The sandcraft came into range of the tower at Django. The single plateau. The seas of sands being pushed aside roughly by the craft. It was a peaceful trip as of yet. The group were all inside and in a stern silence. No one spoke a word. No one even could hear a noise another made in the room—though that is mainly due to machine. It was just so serious that no one could even make a joke of it. Clive sat at the gun ready to retaliate. They were not safe. It was not the sort of assault in which they can ambush. The most they can do to offer that would be let loose as many attacks on the fortress as they could muster, but that would never be enough. They don't have enough shells and what-not to have a full attack. Even with their arcana it still would be pointless. So it was only to get to the plateau. It was blocked by mountains from all sides except the one facing the sea. Basically all they could do is land and break in. They knew there was no chance of surprise. No traps they can set up. They could only be on their guard. Clive had told them that when he discussed how to take on this attack of sorts. They were not sure at all what they are to find. They're only here to get that key back for the moment. Their plans are open to change when new information comes to light.

With the cold palace in sight the group became nervous, but that was shaken off when the craft was rocked by a shell fired from a defense turret that came from the sands. Designed as the tower was. A Sour Ryoga trademark. "Shit!" Jet swore as he nearly dropped the Raven's Wing which he was toying with out of boredom.

Virginia took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Clive! Fire at the turrets. Emilia, keep an eye on their positions and change our trajectory in accordance to them. Gallows, make this thing as fast as it can go." The group went right to work following her orders exactly. Jet just stared at the back of her head. Some reason…he just could not understand why he felt a bit proud of her. Then they were hit again and his mind wandered back to the situation at hand. He could not do anything, but at least he was still here.

"Hey," Emilia paused. "It's weird…but those turrets look…familiar.

"What do you mean?" Virginia counters.

"Those turrets are designed just like that structure ahead of us…and just like a sandcraft would be." She notes. There is a silent pause. "Tell Clive to aim at the pivot points on the turrets. I'll make sure we stay safe."

Virginia nods and goes to tell Clive. With six shots Clive took out all of them as they collapsed into the sand. The group let out a collective sigh as safety returned and a clear sea until the beach. "Looks like now we just have to be ready to run in there." Virginia comments.

"Something wrong?" Jet wondered as he stared out towards the fortress.

Emilia shakes her head. "I'm just worried about what sort of person has the brains and skill to make superior automatons like those."

"Auto…what?"

She sighs. "Nothing."

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And…from now on the chapters will probably be longer. For the most of them. Unless I'm overestimating myself again. Whatever. There probably won't be so many multiple chapters from here on. There will be a lot of setup for battles in the next one. Basically everyone except Jet and Virginia will be caught up in something.

Have fun while you still can!

Depend upon the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit!