[text]: Phanes aka WOL usually cursing or insulting in his Amaurotine language to avoid speaking vulgarities in front of children (namely Unukalhai, Alisaie and Alphinaud. Yes the last two are children (especially Alisaie) regardless how insistent they claimed to be adults and forced their crush on WOL who's technically old enough to be their dad)

"W… What just happened…?" Phanes questioned, one of his eyebrows twitching at sight before him.

His charred black kitchen was the same color as the dishes of food set on his apartment home's dining table. The Amaurotine gazed at the white-masked black hooded youth reading a book, with what suggested to be black burned toast on his plate.

One hand raised to pinch the bridge of his nose, Phanes thought to himself as his animal companions fled to him. "Why did I bother asking?! After one entire day of coma from that antidote and no one to babysit him! But the glorious thing is, he hasn't tried to kill us both by burning my entire apartment down."

Cleared his throat, Phanes showed a sunny grin and greeted, "Morning, —! I notice that our breakfast is cooked. Did Hyth came over to experiment in my kitchen?"

"No, that 'Hythlodaeus' you spoke of yours did not come by." The youth answered curtly, flipping another page of the book.

"Huh…," Phanes focused his attention on the shoebill flying to perch on his shoulder. The creatures of his creation gave out both frightened and agitation from their aether at whatever had transpired in his home caused by the seated culprit.

Another attempt after clearing his throat, the Amaurotine corrected himself. "Then, it must be that Protégé. Geez…! If he wanted to check the safety of my place, he could have woken me up himself before killing us three—!"

"Neither did that old fool or any of your 'friends' you mentioned came by, beast," The masked youth interrupted as he set down the novel. Turned his head to gaze at him, he continued, "Are you going to eat, or do I have to feed you myself?"

"I say nothing about feeding or—!" Before Phanes rebuked, his eyes gazed at the cuts and burned spots on his hands. Like parts of a puzzle clicked together in his brain. He held back his laughter, which somehow the masked youth realized the older Amaurotine noticed.

Before he drew the rapier resting beside his chair, the older Amaurotine raised both hands. "Woah, Woah! Hold it, little brat. I've not mentioned who did what to kill us. Though that's unwise in how easily they are throwing their life away…"

Approaching over to grab a seat at the dining table, Phanes took the burned toast to chew. Paused for a moment and thus swallowing the bread, he continued despite the overwhelming bitter taste to vomit. "Just something new to understand. Creation magic doesn't mean we conjure dishes out from thin air —.

"We merely find the ingredients, experimenting in various ideas on how to cook and bring out a unique mix of delicacies.

"Any new recipes we've created are donated to the Culinary Department so that our fellow Amaurotines could study or revised from."

Phanes took a massive bite of the burnt toast, ignoring his stomach screaming for him to stop.

"Hmm…. Does that pertain to combat for your kind, savage?" The masked youth did a quick study at the crystal hanged around his neck before shifting back to the older Amaurotine.

"You can put it that sense," Phanes shrugged, handing over the empty plate to the otter creature for it to carry to the sink and washed.

"But creating new magic circle is more complicated with needing approval from the Convocation of Fourteen."

Phanes took the mug of 'coffee,' assuming it didn't taste as bad. But when he drained his cup, he wanted to take back all he said. Wait… Did he dump cocoa beans with boiled water and leave behind, hoping it'll brew itself?!

Everything of his soul screaming to throw up at how awful the cooking was. Yet, it was hardly a wonder with his conduct being very much of a pampered, spoiled young lordling and prince.

The older Amaurotine grinned at the dubious masked with boredom coming from the masked youth.

"We developed new combat ideas, making notes of theories and designs of a magic circle, testing before we send to the Convocation of Fourteenth.

"Once approved, we'll then guide young pupils and older Amaurotines interested to learn."

"Hmm…," Landed his sight on Phanes's cup taken by a bat-like animal to the sink, the masked youth gazed back at Phanes. "You finished it, beast?"

