Sanctuary

by Mauled2Death

Pushing onwards to see his fate through, TJ's journey continues in book two of Frequency: Sanctuary. In order to gather his remaining memories he and his companions strive to defeat some of the greatest Agasuras Jienda has ever seen to collect the pages of a magical tome named Memorius Sanctum. Yggdrasil finds itself in a race against time to complete the book or die trying.

6. Sister

The Fourth Harmony: Sister

Absolute or not, it'll be the God's Governor of Fire that's hailed as a hero when this is all over. I won't be bested by the Prodigal Legend nor the Abellan. I'm not the girl I was back then, and I'll show them. (Amata Seitz)

Su blinked before sending a glance to Peorth who stared in a daze. "Care to explain why your sister is making out with him?" She asked.

Freya shifted her eyes towards her sister and immediately walked over to her before hugging her gently. "Sister...it has been far too long. You have grown so beautiful! You really do have mother's features." She beamed while Peorth looked upon her blankly. "How long have I been asleep for?"

The guild master snapped out of her reverie and her gaze softened-she began to show an expression none of them had ever seen before. The young queen looked as if she was on the verge of tears. "Sister...Freya...it really has been far too long. I...I am glad to see you."

"As am I, but has it been that long since I had last seen you?" She chuckled gently. "How silly of me, the years speak for themselves."

Peorth closed her eyes and nodded solemnly as her sister broke away and gently took her hands. From an onlooker's perspective, the two looked completely identical. "It has been quite a few years, but they have not bothered you any at all." She smiled bitterly. "Alas, I must ask that you refrain from such acts before my guild members Sister. It is...unbecoming of a queen."

"H-huh?!" TJ asked in shock.

Su placed a hand to her face and sighed, "Blue bloods..."

Thee seemed to have been in a daze since Freya appeared and remained that way.

Freya knit her eyebrows at the comment but smiled nonetheless. "Perhaps you are right. Such things are best done privately. But that is of little importance. There is much that we need to discuss! To think that you had become a guild master, you must tell me all the details!"

"That is a story for another time. I know that you have just awoken, but you should not be moving about so fervently and so soon afterwards. It would be best if you rested for the time being."

She furrowed her brows this time around and stared down at her feet. "But I do not wish to rest any longer. So much time has passed me by, and I know not when I will see you next. Where is father? The knights and their squires also? Where are we currently?"

Peorth bit her lip, an expression of distress plagued her. TJ looked on uneasily and Su tapped her finger impatiently. Though unsure, he decided he would step in and see if he could remedy the situation. "H-hey, Freya."

She turned to him and smiled. "Yes? What is it?"

Somehow the look on her face brought him back, but he could not bring himself to recall the memory. The smile was nostalgic, and yet it brought him great pain at the same time. "Will you do as the Ch-your sister asked? I know it's been some time but I'm sure we'll catch up really soon! When we do, I'll help you find your way around."

The God's Governor beamed. "Will you? Do you promise?"

She held out a pinky and he felt a bit of reluctance at his own words. Disregarding it, he raised his finger and intertwined the two. "I promise."

"Then it is a date." He tipped his hat to hide his embarrassment and turned away as Freya turned back to her sister. "I am satisfied for the time being sister, but please ensure that you will wake me soon."

"I will abide by your wish. Do not fret, dear Freya."

Freya gave Peorth one last hug before Peorth gave a nod to Su, who solemnly appraised the hourglass. The God's Governor turned it over in her hands before the blinding light appeared once more and Kooh stood where Freya once was.

The God's Governor collapsed to her knees and let out a long, exasperated groan. "That really drains a girl! Jeez!" Peorth offered her a hand and she rose to her feet. "Thanks Princess."

Su tossed the hourglass at the guild master and glared. "So do you wanna explain what the fuck just happened or are we gonna be stuck playing twenty-one questions again?" She asked.

Moments after Peorth opened her mouth to answer, Kooh placed a finger to her lips and smiled. "Princess, let me handle this." The reluctant guild master gave in, her brows knit and her eyes closed. "So you wanna know about Freya huh?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"She was gorgeous." Thee uttered waking from his reverie. "I wanna know what the relationship between these two is." Not even TJ knew that, but he felt that it may have been more important than he could imagine.

Kooh laughed gently. "That, I dunno. As for Freya herself, well...lemme start at the beginning. Technically the little princess and I are cousins. Our moms are sisters, but we had different dads. See, before either of us were born our family had a bit of a falling out. That aside, when it comes to the God's Governors of Water, they always come in pairs. It's been that way since the beginning of time-after all, the first God's Governors of Water and Ice were Undine and Dione. The two together made one Governor, unlike the others, and one of the two would always continue the line with twins."

"I'd heard it was like that but the entire thing sounded so ridiculous I thought it was just a rumour." Su grinned. "I'd hate to be a God's Governor of Water."

Kooh smiled mirthlessly. "Truth of the matter. Anyway, if my memory serves one of our ancestors had married a God's Governor, and lo and behold we find ourselves here today. Only one of our moms could inherit the throne, and since the previous queen had only daughters, the little princess' mom inherited the throne and well...my mom decided to leave the palace."

"Please allow me to continue from here Kooh. It is a duty that rests on my shoulders, and it was my failures that caused this," Peorth added. The God's Governor looked worried but let the queen continue. "My mother, Queen Remedi, had inherited both the roles as God's Governor of Ice and the Cerebian's Proxy, something she had done all while ruling the kingdom. She had given birth to both Freya and I, but my sister was not born with a body as strong as I. My sister often found herself bedridden, but in spite of the fact she still practiced magic when unsupervised. This..." She closed her eyes gently, her voice became softer, pained. "This was not the problem. Alas, when my mother had met her demise, Freya had officially succeeded her as the elder of the two of us despite her disposition. My father, fraught with worry sought out Asgard's best doctors in hopes that one of them could remedy her ailments, but none could identify the cause, let alone a remedy. Though she was to succeed him, I had been named as the heir in her place so the shadows of skepticism would not be cast upon the kingdom.

Out of desperation my father had summoned some of the kingdom's greatest Mages and scholars to assist Freya in fulfilling a ritual to pass on the title of God's Governor to me, but an unprecedented accident had occurred, and...Freya did not live through it. I had succeeded her as a God's Governor, but the strain of being both along with the Cerebian's proxy had proven too much to bear. Father sought out my aunt, and found out that she had a single daughter with no magical ability. As a last resort he insisted that we perform the ritual once more to pass on the title to Kooh, and so it was. She had obtained both my own title as well as Freya's and in turn I had obtained a gap in my memories. Though our people had researched the cause for years, they could not find out what had occurred at the time. Nevertheless after Kooh had awakened Father took her in as his own daughter and had her swear that she would protect me with her life. Since then, she has lived by me as my shadow."

Kooh smiled. "It's not like it's a bad thing Princess! I do it because I wanna do it. I was worse off until you took me in. So don't look so sad, okay?"

TJ rubbed his arm gently. "I knew you guys had it rough but...that's..." He looked at his shoes. There was more to their story than what met the eye. Would he eventually see the rest? Perhaps in time Peorth would recover her memories which may or may not include portions of that story-either that, or there were portions she was not quite ready to share yet, but even so he wanted to do something for her.

"...Sorry to hear that's what you had to go through Peorth." Thee muttered.

"It is a small matter. Hardship is something all Cerebians experience. Mine is no more important than yours, or anyone else's. It is my duty as the leader of the Asgardians to carry their burdens," The queen answered, her heart ever stalwart.

"But that's just it," Su began, "you just said Freya was the queen."

Peorth nodded with a grim expression. "Her very existence...I cannot explain it. I fear that when the Mages summoned by my father had performed the ritual, it was not just her title, but also Freya herself that had become one within me. I believe this is the reason Kooh can switch positions with her through Garfitua's Hourglass, but though she has aged it seems that she still believes we are in a time that has long passed. I...do not have the courage to walk her through the current reality as of yet. Alas, waking her was necessary to the ritual, and in time her power will be paramount. But my own weakness prevents me from overcoming this ordeal."

TJ rubbed his neck uneasily. "So when Freya met her...end you officially became the queen huh? It's a shame that's the way it had to be. But hey, we're in this together right?" He did his best to put on a smile but he feared that the queen's gaze would see through the strained attempt. "As I search for my memories, I'm sure we'll find yours somewhere along the way too. I wish I knew what we could do for your sister, but there's still so much I don't know yet."

"You have my thanks, but you need not answer my issues. You have a duty of your own much greater than the sum of my concerns, so seeing that through would be all that I could ask of you. Nevertheless, the night presses on and I wish to keep you for as little as possible. Now that we have Pandora's Box and pendant gathered, let us complete the ritual. I will show you how to summon Memorius Sanctum and you will be free to do as you please following our departure."

TJ nodded. "Right. I'm in your hands."

"Kooh, Su, let us begin."

"Alrighty. Over here G.G." The God's Governor waved over her junior who glared in turn.

"I swear one of these days..." Su muttered as she took her place where she was informed to stand.

Peorth and Kooh stood adjacent to her forming a triangle around the uneasy TJ. The guild master placed the box down next to him and took the pendant in hand, quietly muttering words before holding it out with both hands. A magic circle emerged beneath her, and each section they stood in held a different herald-Peorth's that of the Asgardians, Kooh and Su's their respective elements. Once she let go of the pendant it began to levitate before her before she held out a single hand and mana began to flow around her.

"Follow my lead G.G" Kooh said to her before doing what Peorth had.

Su followed suit and the box began to glow as did the pendant. With a flash of light the box disappeared and TJ remained in the center. Peorth took the pendant and placed it in his hands.

"Pandora's Box has officially become a relic tied to you. You may summon it at will, but you need not do so right now. But I must ask that you wear the pendant." Peorth said before stepping back.

"Got it." He stole a glance at he sapphire pendant before placing it around his neck, and it too began to glow again as something emerged from it. "W-what's going on?" He shouted as a powerful wind emerged and took the shape of a transparent blue spectral lady.

She levitated before him. "Are you the one who has summoned me?" She asked. He looked on completely mortified. She had no pupils to speak of, and an odd half-ghost half-humanoid shape to her. "I will ask again. Are you the one who has summoned me?"

"Y-yeah. That was me." Or at least he thought it was him. What on Jienda had he released?

She nodded. "I am the spirit of Hope, Elpis. To have summoned me must mean that you have opened Pandora's Box. What is it that you seek?"

"I wanna return the other spirits...the Seven Sinners to their rightful place! Can you help me do that?"

"It is my duty to see to that of my master's wishes. Should there come a time where you come across one of the escaped spirits, so long as they are willing or defeated, I can return them to the box."

TJ smiled as relief washed over him. "That's perfect! Thanks Elpis."

She nodded once more. "That is all I have to say on the matter currently. Should you have need of my services please summon me once more." With that she disappeared.

Thee wore a stern expression. "I go on one mission with you guys and a bunch of crazy stuff happens. Is this what it's like on a day to day basis?" He said before he rubbed the back of his neck. "And here I thought I'd seen everything."

"Welcome to the club," Su snickered.

"It'll only get weirder from here on out Thee. Better be ready." Kooh added with a grin.

TJ sighed as he sat down. "I don't think I'm ready, and I'm the one doing it. I didn't think there was a spirit in the box already...but why didn't she escape too?" Her gaze was even more unsettling than the guild master's. Mainly that when she looked solemnly, though she often said few words all the same so he could accept it under most circumstances-Elpis was in a league of her own.

Peorth crossed her arms. "Perhaps in case someone like you happened across the box TJ," She answered.

This gave him pause. "...You know, you might be right about that Chief."

"Nevertheless, let us proceed with the last objective for the day. Your utilization of Memorius Sanctum." He rose to his feet and gave her an acknowledging nod. "There is no need for a ritual to bring it forth, since it was part and parcel to completing our contract. All you need to summon it is the will to do so. If you call it, it shall come, and if you wish for it, it will lend you its aid. I had shown you once before, but allow me to do so now." She held out a hand. "Come, Memorius Sanctum!" At her words the gilded tome appeared before her. "It may seem daunting at first, but once you have tried it for yourself you will find that it is much easier than you would initially expect. Now, summon the tome." At her words the book disappeared in a series of spheres of light.

He swallowed the request hard. Peorth made it look easy, but she made a lot of things look easy. On the other hand, the two had already been through so much, so he was not going to doubt her words now. He took a deep breath and outstretched a hand. "To me, Memorius Sanctum!" He shouted, the words coming to him almost naturally. The tome appeared before him and left him startled. "Ha...ha...I did it!" Peorth and Kooh clapped at his success.

"You are becoming very adept with magic TJ. Well done," The guild master told him.

"You go little lamb!" Kooh cheered with a hop and a raised fist before she doubled over. "Oog...think I might have overdone it a bit..."

"Yes, perhaps you have. Come, let us return for the night. Everyone, we shall be departing. You have all done well today-you have my thanks. I wish you a good night."

Peorth placed one of Kooh's arms over her shoulders and helped her to walk while the God's Governor waved with the other. "Good night everyone! Sweet dreams!"

As the others said their goodbyes the three were left.

"I'm gonna get out of here too. It'd be nice to finally get out of this armour," Thee muttered.

"See you again." TJ said as he waved him off. The Abellan looked from the tome, to his companion and then to Shabur. "I'll have to ask the Chief what exactly Memorius Sanctum does later. Still, what should we do now Su?"

She knit her eyebrows. "I say we go interrogate that bastard of a barista. We still don't know what he did to you or how long it's gonna last." She pounded an open palm with her fist. "We'll beat it out of him if we have to."

TJ laughed uneasily as he flipped through the book for two reasons-the first, he could not understand a single character within, and the second because of Su's remark. She certainly was fired up for the wrong reason. "I don't think we need to do that. I mean, we did have a bit of a rough start but I think we'll be able to talk it out, right?"

"Oh yeah you can do that." She raised her eyebrows and he sighed with relief. "After I beat him within an inch of his life." Her brows were furrowed almost immediately after and he laughed dryly.

"Regardless of how the situation is handled, maybe seeing him would do us well. I'm a bit worried about that thing he did too." The thought of their meeting still sent chills down his spine, but it did not seem likely such an event would occur twice-or so he had hoped.

They said goodbye to Shabur and Sellistar before setting out for Madelaine's Tea Stop.

The moment the two had arrived Su held her dagger to Vanir's neck and Skuld flew into a panic.

"Hey now, you're not mad about that nickname are you?" He asked holding his hands up in surrender.

"Master, now is not the time for that! Please do not hurt him!" Skuld cried while she hid the bottom half of her face behind a silver platter.

"Care to explain why TJ can't use the Divine Arts asshole?" The God's Governor asked with a sharp glare.

"S-Su come on, you should threaten him after you ask, not before! T-that is if he doesn't answer. But I don't think you should anyway!" TJ said as he gestured for her to calm down.

"Alright put that away and I'll talk." Vanir said as he scratched his cheek. "You know if you ran that through me you wouldn't get an answer. Just a blood-curdling scream and blood gushing out of my chest like a fountain." Su scoffed and put her dagger away, but glared daggers without relenting-Vanir's gestures for blood shooting out of his chest did no favours for his cause. He came to an abrupt stop and leaned against the counter. "You want all the details?"

She sat down at the bar and TJ did the same, a sense of relief washed over him at those words and the fact that the situation was diffused peacefully. "May as well. Tell us everything you know about that," Su said.

"Hmm..." He frowned. "I'll keep it short and simple. There are a few spells that can give the Agasura the upper hand on the Cerebians. You could say that was one of them. It's not one you're gonna see just anybody using, cause it's from a long time ago. What it was used for...I doubt the Agasura of this day and age would have as much use for it as it was for back then."

"What do you mean?" The Abellan asked.

"You probably don't know much about the Agasura, do you? I don't blame you. Why would the Cerebians know anyway?"

"Get to the point," Su muttered impatiently.

"The point is that there's a huge difference between the original Agasura and the ones you've come to know. You remember what I told you about the Demons right? They needed a host, and the ideal host would be..." He suddenly paused and the two looked on curiously. "A Cerebian of course! I mean, can't get much better than that, am I right?"

Su placed a hand to her face as she muttered, "Idiot..."

"Anyway, if they were gonna do that there's a better chance they'd get eradicated. So how do you fix that problem? Weaken 'em first, and strike! Though a fight was pretty much out of the question since souls or spirits can easily be purged, they had a spell at their disposal that could stop just about any Cerebian in their tracks. The spell only lasts a couple of days at best. Anyway, that, my lovelies, is called Divinity Sealing."

"Did your journey include searching for that spell?" TJ asked. Considering how well versed Vanir was in the ways of the Agasura, such a thing would certainly be a point of interest, or so he thought. A use for it was another matter in and of itself, but their encounter may have been the first.

"Gods! Do I look like a Demon to you? Not that you'd know what one looks like but no! Besides, if I was one then I would be a Cerebian too, don't you think? But no Cerebian would be a Confidant too."

"So what exactly are you then?" Su asked this time around, her glare easing up slightly to make room for her curiosity.

He flashed her a grin. "You wanna know?" He posed magnificently. "But alas, I cannot tell you nor show you! For if I did you might fall for me!"

An angry red vein began to emerge on her face and she prepared to climb over the counter while TJ held her back. "I'm gonna kill him..."

Skuld emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray. "Master please don't tease our guests!" She insisted with a patronizing gaze. Vanir chuckled at her words and gave her a nonchalant thumbs-up in turn. It seemed that he would listen to her, if anyone. Perhaps because she knew him well, she knew how to deal with his odd behaviour.

After Su sat back down in her seat and TJ did the same, he decided to take the chance to ask another question. "So it's unlikely that the Agasura know the Divinity Sealing spell right?" He scratched his cheek. "That's a bit relieving, but is there a countermeasure to the technique? If I come across one that does happen to know it, I'll have to be prepared or..." He dreaded the thought, but knew that his journey was risking his life.

"Countermeasure? None that I know of. Though if I did know of one, telling you would be the equivalent of throwing away my ace in the hole for bad situations. You can never be too careful, you know."

"Do you really think there are Cerebians who are gonna try and kill a Confidant?" Su asked with an exasperated look.

"There are vigilantes among your kind. Or something akin to them." He placed a hand to his face and sighed. Su raised an eyebrow and he reached behind the counter. "Guess now's a good a time as any to tell you. I got a mail from the kid that mentions just that, and something that could be related to your search." He waved the letter before them.

"Well? What's it say?" TJ wanted to ask who 'the kid' was but the chance had passed him by in the blink of an eye-Su was quick to the draw as always, but perhaps her way of doing things was the best way to get information.

"Basically, a new Instance Dungeon appeared in one of the Pyramids out in the Desert. People explored it, and those same unfortunate souls didn't come back out. The kid sent in some of her guild members to scout it out and they all reported that they saw you in there."

The Abellan looked puzzled for a moment before it dawned upon him and he rose to his feet and slammed his hands down. "What?! How?" He asked.

The barista offered him a shrug. "I'd be damned if I knew, but that's the word. A lot of the adventurers in and around Elfa are making a bit of an uproar, since they all wanna be the first to clear the new dungeon, but there are Cerebians who are trying to keep people from entering because of how dangerous the place is." He laughed dryly. "Things like this always happen when a new dungeon is discovered, but it's not that often that adventurers get wiped out after entering it."

"And they're the vigilantes? I think they have more concerning matters than assassinating a clown like you," Su said pointedly.

"I take offense to that. But no, not them. Apparently one of your God's Governors was seen in Elfa."

Su's eyes sharpened. "Who? What's their name?" TJ felt a bit of excitement at the prospect. He had never met the God's Governor of Wind before, and Peorth said that he would need their help in his journey so it was a good chance.

"Amata. Seitz. Ring a bell?"

The God's Governor's expression darkened. "Does it ever."

TJ shifted his glasses as he sighed. "That...we don't have to fight her, do we? I mean after what happened in the City of Iron..." He shuddered at the thought. "I don't want to repeat that again. If we're gonna do this, do you think we can do it without butting heads with Amata?"

"I wouldn't hold my breath for that. But don't you worry, if we do meet her, it'll be over quickly."

"Man you kids are certainly bloodthirsty! If you do plan on duking it out tell me beforehand. I'd pay for front row seats to that!" Vanir added with a grin.

"We're not going to fight her! I know you two don't agree on a lot of things but if one of you falls everyone is in danger. You know that Su." She raised her hands in what looked like it would be a shrug, but she seemed to be weighing her options instead. "Let's resolve this peacefully okay? S-somehow. If push comes to shove I'll talk to her. Let's just try not to get in a fight, especially not in the city. We don't have a very good relationship with the people of Elfa as it is. But while we're there...it'd be nice to see Tetty and Amu again." He smiled ever so slightly.

Vanir wrinkled his nose. "Don't know 'em. But what I do know is that if you plan on going there, you better be careful. Anyone could easily mistake you for the person in the dungeon. Or Agasura." He glanced into the kitchen and shortly after began to walk off. "Wait there." He eventually returned with a cloak that had a couple of tears across the chest and offered it to TJ. "Wear this. It's no protective gear so don't expect it to get you through a battle, but it'll keep you from frying like an egg under the desert sun. That, and people might not recognize you beneath the hood. If your princess has something better for you-actually try to bring it back in one piece. The materials for this stuff is hard to come across so far across the world."

"Thanks Vanir." He said as he received the item from the barista and glanced over it. "It's awfully big." He had half a mind to ask about the tears, but doing that would likely be prying into bad memories for him.

"Drink milk and stop complaining short stuff," He retorted.

TJ pursed his lips at the remark but disregarded it nonetheless. He closed his eyes for a moment to decide where he should proceed from there. Though it was late, perhaps Kooh or Peorth were still awake. If the news was important enough the guild master would likely need to be informed as soon as possible. That, and he did want to talk to her. He tapped his guild badge twice and listened in case anyone needed to talk.

[Guild]TJ: Chief, are you still awake?

[Guild]Kooh: She's snoozing TJ, so let's not wake her okay? I can handle guild matters in her place though! What can I do for you?

This came as a bit of a surprise to him, but the two were close, so he felt certain that informing Kooh would suffice also. He still felt a tinge of disappointment on the matter, but it would pass.

[Guild]TJ: We're at Vanir's. He said one of the Seven had appeared along with a new Instance Dungeon in the Pyramids. Going tonight might be a bit too soon, but I wanna go there as soon as possible. Supposedly the guardian of the instance looks a lot like me, and it's caused a bit of an uproar in Elfa. That, and Amata is there too.

[Guild]Kooh: You don't plan on fighting her, do you? I heard about the City of Iron incident you know. Bad TJ!

He chuckled lightly at her comment.

[Guild]TJ: I promise I'll try to avoid fighting with her if it can be helped. The Chief said we'd need the help of God's Governors through our journey, so if possible I'll try and make amends. That aside, do you think the two of you could come with us? I get the feeling that the Sinners aren't Agasura we can take too lightly.

[Guild]Kooh: I'll go with you, but let the Little Princess sit this one out. She needs time to heal her wounds from the last fight.

[Guild]Peorth: I commend your concern, but just as you believe that I need rest, you do also Kooh.

[Guild]TJ: Ch-Chief?!

[Guild]Peorth: Forgive my eavesdropping, but this is an important matter that must not be kept unknown. There is no denying that both Kooh and I could not continue as of yet-we lack your regenerative abilities. But I cannot allow you to do this mission as you are, and without assistance. You had said that God's Governor of Fire Amata was present in Elfa currently, correct?

[Guild]TJ: Yeah. Vanir had said someone he knew told him she was around there.

[Guild]Peorth: I see. Please excuse me for a moment.

[Guild]Curt: You rang?

[Guild]RoboCurt: What can I do for you Guild Master?

[Guild]Peorth: I have a mission for the two of you. I would like you to investigate the new Instance Dungeon that has emerged in the Pyramids of the Desert along with TJ and Suuba. If you feel that you are ready, I would like you to set out tomorrow at the earliest. I must warn you though, as you are aware the dungeon has just appeared and thus we know not what lurks within, save for one of the Seven Sinners. Remain vigilant at all times.

[Guild]Curt: You got it!

[Guild]RoboCurt: We'll handle the matter deftly.

[Guild]Peorth: TJ, I would like you to meet me at Madelaine's Tea Stop. I have some important items to give to you that may prove crucial to your journey. As you are aware, time is of the essence.

[Guild]Kooh: Hold on a tick there Princess. You stay here. I'll bring them to you, so rest okay?

[Guild]Peorth: As you wish. TJ, Suuba, I shall see you very shortly. You have my thanks Kooh.

[Guild]Kooh: Just doing what I do best. Alright you two, meet me outside of the Free Market okay? I'll be there faster than you could say, "What's taking Kooh so lo-oh there she is!"

The Bard laughed.

[Guild]TJ: Alright. We'll see you in a bit.

He tapped his guild badge again and opened his eyes gently to find himself face-to-face with the barista. With a scream of surprise he stepped back while Vanir rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"V-Vanir what're you doing?!" He cried out.

"Taking a look-see, what does it look like?" He answered matter-of-factly. What on earth was a looksee anyway?

It was partially TJ's fault for being distracted by the guild chat but that was still uncalled for. In spite of his surprise, there was a lingering curiosity-beneath his hat TJ could barely catch a glimpse of the barista's face, but that glimpse gave him a short look, and he saw one of his eyes. Unlike their meeting, it was green rather than red. Perhaps it was a similarity that Agasura like the two had shared. "Why?" He could have asked one hundred other questions, but that was the first thing that came to mind, and the first that he said.

"I'm trying to discern whether you're a reverse trap or not."

"T-trap?! Do I look like I'll suddenly shoot spikes out or something?!"

The barista flashed him a grin. "No. Well, perhaps. But I expect something much, much different. There's something unique about you, but only time will tell exactly what it is." He shrugged. "So what're you waiting for? You've got something to do don't you?"

TJ gazed at him over his glasses with trepidation. "Y-yeah...you ready Su?"

She leapt off the seat and stretched. "Do I even need to answer that question? You know what I'll say." She answered.

He cracked a smile at her words. "Yeah. Let's go."

"Later kids." Vanir said as he waved them off.

"Ah h-hold on a moment!" Skuld shouted as she came rushing out of the kitchen with a basket in hand and offered it to TJ. "I've heard that you liked sweets so..."

It was true, but where did she learn that from? TJ accepted the basket graciously. "Thanks Skuld. We'll probably have a long journey ahead of us so this'll be great." He gave her a bright smile.

"I hope they're to your liking. Come back safely!" The brownie waved as the Bard did so in turn.

"Definitely! We'll see you again soon."

Su returned to the crystal and TJ walked through the Old Town district. Though it was winter, the cold did not faze him as much as it once did. The cloak Vanir had lent him had proven to be both good in the city and likely also for the Desert, as the wind had barely sent a chill throughout his body. The tears in it though had made him curious-it may have been the reason why he had claimed it was not made for battle. Had he got into a tussle with one of the Desert's razor beaks? He tried to imagine the barista fighting and laughed gently.

He eventually found himself in the shopping district and made his way down the street, passing by the occasional adventurer as he glanced around for his guild mate. Beneath one of the streetlights he saw Kooh in a tan coat and she waved him over.

"So where are we headed to anyway?" TJ asked as Kooh lead the way.

"To our place," Kooh answered.

TJ nodded. "Wai-what?!"

"What? You didn't know we lived somewhere?" She laughed and TJ pursed his lips in embarrassment. "It's nothing special though. Just a little apartment complex in the heart of the city. It's close to the guild room and relatively affordable."

The Abellan knit his eyebrows at her words. A typical adventurer would not likely settle down, since their journey would likely span the continent, and perhaps even those beyond, such as that where the Big Apple is situated. He himself had grown rather fond of camping out, but that was not what ailed him. The fact that the queen of the Cerebians lived in an apartment complex was mind boggling. The talk about Freya reminded him that things were not so simple for them-with his help though, could he make things a little easier on them? Had he been stronger, perhaps the Cerebians would not have had to flee from Asgard.

Kooh flicked his head and snapped him out of his reverie with a jolt. "You're thinking about unnecessary complicated things aren't you?" She asked.

Busted. "Well..." She had really good intuition-eerily so.

She squeezed his cheeks together and shook her head while shushing him. "Stop worrying Little Lamb. It's alright! We're all in this together now, and whatever happened in the past...well it's the past, right? If you're worried about the Sinful Seven don't be! We can take 'em! As for your memories, we'll get them back. It's like the Princess said, if you beat 'em you'll get your memories back. So for both of your sakes, smile for her okay?" His face flushed and he nodded solemnly. "That's the spirit! It's not far so don't take your eyes off of me."

TJ always knew Elias was a large city, but he never truly explored the whole of it. Outside of the Shopping and Old Town districts there was much of the city he had never come to know, especially where the guild master and God's Governor resided. The area they passed through had a myriad of buildings that towered over the two, and though he had been to the city many times he often paid them little mind. Oddly enough, seeing them gave the city a much more modern feel, and he began to understand how the other district had obtained its name.

Kooh stopped before one of the buildings and opened one of two glass doors, leading TJ inside. He looked around in awe as she unlocked the next door and lead on. It was his first time inside such a place, and he could not resist his curiosity. A carpet rested beneath their feet and ahead were a pair of silver doors with a button between them placed against the wall. Shortly after Kooh pressed the button a loud beep caught the Abellan off guard and he drew his guitar, expecting diodes to strike them then and there.

The girl laughed heartily at his reaction. "TJ we're in the city remember? There are no Agasura," She said.

He put his weapon back on his back and knit his eyebrows while he muttered, "R-robots don't count."

The silver door slid open and the God's Governor stepped inside before gesturing him to follow suit. After she pressed a couple more buttons on the control panel before them, the door shut and the box jittered. He stole a glance at her, who seemed unfazed by the strange occurrences and let out a gentle sigh. Why was he so on edge? The box came to a halt and the doors opened, she once again began her stride with him following after her. The two entered a long corridor that spanned a fair distance in both directions, and she took a left at the fork. She continued on past a couple of doors before stopping at the third and using her key to unlock it. At the sight he faintly reminisced about his first time in Yong Gyoung and smiled at the memory.

Kooh stepped inside and out of her boots while TJ followed suit and closed the door behind him.

"Princess I'm home!" She called out while she unbuttoned her coat.

"Welcome back." Peorth's voice answered as the two made their way down the hall. They met with her in the living room and TJ looked on in awe not at the room, but this time the guild master. She wore a turquoise night gown and stood barefoot before him with a puzzled gaze while he turned his gaze away. "TJ, are you alright?"

"Yeah, no problem." He faced her again and struggled to look her in the eyes.

The realization seemed to dawn upon her and she too looked away with a flushed face. "Ah yes I have something to give you. Excuse me for a moment."

"Well TJ, make yourself at home!" Kooh took off her coat and hung it up before wandering off.

With her words in mind he decided to take a seat nearby and glance around the room. It was very lightly decorated, a few couches lined the small room and a set of tables filled some empty spaces-one in the center and two at the ends of both couches. A mahogany grandfather clock sat at the far end of the room, seeming to be old as time itself, the piece giving him a strange sense of nostalgia-perhaps it was nothing more than his sense of time, or just what it meant to him. A group of pictures were scattered about the walls, some of Peorth and others of Kooh, a single picture rested on the tiny table next to the Abellan. Curious as to who it featured he took it in hand and found himself surprised at what was within the frame.

It was a picture of Peorth and her friends of the past-those that had all disappeared after the City of Iron. Even TJ was amidst them,the whole group gathered haphazardly in the picture, all in a variety of poses. Though the memory was unfamiliar to him, he could not help but feel a tiny bit reminiscent from seeing their faces once more. Perhaps the two kept it close as a reminder of the past. At the sound of Peorth's gentle footfalls he placed the picture frame back where he had found it and tried to look calm.

