"Let me…Go!" - The girl continued to push and kick as Estinien dragged her along through the ruins to the city center. She proved rather fiery, even without the weapon at her command, but there was more to her; Estinien just tried to figure out what that was, exactly.

"How did you end up with the weapon?" - Estinien asked, still looking ahead and trying to find a way through the ruins.

"What's it to you? I don't have it anymore, do…OWWW!" - She couldn't finish, probably due to another surge of agonizing torment in the scar left instead of a horn. Estinien knew that for au ra, those served as a replacement for ears, enhancing their hearing and having a direct connection to the body. It must have been agonizing, and Estinien couldn't help but feel pity.

"You didn't want to do this, did you?" - He knew the answer long before, right at the moment he looked into her red, teary eyes.

"What?" - She was caught off-guard by this, especially after realizing that it was a rhetorical question. Estinien turned, and their eyes met, but the girl didn't hold eye contact for long. She looked down meekly, trying to hide her shame. "Just kill me now…I know they will anyway." - She begged.

"No, in our reaches, killing is usually only the last resort." - Estinien denied her wish and continued to trudge through the ashen land.

"You don't understand…If my commander knows I'm alive and failed, he…Aaargh, OW!" - She tried to hold back her screams, but the pain seemed to resurface at an unexpected moment and pierce her entire head.

"We will have time to discuss this later." - Estinien said as they moved to the city center, which wasn't destroyed by the weapon. The rubble became rarer, slowly turning into occasional stones lying above some light cracks, but nothing critical. Finally, the medical bay seemed within their reach.

Estinien saw two Ala Mhigan guards on his way; they helped a wounded citizen.

"The bay's over there. You will be safe there; hurry!" - The male guard beckoned, giving the old man a light anti-pain potion.

"Are you coming?" - He spoke tiredly.

"We have to stay and look for others, but we will help if anything arises." - The female guard said with care.

"Thank you… I'll be on my way." - The old man rushed towards the bay as quickly as possible. The maker guard noticed Estinien and the girl, who seemed to become more accepting of her fate with each second.

"Who are you?" - The female guard asked. "You don't seem civilian to me…"

"Just passing by. Again." - The Dragoon responded.

"How is it in there? It's all gone silent, is the…" - The male guard spoke impatiently.

"The weapon is neutralized. I saw to that." - Estinien declared. The two looked over him in initial surprise but decided not to question. It would seem that Estinien's armor and weapon gave them a sense that a strong warrior stands before them.

"Truly? It's over?" - The woman talked in disbelief before her disposition changed to relief and pure joy. "Thank…Thank the twelve! I thought we were done for, that all that we said to citizens…Gods bless you!"

"No need for praise. I just do my duty." - Estinien couldn't force himself to thank them or let out a smile, not when the situation was so grim.

"And who's that? One of those you saved?" - The man looked at au ra girl with Estinien.

"She needs medical attention, so get her to the bay." - Estinien pointed at her wound, much to the girl's shame. "After that's done, prepare her for questioning."

"Questioning?" - The female guard seemed confused.

"Aye." - The Dragoon replied sternly. "She is the pilot." - The guards looked at the girl with horror after those words, becoming speechless for a few moments. Estinien understood. She wasn't quite who she expected, either. "Can I entrust her to you?"

"Yes, yes…Of course." - The male guard responded, still uncertain. Estinien released the girl into their care, and she had to reluctantly obey. After swift farewells, the Dragoon charged back into the ruins.

He needed to find Gaius, Fordola, or any other survivors. There must have been some people buried under the rubble who could still be saved and helped. Estinien swore never to abandon such hopes until they were extinguished or fulfilled. That's a lesson Alphinaud taught him. If he thought otherwise, the Azure Dragoon would not be standing here.

Thankfully, his search would not have to take long. It was only a few minutes before he noticed a wandering silhouette behind the smoke, someone rushing swiftly from one spot to another, consumed by desperate search. Estinien followed them and saw Fordola. She was looking underneath the rubble, utilizing all of her strength to unfold these places.

"There you are." - The Dragoon said, only to have Fordola shiver reflexively before looking at him and feeling relief.

