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.

14. Young Dragons

The Tenth Harmony: Young Dragons

"They say that a cat can't roar and a lion can't meow. But looks can be rather…deceiving." (Alvaro Seitz)

"You really can't come with us Chief? I dunno if just Amata and I can manage something that important." TJ muttered under his breath as he gently brushed his hair in the mirror.

The two had returned to his home in Belos after the summit had come to an end and began to get him ready for his journey first thing in the morning. The sun just barely peeked over the horizon in preparation for a new day.

"That is the truth of the matter, TJ. There is no denying that a Governor's trial is meant to be completed by the Governor themselves, but it is said that should there be anyone to accompany them, it may be, and only can be, the Abellan.

"Naturally one would suspect that a trial is best completed alone, but one of the Cerebians strongest beliefs is that we must overcome challenges together. Just as our progenitors had, we oft must band together in order to succeed where one would fail.

"It is also believed that to overcome challenges together builds greater bonds, which could lead to a duo completing the Pledger's Rite," Peorth explained.

"What's the Pledger's Rite?" He asked as he stopped brushing to turn to her.

"The marriage contract."

He gasped as he furiously began to brush his hair.

"W-we're not going to get married! I mean me and Amata? N-no way!" He said as he laughed under his breath.

Peorth let out a gentle chuckle.

"Yes, of course. Such events take time. The folly of youth is to be too headstrong, but in this case, I feel that Amata is sure of what she wishes to do.

"If she is to succeed in her trial, I feel that it may be the push that the other God's Governors need in order to spur them into action. It will be a daunting event for the both of you, I am sure, but it is a good opportunity nonetheless."

"To get stronger?" He asked as he looked at her from the corner of his eye.

"Yes and no. You will be meeting with Rayinth, or at the very least, Rayinth's Einherjar. The five God's Governors were present during the Agasuric War, so they know much and more about the past. Should you have questions about yourself, they may have the answers that you seek, so consider taking the time to see what knowledge Rayinth can impart upon you."

"C-can we really defeat a God's Governor? I mean…they did defeat Agasura King Asmodeus. I'm not that strong yet."

Peorth stopped folding clothes and walked over to him. She gently draped her arms around his neck and rested her head against his.

"TJ, you must have courage," she gently whispered into his ear. "If you do not believe in yourself, go forward knowing that I do, and though I will not be with you in person, I will be with you in spirit."

He nodded as his eyes wandered to her smiling face in the mirror.

"This is a challenge that you will not fail to overcome. I can assure you of this. Go forward as the Abellan and as TJ, and be the pillar of support that Amata requires in her time of need, so that you may assist her in overcoming this ordeal."

He clenched both his fists as a fire was lit in his eyes.

"I will Chief. I'll make sure Amata clears this trial!"

With his things slung over his shoulder and his warp crystal in hand and at the ready, he stood at the door to his Belos home.

"TJ, I have prepared some snacks for you and Amata to share on your way. It is quite a long journey, so I would highly recommend that you take a break once you reach the outskirts of Orca Beach. I have also attached the hat to your pack so that you might wear it to resist the sun's rays and perhaps channel the strength and courage of our comrade."

He nodded to every suggestion she made with a bright smile on his face. She worried a lot for him, and he was thankful for it, but he could not help but think that she reminded him of Yuna. They both took such good care of him, he could not thank either enough.

"Most of all, be well, and be safe. Should you have need of me at any time, you may contact me through your guild badge or the Heart of Yggdrasil. If you come across any unfamiliar Agasura, be sure to consult your Monster Manual. There may be some entries that could serve to be of use to you."

"I'll be sure to, Chief. Once I get to the cities I'll contact you!"

She nodded. "Please do."

He looked to his shoes for a moment before he looked to her. She tilted her head quizzically, but her bright blue eyes did not shift from their positions. He took a step forward and wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace while she looked startled for a moment. When that moment passed, she followed suit with a gentle smile and rosy cheeks.

"I'll see you soon Chief. Take care of yourself until then, okay?" He said as he hugged her tightly.

"I shall. Until we meet again."

As the two broke apart, he took a few steps back and in a flash of light vanished as he waved to her, his destination, the City of Elfa.

She brushed her hair over her shoulder and let out a quiet chuckle.

"I did tell him to have courage…but his growth surprises even me at times."

"What're you doing with him?" Amata asked as her gaze zeroed in on Alessa.

"Nothing officer!" She said as she rolled her eyes, placed her hands behind her back and began to whistle.

"You're terrible at feigning ignorance, Les," Reina laughed.

"Don't you be giving him any trouble alright? I dunno what you're after, but I'm gonna keep him under my protection, and I'll need his help in turn, so you better not sneak off somewhere!"

"Way to rain on my parade Ammy!"

"Don't you dare start with that!"

"Ammy! Ammy!"

"TJ, a moment?" Reina asked while the sound of the two fighting was drowned out by his curiosity.

"Hm?" He asked as he turned to her.

"… May I?"

"What?"

Much to his surprise she suddenly approached and placed both of her hands to his face. She gently felt out all of his features, from his chin to his eyes, the shape of his eyebrows and his hairline and ears.

"… I see…" She said as she smiled gently, with flushed cheeks. "A beauty like that of milk and honey… without a doubt, something that could only belong to the Abellan."

"You really surprised me!" TJ said as he let out a relieved sigh.

She laughed at the comment.

"I get that a lot."

Her smile faded as she turned away and seemed to raise her head to the sky.

"What's wrong?" TJ asked as he eyed her curiously.

"I can hear the voices of my guild members. Can you hear it too?"

Between Alessa teasing Amata and the muddled din from within the Guild Hall, there was not much else TJ could hear.

"Nope."

She smiled.

"Well, now's a good a time as any. Do you want to meet with some of my guild mates who came as bodyguards?"

"Sure."

The two made their way down the walkway where a group of four stood, seeming to be in a heated argument. The closer they got, the easier it became to hear what they were saying, but not quite make sense of it.

The first one to speak was a young man with semi-long emerald hair and brown eyes. He wore a white t-shirt with unfamiliar characters written upon it. Atop it, he wore a leather coat, blue jeans and black and white sneakers.

"Got a problem with my methods? Reina put me in charge, so deal with it," he snarled.

The second to speak was a young lady with black hair tied in a high ponytail, violet eyes and an angry look. She wore a navy blue zip-up hoodie, tan khakis and black boots.

"The only reason she put you in charge was because you're the tank! If she picked any other Temple Knight they'd be in your position too!"

The third to speak was a mature looking girl with dark blue hair covering both of her eyes. She carried a guitar on her back, wore a violet keyhole sweater and black leggings over white boots. Of the four, she towered over all of them.

"Now now you two…" She said gently as she tried to calm them down.

The last one among them was a second young man. He did not seem to have anything to say, but instead rolled his eyes and placed his hands in his pockets. He had long black hair tied in a ponytail and muted grey eyes. He wore an auburn pea coat, black jeans and white and green high-top shoes.

"These are my guild mates." Reina said sheepishly as she gestured to them.

"What? Are you saying I'm not cut out to be a team leader?!" The young man shouted.

"And if I am?! What're you gonna do about it?!" The young woman shouted in turn.

"Now now…" The mature Bard said.

"The better question is, what wouldn't I do about it!"

She grabbed him by the shirt and put her face close to his.

"I'd like to see you do it."

"These are… my guild mates…" Reina began, her mouth curled into a wry smile.

"I think they're gonna fight! We should stop them," TJ added hurriedly.

"Watch me." The young man answered before he pulled her in by her the sweater and kissed her.

"That the best you got? My mother kisses better than you, you wuss!"

At this point Reina had her face in her hands.

"These… are my guild mates…"

The silent young man turned to the two and opened his eyes slightly.

"Well, if it isn't Reina herself. But who's that with her?" He asked.

The two stopped kissing and turned to where he was looking.

"That's her, isn't it?"

"It totally is."

Reina approached and the two trouble makers attempted to fix their appearances before she neared.

"Guys, this is not the time or the place to be fighting amongst yourselves," she scolded them.

"S-sorry," the two answered in unison.

She sighed as she crossed her arms.

"They say first impressions are everything, but you two are off on the wrong foot again. Nonetheless, I'd like to introduce you guys to TJ, the Abellan. Introduce yourselves properly."

"T-the Abellan?" The young man scratched the back of his head. "It's nice to meet you TJ. My name's Vincent, one of Reina's Temple Knights, and leader of the guard today. This is my wife, Mira."

He gestured to the young lady next to him and she elbowed his left flank.

"She said introduce yourselves properly, we're not supposed to use nicknames, doofus!"

She cleared her throat and smiled.

"I'm Miranda, one of Bastion's Bards."

The young girl standing behind them seemed to perk up after Miranda spoke and smiled. She lifted her bangs from her face revealing a pair of beautiful golden eyes before she beamed.

"My name is Pamela. I'm one of the other Bards in Bastion. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, TJ.

"Our guild master has been looking forward to meeting you for some time now."

The last guy held out a hand and TJ shook it.

"Name's Felix. I'm a Blader. Good to meet you."

"Bastion has a lot of interesting people. You guys must have a lot of fun huh?" TJ said with a grin.

"Fun doesn't even begin to describe a day with the idiot couple," Felix muttered as he sighed.

"You wanna go?!" Miranda hissed and he glared at her in turn.

"What're you gonna do? Suffocate me through make-out sessions?"

"I'm gonna rip that uvula right out of your-"

"Okay! That's enough!" Reina said as she stepped between the two.

"TJ, why don't you head back to the Guild Hall? I need to have a stern talking-to with my guild mates before they cause a scene."

"Sure, Reina. See you later!" He said as he waved and walked off.

As he found himself in Elfa he chuckled at the recent memories he had made. Shortly after Amata approached and waved to him.

"Hope I didn't keep you waiting. Let's get moving," she told him.

"Nah, I just got here." He answered with an affable smile.

As she approached she seemed to appraise him.

"Looks like your hair's back to normal. I'd say that's the best way to wear it—it feels really….you."

His face brightened at her comment. "Thanks! I couldn't wear it like this at the summit because of the hat, but the earmu—headphones don't get in the way.

"As for the style, I can't do it myself yet, so the Chief helped me with it."

"Oh?" The Governor raised an eyebrow. "You two are like a pair of…girlfr—roommates."

"W-we don't live together, she was just stopping by! Helping me pack and stuff for our trip…" He hid his hands behind his back as he averted his gaze.

"Well I'm glad you two are getting along. Be sure to keep it that way, alright?"

As they made their way through Elfa towards the harbour the Abellan took in the sights and reminisced on his past visits. Just a short time ago the two had met here as enemies, and soon to be allies. Now they were on a journey together as friends. He could not help but smile at the thought.

"You seem awfully glad to be here. There something you want? You've been looking around an awful lot."

"I do? It's nothing like that, though!" He answered with a sheepish smile.

Elfa had been a place of change for him-the penultimate destination to where he would face off with Choen Palm for the first time, and also where he forged a bond with Peorth—a time where he felt accepted, despite being an Agasura. He felt closer to Reina also after the chat they had, and knowing that she too had gone through such an experience, he could not help but think perhaps the bond between himself and his guild master could also grow ever stronger.

"If you say so."

Where she would typically eye him warily, he instead received an acknowledging gaze.

Amata pursed her lips for a moment as she seemed to mull over her thoughts.

"Better I tell you now than later—we've got a bit of a trip ahead of us, so you should be ready. It only takes about a day and a half to get to Ves from Elfa if you know the way through the Jungle."

A jungle? As far as he could recall, he had never been through one such place, and the mention of it excited him somewhat. It had been quite some time since he had been on a real adventure, and exploring unseen places once more would certainly spark a fire within him.

Of course, he could not forget what they were here to do. His top priority was protecting Amata and ensuring that she saw her trial to completion—a difficult task, but not one that was not beyond his current ability.

"I've been there plenty of times so I know as much as one of the locals," Amata continued. "If we keep a steady pace we can make it their by nightfall. Breaks included, of course. I'd have to be half-crazed to make you walk that way non-stop."

He laughed gently.

"You don't need to worry about me. I'll match your pace as best as I can."

As she climbed down the ropes to the beaches she eyed him with a hint of disbelief.

"Has anyone told you that you're too kind? Honestly…"

He chuckled.

"Yeah it happens sometimes."

She chuckled in turn this time.

"All in all, I can't say I hate that side of you."

As the two made their way towards Orca Beach TJ took a lasting look at the sword in the ground and removed his hat and tightly held it to his chest.

"Straw Hat…" He whispered as he knelt down, his eyes focused on the weapon. "So much has changed…but I'm doing well. I hope you are too, wherever you are.

"And maybe…just maybe we'll meet again. I'll be hoping at least!"

Amata already leapt down and walked off. After a brief period she turned to see him as he rose up and placed the hat back on his head.

"You coming or what?" She shouted to him.

"Yeah I'll be right there!"

He caught up with her shortly after.

"You know, I've always wondered about that thing. It's not everyday you just see a weapon laying around like that.

"…Did you know it's owner?" She asked.

"You could say that. Rather…he knew me."

Amata closed her eyes as she nodded knowingly.

"I won't pry any further than that. But I do need to commend you…you're strong. Both you and Peorth."

She looked ahead of her as the two walked on. Their footprints were left in the sand and the sound of the tide as it came in created a peaceful ambience. The Orca Beach crabs began to emerge from the water and made their way on to land as the two continued on a safe distance away.

"With that knowledge I…" She scratched her cheek gently as her face flushed pink. "I'm glad you came with me today. I know I was the one that said I wanted to take the trial but even I still have some doubts about my own ability. But with you by my side I feel a bit more confident. So…thanks TJ."

He beamed at her words.

It seemed that he too, could be a pillar of support for someone; it seemed that he, despite being an Agasura, had some redeeming qualities. He understood how she felt very well. He had not quite lived up to the title of 'Abellan', but little by little he would get there. To see her safely through this trial was just one step towards that destination.

He hit his chest twice with his fist and grinned.

"You can count on me Amata! I'll definitely protect you!"

She furrowed her brows before she poked him roughly.

"I don't need you to protect me! Just do…whatever it is you do, okay?"

They eased up slightly, but they remained knit.

"Your moral support will suffice."

"You got it."

As they moved further down the beach the Abellan noticed it was much more populated than the previous sections by crabs. Unlike those from his memories and those he had seen now, their shells were a deep violet and they had sharper and much more prominent fangs. Their unnaturally large size, however, remained unchanged.

"This is the first time I've seen these crabs." TJ muttered as he reached into his rucksack and took out the monster manual.

He flicked through it quickly and found that they were indeed included within the book. It mentioned that they would create foam to release acidic bubbles and harm potential hunters.

"You'd best be careful with these ones TJ. They're even more vicious than the normal crabs. They'll chase us down if we don't take care of the ones that see us, so let's cull the numbers a bit."

At those words Amata held a hand to the sky and in a torrent of flames her staff appeared in hand. TJ warily drew his guitar as he looked to her.

"You sure that's okay?"

"Definitely. One of the problems for visitors to Orca Beach is the crab infestation." She grinned. "There's no shortage of civilians looking to be rid of them, and even more so of chefs that would love to cook them.

"Ever had crab legs? They're pretty good."

He smiled.

"I'd take that over mouth peaches any day." He answered with a laugh.

"Mouth peaches huh? I hear those are a delicacy."

"You and me both."

"Hmm…" She rubbed her chin thoughtfully for a moment. "If we do this right we could cook them. It won't be a five star meal but it'd be a nice addition in place of eating rations again."

He looked with surprise.

"What do you have in mind?"

"I'll show you." She raised a hand to the sky and snapped her fingers. "Come, Bharva!"

"Bharva?! Hold on a second Amata!"

"What?" She said as she turned to him.

A small series of flames appeared over her shoulder and as they burnt out, a small dragon became visible and coiled around her neck, from one shoulder to the other.

TJ got a closer look and she cocked an eyebrow.

"That's…Bharva? He's so small! He looks kinda like a newt, actually!"

The tiny dragon spewed a tiny puff of flames and TJ backed away with a fright.

"Hey, hey! Don't be giving TJ any attitude you hear?" She said as she glared at her spirit. "It was a little insulting yeah, but you're a big boy aren't you? Deal with it."

"I didn't know you could summon such a small version of him," the Abellan remarked.

"He comes in three sizes actually. You've only seen him at his largest so I don't blame you for not knowing. This was what he looked like when I first summoned him." The Governor said as she pointed to the dragon with her thumb. "Took years to raise him to what you saw the first time we met.

"But anyway, at this size he doesn't draw much attention and he'll be perfect for breaking those legs off."

The dragon turned to her and she looked at him in the corner of her eye.

"It's not like we're going to eat them all. You'll get a fair share too."

TJ laughed gently at the two. She thought he was amazing for being able to read Agasuric, but she could communicate with a dragon.

She looked back to TJ and crossed her arms.

"A bit off topic but…where's Su? I expected her to come out and say something rude by now."

"You think I'm gonna waste my time and energy helping you clowns get crab legs? Fuck no," Su hissed from within the gem.

TJ placed his hands to cover his glowing gem while he averted his gaze to hide his embarrassed expression.

Su was putting that ability she had learned to good use. She was never one to waste time, after all.

Amata's face seemed to fall slack.