"I've eaten much worse thanks to Hyth's experimental cooking recipes," Phanes answered. His soul wasn't ill enough to puke out rainbow-colored aether from one of his childhood friend's experiment. Then, he threw a smug grin at the teen and folded his arm. "Or, were you hoping I would be taken down by your lethal cooking —?"

"No," The masked youth shook his head, an elated grin curled on his lips. "If you are to fell something simple as this, you would've disappointed me so. Now that you're done, let's—!"

GRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWLLLLLLL!

Phanes burst out loud laughing, scaring his animal friends in the room. He rose from his seat, snapped his fingers to clear away the black burnt markings around the stove. "Like you, I'm not fighting my opponent on an empty stomach. I'll make you something quick, then we'll head out to see if Themy has any new prey for us to engage in.

"Else, we'll leave straight to the field as usual for our dance," The older Amaurotine answered. He headed to the fridge as a few birds-like creatures flew over and helped bring out a few eggs and meat.

When Phanes looked over, curiosity painted his face upon spotting the masked youth left his seat to stand and stare at the stove. "Something wrong?"

"Teach me. Show me how to aid you, beast," The youth responded or instead ordered him as usual. His gaze settled on Phanes's arms holding the ingredients later the stove. "The sooner you're finished with this, the earlier our dance can begin."

Blinked his eyes twice, Phanes chuckled while ignoring the glare behind the mask warning at him. He nodded and grinned joyfully at his remarks. "Of course! You're already teaching me your weapon, while it's equal, I teach you something… I'm more than willing to show you a few tricks I've invented myself!"

"Including poisoning your adversaries, savage?"

"I'll leave that to Hyth's experiments to finish the job," Phanes rolled his eyes at the stupid question. As he cracked the eggs onto the frying pan, he pulled out and handed over the eggshells to one bird before swinging back. "Observe, because it's delicate to draw out their essence to life, —!"

=0=

"That boy again… Why…? Who is he…?" Phanes wondered. His gloved index finger tapping against his folded arm while thinking to himself.

Inside the Solar, Alphinaud began the meeting where all Scions and Warriors of Twilight present in the room.

Rauhban and his forces secured the breach in Baelsar's Wall, yet no traces of neither the primal Shinryu nor Omega.

While Lyse began discussing with the Leveilleur twins, their conversation became background noises for the hooded, masked Amaurotine-Hyur to fixate the memories recently restored.

He ought to know better in listening to what the talk was. Still, everything of that memory tore his thought to it.

"From the way I call that person 'Protégé'… This must have been before I accepted the Headmistress's place as the 14th Azem in the Convocation." Phanes concluded in his mind, his eyes under the mask tightened in perplexity, "But…. Did I even babysit such a brat?"

His off days from his lab often used to visit his Headmistress at the orphanage, mainly sharing his tales and watch for the orphans if she required to be away. He was no foreigner to caring for young children, even enjoyed the prospect of doing so.

The Amaurotine-Hyur's other hand, not tapping his folded arms, tightened his grasp as he thought. "Headmistress kills me if I ever think of bringing in any kids along on Themy's hunt for specific prey. That kid… He's not even horrified at encountering dangerous monsters. Let alone that, he's more than thrilled to battle against me for a challenge! So—!"

"You're saying they won't fight for Ala Mhigo?

"Even after everything that's happened?!" Lyse's agitation caught Phanes's concern.

He turned his attention to where she stood with one foot stepped forward at whatever Alphinaud implied in his statement.

Thankfully, a familiar short light green hair with dark grayish-green highlights Roegadyn woman stepped beside her.

Like every member of Warriors of Twilight, the Seawolf Monk wearing similar Scion's Adventurer Jacket with her own change such as….

Eikon Leather Headgear of Striking, Dark Dhalmelskin Gloves, Chimerical Felt Hose of Striking, and Dhalmelskin Moccasins.

She set her gloved hand onto Lyse's shoulder to pacify her, "Stop it, Lyse. You know that's not true from what they considered before in the Lotus Stand."

Blue eyes saw the calm brown orbs to calm her; Lyse breathed out to cool herself, again nodding apologetically to both Alphinaud and the Seawolf Roegadyn Monk.

