Thank you new Favorite and Follow. New Path is now tops for Reviews, Favorites and Follows! Whoo-hoo!

Thank you Varupikusu, Knight of the Iron Hammer Vita, Majin Kurama95, Prince of Havok, Presea, Mizu Hoseki and Mr. AE Hachi-Roku for your Reviews. I think that's the most Reviews in any week!

Editing is gonna be weak since I'm unfortunately still doing NaNo. Usually done by now. It doesn't bode well at all. On the other hand, doing Xillia 2 stuff is hilarious for how different things are now.

Tales of Xillia and the Tales of Series are the copyright of Namco Bandai and whoever else owns the rights. I own nothing except for OCs that have unfortunately appeared.


Chapter 52: City in Another World

Milla awoke with a start in some bed in some completely unfamiliar location. It was some sort of room, a bookcase so overrun with books they were leaning against its base and a desk covered in paper were in her view but there was clearly more around the corner. He looked in the opposite direct, noticing a night table by the bed's metal frame. The bed was located in its own little alcove next to a window and outside that window...

Buildings of stone rose higher than anything in Rieze Maxia. Lines ran alongside the sky connecting each and every building in sight as electricity flowed through them. Rain... rain of light, rain of mana softly fell down and graced the world outside with its touch. She had to be on Elympios.

Maxwell! she remembered. Maxwell had died... but how? Gaius was beyond such base trickery and did not wish the Lord of Spirits to perish. Did he simply die from the attack of that Elympios channeler? Impressive though it was it should not have had that much power. Surely they had more time... These questions would need answers... but who could give them?

Her question would have to wait as a noise drew her attention back indoors and a man limped into view. "Ah, good morning," he delightfully greeted her. "Taking a look at the mana rain?"

"The schism was dispelled?" she went straight to the point.

"Yep," he took her question in stride and plopped himself down on the chair next to the table. "I suppose that answers my next question. You're from the other side aren't you?"

She couldn't afford to give this man too much information. Even if she used her life to save Elympios not all the people could be trusted.

"Oh, I probably seem quite suspicious don't I?" he chuckled at himself. "I'm Balan." He began to tinker with something on the table. "Hmmm, where'd I put that?"

"Milla," she answered him that at least. "How did I arrive here, Balan?"

"Well, I don't know how you arrived in Elympios but I was the one who brought you back here," he answered quite easily. "I was leading a survey team to investigate the effects dispelling the schism was having on local flora and fauna when I found the three of you collapsed."

"Three?" Were Gaius and Muzét here as well?

The man finished his tinkering with a shake of his head and stood back up. "Yes, the rather tall man and the lady with wings. They're around the corner at the moment." He stood up. "Now where did I put that thing..." he limped off to complete his own project.

Milla left the bed herself and looked around. Another small bookshelf overflowing with knowledge sat against the desk and further along that wall eventually led to a door. Besides her was another alcove. Balan was rummaging in a closet for something, while Gaius and Muzét were laid on a pair of couches in a sitting area. It was rather amusing in spite of the grim nature of why they were all here.

"Balan," she spoke again. "Why did you bring us here instead of some hospital?" she asked. While she wasn't certain this was likely his residence.

"I have some questions for you actually," he pushed something aside in the cloest. "Ah, here it is." And he limped back past her to his chair. He hefted his injured right leg up and Milla finally saw it.

"A spyrix!" her hand reached for her blade out of reflex. Strapped just above his right angle was the device she'd sworn to destroy.

"Yep," he nodded without a care for her action. "I'm surprised someone from the other side knows what this is... but then again you have one slapped on your thigh there yourself." Balan twisted something on the purple-white device on his limb. "There, calibration complete." He put his leg back down and... walked normally. "Life would really be a drag without this."

Milla glanced down at her aspyrixis... what he was saying was true. Without this she never would have gotten this far. But on the other hand things would never have been as severe without spyrix either. "You mentioned some questions?" she tried to curve the conversation away.

"Yes," he nodded. "Though perhaps they should wait until your companions wake first."

"Alright." She'd rather be here to constrain Gaius when he awoke anyway. To say nothing of Muzét. Why her spirit sister was even unconscious in the first place was curious enough. But informing her the schism fell... it might take all their strengths to contain her fury.

"Would you like anything to eat?" Balan offered.

Her stomach growled in response and she couldn't deny it. The Four Spirts snickered at the sound behind her back. She shot them a glare but answered. "I believe that would be a good idea." Her thoughts immediately went to one thing. "Minestrone, if it's not too much trouble."

"Certainly not," he took it with a smile. "Your friends might wake up before it's ready though."

Friends? Well that was one way to look at it certainly. "Well, it's their fault for sleeping as long as they have."

Balan laughed. "Certainly."

During this time she took the rest to investigate a bit more. The city outside stretched as far as she could see. Though the mana falling certainly didn't do visibility any favors. Even without it, she assumed the city would go on and on... an ocean of stone and metal. Of people deaf to the death cries of the spirits. Though perhaps now... they had a respite.

She looked back over at Balan happily preparing the meal in front of him in his little kitchen space. The purple-white spyrix on his right ankle matched the primaryily white color of his suit and pants and the purple went along with the same-colored highlights on the outfit. He wore a purple ascot under the suits open window near the top, and a silver chain connected the two parts. Above his left chest an ID badge with his name(like those in Laforte) hung so he clearly worked someplace important. He wore glasses, but more rounded than compared to Presa and his medium-length light brown hair was kept quite neatly out of his face.

On the couches Gaius and Muzét were the same as ever. How her flighty sister that nearly killed them all was now serving under Gaius would be the first question she asked when they awoke. Though certainly they'd ask how she was alive in the first place.

She had the Four to thank for that. They'd saved some fragment of her soul when she returned to the spirit world. That fragment was enough for her to meet with Maxwell's shade and receive the light of her soul and regain everything she was and revive... to being a pure spirit instead of one occupying a human host. The her right now was similar to Muzét, a pure spirit using their own power to manifest in the world. Like how when she called upon the Four's power they'd manifest as a blazing inferno or storm of wind. This constant form was an exception allowed for very certain spirits like the two sisters. Explaining this concept to the two of them... and everyone back in Rieze Maxia would be difficult. Though certainly outbursts of joy would come irregardless.

Though something else came to mind, one rather less related to the sleeping two. The soup would take a while to make and she didn't wish to abandon them, so she sought to strike up another conversation. "You mentioned my aspyrixis device."

"Aspyrixis?" he paused at the name. "Ah, of course. I only gave it a glance so I didn't think much of it but it is an aspyrixis isn't it?" He laughed at his mistake. "I assume you had some sort of accident like me?"

That was one way to put it. She nodded. "Yes, this device managed to fix my legs up however."