"Why am I not surprised?"

Bharva closed his eyes and Amata glared at him.

"What did he say?" TJ asked with a quizzical expression.

"'We're in agreement on that matter.' You cheeky little shit!"

She pressed her thumb to his face.

"If you don't want any, it's your loss! More for us!"

At those words he leapt down from her shoulder and went on ahead.

"Yeah, that's what I thought!"

She turned back to TJ and gestured for him to follow.

"Well? Let's get to work!"

"What should I do?" He asked as he ran after her.

"Hit things with your guitar like you always do! Just try not to break the legs, okay?"

He chuckled gently as he watched Amata and her dragon approach a couple and moved in unison to strike one of the two down.

Perhaps it was a tad early, but now was as good a time as any for him to get warmed up.

He began to strum his guitar to the memory of songs he had learned in the past.

One to make his allies stronger, one to make them tougher, and a note to increase their stamina. He felt there was more, but at this point in time he had not acquired enough memories to perform them. In time however, he would.

As he had finished playing he caught a glimpse of Bharva blowing fire into the eyes of one of the crabs before Amata smashed the shell with her staff. The dragon bit off the legs and Amata collected them before waving them at TJ.

"Come on, slowpoke!" She shouted with a grin. "In my house, those who don't work, don't eat!"

He laughed once more.

"I'll be eating like a king tonight then, won't I? There's nobody who's better at hitting things with their weapon than me!"

How long had Aurelius spent trying to find those two within the massive laboratory? He had half a mind to call it quits and go home but he had need of their services, and first-hand knowledge to share with them. As he entered through another pair of doors he found a pair of scientists who seemed to be studying a strange creature swimming around in a massive chamber.

"Excuse me gentlemen, but could one of you tell me where Dr. Truong is currently?"

"I had heard he was doing some tests on his 'magnum opus' over in the training chamber." One of the two answered.

The other eyed him with a keen curiosity—it was nothing new to him, but rather unwarranted if he did say so himself. Nevertheless, Humans would be Humans, and they had served their purpose.

He checked the nearest map and drew a line from his current location to where he wanted to be. It appeared he would need to go down two flights of stairs and follow a corridor to one of the far sides of the facility.

He made his way down the hall and passed a myriad of familiar unfamiliar sights. Massive tubes with experimental creatures, giant silos containing both solid and liquid foods for the creatures, and at times even the very liquids they thrived in. The whirr of machines, the sound of pens on paper, footsteps as scientists made their way through the facility and many other things that once seemed unusual had become commonplace to him.

After all, to achieve one's goals they needed to engage the appropriate channels. This was but one stepping stone on his path to becoming a ruler.

He traversed the stairwells and made his way further into the basement, passing by a few other workers as he did. The sounds of drills, jackhammers and a variety of other power tools drew his attention as he entered the corridor and followed the coloured path to his destination. The faded yellow lights that lit his path were rather unsettling, but the area they were within was still under construction. To expect a completed product would be a fool's errand, so he did not think much of it, but to use one of the facilities in the area seemed to be even more so.

As he approached a pair of massive steel doors lined with yellow and black stripes, he stopped before them. The moment that he did, the sound of gears turning and steam being released sounded through the area, and the two doors like a massive jagged maw came apart and offered him access.

He stepped into the room-the walls a square grid-like pattern and dyed a blinding blue, almost silver colour; however, the room itself was dark to allow onlookers to focus on other, more important factors at work. A series of machines sat side by side, each making a variety of sounds from whirrs to clicks, and one of them rapidly printing a long stream of paper. There were a series of tables set about before a glass window—among the seats Choen Palm watched with boredom while Dr. Truong watched his creation flitting about within. All the while, the sound of his pen rapidly making notes during that period of time joined in the cacophony of sound.

The Heartbreaker took notice of Aurelius' presence and watched him from the corner of her eye.

"So you have come, Cerebian. For what reason?" She asked.

Could she get any more amicable?

"I've come with some new developments that I feel should be shared with you and the doctor." Aurelius said as he crossed his arms.

She cocked an eyebrow at his statement.

"Well? Out with it."

"As I had said, with you and the doctor, but he seems rather preoccupied at the moment. At that, I'd rather not needlessly explain what I have discovered twice."

"Useless," she sighed.

Aurelius almost smiled wryly but managed a straight face nonetheless.

He was not a man who enjoyed wasting time needlessly, so he figured it would be in his best intention to find out when Truong would finish his tests.

Though if Mk. II would be ready for combat anytime in the near future, that would do him a world of good. Going by the fact he had met the Abellan and his comrades at the Summit, leaving aside Choen Palm's sour mood, she had undoubtedly failed to kill him. If Mk. II was all that Truong made her out to be, perhaps she could outdo Choen Palm, Heart of Yggdrasil or not.

"Doctor, a moment?" Aurelius asked as he approached.

"You have my attention." He answered without taking his eyes off of his work.

This was proving to be much more difficult than it needed to be.

"How long will these tests you are performing take? I have some valuable information to share."

"As long as they need to, Aurelius."

The Cerebian opened his mouth to object, but opted out for saying nothing.

He looked into the chamber and saw Mk. II and one of Truong's other strange creatures. Within there were a series of formations as if they were shaped like land itself-hills, trees, rocks and other such things. All of them were a solid white colour, and the way Mk. II moved using them was proof that they were not just a projection.

The creature she fought against was some kind of two-headed, four-legged beast. It had a rather large torso but short legs and no tail. There were two bloodthirsty crimson eyes and a jagged mouth on each head with a pair of gnarled horns to match.

Alike to Choen Palm's transformation, Mk. II had changed the shape of one of her hands into a maw and used it to clamp down on the horn of the beast as it charged at her. With her other hand she held back the creature's open mouth and slowly forced it back. When she managed to get it a fair distance away from her, she dragged one of the heads by the horn and turned on the ball of her heel to kick the other's mouth closed and launch it into a nearby tree. Following that she chased after it, skidded towards it and knocked it into the air as she somersaulted backwards. It hit a branch and fell back down only to be met with a shoulder check that shattered the tree as it was forced against it.

The tree's trunk broke into pieces and as it fell to the ground, became what seemed to be some sort of liquid that dispersed and entered some of the nearby vents.

"That…what on earth was that? Slime?" Aurelius asked with disbelief.

"It is a substance I had created to allow for me to create landforms within the chamber. By heating it to disperse it, assembling it, and cooling it, it takes shape.

"Though you cannot see it the chamber does use projections and weather patterns to allow me to test differing climates and how Mk. II would fare under them. Since the laboratory is built with this concept in mind, she can freely move about within. However, the time spent outside of it can cause physical and mental distortions."

Aurelius blinked slowly as he took it in.

It would explain why he saw Choen Palm here so frequently. If she was not affected by this, she would likely have went for another round against the Abellan.

"And that creature?"

"…A failure."

If that was what he considered a failure, what warranted success? Truong considered it nothing more than fodder for his stronger beasts! With that thought in mind, how exactly did he feel about Choen Palm?

As he mulled the thought over for a few more moments he decided to disregard the idea. It seemed like they were on bad terms as is, so he saw it better not to get involved.

He turned his eyes back to the battle as it unfolded and saw the beast rapidly lunging at Mk. II with vicious bites and thrusts of its horns as it did. She leapt back to avoid each and every attack, but had very little time before she found herself between it and one of the rock formations. She glanced back and caught a glimpse of it, then turned around to see the creature approach her once more. It slowed down to a walk, snarled for a couple moments and lunged once more with both heads. Mk. II leapt back towards the rock and used it as a jumping point to flip over and face it in mid-air. One of her feet transformed to a spear and when she descended upon it she forced it into the creature's torso. As it's legs quivered under the pain she used her foot to bring it down to the ground and transformed one of her hands into a giant fist. When the creature struggled to get to its feet she brought her fist down upon it and crushed both heads under the weight of it. The remnants of its heads turned to a black slime and the rest of the body soon followed suit.

Truong took a small mic attached to the desk before him and cleared his throat before he pressed a button.

"The simulation is over, Mk. II. Your time is 07:47:89. You have improved, but there is room for further improvement. You may return now." He told her before he flicked the mic off.

She turned to him and nodded solemnly before she made her way to a nearby exit.

Truong scribbled a few more notes down on the paper upon his clipboard and flipped the paper over before he turned to Aurelius.

"My work here is done for the time being. Let us discuss what information you have brought us."

At those words he went over to the desk and sat a couple chairs away from Choen Palm.

"No tea to accompany this discussion?" Aurelius asked as he looked on in disbelief.

"This is a laboratory, not a café."

He was regretting his decision every moment that passed since.

"Would it bother you any if I requested a look at those?" Aurelius asked as he pointed to the clipboard.

Dr. Truong cocked an eyebrow but relented nonetheless.

"Do as you wish," he answered.

The Cerebian received it and scanned the papers for any interesting information—none of it would do him any particular good, but it would sate his curiosity. Much to his dismay however, he could hardly read any of Truong's handwriting.

"So? Have you finished wasting my time? You had something worthwhile to say, did you not?" Choen Palm asked as she lowered the hand her chin rested on and eyed him impatiently.

"That is correct, my lady." He answered as he put the papers back and handed the clipboard over.

Aurelius cleared his throat.

"I had recently attended the Cerebian summi-"

"I care not for your settings, Cerebian. Whatever information you learned, speak it."

She was even more agitated than usual. What a pleasant surprise. Nothing for it, then.

"There is a very high possibility that the Abellan and co. will be coming to the City of Iron," he began.

"Oh?" Truong asked as he intertwined his fingers. "For what reason?"

"They require a machine that could bring the stone that allowed the brothers and sisters of Xenadia to traverse the ocean. There's no better place to find such a machine, but here.

"To that end, they're working with the pair from a machinery workshop by the name of Zosia and Rufus."

"Then our course of action is simple, no? We find these Cerebians and do away with them, putting their plan to a grinding halt." Choen Palm said as her lips curled into a devilish smirk.

"Those two are not our greatest concern," Aurelius hastily added. "It is the Master Meister Berkhart. She is one of the few people who could build the machine. Alas, I've little interest in her life, but killing her may be unnecessary. What we need is the removal of the Abellan."

"I am in agreement with Aurelius. If we were to do away with either of them, it would defeat the Cerebians' purpose of coming to us," Truong said.

Choen Palm clicked her tongue at his words.

"Their arrival here would be advantageous to us. Such a suffocating atmosphere will weaken the Abellan, and preparation ahead of time will allow for us to turn the tides on them."

"So be it," she muttered. "Then I shall go and do away with them."

"I would not recommend such an action, Choen Palm."

She grit her teeth and glared at him, her violet eyes bore through his unflinching expression.

"And why would you say that?"

"Within your body remains an influx of divine mana from your last battle and it is currently upsetting your body's biorhythms. That matter aside, though you may have recovered on the outside, there are still weaknesses within that need further time to recover, alongside your mana due to that very fact."

"What is this ridiculous recovery duration?!"

"I had warned you of the consequences of using such a powerful gem. The capacity for mana is expanded, but the time it takes to recover it is increased exponentially. Your body has surpassed it's limits also, but the trade off is the same."

"What would you suggest we do than, Doctor?" Aurelius asked as he knit his eyebrows.

"I will take Mk. II and head them off myself."

"You…?" The aristocrat looked on in disbelief.

The doctor likely had one or two tricks up his sleeve. Without a doubt, if the presentation he had just seen was any indication, Mk. II could handle herself in a battle. Though Truong described it as a 'simulation' that creature was as real as any other within the laboratory.

At that moment Mk. II stepped out of the chamber through a pair of silver double doors. She wore a lab coat and was dressed as she usually was, however she held a towel to her hair and steam arose from her body. Did that mean there was a shower inside of there also?

"Yes. I have a plan in mind." Truong said as he smiled. "Of course, we may not outright kill them successfully during this endeavour, but I would like to use it as a training exercise for Mk. II."

"I would say that is less…live training and more along the lines of a field battle."

"True, but there is a much greater outcome I would have in mind."

"That being…?" Choen Palm asked as she placed a hand to her chin and leaned on it once more.

"To see her transformation to completion."

Aurelius looked to her, looked to him, then back to her and finally, once more to him.

"Did you not say that Agasura who can obtain and maintain a humanoid shape are the most dangerous of them all? If so, she looks rather complete to me." The aristocrat said as he crossed his arms.

"Indeed."

The doctor intertwined his fingers.

"But that, she is not. There is an emotional attachment that she has, that despite my best efforts I cannot remove, and it hinders her progress. On multiple occasions I have attempted to lure it out and eliminate it, but to no avail.

"However! I am thankful for this."

Aurelius gave him a questioning look.

"In order to do away with that attachment and give Mk. II the drive to complete her transformation, I would have her do it with her own hands."

"And this attachment is what?"

"Her elder sibling. A young man we neglected to capture, and who has gone on to become a thorn in our side."

The aristocrat found it hard to believe that Mk. II had emotions at all, considering how expressionless and silent she was all the time. He found it even more incredible that one man was giving them such a hard time, but he was not likely the first, considering that the Usurper also escaped Choen Palm's grasp. He was beginning to have some doubts about the capability of the people he sided with.

Perhaps it would be best if he suggested a formidable plan of his own?

"Theoretically, should they successfully have this vessel built, allow me a suggestion."

"I am listening."

"You could create something that could do away with them while they're at sea, can you not? Consider this: The God's Governors of Fire and Earth are both at their weakest at sea, and the God's Governor of Wind would pose little threat—not that he is one concurrently, mind. Should their sea vessel be destroyed, the chances of them escaping with their lives is highly unlikely."

Choen Palm smiled devilishly.

"You do realize this poses a threat to your precious Cerebian's life, do you not?" She asked.

"I am well aware." Aurelius answered as he closed his eyes. "However, I assume it safe to say that they would not put her in such danger in the first place. The God's Governor of Earth and the Abellan, however, are bound. Where one is, so is the other. To take them down at sea would be a simple victory."

"The Governor of Water may pose a threat, but she will be separated from the others as she will be diving to locate the stone."

Dr. Truong rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he mulled the idea over briefly.

"I think you may have something, Aurelius.

"Come. There is an experiment I would like to show you."

At those words Truong rose and walked past Choen Palm and through the doors with Mk. II following closely behind. Shortly after, the Heartbreaker got up and followed and so Aurelius did also.

As they walked up the flight of stairs to the first basement floor, Truong explained his response to the concept.

"Following the last battle Choen Palm took part in, I had ran some tests to see if I could recreate an effect similar to the spell the Abellan had used known as 'Zealous Creature.' If the actions that the God's Governor of Earth used were any indication, it was an incantation from our realm, likely that which was shared with her by the Usurper. Of course, I could not replicate the runes or the means in which to give them form, but the effects of it are not beyond my realm of knowledge. It had taken a couple of attempts, but beyond the shadow of a doubt we've come this far already."

He held his key card to the door before them and the silver doors slid open. They stepped inside to a dark room where the only light came from a tank that took up most of the room. Within, a fish that looked large enough to swallow a grown man whole swam back and forth. Its body was a solid black with purple splotches and veins across it, its head a deep violet and massive fins and a tail to allow it to wade through the water effortlessly.

However, it was not just the size that made it so impressive. It was the fact that Aurelius had seen it before—at the time it could barely take up a goldfish bowl, but it had become some sort of terrifying monstrosity, and its appearance had been changing over that period also.

Truong placed a hand to the glass and grinned.

"We have time—plenty of it, at that. And as the Cerebians make their efforts to reclaim that relic, my experiments will grow ever stronger. Be it on land or at sea, we will be ready for them, of that I assure you. Little will they know they'll be walking right into our trap, and their Governor of Water will be the first victim to this creation."

"Crab legs crab legs…" Amata sang as she placed the crab legs they had gathered into a pot of boiling water. "How are things on your end TJ?"

She looked over her shoulder to the Abellan as he hauled a wooden log for the two to sit on.

"No problem!" He grunted as he pulled it over to where she was crouched down.

He laid it down and let out a sigh of relief.

"That should do it."

The God's Governor grinned at him as she took a seat.

"You're stronger than you look TJ. And people say Bards are weak…"

He placed a hand to a curled arm and grinned back at her.

"I'm no ordinary Bard!"

"You could say that again," she chuckled lightly.

The two had moved a short way off the coast of Orca Beach and settled down amidst the lush vegetation of the Jungle. As one would expect, tall palm tress and a variety of other types littered the entirety of the area. It was a myriad of greens as far as the eye could see—tall bushes, fruits, and colourful flora and fauna. The squawks of tropical birds and other animal calls added to the wild ambience of the surrounding area.

TJ brought his rucksack over to the log and rummaged through it for a couple of moments.

"What're you looking for TJ?" Amata asked as she raised an eyebrow.

"The Chief said she packed a lunch in here somewhere for us to share. Oh! Found it!"

The Governor looked surprised.

"How are you two—are you sure you didn't get married and forget?"

He fumbled the box and managed to catch it.

"N-no…we're not married…" He said as he placed it down carefully. "I mean, we haven't been married. You have to be engaged before you get married right? That aside, she's already engaged."

Amata sat up straight as she locked eyes on him with a sharpened gaze.

"She's what?"

"Engaged."

"To who?"

"Aurelius R…Ro-something. That guy from the weaving guild, Atropos."

