Cuore stood in front of the Mist Cavern, watching as a tendril of its namesake substance crept around her feet.

She hesitated, chewing on her lower lip and considering her options.

"Is everything alright?" Silver asked at a whisper.

She sighed and explained, "The moment I enter this cave, Mist Dragon will know, and she'll tell my mother, and then my parents will come looking for me. I'm not ready to be found yet, even if they're probably worried about me. I've been gone over a week, after all."

Silver hummed for a moment, "You still wish to avoid them," he summarized.

She frowned, "Yes."

"Eblan is quite far from here. It will take them time to travel here to find you, especially without the use of an airship. We may be able to avoid them even if they know you are here."

Cuore's lips twitched to a smirk, "Devious, and a good point. Besides, I don't have much of a choice, do I? I have to go through here."

"If you wish to find the Eidolon, then yes." Silver answered.

She nodded and took the first step forward, leaving the bright, cheerful sun behind and walking into the darkened, mist filled cave.

Silver spoke up after a moment, "Are you alright? You seem troubled."

"The archfiends are mad at me." Cuore said, dismissing the question quickly, "But I don't care. They don't understand, anyway."

"Ah, I see…" Silver murmured while she shrugged her shoulders uncomfortably.

After a few seconds of silence, Cuore paused and blinked a few times, "Silver?"

There was no reply, and she realized that he had left her again. With a sigh, she continued along, now finding the silence of her own mind almost as exotic as the chatter of Eidolons. Scarmiglione hadn't said anything to her, and had not accepted her attempts at an apology, either. The other archfiends were wisely staying out of the disagreement, but she could tell their displeasure by the brusque tones they answered her questions in. Not to mention the fact that they had been unusually quiet. Even when Silver and came and went, they no longer asked her about it or sounded concerned. Cuore tried not to let it bother her, but she found the sudden change in behavior jarring. Just as she began to get used to something, everything around her shifted once more.

Cuore followed the caverns pathways by memory, even if she had only been inside a handful of times. It wasn't that large, and despite the foggy air, she knew her footing was sure.

After being away from home for so long, she was no longer angry at her parents, even if she had no wish to see them anytime soon. Not when she still had a mission to complete.

The anger had faded into a throbbing pain that she suspected would be with her always. After all, she would never been able to trust them again. Not the way she had in the past.

The cave twisted a little and she waved a cloud of mist out of her face, checking her bearings as she glanced about for the guardian of the cave.

She was actually surprised her mother's dragon had spoken to her yet. Even though the High Summoner didn't live in the village anymore, a part of the guardian Eidolon still remained inside this cave, bound by ancient magic to this valley and people. She couldn't form into a solid being, but her wispy voice could still be heard if you listened hard enough. Although, today, Cuore heard nothing as she strained her ears, and with a shrug she passed out of the cave and into bright, unyielding sunlight again.

She raised a hand to shield her eyes and gazed out at the valley beneath her, taking in the familiar sights and remembering how beautiful this part of the world was.

Cuore hadn't been back to the village in years, not since she first left it. Her mother had come back frequently, but Cuore never felt the need to return. They hadn't wanted her to stay within the village anyway, so why would she want to go back?

"I thought I had a new home." she thought, lowering her gaze, "But I'm not even sure if that's true anymore."

Her thoughts took a distressed turn and she quickly shook herself out of her depression; there would be time to worry about her hurt feelings later. For now, she had Eidolons to help, even if they were ignoring her now.

It took her awhile to traverse the green valley below, and by the time she approached the village gates, she had the hint of a smile on her face.

After all, the beauty around her was infectious, brightening the world and her mood easily.

Cuore passed into the town and took a quick look around, finding it almost completely unchanged from when she left.

The same number of homes, the same sleepy feel in the air and most of all, the same odd looks.

Her arrival instantly sparked a reaction from a group of women chatting near the item shop, and Cuore glanced their way in time to see them begin whispering.

She wondered if the people here stood around waiting for something exciting to happen. They always seemed to know what was going on.

Cuore turned away and started to walk again, intent on starting with the mayor since he was the most likely person to know the location of an Eidolon besides the High Summoner. Besides, Silver wasn't answering her so she had no place to start.

"Cuore?"

The teen turned at the sound of her name in time to see a girl drop a bucket into the well, eyes wide with surprise.

"It is you!" she exclaimed, leaving her task and darting over until she stood at her side, amazement alight on her face.

It took a moment for Cuore to recognize who she was speaking with, and when she did, she wasn't sure whether to cringe or hug her.

"Sarah?"

The girl nodded, a smile on her lips, "Yes, it's me! You look…"

She trailed off as she examined her former friend, eyes lingering on the weapons attached to her back as her smile faded. "What happened to you?"

Cuore gave her a funny look, confused, and Sarah quickly elaborated, nervously playing with her nut brown hair, "We used to be the same age, and now you look…older."

Cuore supposed it was natural for her to be surprised since she was nearly four years older then her now.

"I…spent some time in the Feymarch." she said quietly, uncomfortable with talking to her childhood friend. Their relationship had ended abruptly one morning when Sarah announced they could no longer be friends. The action puzzled Cuore to this day, and at the time, it had traumatized her logical mind to not have a reason behind the little girl's decision.

"Oh," Sarah whispered, staring at her.

There was an awkward pause and finally Cuore spoke again, noticing that a crowd was starting to form to stare at her.

"Is the mayor here?" she asked.

Sarah shrugged, "He should be. Why? What are you even doing here? I thought…" she trailed off and bit her lip, lowering her gaze.

