A long and deep scar in the barren plains stretched for a mile. Life itself seemed to avoid it, not even the smallest or feeblest of plants sprouting up anywhere near it for hundreds of feet. The ground around the valley was perfectly flat, not the slightest depression or rise in the brown dirt.

There wasn't even the slightest chance to observe the canyon. At the widest, it was fifty feet. With a cascade of sounds and flashes of light, all fifty feet were shrouded by smoke and flames. The bottom disappeared barely a second afterwards, as a volley of figures flew down from above.

Had anyone else been watching, they'd have seen a seemingly endless spread of colors and random patterns obscuring the world, and wouldn't have caught a single glimpse of what truly occurred. Cacophonies of sounds obscured for observers the brief reports of gunfire that echoed off the stone walls.

Theodora stood up straight, dissipating her weapons. "Guess no one is here after all," She remarked, eyes then settling on a single spot. They gleamed with desire. It wasn't a petty thing like greed that lit up her face.

Ten feet away from her rose a pair of large stone doors. "This is what we're looking for," Theodora's voice was rife with amazement, as if she couldn't comprehend what she saw before her. Her entire body shook as he stumbled back, tripping over herself.

A pair of hands caught her. Justinia squeezed her shoulders tightly, and whispered, "Don't give up now, we'll do this." Theodora tried to put on a smile, before she straightened herself out.

With some difficulty, she stabilized herself, and spoke, "We don't know where the enemy could be at this moment. Whether they are already beyond, or if they're…damn it." Justinia spun around, body glowing as launchers flashed around her.

"Get inside!" she shouted, "It's a trap!" Theodora had just observed that what seemed to be the entire Chaos force had teleported into existence around them, striking at once. "All of you!" Theodora shouted, firing off a massive volley as return fire ripped up the floor of the canyon.

Theodora cursed, pressing her hands against the door. They were heavy, but she didn't give up, pushing them open almost entirely by herself before the others could get to her. Beyond the two massive slabs sat a seemingly endless expanse of darkness. "Go!" Justinia shouted, leaping about the canyon floor, returning fire as best she could. Even then, she was boxed in, and it wouldn't be long.

A multitude of the traitors leapt down from above, right before a new volley of fire forced them to dodge. Leaping for the doors, Justinia traced the source, and saw the Sect's force moving in.

Pausing for one last barrage, Justinia backed into the darkness and disappeared. No one else entering, the huge doors slowly shut, the battle raging all around.


Though she had walked into the darkness, Justinia found a strange light illuminating the strange surroundings. She whirled around, instantly frowning at the strange sight before her. The white stone floor was rectangular, stretching for about twenty feet, while only ten wide.

Torches glowing bright blue were held up by small columns of marble. At the end of the floor, one on either side, two staircases stretched up into the darkness. In between the staircases was a pool of water. Ten feet long and five wide, it seemed to fulfill no purpose besides aesthetics.

Justinia took a few steps forwards, before hearing an order. It was garbled, but the message got through. Remain…stop pursuit. She spun to face the entrance, readying herself for the battle.


Via, they're in. The call came from the techmage, it's time. A short scream started and ended in the time it took Via to slice the girl's gem in two. Abandoning the Sect girl's companion to her shock, the traitor knight leapt to the side, falling down into the long canyon.

Understood! The girl cried. Calling for another few of her knights, she told the rest. They've taken the bait! Defend the entrance. As soon as the interlopers within are dead, the rest will die easily. Landing gracefully on the ground, Via's blade searched for a target as it swung in a wide circle.

But not a single girl dared stay in the area where she might land. Robbed of the thrill, the traitor cursed, and leapt for the doors. Come on, little redhead, she thought, it's about time we finished things.


Justinia knew that the opening doors could only herald the enemy. Her right arm reached out to the side, an array of missile launchers appearing all around her. She took a deep breath as cracks of light started to form in the absolute darkness before her.

Theodora…she thought, I promise I'll protect you. Till the very end. The flickering blue flames highlighted the tears starting to drip down from her eyes. Justinia thought of Sechylia, of Elle, of all the people she'd lied to and betrayed. But it's for a good cause. And I won't let that cause die here.

Six rockets were off towards the doors right as Justinia spotted a figure leaping through. A bright flash of light cut through all six projectiles. The girl's leap carried her above Justinia. In reply, another half a dozen rockets went upwards, while Justinia's hand slid across her body.

"Come on, redhead!" The traitor knight screamed, her long hair freely trailing out behind her, "Let's finish this fight!" Justinia slid her knife from her belt as the scythe once again terminated the rocket's flights. Pushing herself around randomly and nearly instantaneously, Via was practically untraceable as she fell downwards.

From the blur of violet and black, the silver sheen of the scythe blade emerged. Metal rang out against metal, then a more visceral sound. Via slid backwards on the balls of her feet, eyes wide as her hand confirmed that it was her flesh that had been sliced.

Justinia was already firing again as Via stared in awe at the blood coming from the long cut that had removed one of her eyes. Only a last second dodge had saved the other, and now that last second had come again as a dozen rockets honed in from all directions.

Slicing a few apart and leaping through the gap, the knight slid in with another attack. "Let's make this even," Via declared, dissipating her armor, revealing an elaborate gown of violet.

"Even?" Justinia questioned as she turned around, her knife slashing out. To her surprise she heard a clattering sound as the weapon knocked against the stone walls. Though her body smoothly dodged around every blow that came, she couldn't stop the smirk on Via's face.

That knight was moving faster than she ever had before as her own body lit up with purple light. "Yes, even." Via confirmed, not managing to draw a single drop of blood with her strikes. But the momentum had been reset.

Justinia leapt to the side, sliding under another blow to go for her knife. Expecting the maneuver, it was trivially easy for Via's scythe to trace the girl's path. Yet Via jumping into the air saved Justinia, as she first had to save herself from the pair of rockets fired at her.

Blade once again grasped in her hands, Justinia leapt shortly and kicked off the wall towards Via. The brief clash of blades was uneventful. Justinia was aware that at the entrance to the room sat a trio of other traitor knights, silently waiting for resolution. At least they're waiting till I die…Justinia thought. Theodora, please hurry.


Theodora ran through the tight corridors of the labyrinthine structure, searching for anything that could be something important. The featureless gray walls of stone offered not a single clue. Everyone one of her group but Justinia was there with her, at least till the shifts started to occur.

At random, the walls would move. Not even physically, in a way that could be observed. One second there'd be a barrier, then the next second there wouldn't be one. In a matter of minutes, Theodora found herself isolated from the rest, the walls being apparently impenetrable to any attack that they could muster.

Her wild search took her through the twisting corridors, till suddenly her mind lit up with activity. Half a dozen voices cried out as if they were under attack. It sounded as if…as if the enemy was already here. A trap! Theodora realized, they knew we were desperate.

She came to a halt suddenly, legs shaking. Justinia…I have to-no. I can't save her. Not anymore. Theodora rose a hand to her face to wipe away tears. All I can do is finish this. I've come this far. Her pistols appeared in both her hands, as one ducked behind herself to check the presence of the parchment.

Then she was sprinting ahead, turning corners based on instinct entirely, praying that she would somehow find the right way forwards.


The shuttle flew in low over the ground, the skies above occasionally lighting up with the duels of the Sect and traitor fighters. We can only hope that Nadine and the others will join us, Estelle briefed those in the shuttle with her, but we have no idea of the situation, we're merely going to where everyone else is. If there's some place they're going, we need to get inside it as soon as possible.

Celestine had already cloaked the craft, and Estelle was ensuring that no telepathy would find them, but it didn't seem that any attempt was being made. Either they'd gotten lucky and slipped under the view of anyone else, or both sides were too wrapped up in the battle to care.

Piloting the shuttle, Estelle opened up the doors, a minute away from the edge of the fighting, get ready. Her mind burst outwards, searching for any targets. Identifying a series of running skirmishes around the canyon, she instantly formed the plan. It's in that canyon. We'll break through there.

Taking a deep breath. She steppd up from the controls, putting the thing on autopilot. A telepath had spotted them. Let's go! She ordered, summoning her glaive and leaping out the doors, the other four following her. The shuttle turned down a little before slamming into one of the canyon walls at hundreds of miles an hour.