She placed a hand to her face and turned away as she muttered, "hold on a sec'. I need a moment."

She took a long breath, exhaled and raised her head to the sky before she looked back to him.

"So you're telling me, Peorth is engaged to that asshole Aurelius?"

He nodded in response.

"Why?!"

TJ knit his brows.

"I don't think it was her choice. She said it was her father who wanted that, and he decided it years ago."

If his memories were anything to go by, the king had still been around while he was on Asgard. Since Peorth was the last of the royal family, perhaps he had perished during the war.

That aside, he did not quite understand how marriage worked or for what reason her father would want her to be wed to Aurelius, but she had decided to go through with it once their battle was over.

The Governor furrowed her brows as she muttered something inaudible. After her anger passed, she let out a sigh and knit them as she looked to him.

"And what about you, TJ? How do you feel about this?"

"How do I feel?"

He tilted his head quizzically.

It would probably be best if he gave her an honest answer. Those murky feelings he had when he thought of it then and now were not things he understood, nor could put to words.

"Well…the Chief knows what's best, so if she's decided on marrying him, then I'll follow her lead."

"Did she?!"

He nodded in response and her entire demeanour seemed to have a damper upon it.

"TJ…you haven't ever had your heart broken, have you?"

He placed a couple hands to the Heart of Yggdrasil as his eyes began to swim.

He had not the foggiest that it could break. What would happen if it did?! Would he die?

"N-no! Thankfully! Will I die if it breaks?!"

She placed both her hands to his cheeks.

"I don't mean a physically broken heart, I mean mentally. Though you may actually die if that breaks, that's beside the point! Judging by your reaction it means you have no idea what that means!

"I can't help but wonder if that love Peorth has shown you thus far really has been nothing more than a maternal kind. If so then…well…it may be best if you move on. It won't be easy but…maybe I can…if I…"

She shook her head rapidly.

"Su! Get out here would you?"

"What do you want?" She asked from within the gem.

Both of their eyes shifted to it.

"We need to talk. Now."

Amata got up and took a couple of steps back as Su manifested before her. She took the Governor of Earth's hand and made her way deeper into the forest, through some tall brushes.

"TJ watch the pot! We'll be right back!" She said as they vanished.

The sounds of bird squawking again drew his attention and his eyes shifted from the pot to the trees briefly.

"O-okay," he muttered under his breath.

Amata and Su came to a sudden halt after the Governor of Fire deemed them a safe distance away from the Abellan. Once they did, she turned to her younger companion and glared at her.

"You knew about this didn't you? Why haven't you said anything to him?!" The Governor of Fire hissed.

The Governor of Earth glared daggers in turn.

"I'm God's Governor of Earth and his contractee. You think I've got time to be playing 'best girl friend' to him? Fuck no! I kill his enemies, I help him master his powers, I don't let him die and that's that! That's all I need to do for him," she snarled.

Amata grit her teeth as she furiously rubbed her temples.

"Are you kidding me?! Peorth probably has her reasons—maybe she doesn't even know he sees her in that light, but you're with him all the time! You could take five minutes out of your day once in a while to teach him some things about Cerebian or Human lifestyles!"

Su crossed her arms.

"So you're telling me to fill his head with useless shit? Screw that."

"You're impossible, you know that?!"

"My affairs have nothing to do with you anyway! So why don't you just keep your nose out of it?"

"Is that really how you feel?"

Amata's glare slackened slightly, but it seemed to shift from one of anger to subtle disgust.

"I'm well aware of what you've been through, but that's no reason to put him through the same things that you have.

"He may not be yours, and he might not even be as young as he looks to us, but even so, he's counting on us to learn the ways of our world. He wasn't born here or on Asgard like us. If you plan on raising your children to be ruthless killing machines, fine! But don't make the Abellan into one too!"

She clenched her fist and waved it in her anger.

"If you wanna do things with pragmatism, that's fine! To understand the hearts of those around him will help him to get a better foothold on the Divine Arts. But you should keep in mind that he's a person just like the rest of us! And just like the rest of us, he suffers."

Her gaze sharpened.

"For all of us, including you."

"I never asked him to. I never asked you to either. I don't need your concern."

Su sighed.

"We've got more important things to concern ourselves over, if you haven't noticed. If you wanna get into stupid love affairs and teenage romances, be my guest. Just leave me out of it, and don't drag him in too deep. We still have duties to fulfill as the God's Governors, and if he goes soft and can't kill a Sinner because you think it's better that he 'loves' them to death, we're gonna have problems."

The Governor of Fire clicked her tongue.

"You're starting to sound like a Sinner yourself. Just you watch. Your method of doing things is just going to be a slow burn to an imminent disaster. But I won't let that happen."

"That so? Then I'll add you to the list of nuisances. Try and corrupt him, I dare you. I'll make sure you don't."

At those words Su turned around and began to walk away. As she did so her body faded into a series of spheres while Amata gnashed her teeth.

"She hasn't changed at all! That troublesome girl!"

At the sound of rustling bushes TJ got to his feet and drew his guitar. Was it a bear? It may have been a bear. Were there boxer bears in the Jungle? Or Musclings? He decided he would wait for it to show itself before he decided to fight.

Amata stepped through them looking exhausted.

"Amata! Thank God Ah it was just you." He said as he strung his guitar and let out a sigh of relief.

She looked to him with a puzzled glance.

"What did you expect? A tiger?" She asked.

"Bears!"

She opened her mouth to refute him but instead burst out into laughter.

"Bears? In the jungle?"

She began to laugh harder and wiped her tears away.

"I dunno where you get those ideas from, but you won't be finding any of those out here. You won't be finding the candy kind either, so relax."

Her last statement was rather reassuring.

"But there are tigers, aren't there?" He asked with a glint in his eye.

"There are, but you won't find them two steps into the Jungle. You'd need to go beyond Ves before the Agasura and deadly creatures start showing up.

"So! Let's dig in shall we? I'd say we worked up a sweat and I'm sure Bharva is getting impatient too."

Her dragon had sat down near the pot and occasionally blew fire onto the wood to keep it lit.

TJ opened the box Peorth had given him and there were a series of sandwiches inside. There were four different sections, each with a different filling.

TJ picked one up and sniffed it as he closed his eyes.

"This scent…salmon!" He said as he took a bite and smiled with delight. "Right on."

He held out the box to Amata and smiled.

"Here, help yourself."

Her eyes shuttered as she smiled slightly.

"Don't mind if I do."

As she took one TJ placed it down and turned his eyes back to the pot. She held the sandwich to her lips as her cheeks flushed.

"I'll look out for you TJ. Promise."

"Hm? You say somethin'?" He asked with his cheeks full.

She grinned at him.

"The legs'll be done soon. It's first come first serve, so you better get some while you can before Bharva takes them all!"

After lunch the two continued their trek through the jungle. TJ found himself glimpsing about more frequently than he had in actual Instance Dungeons.

He saw a strange humanoid creature hanging from a tree Amata called a sloth. It looked like an Agasura, but she insisted it was not.

There was a strange bird with incredibly quick wings sticking its beak into a flower. Also, apparently, not an Agasura, but it had the potential to be one. She insisted that the ones in this part of the Jungle were docile. Those in the Ktuka Ruins however, were much bigger and much more aggressive.

A rather unusually colourful bird landed in the trees above them and as TJ reached for his guitar Amata placed a hand to his arm and shook her head.

"It's just a toucan. It's not gonna attack you." She said with a grin and chuckle.

"I'm concerned for both of us," he answered matter-of-factly.

After he saw the swelling she got after getting punched out by the boxer bear nothing could be said for sure.

Her grin widened.

"That so? You don't need to worry so much though. Have you forgotten? I'm not just God's Governor of Fire for show."

She raised a valid point.

"That's fair."

The two continued on and he asked about some of the other creatures that he saw briefly make appearances along the way. He saw tropical fruits growing and all sorts of plants he had not seen during his journey across Jienda. To think that he had missed out on such sights the first time he had neared Ves was incredible. But he was glad to finally have the chance to see and experience all that it had to offer.

As dusk had come to an end and night settled in, they came to a clearing and found a dirt path that lead to one of stone. Within their sights the majestic city of Ves came into view, and much to TJ's surprise it was even bigger than most of those he was familiar with. Tall towers and buildings with onion domes reached out to the sky, many of them in gold or tan colours. Though it was night, the lights in each of the buildings lit the city and those upon the streets made the path clear.

The sight of it was reminiscent to that of Chunsik Land—like a fairy tale place hidden away beyond the sight of the everyday man. It was breathtaking to say the least, and TJ was dazzled by all of it.

"Welcome to Ves. I'd give you a tour but there won't be much to see since it's already dark out.

"Since we're here now, I'm willing to bet you're exhausted huh? Me too." Amata let out a sigh of relief as she cracked her back.

"It's been a long journey hasn't it? Thankfully we made it." He said with a grin.

She raised her eyebrows with a smug smile.

"What? Didn't think I'd get you here alive?"

He gestured that was not the case and she laughed.

"Now that I think about it, since this is your first time here you probably should save at the Iris Stone. It'll do you a world of good, in a lot of ways."

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Let's find somewhere to rest afterwards."

The two entered the city and found the streets to be nothing short of deserted. Thankfully, there was no shortage of light coming from the surrounding buildings. As they walked through TJ took in the sights, the colours, everything. The buildings were all very bright and colourful, some had ornate designs like clouds upon them. Palm trees grew within small patches of dirt and grass grew around them. The ground was made up of small brown square tiles, each neatly packed together to create a brick road for travellers to follow.

They passed by the bank, featuring Jienda's standard winged parcel symbol, the fancy shop, what looked to be an apothecary judging by the potion sign and a few other common buildings before they arrived at the Iris Stone.

TJ looked at it with curiosity, fear and longing. He felt a myriad of emotions come and go in the few moments that had passed. He yearned to know what answers lay within, but felt paralyzed by the fear of the unknown. Amata placed a hand to his shoulder and he looked to her.

"Whatever happens, whatever you see…don't stress the details. If it's too hard for you to face alone, you can confide in me. I'll hear you out." At those words she tilted her head and offered him a smile.

He smiled back and nodded.

"I'm counting on you, then."

He looked to the stone with renewed resolve and reached out to it.

"Will you activate the Iris Stone?" It asked him.

"Yes," he answered.

With a blinding flash of light TJ returned to the place where he had met his previous comrades. As it dimmed, he could see it as he remember it, albeit some slight changes. Once again the number of chairs increased, and in some of them he could see some of his comrades. The tan walls became visible, small tables with crimson cloths and tableware rested in sections where there were no chairs, and at the far end was a wall with a blue curtain hanging from it.

Directly in front of him stood Velvet, exactly as he remembered her but again without the Mr. Bear pin.

Her eyes were closed but for a few moments. As she opened them, she reached out to him and placed a hand to his face.

"TJ? Wow! What a place to meet," she laughed gently.

He placed a hand to hers and beamed.

"Velvet…it's you! Do you remember when we last met?" He asked.

"Yeah of course! You look different again too! But that muffler…did you meet with Ardy?"

He nodded.

"We met him after we defeated Gula. You two are the only ones we've seen this far, but I'm hoping if we continue to defeat all of the Sinners I can find all of you guys."

She grinned.

"Aww TJ, you don't need to find us. After all, our time is already up. But on the other hand, perhaps we can still help you in some way or another. Did what I tell you back then do any good?"

He blinked.

"You didn't know about it?"

"Nope! Fill me in on the details."

He nodded solemnly.

"As you told me, when I used the name Caritas I was able to summon you to help me out. Both you and Ardoss have been a huge help…so…thanks Velvet."

Her cheeks flushed as she made a 'V' with her fingers.

"Glad to help out kiddo!"

He smiled, but his face turned serious shortly after.

"There's some things I need to ask you though, Velvet."

"Oh? Go ahead. Just do it quickly, 'cause we're on the clock."

He swallowed the statement hard. He was happy to see her, truly. He wanted to spend more time catching up with her, telling her about how Peorth and the others were doing, and just generally chitchatting. But just as it was with the others, it would not be long before she would vanish and he would not see her again. There were pressing questions he had to ask now. Should they meet again, perhaps then he could do all of the things he could not now.

"That place where you are now—I mean, all things considered, time has to be moving forward for you guys right? This hairpin, Ardoss' scarf, your memories of me…" He touched each article in succession. "But what I need to know is where you are. If what Reina said is true, does that mean you're all beyond the gate?"

"The gate?" She asked as she tilted her head quizzically.

She rubbed her chin thoughtfully for a moment, placed a fist into an open palm and grinned.

"Oh, the one you came out of! Truth be told, I've not the foggiest. Unless you come from the land of dead people. I mean it, there are a lot of dead guys, including us. All of them are Einherjars. We've just been hanging out and stuff, so we're all waiting for something to happen. It's suuuuuper pretty though!"

Ragnarok. The fact that they were all there and waiting was a sign of ill omens. If he succeeded in defeating Asmodeus, perhaps it would not come to be. It raised the question of what would happen to the Einherjars should he do so. Should he fail however…

He shook off the thought.

"I see. Thanks. I've got one more question. The massacre at the City of Iron…what happened then?"

Velvet looked surprised, which quickly shifted to her nodding knowingly with a somber smile.

"Well, to cut a long story short during the escape from Asgard…had been attacked and had her eardrums damaged beyond repair."

Even now, he could not hear their names over the Sound of Frequency, but it had grown weaker and he heard something ever so vaguely. Though he did not know her name, he remembered her face—the girl with the cat ears, the one who said she would fight for Peorth in her mortal life and that which came after.

"Peorth caught word that there was a doctor in the Big Apple who specialized in all sorts of surgery, and she had made an appointment with him. He was the one that gave her those cat ears, and since she had them she could hear again. Prior to that, we all spoke using sign language."

TJ nodded.

He did not know what sign language was, but by Velvet's description he could understand the use of it.

"We did go for that purpose, but the little princess insisted that we use it as an opportunity to kick back. Put simply, vacation!

"During it, however, she received a suspicious ransom letter that had a picture of one of the members of the Artimen Clan in it, Isidro. She was acquainted with him, and there was no doubt that we'd go to his side to rescue him. We went in knowing that it was a trap…and well, I'm sure you know how the story goes from there.

"Still, we all promised each other that if it were a trap, that we would have Kooh do what she had to do. We were Peorth's Keruz, but we weren't God's Governors. So long as the three of you, at the very least escaped with your lives, that would be good enough.

She smiled gently, not because she was happy or sad, but to ease the pain in TJ's heart at her words.

"Whatever secrets we kept, whatever uses they could make for us, alive or dead, would be washed away. It was a decision we made to protect you guys…to protect the Cerebians. With that, a sliver of hope still remained. And the fact that you're here now…talking to me now means…that hope's...not lost…"

Her smile grew slightly but round tears began to form in her eyes.

"Eh? What's this? I shouldn't be getting so emotional!"

"Velvet…" TJ muttered.

In the following seconds her image began to distort and the world started fading away.

"Don't look so sad TJ. As Peorth's Keruz, we had sworn ourselves to her in life and death, and if anything was to put her in danger we would sacrifice everything to ensure her safety.

"Also…though it was a goodbye…I had a lot of fun during that vacation…"

The dream faded away and TJ found himself back in Ves. He clenched a fist to his chest and closed his eyes. After all that time he began to understand how things came to be. Someone had used Isidro as bait to bring him and his comrades to the City of Iron, and likely killed him, too. A few years had passed, but TJ promised himself that with all his might, he would find that person and bring them to justice.

The Iris visual appeared before him and he looked on and listened to what she had to say.

"This is the City of Ves. Just beyond here lies the Ktuka Ruins, and within it the Heart of Ktuka and Cold Heart. Places housing Coa and the Ocean King respectively."

She clasped her hands together.

"For us to proceed in our journey, we need to meet with the Ocean King and receive his blessing. I have a feeling that the answers we seek may be sleeping within the sunken city.

"Save here for future adventures?"

"Yes," TJ answered.

In a second flash of light another of his memories dawned upon him, and through it he found himself in an unknown location. There were tiny star-like lights as far as the eye could see, but no ground to speak of. From where TJ was, he looked down upon an adventurer and her party. As he got a closer look, he came to the realization that it was in fact, Iris and the remaining members that stayed with her.

Among their ranks were indeed Sir Levi, dressed from head-to-toe in the armour he was renown for, accompanying him were an incapacitated Muwen and Zoe.

There were some people TJ was not familiar with—a young man with bronzed skin and dreadlocks who wore solid black pants, a white shirt, black necklace and matching armband.

Another had red hair wore a pink shirt, black pants and yellow sneakers. He wore a green armband and a crimson necklace, while also wearing a maroon bandana covering most of his hair.

As for TJ himself, he seemed to be some sort of…creature. One consisting of a dark shroud or miasma, he could not tell, but the features of it were no less Agasuric. The left arm was covered in crimson runic markings, and though the right lacked them, the two were still massive enough to crush her. In the center of it was a small open sphere between what seemed to be a machine—a core, of sorts. In the heart of it was the Heart of Yggdrasil, and lightning crackled about from it causing both halves to levitate, the two held together by chains. The top half had a more Agasuric appearance, horns, dark crimson eyes and in the torso one giant eye. The bottom, however had a series of multi-coloured cords that trailed away from the battle.