"Bloody hell…I almost thought that none of you had survived. Where were you? Where is Arenvald?" - Fordola inquired.

"After the blast, we were separated. I haven't seen Gaius since, but Arenvald and I have been in the same "pile." His skull was broken, and the pierced body was already cold." - Estinien recounted calmly. It was hurtful to remember, of course, but he was so used to seeing death and pain around him that it was not even out of the ordinary. "He did not survive."

"I…" - Fordola clenched her fist in anger. "I told him that heroism will kill him one day, like hell he listened! Son of a… Should've stayed behind!" - Her tone did not fool Estinien even for a second. She cared about her newfound ally. As Fordola looked down, Estinien could only imagine how much pain she was hiding. She soon turned around and moved deeper into the ruins.

"Where are you going?"

"Where do you think? Getting his body before that metal thing decides to strike again."

"It won't; the weapon is neutralized." - This caused Fordola to slow down and turn around.

"That's it, you say? And how do you know?"

"After the blast, I managed to strike the cockpit and forcefully pluck the pilot from her seat of control. Now she is under guard, and the weapon is deactivated." - Estinien could hear Fordola sighing heavily.

"Well, you're really something, are you, Wyrmblood? Shame we didn't have you on our side when…Bah, forget it; we need to help others before it's too late."

"We're of one mind, then."

The two followed deeper into the ruins, examining every potential survivor they found on their way. Most of their findings were simply severed limbs, many of which could not even be discerned from the grey bricks around them. But once in a while, they would hear a fainting breath…

"Here, I found one." - Estinien beckoned Fordola to come over. They saw a man lying behind the stones, reaching his hand from it and trying to speak.

"H…Help…"

"We'll try, but don't move unless you want it to become worse." - Fordola said hastily. Estinien and her combined their strength to pull the rubble away and release the wounded man. He was lucky as he had all of his limbs intact; only a few minor wounds have been all. They helped him get up as the man looked around in horror, struggling to believe what had happened to their city.

"Can you walk? They are accepting everyone at the bay now." - Estinien said.

"Why does it have to happen…Why is it always us…Why can't we just, why can't…" - He breathed heavily while trying to desperately make sense of this terror. How unfortunate that there was none.

"That's not the place nor the time!" - Fordola forced him to snap out of it. "Answer his question. Can you walk?"

"Y…yes…"

"Then go to the bay and take some rest. The weapon is stopped, and you are safe." - She declared, having the lone man rush towards the center. She and Estinien continued their path; the weapon could already be seen with its grand Ruby wings emerging behind the smoke. Arenvald was there. He deserved better than perishing in ruins.

"How did you end up among the city's defenders? I thought they would not release you so quickly." - Estinien was intrigued by Fordola's role; she displayed annoyance after hearing the question.

"And how did Gaius van Baelsar end up in the exact same place, then?" - She parred back.

"Fair point."

"I was given a chance to right my wrongs. That's good enough for you?"

Estinien remained silent. He clearly picked the wrong time to open old wounds. Not when they were so close. Eventually, after searching the rubble at the Ruby Weapon's side, they found him.

Arenvald Lentinus, a young scion hero, is fighting to the last. Now a half-buried corpse with his insides pierced and his body drenched in blood, his empty eyes were pointed upwards as his head lost its form due to cracks, with absolutely no signs of life. A momentary, horrific death.

"Gods…" - Fordola kneeled over him, unable to contain her distress. She touched his hand gently, feeling the drying blood on her. Fordola turned his head, getting all that remained of her hopes for his survival extinguished. Estinien did not know what the relationship between them was, but it was an aching loss for her. Estinien could swear he saw a single tear falling off her eyes, though he wasn't entirely sure. "Give me a moment… We'll need to get him back." - She spoke quietly.

"Of course." - Estinien understood how did it feel to find the lifeless corpse of the one close to you. Not something the Dragoon would ever wish upon anyone. The Dragoon honored his wish and walked away to keep his distance. There might have been other victims in need of help here.

