A/N: Hey everyone, it's been a while. I've been pretty busy with stuff going on IRL, which translated to a huge writer's block (accompanied by insecurity and even impostor syndrome at various points) when it came to this behemoth of a fic. That's (hopefully) in the past. Without further ado, here's the next chapter.

Cove

Estelle sprinted down the tunnel, her breath ragged and her legs beginning to burn. She didn't know how long she had been running for, nor did she care for the two teammates she had left behind. There was only one thing on her mind, only one thing that mattered to her at the moment…

"Joshua! Joshua!" Estelle desperately cried out as she hurried after her boyfriend, her voice echoing hauntingly throughout the dim caverns. The battle with the Drowned Crew had taken its toll on everyone, and Joshua was no different. Yet it didn't explain why he had conked out and gone down the wrong tunnel even when she had called out after him. Of course, there was one particular explanation which would make the most sense, but Estelle didn't want to think about it.

The frantic staccato of feet on stone reverberated throughout the Cove's tunnels as Estelle chased after Joshua. Even in the dark caverns, Estelle dodged and weaved past slippery stones and washed-up flotsam with ease thanks to youthful agility and years of training. Yet the same could not be said about Reynauld and Dismas, as her older companions fell further and further behind despite their own protests that fell on deaf ears. The fatigue she had felt at the end of the battle was eclipsed, at least for the time being, by a gnawing worry for Joshua's safety and the burning determination to chase him down. Estelle had lost sight of him, but the trail of bisected fishmen corpses made him easy to track.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of running and chasing, Joshua was in sight again. She zoomed past Joshua and stood in front of him, intent on blocking his path and shaking him out of the fatigued reverie he had somehow found himself in.

"What's the matter with you?" Estelle asked, only for Joshua to twist and zip past her. She caught a glimpse of his face for only a brief moment, yet it was enough for her blood to turn cold. The hollow gaze in his eyes and the blank, almost lifeless, expression on his face were the exact same as two years ago. Back then, on the Liber Ark, Weissmann had used his dark arts to take control of Joshua and turn him into the Ouroboros operative's obedient puppet. If it hadn't been for Father Kevin's intervention and Joshua's own foresight, Estelle would have died; murdered by her lover's very own hands.

Despite their best efforts and professional counselling from the best the Septian Church had to offer, Estelle and Joshua still occasionally recalled that day in small snapshots. Yet they were nothing more than that, and the couple knew the signs as well as how to reassure each other whenever those moments happened. This time, it was different for Estelle. Seeing Joshua seemingly lose his free will once again was akin to a dam being broken. Estelle gasped and froze as the horrific moments that could have been her last came flooding back into her memories.

"No…why is this happening?" Estelle sank to her knees, the fatigue she had briefly shaken off coming back and weighing her down in full force. Her mind racing with countless questions and thoughts. How did Joshua get controlled again? Did Weissmann's apparent resurrection in the Farmstead have anything to do with it? How will she free Joshua this time? Can it even be done? Estelle was so bogged down by her thoughts, she barely registered footsteps and voices in front of her.

At least until Reynauld and Dismas roughly hauled her to her feet.

"The hell's gotten into you?" A rough shaking accompanied Dismas's suitably gruff voice.

"Estelle, art thou not well?" Reynauld's weary voice was laced with concern.

"Joshua…he…" Estelle choked up. "…he's being controlled again."

Estelle took a deep shaking breath, her fists clenching hard enough to cause the fabric in her gloves to creak. She didn't want to revisit those moments that could have been her last, to rip apart those old scabs until blood and pus would come oozing out…

Why am even I thinking like this? Goddess…what's happening to me?

Estelle saw the concerned look on Dismas's face. Although Reynauld's features were obscured by his helm, she was sure he was just as worried about her as the Highwayman was. She remembered that night by the campfire, where he had told her all about his past and the horrors he had seen in those distant deserts.

These two were the first friends I made after I ended up here, Estelle reassured herself. I trust them. There's nothing to lose by letting them know…

"Sorry, guys. I got…carried away," she said. "Come on, let's walk and talk. I'll fill you in."

As they continued to follow Joshua, Estelle took a deep breath.

Then she began, starting with Hamel.