She approached and held out a letter in an envelope to him. "When you meet God's Governor Amata I would like for you to give this to her. If possible, cooperate with her to see this quest through. I have faith in Yggdrasil's members, but we are not fighting against just any Agasura." She handed him the envelope and gave him a look that seemed to be both a mixture of concern and uncertainty. "TJ, I want you to have this also." From her closed fist she held out her piece of the Heart of Yggdrasil.

He looked at the item, then back to her with a puzzled expression. "Why do you want me to have this? Is something going to happen to you?" It felt like a surge of negative ideas were going to flood his conscious mind, but her response immediately hushed them all.

Her gaze softened and she smiled ever so slightly, a rare sight. "No, I will be fine, I assure you. I wish for you to take this so that you may come to master your power with or without me. As with tomorrow, there may be other instances where I will not be available to assist with a mission, and you will need to take your own party and venture forth. Distance does not bind our contract. So long as you have this piece of the Heart of Yggdrasil you will still be able to utilize it. If you have any doubts, you may consult Memorius Sanctum."

He laughed dryly. "But I can't read a word of it."

Peorth blinked as she mulled over his words. "Is that so? Perhaps specific requirements must be met. Though I feel certain that you will be able in time. Do not fret TJ."

The Abellan nodded silently. "I'll take your word for it Chief. Anyway I won't keep you any longer. I'll get in touch with Curt and Robo first thing in the morning so we can head for Elfa."

"Your diligence is appreciated."

Following Peorth's words Kooh walked back into the room waving a piece of paper. "TJ, take this with you too. I don't think the others will wait a few weeks for you to get from Elias to Elfa."

Peorth stepped aside and she handed him the paper. "It's...a coupon. For a warp crystal? H-hold on, where'd you get this? Are you sure you should give it to me?" He asked with a look of disbelief.

"I planned to do it anyway, as a ho-" She stuttered on the last word and smiled awkwardly before continuing. "How do you do gift!"

He tilted his head quizzically at her words. He had never heard of such a thing, but then again odd things often accompanied the God's Governor, so he decided to accept the fact anyway. He offered a smile afterwards. "In that case I'll graciously accept. Thanks Kooh!" Peorth seemed to be gazing at her cousin with a keen curiosity while Kooh chuckled sheepishly. He excused himself and made his way past the two, but was stopped as Kooh took hold of his wrist.

"Hang on, you're going just like that? It's dark out you know, and not safe at all!" He glanced back at her with a look of confusion. There was no denying that the city could prove to be dangerous, he thought as he recalled the events prior to their mission at Kimara, but since then it had been peaceful. "You should stay here tonight."

TJ's jaw fell at the following words. "I can't do that!"

The God's Governor knit her eyebrows. "Why not? We can have a sleepover! You've never been to one right?!" Her eyes sparkled. "We can have a pillow fight and paint our nails and...you're okay with it right Princess?"

Peorth nodded. "I do not see a problem with this." Kooh was not wrong about the fact, but how did she get the unshakable guild master to agree to that?

"See? No problem."

"But there is a problem. Heck, there's several problems here! That is a big no-no!" He made an 'x' with his arms and backed away. "And why would i want my nails painted? A-anyway, thanks again, I'll see you soon okay?" He slipped out the door and the guild master waved him off while Kooh pretended to blow kisses.

"Don't look so sad Princess," The God's Governor began, "maybe next time."

Peorth blinked. "Do I seem that way?" She chuckled under her breath. "I strongly believe that our Little Lamb is changing. Please continue to look after him as you have."

She offered a salute. "Aye aye!"

As TJ walked through the streets he let out a light sigh. Kooh could say some crazy things but that one was way beyond him.

"You wasted your chance there," Su's voice echoed from within the crystal.

"Chance? Kooh was just having some fun, that's all," TJ muttered in response.

"Think so? Heh...you never know with those two. They're polar opposites but just as cryptic. Better not to let your guard down."

He knit his eyebrows at her words. "Let my guard down? What Peorth said worried me, but I don't think anything will happen." He was lying to her, he knew, and she likely did too-but in the same vein he told himself that because deep down he wanted to believe in her, that things would turn out alright somehow. In spite of everything that happened, the years had torn them apart but they found their way back together, perhaps by the whims of fate. Though like she said, neither had the recovery that he did, so death was not something they would escape so easily. He felt a bit thankful that they were not going to fight in that battle, but the possibility they would later was inescapable. "She's our guild master after all, and if anything else we can protect her too." He would be relieved fighting beside her again, but he also felt a sense of dread at the same time. The wound she bore from their Foe Mansion trip worried him still.

"Just try not to get yourself killed alright? That should be the biggest of your concerns."

He smiled. "I'll be fine. I do appreciate the concern though." As he neared the Shopping District and the eventual Fight Arena which also served as a campground for nearby adventurers, he looked to the sky. The stars twinkled gently and a full moon rested amidst them. "We've got a duty don't we? I'll protect this world that we call home."

The following morning TJ crawled out of his tent and stretched. The sun had already risen and he had gotten a wake-up call from his companion. It was still rather early, so there were still preparations being made before the Fight Arena opened to the public. Adventurers bustled about, some in anticipation for the opening and others planning where to begin their next journey. Others packed up and set out, some towards the Dark Forest.

"What should we do first?" He asked.

"First, I'd suggest you get those two clowns. That coupon isn't gonna turn into a warp crystal, so we need to know how and where to redeem it. I'm willing to bet one of them knows." Su answered.

"That sounds reasonable." He tapped the guild badge twice.

[Guild]TJ: Curt, Robo, are you guys around here?

[Guild]Axle: Hey, morning TJ!

[Guild]Ken: Good to hear from ya TJ.

[Guild]TJ: Hi guys. You wouldn't have happened to see those two around would you?

[Guild]Axle: I heard they were at the Fight Arena last.

[Guild]Curt: This is true.

[Guild]TJ: Curt? Wait you're here?!

TJ glanced around the area and once he turned around he caught a glimpse of the two approaching, Curt waving as they did.

[Guild]TJ: Alright that's all I needed. Thanks guys.

[Guild]Axle: Anytime.

[Guild]Ken: Good luck out there!

He tapped his guild badge twice and offered them a small smile. "You surprised me there, but it's good to see you."

"I think so too." Curt added with a grin.

"Likewise," Robo answered.

"We can set out for Elfa soon, but there's one thing that I need to do." TJ said before he drew the coupon from his pocket and handed it to the Treasure Hunter. "We need to find where to redeem this. Would you guys have any idea?"

"GMA headquarters, without a doubt." Curt rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Then again, you could probably just bring it to the Elias branch. It'd save you a trip to the Big Apple, that's for sure."

"Do you know the way?"

"Do I ever. Come on, follow me." With a wave of his hand the two followed in his wake.

The group entered the Shopping District and Curt weaved his way past adventurers and civilians alike in a brisk stride. TJ eye's remained fixated on Robo's Goliath MG-the fact that it had legs rather than wheels captivated him and also tickled his curiosity. As he watched it and the envious glances of nearby adventurers he wondered how it would fair in a battle, and what kind of differences it had from his previous MG. He was going to find out soon, but the fact still stood and made him want to know.

After moving deeper into the Shopping District TJ found himself amidst tall buildings like before, but these were not residences-rather they were shops too, just dramatically larger. He looked around with curiosity but stole the occasional glance to make sure that he did not lose sight of his companions. The group came to a halt at one of the buildings and Curt entered first. It was a rather magnificent place-the walls were painted gold as were the tiles, and there was a soft purple carpet beneath their feet. Two GMA associates sat at a desk, both smiling as the Treasure Hunter and company approached.

"Hello, how may I help you today?" A young man asked. He wore a violet button-up coat and a beret with a gold four-leaf clover pin attached to it. Around his right arm was a black armband that had the letters 'GMA' embroidered upon it. His female companion wore a matching outfit.

"We're here to redeem this coupon." Curt answered waving the paper.

"Right over there." He pointed to a pair of glass double doors across the room.

With an approving nod Curt lead the group to it and they stepped inside. TJ looked on in awe. It was like every possible rare item was gathered in one place, in a series of glass boxes. There were eggs, warp crystals, boxes filled with the most fashionable clothes and just about anything an adventurer would dream of. There was even a giant dart board with gold darts stuck in it. He caught a glimpse of a strangely furry brown egg and caught a glimpse of a tag that said it was a Brownie egg.

"I'd love to have a companion like Skuld," He thought aloud.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but those things aren't supposed to talk." Su answered.

"R-right.." He muttered. He felt a tinge of disappointment at the fact, but there was no denying it. Skuld was no ordinary Brownie, but it certainly raised the question of how Vanir managed to summon one like that. He said he could not do that, but perhaps he could teach TJ how. The moment was fleeting as Curt called him over with a Warp Crystal in hand.

"Here, it's yours now." He said handing the item to the Abellan.

He looked at the item in awe and felt a bit of excitement at the prospect. Peorth had one just like it, and it allowed her and everyone with her to travel to the cities instantly. Though he had done it with them, the idea still felt slightly daunting.

"This might be your first time using one right TJ? Perhaps we should step outside while we work it out." Robo suggested with a shake of his head in the door's direction.

"That'd probably be for the best," Curt added.

They did as suggested and the trio gathered around the item. "So how do I work this thing anyway?" TJ asked.

Curt shrugged. "Beats me."

Robo scratched his cheek with knit eyebrows. "Sadly, I've not the foggiest."

Su sighed. "You have to recall the coordinates of the Iris Stone to teleport to it smart one."

"The coordinates?" Curt offered a curious glance. "Do you know the coordinates of the Iris Stone in Elfa?"

He grinned. "That, I can do." He took a map out of his pocket and pored over it for a few minutes while muttering under his breath before he furled it and put it away. "One hundred forty-nine, eight hundred thirty-two."

TJ blinked, both in awe and confusion. "Alrighty then." He brought the numbers to mind, and the Iris Stone that he wished to go to and the item reacted, releasing a bright light and taking the three with it.

Following the event the trio had found themselves on the busy streets of Elfa. Though it was winter the sun was much stronger here, and there was a lack of snow as one would expect. The city had barely changed since the last time TJ had seen it-save for the repairs the city had made since their bout with Choen Palm damaged it severely. Unlike then also, the city was crowded, much more so than the Abellan could have even imagined. Adventurers flitted about through the streets and from stores, coming and going past tall buildings, some featured massive domes and many were buffeted by sand and worn down, but still standing proud. A series of stalls lined the streets and vendors fervently hawked their wares to the adventurers and civilians that passed by.

TJ immediately threw on his hood and lowered his head as not to be recognized.

"So what's first on the to-do list Cap'n?" Curt asked with a grin.

TJ did not feel like he was cut out to be a party's leader, but it was a little reminiscent of their meeting. To think their party of two had become four, and soon to be five brought him a bit of joy. "First things first, we should ask around and see if anyone has an idea where we can find Amata." He answered.

The sour looks on Curt and Robo's faces gave him pause. "You're kidding right?"

TJ rubbed his neck. "W-well...no, not really."

"You do recall what happened last time, don't you? I don't think Amata is fond of us at all," Robo said.

"I know...I know but...we have to. Well maybe we don't but I really think we should. The Chief gave me a letter to give to her so maybe things will work out!" In the time he spent searching for her, perhaps a backup plan would be in order? If things went wrong, which they likely would, TJ would have to handle the matter perfectly.

"Stupidly optimistic. Don't ever change." Su remarked. He could see the grin on her face now.

TJ watched as a couple of adventurers stole glances at Robo and muttered something to each other. Perhaps Meisters like him were still rather uncommon on Jienda. "We can't afford a fight with her here and now TJ. There are too many people about. If I was to describe the battle at the City of Iron I would have to say it was a stroke of luck that it was set up. This time, we're not that fortunate."

He frowned. "You don't have to tell me twice. If I get spotted I might get thrown in jail. Or killed." He shuddered. The city of Elfa was not a place he was welcomed, and even more so with the appearance of the new Instance Dungeon. He shook his head and mustered his courage. He had to get to the bottom of the matter and clear his name first, and worry about the details later. "I know we're really pushing our luck here, but we all share a common goal. I think she'll be willing to fight alongside us, even if we don't get along."

Curt shrugged. "You're the boss this time so we'll follow your lead. Where do we find her?"

TJ's shoulders sunk. "That's the problem. I don't know exactly where she is. I just know that she's somewhere within this city. I just hope that she's here now."

"If we don't find her I'm sure we'll pull through regardless. We had once travelled as four and I'm sure we could do it again, though it was brief. I'd heard you had quite the adventure before then, though!" Robo commented witha cheerful grin.

The Abellan nodded with a bit more confidence. "To say the least," He chuckled lightly. "Why don't we try splitting up and gathering information? If the four of us are searching I think we'll have better luck than travelling as a group. If you find her or any useful clues, just let me know through guild chat." Both Curts nodded and separated from TJ, then disappeared into the crowd that surrounded them. "I'll find somewhere you can exit Su, just hang on."

"Make it quick. It's getting stuffy in here." She replied.

TJ glanced around the area and made his way down the nearest side street. After weaving his way past a few people and near some vendors who tried to grab his attention he took refuge in an alleyway and glanced around to be sure the area was clear.

"Alright, go ahead," He said.

His crystal lit up and Su emerged, then landed before him and stretched. Her bones cracked and she let out a sigh of relief. "It's been way too long." She said before making a grimace. "As much as it sucks to be stuck in there, it's crazy freakin' hot out here. I swear I'd sooner burst into flames from the heat than be set ablaze by that bitch."

"No one's gonna be catching fire. I'll make sure of that. Just...promise me if you see her that you won't approach her until I get there. I trust you, but I can't say for sure how she'll react if she sees you."

Su blinked slowly but wore a blank expression. "I'll make sure it's over before she sees me. Trust me."

"I do-" He stopped mid-sentence to glare at her. "That's not funny at all. I trust you not to assassinate her."

She cracked a grin. "You're way too easy to rile up. I'll let you know if I see her." As she walked off she waved, and he pursed his lips as he watched her go.

Now alone TJ made his way through the streets and glanced around occasionally in case he could catch a glimpse of the God's Governor roaming about. It did not get any easier finding her though, much to his dismay. Asking random civilians would be dangerous, since there was still the possibility that he was wanted, and even more so considering the current circumstances. He decided to place his bets on Tetty's shop, and so he made his way there to pay his old companions a visit and hopefully get a clue to Amata's whereabouts. After he passed by a series of stores and stalls, including a strange area that lead to an underground tunnel, he came across the weapon shop exactly as he recalled it. The place held painful memories also, but in spite of it all things had turned out better than he could have imagined. Leaving the negative thought behind he opened the door and found the shop swarmed by customers.

Adventurers had lined both the walls and the inner area, some looking at weapons and others armour while all three shopkeepers struggled to manage the group. Though it was his first time seeing him, he felt certain he saw Imhotep, Tetty's husband and the one who managed the armour in the shop. He could only see his head behind all the adventurers-a middle-aged man with daring violet eyes and copper skin, a white and red nemes adorned his chestnut hair. He caught a glimpse of Tetty's white shemagh and the occasional glimpse of her face as adventurers buying weapons came and went.

Perhaps now was not the best time for him to show, but it was either that or he risk the entire mission on a gamble. The Abellan took a breath and made his way into the heart of the crowd. People pushed and shoved and he came awfully close to the items within the market, more so than he would have liked, but Amu caught a glimpse of him and greeted him anyway.

"Hi TJ! Ah that'll be thirteen-thousand ely please." She said before making a sale. "What brings you here?"

He laughed dryly as she managed customers and still tried to share her attention with him, and he briefly met a shield also, pressed against his cheek. "I'm looking-oof...for someone. Do you know Amata? Kinda tallish girl with red and blue eyes, black hair...likes scowling. Ring a bell?"

"Actually I have! I heard she and the others were gathered at the Traveller's Bar. Are you going there? Be careful!"

The others? Perhaps he would come to meet them upon his arrival, but just who were they and what were they doing with the God's Governor? "Right. Thanks a ton Amu, I'll go check it out."

"Be sure to come again! We're not always this busy!" She waved him off as he weaved his way through the crowd and sighed with relief on escape, the shopkeeper's assistant returning to her duties.

He tapped his guild badge twice.

[Guild]TJ: I caught word that Amata might be at the Traveller's Bar. When you guys are ready let's regroup there.

[Guild]Curt: You don't plan on going in alone do you?

[Guild]TJ: I'll be alright! Better that she sees me first than anyone else. The two of us haven't exactly become enemies quite yet. Her history with Su and you guys might cause a bit of conflict though.

[Guild]RoboCurt: He does raise a point...

[Guild]Curt: If anything happens, scream for help. We'll be there as quick as we can.

He laughed.

[Guild]TJ: Will do.

TJ weaved his way through the streets and saw the Traveller's Bar at the far end of the city. The place was much larger than most of those he had seen in the other cities. It had multiple entrances, a stairwell that lead to the upper floor where a balcony waited with three more entrances-a group of arched windows lined the east side of the building while a pair of domes both large and small covered a majority of the roof. Upon the front was a sign that featured a chalice with wine spilling from it. He took a deep breath and walked up the stairs to the main entrance.

He entered the place and was immediately dazzled by the splendour of it. Chandeliers with candles resting upon each hung from the roof across the room, small tables with white cloths rested atop them and a single lit candle outfitted the entire shop with small cube shaped seats that sat around them.

A stout man with kind green eyes and brown hair greeted him as he entered. "You must be weary from your travels nomad. Take a load off and relax," He suggested with a stroke of his beard. The man wore a black overcoat with white fur around the neck, a crimson fez and matching shoes and a white robe.

"Thanks," TJ answered awkwardly before glancing around for Amata. He caught a glimpse of her at the far end of the room and let out a quiet but surprised gasp. Amu was right on the mark.

He made his way over to her and as he did, he saw her eyes turn their focus to him. Hands intertwined, her steady gaze remained trained on him before she suddenly leapt onto the table and dove at him. The two tumbled across the floor before coming to an eventual halt, the God's Governor's hands wrapped around his cloak's neckline.

"You've got some guts, you know. Showing your face around here," She muttered. The God's Governor wore black jeans, a blue jean jacket and a white t-shirt that featured the black silhouette of a lady that sat upon a crescent moon. She wore studded bracelets as she had before, but had her hair tied together at the end of the strands.

"I'm not who you think I am...or rather, who you think is me isn't," TJ answered calmly and quietly.

"Regardless of who you are, you're still an enemy of mine." It was not long before whispers sounded throughout the store as the other customers looked on with both concern and curiosity. The owner of the bar emerged from behind the counter and made his way over.

TJ closed his eyes. "I know. The place you once called home...Hanamah...what happened to it, there's no denying that was my fault. I can't bring back what you lost, but if you still hold hatred toward me for the event than take out your anger on me here and now. Hit me as many times as it takes until you're satisfied." He said these words under his breath, barely loud enough for her to hear but still containing the same amount of intensity it would if he shouted it to her.

She glared at him for a couple of moments before her anger turned to confusion, and then a look of disgust. "What is it with you? Goddamn masochist." She released him and rose to her feet to apologize to the bartender. "I'm sorry for the disturbance. We've settled the matter Rashid."

"I would hope so. You could scare off the other customers at an important time," Rashid answered uneasily.

"It won't happen again." TJ rose to his feet and dusted off his cloak while Amata looked at him with a glare that seemed to be dismissing him, but he persisted all the same. He held out the letter and she furrowed her brows. "What?"

"This, the Chief-my guild master, she wanted me to give this to you."

She sighed and swiped the letter from his hands before tearing upon the envelope and skimming through the contents of the letter. Her eyes widened for a moment and she looked it over from top to bottom once more before turning her gaze back to the Abellan. She huffed before gesturing for him to follow. She lead him to a table with two men that looked at him with curios expressions and sat down. "Siddown." She muttered. He took her words to heart and sat in the extra seat and she intertwined her fingers again. "That...your guild master. She's the real deal right? If you're pulling my leg I'll fry you the moment you leave this store."

He chuckled dryly. "She's the real deal, I promise. Besides, you know who I am already."

"Then let me confirm it." She glanced around before rising and approaching the Abellan. He looked at her with both a look of confusion and fear, suspecting that what Freya had done in the guild room would occur once more but with the God's Governor of Fire.

"Wait-hold on!" She proceeded anyway, and he could feel her cool fingertips on his forehead. He closed his eyes and braced himself, but nothing happened. Upon opening them he caught a glimpse of her walking back to her seat and almost felt a tinge of disappointment, but his confusion outweighed it. "What was that about?"

"That mark. She'd said if I needed further proof I could see for myself. You've got that herald stuck to you, and apparently it reacts to the God's Governors too so..." She shrugged. "Can't believe a jackass like you is the Abellan. What's the world coming to?"

He pursed his lips as thoughts of rebuking her for the remark came and went, but the idea passed by as one of the others at the table spoke up. "So do you wanna introduce us or are we not important enough?" A man asked. TJ only got a slight glimpse of the tan shirt he wore beneath the standard desert cloak. He had wild shoulder-length crimson hair, bronzed skin and daring dark brown eyes. The weapon on his back was without a doubt a spear.

"You're a grown man. Do you need me to spoon feed you too?" She hissed. TJ laughed as he thought of Su-if she were here right now she would probably say something akin to that.

"If words could kill..." He chuckled as he shrugged. "I assume you and the God's Governor are already acquainted so let me be the first to introduce myself. My name is Eli Kraus, guild master to the guild Uprising, one of Ramalda's finest." He winked. "Keep it on the down-low though, since there are humans about."

The second of the two was a man who seemed to have an oddly timid demeanour to him, but at the same time a very dangerous aura. He had short black hair and dark brown eyes, but a kind look to him. Though TJ felt a tad unsure, he gave off the same presence as that of a Confidant. "My name is Salem. I am a Confidant who has come on behalf of our kind, and as my guild master's representative. I belong to a guild by the name of Bastion." He bowed his head slightly. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"L-likewise! I'm TJ." He added nervously.

"So you're the Abellan huh? Never thought I'd see him in the flesh but here you are." Eli said as he crossed his arms.

"Indeed. I'm sure that Reina will be in quite the huff once she finds out that you had come to the meeting." Salem said with a light chuckle.

"I-it's not that big a deal." The Bard muttered hiding under the hood of his coat. "There are way more impressive people out there, really!"

"Whenever you sissies are done with your pleasantries we can get on with this discussion. We don't have the luxury of time while those dumbass adventurers are spelunking a dungeon they're not ready to handle."

"That's true. There may be more parties trying to enter as we speak," Salem said.

Eli placed his chin in his hands and let out a sigh as his face seemed to sag while he exhaled. "You don't know the half of it. My members have to switch out on shifts just to uphold the peace here and in the pyramid, while others scout out the Instance. Thankfully they all made it back alive but most come back pretty badly wounded."

"So...was it true that they had seen someone who looked like me in there? Do you guys have any information on them?" TJ asked.

Amata sized him up for a matter of moments before turning her focus to the other two. "Let's tell 'em what we know. If there's anyone that can bring that dungeon down it'll probably be him." She grinned impishly. "Though of course, I doubt he'd be able without the help of a God's Governor."

Eli looked unimpressed. "Do the two of you plan on going in there? Let me lead the party then. I'm not here just to bark orders to my members. My spear's been itching to impale some Agasura."

Amata shook her head. "You're gonna have to sit this one out Mr. Hungry spear. The higher-ups have sent out the order and already has a party picked out." She smiled and raised an eyebrow. "You can keep my seat warm though."

He scoffed at her words. "Higher-ups? You may be a God's Governor but we're not an army. Did the Abellan decide it? We can change it right here and now then. Bring Salem while you're at it. I hear he's pretty damn good in a fight."

The Confidant gestured that was not the case following Eli's words. "I do have some experience, but the style that I've taken up will not fare well without Reina." TJ felt a hint of curiosity at his words, mostly exactly who this Reina was.

"He didn't decide it asshole. It was someone else," Amata snarled under her breath.

"So why do you have to be so hush-hush about it?" Eli asked as he raised a brow.

"Just 'cause. Deal with it. Now let's get back on topic."

"So what can you tell me about this dungeon?" TJ asked.

"If I recall correctly, some of our members reported that there are specific requirements to reaching the Guardian's location. Defeating enemies is necessary, but there is also a secondary objective." Salem explained.

"A secondary objective?" He raised an eyebrow.

Salem nodded solemnly. "Yes. That is, the collection of gold."

TJ opened his mouth to speak but found himself at a loss of words. "Huh?"

"It's just as he says," Eli added, "we need to collect a certain amount of gold to open the way. Every one of the enemies inside of the Instance have coins on them, and there are treasure boxes scattered about with them too." He shrugged and sighed. "If it were just that, it'd be pretty easy to complete, but the place is loaded with traps."

"That and the Guardian isn't someone we can take lightly. I hear its pretty strong." Amata said before she crossed her arms. "I can see why they sent you here, but I still think that we could've handled the problem without you getting involved."

TJ scratched his cheek. "Well, it's technically my duty to handle stuff like this. At least if the matter is cleared up no one else will have to be hurt within that dungeon. Assuming that the dungeon will differ depending on who enters and when, we'll probably have to gather gold to open it too, won't we?"

"Pretty much. Unless we're grouped together up to a maximum of four it'll be like entering a whole different dungeon. Any more than that and someone's gonna be finding themselves alone. The only exception I can think of right off the bat is the Guild Room." Amata said.

The thought of seeing most of Yggdrasil gathered inside the room was more than enough proof for the Abellan. He nodded to acknowledge the fact.

"Welcome nomads." The sound of Rashid's voice caught TJ's attention and he turned his head instinctively towards the entrance to catch a glimpse of two of his companions arriving. It was not only his head that turned-many of the visitors stole a glance at the Meister and his MG, including a specific God's Governor.

The sound of her seat scraping against the floor caused TJ's head to turn again and his eyes to open wide as he saw the flame that was lit in her hand. A fierce glare and grit teeth spoke volumes where words could not, and he knew if he did not act Amata would engage the two without a second thought.

"Amata stop!" TJ shouted rushing to her side and holding her back.

"Those guys...of all people, she sent them?" She muttered through her teeth. "Tch...I'll kill them here and now and be done with it!"

Robo caught a glimpse of the enraged God's Governor and held his companion back. "Might be better to wait before we approach or this could end badly," He said.

"You might be right," Curt replied.

"Think of where we are right now! A God's Governor shouldn't be looking for a fight with people, especially when others can be put in danger too!" TJ cried out as he pulled her away from them.

She stole a glance back at him and sighed. "Fine." She said and finally extinguished the flame in her hand. "We may be working together, but it doesn't mean I'll like it. Bastards like them shouldn't be seen on important expeditions." Her glare sharpened. "Or at all."

He laughed nervously at her words, but after she sat back down he called the other two to the table. After Curt pulled up a chair and Robo rested his MG next to him a silence ensued that amplified the tension in the air, between the two and the God's Governor. TJ looked around uneasily and wondered where Su was, considering the possibility that she had returned to the gem-she always knew how to sort out bad situations, but with one of her sworn enemies here it could easily go from bad to worse. At the thought, he considered himself rather lucky that the two were yet to cross paths, but the fact remained inevitable.

"Looks like the gang's all here." Curt said breaking the silence.

"...For now." Amata muttered keeping her glare trained on the two.

"Now now..." Robo chuckled uneasily.

"Could you guys make up already? The tension in here is so thick you could cut it with a knife!" Eli said as he crossed his arms.

"It's rather incredible really..." Salem added.

"R-right then. Let's get back on topic guys!" TJ added gesturing for them to calm down. "Do any of you have a map of the Desert?"

"Always!" Eli drew a map from his rucksack and unfurled it across the table.

TJ glanced over the map for a couple of moments before rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I've never really been to the Pyramids before. I've seen them around during my travels, but I didn't think that adventurers could enter them! I'm really excited to see what it's like."

"What are you, twelve? If you're looking for fun in games where the undead walk you'd sooner get yourself killed. It'd be better that way, actually." Amata said with an exasperated look.

TJ furrowed his brows. "Would it kill you to actually try to get along with someone for once?! Jeez!" He hissed.

"You'd have a better chance making friends with a bear than you would with her. I'd bet they're less gamey than she is too." Su answered from within the crystal. He laughed dryly at the comment, but was relieved to know that she was with them.

"I'm here to see my mission through, not make friends. So? Why did you want the map?" She asked.

"I need to know the location to enter the Pyramid." He stole a glance at the map and saw others listed upon it. "Also which one to enter."

"It's this one over here TJ." Eli said before he pointed one out. "Southwest of the Iris Stone. The shotaro gathered around it will help you remember if you ever forget. For some reason they tend to flock there, unlike the others. Probably because of the Agasura within, or something."

"According to our members, the Agasura inside of the Pyramid itself are not too strong, even for those who have recently advanced to their second class. I don't think they should cause you too much trouble, but some of their actions are rather unpredictable, so it would be best to be on your guard regardless," Salem added.

Constant vigilance-how could he forget? "Thanks for the heads up. We'll do just that."

Eli sighed deeply. "I wanna go too."

"Who do you think is gonna haul your sorry ass out of there after you get the shit kicked out of you? It's not gonna be me, I can tell you that," Amata said.

"You'd have to make it back from the mission in one piece to even consider that an option!"

"There's no need to fight you two. If you continue we may be kicked out of the restaurant. Remember, we're here to uphold the peace, not to disturb it." Salem said grinning slightly.

"I've found all that I was looking for," TJ said proudly. "Once everyone's all set I think we can set out. With this Warp Crystal Kooh gave me we'll really be able to cut down the time we spend traversing the Desert."

"It's certainly handy. Nevertheless, I'm ready when you are TJ. Just give the word and we can set out," Robo said.

"Been prepared to go since yesterday. Since our only task was finding Amata I'm as ready as I'll ever be. An interesting battle with a Sinner is calling my name!" Curt said with a stretch.

"You're the leader of the party huh?" The God's Governor sighed. "Well whatever. I'd heard you nearly bested Choen Palm so I guess you could be worse. If Anastasia gave you her blessing, you're probably worth your weight in ely. Let's make this quick."

TJ had no idea what she had meant by most of it, but it seemed that she was acknowledging him in some way shape or form-that would suffice. "Right then. Let's get going guys." As he rose to his feet the others followed suit, and he turned to Salem and Eli. "It was nice meeting you guys. I hope we can again soon."

Eli grinned. "Likewise. It's not everyday an average Joe like me would cross paths with the Abellan. If we do meet again lemme' introduce you to my guild. You're a good kid, they'd like you."

Salem nodded. "The pleasure is ours. To know that you and the God's Governor are together and taking on the dungeon will give the people of Ramalda some peace of mind. Come back safely, travellers."

Once the others said their goodbyes they made their exit and gathered around the Abellan just outside of the Traveller's Bar.

"You guys ready?" He asked as he drew his Warp Crystal. They answered and he nodded. "Alright, here goes." He closed his eyes and recalled the place where he once visited, and the group teleported away.

When he opened his eyes he found himself in the Desert, right by the yellow Iris Stone he had once saved at.

"Alright, let's get this going." Amata said before she leapt down from the pedestal and began to descend the pyramid. The God's Governor did not waste a moment.

Robo and Curt climbed down the ladders on each side and TJ stopped for a moment to gaze at the stone and take in the nostalgia. It had only been half a year or so and yet it felt like the world had passed him by in the blink of an eye. His crystal began to glow and Su emerged from it before she turned to him.

She lightly tapped him with her fist as her hair bangs brushed against her eyes, her head lowered. "If hitting you could bring them back I'd have done that ages ago...but some things just aren't that easy huh?" She asked.