"You're right, Rael…"

Took this as a cue to justify himself, Alphinaud raised his hands to reassure her. "Not without the consent of her people, no. Make no mistake, Lyse. As Fhrurael mentioned—the Alliance is in complete agreement that the Empire must be purged from Eorzea. However, they will not set foot in Gyr Abania until they have formally secured the consent and cooperation of the Ala Mhigan opposition."

"… They would have us act as intermediaries?"

Y'shtola crossed her arms as she repeated the young Leveilleur Scholar's words of the Alliance.

"Fitting and most bloodless approach to negotiate for the union," Yensunemur added, which both he and the Conjurer Miqo'te looked and nodded to each other briefly.

"Precisely. The Scions are uniquely qualified to serve in this capacity—that is to say." Alphinaud made his own acknowledgment and switched to Lyse.

"Lyse is, given her personal connection to the Resistance.

"Who better than you to broker an agreement between the Alliance and the people of Ala Mhigo?

"… Assuming you are willing, of course?"

Lyse's blue eyes flickered with astonishment before closing to contemplate his remarks. A second afterward, she opened with a decided expression written on her face, "Of course, I am. You know I'd like nothing more!"

Relief colored the young Leveilleur Scholar briefly and returned his own smile to his friend, again adding further.

"As for who should accompany you on said diplomatic mission… I had a mind to volunteer myself."

"Well, that covers the talking part. But, you guys know there'll be trouble along the way." Lyse gazed around at the Warriors of Twilight members standing within them in the circle.

Each returned with either a bright grin, faint nod, or silence from the Xaela Scholar. Alpoix, standing between Alisaie and Urianger, nodded to give his own comment. "With that old fool as a magnet attracting danger, is that supposed to be a question?"

"You're right," Lyse chuckled at the irritation expressed on the Elezen Summoner's frown.

She directed her attention to the hooded masked Amaurotine-Hyur.

"Then, are you available, Phany?"

But Lyse's question unheard to Phanes as he returned to his own thoughts, murmuring to himself. "But Hermy won't recognize him… So, it's tough to tell…. It can't be a memory, yet it didn't appear like a dream too…."

"Phany?" Lyse called for the Warrior of Light's attention. But again, he remained deep in his thoughts of whatever he was intensely fixated on.

From Y'shtola's hint of her head gesture directing to Phanes, Xehde'ir left his spot between Thancred and Herbes to go towards his Boss. Upon reaching, he tapped his shoulder twice to nudge him. "Psst… Hey, Boss…!"

"Huh? What?!" Because of the Garlean-Miqo'te unexpected presence, Phanes answered louder than he should.

His startled voice forced him to realize all eyes are now focusing on him.

At Xehde'ir's nudge, the Amaurotine-Hyur turned his awareness to the blond Hyuran woman.

"Oh… My apologies, you were saying, Miss Lyse?"

"I'm going with Lyse to represent us, Scions, to secure the cooperation of the Ala Mhigan Resistance, Phan."

Alphinaud summarized their earlier discussion, which no doubt Phanes missed out. "If possible, we'd like you and the Warriors of Twilight to come with us."

"I see…," Nodded briefly, Phanes sighed after a quick grasp of the atmosphere in the room. He shook his head as he remarked in his mind. "Well, if there's anything restore of my Echo, Yensu… The reading of people's aether is now much easier."

Confusion, concern, worry, doubt, hesitation, and mostly distrust from the Scions' aether.

Not that Phanes exposed or blamed them for harboring those emotions….

He wasn't different from Elidibus and the Paragons for his declaration and decision to both Mothercrystal and Minfilia.

Instead, a lively grin curled on Phanes's lips in place to conceal his inner sentiments. He smacked his fist to his palm. "As if you have to ask, Miss Lyse! The Warriors of Twilight and I will join even without Master Alphinaud telling us."

Relieved gasp emerged from Lyse with her lips smiled gratefully at the Warrior of Light's excitement, "Thanks. It means a lot, knowing you'll be there."

"I, too, shall accompany you.

