Sometimes, one has nowhere to run away from the crimes they have committed, it took days for Milisandia to accept that, but now she had finally gone through the aching realization. When she activated the function of the oversoul, Milisandia felt at peace. A coward's peace. She will be no more, the city will be destroyed, and her siblings' safety will be secured…But this was not how it went. When she was taken away by the lancer, the girl was in emotional limbo. Fate itself has pulled her out of her doom and gave a clear command, ordering her to live. Her heart sank as she walked past the horrified people, as those two guards dragged her into the alleyway to have some fun. She didn't resist; Milisandia couldn't accept that she was alive and would just submit to pain…Perhaps it could awaken her from this nightmare. That was until her father arrived.

Her father's words stuck in her head. It could have been far worse…It could. When the girl saw Gaius walking toward her in the street, she felt tremendous relief due to just seeing him alive. His survival made her grateful that the oversoul function did not go through, that her father's ally was able to take her out before that. The time in prison made her think about family and what was the limit for her. Milisandia was ready to glass a city, even if reluctantly, to save the lives of her siblings. This was a reason, perhaps, but not an excuse. There could be no excuse for slaughter.

Still, she was now alive and had to take responsibility as an adult, as Gaius taught her. The cold dungeon walls and a few swift punches were better than she deserved, and she wanted to repay for the damage she had done. Any help to families, help to rebuild the ruined part of the city…As if she could be of any use there. But she had knowledge of the VIIth legion that no one else here possessed, and perhaps this intel will help to bring them low.

And if fortune favors them, Milisandia's siblings would be safe. Thinking of them has been more worrying than anything Ala Mhigans could do to her. Valens would learn of her failure sooner or later, and what then? He would want to make an example of this and show others that failing isn't an option. Alfonse will get hurt again for all others to see, another humiliation. Her only hope was that he would consider them too useful to punish too harshly.

"What are you thinking about?" - She heard the disdainful voice of the guard nearby.

"Does it matter?" - The girl felt worried at first but managed to remain confident and keep her dignity.

"You know, I heard all you talked about with Gaius. Guess you are adopted, huh?" - The guard said in a mocking tone. "Like father, like daughter…I lost a brother when you attacked. Make no mistake, just because Raubahn sees Gaius and you as valuable assets doesn't mean the people will ever forget. I got sick enough listening to your sob stories…None of them will help you when the trial is on." - He continued to talk and spew his anger, almost uncontrollably. It didn't scare Milisandia; she knew that it was not his decision, though the fury was understandable. "So, at least don't be a fool and don't expect any reconciliation."

"What made you think I do?" - Milisandia responded with some faint grief. "I know there can't be any…Why waste our energy now if there will be a trial?"

She could hear him breathing heavily and clenching his fist, though he did not talk. Perhaps he saw Milisandia's point or was simply too angry to retort.

"Now listen here…" - He started to speak with disdain only to be interrupted by approaching steps. Beyond the gates stood the red-haired woman who Milisandia remembered fighting while in the weapon.

"Save the anger for the coming battles; it won't do you any good here." - She said as she walked to the prison door.

"Why am I not surprised that you would defend her, Fordola…"

"I lost someone during the attack too, so stop your whining." - She took out another set of keys from her pocket. "The girl is needed in the conference room, Raubahn's orders." - She said and opened the door.

"And here I was hoping that at least general has some sense of duty to his people."

The woman walked towards Milisandia, looking at her with a tired but not angry gaze.

"You heard the stuff, come on." - She said strictly, beckoning Milisandia to get up and follow her. The au ra obeyed. She followed Fordola through the corridors, looking around, noticing the few more guards they passed, the angered stares they gave off. Eventually, Milisandia felt brave enough to ask a question.

"Were they a relative?" - She said with genuine sympathy and pain.

"Nah, just a friend…Still hurts." - Fordola responded. She turned back to look at Milisandia for a moment. Fordola maintained eye contact for a second before turning back and leading them out. "Don't hide it; I can see in your eyes."