He knit his eyebrows. "Yeah...I doubt saying sorry could undo all the pain that was brought upon you then but in spite of all of that I'm gonna do my best to make a change. I'll start with the Sinners and work my way up to the day that I finally settle things with Asmodeus."

Her lips curled into a small grin. "You're lame as fuck." She raised her head and her eyes smiled too. "But if you weren't then it wouldn't quite be...you, I guess." She turned away from him but glanced over her shoulder. "I saw how you handled Amata. Looks like you might have a bit of manliness underneath that girly exterior of yours." He tilted his head quizzically. Insult? Compliment? If he considered what she would normally say, it was definitely an improvement. "Well? Let's go find that Sinner. Your memories aren't gonna come to you." She leapt down from the pedestal and quickly descended the pyramid after the other two made their way towards their destination. He sighed happily and climbed down after her.

Once they reunited with the others they joined a conversation between Curt and Robo.

"...good thing that the goliath MG has legs. Trying to get through this in my old custom would take ages." Robo said.

"But it's no Valkyrie." Curt added with a teasing grin.

Robo sighed wistfully. "A man can dream, can't he? I need to find out how to get my hands on one. Do you think I could win it by playing LaDeck?"

"No way! At least not anytime soon. Better to brush up in preparation for it though, 'cause I'm willing to bet that it'd take one hell of a Meister to pilot it."

"I'm not a Meister in name alone," Robo answered indignantly. "But it's no less true that it would take some practice. I believe I've gotten the gist of using the goliath, at the very least."

TJ stole a glance at Amata who walked ahead of the group briskly and solemnly. Perhaps it was just a hunch but her silence gave him the feeling that she was contemplating something. He considered their current standing and felt that perhaps she would have little to say to him, if anything, but he still had the urge to try. If Peorth was in his shoes, would she not do the same thing?

"H-hey, Amata." He said as he sped up to match her pace. She looked at him and turned her eyes away solemnly. This was going to be more difficult than he thought. On the bright side, silence was better than an insulting remark so perhaps things had improved slightly? He steeled his resolve-relations with the God's Governors and the others around him was important. Now was not the time to let himself be discouraged. He searched his memory for anything he knew about her, and all that came to mind was her relationship with Su and Yuta. Since the battle at the City of Iron he had not seen the gunslinger-perhaps she may have. "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

She furrowed her brows. "I'm only going to give you an answer because you're the Abellan. If you were anybody else I wouldn't give a shit. So? Whaddya' want?"

"It's...about Yuta. I wanted to know what happened to him after we left the City of Iron." It was possible Peorth would have an idea, but she always had some other matters on the mind, and questions to sate his curiosity would likely not be worth her time.

The God's Governor sighed. "He was admitted to a hospital in Elias." Her eyes moved to her shoes. "'s fine now. Out and about and back to adventuring or whatever. Why do you care?"

TJ rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm involved in a lot of different things. His situation is my fault too." That scenario ran deeper than he would have liked to recall, but he feared forgetting it could easily lead to a return of Adonis.

She huffed. "You seem pretty adamant on making amends but do you even know where to start? Nobody can bring back the dead. Not even the Abellan. What do you plan to do?"

The question gave him pause. "I know I can't do something of that grand a scale, but I can certainly prevent things like that from happening. I'm going to keep fighting, starting here. The Chief told me that my power would be necessary to defeating the Agasura King, and if defeating the Seven Sinners is a means to that end then I'll do just that."

"That so? Try to survive longer than the first of them. You've got a long way to go, you know."

He laughed quietly. "To say the least! I hope you'll fight alongside us again if and when the next Sinner appears. Having someone as strong as you with us is a great help."

"Wh-" She looked surprised for a moment but a glare followed it. "Compliments won't do a thing for you, Abellan. You and that man..." She clicked her tongue.

TJ smiled slightly. The God's Governor had her own fair share of concerns which may have been the reason she came off as so sharp-tongued, but he felt that there was much more than she let on. The fact that she would even follow along may have been the start to the group getting along, in spite of their past. He was a tad curious about who she described 'that man' as but perhaps it was better not to question that."Well let's get along all the same."

She shrugged, seemingly accepting his suggestion before throwing him an appraising look. "I know I've asked you a few questions already but there's something that's bothering me. It's not that important, but I still wanna know."

The Bard nodded. "Sure, what's on your mind?"

"What's up with that stuff around your neck? I mean considering your fashion sense I guess it's not that unusual for you, but you're wearing a locket and a necklace. What's up with that?"

He pursed his lips at her comment, but placed his hands to the locket intimately. "The pendant is for sealing the Seven Sinners. The locket...it was a gift from an old friend. Iris Livier...you've probably heard of her, and me by extension huh?"

"I had the misfortune of meeting you in person, and under the worst possible circumstances," She huffed. Did he ever know it. "But anyway, that Iris...you knew her? I'd heard she came to Hanamah and gave Yuta his guns and her blessing but I didn't think you ran with her ragtag group. Now you're with the queen? We'd all thought she was killed during the last war. Why'd she keep her survival a secret? And don't even get me started on that Iris. God Ah knows where the hell she's gone off to."

"She did it so enemies didn't find her. But you don't know of Iris' whereabouts either?" The question pained him. The letter that she had sent was proof that she was on Jienda before TJ decided to join the Cerebians in their fight. It was possible that the two would meet again, but after all he had been through, even now he still believed that the path he followed was the right one. He hoped with all his might that perhaps by chance, their paths would cross once more.

"Probably dead." The bluntness of her words stung even more. "Last I heard she had fought the Demon King and had gone missing since. You might find her friends in the Instance Dungeons though. Some say they're in there looking for clues on how to bring her back."

"R-really? Do you think they're still there?"

Amata looked at him from the corner of her eye. "It's been what, three years since she's gone missing? If you expected them to stay in there for that long you're a bigger idiot than you let on."

His shoulders slumped. So she was still missing after all. He paused for a moment. Missing? She was? "Wait, you said that this happened three years ago right? Have you seen any of them since then?"

"Hell if I know!" She hissed. "Why don't you go pester King Hejong's guard? Maybe you'll find Sir Levi there."

To ask the king for an audience might have been out of his league, but was it possible that something really did happen to Iris? TJ swallowed the thought hard. Choen Palm said she was killed, the letter said she was in Belos for a time, and now the possibility that some of her members were around brought even more possibilities to the table. Though Levi was only one of the many. Of those that he knew, there were four, excluding Iris: Sir Levi, Muwen, Choen Palm and the Dark Moon Princess. Perhaps Sir Levi had stayed behind to protect the king, but what of Iris or Muwen? Where were they now? "I've only seen Sir Levi at a stone with his image on it." Choen Palm was out of the question, and the Dark Moon was not a place he would want to go into.

"Huh. So he has those too huh? If you're so adamant on finding her, go off and pursue those stones. Chances are they're your only clues. But let me warn you, if you're gonna be running across the continent in search of Iris your work will be done before you can think twice about starting. If all the other Sinners appear just like this one, expect me to be on the scene; I don't like to wait, for your information."

Amata did raise a good point. If Iris' letter was any indication, she likely had gone far beyond his reach in the time he had made his decision and where he was now. There were places beyond Atlantis and the Abyss Ruins that he could only imagine, but his duty was here, so long as the Sinners were. He tightly gripped the chain around his locket and cast his eyes down upon his shoes. Would he be able to open it and find out what it is that his previous companion had left for him? Would he ever meet her again? He sighed lightly. For the time being he needed to focus on his current task. The God's Governor was willing to answer his questions, but only because of his title-building a better rapport with her, and bridging the gap between her and his companions would be necessary. "I'll be sure to be there as soon as I catch word of them, so if we're both present let's do our best together. For now, it's you, me, Curt, Robo and Su."

Her expression darkened. "She's here? Where? Why?"

TJ swallowed the words hard. It seemed that Amata had no idea that he could summon her. "It's a long story...but we're all here so let's not fight okay?"

The God's Governor sighed at his words. He felt a bit of relief at the fact that she did not seek out the God's Governor of Earth then and there. "I've no intention of fighting you, or her, but I do have a requirement to my cooperation. Don't get in my way." At those words she turned away and began to walk at a faster pace.

"Tough break TJ." Curt said before giving him a pat on the shoulder.

"I believe she'll come around...in time." Robo added as he knit his eyebrows.

As Su walked past she offered him a grin. "Hell, at least you tried! It took the two of us nearly killing each other and the intervention of some geezer we knew for us to even look at each other. Maybe your way will work out somehow, but don't expect us to get along." She shrugged. "Maybe it's just in our blood. Earth and fire don't usually mix. I could care less, really-but I do agree with her way of doing things."

TJ sighed. "This is gonna be a lot harder than I thought."

"You'll get there. We've got the whole mission ahead of us, so keep chipping away at it! Anyway, let's get going, I can see that pyramid from here." Curt said before running after the God's Governor.

With one more gentle sigh he followed after his companions.

The five had gathered near the base of the pyramid, and just as Eli had warned them a series of Shotaro swarmed around the entrance. They were the same as TJ had remembered them, the small cactus-like creatures wearing cowboy hats and wearing water guns strapped to their body.

"The entrance is just up there, but we'll need to get past them to do it," Robo said.

"Shut up!" An unfamiliar voice caught the group off guard and the Meister looked at them rather startled.

"Did I say something to offend?"

TJ snickered at his companion's surprise.

"I said shut up!"

Robo crossed his arms and Su cracked a grin.

"This is certainly familiar," She chuckled.

Amidst the crowd one of the Shotaro hopped over to them as he said a familiar phrase. The last time they had seen it TJ hit it with his guitar and sent it off into the distance. They had not seen another Tone-deaf Shotaro in the entirety of the Desert.

"Is that Agasura talking to me?" Robo asked rather surprised.

Amata sneered. "Do we have time for this? Get out of here!" She waved it away. "Take your friends too! We've got stuff that needs doing and you're in the way!"

"Shut up!" It squawked.

Her mouth twitched at its words. "Last chance." She held out a hand and a flame appeared above it, steadily growing in size as she began to count down from ten. The Shotaro looked upon the flame and immediately turned and hopped away, the others quickly following suit. "Should've just cooked 'em all."

"That's definitely unusual," Curt said.

"It's certainly one way to deal with Agasura," TJ added. "Unusual, but definitely effective."

Su took the lead and began climbing the steps of the pyramid towards the entrance. "You think we should just stand around here and watch some cacti run away? There are other Agasura to fight."

"We're coming, hang on!" TJ shouted as he and the others followed after her and made their way up towards the entrance. He looked upon it, and the darkness within and swallowed hard. "Well, this is a first."

Su gave him a push and he stumbled into the entrance. "It's not gonna bite-stop freakin' out ya' pansy!" She grinned and followed after him, the others quietly entering afterwards.

The inside of the Pyramid was quite the sight to see. The roof was incredibly high and throughout it were thin stone structures with withered vines hanging from them that lead to platforms that likely lead deeper. Within the current room they could see a group of Agasura that wandered within, their shape and size familiar to the Priring and the species like it. The air was musty and dry, and the entire pyramid looked as old as it felt. It was quite the fascinating place nonetheless.

Curt tried out the vines before them and began to climb down. "These things are sturdier than they look. We can climb on them." Curt told them as he began to slide towards the ground floor.

"My MG might be a tad heavy for that," Robo muttered.

Amata jumped down and Su followed suit, the latter landing with greater ease seemingly to the former's dismay.

"Move it or don't bother Meister. Time's not on your side." Amata said with a glance.

"If you guys don't hurry there'll be nothing left to kill! Better pick up the slack," Su laughed.

TJ watched as the two ran off, a series of flames and cracked earth was left in their wake. "May as well jump down Robo, or you could try anyway! Maybe it'll work out?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"Your optimism is appreciated but I fear that it won't solve my dilemma." The Meister answered as he looked down upon the vines uneasily.

As he climbed down he knit his eyebrows in thought. Jumping down was definitely out of the question, since it would break his MG from such a height. He would need to find something that could bring Robo down to them. Perhaps a spell in his arsenal? Then it came to him. "Ah Robo I have an idea!"

"Do you? What do you have in mind?"

The Abellan grinned. "Magic of course." He took a deep breath and knelt down against the ground before placing both hands to it. Su taught him how to use his mana to give shape to things through his element, and the bond between them allowed him to utilize hers also. After a couple of moments the ground before him sprung up and stopped at the same height as the platform Robo stood on. "That practice really paid off! Though doing the large-scale stuff is a lot easier with the help of the Frequency."

"Good work TJ." Robo stepped on to the platform and waved to him. "Bring it down slowly okay?"

"Got it." He placed a hand to the stone and stepped back. It came down suddenly and quickly at that, and Robo's MG came to a shuddering halt as the ground took its previous shape. "Oh...sorry about that Robo!"

"It's...it's fine." His hands were shaking but he managed to grip his MG's controls and step away from the platform. "You did get both my MG and I down here in one piece, so I have to thank you." He glanced in the direction the God's Governors and Treasure Hunter went and gave TJ an appraising look. "Shall we then?"

"Yeah, let's go."

TJ went on ahead and climbed up a couple steps, and upon reaching the second he could see Curt climbing up some vines nearby. He jumped down and ran after him, shifting past the disaster the two girls left in their wake, the fires eventually burning themselves out and the earth steadily returning to its former shape. The eliminated Agasura were another matter in itself. As he climbed the rope after Curt a smell wafted into his nose and his stomach grumbled.

"That was awfully loud." Curt said offering him a hand. "I could hear it all the way up here."

TJ felt a tad embarrassed at the comment. "R-really? Can't help it though...those do smell good." He felt guilty for having the thought but his stomach did him no favours.

"Never had Priting before. Maybe it's good? I'd eat one. By the way, I hear certain Agasura are actually a delicacy!"

He turned around to raise Robo to where they stood and Robo gave him a thumbs-up to signal he was ready. Perhaps it was not the time for food, but curiosity got the better of him. "Like what?" He raised the earth and the Meister stepped off shortly after before he followed Curt up another set of vines.

"Ever heard of Mouth Peaches?"

The Abellan pursed his lips at the thought. Perhaps there was an entry about it in his monster manual, but now was a bad time to be glancing through it. Though the thought that Agasura could be both fruit and monsters was interesting nonetheless. "They sound weird...but strangely tasty. They must be really small though, huh? Considering they're peaches and all." He looked down to lift Robo up but realized there was a problem. They were too high up, and with Robo in front of him and a wall behind him, he had no ground to work with.

"Actually they're surprisingly big. Big enough to eat a person! Tasty once you take the fangs out though!"

"F-fangs?!" They were Agasura, but it did not make it any less odd. Going back to the matter at hand, TJ glanced around but saw nothing he could make use of. To try to use water magic would be much, much worse. "Sorry Robo, I think my plan's a bust."

"Is that so?" The Meister rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a couple moments. "I think I have a plan, but it may be in your best interest to stand back."

The two took a couple steps back and the MG's hands arose and grabbed hold of the pillar next to them before they slowly started to wind and pull the MG along with them. TJ looked on in awe as he saw the goliath approach with its rider.

"Phew. That should do it." Once the machine's arms were fully retracted he gave an approving nod to the two. "Let's keep moving. It may take me some time to catch up but don't stress the matter too much. It'd be best to keep pace with the God's Governors."

TJ had no doubts the two could handle themselves, but if they did find trouble he would feel a bit better knowing that he and Curt could intervene. "Robo might have a point. Let's see if we can find those two Curt." With a nod the Abellan took the lead with his companion following closely behind. He turned his focus to a nearby stairwell surrounded by two torches and made his way down.

The two found themselves in another wide room, the remnants of the battles left behind in the God's Governors wake while the two yelling at each other could be heard across the room. Their argument continued on as they made their way up a set of vines and towards the next stairwell.

"Well they get along well now don't they?" Curt remarked with a grin.

"In truth I didn't think that those two would be able to be in the same room together after what happened back then. I think it's an improvement." TJ added before sliding down the vines near their feet. Upon reaching the bottom he shook his hands to recover from the burns. "Though will you and Robo be alright with her? You probably have your own concerns too huh?" He knew little of how their battle played out, but he could imagine that it did not happen smoothly.

Curt joined him at the bottom and shrugged as they went on. "It's not so bad. She's a damn good fighter, and also pretty mouthy, but I'm willing to look past it. I doubt she'd put up with us for long after last time, but we haven't attacked each other yet, so maybe we'll make it through the mission without killing each other."

TJ pursed his lips at the Treasure Hunter's words and jumped down a short ledge, nearing another. "It's hard to be optimistic in situations like this. I really do worry that you guys are gonna get into another fight. Though considering that those two are going at it like that and not going after each other, maybe we'll be alright. We're really gonna have to work together once we get to the Instance Dungeon. Maybe it's just me but I have a feeling that we're gonna be up against some really strong Agasura."

His companion grinned. "I'd bet that you're right, but do you have any doubts? I sure don't!" The Abellan offered him a smile and a curious head tilt in response. "Let's be real here. We beat the crap out of Rabana and Choen Palm. Besides, now you've got your powers unlocked! Just transform again and the Agasura won't stand a chance against you."

The Abellan laughed gently. If only it were so easy for him. Vanir had said that the Divinity Sealing would only last a couple of days, but he still felt reluctant to try and use the Order Frequency a second time. Thankfully and to his dismay, Curt was not present to witness his failure first hand-he felt thankful that his companions had fared well through the battle in spite of his moment of weakness. "I'll give it a shot, but the Chief said that we should be wise in how we utilize our mana. It's just a feeling but I feel refreshed when I return to the guild room, kinda like that Instance Dungeon you created."

Curt nodded sagely. "It's the same thing, but rather than using my mana it uses Peorth's plus Sellistar's. There's enough in there for an entire guild, all the time. Though it's not impossible to gather it around Jienda, you won't get much even if you focused on just that one thing." He grinned once more. "But that's just it huh? That's the goal of the Cerebians. To revitalize the world, and save it in the process."

While Curt climbed up some vines after him he placed a hand to his gem thoughtfully and looked to the stairwell before him. He wondered exactly what the Agasura had intended to do-the simplest explanation would be the world's destruction, and whether or not that was all it did not change the fact that they needed to be stopped. The reluctance in his heart was no longer crippling as it was in the past, but the fact remained that he too, was an Agasura. To become God Ah's right hand...what would happen to him afterwards? Would defeating the Agasura King eliminate his followers, and TJ with them? He let out a gentle sigh at the thought. His reverie was broken by the sound of something like a jet of flames. He glanced around the area and nearly leapt away as Robo's MG flew up to their current position.

"It seems I've found out a new use to my MG. It has boosters both for horizontal and vertical movement! Handy, no?" He asked with a confident grin.

"Handy for scaring the living daylights out of me!" TJ complained before letting out a sight of relief.

"Looks like you've still got your work cut out for you Robo," Curt remarked.

The Meister furrowed his brows. "Progress will be made, and that MG will be mine. It's only a matter of time! Shall we then?" Both with his robot and his hand he gestured for them to take the stairs further in.

Upon reaching the bottom the Abellan glanced around the area and spotted both God's Governors casting against one Agasura. Fire rained down upon it and the earth was splintered, which ended rather gruesomely. TJ blinked as he noticed that there was no blood.

"Smells like rotting flesh in here," The Treasure Hunter muttered.

"It's no surprise considering what they were combating, in my opinion.

TJ climbed down the ropes and found the corpse of what looked like a singed priting. At a second glance, he noticed that it was definitely not the same-the eyes crimson yet seemingly withered, and the entire body black rather than green, but charred nonetheless. There were even singed bandages that covered it. He poked it with his foot and the jaw fell open and seemingly crumbled at his touch, causing him to reel away.

"Zombies?" He asked slightly perturbed.

"Nah, I think those things are mummies dude."

"But they're not the same as the pritings right? Or are they mummy pritings?" Curt shrugged in response to the question.

Robo landed behind them and made his way over before crouching down with his MG and hanging from the front to get a closer look. "It looks like a priring to me, judging by the eyes, but considering the state it's in it really is difficult to say for sure."

"For now let's just focus on catching up to those two first. They'd probably know, since they killed them."

The three made their way down another set of vines and looked across the room. The arched architecture gave off the feeling that it too, shared many traits with the much more modern city, but in spite of the age it still withstood the test of time. As they went on they came across a set of eight cube shaped stones with hieroglyphs carved upon them. In spite of the history before them, they served better as a way down to the lower floor that connected to another section at a similar height to the first.

"This place is pretty big." TJ said as he climbed up the step. "Do you think we'll be able to find the dungeon quickly?"

"Better watch out man there's another mummy right there."

"Huh?" As he rose to his feet it hopped towards him and made a light squeak before spitting its bandages towards him. He stepped back and drew his guitar before Curt's dagger flew past him and lodged itself between its eyes. Curt joined him afterwards and offered him a reassuring smile before he reclaimed the weapon. "Thanks for that. I'd thought the others had cleared out all the Agasura here.

"Better watch yourself . There's probably gonna be more mummified Agasura lying in wait that they missed."

TJ chuckled dryly. "Oh well that's fun. I'd hate to be that kind of Agasura though." He tugged on a set of vines and began to climb them. "I mean, imagine dying once and coming back as an undead thing."

"Prirings will be prirings I suppose."

"Mummified prirings are certainly a first though. Rather fitting for a pyramid, don't you think?" Robo asked.

As TJ walked towards a stairwell that lead deeper into the pyramid Curt took his hand and pulled him away. "Hold on there, that's probably not where we want to be, don't you think?" As TJ shrugged in response Curt pointed up to another entrance and gestured for them to follow after him. While he climbed the vines he continued, "Though the fact that these things are mummified must mean that they're pretty old. Those prirings are probably older than we are."

"There are many things that are older than I am." The Meister remarked.

The Abellan climbed up the ladder and found himself at a long walkway before another set of vines that lead to the next entrance. The walkway was broken in some places, and it explained why he found pieces of rubble scattered about on the lower floor-he considered it due to age but it seemed the God's Governors played a part in that. Robo's answer made him curious though about a lot of things that he never really took the time to ask. So much happened since they had met that he never really paid any mind to the little things. "Just how old are you Robo? And you too Curt?"

The Meister scratched his cheek. "If I were to take a guess I would say perhaps seven? In the current time's years, at least."

Curt in turn grinned. "If you guess right I'll tell you, but you only get one.

So Robo was seven years old and he would have to guess Curt's-the two talking over each other made it rather difficult to discern what they said for a couple of moments afterwards. He knit his eyebrows. "You don't look seven to me." He muttered before shooting an appraising gaze in the Meister's direction.

"Well I wasn't exactly born and raised, per se. I was created from Curt's cells," The Meister said nonchalantly, while Curt looked aghast.

TJ crossed his arms and gave him a stern look before he burst out into laughter. Like he would fall for that one. "That's a good one." The look on Curt's face made it a little more convincing though. Chances are that they just shared a name-the two shared some similar traits, but he would be more convinced if he said they were brothers. He chuckled lightly at the thought. If Freya and Peorth shared a name he would not be able to tell which is which until they spoke. As he made his way down the stairs both Curts gave each other a glance, the Meister shrugged while his companion offered him a wry smile.

After ascending the stairs the group came across a worn-down looking Amata who leaned against a step and heaved. Beads of sweat ran down her face and her brows were furrowed, a look of fury followed the God's Governor of Earth as she made her way higher. Before TJ could call out to her, the sound of her stomach growling gave him pause, and she placed a hand to it before groaning.

"Hey-" He began.

The look she gave him pierced right through him and chilled him to the bone. "You heard nothing, right?" She asked her tone as cold as her gaze.

"W-well..." Curt and Robo backed away into the tunnel. If he did not think of something quickly things were not going to end well for him. An idea came to him and he began to rummage through his rucksack before withdrawing the basket Skuld had given to him. "Skuld had given this to me before I left Elias. Why don't we share it?"

She glared at him and he began to sweat. "...You first."

It was all she had said, but her gaze did not seem as ferocious as it did to begin with-rather it seemed to be one of apprehension. He wanted to shrug, but he feared that in the few moments he made that gesture she would take it as him attempting to attack, which would result in him being singed. The idea was rather far-fetched but he would not underestimate the God's Governor under any circumstances. He pulled away the cloth that covered the basket and found a set of homemade cookies within. There was a variety of them, not that he knew what kinds they were, but they looked delicious nonetheless. He reached in and took one before taking a bite of it and smiling with delight. Did Skuld really prepare these? He was definitely impressed by her skill-though perhaps it should not have come as a surprise to him, considering that she and Vanir ran a cafe. He turned his gaze back to Amata who looked on with a mix of concern and jealousy. He bit down on the cookie in his hand and offered the basket to her with both hands.

"Go ahead." He said raising it slightly.

With a huff she walked over and took one before taking a small bite out of it. "They're...not bad. Who's this Skuld you were on about?" She raised an eyebrow, the look on her face easing up as she ate the snack.

TJ smiled slightly. "She's Vanir's brownie. They own a cafe called Madelaine's Tea Stop in Elias."

She turned away and began to climb up. "And this Vanir is...?"

"He's a Confidant that knows a lot about the Agasura and monsters like them."

Curt and Robo followed shortly after, the former of the two said, "Lemme' try one of those."

As Amata took another from the basket she waved it at him shortly after. "Give 'em my regards. Maybe I should go meet those guys. I don't know too much about the Confidants there yet."

TJ followed Amata up a set of vines and caught a glimpse of what looked like the entrance to an Instance Dungeon in the distance. Could that have been where they wanted to be? "Hold that thought Amata, isn't that the entrance right over there? We're headed the wrong way!"

She sighed. "Haven't you ever been here before? That's not the place. That's the Pyramid's Treasure Vault. Kazno used to hang out in there while he and the others tried to find out what happened to Iris. He's probably not there anymore, but if you were looking for treasure you could find it in there. You'd be lucky if you got out alive though. The Guardian in there is pretty strong."

Kazno...the name did not sound familiar to him, but perhaps if he found the time he could ask around for him. If he had been searching the ruins, perhaps he would be somewhere in Elfa now? If so he could ask Amu about him. Amata seemed familiar with Iris' party when they moved as a team, but their current whereabouts would be no good. Though they seemed to be competing, it was surprising that she had given up. The look on her face said she was more unwilling than she would let on if he was to ask, but it was rather unusual that the God's Governor decided to keep pace with the others in spite of having regained her stamina. "You're not gonna chase after her Amata?"

The God's Governor scoffed at his words. "Chase after her? I knew she was weird before but she could put Bongolle Train to shame with that insane speed. She never stops, never tires...what the hell is she on?"

TJ laughed dryly as he climbed up to another set of ascending stairs. "It's a funny story."

"I've got time. Enlighten me, why don't you?"

The group emerged at the exit to the stairwell and TJ glanced around, a wall on one side and a long path on the other, lined with corpses of what actually looked like zombies. "Where do I begin? Let's just say that Su and I have a contract."

As the group stepped over the bodies the God's Governor turned her head back with a curious look. "A contract? What kind?"

At that moment his gem began to glow and half of the God's Governor emerged from within. "The kind that lets me do stuff like this!" She said with a grin.

Her rival did not take well to it-she stepped back with a shriek, her terror quickly turning to anger. She stormed at the two and reached out to grab Su who retreated back to the crystal, and the God's Governor wound up grabbing TJ with her fist ready to hit him. "What, the hell."

TJ's glasses slid down the bridge of his nose and he took a moment to correct that. "It's just like she says," He began with a nervous chuckle, "it lets her do things like that."

"She lives inside you? What the hell did you two do exactly that allowed for that, and why?" She took up a guarded expression and began to walk away from him. "I'm not getting in that thing, F.Y.I. So if you're thinking something like that don't even try it."

"I'm not!" He shouted defensively before stomping his foot."And I don't even think I can do that!"

She sighed, be it out of relief or understanding, he had no idea, but she did it anyway. "So you and the God's Governor are stuck to each other like glue huh? At least now I know if I run into one of you, the other's likely nearby. Still..." She gave him an odd look, one that seemed to be appraising him, but also one that showed a different side to her-it felt serious and contemplative, but also commanding. "I'd never heard of a spell or a ritual that could do something like that to anyone, and I've done my research. It doesn't change the fact that even the God's Governors don't know much about you, Abellan. I've heard that you have access to powers that we can't understand, but something like that seems rather...off to me. The other big thing for us is our task in awakening your power." She sighed as she brushed a couple strands of hair from her eyes and began to climb some nearby vines. "We're not far from the entrance, but that aside, that must have been your doing right?"

He shook his head. "No, not really." As he began to climb up after her the thoughts of the events from their first visit to Elfa danced in his mind. He had not known that it was something Su had wanted until Curt had told him so, and to the day he was still thankful that she had gone to such lengths for him. It was by her guidance he pulled through many of his battles. "Truth be told I'm as surprised as you are that she had been inside of it. I don't know how she did it, but we've developed a sort of connection because of it. Thanks to it I've got a much better grasp on my powers, and she keeps them under control. They tend to go a little haywire if I'm not careful." He leapt from where he stood and grabbed on to another set of vines hanging from a landing. So long as he refrained from looking down, he would be fine. Probably.

Perhaps because Amata had explored the path once or that she was just that brave, she pushed forward without hesitation. "You've developed a sort of contract with a God's Governor to keep your powers in check huh? Have you ever asked yourself what would happen if the two of you were separated? Let's be real here Abellan, you might know us but we've still yet to learn about you. My dad and his parents and nearly all of the God's Governors haven't seen or heard of you except in the legends passed down, and even those were vague. I can't say that you've made the right or wrong choice in what you did, but you better make sure not to disrupt our duties. The God's Governors keep the balance of our world, and protect it. Take one out of the picture, and who knows what'll happen."

"Somebody did their homework," Curt remarked.

"Now might not be the appropriate time for jokes Curt," Robo added uneasily.

TJ swallowed the explanations with unease. He knew of his duties, but what about Su's? She had always went along with him, and wherever it was that he was headed. He barely knew where that was, though. Had they not crossed paths with Peorth in the City of Iron, would he have been able to come this far? If not, perhaps he would still be pursuing Iris across Jienda. Her current status was a mystery; what had happened in the fight with the Demon King, and where was Iris now? If she was missing, who had sent the letter to him when it was time for him to form a contract? That aside, Su had given up her physical body to form their contract, and he was still as of yet to find a way for her to regain it. Would that prevent her from doing her duties as a God's Governor?

As he neared the top his crystal began to glow again and Su emerged, her eyes sharp and her brows furrowed. "If you've got a problem with him, then you can take it up with me. I was the one who decided on the contract, and I was the one who made it happen. If you think it'll stop me from being a better God's Governor than you ever could be, think again!"

Amata froze in place and turned around, her face flushed pink with anger of her own. "So you decided to show up again huh? Just because you might know a circus trick or two that doesn't make you any better a God's Governor than I am! You can rely on the Abellan's strength all you like, but while you two are frolicking across Jienda, the Confidants, the Cerebians and I are busting our assess trying to keep the peace in the Havens and fix the cities that you dumbasses trashed!" She roared in response.

"Frolicking?! Do you think we wanted to fight Choen Palm in Elfa?! That bitch ambushed us and damn near killed half of our party! That's not even mentioning who was killed during it! If I weren't with TJ then he could've been killed or dragged off with her after being beaten half-to-death! You might be keeping the peace, but our frolicking is what's gonna save the world! Don't even get me started on the rest of the shit we went through!"

"It was only a matter of time before this happened...I had feared it, but I'm not surprised in the slightest." Robo said before resting his MG down nearby.

"I don't think the God's Governors of Fire and Earth will ever see eye to eye, regardless of generation." Curt muttered as he leaned against the goliath and slid to the floor.

"Can you two just calm down?" TJ asked gesturing for them to do just that.

"Stay out of it!" They both hissed before continuing.

