After Octavia had left, Judith called Ba'ul, the massive Entelexeia lowering the ship to pick up the group. Yuri and Flynn had regained consciousness, much to Hope, Estelle, and Patty's delight. Patty clung onto the swordsman, despite his protests and attempts to pry the young pirate off.

"Shouldn't we head for the capital first? See how things are going?" Hope asked.

"Yeah, that's a good idea," Flynn replied.

"That reminds me, I ought to pick up Repede too. I know he'll wanna get involved in this," Yuri added. Ever since Repede had defeated Little Wolf over half a year ago, the warrior dog had taken up duties in leading the dogs and cats of the capital, spending far less time than normal with everyone else. It was clear Repede took great pride in his position as Big Boss.

"Then it's settled. Ba'ul!" Judith called up to her friend. The dragon howled a reply, heading southeast for Zaphias.

Once the group arrived, however, there was a lot of commotion. Knights were racing through the streets toward the capital. Flynn stopped one of the Knights.

"What is going on?" he demanded. The Knight instantly saluted.

"Sir! The Counsil has ordered all Knights to prepare for an invasion on Dahngrest," the Knight reported.

"WHAT?!" was the response of everyone in the party.

"The Counsil has no right, nor the authority, to do such a thing!" Hope growled.

"We all know the Counsil has been itching for a fight with the Union, but this isn't the right time, especially with the whole Jennuir problem," Yuri agreed.

"What is the reason for the Counsil's decision for the attack on the Union?" Flynn asked the Knight.

"We've recieved a report that the Union has allied itself with the kingdoms of the other world in an effort to overthrown the Empire and seize control. We believe that the kingdoms were offered a share of the Empire's lands," the Knight replied.

"And what proof does the Counsil have to back up this claim?!" Hope demanded, storming up to the Knight, making him back up a few steps.

"All I've really heard was that Deidon Hold was attacked suddenly and without warning, the walls breached and the town destroyed," the Knight said.

"Deidon Hold was destroyed?!" Flynn exclaimed. "I still don't see how the Counsil was able to link this to the Union." Flynn looked over his shoulder to the rest of the group. "I'm going to have a word with the Counsil. The rest of you wait here. Hope, you're coming with me."

"Got it," Hope replied, her face serious.

"Give 'em hell, Flynn," Yuri said.


The Counsil was in the middle of a discussion with Emperor Ioder when the Commandant stormed into the room, followed by his second-in-command.

"Ah, Commandant Flynn and Mist. How nice to see you two," the head counsilman greeted.

"It's Hope now," Hope said.

"Counsilman Edward, I would like to discuss your decision to declare war on the Union," Flynn said. "Why would you do something like this without first investigating the matter further or at least informing me. The last time I checked, the Counsil was not in charge of the Knights. I am."

"Why you insolent boy!" one counsilman exclaimed. "You may be Commandant, but there's still no changing the fact that you're a lowely dog from the Lower Quarter! And the fact that your wife is a street urchin not even from these parts."

"Come down here and say that again!" Hope shouted, her face twisted in pure fury. Flynn put out a hand in front of her in order to stop her from charging at the man.

"Calm down," Flynn whispered to her. "As much as I hate to do it too, we can't do anything to them, despite what they say to us. They hold more power than us."

"Tch!" Hope spat.

"To answer your question, Commandant, we do have sufficient evidence," Counsilman Edward said. "The attack on Deidon hold was swift and happened without warning. The town was gone in mere seconds, thanks to an explosion. Because of the loss of blastia, neither we nor the guilds possess the kind of technology to cause that scale of destruction. That only leads us to believe that this was the work of the other world."

"Even if that was true, how would that point to the guilds' involvement in all of this?!" Flynn demanded.

"Quite simple. We know of no reason the other world's kingdoms would hold any type of grudge against us. However, the guilds do. They could have made a deal with them and are trying to take over the Union," Edward replied matter-of-factly.