"Excuse me?"

"You really want to apologize but holding it to not seem pathetic, am I right?" - Fordola said, putting Milisandia in an awkward situation. Was she that transparent. "I am not angry. That would be just too much of a double-standard on my part."

"I won't hold it against you."

"Ah, come on, I know when you're hated, it hurts, no matter the reason…Gaius told me about you; your reason ain't that different from mine." - This intrigued Milisandia, but she wouldn't ask just yet. Fordola seemed to have her share of dark past as well. "Not gonna lie, you're not in a good place, not at all. But there's a way out of it. Look no further than Gaius." - Fordola said with a feeling of hope and empathy, though they remained masked by her harsh demeanor. Milisandia didn't know Fordola's past, but it seemed they both were rather transparent.

She understood better than most others.

…

The rubble might have been cleared, and the dead were tended to, but there was an even more important issue for Estinien to deal with. With Raubahn finally being able to walk and stay conscious, there was no time to waste but to plan their response to this assault. Gaius seemed to learn much from his visits to the pilot, and when he was ready to share, the black wolf summoned Estinien and Raubahn into the conference room to discuss their course of action.

It was busy here today. Soldiers would often come to receive orders or deliver news of someone's recovery. Nero and Wedge have stayed here as well; now that they learned most of the Ruby Weapon's functions, it was the perfect time to sketch them out for any other engineers to know. Nero seemed hardly thrilled with the idea but had to stick with it nonetheless.

Gaius, Estinien, and Raubahn have gathered at the table, with Valdeaulin watching them from a distance. Legatus spared no details telling about his orphans, the region of Werlyt where the remaining three weapons were held by VIIth and its new Legatus.

"I can hardly wrap my head around you being a family man…" - The wounded general said as he leaned onto the table and clenched his teeth. The pain must have still remained. Gaius was about to respond, only to be interrupted by a sarcastic voice.

"Oh, believe when I say there's a lot you don't know about our dear Gaius." - Nero smiled as he glanced at the general. Estinien noticed some bitterness in his voice, though he saw no reason for it. He now knew that this was the former Tribunus of the XIVth serving under Gaius and holding him in the highest regard. Now they were on the same side once again.

"Hey, don't distract them; we still have a lot to go through." - Wedge beckoned Nero to pay attention. The garlean sighed and succumbed to his fate, finally giving Gaius a chance to speak.

"When I first began my career in the military, that was not my expectation either. I assume us working together easily puts fate's ironic twists into perspective." - Gaius responded.

"You're right on that one…" - Raubahn sighed. Estinien decided to get back on track.

"So, three more weapons with only one of them complete and only one region to check. Sounds straightforward enough." - Estinien noted. He knew that whatever plan they came up with, he played a role in its execution, being the strongest warrior.

"We will have to act carefully." - Gaius shook his head. "We cannot afford to fight the weapons in the open, especially when they are powered by oversoul. If we find out the weapons' exact location, disabling them before they get a chance to unleash their strength."

"Hm…" - Raubahn considered the thought. "I would've called the plan way too risky, but I heard about the operation you two performed in Garlemald. I suppose we won't get better people for the job."

They got interrupted by the opening door; Fordola entered the room with a one-horned au ra girl following her. This was the first time Estinien saw the pilot since the battle. She seemed calmer and almost subdued, resigning to her fate. Still, Estinien still saw some fire underneath those eyes. Perhaps all she needed was a little push.

"Here she is." - Fordola said. "I take it you wanted to talk."

"Thank you, Fordola, we've been planning our next steps, and you're welcome to stay." - Raubahn said.

"I'll listen from the sides." - Fordola responded as she leaned on one of the walls near the table. "Don't bother her too much with the questions of morals, not the time." - She made her final remark.

Milisandia sat on a chair among the three men, but before she talked, Nero took notice.