"The Abellan's been around since before our race had to escape from Asgard and you say you're saving the world? If he couldn't even protect our home what the hell do you think you could accomplish by joining forces?! Choen Palm escaped and now that the Sinners are running rampant you decide to make an appearance?! Well good thing. Your timing's just impeccable, isn't it? Pair of screw-ups, and nothing but." Amata sneered.

Su clenched her fists. "Are you stupid?! You said yourself it's our job to help him awaken his powers and you expect him to be able to save an entire world before that happens? All that studying you did really didn't make you any smarter, did it? The only thing you did learn is a couple new spells and how to be a bigger bitch."

Amata looked like she was at the end of her rope by Su's final remark. "That so? How about I show you how much that studying paid off first-hand?!"

Su grinned devilishly, the look in her eyes said she was ready for a battle to the death. "Try it. I dare you."

TJ stepped between the two and pushed them apart. "Enough you two! Fighting amongst yourselves won't solve a thing! Was what happened back then not enough? We're completely losing track of what we should be doing because we're getting too hot-headed!" He shouted. He glanced to Su who shrugged and then to Amata who looked away and huffed. "Maybe you are right Amata. Maybe this is something I should be able to do on my own, but there wasn't really a manual or anything to being the Abellan. I lost a lot of my memories. I dunno how many years its been since I found myself both on Asgard and Jienda, but I can't remember those times, let alone the spells that I supposedly know. What I do know is, that as long as I keep moving forward, searching for my memories and the clues that Iris left behind, and defeating the Sinners I'll get closer. I've found some of them along the way, both happy and sad. I've met a lot of people, and I've grown stronger because of it. Still, I don't know what the future holds for any of us, and I dunno how our contract will affect Su's duties."

"Then end the contract," She muttered.

He smiled bitterly. "It might be some time before I could consider doing that, but in spite of the fact I'll press on and count on her as I do. There's no denying that I've come this far thanks to her. Whenever things got bad she always knew just what to do...and even before then too." The thought of her releasing his seals in Curt's Instance was a reminder of the fact. A daunting event, but one that may have saved him with his upcoming battle against Yuta. "I know that you guys probably have your hardships too. I wish I could be there to make everything right, but even I can't say for sure where my adventure will take me. I just put my trust in the Chief and she leads me to where I need to go. If anyone has an idea of the future for us, it'd be her." He offered Amata a gentle smile. "I know you two don't really get along, but for today, at the very least will you try to for me? It's because of both your efforts that we're here now, and if you work together we'll make it through this dungeon. So, how about it? Amata?"

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine. I'd rather not get on the queen's bad side before I even met her so I'll make an exception."

TJ turned his head to his contractee. "How about you Su?"

She turned an eye to him as her lips curled into a small smile. "I told you already didn't I? I'll keep you alive. " She shrugged. "And not even she could stop me from doing that."

She had done that all this time. In spite of how much the two once fought he was glad that she was by his side. "I've no doubt you will. Thanks for always watching my back."

Her cheeks flushed slightly and she huffed. "It's my job. Stop being so over-dramatic, you wuss."

He beamed at her words, and the expression she made. "Uh huh. Let's get moving you guys. I'll be counting on you in there."

As TJ walked away Amata and Su watched him walk off before the former turned to the latter. "Is he always like that?"

Su shrugged. "Yeah, pretty much."

She knit her eyebrows and the expression she made gave her a rather aged look. "How do you deal with it?"

The God's Governor cracked a grin. "After a while, you get used to it. Makes it more fun to tease him though."

Robo raised an eyebrow "There really is a lot that the Cerebians don't know about their Abellan, isn't there?" He asked.

"More so than we'll ever know." Curt answered after he crossed his arms and closed his eyes with a shrewd grin. "But I gotta hand it to him, he does have a way with words. In the strangest possible way."

TJ leapt to and made his way up another set of vines before coming to a grinding halt. A zombie with long brown hair, a tan cloth for an outfit and an eerie look in its eyes stared down at him from its vantage. The tilted head it remained on, amidst the groans of others nearby made his body freeze in place.

"What's the hold up?" Su asked from the landing.

"There's an undead up there! You can see it right?" He asked.

"I'm not dead, I'm only half-dead," It remarked.

"It...it talks!"

"Yeah and?" Amata asked gesturing for him to continue.

"I mean, maybe this is a good thing! You know how Peorth befriends Agasuras and stuff? Maybe this is one of those ones!" Amata crossed her arms impatiently and Su laughed. "Do you wanna leave the pyramids and live in the city?"

"No," It answered.

"Alright that's that. Let's go Abellan. At least the selki tribe could pass off as humans. The outfits and walrus skins might be questionable but that thing is dead already."

"I'm half-dead." It squawked, and the God's Governor of Fire made a grimace that proved she was not amused.

He pursed his lips. "But I mean we can't just-" A fireball was launched towards it and collided with it, setting the creature ablaze. It ran away screaming before crashing into another, and before long the whole group was aflame.

Amata leapt with a flame from where she stood leaving a small ashen spot and landed where the half-dead zombie once stood. "You're too soft Abellan." She blinked and turned her eyes away for a couple of moments. "I guess it's that very thing that kinda rubbed off on her." She knelt down and offered him a hand. "But that kindness of yours...I don't hate that about you. If things were like they were back then the two of us would've killed each other already." He took her hand and she pulled him up. "You really do remind me a lot of that man. If you wanna take a trip to Ramalda when we're done here I'll introduce you. Might be a few days until then, since I'll have to help manage things around Elfa, but perhaps you could learn a thing or two from him nonetheless, among other things..."

To the backdrop of burning zombies and the crackling embers around them, he felt that perhaps Amata was opening up to him a little bit. He offered her a gentle smile. "That'd be pretty cool, but my duties are to my guild first. If there's another Sinner somewhere else in the world, Vanir or the Chief would know. I wanna be there to find out when and where, and be on the scene before things get dangerous."

As Curt climbed up after them he made kissing noises and the God's Governor's expression immediately darkened before she chased after the laughing Treasure Hunter. TJ turned to where the two were ahead and as the last of the flames went out he could see a gate through the smoke. Around it was a group of armed adventurers who looked on with a keen curiosity. He felt guilty that Amata had fried the half-dead zombie, but perhaps it was not so different from the other talking Agasura they had seen outside of the pyramid. It too, would likely come back sooner or later.

The gate was massive, two ornate golden pillars stood side by side with an arch that connected the two; a variety of precious gems lined the arch along with writing across it in an unfamiliar language, and just as it was with the other Instance Dungeons, the same unusual blue swirling energy served as the gateway. The group had gathered before it where three adventurers stood guard, all wearing the robes that Desert travellers wore. The most mature of them spoke with Amata while the two younger adventurers looked upon the group with a keen curiosity, their glances switching from Amata to TJ, and the two whispering as they did. It was hard to say whether it was because Amata had just violently shook Curt for what he had done or the way the two had just been getting along.

"So you've finally made it huh? But there's five of you. One of you is gonna need to sit this one out." He said to her. He was a man likely getting on his years, his face wrinkled and weary, but his demeanour giving off a feeling that in spite of it, he still managed just fine as an adventurer. His blonde hair was cropped short.

"It's fine. In spite of our numbers one of them is a special case. It won't stop us," Amata answered briskly. TJ tilted his head quizzically. Had the Chief mentioned that in her letter too? That saved him a bit of trouble.

"He scratched his cheek. If you say so, I'll take your word for it. You know what to expect in there right Amata?"

She grinned. "Worried? I'm not the God's Governor of Fire for nothing, and I did sit in on all those meetings so I've got a pretty good idea of what to expect in there. When's the next group coming in to let you guys off?"

"It should be within the next hour. We've had it pretty easy so far. Not too many Agasura have been around this general area since we arrived, and since we worked such an early shift few adventurers have arrived too."

The God's Governor crossed her arms. "I'd heard they'd all try to sneak in during the night, thinking that you guys would be dozing on the job. They're clever, but not quite clever enough." She cracked a grin. "If they really wanted to explore that dungeon, they could force their way in." The Abellan felt uneasy about that suggestion, and the fact that it was Amata who did just that, but he was thankful they were as of yet to attempt such a thing.

The adventurer laughed dryly. "I'm sure there will be those that do just that, and I hope that I'm not there to be caught up in it. Still, if you defeat the Guardian in this dungeon it might just disappear. If it does stay though, I wonder what Eli plans to do."

"He'll figure something out. He might be an idiot, but he's an idiotic guild master. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, leave this to us. We'll crush that Guardian." She cracked her knuckles.

The elder adventurer sent a weary glance TJ's way. "Watch yourselves in there. It's nothing like anything that we've faced before."

The God's Governor chuckled under her breath. "I don't think it's faced a God's Governor before." She turned to her group. "That's enough of a break. Gear up kiddies. We're taking this thing down."

At her words they stepped inside, the adventurers wished them luck as one by one they entered the swirling energy before them.

When they had finished travelling they found themselves face to face with a wall that had a massive stone tablet upon it. The walls were a light brown stone, the blocks that made it up were clear as day, as if this too was a pyramid in itself. The characters on the tablet were unfamiliar to them, not in their common language or even those that were written in Memorius Sanctum.

"I'd heard about this thing, but they weren't kidding. What language is this written in?" Amata asked squinting.

"You haven't been in here yet? That's a shocker," Curt muttered to which the God's Governor glared in turn.

"I would've went in if I could but Eli and Reina were insistent that they send in scouts before sending in the 'main force'. Load of bullshit..." She huffed. "Though they did scout the place out, but they only got a brief glance at the Sinner. Enough to know that she looks like the Abellan and uses psychokinesis." She rolled her eyes. "Who does she think she is? Pandora?" TJ shuddered at her words.

Su and Robo were looking at the words written on the tablet but neither of the two seemed to be able to understand it either. The latter spoke first, "If I was to take a guess, perhaps this is written in Agasuric? It's not illogical that they would have their own language, considering that there are humanoid Agasura among them. On the other hand, the Tyrant of the Maelstrom seems to speak in a more...beastly way. Can you not understand any of this Su?"

She furrowed her brows. "Like hell I could! Speaking to TJ in whatever language he does is one thing, but it's not like I know how to read this stuff, let alone understand those other morons."

The Abellan walked up and looked over the words with a keen curiosity. He had never seen anything like it before, not that he could recall such an event, but they gave him a strange sense of familiarity, and as he began to look closer they became slightly clearer. He focused even harder and the characters began to form the words that made up the writing on the tablet. "I think it says...'Defeat my minions, claim their treasure and bring it to me. Prove that you are worth much more than the gold that the riffraff within contain and you shall have an audience with me. Should you fall by my hands, your corpse will become a fitting treasure for my chamber. Should you ever lose your way, know that when I lay my eyes upon gold the path to me shall be opened'." The group looked at him incredulously and he began to sweat.

"Since when?" Su asked.

"Just what are you exactly?" Amata asked.

"I'm rather impressed, to be honest," Robo added.

"I'm not surprised at all." Curt said with a shrug.

"M-maybe this was one of those things Peorth had mentioned? Or something..." The Abellan laughed nervously. "Anyway! Let's get moving, shall we?" He took the lead and made his way around the wall to the other side and came across a wide open room.

A series of pillars stood proud and near the walls and held up a long strip of stone that acted as a second floor-railings lined the way towards a pair of stairwells that surrounded a massive statue that towered over a pair of double doors. It was only the upper-half of the body that protruded from the wall but just from that alone TJ could tell that the two had shared a lot of similarities. The shape of her face and the eyes-unlike him, she had shoulder-length hair and wore what looked to be a myriad of different kinds of jewellery he had never seen before, along with a dress that was likely unique to Elfa. The statue held a jar above its head, and upon its hands were rings.

"That must be her, huh?" He asked gazing upon the statue.

Amata sighed, "We still don't have definitive proof that you're not her in disguise. If Choen Palm could leave Kimara Research Laboratory so freely to attack Elfa we can't assume that the Sinners can't do the same. I'm keeping my eye on you." He knit his eyebrows at her comment.

"How many Sinners do you think will have a God's Governor jumping out of their chest?" Su asked with annoyance dancing on the edge of her words.

Amata crossed her arms defensively. "Regardless of whether you're the real deal or not who could say whether or not you'd turn on us? You already tried to kill Yuta."

"Because he damn near killed us both first! He shot up the sub with TJ in it and nearly drowned him!" Su hissed before getting into Amata's face again.

"If you'd stopped the Abellan from burning down Hanamah we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place!" Amata roared before literally butting heads with her shorter counterpart.

"Says the girl who turned tail and ra-"

Before Su could finish her statement she was lifted by the neckline of her t-shirt as Amata too was pulled from the ground by Robo's MG. The two growled at each other in spite of the fact that they both hung within the robot's grip and the Meister shrugged and sighed. "Will you two ever give it a rest? We're already here now. If you can't calm down and meet each other halfway, you'll sooner find yourselves sliced to pieces by Agasura. Now, both of you apologize to each other." Su furrowed her brows and Amata rolled her eyes at his suggestion-both shifted their eyes to each other and glared daggers.

"Sorry," Su said bitterly.

"Likewise," Amata muttered.

Robo let them go and the latter of the two dusted off her coat while the other turned away.

"Handled like the owner of a cat and a dog." Curt chuckled with a grin.

"Is this not something you should be doing?" Robo asked sternly as he crossed his arms. He received a shrug and a grin in turn.

"So you heard about this place from the scouts right Amata? Which way do we go?" TJ asked glancing between the doors on opposite sides of the room.

"Which way? Whaddya mean which way? There's only...one..." The God's Governor had pointed towards the upper floor but there was nothing there, save for a wall. "Huh?"

"Somebody's hallucinating." Su sang with an impish grin.

"I'm not hallucinating, the intel they'd given me is off! There was supposed to be a door up there! It would lead into two rooms that would end in a dead end. Then they came back here and met with the Guardian in the room over there." She pointed to the door with the statue above it. A fitting place for a boss fight, undoubtedly.

Curt and Robo looked at each other with questioning gazes, and the former of the two asked, "When is this intel from?"

Amata twirled a couple of strands of hair around her finger as she shifted her gaze away. "Maybe two or so weeks ago, I guess."

The Treasure Hunter crossed his arms. "You know what that means, right?" She turned back to him as she stopped the action and raised an eyebrow.

"The dungeon..." Robo began, "It's evolving and changing."

"Are you kidding me?" She asked with a doubtful glare.

"Unless that intel of yours is off as you said, there's no doubt about it. Not only have the rooms moved around, but there's more of them than there was before. Look over there." He pointed to the room adjacent to the other at the other side of the lobby. Just as he had said, a second door was indeed there. The God's Governor silently bit her lip.

"So we're going in blind huh? Maybe this is one of the asshole king's effects." Su grinned devilishly. "No complaints here though! It'll be way more interesting this way."

"Does Asmodeus' Dominion extend to the dungeons too? Not only do the Agasura act in unpredictable manners, but the places they are in might change too. I wonder if the same happens for the usual dungeons?" TJ asked as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"It's possible, but I wouldn't hold my breath for that. The Instances were created by the Cerebians to seal away the Guardians in the first place, and the Agasuras within them too. Having the Guardians and Agasura running rampant across Jienda wasn't gonna fly. Hence, they created and named these places, and those that were sealed within were what shaped the Instance. Some even had an effect on the world around them too." Curt explained.

"You're surprisingly...knowledgeable about our past. Who are you? And what?" Amata asked with a appraising gaze.

"Some hermit who used to live on Toad Mountain. I've been some places and seen some things. More importantly, does this place have a name? I wanna keep a record of the places I've been and when."

She pursed her lips. "So you're that idiot huh?" Disregarding the fact she continued, "Those guildmasters decided on naming it the Pharaoh's Chambers. It won't be for long, once we eliminate that Sinner." Her expression darkened. "I hope. If she's anything like the other Guardians, she'll only come back with a vengeance after we kill her."

TJ placed a hand to his crystal. "I think these ones might be different. I can't say for sure whether or not that'll hold true after we defeat her, but we'll have to wait until then to find out for sure." He said with a smile of budding confidence.

"Think so?" Her expression looked bored but she still sounded a bit hopeful. "I guess I'll take your word for it then. I dunno what's up ahead but we're just gonna have to spitball." She pointed to the door on the west side of the room. "Let's start here and see where it takes us." With her leading the way the group went on.

They walked up to a door with a series of hieroglyphs upon it, and in spite of his nature not even TJ could understand what they said, nor how to open the door before them since it lacked both a handle or a doorknob. It did not even open automatically when they approached like those in Elias. The God's Governor of Fire reached out to it and the door lifted, opening the path ahead. Whether she was familiar with it or not it was hard to say for sure, but the action seemed so fluid he could not bring himself to doubt it. With a wave of her hand she lead the group into a narrow hallway where another door waited for them at the end. Here also, hieroglyphs lined the walls and as they walked the Abellan looked over them with a keen curiosity.

Upon opening it the group found themselves in another wide room with a group of eight or so pillars lined up adjacently throughout the room. A series of bones, armour and weapons were littered across the floor, and at one side of the room was a wall that was a lighter colour and contained what seemed to be a hexagonal carving within. It was a shot in the dark, but it was possible that something once was there and had been since removed. Leaving that aside, at the far end of the room was another door, and where it lead to may have been what Amata had mentioned previously.

"They're already defeated? Well that's awfully convenient," TJ began. "About that wall though...it looks like something should fit in there."

Su pointed ahead to a pile of bones at the far end of the room. "What about that thing? Seems like it'd fit right in there." Hanging from the armour was a rope with what seemed to be a stone talisman wrapped in it, the same size and shape as the engraving in the wall.

Curt rubbed his hands together. "I bet there's treasure on the other side of that wall," He said mischievously.

"If I was to take a guess, perhaps it would be required for us to open the way to the Guardian. Better not to get your hopes too high Curt, because they'll likely be crushed in time," Robo suggested.

"Party pooper." The Bard chuckled gently at the response.

"Enough talk. The sooner we get through this, the better," Amata said. She took a couple of steps forward and the skulls of the skeletons started shaking. "Wha-" Crimson pupils appeared in the eye sockets and they began to jump rapidly, the rest of their bones moving as if in response to their sudden revival. A dark musty wind began to blow and carried the bones and armour that were littered across the floor, allowing the skeletons to come together again and take their proper forms, each bearing their weapons and hissing at the adventurers. Amata grit her teeth and drew her staff before slamming it against the ground. A flaming aura began to surround her and she took a stance as if ready to charge ahead.

TJ looked uneasily from her to the skeleton soldiers roaring and beginning their approach, their adversaries wielding swords and shields, maces, and two massive skeletons in the back bearing broadswords-one of the two wore the armour that had the talisman hanging from it's hip. He shook off his unease and furrowed his brow, steeling himself for the onslaught. "What do you plan to do Amata?" He asked.

"What does it look like? I'm gonna take the bastards by storm," She answered.

He knit his brows. The only person who could likely jump in there and come out in one piece would likely be Robo. The others were too lightly armoured to manage such a feat-perhaps he could as the Tyrant of the Maelstrom? Not that he would want to become that anytime soon. He stepped away slightly as the heat of her barrier became too intense for him.

"You don't think I'm just gonna stand by and let you hog all the glory do you? I'm a God's Governor too, you know." Su said before taking the vanguard and bringing her barrier into visibility, a frosty aura surrounding her in turn. She had a really good grasp of using his element-it would likely be a good idea for him to ask her for some tips later on.

"You talk a big game, but the others haven't proven anything about you yet. Those small fry won't be anything compared to the Guardian here." With a flick of her hair she set her sights on the two skeletons warriors at the back. "Think you can keep up with me? Show me how hard you can hit, Prodigal Legend."

"Ugh will you drop it with that embarrassing title? I dunno where you heard it but you can leave it with whatever loser gave it to me." She grinned devilishly. "Still, I guess I can tone it down a tad so I don't overwhelm you. Ready?" She shifted her eyes in Amata's direction.

"Set..." The God's Governor of Fire continued.

"Let's go!" The two shouted in unison and charged ahead.

As they rushed through the crowd the Agasura were mowed down in their wake, each taking one side of the room and turning to face each other as they placed themselves between the two massive warriors. Upon coming face to face the two reeled their fists back and collided, the auras they created combined and created a vortex around the two, pulling the surrounding skeletons in and splitting them apart with a shockwave of wind. An icy trail and a line of fire was left in their wake, and following it Su's cackling as she leapt at the nearest skeleton with her dagger flashing in the light followed afterwards.

"Let's get moving Robo!" Curt shouted drawing his knives from his coat to which his companion offered an acknowledging nod. "Cut a swath through them!"

"Alright!" Robo shouted immediately pressing a series of buttons on his MG. It charged forward and began to emit an electric aura that eventually surrounded the entire robot as he shouted, "Raikiri!" The MG bowled through the skeletons and as it came to a halt, extended its arms and knocked over some of the others.

TJ and Curt followed in his wake, Curt throwing a series of knives and bombs, taking off heads and blowing away others while TJ fought a couple off with his guitar and fired icicles with the hailstone spell.

"Watch my back please!" He shouted to his companions and readied his guitar. With a deep breath he focused on his weapon and solemnly began to play, the sound of his guitar drowned out by the cries of combat and the sound of metal on metal or bone-Curt and Robo surrounded their companions flanks as he strummed his instrument and both of their weapons gained a bright glow. "I can do the augmentation for everyone with my guitar. With a bit more practice I think I might recall some of the other songs."

"That's great and all but we've got other problems right now!" Curt shouted as he pushed back one skeleton's mace with his shield and held another's sword at bay with his dagger.

"I have my hands tied also." Robo muttered as his MG beat back the adversaries ahead of him, but others struck at his flanks. "A majority of my mechanical allies will put everyone in danger if I try to use them here, and especially now. Do you have a spell that can get us out of his pinch?"

TJ looked to his left and caught a glimpse of a scimitar coming down on him that was blocked by one of Robo's arms, and he immediately retaliated by bashing the skeleton's head off with his guitar. As the headless body stumbled away he saw that a fair distance between him and the others, and checked his other flank in case he was going to be ambushed again-thankfully Curt had him covered there too, but just barely. "Not without a little help." He answered uneasily before sending a glance to Su. The young girl swung from the arms to the pelvis of the skeleton before emerging from the inside of the loosely hung armour with a Rising Dragon spell. She hit it in the jaw but the head did not come off, and upon landing she stomped the ground causing the earth to rise upon impact, forcing those who approached to fly through the air. "Let's do it Su!" He roared across the room.

"It's about damn time!" She shouted back to him as she dashed away from the blade that nearly fell upon her.

With another breath he put his guitar away and pounded his fists together. "Frequency!" His irises flickered to jade green and he drew his guitar once more. "Watch my back for just a little longer!" He began to strum his guitar and a growing sphere of water began to take shape above his head.

"Make it good," Curt chuckled dryly.

With a flick of her wrist a series of crimson spheres arose from all around her and she danced around the blade of the warrior skeleton as it brought the massive sword down. When more skeletons approached she would detonate the flame spheres upon them and scattered their ashes across the room. She stepped back and slammed her staff against the ground, causing fire to rain down upon it and stagger it. She twisted her body and a flame danced in the palm of her hand. Face to face with a skeleton and its oncoming mace she roared, "No use!" She pulled her hand back and her entire body skidded back releasing the flame and blowing the skeleton to pieces.

"Incoming!" Su shouted nearby.

Glancing past the skeleton that hissed at her she saw a massive rock skidding towards the two and her mind froze while her eyes grew wide. Thinking quickly she released her wings and took off before the boulder collided with the skeleton and by extension her, and dragged it into one of the pillars. It smashed through and in its wake a series of icicles followed to ensure whatever was hit did not return.

Amata grit her teeth and sent a furious glare in Su's direction as she snarled, "Prodigal Legend...!"

"Ha! The look on your face was priceless!" Su laughed out loud as dodged the skeleton warrior's sword and climbed its arm towards its shoulder.

"You think that's funny?! I'll show you funny!" She held a hand skyward and a sphere of fire appeared before it. "Scorn!" She roared. She closed her fist on it and tossed it down towards the skeleton the God's Governor of Earth fought. It hit the ground, remaining there for but a moment before crackling to life into a massive explosion. Su leapt from the skeletons head toward the roof and took on a stone form that blended into the wall seamlessly. Amata heaved before she realized how much energy she had exerted and fell to the ground, using her staff to remain standing.

Su's head turned from stone back to normal and she grinned devilishly as she eyed the destruction Amata left in her wake, the path now cleared. "Now that's more like it!"

"You-you child!" She roared in return as the girl came down from the roof and claimed the talisman. Su looked at her and smiled before raising a hand. An icicle appeared above it and she hurled it towards the God's Governor of Fire. Amata grit her teeth-it was only a matter of time before such an event would occur, and she was at a loss because she had used such a powerful spell. She closed her eyes and prepared to accept what was to come, but in the moments that followed nothing had happened; rather, she had heard the icicle colliding with something behind her, and she turned to catch a glimpse of the damaged but not defeated skeleton warrior from before. The left side of its body had mostly been destroyed, but it still dragged the sword forward with the right and came back despite Su's previous attack. The icicle remained lodged in its left eye socket.

"There's more coming for ya! Might wanna do somethin' about that!" Su shouted to her.

Just as Su had warned her, the skeletons had moved in from all sides and decided to attack her in unison. The God's Governor of Fire clicked her tongue before slamming her staff down once more. A magic circle surrounded her and in the following moments three pillars of fire shot up from the ground and swirled around her. The skeletons that got close enough were singed by the flames and their weapons melted, while the fire that had gathered above her collided with the roof and came back down upon her. She raised her staff and it gathered to it, coating the weapon in a crimson blaze. She turned it toward the approaching warrior skeleton and began to spin it, unleashing a torrent upon it as she shouted, "Eye of the Storm!" After being reduced to ash the remains of it collapsed to the ground harmlessly and Amata collapsed to her knees before sighing. "That girl is so troublesome!"

The sphere above TJ had grown massive and he began to slow his strumming. "Alright guys, bring it in!" He shouted to his companions. Robo and Curt both leapt back and the Abellan was sandwiched between them-he let out a quiet groan of dismay but set aside his concerns to handle the matter before them. With one final strum of his guitar the water surged forth in all directions and swept away the skeletons before he raised his hand once more and shouted, "Sub-zero!" With another strum the waves he created immediately froze and stopped his enemies in their tracks. "Smash them! All of them!" He roared before using his water elemental mastery on his guitar.

"I've got nothin'." Curt said with a shrug. He had used everything he had to protect TJ while he casted.

"I'll go first." Robo said before taking to the air with his MG and slamming it down on a pair of skeletons.

TJ rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment before an idea came to him. He put his guitar away and created another ball of water, shaping it into a mallet. "Caster's Workshop!" He froze it and it fell to the ground with a thud. "Not bad huh?"

Curt chuckled dryly as he walked over and struggled to heave the icy weapon over his shoulder. "Yeah, not bad at all." He grunted.

TJ leapt onto the ice and skidded across while batting off heads with his guitar-Robo skated nearby and quickly shifted into another Raikiri while Curt leapt from place to place and slammed the mallet with slow and powerful swings. He caught a glimpse of Su spinning across the ice with the warrior's sword in hand while laughing, leaving decapitation in her wake.

"I'm impressed Abellan." Amata said as she kicked one of the soldier's helmets off and bashed the skull in with her staff. "You're pretty adept with the Arcane Arts. I'd thought you knew little outside of the Divine and Contemptuous Arts." She crossed her arms and gave him an appraising look. "When this is over, you'd better explain how that works to me in greater detail."

"Y-yeah. Sure." He answered. Were they getting closer? He certainly hoped so.

Once all the skeletons were cleared out Amata melted the ice beneath them and the group found themselves in ankle-high water. The God's Governor of Fire gave TJ an exasperated glare while he chuckled sheepishly.

"I got that stupid stone thing on the skeleton." Su said before offering him the talisman.

"Thanks." The Bard said before he accepted it. "Well guys, let's find out what's on the other side of that wall."

"One thousand ely says it's treasure. Who wants to place a bet?" Curt asked.

"We are technically hunting for treasure so...I'll have to pass on that offer," Robo muttered. "But my belief still holds true."

"Good try, loser." Su said with a snort.

The Abellan placed the talisman within the wall's engraving and the entire thing began to shudder, causing him to step back uneasily. The wall proceeded to descend before them, and within just as Curt had suspected, a treasure box awaited them.

"Get to opening it already! I'm gettin' kinda antsy." The God's Governor of Earth said with a grin before she crossed her arms.

TJ stifled a laugh before he approached it and placed his hands to it. Looking upon it, even he began to feel a bit of excitement at the prospect. Was dungeon spelunking typically like this? With a bit of effort he managed to lift open the top of the chest and within he found a dusty white sack. He leaned over and grabbed it with both hands, before attempting to pull it up.

"Watch it!" Su shouted from behind him.

"Huh? What is i-" Before he finished his sentence his gem began to glow and Su emerged from behind him in her kunoichi garb.

With her dagger in one hand and a kunai in the other she bumped into him from behind and he stumbled forward into the treasure chest as she deflected a series of six arrows that would have impaled both his flanks in the following moments. She looked in both directions before letting out a sigh of relief and putting her weapons away, the God's Governor of Fire looked on in pure disbelief.

"How the hell did you...what?" She asked with a shrug and a look of confusion.

Robo approached and hauled TJ out from the treasure box before placing him upright next to it. He moved his MG to claim the sack and placed it behind his seat. "Are you alright?" He asked calmly. "It's a miracle that you weren't impaled by those arrows there. Perhaps next time we shouldn't have the Abellan open the likely trapped box, everyone."

"A miracle named Suuba!" Su said with a confident glint in her eye.

The Bard let out a sigh of relief after stealing a glance at the deflected arrows. "Thanks for saving my hide again Su," He said. He stole a glance around him and saw a group of statues that lined the area behind the wall. The open mouths are likely where the arrows had come from. "I don't have enough memories of entering Instance Dungeons to really expect this kind of thing. Just Kimara." He had not recalled much about dungeons, and knew just a small amount more due to his expedition with the whole of Yggdrasil.

"You'd best be on your guard then. We should send someone more expendable to do those things...like him." Amata suggested before pointing to Curt.

"Expendable? That's just plain unreasonable. I'm a valuable member of this team, thank you very much!" Curt insisted before puffing out his chest.

"Perhaps I could handle those matters in your stead." Robo suggested as he began to press some buttons on his MG. A series of pixelated numbers appeared above and around him and quickly descended down leaving a strange silo like machine in their wake that surrounded his MG. Sparks shot out from it as the sounds of flames and drills emerged also, and the machine disappeared the same way it came, leaving his MG in perfect condition. "If such an attack is to be aimed at us again, I'm sure even if it was to hit me I'd be fine. I can always repair my MG afterwards anyway."

Amata placed a hand to her face and sighed. "What is it with your group? I expected the Abellan to be strange, but there's something off about the whole lot of you. I can't believe our Queen is in your hands..." She shook her head. "If I ever get an audience with her I'll make sure that she finds a better guard."

TJ laughed gently as he pushed his glasses. "We're not as bad as you think. We're just a little bit out of the ordinary." He rather liked their unusual ragtag group.

"That doesn't even begin to describe any of you. Especially you!" She pointed at Curt. "I don't know what it is, but there's definitely something that isn't right about you, and believe you me, I will find out."

Curt raised his hands in surrender. "No need for hostilities there Guv'nor! Let's all just get along yeah?" He asked offering a devilish grin. She wrinkled her nose at him.

Suddenly all of the skeletons burst into purple smoke and vanished, leaving a series of gold coins behind in their wake.

"Huh. Looks like it was just as they said. Let's round 'em up and move on to the next room." Su said with a fist pump.

"We should probably do something about all this water first," Robo suggested.

