The group made their way back from Shiva silently at first. However, once they crossed back over the range of her power, all of them immediately gave exhales of relief, including Ceja and Bahamut. They began to rub their arms fiercely, stamp on the ground, and just soak in the warmth of the surroundings. Dael felt like she could easily never go outside on a winter's day again after that.

"I can honestly say I've never felt so cold in my entire life." Dael remarked. "I used to think freezing to death wouldn't be so bad…"

"We were lucky." Taraketh responded as he struggled to look unaffected even as he rubbed his own limbs. "She didn't do her worst to us."

Dael looked up a bit incredulously at that. Before she could say a word, however, Taraketh shook his head. "If she had really gone all out, her first move would have been to freeze us all solid then just watch us as we stood trapped in ice as our hearts slowly froze. She wanted us to win. It seems our cause must be more just in her eyes than we realize."

The young officer didn't argue that point. Although it was an unsettling thought, she realized there was little reason to believe Shiva couldn't have just frozen them from the inside out. Needless to say, she was rather glad to be out of there. She was warming up quickly although a cold air lingered around her a bit, but soon they were getting on the move, and in no time at all her muscles loosened up and felt alive once again. She kept rubbing her hands until they lost their numbness, and then she was normal.

Even leaving as early as they had, returning to the camp would probably take until the afternoon. The whole encounter with Shiva had taken all of twenty minutes, which was rather speedy considering the trip to get there. But marching there had taken several hours. Even with the sprawling camp visible in the far distance, it was still many miles away over rough terrain. And the mountain was so rocky even going downhill would prove to be a chore. Therefore, the group took off at a steady pace first thing, not doing a whole lot of talking. Dael looked to the others again, in particular Bahamut and Ceja. Bahamut himself, as always, didn't complain although he seemed to be doing a lot better here. After all, they were moving downhill now. Not surprisingly, Ceja was being quiet too. However, it wasn't the same quiet that Dael had grown accustomed to. Where before she had taken the point and been fast and rapid, now she was pacing herself much slower, holding closer to the others. In fact, she was moving more or less to the side of them rather than taking the lead, and Dael found herself occasionally moving ahead as well. Her head also stayed low.

After going down the mountain a ways, it finally seemed to be a far enough distance to talk again. At least, that's what obviously occurred to Carbuncle as he spoke up with a sigh.

"Same ol' Shiva…always busting my chops."

Dael grimaced a bit at that. She quickly tried to think of something else to say to change the subject. "Anyway…at least we succeeded. That makes four Guardian Forces."

"Don't become too confident." Taraketh immediately responded, although not quite as biting as when they first met. "So far, all of these have been the 'lesser' Guardian Forces. If we ever encounter the stronger ones, such as Leviathan, we'll be in for the fight of our lives. The number of individuals who have commanded Leviathan throughout history can be counted on two hands. Even I have a hard time imagining that we could defeat him…or that Sybenia could, for that matter."

"We'll have to try regardless if we find him." Dael responded. "We still don't know what Sybenia is capable of, but I'm having a hard time believing that even a Guardian Force could withstand a full armed assault by modern weaponry."

"Only because you haven't researched the power of Guardian Forces enough throughout your life." Taraketh retorted. "The abilities of armies and tanks and bombs is insignificant next to that of some Guardian Forces. Guardian Forces like Leviathan have been beaten, yes, but only by power derived from other Guardian Forces…or espers, to be more exact."

Dael exhaled a bit. She didn't want to get into another argument about this. She supposed this question would be answered in due time. She shook her head instead. "At any rate, I need to keep working on my magic. Now I've got even more spells to master."

"Ice should be a bit easier." Taraketh responded. "It comes more quickly and flows more easily than lightning. Lightning is one of the harder ones to control. Perhaps if you grew able to master ice, what you learned there could be applied to lightning to make it easier rather than trying to learn both together."

The young officer looked to Taraketh at that comment. She was a bit puzzled. Had he just given her a 'pointer'? And done it in a nice, non-critical way?

"Don't get me wrong." Taraketh immediately threw in, not looking to her. "This is still mostly a waste of time. Your magic will never be as great as that of a true mage. However, I saw what you did back in the trial against Shiva. You obviously have to have some talent if you were able to pull off a lightning spell in a semi-hectic situation after only a few lessons, so you might manage to be able to use magic regularly in combat yet…although that's still a long ways off."

Dael was again a bit stunned. While Taraketh was still grumbling about it, he appeared like he was really coming around compared to his older state. He was almost being encouraging. Well, Dael could only be grateful for it. Anything that was a change from his older self was a welcome addition. She thought of saying something else in response, something perhaps a bit pleasant back to try and keep this dynamic going, when she noticed something in her peripheral vision.

Ceja abruptly stepped forward in front of everyone else, faced them, and then stopped in her tracks.

As a result, Dael, Taraketh, and Bahamut soon all did the same. Dael herself was a bit surprised by this action, but immediately thought it couldn't mean anything well. Perhaps she was about to do something similar to what Taraketh had done back in Lamb Temple. Seeing as she had little love for them and had been going on and on about how this was supposed to be "her victory", she didn't think it could possibly be that good. Yet as she looked forward to Ceja, she saw that she hadn't changed much. Her face wasn't as tight and fierce as before, and her head was still aimed to the ground, her eyes staring at it. She wouldn't even look at them.

A few moments of silence went by, before Taraketh crossed his arms and looked to her. "…The faster we return to your camp, the faster we'll be gone." Soon after, his eyes narrowed. "Or are you wanting to use your new powers already? Don't think I haven't noticed how much you've disliked us ever since you heard we had to go with you."

Ceja said nothing for a moment. When she did act, it was at first just to reach up and brush back her wolf cowl, revealing her hair and face beneath. Then, she finally spoke.

"I'm sorry."

Taraketh's cross look immediately melted away. His eyes opened again and he looked at Ceja strangely. Dael herself stared, almost showing surprise at that response as well.

"My manners were terrible, and I misjudged both of you." The warrior continued. "You have my apologies for my conduct and mistrust. I would like it if we could spend the remainder of our time together as allies rather than at odds with one another."

Dael was rendered silent for a moment. This was a big change…and something that made a very large improvement compared to Taraketh. The High Child was still standoffish, but now the Fulliet warrior was extending an "olive branch", so to speak? At first, Dael though it might have been an ulterior motive…that she was just saying this to put them at ease for one reason or another. After all, brash as Taraketh had been, given her hostile nature she wouldn't put it above the woman to try and ensure that she was the only one who had the power…and if she was that strong already and now with a Guardian Force…she wasn't someone that she wanted to fight. However, for all of her brashness, it left one thing in her favor. Ceja didn't seem to be the type that relied on deception or ever hid her true feelings from others, even if it would result in more hostility. She slowly began to realize that this woman was actually telling the truth…and that was quite amazing.

"…Don't worry about it." Dael finally stated. In all honesty, she had enough on her mind without having to worry about holding grudges. Besides, she planned to be gone from this region soon enough.

Taraketh, who had been bracing himself for the worst, was likewise deflated. He actually looked out of sorts for a moment, before shrugging. "Yes, um…well, far be it from a member of the Order of Hyne to hold a grudge. There's nothing to be worried about. Let's just be on our way."

Ceja nodded, and then turned and began to lead them on again. Soon after, the group began to follow her once again. Dael kept on easily enough, wondering for a moment about this turn of events. It was a sharp change, and she realized what might have been the trigger. Did Dael's intervention really cause this?

However, after only another minute or so, Ceja began to speak again.

