Felinis: This chapter was far too fun to right... I should not say this, but the last part was a dare with myself while a little tipsy on vermouth

Barbos is waiting on the top of the tower with an evil leer. "Back again huh, you stubborn punk?"

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Yuri says holding out his blade.

"Barbos, this has gone on long enough. Save what's left of your honor and give up!" Estelle says marching towards the man proudly.

Flynn tightens his stance, but keeps his sword low hoping for peace. "The Knights will be here before long. Any further resistance is futile!"

"That's right, you're finished!" Rita yells.

Barbos's sword crackles. "Oh, this is far from finished. I put ten years into building Ghasfarost Spire, and while it stands, nothing can stop me! And with that man and the empire wrapped around my finger, I was able to build my magnificent blastia."

Flynn's eyes narrow. "That man?"

"You think I'm just gonna let you waste the lower quarter's core like this?" Yuri says furiously as hears that core scream a shockwave hits and the group manages to hold their ground for the most part.

"Oh, it won't go to waste. I'll use this to eliminate Whitehorse, and then I will be leader of the guilds." Barbos barks to the sky holding his blade aloft as he starts to hover. "Then the empire is next! With this power at my disposal, the very world will be mine! And I'll start with you. Be gone, worms!"

A explosion fires knocking them to the ground and they slide to a lower platform. Why is always egomaniacs get crazy weapons like that? "Is everyone all right?" Flynn says offering a hand to Estelle who ignores it to get up on her own.

They mutter to each other about how in the world their going to deal with the sword. Barbos cackles again and electricity crackles through shaking the whole structure. "All right, playtime's over! Time to wipe Dahngrest off the map, and you along with it!"

Before they can see what this mad man will do a voice softly commands for them to get down and like at Keiv Moc light and a raging force erupts blinding them. When they open their eyes, Yuri sees that the sword has been split in half and Barbos has been knocked to the ground.

"What was that...?" Flynn says looking up as they catch sight of Duke who disappears from sight just as quickly as he appeared. Barbos throws away his sword and pulls another large sword furious. The man is so much sloppier than the Don. With a nod Yuri and Flynn focus on Barbos while Judith seems to have heard his thoughts on taking out the bridge support beams.

The grunts are nothing as arrows fly from Ravens bow knocking the farthest ones away. Yuri has no time to focus on the spells being launched from either side, but he knows a torrent of water almost knocks him off the ledge. He coughs up the water and stands up heading up to dodge the heavy swings of Barbos. At some point Yuri is sure that Karol has crushed a man's ribs as the grunt flies next to them and is cut in half by Barbos's blade.

It's disgusting and Estelle sounds like she might vomit at the sight. He hears the sound of Repede and Judith take out the last bridge supports leaving them with a handful of grunts. Barbos staggers Flynn as the impact on the knight's shield proves greater than expected. "Yuri guard me while I cast."

"Got it." Yuri says jumping into Barbos's face and doing his best to get any hit he can into the man. Barbos's metal hand clubs him in the head and he's knocked down a moment. A pillar of light erupts under Barbos and the man screams a little as the arte fades revealing his singed skin. Yuri gets up as the man is now swinging blindly in rage. His men have fallen and his mighty weapon have been destroyed leaving him only to inch near the edge like a rat. "Your henchmen have run out on you. That's it, Barbos. It looks like you were the fool who didn't know when to give up." Yuri says as they all encroach on the man.

The man coughs laughing as he staggers to his feet. "Perhaps you are right."

"Then you'll surrender!" Estelle says approaching with her sword at the ready.

"I...I won't be humiliated any more than this." Barbos coughs looking deep into Yuri's eyes. "…Yuri was is? You remind me of Whitehorse in his youth... You're his spitting image."

Yuri's the spitting image of a few people. "Hope you're not saying I'm gonna end up like that old man. Not exactly something to look forward to."

"Like the Don, sooner or later you will make great enemies in this world. And then that world will consume you whole." Barbos's teeth gleam like as he laughs. "Regret, sorrow, and despair will hound you all the way to hell, and I will be waiting there for you. You're gonna be destroyed by your hands and I'll watch it all from there." They all stare in horror as the man leans back and lets himself fall. Yuri sees in horror as the man's head is squashed by the turning gears of his fortress. The gears struggle to turn a moment as their caught on his body, but they destroy him all the same.