"But the pain's rather extreme isn't it?" he questioned her back as he continued is preparations.

It was an extraordinary agony before... but once she returned it had fully stopped working as her legs were fine once again. "You get used to it." She commented so she at least said something. "But that's not really what I wanted to talk about. I received this device with the assistance of a man called Doctor Mathis."

"Doctor Mathis?" Balan's voice perked up even more at the news. "Well, glad to know he survived the Zenethra getting pulled over. He made significant innovations with regards to medial spyrix. Even my own is based off his theories." he gave a little pump with his leg to draw attention to it. "Gives me some hope myself... hm, actually do you know about the Zenethra yourself?"

"Yes." It was the place she died after all.

"Doesn't sound like there's a good story behind that." His voice was still chipper however. "Well, I suppose that talk can wait until they wake."

"Yes." She repeated. They needed to hear this.

So then came mostly awkward silence as they waited for the great and powerful Gaius to awaken. Staring at his face while he was sleeping was actually quite amusing considering his usual continence. Muzét meanwhile seemed gripped in some sort of panic with the way she moved. Not unexpected really.

Eventually they began to stir, so closely together it was bizarre. Gaius opened his eyes first. "Milla," he acknowledge her and sat himself up on his emergency sleeping spot. "So, that wasn't a dream." He looked around the area, taking in everything he could see. "Where are we?"

"Balan's residence," she replied.

"And who's Balan?"

The man himself walked into the King's view with a wave. "That'd be me. How are you feeling?"

"As well as can be expected." Gaius stood himself up and looked over at Muzét. "Muzét?"

The other great spirit shook violently. "W-what happened to the schism?!" she screamed.

"It ended." Milla bluntly answered.

"No..." her acceptance was subdued at first... "No no no no no!" she screeched onwards almost forcing Milla to cove her ears.

"Muzét calm down!" Gaius commanded her and she seemed to listen. "Your mission is no longer to safeguard the schism. It is to listen to me." He sternly glared at her.

Her eyes were still widened in surprise and her smile was still demented. "Yes, yes of course," she accepted his orders anyway. "That's what I offered you after all." He gave an empty laugh at the idea.

Gaius let this be an answer for now and looked back at Milla. "Now, I believe we all have things to say?"

That indeed. The three parties with wildly different views shared information. Gaius first, detailing their events regarding how they came to find Maxwell's domain and his subjection of Muzét. Milla relayed her miraculous return to the land of the living. Muzét helped speed that along. Balan then took the reigns and retold his and Milla's introduction.

That, gave Gaius a good run over to the window to see the city. "So this is Elympios..."

"The city of Trigleph to be exact," Balan cleared that up a bit. "How'd you like a tour of the city? Asking questions in this little old place would get boring pretty boring and it's your first time over after all." He truly was a carefree man wasn't he?

Seeing the effects of the schism falling firsthand was a good idea. "Alright," she gave her consent with a nod and looked over at Gaius.

He was not so quick to answer... but he would in time. "Very well." Either for military purposes of peaceful ones he'd need to see the city. "Muzét, remain clam during our visit."

"Y-yes," she accepted his commands... hopefully.

Some ringing noise originated on Balan and he man reached into his jacket to retrieve some small box. "One second please," he said and placed the device to his ear. "Hm? Yeah?" he spoke into the device. It was one of those Elympios radios wasn't it? "Oh shoot you're kidding?" he continued his conversation with whomever was on the other side. "I'll be there right away." He returned the device to his inner pocket. "Sorry guys, something really important came up. I can't continue our little chat."

"How unfortunate," Milla noted. "Do you know how long your task will take?"

"Nope. Sounds like a pretty big emergency too, they're calling everyone in." The native man stood back up. "At the very least I can give you a small tour before I have to head out."

Well it really was all they could do wasn't it? "Well I have no problems with that." She looked over at the stoic king. "Do you have any other ideas Gaius?" He shook his head. "Looks like that settles it."

"Splendid," Balan gave a flashy smile. "Alright, one walking tour of the great city of Trigleph coming up." The man took the lead and left the room. Holding the door open at the end. What a gentleman.

Gaius actually gave what sounded like a slight chuckle. "Certainly a carefree man."

"Oh?" Almost sounded like he approved of him. "My thoughts were you weren't fond of Elympios actions."

"That discussion can wait," Gaius said and took the lead to follow Balan. Muzét followed after him.

"I suppose it can." Milla mused and was the last to leave the room(discounting the Four anyway).

Balan's room was just one of many in the hallway they entered into. Almost like the rooms on the ship now that she thought about it. The man led them to another door—an elevator like in Xian Du. Her thoughts flew back towards Alvin's deceased mother as they rode it down. They were finally here, but too late for so many lives.

The elevator stopped and let out into another hallway, albeit one connected to a spacious lobby. Other Elympion's were about here, talking chatting... all excitedly. So many stared out the windows at the man rain falling below.

"A few people aren't willing to risk breathing in the mana particles," Balan noted as they headed on. "We can't say for certain if there's any long-term side-effects, but currently there's been no reports of anything malicious happening. If anything it's revitalized the populace."

Balan led them outside... and they could see exactly what he meant. The ground was almost overrun with foliage and grass. Old, young, men, women, everyone played about in the grass equally. A few hurried inside however, a white-haired and orange-haired man rushed into a building off to the left. "Its the first green Elympios has seen outside of fabrications since I was a tyke myself." He chuckled at the sight.

"I take it investigating the effects of this was how you found us?" Milla asked. It was almost absolute but she had to be sure.

"Yes, right past my place of work," he cleared up. "We were monitoring larger effects of the rain and I led the team out to investigate. Never thought I'd find people though!" He chuckled as he led them past the happy populace.

"You gave succor to Rieze Maxians so easily..." Gaius almost sounded depressed at the news.

"We're all people," Balan shrugged. "Oh, there's a few bad eggs about but I'm sure the same's true on your side as well." From the implication Milla presumed this was another human phrase. Gaius seemed to understand it. Curious how her understanding was further apart than two worlds separated by 2,000 years. The similarities could certainly bind the two together at least. "And hey, worked out fine so far. Knowing Doctor Mathis made it over gives me hope my uncle, aunt and cousin survived as well."

So he had family as part of Exodus? Then it was possible she slew them over the course of her conflict with the stranded Elympions. Unfortunate.

"Actually, it's a long shot, but you may have met him," Balan continued on. "My cousin goes by the name Alfred Vint Svent—"

"—Alvin?!" Milla shouted the surprise name. She only heard it once, right before her death... but a glance over at Gaius and Muzét seemed to confirm her suspicions.