Soon he heard steps close to him. They were not alone. Estinien followed the echo, circling around the weapon. He couldn't explain it, but the cold in Estinien's essence suggested something…Suggested unease. The same unease he felt recently when entering the Royal Menagerie to honor Nidhogg. Estinien remembered the chilling presence surrounding him during the first few minutes there as if a thousand invisible eyes had been following his steps, hundreds of unheard whispers rushing through his head. It was similar to what Nidhogg made him feel but far less evident. It slowly and methodically corrupted one's soul without anyone taking notice. But why did he feel it?

Estinien got his answer when he saw a white robes figure, the same one he saw atop the Menagerie. Estinien thought this was a priest, but now it hardly seemed probable. This "priest" walked amidst the ruins, yet he was absolutely unscathed, not even a single hole in his robes. He wandered calmly and seemingly aimlessly, not something you would expect from a citizen. Estinien followed closely as the mysterious man kneeled and picked some trinkets from the floor. Something charred and muddied, yet still recognizable. This was the girl's horn.

"Who are you?" - Estinien asked as he took out his lance and gazed upon the stranger. The robed man did not react at all, continuing to walk towards the nearest ruined home. "Answer me." - The Dragoon commanded harshly, causing the stranger to run quicker. Estinien charged after him seconds before he saw him hiding behind the pile.

Yet when the Dragoon looked at the other side, expecting to corner the stranger, there was no one there. Not a single soul.

…

Gaius's first moments after opening his eyes and realizing what had happened around him were a blur. The explosion forced him far away from his companions, although he was lucky not to have too many stones over him. The Shadowhunter quickly found his way out, but when he did, he was met with a suspicious silence. No more blasts or echoing steps of the mechanical weapon. Everything seemed to end very swiftly. The Ruby Weapon was still in the distance, but it didn't move, and the cockpit was cracked open. Gaius quickly pieced the situation together; it was most probable that a certain dragoon had made a daring strike…A successful one, at that.

It was too early for relief and conclusions, but Gaius understood that, for now, he was safe. There were many ideas for his course of action, but one has stricken his head with the power of five Ultima blasts.

Severa was still there. Gaius needed to find her. The Legatus rushed to the place where she made her advance at the weapon and paid with her life. Gaius swiftly maneuvered between the shattered city, praying that at least her body had not been desecrated by this chaos so she could still get the respect she deserved. When he found the lone woman, she was spared the disfigurement except for minor scars, though that was of little relief.

Gaius gently took her body, bringing the woman up…He felt the icy chill on his hands upon realizing that life had left her, that his companion was brave enough to give her life away for something as little as a chance to make some progress in their battle. The Shadowhunter strolled to the medical bay after closing Severa's eyes, feeling the aching in his heart.

"Rest in peace, my friend." - He wanted to wish her a happy afterlife and another chance beyond the vale, but Gaius never believed in any gods…All that awaits her is the purification inside the stream.

When Gaius reached the bay, the silence was changed into panic and fear coming from the people around there. Many ran with their small children clutched in their hands; others limped and breathed heavily, on the brink of falling down at any moment. A whole queue was formed before the bay with those who managed to escape unscathed, begging for the guards to allow them to see their parents, siblings, and children who were now inside, but none of them were allowed.

Gaius walked up to the entrance amidst the hurricane of agony, tears, and sorrow. He saw a mother trying to offer some hope and calm down her daughter, who was breaking down in horrified weeping, all while being on the verge herself. Their man might have perished already. Or the sight of a boy carrying a bloodied hand of another person, as he desperately showed it to the people in the queue, asking if they have seen a man whom this hand might belong to, his voice quivering and tears streaming down his face. A soldier who carried the body of his dead sister angrily demanded the guards to let her in, trying to convince them she was still alive. But after they checked the body, their conclusion was clear. The soldier submitted…And then screamed as he fell to his knees. Cursing the weapon and all of garlean kin.

Gaius was next. He came to the door despite already knowing the answer they would give. The guard examined Severa's body, silently shook his head, and pointed to the pile beside the bay…The one full of bodies, intact and torn. There were a few dozen there, and many were still not found. All of them will be buried when the time comes. Gaius placed Severa in the corner, trying to avoid drenching her in blood. He remembered the day they met, how she ran from Werlyt, her family betrayed and abandoned by the Empire, a woman with no purpose or goal…He gave her one. He promised vengeance and truth, and despite all the pain she endured from pure-blooded garleans, Severa grew to respect him. Now she could rest…Too early, too swiftly, but still rest. How many followed him due to the promises he gave, only to perish in their pursuit? Rhitathyn, Livia, and now Severa were one of them.

