhaps that is how an old man defeated us easily. What is a piece like Verde…attempted to do the same to an old man like Elijah…similar to what Verde did to Narisse? What if Elijah won?

Father Elijah…wields the power of the Occuria. I realize that now.

But what has the power of all thirteen Espers done to the old man?

That single word answered it. One most would not be familiar with.

The word?

"Ascended"