"I don't make many excuses for my behavior…but understand that I couldn't very well trust you at first." She spoke up. "We've been taken advantage of for so long. Our ancestors were pushed north when Esthar began to drill for oil and mine, and we were cheated out of our land holdings due to not being as well learned in your society's laws. And for years, whenever we would allow an Esthar individual to encroach on our land, they would take advantage of us again and give us rotten deals that amounted to theft. Even some Order of Hyne members have favored Esthar in times past to our detriment, not considering us worthy of acknowledgement because of our tribal background."

Taraketh tightened up at this, and Dael sensed that he would soon create an outburst of defense.

"If you don't mind me asking," She found herself speaking up after a moment, although she wasn't sure why. "What changed your opinion? I mean…I could tell you acted differently around us after I jumped in front of you, but I honestly would have done the same for anyone."

"That is why my opinion of you changed." Ceja responded. "My tribe views the people of Esthar as greedy, self-interested, and completely hedonistic…willing to sacrifice their own children and their children's children for more comfort and pleasure. The fact that you risked death to try and help me in a hostile situation told me all I need to know about you. We have a philosophy in the Nine Winds of the North. The only way to truly see what makes a person is to see how they act in battle."

Taraketh paused momentarily after hearing this, and began to speak up. "I'll admit that there have been a few unscrupulous members of the Order of Hyne throughout history, but they have been few and far between and the exceptions rather than the rule, and always punished severely by the Sorceresses when exposed. And the Sorceresses, especially Lady Cybus, has never dealt double with any tribe in Fuliet, and I will take offense if you try and tell me otherwise."

Ceja paused momentarily, but then spoke again. Once more, to Dael's surprise, she wasn't as bold as before, but much more meek and quiet. "I know that the Sorceresses have always dealt fairly with us, but even so…they are not one of us. It's been too often in history that whoever has not been for us has been against us. Therefore I had to hold at least some measure of distrust. But now I see she has been justified as well. I had no chance of defeating that Guardian Force on my own for all my training."

"I can also understand you distrusting Esthar, and especially Esthar Hawks." Taraketh continued. "The Order of Hyne has little love for some of their actions either."

Carbuncle let out a snort at this while Dael rolled her eyes.

"Not all people are bad, however." Bahamut interceded, abruptly speaking up and gaining Dael's attention. "In fact, very few are. That's a lesson I learned the hard way. Governments might be distrustful, but the people inside them are like most people inside your own tribes…just wanting to live in peace."

Dael was pleasantly surprised at Bahamut suddenly coming to Esthar's defense, as well as hers, and Ceja seemed to realize it.

"…I have a very, very hard time accepting that fact…but at least I know it is true." She stated grimly. "That is contrary to the view that all people within Fuliet take, not just my tribe. And I do not condemn that view either. It is what is necessary to be able to survive in Fuliet. All new parties are to be viewed as hostile and enemies before they prove otherwise. There is no room for softness and weakness. Even if another individual doesn't exploit any weakness on your part, a monster that lives out here will.

"My parents died when I was very young, and my uncle raised me to be a woman of iron. He always told me that was the only way you could ensure that you never got hurt. To be fierce and cold with all people and all things. To show no weakness at any time. To always drive fear into the hearts of all who met you and to show no fear in response. It wasn't enough to train myself to be deadly…I had to exude that to both man and beast."

Carbuncle frowned a bit at this. "Sounds like a rather nasty way to live…"

"It's the only way to live." Ceja retorted. "At least out here. My tribe allows females to be warriors, but many tribes do not, and they see females not as people to be killed but prizes to be carried off. Some tribes would spare the women in another tribe just to have their way with them." She stiffened at this, momentarily reverting back to her original persona. "I for one would sooner die, even if it would be at my own hand. The men of these tribes do not instinctively fear women, even fierce women warriors. Even if the women warriors are very strong and fierce in battle, their male opponents still do not feel fear…but anger that they are being defeated by a woman, and disgraced when a woman beats them. My uncle wanted me to be so fierce and vicious that all men would be forced to fear me regardless of their pride."

Ceja paused a moment here, then looked somewhat back up with a grimace to Dael. "…I'm certain you don't have to deal with such things in your society. I know the modern world prides itself on being 'cultured' and 'refined'."

Dael, however, gave her a stern look back. "You'd be surprised." She stated in response. The Fuliet warrior's words brought back some memories not yet six months old that affected Dael rather strongly, things she still wished she could forget. It made her think a little. She tended to think she had a rather hard time in the academy. The truth of the matter was she couldn't have had it nearly as hard as Ceja. Her society was far more patriarchal and demeaning to women, even in tribes such as hers that allowed female participation in combat. Dael didn't have to be terribly well versed in the tribal cultures to know that. What she did know already confirmed it. It was one of the reasons her "part of the world" thought so little of them. It was a sobering thought…that perhaps they shouldn't be so quick to judge until they had removed similar thought from their own societies completely.

At any rate, Dael didn't dwell on this long. "Well…you did what you had to do. I had to make some attitude changes myself to get by in Esthar's Hawks."

"Still…" Carbuncle threw in. "That's a rather terrible way to have to go through life. I mean…you're going to scare a lot of people away. How do you make friends like that?"

Ceja paused after hearing this, her face falling a bit more. After that, she answered more quietly.

"…You don't."

Everyone, Bahamut and Taraketh included, looked to Ceja at this.

"I don't have anyone I consider a 'friend'." Ceja continued. "I was cautioned at an early age to even make people who fought with me fear me to the point of respect. I have fellow warriors, and that is all. Uncle told me that I couldn't have the luxury of letting too many people get close. They could betray me and expose my weakness to others who would not be so friendly or forgiving. If I wished to be a female in the Nine Winds of the North, I had to appear lethal to all things. When I tried to ask who I could depend on, then, in a troubled situation, he answered that, in battle, the only one a true warrior should rely on is themselves, not others to save them. I should always be strong enough to do things by myself in case they're taken away."

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to doubt your uncle rather heavily on that." Bahamut spoke up, for once his voice turning rather cynical. "This isn't an issue of black or white. Your uncle should have realized he was asking you to make a heavy tradeoff. True, it's good to be independent, but you're only one person and a mortal. There's a limit on what you can do. You saw that today in this battle."

"And battle aside, that's a very lonely way to go through life." Taraketh threw in. "Much as I hate to admit it, I can't do everything on my own. I count on a lot of people to have my back to support me. Lady Cybus herself always told me that it's not a good thing to always be alone. It's other people that help you to grow."

Ceja was silent in response to these comments. She walked on without saying anything for a few moments, and it wasn't clear if she was taking the advice or ignoring it. Finally, however, she exhaled again.

"…You're probably right. Before uncle died…I always had at least him to talk to. I could always show him my true side at least. But now…I'm alone. I've had to maintain being a hard, cold warrior all the time now, and I'm never able to let anything off. There's no one to share my concerns or worries with…no one I can just ease up around and not be afraid of what I'm saying or showing… To be honest, it's very tiring…and it's getting to me. I couldn't afford to shed a single tear at uncle's funeral for fear I would be weak, and so no one offered me condolences or sympathies. Later I just lay in my tent and cried while trying to muffle the noise, and I left exhausted and distraught." She sighed. "Perhaps I am just a simple woman… Perhaps I am too weak for not being able to do better…"

"Or perhaps you're a normal human being who needs to be able to feel and emote at times." Dael immediately countered, almost snapping. She was a little surprised at herself for doing so. After all, she believed in "maintaining a stiff upper lip" herself. However, the last comment, that Ceja was faulting herself and chalking up her stress and emotion to simply being female did her in. "Anyone in your position would have mourned, man or woman. To try and hold it all in would be devastating."