"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life!" Hope exclaimed. "There's a strong possibility that the Entelexeia were the ones responsible!"

"The Entelexeia?" Ioder echoed.

"As far as you've had us believe, the Entelexeia are benevolent beings who try not to get involved in the affairs of humans," Edward said. "Are you telling us you lied before?"

"That's not what we're saying!" Flynn replied. "These Entelexeia are ones from an ancient civilization who once ruled the world but were put into a state of hibernation by another group of Entelexeia. We have reason to believe that the Entelexeia put to sleep are now awake and trying to take over once again."

"Please! You've got to listen to us!" Hope pleaded. Counsilman Edward shook his head.

"We couldn't stop the battle now even if we wanted to. The first battle squadron has already been dispatched and are probably on the continent of Tolbyccia by now, with the second and third close behind."

"Dammit!" Flynn spat.

"We were too late..." Hope murmured.


"Those two sure are taking their time," Jiro commented, looking at the castle. The group was in the Public Quarter, waiting for Flynn and Hope to return. Repede, who had joined up with the group, was laying down at Yuri's feet, the latter scratching the dog behind his ears.

"Well, the Counsil'll be one tough nut ta crack," Raven replied, hands behind his head and leaning up against the wall of the item shop. "We just gotta wait patiently for 'em ta come back."

"I'm hungry, maro," Marumaro piped up.

"Me too, tora," Marutoa nodded.

"Me three, mira," Marumira added.

"Again? We just ate like five minutes ago," Kluke sighed.

"Seems like they're all stomach and nothing else," Yuri smirked.

"Seriously, we're not made of gald, just so you three know," Rita huffed.

"Sure wish we were," Raven muttered.

"Anyway, I hope those two are doing all right in there," Shu said.

"Hey! Here they come now!" Patty exclaimed, pointing to the stairs leading up to the Noble Quarter. Everyone turned in that direction, seeing Flynn and Hope walking toward them. However, neither of them looked happy.

"What's wrong?" Estelle asked when the two reached the group. Repede got up, padding over to Flynn and whining, head cocked to the side. Flynn gave a small smile and rubbed the dog's head.

"We were too late to stop the Knights from heading to Dahngrest," Hope replied grimly. "And the Counsil wouldn't believe one word we said."

"Hey! Look!" Shu exclaimed, pointing behind the two Knights. Dr. Tarkovsky, Purimura, Legolas, and the surviving soldiers and citizens from Nirvana were heading toward them.

"Oh yeah, and they also kicked them out too," Hope sighed. "After all, the Counsil doesn't want to support the 'enemy' anymore. Rita, do you think Aspio will take them in for the time being?"

"I dunno. After all, Aspio is under the Empire's control," Rita replied, shrugging.

"Don't worry," Dr. Tarkovsky said. "We can ask our allies to take us in. I assure you that none of the kingdoms would deign to attack your country."

"It's okay. We believe you," Flynn assured him. "We're possitive that this is the work of Jennuir's followers. Have a safe trip."

"Same to you. Stay safe," Dr. Tarkovsky replied. Conrad went forward, facing the group.

"I will help to escort everyone to somewhere safe," he said. "This is goodbye for now."

"Yeah. See you later, Conrad," Shu replied. The Knight Master nodded and the group of Nirvana refugees headed for the exit out of Zaphias.

"I hope they'll be alright..." Estelle murmured, folding her hands together.

"Knowing Conrad, he'll keep everyone safe," Kluke assured the princess.

"Anyway, it sounds like we have our own problems to worry about," Andropov said.

"Yeah, and that's finding a way to stop this war," Yuri said.

"We could try talking to Harry," Hope suggested.

"That's a good idea, but I dunno how welcome you two will be," Raven said, rubbing the stubble on his chin thoughtfully. "The Union's probably gettin' prepared fer war, an' it won't look too good if two Knights just go waltzin' in their home turf."

"Couldn't they just stay in the ship?" Bouquet asked.