Did that…mean it was a machine? If it was a machine, it had meant that a Human had made it, and the fact TJ could see from it, and knew the Heart of Yggdrasil was a part of it…could only mean that he was a part of it.

Iris staggered to her feet, but she refused to give up. Battered and bloody, she looked as if she could hardly remain on standing, but the fire in her eyes insisted that she would do everything to win.

"I will end this now!" She shouted as she reached into her quiver and drew her final arrow.

"Fool," the Shroud snarled. "Destroy me, and you will all be swallowed by oblivion!"

"I will protect my friends!"

She held her hand out before her and a magic circle manifested. She held the bow out and a series of beams fired forth from the circle and pierced the shroud.

"For all those who believe in me, for those who may not, and for Jienda!"

She nocked the arrow and at the tip of it, a small flaming sphere took form before she finally let it loose. It left a single crimson trail in its wake and shot through the Shroud—a few moments later it exploded and the Shroud began to crumble to pieces as he let out an agonizing cry. Within it, TJ could hear his own voice overlapping with it.

Iris collapsed to her knees, dropped her bow and panted desperately.

"Iris…" Muwen muttered as he struggled to raise his head.

"It's okay now. We've done it everyone…it's over."

"But…you…" Sir Levi uttered.

The tips of her fingers slowly disintegrated into a series of tiny sparkles and little by little the rest of her body began to vanish as she smiled for them.

"It was my decision to make this sacrifice…but even so, I will still be with you all."

TJ's vision began to become completely white, and the sight and sound of Iris faded away along with it, save for her final words.

"I will be with you too, TJ, through the locket. Please…always hold it close to your heart."

A fisherman sat in his boat and silently watched for a bite before he caught a glimpse of a naked child floating through Cherry Lake. He got up in a panic, looked around for where he may have fallen from, and immediately began rowing his boat over to him. He picked up the child and immediately made his way back to Aoich.

When TJ awoke, he found his allies of the past all gathered around him, smiling, waving and greeting him. In the center of them stood Peorth, who looked on with flushed cheeks, her hands clasped together and her head bowed.

"Thank God Ah…we have finally found you…TJ." She whispered as she opened her eyes and smiled for him.

The sound of the Frequency brought him back to the present and he collapsed to his knees. He looked at his hands as they both trembled, his entire body followed, and he tightly held himself as he sobbed.

"I-I'm sorry…I'm so sorry…!" He repeated those words over and over.

The thoughts of the Demon King, of his being merged with it, and the truth in the rumour that he had killed Iris. In those final moments as he heard her last words…the truth he sought out came to light.

"T-TJ?! What's wrong?!" Amata knelt down and placed her hands to his shoulders. "I can't help you if you don't talk to me! What're you apologizing for?!"

She took him in her arms and held him close.

"Oh whatever. Just…just let it all out. Whatever it is, whatever happened, just let it out.

"Abellan or not, it's alright to cry. I'm here for you."

After a brief while his tears finally stopped and he wiped his puffy eyes. The pain still lingered, but he did feel a bit better. Perhaps not at this very moment he would speak of it, but soon. There was a chance she could give him some direction following that discovery.

"Sorry…about that. I'm okay now." He said as he offered her a weak smile.

"You sure? No need to put on a tough guy act for me, you know. I just watched you cry your eyes out for a good five minutes so I'd say I earned that much." She answered with a slight grin.

He nodded.

"It's true. I'm okay."

She nodded with acknowledgement.

"If you say so. It's late already, so I'll just take you back to my guild HQ. I'm sure they'll make an exception for letting you in since you're the Abellan and all."

"What's a guild-" Before he could finish his sentence a rock collided with his left eye and he lurched forward to place a hand to it.

"What the-" Amata said as she looked to the fallen object and back to TJ who held his eye as streaks of blood ran down his face. "TJ?! Are you alright?!"

"I-I'm okay."

His gem lit up and an enraged Su emerged from within. Before she could charge at the man who threw it nearby, TJ grabbed hold of her hand and stopped her from going.

"He's here!" The man shouted before he dashed down another road and out of their direct sight.

"It's fine Su, just let it go."

"It's not fine!" She snarled as she tried to break his grip. "You let one of those assholes get away and they'll come back with a vengeance!"

"Well we can't just kill everything that moves!" Amata retorted as she stood in front of her. Her eyes opened wide as she took two steps toward the Abellan but moments too late.

A hooded figure appeared behind him, and from within the shadows of it a smirk appeared as TJ remained frozen in place.

"Game over…" He chuckled as he pulled away from TJ.

The Abellan staggered and collapsed against the Iris Stone as he grit his teeth and blood ran between each and down his cheeks.

"Bastard!" Su roared as she hunted him down while he ran.

"Oh God Ah…TJ no!" Amata rushed to his side and helped him up while Su continued her pursuit.

When she got close enough she leapt up on to the canopy of a building and jumped from it to wrap her legs around the neck of the hooded figure. She pulled back with all her might and dragged him down before she slammed him into the ground.

"Who do you work for?! Who sent you?!" She roared as she ripped the hood off of his head and pulled him up by the hair.

He only laughed in response and she slammed his face into the ground twice before she dragged him back up again.

"You better start talking. If not, I'll start by breaking your fucking nose. Then I'll gouge your eyes out and chop that fucking tongue off."

"All is going according to plan…for Master Asmodeus…"

Su grit her teeth and pulled his chestnut hair back further to get a look at his face. His nose was bloody and he winced with pain but smiled nonetheless. What caught her eye was the tattoo on his face. Runic markings that rose up his right cheek and surrounded a symbol around his eye—an ouroroboros.

"Fanatics…" She muttered under her breath.

She slammed his face into the ground once more, kicked him in the ribs and returned to the other two.

Amata reached out to the knife in TJ's back and the moment her finger touched it black lightning crackled from it and caused her to reel back.

"A cursed weapon? Just who was that guy?!" She hissed.

"We don't have time to be asking questions. We need to get him somewhere out of sight." Su muttered as she scanned the area cautiously.

"Why? He's the victim here!"

"Are you stupid? He had a look-a-like running around in the Pyramids killing stupid adventurers and now everyone thinks he's a murderer. If someone finds him, they're gonna jail him!"

Su shook her head and sighed.

"Where's that HQ? Take him there. I'll scout ahead and take out anyone who's headed your way."

"You killing more people isn't going to help his case any, you know!" Amata snarled as she glared at their companion.

"D-don't kill them…just…knock…out…" TJ uttered as he struggled to his feet with the Governor's help.

"Ugh…whatever. Just hurry it up. We don't have much time." Su said as she rolled her eyes and ran off.

Amata looked behind them as she heard the voices of the city's guard and the beams of flashlights illuminating the street.

Regardless of where Su was, she could find her way back to the Abellan. She looked to the surrounding buildings and people immediately closed their windows, shut their blinds or turned out the lights. Things were going to get increasingly difficult for her.

The God's Governor placed an arm over her shoulder and rose to her full height, bearing a portion of his weight.

"How are you feeling? Can you walk?"

He nodded with determination.

"I'll try not to hold you back."

She knit her brows.

"I don't wanna hear you speak those words now. Rely on me as much as you have to. Do it even more if you don't want to. Right now you need someone to be strong for you, not the other way around."

The two began to walk and he managed a smile.

"Thanks Amata. Lemme' see if I can patch myself up to ease your burden a bit."

He removed the hand from his eye revealing the bloody swelling and placed a hand to his chest. A gentle blue glow took form in his hands for a moment, but as it reached his fingertips it faded and only blue sparks emerged.

"My magic… did they seal it…?"

As Amata made her way down a side street with him he closed his eyes. The dagger they had impaled him with was cursed, as Amata had said, and he was seeing the effects of it. Magic sealing, it seemed. There was no excruciating pain that followed an attempt to cast as it was with Divinity Sealing, but given the circumstances all of his magic was likely sealed. The only thing he had at his disposal that could potentially work would be the sins. He did not have the strength to sing and have his companions fight in his stead.

The most pressing question was, would the need to fight come to pass?

"You can't heal yourself either? Would that I could but…" Amata shook her head gently. "Hang tight, TJ."

The sound of men shouting in pain caught their attentions briefly, but it did not seem to be that of someone in their death throes. The possibility that Su had ran into one of the guards was something they both pondered at the time.

"Nia is really well versed in artifacts and their effects, and Leif knows about spells and hexes. Hopefully they'll be there. I'll request them as soon as possible."

"You're such a hard worker Amata," he chuckled.

"You can appreciate me all you like later, so don't talk now. I don't want you to die in my arms. Not like this… not here."

He smiled for her. Her thoughtfulness was not deserved, but he appreciated it all the same.

As they neared the end of the side street and found themselves back on one of the main roads, the Governor of Fire leaned out from beside the building to secure the area. She caught a glimpse of a beam of light, but found that it remained pointed in one direction. She craned her neck further and saw an unconscious man in a tan uniform and black shoes. One of Ves' peacekeepers. There was no sign of blood, so it seemed that Su had knocked him unconscious.

She let out a gentle sigh as she made her way across the street and into another alleyway.

She never thought she would see the day where she was running and hiding like a petty criminal, but she had to keep her priorities in line. To the Cerebians, the Abellan was a saviour and someone to be held in high regard. To the humans he was a demon and an existence that could not be kept on Midgard.

Perhaps she had been too rash in her argument with the Governor of Earth. She did not know that the two had to go through events like this on a day-to-day basis. If she was to be in Su's shoes, could she protect him? Could she keep him safe after they enter Rayinth's Temple?

As she exited the alley she glimpsed about once more and after taking no more than two steps the sound of footsteps echoing across the pavement drew her attention. Flashes of light illuminated the street she had just entered and she unintentionally swore before she pulled TJ into the nearest alleyway and hit the ground with him collapsing beside her.

"Sorry about this!" She whispered in a hurried voice as she dragged him with all her might behind a dumpster.

She stumbled back and fell over, dropping him on his back and causing him to wince as he turned over. She gasped as she noticed the knife went deeper and blood splattered on the ground before her.

"Gods, damn it! Sorry!"

He grinned for her as he waved it off.

The flashes of light narrowed and the two guards stopped just outside of the alleyway to regroup.

"Have you seen anything?" One of the two asked.

"Yeah actually. Some of our unit's been knocked out. Whoever that criminal is, they're pretty strong. We should probably regroup and stay within a certain radius. If one of us catches our guy, we can all attack him at once." The other guard answered, a woman.

The sound of blood dripping to the ground sounded through the alleyway and the first guard turned his flashlight to the location.

"Who's there?!" He shouted.

Amata placed a hand to her mouth and eyed the area cautiously in case they were visible, and as she had feared she had not pulled the Abellan entirely into cover. One of his boots was just barely visible past the dumpster and the realization filled her with dread.

"Do you see that?" He asked as he pointed to the item.

"That dirty old boot? Relax Mhasalkar, it's just a dumpster. A drop of water or a boot doesn't make a criminal. But at least you're on your guard."

The light turned away from them and Amata withheld her sigh of relief.

"Anyway, let's get moving. If we run into any of the others we should let them know what we found, and get a medic on site as soon as possible."

Their footsteps faded into the night and Amata exhaled.

"That was horrifying. Looks like Su can't get all of them. I just hope she's nearby…" She muttered under her breath.

TJ nodded slightly, but the dazed look in his eyes and the half-baked response she received was a definitive sign that he was not faring well. Be it a Cerebian or the Abellan, too much blood loss could end the same way as it would for a Human.

She draped his arm over her shoulder and helped him to rise again.

"We're not through yet. Don't you dare think of dying on me you hear?"

She placed an arm around his waist and assisted him further, continuing on into the street and south towards the nearest side street.

If she recalled correctly, they were only about three blocks away from their destination. Thankfully, as large as the guild headquarters was, it was in a fairly domestic area. The chances that the city's guard would search it were far lower.

She turned a corner and took refuge beneath a tree's branches that reached over the steel fence that housed it and managed to stay out of the light for a brief period.

Much to her surprise the Abellan suddenly jerked and she nearly lost her grip. When she turned she caught a glimpse of his arm outstretched with two fingers pointed forwards. With a single swipe an object flying towards them was deflected and he followed it with a second.

"Avaritia," he snarled.

With that very action he protected her from being impaled twice.

The Governor of Fire gasped as she caught sight of another robed figure who lowered his arm. Just who were they and why were they hunting the Abellan? The fact that they wore such outfits was a clear sign they were no ordinary murderers. But even more so than that, could TJ truly continue to defend himself in such a state?

She looked to him and gasped as she caught a glimpse of the crimson flare in his eyes and the red veins that surged from his arm and through his face.

He outstretched his arm and clenched a fist before pulling it towards him. The robed figure who was once a fair distance away was dragged towards him in an instant and remained levitating before the two.

"You have a death wish, don't you? I should tear you limb from limb and devour you so that your soul will know no peace for all eternity…" He cackled with a devilish grin.

"TJ, snap out of it," Amata cried out.

The sound of an object as it tore through the air drew her attention behind her and from above Su descended and deflected an incoming arrow with her dagger.

TJ closed his eyes and shook his head at her words before he hurled the fanatic behind him and into a second. When he opened his eyes again they became their usual brown and the veins slowly faded away before he placed his hand to his head.

"Urrgh…this pain…"

As he lowered his hand the gold streak he had once received from Avaritia became visible once more, and a series of other streaks followed in its wake.

Amata looked on with a puzzled glare before Su scolded her.

"Quit standing around dumbass! Hurry up and get to that building before more of these assholes come!"

She closed her mouth and knit her brows. Su was right, and at this time she had no reason to argue, nor to stick around.

TJ had been severely weakened due to having used his sister's ability and she needed to put more strength into carrying him. If any more enemies appeared, she would not be able to fight unless she put him down. Much to her dismay, it seemed that they were not just intent on harming him—they had all the intention to kill her, and yet they had not done so with him. Not yet, at least. She could not help but feel there was some method to this madness, but she did not have enough knowledge on the matter to draw a conclusion.

She turned away from the direction she once followed and headed back the way she came while Su went forward to deal with their assailants. There was another way to the guild hall—however, it would take somewhat longer for them to arrive. As she made her way down the street she saw one of the city's guards coming down also and she took cover by a set of stone steps. They were just high enough to keep the two out of his sight, and out of the light of the flashlight as he walked past.

She made her way further and turned on another street, walked towards the next street and turned once more. Their destination was straight ahead. If she continued on they could definitely make it.

Further and further they walked and in time the building came into view, but as it did another robed figure stood in the way. A wide grin spread across his face as he held out a hand and a dagger slipped out of his robe and into his palm. There was not enough time to summon her weapon, and TJ was far too close for her to cast safely.

She took a hand away from him and held it out as a flame took form before her. She clenched it in her fist and with a wave of her hand she said, "Heed the words of the contract and arise, Bharva!"

The dragon's flames coiled around her as it too, did, but despite the sight of it the robed figure continued on.

At this point it was her decision…her moment, and in that moment everything could change. Did she have what it takes to protect the Abellan? As she hesitated he climbed on to the dragon and made his way towards them before she tightly shut her eyes.

"Destroy him, Bharva," she roared.

At the sound of her command the dragon's head turned to her and soared towards their attacker. As he caught a glimpse of the incoming dragon he leapt into the air to avoid the initial strike. Bharva coiled around and followed after him, catching him between his fangs. The summoned creature bit into the robed figure before it let out a low roar and a torrent of flames engulfed him.

Amata placed a fist to her chest as she bit down on her lip. The dragon lowered its head to look to her and she met its gaze with tears in her eyes.

"Do not shed tears, my master, for you have committed no wrongdoing. It is my sworn duty to eliminate those who should threaten you and your comrades. You did what must be done as well, but the blood of the Human is not on your hands." He closed his eyes and he began to burn again before fading away. "To do what others cannot or will not…that is the way of the God's Governor."

She sniffled once before she wiped her tears away with her sleeve. Did she not promise herself that she would be strong? Perhaps it was the first time she had to kill a Human, but it would not likely be the last. Even if she accepted that fact, she did not have to like it.

She grit her teeth and furrowed her brows as she renewed her resolve. She shifted TJ's weight on to her shoulders and pressed on towards the guild hall.

Amata opened the door and stepped inside. A young woman in the hall looked to the two before she rose and shifted her glasses to get a better look.

"Amata? What are you doing here so late? Do you have any idea what's going on out there?!" She asked.

TJ looked to her, but he could hardly make out her features. His vision was blurry and dark and their voices were rather muddled, but he felt as if he could still make out their words with some clarity.

"I know. I just came out of there Uma," she answered. "I know it's sudden but we need to take refuge here. TJ's severely wounded and there are guys out there that are trying to kill him."

"T-TJ you say? As in, TJ the Abellan?"

"Yes, the same one. I know how you guys are about non-guild members but could you please keep this a secret?"

Uma smiled.

"In truth I think everyone would be happy to know you brought him, but let's save that for later. You said he's wounded right? Here, take him to one of the guest rooms and lay him down there." She offered the Governor a key and she took it in hand.

"One more thing. Can you get Nia and Leif for me?"

Uma gave her a worried look.

"Is it that bad?"

"It's that bad."

Uma nodded and tapped her guild badge twice as she said, "Nia is away on a mission currently, but I'll find out when she can return."