Laelia's shield was active, and Celestine hid them as they jumped in unison, not seeking to engage with anyone. The canyon was a few hundred feet away, the air flickering with projectiles of all kinds as the Sect struggled to hold off the assault of the traitor knights. But the former was disciplined and organized, obviously trained for this endeavor, while the latter was scattered and reckless.

And in the middle of this crossfire, it was inevitable that a few shots would strike the shield. As the girls leapt into the canyon, a trio of knights chased after them, bursts of bolter fire taxing the barrier. And at the bottom of the long drop was a brutal melee.

But they all saw the doors. That's where we're going, Estelle said, get there no matter what. Laelia returned fire as they fell, the enemy dodging around in the air. Sanae fired her javelins upwards as a couple of Sect girls chased the traitors downwards.

The battle hadn't swung definitively in either direction yet, the two forces still struggling equally. But it seemed that both sides wanted to destroy Estelle and the others, the inquisitor having to defend against multiple telepathic attacks. It didn't take long before they landed, Estelle striking out with her glaive at all those blocking her path to the huge stone entryway. Celestine struck forwards, her rapier flashing brightly as she engaged one of the traitor knights.

Sanae and Ayelen fought back to back, trying to clear a space for the others to get inside. Go, Sanae said, we'll hang on out here. Estelle didn't hesitate a single second, throwing herself against the doors as her and the other two tore through the fighting.

The two girls who stayed found themselves in the middle of a fight between people who far outgunned them. Stay close, Sanae said, we'll make it out alive. Ayelen didn't doubt her words.

Sanae drew her longer blade as they retreated towards the doors, a traitor knight striking out with a whirlwind of blows at the two. Her axe bounced off their weapon as Ayelen and Sanae fought in perfect unison. Follow my lead, do what I do, we'll guard this as long as we can.

The dark-haired girl slid forwards, striking out low for the stomach. It was easily turned aside, right as Ayelen's spear left a dent in the girl's helmet. Then another was striking in, right before the first one had to turn away as a Sect girl struck in at her.

However, they were still uncertain that they'd be able to survive. Even as the older girls fought each other, they still pushed the two to the limit. Another pair came in for a strike, almost catching Ayelen off guard. Barely blocking the attack, she stumbled back, and while Sanae warded them off, they returned quickly.

Just then a flash came from above, and a bright ball of fire crashed down to separate the two pairs. Several more rained down all around, clearing a space for the trio of girls as they landed. "You alright?" Antoinette asked, and received nods in reply. "Everything fine inside?" More nods. She grinned, "Then let's hold them here."


Estelle and her companions burst into the room to see two figures dancing around each other at impossible speeds. A neverending cacophony of metal and explosions echoed around the tight room. Still covered by the invisibility, the trio leapt over the three traitor knights at the entrance.

It appeared to be just then that word of their entrance got to those inside. Immediately the three were striking out, the shield found easily. In the midst of their battle, both Via and Justinia turned their head as Celestine dropped the cover to conserve magic.

Stick close to me, Estelle ordered, we don't know what this is, but we need to get further inside. She turned her head to the side, with the world seeming to slow down. The inquisitor met Justinia's eyes. Not saying a word in any way, Justinia nodded, looking back to Via.

Estelle grinned as the three made good their chance, escaping the room. As the other traitor knights stepped in the way, Justinia leapt in front of them, cutting them off. At the same time, a long red line was traced down her right arm by Via's blade. But that didn't stop Justinia.

She held her ground, raising her blade. This is the end, she sent to Theodora. Hurry, I can't hold out much longer.

In unison, all four attacked her. In a whirlwind exchange, dozens of blows were exchanged in the span of a few seconds. By the time it had finished, Justinia was leaning against the wall, body covered in wounds. Get the others, Via ordered, as she walked slowly towards Justinia.

The other knights would have left quickly. A fresh line of explosions cut them off. Justinia gasped for air as she pushed herself to her feet. What seemed like the weight of a planet was on her shoulders. Crimson red surrounded her entire body, the magic aura becoming indistinguishable from the blood. Her tattered clothing started to fall away as she fixed only the most vital wounds.

Justinia limped towards Via, fingers struggling to hold the knife. Then, she heard Theodora's reply.


Seeing the large archway before her, Theodora knew that she had found her end as well. That's right, she sent back, this is the end. A short pause. She started walking forwards as her hands tightened around the grips of her pistols. The heavenly glow from the space beyond enveloped Theodora in a warm light as she brought everything to an end.

The lies, the secrets, it ends here. She told Justinia. Oh, green flower, now that you have bloomed, may you look yourself over and see the lie that you have been told. Embrace your true self, and bloom more brightly than ever before.

Though she burst into tears afterwards, Theodora didn't stop moving forwards. She shut her mind off from the outside, not wanting to hear the result. It was cowardly, she knew, but it was the only way for her to keep going.

The blinding light faded, and Theodora found herself in a large room. At the opposite end of the asymmetrical field of blue gemstone sat a huge shelf. Hundreds upon hundreds of books sat on the shelves within, a single figure standing before them.

"You're early," that girl commented, turning around. A single table was in front of the bookshelf. A trio of books sat upon that table. The girl pulled back her hood. Theodora recognized the face.

"You were the one with Ishna." Theodora said, wiping away the tears on her face. "Her techmage, right?" She raised one pistol, "Get away from there."

Lyndia shook her head. "You misunderstand me. I have no intention of stopping you. I merely came here to ensure you'd be here alone, and that you'd already have the items you'd need. You payed your role, Theodora, you played it very well." With that said, she walked forwards, hands hidden by her cloak.

Theodora stepped to the side as her eyes widened, turning to track the girl as she walked for the exit. "I'll be leaving the stage now, but the play goes on. This is your final scene, Theodora."

Screaming, Theodora demanded, "What do you mean the play goes on?!"

Lyndia laughed as she stood before the archway. She spun around, pity on her face. "Ah, that's right. You believed that you could somehow stop all of this. But you failed. The plan goes on."

Theodora didn't believe her. Her finger tightened on the trigger, but first she cried, "But we removed Erwine! She didn't do anything, there's no way Ishna's plan couldn't account for such an action, not if Erwine was the key."

Lyndia spread her arms out to either side. "And there you have it!" She cried, all too proud to gloat, "Erwine IS the key to everything, but this was not her part. It was not her act, it was the act of everyone else." The girl's tone was a mad one as she finished her declaration. "You have failed, Theodora. You failed before you even started. Erwine is not the actor, she is more than that."

Lyndia stepped back into the exit, Theodora wildly firing after her. The bullets disappeared into the blue, but Theodora knew that pursuit would be pointless. She fell to her knees, weapons falling from her hands. A new wave of tears overtook her. "Nothing has any point anymore, does it?" She asked.

Her hand reached behind her back, retrieving that parchment. Placing it on the ground before her, Theodora looked over the indecipherable symbols. Then she looked back at the table. "Justinia is dead…" she whispered, "All that's left is for me to play the part that I have been assigned."

She grasped the paper in her hands, stumbling towards the table. Almost collapsing as she placed the laminated paper on the dark oak wood, Theodora looked over the open tomes. "Ishna…" Theodora whispered, seeing that all she had to do was apply her magic.

Ages-old programs weaved into the texts that looked to hail from a long-gone age activated, and the parchment began to glow. Within seconds, the paper was remade, now written in High Gothic.

"You win…" the girl finished, falling to her knees once again. "But you knew that I never had a chance, didn't you?"


Faster and faster, the ground rushed up before Erwine's eyes as the shuttle shot downwards like a meteor. Nadine barely pulled out in time for the craft to avoid slamming into the earth at thousands of miles an hour. Erwine almost slammed into the wall till she caught herself, and even Viola, seated beside Nadine, was disturbed.

Still dropping the altitude, Nadine called out. We have no protection. We go right into that canyon and get to where everyone else is. She looked back to Erwine for a brief moment, "Don't worry, it'll be fine."