"Such endeavors are seldom hampered by a surfeit of healers."

Y'shtola chipped in, followed by Krile, who also accompanying to meet with the Resistance.

As the discussion regained back its momentum, Phanes gave a relaxed sigh for his own reasons. The room felt more comfortable to be at ease once most negative feelings vanished. Except…

Urianger bowed to the young Leveilleur Red Mage, requesting him to keep watch from Waking Sands and the Rising stones. "None, my lady. Gladly shall I continue to serve as caretaker of the Waking Sands, and there keep watch for signs of primal and Ascian activity both."

"Again, I'll leave Unu in your care too, Master Urianger," Phanes added.

"Of course, Azem. Tis' a promise I hath kept with the Ascian Elidibus," The hooded Elezen assured. As he brought up, it was he who led and introduced the masked youth to the Amaurotine-Hyur.

When the Warrior of Light nodded and turned his head aside, his gaze caught the ash-blond Hyuran's own brown orbs. Grateful, his mask covered whatever emotions his maroon orbs giving to the other…. Phanes perceived the distant source of skepticism and doubt masking over by the indifference Thancred held for him.

As the latter broke away the gaze to give his own input of staying behind to the Leveilleur twins, Phanes yet again sighed to himself.

If Y'shtola could easily perceive changes in Thancred's aether vulnerability, he merely hoped none of his old allies targeted him once more for body possession.

Upon Alphinaud's declaration to signal the meeting adjourned, Phanes, being the last to stroll out of the Solar, thought to himself.

"Disadvantages of being the only Ancient one among all mortals….

"There're times you wished you're a normal being relatable to their troubles instead of knowing it all from your Echo."

=0=

"You remember M'naago, don't you? The messenger who brought word of the Griffin's attack on Baelsar's Wall? Well, she left not long ago, having made a full recovery. If you see her in Gyr Abania, be sure to send my love!"

Tataru grinned at Phanes, feeding the shoebill high-quality fishes from Euros's saddlebag right at Mor Dhona's Chocobo Porter.

"By the bottom of your heart, Miss Tataru. I'll convey your love to her," The Warrior of Light nodded and grinned at her cheerful expression. He later recalled a task demanded of her presence.

Phanes took out the blue leather journal with a gold Old Roses sigil on the cover to the lilac-haired Lalafell. He held back his chuckle at now, a gleeful look of the task she's about to be assigned with. "To the 'Fortemps Manor,' as ever with your swiftest delivery."

"Hehe! I will see 'Count Fortemps' to receive the journal, Phanny." Tataru carefully took hold of the book before leaving for her office station. The Amaurotine-Hyur watched her rushing off with a grateful grin on his face.

Among all the Scions, only Tataru knew and also showed much supportiveness and happiness at his secret relationship with Aymeric.

Meanwhile, arrangements were being carried out with both Scions and Warriors of Twilight dispersed in various groups.

In the center of his view, one group comprising Krile, Y'shtola, Alpoix, and Herbes relaying to Riol and other Scions of both Thancred's and Urianger's roles while they were away.

Yensunemur discussing with the Doman pair of Yugiri and Gosetsu on his right.

And last, Rhinrav, Fhrurael, and Lyse, with the latter relaying the Viera on their latest updates with the Resistance by the left.

And the door opened with a familiar Garlen-Miqo'te and the Lost Hrothgar entering and heading to the Warrior of Light.

"Boss, the Chocobo feeds, and our stock for travel has been restocked," Xehde'ir handed the Free Company's funds in the gil sack to the Amaurotine-Hyur.

"Their condition is solid to rotate shift among them, traveling from Mor Dhona to Baelsar's Wall. From there, they'll take a rest while we meet with the Bull of Ala Mhigo."

As the Warrior of Light hummed to Xehde'ir information, the Warrior Hrothgar added.

"There onwards, we'll leave at night, Phan. The cool winds make it easier to travel to the Resistance base without worrying about any 'delay.'"