Estelle collapses on the ground mentally exhausted as she sees the carnage of the fight. At least five people are dead and some seem at death's door. Slowly she realizes that she should help them and starts healing them emptily. No one wanted these deaths and as much as Yuri says that it doesn't change the fact it happened.

Rita is standing by her offering her a form of comfort as Flynn seems unsure what to do. Yuri picks up the core hearing it sing much calmer and kinder than before. "Glad this is all right." He sees Karol grimacing at the blood on his weapon. "You okay?"

"I think I might be sick." He groans. "I… I Yuri I killed a man! Maybe two! I-I…"

"Calm down. You didn't do it out of malice or because you wanted to. Frankly, I don't think anyone wanted people to die even them." Karol doesn't seem convinced and Yuri sets a hand on his shoulder. "Isn't the Union creed about giving your life to protect people?"

"I guess…"

"And your power is used to protect people."

"Yeah."

"So then you did nothing wrong. You protected the people you care about. Not just us, but the Don and the folks in Dahngrest." Yuri crosses his arms playfully. "Besides, this totally counts as self-defense so Flynn can't throw us in jail or executed for this."

Flynn smacks in the head. "You were doing so well up till that point!"

Yuri pouts. "Oh come on! That was totally self-defense! I didn't even kill anyone."

"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

"Yup."

Flynn huffs shaking his head. "You're unbelievable." It's worth it though when he sees Karol's face soften in relief.

They make their way down Estelle looking at the core curiously. "Wow, the aque blastia core is so small."

"So, we've got your blastia core back. I guess that's case closed." Karol says holding it in his hand.

Estelle nods sullenly. "Yes, but we weren't able to take Barbos into custody..."

"Yes... That is one point of regret." Flynn sighs.

"What are you talking about? A creep like that is better off-" Yuri knocks Rita on the back pointing at Estelle.

"Besides, it's a little early to say the problem's solved." Flynn says knitting his brow. As they're at the entrance to the tower they realize that Raven has disappeared again.

"He probably headed back to Dahngrest. I'm sure we can find him if we need to." Yuri waves taking a step down the step.

"I also must head back ahead of you. I have to check on the work I left in my subordinates' hands." Flynn says and bows at Estelle. "Your Highness, please allow me to accompany you back."

"Well... Would it be all right for me to stay with everyone else for just a little while longer?" Estelle asks shyly looking at Yuri.

"I guess I don't mind watching over an unreasonable princess a bit longer." Yuri says. "Shouldn't that be easier for you, too? We'll make sure we get her back to Dahngrest."

"...Understood. In exchange, I'm counting on you not to make any mistakes. And no detours, okay?" Flynn says sternly.

"Got it, got it." Yes, mom and then I'll clean my room.

"I will see you in Dahngrest, then." Flynn says as he departs.

"Why do you look so sad? Are you okay?" Estelle says and Yuri realizes he's been furrowing his brow.

"I was just thinking, I still owe that creep Dedecchi a good beating." Yuri lies.

"You got the blastia back, isn't that enough? Why chase after some stupid thief?"

Yuri nods. "Yeah, I guess you're right. If I ever cross paths with him though, he's in for a surprise." ...Waiting for me in hell, huh? Why'd he have to go and say that? Karol calls for him to follow and hurries up.

Judith coughs behind them and they all turn. "Well, I will take my leave from you here."

"Off to meet up with your partner?"

"We'll be operating individually from now on. That way we won't interfere with each other's work." Then Yuri guesses he'll see her around.

Most definitely.

Yuri smiles as he waves her goodbye. It's not a long way back to Dahngrest and when they come in there's the ruckus of Ragou's arrest and Flynn grinning proudly. Yuri smiles giving Flynn a thumbs up from afar. "Here's hoping the next magistrate they get is more of a stand up guy."

"I will do what I can to make sure a worthy person is chosen when I get back to the castle."

"To the castle... You mean, you're going back to the capital, Estelle?" Karol asks.

She sighs. "...Yes. With Ragou gone, the rest of the castle should have returned to normal."

"But you don't really want to go back." Yuri says leaning back noting the way she's trying to her face away from the knights. "I can see it in your face."

"No...I-I..." Estelle looks down at her hands sadly.

"Well, you should do what suits you best. You've made up your own mind, right?" Yuri says and she smiles despite her eyes looking so heartbroken.