Erwine nodded. She stepped out of the cockpit, looking over the others in the passenger compartment. Sechylia was alone in the corner, while both Wei and Mila were ready and waiting. The silver-haired girl stood in the doorway for a few seconds, looking down.

"Thank you, both of you, for coming all this way with me." Erwine said. "I hope that you two survive this, and maybe we can keep going on forever." A hopeful smile came to her face, and it wasn't even dashed away by Nadine. Get ready to drop. Enemies everywhere, I'll handle them.

Erwine just smiled wider at that. "Good luck, both of you. The Goddess Protects." Both girls stood, echoing the sentiment. Then Wei stepped in towards Erwine, kissing her on the lips.

"Good luck," She whispered.


Justinia heard the message. Her eyes opened wide. A terrible scream of horrific pain rose from the back of her throat as she clutched at her chest. The girl doubled over as unimaginable pain ran through her entire body. She couldn't breathe as she seized up.

"By the gods…" Via whispered as Justinia writhed on the ground.

No, no, what's going on? Justinia felt something else-no, someone else in her head. Another entity, another thought. Even worse than when the daemon was in her mind. This was no terrible beast from the warp. This was undoubtedly another human. Another magical girl.

On her back, Justinia's hand reached up into the air, as she sought to grasp solace that she couldn't find. Her eyes opened up wide as she felt her body changing. Like that someone else was trying to mold it to her will. The blood red aura had disappeared, but it was now returning. Yet the shade was dark, as black as a witch's seed.

Justinia leapt to her feet, feeling new power course through her veins. I'm going to die, she could feel her existence fading away by the second, all I can do is save Theodora. Her knife was glistening in her hand as she leapt towards the three other knights.

The first cried out as the knife slid in through a gap in the armor at the elbow. In the other elbow and then the neck, Justinia stabbed, before kicking her back. The girl stumbled back as a trio of rockets impacted directly into her body. A tattered corpse flew backwards and landed against the wall.

Despite the others already moving, Justinia was faster than before. Unimaginable pain coursed through her as another knight died, and then the last of the three. Via was staring on in shock. What happened before was nearly incomprehensible. It didn't make any sense.

The final body fell beside the pool of water, Justinia's pain and despair finally bringing her to one knee. Reflected on the clear surface was a different person's face. Half of her hair had changed length, and was now colored green. One of her eyes was yellow now. "Who am I?" She asked, "What am I?"

Via struck before the thing before her could regain its focus. Justinia moved. The scythe flew from the girl's hands, a flurry of blows driving the traitor back. Into the armor the knife sliced, as though imbued with an unearthly power. Via landed multiple strikes of her own, quickly resummoning her own blade.

No matter how many wounds Justinia suffered, blood didn't come out. A smoky black substance spilled out and drifted into the air. "What are you?" Via said, as their combat continued. They clashed again and again, blows of incredible accuracy and strength measuring up to one another.

Via just dropped. Like the life had been sapped from her body, she could no longer fight. Justinia stood above her, body continuing to change. "You monster…" Via muttered, "You are a monster."

Justinia staggered back, falling to her knees once again. She wept uncontrollably as her mind started to change. Bit by bit, memories started to slip from her mind, as if they were never there. "Who am I?!" She desperately cried out.

"Ileve Nashiandra, you're one of the more interesting cases we've ever had the chance to observe." A monotone voice called. Gasping, Justinia looked up to see the Incubator walk out of the darkness.

"What? Ileve…Ileve died, she became a witch." Justinia said, before she put the pieces together in her head. Her eyes went blank as she whispered desperately. "I…I'm Justinia."

"That's why you're so amazing." The Incubator explained. "For, Ileve, you weren't even cloned. You're something else."


Nadine let the shuttle accelerated onwards towards the canyon as she and the others leapt from the craft. They were immediately running forwards. The way was clear, as the battle had died down. Now, the two sides sought to consolidate and find a way to join the engagement again.

But both noticed the figures making their way to the canyon. Neither was going to let Erwine intervene. Go, Viola and I will handle this! Nadine said, summoning her whip and leaping towards the oncoming Sect girls. They were above the canyon, while the traitor knights were below.

Erwine paused briefly, her wings deflecting the oncoming fire. She glared daggers at Nadine, "Don't you dare die on me!" She called, before leaping away once more. Wei and Mila were at the edge of the drop, looking below. Was guarded by five girls, two of them Ayelen and Sanae, the others being Juno's. Around them the battle raged on.

"Come on," Erwine said, extending her arm. Without another cue, silver particles coalesced to form the shape of her sword. "It's time to finish this chapter, even if it's not really the end." She stepped off the edge. Wei and Mila followed without another thought.

Don't wait, she said to them, we can't fight out here, we don't stand much of a chance. Just get inside. As Erwine fell, several of the armored girls went inside, right as the others began to open fire. There were a little over a dozen of them remaining, while the forces of the Sect and Theodora still battled throughout the canyon.

Erwine grabbed Mila, warding off what she could with her wings. Wei released a program, a shield generating beneath them all. Each of the three was entirely untaxed, with full gems. Their chances of making it down alive were good, especially with the others distracted.

"Erwine!" A blast suddenly taxed the shield, and Erwine found the source to be Reitia, leaping from wall to wall as she made her way up from the floor. A large recoilless rifle was grasped in her hands, and another shot came up towards them as she fired again. "You understand what you're doing, do you not?!" she cried, but any further shots were prevented by a shadow from above.

A sharp crack and a glowing blur crossed through Erwine's vision, and then Reitia was tumbling back down the ground, Nadine chasing after her. But that wasn't the end. Still they fell down through the canyon, and now one more figure approached. Rolling through the air, ancient ballistic rifles clutched in both hands, Megumi loosed a tirade of fire that shattered the flimsy shield, but Mila was already returning shots.

"You get it, don't you?!" Megumi shouted as she propelled herself downwards. Erwine could feel her mind already being scanned by the telepath, the girl racing to find an opening to strike.

"I do!" Erwine cried in reply, "But I'll move forwards nonetheless!" A charged shot from Mila went right past her face and barely missed the girl. Megumi's shots now bounced off of Erwine's wings, but she could feel that the barrier wouldn't hold for long.

She reached out to grasp Wei, and then pushed herself down faster. At the same time, one of the girls around the door saw her descent. Antoinette jumped and then landed a telekinetically enhanced kick against the wall to send her flying at Megumi. Get in there! She cried as she handled the girl.

Erwine landed right beside the entrance and threw herself against the doors, pushing them all the way open. Wei and Mila touched down beside her. Together, the three leapt into the darkness beyond.


Reitia fell down to the canyon floor, taking several steps back as Nadine struck down at where she just was. Landing into a roll, the inquisitor leapt to her feet, whip curled in one hand. "You have the parchment?" Nadine questioned. The girl was shocked.

"Y-you know?" she asked, then narrowed her eyes and aimed her weapon, "So you are just Ishna's pawn?"

"Do you have it?" Nadine asked again, steady face not changing in the slightest.

"You won't get it," Reitia spat. Nadine flicked her wrist. In seemingly all directions the whip flashed out, its path through the air impossible to trace till it came within a nanometer of striking Reitia. Leaping aside, the girl fired a round from her weapon, but Nadine merely moved her hand and the whip struck again while she danced around the shot.

Unfazed, Reitia dodged into a forwards leap, still carrying the bulky rifle. Moving well within the confines of the whip, she waited till Nadine moved again. When that girl's wrist flicked once more, Reitia hit the ground in a slide, just as the whip curled up around where her body had been. Only a few feet away, she fired at the inquisitor, and Nadine barely jumped over the shell.

Several more shots chased the inquisitor as she traveled in an arc back down to the ground, but as she did the whip moved once again. Reitia leapt from side to side, dodging the thing's attack, careful to not let it so much as graze her. It all returned to Nadine's hand as she landed again, before she leapt forwards, magic pushing her down as Reitia fired. On the ground her hand cast her weapon forwards, the end of whip once again barely missing Reitia. She leapt up to her feet smoothly, spinning around and letting the full length of the whip strike out.