Cuore decided not to waste time on figuring out why this girl was acting the way she was, and instead moved past her towards the mayor's residence.

However, the old man emerged before she could make it very far. He walked now on a cane, and his expression was anything but pleased to see her.

Cuore swallowed, feeling terribly uneasy about this reunion and wanting to flee before it turned ugly.

"I could really use some encouragement," she whispered mentally, only to receive the continued silent treatment. Even Carbuncle refused to heed her now, and she felt a pang of loneliness.

The mayor didn't wait for her to speak and instead he demanded; "What are you doing here?"

She frowned at the rude tone but merely cleared her throat and spoke, "I…need to talk to you."

There was an awkward pause, and she glanced over her shoulder at the villagers who were doing a poor attempt at secret eavesdropping.

"Well, here I am." the old man said, resting both hands on the top of his cane.

She bit her lip and hesitated, not really sure what she should say.

"I would get straight to the point." Silver's voice suggested.

She brightened and replied mentally, "I'm glad you're here. I'm…afraid."

"I know, that is why I came. Tell him you know about the Eidolon. Watch his reaction." the voice said.

Cuore did as she was told and spoke in as clear a voice as she could muster, "I…need to ask you about the Eidolon you have here."

He gave her a funny look, "Mist Dragon?"

"No, the lost Eidolon." she clarified.

The mayor went rigid, and there was a round of confused looks exchanged by the villagers.

"What did you say?" he whispered, wobbling out a few more steps to meet her.

Cuore blinked and repeated her question at Silver's prompting, "I'm here about the lost Eidolon. I…can barely feel him; do you know where he is?"

She jumped, startled by his reaction when he reached out and grasped her arm, leaning forward to hiss, "Inside. Now."

She didn't pull herself free and trailed behind him as he made his way into his house, noticing that two others followed behind her, looking as grim as the mayor.

"What is going on?" she asked with a tinge of fear.

"Wait, little one. Do not worry. I am here." Silver assured her.

Once inside the mayor rounded on her, "How did you know about the lost Eidolon here? Who told you?"

Cuore frowned and took a step back, acutely aware of the other two townspeople behind her, blocking the door.

"As if I'd run," she thought, insulted.

Aloud she replied, "The other lost Eidolons told me."

He snorted, and she found his lack of belief patronizing and decided to put him in his place. After all, this was the same man who tried to control her mother's life and wanted to ship a small, confused little Maenad child off to Mysidia.

"Emperor of flames, Rubicante I invoke thy name." she said, watching with delight as everyone scattered in the room, frightened by the appearance of the archfiend.

Cuore glanced to her side, looking up at the summoned monster in preparation to explain to the villagers what was going on.

But Rubicante surprised her and clasped her shoulder protectively, "Are you alright?"

She gave him a funny look, "What? I'm fine, I-"

"We haven't been able to contact you for days, Cuore." he explained.

She blinked, brows furrowing, "I…thought you were ignoring me on purpose,"

"Hardly." he said, sounding put out, "Scarmiglione is upset, yes, but we would never purposely disregard you."

As if realizing they were not alone, he glanced up and took in the room they were standing in.

"Where are we?"

Cuore grinned sheepishly, "Mist."

"And you summoned me?" Rubicante asked as though she had lost her mind.

She put her hands on her hips, "Who else was I going to summon? Barbariccia?"

He heaved a sigh, but they were interrupted by the mayor exclaiming fearfully, "She can summon the archfiends! I knew it! All along I knew it!"

Cuore rolled her eyes, "Oh, calm yourself. Rubicante isn't an archfiend, he's an Eidolon. I've been finding all the lost ones. I'm trying to free them."

One of the other villagers present in the room stood up, her eyes narrowed, "Free them? If they consist of Zodiark and the archfiends, we're better off leaving them where they are!"

Cuore tipped her head to one side, "Zodiark? Is that the lost Eidolon in this village?"

"The keeper of the precepts," Rubicante said.

The woman, an original resident of Mist that Cuore remembered being named Yocun, glared at her, "You have no idea what you're doing, witch."

Cuore frowned at the nickname and shook her head, "No, you don't understand! They've been trapped, and if you know where this Zodiark is, please, let me help him."

"Help!" the mayor exclaimed, followed by one of the oldest villagers, Ohalland, explaining, "Zodiark is not to be let loose, ever. He is dangerous."

"I don't understand," Cuore said, "Did my mother know about this?"

They all exchanged a glance and her eyes widened, "She didn't, did she? Did her mother? Do the villagers?"

"It is not for them to know." Ohalland said, waving his hand through the air in a dismissing gesture.

"Lies don't help anybody," Cuore snapped, hands clenching into fists.

Yocun gave her a disgusted look, "You have no right to come into our village, Maenad, and tell us what to do, how to act. This has been done to protect everything."

"What has been done?" Rubicante asked, crossing his arms, "I have not felt or heard Zodiark since being summoned. One as powerful as him should not be hard to feel or hear."

They exchanged a glance and Cuore narrowed her eyes, "You've done something to him, haven't you?"

"We have insured that no harm can come from he's continued existence." Yocun explained cryptically.

Cuore and Rubicante exchanged a glance, both silently sharing the same thought; whatever they had done could not be anything good.

"Please, I-" Cuore began, hoping to convince them to let her help this lost Eidolon, Zodiark.

But the mayor cut her off, "Why have you come back here, witch? To flaunt this power you've gain? To threaten us into handing over such a menace as Zodiark? We will not be bullied into anything!"

She shook her head, "That isn't it at all! I just want to find all the lost Eidolons and help them!"

