Andrew knew that he was tasked with a very crucial mission, and that made him feel significant. He also felt a little scared, but that was the price of doing big, great things. At least, that's what he told himself. A big grin came over his face and he looked up into the sun, savoring the warmth. He wanted to be remembered, and this would be his defining moment. As he pushed through the people of Arkylia, he though back to his conversation only minutes before.

"Andrew, I'm trusting you to carry this mission out. You are the only one that I believe could do this exactly how it needs to be done." Shiro had said to him, patting him on the shoulders as they took a walk around the shipyard. "I value your dedication to our cause, and I think that this would be the final test for you to commit yourself." Shiro's voice oozed over Andrew, and he melted at the flattery. This was the moment when he could earn Shiro's approval. He wanted it, craved it. And without any hesitation, he had said yes.

It was true that Andrew had not seriously thought about the mission before accepting, and as he walked through the streets of Arkylia, he could feel his anxiety growing as he neared his destination. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead and his heart pounded as he neared his destination. But he continued to put one foot in front of the other. He could not falter, he could not flee. Shiro's words echoed in his mind. He had to go through with it. Because he was chosen for the cause.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"We cannot abandon Raine," Sheena said as Yuan walked into the Convention's assembly room. The room was large, the largest in the building. In the center, was a long oval conference table lined with chairs. One chair for each member, one representative for each city. This was the room where laws were made. Currently the members of the Convention were gathered around the long table, some standing, some sitting, each wearing an expression of concern.

"We don't have a choice," Thurman replied. "Did you not see the video? Did you hear what he said? He'll start injuring innocent people!" His pursed his lips and furrowed his brows.

"You don't care about that, Thurman," Sheena countered. "You just want to see this vote dead." It was difficult to keep the venom from her voice.

"Miss Ambassador, I care about this vote, just as much as you do, but we must think of the people of Sylvarant now." He said, sugar coating each word. It took her all of her strength to not wrinkle her nose at the sliminess she felt from his words.

"Yuan?" A gentle voice came from behind him. The half elf turned around to see the High Priestess smiling mournfully at him. She wasn't dressed in her usual regalia, but instead a long sleeved yellow dress bearing the mark of Martel, her Cruxius Crystal glinting from the necklace around her throat.

"Colette, that was a smart move you and Seles made, addressing the people of Sylvarant." Yuan said. "Hearing strength from their spiritual leaders will make the people stronger. But you may have put a target on your back." At one time, he had thought Colette was nothing more than a nuisance. But he had seen her evolve into a thoughtful and caring leader.

"I only hope that it helped. I'm sure people are scared. Do you think Raine will be okay?" Despite everything that happened to her, Colette continued to be primarily worried about the welfare of others before herself. Yuan wasn't sure if that was stupid or naive, but respected her nonetheless. There were many times when she could've stopped fighting during the Journey of World Regeneration, and she didn't. Even through the pain and suffering, Colette hoped for the best. Yuan wished he could feel that same optimism, but that had died with Martel.

"Colette!" Genis called out as he ran from where Sheena stood. All eyes turned to the newcomers. The members started whispering between themselves. The arrivals of the High Priestess and Head of Intelligence were both comforting and ominous. Colette pulled Genis into a hug as he reached her. When they parted, he said, "I'm so glad you're here. We have to find Raine."

Yuan walked away from the two, giving them some privacy, and over to Sheena. In a low voice, he asked, "What's happened?"

"They started debating about the video. If we should take it seriously or not. If we should be rescuing her. It's ridiculous, and a waste of time! We have to go find her." Sheena said, her eyes wandering over to Colette and Genis, who was beginning to look desperate.

"I'm waiting on some reports." Yuan said.

"Reports?" Sheena raised her eyebrows.

"I'd rather not discuss it further until I have more information."

Sheena nodded. "For now, we just have to convince them not to do anything stupid." She motioned to the Convention leaders, who had dissolved into their own conversations.

"That could prove difficult."

"It's a wonder how Raine manages to wrangle them and get anything done."

"That's politics." He smirked. Sheena rolled her eyes.

"Lord Yuan, what do you make of this?" Neil said in a loud voice from the foot of the table. Silence fell and all eyes fell on Yuan.

Turning to address the Convention members, he said, "I think we're dealing with a very real threat. We have to proceed cautiously. But Raine is right. We should not negotiate with terrorists." His face was grim.

"I agree with Yuan," Colette said and stepped forward to the table, Genis next to her.

Sheena chimed in: "We can't let them continue to hurt Raine."

"To be fair Miss Ambassador, this is not your call to make." Thurman responded. Sheena felt her face flush, the heat rising, threatening to boil over. Determined, she clenched her fists but refused to respond. It would do no good and possibly get her thrown out of the room. Instead, she resigned herself to observe. "We should put it to a vote," Thurman continued. "We should vote whether to go along with their demands or not."

"How can you even be thinking that?" Neil questioned. "The Chair specifically said that we do not negotiate with terrorists."

"She was not in a position to make a statement for the Convention."

"How can you say that? She is still the Chair of Sylvarant."

"Article 18 states that if the Chair is unable to perform his or her duties due to circumstances of duress, the Convention may vote in her stead. I think we are in those exact circumstances. We should consider all of our options and cast a vote."

"But-"

"Lloyd!" Genis exclaimed as he saw his best friend walk through the door. He ran over and the two hugged. "Lloyd, did you see it? Did you see the video"

"Yeah, we've gotta get her back!" Lloyd said.

"Convention members. I would ask that you wait before voting upon any decision. I am waiting for my operatives to send me any information they have on the Erinyes." Yuan said, all eyes returning to him.

"I think we can agree to that, don't you Thurman? In the interest of making a fully informed decision." Neil said.

Thurman shrugged, irritated by the intervention. "We will wait two hours, no more. We don't know when they will strike."

"If at all." Neil countered.

Yuan walked towards the exit, Genis and Lloyd immediately on his toes. Sheena nodded to Colette and they followed. Yuan led the group to Raine's office. "What information do you have?" Genis asked.

"As I've said, I don't have anything yet." Yuan replied as he opened the door.

"But you've gotta know something about these guys." Lloyd said, hopeful.

"Very little. It has been difficult to infiltrate their organization." Yuan responded, walking to the window behind the desk and looking out onto the plaza below.

"Two hours? That's not enough time." Sheena complained. "Thurman's just got a stick up his ass." Yuan looked down at his holocom, noticing a blinking blue light. He picked it out of his pocket and read it.

"What should we do? Raine wouldn't want us to give in." Colette said. Lloyd whipped around and locked eyes with the High Priestess. It was the first time they'd seen each other in a year. She looked older from what Lloyd remembered. Older and wiser. A pang of sadness came over him and he looked away. She winced as he turned away, feeling her heart ache.

"I just got a comm from my operative. There is to be another transmission from the Erinyes soon." Yuan read and then dropped back into his pocket.

"Did he say what it was?" Sheena asked.

"No. Our communication is limited because the operative is constantly watched."

"Did he say when the transmission would happen?"

"No. However, the operative is hoping to make contact shortly after."

"So all we can do is wait?" Genis said, exasperated. "We can't wait. They have Raine!"

"Genis, we're gonna get her back. Don't worry." Sheena said, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

And that's when they heard the scream.