Not that her shock perturbed Balan's mood. "Well, certainly sounds like you met him." The man smiled as they all kept walking on(or floating in Muzét and the Fours case). "Is he well?"

She looked at Gaius, who answered. "He seemed well in our last encounter."

"Good," Balan gave nod. "What about uncle Gilland and aunt Leticia?"

That had to be Alvin's mother. "Alvin said Leticia was dead," Milla said. But it seemed like Balan wasn't privy to Gilland's evils.

"Gilland unfortunately still lives," Gaius bluntly said.

"Well he is a survivor after all," Balan took the spite without missing a beat. "A shame about aunt Leticia though." That finally did get him to show a bit of depression. "Hopefully with uncle's research we can put a permanent end to hostilities."

Research? Gilland mentioned something... a name similar to spyrixies... spyrites? "Gilland said spyrites could be the solution to all of Elympios' mana problems." She hazarded a guess.

"Ah, you know about spyrites?" Balan was amusingly shocked. "They're pretty hush hush on the military front. Guess uncle let things slip. But, yes, spyrites could indeed solve our issues," Balan said and they walked into a shopping district. Even this area was back full of newborn greenery and plant-life. "Hopefully if uncle returns we can get around to greater successes. I daresay if this mana surplus lasts long enough we might be able to fully convert spyrixes over to spyrites."

Muzét angrily entered into the conversation at this. "So you people are aware that spyrixes kill spirits!"

Balan's almost reckless cheer vanished with a sigh at that provocation. "We are indeed. Though not until recently. Once we became aware of the problem we sought out steps to rectify it but... until spyrites came about none have been successful."

Gaius put himself on the same line of thought. "And your first stopgap measure was to invade and subjugate another people before fixing your own. Pathetic."

Though Milla had to point out one thing. "You invaded Rashugal to protect your people."

"After we were attacked."

"Do you recall Agria's spying?"

That shut him up with a gruff grunt.

Balan chuckled lightly at the exchange. "Rather morbid to laugh but it's amusing to here that even the mysterious Rieze Maxia has its troubles." He turned back and faced them. "Well, I suppose this is where we have to part. This path leads out of town. Just a short jaunt over the Torbalan Highroad and I'll be back at work at Helioborg Fortress. You're welcome to use my place until I return. Try not to wreck it however." He laughed a bit more.

"I see. Well then thank you for your hospitality Balan," Milla graciously thanked their savior and host. "I hope whatever issues you have are resolved satisfactory."

"Yes, thank you," Gaius was more direct but he was still grateful. "You have given me many things to think about."

Muzét just huffed and looked away.

Balan chuckled again. "Alright, see you all later then. Try not to get into any trouble." He took off down the path.

After he was well out of sight Milla looked back at the King of Auj Oule. "Still believe the schism falling was the bad idea?"

"We shall see," Gaius kept to his own idea. "I am more concerned with returning to Auj Oule at the moment. Wingul and the Chimeriad must be informed of my status." He looked over at the Great Spirit. "Muzét, can you open a path to Kanbalar?"

She shook her head at the idea. "All the mana spilling all over the place will make it difficult. I can barely maintain my form, much less transport us back."

"Unfortunate," Gaius replied but began considering other options. "We will need to procure our own transport or wait out this effect."

Milla looked up at Sylph. The Great Spirit of Wind shook his green head. "Sylph won't be able to fly us either. We may even wish to limit our use of spirit artes during this time. Though I'm not looking for a fight."

"It may come to us however," Gaius eyed a few city patrolmen managing about in the growing grass. "Muzét, make yourself less noticeable."

"I will manage," her older sister said and floated closer to the ground. The wing glyphs behind her slowly faded but didn't disappear completely. It was the best she could manage apparently.

Though now seemed ready for Milla's next question. "What do you intend to do now Gaius?" she asked the King of Auj Oule. "With the schism down your own plans have come to a halt."

"There is no guarantee that the spyrites can replace spyrix in time even with this mana to sustain them." Gaius craned his head and stared into the true sky of the world above. "But it seems I am left with little choice but to rely on this."

"Oh?" Milla felt herself express physical shock at his acceptance. "After all your steadfast resolve I never thought you'd give up this easy."

"I am not so blind to facts in front of me. With the schism dispelled we must move forward. Without it protecting Rieze Maxia we must prevent them from having due cause to invade again." Gaius looked back down at her. "Is that not your own intention?"

She had trusted in the rest to find a solution on their own... and now one was right in front of them. "I suppose it is, in a way." But that brought about another concern and question. "But there is another issue we must remain wary of."

"And that is?"

"Maxwell," she said to a small look of surprise from the duo. "I am unsure why he perished. Though I could surmise the Lance of Kresnik could have done it." She glared at the two.

"I intended to preserve his life in its environs, but it seems he faltered before the Lance had fully arrived." Gaius dipped his head in thought. "Perhaps it was some side effect of the Channeler's mystic arte?"

A probability she hadn't considered. "Perhaps," she lightly agreed. "But my other worry is what becomes of Maxwell's power now." She grimaced as her mind raced through the consequences. "Balan's guesses about side-effects may prove true. If the schism fell apart on account of Maxwell's death, instead of Maxwell purposely ending it, there may be disasters on the horizon." Not only with regards to mana, but with the birthing process for new spirits and the purification of human souls. Would his shades still work without him? She couldn't burden them with this, now now.

"I see your point," Gaius understood her concerns now. "We should see what travel arrangements we can make in the mean time then." Gaius looked about the area. "We may need to ask for directions however." Without Balan there was little to go on other than the path they traveled and blind walking.

Milla took the initiative and walked to a pair of locals. Two blonde woman, similar enough that they were probably mother and daughter. "Excuse me," Milla intruded. "Is there some sot of seahaven or travel in this city?" She could hear the rustling grass indicate Gaius and Muzét following her.

"Oh yes," the younger woman answered. "Are you people tourists?"

Tourists? Well, it seemed close enough. "Something like that."

"Must be pretty scary being away from home with all this going on," she giggled and looked over the expanse of greenery. She pointed westwards. "The seahaven's located to the west but all ships have been docked in port for quite some time."

"Oh? Why?"

The older woman took the time to answer that. "The seas were acting up for quite a while. Plus with all this going no one wants to ship out anyway. Only the military's flying battleships are moving and you're not likely to get a ride on one of those." She explained quite well. "Sorry."

It looks like waiting out the schism's aftereffects was their best option. "Well, thank you for your time at least."

The two ladies nodded before Milla and her companions moved away. "If no ships are sailing we don't seem to have an option."

"Yes," Gaius agreed with her. "But the talk of the battleships worries me."

"Afraid they're invading again?" She was worried for it too. He gave a solemn nod, not that he needed to. "Maybe we should stowaway if it comes to it. Adding another one to our arsenal wouldn't be a bad idea either."