"You should never have come back," Ohalland muttered.

Yocun nodded her agreement, "We warned the High Summoner about you, but she was blinded. We, however, know exactly what you are, witch."

Cuore flinched, leading Rubicante to glare at them, "Stop calling her that."

The mayor gave them both a sickened once over, "We will never give you Zodiark. He is too dangerous."

"But the lost Eidolons are not to blame for any trouble they have caused!" she pleaded, gesturing to Rubicante, "For all the pain and grief they have been a part of, they are innocent. If anyone is a victim here, it's them!"

Yocun laughed in the most condescending way while the mayor shook his head and Ohalland reached out to grab Cuore's arm, informing her seriously, "Whether you have been deceived into believing that or not, we will not be convinced so easily. You are a Maenad; we always suspected it was in your nature to betray and destroy, just as it is Zodiark's nature too do the same. To let you control his power would be foolish."

Cuore tried to twist out of his grasp, but he tightened his hold and finished, "We will not tell you where the Eidolon is, and if you try to fight us, we will defend the knowledge to our grave. Even if our High Summoner has abandoned us, we will still fight. You can be sure of that, Maenad."

Cuore glared at him, fully intent on speaking her mind on more then a few things he had said, but Rubicante beat her too it and gave the man a shove, "I would remove your hand from her before I remove it for you."

The man's eyes widened in fear, but he did heed the archfiend's suggestion and released Cuore, who promptly turned to the Eidolon at her side.

"I'm fine," she said, touching his arm and feeling surprised at his overprotective attitude.

She returned her attention to the mayor, eyes narrowing, "You won't tell me where the lost Eidolon is?" she asked one last time.

"Never." he spat, resting heavily against his cane.

Cuore took a deep breath, a new plan already forming in her mind as she glanced at Rubicante, who frowned.

"Fine." she said, turning on her heel, teal hair whipping around as she went, "I will free the lost Eidolons, I have made that vow. Your assistance and cooperation is optional."

"Is that a threat?" Yocun asked hotly.

Cuore stopped at the door, "No, an observation."

She recalled Rubicante before stepping outside, deciding that she didn't want to cause a scene in the rest of the town.

But when she exited into the sunlight, she saw that there was already an air of chaos and the gathered townspeople all whispered amongst themselves as she passed by, footsteps sure as she moved towards the entrance to the town.

"Cuore, we must speak." Rubicante informed her, his voice sounding strangely hazy.

She frowned, but acknowledged his comment without words, wanting to get as far away from the uncomfortable feelings this location brought to mind as possible.

"Cuore!"

She sighed and glanced over her shoulder, spotting Sarah running towards her despite her mother's stern call to return to her side.

The girl stopped and looked up at her, eyes wide, "What happened? Why did you come here? Are you…leaving already?"

Cuore looked away, "I don't belong here, Sarah. I never did. You always knew that, didn't you?"

The girl looked sadden by her words and clasped her hands to her chest, "I…always knew you were special, Cuore…to be the High Summoner's daughter-"

"But I'm not," she snapped, spinning around to face her former friend, "I'm not her daughter, I'm not real, remember?"

Sarah flinched from her words, "Cuore…I didn't mean it like that."

"But it is the truth," she insisted, hands tightening into fists, "I am something beyond comprehension; I am a seeker of data, a holder of intelligence, and a perfection of life."

She cocked her head to one side, studying the girl before her in indifference, "You must have known this, Sarah. You terminated our friendship, was it not for these reasons?"

Sarah swallowed and shook her head slowly, "N-no, that wasn't why, Cuore…I…you were my best friend, we did everything together. I…cried when you left. I wanted you to come back for a visit…"

Cuore's expression turned puzzled, "Explain."

"Explain…what, Cuore?" she asked.

The teal haired teen's eyes narrowed and she reached out to touch the girl's mind. She was careful; after all, she had never done this on purpose, before.

"Cuore, what are you-" she cut off Rubicante's question, focusing on the rudimental mind in front of her.

"Why was it we couldn't be friends anymore?" she asked, and the knowledge she wanted came to the forefront of Sarah's mind, negating the need to dig for it through memories.

She blinked and stood up straight, "You were fearful, like everyone. Afraid of what I was capable of. Your mother told you to avoid me, she was afraid for your safety."

Sarah's eyes widened, "How did you know what my mother said?"

She merely stared at her, feeling strangely detached from her emotions on the subject. She supposed she should be mad at Dona, Sarah's mother, to have told her to end the friendship. She should have been hurt or angry at the situation. However, she found herself uncaring and apathetic. None of it mattered, after all; it was over and done with. Nothing she did could change it.

Cuore turned and strode out of the town, mind spinning with thoughts and concepts that were not her own.

"Cuore?" Sarah called.

She ignored her and continued walking, a slow but steady headache starting once more.

"Cuore,"

She glared at nothing, annoyed by Rubicante's persistent attitude. He was not going to let her get away with ignoring him.

Once she was sure she was far enough away from the village, she summoned the Eidolons out.

All of them.

Carbuncle thrilled in delight and sprang over, rubbing her legs as he settled his tiny, mint green fox-like body on the ground.

"What?!" she snapped, crossing her arms.

Barbariccia gave her a once over, "What is wrong with you?"

The teen blinked and wrinkled her nose, "Clarify." she demanded.

"That!" Cagnazzo said, pointing at her.

She shook her head slowly, still confused, and Rubicante spoke up, "Your manner of speech has returned to that of a Maenad, Cuore. Your mind, it's…falling into a form that we cannot understand."