"I think it would be best if just Brave Vesperia go in. You too, Raven. We need your position as a memeber of Altosk to speak with Harry," Karol said.

"Suit yerself," Raven replied, his hand going behind his head.

"So the rest of us'll just wait in the ship, then?" Rita asked.

"Yeah. Don't worry, we won't try to take too long," Yuri replied.

"I just hope we aren't too late on that end as well," Flynn murmured.


Ba'ul landed at the entrance to Dahngrest, dropping Yuri, Judith, Karol, Raven, and Repede off. At Judith's command, Ba'ul took everyone else to a spot in between Heliord and Dahngrest, just in case the Knights came through. With any luck, they could stall them long enough to give Brave Vesperia time to ask Harry to convince the Knights that they weren't involved in the attack.

Yuri and the rest of the guild went into the Union HQ. They were met by a rough looking bald man with numerous battle scars on his body. Straps holding a large sword crisscrossed his bare chest. His brown beard was rough and tangled. A blonde haired woman with piercing green eyes was with him. The only thing marring her pretty face was a long scar on her left cheek. Her hair was pulled up in a ponytail, the hairtie having a rose on it. A rapier was hanging from her side.

"Hey Caius and Katrina!" Yuri greeted. Caius narrowed his eyes and Katrina huffed.

"What do you guys want this time, Lowell?" Katrina asked.

"W-we want to talk to Harry Whitehore, please," Karol stammered, intimidated by the two.

"He's busy right now. Preparing for war against your friends in the Empire," Caius grunted, smirking. "Sounds like it's gonna be a bloodbath out there."

"Sounds like you can't wait to tear some Knights limb from limb," Yuri sighed, one hand on his hip.

"I can't wait to get back at those bastards," Katrina said. "Because they- -"

"Because they ruined yer pretty little face," Raven interrupted, making the woman glare at the older man. "We've heard this story a thousand times already."

"And you're still pissy because the only man who thought you were still beautiful is this hulking brute here," Yuri said, gesturing to Caius. The man's nostrals flared and he stomped over to Yuri, towering over the dark-haired man.

"You wanna go, punk?" he growled.

"Sure, sure. First things first, I would suggest some serious mouthwash beforehand. Your breath's killing off the flies here," Yuri smirked.

Karol was sweating profusely. "Um...Y-Yuri...I-I wouldn't go p-picking a f-fight with him..."

Judith pulled Yuri back, standing in front of Caius. "Look, you two can beat each other to a bloody pulp some other time. Right now, it's imperitive that we meet with Harry right away."

"We already told you that he's busy," Katrina said.

"Not anymore." Everyone turned, seeing Harry walking toward the group. "I assume you want to talk to me about the war, am I correct?"

"That's right," Raven said.

"Well, you know the city Gladsheim[1], right?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, what about it?" Yuri asked.

"It was destroyed in an instant," Caius growled. "And we know it was because of the Empire! Those mages probably already found a way to create new weapons of destruction. And we're betting that they're being assisted by those kingdoms of the other world as well. We have every right to fight back."

"Hold up. Deidon Hold was destroyed and the Counsil believes it ta be the work of you guys an' the other world," Raven said.

"We never did such a thing," Katrina said.

"And neither did the Empire attack Gladsheim," Yuri said.

"We believe this to be the work of ancient Entelexeia that once ruled this world and are now bent on ruling it again," Judith explained. "It's a long story, but the bottom line is that it's likely these attacks were by those Entelexeia, as they possess that kind of power."

This made Harry, Caius, and Katrina exchange looks with each other.

"It sounds very likely," Harry agreed. "I had the same thoughts."

"Then why are you getting ready for war?" Yuri demanded.

"I wasn't the one who ordered it. Brutus, one of Altosk's top officer's ordered it. He was close to my grandfather and the other guilds seem to be listening to him more than to me. I only heard about all this after he sent out the battle party," Harry replied, his gaze shifting to the floor.