TJ turned to Amata with a guilty grin and she pursed her lips before blowing aside her bangs with a huff.

After rounding up all the coins in the first room the God's Governor of Fire lead the team through a tunnel to the second. The moment the door had opened, the sound of a series of fans grabbed their attention and the group turned their gazes skyward. There was a group of six pillars throughout the room, and one extra that lead to the next room. Atop each was a landing wide enough for all of them to stand on it, but no way to reach it.

"This is rather odd." Robo said before he crossed his arms.

"It's an easy solution. Bring out your wings and fly up there," Amata hissed.

"We'd sooner wind up like birds flying too close to a plane. I'll pass on that, but if you wanna become chunks of meat and feathers, you go first. I insist!" Su sneered while Curt chuckled under his breath. The Sorceror did not share in their amusement.

TJ scratched his cheek uneasily. Could he reach up there by double-jumping? The idea of Amata finding out that he could not fly despite being the Abellan was a tad beyond him, so he refrained from speaking on the matter. Even more so, he was reluctant to try and become the Messenger of Light still. "Though those fans seem pretty powerful. Su might be on to something there. From here it's hard to tell whether they push or pull, but going by the way they sound I think we'll be carried by the winds regardless."

Amata huffed. "So what do you suggest we do than Abellan?"

"Send Robo in," Curt answered in his place.

She looked surprised for a moment, but placed a hand to her lips and shifted her gaze away quietly. "That...makes sense. Go, Meister."

He blinked. "I may be a Meister and this may be my MG, but even machinery has its limitations. I can't make it jump that height. Although I am willing to go up there."

"I can help you there. If you need another landing just say the word and I'll send something up. Just be sure to tell me where okay?" TJ asked.

The Meister gave him a nod. "I'm ready when you are TJ." He stepped a safe distance back from the platform and gave him a thumbs-up.

"Tell us what you see up there Robo," Curt suggested.

"I'll do just that." Without further ado the Abellan raised the earth below him and his Meister was boosted up to the nearest landing. He glanced around his surroundings and from his vantage point, save for the fans in the walls and the door at the far end of the room each landing had a bandersnatch on it. "There are...bandersnatches. And nothing but." The creature a four-legged beast with deep orange fur and brown splotches across the back-its mouth and legs blood red and a series of sharp teeth designed to rip their prey apart along with a long forked tongue. It also had a long thin tail, and a relatively flat head with a lack of eyes.

"Is that all? If you can't handle them just throw them down here. We'll ravage 'em like a pack of hungry hyenas!" Su laughed as she twirled her dagger.

"Maybe you will but I'll have to pass on that." Amata muttered.

"I'll look for an opportunity to do just that, so watch where you are." As Robo stepped away from the platform the bandersnatch turned in his direction and immediately charged toward him. It leapt at him, fangs bared and he raised an arm. The moment it bit down on his robot's arm he slammed a fist down on its head before grabbing its fur and spinning his MG around to hurl it from the landing. "Here comes the first!" He shouted to his companions. He let go of it and it was flung across the room, hitting the ground with a thud and kicking up dust in its wake as it rolled across the ground.

"That one's mine!" Su shouted as she stormed after it.

Robo shifted his gaze to another platform north-ease of where he stood then. At a glance, he could tell that so long as he went around he would be able to arrive back and take the way he came up back to the ground floor. He took a couple steps back and had his MG jump to the next platform before inputting the command for Raikiri. Like a descending ball of electricity he came crashing down on the platform and slammed into the bandersnatch that patrolled it, immediately knocking it off of the vantage point and to the group below.

Only moments after a torrent of flames shot up and the God's Governor of Fire shouted, "Bring the next one Meister!"

They certainly worked fast, but at least he had no need for concern on their behalf. He looked at his MG's control panel and noted that his mechanical allies were unavailable here. There was bound to be locations where they could not enter, and this seemed to be one of them, troublesome as it was. Neither Ash Cannon nor Mystletainn could be summoned in here, but he still had Ion Cannon and Gae Borg at his command. He would need to keep a close eye on where and when their availabilities would change. He rushed forward and jumped to the next nearest platform, landing hard and feeling a sudden unease at the creaking sound his MG had made. Had he pushed it too hard? The bandersnatch began to creep towards him and he decided to make the first move, charging ahead and stopping just a small distance short of a collision with the creature. His MG slammed its hands down and a beam of energy erupted from where it landed, causing the bandersnatch to reel back in pain. He brought the robot back to its feet and charged at it, ramming it off of the platform with the MG's shoulder and sliding to a halt before having to use his boosters to push him back on, narrowly avoiding falling off with the Agasura. In the few moments he was there he saw TJ and Curt rushing over to finish the battle. With a sigh of relief he looked to the following two platforms and saw the Agasura that awaited him.

He input the command for Gae Borg and a small hatch opened at the back of his goliath releasing a series of tiny mecha that sought out the nearest Agasura and surrounded it. They all fired at once and a series of tiny beams emerged from each, frying the creature and immediately dispersing of it. Only one was left. As he leapt to the following platform he considered exactly how he would disperse of it. Using Ion Cannon there would be rather reckless, as the pure strength of the satellites would bring down the entire landing, and him along with it. That was not something he was willing to risk. On the other hand, he could not use Raikiri again for a period because it would cause his MG to overheat and possibly shut down. His best bet would be leaving it to the others and regrouping with them afterwards. He prepared to jump and as his MG took off he saw the bandersnatch move towards him and await where he was to land. The two collided, the goliath fumbled the landing and Robo was flung from within. He tumbled over the downed bandersnatch and across the landing towards the edge and barely managed to grab hold with one hand before falling.

"Robo!" Curt shouted to him before running to where he hung.

"I'm fine, I just miscalculated the landing trajectory is all!" He shouted before struggling to place another hand on the landing. During his fall he saw that the MG had collapsed atop the Bandersnatch, and the weight of it would prevent the creature from moving, but he could only hold on for so long. He swallowed hard and managed to get his right hand onto the platform, and struggled to pull himself up. As his endeavour began to see some progress he was hit with a gust of wind that forced him back and threw him from the landing and down towards the earth.

"Hang on Robo!" Curt shouted rushing to meet his companion.

TJ quickly approached nearby and looked back as he shouted, "We have to do something Su! We're not gonna make it!"

"Use the Frequency stupid!" Su roared as she immediately pursued them, covering a greater distance in a shorter time.

"Which one?!"

"Chaos!"

He came to a skidding halt and pounded his fists together. "Frequency!" His eyes flickered to crimson red and briefly after Su emerged from within the gem before landing on the ground and sinking into it.

"Shadow Dive!" She shouted before she vanished and re-emerged from Curt's shadow. She leapt onto his shoulders and from there to the nearest pillar, then leapt from there to catch the falling Robo.

"I appreciate it but we're going to crash into that wall!" He cried out.

"I know, I know!" She hissed before turning his body away from the wall. When she touched it she vanished into it and moments before Robo hit it, she emerged once more from his shadow and descended down to where his MG had crashed. Upon touching the ground she slipped into the shadows once more and reappeared soon after on the other side of his MG which fell to the ground.

"What happened to the Bandersnatch?" Robo asked incredulously.

Su dusted her hands off and walked towards the platform to scout out the location of her companions and her next dive. "Dragged it into the shadows. It's not coming back, if you were wondering."

He awkwardly climbed into his MG and got it to stand upright once more. "I...I see. Regardless, you saved me there so I have to thank you."

She grinned slightly. "It's whatever."

Following that she performed the spell once more and vanished before the Meister. As he moved back to where he began he heard Amata scream and curse the Prodigal Legend. Without even seeing it he could imagine what she had done. "Alright TJ, I'm ready to come down now. Remember, do it slowly." From below the TJ offered him a thumbs-up and proceeded to bring the landing down. Surprisingly, he had done it rather well, and the Meister found himself stepping down without worry. "Much appreciated."

The Abellan turned towards his companion who was fleeing from an enraged God's Governor of Fire and laughing while she did so. The Sorceror hurled fireballs after her before Su dived into the shadows again and appeared behind Robo who nearly jumped out of his MG in surprise.

"Fight me, Prodigal Legend!" She roared.

Su snickered as she remained hidden behind the mecha.

"When did you learn how to do that Su? You'll have to teach me that sometime." TJ said as he rubbed the back of his neck bashfully.

She shrugged in response. "Must've picked that one up sometime after our fight at the City of Iron. You haven't used the Chaos Frequency since then so I dunno. Maybe you remembered it at one of those Iris Stones in Foe Mansion?" She answered.

"So I knew that one before too? It'd be nice if I had a list." He chuckled dryly.

The God's Governor returned fuming and prepared more fireballs before Curt held out a hand to stop her. "Let it go Amata. We have to keep moving-you think so too right?" He asked as he crossed his arms and smiled.

The God's Governor of Fire let out an angry huff, her expression implying that she would breathe flames at any moment suddenly subsided and she brushed her bangs aside. "You raise a good point." She sighed and gathered some of the remaining coins that had been dropped down to where they were. "Honestly, having me doing such a lowly task. When I get a hold of that Sinner I'll make sure she suffers a hundred times over for this."

"Don't stress about it too much Amata. We're all doing it, regardless of who we are." TJ said as he joined in. There was not too many left, thankfully.

She looked at him with a strange gaze. "Though for you it seems rather...how do I put it? Fitting? Despite being the Abellan."

He laughed dryly at her words. They were rather true, and because of that very reason it only stung more. He would set aside his pride to build camaraderie between his allies. "A guy does what a guy's gotta do."

The group gathered around the landing to the exit and TJ looked up uneasily. "I've never really...moved land with this many people on it. I don't think I have enough practice with earth magic to do this without...you know, probably killing everyone," He uneasily explained.

"That so? Let's do it together then. That way if you fuck it up I can save your bacon." Su said offering him a confident smile.

He smiled back. "I'm in your care again."

She looked up to where they aimed to reach. "You ready? Let's do it." Both raised their hands and the ground beneath moved up with all of them.

Upon reaching their destination they lowered them and the Bard sighed with relief. "Job well done. Thanks."

"You two aren't in a relationship, are you?" Amata asked with a curious gaze. "I mean, considering that you are technically boun-"

Su waved her dagger at the God's Governor. "Don't even finish that sentence! The answer is no got it?"

The Sorceror shrugged nonchalantly. "Whatever you say Prodigal Legend."

"Will you drop it with that title already? Use my name! It's not like you don't know it!"

She grinned as she opened the door, likely a sign that she had a leg-up on her rival. "Don't hold your breath for that. You earned that one, so it's gonna stick no matter how old you get."

As they ascended the following tunnel Su let out an angry huff. "I swear whoever gave me that stupid name is gonna be found and silenced."

Amata grinned. "Is that how you solve all of your problems?"

"Is there any better way? Not that I wanna hear that from you of all people."

She glared at her rival who walked between Curt and TJ. "I only resort to violence when the situation calls for it!"

"You'd have set the whole team aflame just because I got the jump on you. Twice." Su said with a snicker.

She began to fume and TJ gently patted her shoulder. "Come on you two, if you fight in here someone might actually get hurt."

The God's Governor of Fire crossed her arms and huffed before turning away, but it was definitely an improvement from before.

"Let's brace ourselves everyone. I get the sneaking suspicion that the further we go in, the more difficult the dungeon will become. I assume it's safe to say that the previous room was not like that before?" Robo asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"Pretty much. The first one was the same so we might be seeing something like it if there are more rooms after. Or this might be it...can't say for sure." She answered.

"Well there's only one way to find out right? Full speed ahead!" Curt chimed before raising a fist skyward.

The group arrived at the following door and the God's Governor opened it. Before them stood what seemed to be a sort of bridge-a single chest lay in wait in the center and the door to the next room at the opposite side. There were no Agasura as far as the eye could see, and the walls were clear. As far as they could tell, there were no definite traps, but the situation seemed to be too simple.

"That chest must be trapped," Robo said with unease.

"Definitely trapped," The Treasure Hunter squawked.

"M-maybe it's a reward for reaching this far?" TJ asked as he knit his eyebrows.

Amata gave him a look of pity. "You're a glass half-full kind of guy aren't you?"

Su shrugged. "One of us has to be. The rest of us are pretty damn pessimistic." She said and the Sorceror answered with a quiet 'hmm'. Was that an agreement? "Sometimes it can be a little refreshing." She flashed a grin. "But I agree with the Curts. That thing is trapped."

The group approached the treasure chest and four of them stood back while Robo went ahead.

"You might wanna hit the floor TJ, or an arrow might take your head off. I might not be quick enough to save you this time." Su told him with a laugh. He looked at her uneasily before going prone and covering his head.

"What did you do to him?" Amata asked with a look of disbelief.

"Taught him a few pointers in how to avoid death. And gave him a taste of it." She grinned devilishly.

"I...won't even ask."

"Is everyone ready?" Robo asked placing his goliath's hands to the chest.

"Let it rip!" Curt shouted drawing his shield and dagger.

Robo opened the box and put his MG in a battle stance but nothing came. They waited in bated breath, four of the five of them armed and ready for a trap to be sprung but the path seemed as safe as could be.

"Is it safe?" TJ asked removing his hands.

"Stay down. They want us to let our guard down and then the trap will be sprung. Let's keep our guard up until we get into the next room at the very least," Su suggested.

Robo reached in and pulled the sack of gold out, and at that moment he heard the sound of stone grinding against stone, along with the rest of his companions. The trap was sprung, but one that was completely unavoidable. A series of holes in the roof opened up and what seemed to be scorpions tightly curled up in balls fell from them to the bridge below and surrounded the adventurers-some violet with black splotches across their back and others a mixture of red and orange. The walls slid back also and a buzzing noise could be heard coming from them.

"That sound...locusts. Swarms of them...this is bad! This is really, really bad!" Robo said desperately, his eyes wide. "What should we do Curt?!"

"First, calm down." Curt said taking a battle stance as the scorpions began to unfurl and raise their stingers at them. "Secondly, we formulate a plan."

"What's your bright idea smart one?" Su asked cracking her neck and readying her dagger.

"Firstly, hold back on the magic. This area is way too small for powerful spells like the Arcane Arts. Keep it to the small-scale stuff. That goes double for you Amata."

"So what do you expect me to do? Stand here and look pretty?" She hissed tightly gripping her staff.

"Exactly that. Stay gorgeous."

"Wh-" Her face flushed and she glared at him.

"Su, do that thing you did back in the first room. You've got a bunch of handy tools on you in that outfit, so make use of 'em."

"Fine by me," She answered. "Let's go TJ. Just try to stay in one piece and we'll handle these bugs."

He nodded as he scrambled to his feet. "I'll leave it to you guys this time. Frequency!" The pair's eyes flickered to jade green and Su's outfit changed.

"Alright everyone, scatter!" Just as the group split apart the scorpions made their move.

Su tossed a smoke bomb down and the two vanished leaving nothing behind but smoke and a log with a face drawn on a paper. The God's Govenor flew from within the cloud of smoke with TJ by his shirt's neckline and came to a skidding halt before letting him go and jumping into the air. Looking into the cloud she emerged from she drew three kunai each tagged with a paper charm and tossed them in. "Move it Curts!" She shouted before landing and rushing back in with her dagger at the ready. "I've got three of them pinned by their shadows!"

"You've made it rather difficult to find them don't you think?" Curt shouted as he stormed in ahead of her.

"Get a new set of eyes loser!"

TJ looked at the walls and caught a glimpse of the approaching swarm, the buzzing amplifying his unease. He took a deep breath and attempted to recall anything he could about the Arcane Arts. Something that could keep them back without harming his allies. Perhaps not a spell, but his elemental mastery could be put to use. He held out a hand and a torrent of snow and icy winds was unleashed, causing the locust to scatter or fall to the winds and into the depths below. He had no idea what was down there, but he had the suspicion that it was better that it remained that way.

Su plunged her dagger through a violet scorpion and stomped on the back after pulling it out to slice off the tail. She reclaimed her kunai and placed it back in the pouch before shouting, "One down!" The locusts gathered around her and she grit her teeth as she swatted them away. She recalled any knowledge she knew about them, and one prominent piece came to mind-they ran rampant in the desert, but had a tendency to avoid Aoich. At that moment an idea came to her. She drew a pair of kunai before she plunged one into the ground and tossed another into the roof. She held up two fingers and concentrated to give her illusionary magic a shape. Both began to glow a deep blue and the locusts scattered to both sides of the room, avoiding the places where her weapons lay.

"What did you just do?" Curt asked as he threw a knife at a nearby scorpion and it leapt at him. He bashed it with his shield and it fell away before rolling up and away from him. There was definitely something off about those scorpions.

"Illusion magic. I changed the appearance of the floor to water, and locusts hate it." She answered with a confident grin.

"Your little plan-" Amata hissed as she dodged a scorpion leaping at her and followed in its wake with a fireball. "Is causing these things-" She turned as it rolled away and continued her onslaught. "To go berserk!" She bashed another back and pointed at it, causing it to be ignited. The creature hissed and started rolling about.

"Stop your bitching! If you wanna get swarmed move further away and I'll shrink the radius, just for you!"

"Where's TJ?" Robo asked stealing a glance from his MG before moving in the Bard's direction.

"...Shit." Su muttered under her breath. She dashed past her allies and over the corpses of scorpions to catch a glimpse of him fighting off three of them. Two rolled back and forth while he fired icicles from both hands in an attempt to freeze them in their tracks, while a third skittered toward him. "Watch your back!"

He turned in her direction to catch it before it stung him and he beat it back with his guitar. It tumbled towards Su and she pinned it down with a kunai. As he turned around once more one of the two leapt at him and he jumped back to narrowly avoid it, leaving him open for the second to strike. It leapt at his stomach but missed and instead plunged its stinger into his leg causing his body to seize up and fall to the floor. His guitar fell next to him and he struggled to even clench a fist, let alone move.

"TJ!" She grit her teeth and glared at the scorpions before her. She tossed a smoke bomb at the group and threw a shuriken through it before leaping into it. From within she emerged and brought her dagger down upon one of the two while another Su stabbed two shuriken through the other that attempted to roll away. From within the cloud kunai tied with explosives tags were flung in every direction, scaring off the remaining locust and flying towards her allies who were still fighting. Those that were too close to her companions pierced their targets without exploding and made way for them to strike decisive blows. Finally from within the cloud the real Su emerged and the other two turned to mere logs. She hauled her companion onto her shoulders and sighed. "You alright? That must've hurt...you know, getting stung and all." After she had finished her spell her outfit and irises returned to normal along with his. The fact he managed to hold the effect after getting paralyzed deserved some commendation.

"What goes around comes around huh?" He asked offering her a weak lopsided grin.

She regrouped with both Curts and they offered her an acknowledging nod in unison.

"That was quite something you did at the end. Though one wrong move and you could've blown us all to kingdom come," Curt said.

"I know I know. Why do you think I didn't do it at the start? Things got risky at the end so I used it as a last resort, that's all." She muttered shifting her glare away.

"To protect TJ right? You made the right choice." Robo said before turning his back to her. "Place him there, atop the bags of gold. It would be easier than having you unable to fight."

"Sure thing." The Meister lowered his MG and reached over the seat to help their incapacitated Bard into his goliath. "So where's our flaming princess?" He pointed to the God's Governor of Fire who was collecting the gold from the scorpions that recently disappeared.

"You know, in spite of her complaints she's awfully hard-working." TJ chuckled.

"You need to shut your trap and relax until you can move again. Save your spiel for another time."

Curt and Su quickly gathered up the remaining gold and Curt placed it into a spare sack he carried on him as the locusts began to swarm around them once more. Following that they regrouped with Amata and made their way towards the exit, getting into the next tunnel and shutting the door as quickly as they could to ensure they were not followed.

"Thank goodness that's over with," The God's Governor muttered.

"Way to go you guys!" TJ exclaimed.

"So about that room we discussed earlier...what could you tell us about it Amata?" Robo asked as he lead the way. The God's Governor of Fire seemed to be lagging behind slightly and walking with her staff.

The look in her eyes was exhausted and her mouth remained slightly agape-a couple of moments passed before her eyes opened slightly and she glared at Curt with a lack of the usual intensity. "Ask that question again Meister. I didn't hear you," She answered.

"More like you didn't listen," Su sneered.

"I'll give you somethin' to listen t-" Just as she began to get fired up she placed a hand to her ribs and collapsed to her knees before grunting. She took long deep breaths and fell to the floor as she cringed in pain.

"Amata? What happened? I can't see from here! What's going on?!" TJ cried out.

"Something's wrong. Let me see it Amata." Curt insisted crouching down next to her.

"It's none of your business! I'm fine, alright? So piss off!" She hissed while she tightly gripped her flank.

Robo leapt out of his MG after setting it down and rushed to her side. "Now really isn't the time for you to be acting stubborn, God's Governor. Let us help you."

"Hands off Meister! I said it once and I'll say it again, I don't need your help!"

Su towered over her with a scornful gaze. "Out of the way." She said before pushing Curt aside. She forced Amata's hand away from where she covered and in that spot was a wound eerily similar to TJ's. Her reaction was much different, and judging by the way her face paled the effect was slow but building steadily, it was without a doubt a scorpion's poison. "You got stung, didn't you?"

"And what if I did?" She asked with a grin, before forcing herself to sit up. "What's it to you?"

"Stop fucking around!" Su roared. "You hate my guts just as much as I hate yours, but you said it too didn't you?! We're the God's Governors, and if one of us is out of the picture we're all fucked! If you think I'm just gonna sit here and watch you die to some weak Agasura you're wrong! If you're gonna die by anyone, it should either be Asmodeus, or me, got that?! Now give up that fuckin' tough girl act for two goddamn seconds and let me save you, dumbass!"

The God's Governor of Fire scoffed and averted her gaze. "Fine then. Do as you wish, Prodigal Legend."

"Curt, prepare a wet cloth and something we can use to bandage the wound. Robo, hold her down so she doesn't squirm or punch me in the face or something."

"Aye aye." Curt answered in response.

"Who do you think I am?!" Amata hissed under her breath.

"It's not what I think. I know you," Su muttered.

Robo took her arms and Su rolled her shirt up slightly revealing her navel.

"What do you think you're doing?!" The Sorceror shouted.

"Will you sit still for two friggin' seconds?! I haven't even started yet!" Su shouted back and Robo chuckled gently. She leaned in to the wound and began to suck the poison out, turning away and spitting it out before continuing. She did this upwards of four to five times before finally sighing. "I can't taste anymore. That should be most of it." Curt walked over and offered her a canteen. She took a swig of it and spit it out before rising to her feet.

Robo brought a spare rag from within his MG and the two used it to bandage her wound after Curt used the cloth tied around his arm to clean it.

"Can you stand?" Curt offered her a hand but she opted out for using her staff to rise to her feet.

"I'm...I'm fine. Thank you." She reluctantly turned to the God's Governor who leaned against the goliath with her companion in it-he gave her a thumbs up and she offered him a small smile in turn. "...Thanks...Su." She muttered under her breath.

"What'd you say? Say it once more and a bit louder so I can hear you!" Su sneered with a grin.

"Don't hold your breath, Prodigal Legend! You may have done me a favour once but once I've paid you back we're back to being nothing short of enemies! Understood?!"

"Here we go again..." Curt sighed.

"I think they've gotten closer actually. If only ever so slightly." Robo said as he climbed into his MG once more.

As they stepped foot into the next room TJ arose from Robo's MG and carefully climbed down as the mecha came to a halt. He stretched and rolled his shoulders before drawing his guitar and strumming a chord, a series of ripples emerged beneath him and the pain in his leg subsided somewhat.

"How are you feeling TJ? It hasn't been that long since you were paralyzed. Should you be moving yet?" Robo asked as he leaned over his chair.

"I'm fine, I'm fine! No problem!" He said before offering the Meister a grin.

"You sure about that?" Su asked as she poked his wound and he reeled away with a jolt.

"S-so long as nobody touches it I am. The paralyzing effect wore off but it hasn't healed yet." He knit his eyebrows.

"That was a rather quick recovery. You're not just showing off are you?" Amata asked as she raised an eyebrow.

The Abellan shook his head rapidly and placed a hand to a curled arm. "I'm good to go! Really!" He lowered both arms and glanced around the area cautiously. The room was smaller than the others and seemed to be, from what he could see rather circular. In the center of it was a single massive pillar that took up most of the room, and he guessed that at the other side was the door. "This doesn't really look like a good place for fighting...hang on, I'm gonna check for the exit." He walked around the pillar and the door was nowhere to be found. "T-there's no exit...is this the dead end you mentioned before Amata?"

She came around the other side with furrowed brows. "The room is familiar yeah, but the exit is just hidden. According to the scouts we have to manually open the way," She answered.

"How?" Curt asked. The God's Governor of Fire pointed up towards the roof, and though in the dark room it was difficult to see there seemed to be a pillar of wood that connected to the roof, while the pillar of stone reached close to it-the former placed within the center of the latter. "So it has something to do with that thing then?"

"We need to turn it. It's no easy feat, mind you. I'd recommend that the Meister, Prodigal Legend and I go up there. We'll need the strongest of us to move that thing."

Curt gave her an exasperated look. "You're underestimating me, aren't you?"

She looked back at him. "No, rather I think you're doing that. Shall we then?" She gave Su a glance and the God's Governor grinned and shrugged in response. Amata looked up to the pillar and took a stance as if she were going to jump to the top. In place of that, she leapt up towards it with a burst of flames in her wake, from it to the wall and once more to the top.

"Guess I'm next huh?" Su asked before stretching and taking a couple of steps back to get a running start. She took a couple of steps from the base of the pillar and leapt to the wall, before rapidly jumping between both and coming to a skidding halt at the top.

"Who does she think she is?" Curt asked sullenly.

"It's better not to stress the details, Curt. The God's Governors have pride of their own." Robo said before turning to the Abellan. "Can I ask for your assistance once more?" He nodded solemnly in response.

"We'll it'll blow up in her face one of these days."

The Meister smiled bitterly. "Let's not have such thoughts, shall we? Better to stay neutral in most matters, especially in one such case." Upon those words TJ lifted him up and he joined the God's Governors.

Shortly after Amata leaned over from the top of the pillar and shouted, "I should warn you two, once we begin to turn this Agasura will start piling in. You should be ready to fight! Also don't let them come up here and interrupt us or we'll have to start over from the beginning-and I'd rather not!"

"Agasura are gonna appear in this tiny little area? How are we supposed to fight them off?" The Bard shouted back in response.

"You're the Abellan! You'll figure something out. I did choose you for a reason."

Of all the times for her to have faith in me, it had to be now, didn't it? He thought before he sighed audibly. "Well Curt, let's do our best."

"Like we have a choice." He answered reluctantly.

"We'll begin on my mark! Ready? Push!" As Amata made the call the three at the top began to turn the pillar with the pieces that protruded from it. As she did so, a portion of the wall on the lower floor began to descend and the door hidden behind it became visible, but only ever so slightly. As if in response other walls were lowered but with much greater speed, and a horde of armed skeletons and mummies surged forth from within.

"Wow...that's a lot of Agasura." Curt said drawing his weapons.

"Let's just stop them at the entrance! If we can keep them in there I think we can stall for the others!" TJ drew his guitar and charged in first, bringing his weapon down upon an unsuspecting skeleton. He held out his right hand and shouted, "Hailstorm!" A series of icicles were launched from before him and it repelled them slightly, but did not bring them down. The Agasura here were definitely strong, which would mean he might need to utilize the Frequency if things got too difficult. Considering the fact that he was in battle and Su was not, could the two really be in sync? He leapt back and strummed his guitar so Six Arrows of Light could take form. He would have to wait and see, should push come to shove.

Curt's dagger met with the scimitar of a skeleton and his shield knocked the skull and helmet off of another. As he forced the blade back a mummy grabbed onto his arm and he slammed his shield down upon it, breaking the arm off before he decapitated it with his dagger. He gagged at the smell of rotting flesh and reeled away as a strange liquid seeped out from the headless corpse. As he pulled away a sword came crashing down upon him and he managed to block it with his shield before forcing back the one who attacked. He reached into his coat and drew three daggers, hurling one at that skeleton, another next to it and at an approaching mummy. The former two fell, but the third continued towards him despite having a dagger pierce one side of its face.

"Persistent bastards..." He muttered under his breath.

He drew his normal battle weapon again and took a deep breath-the scent emitted from the mummies was growing stronger, and he felt as if he was getting weaker by the second. Just what had those things released? He shook off his unease and charged back in, shield first. Though his buckler did not provide much protection, so long as he struck first and defended where he was going to be attacked it would suffice. He ran down a couple of skeletons and their swords clattered to the ground-following that he lunged at another and stabbed through its spine with his dagger. The brittle bones crumbled beneath his force and the Agasura fell in two parts. It began to crawl towards him with its mace in one hand and the other pulling it along before he stomped on the head and shattered it beneath his foot. He leapt back, somersaulted backwards and backflipped over a mummy he had previously passed and jumped towards it with a downward stab. His dagger pierced the bandages and flesh and he pulled it down before pulling away, the same strange dark green substance the other leaked was discharged from it. Reluctant to touch it, he waved as much of it off of his dagger as he could and readied himself as another wave approached from the darkness.

With a strum of his guitar, spheres of water surrounded TJ and as they shot towards their intended targets they turned to ice and pierced through them, following through to the next targets. The mummies proved much tougher than their skeletal companions, so he needed to launch multiple shards to bring them down. He huffed as he removed a vial filled with a Special Power formula from his pocket and quickly gulped it down. As he tossed it away the Agasura broke through the door way and attacked him, causing him to rush forward with his guitar and attempt to beat them back. In a flurry of swords and maces he swung with as much force as he could muster, shattering bones and knocking them back into others, buying him a bit more time. He picked up a mace one of the skeletons dropped and smashed it against a mummy before hurling the item at a skeleton that leapt at him. The Bard wrinkled his nose as he got a deep smell of the odd scent that the mummies emitted upon being wounded and shook his head. He was beginning to feel rather dizzy, and he assumed the cause was his constant usage of his mana and SP, despite it only being used in small increments. Could he have really consumed that much in such a short time? Or was it because he did just that, that he felt that way?

The cackle of a skeleton woke TJ from his reverie and he blocked it's sword with his guitar. Reluctantly he pulled back before charging in to bash the head off with the base of his weapon. A mummy grabbed his shoulder and leaned in to bite him but he slammed a fist into its mouth and stepped further into the dark corridor. Surrounded on both sides he looked uneasily in both directions-some Agasura rushed toward the pillar where his allies struggled, and others approached with him in their sights. He took a deep breath and with a strum of his guitar shouted, "Freeze!" An icy wind surrounded him and came down upon the ground freezing everything within a short radius of him, stopping them in their tracks. He augmented his weapon and rushed back, bashing every head off that he could and knocking down the mummies if only to buy himself time. Finding himself at the entrance once more he eliminated the threats that would have hunted the others, but put himself in the belly of the beast. He placed his guitar against the ground and shook his head. Why was he beginning to feel so dizzy? He rose to his feet and looked into the corridor before him once more. There were more coming in waves, and he had to be prepared, but his vision blurred. He blinked, removed his glasses and wiped them, then looked again in disbelief at what approached him. There was something on the roof, and much faster and more deadly than the others, quickly approached him. He quickly shook his head and readied his weapon to bat it away.

As it emerged through the corridor with others following in its wake, TJ took a preemptive swing and missed as it waited just outside of the corridor upon the wall, and leapt down at him. His guitar flew from his hands and he hit the ground hard, getting a close-up of the unfamiliar Agasura. It was a skeleton, but unlike the others had no armour-let alone a torso. It had four hands, and its spine was connected to its pelvis, the head at the other end. Two of those very hands were used to claw at the Bard's face while it straddled his legs with the others. It's nails dug deep cuts into his cheeks and he failed to block it multiple times before he finally managed to grab it by the wrists and barely hold it back. His glasses were askew, he was breathing heavily and his dizziness was increasing while his strength was failing him. Without his guitar casting would be a hundred times more difficult, and without the Frequency he could not fight off the surrounding horde. As his grip on it began to fail he swallowed hard-he would have to take a risk.