Amata nodded gravely before she made her way up one of the stairwells at the far left side of the foyer and to the second floor.

"Hang in there TJ, you'll be able to rest soon, I promise."

The two made their way down the hall past a series of rooms, some with lights on and others shrouded in darkness. They stopped at a white door emblazoned with gold and the Governor of Fire unlocked it before she took him inside.

It was dark, however the light from the windows at the far side of the room let the moonlight in. TJ could just barely make out a bed with a canopy, a couple of small bedside tables and a large dresser. There was a two-person couch and a chair in the corner along with a closet.

Amata eased him onto the bed and let out a sigh of relief.

"Finally made it…are you holding up okay?"

He gave her a brief thumbs-up in response before he closed his eyes. She rustled his hair and he looked to her from the corner of his eyes as she pursed her lips.

"I know you're exhausted and all but don't go to sleep now! I don't want you to die or something…"

He would laugh if he could, but he had used up everything he had by utilizing the sin. Whatever had come over him after, he did not know. Even so, at that period of time it felt like he had more energy than he did prior. Following it however, he felt twice as exhausted and the searing pain did him no favours either.

A young man stepped into the room and gazed upon the two.

"I heard you needed help but this is not what I expected, Amata. You shouldn't be using the guild hall to bring boys home," he said matter-of-factly.

"Oh shut up, would you? Besides, this is no time for jokes! TJ is seriously wounded! Look!"

She pointed to the dagger sticking out of his back.

The young man got closer and shifted his glasses higher on his face as he examined it from all sides.

"That's indeed quite the nasty wound, but…it looks like something you wouldn't require my assistance over."

Amata huffed before she reached out to it and the lightning crackled off of it. A violet glow surrounded the entirety of it and crept from the pommel to the blade, leaving a black shroud around where it had pierced.

"Oho!"

"Do you think it's a corrupted artifact Leif?"

"This?" He asked as he rubbed his chin. "Not at all. It's a regular dagger, but someone with an artifact must've enchanted it. I'd hazard a guess that it was no ordinary Human—they likely had some Agasuric power to have managed this. Though it seems that even a Human could wield it, up until they impaled the Abellan here."

TJ's gem began to glow and Su emerged before she crossed her arms. Leif gave her a golf clap in response.

"Well? You done with your speculations or what? He's bleeding out and you two are having a nice little discussion about it." She said as she glared at him.

"How fascinating…a contracted spirit? But I sense a Cerebian presence. An Einherjar perhaps? A living, breathing one at that." He attempted to touch her and she slapped his hand away.

"Hands off, bastard."

"Better not to get on her bad side." Amata said as she gestured for the two to calm down. "But she does raise a point. I get that understanding the weapon's important and all, but we really need to remove it and close that wound."

Leif crossed his arms as he nodded. "Well, thankfully the curse placed on this one is simple. Once Nia gets here we could remove it easily, but as you know I don't have as much magical capability as she does. Attempting curse removal is beyond my capacity alone."

"Thank goodness," Amata sighed with relief.

"So where's this Nia anyways?" Su asked as she raised an eyebrow.

"Right here, my darlings." Nia answered as she stepped into the room.

"Oh!" She said as she looked to the Abellan and approached without hesitation.

"Oh my…"

She touched the dagger and the electricity emitted from it caused her to pull away.

"How fascinating…"

"Nia I-"

She swept on the balls of her heels and placed a finger to Amata's lips before she smiled.

"You needn't explain a thing, Ammy. We'll take care of it."

She turned once more to face their comrade, while Su watched solemnly.

"Leif, it would be best if we did this together. A poorly made curse like this is a greater danger when removing it than it is leaving it as is. If we're not cautious, the accumulated mana used to create it can escape when the item breaks and corrupt the Abellan."

Leif placed his elbow in his hand and used his free hand to shift his glasses once more.

"What do you suggest we do, Nia?"

"In this case, we cannot undo the curse immediately. It would be best if we removed the item in it's original form before dispelling the curse. However, if you're interested in studying it, feel free. Just be sure to contain it within Melidas' Cube."

"I'll bring it immediately."

At those words Leif rushed out of the room and vanished into the hallway.

As the sound of his footsteps echoed through the hall, Nia laid down on the bed next to TJ . She placed a hand to his cheek and stroked it gently with her fingers. They brushed the pink strands away from his eyes and he looked to her in the corner of each.

"You poor thing. You just arrived in Ves and this is the greeting you received hm? Allow me to apologize for this. We already have some of our members investigating the disturbance, but judging by this dagger the cause is them isn't it?"

"Who are they, Nia?" Amata asked.

The guild master sat up and crossed her legs before she placed her hands in her lap.

"I didn't think you would get dragged into this so I didn't mention it, but worshippers of Asmodeus have been cropping up across Jienda. As of yet there haven't been any signs that they invaded Ves in spite of the fact that we've had regular patrols around the surrounding area of Mezzalone. Nevertheless, it seems they've found their way here."

Amata rubbed her temples furiously. "But it doesn't make sense! How would they know that we were going to Mezzalone?"

"The question is, when did you decide that you wanted to go on this mission? When did you inform the Abellan of such a decision?"

Amata pursed her lips guiltily.

"It was kinda on a whim…at the summit."

"Who'd you tell?" Su asked as she leaned against a wall.

"It was just TJ!" Her defensive demeanour dampened as she pressed her fingers together. "I mean, Reina and Alessa were there, but it wasn't like I said it where everyone could hear…"

Su's gaze sharpened.

"So one of those two is a mole."

"Now now, Suuba, don't you think you're jumping to conclusions?" Nia asked as she smiled.

She cocked an eyebrow in response.

"Do you have a better explanation?"

"Ammy, are you sure they're the only ones who knew?"

Amata placed her fingers to her temples as she mulled it over.

"I did mail Mom and Da-" She gasped. "That's right…I wanted to let Mom and Dad know ahead of time that we were coming to visit! Those assholes must've intercepted my letter!"

"There you have it." Nia said and Su scoffed with a shrug.

"I'm back, Nia." Leif said as he stepped into the room.

Within his hands was a black cube with a sphere in the center that had an ever-changing series of colours.

"Good. Let's begin. After some speculation I've concluded if we're to remove this without harming the Abellan or ourselves, we should use the Gauntlets of the Warden. Do you remember the incantation?"

"It won't be a problem. I'm ready to begin when you are." At those words he placed Melidas' Cube on the dresser and approached her.

"Good. Let's."

She held out both of her hands and he placed his to them.

"You are the hands that hold. To you, I beseech that you give me the power to face the darkness with strength, courage and an ever unbending resolve. With this light in hand I shall purge the evil in all its forms! Gauntlets of the Warden!"

The two chanted the incantation as one, and once they had completed it a powerful surge of wind rushed forth from where they stood as a magic circle took form beneath them. Within the center of it was an armoured knight, his visage partially hidden behind the sword he wielded and held pointing skyward. Light gathered like mist and surrounded their arms before becoming words written all around them. They took form as gauntlets on the arms of each and they nodded to each other.

Both took one of TJ's flanks and they reached out to the dagger. As they each gripped the hilt the weapon was bathed in light and they slowly but surely pulled it out. Once it was free of the Abellan the shroud faded and the blood that flowed following the removal emerged. Nia dispelled the prayer and placed her hands to his back to heal him while Leif brought the weapon over to the cube.

He raised it above it and plunged it within, causing it to emit a bright light before it slowly submerged itself within on it's own. Leif too, then dispelled the effect of the prayer and picked up the cube.

"Is there anything else you need me to do Nia?" He asked.

"No, that will be all. Thank you very much," she answered.

He flashed her a grin.

"Think nothing of it."

"If the rest of you girls need me, I'll be in my lab. Make sure to wear safety goggles before you step inside."

"There's no way in hell I'm going into that dingy dungeon you call a lab," Amata remarked coldly.

He sneered at her and she razzed him as he walked away.

"Thanks, by the way…"

At those words he raised a hand as he disappeared around the corner.

"Well now that all that drama is over…" Su muttered under her breath as she turned into a series of spheres and vanished.

"You didn't even find out for sure."

Amata glared at her as she did but did not pursue her any further. Instead she approached Nia.

"Will he be alright? Nia?"

"Of course darling. It'll take some time but I'm sure he'll heal quickly.

"There won't be any lingering effects from the dagger either—it was a basic curse, used to seal magic in the target. Once removed, the effect will vanish."

She took a cloth and wiped away the blood that had as of yet to dry and Amata reached out to her.

"I can do that, Nia."

Nia shook her head gently.

"I'm sure you could Ammy, but I won't let you."

"W-why not?" She asked as she lowered her hand.

"You can't bear to look at the wound, can you? Something happened out there." She grinned. "You didn't think you could hide it from me, did you? Leave looking after him to me. Why don't you wait in the living room for the time being?"

Amata placed a fist to her chest as her eyes were downcast.

"Y-yeah…maybe that'd be for the best."

TJ opened his eyes and he managed to pick himself up. There was still a lingering pain in his back, but for the most part the pain had subsided and the bleeding stopped. He touched his back and noticed that both the wet and dry blood had been taken care of, and the bandages he once wore as a binder were replaced with fresh ones.

He noted that his top had been removed and his hair undone. Someone was even kind enough to lay him down and tuck him in. He got up and noticed his top, headphones and choker rested on the couch and he made his way over to reclaim them.

As he attempted to slip into the top the moment it touched his wound he winced. Even so, he could not bring himself to walk around Devotion's guild hall with no top on. He decided he would return for the other accessories later that day, but for the time being just to have his body covered would suffice. Thus, he continued his struggle until he could manage to get into it.

Dressed, albeit somewhat sore, he exited the room and entered the hallway he once traversed with Amata. It was still far too dark for him to see anything within it, but he decided he would be alright nonetheless. Going by memory, he made his way back to the foyer and walked down the spiral staircase to the entrance. The receptionist's desk was empty, so Uma likely went to bed or went home. He was not sure which, but he felt glad nonetheless.

To be seen wandering about would not likely be a welcome event, but even so, after all Amata had done for him that night, the least he could do was take the time to thank her.

He surveyed the area and caught a glimpse of light flowing into the foyer from one of the hallways. As he made his way towards it, his vision blurred and he staggered towards the wall. It took a few moments for him to recollect himself, but once he did he decided to continue on.

Using the wall to assist him, he continued on to where the source of light came from and eventually found himself in a room with a series of solid white tables and a massive kitchen. Within it a lone girl swept back and forth preparing a meal. Even through his blurred vision he could easily recognize Amata.

He approached and she looked startled as he did.

"TJ? What're you doing up?" She exited the kitchen and came through a pair of doors before she turned him around and hurried him back to his room.

"H-hold on a second," he laughed.

She furrowed her brows as she eyed him warily.

"What is it?"

"Well you've went through all this trouble for me today. Some of my memories of the event are kinda fuzzy but…I do remember you helping me get here. So…thanks."

He smiled at her and she pursed her lips.

"'s fine. You don't need to thank me or anything…" She averted her gaze.

"But more importantly, you didn't get hurt, did you?"

"No, I'm fine. It was because of you I got out of that in one piece, actually, so I should be thanking you. Still, I suppose it came at a cost huh? Sorry."

"Huh?" He asked with a puzzled look.

She seemed to be looking at his hair. Perhaps she had not seen it when it was down before? It did grow an awful lot and it also made him look a little wilder than he was but it was only a slight change. He was the same TJ inside, after all.

"This."

She brushed his bangs from where they rested and they fell into his eyes.

As they did he caught a glimpse of the golden hairs among them and he gasped.

"W-when did this happen? It came back?! Is the snaggletooth still there?!"

"Yeah, you've got them both now."

She said with a light chuckle—she held the back of her hand to her mouth to hide it.

"Nooooo…" TJ groaned.

"Well at the very least, you're sounding like your usual self.

"Since I'm cooking, I can't take you back to your room. Though since you've come all this way…I might as well have you keep me company while I do this."

He grinned. "That, I can do."

She smiled back for a moment.

"I'm making dum aloo. I…like my food a bit spicy, so you better be able to handle it!"

The following morning TJ rolled over in the bed he slept in. He yawned, stretched and looked up to the roof through the transparent canopy that surrounded the bed.

The end of the night was certainly one he would not forget anytime soon, due to the fact he was in for a spicy awakening courtesy of Amata. He felt almost certain he drank nothing short of a litre of milk in order to get through her 'just a bit spicy' serving of dum aloo, but in spite of singing the taste buds off of his tongue, he enjoyed it!

He arose from the bed and rubbed both of his eyes groggily. As he glimpsed around the room through his peripherals he could not help but remember the picturesque image he saw of Peorth and the bedroom that seemed too big for the little girl that she was. He smiled at the thought and could not help but feel for a moment that perhaps this experience was what it was like to sleep in a princess' bed.

At the thought he suddenly woke up and hopped out of bed to find his clothes and accessories. He had taken his top off before he went to bed, and it had his guild badge pinned to it. He sat down on the couch before he looked at the item nervously for a couple moments, then tapped it twice.

[Guild]TJ: Chief, you awake?

[Guild]Peorth: Ah, TJ, good morning.

[Guild]TJ: M-morning!

[Guild]Peorth: The day is still young. I admire your diligence, however. How does the day find you thus far?

[Guild]TJ: Good, for the most part. Last night was a bit hectic, but we made it to Ves all the same.

[Guild]Peorth: Hectic you say? Would you debrief me on the details of your venture, please?

[Guild]TJ: When we got here we ran into some of these guys that worship Asmodeus. Vanir said they were called fanatics, and they attacked us in the city.

[Guild]Peorth: Fanatics? Within the city of Ves?! Forgive me, TJ. To think that they had already travelled so far across the continent…nonetheless, time is of the essence. I will have members dispatched to guard you and Amata as soon as possible.

[Guild]TJ: H-hold on Chief! You don't need to send Yggdrasil's members all the way out here for us! It was a bit of a shock, but we're okay, promise! Besides, Nia took us in for the night and she has her members on the case.

[Guild]TJ: That aside, I…I wanna do this. Even if it's just the three of us, I want to continue as is. Like you had told me, sometimes you won't be able to be there by my side so I wanna learn to stand on my own two feet and protect those who are in my care. Besides, this is just the first of the four God's Governors' temples right? If we can manage this, I'm sure we can handle all of them.

There was a short delay between what TJ had to say and what Peorth's response. The silence was broken by a quiet, girlish giggle from the guild master.

[Guild]Peorth: Is that so? Then I shall abide by that wish. It seems you grow ever more courageous by the day, TJ. As you wish, I shall not interrupt your mission, but allow me a request of my own.

[Guild]TJ: Sure, Chief. What do you wanna ask?

[Guild]Peorth: Though I have little doubt of this in my heart, all I ask is that you succeed. Do so and come back safely to me and all others in Yggdrasil awaiting your triumphant return.

This made him blush slightly. He buried his face in the couch to hide his embarrassed expression from no one in particular.

[Guild]TJ: I will, Chief. Definitely!

[Guild]Peorth: You have my gratitude. Alas, as it is still morning, you likely have not eaten a meal yet. I must urge you to do so, as breakfast is the most important of all meals of the day. You still have quite the journey ahead of you and you need to retain your strength through all of it to ward off any danger.

[Guild]TJ: That's true. I'll go find something to munch on, then. Also, thanks for the sandwiches Chief! They were really good!

[Guild]Peorth: Ah…yes, of course. It is…my pleasure.

[Guild]TJ: I'll contact you again after we make it to Mezzalone! See ya!

[Guild]Peorth: Goodbye, TJ and may our lady light your path.

He tapped the guild badge twice and began to climb into his clothes. He missed the time that they spent together training and whatnot somewhat, but to hear her voice again brought him comfort. He did feel slightly flustered at arriving in a new and unfamiliar place, but since Amata was with him, it was nowehere near as unsettling as it would have been otherwise.

As he looked back on his journey, he felt more and more thankful that he had one comrade or another along with him as he traversed Jienda. The world was expanding before his very eyes—there was much and more he was as of yet to discover, and even greater adversaries to face.

His next opponent was God's Governor Rayinth, Amata's ancestor and the first Governor of Fire. His only experience against a God's Governor being Su and a loss at that, but not one that he would forget, nor let happen a second time. Progenitor or not, TJ had to see Amata through this trial to ensure that the world they coveted could be saved. He would not fail, nor stand down from fear.

As he finally placed his last accessory on, he rose to his feet and looked in the mirror. The only thing he could not do, was his hair. He pursed his lips at the thought, wishing ever so slightly that Peorth sent Kooh as she could do that for him, but the moment passed by quickly. Perhaps Amata could help him in that regard.

Without a moment of hesitation, TJ opened the door to the hall and peeked outside. He looked both ways before he stepped out. He could hear the voices of girls behind some of the doors as he walked down the hall into the foyer. He made his way down the stairs and froze up as he spotted Uma sitting at the receptionist's desk and diligently writing something down. Her eyes darted to and locked on to him.

"Namaste." She said as she turned to him, placed her hands together and bowed slightly.

Uma was a woman with dark blue hair tied in a bun and deep violet eyes. She wore a navy waist-length sleeveless blouse with white polka dots and a bow tie collar, a khaki skirt and a blue dupatta with silver embroidery draped over her right shoulder. She also wore a bindi on her forehead and a pair of small rectangular-framed glasses that rested closer to the edge of her nose.