Reitia jumped into the air, quickly gathering energy in her rifle as she maneuvered herself about. Nadine leapt up to face her, whip curling as she spun around. Reitia forced herself back down in expectation of a strike, but none came, not at least where she was.

Rather the whip's tip shot out to where she was going, hitting her as she fell back down. Taking the strike on her left bicep, Reitia was sent to the ground as the arm was ripped apart by the charged strike. Still holding her rifle in her right, she rolled onto her back and fired.

Nadine herself fell down to avoid what should have been a more powerful shot, but that wasn't what it was. A much longer shell flew upwards before detonating in the air, two dozen smaller projectiles shooting out in a cone all around. Nadine's whip cracked out, but they exploded in unison before she could strike them.

Still, she was just out of range and they were not very powerful. So while she was burned and slammed into the ground, she could still stand. Reitia could as well, however. "I won't allow you to further her goals!" She declared, arm regenerating quickly as she pushed her body to the limit.

Nadine merely shook her head. "You don't understand a thing." At the same time, a blade was pushed through Reitia's chest. Not striking the soul gem on her earring, it still punctured her heart. A gasp came from the girl as she struggled to look over her shoulder, and saw Viola holding the blade that did it.

"I wished I could have beaten you on my own, but there's a schedule you see." Nadine said, stepping over to the girl. A container attached to her back, partially concealed by the short cape that was a part of her uniform.

"Why are you really doing this?" Reitia rasped as Nadine retrieved the container, briefly breaking it open to ensure the presence of the final parchment, and handed it to Viola.

"A good reason." Nadine whispered silently, "One better than yours." That was the last thing Reitia heard as her body died. Already Nadine saw Sect girls approaching, but the older Guan was moving to intercept. "We just need to get inside!" Nadine called as she and Viola leapt past her, "We have something we need to do!"


Justinia couldn't take her eyes off of what she could only call a monster. Without emotion, it spoke as though she was an experiment. As she stared in horror at the small white creature, its monotone voice spoke again. "Ileve, you became a witch on Vasillica. Theodora and the others were able to successfully take the grief seed and a living human body to create the current body you are in. It was an incredible feat of magical programming. Justinia is merely what remains of that human body's mind." The Incubator rolled onto its back, moving as if to scratch itself. "Truly, you are an amazing creation. The grief seed provides incredible amounts of power, and you use the residual energy of the body to enhance your magic even more. Were it not for the instability of the method, it would be incredibly effective."

Justinia shook her head slowly. Her mouth opened and closed again and again. She tried to formulate words, but couldn't find anything to say. The Incubator stood upright once more. Its unchanging eyes returned Justinia's blank look. "So, we remain to observe the deterioration, but…you have visitors. We can't give off the wrong image. See you soon, Ileve Nashiandra." The Incubator turned and walked into the darkness as three figures appeared from the entryway.

Sounds were flowing into their ears the moment they emerged from the pure black. Blue flames illuminated the entryway of the strange space. But not a single one of the girls was focused on the dimensions or nature of the place before them. They were all focused on the kneeling girl.

That girl wasn't someone any of them immediately recognized. Slowly, she turned her head to the side. Sadness showed on the face of someone that once might have been Justinia. "Who are you?" she asked, sadness seeping through her voice. Wei cried that girl's name, running forwards. But the girl on her knees pushed herself way, holding her arms out. "Stay away from me!" She cried, "I'm…I'm not Justinia, that girl never existed."

Wei pushed the girl's arms aside, wrapping her arms around her. "Justinia!" She cried, "What happened to you?!" Sechylia leapt in as well, hugging her just as tightly.

"I'm Ileve!" the girl cried, "I'm not Justinia, I'm Ileve Nashiandra…" She fell onto her back, pushing the two girls off of her. Her body shook as she wept. Still, she was changing, parts of her switching from the body of one girl to that of the other.

Slowly, Erwine stepped forwards. Her sword was grasped tight in her hand. Sechylia flew to her feet. "No!" she said, "Erwine, don't kill her."

"Kill me!" Ileve/Justinia cried. Her voice switched on the second word, taking on a different tone and accent entirely. "Please, don't let me live like this!" Her voice changed back and forth as she desperately pleaded.

"Go on, find Theodora, find the traitors." Wei begged. "I want to save her." She looked to Sechylia as well, "We both want to save her."

Erwine took a breath. She pulled Wei tight to herself, "I want you to end her if you really can't save her. Don't let your emotions get in the way." She kissed the girl gently, before running up the steps. Mila followed her after a second of hesitation.

"Stay safe," the blonde called as she followed after her friend. Wei nodded, looking back to the girl on her back. Carefully, Wei walked towards her.

"Please Justinia, I don't understand what's happening…" Wei got to one knee, reaching out for the girl. Her hand was swatted away, Wei reflexively leaping back. "I don't want to have to kill you. Please, just tell me what happened."

Ileve/Justinia struggled to speak, grasping for her throat as her body started to finally tear itself apart. "Ileve turned into a witch. Theodora made her into Justinia. I don't know what I am anymore." Wei winced at the pain she heard in the girl's voice. Then the girl was climbing to her feet.

"No, don't-"

"I will go and find Theodora." Ileve/Justinia croaked out, "I need to know something before this ends." She stumbled towards the stairs, Wei afraid to stop her. Then she stopped. Carefully, she turned around. "Who are you?" Ileve/Justinia asked, in an unfamiliar voice, speaking as though the answer the was on the tip of her tongue yet couldn't be uttered.

"W-Wei Huang," the dark-haired girl replied. Ileve/Justinia just smiled.

For a moment, that voice Wei knew so well returned, "Oh, Wei. I'm sorry things had to end like this. You're a strong girl, stick with Erwine, she needs you." Then she drove herself forwards, glowing as she put her body back together. Without another sound, Ileve/Justinia disappeared through the doorway at the top of the stairs.

Wei ran after her, only for a sound from behind to draw her attention. A scythe flashed in towards her. The carrier of the blade was suddenly grabbed from behind, and flung backwards. A sharp shattering sound rang out as Nadine crushed Via's soul gem in one fist.

Ripping her whip from around the girl's leg, she looked at Wei. "What's going on?" Wei faltered at first, not sure what to say. "It doesn't matter," Nadine sighed. Viola followed as the inquisitor ran up the stairs. Wei followed without hesitation.


Ileve/Justinia stumbled through the hallways, with only one thought in her mind. Finding Theodora. To find the one who had ultimately been responsible, the one who had loved her, the one who had caused this all to happen. Why do I even exist? Justinia asked herself, just to be her tool?

Yet as she moved through the lonely corridors, she felt something awaken in her mind. Her physical body continued moving. Within her mind, she felt herself slipping deeper.


Lyndia slowly walked down the stairs. Four motionless bodies covered the floor of the room. Noticing Via's to be one of them, she merely shook her head. "A pity," She whispered, perhaps saddened more by the loss of the assets rather than the assets themselves.

The techmage stepped out into the battle outside, immediately leaping to start scaling the wall. A telepathic message brought the traitor knights converging on her. Shielded, the teleport reached her and they blinked away.


Justinia opened her eyes. She was in a place she didn't exactly recognize. She looked around, struggling to remember where she had just been. Strangely enough, the location didn't come to her.

Everything was white, shining bright white, to the point where it blinded her. She covered her eyes as she stumbled around wherever she was. Then the light began to die. She would finally be able to open her eyes when the blinding brightness went away.

Still having a glimmering sheen of impossible light on them, Justinia saw that the world was something she could begin to understand. She bumped into something. Looking down, as the world came into focus, she saw it was a railing. She looked out, seeing that she was on an elevated space. She saw a grassy field in front of her sloping down towards a shimmering blue lake.

She recognized the place immediately. But it felt alien, as if she'd never really known it. A creeping sensation ran up and down her spine, as if something was behind her. Justinia spun around to check, and saw a mass of darkness. A black sphere, encasing a shape that resembled a girl, sat on the terrace.