"Su, lend me your strength!" He cried out in desperation.

"It was only a matter of time huh? Get to work," Su's voice chimed in turn.

He furrowed his brows and grinned as his eyes flickered to red upon his words, "Frequency!" Strength surged back into his body along with his pent-up rage-he felt better than he had before, and with ease forced back the skeleton that once held him down. He grabbed it by the skull as his grin grew wider and he steadily crushed it. Others began to surround him and he laughed. "Barrier Break!" All around him his barrier took form, a deep crimson and purple, and expanded, surrounding his enemies and pinning them to the ground by their shadows, each taking on the same colour as his barrier. As the skeleton Agasura's skull crumbled to pieces, the remains fell to the floor and he began to slowly seep into it. "Sloth! Shade Devourer!" As he disappeared hands emerged from each shadow and pulled those affected into them, each vanishing within as TJ emerged, the shadows seeped across the ground and returned to him, crawling up his skin and gathering upon the wounds he had received prior. Once it faded he had recovered completely and gazed upon those that still approached despite his newfound strength. The Agasura...how mindless they were. He would savour the slaughter to come.

It was just the standard fare so far, but in the back, far far beyond the others he could see one skeleton that towered above the others, and the sound of its sword dragging across the floor. There was no way that he would be able to bring that down quickly with just his dagger-had he held onto some bombs it may have been possible, but the horde in the first room had really made him go all-out. Curt sighed deeply. He could not catch a break, and if TJ's cries were any indication, things were not going so well on his side of the battle either. It would be best if he wrapped things up quickly and went to the aid of his ally, but if he turned his back with the continuous onslaught of Agasura coming through his corridor they might all be in danger. He steadied his resolve and drew a handkerchief from his pocket before he wrapped it around his face. Without a doubt, that stench was dulling his senses-he would need to keep his wits about him to manage through this battle, and if things got bad and he needed to tap into his powers, be sure that he was not seen. Amata had seen it first hand once, but if Curt had not done that he and Robo would have been cooked alive by the Guardian of the Embers. To be seen twice might give her more of a solid reason to be suspicious of him, and to pursue him in search of answers. Was he willing to risk that?

He set aside the concern for the time being. If he destroyed the head, the skeleton would likely fall. Without it, where would it go, and what would it do? He took a few steps forward and picked up a scimitar before weighing the weapon in his hands. A bit much for his taste, but he could easily cut a swath through while the rest of the Agasura bumbled towards the tower. So long as he stopped them before they reached the top, he would manage. His main focus was to strike while the boss was at its weakest, in that small corridor, and deal a finishing blow outside of it should it get that far. It was a pretty good plan, if he said so himself. He steeled himself and rushed forward, the blade flashed as he raised it and cut down enemies in his wake. Perhaps five or six got past, but many of the others suffered wounds that would hinder them enough for him to finish them before they got anywhere near the tower. In good time he came face to face with the warrior skeleton and it's crimson eyes glared down upon him. It heaved the blade back and took a swing as he slid under its legs and took a swipe at its right leg. As he had feared, the blade would not be able to pierce the bone. It would have been smarter to take a mace. He grabbed the pelvis and began to climb up, cutting away at it as he did, and causing it to turn around as he leapt down and struck the legs a couple more times. It lifted the blade with both hands and slammed it down as Curt ran past and hopped over one of the legs, then began pursuit of a skeleton carrying a mace. He slowed down to meet its pace and bashed it against the wall with his shield before he claimed its weapon and used that very thing to destroy it. Time four round two.

As the warrior skeleton turned back around to face him he had already leapt up to meet it face-to-face and slammed the mace he picked up into it. It reeled away as he vaulted over the shoulder and landed behind it, taking a swing and smashing a leg. It was damaged, but not broken. The groan of a mummy caught his attention and he turned on the ball of his heels to swipe its head off with one swing of the mace. Definitely effective, but still not to his liking. He put his shield away and lunged forward with a dagger in hand to break the ribs of an incoming skeleton with two strikes and with one final blow, smash through the spine. He twirled his dagger and sheathed it before placing both hands on the mace. He rushed forward and slammed the weapon into the same leg he had prior, causing the skeleton to take a knee and following the action he hit the arm three times in succession. The broadsword fell to the ground with a loud clang and he tossed the mace at a nearby mummy. With a deep breath he hauled the weapon over his shoulder and stumbled back a couple steps before he managed to right himself. With a long and strained grunt he heaved the sword over his shoulder and smashed it through the skeleton warrior. He released the blade and dusted off his hands. Now to clear out the small-fry.

"Prepare to die!" The Abellan roared, and at his words a crimson wave sent ripples through the air that surged past the Agasura within the corridor. He spent only a moment to prepare before he broke out into a sprint. A skeleton approached on his left and before it could even raise its weapon he lunged at it with a single fist, and punched it but once, reducing it to dust. He leapt at a mummy and slammed it into the ground before bashing the head into the ground until there was little left save for bandages and the strange liquid that they emitted. "Weak! All of you are so weak!" He cackled.

He reeled his fist back and with a series of punches and kicks pink shock waves cut through the air and split his assailants into multiple pieces. He caught a glimpse of more of the aberrant skeletons approaching on the walls and looked at them with an even greater bloodlust. He dove into the shadows and emerged after the first that approached, then pulled it away from the roof with a hand and swung it around-he hurled it into some of the others and they all collapsed into a pile of bones. He held out a hand and their shadow grew into a sphere and split from the ground, surrounding all of them and shrinking into a ball smaller than his fist, then vanished leaving nothing but dust behind.

He sighed gently. This just would not do. Killing Agasura was amusing, but it was not enough to sate his hunger for stronger opponents. Would he find them here? If he wanted a real battle, he could take the fight to the God's Governors. At the thought he paused, and a searing pain awoke him from his reverie. What was he thinking? His eyes began to flicker back to their usual brown and he leaned against the wall. He looked upon the destruction he had just created and shook his head gently. Perhaps that was the reason he very rarely, if ever dared to even use the Chaos Frequency. He could hardly recall the times when he had used it, and those final moments he spent as the Tyrant of the Maelstrom served as a lesson as to exactly why he should not. To utilize that power would give him immense strength, but his desire to fight overpowered his reason, and could likely put his friends in danger.

"There's more Agasura incoming!" Robo shouted from the outside of the corridor.

"Get over here Abellan! Another entrance just opened!" Amata's voice followed shortly after.

He clenched his fist as he looked to the pillar where his friends were. Someday, he would conquer that power...to master it, and to finally master himself. Without another moment's hesitation he hurried back into the light.

Curt stormed through the crowd and fought his way back to those that began to ascend the tower. He scrambled up the backs of skeletons and fought his way to the mummy that lead them all-he grabbed its leg and threw it down, knocking others that climbed up back down with it. He leapt down nearby and collapsed atop a skeleton that brought down others as he touched the ground amidst the dog pile. This was becoming rather problematic-he was not armed to deal with large groups. As he thought that a jet of water streamed past him and the Agasura that were struck with it were pinned to the wall-once they collided with it, the Bard froze them in place.

"We're in quite the predicament...huh Curt?" TJ asked as he breathed heavily.

Incredible timing, and somewhat impressive, as always. "That we are." He answered uneasily as he glanced between the rooms. On his side, a small amount came through the initial entrance, but they approached in droves from the second. On TJ's side, his initial entrance was clear, but alike to Curt's the second was swarmed with Agasura. If his breathing was any indication, he had used quite a fair amount of stamina so expecting him to do anything grand, let alone use the Frequency a second time was likely out of the question. He would have to act on the fly. "TJ, can you keep the guys out here at bay?"

The Abellan smiled uneasily but gripped his guitar and spoke with a hint of confidence in his voice. "I'll do my best. If you wanna change tactics just say the word."

Curt offered him a grin. "If I don't screw this up I think this should do fine." With a nod from the Bard the two split apart, the Treasure Hunter rushed to the new entrances and plunged four knives into each wall as he fought back the incoming hoard. As he did so his companion flitted back and forth, icicles flew through the air and bursts of light from arrows jetted back and forth as Curt completed his own tasks.

"We're almost done up here so try not to die!" Su shouted down to them.

Though her words were not all that encouraging, to finally see an end to the onslaught of Agasura that approached would be a blessing at such a time. With his shield in one hand and a mace in the other, he fought off a pair of skeletons and forced one more and a mummy back before thrusting his daggers into the third and final wall. The fourth was still clear, and he could defend it if need be. As he stepped away from it, he placed his hands together and each gained a faint golden glow-shortly after a bright grid in the same colour formed before them, and as the Agasura approached and tried to walk past it, the grid extended and trapped them in.

"Ooh...those nets are really handy!" TJ said as he glanced over his shoulder, still deadlocked with a skeleton.

The Treasure Hunter snickered at his observation-they certainly did look like nets, but he could not fathom what they really were, let alone what they did. He watched the entrance he stood sentry at and he could see more Agasura shambling over towards him so he braced himself for another fight.

"This should just about do it! If you're in the corridors escape quickly!" Robo called out to them.

Curt leapt back and after a few more moments the sound of the pillar turning ceased and the walls began to rise again, save for that which housed the door to the next room. The Agasura that attempted to climb the pillar fell lifelessly to the floor and disappeared in a cloud of smoke, just like those before them, and those within Curt's spell disappeared also. He dispersed it before the others came down and they regrouped at the base.

"That was one hell of a fight!" TJ said as he collapsed to the floor and leaned against the pillar. "There was so many Agasura...you wouldn't believe it."

"Oh I would. I heard the stories." Amata said as she crossed her arms. Suddenly her lips curled into a tiny smile. "Though those guys had it much easier than you two did. Well done."

Su rustled his hair and his hat fell off. "You handled yourself pretty well! Didn't even need me to come down there and rescue you." She said with a grin.

He smoothed his hair out and smiled back at her. "Thanks! But how did you manage to sync with me? I mean, I was here and you were up there and well...our situations were completely different! Seems like it'd be really tough for you."

She closed her eyes and shrugged, but smiled nonetheless. "Eh...what can I say? We've got a pretty unique bond. A little distance or a different circumstance isn't gonna stop me from saving your ass in a pinch. Can't let you just go and die on me now can I?"

He nodded and smiled back. "Thanks. Really!" Someday he would become strong enough to protect her too. Maybe that day would not be today, or the day after, but he knew his time would come. He would pursue the bar that she had set and strive ever higher so that someday he could stand beside her as an equal.

"Those unique powers of yours...I couldn't see them, but I could feel them from up there. It reminded me of back then. Have you already conquered that immense strength?" Amata asked with curiosity.

TJ rose to his feet and shook his head. "No...I've still got a long way to go. But I do have a better grip on it than I did before. A bit of progress is better than nothing!"

"I think we're in agreement on the matter. You handled the task well. Both you and Curt," Robo said.

Suddenly the sound of stone moving once again caught them off guard and a treasure chest fell from the roof, hitting the ground with a low thud and kicking up dust in its wake.

"Do you think we should open that?" Curt asked.

"This time it has to be a reward. I mean, we just beat a bunch of Agasura and got no gold whatsoever! I'll bet my guitar on it!" The Bard squawked.

"If it's trapped so help me..." Amata muttered.

"Less talking, more chest opening! Crack it open already!" Su insisted with clenched fists.

Robo approached uneasily and placed his MG's hands to the chest. "Brace yourselves," He warned. He ripped the chest open and blocked, but nothing happened. TJ waited with his guitar in bated breath, recalling the last time they opened a chest and thought that it was not trapped. The Meister picked up the sack of coins and a heavy tension fell over all of them, but nothing had happened. "Safe..."

The whole group let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness for that," Curt said. "I don't think I can handle booby trapped chests. It's just a giant tease."

"That makes two of us." Amata agreed with a nod.

"Well, it seems we're safe for the time being. Let's head on everyone." Robo said.

At his words the group moved towards the exit and headed through the corridor into the next room.

Amata opened the door and they all stepped inside. The room was rather reminiscent of the first-wide open with a group of pillars within, but this time around there were no Agasura lying in wait for them to do battle with. A small light came in through a hole in the wall, and at the far end of the room was the exit.

"Well...this is certainly new." Curt said with a shrug. "Guess we don't have to do anything here. I vote we move on."

"I can't help but feel that there's more to this than what meets the eye. Either that, or this is just a rest area." Robo muttered as he glanced around uneasily.

"I can't imagine the Agasura-especially the Sinners offering any sort of hospitality to the people who are coming to kill them." Su said with a snicker.

"If we let our guard down we'll likely be ambushed again. I say we take the Treasure Hunter's suggestion. Let's move ahead and see what happens, and if nothing we can come back and investigate here further." Amata suggested before striding towards the door.

The rest of the group followed in her wake and they all stopped before it. The God's Governor held out a hand but nothing seemed to happen. She knit her eyebrows and tried again, but received no response. She stepped forward and began to pound on the door with her fist, but it did not open.

"What's wrong with this hunk of rock?!" She roared.

"When you can't get something to move, do it by force!" Su suggested taking a stance to cast.

"H-hold on there Su. It might be better not to do something so rash-we are in an unfamiliar Instance Dungeon, and we don't know what might happen if we try to force our way through. Let's review what we know and consider our current circumstances," Robo suggested.

"There's something above the door. Some kind of a symbol...looks like an eye?" TJ asked as he looked at it strangely, one eye-half open and the other normal.

"It's an udjet." Amata answered plainly as she crossed her arms. "But why there? What does it have to do with this room?"

Curt looked around before he spanned the walls and slid his hand across them, likely searching for possible hidden passages and other such things, and finally stopped at the small light that awaited them by the entrance. "Hey, what did that tablet say again?" He shouted across the room before regrouping with his companions.

"'Defeat my minions, claim their treasure and bring it to me. Prove that you are worth much more than the gold that the riffraff within contain and you shall have an audience with me. Should you fall by my hands, your corpse will become a fitting treasure for my chamber. Should you ever lose your way, know that when I lay my eyes upon gold the path to me shall be opened'." Robo reiterated for them. "Perhaps that section at the end is our clue?"

"So you're basically saying we get that light to touch that eye and this stupid door will open?" Su asked, and Robo nodded in turn. "Sounds easy enough."

"But how do we do that?" TJ asked.

"Obviously we need to reflect it off of a surface and get it to reach there." Amata said, but soon placed a hand to her mouth in thought. "What do we have at our disposal? Any mirrors?"

The group looked at each other uneasily. Among them, they had Curt's dagger, a couple of knives Curt still had on him, and Su's dagger.

"This isn't gonna do it." Su muttered.

"Useless..." Amata said as she rolled her eyes impatiently.

"Not like you brought anything to the table." The God's Governor glared at her counterpart.

"If you think that dagger will be of use, think again!"

"H-hold on guys let's calm down okay? I have an idea." The Abellan suggested.

The Sorceror brushed her bangs aside and raised an eyebrow. "What's this idea of yours?"

"If I use Caster's Workshop I think I can make something like a mirror. Kooh was able to create targets with her magic, so it should be possible."

"Brilliant idea, and definitely worth a try. Go ahead TJ." Robo suggested.

He nodded in turn. "Caster's Workshop!" He held out his hands and a sphere emerged from it, and he carefully shaped it into a rectangle. He spread it out so it was wide and froze it, then held it up for the others to see. "How's this?"

"This should do." Amata said as she took it from his hands and inspected it. "Make four more. With this we should be able to solve this riddle.

The Abellan did as suggested and all of his companions carried an icy mirror with them. With him standing beneath the light that poured through the wall and the other five scattered throughout the room, they decided to try their hand.

"The task is an easy one!" The God's Governor began, shouting from the far end of the room. "The Abellan will shine the light to the Prodigal Legend, who will pass it on to the Meister, followed by the Treasure Hunter, and then to me and I'll shine it upon the udjet. Any questions?" None answered in turn, and she assumed the answer. "Alright good. Let's get started!"

TJ awkwardly shifted the mirror in an attempt to pass the light on to Su, who stood diagonally from him. From where he was, he could not see either Curt or Amata due to the pillars blocking his vision. After a minute or so he finally managed to get the right angle and it shined upon Su's chest. She furrowed her brows at the fact and raised her mirror to meet it, turning her gaze to the Treasure Hunter.

"Take a step back! You're missing me!" Curt shouted to her.

"Why don't you take a step forward?!" Su hissed in response.

"Then let's switch places!"

"Fine by me!"

"Will you two shut up already?! Amata roared. "Just do as he says Prodigal Legend! If it doesn't work go back and we'll move him instead!"

Begrudgingly Su followed the God's Governor's suggestion and moved back a step, then attempted the task again and even more so to her dismay, it shined on to Curt.

"If you say I told you so I'll come over there and personally castrate you," She muttered.

"I won't say it then," He answered. Following those words he took up the mantle from there and attempted to pass it on to Robo who uneasily moved here and there in an attempt to get it on the perfect angle. "Little more to the left! No my left not your left! Wait...bit more to the right...that's it. Perfect, stay there!" Curt shifted his mirror slightly and it perfectly reflected on Robo's and to Amata.

"Not bad Treasure Hunter." She said before she shifted her mirror so the light shone upon the udjet, causing the symbol to brighten. She lowered her mirror and the effect remained. "Looks like our work here is done. Let's move on everyone."

The party moved through the door and down the next corridor, a curious aura filled the area. Upon opening the next door they found themselves back where they had begun, the statue of the Guardian loomed over them and beckoned them over.

"This is...the beginning? Wait does that mean we cleared it?!" TJ asked with a look of shock.

"Looks like it. Talk about a turn of events." Su chuckled with a shrug.

"So what do we now Amata?" Curt asked.

The God's Governor pointed to the top of the statue where the jar awaited them. "We put the gold we've collected in there and the door below will open, according to the others. The Guardian should be waiting on the other side, so all of you better be ready. It's all or nothing," She explained.

"Well we've nothing to gain by standing around. Shall we then?" Robo asked.

The group nodded in unison and proceeded up the stairs. Robo sat his MG down and helped the others as they unloaded all of the bags of gold they had collected. TJ, Amata and Curt each took a bag and began to pour it into the jar-steadily it began to fill, and once the last coin joined the others the eyes of the statue began to glow as the lining in the door gained a gold colour.

"Is everyone ready?" The God's Governor asked as they all gathered before it.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Su answered.

"I...we can do this! I believe in us!" The Abellan answered with both fists clenched.

"We've come this far and there isn't any turning back now-yet I feel no fear. Let's proceed with caution," The Meister suggested.

"I've waited for this moment. Let's show that Guardian who's the real boss around here!" Curt shouted.

Amata nodded once and held a hand out to the doors and they both opened at once. A deep darkness lurked within and a sense of unease washed over the five. Leading them in the God's Governor took the first few steps, and she debated using her magic to light the way but she caught a glimpse of light at the far end, and proceeded towards it.

"It's so dark in here...maybe we should watch our step. It might be trapped," TJ suggested as he debated whether or not he should search for a wall.

"Did they mention anything like this in that glorious report?" Curt asked pointedly.

"N-no...but the Guardian should be in here. They did say that this is where they fought her, but this wasn't mentioned." The God's Governor answered uneasily.

"Perhaps another sign that the dungeon has changed. As I'd thought, it would be best if we were wary of our surroundings," The Meister suggested.

"Yeah, yeah I get i-" Perhaps because she was glaring at the MG that he rode in the darkness, she had walked into something and stumbled back holding her nose.

"Ha!" Su burst out into laughter. Though it was hard to see, there was a faint multicoloured glare in the darkness pointed in her direction.

"There's something there so let's try going around it." TJ suggested before breaking away from the group. As he walked further to the side he could see a small flame in what looked like an open furnace. Surrounding it were two giant ribbed pumps. Perhaps they were used to fan the flames? But what would be large enough to utilize such a creation? He ran over and stopped in front of the furnace to inspect it further, and as he had thought the pumps were not just an illusion of distance-they were larger than he was. "Hey guys check this out!"

"S-slow down there Abellan. We don't know where that Guardian is, so it's better to be careful about this. Stay close," Amata muttered uneasily.

The rest of the group joined him and looked over the area curiously.

"I suppose these would be used to fan the flames? Perhaps they light the area, since there is none within, odd as it may be." Robo suggested as he inspected them.

Su leapt to the top half of the pump and tried to pull it down, but to no avail. "What's with these things?! They...won't...budge!" She hissed as her struggle continued for a few brief moments.

"It's not like we need these things. I am the God's Governor of Fire after all. Creating light is second nature to me." She snapped her fingers and nothing happened. Displeased with the outcome, she frowned and tried once more, but still nothing came to be.

"Second nature huh? You're as bright as a starless night," Su snickered.

"Sh-shut up! There's something wrong with this room!" She crossed her arms and huffed. "It won't let me use my magic."

TJ knit his eyebrows. "I can give it a shot. The Chief taught me how to use light magic, after all, so maybe I can manage something. He clenched his fist and raised it to the sky as he cried out, "Sunlight!" In spite of that though, nothing had happened and he lowered his hand slowly with an embarrassed expression.

"Fail," Su said blankly.

"Amata's right," He shouted defensively. "There's definitely something wrong with this room!"

"Looks like all we've got on our side are these pumps then. But you guys better figure something out, 'cause the three of you are Mages after all. Take magic away from a Magus and what do you get? A regular person with irregular knowledge." Curt explained as he crossed his arms.

"Easy for you to say Treasure Hunter!" Amata snarled with a glare.

"There has to be a way to move this thing...or at least get it to work." TJ said as he walked around the pump. It went on a downward angle, from back to front. Once he neared the front he looked at it from top to bottom before taking a few steps upon it.

"If you fall and crack your skull open I'm gonna laugh. Just an F.Y.I," Su told him. If the Cerebian's Abellan was defeated by a simple pump, the world would be doomed. It would be funny in the worst way possible.

"Hang on, I think I'm on to something." He chuckled quietly. Though they did not share in his humour, he thought it was clever nonetheless. Upon reaching the back he could feel it lower slightly beneath his weight-with a bit more vertical momentum, perhaps he could manage it? He leapt once and upon landing upon the pump it released a powerful gust of air that stoked the flame within the furnace, but the pump remained lowered. "Phew! How was that?" Though he would not admit it, the fact that his plan worked and the result after left him rather stirred.

Amata was the first to speak. "You know, it's almost incredible how you come to these ridiculous conclusions. Somehow they work. It might be for that very reason Queen Peorth entrusted this mission to you." She shrugged. "Well, colour me impressed. I guess we'll be following your lead in this battle." If she was not hurt, she would likely have lead the mission, but he appreciated the Governor's praise nonetheless.

Su looked between him and the other pump and decided to take the other. "Alright let's light this place up." She said as she climbed atop it. With a leap she brought it down and stoked the flames once more which gave the room more light, and flung TJ into the air along with it.

"W-whoa!" He shouted as he came back down and Su in turn was pushed up. Their constant efforts brought light to the room so long as they continued, and it eventually lit up the entire place-at the same time, a sense of foreboding came over them.

"Something...doesn't feel right here. Might just be my imagination, but do any of you guys feel that too?" Curt asked looking at them uneasily.

"Well yes...I can't quite put my finger on it, but something definitely feels wrong about this." Robo replied as he turned around. "O-oh...so that's the reason for those feelings."

The others turned to look, and inside of the room with them was a massive snake coiled around a single pillar at the center of the room. The creature dwarfed them substantially, and was long and golden with black stripes across its scaled body.

"Well, well, well...what do we have here? Five delicious morsels have wandered into my...humble abode." It said with a hiss on every 's'. "It seems my dinner has come to me today. Scream if you must, but I insist that you remain quiet. I will swallow you whole, so you will feel no pain, I assure you."

"I-it talks..." TJ said frozen in terror, but still moving to the rhythm of the pumps.

"So Ama-" Before Curt could finish his sentence the God's Governor glared at him.

"No they did not mention this or I'd have told you!" She snarled in response.

"Does that make this the Guardian of the Instance? Or will this stand before we can challenge the Sinner?" Robo asked taking to the vanguard.

"I'm willing to bet it's just a sub-boss. Let's mop it up and get to the real boss. Just stick a dagger through it's head and be done with it." Su told them as she too, continued to fan the flames.

"What brave little prey we have here. I shall savour you until there is nothing left of you. Now come, I, Apep shall be your opponent today, and you my meal." Apep told them.

"Get ready! It's coming!" Amata shouted.

Apep let out a loud hiss and the group was immediately frozen in place, covering their ears. He began to descend the pillar as the group split off into a myriad of directions to strike it. As they surrounded him he moved forward toward the Abellan and God's Governor, and they immediately stopped and turned back.

"We have to protect TJ and Su!" Robo shouted to his comrades.

As Apep neared the two leapt from the pumps and the flames slowly began to dim leaving the party in darkness once more-only the light from the snake's piercing yellow eyes could be seen in the darkness.

"Why must you struggle? If you will stay still I will make short work of you. Fear not, little mice," It hissed within the darkness.

As the light began to fade Amata searched the room for her allies nearest to the pumps. TJ had already made his way half-way across the room as the snake pursued him, and Su lunged at it with her dagger. "Prodigal Legend! You and I will take to the pumps! We have to retain the light within this room no matter what!" She shouted to her companion.

"Have it your way." Su answered nonchalantly before taking the left pump. "Just make it quick. I'm not gonna be on the menu tonight."

"Hit it hard Robo!" Curt shouted as he drew his dagger.

"TJ, take cover!" The Meister shouted before flying nearby to the snake pursuing his companion. He input a command and a mecha ally broke through the roof and landed near him. What appeared was a silver shielded mecha that separated the two shields to reveal a series of gun barrels. It fired a barrage of bullets into Apep before a multitude of missiles followed after which exploded in the snake's face. It reeled back and hissed as TJ came to a skidding halt and saluted his companion.

The Abellan took a deep breath and strummed his guitar in hopes that he could at least summon the Arrows of Light, but nothing had happened. His mana was there and available, but whenever he tried to give it a shape it just seemed to turn into nothing. He grit his teeth and shook his head as he retreated further. If his mana was unavailable, perhaps he could still use his Special Power? He stopped once more as the snake looked between him and Robo-steeling his resolve he held out a hand and shouted, "Hailstorm!" To his surprise the circle appeared before him and a series of icicles fired towards Apep. They collided with his face and blinded him for a couple of moments before he set his sights on the Bard once again.

Apep slammed his head against the ground and shook the entire area, causing Curt and Robo to stumble around and TJ to lose his balance. Almost immediately he began slithering towards the Bard who quickly scrambled to his feet. As he tried to step aside the snake followed in his wake and opened its mouth to take him in.

"TJ!" Curt shouted. "We have to get him out Robo!" The Treasure Hunter took to the snake and plunged his blade into its skin before struggling to pull it out. "These scales are tough as nails!"

"Hang on TJ! Help is coming!" Robo input another command and his MG shut down temporarily as his crimson robot flew in the same way that Ash Cannon had created. "Do it Mystletainn!" The mecha charged towards Apep and sliced along its body before coming to a halt and performing a single wide swing, then flew off leaving a bloody trail. While the snake hissed in pain Robo charged forward with his goliath and a series of sparks surrounded it. "I'm not done yet! Raikiri!" As it's body was surrounded by electricity he bowled forward as close to the head as he could get and knocked it back, causing it to fall over and for its mouth to fall open. TJ tumbled out from within, covered in saliva and gasping for air.

"Oh that was awful! Thought I would die then and there!" He gasped as he slipped on the saliva and fell over. "Now I'm all slimy and gross...but thanks guys!"

"Safe...try not to get eaten again TJ." Curt said as he passed nearby.

The snake sighed as he rose again. "Troublesome little creatures..." It muttered as it coiled around and selected a new target. It set its sights on the one that had interrupted it. "You seem like a rather meaty one."

"Watch yourself Robo!" TJ shouted. As Apep turned to the Meister he took a few steps closer and came to a skidding halt as he performed the Ice Fear spell. The icy spears arose from the ground and pierced the snake, but did not deter it.

Robo immediately started to move his MG but Apep moved faster than he could and blocked his path. He grit his teeth and turned his MG around but once again came face-to-face with the snake, and in no time flat realized he was trapped in. Apep coiled around him and started to crush his MG as it prepared to eat him.

"Let's move TJ!" Curt shouted as he hopped onto the snake's back and made his way to the face.

"I'll cover you!" He shouted. He had a small set of skills at his disposal, but nothing that could reach that far...save for one skill, but one that he had only seen Su perform. He took a deep breath-if it was the current him, he could do it-he would not doubt himself when his comrades needed him. He clenched a fist and raised it skyward as a massive ice crystal took form behind him. "Shattered Berg!" He shouted and held out a hand. It cracked and shattered, firing a series of massive icicles towards the snake. Though most only grazed it, they pierced its scales and disappeared briefly after causing him to reel away from Robo.

The Meister turned on his MG's boosters and safely flew out from within Apep's grasp, and met up with Curt who jumped on to the back as he moved away. "Good call TJ! You never cease to amaze!" He thankfully shouted.

"You saved my bacon first! Guess we're even now," The Abellan laughed.

"I am growing rather weary of you all." The snake hissed before slithering towards Su and Amata.

"Incoming!" Curt shouted to them as Robo pursued it.

Apep rose into the air and hissed again, causing all of them to halt in place before he approached.

"Let's go Prodigal Legend!" Amata shouted to her after the effect wore off.

"We doing this? Alright." Su leapt down first and stomped the ground to raise the earth before punching the stone she created. "Earth Dragon!" At her command a jade dragon emerged and charged first to stop the snake in its wake.

Following in her lead Amata landed with a twirl and released a sphere of flame that stopped in Apep's face and exploded as she shouted, "Fire Blaster!" It reeled back from the flames and the others waited in bated breath.

The creature hissed as the signs of their attacks truly began to show. "Problematic prey...no matter. None of your actions could truly wound me." Apep said before raising his hand and slamming it against the ground. After everyone regained their balance they caught a glimpse of the creature molting its skin, and breaking free of the old skin almost immediately. As he emerged once more, the wounds they had created had vanished. "Shall I teach you the meaning of fear?"

"H-how?!" TJ asked in disbelief.

"We had used everything on it and yet...it proved useless..." Robo muttered.

"We're gonna need a new plan...or an escape." Curt suggested as he rubbed his temples.

"Like hell I'm running now! I'll murder this snake with my bare hands if I have to!" Su roared as she drew her dagger.

The light began to dim in the room as Amata gazed upon Apep. "It...hasn't completely recovered. The burns stayed." She said, but her voice quivered.

At her words the snake began to near, his eyes set on her and the two shining ever brighter as the light began to lower. "It seems one of you might be rather...problematic. I will deal with you swiftly, and devour your helpless comrades afterwards." It said before hissing and diving at her.

Both out of fear and shock, the God's Governor remained frozen in place and nearly wound up next to fall prey to it until Su dove in and tackled her. The two tumbled away before Su broke free and scrambled to her feet, chasing after the snake as it collided with the pump and struggled to rise again for a couple of moments. "You're mine now you bastard!" She shouted before following up with a second Earth Dragon. The spell made contact and it pushed it away rather close to the flames of the furnace. Though they were shrinking rather quickly, it pulled away a fair distance and quickly at that. "Looks like you were right after all Amata. We've got a weakness, and a place big enough to fit this giant ass snake. You hear that guys?! We're gonna roast this oversized reptile!"

The team shouted in acknowledgement and the snake glared at her. "Struggle now, but you will not escape me. It would take much more than the five of you to manage such a feat," He said.

