"People really do love her here."

"Huh?" I snorted and rubbed my face with the back of my hand. I stretched myself out and yawned. Was it already time to get up? I was so comfy. I rubbed my eyes and blinked a couple of times, trying to get used to the sunlight. Oh? I must have fell asleep on the pier. I don't remember having a blanket or a pillow though. I sat up and looked around. I was surrounded by candles, make shift flowers, shoelaces, any kind of offering the people of Trigleph could give. I slowly got up and tiptoed over the offerings, being careful not to knock over or break anything.

"Once this is over, you'll have a lot of offerings to come back to and figure out what to do with them," Alvin laughed.

"Looks like it," I smiled, turning back to the offerings. "I don't know where I'm going to put them all though."

"Does that mean that you're coming with us?" Jude asked.

"Of course!" I exclaimed, folding the blanket and putting the pillow on top of it. "I am the Lady of the night! It's my duty to protect Elympios."

Jude took out of his pocket a little blue knife and showed it to me. "Gaius gave us this last night. We can use it to open the rift."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" I gave a wink.

"Let's go save the world!" Teepo squealed.

You bet we were going to save the world! I haven't been this pumped up since... well, since never honestly. I haven't really done anything to be this pumped in my life. That's kind of sad. Fingers wrapped around my hand and squeezed tightly, snapping me out of my thoughts. I blushed, intertwining my fingers with Alvin's. I've never felt this happy either.

"Achlys," Leia clasped her hands together in front of her chest. "Can I ask you a couple of questions?"

"What about?" I replied.

"Well... it's about Agria," She sighed, kicking at the ground. "Well, about the whole Chimeriad honestly, but specifically about Agria."

"You want to know why she acted as she did, correct?" I cocked an eyebrow at her.

"Uh, well, yes," Leia mumbled, tilting her head down.

"Well, I guess it's alright to tell you now," I scratched the back of my neck with my free hand. "As Rowan said, she was born a Travis. However, her mother was not Mr. Travis' wife, but his mistress."

Rowan gasped in shock. "I never knew!"

"Most people didn't," I shook my head. "Agria and her real mother were bullied tremendously by the other Travis' to the point where he mother committed suicide, which Agria thought that the Travis' constant bullying led to her mother's death."

"Oh no! That's horrible!" Leia exclaimed, covering her mouth.

"I don't really know anything else. All I know is that the bullying never really stopped until, well, the arson incident," I explained.

"What about Presa?" Jude asked. "Why was she part of the Chimeriad?"

"Well...," I mumbled, pursing my lips. "I don't know the whole story. I know that she was part of The Rats and something... happened."

"It sounds like you know, but just don't want to tell, little duckling!" Teepo huffed.

"It isn't exactly my story to tell," I told them, glancing at Alvin to see if he would chime in.

Alvin gave a deep sigh. "I dated Presa for two years. While dating, she told me that she was working for The Rats. She told me everything about her group and what they were doing in Fennmont. I betrayed her after that and...," He gritted his teeth and squeezed my hand tightly.

"You don't have to finish," Rowan spoke. "We all know that you've been through enough. You don't have to remember the past if you don't want to."

"Achlys," Elize pipped up, hugging Teepo tight. "Do you know anything about Jiao?"

"I'm sorry Elize," I frowned. "But Jiao and I were never as close as I was to the rest of the Chimeriad. However, he did teach me about monsters and let me play with his hounds."

"Oh," She hugged Teepo tighter and let out a soft sigh.

"He was a good guy, Elize," I picked a dead leaf from her hair. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"What about featherneck?" Teepo questioned.

"Featherneck?" Puzzled at the nickname, I furrowed my eyebrows and cocked my head. "Oh! You mean Wingul! Ah, well that's a long story!" I smiled at them and waited, but they all just looked at me in confusion, waiting to hear the story. "You know, cause he's a Long Dau so it's a long story!"

"Oh Achlys," Milla shook her head disappointed.

I huffed. "Well, I thought it was funny. Anyway, what would you like to know about him? Anything specific? I could just tell you his whole life story, but that would be... long," They all groaned at my joke, even Alvin. I puffed up my cheeks. "Hey! That was funny!"

Rowan coughed, trying to change the subject from my horrible jokes back to Wingul. "Could you possibly tell me what went on with Wingul and Gaius?"

"Gaius was one of those rare people who could actually best Wingul in a fight," I explained. "He respects Gaius only because His Highness was able to best him and that's it."

"And that's the only thing keeping him by Gaius' side? Jude asked.

"There may be more to it, but it's really not my place to say," I shrugged.

"Why is he so scary!" Teepo cried.