"Finally, I get to see you in person." - The engineer said, intrigued. "How long has it been, a year? Seems like you've grown a little…Or maybe it's my memory. Shame about the horn, but at least the look's unique."

"Hi there, Nero." - Milisandia gave a faint yet genuine smile. "Have to say, I missed you a little…"

"How can you not?" - Nero noticed a slightly cross look on Wedge's face and turned back towards the lalafell.

"Thank you, Milisandia." - Gaius gave her some encouragement she probably needed, and the girl looked at him with hope.

"Of course, I couldn't say no."

"Just to get this out of the way…" - Raubahn said. "I am just as grateful for your help, but people demand Justice, and sooner or later, they will have to get their answer. I can't simply let go of you destroying almost half of our city. But I hope we can put this aside for now." - Raubahn said sternly, only to catch Fordola's disappointed gaze on himself.

"Thank you for your honesty." - Milisandia replied calmly, expecting a statement like this. "I'll be honest as well, then. I'm sorry for what I have done here and hope my cooperation might make up for a fraction of this destruction, but my main reason for this is the safety of my siblings. I'll see them out of there, as I'm sure my father will…"

"We should focus on getting results instead of examining our reasons." - Estinien interjected, both Gaius and Raubahn nodded, but they were once again interrupted by Nero's remark.

"Don't be so dull, general. You and Wedge are the only people in this room who haven't committed some kind of war crime…" - He looked at Valdeaulin and eventually shrugged. "Sorry, I don't know much about you to judge, no offense."

"None taken. I'd say I should be happy for not being on your radar…"

"Fine, I get it. You're one of the dull ones."

"Come on, Nero, concentrate, please." - Wedge said. "Chief gave us a job to do; we can't just get distracted every two seconds."

"Fine, fine…" - Nero turned towards Wedge, but it was clear that he still paid close attention to the conversation at the table.

"Tell us about the place. Terncliff, was it?" - Estinien asked Milisandia. "Are the weapons there?"

"They weren't when I left, but they are close. There is a VIIth Legion installation to the north of the town where we were tending to the weapons. Valens paid a visit shortly after the Emperor died. I don't know if he's still there." - Milisandia recounted all she knew.

"Are the weapons still there?" - Gaius asked.

"I imagine…Although considering that he lost one of them, Valens might want to keep them somewhere safer."

"Do you have any spies in Terncliff, Raubahn?" - Estinien wondered, only for the general to shake his head.

"No, most of them have been placed around the capital." - He said; Milisandia continued.

"That is because Terncliff is hardly a notable town on its own, but that's where Valens put the center of his weapon research. Weapons would occasionally be moved there for the engineers to work on, especially the unfinished ones."

"So, Terncliff and an installation to the north." - Estinien stated. "I'd say we focus on destroying the weapons. At least Valens would be on equal footing with us afterward."

"It's not so simple." - Raubahn responded. "Terncliff is an important object, and having as much knowledge about the weapons as possible from there would be helpful when we go for the weapons. That's not to mention the mass repressions Valens might incur as a punishment if we destroy his toys."

"His repressions are bound to start with the installation itself." - Gaius noted. "The rest of my children are still there, closest to Valens out of all."

"If he detects your activity anywhere…He'll force one of my siblings to fight, probably in the Emerald weapon. That won't end well for anyone except maybe him." - Milisandia said, dreading the repeat of an incident with the Ruby Weapon. "If you remove the imperials from Terncliff quickly, you might have an advantage, but I would not bet on it…"

"And what can you tell about the town itself? How well is it defended? We are not in the best position to launch a full-scale assault." - Raubahn asked.

"I…Can't say. It has been a while since I visited it, the work at the installation took up most of my time." - Milisandia wanted to know something useful, but it seemed that this was where her knowledge found its limits. Estinien thought about the best course of action. On the one hand, they could not hurry so as to not harm the people of Terncliff, who would potentially be their future allies, as well as Gaius's children. But if they linger too much, Valens might just as well send another weapon here to finish the job. Finally, Gaius spoke.