"You mean that men have already been sent out?!" Raven exclaimed. Before any of the thre could reply, a guildman entered the Union HQ, dashing up to Harry, out of breath.

"Th-there's... a problem..." the guildman panted. "An... an army... from the other world... has shown up... to the battleground..."

"What?!" all the others exclaimed.

"It... it seems that... that they believe both... the Union and the Empire... are responsible for an attack against them..."

"Just great. Everyone's getting involved in this," Yuri growled. "Dammit, this is not funny!"

"We need to stop this fast!" Karol exclaimed. Judith had a hand to her head.

"Ba'ul says that the fighting has already started. Everyone on the ship is trying to stop it the best they can. I'll have Ba'ul pick us up."

"I'll come with you," Harry said. "Caius, Katrina. Have the remaining guilds defend the town."

"Yes, sir!" the two replied, running off.

"Good," Yuri said. "Let's get moving!"


"Dammit! Everyone just stop fighting!" Hope shouted, but no one seemed to hear her.

"This won't work," Flynn said grimly.

"Not only is it the Empire and the Union fighting, but also the kingdoms from the other world," Rita grumbled.

"There has to be something we can do!" Shu exclaimed.

"What about Phoenix?" Jiro suggested.

"You mean try what we did when the White Guardians and Rosekstan fought?" Bouquet asked.

"But there are a lot more people," Andropoc protested. "And Kluke wasn't able to hold out for long then. We can forget about teleporting this many people away."

"If it brings down the casualties even a little, I want to help," Kluke said, determination set in her face.

"Kluke..." Andropov murmured. Then he nodded. "Okay. Just please don't push yourself too hard."

"Saber-Tiger!" Marumaro called out, summoning his Shadow. Bouquet summoned Hippo, the two merging to give Saber-Tiger armor and higher speed. Kluke and Marumaro hopped onto Saber-Tiger's back and Andropov summoned his Shadow. As the Shadow searched out the areas with the most people, Marumira and Marutora ran over to Marumaro.

"Big Brother, we wanna help too, mira!" Marumira whined.

"We promise to be good, tora!" Marutora added.

"You guys can help us destroy the weapons being used," Shu said to the brother and sister. The two Devee looked at Shu, grinning.

"Okay!" they both exclaimed, summoning Cerberus and Kraken. Shu summoned Blue Dragon, he and Jiro hopping onto the Shadow's back and flew off, the two Devee going onto their Shadows and doing the same. Andropov already had Marumaro take Kluke off to a destination and the rest of the group headed off, trying to do the same thing as Shu, Jiro, Marutora, and Marumira were doing; destroying the weapons of war that were being used.

Hope and Flynn dashed over to where the ones leading the Knights were. Hopefully, they could still get the Knights to at least withdraw, even if the chances of that happening were close to zero now.

A group of guildsmen noticed them and chased after them, swords and bows drawn. Arrows were fired and they were able to dodge just in time, spinning around and drawing their swords.

"It's the Commandant!" one guildsman exclaimed. "If we kill him, the Knights will lose the one in command and turn into a bunch of spineless weaklings!"

"This ain't good..." Hope muttered.


"Can't Ba'ul fly any faster?!" Yuri demanded.

"He's flying as fast as he can!" Judith snapped back, her patience worn thin.

"I'm just worried about the others," Yuri replied.

"We'll get there, you'll see," Raven assured him. "Have a little faith in them fer once."

"Hey! We're here!" Karol shouted. He was standing at the port side of the ship, peering over the edge at the fighting going on. A boom sounded close by and Karol jumped back. "They're firing at us!"

"They probably think we're the enemy. Ba'ul! Land us a safe distance from the fighting!" Judith called up. Ba'ul howled, changing his course away from the fighting. When he landed, Yuri was the first to get off, not bothering to use the ladder and instead leaping over the edge of the ship, landing hard on his feet and making him stagger a few steps forward. Judith did the same, landing much more gracefully while Karol, Raven, and Harry used the ladder on the side.