Ceja didn't respond to that, and didn't say anything else for a while. Dael was a bit surprised at her own volume, but she stood by it. She might have been fairly indifferent to such things herself, but she wasn't going to let any woman fault herself for crying because the last family member she had died. Dael herself had learned to bottle up that emotion and it was a painful and difficult thing to overcome. Although she knew it could be done, it wasn't something she wished on anyone who could avoid it, even this warrior she barely knew.

At long last, Ceja did speak up again, this time changing the subject.

"In the time it takes to back to camp, it will be too late for you to set out again." She told them. "You should stay the night, and you can leave first thing in the morning."

"We are somewhat pressed for time." Taraketh answered. "Our errand is urgent. We need to get to the next Guardian Force."

Ceja turned to him at this, looking somewhat puzzled. "Another one? But you already possess Guardian Forces yourselves as well as Shiva. Why do you keep seeking them?"

"That's our business." Taraketh answered.

"A preventative measure for Esthar." Dael immediately interjected, ignoring Taraketh. "Guardian Forces who have been defeated can't attack their owners. It's to ensure they can't be used in a potential war."

Taraketh gave Dael a glare at this, but she looked calmly back. He stared for a moment, and then relented. After all, this was rather clandestine and not advertised, but technically it wasn't a secret mission. Besides, who would Ceja tell that could cause them difficulties? The Fuliet warrior, however, looked somewhat puzzled at this.

"I've heard rumors of a large war potentially about to break loose…but not much else. Is a conflict looming?"

"You don't know the half of it." Carbuncle chuckled. "Seems we've got plenty to talk about on the return trip, even if we didn't say much going out."

Ignoring this, Dael exhaled a bit and looked to Ceja. "I'm not sure how much news gets up here, so stop me if I say something you already know…"

Dael proceeded to give Ceja a brief history lesson on what had been going on in the world over the past few months, supplementing it with Sybenia's rise to power as well as the economic crisis. It ended up being quite a lengthy tale. Taraketh was silent at first but ended up contributing some toward the end, but even more surprising was that Bahamut threw his own two cents in from time to time, and ended up being very knowledgeable about many things in world events. Ceja, on her part, listened patiently to everything, asked questions at times, and, at the end, a bit to Dael's surprise, looked rather tense.

"This isn't very good news." Ceja concluded. "And we thought we had hit the worse when the Northern Rancor came…"

"Fuliet shouldn't have much reason to worry." Taraketh threw in. "It's all but inaccessible from sea, no places to land planes, and no reason to travel into it on foot or by vehicle. Besides, this country is neutral."

"I wouldn't be too sure, if what you say is true." Ceja responded darkly. "This Sybenia doesn't seem to care much for anyone who doesn't meet their ideal. At least Esthar merely tries to cheat us. They sound like they are wanting us exterminated." She looked forward and sighed. "Perhaps the horologists in the camp are right."

"Horologists?" Dael asked.

"Diviners…ones who make predictions of the future." Ceja responded. "Even among our people, only a few tribes put any faith in such things in modern times. The rest consider it as meaningless as your society does. However…this year has been one of extremely bad omens, from what I hear. Because of the Northern Rancor, many have begun to believe in the predictions again. However, I fear that they predict something much worse."

Dael hesitated on hearing this. First Shiva…and now Ceja. She was beginning to wonder if she should be concerned that something bad was indeed coming. However, she decided to push it aside for now. It was probably nothing or, at the worst, a reflection on the Northern Rancor or the war. After all, what else could it be?

"Anyway…I'll make sure that you have arrangements to stay in the camp one more night." Ceja continued after a moment. "Powerful as you are, it is never wise to traverse the wilds of Fuliet at night. You can set out early tomorrow."

Taraketh sighed a bit. "Well…I did want to meet with Lady Cybus one more time. We have to give her back the key anyway."

"Based on our time frame, we'd be early if we did leave." Dael also added. "And all we'd have for it is staying the night in the middle of Fuliet and risking being attacked by more monsters. I know time is short, but we already planned conservatively so we might as well wait."

"Fine by me." Carbuncle threw in as they continued down the mountainside. "Hospitality aside, it is a bit comfier on the mats in the tents in the camp than the stuff we brought along for gear… Maybe I can snake a little bit of the tribe's alcoholic wares. I can't stand going dry this long."

Carbuncle's behavior notwithstanding, Ceja made for a far more pleasant companion on the journey back. Their trip was without monster incident, so they didn't have a chance to see how Ceja would do against a "conventional" opponent, but Dael imagined it would be quite a sight if they did. From the battle alone, Dael knew that even without a junction, Ceja would have given her a run for her money despite all of her own enhancements. Now that they were on friendlier terms, Dael could actually appreciate her as a warrior. She wondered where she stood on the lists that she was so fond of. If she didn't even make the cut…then Dael was rather overwhelmed. If that was true, then how strong were the greatest fighters in the world?

On arrival at the camp, the group broke up slightly. Dael, Bahamut, and Carbuncle were left to return to the tent they had stayed in the night before while Ceja and Taraketh went to report to Lady Cybus. Dael managed to gauge on their arrival that the Nine Winds of the North were going on another hunting expedition to try and curb the numbers of the monsters before they made another attack. Since they were deprived of Ceja, Aizel apparently had taken up his old position temporarily to join the band himself, and Lady Cybus had gone out to lend her aid in healing magic. Normally a Sorceress wouldn't take an active role on the field, but being the only true magic user in the camp at the moment, and wanting to build more rapport with the tribes, she had done so. After all, it was much easier to hear her side of things when the tribesmen and women knew that she was fighting alongside them.

Only when Dael returned to the tent did she start paying some real attention to Bahamut, and realized, aside from a few side comments he made earlier when they left, he had been rather quiet…even more so than usual. Studying him more closely now, she realized he almost had a morose look about him.

Having eased up quite a bit herself, she asked him about it. "Are you alright?"

Bahamut paused for a while before he sighed. "…Yes. This is something I should have expected. Things are rarely so easy. Still…I had hoped for at least some clue as to where Leviathan was. I guess I got too much of my hopes up. Perhaps our next stop will have more success."

Dael had been quiet in response to that for a while, but then asked something. "Bahamut, do you ever think of what you're going to do with your life if you don't find him?"

"I will." Bahamut responded without hesitation. "This body may only have a human lifespan in it, but that's enough, using modern technology and methods, to comb the entire face of Gaia."

Well, I tried. Was all Dael thought.

Dael stuck to the tent for the most part. Ceja's demeanor might have changed toward them, but everyone else still gave them dark looks and generally made them feel like unwanted outsiders. Ceja herself, as they approached the joint encampment, apologized to all of them before saying she would have to appear to still be hostile and aloof to them. Soon after, she moved in front and once again took up her old persona. It was a bit surprising to Dael that she could "turn it on" and "off" so easily, but she didn't give her any trouble about it. She supposed a more suspicious person, like Taraketh, would wonder if she had just been pretending to be friendly to get them at some disadvantage. However, she didn't believe that. The Fuliet warrior sounded far too authentic on the way back. She could see it in her eyes, and she had a feeling lying types didn't last long out here.

Taraketh returned after a bit, saying that Lady Cybus was glad that they had all come back safe and sound, and saying that they were welcome to stay one more night. She also passed a message on to Dael through Taraketh to make a note of how tensions were rising in the tribes. This could have important implications to how Esthar and Fuliet interacted with each other in the near future. Dael agreed. If worse did come to worse, even Fuliet, with its scattered tribes and archaic weapons, could provide an unnecessary distraction in a conflict. After that, they ate from their own stores and decided to go to bed. Although Dael was eager to try out her new powers, if for no other reason than to grow accustomed to them, she was also eager to get a move on bright and early the next day. The other hostile stares of the people in the tribes made it clear she still wasn't welcome here. Plus, she soon realized that while magic was good for healing physical injuries…it did nothing to ease mental fatigue. She was still exhausted when she lay down for the night.