She looked away, annoyed, but Cagnazzo continued, "Back there? You read her mind…you…hate reading peoples minds."

Cuore glared at him, "How would you know?!"

"We know you better then you think," Barbariccia said, snorting and flipping her golden hair.

She growled under her breath and Rubicante walked over, setting a hand gently on her shoulder, "Cuore, I fear that this visit to Mist may have been the worst decision you could have made. That girl, you read her mind without any regard for her privacy, without any concern that you might have hurt her."

"She deserved it." Cuore muttered, averting her gaze.

He narrowed his eyes at her, "That is unlike you."

"How would you know?!" she said, eyes snapping up to look at him, "Don't pretend to understand me simply because you were able to lure me into finding you. I deserved an answer from her!"

"Perhaps, but why have we been unable to talk to you?" Cagnazzo said, leaning around Barbariccia so he could see her. The woman frowned, "Days passed and we were unable to hear you or contact you. Why?"

"I thought you were avoiding me! I'm some horrible monster, remember? I read minds and pry into memories, right? That's what I am!"

Scarmiglione spoke up, his voice hesitant, "I wasss angry, but I did not purposssely block you, Cuore. We were all concerned about you."

Rubicante's hand squeezed her shoulder to gain her attention, "Something is wrong and you know it as well as we do. You feel it, Cuore, don't you? Ever since…it has something to do with Silver, but I cannot be certain what. We must-"

Cuore smacked his hand off her shoulder, temper boiling over despite the fact that some logical portion of her mind knew that the words they spoke were true.

"Don't tell me what to do!" she screamed.

He huffed, "You are raving like an out of control child."

Cuore snarled at him, "And you are overstepping your bounds a lot by acting like some over protective parent. Who do you think you are, emperor of fire? What is it that you want?"

"I want to figure out what is going on with you and help you." he said calmly.

Cuore laughed mockingly and looked him up and down, "Help me? Please, the only thing you want is for me to free you. Nothing more."

"That is not a correct statement." the Eidolon argued.

She shook her head, teal hair swaying across her back, "Do you honestly think that by acting as if you care about me you can make up for all the terrible things you've done? Trust me, that doesn't work. Being nice to me won't atone you for all your sins." she snapped, pointing accusingly at him.

Rubicante said nothing, and in her frenzied state she couldn't read his expression or the waves of emotion he and the other Eidolons were giving off.

"You're out of line," Barbariccia said lowly, placing her hands on her hips.

Cuore spun around to look at her, rising her chin, "Who are you tell me that? You who hide her pain behind a cold and uncaring façade. I've done that too. It doesn't work as well."

The woman's posture changed and she glared at her, "Reasoning with you is not an option at the moment, I see."

Cuore hands shook with rage that amplified her confusion; what was she mad at? This much anger seemed misplaced, but no matter how incomprehensible it was, she couldn't stop it from overwhelming her.

"Your hypocritical," she accused, "all of you! Who are you to tell me what to do? Who are you to judge my actions? You nearly destroyed the world!"

The archfiends glared at her and Barbariccia crossed her arms while Midgardsormr managed to look hurt, "Hey, don't lump me in with-"

She talked over him, ignoring his comments completely, and stepping away from Carbuncle, who squealed to try and get her attention.

She stumbled away from them, collapsing against a tree and clutching her head, "Stop talking! Stay away from me! Too much…"

Cuore squeezed her eyes shut, hoping to block out the surge of power and chaos she felt. It attacked her from the outside as well as from within; a force she couldn't explain that threatened to incapacitate her.

But in all of the uncertainty she realized that she wasn't, in fact, angry with the lost Eidolons.

Cuore pulled her knees to her chest and squeezed her eyes shut, "I'm sorry."

She felt a sob rising in her chest and pushed it back, trying to sort through her confusion coupled with insult.

A nagging feeling of guilt was creeping into her being and she looked up, sniffing, at the Eidolons.

"I'm sorry." she repeated quietly.

Carbuncle dashed to her side, snuggling into her side with a sad little thrill.

Cuore pat his head, careful to avoid touching the brilliant red stone on his forehead, and smiled gently at his innocent concern.

Midgardsormr slithered over, coiling his mottled brown and green body on her other side and resting his serpentine head on her knee.

His eyes somehow managed to convey a lot of emotion and he asked teasingly, "Wanna hear a joke to make you feel better?"

She laughed ever so slightly and set her hand on his scaly hide, "I may take you up on that."

She glanced up at the archfiends nervously, knowing that they would be far more unforgiving then the other two. Although she felt bad for most of what she's said, she didn't regret any of it.

Cuore moaned and pressed her hand into her head, feeling light headed and disordered. Her thoughts and emotions were tangled and irregular, making it hard to focus.

"Apology accepted," Cagnazzo muttered, sighing through his teeth, "Are you okay?"

She shook her head, "No, Rubicante is right. Something is wrong. I feel it too."

Barbariccia snorted and turned away, walking a few feet away to take up position balanced on a low tree branch.

Cuore frowned, knowing that was her way of saying she wasn't done being mad.

Scarmiglione shuffled his feet, "What about thisss lossst Eidolon?"

He was purposely diverting the conversation and shifting the focus off of Cuore, and she was grateful for it.

"Zodiark, keeper of the precepts." Rubicante supplied, arms crossed, "I hadn't known they got him, too."

Cagnazzo scowled, "Well, who better? But…I don't feel him…"

"I know. Cuore could not either. The people of Mist were cryptic, but their answers suggested they must have done…something to him." Rubicante explained.