She gave Reynauld and Dismas a summary of Joshua's past, what transpired on the Liber Ark, and how Joshua – the love of her life - had almost killed her after falling under Weissmann's thrall. She spoke in a terse and clipped manner, not wanting to dwell longer on those moments than she had to. It hurt to remember, to the point where bile began to creep up her throat and her head felt like someone was driving a wedge into her temple. After she finished her tale, Estelle was almost in tears, panting and gasping as she leaned on the cave wall for support.

"Take it easy, lass. You're in good company. I had an inkling you two have been through some shite together; didn't know it was that bad," Dismas said. "From the sounds of things, your boyfriend has fallen under the Siren's thrall, but that doesn't explain why only he heard the song."

"Judging by Estelle's chronicle, it appears Joshua is been blessed with the sharpest senses among all of us due to his training. Unfortunately, such a blessing can also be a curse, and doubly so given what this accursed Weissmann hath already wrought upon him," Reynauld mused darkly. "Yet do not be disheartened, Estelle. The effects of the Siren's song are merely temporary, and he shall return to thy side given enough time."

"Still, there's no time to lose. The longer Joshua is alone, the more vulnerable he becomes as a target for the Cove's denizens," Dismas said. "Like Reynauld said, Joshua will be fine. I would tell you to trust you boyfriend to get better, but you already know that. Don't you?"

"Yeah…Joshua will be fine…he has to be. I…I have faith in him. I always do," Estelle muttered as she forced herself to go forward, step by painful step. "Just be careful, guys. I've fought beside him for years, and I know how dangerous he can be in combat. As long as the Siren is controlling him, we'll be in for a rough time."

"Then it is best that we strategize," Reynauld said. "Not only do we have to account for Joshua and the Siren itself, but also the Cove's denizens which the latter hath dominion over…"

Hamlet Waterfront

"Prying eyes had become a nuisance along the old road, and so I undertook to receive my most curious deliveries by way of marine shipments. A sheltered jetty was accessible by a narrow stone stair off the back of the manor, and a discreet system of pulleys could hoist even the heaviest prizes up the rock face from a securely tied dinghy below."

The House of the Yellow Hand, the Tavern owner's seedier side-venture, was not the Heir's preferred drinking establishment. The patrons were far too unsavory, and the atmosphere was too rough for his liking. Despite the hard times that had fallen on his lineage, the Heir still made an effort to project a veneer of sophistication.

"I employed a crew of particularly unsavory mariners, who for a time sailed the four corners at my behest, retrieving many valuable artifacts, relics and rare texts. Predictably, they increased their tariffs to counter my intense stipulations of secrecy. Such resources had long been exhausted, of course, and so I prepared an alternative payment."

Still, the drinks were far stronger than anything the Tavern itself could provide, and the Grave Robber had often been far too adept in the art of persuasion. She and the Highwayman always made for good company amidst the rougher characters of the Hamlet.

"While the greedy dogs slept off their revelry, I hexed their anchor with every twisted incantation I could muster, imbuing it with the weight of my ambition and my contempt for their crude extortion. At the witching hour, the anchor pulled with preternatural force, dragging craft and crew down into the depths. They must have cried out, but no sound escaped the swirling black waters."

Especially when the phantom of his nefarious Ancestor appeared in the middle of an important meeting and began his usual ramblings.

And so, the Heir found himself alone in the House of the Yellow Hand during the witching hour, sitting alone at the bar counter and staring into the bottom of a glass filled with some unholy concoction of an unnameable color. The liquor, if it can be so charitably described, burned on the way down and plucked his soul just far enough way from his corporeal form so he could ponder his forefather's thoughts without losing his sanity entirely. With Ambrosius's spirit suddenly becoming forthcoming regarding his enemies' origins, it became clear they were all tied back to him in one way or another.

Cruelty, abuse, betrayal. They seemed to be the forces that created the Hamlet's enemies and continued to tie them together. The Prophet, the Necromancers, and the Miller. They may have been menaces to the Hamlet's populace, yet Ambrosius's revelations had shown them to be as much victims, if not more, as they had been aggressors. The Drowned Crew had turned out to be no different.