Early the next morning, before the sun was up, Dael was already awake. However, she couldn't boast that much this time, because the tribe seemed to rise even earlier. At first she thought it was just an attack, but then she soon learned that it was simply their nature. At any rate, she hurried up and packed the few items that she had to leave out last night, and within two minutes of waking up she was ready to go. Bahamut, again showing a nice "Esthar Hawk" mentality, was just as fast, and Taraketh, not to be outdone in terms of responsibility, followed soon after. That left another fifteen minutes of the three trying to wake Carbuncle up. As it turned out, it was a good thing he slept in. The green creature had scarcely been roused when a tribesman appeared at the tent flap.

"Lady Cybus the River wishes to speak with you before you depart."

There was no need to come to the meeting tent this time. Rather, Cybus met them right outside the border of the campground itself. As the other day, Aizel was with her…easily dwarfing the woman despite her being a person of average height and build. She was dressed even more "common" today, looking to be ready for traveling. Aizel himself was armed, seeming to be carrying a variation of Ceja's own giant axe. There were a few other warriors with them too. Obviously, they were planning on heading out on some sort of expedition that day.

Dael noticed that there was someone missing…namely Ceja. In a way, she was a bit disappointed. She realized she didn't really say goodbye the day before when she and Taraketh went off to talk with the Sorceress. She now regretted that she hadn't. What were her odds of running into her again, even if she was sent on a diplomatic mission? She was probably the only friendly face she'd ever find in Fuliet. And, to be honest…after knowing a bit more of her background, she felt a little more kinship with her. Although Dael definitely had more advantages than Ceja did in her own society, both of them had struggled to prove that they were "as good as any man".

Soon, the four passed the final row of tents and made their way up to the Sorceress and the warriors with her. Taraketh moved up first, as always, and dropped to a kneel before her. Dael gave a polite bow, as did Bahamut, but they didn't go to his extremes. Cybus didn't seem to mind. She smiled back at all of them before looking down to High Child.

"Taraketh, there's no need to do that every time."

"It would be rude if I didn't, my lady." Taraketh responded.

She sighed a bit. "Some things never seem to change with you. However, if it makes you more comfortable…very well."

Taraketh bowed his head a bit lower, and then rose to his feet. Cybus looked over all of them.

"Since I didn't have the chance to do this personally yesterday, I will say congratulations now. I doubt I need to remind you all of this, but please use the power well. Even though you have earned it through the trials, it is still a great privilege."

"I assure you I will." Taraketh immediately responded.

"I'm only using this to protect Esthar from attack by Sybenia." Dael also added. "There's a possibility I won't use this power at all."

Cybus let out a small chuckle at this. "Well, don't take that mentality, dear." She responded. "While I certainly don't want you abusing this power, I don't want you refusing to use it when the time is right either. These are indeed great privileges, and the other side of a privilege is to use it responsibly rather than simply avoid using it irresponsibly. They should be used to help people and protect the world. If the Northern Rancor truly was a sign of something ill, I hope it comes to be of use. I fear it was only an omen of what's about to happen in the 'civilized' world."

Dael wasn't sure how to respond to that. After all, she still had primary loyalty to Esthar. It was the rest of the world that the Order of Hyne was concerned about. In the end, she nodded. "We can hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst, my lady. That's all we can do. I assure you I'll use this power responsibly."

Cybus smiled. "I'm sure you will." She looked to her side next. "Master Bahamut, I'm glad to see you made it back safe as well. I hope you have a pleasant journey and find what you're looking for."

Bahamut seemed fairly indifferent to this for a moment, but then nodded. "Thank you."

Taraketh stiffened slightly when he didn't use a title, but he wasn't going to yell at a kid.

"Now, as to why I wished to see you all off personally…" Cybus continued. "She only made this decision hastily, so I'm afraid she's not here just yet. However, knowing her, she'll be around at any moment."

Dael, and the others with her, looked puzzled at this. "Excuse me?" Dael asked.

However, even as she said this, the Sorceress looked up and behind her, and smiled. "Ah, there she is."

The Esthar's Hawk, and the others with her, turned just in time to see a figure run up to them, carrying a large sack made from animals hides along her back…along with a large and conspicuous axe. Ceja, cleaned up fully from yesterday, was now running up to them. She still had the same gruff look as before, hard and unfriendly, but nevertheless she came up to the side of them and halted.

All four members of Dael's group blinked a few times, before they turned back to Cybus.

"Um…my lady…I don't quite understand…" Taraketh spoke up.

Cybus formed something of an embarrassed look. "Well…I know this is rather sudden. If it was anyone else, I probably wouldn't have even proposed it. However, I think it's for the best, which is why I'm endorsing it. Now, it's your decision, of course. Both of yours, actually. But I think it would be an immense help to the tribes if you were to take Ceja with you back to Esthar."

Dael had to fight to keep her eyes from widening. If Taraketh tried to cover it up, it certainly didn't show. Ceja offered no explanation. She couldn't, apparently. She was still in her "tough" persona so long as she was in view of the tribe and wouldn't be volunteering information. At any rate, she ended up being the one speaking.

"Begging your pardon, my lady?"

Cybus responded by inhaling a bit as she folded her arms behind her back.

"This isn't a secret to Ms. Dracocorazon, so I'll come out and say it. By now, you have to have realized that Ms. Dracocorazon isn't quite as, shall we say…'culturally isolated' as the other members of her tribe. Her uncle went to extensive measures to make sure that she would have a more 'diverse' outlook on the world. He had her learn the common language, become versed in customs of Esthar culture as well as the cultures of many other tribes, and even had tutors brought in from outside of Fuliet to give her more formal education than most other members of her tribe would ever receive. He even requested that I teach her on more than one occasion personally. There could have been only one reason for this and everyone knows it. The new generation of Fuliet is wanting to interact more with the 'modern world'. Even if they don't abandon their ways for modern customs, they want to be able to at least be aware of what is out there so that they are more shrewd in dealing with those who would defraud them in the future. It's clear that her uncle was trying to 'groom' her to become a new kind of leader who could be of the greatest benefit to the people of Fuliet.

"Last night, when I was talking with Ms. Dracocorazon about the experience, she confided in me that during the trip there had been several moments where she was caught unaware both in terms of experience with magic and with cultural affairs. Like most tribe members, she had little idea of the escalating conflict between Sybenia and the rest of the world. The advice I gave to her was that she try to become more well-versed in the world at large and begin to take an interest in world cultures and political affairs. Doing so might make her a more capable leader. She responded by telling me that she was intrigued by the power that Shiva displayed, and heard from you about your mission to obtain the power of the Guardian Forces to ensure they couldn't be used against Esthar. She asked me if the same might be possible to do for Fuliet, and I said that I didn't see why not.

"Well…one thing led to another, and she said she needed to think on things before she left last night. Then, early this morning, Ms. Dracocorazon came to my tent while I was still asleep and asked about the mission that you were undertaking, and asked if it would likely take you to other Guardian Forces and around to other societies. I said that it would most certainly be the case. She proposed to me, therefore, that it might be of greatest value to her and her tribe as well if she was to accompany you."

Now, Dael was really caught off guard. She couldn't see Taraketh's face, but she assumed his jaw was dropping.