"...I will go back. I don't want Flynn or anyone else to have to worry about me anymore..."

But, it's not what she wants. "It's going to be lonely without her, won't it, Repede?" Yuri says and the dog nods.

"Yes, she's grown so much on us."

Yuri feels tired and after a meal he heads to the inn with every attention of getting an early night in. He's only asleep for five minutes before Karol runs in yelling. "Yuri! It's terrible!"

"Aw, man... Just let me sleep..." Yuri groans into his pillow.

"Ragou, he, he-!"

Yuri snaps awake. "What did Ragou do?"

Karol is furious and he kicks the bed in anger. "They say he used his standing in the Council to reduce his charges! It looks like he's going to get off with only a minor drop in rank! After everything he did!"

Yuri feels his blood boil. "What do we do, Yuri?"

"It's not a joke! It's the truth!"

Yuri clenches his fist and grinds his teeth. "So this is how the empire works now, huh? Damn it, this is not funny."

"What do we do, Yuri?" Karol is looking for an answer that he doesn't have. "Wait! If we tell Estelle, maybe she can do something about it!"

"Hey, don't go giving the princess too much trouble!" Yuri huffs standing up. Damn it. What's Flynn doing, anyway? "I'm going to see what I can do." He makes his way to the camp ignoring the passing wayward glances. He doesn't bother asking where Flynn is and just follows that familiar scent to one of the tents lifting the flap.

Flynn looks over his shoulder from his paperwork. "Doesn't anyone knock anymore?"

Yuri fakes a knocking gesture as Flynn walks out. "You knew I'd be coming. That outfit..." Yuri's eyes light with pride as he sees the familiar captain uniform on Flynn.

Flynn is beaming. "As of today, I've been assigned the post of captain."

"So, the birth of the Flynn Brigade, huh? Looks like I've been one-upped again." Yuri sighs dramatically and he flips an antenna.

"If that's how you feel, you should come back to the Knights." Flynn says but Yuri shakes his head.

"I don't think I could with these." The blastia on Flynn's chest is letting out a pleasant hum and Yuri takes a closer look. "Huh? This guy is new."

Flynn crosses his arms. "How would you know that?"

Yuri isn't sure how to explain the difference. Blastia all had different tones and voices like people which seemed simple to explain until Yuri encountered ones that had near identical voices. "This one's a girl…" Flynn looks confused by the statement and Yuri can't blame him. "Congratulations on making captain.

"Thank you." Flynn sighs. 'You didn't come down here to celebrate my promotion." Yuri doesn't even need to say anything before Flynn opens his mouth. "It's Ragou, isn't it. Appropriating Nor Harbor for his own purposes. Committing treason by his collusion with Barbos. Add to this stealing from the populace and the extermination of even his own people simply because he didn't like them. The people he killed were either fed to monsters or sold to those who will pay money for corpses." Flynn looks calm but there's so much rage that Yuri can see bubbling under the surface. "That he should be able to do those things and not have to answer for them! The authority of the Council...is far more powerful than I'd imagined... I thought with this promotion to captain that I'd gotten a bit closer to my goal. But I have to face the fact that the law can't even punish a single person like Ragou."

Yuri shakes his head and grabs Flynn's hand. "You know it doesn't end here. You'll climb even higher until you can make the right changes."

Flynn nods." True, but many people will continue to suffer in the meantime - needlessly. When I consider that, I..."

The hand squeezes tight. "Don't go flying off the handle and smacking him around. If he's above you, you go even higher, and then..."

The hand relaxes. "Yes. Someday I'll create a legal order that treats everyone with equality. I have to."

"Good. And I'll do things my own way." A dark thought slips in his head… If Flynn can't do anything about Ragou than Yuri will take action. Flynn interrupts his thoughts and Yuri let's go of his hand. "How would you go about punishing the villains that the law can't touch?"

"I'm still trying to figure that out..." Flynn mutters and then he snaps grabbing Yuri's head. "What the hell happened to your eyes, Yuri! I thought I was just seeing things, but you look like you're having an episode. Are you?"

And here Yuri was hoping it went unnoticed. "Um… Well… it just happened between now and Keiv Moc. It's fine, Flynn! I feel normal."

Flynn is looking his eyes over closely. "The pupil is different… You really feel fine?"

"Yes!" Yuri groans pushing him away. "I am one-hundred percent fine. I haven't had an episode since Heliord."