"You two are a couple of daredevils, you know?" Harry commented once he reached the ground.

"Look, the more time we waste, the more out of hand this battle gets. We have to hurry before there's no chance of stopping this," Yuri insisted, dashing off in the direction of the fighting. Judith shrugged, following him.

"Those two..." Karol muttered, sweatdropping.

"Looks like some people never change," Raven chuckled before his expression grew serious. "In any case, we need to hurry. Hopefully, we can at least get the guilds to stop fighting. Then we can convince the Knights."

"Sonds like the real problem will be the armies from the other world," Karol said. "They'll see us as the enemy since we're from Terca Lumires."

"Then we'll just hafta leave it ta the Shadow Wielders to handle them," Raven replied. "In any case, let's move out!"


Kluke was panting, having just gotten back from teleporting the sixth group of people fighting.

"Are you okay, Kluke?" Saber-Tiger asked.

"Yeah, you don't look too good, maro," Marumaro agreed, his face filled with concern for the girl. Kluke shook her head.

"Don't worry, I'm fine," Kluke assured the Devee. However, she was sweating heavily, her face pale.

"Maybe we should take a break, maro," Marumaro suggested.

"No, I need to help save as many people as possible!" Kluke insisted.

"It won't do anyone any good if you pass out," Saber-Tiger pointed out.

"Yes, Kluke," Phoenix agreed. "You've reached your limit. You need to rest."

"But- -!" Kluke started to protest, but her Shadow cut her off.

"You've done all you can now. Just leave the rest to the others."

Kluke sighed. "You're right. I'll rest for a bit. Then we'll start again."


"Blue Explosion!" Shu shouted, the energy beam from Blue Dragon destroying yet another cannon, this time from the kingdom of Subaru.

"There's just no end!" Jiro exclaimed, Minotaur having just finished using Conquer.

"We can still keep going as long as need be," Blue Dragon said.

"You say that, but you're looking worn out," Minotaur pointed out. Blue Dragon shot the Shadow a glare through narrowed scarlet eyes.

"Just who do you think you're calling weak?!" Blue Dragon demanded.

"I didn't call you weak!" Minotaur retorted. "I just said that you've probably reached your limit!"

"I haven't reached my- - ugh!" Blue Dragon slumped over, Shu going on one knee and panting hard.

"Told you," Minotaur grinned smugly.

"Enough Minotaur," Jiro said to his Shadow. "I don't want to face Blue Dragon's wrath as well."

"Suit yourself," Minotaur shrugged. Then he groaned, holding his side as Jiro went on one knee.

"Dammit! I've reached my limit, too," Jiro gritted out. He turned to the two Devee children. "Are you two doing alright?"

"I'm hungry, tora," Marutora whinned, rubbing his belly. Marumira nodded.

"Me too, mira."

"I'd say they're doing just fine," Shu chuckled.


Yuri had just managed to successfully knock out three more people, dragging them off to a safe place.

"I highly doubt we can keep this up much longer," Yuri spat. Patty's eyes went wide.

"Oh no, Yuri! Are you alright?!"

"He's fine, you fangirl," Rita replied coldly. "He's been through rougher spots than this. Just help us out instead of worying about him all the time!"

"Hmph, fine! Variable Trigger!" Patty fired her pistols twice, hitting one soldier from the other world in the shoulder, stunning him long enough for Karol to knock him out with a swift hit to the back of the head with his bag.

"This sure is exhausting," Karol panted. "And no matter how I look at it, the number of people in this war seems endless."

Estelle had just finished using her healing artes on Yuri, relieving him of his fatigue. However, she collapsed to her knees, panting heavily. Rita and Judith ran over to the princess, crouching down beside her.

"Hey, you doing alright?" Rita asked, concern etched in her face.

"You shouldn't push yourself so hard," Judith scolded softly. Another explosion rocked the battlefield and Estelle got back to her feet, wiping off some sweat on her forehead.

"Don't worry about me. I'm fine," Estelle assured them.