"She would have the greatest chance of making contact with the other Guardian Forces for the benefit of her tribe. Now, she said she intended to 'earn her keep', of course. I explained the situation to her, that this is a matter of importance to the Order of Hyne as well as to Esthar, and she agreed that she would place herself at Sir Sabian's disposal. There's plenty of room in the cathedral in Esthar for her to stay, and she could accompany you on your missions as well. I'm sure she would be of assistance to you. She admitted that she tried to be a bit too 'independent' in your battle with Shiva, but she said that she understands the power of magic now and will act more appropriately in the future."

Dael was still rather aghast. True enough, she had been feeling better about Ceja…but this was something else entirely. And she could only imagine what was running through Taraketh's head. Evidentally, Cybus had to have picked up on it. Looking a bit more anxious, she spoke a little more earnestly.

"You'd be doing an immense favor to myself, the tribe, and to her if you were to take her along. I personally vouch for her in saying that she will not be an inconvenience to any of you. She has all of her own supplies that she requires and she is a capable warrior. And once you have returned to Esthar, she will be relieved of you further. As a personal favor, I ask if you won't do this small item for me."

The young officer wondered just how "small" one could reasonably consider this "item", but she said nothing about it. This was far beyond what she had expected she would get coming on this trip. A whole new person? A resident of Fuliet, at that? And a member of the Nine Winds of the North? Still…Dael had to admit, whether it was her or any other member of the tribe, she preferred Ceja after their long talk and walk yesterday. Besides…although Cybus didn't directly come out and say it, there was another factor at play here. With the tribes as chaotic as they were right now, they were likely on the brink of civil conflict. That would keep them pacified for a while, but eventually a new leader would emerge victorious and would wield considerable power over the area. It would be nice if this leader was friendly to their own people. It would help things immensely in current world affairs. It meant that they would have one less thing to worry about exploiting an opportunity if it ever came to war between Esthar and Sybenia.

As a result, Dael finally calmed down, and gave her own verdict on the situation.

"I have no objections if Sir Sabian does not."

Taraketh turned his head slightly, almost looking to Dael at that. However, a moment later, and he turned back forward to Cybus. Dael already knew the answer. He had too much respect for the Sorceresses, especially Cybus. After a few moments, he gave a nod to her.

"If I may do a personal favor for you, no matter the task, my lady, as always I will do it. She is welcome to me."

The Sorceress smiled in response and gave a nod. "I knew I could rely on you, Taraketh. I thank you very much for agreeing. You won't regret it, I promise you."

Dael noticed out of the corner of her eye that Ceja wasted little time. Maintaining her warrior persona, she drew up her bag and prepared to go. Instinctively, Dael turned fully to her as she gathered her things and then instantly set out, not waiting for the others.

As a result…she managed to catch a glimpse of something else.

Back in the periphery of the camp, another familiar, if unnamed, face was looking in on this. For just a moment, peeking out between two tents, Dael saw the same individual with the bow and dark look standing there, watching everything. After a moment, however, he turned and simply walked back into the camp.

Dael found herself watching him for a few moments before she was able to turn back and start following after Ceja.

Clearing "official" territory of the tribes of Fuliet, or at least the local ones, took some time. Longer than Dael expected, at any rate. She didn't know they went out so far. However, she now had an accurate "measure" of how far they had to go to get away from them. With Ceja now along for the ride, she knew they weren't in the clear until she dropped her "rougher" persona for a more friendly one. Indeed, for quite a distance, well past what Dael thought were the normal watchmen, Ceja was as aloof as before, moving to the front of the group and maintaining a lead, not saying a word except to occasionally urge them on in her native language.

However, after beginning to enter one of the boulder-scattered valleys, it seemed they reached a threshold. Ceja moved back and walked alongside the others, and she warmed up considerably.

"Sorry for being that way." She immediately apologized. "I still need to maintain the appearance of being a cold warrior."

"Don't worry about it." Dael responded immediately.

Taraketh was a bit more put out, however. "If you're planning on coming along just to gain more power for yourself…"

"What Lady Cybus said is true." Ceja cut off. "I did come to her expressing such concerns. And I don't want Sybenia to try and eliminate us to establish a base of operations or remove another potential obstacle. I have nothing but pride and admiration for the spirit and power of our warriors. At the same time…it is folly to believe, after 500 years, that we are somehow a match for firearms and explosives."

Dael didn't respond to that…although she did think about it a little. Although Ceja kept up appearances easily enough, she realized how completely she had opened up to them yesterday after the incident with Shiva. Not only that, but today, as soon as she thought she was in the clear, she did a 180 in terms of personality. She seemed all too willing to talk to them again, even to initiate conversation. Dael began to wonder just how much she was coming here to accomplish a greater mission…and how much of it was just to not have to be emotionally repressed and restrained all the time.

"So…" A new voice spoke up. As always, it was surprising, for Dael noticed it came from Bahamut. He always seemed to speak only to say strange or puzzling things at inopportune moments. "Is it true that you descended from the North Midgardian Garamoundians?"

Dael was used to being caught off guard by Bahamut's statements, but this one seemed unusually out of the blue. Especially since it was something that Dael had a knowledge of.

According to a story that was, for all anyone knew, a mixture of myth as well as true history, following the Collapse, a samurai of the extinct kingdom of Doma, having lost his own family in a war, adopted a wild boy who had no parents of his own and had grown up among vicious beasts and monsters. Although the boy was already strong and well-learned in the ways of combat and ferocity from having lived among such savage animals, the samurai taught him self-discipline, control, and honor. As a result, the boy and his descendents were both renown as great warriors but also honorable and civil. As a result, they formed the Garamoundians, who ended up settling among the region that was once an archelpelago north of the Eastern Continent. The islands gradually disappeared due to long-lasting changes following the Collapse, but the legends maintained that some of them survived and formed a colony in the region of Fuliet before it became inaccessible from sea, giving rise to the tribes that lived there today. Of course, no one knew for certain if the Garamoundians survived or some other tribe took their place, and it was impossible to tell without sending in anthropologists…something the residents vehemently opposed. Yet another slice of history Dael realized Bahamut had known about.

Exactly how long was he in that library that he learned all of this?

Ceja likewise was taken off guard by that comment. However, she was pleased by it. Whereas most of the islanders had been savage and warlike (and, therefore, most of the modern world through them the more likely ancestors of the tribes of Fuliet), the Fuliet people themselves each boasted of their tribe as having been the one descended from the Garamoundians, who had briefly held an archipelago spanning empire for a 50 year period. To genuinely say they had descended from them was a high honor.

"I have always believed my tribe, the Dracocorazons, to have been their descendents, yes boy." Ceja responded to them. "But if I may ask, what brings up that topic?"

"…First off, my name is Bahamut." The young man answered, a bit indignantly. Again, Dael was surprised. Most children Bahamut's age would have been a little intimidated by how Ceja fought the day before. The fact that he wasn't impressed Dael a bit. "Second, I could see it in your fighting style, especially with that axe. That technique hasn't been used in well over 700 years by anyone who wasn't a Garamoundian or their descendent. I believe it was called the 'Floating Axe' style."

Ceja blinked again, not seeming to mind at all Bahamut's sharp initial response. "…That is the name my uncle gave it when he taught it to me. He said it was one of the most closely guarded secrets of our family, their personal claim to honor. But…how did you know of it? It is not recorded in any book."

Bahamut paused momentarily. He looked to Dael, but then back again. "…I would tell you, but it's not likely that you would believe me any more than anyone else has so far."

Ceja didn't break off, however. "I am a bit more trusting in certain things than people in 'modern society'. Perhaps you should-"

Suddenly, the warrior cut off. In a flash, she stopped and snapped her head forward, her face immediately becoming stern.

The move was so sudden that the others stopped as well. Dael needed only look at Ceja's face to realize that she was sensing some sort of danger, and that immediately put her on alert too. As she reached for her sword, she intended to ask Ceja what the matter was. However, it soon turned out there was little need for that. She heard it too. With them no longer walking and talking, they all did before long.