He was not familiar enough with Ves' customs to have the foggiest what that had meant or whether it was normal to do the same, so he decided to greet her in his usual way.

"G-good morning!" He waved nervously and she smiled as he made his way down the stairs.

"I take it this is your first time in Ves?"

He nodded.

Uma laughed.

"I had a feeling. Allow me to give you a few tips to keep in mind. The first, there's nothing wrong with greeting people as I had you. It may take some getting used to, but I'd recommend that over waving,g as doing it with the wrong hand can get you into a spot of trouble."

"R-really?" He asked with a look of surprise.

Had he done it wrong? He was thankful Uma was understanding about his ignorance.

She nodded. "You can do it wordlessly, like so." She performed it for him once more and he engraved the sight into his mind. "Now you try." He performed it for her in turn and she smiled.

"That aside, our report from Amata said that you didn't have a last name to go by, but it would be best if you referred to people here by them. Using mister or miss is fine and sir or madam also will suffice. As for the girls here, you don't need to stress over being formal with them." Uma knit her eyebrows. "Rather…I don't think they will. After all, it isn't very often that a man visits the guild headquarters so they can be somewhat overbearing. Should any of them give you a hard time, let me know and I'll have them straightened out as soon as possible."

"Got it. Thanks…umm…"

She smiled once more, knowingly.

"Just Uma is fine."

"Thanks Uma." He beamed in turn.

"Since you are Amata's guest, I'm sure you must be wondering where she is. She tends to be a heavy sleeper, so it'll still be some time before she wakes. Feel free to take a look around, stay in the recreation room or eat in the dining hall with the others. If you need a guide, I can have one of the girls escort you."

"Oh! No need to go through the trouble. I'll hang out in the dining hall until Amata's up."

"I see. It was a pleasure speaking with you TJ." At those words she placed her hands together and bowed to him once more.

He raised a hand almost instinctively, but instead placed them together and bowed before walking away. Uma gently laughed as he hurried into the corridor.

He made his way through the corridor and into the dining hall to find four girls crowding the kitchen area, each of them talking amongst each other while doing a variety of tasks. One of them lifted her head and caught a glimpse of him before she stormed out of the kitchen and sprinted towards him.

"W-wait if you run like that we're gonna-" Before he could finish his sentence, she threw herself at him and tackled him to the ground.

The two skidded to a halt and she rubbed her face against his with a look of satisfaction.

"Are you a new girl? You have to be a new girl! You're so small and cute! Can I take you home?" She asked as she continued.

Her light purple strands of hair brushed his cheek and though he had all the intention to clear up the misconception she had about his gender, the throbbing he felt across his entire torso and the dizziness from his collision with the floor made it much more difficult than he would have liked.

"Kanta," One of the other girls shouted. "If you keep glomping all of the new recruits you'll scare them away!"

"But Nia gets to play with all the new girls…" Kanta muttered sullenly.

"But we're not the guild master," another answered.

"Fiiiiiine." At those words Kanta removed herself from him and offered him a hand. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to hurt you."

Kanta was a tall girl with a slender body, deep crimson eyes and a bright smile. Much to TJ's surprise however, she wore a pink negligee and nothing else, as far as he could tell.

He averted his eyes as he took her hand.

"T-that's okay. Thanks," he answered sheepishly.

One of the other girls approached, a young woman with jet black hair and turquoise eyes. She wore a plain white nightgown and tiger slippers.

"I had to see this new girl for myself and I've gotta agree, she is cute. Nia sure knows how to pick 'em huh?" She said as she approached and crossed her arms.

"T-thanks." At this juncture he felt unsure whether or not he should clear up the misunderstanding or just go with the flow.

For a man to be among women in such a state of undress was not something he felt would be acceptable regardless of where on Jienda he was, but after getting dragged into the girls' sleepover he was beginning to have second thoughts. Either he ran into odd people, or he was the odd one for being accepted in such circumstances.

"She's a keeper huh, Sumati?" Kanta asked as she looked over her shoulder to the other girl.

She turned back to TJ and grinned.

"You must be from a different city huh? We'll treat you well and teach you all you need to know about Ves, so with that said, welcome to Nia's harem!" She outstretched her arms grandly before Sumati rapped her on the head with her hand.

"Don't call it a harem. That's a giant taboo for the recruits."

"I mean, welcome to Devotion." Kanta muttered as she rubbed the top of her head. "Though we didn't get your name, let alone who recruited you."

"Well to be honest I'm not actually a recruit…I belong to another guild." He pointed to his Yggdrasil badge and they traded puzzled looks.

"My name is TJ, and Amata brought me here because we got attacked yesterday. Probably because this was the safest place to be. Thankfully the fanatics didn't come here." He knit his brows slightly. "Though she did mention that it's unusual for you guys to have guests, so I'm sorry for intruding like this."

They looked to each other in disbelief, then back to him. Kanta walked around him, seemingly inspecting him from head to toe before pulling his cheeks and squishing them together.

"This is the Abellan alright," she surmised.

"And how exactly did that help you come to that conclusion? Leaving aside the fact she gave you her name?" Sumati asked with a look of disbelief.

"A cuteness this surreal can't be genetic." There was a confident glint in her eye at those words.

"Anyway let's skip the formalities! Since you've come all this way you need to eat some good food and tell us all about yourself, TJ! Come, come!" She took his hand and dragged him over to one of the tables near the kitchen.

"The little one over there is Padma, and the one who can actually cook is Purnima."

"I'm not little," Padma roared in response.

Of the four, she was definitely substantially smaller than the others. She had deep yellow, almost golden hair tied in a side-tail and violet eyes. She wore floral print pajamas. At Kanta's words she pursed her lips in annoyance, but continued what she was doing unfazed.

"Hi TJ. Things are always a bit crazy around here, but I hope you enjoy your stay all the same." Purnima told him as she prepared the meal.

Purnima was a husky girl with chestnut hair and soft green eyes who had a soft-spoken and calming voice. She wore a dragonfly print night dress.

"Come on and sit down TJ! We've got a ton of questions for you!" Kanta said as she patted the seat by her at the table.

He took the seat across from her, as sitting next to her on their first meeting was likely too high a hurdle for him to overcome. Despite the fact, she did not seem bothered by it at all. Sumati sat next to her and the two watched him solemnly for a few moments.

"So, where are you from?" Kanta asked.

"Where I'm from…"

He pondered the question for a moment. He was not Asgardian, nor did he come from any of the continents on Midgard, let alone the cities. If his memories were correct, he came from the gate. Though Velvet had said that it was inhabited by the Einherjars—what was his relationship with them? Was he potentially one of them, also? He set the thought aside at the realization now was not the time for questioning his origins.

"Beyond the gate," he answered.

They did not bat an eye at his response.

"So you said Amata brought you here?" Sumati asked. "She usually keeps her distance, except for when it comes to missions. I take it you two are here for some reason other than you wanting to join Devotion?"

He nodded.

"Our goal is to go to Mezzalone. I want to help her complete God's Governor Rayinth's trial so she can receive his blessing."

"Being the Abellan is tough isn't it? It seems like you have to do so much running around and dungeon raiding…" Kanta muttered as she closed her eyes.

"I-it's not so bad! It can be a tad busy, but you meet a lot of interesting people and see a lot too!"

Sumati smiled slightly.

"An optimist huh? That's a rare trait these days."

"I have a question!" Padma said as she leaned over the counter and all eyes turned to her. "I heard from Amata that you were a boy! Can you switch between genders or something TJ?"

He gave her a puzzled look at the question.

He was not even sure if the Agasura could pull off such a feat.

"Well…I am. Though I can't switch genders! I mean, are there people that can?!"

The two at the table laughed and Padma furrowed her brows.

Now that the truth came to light TJ had suspected that he would be ousted for being among them, but for some reason or another that moment did not come. Much to his surprise, they continued on with their discussion, albeit about that topic specifically.

"I've heard that's been a hot topic among those who attended the summit," Sumati said to her companion.

"More like one of them! Seeing the queen in an Abio Rangers uniform? I've never seen the show before, but that's a sight I would pay to see," Kanta laughed.

She turned back to TJ afterwards.

"We can't ignore the guest of honour though. So TJ, are you and Amata hitting it off or what?"

He tilted his head quizzically and Sumati explained that it was an idiom for getting along. He smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, we are. When we first met we had a rough start, but now that we've gotten a lot closer I think she's really kind."

"Sounds like puppy love!"

"Slow down, you can't forget this is the Amata we're talking about here. It's not that easy to get into her good books. Anything past that is uncharted territory," Sumati added.

At those words the God's Governor stepped into the hall with a wicked case of bedhead and plain maroon pyjamas.

"Would you two stop spreading weird rumous?! I knew you would start telling TJ unnecessary junk when I took my eyes off of you for a minute!" Amata snarled from across the room.

"You two better get out of my sight before I get Uma on your case!"

"How terrifying." Sumati snickered as she and Kanta hurried back into the kitchen.

"Don't provoke her too much! That dorm mom might put me on probation if I get into trouble again," Kanta added.

Amata sighed as she sat down and patted her hair with frustration.

"Jeez! I didn't even have enough time to get ready because I knew someone would be causing trouble for me!" She muttered before giving in to the bedhead.

TJ laughed gently.

"Don't mind it too much. You and I are in the same situation."

He pointed to his hair, splayed all over and completely unlike his usual straight hair.

She grinned at the sight.

"In spite of it all, you could actually pull off the bedhead."

"You think so?"

That was a first. He could not imagine going into battle though, as it would be all over the place.

"Is it getting hot in here or is it just me?" Kanta asked as she fanned herself.

"I can make it hotter if you like. It can get plenty hotter actually." Amata said as she rose to her feet.

A flame was ignited in the palm of her hand and she wore a maniacal grin.

"Don't let her get to you Amata. She just likes to invoke your ire," Purnima told her.

"Hmm." Amata exhaled through her nose and extinguished the flame by closing her palm. "Well whatever."

She sat back down and leaned her chin on her hand.

"I take it neither of those two took the time to explain anything about our guild huh?"

He placed a finger to his chin as he mulled it over.

"Well they did say it was a harem."

Amata covered her face with her hands.

"Idiots! I'm surrounded by idiots!"

"TJ, whatever those two say, ignore them. Especially Kanta!"

"Mean!" Kanta complained from the other side of the counter.

"You're completely guilty," Amata sighed afterwards. "Please tell me you learned something of worth this morning."

"Uma taught me about greetings and stuff!" He said excitedly before he showed her.

Her face flushed slightly and she averted her eyes.

"That…you don't need to do that with me. I don't care enough about Ves formalities and stuff. My parents will love that, though.

"A-anyway! Since these useless girls didn't explain anything, let me fill you in on the ins and outs of Devotion at least."

"I'm all ears."

Amata cleared her throat before she eyed the girls in the kitchen warily.

"Devotion is a bit unusual…in a lot of respects. Originally it only consisted of girls, so right now there's about 135 girls and…maybe 10 guys? I think? We're gonna reach the maximum amount of members again soon."

TJ blinked in disbelief.

"The reason being was that we live in a pretty hostile world, you know. It can be dangerous regardless of gender, but girls are more prone to all sorts of harassment. The Cerebians aside, even Humans in Ves faced struggles like homelessness, lack of employment…those sorts of things. It's a vicious and unending cycle and one that still is a problem to this very day.

"Nia's goal was to remedy that somewhat. Following our escape from Asgard, a lot of people who came down to Jienda had nowhere to take refuge. Some had families or homes in Ves and Mezzalone already, if not relatives who had come before them. Some took refuge with strangers, but there was more of us than there were places to house us…and like everything else, it all costs money."

She placed a hand to her chin as she furrowed her brows.

"Sadly, that's something even a God's Governor can't change. It's hard to watch, but it's even harder to look away."

She shook it off.

"Anyway, Nia founded Devotion before this happened and started taking up quests to raise money to fund her cause. As it grew in size, she bought this building and made it into her guild's headquarters. She gained renown through her actions, people joined and the guild grew in numbers. As it grew more, she built additional wings to the headquarters and expanded the guild's size by visiting Elias and recruiting more people.

"Nowadays the guild houses both Cerebians and Humans, so we have to be secretive around certain members. To that end, certain members remain in Mezzalone since everyone can't go there. Still, the guild headquarters doesn't just house guild members. Those without work of varying ages also take up jobs here. Housekeeping and stuff, teaching, lab work, all sorts of junk. There's a bulletin board in the recreation room that has jobs and quests specifically for Devotion that our members are free to browse.

"Truth be told, a lot of our members are people Nia picked up off the street. We have members from a variety of walks of life, some that double as adventurers. They lend their knowledge to those seeking their help and through their teachings people can acquire the skills they need to make their way in life. Because of that, we often see a lot of people that come and go."

"That's really kind of Nia." TJ said as he smiled with flushed cheeks. "But isn't it a little lonely? To see all those people you come to know leave?"

"You're asking the wrong girl TJ," Kanta said from within the kitchen.

"Shut up! Nobody asked you," Amata snarled.

"But you keep your distance from everybody, Amata and you won't tell any of us why," Padma added as she knit her brows.

"I…" She pursed her lips and furrowed her brows. "I don't have the time to be getting chummy with people. I have duties to fulfill and whatever missions need me, those are my top priorities. A God's Governor has a duty to the people within their jurisdiction and to the world before all else."

Purnima walked over to the window and leaned on it.

"I think you may be pushing yourself too hard, Amata. I can't say I understand what being a God's Governor consists of, but you shouldn't force yourself to carry such a heavy burden all alone," she told her.

"Thanks for your concern, but it's alright. I can manage just fine."

She intertwined her fingers and glimpsed at the Abellan for a moment before her cheeks flushed slightly.

"B-besides, it's not like I'm alone anymore. He may not look like much, but I have TJ backing me on this journey.

"If I complete this trial and eventually become a true God's Governor, I'm sure with that strength I'll be able to protect everyone."

She clenched her fists with a look of confidence.

"You're so cool Ammy!" Kanta said as she swooned.

"D-don't call me Ammy! Only Nia does that and even then I don't like it!"

"Nia is really…really…" TJ's eyes began to swim as his cheeks flushed.

"Touchy-feely?" Padma asked.

"You get used to it TJ, she's like that with everyone, especially the new girls," Sumati added.

"She's everybody's mom," Purnima told them with a gentle chuckle.

"That just about sums it up. She turned the guild hall into a dorm and put Uma in charge as the dorm matriarch. Our guild master is a bit of a free spirit." Amata chuckled dryly as she twirled her finger through her hair.

"That's why I called it Nia's harem," Kanta muttered through pursed lips, her hands behind her head.

"Don't say misleading things!" Amata roared as she stood back up.

"Eek!" Kanta mock screamed as she took cover.

"Alright you girls that's enough fighting. You can continue after, because I'm serving breakfast right now," Purnima said.

"Padma, Sumati, Kanta, I'm counting on you guys to get everything prepared.

"TJ, I hope you'll join us for breakfast. There's plenty to go around, so help yourself to seconds."

"Sounds good. Thanks!" He answered with a grin.

After breakfast the duo had changed and made their final preparations before they made up their minds to set out. Nia tied TJ's hair up and gave a nod of approval to her handiwork.

"That should do just fine. You look magnificent again today too, TJ." The guild master said as she arose from the step she sat on just behind him in the foyer.

"Thanks Nia, and sorry for the trouble." TJ told her as he smiled sheepishly.

"Think nothing of it. Lending cute girls a hand is a hobby for me," she answered.

"But I'm a boy…" He muttered under his breath as he averted his gaze and smiled wryly.

"If you say so!" She smiled cheerfully, knowingly.

"Sorry for the wait TJ." Amata said as she made her way down the stairs, a rucksack on her back. "I really need to get a bigger bag. Trying to cram things in this one takes forever."

"No problem," he replied.

As she made her way down the stairs Nia awaited her at the bottom and hugged her from behind as she made her way towards the door. The God's Governor wore a defeated expression as Nia's embrace grew tighter.

"Nia…it's hot…" Amata groaned.

"I need to embrace you before you go off on a dangerous journey. It could be weeks before I see you again, Ammy," she answered.

"I won't be gone that long. It'll be a few days at most before we finish this, so don't worry so much."

"A few days is a long time…"

"Nia!"

"Okay, okay…" She said as she released her and fixed her wrinkled clothes. "I know you don't want me to embarrass you in front of the Abellan."

"This and that are two very different things!"

The guild master laughed gently at the response.

"Before you guys run off you might wanna take this!" Kanta said as she ran down the stairs with what seemed to be a cowl.

"Take this with you too. It's a long journey on foot, so having a proper meal to eat will do you worlds of good. It's just leftovers but I hope it'll fill you both up." Purnima added as she emerged from the kitchen.

TJ put down his things and Kanta helped put the cowl on him while Purnima found space in his bag to fit the extra meals.

"With this, the chances that someone will recognize you are super low!" Kanta said with a look of confidence. "Besides, we heard from Nia what happened yesterday. Watch out for those weirdoes, okay?

"You'd better keep him safe Ammy, or you're gonna have to deal with big sister!" She pounded her chest with her fist and Amata glared in response.

"You're not cut out to be anyone's big sister Kanta, least of all TJ's," she sneered.