Gaius looked at the blue-haired woman last time, saying his goodbyes, and left the pile. To think that this damage was inflicted by something based on the Ultima Weapon…Who would have taken such interest in the project as to bring it to these heights? Cid and Nero were among the most talented magitek professionals he knew, and yet this must have been someone of similar skills.

As he was consumed by thoughts, Gaius moved away from the bay and the crowd, needing some time alone. As he remained between the nearby houses, standing beneath the shade, and thought about what could be done next. The weapon was seized, but there were likely to be more. If Ruby was the only weapon garleans had, they would not be so careless in its use.

"Had enough yet?" - A spiteful voice echoed in Gaius's ears, swiftly followed by a hit. They came from just around the corner, immediately attracting the Shadowhunter's attention. He decided to check what was going on only to witness a gruesome picture before him. Two Ala Mhigan guards, male and female, have stood near the wall with a young au ra woman sitting on her knees before them, unable to resist.

"How does it feel, bitch?" - The female guard smiled with some sadistic pleasure. "Be thankful you are needed alive for now. Otherwise, I would have dumped you into that pile myself." - She mocked the girl while she remained silent and just looked down at the floor. "Oi, she plays stoic! Come on, I think she needs a little more."

The male guard nodded and punched the girl once again, causing the splashes of blood to color the wall behind them crimson.

"Smell that?" - The male guard said after the hit. "That's just a fraction of how much blood you spilled today, but you know what?" - He grabbed her by the chin and forced them to look him in the eyes. "We were thinking about making it even here and now. Like the idea?"

Gaius was disgusted at this cruelty, but there was more to it. Some kind of primordial fury urged him to shed the skin of the lone Shadowhunter and become the ruthless Legatus he once was. To pierce these two in their hearts, to make them suffer, Gaius wondered how much they would hold up against someone who is of similar strength.

"Enough!" - He shouted, causing all three to look at him. Gaius could not keep this commanding disposition as he finally recognized the girl's face. She lacked one of her horns, and her lips were covered in blood, but Gaius would never forget his daughter.

"Milisandia?" - He spoke with shock, thinking that he saw a phantom.

"F…Father?" - She said with as much relief and surprise as she could with her being beaten down and wounded.

"Finally, so she can speak!" - The man exclaimed; the woman looked at Gaius with hatred.

"Two butchers of Ala Mhigo know each other and are even of the same family? How bloody cute…"

"Stand down and release her, now." - Gaius got back to his harsh tone, the one he used when talking to failing subordinates back in the XIVth.

"Really?" - The male guard smirked. "Lest you forget, just because we tolerate your presence, the Ala Mhigan military doesn't answer to you, garlean!" - He shouted at him, prompting Gaius to get lost. "This bitch is responsible for all the deaths today; I know that for you, it's probably another day at work, but people lost their family members, goddammit!"

"And if your superiors were to hear about such treatment of your prisoners? I can say they would not approve." - Gaius made one last attempt to settle this peacefully.

"When he wakes up from the wounds that your "daughter" here inflicted, we'll be sure to ask him." - The female guard answered. "It's not like we're gonna kill her, just teaching a lesson."

"Alas…" - Gaius sighed and drew his gunblade. He immediately saw the two recoil as he assumed his battle stance. "Ala Mhigo may not answer to me, aye, but neither do I answer to it."

"What are you going to do, huh?" - The male guard still acted tough, but Gaius felt the uncertainty in his voice. The woman looked at him with some distress, perhaps beckoning him to back down, but he didn't listen. "Fight the defenders of Ala Mhigo who let you stay despite the past? Wound us? Kill us?"

"Yes."