"You had an episode in Heliord!" Fuck! Should have kept his mouth shut. "When?"

"Flynn, would you calm down." Yuri huffs rolling his eyes.

The blond runs a hand through his hair. "Sorry… I just worry. I feel like in less than a month you've started changing more than you ever did…"

"I get it." Yuri nods. "I'll be honest, it's got me a little scared…" Yuri wants nothing more than to stop changing and for nothing else to happen. He tries to put up a reassuring front as he walks away. Yeah, there's no point in worrying about it all. If Yuri is going to become a monster than there's no real need to worry.

He heads to the docks waiting in the shadows for the weasel to show himself. His hand tamps on the hilt patiently till he sees the sight of Ragou scurrying with some men to his ship. Yuri jump from behind knocking the men off the bridge. The councilman keeps begging for his life and Yuri feels his blood boil.

"Please! I know your race is full of savages, but you must have some mercy! I'm a member of the Council! I could crush you and the rest of your people easily."

"The laws and the Council may have let you go, but I'm afraid I can't do that." Yuri spits driving his sword through them man's chest and tossing him into the canal. He flicks the blood away and casually walk to see Repede waiting for him. "Repede?"

The dog is giving him a harsh glare. "You killed him."

"And?"

"I won't say it doesn't bother me, but you were too quick to put blood on your hands."

Yuri turns away. "It needed to be done." He clutches his hilt and takes a breath. "I'm going to go walk a bit more."

"Don't be gone for to long." It's strange… He's calm as he heads to Sagittarius for a drink. A part of him feels like his heart should be pounding or a crushing guilt at killing a man should be weighing in Yuri; yet there's nothing. He takes the drink slowly and running his fingers on the rim.

"That was a cruel thing you did." Yuri looks to see Judith plop next to him at the bar.

"You know digging around in people's head is often considered rude in some circles." Yuri says taking a long sip.

She chuckles. "I can't help it. Your thoughts are so loud I actually have to try and to tune them out."

"I really don't get how this works."

Judith takes a sip from a tall flagon of beer. "Has anyone told you, that you're adorable?"

Yuri shakes his head. "No. Most people say I'm gorgeous."

I don't think you were wrong for killing that man. It was within reason and he got what he deserved.

Is there any point having a conversation with someone who can just hear every thought Yuri had? "So… Flynn? He's your… childhood friend. How interesting." If Judith can read his thoughts why is she even bothering to wait for him talk? "I thought you said mental conversations were creepy." They are, but that isn't stopping Judith from digging around in Yuri's head. "I'll do my best not to."

"So you aren't gonna call me out on what I did earlier?"

"We all have our dark secrets. You have yours and I have mine. Which is why, I'd rather talk about your friend."

Yuri takes a sip. "What about him?"

"He knows your secret and that intrigues me… You intrigue me."

Yuri doesn't bother telling her all the details because he's sure she's still listening to all his thoughts. "I intrigue myself. I'm not sure what I am or what an Entelexeia is."

"I can give you a crash course on everything I know." He thanks her as Judith starts to explain what an Entelexeia is. That they eat aer and are an ancient race that gave birth to the Krytian race. All are different and many legends are based around them. Her tone turns dark as she grips her glass. "The Great War killed so many… Ba'ul saved my life when the empire destroyed my hometown. It's sick how they hunt us down and treat us like monsters!" She calms herself and grins. You know what, we need better drinks. Hey, Lydia!" The bartender turns to them. "Two Myorzo Ambrosias."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive! We're going hardcore." The bartender shrugs and starts pouring wo drinks that have a strange green tint to them. "I guarantee that this will leave you shit face drunk before you're done."

"What is it?"

There's a glint in her eyes that has him cautious to sip despite having a sweet smell. "A drink specifically for the Krytians by the Krytians. Humans don't react to it much, but this is the best thing for us."

"Will this even work on me?" Yuri says taking a small sip and noting that it has a wonderful fresh flavor. Kind of like a mint lemonade with something else. Hmm, not bad.

"It works on Ba'ul so I can't see why not." Fuck it. Yuri downs a gulp and finds a smile curl on his lips as a buzz hits. "Wow, look at you! I hope you can keep it together."

Yuri giggles. "Of c'urse I can. Woah, dis shit works fas'!" Judith takes a long sip clearly amused. "Is dis really jus' alohol, Judy? Cuz eveythin' turnin' rainbow…" It's really pretty, but fucking weird.