"Then it all comes down to surveillance. We will need more spies set up in Terncliff and the nearby installations, all while we prepare for an infiltration. If we are fortunate enough, we will subdue all of the weapons at the same time." - Gaius said with caution, but there was someone else coming up to the table. Nero stood beside them, looking at the council in absolute disbelief.

"Or just use the damn weapon!" - He shouted out, much to Wedge's shock. "I keep telling you about this, and you just ignore the possibility! Deal with the installation or free Terncliff with one swift strike; how is that not a good plan?" - Milisandia was the first to respond.

"The installation has radars. Valens will send out another weapon to counter it. And if the two weapons fight on Terncliff's territory, there might be nothing left of it at all. Including my siblings…" - Milisandia said.

"There is such thing as swiftness. Valens cannot react immediately, after all."

"If it fails, the casualties might be insurmountable." - Raubahn noted. "And there are far too many factors with which it could fail, not before our knowledge is concrete."

"Well, I prefer to focus on what happens if it succeeds. And if it does, Valens will be dealt a blow he won't recuperate from!" - Nero spoke with pride and eagerness, but the rest weren't as certain.

"This warrants some discussion with master Garlond." - Raubahn said.

"Garlond is too afraid to use the potential of those weapons, can't you see?" - The engineer said in annoyance, to be stopped by Gaius.

"This is not the time you can simply blast your way through all of our problems." - Gaius spoke strictly. "It's the one where we have to think outside the box, to save as many lives as possible."

"And since when do you care about saving lives, Gaius?" - The bitterness rose in Nero's voice.

"These are my children who I gave a promise. I will not fail them, not again." - Gaius retorted, showing that he had little wish to argue over this. Nero could barely contain his fuming, but he held his composure, relatively at least.

"Fine…Fine. Play with your half-measures all you like; we'll see where it leads you." - He said before storming out of the room.

"Hey, we haven't fini…Oh, gods…" - Wedge sighed and rushed after Nero. Estinien looked over the others at this table. Nero's words gave them something to think about, though none wished to take the risk just yet. Estinien understood, but they needed an alternative, and soon.

"So…Where are we at?"

It was going to be a tedious day.

...

Freedom through technology, this was the creed the ironworks followed.

And yet, what kind of freedom could there be without them being ready to push their limits? When Nero was met with caution and refusal from both Garlond and Gaius, his disappointment was immeasurable. To think that a Legatus who once piloted the original Ultima Weapon would advise against utilizing the full might of the new one…That defeat really changed Gaius. Throughout all the time Nero worked tirelessly, Gaius ignored his work, never giving Scaeva enough recognition. Well, if he had to think "out of the box" to succeed, then so be it.

Nero waited patiently for the night to fall and for Cid and others finally decide to take a break from their tireless work. This was Nero's chance, but the time was short. He was lucky to hear what the course of action was from Gaius, Terncliff it is, then…The current Ala Mhigan command opted for half-measures, thinking that it would somehow save the orphans Werlyt Gaius cared so much for. Well, Nero could save them, leave Garlond's shadow and launch a counterattack for that fool Valens to remember forever.

The garlean would carefully walk across the ruins of the city as the moon rose amidst the darkened sky. He was at times anxious, looking behind him and trying to see whether he was being followed, even though the chance of it was low. Nero was half-expecting to meet Garlond behind each corner…He took a deep breath. Why does he worry? Nero knew for certain that no one was near the Ruby Weapon at this time; why was he so reluctant to take another step? Was it because…Well, Nero understood Gaius's fears. He knew the children of Werlyt, though nowhere near as close, they were a good bunch. Loyal, determined, and hard-working, Gaius swore to protect each and every one of them. Nero taking up the Ruby Weapon would put them in danger. Valens would be reluctant to kill his pilots off, but it will result in pain and misery…No, Nero was quick to shed his aches and these thoughts. Stalling would do no good, and the opportunity that presented itself was simply too perfect to ignore. He will prove Gaius wrong, prove Garlond wrong…A wide smile appeared on Nero's face. After all his failures, life put him in similar situations, where Nero would choose more power in every situation.