They stood dumbfounded for a few moments before looking at each other and deciding to withdraw. Typical cowards, they fled as soon as someone who could fight back emerged. Gaius looked at his daughter, feeling the rage increasing as he witnessed her condition. She stood on her knees, desperately holding back tears to remain strong, her face was painted with blood, and a disfigured scar was in place of the left horn. Gaius kneeled and held her hand, helping Milisandia to get up. She looked at him in similar disbelief, as if she saw a ghost of a brighter past.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry…" - She whispered frantically, trying to compose herself. The damage, both physical and mental, has been too much. The girl tried to walk only to fall in a few steps if not for Gaius holding her.

"I should've been here earlier." - Gaius said with regret and some inward anger. He hugged Milisandia, allowing her to feel the warmth and calm down. He felt tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry…"

"Can you walk at all?" - Gaius said with concern.

"I don't know…" - She didn't even finish before Gaius held Milisandia in his hands, allowing her to finally get a brief respite.

"Let's get you to the bay; I'll make sure they give you proper care." - Gaius said and walked back with his daughter.

Anyone else in his position would have many questions. Perhaps Gaius had more reasons to ask them than anyone else. But he did not care for any of them; each seemed so distant and insignificant as his mind had focused upon one simple thought.

His daughter needed help, and he will provide it.

…

Nero didn't remember having such eventful days ever since the Praetorium. He rarely ever used his armor and weapons now, giving in to the life of an ironworks engineer, but those rare moments gave him a sense of nostalgia for a past. Alas, now that he had to walk over ashes and smell air more polluted than that in a garlean factory, there wasn't much to be too happy about.

After bringing Raubahn to the bay, Nero reunited with Cid, who helped the survivors in any way he could. Nero could barely stomach the boredom of aiding the wounded and so patrolled the outskirts. He couldn't deny that the thought of being blown up along with this entire city toyed with his nerves, and the eventual news of Ruby being stopped allowed him to breathe in relief.

Relief was quickly replaced with unashamed interest. How fortunate that he and Cid were tasked with the exact same research.

As they trodded over the cracked marble, occasionally half-burying their feet in pounds of sand that rose from beneath. Nero found this to be a wonderful opportunity to test whether his armor would allow even a grain of sand inside, and this proved to be a resounding success. Such magnificent invention…

"Well, I have to give it to you, Garlond…" - Nero looked over the nearest charred house, still partly consumed by cloudy smoke. "Now that I've seen the thing in action, I understand the reasons to beg us for expertise. And here I thought Ultima was the pinnacle of magitek." - Nero said with a sly smile, strolling towards the area which was annihilated by optimized Ultima; Cid followed closely. The senior engineer looked around, too, though there was far less impression in his eyes. Well, that is until he noticed a charred grey limb, distantly reminiscent of a leg poking out of the rubble.

"Bloody hell…" - Cid held himself from recoil. "And to think that they might have more…"

"What, don't you feel a tiny bit intrigued? The weapon remained intact, after all. Imagine using it in defense of this wretched place or even…Well, there is a lot of potential." - Nero said, impatient to finally examine the weapon.

"With this kind of potential, we'll all be relics buried beneath the ruins of our own city. Does the "great" Nero Scaeva plan to die this way?" - Cid said with darker sarcasm.

"No, I do not. And I will not, not with this weapon at our side." - Nero said confidently, only to have Cid shake his head.

"It's not ours, not now, at least. Help me conduct research on its functions, and then the Alliance will know what kind of use it might have. And before you say anything, demolishing cities is not one of them." - Cid claimed, only for Nero to shrug. He was right in one thing. It was too early to make conclusions yet. First, they had to witness the weapon itself…

And they did. The colossus of magitek and pure destruction open before their eyes…The two engineers stood on a precipice, upon the half-buried ruins which were a glorious town just a few hours ago. And amidst all of it, the Ruby Weapon, slumbering and motionless, yet still inducing chills in Nero's spine. He wouldn't show any signs of it, of course, for he was overtaken with excitement. The simple thought of exploring and perhaps even piloting this machine has made Nero feel more alive than he ever felt before.

"Perfection…Absolute perfection." - Scaeva smiled as he looked over the monstrous giant before him.

"Are you going to stay here until tomorrow? Come here. We need to figure out its defenses before we explore further." - Cid beckoned Nero towards him.