Cuore nodded, "I could barely feel him, and not enough to tell where he was. It's not like they will tell me, either."

There was an awkward pause and she chewed on her lip, absently stroking Carbuncle, who purred.

"Who is this…keeper of the precepts?" Cuore asked carefully, not wanting to get into another argument with them.

They were hardly forthcoming with information, and any questions she had asked previously had always resulted in more arguments.

The archfiends exchanged a glance, and it was Midgardsormr who frowned, "Why not tell her? You guys keep too many secrets."

Cuore couldn't agree more, and she watched the Eidolons carefully for their reaction.

Cagnazzo sighed, Barbariccia was looking away from them all and Scarmiglione shrugged.

Rubicante nodded slowly and began, "Zodiark is one of the more powerful, and oldest, Eidolons. He has only ever given his name to one person, for he believed that Eidolons did not…need human help to survive. He was considered an Eidolon of darkness and, along with his counterpart of light, was one of the most trusted advisers of the king and queen."

"Supposedly," Cagnazzo said, "Zodiark was one of the Eidolons that helped Bahamut ascend to the moon."

Cuore blinked, "So how did he end up trapped, like you?"

They glanced at each other and Barbariccia snorted, "His summoner's fault."

Cuore made a face and Rubicante glared at Barbariccia, "You don't know-"

"I know enough." she replied sharply, turning away once more.

The fiend of fire sighed and shook his head, but returned his attention to Cuore, "Zodiark is…not exactly friendly, but he doesn't deserve this fate, either."

She rubbed Carbuncle's ear, "But, the people of Mist won't tell me where he is, and I'd just go get him but I can't hear him."

"How did you plan on finding him before?" Cagnazzo asked, head tipped to one side.

She swallowed, "Silver offered to help."

They grumbled, obviously displeased by her plan. She frowned, "Unless you have a better plan,"

"We could leave him there," Barbariccia suggested, shrugging.

Cuore shook her head, "I don't feel good about that. I mean, what if…what if he's in pain from whatever they did to him? I promised to free all the lost Eidolons, not just the ones that were easy to get."

Rubicante tapped his fingers against his arm, "Your friend, Sarah. She may help you."

Cuore blinked, "She's not my friend,"

"You were inside her mind. You know that she still cares about you." he countered.

She ducked her head, ashamed, and Cagnazzo nodded, "I like this plan better then asking this Silver for anything."

"He isss not to be trusssted." Scarmiglione agreed, flexing his boney fingers, "He makesss me nervousss."

The teen felt a surge of defensiveness on behalf of Silver, but restrained herself from lashing out at the Eidolons. They had no right to think ill of him, after all. He had been far more helpful then any of them, and she would not believe he was out to cause her harm.

Not based off the archfiend's feelings, at least.

"Then…I'll go tonight." Cuore mumbled, glancing back towards Mist and knowing that stealing the lost Eidolon would bar her from Mist forever.

They would never forgive her for it, but she had a mission to complete, and that meant she would do whatever it took.


It was nearly midnight as Cuore crept through the sleepy village. Her skills of stealth were hardly needed; the people were already in bed, and only one window of the inn had a candle flickering in it.

Cuore ducked around Sarah's house, sparing a quick glance at her old house, across the path, before looking up at the window.

There was a lattice attached to the home where a flowering vine made its home, and she assessed the possibilities before beginning her climb. The window wasn't that high up, and Cuore found this task easy.

"This is going well," Cagnazzo said, sounding surprised.

She replied mentally, "I've scaled the walls back home. That was a challenge, this is not."

Once she had reached the window, Cuore balanced on the ledge directly below it and used the lattice to brace herself.

She rapped her knuckles against the glass in a pattern that would lead the girl inside to realize that this was not normal night sounds.

It took a moment for the curtains to be pulled back, but Sarah's sleepy confusion faded and she brightened, unlatching her window and letting it swing open to smile.

"Cuore!" she whispered happily, "You left so fast today, I'm glad your back."

She got straight to the point, "Sarah, I need your help."

The brown hair girl looked surprised, but leaned forward in interest, bracing her hands against the sill, "What for?"

Cuore took a deep breath and diverted her gaze, "I'm…looking for something and I'm hoping you might now where I should start. I know it's somewhere in this town, I just don't know where."

"The lost Eidolon?" Sarah asked timidly.

She stared at her, "You were eavesdropping!"

"Well, I-I…" the girl started, flinching, "You haven't been back in years, Cuore. So, when you wanted to talk to the mayor, I knew it had to be important. I was just curious."

Cuore sighed and spared a half smile, "I suppose I can't blame you."

"Don't tell my mom, okay?" she said, smiling back.

For a moment, Cuore was six years old again, leading her best friend into a daring adventure and disobeying their parents by doing so, laughing about it the whole time.

But that was a long time ago, and time changed things, so Cuore got back to the topic at hand, "Do you know anything about the lost Eidolon?"

Sarah shook her head, "No, I'm sorry, I don't."

"I didn't think so," the teal haired teen murmured, "I don't think many of the villagers do know. I don't think my mother knows, either."

Cuore sighed and looked over the darkened town, trying to think of where the best place to hide an Eidolon the mayor apparently thought was dangerous, would be.

"Cuore," Sarah said, startling her by setting her hand on her elbow, "Remember that time we snuck out past the town walls? We ended up in that grove, with the old well. High Summoner Rydia told us later that it used to be part of the town, before the fire."

Cuore blinked, "I remember that. That area was…"

"Creepy?" Sarah finished for her, nodding, "It was, and remember? You got sick near that well; you said something there made you feel atypical."