Ruin has come to our family… The Heir snorted before downing a gulp of the foul substance. He recalled that accursed letter which had set off the events of the past year or so, how he had been apprehensive at first about the amount of debt Ambrosius had potentially left behind. Soon, it had quickly become clear that financial destitution would be the least of his problems.

The more the Heir discovered, the more he wondered if his lineage had gone beyond the point of redemption. Whether he should just let his bloodline die with him in these accursed marches. He rubbed his temple, his vision beginning to blur and a subtle ache developing in his temples. After a half-muttered excuse to the bartender, he left the unfinished drink behind and stepped out onto the balcony, hoping the sea breeze could clear his head. Although the perpetual cloud cover choked out any hint of moonlight, the Heir could feel that the howling winds had calmed ever since he sent the Bracers and his two most senior veterans to pacify the Drowned Crew.

"Such a beauteous thing, is it not?" Just like clockwork, Ambrosius winked into existence besides him.

"If you are speaking about the darkness, then I suppose you are correct." Perhaps it was the alcohol speaking, or perhaps the Heir wanted to brush him off. He had no way of telling.

"I suppose the Zemurians' trifling victory is some cause for celebration, but I was not referring to the deathly still sea." Ambrosius's mouth pulled into an unnerving grin. "The Siren sings once more, and it is as lovely as always. Such a shame mortal ears such as yours cannot appreciate her aria without becoming entrapped."

"Then Siren?" The Heir pondered the thought for a few moments before his heart began to race. "She is active now of all times? Just when I have an expedition in progress?"

"Indeed. Perhaps she has found the perfect time to lure in her prey."

The Heir didn't need any further explanation in order to deduce who the prey could be. By sheer thoughtless impulse, his grip on the banister tightened. He had seen this before, of expeditions that have otherwise accomplished their goals being ambushed and decimated. If fate had been sufficiently cruel, the teams would be wiped out to the last man, with their gnawed-upon carcasses being left for future crews to discover.

'Trouble yourself not with the cost of this crusade - its noble end affords you broad tolerance in your choice of means.'

He had seen this travesty unfold before and had been able to write off the losses from his conscience. Yet this time it was different. As much as he tried to disassociate and detach, the Heir could not help but feel a growing twinge of worry taking root and sprouting in his mind.

"Leave me," the words left his mouth before he realized it, and Ambrosius simply chuckled darkly.

"My lofty position wasn't always accompanied by the fear of office, and there was a time when I could walk the streets or raise a glass in the tavern without concern for molestation. Faithful as the tide, one precocious village waif made it her hobby to shadow my every errand. It was charming then, troublesome later."

The Heir stumbled down the staircase leading to the pier, and the phantom drifted alongside him, eager to continue his tale.

"In financial desperation, I struck a bargain with the ancient things that surfaced in search of sacrifice when the moon was right. Their price was the delivery of an obscure idol and one other item of more troubling portent. The pact struck, my new-found accomplices slipped silently beneath the brackish water. A fearful stirring at the edge of the torchlight betrayed a familiar witness and gifted me with malign inspiration."

The Heir slinked through the Hamlet's dimly torch-lit streets, fumbling his way to the Abbey. He felt the urge to pray for the safety of Reynauld's team, the first time he had inclined to do so ever since his first few weeks in the Hamlet. He also hoped – futile as it may be – that the consecrated walls would keep Ambrosius' sin-ridden spirit away from him until sunrise.

"Under the blood moon, I lured my wide-eyed prey to the pier's edge. Before she could properly appreciate her position, I clamped down a manacle, chaining her to the leering idol. A small push was sufficient to send both into the icy waters. And, when at length the tide receded, jewels of the most magnificent grandeur lay scattered upon the shore."

With those final words, Ambrosius' spirit faded into nothingness, leaving the Heir alone in the streets.

Cruelty.

Abuse.

Betrayal.

For some indiscernible reason, he thought back to the two Bracers – each showing youthful vigor in their own way and the affectionate gazes they cast upon each other.

And the thought of him betraying either one left him feeling ill.