"Yes, of course…" - He had to focus on the present now, for it held much promise. To know the techniques and secrets of this weapon…

Nero couldn't wait to begin.

…

Far too few things could take Alfonse's mind away from thinking about Milisandia and her assignment. Big brother would continue to think of the moment they said goodbye and the turmoil he felt that day. As they gave each other a hug, this tiny yet horrific whisper would not allow him any reprieve at all. As she walked towards the cockpit, Alfonse would steer his gaze to her side, trying to get as much as he could of her. He imagined Milisandia in their better days when she could still smile and held out their shared hope for a better future under the wing of their noble father. Each second he took to look at her could be the last.

It was difficult to hold on to hope in times like these. Not when all you see around are iron walls of an installation that towers over the city of Terncliff, one many of them called home. Not when day after day you hear the weeping of the slaves who beg for mercy from their overseers, only to be denied and beaten down until the floor is filled with murals of their blood, spreading its corrupting smell all over the place. Not when any news outside they heard are either attempts to demonize Gaius or constant tales about chaos and trouble that is arising in the Empire's territories. Valens must have monitored what they could hear. He wanted them to believe that everyone but him betrayed them and that the world beyond this prison was nothing but a place of misery and evil. That his cruelty and madness was the only option, their family had now. Alfonse knew better. He knew that they could still find happiness if they freed themselves.

But was this knowledge worth anything when even the bravest among them were horrified to disobey Valens? If one makes a mistake, other siblings will suffer. Alfonse had a desire to break free, to seize one of the weapons and use it to liberate Terncliff and create a new home. Yet his responsibility came first. His family needed protection, needed his aid, Allie especially. And so all he could do it prepare.

There was one opportunity presented by Valens. He had a special installation for training their piloting skills, a simulation room with the pilot's seat, allowing one to experience a realistic scenario of piloting a weapon. Rex used it the most, preparing for his performance when he was given a chance to pilot one of those weapons. Alfonse was well trained and had little need, yet now he felt like this would be his way to forget about Milisandia's struggles for a moment. His sister wouldn't want him to tear himself apart over her.

When Alfonse entered the room, the simulated sound of cracking boulders and exploding energetic blasts rang in his ears, clear as day. His brother was already having his fun for the day, as was expected. It took some time for Rex to notice him. He was focused on the current onslaught. His grip on controls got better with each day; each time he could perform maneuvers in a shorter time, Allie and Ricon would always love to hear about his successes here. It was a way for them to get carried away into something much more exciting than their dark lives…As exciting as warfare was, that is.

"With that kind of passion, you'll destroy our base by accident before even setting out." - Alfonse said with a faint smile, trying to cheer them both up. Rex swiftly turned his head around and noticed his sibling, much to his surprise.

"And what are…" - He started but was immediately interrupted by the boisterous crushing sound.

"ALERT, ALERT, CRITICAL DAMAGE RECEIVED." - Rex lost control, and in a few moments, the simulation was turned off. The dark-skinned au ra sighed; the short distraction cost him. "ENDING SIMULATION."

"Damn, so close!" - He shook his head before looking at Alfonse.

"Sorry, have I distracted you?"

"Oh, don't worry about it. I was getting a bit sloppy myself. It probably would have happened anyway." - He jumped out of the cabin and walked towards his brother; Rex's smile indicated another record set. "Still, I got more than two hundred points on this one. That's a record for the ages to come if I've ever seen one!"

"Congratulations, I think by now you've surpassed all of us in the art of mass destruction." - Alfonse put his hand on Rex's shoulder as a sign of pride, still maintaining some sarcasm as the horror of their actions still couldn't escape Alfonse's mind.

"You're giving too much credit…Still got to surpass you." - Rex looked at Alfonse, almost as if inviting him to a challenge. The big brother unanimously agreed to be the most skilled pilot of their family, though he never wished to make a big deal out of it. All of them had their strengths and weaknesses, that's why they were so effective together.

"Guess I'll go tell Allie about the new record, huh?" - Rex suggested, but he still didn't want to leave. "Did you come here for me or to do some training?"

"The latter."