She nodded, "I do remember that…it's as good a place to start as any,"

Cuore moved to climb back down, but Sarah protested, "Wait, let me come with you!"

"No, stay here Sarah and forget I ever came back." she told her, pointing, "Trust me, its better that way."

Sarah whined slightly in her throat and watched as she climbed down, fingers gripping the windowsill tightly.

Cuore sped off once her feet were on the ground, ducking around gardens and fences and homes until she reached the back wall of the village that bordered a small forest. She'd explored all of it as a little girl, but she wasn't sure if she could remember how to get to the old well.

"It shouldn't be too far from the town," she reasoned, scaling the wall and perching on the top for a moment to squint through the shadowy forest beyond.

"Be careful." Rubicante muttered.

Cuore got the feeling that the Eidolons were still upset with her about what had transpired earlier in the day.

But she still felt justified in some of what she had said. They still hid information from her, and she was growing tired of secrets and lies.

Cuore hopped from her post and landed softly on the ground taking off through the trees and reaching out her magical senses in hopes of catching a sign of Zodiark.

The woods were eerily quiet, with only a few chirps of night time bugs ruining the effect.

"Little one?"

Cuore skidded to a stop, eyes widening, "Silver!"

"I have been having trouble contacting you, is everything alright?" he asked, anxiety heard in his voice.

She swallowed, "It could be…the other Eidolons," she admitted.

"They wish to purposely block me?" Silver asked, surprisingly calm.

She nodded and gazed around the forest, "I think so…they're…untrusting of you."

"I see…" he muttered, trailing off.

She fidgeted and then asked, "Silver? They don't trust you, why should I?"

"Do you trust them?"

She paused to consider the question, but he was quick to continue, "You have no reason to trust any of us, little one. That is your choice. Everything is a choice, you know. But I have only ever helped you. You…despise lies and betrayal, have I ever led you astray?"

She shook her head slowly, "No…"

"Have I disregarded you? Have I put you down?" he asked.

Cuore bit her lip, "No, but you also haven't told me who you are."

"You wish to know that?" Silver asked, laughing slightly, "Then look in your own memories, little one."

Cuore's brow furrowed, "Wait, what do you-"

She was distracted by a twig snapping and on reflex, drew her blades and severed the connection to her Eidolons.

She heard another rustle and crept towards it, katanas poised and ready, as she came to a stop.

There were footsteps pattering up to her and Cuore swung the katana so that it rested against the person's neck, drawing a little squeak from the intruder.

"Sarah!" she hissed, lowering her blade.

The girl exhaled, and flashed her a sheepish smile, "Your fast with those swords,"

"What are you doing out here?!" she demanded, sheathing her weapons.

The girl hesitated, "I…wanted to come with you."

"Why?"

Sarah lowered her eyes, "Because, your still my friend, Cuore. Just because I did what my mother told me, doesn't mean I ever stopped liking you, you know."

Cuore turned away, "It certainly seemed that way. You and the other children avoiding me as if I would infect you with some disease."

Sarah flinched, "I-I'm sorry…we were…kids, we…"

She sighed, realizing that she should forgive and forget. This human girl was hardly to blame for anything. Cuore could understand why they had been frightened of her, and perhaps it was for the best, anyway.

"No, Sarah, your fine. I'm sorry." she murmured, walking away, towards the out circle of the grove, "I'm not the person you knew back then."

"You don't seem all that different, teal commander."

Cuore grinned at the old nickname and glanced over her shoulder, "Well, tails, you want to come with me still?"

Sarah giggled and skipped to her side, "I haven't worn pigtails in years, but I'd love to have one more adventure with you."

Cuore smirked, "That's probably good, because I can't remember where this old well is,"

"You were on the right path," Sarah informed her, grabbing her hand as she led her through a tangle of underbrush, "it's just a little further."

They hurried through the woods, and Sarah glanced at her, smiling sadly, "I always hoped you come for a visit with your mother."

Cuore dropped her gaze to the forest floor, "I…never felt the need." she admitted.

"Oh." the brown haired girl said, biting her lip, "Well, still, it is good to see you again."

"Thanks," she said, trying to force another smile.

But all too soon a wave of pure disorder smacked her in the face and she stumbled, falling against a tree with a gasp.

Sarah was at her side in an instant, helping her stand upright, "Cuore, what's wrong?"

"Don't you feel that?" she asked, braced against the magical surge that spread in all directions, pulsing out a steady and maddening beat.

"No, what is it?" her friend asked, looking all around, "This…is the same thing that happen to you last time. The well is right over there."

She pointed at a mostly collapsed structure, and Cuore wandered towards it, being simultaneously called forward and pushed back.

"Zodiark?" she called mentally, receiving a deafening chime of pure power in response.

Cuore gasp and covered her ears, shocked by the volatile nature of the power she could feel.

"Cuore?" Sarah whispered, one arm encircling her waist, "Are you alright?"

"You can't hear that?!" she asked in surprise.

The girl shook her head, "No, I don't hear anything. My mother says I'm not magically apt."

"Zodiark…" Silver's voice whispered greedily, "So there you are."

"Silver?"

"My little one, I will block this power you feel. Get the Eidolon." he ordered.

She frowned at the bossy tone but moved forward, towards the rocky pile and realized at last what she was feeling.

Zodiark was trying to free himself.

She knelt in front of the well, Sarah at her side, and they both brushed aside the rubble to reveal a pit of pure blackness below, disappearing into the earth.

As Cuore puzzled out how to get to the Eidolon, Sarah shuddered beside her, huddle in her cloak.