I rolled my eyes. "Unless you're fighting him, there's nothing to be afraid of. Wingul may not look it, but he's just like an awkward teenager. He doesn't know how to talk about anything else except fighting skills and battle tactics. It's honestly more annoying than being engulfed by Teepo. The day before you guys came to Fennmont, we were out to dinner and he would just not stop talking about different kinds of blades and steel, and which ones were best-"

"So you did date Wingul!" Leia shouted.

I covered my mouth with both hands and slowed my walk. "No, i-it wasn't-"

"Huh?" Milla put most of her weight on one leg and cocked her hip out. "Wait, I thought you were with Alvin?" She then turned to look at Alvin. "Did you know about this?"

"Yeah, I-I did," Alvin rubbed the back of his head. "But it was during a time where I... wasn't myself. She had every right to be with someone else."

"Although he was there for me, he's just not the type for me," I smiled and looked up at Alvin, giving him a big squeeze around his waist.

Jude stepped up to me with a serious look on his face. "What's the real reason you didn't join the Chimeriad?"

I grimaced and turned my back to him with arms crossed over my chest. "Why?"

"Not to be rude, but I don't believe that you didn't join because you didn't want to take sides," Jude responded.

I sighed and glanced back at the teenager with eyes that pleaded with him. "Do you really want to know kid?"

"You don't want to tell me?"

"You don't want say yes?"

Jude rolled his eyes. "You and Alvin are two peas in a pod. I guess if you don't want to tell me, that's fine."

I grinned and patted him on the shoulder. "Maybe later. Right now, we have a job to do."

"Right," He nodded and followed the rest of us up the cliff to the dimensional breach.

"Jude, you're up," Milla nodded towards the breach.

The teenager nodded and took out the knife, slashing the breach open so that it was much more stable. "Alright, well see you on the other side I guess."

"Me first!" Leia yelled, running towards the portal, but I was faster and jumped in first.

This place had a different atmosphere. I don't know what it felt like, but it didn't feel peaceful to me, but it didn't feel aggressive. It just felt... confused. It looked quite different also. Gaius probably switched the place up using Muzét's powers. One by one, the rest of them came through the portal with Milla and Jude being last. Heh, figures.

"Look!" Leia pointed down a pathway. "There's another breach over there!"

"That's probably to Reize Maxia," I told her pointing down the opposite pathway. "This leads deeper into the crossroads."

"Do you guys need to do anything back in Reize Maxia?" Milla asked. "I don't know if we're going to survive this after all."

"Don't say that!" Teepo cried.

"Yeah!" Elize huffed, puffing her cheeks.

"We have the Lady of the night protecting us after all!" Teepo cheered.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks Teepo."

"Well?" Milla was still waiting to see if anyone needed to do anything in Reize Maxia.

Jude looked around. "I think we're all good."

Milla nodded. "Then let's get going."

"We're going to save Elympios!" Teepo sang. "We're going to save Reize Maxia! We're going to save the world!"

"Someone's pretty excited for this fight," Alvin chuckled.

"Well, we are saving the world, little buddy!" Teepo exclaimed. "Aren't you excited to save the world?"

"Well, yeah," Alvin shrugged. "But, you have to be careful. Gaius and Muzét are tough customers."

"And look, another tough customer," I shook my head as we came upon Wingul.

"So Achlys, you've decided to trust the man that betrayed you, huh?" Wingul jibed, hopping down from atop a wall. "You're that naive, huh?"

"You don't understand Wingul," I sighed. "You can't give love. I trust Alvin. I can rely on him and he can give as much love as I give. You're juts hellbent on revenge."

"Trust?" Wingul smirked. "He almost killed you and you trust him?"

"More than I trust you," I growled, narrowing my eyes.

Wingul shrugged and gave a cheeky smile. "Well, I'm glad that you're still wearing the necklace that I got you."

"We don't have time for this lover's spat," Milla interrupted. "Let us pass."

"I can't let you do that," Wingul told her. "I'll allow you to turn back."

"We can't do that either," Milla retorted.

"We must dispel the schism," Rowan said. "It's the only way for Reize Maxia and Elympios to truly come together. To do that, we must stop Gaius."

"So, you side with the Elympions now," Wingul shook his head at the old man. "Your fickle self-righteousness sickens me. You will all die here before you become anymore of a burden to His Highness."

I stepped forward and unsheathed my sword. "I've got this."

"You're really going to fight your friend?" Teepo frowned.

"Think of it as my last training session," I told the puppet.

"Hm, it would seem like that," Wingul hummed before using his booster. "(I can't let you pass!)"

"We'll just see about that," I replied, getting ready to attack.

"You understand Long Dau?" Leia asked.

"A little," I nodded. "He taught me a bit while in Fennmont."

"(Let's...)," Was all I could understand of the next sentence before Wingul started attacking.