"Ileve," She said quietly. Then she repeated the name, "Ileve…"

The shape inside the sphere stirred a little. Its eyes might have opened up with that motion. Then an ear-rending scream rose from the girl. Filled with pain, Justinia covered her ears to block out the sound. Incoherent shouts followed, carrying only a single word with each. "Betrayal…hate…love…suffer…"

Justinia was almost pushed back over the railing by the force of the words. She understood it now. Ileve is inside me. I'm just the shell. But…but all witches have a reason for turning. Was she betrayed? Did Theodora hate her? No…Theodora loved her. That's why Ileve feels betrayed, because she wouldn't let her die.

Justinia stepped forwards, reaching out for the girl. "Theodora doesn't hate you. She loved you," Justinia said, "Please, don't do this anymore. Don't suffer anymore. Even if you have to burn me away, please live once again!"

But the girl that was Ileve wouldn't listen. She refused to listen.


Erwine stood before the glowing archway. Her sword was grasped tight in her hand. Mila stood beside her. "Somehow…" The silver-haired one whispered, "I know that this ends here." She walked forwards, and Mila matched her pace. Both were submerged into the blinding light, before emerging into a room of shimmering gemstones.

Despite the impressive sight of the massive bookshelf, Erwine was first drawn to the girl before the towering structure. A low laugh rose up as the girl spun around. Guns were gripped tight by the fingers of both hands. Long tails of red hair stretched out from either side of her head. "Hello, Erwine," She called out, "I just knew you'd be coming." The blue light highlighted the moisture on her cheeks.

Erwine raised her sword and Mila her revolver. "Theodora, step away from there. That is not yours." Erwine warned her. Upon her order not being obeyed, she intensified the magic in her voice. "Step away!" she shouted. Theodora just shook her head.

"Oh no, Erwine. I'm a bit too determined to bow down to your little tricks." The girl spat. Her voice swelled up with rage and despair, both at herself and the universe around her. She threw her head back, laughing aloud. "You see, I've lost. I tossed away Justinia-no, Ileve. I threw her happiness away, I threw all our happiness away!" She screamed, stumbling forwards as if drunk. Then she extended her arm outwards, "Just for the sake of stopping Ishna, I gave up on everything, all for revenge! And here I am now, after a life that has led to no accomplishment! In the end, Ishna won. She won, and without even lifting a finger herself."

Her opposite hand twitched, as if to bring her weapon up to her soul gem. But she denied the movement. A maniacal grin spread across her face, "I can't yet die. Not while you still live, Erwine Braune." She said, "I know without a doubt in my mind that you are the key at the center of everything. Even if this wasn't you part, your role will come in the future." Her finger tightened on the trigger. "I will give even my life to erase you from this equation." That grin turned into a sad smile, "And maybe then, I'll be free?"

She pulled the trigger all the way. The same instant she fired, her mind was bearing down on Erwine's. Mila rolled to the side, loosing a blast from her weapon. Theodora spun around it, raising both weapons as Erwine curled her wings around herself. Her ponytail flying out behind her, Erwine ran forwards and burst out from her cover.

Theodora ducked under the sword swing, and rolled under the return stroke. Erwine stabbed her sword down as Theodora's gun went to her head. Mila cut in, her left hand knocking the gun away as her own gun was pointed down. Theodora was leaning back as she crouched, and brought her left hand to Mila's face.

Erwine reached out with her right hand to knock the other gun away, but that left herself open. Theodora flipped backwards, both her legs coming up to strike Erwine and Mila in the chins. Firing as fast as she could, bullets filled the room while Theodora backed away.

Shielded by her wings, Erwine moved forwards once again. Mila ducked behind her, firing out explosive bursts of magic from her gun at every opportunity. As Erwine leapt out again, Theodora jumped upwards. But Erwine's slash was going that direction, and all it took was a flap of her wings to send her upwards.

A bright orange bolt was barely dodged by the girl, but it crashed into the wall behind her. Flying forwards, Theodora fired down on Erwine as the girl tried to turn around in time. She was protected by her wings, but Mila wasn't so fortunate. That blonde girl rolled around, staying light on her feet as Theodora traced her. Bullet after bullet grazed her.

Forcing herself downwards as Erwine flew at her, Theodora rolled and kicked out to Mila. She was forced to roll again as Erwine's sword slammed into the ground beside. Chasing after her blade, Erwine yanked the weapon from the floor and spun round to swing at the fleeing Theodora.

Theodora smoothly kept under the swing. One arm was ready. Erwine's right arm went for her head as Theodora's shots took her in the chest. But Erwine still moved forwards. A beat of her wings accelerated her, and with both arms Erwine swung at Theodora. The spin had enough strength so that when Erwine leapt up with her wings to follow, she still delivered.

Erwine, however, could do nothing about the presence boring into her mind. While Erwine was determined, set to not give up, Theodora was ready to die. Erwine truthfully was not. Theodora poured all of her magic into piercing through Erwine's mental defenses, using years and years of experience.

Despite her best efforts, Erwine had failed. She found herself swinging downwards, pushing herself down as well, before she could strike Theodora. Mila leapt for her, firing up at Theodora. All the girl ended up doing was taking the hits for Erwine. As the silver-haired girl stood to her feet, shielding herself with her wings, she looked to the side.

Mila's mutilated body lay there. Her soul gem was intact. Erwine scooped it up into her hands as Theodora fired again. Wings starting to weaken, Erwine had no choice but to rush forwards. "You can't win!" Theodora screamed, "You…You will be erased!"

The two rushed forwards one another. Erwine flourished Mila's gem around her, drawing the girl's power into her own blade. The shining gem appearing in the hilt of her weapon, Erwine felt herself grow stronger. For a few moments, she could force out Theodora from her mind as they clashed together.

As if they were dancing, the two spun about one another. Bullets flew in all directions, a blade traced lines of energy through the air, and blood spattered in all directions. Barely managing to land any substantial hits at all, Erwine and Theodora climbed upwards, their deadly dance faster than any human could ever be. Both poured all their energy into their strikes, both certain in their hatred of the other.

Erwine swung, Theodora's pistol being tossed aside. Overextended, Erwine was defenseless as Theodora pressed her gun right to Erwine's head. Only a last second flick of the girl's head prevented the bullet from blowing the skull to pieces. Even then, Erwine fell backwards missing an eye. An instant flick of Theodora's wrist left a dent in Erwine's head and sent her downwards.

Crashing onto the ground, Erwine immediately tried to move. That's when Theodora capitalized on her telepathy. A lance of mental force slammed into Erwine's mind, overwhelming her defenses and striking deep. The girl found herself immobile on the ground; the nerve connections to her brain were severed at the source. In vain, Erwine tried to get at least her arm to move, so that she could try to save Mila's soul.

Theodora didn't hesitate. A bullet flew from her gun towards Erwine. Even as her finger pulled the trigger, she was talking. "Fear-"The bullet didn't impact. "-not, Erwine." Estelle took her position in front of Erwine, her glaive raised. "Fate itself is on your side." Laelia and Celestine stood to either side of the inquisitor. Though the maze had misled them, perhaps some will did guide it.

Theodora smiled sadly as she gently touched down on the ground. "I suppose I never did have a chance, did I?"

"I don't know what you're on about, Theodora," Estelle spat the name like a curse. "But you end here." She pointed her glaive at Theodora. "I don't know why you've done any of this, but you turned Justinia against me-"

"Justinia was always on my side," Theodora laughed, "She was never yours, from the beginning she was inserted as a tool to be used when the time was right." Then Theodora looked down, stumbling a few steps back. "But…she's dead now."

"That's your fault," Estelle spat, "You're the one who started all this."

"I didn't start anything!" Theodora screamed. "I act-" She suddenly stopped, then shook her head, a hopeless expression appearing on her face, "I tried to act in defiance of Ishna's plan. But…it's not over yet, and even if I die trying, I will fight her!" The girl swore, "I'll do anything to destroy her legacy, even if I become a witch myself!"

Estelle leapt forwards, saying quietly to the others, "Leave this to me." Metal smashed against metal as Theodora deflected Estelle's first strike. Switching sides, Theodora fired with her other gun at Estelle. The inquisitor rolled forwards, her glaive making Theodora slide back. Estelle leapt at Theodora, deflecting the blasts before swinging in.