"Really? I think that's the first time you show any interest at all." - Rex wondered.

"I can't help but think about Milisandia… It's eating me inside, and I need a distraction." - He didn't want to make a habit of lying to his siblings. Hiding the functions of oversoul from Allie was bad enough. Rex looked at his brother with empathy.

"I understand. Not like I do this for the sheer fun of it, you know?" - He smirked awkwardly. Rex wasn't the one to admit to weaknesses; he was much better at it than Alfonse. "She'll be fine. I know it. Even if it comes to…It shouldn't, not like this."

None of them had any certainty, but both wanted to keep the other hopeful. The result was…Questionable, yet Alfonse enjoyed a reminder that he is not alone in this darkness.

"Ah, here you are!" - A loud voice interrupted the brothers as the door was opened. Alfonse felt his heart shrinking as Valens strode into the room, immediately eyeing him and Rex, conjuring a grimace of disappointment and distaste as he crossed his hands. "I was expecting one of you to actually make use of this room, and here I find you amidst an idle chatter. Perhaps you need a reminder…"

"It's a misunderstanding, lord Valens." - Rex spoke first. "I have just set a new record and shared it with Alfonse. He'd go and train after me."

"Instead of sharing, how about you do something useful?"

"But…" - Alfonse wanted to aid his brother.

"Shut up and know your place!" - Valens cut him off; he was angrier than usual today. The brothers remained silent for a moment. Legatus took a deep breath. "Ah, isn't it much better when you just listen? I bring news for you, something you really need to hear."

If Alfonse thought he was worried before, now his heart pounded with an incredible speed. It had to be about Milisandia, it had to…

"The mission Milisandia was sent to proved a resounding failure." - As Valens said these words, Alfonse felt his whole world break around him. "Your sister only managed to destroy half of the military base before she was taken away from the weapon. Despite all the promise she has shown, she turned out to be a pathetic failure! She did not even make use of the oversoul function, and now the weapon is in the enemy's hands!" - He fumed with disgust and fury, but Alfonse was hopeful. She didn't use oversoul, she didn't use oversoul…This meant Milisandia might still be alive; even as a prisoner, she still might be safe.

"What happened with our sister?" - Rex said impatiently.

"She got exactly what she deserved, a coward's death." - The final arrow in Alfonse's heart. "Our spies claim when she was left at the mercy of her barbarian captors, they tortured her to death. Let that be a lesson to you. Now our enemies have Ruby Weapon at their disposal, all due to her weakness."

"But…" - Rex was shocked. "Why didn't your spies help her out, then?" - He said, demanding an answer.

"Haven't you been listening, boy? Failure is not tolerated, and she was not welcome! Now, stop wasting your time on questions as stupid as this and prepare. It will not be long before this scum launches a counterattack with the weapon. I trust you can tell this news to the other two." - He said negligently. "And one more thing…Gaius Baelsar has been detected among the barbarians, helping them and doing nothing to save his supposedly beloved daughter." - He said with twisted pleasure in his voice. "Maybe this will finally teach your kind to pick sides." - After spewing poison one last time, Valens was preparing to leave, but Alfonse just couldn't believe what he heard. No, even if Eorzeans would do this, Gaius would never, not to Milisandia; this must have been a lie.

"This can't be…The spies must be wrong. Gaius wouldn't let her die like that…" - He tried not to sound too confident, as this would only serve to invigorate Valens, but deep down, Alfonse was.

"Foolish child…" - Legatus shook his head as his hand reached for something in his pocket. "I was almost willing to spare you from seeing this, but you simply never learn otherwise, don't you?" - Valens threw something to the floor, causing Alfonse and Rex to recoil. An au ra horn…Large and colored in bright yellow, although it was covered by ash and, in some places, dry blood. It looked familiar to both of them. This horn belonged to Milisandia. They had no words, only horror in their eyes as the realization hit them harder than any machine.

"Be grateful I am in the mood to forgive you this time…If you fail to destroy or bring back the Ruby Weapon, the punishment will be collective." - He said menacingly before taking his leave, giving the two brothers just enough time to feel the loss of their sister burning their hearts out like a wildfire.