"Of course," Phanes stored the gil sack into his inventory area. He turned back at Thorbjorn from his unspoken terms. "They screwed up the moment Ilbred took hold of Baelsar's Wall and summoned the Primal at their own territory. Whoever the Legatus was in charge of that area, I feel a slight pity of their incompetence."

That moment of curiosity entered the Amaurotine-Hyur's mind, and he wondered.

"Speaking of Legatus… Who is in charge of Ala Mhigo now?"

"Hah? How the hell could you not know who we are warring against now?!"

"Don't give me that look. Thorry," Phanes scowled with the nickname the Hrothgar despised. "Hermes threw me enough issues that I didn't have the chance to learn who took over after Gaius van Baelsar's death. The Griffin's speech mentioned he's a 'beast not a fraction as merciful.' I expected he's a little wiser or outright stupid after what occurred."

"Bloody Twelve, hand me back our money, and I'll get casket for us all, Chocobos and that bird with you….!" Thorbjorn growled with his tail puffed and went straight down. As he forked his palm out to demand the gil sack.

Rolled his eyes under the mask, Phanes slapped his hand away, "Oh? Growing a faint heart now, Thorry? We've fought enough Garleans to experience; they are scarcely a match for us. Or let alone a challenge to me. Those guys can't fight without being hypocrites using those very Primals they loathe against us.

"Besides," Smacked his clenched fist onto his heart, a confident grin spread across the Warrior of Light's lips. "Sundered as I am, they are thousands of years ahead in assuming they could go against an ancient being."

"Hah! I'm betting 200,000 gil you had your ass whooped by that damn Legatus scum you miscalculated, old man." The Warrior Hrothgar declared with a sneer as his tail swayed side to side.

"I'll bet 1,000,000 gil, three weeks of tomestone farming, two weeks of household chores and cooking duty. Our Boss will be the one wiping the floor with the Legatus," Xehde'ir smirked at the scowling Thorbjorn.

"Three weeks?" Phanes scoffed before delivering his own smug grin to the irritated large Hrothgar. "Make it two moons' worth of tomestone farming for Rowena, Xehde. Not merely I won the Legatus, they will take their own life from losing to me."

"Deal, we'll see who's having the final word!" Thorbjorn outstretched his right hand with the Warrior of Light, matching the same action to do a handshake.

The Garlean-Miqo'te looked over to the coming footsteps, grinning at the exasperated Alpoix and Herbes after overhearing their usual competitive, outrageous bet.

Hadey, too, letting out his own exasperated squawk before gulping down the last fish.

"Chin up, Lyse! Think of it as you introducing us all like one acquaintance to another."

Rhinrav's voice encouraging Lyse caught the five gentlemen's attention.

They glanced over to where the Black Mage Viera and Monk Roegadyn standing on each side of the blond Hyuran woman with Alphinaud. Lyse rested a fist on her chest to breathe out her inner restlessness. "Don't tell anyone, but I'm feeling a little bit nervous. Only a bit… I'll be fine once we get going."

"You've got us, Scions and Warriors of Twilight, Lyse," Fhrurael gave a firm, reassuring pat onto her back. "M'naago likes us enough. I'm certain it'll be fine."

"... Hopefully," Lyse nodded, praying in her heart the Resistance would welcome her friends like how they did for her and Papalymo. The five gentlemen from Warriors of Twilight glimpse at each other and shrugged their shoulders.

Once done clearing away Hadey's finished meal, Phanes and the other four members approached Lyse's group with Hadey flew to perch back on his hooded head.

The Leveilleur Scholar made a brief check before inquiring, "Ready, my friends?"

Phanes glanced behind where Yensunemur discussing with the Ninja Raen and Samurai Roegadyn.

By their aether, their discussion suggested concluding with understanding yet a hidden reluctance.

Alpoix noticed it too and responded to Alphinaud instead, "The moment Yen is done, we'll head out."

Nodded at the Elezen Summoner's remarks, Alphinaud switched to lilac-haired Lalafell.

"Well, then. Tataru──I leave the Rising Stones in your capable hands."

"Don't worry, Alphinaud! I'll see that the place is still standing when you come back!" Tataru returned with her bright, sunny grin to both young Elezen and Warriors of Twilight.