It must be that damned spirit. It has to be…

Cove

"All right, so the Siren is capable of hypnotizing any one of us with its song. In Joshua's case, he got unlucky enough to hear it first," Estelle recounted. Thanks to the walking tactical brainstorming session with Reynauld and Dismas, the confidence in her voice and stride had finally returned. "So why don't you guys just plug up your ears or something?"

"It is a sound idea, and Paracelsus hath experimented with it in the past," Reynauld replied. "A previous team was sent to purge the beast using the fine Plague Doctor's ear barriers. She was the sole survivor. According to her, the method left everyone deaf and unable to fight effectively. The others were picked off one by one."

Reynauld's remarks sent a chill down Estelle's spine and left the tunnel in an awkward and deathly silence. As the team's footsteps echoed throughout the cavern, she wondered just exactly what Aidios was thinking by plucking them out of the frying pan and throwing them into the fire.

"Well…crap. Of course it's never that easy. Why am I not surprised?" Estelle grumbled after a pregnant pause before shaking her head and changing subjects. "Okay…whiny mode off, tactics mode on. First things first: Not only can the Siren hypnotize people, which lasts a few minutes at the very least, but also summon minions and dish out pain on its own?"

"Yup," Dismas nodded. "You pretty much covered everything."

"In that case, I'll handle Joshua. When we get to him, I'll try to get him back to his senses. If not, then I'll tie him up for as long as it takes for him to snap out of it. Out of all of us, I know him best and spar with him pretty often, so I know how to counter his moves," Estelle explained. "I'll leave the Siren and any fish-freaks to you two. Joshua and I will try to help you as soon as we can, but there's no guarantee how long that might take. You also mentioned it can hypnotize the same person several times?"

Her two companions nodded.

"That complicates things, but just a little. Joshua is trained to finish fights as soon as possible, sometimes before they even start." Estelle briefly shifted her gaze downwards, hoping she wouldn't have to break any bones or worse to get Joshua back to her side. "I'll need to get him back to his senses as soon as I can and make sure he doesn't hurt us too much in the meantime."

Estelle then took a deep breath as she cracked her knuckles. The thought of yet another monster – be it metaphorically for Weissmann or literally for the Siren – exploiting Joshua and turning him against friends and loved ones angered her to no end. She fought off the urge to slam a fist into the cavern wall, instead sating her rising rage by imagining herself beating this Siren to a pulp with her staff.

"Then we'll make a beeline for the Siren and kick its ass to Gehenna and gone," Estelle finally continued after somewhat calming down. "No idea how yet, but we'll play it by ear depending how much of a dent you guys make in the meantime."

"The bodyguards it summons will be problematic to get past, but I have faith Joshua and thee will find a way," Reynauld said. "Especially with thy miracle machines."

"My what? Oh…Our Orbments, right?" Estelle said. "I think we can figure something out with these bad boys. Once both of us start casting, that freak won't know what hit it."

The team trudged on through the damp, dark tunnels, spurred on by both Estelle's burning desire to get Joshua back as well as brief but sincere encouragements from the three teammates for each other. Soon, they reached a fork in the tunnel. With no corpse nearby and the team unwilling to split up, they found themselves at an impasse. Anxious to find Joshua, Estelle quickly whipped out her ARCUS and pressed the button that would establish a combat link.

All she got was dead air, and trying to call Joshua yielded the same result.

"Crap…this isn't good," Estelle anxiously paced between the two tunnel openings. Before she realized it, she was already grinding her teeth as well as repeatedly clenching and unclenching her fists. Her breath quickened as her eyes desperately scanned the cave floor for any signs of Joshua passing through.

"Wait…you guys hear that?" Dismas said.

"Hear what?" Estelle asked.

"Singing."

Estelle closed her eyes, focusing on the sounds around her. Aside from dripping water and the occasional haunting howls of sea breeze bouncing off the cavern walls, there was indeed a faint melody. She could almost find the tune charming, if she didn't know about the ugly beast responsible for it.

Joshua…he's close.

"Which way is it coming from?" Estelle asked as she opened her eyes. "Left or right?"

"Hmm…" Dismas scratched his head. Then he got down on one knee and lowered his head to the ground, one ear almost touching the rocky floor. After a few seconds, he shot back up.