"Scared? You haven't seen anything yet!" Su said with a grin.

"Curt, let's take the pumps! Leave it to Robo and the others to get them in it!" TJ shouted to his companion as they both ran on opposite sides of the snake.

"I'm right behind ya'," He answered.

"Eyes on me!" Su roared as she clasped her hands together and the head of a massive dragon appeared above her through the spell Gold Dragon. The earth rumbled for the few moments it was there and the snake reeled away.

Afterwards she leapt towards it and plunged her dagger into it before she removed it and ran to one of its sides, the Treasure Hunter passed her as she did him.

TJ came to a halt as Curt took his place on the pump and summoned an ice crystal, calling in more with Ice Storm. As Curt signalled that he was in position TJ followed suit and joined him on the other pump.

"Do you expect me to stand by and let you defeat me through such mediocre means?!" The snake snarled before lunging towards Curt.

The Treasure Hunter turned towards it, but rather than fleeing for his safety like the others had before him, he continued what he was doing. There was a glint in Apep's eyes as he approached, almost certain that he was going to get one of the five with ease, but was proven wrong. The mecha from Robo's Gae Borg surrounded it and fired their beams upon its head, causing it to reel back in pain.

Amata waited on the other side with furrowed brows. "Time for revenge!" She raised a hand and snapped her fingers causing ten massive fire spheres to appear around the snake. "Ten Flames!" She shouted before they all began to explode. Apep moved in every direction both trying to avoid, and being hurt by the spell that surrounded it.

"My turn now!" Su shouted before raising a finger to the sky. Two jade dragons emerged from her and one of the two hit the snake. As it pulled away from her she jumped onto its back and pointed forward. "Twin Dragons!" She shouted. Two more dragons shot forth from where she stood and swirled around each other before colliding with the back of Apep's head. He fell to the ground and she jumped off to it's right side. "You're up again!"

Amata huffed quietly in response. "Meister, hit it once more with your Ash Cannon!" She shouted before pounding the ground with a fist to create a wall of flames with Illusion Fire. Following that she pulled back with Fire Burst and the snake pulled away from her flames, coming ever nearer to the furnace. Both TJ and Curt looked a bit uneasy about having it flailing here and there, but still prepared for their comrades to deal a decisive blow.

"Stand back!" Robo shouted as he neared and input the command for Ash Cannon. The mecha emerged once more to unleash a barrage of bullets upon the snake and the missiles followed after, dropping it to the ground once more.

"Close but not quite! We're gonna need to move it further if we're gonna take it out!" Curt shouted as he continued stoking the flames with the Abellan.

"The spells are good but I dunno if any of them pack enough of a punch to move it in just that way!" TJ answered before shifting his gaze between his comrades. They had a good set of skills, but they needed one that could move the snake in that direction without it being able to pull away from the strike. "Robo can you hit it with Raikiri again? It's a bit dangerous but you might be the only one who can do this!"

He looked at him uneasily, but accepted the duty nonetheless. "Leave it to me TJ. Stand back Amata!"

Apep began to rise again and the Bard shot it a glare. "No you don't!" He raised his hands and a series of icicles rained down upon it, keeping it grounded a little longer.

The Meister came charging in with a series of sparks that engulfed his MG as he collided with the snake, the MG carrying it's target with it into the flames. Pained screams from both emerged and the party looked on with both shock and terror, before the MG emerged, and the snake remained within. To be sure that it did not escape, TJ used Ice Fear once more to place two spears on both sides of the body so it could not slither away. It writhed about as the flames consumed it, and it eventually came to a halt, the body turning to ash and finally disappearing.

"I...it's over..." Robo muttered with a dry chuckle. Both his MG and him were battered, his MG heavily damaged and his body burned.

"You alright Robo?" Curt asked as he leapt down from the pump to inspect his companion. Despite him leaving the pump the furnace remained alight.

"It's a few minor burns. We've all had to take some risks in this battle." The Meister answered with a light smile.

"That was rather brave of you Meister. I've gotta commend you for braving the flames like that." Amata said as she crossed her arms and knit her eyebrows-a worried look settled in. "Even as the God's Governor of Fire, I wouldn't dare something like that so easily."

"Is your robot gonna be alright? Looks pretty beat up from what that lizard did." Su said as she tapped on it with her knuckles and pulled away. "How can you sit in that thing? It's still freakin' hot! I'd get toasted if I was in there for any longer than ten seconds!"

"Trust me, this is nothing compared to Raikiri." He answered with a chuckle.

TJ jumped down and walked over with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry I had you do that Robo! Hang tight, I'll have you fixed right up." He said as he drew his guitar and strummed it gently, a light aura surrounded his companions and Robo's wounds healed slightly over the period.

"It's nothing you have to apologize for TJ. You made the right decision there, and I'm thankful that you decided to take charge at such a crucial time. In truth, there's a better chance I would have used Ion Cannon or Mystletainn a second time had you not suggested that action. If there comes a time where you do feel that you have a good idea in mind, don't be afraid to suggest it. With a bit of polish I'm sure you'll soon rival Peorth as a leader." He called in the machine that repaired his MG previously and it did so once more.

The Abellan chuckled bashfully as he rubbed the back of his neck. The thought of comparing to his guild master in terms of leadership was hard to imagine, but he appreciated the thought. "Thanks."

"Just be sure that you don't get anyone killed with your choices okay?"

He smiled wryly at the following comment. The truth hurt too, but it was a fair point nonetheless.

Suddenly the earth began to tremble and the party immediately prepared themselves for another combat scenario, but rather the area around the pillar began to sink and form a staircase down to a lower floor.

"That...must be where the Guardian is." Robo said glancing over at the staircase.

"It's about damn time...so many sub-bosses. Jeez..." Su muttered.

TJ swallowed hard. That look-alike of his may have been waiting down there. How did she come to be? What was her purpose? There were many answers he had, and many he wondered if he would find the answer to. "Are you guys prepared for this?"

Curt and Robo nodded, the latter of the two looking much better than he had previously. "The leftover wounds aren't so bad. I can go on just fine like this. Now that my MG's repaired I can fight at my full strength again." The Meister answered.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I'll get to the bottom of this matter and resolve it here and now." Amata said with a confident glint in her eye.

Su placed a hand to her hip. "It's gonna be a little weird killing someone that looks so much like you." She said before she grinned. "Then again, you're gonna have to join in so, sucks to be you!"

He laughed lightly at her comment. It was words like those that lightened his heart a little at difficult times-despite the unusual sense of humour, perhaps it was just that that allowed him to face forward. "I can't help but suspect that she too, would be an intelligent Agasura. I mean, if the snake could talk, I wouldn't doubt that she could also." Perhaps she would speak in Agasuric? As he set the thought aside, he swallowed the following words hard. Would his companions believe in the endeavour that he wished to see through? "I..." He took a deep breath. Peorth would not be afraid-why should he? "I want to try and talk to her. If I could convince her to switch sides, maybe we won't have to fight." The God's Governors looked at him incredulously.

"Are you an idiot?" Su asked with disbelief.

"You want to...convince a Sinner to become a Confidant? You're joking, right?" Amata asked with a snort.

"I mean, I like your positive attitude and all, but that's stupid with a capital 'S'."

"Why would they join you when they could kill you? They're some of the most powerful Agasura the world has ever seen. I doubt that any of them would think twice about seeing their goals through."

"For once, I agree with her." The Prodigal Legend said pointing to the God's Governor of Fire. "She raises a damn good point."

The God's Governor smiled proudly. "Why thank you! I think you've driven the idea home yourself."

TJ pursed his lips at their comment. Could they not bond over another matter? He was completely serious about this. Regardless, he would try anyway. "I won't do anything too reckless so if it all goes up in flames well..." He paused and recalled the battle with Pandora. It would truly be a shame if it ended like that, but if he could give a choice he would try just as his guild master had. "Then we'll do what we have to...again. Anyway let's get to it." He lead the party as they began their descent to the lower floor.

The stairwell twisted and turned all around the pillar until it lead to a room that was filled with all sorts of gold and jewellery, among a myriad of various other treasures. At the heart of it all a lone lady sat upon a throne-as the group had heard looked she alike to TJ in terms of her face. She wore a white kalarsis, transparent orange shawl, a dark blue gorgerine and crimson sandals. She also wore a gold seshed, matching earrings and a black bracelet with gold hieroglyphs engraved upon it. Her eyes were a deep crimson and her hair shoulder-length and violet with a gold streak in her bangs. Upon seeing her visitors descending the stairs she arose from her throne and approached.

"Excellent, excellent, you have come! I had feared that Apep would devour you and your magnificent treasures before I got to add them to my collection, but it seems that you have proven yourselves worthy! It has been quite some time since anyone had last come to see me, let alone made it to my chambers. I have been so painfully bored!" She said excitedly as she welcomed them with open arms.

"Oh god she's a weird one," Su said with disgust.

"I can see the familial resemblance," Amata muttered under her breath.

"Who said we were related?" TJ asked. As he stepped down from the stairs and his allies joined them, his look-alike stopped short of meeting with them.

"Well at least you've proven you're not the same person." The Sorceror added before she took a couple of steps forward to face off with the Guardian. "So we finally meet huh? You did some pretty terrible things to the other adventurers that came in here. I'm here to make you pay for just that!"

The young lady knit her eyebrows at the God's Governor. "Will you please step aside? I have no business with you at the moment. You do not interest me in the slightest, and from what I can tell you do not have a single worthwhile treasure on your person." Amata gave her an incredulous glare as she gestured for her to step aside. "Sister, you are there among these others are you not? Please step forward! Let me see your lovely face!"

His allies looked to him and he shrugged before offering them a smile. Perhaps his plan would actually work out? He stepped forward, with a cautious air about him, but the young lady looked genuinely happy to see him. "H-hi. But I'm not a girl. That and I don't recall having any siblings..." He answered uneasily before rubbing the back of his neck.

"You poor thing! What have those Cerebians done to you?" She shook her head in disbelief. "My my...what a troublesome bunch you have found yourself with. But it matters not-what does matter is that you are here now, and that we have finally been reunited after hundreds of years. It is all thanks to your constant efforts that I and the others will be able to return to this world."

"W-wait slow down a minute! You're saying the reason this dungeon appeared is my doing?! And these guys didn't make me lose my memories it just kind of...happened. They're my friends, and they're all really good people!" He had not found the answers to most of his questions, but her words raised more. How could it have been hundreds of years since they met? He had no such memories of others like himself.

The young lady pursed her lips at his words, and he wondered if he made that same face. "Oh but they did. One does not acquire amnesia so easily, Luxuria. Of course, under the correct circumstances it is possible, but this was on purpose. Their goddess had sealed you and that brat Adonis together and she and those other Cerebians had sealed Father and the others away, myself included." She kissed her teeth. "I still cannot believe that Adonis is the only one considered to be Father's child. What do they know of us?"

TJ gripped his temples as the Sound of Frequency hit him then and there. His memories were trying to resurface but the pain seemed to be forcing them back into his sub-conscious mind. "W-who? Luxuria? The goddess...and Adonis...huh?"

The young lady stepped forward and embraced him. "There, there Luxuria. You need not try so hard to remember. You are safe now with me. I shall teach you everything that you need to know, and free you from the grip of those evil Asgardians. We have a duty to see through, after all."

The Bard shook his head. "I...I don't understand. Who's Luxuria? My name is TJ. What is this duty? And why do you call me your sister? Who are you?"

Su grit her teeth. "You done with your little reunion or what?! There's only so bullshit I can stand before I lose my patience! How long do you expect me to stand here and let you fill his head with your lies?!" She roared.

"Hush Cerebian! After all you have done to my sister you claim that I am lying to her?! You have been lying to her for hundreds of years and now you plan to turn her against her own family! Like I would accept that!" She took his face in her hands and smiled gently upon him. "It is me, Luxuria. Your sister Avaritia. All of your hard work is the reason that I have been able to return to this world. Alas, my body had been destroyed upon our defeat but I have returned through the window of your soul and taken up this image instead. You must continue your duty and make further sacrifices for Father. With enough the others will also return, and finally Father will follow. Then we can see our duty through together."

"But I...no... I'm not Luxuria and Asmodeus is evil! I don't want him to come back! I have to stop him! But I don't understand...why is it that you've come back because of me? And what will happen if Asmodeus does come back?!" The Abellan cried out.

Avaritia knit her eyebrows. "As I had thought, they coerced you into joining their side." She glared at his companions. "I will never forgive them for doing this to my precious sister. Alas, let me remind you of your true duty." She shifted her focus back to him. "Since you are the only one that can release us from our prison, you must heed Father's words and go forth. Though we will remain trapped within these Instance Dungeons, as you see your duty through we will grow stronger, and upon Father's return we, along with his other sealed minions will finally break free of these bindings. Then...it will begin." She smiled. "Geseni oto Nitszch. The end of time, and of this world infested with those Vandels. It will be as God Ah had promised, and we shall finally fulfill our duty. The world will be reborn anew."

"W-what?! So you just plan to destroy the world? I can't do that! I won't!" He answered and shook his head.

"Why?" She tilted her head quizzically. "Is it not as God Ah had intended? It is not as if we plan to destroy the world-we will eradicate humanity, and though the world will be destroyed in the process, it is so that it can be born anew. Humans have poisoned this world for far too long, and it is our duty to undo what they had done."

"This world belongs to humanity! We can't just...just go and commit mass genocide! Why would God Ah want to wipe out humanity if he had created all of this?!" He shook his head. "Who are we to say that this world has to end? Humanity has lived upon it for years long before I even knew about it...these people have lives and families and things that they'll risk their lives to protect and you just want to...want to throw it all away! I can't do that! I refuse!" His tirade left him out of breath and he placed a hand to his chest. "I'm not who you think I am. I know I might be an Agasura but...the Chief taught me that even an Agasura could have humanity. That we could live side by side with both Humanity and the Cerebians. That there's not that much difference between us when you set aside the biases we might have because of the past. I won't throw that all away! I won't let you take that, or harm a hair on her head! I'll protect my guild, and this world with my life!"

Avarita knit her eyebrows once more as she huffed gently. "Sister, why are you so adamant on defending them? I know you may have lost your memories, but I know that deep down they are still there, and that given time you would recall the truth that they have veiled. Do you not recall any of it? The war? Being bound to Adonis and the battle that tore this world apart? Our sole parent is Father. We are not like Humans, and for that reason we must not try to be among them. Even if you could, you do realize that whether you like it or not, they and the Cerebians will die long before you could dream of it. We do not have lifespans, Sister. As they grow old, die and are reborn, we will live on. Time and again, you will have to see your friends die as you continue to live on, generation after generation. It need not be that way. After all, I do not wish to see you have to find that loneliness again after all these years. Join us-unlike them, we will be with you no matter how many hundreds of years pass. We will be with you until the end of time and afterwards, as it should be. Please, come to your senses Luxuria and leave this foolishness behind!"

A small part of him wanted to cry. She cared for him, though she had known him as someone else from a time he might never be able to recall. Despite being his enemy, and one that wanted exactly what he did not want for the world, she still offered him a hand and looked upon him kindly as one of their own-in a world that had once cast him aside, where he remained stuck between being a failure both as a Cerebian and as an Agasura, she would still accept him. Had he met her first, perhaps he would have taken her offer and chosen to side with what she described as his family, but he had already had a place he belonged, and with people that accepted him with open arms. Yggdrasil was his home now, and the Asgardians were his family. "I'm sorry Avaritia, but I can't do that. Even if they all die before me, even if I end up alone I...I can't turn my back to them. They've been good to me, and they took me in despite me being just some...vagrant. No matter how bitter I was they stayed with me through thick and thin. If the Cerebians want to save this world, and even if Humanity isn't perfect and do more harm than good, I want to protect them. I wanna protect this world they had fought for all these years. After all...I'm not Luxuria, nor am I the Calamity Trigger. I'm TJ, and I stand by the Asgardians as their Abellan. So...you know, if you want to reconsider you can join us. Heck, I'd like for you to! You're really kind, and there aren't many among the Agasura who are. The Cerebians would gladly welcome you, and I would too. And you can be free of this place and whatever other bindings have been placed upon you."

She closed her eyes slowly. "I see." She looked to him apologetically, but hugged him once more. "Forgive me, Luxuria, but I just cannot do that. My allegiance remains with Father until the end. No matter how many times I die and am reincarnated I will still fight for him. I know not what the Cerebians have done to you, but I will do what I must to wake you from their control and set you on the right path." She held out a hand and a black scythe with a skull upon the top of the pole appeared next to the silver blade-as it took form she stepped back away from TJ. "If I am to defeat your companions here I will ask that you reconsider my offer. I do not wish to have to harm you, but we will do what we must for the sake of this world, even if we become enemies in the process." The gold piled up all around her surrounded her and carried her off back to the throne where she once sat, and placed her down before it. "If even then you remain on their side, then I shall deal a final blow and have you transmigrate from the ethereal world that their goddess had hidden you in many a years ago. From there, I will assume your duty and we shall start over. Please, forgive me for this sister, but today we will become opponents. Tomorrow, I hope that we will be back to being sisters. Now come. Show me how strong you have become."

He looked upon her with his heart feeling as if it were tied in knots. She was only the first of the seven and he was reluctant to fight her. Would every battle be this difficult? He drew his guitar and took a deep breath. "I'll make things right Avaritia. I promise, when this is all over I'll sort things out so you and all the others can be reborn in a better world."

"I dunno what she's on about, but we came here to kick her ass, so let's get down to it!" Su said as she pounded an open-palm.

"We're with you Abellan. Even if it's difficult for you, remember that we're in this together. You can rely on us, and together we'll pursue the truth at the heart of this matter." Amata said offering him a kind smile and drawing her staff.

"That's a heck of a lot of info. Did you get all that?" Curt asked with a grin. "You could probably ask Robo to reiterate later if you forget."

"I'm not an answering machine Curt." Robo added curtly. "But I do have excellent memory capacity, so should there be anything you've forgotten, please, don't be afraid to ask. I'd be happy to help, be it in defeating the Sinners or recalling the information they had shared with you."

"Thanks guys. We might be in for a tough fight, so get ready. I'll support you from here for the time being." He looked upon Avaritia as she slammed her scythe against the ground once and the gold and weapons within the pile arose at her call to gather around her. A strange sense washed over him, and whether it was longing or nostalgia he could not tell, but it was not entirely unfamiliar to the feelings he experienced upon activating the Iris Stones. She too, must have been a part of the past that he could not recall, but if he was to defeat her here he might never know what her story was in its entirety. He let out a sigh before he shook his head and mustered his resolve. "Let's play it cautiously for now and gauge her abilities! When we've got a better idea of what we're up against we should launch a full-on counterattack."

"Leave it to us!" Curt shouted as he and the others set out with their weapons ready.

Avaritia smiled as she watched his allies approach. "So you all will be entering the fray to die first hmm? It seems Luxuria still has some of her charm despite being tricked by you. How wonderful." She held out a hand and two streams of coins shot towards them. "Now come and die quickly. There is much to be done, and I am a very busy woman."

Curt and Su split apart from the others as the coins rained down on them and sprayed across the floor like droplets of water.

"She's gonna throw a barrage of coins at us? Well that's fun." The God's Governor muttered under her breath.

"If that's all she could do the solution should be simple! We attack from all directions and she won't be able to keep us all back at once. Let's go everyone!" Amata shouted.

"We're right behind you." Robo answered taking Avaritia's right flank with Su.

As they advanced a silver aura surrounded them for a couple of moments and bolstered their defense thanks to TJ's song. Amata came to a halt while Curt made his move from behind after taking a long and round turn to get the jump on her.

She plunged her staff into the ground and it cracked, a series of flames arose in its wake as she shouted, "Sear!"

Both Curt and Su approached from her blind spots, each with a dagger drawn as they leapt into the battle. Without even moving from where she stood Avaritia called a sword and scimitar to repel the Treasure Hunter and God's Governor, the blades moving as if wielded by a warrior. Moments before the ruptured earth reached beneath the Sinner a pile of gold coins covered it and the fire only served to heat them beneath her. Amata cursed under her breath while Robo came next. He came to a skidding halt and threw a punch she blocked with her scythe, and he threw two more she easily deflected on both sides. Before he could turn his mecha she leapt onto his MG and took a wide swing with her weapon, nearly beheading him. He slid into his seat and attempted to shove her from the mecha but missed as she leapt down and met weapons with Su. The God's Governor took two rapid swings and a stab but all of here strikes were dodged and following that the scimitar flew towards Robo and got caught within one of the grates at the front of his MG. He looked on with terror and shock before a pile of gold rained down upon him.

With a wave of Amata's hand flames emerged from the ground and trapped Avaritia and Su in a small ring. The Sinner grinned as she locked weapons with Su for a moment before she dodged aside and sent the God's Governor away with a bash from the pole. "You did not actually believe that I would fall for that, now did you girl?" She laughed. "Why not play with this for a spell?" With a wave of her hand a broadsword emerged from the pile and soared towards the God's Governor of Fire. It hit the ground as Amata narrowly avoided it and looked on with anger. "You are brave to challenge me alone, little one." Avarita chuckled as the Prodigal Legend came once more. Before she could approach the Sinner kept her back with a wide arc from her scythe, and called the previous scimitar form before to keep her busy.

"I'm more than enough to put you out of your misery!" Su hissed as she deflected the scimitar and somersaulted aside as it came down upon her. It arose from the ground once more and came down with a vertical strike while Avaritia followed it up with a horizontal swipe from her own weapon. Su backflipped twice to avoid their attacks and upon the second landed with enough force to raise a thin block of ground before her. With a push it fell upon the scimitar and the Sinner looked on with a hint of disappointment.

"As I had suspected, you and that other girl must be this generation's God's Governors hmm?"

The God's Governor charged forth and two streams of gold blocked her way, but hardly slowed her down. She dashed past each and got back to the Sinner who did not parry but dodged each of her strikes. She took two stabs at her head but she stepped aside with ease and leapt back when her assailant attempted a wide horizontal swing. "Yeah? And what of it?" Su stomped the ground and unleashed an Earth Dragon that was blocked by a wall of coins.

"What of it? Well you pale in comparison to your ancestors. Both Terramane and Rayinth were feared by our kind because of their uncanny abilities as Magi. Even I was shaken when I saw them upon the battlefield. You?" She snorted and the teenager could feel her blood come to a boil.

"I'll crush you." She muttered before she slammed her fist against the ground and the earth rose up in massive spikes.

Avarita leapt back and the gold surrounded her and carried her away from the impending danger, letting her off a safe distance away. Su clicked her tongue before she roundhouse-kicked one of the shards of earth and sent it sliding towards her opponent. Moments after she could feel strength welling up in her body from the Bard's song. Avaritia leapt aside and chuckled once more while Su caught a glimpse of Robo tossing a couple coins from his MG and placing himself behind the Sinner. It was risky, but she could create a diversion for him. Su charged back in after the Sinner and leapt through the air before slamming both fists down and creating two fissures that sundered the ground that surrounded her target.

"You missed me by quite the large margin, God's Governor," Avaritia sung in response.

"Good." Su answered rising to her feet and crossing her arms.

Behind her Robo called in Ash Cannon and it landed as the rendered earth came to a halt As it fired a barrage of bullets at Avaritia she turned in its directions as quickly as she could and created a wall of coins-some pierced through it and grazed her, and the wall was soon blown away by his missiles. Luckily for Su she had created a wall of stone to take cover behind before the bullets found their way to her, and the coins that soon followed afterwards.

The Sinner was pushed back, and briefly rose to her feet wearing a pained expression. "My treasure..." She muttered before glaring at the Meister. "You have quite the interesting little toy there, adventurer. Give it to me and I might spare your life."

"That's not happening," Robo answered.

"So be it." She pointed towards him and three streams of gold and treasured fired towards him-two converged on that point as he steered his MG away from it and the third relentlessly pursued him.

Su emerged from the wall and attempted to get in an attack while the Sinner still had her back turned but was met with another pair of scimitars. "Goddamn it..." She muttered as she parried the first blade and the second came shortly after.

The Sinner set her eyes on her sibling who solemnly strummed his guitar on the outskirts of the battlefield. "Ah sister...what a magnificent weapon you have. To have you and it would make for the finest treasure, along with the Heart of Yggdrasil..." She said dreamily before placing a hand to her cheek.

"Is that the best you could do, Avaritia?" Amata asked as she walked over and dropped the hilt with a melted blade upon it.

The Sinner pursed her lips. "I have more, mind you." She snapped her fingers and coins surged forth towards the God's Governor. Amata held out a hand and a series of flames surged forth to meet them head on and stop them, leaving only liquid gold that dripped to the floor. "Truly a waste. Perhaps I could sell your head on a spear to Hyunmu for its treasure. Or perhaps I'll keep it as mine..." She smiled devilishly. "Come. I shall use the very gold that you melted and have you become a statue with it to place beside my throne!"

"I'd love to see you try! Lion's Dance!" Amata hurled a massive fireball toward Avaritia and upon nearing the target it exploded into a series of sparks but the flame still remained, bouncing through the air as more sparks rained from within. The Sinner skillfully avoided the spell before calling two streams of treasure down towards the Sorceror's location.

The God's Governor leapt back to avoid the attack and despite hitting the ground they surged forth after her. She held out her staff and attempted to defend against it-the attack came at her in droves and forced her into a wall. She hit it hard and the barrage of coins continued on keeping her pinned down.

While that happened Curt returned to the fray, the sword that had kept him busy lay lifeless and he used the chance to take the Sinner's focus away from the God's Governor. He skidded to a halt at her flank and opened with a Masquerade, his dagger meeting the pole of her scythe before she leapt back and took a swing at him. He dropped his shield mid-jump to grab the scythe and pull her towards him before thrusting his dagger at her heart. She blocked the blow with her left arm and his weapon pierced her skin, before she released the scythe and it vanished while she pulled away.

With a wave of her hand her scythe reappeared and the treasure rose above her like a tidal wave before it came crashing down and pulled him away with it. Su broke a piece of the earth from beneath her and leapt onto it to surf across the wave of treasure and close the distance between her and Avaritia. As she neared she could feel her wounds healing slightly, TJ's aid at work once more. The Sinner turned to her and she outstretched a hand as she shouted, "Freezing Wave!" An icy beam surged forth from her and froze where the Sinner once stood as she avoided the attack, and the God's Governor attempted to predict where she would move to next. As the wave of treasure came to an end the Prodigal Legend leapt from the stone she rode in on and continued her onslaught for a couple more moments before she deemed it useless.

As she continued forth towards the Sinner Curt approached from one of her flanks with a sword following in his wake. He skidded past Avaritia where she caught a glimpse of him and blocked his dagger with her scythe and pointed down at him. He backflipped away as the sword pierced the ground and Su came in once more with a barrage of rocks leading the way.

"That is enough!" Avarita roared and held out a hand to the God's Governor's earthen barrage. Her spell circled around the Sinner and was fired back at her. The God's Governor looked on in surprise and held both arms in a futile attempt to protect herself, the rocks crashed upon her in a cloud of dust. "Now for you..." With a wave of her hand a mace and a one-handed sword emerged from the treasure hoard and shot after Curt. He frantically defended against all three weapons with his sword and shield, but they hit him from all directions and he only managed to block two at a time-the mace caught him off guard and hit him in the back, leaving him open for a cut from each of the other two.

Robo returned to the fray with a pained expression, his body bruised and his MG dented from the coins that assaulted him, but he still came to the aid of his ally. He immediately put in the command for Ion Cannon and once completed his MG shut down temporarily while two satellite mecha appeared in the room and placed themselves above Avaritia. "Hang on Curt, I'll buy you some time!" He shouted as they began to charge.

"You adventurers never learn, do you?" Avarita asked. She waved her staff and the two satellites immediately pointed to the Meister.

"Robo get out of there!" TJ shouted to his companion.

"W-what?" He looked on in disbelief as they both let out their charges, firing two beams of energy upon him.

TJ looked on in horror. One by one his companions were falling, and now more than ever he needed to step into the fight. He had to do something, but even so he still had doubts. His hands trembled and he fumbled his playing. Curt was still struggling to hold off the weapons and failing, while Su was trying to get free of the rubble Avaritia hurled back at her. Amata was wounded, but since the Sinner had taken her focus off of her she was able to stumble out of the coins that pinned her down prior. At the moment, he would likely be the only one who could still fight at his strongest and yet...and yet...

He reached into his pocket and drew Peorth's piece of the Heart of Yggdrasil. With it, he could call upon his Order Frequency and become the Messenger of Light, but if he failed again...he shook his head. He could not lose faith in himself and his companions now. They needed him now more than ever. He took one look upon the battlefield and saw his sister turn to him and smile.

"So Luxuria? I have bested your companions. Now is a good time for you to reconsider my offer, and I will allow them to leave my dungeon safely. That is fair, is it not? Your allegiance for their lives?" Avarita asked with a gentle smile.

"You haven't bested anyone Avaritia!" Amata roared as she she walked away from the wall and rose to her full height. "Abellan! I know you're stronger than this! If you're afraid, that's fine, but don't falter just because of your memories! Remember what it is that you fight for and who! You have a duty to see through, so take up your weapon and fight alongside us." She placed her staff to her back and offered him a grin. "I'm with you, and so is the Prodigal Legend! I'd never thought I'd see the day where the two of us fought on the same side, but the time came because you made it so. I don't plan on dying here, and neither should you."

Avaritia placed her scythe upright beside her and frowned. "That was...touching, but I believe that it would be in your best interest to flee while you still have lifeblood running through you. Life is a precious thing for you Cerebians is it not?"

"Oh how right you are. But that doesn't mean I'm afraid of death either. You knew my oldest ancestor didn't you?" She grinned devilishly. "You, your siblings and your precious king got your asses handed to you on a silver platter by him and the others also. If you think this generation's God's Governors are gonna surrender to you alone, you're dead wrong! I'll show you the strength of a God's Governor!"

Avaritia clicked her tongue-it seemed Amata's words actually pierced her confidence and annoyed her. "It seems that arrogance of his is genetic. I am not surprised in the slightest-but that was then and this is now. History will not be repeated. Go." With a wave of her hand four streams of treasure arose from her hoard and shot towards Amata.

"Muster your confidence Abellan! Let's strike back with everything we have!" Amata shouted as she dodged the first of the four and continued on as she began a prayer to awaken herself. "O star of the sky that bestows upon us your light, grant me your power in this time of need! Guide my path as I seek to quell the teeming evils from driving our world into darkness! God Ah, heed my plea as I embrace the light from yourself and my ancestor Rayinth! Allow me to awaken and walk the path of light once more as your Governor!" As she came to a halt two pillars of fire surrounded her flanks and flames arose all around her and engulfed her body. Anything that got near her was melted by the sheer heat she had emitted, so Avarita called the attack off.

As TJ watched Amata come to unleash her powers he looked down upon the gem once more. She was not afraid, and he had even less reason to be. He had told Avaritia that he would stand by the Cerebians as their Abellan, and that fact would remain unfazed even if they were siblings. Now but once more he would have to take a risk to gain that strength that his guild master had given to him to aid his friends in need. He held the gem tightly to his chest and prayed with all his might. "Please...please Chief, give me courage!" The gem reacted and emitted a bright glow as did his, and he could feel power welling up within him. His eyes flickered to blue as his wings spread out upon his back, and his hair turned white. He let out a gentle sigh of relief as the sensation of becoming the Messenger of Light once more washed over him.

Avaritia looked on in awe for a couple moments before she placed her hands to her cheeks with a loving expression. "Is that what I think it is Luxuria? Where did you find that piece of the gem? I had thought God Ah destroyed all but yours! It even allows you to change your look at will...that must be the power of the Cerebians hmm? I do love you, but I must have that gem at all costs! You are prepared, are you not? Come, let us dance."