"They'll be fine, I'm sure. Ammy can handle herself, and we've already brought in their assailants. We'll be sure to get some information out of them, so you two make sure to get to Mezzalone safely." Nia said as she gave them both a pat on the shoulder.

"Keep your wits about you in the Jungle, children. The Agasura have become much more violent of late and I'm sure that it too, has become a much more dangerous place to be." Uma added from behind the desk.

"We'll be alright. Thanks guys, for everything.

"TJ, let's get moving. We should aim to be about halfway, if not more by nightfall." Amata told him as she craned her neck to give him an acknowledging nod.

"Right. Thanks everyone! See you again! Probably," TJ told them.

He picked up his things and bowed out as they did the same for him and wished the two well on their journey.

Ves seemed to be a completely different place during the daytime. The city was bustling with people flitting about hither and thither. Some flocked to certain locations, including one nearby that was closed off by the city's guard. The sun was high in the sky but as one would expect from a city so close to the desert city of Elfa, the heat was intense.

TJ held a hand up to the sky and let the light trickle through his fingers so he could see ahead of him.

In spite of everything, it was a beautiful day, and he had walked by a series of people without drawing attention to himself, potentially thanks to the cowl Kanta gave him. Was his pink hair truly his bane?

Following Amata's lead they walked past the crowd of people who clamoured to see what had happened just down the stret from Devotion's guild hall. TJ vaguely recalled something happened at the time—Amata had summoned Bharva for some reason or another. The massive, scaled beast coiled around its master was unmistakable, but by that point even with Amata shouting he could hardly make out her muddled words with her dragon companion. The fact that he could not understand Bharva only added to the difficulty of understanding what she had said then.

"Did something happen here, Amata?" He asked.

"It's nothing you need to worry over," she answered hurriedly.

She began walking at a faster pace and he sped up into a stride to not fall behind.

As the two walked through the street TJ saw street vendors hawking their wares from carpets, some buying and selling, even haggling down the prices. There were plenty of citizens who wore colourful outfits like that Amata had worn at the summit. To think that it was an everyday outfit surprised him, but the greater question it raised was why Amata had such a dislike of it.

He decided to set it aside for the time being. Though Ves was an ordinary city like any other, it did not mean that he was in any less danger than before. Fanatics could be right around the corner and awaiting an opportunity to strike him down, so he needed to keep his wits about him. That aside, the sooner the two got out of the city, the sooner he would be able to consider himself safe. Humanity was not his enemy, but he was certainly theirs.

As they neared the outskirts of the city, it seemed that they had left the marketplace and entered more of a residential district.

Though much of it was unfamiliar to him in terms of design, he could recognize the town portal tent anywhere. It was something he had taken notice of in every city he had been in, and though he had never used it himself he felt that his assumption of it's purpose based on the name was accurate. To have both it and warp crystals, it must have used something else to allow users to transport between cities, but not to just any Iris Stone.

As they continued on further the buildings ended and all that remained was the concrete path that eventually crumbled away into nothing but dirt, followed by grass and trees. Beyond where they were, there was still a dirt path but the way ahead was obscured by brush and trees.

"It looks like we're finally out of the eyes of the public. I suppose you could say it's safer out here than it is in the heart of the city but…even so I still have my doubts," Amata said.

"About?" TJ asked with a hint of curiosity.

She turned to him and knit her eyebrows.

"I doubt that the fanatics would attack in daylight…but out here, there aren't really any people to get in the way or city guards to capture them. I dunno if they'd attack us this far away but just in case, don't let your guard down okay? I'll keep an eye out in case for anything suspicious." She smiled slightly. "I don't mean to freak you out. If you see a bush rustling or something don't panic, it's probably just an animal."

He grinned slightly. "No problem. I think it'd be pretty hard to mistake a grown man or woman for an animal though."

"Right?" She laughed. "Well whatever happens, at least I won't have to hold back as much as I did then. We've just gotta make sure to put out any fires before we move on. It's my biggest concern about fighting in the jungle."

"You can count on me for that." He offered her a thumbs-up.

"Where would I be without my wizard in sparkly robes?" She asked with a chuckle.

The two stepped into the brush and took their first steps into the Jungle. As TJ had expected, it was nothing short of colourful. Tropical birds flitted through the skies and all sorts of unfamiliar animals climbed and hung from the trees. The flora was even more baffling and unfamiliar than that which he saw when they had made their way past Orca Beach. That aside, the trees were tall like those he had seen in the Forest just past Belos. How Jienda grew trees of such height he had not the foggiest, but it was no less incredible.

While TJ looked around, Amata climbed down a ladder to one of the lower levels of the Jungle. Once she reached it she waved him over. He climbed down after her and watched solemnly as she eyed the area cautiously.

"Something on your mind Amata?" He asked.

"Yeah actually. Something's weird here." She muttered as she furrowed her brows. "Typically this area is inhabited by Agasura called Bukuri, but there's not a one in sight. I mean, it's possible that someone cleared them out before we got here, but there's no sign that anyone was here recently, let alone that a battle occurred."

TJ looked around the surrounding area and ahead of them before he caught a glimpse of a pillar of smoke rising in the distance.

"There's smoke coming from over there. Do you think that's where the battle is happening?" TJ asked as he pointed to it.

"Smoke? Bastards!"

She ran ahead and hopped onto a small landing before she spread her wings. Two beautiful feathered appendages emerged from her back moments before she leapt into the air with a single powerful beat.

"I'm going to scout it out TJ!"

At those words she disappeared over a nearby ridge and TJ found himself at a loss. He looked for a rope or ladder to pursue her, but found neither available to him. There was however, another path that lead into the lower sections of the Jungle, but proved to be exactly where he did not want to be.

"How am I supposed to get up there?" He muttered as he scanned the surrounding area.

If he had any acrobatic ability, he could climb the tree and jump from a branch on to the landing to pursue the God's Governor. On the other hand, if he returned to where they began, he could jump from the landing to the trees and make his way across that way. One wrong move however and he would find himself with nothing short of a few broken bones.

"You're hopeless without me." Su said as she emerged from the Heart of Yggdrasil and rolled her shoulders. She hopped on the spot, cracked her knuckles and spread her wings. "Watch and learn!"

She ran towards the tree and ran a few steps up the trunk before she leapt from it. She soared towards the ridge and used it to jump once more. As she neared the tree trunk once more she used her wings to backflip onto the branch and landed with perfect accuracy.

"Well? Come on."

"Both you and Amata are incredible in your own ways." He answered as he looked up to her from far below. "I don't have either of your abilities."

She sighed, "ugh…fine."

She sat down on the branch before she leaned backwards and hung on with her legs, her arms outstretched.

He took a deep breath as he spread his own wings.

One good jump and he would be able to reach her.

He got a running start and ran towards the tree trunk. He managed to rise a couple steps and leapt from it before he fell away. As he soared through the air he looked to Su and backflipped once more towards the tree. Using it as a jumping point again he bounded from it just high enough to grab onto his companion's hands and used his own momentum to get her to swing.

"I'm gonna count it down!" She shouted to him as she swung back and forth. "Three...two…one…go!"

She let go of his hands and he flipped through the air towards the top of the ridge. His body turned over in the air but he lacked the movement to be close to an upright landing and found himself on the verge of landing face-first into the grass. In a last ditch attempt to correct his landing he used his wings to extend his ascent, to which it did somewhat, turning his body over and causing his feet to narrowly touch the ground. In place of that, as they brushed against the grass his body continued to turn over and he fell on his back before he skidded to a halt.

"Urrgh…" He groaned as he gripped his head.

"Nice landing loser!" Su laughed as she caught up with him.

He was getting better, but he still lacked practice. He should have added that to his list during his off time with Peorth. Perhaps he let his confidence following their adventure in the Gourmet's Valley get the better of him.

He picked himself up from the ground and dusted himself off before he lowered the cowl.

"I'd scold you about laughing at me but that can wait. Whatever's out there, Amata's fighting it and she could really use our help. Let's go!"

"Don't need to tell me twice."

As they went further in TJ caught a glimpse of a series of tiny people—hot air balloons, archers and cannons all firing at a group of knee-high people dressed in leaves, wielding spears and boomerangs. They had short, curly red hair and wore painted shells for masks. All of that aside, they seemed to be engaged in battle with Amata!

"Amata! Are you alright?!" TJ shouted to her.

"I'm fine, but these guys have us seriously outnumbered! Come down here and give me a hand, would you?"

Before he could even turn to Su she leapt from where they stood, right into the heart of the battle. He climbed down the nearest ladder he could before he pursued the God's Governors.

"Giants!" One of the Lilliputian soldiers cried out.

In response to it a group of soldiers turned their cannons towards TJ as he neared and he raised his hands in surrender.

"It's alright guys, they're here to help!" Amata shouted as she locked weapons with one of Bukuri.

Su flipped over her head and brought a foot down on it before dealing a fatal blow with her dagger.

"But aren't those…Humans…?" TJ asked with a look of surprise.

"There are some humanoid Agasura around the jungle and in the Ktuka Ruins! If you see any like this, don't be fooled!"

The other Bukuri started shouting in their own tongues and more approached. They surrounded the group and had them pinned together in a small circle, the three Cerebians on the outskirts of it.

"TJ!"

"I got it!" TJ drew his guitar and raised a hand. "Doctrine of the Warden!"

As he began to play a massive shield erected itself around them moments before a torrent of boomerangs were hurled their way. When the majority of them had been thrown TJ lowered the barrier and the God's Governors went on the offensive.

TJ eyed his surroundings cautiously. There was not much time for him to act, but if the Lilliput soldiers could cover his side he could provide enhancements for his allies.

"Cover me please!"

He began to play his song as the archers took the vanguard from him and began to fire arrows. Some of the Bukuri approached with their spears drawn but found themselves repelled by the cannonballs from the artillery units.

"Dragon Dive," Amata roared.

From above his head a figure wrapped in flames soared down towards the Bukuri before him and blew them back with a head-on collision. Within the blast Amata emerged and hid her wings upon touching the ground. She bashed a thrown spear aside before she raised a hand skyward.

A series of flames surrounded her before she shouted, "Ten Flames!"

They all went off like a series of bombs and the Bukuri fell quickly.

TJ finished his song and quickly made his way to her side to encounter an incoming Bukuri. As he skidded to a halt he blocked its spear with his guitar and shoved it back before pointing towards it.

"Hailstorm!" A series of icicles were launched in its direction and quickly made a bloody target of it.

"Thanks for having my back TJ!" Amata said beaming.

"Anytime," He answered.

"Less flirting, more fighting!" Su roared as she hit the ground like a missile and skidded to a halt, causing it to rise in waves before her. The Bukuri were flung through the air and she created a frozen bow. She let fly a couple of arrows and dispersed the weapon to turn around and stomp the ground once more, rupturing the earth on her other side.

Amata spread her wings once more before she took flight and held a hand skyward. "Scorn!" She closed her fist upon the flame before she hurled it to the group caught in the aperture Su created in which they all were burned alive.

"Only four left!" TJ shouted as he followed in the wake of a bomb thrown by a soldier riding what seemed to be a Puwagra.

As it burst in the face of the Bukuri he followed it up with a punt and spread his wings. He dashed after it and leapt into the air. He spun once as he performed a double-jump and placed an arm beneath the other.

"Radiant Blast!" A jet of light was fired from the palm of his hand and the Bukuri was launched back towards the ground. He landed and held a hand skyward as water took form and froze into an icy spear. He hurled it with all his might and it pierced the Agasura's chest.

"That should do it. Three to go!"

"Reel 'em in!" Amata shouted to Su as she took the focus of one of the Bukuri and her companion the other.

"Fine, I'll help," Su added.

The Governor of Earth somersaulted out of the way of a boomerang before she rose to her feet and flipped over a stab of the Bukuri's spear. She placed both feet to its mask and leapt off of it, causing it to stumble into the other focused on Amata.

The Governor of Fire leapt from where she stood with an increased height courtesy of her powers and placed both hands downward before she unleashed her next attack.

"Falcon Torrent!" A series of flames rained down upon the Bukuri and kept her suspended in mid-air for a time.

In a series of bombs and arrows the last Bukuri stumbled away before TJ approached with his guitar. With one fell swing he bashed it over the head and the sound of bones cracking beneath the weight of his weapon signalled the end of the battle.

"Job well done guys," TJ said with a bright grin. He walked off to put out the remnants of flames and correct any earth that was out of place.

Amata sheathed her staff and sighed. "As always, something's off around here."

She approached the group of Lilliputian soldiers and crouched down to get a better look at them. "My name is Amata Seitz." She knit her brows. "I suppose you could say I'm the keeper of this region. What happened that had you guys leave Lilliput?"

One of the Puwagra riders drifted over to Amata. "The Bukuri have become severely aggressive of late. They've set fire to the Jungle, to the woodheads and even the trents, and the smoke has been leaking into Lilliput!" He cried out desperately. "We don't know the cause or the reason, but we came to put a stop to it before they set our city ablaze too."

Amata furrowed her brows. "They've been igniting the Agasura? Also, none of the adventurers had anything to do with this?

"But the Bukuri shouldn't have any access to euipment or powers that allow them the use of fire. Their tactics aside, these ones seem to be more or less normal."

"I agree, but we all think there are more of them out there. Our vanguard went ahead, and we've sent three scouting parties to find them, but none have returned as of yet. Whatever's out there, we think that they're engaged in combat with them, and the Bukuri you saw here were those that escaped the battle."

"So there are others out there that may still need our help…" Amata rose to her feet. "Is it possible that the Hotkuri and the Fikkuri left the Ktuka Underworld?" She shook her head rapidly. "Now's really not the time to be throwing ideas around.

"TJ, Su, we need to investigate this!"

"O-okay!" TJ said as he ran over to regroup with her.

"Good. I've been itching for a good fight. Watching you two stuff your face and have nice little chitchats for the past day has been getting on my nerves." Su answered as she crossed her arms.

Amata turned back to the soldier.

"Which direction did your vanguard go?"

The soldier pointed and she squinted to see but could not see him properly.

"South-west, if I recall correctly.

"We're thankful that you came to our aid, but there are still others fighting out here that need your help so please, hurry! We'll mobilize and make our way over there as soon as possible!"

She nodded solemnly.

"No, it's fine, I understand. You two, let's get going. Where we're headed is roughly in the direction of Mezzalone, so let's get there and put an end to the Bukuri hostilities."

The group continued on through the Jungle cautiously and quietly. Amata kept a keen eye for any signs of the battle, and as they struggled to get through the tall brush and past the trees the aftermath of the battles came into view.

Multiple pillars of smoke, ever-burning flames and the unmistakable stench of death.

"Hurry you two!" The Governor of Fire shouted as she ran ahead.

What lay ahead began to seem less like a battle and more like a one-sided slaughter. Broken cannons, downed Puwagras and more bodies and bloodstains than any of them could count. Even so, the engagement still raged on with the last of the Lilliputian soldiers fighting against a horde of Bukuri, and among them one that stood tall—taller than that of the average man, of the three that arrived and commanded the others from a throne carried by four Bukuri.

Like the others, it wore a garment of leaves wrapped around its waist. It had the same dark skin tone and its face obscured, but not by a shell—in place of it, it wore a wooden mask with an ecstatic face painted on. Upon the mask were a series of colourful feathers, the neck, a necklace made of fangs and the wrists and ankles bands made of shells. It carried a gnarled wooden staff in one hand, likely taller than the wielder itself. Upon its rotund body were a series of crimson markings and it cackled loudly as the soldiers fell to the onslaught of fire and spears.

Amata stepped forward ahead of the two and looked on in disbelief.

"What the hell is that? A Bukuri Chieftain?" She asked.

"Hell if we know! This is your region after all, so you tell us," Su sneered.

"I would if I knew! I've never seen this Agasura before!"

"Guys, let's not argue right now." TJ said as he gestured for the two to calm down. "The fact still stands that the Lilliputians need our help, so let's join in the fight right away."

Amata sighed as she drew her staff.

"You're right. There's no time for this. Let's go, you two!"

At her words the Abellan nodded and the Governor of Earth shrugged before they followed her into battle.

"Your reign stops here, Kuri Chieftain!" The governor of Fire snarled before she slammed her staff down.

Her declaration alongside their sudden arrival created a temporary lull in the battle that allowed for the Liliput soldiers to retreat somewhat.

The bukuri and their chieftain all turned to the group solemnly for a few moments before the leader began issuing commands to them. Without a moment to spare, a cacophony of war cries signalled the start of their engagement and Bukuri by the dozens stormed towards them.

"You two ready?" Amata asked as she took up a battle stance.

"I'll do my best," TJ said as he drew his guitar.

"I was born ready." Su said as she drew her dagger and grinned devilishly.

"Leave no survivors!" Amata roared as she spread her wings and took off.

"Just the way I like it!"

TJ swallowed hard. "Here we go! Ice Shield!" With a single strum of his guitar he raised a finger skyward and a mist-like substance surrounded him and his allies.

"Vulcan Rain," Amata roared.

She came to a halt for a moment before she dashed through the skies. A series of fireballs rained down on the Bukuri as she made her way directly towards the chieftain.

"I guess you and I were thinking the same thing huh?" Su asked as her grin grew wider.

She placed her left hand to her wrist.