About fifty yards ahead, along the way they were going, a large rocky mound, almost like an oversized boulder, protruded from the ground. It was high-walled and sheer. On the other side of it, though, they could now clearly hear it. The sounds of flesh being stripped from bones and large jaws clacking. Clearly a predator…a large one. As it breathed, they could hear the echoes even from here.

Immediately, everyone's weapons were out. Carbuncle leapt off of Dael's shoulders and began to tense up. Bahamut drew his sword and buckler. Dael's own blade was out, and as Ceja braced herself with her axe Taraketh began to loosen his kusarigama. As he did, he turned to Ceja and spoke quietly. "Is it Saurons or Basilhounds?"

Dael suppressed rolling her eyes. Experienced as Taraketh thought he was, even she knew from her own combat training to recognize the breathing of a large monster.

"Neither." Ceja answered, even more quietly. "Based on the sound, it can only be-"

Again, the Fuliet warrior was cut off. This time, it was by a new set of noises, ones that made her tense. The eating abruptly stopped, and it was followed by loud, deep snorts…sounding like sniffing. Ceja tensed even further.

"No need to be quiet now." She said a bit louder. "She's already smelt us. And there's only one monster of the riverbanks that is not content with its current kill, but rather hunts all that it can when it can."

Dael was about to ask, "What kind?", but didn't get a chance. Soon, the snorting stopped, and stomping, deep, long, earth-shaking…and, to Dael, familiar…began to sound out, obviously the monster moving. Soon, it began to round the corner, confirming Dael's worst fears and instantly making her more nervous than Ceja. As for Taraketh, in spite of his earlier boasting when he first met Dael, he too began to tense up. Bahamut himself pulled back slightly out of wisdom rather than fear, and Carbuncle swallowed a large lump in his throat.

Coming around the side of the large rock was a Tyrant Lizard.

Dael quickly tried to call to mind all the spells she readily had at her disposal. She didn't waste time with offensive magic…she was still too pitiful at that. She wished more than ever she had her Mage Gun at this point. Without it, she knew she'd never be able to kill this thing by herself. Taraketh didn't ready his kusarigama, instead, folding his hands together and beginning to chant. Naturally, it would have to be a powerful earth spell to be able to do any damage to this thing. Carbuncle and Bahamut continued to fall back, neither able to contribute that much. That left Ceja.

She stared at it a moment, and then quickly shifted her grip to the staff of her weapon. After that, she held it out, and began to circle. Dael saw this, as did Taraketh, and both of them immediately went farther away from her…even as the Tyrant Lizard spotted them fully and let out a hiss. They knew what she was setting up for. As the huge monster began to stomp forward, Ceja spun faster and faster, revolving her axe around. Dael was slightly nervous for her. If she flung this weapon, she'd be defenseless until it returned. There was no way she already knew her own magic, not in that short period of time. She was about to tell her to possibly back down.

However, it was too late. Before she could say a word, Ceja finished her twirling. She released the axe, and, just as it had for Shiva, it was instantly transformed into a monstrous cutting boomerang that swirled through the air straight for the incoming Tyrant Lizard. The monster didn't look the least bit intimidated. As it charged straight for the group, it opened its mouth wide and began to let out a roar…

Which, a moment later, was turned into a whoosing sound of air leaving its lungs as the axe made contact with the neck of the Tyrant Lizard…and severed its head cleanly off of its body in an instant.

Dael, for once, actually felt her jaw loosen. Her sword lowered to the ground and the tip clicked against it. Taraketh's voice slowly trailed off as his spell went unfinished, before his arms dropped to his sides. Dael couldn't see it, but Carbuncle's tiny mouth had nearly hit the ground itself, and even Bahamut, who seemed like he had "seen everything", looked rather overwhelmed. Probably the most surprising was Ceja, who herself, still extended in her "casting" position, looked rather alarmed too.

The massive Tyrant Lizard's momentum carried it forward a bit further before its entire body crashed to the ground rather loudly and solidly, dragging a short distance. However, after that, it slowly came to a halt. It's head landed long before that, tumbling a bit with the jaws still open in a roar. A few rocks skidded and settled from the movement of the massive beast, but then it faded. The only remaining noise was the wind and the sound of the whistling axe, now covered with blood. It whirled through the air, completed its arc, and then shot back for Ceja. Almost at the last minute, she seemed to snap out of it and reached up with both hands to, once again, flawlessly snatch it out of the air, swing it around once to lose momentum, and then place it at her side, planting it on the ground with both hands on it. After that, she resumed staring at the sight along with the others.

Dael realized at this point that she hadn't yet obtained an accurate representation of Ceja's true power. She had shown plenty of strength in the fight against Shiva, but it wasn't until now that she was pit against something that Dael had a frame of reference for. And honestly…she was shocked. Even with the junction, the young officer realized she never could have done anything like that. Ceja must have had even more power innately than she had taken stock of. But even factoring that in mind, she couldn't believe it. If Ceja wasn't on the list of the world's top ten warriors, it could only be because she hadn't been discovered yet.

After a moment, Ceja seemed to recover enough to speak. "…So that's the power that a junction brings."

Taraketh turned to her in response. "You already knew your limits and capabilities after less than 24 hours of your first junction?"

Ceja looked to him and shook his head. "No. Usually, when I do that, I just try to embed my axe in the windpipe and sever the carotids. I'm pleased with the result, however. Now we don't have to worry about staying out of its way until it bleeds to death."

As the day wore on, Ceja's level of power was only expressed more and more.

Dael was put to shame on more than one occasion when they encountered other monsters of Fuliet. In fact, she found herself subconsciously pushing her limits, wondering if she had been "going too easy" until now in an attempt to get closer to Ceja's level. However, the combination of the junction and her innate power was unmatchable by any of them. Dael had demonstrated the ability to cut down Fuliet Saurons with relative ease, but Ceja's blows shattered bones while cleaving them and flung body parts into other enemies with killing force. She could stand up to charges from Skull Beetles without moving an inch, something that Dael had a hard time doing even with a barrier. She swung around her axe rapidly and tirelessly. It seemed as if nothing could slow her down when she wielded it. "Floating Axe" was quite appropriate. Dael tried to get a moment to heft the axe herself, finding it hard to believe it really weighed as much as it looked. However, even if Ceja wasn't constantly vigilant to ensure that didn't happen, she knew it was true. The woman seemed mythic.

However, talking further with her soon revealed that she shouldn't expect the same from everyone who was in Fuliet. "My family has always been stronger than most, and more receptive to training. It is no secret that I am more powerful than most of the warriors in the Nine Winds of the North." Ceja responded. "And the junction has made me stronger yet. However, alone, I cannot hope to defend my tribe, let alone many tribes. Even a feat as great as the felling of the Tyrant Lizard isn't something that can ensure the safety of my people, especially not now after this bad season."

This, however, brought to mind something else. Dael took the opportunity to ask Ceja about the dark-looking warrior with the bow. She looked up a bit at that.

"That would be Sydian Leorex." She answered. "Like myself, he's one of the greatest warriors in the Nine Winds of the North. If I am a master of the 'Floating Axe', you may think of him as a master of the 'Invisible Bow'."

"I'm familiar with that technique as well." Bahamut responded, albeit more grimly. "That one was more universal…at least once. It was one of the first techniques to be perfected by the first assassins in the world. It has mostly faded into obscurity now."