"This place really is creepy." she said, laughing nervously.

Cuore nodded her agreement and reached out one last time, "Zodiark! Stop this madness, please! I am trying to help you, but your magic, it's…making it hard to focus."

The pulse lessened and she heard the chime again, cringing from its loud call.

"Thank you. I don't know how to get to you, but I will find a way." she told him, surprised that he didn't reply to her.

"I don't think the wall is that deep," Sarah mentioned, lowering a stick down, "I mean, it's deep, but not as deep as a real well."

Cuore gave her a look, "I'm not going to stick my hand in there and try it out,"

Sarah giggled, "Remember when you dared Braska to stick his hand in that rotted old tree?"

"As I recall, he wouldn't do it,"

"Coward!" her friend said, giggling and retracting her stick.

Cuore smirked at the memory and then clasp her hands together, "World serpent, Midgardsormr I invoke thy name."

The snake burst from the ground and did his best impression of a bow, "Hello! At your service,"

Sarah squeaked, hands flying to her mouth, "You summoned him!"

They both looked at her and she cooed, "Oh, he's adorable!"

Midgardsormr preened, "Hear that? I'm adorable."

"Don't let it go to your head," Cuore warned before pointing at the well, "Zodiark is down there, would you get him for me?"

"Sure thing!" he said, slithering towards the hole and then disappearing, leaving Sarah to stare after him, awed.

Cuore frowned and turned away, not in the mood to explain that she wasn't really summoning them so much as invoking their help.

It didn't take long for Midgardsormr to return, a dark colored orb clutched between his fangs.

Cuore carefully took the object from him and he dramatically spit a few times, "Zodiark tastes foul, just for the record."

Cuore turned the orb around in her hands, Sarah peering over her shoulder as she did so, pointing at it after a moment.

"What's that?"

Cuore flipped it over and ran her fingertips over the mark Sarah had indicated.

Her eyes widened, "They silenced him!"

Midgardsormr and Sarah both stared at her in confusion so she explained, "The summoners, they marked his prison with an ancient rune for the silence spell! That's why I couldn't hear him and you couldn't feel him! He's been…imprisoned within a prison."

She pressed the orb to her chest and closed her eyes, whispering mentally, "Zodiark, I understand now."

There was a chime, and with it came a flood of sensations and memories, leading Cuore to gasp.

They didn't hurt, they merely entered her mind to be sorted through later, shocking her with the sudden, intimate contact.

Opening her eyes, she recalled Midgardsormr and stood, holding her hand out to Sarah, "Come, let's get you home."

The girl was looking at her in amazement, but nevertheless took her hand and let her pull her to her feet, pattering after her as they left the now vacant grove and headed towards Mist.

"So, they have blocked his true power," Rubicante guessed.

"Apparently." Cuore said, rubbing the orb protectively, "These…feelings he has, their…complex. He's near madness from whatever happened to him."

"Not entirely unexpected." Cagnazzo muttered.

Cuore sighed, "I think…when I free him, he'll revert to his original form."

"Perhaps." Rubicante said.

They had reached the gates of Mist, and Cuore returned her attention to Sarah, "I'm not going in."

Her childhood friend gazed up at her, "Alright…"

There was an awkward pause and then she ran forward and threw her arms around the teal haired teen's waist.

"Please don't hate us, Cuore."

She stiffened and Sarah continued, "I know I hurt you, Cuore, but you'll always be my friend. Always."

Cuore rested her free hand on the girl's back, "I don't hate you, Sarah."

She looked up at her and smiled, "Even if we had stayed friends, you're not on my level, Cuore. You were always meant for something great, we all knew that. Sooner or later, you would have been called away from this little town."

She smiled, "Perhaps."

Sarah released her and flicked a tear off her cheek, "I hope-"

There was a sound from behind her and they both glanced at it, revealing a group of villagers with torches, looking apprehensive.

"Torches and pitchforks," Cuore thought sarcastically.

Barbariccia snorted, "Poetic."

One woman stepped out of the crowd and pulled back her hood, giving a sharp gesture to her daughter.

"Sarah, come here."

"Mom," the girl said, shaking her head.

Dona's eyes narrowed, "Now, Sarah."

Cuore gave the girl a small push, "Go,"

Sarah hesitated, but then sighed and hurried to her mother's side, glancing back at Cuore with sad eyes.

"Stay away from my daughter, Maenad." Dona snapped, hand tightening around a simple staff in her right hand.

Cuore held up her free hand, "I don't want to cause trouble. I'm leaving."

"Wait!" the mayor yelled, shaking his cane at her, "You have Zodiark! You stole him!"

"So much for no trouble," Cuore thought, rolling her eyes.

Dona raised her staff threateningly, "That is the property of Mist, and you will give it back!"

Cuore frowned, "Property? Eidolons are hardly property! Zodiark has been trapped in a prison inside his prison! I seek to free him, I will not turn him back to you!"

Sarah grabbed her mother's arm, "Mother, please,"

She didn't heed her daughter's pleas and began chanting a familiar if not low level spell. Cuore tightened her hold on Zodiark's orb and back flipped out of the way as a lightning bolt struck where she had been.

Cuore's maneuver was not as graceful as she would have liked since she only had one hand to use, but she still dodged the attack perfectly, staring in shock at people she used to live with.

"I'm not your enemy!" she cried, "I only want to-"

"Give back Zodiark, witch," Dona snarled, charging another spell.

"Oh they did not just attack you!" Barbariccia said, furious.