The King of Auj Oule paused to consider it with some thought... only for shouting to break it and draw all there attentions. "We need help over here!" a person—a man came running up from the path out of the city. "Helioborg Fortress is under attack!"

"What?" Milla looked at Gaius, at Muzét at the Four. What could be attacking? Was Rieze Maxia already on the offensive? She gave her allies a nod and they rushed over to the man, panting and exhausted and surrounded by the grass and local soldiers. "What happened?" Milla shouted at him, earning some ire from the troops.

"Some monster..." he gasped between breaths. "Some strange monster's attacking, leading more, practically an army!"

"Monsters?" she exchanged a glance with Gaius. "Shouldn't the military be able to handle it?"

"Spyrix aren't working, it broke down communications, it's wrecking the place!" The messenger gasped. "We need all the help we can get!"

If that was true... "Gaius." He would understand.

"We move out at once!" The King shouted with resolve. "We won't let some monster have its way here." Gaius took charge and strode forward without hesitation. They couldn't afford to lose whatever Spyrite research was being done there, and Balan certainly earned assistance from them all.

Muzét followed out after him, but stopped just long enough to whisper in her ear. "He's quite a man isn't he?" and giggle before following after.

He certainly could blaze a trail. Milla hurried and walked on. A few soldiers also ended up grouping around them as they progressed.

The Highroad they walked unto was ever more overflowing with greenery and lush plants than the city. It wasn't much of a throw away from the Sapstrath Deepwood. If there were a few more trees it might even beat it. But that also made their destination difficult to decipher. Any road to Helioborg was lost in the dense undergrowth. Even the tracks they made walking onwards ended up dispersing amongst the plants in just a few steps.

Milla feigned a glance up at a noise but it was really to signal Sylph to fly up. The Great Spirit of Wind nodded and flew into the sky for a few seconds before coming back down and taking the lead. He'd direct them straight to the base. "Follow me," Milla said and took the front position. Only she and Muzét could see the Great Spirits and there was no reason to spook the Elympions until they outright saved them. Though the talk of a few natural channelers still existed as an excuse, Milla reckoned.

The journey was long and thankfully without incident, from either the Elympions following them or any indigenous monster populations. Though the lack of the latter could mean things were even worse than they feared.

"There it is!" one of the otherwise silent soldiers pointed out as they crested around a hill. In the distance stood a towering structure currently on fire. Bolts of electricity and lightning arced throughout the air and Milla could feel something... wrong in that direction. But there was one in Rieze Maxia, why not here? There was a Great Spirit on the loose down in the military base.

Gilland and Celsius had proven tenacious, and even now survived. So what dangers could this other spyrite bring? Well, she had the Four and Muzét and Gaius. Surely it was not more than their combined mights? Yet if the Elympios military was lackluster enough to require help...

She looked back over at Gaius and Muzét. She didn't seem to care, but he seemed dedicated to helping. Circumstances certainly flowed in a strange direction.

With a great deal of haste they charged down into the base. The gates facing them had been obliterated by lightning strikes as well, and deeper inside the same attacks occurred over and over again. Was it monsters? Or was the great spyrite released to fight them? The specific discharges towards this lightning spirit still flared. She could ask Muzét but... better to keep things simple for now.

The gate connected to a decently-sized square courtyard. A door to the nearest building was the only apparent way forward though several large containers bore the marks of battle nearby. More scorch marks from lightning and a pattering of footprints in the scuff gave image of a true horde or beasts... but no sign of anything human.

"Secure that gate," Gaius instructed about half of the dozen soldiers. "We need an escape route and a defense against any surprise attacks. Send word immediately if any attacks come."

"We don't take orders from you!" one of them tried to disagree... but a particularly stern glare from Gaius cowed them all into submission. "B-but it's a good idea." They took their places.

He really was a King. A shame their paths may cross again. "This may be more dangerous than they realize. Why not keep them all back?"

"I'd rather not aggravate any survivors we meet needlessly," Gaius commented.

One of the containers nearby suddenly broke apart and spilled its content of spyrixes unto the ground. Dozens of the small black cubes slid across the floor. Curious, Milla grabbed one of them. It wasn't activated and if it was anything like her aspyrixis it needed a spirit fossil but there wasn't one inserted into the device. She let it drop and followed after Gaius into the building.

The door slid open and emptied them into a hallway with metal everything. More marks of lightning stung the halls, but this time something else. The parts to machines, like she fought on the flying battleship over Kanbalar.

"The security robots have been activated," one of the soldiers commented. "Things must be getting desperate."

Desperate enough that no one seemed to be questioning Muzét floating either. Milla wondered how long it would last...

A search through the door off the side didn't reveal anything new either, so the mismatched group continued on down the hallway. The path took two sharp turns to get to the end but they passed through another sliding down to another open area.

Finally they encountered something new. Unfortunately it wasn't anything pleasant. Bodies of monsters, soldiers and what were supposedly robots littered and area and covered an outrageous amount of lightning scars.

The soldiers ran to check on their fallen compatriots... but the burn marks made their fates far too clear.

"We must put a stop to this at once!" Gaius declared. Just earlier this day they were going to kill Elympios soldiers... Certainly this took a turn none of them could have expected.

The crack of lightning echoed on in the distance. Drawing their attentions deeper in. They were in some sort of road passages between the buildings. Several gates and walls looked to segment things off into different blocks around the buildings in the area. The lightning struck somewhere to the southwest, so that's where they headed. Through another gate and the scene of another battle and yet through another... to an actual ongoing battle.

The lightning had overtaken all other noise but now so close they could hear and see the clatter of guns and the grunts of men. The whirl of machinery and the blasts of the cannons.

Whatever monster army there was laid nigh vanquished... but two creatures remained on the battlefield tearing apart the lines of the Elympios soldiers. One was roughly a humanoid creature but with its limbs stretched beyond any sane limit. Orbs of purple lightning grew and pulsed around its body and two swords were encased in its body. The other creature, though she could barely call it that, was simply a giant orb of lightning with some traces of gold about it. The ball shifted a bit showing the shadow of a figure inside but Milla couldn't see it thoroughly.

But they were both creatures of lightning... which was the great spyrite?

Perhaps it didn't matter as the electric duo charged their powers and obliterated a swath of soldiers and machines. Was the spyrite running amok? Was there no one to control it like Gilland controlled Celsius?

The Elympion troops unleashed their own attacks into the two of them but it had no effect on the humanoid and barely any effect on the orb. That meant it would be down to Gaius, Muzét, the Four and her. Not the worst case... but far from ideal. "Gaius..."

"I know," he instantly agreed with her idea. My, it was almost like they were linked. "Soldiers, take your brethren and escape. Leave this battle to us."