Ceja and Dael alike both noted the change in Bahamut's voice when he explained that, but they soon ignored it. "Like myself, he too has been bred to take the position of leader of the Nine Winds of the North. However, such is nothing new. At least half of the current members have. It does not do well in Fuliet to become too much of a follower. If you can't lead in the case of a crisis, you often wind up dead."

Dael was about to mention that he had a dark look about him, before she realized that was moot. All except Ceja did already, and she only when she was in a private setting. "He was watching us when we left."

"It is nothing to be worried about." Ceja responded. "Sydian and I understand each other well. We have fought in many battles together and gone on many expeditions, ever since both of us were old enough to start hunting small game. We both show concern for each other. I would have done the same had he been the one to go with you."

The young officer wondered if there was more to it than that. However, she couldn't go making accusations or casting aspirations simply because she didn't like the way a man looked. Frankly, she didn't like the way most of those warriors looked. And so, she held her tongue.

The remainder of that day went by calmly enough. After a few more battles, the group once again set up for the night, this time their small camp having Ceja's own tent pitched in their midst. Again, Dael set right to work practicing her magic, going until she could cast no more spells due to mental exhaustion. Taraketh was rendered silent again as she did so, for despite his earlier comments…she could see she was visibly getting better, and in a shorter time period. Although she had been rusty at first, as she practiced, it seemed to become easier and easier to practice. She still wasn't able to "connect" to her spiritual side as fast as she liked, but she was indeed growing better all the time. She was already more than twice as good as she was when they started.

The next day was much the same. Ceja again showed off her physical prowess as they encountered a few more monsters. Dael herself tried to use her magic again, this time using both lightning and ice, but for all her work she only managed to get one or two spells off in time, neither of which did much damage. Taraketh again told her to forget magic and stick to physical attacks, but Dael refused. She knew she needed to get better at magic as well as tactics if she was to be effective. She asked if Ceja wanted to try learning her own spells as well, but the woman refused. She said that the boost in strength was more than enough for her, and that she preferred to rely on her own body rather than spells.

That night, Dael continued to practice, and continued to improve. Even Taraketh was surprised when Dael managed to call up accurate lightning bolts in only three seconds time. The young officer tried something a bit more unorthodox as well…actually cutting her palm on her sword, and then attempting to use the healing magic. As it turned out, the pain made it almost impossible to concentrate on anything, let alone healing. It was a good thing Taraketh was there to patch her up, although the price she paid was another tongue lashing. Nevertheless, she told herself she would do the same on her next training session. If she couldn't cast a spell while in pain, she wasn't much good for anything.

Once again, they got up the next morning, and went the rest of the way that they had to travel on foot. As it was, they had only one further encounter before arriving at the rendezvous point early. Right at the appointed time, the truck drove up, easily visible from a distance with the dust cloud rising up behind it. Naturally, on arrival, the driver was a bit surprised to see that they had an additional passenger to take back to Esthar, but after some talking and clearing things up, with a reluctant Taraketh backing up the story, the matter was settled, and everyone loaded in for the long ride back to Esthar.

Dael couldn't help it. After a few hours, she had a hard time not smiling at Ceja's reaction.

The warrior had not only never been to Esthar before, but also clearly had never been in a motor vehicle before. For all of her power and skill, she looked like she might stab the car with a spear sooner than get in it, and once inside she only very nervously took her seat. Soon after, she went wide-eyed and nervous at the speed of the car as it drove back the way it had come, which was especially strange considering the fact that the car was going at a rather slow speed to keep from jostling everyone. Dael, and everyone else, grew considerably nervous when Ceja got nauseous and actually freely threw up outside the car window three times before her stomach was empty. After that, she dry heaved four more times before she seemed to finally be "empty" and adjusted.

Everything seemed strange and wondrous to her, from the cushioned seats to the air conditioning system to the radio. When she had first turned it on to listen to some music on it, coming in only staticly, she at first complained about the annoying sound. However, she had grown hooked since then, and was currently listening intently. She wanted to turn it up so loud so she could "feel it", but when Carbuncle, with the most sensitive ears out of all of them, threatened to use her legs for a scratching post, she consented to a lower volume.

Taraketh was again in the front passenger seat. That seemed to be the best place for him…the least likely place to get him to be irritated with anything. Bahamut was now sandwiched between Ceja and Dael in the back. By now, they had passed through the external barrier and were moving into the city proper, and Ceja's attention had been split between the radio and the wonders of modern architecture. At the moment, the going was rather slow. The car had run into heavy traffic, and as a result they were frequently stopping as they struggled to get back to the cathedral. Dael wasn't sure how soon they could set out for the next Guardian Force, or even how they would organize it, but it would be nice to spend a night sleeping in a real bed. To get back within one more week, this next trip would probably have to be by airship, but luckily there was still transit in and out of Garrado.

"So many bright lights and loud noises." Ceja commented as she looked around outside the window. "How can you tolerate it without going mad?"

"You get used to it." Dael simply answered.

"No rivers or fountains either." Ceja went on, not seeming to notice Dael's response. "What of water?"

"The beauty of indoor plumbing." Carbuncle answered with a chuckle. "It's a wonderful thing. Makes for much more enjoyable experiences on the can, as well." He turned to Dael soon after. "On that note, I can't believe you wanted me to use that sandbox at one point."

Dael was rather embarrassed at that comment, but sighed and shrugged. "How was I supposed to know how you did your business?"

"Such quantities of stone and metal…" Ceja mused further. "I've never seen the like. But with all of these people here, I can see how you could have easily gathered so much. The imagination required to make such things…" She turned to the others. "How can your people be so full of discontent, when you live with such plenty?"

"Everywhere has its problems, and more problems in common than you might think." Taraketh responded. "There's always issues of the haves and have nots in every society, as well as wrongs, oppression, and injustice."

"And it's a general rule that you only see things from the perspective of what you don't have, not what you do have." Carbuncle chimed in. "That's a human tendancy."

Dael thought these were good enough answers. However, once again, she and the others soon found Bahamut answering as well.

"All societies…all people…all individuals need to feel they have a purpose. In a sense, Fuliet is more fortunate than Esthar because its purpose has been determined for it by circumstance: survival. Places like Esthar, however, find it harder. All great societies do. People spend their lives accumulating wealth and power, senses of security and success. They think it will make them happy and satisfied. But then, one day, late in life, when they have achieved stability and 'made it', they are left asking themselves one simple question: Is there nothing more? Esthar and many other countries like it may have achieved financial success and prosperity, but they are still left lacking because they need to have a purpose and identity beyond that. That's why you may care for your physical needs by pursuing personal satisfaction and success, but so long as you have a limited view of sating yourself, you will never find true contentment. That can only be found in others."

Dael was silent for a moment after hearing that. All of them were, even Ceja. They stared blankly at Bahamut, but he simply stared forward out the front window. After a moment, however, Dael leaned back and spoke frankly.

"…Somehow, I doubt you found that out just from research in a library, Bahamut."

"I found it out from thousands of years of watching kingdoms rise and fall." The boy simply responded.

This, however, immediately made Ceja quirk an eyebrow. After all, she knew nothing of Bahamut's delusion. She looked confused for a moment. "…Did the boy just suggest that he had been alive for thousands of years?"

Dael rolled her eyes and sighed, feeling a bit of tiredness coming on. "It's complicated, Ceja. However, since you're going to be spending time with us now…you might as well know. You see, we found Bahamut in-"

Abruptly, however, Dael was cut off by a very long, piercing, monotone from the radio, which cut right through the current music to sound a long note. Everyone turned to it at once. Ceja, on her part, immediately showed some irritation, and raised her hand to cover her ears.

"That sound is highly annoying. Is that what passes for music in Esthar?"

Dael, however, had gone grim…as had the others in the car.