Rubicante sighed, "This is going to end badly,"

"I won't fight them!" Cuore argued, spinning on her heel and fleeing, "They think they're doing the right thing, they think that Zodiark is dangerous, and maybe he is, but what they've done is wrong."

Another lightning bolt hit near her and she winced, staggering only slightly as she ran from the town's gate.

"You may not have a choice to fight them or not!" Cagnazzo said.

Cuore slid to a stop and spun around, "There's always another option, please."

"Luminescence!" she shouted, directing the attack at the ground in front of her with a sweep of her arm.

A burst of light flashed from the ground, exploding into blinding pillars that covered her escape as she rush onward, away from danger and painful memories.

It was nearly dawn as Cuore slowed her pace, collapsing against the entrance to the Mist Cave, trying to catch her breath.

"They attacked me!" she thought, shocked.

She had known her decision to steal Zodiark would be unpopular, but she never expected for them to react with violence.

"I didn't even know Dona knew magic, as weak as it was." she thought, wiping sweat from her forehead before holding the dark orb up to her eye level.

"Zodiark, I am sorry about what has happened. I will free you."

He chimed at her and she smiled, setting his orb aside, shifting on the ground into a more comfortable position.

"He is useless in this state," Silver said suddenly, sounding disgusted, "They have blocked his powers by silencing his voice. They have locked him into a…juvenile form devoid of the power I require."

Cuore stiffened, "The power you require?"

"Ah, you heard that?" Silver asked, sounding unconcerned, "No matter, this…situation has gone askew from what I first intended. I'll need you to find me another Eidolon."

Cuore reached out to her other Eidolons but received only silence, sparking a fear in her heart.

"Ah, no, no, little one. I can't have them get in the way. You don't need them, anyway. Not when you have me," the voice whispered sweetly.

She stood up, spinning around as if she expected the speaker to be right behind her. But, the only sight she received was the wall of the cave.

"Who are you?" she asked aloud, frightened.

'Silver' cackled, "Think Maenad, think really hard and it will come to you. The archfiends very nearly figured it out. There was a reason I blocked them whenever I spoke to you. I was concerned they might recognize my voice."

She glanced around her, "Show yourself."

"I can't. I don't have a corporeal form." he replied, sighing in a mocking way.

Cuore jumped when she felt a set of hands rest on her shoulders from behind, "Not that I need one, mind you. I find this form to be fully effective in getting what I want."

"Who-"

"Poor little Maenad, poor, stupid, innocent little Maenad…I can help you, you know," he whispered, the hairs near her ear ruffling from invisible breath, "You want to find the lost Eidolons? I can help you do that. You want to avoid those that caused you pain? I can make them go away."

Cuore pulled herself free of the magical grip and drew her blades, "Get away from me!"

The voice laughed, "Do you really think your pathetic physical weapons are any match for me?"

She swallowed and took a series of steps backwards, heading for the cavern behind her. If she could get inside, there was the possibility of contacting Mist Dragon there. Perhaps the guardian Eidolon could help her.

"Unlikely, but nice thought."

Cuore's eyes widened, "You're inside my head!"

"Obviously, and what a chaotic mess." 'Silver' chided, clicking his tongue, "Let's clean it up a bit, shall we?"

Cuore screamed as a pain seared her senses, forcing her to drop her weapons to the grass as her body reacted to the telepathic assault.

"What a waste of latent talent. You purposely suppress all this? Why? Just to make those who disregard you and hurt you feel more comfortable?" the seductive voice asked, sounding truly confused.

Cuore felt a part of her mind shatter and all at once her magic sparked to life, plunging her into pandemonium.

The voice whispered softly to her, "TarKa TarKa, VaLe Maenad."

She fell to her knees, overcome by the memories and emotions of the Eidolons as they burst to life in front of her.

She felt as though she were there, with them, living them. Suddenly, everything made sense in the most horrible, abysmal way.

Cuore's vision burned and her mind swirled with images and sensations that she simply couldn't process.

"I-I know who you are," she gasped, startled by the realization.

His voice cackled near her ear, "So you do, Maenad. And if you know who I am, then you know I am the only one who can help you."

"I don't want your help!" she screamed, digging her fingernails into her scalp.

Her telepathic powers were out of control, sending her on a frenzied trip through the memories of the Eidolons and the Maenads until reality blurred together into a myriad of disorder.

"No, you don't want my help, but you need it." he enticed, "You can't do this alone. You'll fail, you'll suffer, and you'll be utterly alone."

Cuore moaned and collapsed onto her side, eyes squeezed shut, wishing and praying for the pain to stop.

"Alone with only pain, little one. I can take it away. I can take all of it away. The physical pain, the mental pain, the emotional pain. I can make it better."

Her breathing hitched as her heart skipped a beat, so lost in the chaos of memories that it couldn't function.

His voice breathed into her ear, "Just, let me help you."

Cuore curled into a ball, overwhelmed by feelings of betrayal and torture, drowned in the screams of the past. Her mind was fracturing; slowly and agonizingly, piece by piece until she feared she would lose herself to another identity altogether.

"Help me, Zermous."


Author's Note: BAM! Reveal number two! And oh, how hard it was to keep this one a secret for as long as I did! Did anyone suspect?

Zodiark. A summon from other game,s but most notably to me, FF XII where he was an Esper. Never...really used the summons in that game but he interested me in general so I added him here. Obviously his story is not yet complete.

Now that the above has taken place, you can guess that this story is going to be taking a darker twist for awhile. I'm excited to write the next two or three chapters, so hopefully I can get them out soon for everyone! Until then, enjoy the reveal of this one.