"I'm positive you will, Miss Tataru," The Amaurotine-Hyur came back as the Warriors of Twilight, Alphinaud, and Lyse returned her with their own grin.

Footsteps approached the group's right, where Yensunemur walked to them with Yugiri and Gosetsu in tow. Yugiri made no haste to talk once she reached close to them. "Yensunemur has unfolded all. You are bound for Gyr Abania?"

"Aye. The Alliance would have us make contact with the Ala Mhigan Resistance as soon as possible," Alphinaud responded.

"It begins, then──as soon it shall in Doma if the gods are good," The Ninja Raen murmured, though mainly to herself. She suddenly declared to the young Leveilleur Scholar, "'Tis but a pity that it must be now. I am sorry that we shall not be present to fight beside you in the battles to come..."

Shocked at her unexpected confession, Alphinaud reassured her.

"You have stood with us countless times, Lady Yugiri. Pray, do not apologize."

"Then let us thank you instead. You and yours stood with us from first when we came to this land as refugees in search of sanctuary." The Ninja Raen looked at Alphinaud, Xehde'ir, and Phanes, then continued. "Loath am I to think what might have become of my people had you not extended to us the hand of friendship. We will never forget──this I solemnly swear."

"We could add the same, my Lady," Xehde'ir smiled.

"Assisting us against Leviathan, freeing the Bull of Ala Mhigo and even showing my teacher and me of Doma's combat, asking nothing in return.

"We should be the ones to offer our aid to you to repay the favor."

Recalled to himself for a moment, Alphinaud nodded in agreeing with the Garlean-Mi'qote's statement. "Much has changed since first you set foot on these shores. Revenant's Toll stands as a testament to that. I am sure your people will manage in your absence."

"Indeed. They have built a new home for themselves, and no longer need me to shepherd them. The time has come for Gosetsu and I to return to our master──to our home."

Of Yugiri's last word itself, it struck a chord within Lyse's soul, came back with more of a murmur to herself. "I know how you feel. It's time I went home too…"

"A home ours to take back from those bastards," Fhrurael affirmed to both the Ninja Raen and Samurai Roegadyn.

"Though our battlefields be a thousand malms apart, our purpose is one!

"Let all men hearken to the clarion call of freedom──of liberation──from Eorzea to the Far East, that they may rise up and cast down the curs of Garlemald!"

Gosetsu knocked both his fists together, rallying both Pugilist women of their coming war.

"Take care, you hear me? When all of this is over, we're going to celebrate─together─just you wait!" The blond-haired Hyur woman declared. After getting this far, there's no way neither of them would back down until Garlemald relinquished the iron fist of their motherland.

"I should like that very much," Yugiri agreed with a faint smile before diverting to the Xaela Scholar.

As Gosetsu followed the smaller Au Ra companion, he questioned once more. "Yensunemur, are you sure you don't wish to follow us home? With your support, we can get more allies while on our search for our Lord."

"I am certain, Master Gosetsu, Mistress Yugiri. Also…," Yensunemur headed towards Alpoix, whom, along with everyone, showed a dumbfounded face. He tugged his Duskwight Elezen lover to him and wrapped his arms around his waist lovingly. "Alpon will be very lonely without me by his side. I want to help my beloved in assisting our allies to free Ala Mhigo."

"Pfft…! Bwahahahahaha!" Phanes clutched around his abdomen, being the first to burst out, laughing loudly in the Rising stones.

Followed by Xehde'ir withholding himself as his massive frame shook in hilarity at Yensunemur's forthright declaration.

An overjoyed gasp slipped from Rhinrav, Tataru, and Lyse, while Thorbjorn and Fhrurael made a wolf whistle with a smug smirk. Though, Herbes and Alphinaud having second opinions by their flustered expression shared with the Elezen Summoner. Alpoix's crimson face, of shyness and anger, growled as he pulled his lover's cheek. "You bloody moron! U-Use your brain before you speak!"

Despite how enraged the Elezen Summoner was, Yensunemur showed a dreamy smile at how adorable his lover was as usual.