"That's not music." She responded. "That's the sound they play on the radio before they're about to make a emergency broadcast."

Even though she was from Fuliet, even Ceja realized what that meant. Immediately, she quieted down and looked to the radio as well. Despite the noise, the driver soon reached over and turned it up louder so it could be clearly heard. After a few moments, the tone died off. There were a few moments of silence afterward. However, after that, a voice came on.

"We interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast to bring you this breaking news. Grand Chancellor Barbarossa of Esthar has called an emergency press conference to make what he has phrased only as 'a statement of extreme national importance' to the public. We now take you live to the floor of the Legislature, where the Grand Chancellor should be taking the podium in a few minutes to deliver his address."

The audio cut soon after to mostly silence, with only the sounds of distant murmuring and muttering to accompany it. On hearing it, Dael was immediately aware of what it was…the Legislative Hall, and she was hearing the voices of reporters as well as representatives alike talking with each other about what was going to happen. She anxiously waited too. Everyone in the car did. No doubt, many in the city did as well. Traffic had ground to a halt, but no one cared. They only sat silently and waited.

At long last, there was the sound of camera flashes over the radio, followed by the noise of paper rustling. Dael knew this was the sound of Barbarossa coming to a podium. Unlike what usually happened, there was no applause. Even only able to hear it through the radio, Dael knew the mood was somber and dark. After a few more moments, she began to hear him speak. He lacked the bravado and magnaminosity he usually possessed. This time, he was grim and serious.

"Good morning. Thank you all for coming on such short notice. As you are all aware, tensions between Esthar and Sybenia have been rather high for some time. Following the death of Roz Heirarch, the current Dictator of Sybenia, Rozan Heirarch, has engaged on a rather aggressive campaign on the Western Continent to expand the borders of Sybenia to include the outlying independent city states. The reach of the Guiding Hand now effectively controls half of the Western Continent. We were concerned, of course, that there was the chance that the Guiding Hand would not stop there, but would move on to potentially take the rest of the Western Continent, and then, much worse, turn their attentions elsewhere.

"To look for a solution, we appointed a representative on our behalf to try and halt this. A respected and admired person, Lady Mianyl the Wind of the Order of Hyne, was selected to secure our interests and to give us a lasting peace. Following extensive negotiations with this representative that we trusted so highly, we were led to believe that, at the price of certain concessions, the expansion of the Guiding Hand would be halted. On the word of our representative, we had achieved lasting peace. However, there were some who believed that such claims might be ill-founded or premature.

"My fellow citizens of Esthar, I come to you today to inform you of recent developments that have unfolded over the past six hours that have, unfortunately, given weight to these doubts.

"At approximately 0200 hours this morning, our embassy in Garrado sent a message home stating that Sybenian war planes and drones had been spotted flying directly over Garrado airspace and cities. It is believed that their intent was to conduct reconnaissance for future bombing attempts and targets. This action is in direct violation of the treaty established in Sybenia itself and signed on behalf of Esthar by Sorceress Mianyl as well as Dictator Rozan Heirarch. At 0235 hours, a message was sent to the Sybenian embassy in Garrado notifying them of the violation of the treaty and requesting that they recall their drones and planes immediately. No action was taken within the treaty's outlined two hour grace period, and no action on the matter has been taken since.

"At 0440 hours, a message was sent directly to Sybenia's capitol stating that a treaty violation had occurred and demanded that Sybenia take immediate measures against this. There was no response, save for this. At 0600 hours, the embassy reported that Rozan Heirarch had sent a personal message into Garrado declaring war on the nation, clearly violating the treaty, which is now considered to be broken, null, and void. Esthar and Sybenia are now on hostile terms, effective immediately, and have broken off all contact. Sybenia is now forbidden from entering Esthar airspace or waters for any reason.

"Citizens of Esthar…I regret to inform you all that unless the situation improves dramatically over the next few days…there is a strong chance that Esthar will find itself at war with Sybenia. And I ask that-"

Dael, at this point, reached over and turned off the knob, turning the radio off.

Ceja, Bahamut, Carbuncle, and the driver all alike turned to Dael. What they soon saw was that her face was tight, and that only through her own self discipline was she not showing any emotion.

"Why did you turn it off?" Ceja asked.

"I've heard enough." Dael flatly responded.

She wasn't the only one upset, however. Taraketh immediately fumed.

"How dare that…stupid…incompetent…imbecile of a man speak like that!" He blasted. "Lady Mianyl did everything in her power to keep this from happening! She warned him time and again of what would happen if they did not take a harder stance! She knew the treaty would fall apart unless he gave her more authority, but he forced her to sign it! And now he has the audacity to blame her for this? To turn her into a scapegoat?"

Dael had to admit, Taraketh had a good point. And although she had only known Mianyl for a short time, she was angry that she was getting the short end of the stick for this. Barbarossa, even now eager to save his hide in a time of political crisis, was trying to make it look as if the reason the treaty fell apart wasn't due to his weakness and incompetence but due to Mianyl's lack of negotiating power. However, bad as that was, it rather paled in comparison to what she was outraged about now.

"This is no longer a matter of simply saving his career." Dael spoke up in a tense tone of her own. "Only a fool would think Sybenia is going to stop at Garrado. They wouldn't be spitting in our faces unless they planned on hitting us too. And still he hasn't declared war on them!"

Carbuncle sighed, but gave a shrug. "In all honesty, Dael…war with what? Esthar doesn't have much of a standing army, and even if they did it's nothing like Sybenia's."

"Hardly an excuse."

Again, Bahamut had spoken, and again he gained the attention of everyone. He himself turned to Carbuncle and looked hard at him.

"Obviously we were wrong to think Sybenia was using this opportunity to fortify their position or build themselves up. It's clear now that this Rozan Heirarch is more than just a warped, frustrated individual. He actually was thinking. He only agreed to this treaty to see how your government would react, and he received an answer. Esthar didn't start producing a military. It didn't fortify its own position or invest in munitions. It simply pretended that everything was now alright. Now Sybenia knows how slow Esthar is to act and how indifferent to signs of the times that they are. They realized Esthar isn't a true threat. If they were…then they would have ignored Garrado and declared war on Esthar instead right now, before you had a chance to defend yourselves. Now they'll continue on their current plans and deal with you at their leisure."

This was a rather grim assessment and accusation…but no one in the car disputed it, including Dael. She didn't have the naitivity to believe it wouldn't be as he said anymore. At this point in affairs, in similar events throughout history, there was only one thing that resulted by maintaining neutrality: a lack of allies when war was finally declared upon you. And Bahamut was right in regards to Carbuncle. Having no military right now was no excuse not to try every means necessary to building one up.

Dael, however, realized that she couldn't judge too harshly…not yet, at any rate. True, the government heads of Esthar were barely acting, but they were doing so only as a result of following the desires of the people. It wasn't those in power who possibly didn't see the coming storm…it was also the populace. They were so self-concerned with their own jobs and status that they refused to see the big picture, refused to take any step that would put them in harm's way. For most people, you could consider that to be simple prudence and human nature.

However, it was reaching the point of being just plain stupidity.

Before anyone could speak up any further in response to the radio broadcast, the silence in the car was shattered by a ringing from Dael's side. She almost jumped a bit, so distracted from her own thoughts was she, before looking down to it, and realizing it was her personal radio that Colonel Regalis had told to keep on her person during her "vacation". Everyone else soon looked to her as well, and knew what that meant.

A moment later, Dael picked it up, switched it on, and held it to her head. "This is Dael Levinson."

"Lt. Commander…come to the Main Briefing Room in Fort Morningstar as soon as possible." An official voice responded. "Colonel Regalis wishes to speak with you immediately."

To be continued...