"You can't be serious?" one of the troops protested.

Gaius gave have a grin and drew his long, long sword once again. He held its edge aloft and focused power into its blade. Like she'd seen so many times before, he unleashed it in a red pillar of destructive mana and actually staggered the humanoid.

"On the other hand you seem to have this well in control and I think we can only hinder you." He switched rather swiftly.

"Establish a perimeter and do not let any more monsters join in combat," Gaius gave one last idea. Something to save their pride as soldiers at least. "Once we draw its attention: move!"

Milla drew her own sword and joined him up front. "Celcius was rather trying. Two of these things might be too much." One last word of caution for them to ignore.

"We shall see." Gaius gathered his power before rushing in.

Milla followed and the two lightning creatures focused their attention on the newcomers. The area was tight and constrained and the lightning artes the two threw back were dodged only by a hairs breadth.

Gaius engaged the humanoid with his brutally powerful slashes leaving Milla free to take up combat against the sphere. Even this close she couldn't make out any features but she could tell just from the spirits movements he was channeling something. She stopped short and threw up her own magic guard just in time to halt a bolt of lightning. It had almost as much power as her lightning blade. Spyrites could not be underestimated.

Still she had blocked it allowing her the opening to begin her own melee fight. They had to minimize spirit artes until the Elympios soldiers had evacuated lest things grow too difficult to explain. The attention those from Rieze Maxia drew allowed the Elympions to retrieve their comrades. After a bit of convincing they escaped. Though the machines stayed behind and continued to fire in against the electric duo. Not much help but it was mildly appreciated.

Once they were fully out of sight Milla immediately called down a splash arte on the head of the lightning orb. It repelled its movements a bit, but Rowen or Presa vastly overtook her own water artes. She'd have to rely on Undine against this foe.

The creature Gaius faced was blown nearly into the orb-monster from his fierce attacks. The King of Auj Oule and her sister soon joined together facing against the electric two. The machines used their own attacks, but they were still no more than a nuisance to them.

"Muzét," Milla started. "How proficient with water, earth or ice artes are you?" She covered all her bases at once. Most spirits were limited to just a one element, but her sister and she weren't ordinary spirits even amongst the Greats.

"I have some mild skill," she winked and giggled. "But why do you ask me when Undine is right there?"

"Just keeping our options open." A bit of tactical flexibility never hurt. "Gaius, may I ask you to keep them busy while we punish them with water artes."

The King of Auj Oule nodded. "They won't come within an inch of either of you."

"How heroic," Muzét lightly boasted. "We are safe in your care."

She was really annoying. Gaius didn't respond to it, instead charging himself up and running in to draw the attention of both. "Here we go," Milla said. Her sister began channeling while Milla focused and called forth Undine! The Great Spirit of Water materialized in front of her, the aqua shades and bubbles floating about before she directed her hand and cut through both targets with a slashing beam of water. Muzét finished her own cast, the diffusional drive arte that Rowen had used several times before. Shots of water shot upwards and damaged both electric foes before the particles combined and spread their healing force over the allied combatants. Gaius continued his own strikes, knocking both to the ground with his brutal beast arte, and drawing back himself to avoid any counters.

A good thing to, as the humanoid raised the electric sword in its right and slammed it into the ground. A pulse of lightning bolts would have struck Gaius had he remained. The sphere also unleashed its counter attack, a ring of electricity emerging from it. But like the other it was too far away to strike the King of Auj Oule.

Gaius sent several of his powerful demon fangs out once again, catching both enemies in their trail. Milla brought forth Undine and Muzét continued her water channel. The relentless barrage of artes knocked the sphere to the ground where its shell faltered and the humanoid just underneath was visible. Milla couldn't get a good look at him... but he was seemingly closer to a spyrite than the other thing. The sword beast roared and dove into the ground. Just like the worm-monster in Felganna Mine!

"Gaius watch your feet!" She warned the king before leaping into the air. Muzét followed her and the sisters channeled artes to keep themselves aloft. The swordsmen took up a defensive stance and waited... when the lightning monster emerged Gaius blocked more than half the strikes at his person while Milla and Muzét unleashed their charged artes. Water again buffeted it while Gaius' powerful swings ripped it apart in melee.

Feet on the ground again, Milla immediately called back Undine to blast the thing. It gave Gaius time to pull away before the creature swung the horns on its head to try nd hit them.

It was going well so far, but even if Gaius blocked every attack enough damage would get through. The sphere had recovered and finished off the last of the defense robots and was concentrating its own power into channeling. Several monsters had the ability... but the other electric one had not accomplished it yet. Milla's suspicions pointed more towards the sphere as the spyrite.

Muzét and she placed their magic guards up, but the blade of lightning the ball summoned swung over at Gaius. The king could not muster a defense in time and was struck by its full force... though the full force of a spyrite was not enough to break him. The creature he faced called its own lightning down. On itself. The bolt struck the electric orbs and a small residual blast struck Gaius but it seemed fully to power it up as the balls overflowed with energy.

They needed to halve their numbers now! Milla gave herself a bit of a rest. She'd call upon all the power of Undine she could concentrate on at once. Hopefully it would buy enough time for something else to happen. Muzét's own water arte helped relieve some of the damage done to Gaius... but what Milla wouldn't have to have Elize, Leia or Jude here with them. Even just a one of them would make this battle seem less daunting.

Milla's rest concluded with the next cast of a spirit arte from the sphere. Again it struck at Gaius... but Milla was ready to cover him this time. The Great Spirit of Water appeared and fired her ray of water again and again and again until Milla nearly collapsed from keeping her manifest in the realm so long. It was so much easier summoning the Four on Rieze Maxia. Even the aid of the mana rain did little... so why were these two so strong?

The humanoid roared a screeched savage sound and swung its electric blade. Gaius greater sword skills blocked and parried it and he landed strikes of his own against its body.

The sphere buzzed and sparked and channeled again. Thankfully the lightning attack fell amongst Muzét and her and their magic guards stopped it. The blowback through the guard was growing though. Was it getting stronger?

She needed to buy its attention for a bit. She spirit-shifted splash into aqua protector, calling forth several balls of her own save they were of water. She used them for cover as she ran in against the likely spyrite and caught it at range with the edge of a wind blade arte. It didn't do the damage she hoped... it was likely strong against wind. But not against earth as she struck her blade into the ground and sent a spire of rock at it. The grave arte landed and pushed it into the air and Milla pushed it down with a quick cast of splash.