I was able to fend him off. Just barely though. I didn't expect Wingul to come at me full force. What else did I expect though? He was so hellbent over protecting Gaius from us and then getting revenge on him once this was over. Wingul slashed at my face. I got out of the way just barely, feeling warm liquid on my right cheek. I backed away to wipe at the blood and started attacking again. This was getting grueling. We had grueling training session, but he never went all out like this. Left. Right. Down. Up. Jab. Repeat. I was obviously getting tired since his attacks were surprising me and I was just barely getting out of the way.

"(What's... matter?...You tired)?" Wingul asked as we backed off of each other for a few seconds.

"You know... I don't fully understand... your language," I panted.

"(You didn't mind in bed)," Wingul smirked.

My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open. Oh my darkness. Thankfully, no one else could understand Long Dau. But, I think my face said it all as my face got real hot, gulping back something in my throat. Wingul then bolted towards me, pushing me back into a wall. Our swords clashed and we stood there for minutes with him trying to push his and my blade into my neck. His strength was far greater than mine. I gritted my teeth, feeling sweat start to pour down my face. My arms shook from the intensity.

"Achlys!" Alvin shouted, getting his sword and pistol out.

"No! I can do this!" I screamed to him, getting my footing together. "I can do this!" I put my right arm to my side and it glowed with a dark mist. The mist grew sharp nails and I slashed at Wingul's face. He screamed and stumbled back, holding his now bleeding face. "Nightmare!" Dark shadows surrounded Wingul and attacked him, seeming to squeeze the life out of him. "You ready Wingul? Heavenly smite!" Wingul screamed in agony and fell to his hands and knees. I returned to the group sore with my sword sheathed and Wingul returned to his normal self.

"Well, done," Wingul wheezed. "But, His Highness is right. If we destroy all the spyrixes, the world will change."

Rowan shook his head slowly. "You cannot force the world along a path it has not chosen for itself. That's a revelation that I have finally come to accept."

"I'm not finished with any of you yet," Wingul winced, slowly getting up from the ground. "I must help His Highness achieve his vision!"

"Please Wingul," I clasped my hands together in front of my chest. "You don't have to do this!"

"You know... that I do," He mumbled.

"Why push yourself to the limit?" Leia asked.

"Silence!" Wingul yelled, making Leia shrink back.

I shook my head at the weakened man. "This is what I was talking about Wingul. You are so hellbent."

"His Highness will succeed!" Wingul's booster activated, his hair turning white. I was too sore to do this alone. I would need help this time. However, dark shocks started to appear on Wingul. He grabbed his head and started screaming in pain.

"Pull yourself together!" Rowan and I shouted as we both ran up to him. Wingul slashed his sword, warning us to back away.

"Is this a reaction to the booster?" Rowan asked.

"(No)!" Wingul screamed. "(I... never fall...Tool)!" Was as much as I could make out.

He brought his sword up and jabbed it into the ground. The ground shook beneath us and broke, making everyone except Wingul, fall from the main pathway. The block of ground that I was on suddenly stopped falling and I slammed on to my back. Well this was great. I had shocks going up and down my back, a gash on my cheek and my muscles were sore. This was fucking fantastic.

"Now what?" I could hear Alvin's voice say. "I can't exactly leap these gaps in a single bound."

"Hardy-har-har Alvin! Quick kidding around!" Teepo chirped.

"You'll make it! Just flap your arms and believe in yourself!" Elize told him.

"Now who's the big fat liar?" Alvin joked back.

"Rowan, I don't think Wingul survived that," Milla's voice rang.

"I know," The old man breathed. "But I could have sworn at the end I heard his voice."

"Uh, Achlys?" Jude's voice sounded concerned. "Are you okay?"

"Well," I winced, standing up slowly. "I'm bleeding, my muscles are sore, I just fell from a couple hundred feet and my back is in pain. Other than that I am just peachy."

"Well, just how are we going to get out of this situation?" Leia asked impatiently.

"I think the best plan of action is for each of us to move forward separately," Jude replied.

"We're all heading to the same place after all," Milla voice sounded cheery.

"This a race?" Alvin laughed. "We all know I'll get to Gaius first!"

"Was that lie meant to discourage those of us who will reach him sooner?" Rowan chuckled.

"Whoa gramps! Getting feisty!" Alvin sassed back.

"I think the Great Spirit of Darkness will get to the king first!" I smirked.

"Heh, I'm totally going to be first!" Leia cheered.

"I'll say hi to Gaius for everyone!" Elize giggled.

"Happy trails everyone!" Jude exclaimed.

I jumped down to another pathway and started to head for the crossroads main way. I didn't run since I was in such pain from the fight and then the fall, but I limped quickly. I didn't believe Wingul survived that. I couldn't believe I would never see my friend again, even if he was hellbent over Gaius, he was still my friend. I've lost a lot of friends over my 2,000 years of living with humans and you would think I would have gotten used to it by now. Nope.