After being stunned in silence for seconds, Yugiri acknowledged with an understanding beam. "I see, we'll push you no further, Lord Yensunemur. With that, fare you all well."

Gosetsu and Yugiri placed their hands onto their lap to bow in sync, spinning to leave after everyone bidding their own goodbye to them.

The minute the door behind them close, Herbes snapped out from his stupor and nudged Alphinaud, who realized what followed. "M-My apologies, Herbes!"

"Apologies not needed," Alpoix grunted. A red streak from pinching appeared on the Xaela Scholar's face and nudging him with his elbow to let go of him.

After Yensunemur removed himself, Alisaie, Krile, and Y'shtola joined the group. With the relevant parties here, Alphinaud declared. "A thousand malms apart, yet united in purpose... Let us pray both our endeavors to meet with success. Shall we, then?"

The group was to spin and leave with a nod until the Scion's bookkeeper stood before Lyse. "Wait, wait, not just yet! I knew I'd forgotten something important! Lyse, could you come with me?"

"... Me? What, now? Um... All right, then. If you insist..." Reluctantly, the blond Hyuran Pugilist followed the excited Lalafell into a room.

A quarter of bell later, Tataru came out with Lyse worn a white vest with an outer sleeveless coat, matching shorts, and red thigh-high armored boots. Throwing a few jabs and kicks to assess her new outfit, a satisfied grin brightened on her lips. "Heh heh heh... What do you think?"

"As you can see, I designed it to be light and loose─an outfit tailor-made to the needs of a skilled fighter like Lyse."

Tataru explained to everybody with her proudest grin.

"Your work never ceases to impress.

"Much more of this, and I may have to stop introducing you as the Scion's receptionist and start referring to you as our preeminent seamstress...," Alphinaud complimented.

As her outfit made for everyone by far was superior to any tailor, they've ever known.

Turned to the Lalafell beside her, Lyse thanked with all her soul. "It's lovely, Tataru. Thank you. I feel like I could take on a legion..."

"I'm glad you like it. And with that, I'll delay you no longer. Safe travels!" Tataru waved and bided everyone off as Lyse returned to join the group.

As everyone moved after Alphinaud declared their first stop at East Shroud, the blond Hyuran Pugilist halted her steps on noticing Phanes remained still on his spot. "Phany?"

"… Huh?" The said Warrior of Light finally jerked out of his trance and whirled to realize Lyse standing beside him. "Oh, what's the matter, Miss Lyse?"

"I think I should ask you that question, Phany," Lyse approached closer, attempting to examine if the Amaurotine-Hyur was ill behind his mask. "You were out of it like back in the Solar. Is everything alright?"

"Ah... My apologies, Miss Lyse," Phanes faced her and bowed with a modest beam. "I was studying how well the clothing Miss Tataru made fits you admirably. I ought to call for her next time to instruct me when all is over."

Lyse's mouth gaped at the Amaurotine-Hyur's compliment.

Before she could come back with her own comments, Krile's voice intruded on them.

"While it is nice to compliments ladies sincerely, Phany.

"I believe you're getting another of your memory recollection, didn't you?"

Whirled to where the rest of Scions and Warriors of Twilight standing near the exit, Phanes let out a scoff before he waved his hand. "Now, now, Miss Krile. I'm just admiring Miss Tataru's work, or that would be boorish of me to be preoccupied with my past again."

"That is correct, but," Y'shtola gave the Warrior of Light a knowing, cat-like, tight smirk on her lips. "You constantly have that expression of sorrow when a memory of yours returned, Phan. It appeared again when Lyse came out. Your surprise emotions in your aether changed to melancholy and nostalgia. Even now, your smile isn't that persuading."

"Well, it's…," Before any excuses their leader came up with again, the seven members of Warriors of Twilight stared at him expectantly. A face he already recognized well that none of them would accept his white lies.

A reluctant groan left his lips, Phanes finally admitted upon seeing the trouble gazes of Alphinaud and Alisaie. "Very well. It's nothing of a big deal, everybody. Rather, what I recovered was something…"