"Okay..." Rita said uncertainly.

"Just make sure you don't pass out in the middle of the battlefield," Judith added.

"Okay. Thanks, you two."

"Hey! Stop chattering you guys!" Karol shouted, smacking away another enemy with his hammer. "Help us out!"

"Ooh! Shut up, you brat!" Rita growled.

"Rita, dear. Remember yer blood pressure," Raven said, causing Rita to take out Anubis, whipping the scroll out and knocking the archer unconscious.

"Rita, how does knocking him out help us?!" Karol exclaimed.

"You got a problem?" Rita demanded, narrowing her eyes.

"Uh-uh!" Karol stammered, backing away, totally scared.

"C'mon, you guys!" Yuri shouted. "Rita, wake the old man back up!"

"Fine!" Rita huffed, casting a water spell. "Splash!"


"Hey, Hope. Are you doing okay?" Flynn asked, knocking out another guildman.

"You're one to talk," Hope panted, chuckling slightly. Both Knights had taken some damage, bleeding in a few spots, but not seriously hurt. "Looks like we'll never reach the division commander at this rate."

"Don't give up so easily," Flynn replied, blocking a sword. "We need to stop this war no matter what."

"Honestly, I think it's gotten to the point where a miracle will stop it," Hope muttered, taking down another enemy. A loud roar sounded and all the fighting seemed to stop. Flying over the war and landing on the cliff overlooking the battlefield was a gigantic black dragon. Four bright red eyes surveyed the war, large wings folding against the sides of it's massive body. Spines stuck out all over it's body: down the back, at the shoulders of its forearms and wings, at its elbows and knees, and along the bridge of its nose. A pure black beard hung down from its chin, tipped with dark red.

"Hey, isn't that...?" Flynn started, but Hope finished for him.

"It's Jennuir!"


"Jennuir!" Judith gasped.

"What is that thing?!" Patty exclaimed, clinging onto Yuri, much to the older man's dissatisfaction.

"He's the leader of the Entelexeia we're up against," Rita answered.

"We've seen him before," Judith said. "Just before we picked you and Estelle up."

"It's huge!" Karol exclaimed, falling back in amazement.

"Doesn't look like he's in a good mood either," Raven added, still trying to knock water out of his ears. "Damn girl, you sure know how to wake a guy up!"


"Isn't that Jennuir?" Bouquet asked nervously, pointing to the massive dragon. She had separated from Saber-Tiger while Kluke was taking a break.

"Yeah, it sure is," Kluke replied grimly.

"He looks so much scarier than I imagined." Bouquet's eyes were wide.

"We'd better get back to the others," Andopov said.

"Right. Everyone hop on, maro!" Marumaro exclaimed, summoning Saber-Tiger.


"That's seriously Jennuir?!" Shu exclaimed.

"He's huge!" Minotaur added.

"Yeah, no kidding!" Blue Dragon agreed.

"This looks bad..." Kraken murmured.

"I have a bad feeling about this..." Cerberus added.

"Scary..." Marumira and Marutora whimpered, hugging each other for comfort.

"Let's head back," Jiro said, glancing at Shu.

"Right!"


As Jennuir surveyed the area a war was being held, he was joined by nine more Entelexeia, the group nicknamed the Tailed Beasts.

"We're ready, Lord Jennuir," Kurama said.

"It was a clever idea, fooling these stupid humans into starting a war just to get them all together like this," Gyuki chuckled.

"Let us begin," Jennuir growled. The ten Entelexeia opened their mouths, a gigantic ball of highly dense aer being formed in front of them.

"DIE!" they roared, releasing the aer ball, the attack hitting the middle of the battlefield and detonating, the explosion engulfing the area.


Wow, I got this chapter done sooner than I expected!

[1]: Gladsheim does not appear in the game Tales of Vesperia itself. In fact, it's actually a secret dungeon in Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. I'm certain that there are more cities and town in Tales of Vesperia than are revealed. I just made up one and I'll probably make up more.