"Old bandit trick. Took down more than a few caravans this way," Dismas quickly explained. "Anyway, we need to go right. Even when accounting for any possible echoes, I'd say we're just a couple of minutes away."

"The Siren – and Joshua – are almost at hand, then," Reynauld cast a glance in Estelle's direction. "Come, let us check over our equipment one last time. We have a battle to prepare for."

That's it, then. Now or never. With shaking hands, Estelle gave her staff a couple of swings. Not only did she want to make sure she saved up enough strength for the fight ahead, but also that her staff would be up for the task. Aidios…watch over all of us, but especially Joshua. I don't want this to cripple him or worse.

Next, she rifled through her backpack and the medical pouch on her waist. Her healing and Orbment supplies from back home were rapidly dwindling – maybe slightly more than halfway depleted. She bit her lips, trying to not dwell on the rhinocider in the room. No…don't skimp out on these. Focus on surviving this fight.

Her hands were still slightly shaking by the time she was examining Reynauld and Dismas' equipment, just as they did the same for her. Come on…let's go already. Just gotta trust my training and my instincts. I know how Joshua fights, so I know how to defend against him.

"Everyone ready?" Estelle asked, and her two teammates nodded. "Good. Let's do this."

She led the way, trudging down the tunnel and tightly gripping her staff. With each step, the Siren's song of desire grew louder and louder. Estelle's chest tightened as she wondered what the creature could be possibly doing to Joshua. Was she too late, and Joshua nothing but a waterlogged corpse? Or were the Cove's slimy denizens tearing into him like a piece of meat, his hand desperately reaching out for Estelle?

No…that can't help me one bit, Estelle shook her head. Joshua is okay. He has to be!

Soon, a dim glow could be seen in the tunnel ahead. After snuffing out the torch, Estelle and the team stepped inside. It was quite spacious, with a rainbow-like collection of glowing algae plastered all over the cavern walls, and a lagoon taking up more than half of the cave. The myriad colors of bioluminescence shone eerily, forming shadows as they played off the assorted rocks and stalagmites dotting the cavern. The ongoing song combined with the soft glow reflected off the still water could have made quite the relaxing mood if only it wasn't for the rotten briny smell in the air.

As well as the sight of Joshua standing with his back turned to Estelle and shoulders slumped as if he was a simply a puppet not being used at the moment.

Of course, there was also the source of the song: a horrific mishmash of fish and a bloated human torso - a vile parody of how mermaids were portrayed in Zemurian folklore - festooned with several pieces of jewellery. Rather than detract from the horror in front of them, the accessories only served to enhance how wrong the sight was. The team continued to advance, with Estelle walking straight to meet Joshua while Reynauld and Dismas opted to peel off in order to circle around and attack the Siren. As it continued to sing, its beady eyes - unblinking and disturbingly human-like - flicked back and forth between the different members of the team as if sizing them up to be its next meal.

Get away from him, you bitch, Estelle gritted her teeth and returned the Siren's stare as she trudged towards Joshua. Joshua's mine and mine alone.

"Joshua, come on," Estelle called out, reaching out with her free right hand while her left hand gripped her staff. "It's me, Estelle."

Joshua's head slightly shifted to the direction of Estelle's voice.

"Come on, just turn around and follow the sound of my voice," Estelle begged. "We made a promise to always stick together and protect each other, didn't we?"

As the Siren's song continued, Joshua slowly shuffled his feet to turn to face Estelle. She gulped, wondering what sight would greet her once he showed his face.

"Sheesh, that thing is even uglier than Jossette," Estelle tried to lighten the mood, hoping she could reach him. "Let's just get out of here, all right?"

"Es…telle?" Joshua said weakly as he raised his head. His hollow half-lidded gaze met Estelle's own as he slowly trudged towards her. She gulped as she reached out to him. I trust him and I trust the others. He has to be fine! He has to be breaking free!

Then the Siren's melody shifted, the notes more aggressive and taking on a subtly more menacing edge.

Joshua let out a grunt, and his expression contorted into one of anger – even as the hollow look in his eyes remained. In the blink of an eye, Joshua's swords left their sheaths. He gripped them tightly in his hands as he took on a fighting stance. Estelle had fought alongside him for long enough to know it wasn't just a stance for self-defence or apprehending criminals. No, Joshua was ready to kill. Experienced Senior Bracer, trained assassin, and former Ouroboros Enforcer. To Estelle, it was obvious the Black Fang was bringing in his full skillset to bear.