The third time is the charm, and he was not doing it for selfish reasons…Not entirely. If he was lucky, the orphans would not have to wait long for their freedom.

When Nero arrived, he immediately caught the sight of two Ala Mhigan guards with torches. They walked around the weapon, checking potential dangers. The garlean would almost scream inside due to being so close and forced to have another obstacle before him, but he has gone too far to stop. Thankfully, the ladder to the cockpit was still there.

"You think we should go to the bay?" - One of the guards suggested.

"And leave this thing unguarded? Raubahn would have our heads for that!" - The other responded.

"Not like anyone's gonna come close to it…Like, who'd even want to look at it after the bloody…" - He stared at the slumbering machine and its demonic face, followed by a slight shiver. Even Nero felt the chill winds piercing his spine as he looked at this giant once again. A giant that was soon to be his own.

Nero got a little closer, though he needed a momentary distraction to get to the ladder. The rubble would do just fine. Nero took one of the lighter stones, looking at the ruins of another house behind the weapon. In a moment, he threw the stone so it would swiftly hit the rubble and be loud enough. Luckily for him, the guards caught the bait.

"You hear that?" - One of the guards said with surprise. They exchanged quick glances before one of them went to examine the area. The other kept his distance but kept a close look. This was Nero's chance.

The garlean rushed out of his cover towards the ladder, running as fast as he did when escaping Praetorium. His steps were far louder than he excepted, so he would not keep his cover for long. Nero grabbed the ladder the second he was near it and began climbing. Oh, the adrenaline rush, Nero missed it. By this point, he has cleared his head of any doubts, persuading himself that this mission was the one of pure glory and progress with some noble cause of liberation mixed in.

"What the…" - The guard said as he turned around and noticed Nero on the ladder. "Get down, now!"

The garlean didn't even look back; the cockpit was so close…Nero felt the ladder beneath him shaking. The guard must have been trying to make him fall. Damn it, not now! Nero hurried up, barely keeping his feet from slipping. He noticed that the gap between him and the cockpit was widening, so he picked the best moment and jumped. For a second, Nero was afraid that he would not reach it, resulting in a rather pathetic failure, both physically and mentally. But his calculations proved perfect.

The second Nero was in the cockpit, he managed to grab the handle used to control the weapon, pulling himself up and finally getting into place. Nero sat in the pilot's seat and gave the activation command.

"Yes!" - He exclaimed proudly as soon as the cockpit began to close and the energy was flowing through Ruby Weapon once again. The guards were still shouting for him to stop, but it was too late. As soon as they heard the engine's roar and the energetic fire emerging from the weapon's wings, they retreated at a safe distance. The controls seemed familiar enough after working on both the Ultima Weapon and this one…Nero could look over the battle functions while he was on his way.

The weapon ascended into the air, preparing to cross the desert once again, this time charging towards the east. Nero looked at the city around him. It looked incredibly small from those heights. He will be hailed as a hero if this operation succeeds…And how could it go another way?

Nero set up his radars before leaving on full speed through the breach Milisandia so kindly left during her first attack.

Terncliff awaited.

…

The few times Alfonse got to visit Terncliff were the most relieving moments of his service. He would come here to visit the research facilities and look over the weapons while they were here; at least, that's why Valens would send him and others there. In reality, there were many other reasons to cherish every moment spent in this remote town.

The night was one of them.

Alfonse got as used as he could to the iron walls and the charged air of the VIIth installation, but each time he got a reprieve allowed him to reminisce about how much simpler his life was back before they were separated from their father…Before they met them even. Before the war started…No, these times were far too distant for him to remember.