He looked upon his sister uneasily. "This isn't gonna end well Avaritia." His eyes wandered from her to his own shoes. "For either of us really. But it has to be done! For the sake of this world..." With one final sigh he rushed toward her as he considered his options. It would still be some time before Amata could finish her transformation, and he would have to utilize skills that could not be misdirected. The Arrows of Light were definitely out. As he approached the Sinner held out a hand and the treasure coiled around her before splitting apart and converging where he was headed. He leapt above it and it bounced from the ground and followed after him. Mid-jump he leapt to the side and hit the ground running again before he clenched his fist. "Lucent Dissonance!" He shouted. Lightning sparks surrounded his sibling and though she dodged most of them a couple made contact and she was none too pleased, but not entirely deterred.

"The Divine cannot slay the Agasura, sister. You should know better than that. But that clumsiness of yours is something I enjoy nonetheless." She said with a smile before calling the swords away from Curt and onto him.

"I don't intend to kill you. I've got...other plans." He answered. He drew his guitar and batted the sword away before blocking the scimitar with the back. Once the sword approached again he fired two arrows of light and leapt past the second weapon, before jumping once more in the air and tumbling to his feet to storm towards Avarita. If he was in close proximity, he could likely use all of his spells without fear. The weapons followed in his wake and before the first pierced his back he sidestepped and avoided it, the second he once again deflected. He noticed Amata's transformation coming to a close and saw his opportunity. When the sword arose from the ground and shot towards him again he dove beneath it and clasped a fist, a bright light took form in it. "Sunlight!" He shouted as he held it skyward and the sphere arose and burst into a bright light.

"Come now..." She muttered. "Is that not excessive?" She rubbed her eyes and blinked a couple times before starting once more, but in spite of the fact the swords still came after him.

Once the fires died down Amata emerged with a full flaming crimson coat, wings, glowing eyes and matching orange runes across her body. With a wave of her hand the ground beneath Avaritia shuddered and cracked apart before it spewed magma while the Sinner fell back, still blinded.

"You've gotten better huh Amata?" TJ asked with a chuckle. It was a good thing she was on their side this time.

"I've been practicing." She answered before brushing her bangs aside. "Now let's eliminate this Sinner!"

"Right behind ya'." He clasped his hands together and focused his mana, a trail of tiny sparkles emerged from him and sought out his allies, each giving them a gentle glow upon reaching them and healing their wounds. Shortly after the pile of rubble was toppled over and Su with matching hair and smaller wings emerged with an enraged yell. Curt too, who struggled against the single mace fought with more vigour and Robo who had lay collapsed in his MG arose and input the commands to make repairs.

"Let's go Abellan!" Amata shouted before plunging her staff into the ground. A magic circle appeared beneath the Sinner and upon the end of the circle a ring of magma took form as it faded away. "You've nowhere to run Sinner!"

Avaritia's vision returned to her and she looked displeased at the spell. "You are wrong there, Governor." She called her treasure to her and it carried her above the pit.

"I've got it!" TJ shouted as he came to a skidding halt and raised both hands skyward. A magic circle with the Asgardian herald appeared within the circle. "Warden's Wrath!" Avaritia immediately moved away as the beam of energy shot up towards the roof and dispersed upon it while she called other streams of treasure upon the two. "Ahh damn it..."

As she turned her focus away from the two and to where she was headed, she caught a glimpse of a dagger headed her way and called a sword from within the treasure she rode to deflect it. The moment the two made contact, the dagger gained a bright glow and Su took form with it in hand. Before Avaritia could react Su tackled her from the stream, causing her to drop her scythe as the God's Governor leapt a second time with the power of her wings into a downward spiral. Upon colliding with the ground, within the wake of dust Su rose to her feet and wrapped her arms around the Sinner to pull her into a suplex. She grabbed her by the feet and spun her around before hurling her into the throne and calling a lightning bolt down upon it.

"N-nice job." The Abellan said in awe.

"It was good, but not quite enough," Amata muttered as she joined the other two.

As she had said, despite being struck head on by the spell Avaritia still arose from where she landed. She had a variety of wounds across her body, but it had not proved enough to hold her down. "Your power is shared with that Cerebian?" The Sinner chuckled dryly. "What a waste...what a waste indeed. I shall crush her and shatter that contract, along with the others. I will not hold anything back, sister. Prepare yourself!" Her scythe reappeared in her hand and she raised it to the sky, all of the treasure gathered around her and split apart into eight different streams, firing down upon each of them while the weapons within flew from every direction. Amata kept two back and Robo emerged once more to hold one back with Mistertein and block another with his MG while Curt took cover behind him.

"She has us completely pinned down!" The Treasure Hunter said as he protected Robo's blind spot from two swords and a mace.

"Prodigal Legend, Abellan, we should fly out of here and perform a three way strike!" Amata suggested while fighting off the treasure with fire.

TJ bit his lip and Su downcast her eyes while the two continued their own fights. "I..." The Abellan muttered under his breath.

"We can't, okay?!" The Prodigal Legend hissed defensively.

"Can't what?" Amata asked with impatience-edged words.

"I can't fly." The Bard answered.

"You...can't...?" The God's Governor offered him an incredulous look before looking apologetic. "I...I see. Sorry."

Su grit her teeth. "What about that stupid lizard of yours? It can, right? Why not put it to use?"

"Bharva is not a lizard!

TJ strummed his guitar for a few moments and a barrier shielded his companions, allowing for them to take a breather as the onslaught continued. "I...I have a plan." There was a limited amount of treasure within the room, and though it took time, Amata had the power to destroy it and reduce it to liquid. The problem was, there was not enough time for her to concentrate on all of it, let alone would she have enough stamina to do so easily. What they needed was to corner Avaritia. "Your dragon Bharva can fly right Amata?"

"Yeah. If you plan on riding him, I should warn you that his mane will singe anyone but me."

"I'll avoid that. But I think this is what we should do. Amata, you use that spell that you did back in the City of Iron. If you melt all the treasure, Avaritia won't have anything to use against us. Curt, Robo, I want you guys to charge head on towards her." He closed his eyes for a moment to think. If the two went right for her, she would likely escape to the skies again, which would leave just TJ. Was it possible that Amata could choose where the spell went? Better to ask. "Another question. Can you decide where the spell goes? I'd rather not let everyone but me get cooked." The God's Governor nodded. "Alright, put it along closer to the walls, and leave a space for you and Su to stand, along with a path for Curt and Robo to follow. After they move ahead, you two seal that path so Avaritia can't land behind them."

"We're gonna be trapped in too, you know." Curt added.

TJ chuckled uneasily. "I know. We're gonna have to make sure this plan works or we'll all be in a pickle."

"Dangerous." Su said blankly, before she grinned devilishly. "I'm in!"

He smiled. "I'll ride Bharva and catch Avarita if or when she takes to the skies. If what Su did before was a clue, we can bring her down, and since she's a Mage like us, she loses focus without her weapon. I'll try and predict where she's headed, and when that happens I'll give you a sign. I want you to wait for me there. Once we land you two be at the ready in case she has any other tricks, and if not then...well, hopefully we can hold her down so I can perform the ritual."

"That sounds like a good plan. I'm ready when you are TJ." Robo said as he prepared his MG to defend the two once more.

"Amata?" He turned to face her and she grinned.

"Now you're acting like a leader. Alright, I'll play along." She clenched a fist and a flame took form in it before she held it to the sky and they emerged, rising and swirling down to the ground as the form of the dragon came into their vision, the heat defending it from any incoming treasure. "Heed the words of the contract and come to my aid, Guardian of the Embers! Arise from the flames as I summon you now Bharva!" She shouted as the shape solidified and the dragon appeared once more, just as it was in the City of Iron.

"I'm gonna drop the shield. Are you guys ready?" TJ asked, and his allies all gave him an acknowledging nod. "Alright let's do it everyone!" He stopped strumming his guitar and the shields that protected his allies vanished-Su took up the place before him and stomped the ground to create a wall that blocked the gold.

"You're to follow the Abellan's commands for the time being Bharva. Go quickly, and please try not to have him killed in the process."

The dragon snorted and released a bit of fire while his master chuckled under her breath, defending him as he uncoiled from around her and took off while TJ ran over. The dragon took to the skies and the Abellan uneasily climbed onto its back as it rose ever higher, while it avoided the piles of gold and treasure that assaulted it. Some even broke from the stream but those that made contact were not enough to bring him down. Weapons emerged and TJ held them back with Arrows of Light and masterful use of his guitar should they have gotten too close.

"Bharva, could you circle the area for the time being?" He asked. The dragon roared in return and circled around the room while the Abellan checked on the progress of his companions. "Now's the time guys! Let's go!"

The God's Governor of Fire clasped her hands together while Su took to her, and formed a wall of rock that surrounded her from all sides, with a magic circle as a barrier to protect them from attacks from above. "I, chosen of the flames command you to heed my plea by the words of the contract! Rise from the ashes and burn brightly once more to purge this world of the evils that plague it! Prominence!"

From both sides of them magma surged forth from the ground and anything that touched it was engulfed and melted. The God's Governor of Earth fanned herself while their companions flocked to the outside of their wall uneasily.

"Next step! Go Treasure Hunter, Meister!" Amata shouted. Curt nodded to Robo and the two charged ahead. "Shall we, Prodigal Legend?"

"I guess we could." Su answered with a grin. She lowered the blocks before them and Amata drew her staff. While the former stomped the ground the latter plunged her staff into it.

"Molten Wave!" They shouted together as the earth crumbled before them and a wave of magma followed in its wake.

"Do you plan on eliminating your own allies? What a reckless group you are." Avarita chuckled before she waved her hand. Two streams of treasure lined up and poured down upon where Curt and Robo were headed. "It is such a waste for all this treasure to disappear, and it does pain me to see it, but Midgard has much, much more. Sacrifices must be made at times."

"Stay close Curt! It might be a good idea to keep your head down also." Robo shouted to his companion. He input a command and his MG began to release sparks of electricity. "Raikiri!" He shouted as it shot forward and pierced through the rain of treasure. Curt followed shortly after with a slide and narrowly avoided getting pelted with gold by using shield as cover.

"How clever..." Avarita said with a look of surprise. "But alas, that will not suffice." She took to the skies and circled around before catching a glimpse of Bharva approaching with TJ on its back, standing tall with his guitar in hand.

"Fifty Arrows of Light!" He cried out and strummed his guitar. Each taking flight and shooting at her from every which way. She casted them aside as Bharva approached and passed by her, the moment TJ and her would near drew ever closer. One of the arrows he fired shot down towards the ground and burst behind the throne, the location became the destination both Curts made their way to. Once the Abellan neared he leapt from Bharva's back and Avaritia caught a glimpse of him approaching.

"A worthwhile attempt, sister!" She turned away from him and he reeled a hand back. He fired a single arrow and it hit her in the ribs, knocking her from the stream and towards the magma.

TJ leapt once more towards the wall and outstretched a hand. "Starfall!" He shouted as he was engulfed in light and shot down towards her, took hold and soared towards the ground while he left a shining trail like a comet and created a burst upon landing. When the glow subsided, he stood holding Avaritia by the shawl while Curt and Robo stood with their weapons at the ready. "The battle's over, Avaritia. You've nowhere left to go."

She smiled and chuckled. "That seems to be the case. You have done very well sister...it seems that I am indeed bested. Victory is yours. But what do you plan to do if you do not plan to take my life?"

"I'll return you to the jar. Well...the box. Pandora's, that is. You and all the others." He knit his eyebrows. "I'm sorry it has to be this way, but someday, things will be different. I promise."

The Sinner chuckled. "Sister, it is not good to show your enemies too much kindness or it may prove to be your undoing someday. But I will always accept you as you are. After all, you are an irreplaceable treasure."

He let her down and she collapsed to her knees. "Thank you...sis." He said with a bitter smile. "It's time." He summoned Pandora's Box. "Elpis, can you guide me through the ritual?"

The necklace beneath his shirt began to glow and Elpis emerged from it before she circled around him and levitated between him and Robo. "As you wish Master. Please call forth Pandora's Box. I shall begin the ritual." At her words TJ blinked uneasily, but he had seen Peorth perform the relic recovery, so perhaps he could too? He placed a hand to his chest and a blue glow was emitted from it-as he pulled them away, the jar took form and fell into his hands while he looked on startled.

"Nearly broke the thing..." He chuckled dryly.

"I think we'd be in an even bigger pickle if you managed that one." Curt laughed. "Su would never let you hear the end of it."

"Embarrassment would be the least of our concerns," Robo added.

TJ placed the pithos down as Curt and Robo stepped back between the throne and the remains of their companions' spell, and Elpis began to sing. Her voice was gentle yet had a commanding sound to it, and though it started low as the tempo continued her tone ascended. The wind began to gather around the sisters, and Avaritia began to emit a gentle glow as it raised her to her feet and eventually from the ground, the young lady looking on to her twin with gentle eyes.

"It seems that this is where we part ways, Luxuria. You have an incredible gift...and you have become so strong over the years. I believe that the time where you meet the others is near. Please, look after them. And Father also." She said with a smile.

TJ's hair and eyes returned to normal as tears began to stream down his face. He could no longer hold them back, and though he still felt unsure of why seeing her vanish was so heart-rending the feeling would not subside. "I...I'm gonna save them. Somehow...some way...I dunno what it is yet but when all of this is over...when I truly become the Abellan, I promise I will! So wait for me, Avaritia!"

She chuckled gently as the traces of her body turned into tiny spheres of light and rose up into the sky. "What did I just tell you sister? Your kindness..." She shook her head and held out a hand, which TJ accepted as the rest of her body continued to fade. "Even if I vanish now, I and the others will be a part of you. I hope that when you meet Father you come to understand who you truly are. Until then, congratulations...and goodbye."

Her hand faded away as her voice did and the spheres gathered together before surging towards the Abellan and gathering within his gem. His left eye flickered to gold for a couple moments as he got a glimpse of what seemed to be a monochromatic memory.

It seemed to be through the eyes of a child, looking up to a man that offered her a scythe and patted her on the head. Though TJ could not make out his face or outfit, his words came through clearly. "Your name shall be Avaritia. You are my daughter, and my irreplaceable treasure, now and until the end of time."

His vision returned to him and his eye returned to normal but not before leaving him with a searing pain in it. He placed a hand to it and sighed gently, before muttering, "See ya', Avaritia." Curt walked over and gave him a pat on the shoulder as the remaining spheres entered the pithos, giving it a temporary glow that soon faded.

As it did Elpis' song came to a close and she turned to the Abellan. "The ritual is complete. The sealed Saint shall now return." She said before giving him a nod.

"The wha-?" He asked as he wiped his tears away. His gem began to glow again and light streamed out of it, blinding them all. As the light began to fade a young lady stood before him-she was tall with long white hair, bright blue eyes and a gentle smile. She wore an orange blouse with crystals embedded in the shoulders and wrists, black pants and matching boots, and cherry earrings. In her hair was a tiny hairpin shaped like a bear face, a spiked golden club and a black shield with red clips. "Y-you're..." He recognized her face. She was one of Peorth's old companions-one of the few that he had seen in his memory at Toad Island. One of those that fell during the City of Iron incident.

She looked at him quizzically for a moment, then placed her fist in her palm with a look of realization. "TJ? Is that you?"

He nodded as tears began to well up in his eyes again. "Y-yeah! It's me...I'm TJ!" He placed a hand to his chest as he the tears ran down his cheeks. He wanted to cry out those words, each holding the hope that Peorth could be there to see her old companion.

"You've changed so much. You're super pink!" She laughed gently. "I didn't think we'd meet again in this lifetime but you pulled it off somehow. Have you regained any of your memories? I'd heard from the others that you lost them. Again."

He wiped his tears with his sleeves and sniffled as he nodded. "Yeah I did. I've found a few along the way but I don't remember much of what happened before I awoke. Just bits and pieces."

She smiled kindly. "It's tough huh? But don't give up okay? You've come so far and you've defeated the first of the Seven Sinners. When I see you now, I can see how much you've changed. I remember when you were just a little tyke-you barely spoke a word back then. You've got friends beside you now, and you've grown really strong too. How's the Little Princess? Is she doing well?"

The Abellan nodded. "Mm hmm. She's the leader of our guild, and she's taught me a ton of things. She also lent me her piece of the Heart of Yggdrasil."

The young lady looked on in surprise as TJ held it out for her to see. "Man, that thing went full circle huh? Though I'm glad you finally found a use for it." She chuckled gently. "The Little Princess wouldn't take her eyes off it for a second when we were with her. Sometimes the guys would tease her by hiding it..." She chuckled again and blinked with a surprised look. "O-oh I forgot! You lost your memories right? Might not remember me by now." He nodded sullenly and she grinned. "Don't worry, don't worry. I'm Velvet, one of Peorth's Keruz." She placed a finger to her lips as her eyes wandered from one side of the room to the other. "I can't remember where or when, or who for that matter, but someone told me that when the time came that we crossed paths again, we'd form a connection. With that, you could call me to battle by using my true name Caritas. Truth be told I have no idea what that means, but you are the Abellan. I know you'll figure it out TJ."

"Thanks Velvet. I'm really glad to see you again."

"Same here!" She grinned. She reached to her hair and removed the pin before she approached the Abellan. She affixed it to his hair just beneath his hat and smiled. "From me to you. Take good care of it okay? And if you're ever in trouble and need a hand from me, just call my name and I'll help you out of a pinch." He placed a hand to the pin and nodded with a smile. "Looks like my time's just about up. We'll meet again TJ, you can count on that. Just keep going strong! Me and the others are waiting for you on the other side. See you again!" She stepped back and waved, and she too turned into a series of spheres of light that returned to his crystal, leaving behind a small piece of paper.

He walked over to it and picked it up as he muttered, "This is..." From within him Memorius Sanctum appeared and flicked open, the page flew from his hands and took its place within the book before both began to glow and become one-the book closed afterwards and disappeared. TJ looked on in shock before bursting into laughter. "Man...what a wild ride." He placed a hand to his hair and the pin still remained, despite Velvet having disappeared.

Elpis drifted over towards him. "Master, a new ability has been added to your repertoire. Would you like me to inform you of the details?" She asked.

"Huh? Alright..."

"The ability 'Invocation' allows the Magus to call forth an ethereal companion to the corporeal world to aid them through three different means. The first, 'Synergism' allows the Magus to call forth one of the Eirhenjar to do battle in their stead-to perform this, the Magus must learn the true name of the summoned Eirhenjar and the lyrics and notes to their song. The Magus will be able to fight using the Eirhenjar while they remain rooted; the effect will end if the Magus is interrupted.

The second, 'Command' allows the Magus to call forth one of the Eirhenjar to perform a stance to attack enemies that threaten them, or to use a stance to protect the Magus.

The third, 'Manipulation' allows for the Magus to call forth the power of their Agasuric nature and utilize the ability of defeated the Eirhenjar, or as you know them, 'Sinners'. Would you like me to repeat these options?"

"N-no, I think that's alright. I kinda get it. Thanks." The Abellan answered as he gestured there was no need.

"As you wish Master. Should you have need of my services, please summon me once more." With that Elpis vanished and returned to Pandora's necklace.

"New skills? New skills!" Curt excitedly said. "Well, let's see 'em." His eyes drifted from TJ's to his hair, with a startled look. "Dude, you've got a gold streak in your hair."

"Huh? You sure?" TJ asked in turn with a look of disbelief. Curt held up his dagger and reflected the Abellan's hair in it. Just as he said, there indeed was a gold streak in his bangs, just like his sister's. "Ugh...Avaritia!" He roared with frustration. "She didn't mention this!"

"It might be a symbol of your union Abellan. Though I'm rather curious about this new ability of yours also. Show us." Amata said as she crossed the dried wave of magma and stopped beside him.

"I just got it! It's not like I know how to do it!"

"There's only one way to find out." Su said as she approached.

"Oh come on!" He said but his allies all grinned. "Fine, I'll give it one try." He clenched one fist to his chest. "Come forth Caritas!"

At his words, his ethereal companion Velvet appeared from within his crystal and stood before him, her weapons drawn. She bashed her mace against her shield once and raised it skyward as she shouted, "I'll protect you TJ!" At her words transparent armour coated his entire body and she vanished.

"Wh-whoa...they weren't kidding!"

"Man...sure is nice being the Abellan isn't it?" Curt asked as he grinned and crossed his arms.

"How fascinating...and useful," Robo said.

"Nice hair loser." Su said before flicking his bangs away from his face-he furrowed his brows at her comment.

"I'm rather impressed by this. And somewhat by your ability also. You've done well, TJ." Amata said before she smirked. Briefly after words a tiny circle of light with a star in the center appeared. "Looks like our exit's here. Let's head out."

At the God's Governors words they all stepped in and in a flash of light vanished from the Pharaoh's Chambers.

The party returned to the entrance and the pair that stood on guard looked on in shock. The previous guild members that were on guard were replaced by a young man and woman. Their meeting was brief, as the energy that swirled around the gate begin to fire bolts of lightning and damage the gate itself, until it finally broke pieces off and the gate tumbled in upon itself-the Pharaoh's Chambers were no more.

"We did it!" Curt shouted as he raised his hands for a high five to the nearest person, which happened to be the God's Governor of Fire. Her arms were crossed and she only glanced in his direction. "You're not gonna leave me hanging are you? After all we've been through?"

She cracked a grin and shook her head before raising a single hand. He saw it through and she sent a glance to the other God's Governor who watched the remains of the gate disappear alongside her companion. Curt leapt into the arms of Robo's MG and the Meister spun him around as they cheered.

"That sister of yours was seriously wack." Su said as she looked upon the smouldering gate. "But I can see why you had such a hard time defeating her. Might not remember much of your past, but there are still parts that stick." She looked down to her shoes and brushed her bangs behind her ear. "When it comes to people...sometimes those are the hardest ones to face. But you do what you gotta do. Might be hard, but the world's counting on you...and I guess us." She grinned and gave him a hard slap on the back. "Buck up cowboy. You'll live. There are still...what, six of those guys left? No point in sulking over just one. There's a world that needs saving, so let's get the hell outta here." At those words she turned and walked off.

TJ still remained and looked on the gate. The words of Avaritia rang through his mind, and that memory he obtained was not his, but hers. If the person in it said that she was his daughter, could it really have been Asmodeus? The figure looked human, and the voice far too kind to be that of the King of Agasura. He was nothing like TJ had imagined him to be, and it gave him conflicting feelings-even more atop that which his sister's eccentric demeanour had. He sighed gently and turned away. Perhaps upon meeting the others he would come to understand their side of the conflict better, but at the same time he feared that very thought. If what he heard and saw were true, his view on the Agasura may have been completely off the mark. He needed to know more...and only the others would have that answer. But how was he to summon them? And what would happen if he did?

Later that evening TJ and Amata sat at the top of the pyramid and looked down upon the world below. Curt and Su both rode on the backs of sandmen that stood near the base of the pyramid and planted their hands within their shoulders to make them move and fight while Robo watched over them. The God's Governor looked upon them solemnly, her thoughts seeming to wander beyond what she watched. Though unsure why, TJ had been called out by her and took up her invitation.

"They seem to be having a good time," She said blankly.

"They've always had a penchant for unusual and dangerous things," TJ chuckled quietly. "But it might be just that, among many other things that allows me to be here today."

Amata knit her eyebrows in thought before she glanced his way. "I've seen you and your allies at work, but you're more capable than you give yourself credit for. Your strength is in a league of its own, and despite that...you have control. A strong mind, and a strong body..." She closed her eyes. "My dad had always told me when I was young that the fire that burns within us is one that we've inherited from our ancestor. Though it burns bright, as we get older we'd need to learn to utilize it to temper ourselves, or it'd only consume us. Even now I let that get the best of me...I attacked you and accused you of being the Sinner just because of a report. Any Cerebian who was caught doing such a thing to the Abellan would've likely suffered way worse consequences in the generations before me, God's Governor or not."

He looked surprised but his gaze became a tad more gentle over the following moments. "You know, I don't blame you for doing that. You were right-I was there when Asgard was attacked and I was too weak to stop it, despite being the Abellan. I was the one who let down the Asgardians first, and you were just doing what you thought was right to protect them where I'd screwed up. If I was the Sinner, you may have saved the city and many lives in the process. That matter aside, I might have power but they keep me in check. Without them, what happened in the City of Iron could easily happen again."

She pursed her lips. "But could we blame you? Yuta tried to force Adonis out. After all that..." She sighed. "Even before then, I've always been rather hot-headed. First the Prodigal Legend, then your companions Curt and...Robo? Then finally you. I knew the reason why and yet I still blamed you...the Prodigal Legend...no, Suuba was right. You'd only recently become 'the Abellan' prior to that you were just TJ. You're steadily becoming stronger, and learning your duties and the extent of your powers like we do. You grow into your role just like a God's Governor...just like we have to, and your journey and ours are connected. I'm sorry that I did all of those terrible things." She shook her head. "Samson tried to make me realize that when I was still just a kid but now more than ever, I think I'm starting to understand what he meant when he said that having a Pledger is a good idea. They're the ones that keep us in line." She looked down to her shoes and snorted.

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself Amata." TJ said with a worried expression. "I could imagine that being a God's Governor is no walk in the park either. Seems like you guys each have your own problems to face, on top of having duties to the world. It's rough, but somehow you still do your best." He smiled. "Nobody said you had to be perfect, nor that making a mistake makes you any worse than anyone else. I did too. A lot of them...and they're how I got here. I've learned from them, and they're what let me change. I'm still trying to redeem myself and become a proper Abellan, so how about we do it together?" He offered her a hand.

She took his hand and smiled gently, her gaze softened moreso than ever before. "I'll take you up on that TJ. It may have been years ago, but it might be a good idea for me to try to atone for my past mistakes too. There's a very important person waiting for me back in Mezzalone. I'd hurt her and ran away under the guise of becoming a better God's Governor and learning to control my power. What a terrible liar I was." She sneered at herself. "You have the courage I don't, and the resolve to see through your atonement." She looked to him with a newfound confidence. "I'll walk that path with you. As I'd told you before, we, the God's Governors are required to help you take your next step in awakening. I'm gonna search for anything I can find on how we can locate and restore Xenadia, and once we do, please, take me there with the others. By then I know I'll be ready to perform the rite to become an awakened God's Governor, and to see you through your transformation too."

He had no idea what Xenadia was, but it seemed that would be one of his destinations, leaving aside finding the Seven Sinners. "When that time comes I'll be counting on you Amata. Thanks for your cooperation."

"It's our duty, after all." She smiled slightly. "And I'd be glad to fight alongside you again." She rummaged through her pocket and drew a small box-like item, rather familiar to that which Anastasia spoke into previously. What was the secret behind the box? Would she tell him? "I want you to take this. It's an IR transporter." She handed it to him and he flicked the top open-the strange material hung open like a book and a small rectangular item with a screen on it remained in his grasp. "You're looking at it like its a foreign item. Haven't you ever played LaDeck before?" She laughed and he shook his head. "Man, you really are old aren't you?"

"I take offense to that." He said as he pursed his lips. "So what does this thing do anyway?"

"You can use it to call someone to your side, regardless of where in the world the two of you are. I want you to use it to summon me if you get into trouble. You might be an idiot but...well...you're our idiot." She snickered. "Our idiot Abellan, no less. I dunno if I can leave you in the hands of just the Prodigal Legend with all of these strong Agasura running about, so if you're in danger you call me, got that?" She drew a pencil and paper and scribbled down some other information. "This is my full name, Amata Seitz, my address, and my postal number in case I'm not at home. Mail me if you hear anything about the Sinners ASAP, got that? This is a part of my duty...so you know, do that." She got up and dusted off her clothes, the young lady turning away before the stars. "I'm out of here. You did well, Mr. Abellan." She offered him one last grin before she waved and made her way down the pyramid.

"Hey!" He roared after her before she steadily began to make distance. He huffed quietly before he made his way down to his companions in time to catch a glimpse of Curt's sandman being cut in two. "Alright you guys let's pack it up and head home!"

After reporting their success to the guild chat, they agreed to meet Peorth and Kooh back at the guild room in the morning and parted ways with Curt and Robo at Elias' Save Stone. The two had decided to go out for dinner, and as they left they argued about what they would eat. As the two walked side by side to the palace Su stretched and grinned.

"You look happy. Did something good happen?" TJ asked with a smile.

"Sorta. Well it's interesting. Wanna know?" She asked with a glint in her eye.

"Alright. What is it?"

"Within your gem, there's a tree. It's where I hang out when I'm in there. Used to be just me and your buddy Adonis in there, stuck on opposite sides of it, but since you beat up that Sinner there's been some new people in there."

He looked on incredulously. "Seriously?! Is that what it's like in there? What else is there? Can you talk to them?"

She shrugged. "They've got nothing to say, but I can see what you see and hear through this giant projector-like screen thing. Gives me something to do. If I had a physical body in there I'd have more splinters in my ass than fingers and toes on my body."

He chuckled dryly at her remark. The two made their way into the fight arena and rummaged around for their tent among the others. "Well if you ever get bored you should come out. So long as it isn't where anyone can see you do it."

She grinned. "I might take you up on that if I feel like it. But it's not so bad." He climbed into the tent and she followed after before returning to the gem. "Hey."

As he climbed into bed and removed his glasses he laid his head down steadily. "Hmm?"

"Thanks for...you know, keeping things together between me and Amata. We never really got along and shit but...hell, somehow we made it through the mission. She's not so bad, I guess."

The Abellan chuckled under his breath. "I think you two were already friends, you just needed a push in the right direction. You should thank the Chief for that."

"The last thing I need is to see that blue blooded-guild master thumbing her nose at me. That's a definite pass. Well, whatever. Night."

"Night Su." He closed his eyes and in due time sleep found him.

The following morning TJ went to the Guild Room and found Kooh and Peorth waiting within. Both looked a lot better than they had from the previous mission, and he was glad to see the two were doing well.

"Good morning everyone," The Abellan said.

"Heyo TJ! Welcome back!" Kooh said with a wave.

Peorth gave him an approving nod. "I am glad to see you well TJ. Congratulations on your completion of the mission."

"Good morning Angel TJ." Shabur said with a tip of his hat.

"Hello little Abellan," Sellistar said.

"I like the pin and new hairstyle TJ!" Kooh said with a twinkle in her eyes. Peorth seemed to look on with an odd curiosity, but seemed to remain silent on the matter this time. He was both thankful and disappointed at the lack of her rare humour.

"So how come you wanted to meet me here Chief?" He asked with a puzzled glance.

"A new page has been added to Memorius Sanctum, and as you had said you could not read it, correct?" He nodded solemnly. "I have been taught our ancient language, so I shall read it in your stead. Perhaps you might glean some knowledge from it?"

"Here's to hoping!" He answered with knit eyebrows. Perhaps within the book lay the parts of his past that he could not and would not find within the Iris Stones. Though important, he vowed to himself that he would share his meeting with their past companion once Peorth was done reading the page, and as she summoned and sought it out he could feel hope budding within him, while a deep-rooted fear also settled in. What would he learn from the ancient tome?

"Here it is. I will begin reading it now." As she started to read it, TJ tilted his head quizzically. She was reading it in the Cerebian language,and he did not understand even a word of it.

He rubbed the back of his neck as Kooh listened intently and decided to speak out. "Hey Chief I-" Before he finished his sentence, he saw a flash reminiscent of that he glimpsed upon during his look into Avaritia's memory, but that which he would see now was neither his, nor her's. It was a memory beyond his time, and one that belonged to someone who he once held dearly.

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I know it's been ages since I posted anything. In that time frame I wrote an updated version of USS and I'll post that once it's done being edited, along with a few more chapters. Again, finished, but need edits. It'll happen soon!