The electric cover vanished again, and Milla could get an acceptable glimpse of what was inside. First was an odd golden ring attached to its back, six larger circles with black swirls paced evenly around it. He had hair of gold that was standing tall and spiky from the static. The humanoid itself wore some sort of black robe-top. The left arm and leg were covered with the same color of black save lines of purple running up it. The right arm and leg were nigh bare save a boot at the end. Similarly across its left eye was sort of half a mask lined with purple. This was certainly the spyrite of lightning, its similarities to Celsius were too clear now that she could see it.

"This is definitely the spyrite!" Milla shouted back at her companions and put some distance between her and it.

"I suppose that would make him Volt," Muzét giggled at the reveal. She knew Celsius' name too. They needed a long and lengthy talk after all of this.

Volt situated itself inside its bubble and flailed the area about with a ring of electricity that did nothing. Still, she couldn't be hit by something like that.

She looked back at Gaius... only to see the monster was gone! It was already clear on his face as he moved to shout...

It was too late. Milla's attempts to jump up were interrupted as the beast emerged and wrecked her. Its horns struck and shocked her and it held the sword high to strike! Gaius was a flash, right next to her cutting and dragging the beast into the sky to save her!

Only for a blade of thunder from Volt to catch the both of them and the creature to slam its blade and catch both in the electric discharge. The pain was comparable to what took her legs from her... but she remained up and desperately channeled! Gaius knocked the creature away with his beast arte and the sisters capatured it with their waters artes.

Still not enough. The creature struggled upwards.

"The monsters of Elympios certainly are fearsome," Milla mused at the scene.

"No..." Gaius said. His stare seemed to indicate something else. "A civilization could not thrive with beasts this vicious in it. I presume it was driven mad by the mana dispersal."

"Maybe," she grimaced at the idea. Was the same problem occurring in Rieze Maxia as well? "Any ideas? I don't think we've done much but slow them down."

Gaius hesitated for a tad, but gave an idea. "A link arte chain." Not one she'd expect from him. "We pool all of our water artes together then unleash in one torrent and end with a mystic arte."

Seems it would rely on her in the end for that. She hadn't used her mystic arte before, but she knew exactly how effective it would be. Rowen's would prove superior, but well... "My mystic arte will do it."

The king only gave one nod. This may be their final shot at it. Gaius moved in with his arte and he was on them in the blink of an eye. His sword slashes knocked the two into the air and he called upon Muzét to aid him. Milla summoned Undine again and the Great Spirit struck with her water artes.

Muzét teleported to Gaius' side, drawing a water arte to slowly damage the two electric fiends before they dragged them into the air with a hurricane of water and Gaius crashed down with an explosion "Wyrm Wrath!"

The link came for her... and Muzét and her sister moved in her. The two spirits poked as they dashed alongside before quickly dragging a deluge of spouts up and dropping them "Hydro Pillar!"

She switched the link to Gaius who bolstered her with his own power. She repeated the arte of her sister, and they threw the electric two into the air with a cyclone before slamming down with twin blades of water and a devastating explosion.

Now was the time! Milla ducked low and pierced through into the sky with her Cloud Pierce arcane arte. The Four gathered around her. Ready.

With Efreet's fire she dove downwards."All beginnings," Undine's water shot like a geyser, "must end." She gathered Sylph's wind and threw it as a crescent blade before leaping into the air herself, "Let it be," she threw a dozen spires of Gnome's earth down at them, "by my hand!" She created the glyphs of blue, brown, red and green and the Four focused their power! "Elemental Mastery!" The elemental torrent rained down and drowned both electric fiends in the finest power Maxwell could deliver!

The Mystic Arte finished and Milla gently levitated back to the ground herself. Gaius and Muzét took up positions besides her as they waited for the dust, mana rain and residual to disperse. It was quite tense... and when it finally happened they saw the electric creature slowly... turning to ash. It stuck its blade in the ground as it faded away beneath the light of mana.

Volt survived. If anything he looked stronger then ever as the air around him stormed with his electric discharges. Did he absorb power from the beast? Were they allies or enemies? Things were grossly unclear.

The lightning bolt he shot out was extraordinarily clear and Milla's hastily thrown up guard was broken through and she was blasted against one of the metal walls. She endured the pain and stood... and fell.

"Milla!" Muzét shouted back at her. So now she suddenly cared about her life?

She struggled back up but she was in no condition to help like this. Even calling Undine might be too much. But where did the power from Volt come? True she was injured, but his attacks weren't that powerful before... was he getting desperate? They might be closer to ending this than she realized... yet it might also be more dangerous than ever.

"Activating program," Volt spoke. His voice twinged with metal and electricity but the sounds froze everyone in surprise for a split second. "Arcane Arte: Ravishing Thunder Blade." The ball form collapsed collapsed... no it shrunk and the humanoid beneath it held it upwards in his hand.

Muzét and Gaius unleashed their artes on the channeling spyrite but it had no effect on stopping its words. "Mana gathering... complete. Channeling finished. Executing arte." Volt threw the ball into the air where it splintered into tiny fragments... which then grew into massive blades of lightning that could cleave the other beast in twain. He fired the armory's array of projectiles at Gaius!

The king readied his blade to deflect the oncoming storm! But he suddenly disappeared in place of Muzét?!

"What?" Gaius and Milla both said at once as the projectile storm wrecked the great spirit. "Muzét what are you doing without my command?!" the king however, continued.

"Targeting error; correcting firing algorithms." Volt droned on. "Executing Mystic Arte: Hammer of Godly Lightning."

Oh shit.

The swords still engraved in the ground sparked back to life and discharged countless bolts around Muzét again, sending shocks through the great spirit and random blasts outwards at the buildings. A tendril of lighting shot back to Volt's waiting hands and he slowly drew his arms upwards. Following that trace, the field encompassing Muzét arced into the hair and above the great spyrite. "Crush." He swung the giant hammer of power back down. A bolt from the sky struck down and exploded together.

Milla put up her magic guard as randomly hurled bolts flew every which way and the entire impasse where Muzét was... was obliterated.

"Muzét!" Gaius yelled for the great spirit.

A great spirit was extraordinarily difficult to destroy. But if anything could... it was another great spirit. Milla limped forward.. keeping a way eye on Volt but the spyrite sputtered about as the electric shell didn't reform.

"Error error error. Absorption of target beast code name: 'Melanbron,' mana producing unforeseen side effects. Force projection calculations wrong." It went on. "Mystic Arte incomplete; Mystic Arte incomplete. Defenses compromised."

If his defenses were down! "Gaius!" she shouted at the king in a crater. "Now's our chance!" She forced a link on them. It was their last chance!

The king rushed forward, his anger blaring through the link. He was almost too furious! Was he that attached to Muzét so quickly? No, that didn't matter! Finishing Volt was their priority!

Gaius surged his strength along the link as he struck first against the defenseless Volt. The Great Spyrite of lightning had no choice but to take the brutal attacks and Milla soon called in Undine one last time. The water arte knocked his head about as she closed in.