There were monsters everywhere. They were easily defeated, but it just made my condition worse. Suddenly, the surrounding ground changed and instead of jumping, I was able to just walk across the spirit arte bridge. Thanks Gaius! You just made it much easier! I hummed a small tune as I continued to the main gateway. I wonder if I'll meet up with anyone on the way. I hoped so. I love Alvin, but Leia, Jude, or Elize would be much more appreciated. You know, cause of my bleeding cheek, my sore muscles, and my aching back.

I could hear clashes and screams coming from down below me. I knew one of the voices to be Gaius and another to be Milla. Man! I wanted to be first! I unsheathed my sword and pushed my legs faster. Pain surged throughout my leg, but I didn't really care. I wanted to help my friends! Now, I could hear Jude, Alvin, and Elize! If I don't hurry, I'm going to be last and not get any chance to fight! Well, I shouldn't fight in my condition, but I was going to either way! I jumped down to a lower path. Almost there! Now, I could hear Rowan and Leia! Dammit! Always late. I finally jumped down to the main gateway.

"Hey! Save the best for last!" I shouted, putting my arms up to the sky. "Heavenly smite!"

Gaius' blade broke in half and he fell to his knees. I groaned and put my hands on my knees. Muzét was behind him on her knees, starting to cry. I didn't think I would last this long. I need to take a break from fighting for a while after this. Maybe a spa retreat would be good. Ah, yes. Massages, hot baths, and relaxation. Yeah, that's what I'm going to do. Milla summoned the four to her side and sent them around the Lance of Kresnik which still held Maxwell. With their spirit artes combined, they were able to destroy the lance and free Maxwell from his prison.

"Glad you made it," Alvin whispered, taking my hand.

"A little late, but better than nothing," I grinned, squeezing his hand.

"Your vision of the future offers nothing but suffering to the people," Gaius grunted, getting up from the ground. "Whether spyrites are perfected or not. Even if we unite the two worlds, it is pure fantasy to think that they will cooperate with one another."

"Maybe you're right, Gaius," Jude interjected. "Maybe my dreams for the future are hopelessly naive. But still, Milla never stopped believing in me. And so did you Gaius, didn't you?"

"What does any of that matter now?" Gaius asked, confused for once.

"I may appear to be talking tough now, but I was scared witless throughout this entire journey," Jude admitted. "I'm still just a small, frail human. But, you know what? I will get stronger. I want you to believe in me."

"Humans strive to become stronger," Milla informed him. "They constantly struggle to grow more for the sake of others. They rise to the occasion. This gives me hope for the future. One that is filled with possibilities. I cherish it. I know you understand this Gaius."

"I do not," He said, teeth gritted, but then was surprised to find Jude in front of him with his hand extended.

"You don't have to worry about this anymore, Gaius," Jude smiled.

Milla walked past Gaius and extended her hand to Muzét. "If living alone is too painful, then come join us."

Muzét smiled with tears in her eyes. "Thank you."

"So, you have made your decision," Maxwell interrupted.

"Yes," Milla nodded.

"Wait, what decision?" Jude asked.

"I have decided to become Maxwell," Milla told us.

"Now, if you so desire, Milla, you can use the schisms mana to become human again," Maxwell informed her, but Milla shook her head. Maxwell then turned to me. "Achlys, if you wish, you can return to the spirit realm as well."

"I'm grateful Maxwell. However," I squeezed Alvin's hand once again. "I think I want to stay in the human realm."

"Very well," Maxwell nodded and turned back to Milla. "Are you ready?"

"Yes."

"Wait!" Jude yelled.

"Jude, I'm afraid this is farewell," Milla smiled weakly to the boy. "Our fates were always intertwined in mysterious ways. Thank you for everything."

"Hold on! I-" Jude stopped and shook his head. "I'm sorry for all the times I was weak. But now, I think I'm going to be just fine."

"Milla!" Elize screamed, hugging Teepo tightly.

"Elize wants you to know that she loves you tons! Of course, I do, too!" Teepo announced.

"Will we be able to see each other again?" Leia asked, almost at a whisper.

"It has been a pleasure," Rowan bowed.

"Thank you for everything, Milla. I will see you again some day," I bowed my head to her.

"What the hell is this? You never told us!" Was all Alvin had to say, but deep down, I knew he was thoroughly upset.

Milla nodded to all of us then turned back to Maxwell. "I'm ready."

As Maxwell flew up high and started to deteriorate, I felt an overwhelming amount of mana fill me. Was he giving me back some of my mana that he had taken to create the schism? He really didn't need to, but I was glad that he wanted to make one last atonement. The crossroads grew bright, and then they were no more.


I rewrote this chapter 3x and I just couldn't get it to how I wanted to. So, I just left it. I have a conclusion coming up tonight and then this will be complete! :)