Like Erwine and Theodora had before, they engaged in a deadly dance. But unlike the previous exchange, this was no battle of rage or hatred, guided by fury, instead this was a battle of ice-cold precision. Every strike, every movement down to the slightest were all dictated by decades of experience.

They knocked each's weapons and arms aside again and again. Bullets flew off into the nothingness surrounding them, or ripped into the gemstone with bright flashes. The air resembled a fireworks show, pulses of light firing out constantly. Smooth cuts in the floor were opened up by the brightly-shining glaive, which only added to the sights to see.

And with the speed the moved at, the battle began to resemble more of a fireworks show. Lacking a large space, they clashed again and again in deadly dances of close combat. All the while, their minds slammed against one another. Every trick in both of their books was played again and again, each one using tactics they'd never used before.

Estelle felt fear rising in her heart as they fought. She's suicidal, the inquisitor quickly realized, as she saw Theodora's body glowing with overcharge, if she keeps this up, she'll burn herself out. She…she really has given up, hasn't she? But neither could slow down now.

As a barrage of half a dozen stabs failed to land a blow, Estelle thought. She's just like Adrianne. She's willing to die for her belief. Theodora, on one foot, pivoted about, pistols firing at Estelle. Then, Estelle caught the despair on the girl's face. No, it's because she's failed. Just like Adrianne did. But now, she has no one left to make her stop.

The two both knew it had to end soon. Their mental battle was starting to swing in the favor of Theodora's suicidal use of magic. But that meant the desperate girl had less time left. Both had to finish this soon. I will kill you, Erwine, Theodora swore to herself, I'll die doing so, but it'll be a fitting fate.

Both charged their weapons. Breaking apart for a brief few seconds gave them time to plan. Neither capitalized on that time. They leapt back towards one another, simply intent on ending everything in one strike.

A light shined brighter than even the blinding intensity of the room, and then a sound like glass shattering rang out. Erwine, just getting herself back together, looked up. Neither girl was there anymore. For a moment, she panicked, reaching out for a sign of life with her mind.

The distant echoes of a final pair of gunshots signaled what she knew in her heart to be the final blows of their duel.


The detonation had blasted a hole in the apparently very real walls around that room. Crashing through into a nearby corridor, Theodora had the chance to fire only two more shots before fate caught up to her.

It ended faster than it had even begun. With a wet chop, Theodora's right hand flew from her body. Estelle dodged around the next shot from the left, spinning her glaive and stabbing the reverse end into Theodora's chest. The point on the end penetrated the girl's body, going right through.

Smoothly withdrawn, the weapon's edge then severed the other hand. Theodora fell down to her knees, defeated. Her eyes opened wide. Estelle wasted no time, her blade instantly coming back around to end the girl's life. A satisfied smile sat on Theodora's face the entire time, but it was tinged with just a hint of sadness.

"Goodbye," Estelle whispered. She never connected. Instead, the inquisitor spun around to face the thing made from darkness that leapt at her. Sounds resembling words rose from its throat as it struck faster than Estelle could react. A glistening knife edge sliced into the inquisitor's flesh again and again, Estelle doing all she could to fight back against the powerful creature.

"Justinia!" A voice called from down the hallway. "Stop this! Get away from her!" Wei ran into the room, arms glowing bright.

Secyhylia was beside her. "Justinia, please stop it! Don't hurt Estelle!" The short girl cried.

She came to a halt as Justinia kept striking at Estelle. "Damn it!" She called, holding out her arms. A multitude of symbols flashed bright, before a wave of energy blasted the girl to the ground.

Estelle stumbled backwards, glaive held out towards her attacker. Covered in a color as black as a grief seed, a figure that vaguely resembled Justinia struggled to its feet, before falling over again. Theodora looked on in horror, legs pushing herself back against the wall.

Estelle backed away towards the intersection at the end of the hallway, glaive still pointed out. Wei cried out as a hand reached out from the side. Estelle disappeared around a corner as the hand yanked her away. Then the girl Wei once knew then turned around, looking at Justinia. Blocked by the fusion of minds before her, Wei could watch in horror as a wall appeared into place to separate Estelle fully.

Her mind went back to the tragedy in the Expanse, over a year ago. I won't be seeing Estelle again, will I? She thought, falling to her knees as Justinia stumbled back towards Theodora. Sechylia merely ran forwards to the girl, meeting Justinia's eye for a few seconds before falling to her knees.

"You're not there, are you?" She asked, "Justinia, you're gone…" Sechylia wept.

"No, I'm not," A voice that resembled Justinia's spoke, "I…I'm sorry, Sechylia. That all of this had to happen. Please, keep on living, for my sake."

"Ileve," Theodora cried, right before the hybrid fell to its knees before her. "Ileve, I'm sorry I did all that to you. I'm so sorry." She was crying as the thing pitifully looked up at her. It seemed to be in more pain than Theodora.

"I want to know something…" The girl whispered, in a voice that didn't resemble Justinia at all. "Did you really love me? Justinia, that is."

Theodora froze. Grasping for words, she forced them out. "Yes, I loved you. Not nearly as much as I did Ileve, but you still meant so much to me." A sad smile came onto her face. "I guess we should die together, huh?"

Justinia shook her head. She reached into her chest, groaning as she yanked out a grief seed. "No, my time here is over. I'm so happy that I could make you happy, that I could make Wei happy, that I could make Sechylia happy, but it's over." The girl seemed to be crying.

Then she froze for a few seconds. No one knew why.


On that terrace once again, Justinia saw Ileve in that sphere of darkness. "Ileve," she pleaded, "Please, free yourself from this madness." She ran forwards, fighting against the screaming and writhing of the girl and pressed her hands against the sphere.

"Didn't you hear what Theodora said?! She loved you! She still loves you!" Justinia had tears streaming down her face as she desperately called out to the girl. "Don't end your life like this, trapped inside a worthless shell like me! You don't deserve any of this!" Her hands banged futilely against the black sphere. "Please, Ileve, she loves you. She needs you more than anything else right now. Please, save her from herself."

Then she froze. Ileve's hand reached out. Slowly, the fingers of the girl brushed against the edge of the sphere. Her mouth opened wide. Like glass, cracks ran through the sphere. But no matter how hard Justinia pounded, it wouldn't break. "Of course…" Justinia shook her head, "You've already become a witch. The universe doesn't work like that, does it? No happy endings…"


"There can be a happy ending for Ileve Nashiandra." A monotone voice rang out.

Justinia gasped, looking forwards at the Incubator. It slipped out from behind Wei. "You were once a separate lifeform. Therefore, you have something of an individual soul left. Using up that magic would free Ileve from her imprisonment, now that she has accepted her salvation. Of course, it would obliterate what is left of the entity known as Justinia."

"I'll do it!" Justinia cried, grasping the grief seed tight in her hands. She pushed herself to her feet. Sechylia leapt up, tackling her.

"You can't! You'll die!" The girl screamed.

"I'll die anyways!" Justinia cried, "I'd rather give my life to save someone than for nothing at all!" She looked forwards, meeting Wei's gaze. For a few seconds, they met each other's stares. Silently, the dark-haired girl nodded.

"Understand that making this wish will entirely obliterate what remains of you, conscious and unconscious." The Incubator said.

Sechylia screamed and wept as she hugged Justinia, but the girl didn't falter. "I understand that." She said. Then, exhaling a deep breath, she spoke. Without faltering, without missing a single a word, she spoke. "I wish to save Ileve Nashiandra."

"Understood."

Justinia's chest glowed brightly. "Goodbye…" The word was the slightest whisper in the air. Then her eyes went blank, rolled back into her head, and shut. She collapsed like a fallen tree. A long and loud scream rose from Sechylia as she grasped the lifeless body of the girl.

From Justinia's dead hand rolled a small aquamarine gem. Theodora's eyes lit up as she saw it. "Ileve…" She whispered. One of her arms was almost entirely back by now. She reached out for it, taking it in her hand. "You're…you're back…" She whispered, before hugging the gem tight to her. Having lost all hope, only that single sliver of light remained to prevent her from falling all the way down into despair.