Link arte chain! The two of them quickly focused and unleashed a blast of mana to knock Volt back. Into the wyrm wrath water arte, the cyclone dragging him up and them striking down with the explosion. A third! A quick swirl of flame around them to push Volt into the air! Milla rode the flames as the two quickly slashes the spyrite before Milla dragged it down into a sizable explosion.

Not enough! But Gaius had his own skills. He struck and thrust forward with light and set the artificial spirit up. Into the air it went and Gaius sent the blast of power before leaping and exploding. "Absolute Domination!" he gripped his left hand as the Mystic Arte faded.

Volt fell back to the ground without any movements.

"Did we do it?" Milla panted. She could barely remain standing. But Volt continued to lay without activity. Perhaps they struck too well?

Gaius broke the link(which she was thankful for) and turned to face Muzét. The king descended back into the pit and retrieved the body of the fallen spirit.

"Is she dead?" Milla asked. Though she assumed he would be asking the same right back.

"Is she?" he brought her forth for Milla to examine.

She looked up at the Four who flew back down around the damaged spirit. They needed to bring together all their power to infuse her wounded sister in addition to calling forth dark spirits to stabilize. Though in some fit of irony the monsters that did this wrecking spyrix meant they could actually fix the damage they did. But still, calling forth the necessary spirits was difficult and in her own weakened state Milla could barely focus as well. It wouldn't even be enough for Muzét to return to her flighty self, this would just keep her from falling apart into a spirit fossil. If the Four weren't here it may have even been impossible.

But their efforts paid off and the great spirit slowly opened her eyes. "Oh my," she delightfully said without a care her own life was just near death's clutch. "I think this is what humans call 'a bridal carry'. I had no idea you were that enamored with me." Quickly back to nonsense it seemed. Though Milla wondered how she didn't know about human sisterhood but knew about bridal carries.

"That is enough," Gaius snapped his arms back, letting Muzét float back to her normal position. "You are capable enough of flying on your own so you can answer questions." He was on the same mindset of Milla then regarding some things. "You knew the name of this spyrite; how?"

"Lord Maxwell himself told me," she answered without any guilt. "It is why I was able to recognize Celsius as well."

So Maxwell told her of these other Great Spirits, but not her? Of course he would. Milla looked over at the Four. "Well, did you Four know about them?"

A small gust of wind from Sylph indicated a "yes." I suppose telling her wasn't part of Maxwell's plans then. The fool.

"Can we expect any more Great Spyrites to show up...?" she let the question linger for all to think on. The Four exchanged glances about themselves but their body language seemed to indicate it was a possibility.

"We need to return to Rieze Maxia," Gaius declared, returning focus on their other problems. "We'll secure this area first then concentrate on that."

"Right," Milla agreed. "Let's see if we can find Balan."

"Looking for me?" the man himself exited from the door to the largest nearby building. A handful of people: soldiers and others dressed similarly to him. accompanied. "Well, I can't say I expected you to repay me this way but I can't say I'm complaining."

Some good news at least. "The least we could do I suppose," she answered with a smile. "What exactly happened here?" They still knew precious little.

The man himself sighed before answering. "I'm truly unsure myself. The monsters led by that big purple one suddenly started attacking and forced their way in. The sentries and guard bots weren't enough to stop them and the electric attacks it sent out kept frying our electronics. Eventually it managed to free Volt from its containment and they sort of began fighting everything."

Gaius gripped his chin in thought at the answer. "Are monster attacks like this commonplace?" he asked.

"Somewhat," Balane answered. "The Highroad beasts are pretty vicious, but they've learned to stay away from population centers because of our defenses. An attack of this magnitude hasn't been seen before."

"It may have something to due with the schism going down," Gaius took a short glance into the sky where mana still fell.

"See, that's the odd thing. The mana falling like this was actually pacifying the monsters. Until now there wasn't a single report of them attacking." Balan shook his own head at his words. "But I suppose it's all irrelevant now."

"What do you mean?" Milla asked.

Balan looked at her with a bit of a grimace. "Remember how I said our electronics were fried?" She only vaguely sort of knew what that meant. "Well, it destroyed all our spyrite research data."

Oh that was certainly terrible. "You don't have any sort of copy of this information?"

He shook his head. "Only Uncle does. The military didn't want anything leaking out. Things are unstable enough already without word of this getting out."

So they truly needed to rely on Gilland for this? Her stomach started to rebel at the thought... and she looked over at Volt. "Is there anything to be done with him?" she said.

"Well, we might be able to return him to holding. Great Spyrites are pretty unstable and Volt's certainly a bit more sparky than most." Balan chuckled at the joke.

"You imply there's more?"

He nodded... and the shook his head. "Yes and no. Volt's the only Great Spyrite we have here, though uncle has one of his own I heard. We have a couple lesser spyrites hanging around though. They may be our best chance in fact."

Lesser... spyrites? Well, it sounded so obvious now that he said it. With Lesser Spirits and Great Spirits, of course the same would be true for spyrites.

"Are they as dangerous as Volt?" Gaius prudently questioned him.

"Hardly," Balan gave a happy smile. "The cute little buggers don't do much more than act as pets really. Well, pets that can spit fire or heal up wounds. I'd show you but I don't think their guards will be as appreciative as I am." He laughed and earned some tired looks from his silent compatriots.

"How successful are these... Lesser Spyrites?" Gaius continued to question the researcher.

"A good question!" Balan beamed at the answer. He certainly loved his work didn't he? "We were reaching about a 50% successful conversion rate from spirit fossils and establishing connections with the Lesser Spyrites. But with our own data wiped we'll have to start over from scratch."

Dire news... and even without that 50% might not be enough. "Gilland once said that all it took was using a Booster to infuse mana into a spirit fossil. Is it really that hard to replicate?" Well, it had to be or he wouldn't be so... well he wasn't really down-crest.

"It's a bit more complicated than that," Balan gave an answer she was afraid of. "There's distributing the mana properly, correct tethering, compatibility between person and spyrite, the outright shortage of calculatrics users on Elympios, all the data we had on boosters getting wiped and our own stocks getting destroyed in the fighting." He gave a frustrated sigh at the circumstances. "Uncle had years of study ready for us when he transmitted. Depending on how long this mana lasts, we might not have time to restore the data we lost without his help."

Could things get even worse?

Gaius clearly had a question that could do so. "How did you create these spyrites in the first place? Alvin said Elympions don't have mana-lobes. That's why you need spyrites."

"W-well," Balan was suddenly nervous. "Elympions actually do have mana-lobes! It's just rampant spyrix use over the years has rendered us unable to use mana or calculatrics."