Still, this place invoked an air of nostalgia for the older times, visualizing the picture of what Alfonse dreamed of sometimes. Of how he and his siblings are finally free of their conscription and reunited with Gaius, able to start their life anew in this remote paradise after clearing it of Valens's corruption. He didn't believe that today would ever come; it was getting harder to truly believe in something with each aiming day. Yet the light breeze and the echoing sound of waves flowing around the rocks beneath Terncliff, the black sky with a bright pale moon towering over it…And him standing alone at the viewpoint, thinking of what could have been. A shame others were not here to enjoy the natural beauty, but Alfonse understood that they needed to sleep before moving out to the headquarters.

He won't be here to see the sunrise, even though this sight will eclipse even the full moon in its glory. They will be on their way far deeper into Werlyt, right under Valens's protectorate…The place where they won't be able to make a single step without him watching. The separation, Milisandia's death, now this, Alfonse was exhausted, but he still had to continue their resistance.

"Gods…" - He looked up at the moon, closing his eyes and thinking of his sister smiling from the other side. "I know I shouldn't stop hoping, I know, but…It's only getting worse." - A few tears fell off his face. He shouldn't be weak, shouldn't give in to emotions…But it was so hard at times.

"Alfonse?" - He shivered after hearing a quiet voice behind. He turned around to see a deeply concerned Allie looking at him from behind. Alfonse immediately smiled. Seeing his living sister reminded him that there was still much to live for.

"Hi, Allie…I thought you were asleep." - Alfonse welcomed her to his side.

"I tried to, but I can't force myself. Ricon and Rex could, but I was worried about you." - The girl rushed to his side, taking Alfonse's hand.

"I'm alright, just need some fresh air, that's all…"

"How soon are we leaving?" - Allie asked. "I hope we can stay for another day, at least; Ricon was planning to take a swim before we have to go. I'd join him."

"Some ambitions planning on his part!" - Alfonse laughed lightly, realizing the silliness of this but also envying Ricon and Allie that they still had the capacity in their minds to think about the simple joys of life. "I don't think we'll have time. Emerald and Diamond are already off. Once they do the maintenance with Sapphire, we'll have to move."

"Oh…" - Allie looked down in disappointment before having another happy thought emerge. "How about early in the morning, then? There's a descent to the beach on the other side of this cliff; we might catch some waves; I'm sure Ricon will love it!" - The girl jumped in excitement.

"Hah…Yeah, that would be nice, I guess…" - Alfonse looked up at the moon once again, and Allie immediately noticed how pained he was. She was a very shrewd girl for her age.

"Are you sad because of Milisandia?"

Alfonse nodded, not able to force himself to look into her eyes. He felt Allie taking his other hand and looking up.

"We all are." - She looked at the moon with him. "I was helping Ricon let go a little earlier; he couldn't stop thinking about her and how quickly she left us…I said that she would want us to keep smiling in the face of danger, just like she did. Maybe she is looking at us from above and smiles too…She'll be happy to look at us once we're finally free."

"Allie, how do you know that we will ever be free? I don't even know anymore…"

"Just a feeling. A very strong one. Just as long as each of us does the part, I'm sure we will endure."

Alfonse didn't want to argue and try to plague her mind with doubt. This wasn't the time for it. He closed his eyes, imagining their family at the beach. How Allie would try to swim underwater, trying to find the rare breeds of fishes, how Ricon would enjoy the waves, chanting as the next one approached…Rex would probably be in some sort of speed contest with their father, and Milisandia would remain on the beach, getting the earliest rays of the sun. And Alfonse…He didn't yet know. But he was there, watching and taking the utmost pleasure.

But this dream was soon interrupted by the sound of Alfonse's radar. The ear-piercing garlean siren signaling the approach of something powerful, something on the scale of…

"What is it?" - Allie wondered as Alfonse took out his mini-radar from the pocket.

It was the Ruby Weapon.