Wei turned her head to the side. Erwine stepped through the gap in the wall, Mila beside her. "It's over…" Wei whispered. Erwine looked around.

"Estelle?"

"I don't know." Wei replied in shock.


Estelle cried out, finding herself swept into the grip of a familiar face. "Nadine," she grunted, pushing back against the girl's embrace, "What are you doing?" A response didn't come for a few seconds. As the wall appeared to block off the others, Estelle started to push harder, "Nadine!" she shouted.

"Do you want to live?" the girl whispered with heavy regret in her ear. One hand gently slipped over Estelle's gem, grasping down before the girl could react.

Estelle gasped, reaching out with her mind to find staunch resistance in Nadine's. She couldn't make it in time. "W-what are you doing?" She demanded, breathing quickly.

"Just answer this question," Nadine begged desperately, for the first time expressing such an emotion to Estelle.

Estelle's eyes opened wide at the tone of the girl's voice, and she said, "Of course I do!"

"Then I'll have to place a burden upon your shoulders," Nadine whispered. "can you accept that?"

Estelle's face twisted in confusion, and she looked over her shoulder to find Nadine's emotionless face, yet it was so close to shattering. "What burden?" She asked frightfully.

"Do you want to live?" Nadine asked once again, seemingly unwilling to give the answer.

"Yes!" Estelle shouted.

"Why?"

That took the girl by surprise, but she quickly overcame that and responded, "I still have to protect what Adrianne left behind, and make sure that Ishna's legacy ends."

Nadine nodded, and released the girl as a figure stepped into the room from another hallway. Metal case in her hands, Viola said, "It's translated, they didn't see me."

"Alright then," Nadine said quietly, "Then let's go." She turned around to face down the hallway before.

"Where?" Estelle demanded, glancing back at the wall that had closed her off.

"To where our duty lies," Nadine said coldly. She looked over her shoulder, eyes narrowed and staring into Estelle's. "You said you want to live, so I suggest you follow."

"You're hiding a lot from me," Estelle observed, then she narrowed her eyes in reply, "This is all part of her plan, isn't it?"

Nadine grinned, "Estelle, I know Ishna's plan, because she told it to me." She stated, but before Estelle could say anything, she explained, "And it is imperative that you come with me. Ideally, you would have died here, but…I'm not willing to go that low. Come with me, and we'll do what we can otherwise."

"You wish to stop it." Estelle realized. She nodded, "Alright then." A glance was thrown at Viola before she started following Nadine, "Then let's go."

Nadine just giggled, "Don't worry, we can rest for now, the next performance won't begin for a little while."


Some hours later, a message came to some of the minds still on that lonely world. It brought happiness to none of them.

Dear Celestine, Sanae, Sechylia, Wei, Laelia, Ayelen, and Erwine

Each and every single one of you is an amazing person. Never falter in your beliefs, and never hesitate to do what you consider to be the right thing. I am sure that all of you will attain the endings that you one day want, perhaps some of you are already satisfied. Celestine, you shall make a wonderful Inquisitor. Laelia, don't ever let her go. Sanae, Ayelen, I hope that the two of you continue to be happy with one another. Sechylia, always remember Justinia, I doubt you'll ever be alone. Wei, please stay with Erwine. She's an irrational girl, and she needs you to stand by her. Erwine, never stop hunting for the truth. You'll find it one day, I swear to you. But do not forget that you have other promises to make good on. Goodbye, all of you. For now, I exit the stage.

Sincerely, Estelle


Erwine felt something well up in the corners of her eyes as it all hit her at once as she stepped out of the doorway, while the dry air of the world hit her. Like a sudden climax giving way to nothing, it had ended just as quickly as it began. "This isn't over, is it?" She asked to no one, realizing the words reflected quite precisely what she'd spoken over a year before. But this time, there was no one who could answer that question. She had exited with the others, but they all seemed to be crying. Only Mila, so detached from everyone there, could remain stoic, but even her cool demeanor threatened to crack.

Remembering that vow she made, sitting before the dead bodies of two people who had irrevocably changed her life, Erwine knew that while the chapter had ended, the true end was still so far away. Her fists clenched, but at the same time the last year of events rushed through her mind. Suddenly it was all too clear, what that vow she hadn't forgotten in the slightest had done.

Am I myself, or am I Adrianne? Am I myself, or am I Ishna's pawn? Erwine shut her eyes, and recalled something else. "I'm myself." She whispered, her tone that of a staunch declaration, "That is all I am, and all that I will be." Tears rolled down her cheeks as exhaled a deep breath. Her eyes opened. "Ishna," she whispered, "Whether it's today or tomorrow, I'll uncover everything. But I won't give up myself in the process."

That vow was never forgotten either.


And so, Milita fell silent once again. Abandoned by the Imperium as previous ages had abandoned it, the lonely little planet continued to orbit the lonely little star. Despite the great drama that had played out on the surface of the small orb, it would be soon lost once again to the ravages of time.

But all those who had lived through that drama would never be forgotten. Nor those who perished during it.


The Grand Inquisitor watched as the planet grew larger and larger before her, the ships around it holding place as ordered. The door opened and closed. Though Wilhelmina didn't move, the silent figure beside her tracked the entry like a predator would its prey.

The Grey Knights captain asked, "Anyone leave?"

"Just the traitors who were here," Wilhelmina spoke in a whisper. The damage done to the engines hadn't been anywhere near catastrophic. They were capable of repairing them given some time and the extensive databanks the ship had, and though Milita was quiet by the time they arrived, a preemptive order ensured that no one was gone.

Vera spoke softly as she asked, "She hasn't shown up since she attacked us?"

The grand inquisitor nodded. "Nothing concrete. Adrianne's mentor and her lover disappeared, but they could have left with the chaos forces or be hiding out on Milita itself." She explained, "Two Navy squadrons are converging right now, and I'm calling in all neighboring sects. We'll quarantine the planet and leave no stone unturned."

The white-haired girl was silent after that, but Vera could tell that there was a question that had yet to be answered. "The girl at the center of all of this, Erwine right? What will you do with her?"

A few seconds passed as Wilhelmina shut her eyes. Without opening them, she said quietly, "I'll probably let her go." Then she opened them, and explained calmly, "First of all, there's nothing more to be done with investigating her. Secondly, there's the fact that she's at the center of all of this. If we let her go, then the plan will advance." The Grand Inquisitor grinned, "And if the plan advances, that will lead us right to Ishna."

Juno reclined uncomfortably in her chair. Only Caelina was in the room with her. They had been sitting there for some time, neither was keeping track. Neither was happy as well. "We lost Yukie, the Hadiens Sect is going to be ripped apart, Theodora and her girls will be punished, and Ishna's followers got away free." Juno solemnly said, "All while we sat here unable to do a single thing."

Caelina didn't appear willing to accept that, however. "We won't let them get away again," she told the lord inquisitor, "Next time, we'll end it."

"I thought things ended a year ago," Juno said quietly, "But it seems that was just the beginning. Who can say what this chapter was?" She sighed, but spoke a bit more happily, "But you're right, we won't allow anything like this again."


Quite understandably, Celestine's was shaking. Despite all the mental controls, she could barely keep herself smiling and steady as she kept her eyes staring straight forwards. Carefully, the fingers ran across her soul gem, and that sacred symbol was engraved on the surface.

Handing the egg back to its owner, the Grand Inquisitor of Her Holy Majesty's Imperial Inquisition said, "You are henceforth Inquisitor Celestine Luminesce. Congratulations." Wilhelmina saluted. Celestine replied in kind.


"That was hilarious!" Laelia cried, patting her partner on the back, "The way you were, she might as well have been examining you for heresy!" She was nearly crying with how hard she laughed.

Celestine nodded unsteadily. "Sure, sure…" She said. Her eyes still stared out at the blackness beyond. The stars passed by slowly.

"What's the matter?" Laelia wondered. "Estelle?"

Shuddering, the violet-haired girl replied, "I only hope that I can live up to her memory." Celestine nodded, wiping the first bits of tears from her eyes.