Somewhat like how she was unable to fight on her own without the Four. She'd grown so used to relying on them she hadn't needed sword skills or worldly experience. That would also explain why Alvin was affected by the Lance.

"That doesn't answer my question," Gaius took a threatening step forward. "Boosters and spyrites require mana and channelers to operate. Alvin said the few natural spirit channelers you have left don't join the military. And the one that did was over on our side of the schism."

Then that had to mean... she glared back at Balan as well.

The happy-go-lucky man sighed. "It's as you've guessed..." his words were slow in the face of Gaius' threat. "We've several calculatrics users taken from Rieze Maxia assisting us in this endeavor!"

"Take me to them at once!" Gaius roared, ready to draw his blade at once. The soldiers stepped up to defend... but it was clear they stood no chance.

"Gaius," Milla cautioned him. "This isn't the time for rash action. Even if we freed them, we can't return to Rieze Maxia yet." She wasn't thrilled with leaving them either but they needed a plan first and foremost.

"I said," Gaius slowly drew his blade and Muzét readied for a fight as well. "Take me to them." Was this being literal?

"R-right!" Balan said. He touched the shoulders of the two troopers and calmed them down. Saving their lives in all likelihood.

Balan turned back around and led them through the same door he'd exited from. It's hallway was the same as the earlier building, though this time the end of the hall led to a straiway up. "Sorry about the walk, but the two of them knocked our power our as well. It's a miracle the buiding's still standing as it is."

"We shall see," Gaius unsubtly threathened.

Two flights of stairs later they encountered a bulwark of troops and machines blocking the path. Balan lead them through that and into a large room. Several bookcases were to the regtangular room's sides but primarily it was dominated by a large metal table in the center. People clearly from Rieze maxia sat in several of the chairs around it, while a number of Elympios citizens sat as well.

But most importantly were the small spirit-like beings lazing about on the table itself. A small red fox glowing and pulsing as little particles fell off it. A with a green tail so bushy and windy Milla could barely tell its true form. A small little blue doggy with a tail of scales.

Lesser Spyrites.

One of the Rieze Maxians took notice of their entrance and shouted. "T-that's King Gaius!" he leapt up from his chair. "The King's come to save us all!" The man led a small chorus of cheering.

Gaius was steadily less pleased. "Be at ease people of Rieze Maxia," he talked to both those from Auj Oule and Rashugal. "You will be returned to your homes as soon as possible."

Their cheers rose even louder... but the Elympions only had doom and gloom. "But without them we can't make spyrites!" one of the citizens pleaded.

"You should have considered that before you attacked and kidnapped my people," Gaius had nothing but a glare for their hardships.

That wasn't what she died for. "Gaius you cannot just abandon these people."

"And I cannot abandon mine either!" he resolutely refused.

"U-um excuse me," another Rieze Maxian man spoke up. "I-I'm fine with staying if that's alright."

"Truly?" Gaius eyed him.

"Y-yeah," he continued. "I mean, this way I'm helping save an entire civilization! Beats being a fisherman any day of the week."

Gaius cast his gaze over the other people of Rieze Maxia. "Does anyone else feel the same as him?" An elderly woman raised her own hand. No one else. "Very well. You have my blessing."

The Elympions expressed their surprise... and Milla did so as well. "I rather didn't believe you'd accept it."

"It is their choice after all," Gaius answered. "I do not intend to abandon Elympios to its fate either. But it shall not be saved by the backs of people forced to, or unwilling to shoulder the burden."

"H-hold on here!" one of the soldiers shouted out. "You can't take them, they're prisoners of the military."

Gaius glared at the outspoken soldier. "You who were unable to stop the outburst of Volt and that other creature think you can stop those who did?" Gaius turned and faced the soldier full on. "Or perhaps it's not a crime to hold people against their wills on Elympios?" The soldier stepped back from the overwhelming pressure of Gaius. "Or maybe repaying those who saved your life with spite and hatred is how things are done?"

"I-I have my orders..." the soldier pitifully tried to defend it.

"And I make them." Gaius' decreed with the full weight of his title. "If your country even has the slimmest chance of survival it will be by my mercy." Gaius towered over the soldier, not just in height but in prowess and authority. "So unless you wish my mercy to run dry. My people are leaving." The soldier hurriedly took to the side. "Good." Gaius looked back at the Rieze Maxians. "Come with me."

Balan had some words to say first. "Was what you said true?" he wishfully wondered. "That you'll cooperate?"

"As long as you people do nothing to change that." Gaius ended the conversation as the Rieze Maxians grouped around him. "We are leaving."

Milla felt the need to remind him. "We still don't have a way back to Rieze Maxia," she pointed out. "Or lodging or food supplies."

"We'll find a way," Gaius left first, leading Muzét and the Rieze Maxians out.

Milla sighed. Humans were so tiring. "I suppose an apology is in order for this Balan."

"Yes, from us." The Elympion man nodded. "Desperation drives us all, it seems."

"Will you contact the military about this?" she gave prudence to question's Gaius didn't care to.

"No," he shook his head. "Well, I won't, I'm unsure about anyone else. Though I suppose there's enough good will floating from the defense that truly only the most vile person would rat them out." One of the soldiers shifted nervously.

She gave a nod. "Thank you for your help. I think spyrites may be what's necessary for all three realms to live in peace."

"And thank you for saving all our lives," Balan gave a thanks back. "Take care of youreslf. I'll be back home in Trigleph myself once things get sorted out here."

She gave him a nod before she left to hurry after Gaius, Muzét and the rest. They moved quite fast, and if they hadn't stopped outside at the scene of the battle she might not have caught up inside the base at all. Why he stopped, Milla didn't know. "Something important happen?"

"That," Gaius pointed at the remains of the electric creature. Volt himself was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps the military had retrieved him? "What do you think about that Milla?"

The sword it wielded still remained embedded into the ground, the electricity charge still sparking and arcing. "Curious, but not interesting enough to stop."

Gaius held out his left hand, and Milla noticed he was gripping something? He opened his fist... and... "That's one of those orbs Alvin had." Milla shifted her position, now genuinely curious. "Where did you find it?"

"It was nearby that sword... no, swords." Gaius said and placed the orb in a pouch. "Why did that creature have this?"

"Well our languages are close enough... maybe other things were as well?" she shrugged with her explanation.

"Perhaps..." Gaius walked over and retrieved the blade... no, like he said, it was two swords. They were fused together but it was undoubtedly two of them. A rapier like Rowen and a katana like Wingul. "I think I will keep a hold of these, for the moment."

Well if he wanted to do it she couldn't argue. "If there's no more distractions then we have quite the walk back."

"Indeed," Gaius agreed. "We move to return to Rieze Maxia!"