Judith laughs hard slinging herself playfully on his lap. "I never said it was alcohol." A part of him should be worried about the fact he is getting high after murdering someone, but right now he's more interested in how his hands are so weird. They're just hands, but when he really looks at them he starts thinking how weird hands are in general. Everyone has hands… but they're weird… But, Repede doesn't have hands… Nor does he wear pants…

How does a dog wear pants? Flynn wears pants and Yuri wears pants. Why won't Judith stop laughing? Her laugh is really pretty and she has small hands… So weird. Yuri takes another sip and notices that Judith's boobs are likely intentionally pressed near his face… What is the appeal of cleavage? Like, Yuri knows that most guys are into it… but he just doesn't get why boobs make a person pretty. Judith is very pretty. So's Estelle. Flynn is really pretty. It's no wonder lots of girls like him… but he doesn't have boobs. So how is he is pretty?

Girls have boobs!

Wow, this stuff really makes you forget murdering and what not. Or just what train of thought Yuri happens to be on. "I'm glad ya think Im pretty." Judith slurs barely with a smile.

Yuri nods. "Yeah, yer really pretty. Ya got really pretty boobs…" He can't stop giggling. "Flynn is prettier."

"Is he?"

"Uh huh. He's got the pretties' eyes… They're all blue an' shit." Blue is a really nice color. Yuri likes all the blues. "And his hair is all gold an' I wanna pet it." It's like a fluffy dog, but it's not a dog… Because, it's Flynn. How do dogs wear pants?

Flynn is not a dog!

"Ya hold yerself really well together! This stuff is fuckin' wild!" Yuri says swaying, because swaying is nice.

"It helps this isn't my first time drinking Ambrosia." She says leaning her back on his chest. "Say, why don't we go see Flynn?"

That sounds like a terrible idea and Yuri is so out of it he's wondering where his feet are. "I dunno. That seems stupid even for me."

Judith pouts. "But, don't you want to tell him how pretty he is? I bet love that."

Flynn probably would. He's vain that way. Oh, Yuri could steal his pants and put them on Repede! Yuri downs the rest of his drink and when he goes to stand finds that it is much harder than he thought. He needs to keep swaying as Judith guides him out. Yuri guides them through pure nose power, because the roads look in no way familiar as they head towards where Flynn is. Flynn really does smell the best. It makes Yuri want to curl up next to him and sleep. Flynn smells like brownies… so maybe he tastes like brownies? But, Yuri has bitten Flynn a lot and he just tastes like skin. Is there a spot on people that tastes like brownies?

At some point Yuri becomes aware that Judith is gone and that he's in front of Flynn's tent. Huh? When did that happen? Whatever. Yuri opens the tent and flops onto of Flynn who bolts awake. "Yuri!"

Yuri gives a Cheshire grin. "Hiiiiiiiiiii…"

Flynn blinks in what Yuri assumes is joy. "Yuri… are you okay?"

"Yup! 'm won'erful!" He nods in a sing-song tone. "Yer really pretty Flynn!"

The blonde shakes his head and blinks again. "Go home, Yuri. You're drunk."

Yuri pouts and presses his weight on top of Flynn. Yuri is far from drunk! He's high as fuck and there is a clear difference! "I'm no' drunk! Highhhh!" Flynn is giving him a really weird look and Yuri is beginning to realize he can't grasp facial expressions. That might be angry, but why would Flynn be angry? "Yer eyes are so pretty!"

"What are you talking about?"

Yuri giggles because Flynn is being silly so he happily pets his friend's hair. "I love how blue yer eyes are. I just wanna look at 'em…" Yuri smells that sweet scent and thinks of places he has not bitten Flynn.

"Yuri, please just go back to the inn. I'm too tired to deal with this shit." But, Yuri like laying here. It's soft and he can't remember how to walk. Flynn's hair is really soft… "Yuri, I swear I will drag you back to the inn-"

It's quick and Yuri is mostly thinking about how he wants Flynn to shut up. He's seen it work on other people or read it in books so kisses Flynn on the lips with a goofy smile. And that's when Flynn punched is lights out.

Felinis: I did not expect this to happen. No joke... It just did. I love it, but I'm not sure how this is really appropriate considering that Yuri murdered a man