"I believe that you will," a voice said from behind. Both girls turned around to see Sanae and Ayelen locked into stances of attention. The two hadn't even heard the door opening. Continuing, Sanae said, "We would like to serve under you, Ms. Luminesce."

"Celestine's fine," she waved her hand, blushing.

Yet none of them could forgot the ones they'd lost. Nor the one who ultimately begun it all.


Reitia gazed at the floor, eyes near lifeless. The girl sitting across from her didn't look any happier. "Do you think we did the right thing?" Megumi asked.

"We acted as best we could," Reitia replied, "And I think that's what counts." Briefly, she glanced over to the girl lying on the table in the cell. Arietta had been silent and motionless for a long time.

"They said she'll live…" Reitia muttered, "But I don't think she'll ever forgive us. No matter how much we're pardoned, one can't take back the lives we sacrificed for nothing." The two sat in silence, not comfortable to sit with their guilt yet faced with no other choice.


Lyndia inhaled and exhaled slowly, seated comfortably in a chair beside the captain's. "Where to, ma'am?" the captain asked as they reached the jump point. They were far from Milita, but a quick slip into realspace had confirmed a lack of pursuers.

"Anywhere but near here," Lyndia replied. The Hearth Knight's body rested in the ship's brig still, she had yet to become useful but one could never tell with things like this.

"Ma'am?" The human asked, confused.

Lyndia just shrugged, saying happily, "It doesn't matter, not for a long time. As long as we stay alive, you can do whatever you want." She grinned, and relaxed back in the chair, savoring the calm while it lasted.


The girl sat in the dark cell, huddled up in the corner of the cold room. For a few seconds, light bled in as the door to the room opened. Gloved hands grasped the bars, and green hair framed a sad face. There wasn't any light to show the tears on her face, but Theodora knew they were there.

"I'll miss you," Ileve whispered, "And I'll see you again. I don't think you're an evil person, and I think they'll realize that too." She tried to smile, "Don't give up hope, Theodora. I still love you."

It was the slightest of whispers that carried the affirmation to Ileve's ears, but it was there. "I love you too…" Theodora said, burying her head further in her arms.

"The Goddess Protects, may we meet again, in this world, or the next." Ileve said, gazing at her for a few seconds more, before turning around.

"See you soon…" Theodora whispered. Ileve smiled more fully as she heard that.


The girl's body was lifeless as it sat in the casket. It was entirely peaceful, the girl dressed in her normal clothes. Tears dripped down onto the casket as Sechylia bent over it, weeping uncontrollably. Wei merely stood by, staring blankly at the body. Elle could barely contain herself, but she tried hard not to cry as she sat beside the body.

The door to the room slid slowly open. A girl softly stepped in. She looked at the casket, kneeling down in front of it. Her palm touched the surface of the thing, "Thank you," Ileve whispered, "For saving me, and for doing so much for so many."

A few more seconds passed before she stood up. "In Theodora's name, and in yours, I'll keep fighting for what you fought."

"I'm going to find her," Elle whispered, "Ishna…" She wiped away her tears, standing to her feet. "Theodora might have done this, but Ishna was the one who hurt them in the first place. If I can do anything, I'll destroy her." She turned to cast her hate-filled eyes at Ileve, though that hate was not aimed at that girl.

Ileve nodded in silent agreement, and swore, "We'll wipe out every trace of her."


"So this isn't goodbye?" Erwine wondered, grinning as she and Mila sat across from one another. The mess hall of the Yslevia was unoccupied save for the two, and Erwine was thankful for that fact.

"Not at all," Mila shook her head. "I'll be staying around for a long time, and I doubt I'll find a reason to just up and leave."

"Thanks a lot," Erwine said, wiping the tears of joy out of her eyes.

"Don't worry," Mila said with a smile, reaching out to pat the girl on the shoulder, "After the things I've been through, I don't think I can settle down again."


Erwine saluted as she stepped into the room. The single figure in the room leaned back in the chair, tapping her pen against the long table. A large stack of papers was carried under Erwine's opposite arm. The young girl slowly walked forwards, and deposited the papers.

Looking straight ahead, Erwine declared, "Although this evidence covers mainly Adrianne Azure, I would like to nominate both Adrianne Azure and Estelle Adramartis for commendation. The latter may still be alive, but I believe that she is worthy of such an award."

Erwine fell silent as Wilhelmina parsed through the stack, glancing through the papers. Minutes passed by as the Grand Inquisitor spread the multitude of evidence across the entire table. "I suppose this is sufficient. But are you aware that there are articles concerning you as well?" Wilhelmina asked.

Gasping, Erwine stammered, "I-I must have missed those. This-this was assembled by Inquisitor Adramartis, so I apologize for such selfish actions." She told the truth.

"Don't worry, I don't care. In fact, I'm just happy other people share my opinion." Wilhelmina confessed, resting her head on her clasped hands. She grinned. "It'll take a few more years, but I think you'll make a fine inquisitor, Erwine."


Erwine watched the flash in the night sky as the Eternal Lightning burned away from Hadiens. A harsh gust of cold wind swept across the rooftop in that moment. Erwine raised her hand, waving goodbye to the ship.

Her head turned to see the girl beside her. "You going to run off again?" Wei wondered. Only the slightest bit of her was joking. She didn't look at Erwine, instead staring up at the starry sky. Her eyes opened up wide as she felt a pair of arms encircle her.

"Never again," Erwine swore, "I won't do that to you, or to anyone." Her voice was soft. Wei conceded to her, embracing Erwine in return.

"But what about Ishna? There's still a mystery out there…" Wei pointed, relaxing into her partner's embrace.

"There most certainly is," Erwine agreed, "But we've not the slightest lead, and besides the Grand Inquisitor is on the case." She fell silent, and looked as though her own answer didn't satisfy her. "What seems like so long ago, I told a friend I'd become a hero." She whispered, words almost lost in the wind, "And though Adrianne may have bestowed upon me her own mission, I want to make sure that I fulfill that other promise first, lest…" Her eyes shut as a dark thought came to her mind, "Lest Adrianne's mission consume me as it did her, I'd like to make my own mark on the world before that might happen."

Wei replied, "I don't think it'll do what it did to Adrianne. You're stronger than she was."

Erwine smiled, almost embarrassed to accept her words. "Thank you," She whispered, but before she could speak again Wei cut her off.

"I won't allow it, even if you yourself want to. I won't allow you to become like Adrianne was, because I know that you'd hate yourself for that." Wei promised. She titled her head up and looked Erwine in the eyes, "I'm strong too, and I won't let you get hurt."

Erwine started to cry, her heart warmed. At the same time, she returned Wei's passionate stare and once again leaned in towards her face. Gently, their lips met, and this kiss lasted far longer than the last. Even if it wasn't the end, it was still so wondrously joyful. For once, Erwine truly looked happily towards tomorrow.


"We have failed." The solemn voice announced, "With only a single variable manipulated, we can assume the plan will continue to move forwards as she originally intended." She reclined in a white wooden chair, her form covered by a blue cloak that seemed to swallow her face into darkness.

The four chairs sat upon a wide field of green grass under a blue sky, both the field and sky seemingly without end. A girl in black sat across from her, arms crossed as she said, "We were interfered with. There was no way we could have anticipated the arrival of the other. Our objective should be to identify her at once." The same sinister tone as before infected her speech.

A girl in a red cloak sat off to the side of both, ready to leap out of her chair as she declared, "We need to disregard secrecy at this point. The threat must be eliminated." Her voice was brash, loud.

Next to speak was a girl in a silver cloak, across from the one in red, sitting straight up against the chair's back. "We cannot tell of the repercussions if we were to interfere overtly with the plan. The consequences could be enormous." Her voice expressed wisdom, thoughtfulness, the knowledge of ages. "There has to be some sort of failsafe, we know she knew of us." She added, "Furthermore the data we are gathering is invaluable, we should seek the ideal moment to terminate this chain of events."

"We shall see," A fifth voice from nowhere rang out in all their ears, "But remember, our goal is not data, it is saving this universe."


An afterthoughts blurb will be posted in a next few days, outlining where I'll be going in the future. I can now confidently say I'm back on schedule. Thanks for reading!