Aidios help us.

"No…you're an impostor wearing her skin!" Joshua said with venom that was only reserved for those who tried to hurt Estelle. "I'll end you! I will protect Estelle!"

"Wh-what? No! I'm the real Estelle!" Estelle's heart sank into a pit. To her, those words felt like a punch to the gut. She knew Joshua didn't mean it, but it hurt badly nonetheless.

No…I knew this would happen, Estelle took a defensive stance that allowed her to pivot in any direction at a moment's notice – perfect for countering Joshua should he try for a surprise strike. I will get him back, just like last time.

Like a puff of smoke, Joshua suddenly disappeared.

Shit…shit…SHIT! Estelle pivoted frantically, looking around the cavern for any signs of Joshua or where he could attack from. Her eyes met that of her teammates who had stopped in their tracks the moment Joshua went missing from view.

Go! GO! She mouthed as she frantically gestured towards the Siren. Kick its ass and leave Joshua to me!

A miniscule ripple of relief washed over Estelle as they seemed to understand and resume their march towards the Siren. Just then, she heard a crunch behind her. Years of training took over as Estelle whipped around, her staff shooting up into a defensive position.

Just in time to block Joshua's twin blades with a resounding clang. The sheer force of the impact sent her stumbling back and rattled the bones in her arms. Estelle let out a pained grunt as pricking and tingling sensations swarmed her forearms.

She swung her staff in an attempt to riposte, only to hit air as Joshua swiftly retreated. Using shadows as cover, he weaved in and out of view in an attempt to throw Estelle off, but she was ready. Years of living, training, and fighting alongside her Bracer partner and lover had taught Estelle everything she needed to know about how Joshua fought.

Trust my instincts. Trust my training. Trust Aidios.

Heavy splashing sounded from Estelle's left, followed by wet sloppy footsteps. Right afterwards, Dismas fired his pistol, and battle was joined by what must have been the Siren's minions. Time's not on our side.

"Joshua, come out this instant!" she called out. "I don't want to hurt you!"

There was a brief swish. Estelle immediately dodged, a throwing knife barely a rege away from her neck. She rolled away just as Joshua's blades plunged into the ground where she had been.

"Snap out of it, Joshua!" Estelle called out even as Joshua recovered and slashed at her, forcing her to block his strikes. Staccato clangs echoed throughout the cave — joined by gunshots and clashing swords barely arges away — as Joshua kept up his relentless assault against Estelle. She was on the defensive, constantly backpedalling and sidestepping as she blocked Joshua's every strike. Her arms began to burn and feel sore from the exertion – far sooner than she would have liked.

Estelle knew she couldn't hold her own for long. She was already worn out from the battle against the Drowned Crew and her staff felt heavier by the second. Her boot slipped on the wet rock, and Estelle was punished with a fresh gash right over one of her ribs. Hot tears welled up in her eyes as she desperately tried to keep up her defense, hoping that Joshua would break out of the Siren's spell at any moment.

Is this it? Will the Siren finish what Weissmann started? Estelle's worst fears began to ooze out of the darkest recesses of her mind, chipping away at the determination she had been able to drum up earlier. Followed by more slips and nicks to Estelle's arms and torso. She fought to keep her head in the game, even as she began to feel dizzy from everything happening around her. From Joshua's relentless assault to her mounting injuries, and the desperate battle just arges away from her as Reynauld and Dismas tried to fend off the Siren and its cronies.

As much as she struggled with the book side of things, Estelle Bright was no fool. She knew she was being pushed back, and that Joshua was trying to corral her with Reynauld and Dismas so he can unleash a Phantom Raid to finish them all off. The thought of turning on her staff on Joshua horrified her, but simply staying on the defensive was tiring her out – not to mention he was already slipping through her guard.

"Gah!" Estelle stumbled and fell onto her back as a new cut appeared on her stomach. She tried to scramble away, but Joshua was already lunging towards her. Time seemed to slow down as Joshua was in midair, pouncing for a killing blow.