"Freezing Wave!"

She fired a beam of freezing liquid and as it passed through the Bukuri a series of them were frozen the moment it touched them.

"Catch, losers!"

She stomped the ground before her and the earth cracked and arose. She pulled a foot back and kicked it with the bottom of her shoe, launching it forward and shattering any frozen Bukuri in its wake. She stormed after it and made her way directly towards the chieftain alongside Amata.

"Guys! Don't do anything reckless! Also try not to get surrounded!" TJ shouted to them before he eyed his surroundings.

For once, he was glad the surrounding area was split apart. There were roughly six different platforms the Bukuri inhabited, and the chieftain was surrounded by some at the highest point. Where he, Su and the others were currently was the lowest level of land, and so their forces were split up. Though it would be hard to keep up with his allies due to his lack of acrobatic ability and moreso flight, he could help the wounded soldiers escape.

The bukuri that were too low to defend the chieftain pursued the wounded Lilliputians and TJ immediately spread his wings to go to their aid. As he ran through the jungle he forced his way through brush and other flora alike before he tripped over a root and got a face-full of dirt. He picked himself up from the ground and wiped his face before he looked to the escaping soldiers once more. Those who still had arms to fight with defended their wounded comrades, but there was not much time before the bukuri caught up with them to finish what they had begun.

The Abellan took a deep breath. There was no way he could reach them in time on foot alone with all of the potential obstacles in his way. He looked skyward and glimpsed the sun through the leaves of the trees. To protect his allies, he had to go beyond what he believed himself capable of. He got a running start and leapt towards one of the trees to launch himself towards a branch. Unlike Su, he could not swing himself onto it, but he used his momentum to swing from it and flip through the air to land on another. Shortly after he lost his balance, but used his wings to ascend high enough to grab onto a hanging vine and climb across it. He dropped to another branch and hopped from it to another nearby.

He placed a hand to the trunk to steady himself and take a few breaths. He was not far off. If he could get into the next four trees he would be just above the wounded soldiers. At this juncture, the bukuri were close enough to throw boomerangs and spears at the defending Lilliputians. As he watched one of the spears pierce a Puwagra and it get launched away as the air exited the balloon, he grit his teeth. Time was of the essence.

He crouched down and leapt to the next tree. From there he hopped to a lower branch and jumped twice to reach one of the higher branches. He squinted to gauge the distance to his final destination and jumped down towards it.

The time to strike back had come.

He drew his guitar, took a breath and raised a single hand.

He rapidly began to strum it as he shouted, "twenty-five Arrows of Light!"

The small arcane spheres surrounded him and followed in his wake as he sheathed his weapon and leapt into the air.

His body twisted as he jumped a second time and aimed his right foot out before him.

"Starfall!"

At the apex of his ascent he began his descent like a comet and hit the ground within a burst of light. His memories obtained after the Gourtmet's Valley included a follow-up spell that he could utilize.

"Ascension!"

He lowered both his hands to his side and he emitted a blinding light and levitated on the spot. It surrounded him like an extending sphere and repulsed the bukuri within range while healing the Lilliputians.

"Go!"

He shouted as he touched down and his arrows surged past him and pelted his incoming adversaries.

He felt almost certain his spells would be more effective had he awakened his powers with the Heart of Yggdrasil, but conserving mana to assist his allies would come first for now. He would only resort to that if the need arised, but without the Frequency he had confidence that he could protect the Lilliput soldiers.

He clenched a fist and drew his guitar as the bukuri approached, likely cursing him in their native tongue.

"I'll take on all of you, so come! I will protect everyone!" He snarled as he pointed his weapon at them.

"Dragon Dive!" Amata roared as she launched herself towards the chieftain.

He arose from his throne and slammed his staff down before he pointed it at Amata. A torrent of thunder surged forth and clashed with her descent, forcing her out of her stance and to land.

"Gh!" She groaned as electricity crackled through her body and paralyzed her briefly.

A pair of bukuri took to the chieftain's side and raised their masks slightly as they inhaled deeply. Without further ado they blew a torrent of flames her way and she desperately attempted to defend herself with her weapon.

"What're you doing idiot?!" Su roared as she leapt into the air behind her with a massive iceberg backing her.

Her body turned as she kicked it and it shattered to pieces.

"Shattered Berg!"

The multitude of shards of ice rained down upon the landing—those that lodged themselves in between Amata and the bukuri took the heat of the flames and left only melted chunks in their wake.

The Governor of Fire lowered her weapon as the steam passed and said, "I owe you one."

Much to her surprise the Governor of Earth flipped onto the landing from below and hurled two shards of ice into the hearts of the bukuri before them.

"Yeah you do!"

When the steam cleared, the duo caught a glimpse of a barrier of flames that protected the kuri chieftain from Su's spell. He slammed his staff down once more and the bukuri that carried his throne placed it down. Wordlessly, he pointed to the two and the bukuris began to chant and dance.

"Don't let your guard down!" Amata said as she took up a defensive stance.

"What're they gonna do? Blow fire at us?" Su sneered.

The four stood side-by-side, two on each side of the chieftain and the moment they pointed their spears, a wind tunnel surged forth and pushed the two from where they stood and into a group of bukuri on a lower platform. Su managed to keep her balance and skidded to a halt while Amata collapsed upon some of the others and just barely managed to hang on.

Su raised a finger skyward before she swept her hand in a wide arc.

"Hailstorm," she roared.

A series of icicles took form around her and launched in every direction, piercing those unfortunate enough to be in direct sight of them.

"I could use a hand!" Amata shouted to her comrade who turned with a glare.

"I know, I kno-geh!"

She stumbled back as a boomerang collided with her face. She placed a hand to the spot it hit and had one of her legs impaled as she faltered.

"Goddamn little shits!"

One of the bukuri stepped on Amata's fingers and she lost her grip on the landing. As she began her sudden descent she spread her wings and narrowly managed to right herself before she took to the skies, out of the reach of her adversaries.

"These Agasura are way stronger than they used to be…"

She kissed her teeth in her annoyance before she set her sights back on the chieftain.

Take out the leader, and the chain of command would be lost. The quickest way to victory.

She glanced to Su who in her fury, performed a sweeping kick and knocked all surrounding enemies down.

"Now you've pissed me off!" She roared before she hurled her dagger into the ground.

She jumped into the air, performed an ascending flip and stomped it into the ground, causing a rift in the landing. After she reclaimed her dagger she leapt from the heads of the bukuri to another landing as the last fell to pieces and crushed those caught in the rubble and those beneath. Without a doubt, Amata need not concern herself for the well-being of the Governor of Earth. Wounded or not, she would find a way to slay her enemies in the most destructive way possible.

She held a hand skywards and clenched a fist on the flame she created. One good Scorn and she would, at the very least, be able to remove the bukuri surrounding the chieftain, or so she thought.

She hurled the spell towards them and they retaliated with a second tunnel of wind. The moment the wind touched it, it burst and the flames were turned against her and carried, creating a flaming typhoon.

The spell launched Amata back and she began a sudden descent to the ground below where she crashed into more of the bukuri. She sheathed her wings and stormed out from between their numbers. She jumped down and hit the ground hard before she rolled over and took cover in the brush for a moment of recovery.

The battle had just begun and she had already suffered a series of wounds. Until she could regroup with TJ, her wings would likely remain too damaged to be of any use. Much to her dismay, the bukuri were much more persistent than she had expected, and they followed her down into the brush of the ground level.

She grit her teeth and closed her eyes.

How was she to defend herself in the Jungle without setting everything ablaze? She cursed her ancestors' decision to put the surrounding region under the Governor of Fire's jurisdiction. Alas, both as its protector and that of the people's she would do what must be done.

TJ took a deep breath as he eyed his surroundings. There were a series of bukuri before him, but the surrounding area had enough openings for others to slip past him and pursue the Lilliputian soldiers. He could not allow them that opportunity. As he caught a glimpse of some running past he took a step forward and outstretched a hand.

"Hailstorm!" He roared and fired a series of icicles both to cut them off and wound them.

Time was of the essence. He had a means to protect them—he just needed to choose. He clenched a fist. With this power…

He placed his hands together before he lowered them to his sides and spun around once.

"Ice Fear!"

The moment he lowered his left hand icicles emerged from the ground between the trees trapping the bukuri in with him and he did so for his right flank with his other hand.

With this power…

He clenched a fist and a bright light took form in it.

"Sunlight!" As he raised it to the sky a blinding sphere of light arose to the sky and burst briefly after, blinding all who had set their eyes on him.

He clapsed his hands together and closed his eyes. "Lend me your aid, Caritas!"

Velvet appeared before him and bashed her mace against her shield before she swung it away. "I'll protect you TJ," She said before she vanished.

Velvet's transparent armour took form upon him as she faded away and he readied his weapon.

"With this power…I won't be defeated by anyone," He roared.

The only place the bukuri could pass through, at least those within eyesight of the Lilliputian soldiers was behind him and if need be he could block that off also. There was no way he would let them get past, however.

The bukuri began arguing amidst themselves before a group of four charged at him. He lunged forward directly at one of their spears before he evaded by turning on the ball of his left heel. Once behind it he bashed it in the back of its head with his guitar before he transitioned into a leaping strike. The second bukuri attempted to defend itself with its spear but his metal guitar split the wooden weapon and struck home.

As he withdrew one of the other bukuri that attempted to get past him struck him with his spear but did not pierce his armour. Before it could withdraw he kicked it in the face and to the ground before he stood over it.

"Hailstorm!" He snarled as a torrent of icicles were fired directly into its mask and pierced through the shell, splashing blood over his pants and shoes.

The last one that had approached continued on and he outstretched his free hand.

"Freezing Wave!"

A beam of freezing ice was fired from it and his hand shot upwards until he cancelled the spell. He could understand why Su used her second hand to steady her aim—the sheer force of it made his hand veer off target.

Putting the thought to rest he dashed after it and leapt towards it to bash the frozen back of the bukuri. With a single hit from his guitar it shattered and the felled creature collapsed to the ground, missing the broken part of its body.

He created two more icicles with Ice Fear and eyed the others that he maintained through his SP, but doing so was quickly draining him. He had to end this engagement quickly because he could only maintain them for so long. If the Lilliputian soldiers escaped, his goal would be accomplished.

As he turned around he caught a glimpse of a boomerang whizzing towards him followed by bukuri. As the weapon neared, the ice shield that surrounded him slowed it down enough for him to step aside and did so for his oncoming adversary. He leapt over the bukuri and somersaulted aside from a second that attempted to impale him. Others quickly followed afterwards and he soon found himself surrounded.

He quickly hopped to his feet and as they lunged at him with spears once more.

He spun on the spot as he shouted, "Hailstone!"

Hailstones rained all around him and stopped their attack while freezing most of them in place.

Those that were out of reach hurled spears, so he spread his wings and took to the trees. He bounded towards one and off of it to avoid the initial attack and found a series of boomerangs colliding with the tree he jumped from. With a boost of his wings he managed to get into a tree branch and clasped his hands together to form a frozen sphere.

"Icy Bomb!" He hurled the sphere to the ground and those that were partially frozen were coated in ice, while those who were not also faced the same fate.

He rose to his feet and channeled a sphere of water which he shaped into a mallet through Caster's Workshop.

"I'll break you!" He snarled as he leapt from where he stood and jumped a second time.

He came down with incredible momentum alongside the force of his swing and slammed the ground, shattering it and all the frozen figures that surrounded him.

As he rose to his feet the icicles from his Ice Fear shattered to pieces as did his mallet and he looked upon the aftermath of the battle. His hands trembled from both the force of his impact and the adrenaline running through his veins.

He needed not the power of the Agasura nor Su to save him. He was definitely getting stronger, and it felt great. But there was still so much room to improve.

He clenched his fist and pumped it with a quiet, "yes!"

Following it, he eyed the rest of the battlefield.

There was no sign of the Lilliputian soldiers, so it seemed they escaped safely, much to his relief. Putting the thought aside, he realized he had not seen any of his comrades since the battle had started.

He made his way through the brush and into the clearing. The sight of all the fallen Lilliputians was hard to take, but he knew he had to press on—the engagement he was in may have ended, but the battle was nowhere near over. He could see the ruins of a landing and the weapons and corpses of bukuri buried within, without a doubt Su's handiwork. Though far, he could see her battling at another place. Despite being outnumbered, she still handled herself well and managed to stave off the bukuri…but where was Amata?

"Amata? Amata where are you?!" TJ shouted as he looked around the battlefield.

He caught a glimpse of the kuri chieftain and some of his followers at the pinnacle of the battlefield, but they seemed to pay him little mind. Where they were looking, however drew his attention. Bukuri by the dozens leapt down from the platforms they once inhabited and scurried into the jungle out of TJ's sight. Was it possible that Amata was somewhere in there? He had to help her!

Without a second thought he spread his wings and leapt into the trees to pursue the bukuri.

Amata crawled out from under the brush and leaned against a tree to catch her breath. She gripped her arm tightly to staunch the pain for a moment and sighed. If she was not the Governor of Fire only God Ah knows what would have become of her after getting caught in that returned spell. She was thankful for her heritage, but she set the thought aside as she acknowledged the fact that now was not the time for such trivial things. She was in a dangerous situation and if she used her powers recklessly she could endanger herself also.

She peeked out from the tree she took cover behind and caught a glimpse of bukuri leaping down from the platform she collapsed upon recently. They likely followed her descent and without a doubt there were more to come. To return the way she came and get out into the clearing, she would need to fight her way past them. On the bright side, for them to come to her meant they were that much further from the chieftain. If she could regroup with TJ they could thin out the numbers and weaken the defense around the leader, making it that much easier to strike him down. She took a deep breath. Running directly there could be reckless…she would have to fight while she escaped.

A bukuri ran past the tree she was hiding behind and she pressed herself against it as she held her breath in hopes that it would not see her, but much to her dismay it turned and began to shout, likely calling the others.

"Gods damn it!" She hissed as she pointed her staff at it and a torrent of flames engulfed it.

As the burned creature fell to the ground the sound of others drew her attention and she knew that at this juncture her only option was to fight. The element of surprise was blown almost immediately.

She dashed out of her hiding place and hopped over a series of brushes before she found herself cut off by more bukuri coming from the clearing. She swore under her breath at the sight. It was worth a shot, but it seemed even if she went away from the path she originally took, they would find her because they had the entire perimeter covered.

Her best bet would be to fight her way out towards where she seperated with the Abellan and regroup. Su was beyond her reach, but if she kept an eye on her back and what lurked ahead, reaching him was not an impossible feat.

It was not long before the bukuri appeared in great numbers in pursuit of her. She lowered her head as a pair of boomerangs whizzed past her followed by a series of spears.

"Back off!" She snarled as she leapt back and skidded to a halt.

She dropped her staff and clapped her hands together, then pulled them apart to create a flaming sphere. She spun as she hurled it into the oncoming group of bukuri.

"Lion's Dance!"

The flaming sphere shot towards them and once it got in range it released a torrent of sparks as it bounced through the air and set her adversaries aflame.

Bukuri stepped into her vision upon both her flanks and she grit her teeth. She could only pick one side to defend! She stole a glimpse to her right and noted they were still approaching. On her left some were readying to hurl spears. A direct attack could stop it.

"Sear!" She shouted as she stretched out a hand.

The ground beneath the three bukuri who attempted to strike her down crumbled apart and a torrent of flames erupted from the aperture.

She spun on the balls of her heels and backed away almost immediately but fumbled her step as a spear pierced her right bicep.

"Shit! Shit, shit, shit!"

She staggered to her full height before she placed her right hand to her left wrist.

"Ember!"

At those words both sparks and flames erupted from her hand with enough force to push the bukuri within range back and set them aflame. Those that followed in their wake were met with a second blast from the God's Governor.

She searched the area and took note that there were no more bukuri in her immediate area. She took to the cover of a tree and some bushes to nurse her wound. She leaned against the tree and let out a sigh as she leaned her head back, then set her eyes to the spear and the wound it created. She took a deep breath as she gripped the spear and dug her fingers into the dirt. She clenched her teeth and held her breath before she ripped the spear from her bicep and let out a brief, but agonized cry. She laid the weapon down and placed a hand to the wound and cauterized it with her magic. She exhaled and groaned gently, but she reminded herself that she had to keep moving.

The Governor of Fire reclaimed her weapon and the spare and continued her escape into the jungle. There were bukuri that made their way into it and she kept her head low. She ran from one tree to the next, dashed into brushes and crawled through them to avoid detection.

As she got to her feet and prepared to sprint, a fireball fell from the sky and crashed to the earth like a mortar. After spending a moment in utter shock, she looked to the smoke trail it left and noted that it had come from where the kuri chieftain was. Much to her dismay, there was much more to those bukuri than any of the others, and they were starting to agitate her. The effect was most likely due to Asmodeus' Dominion and it served as an even greater incentive to deal with the chieftain and succeed in her trial.

Taking note of the location of the attack, the bukuri immediately followed in the wake of it and pursued it. It would be impossible for her to escape them without detection and to take defensive maneuvers now would cause her to stray from the path where TJ was while putting her on the path back towards Ktuka Ruins. She decided she would stay her path and take out any who head her off.

Amata steeled her resolve and leapt over the flames before she broke out into an immediate sprint. Four bukuri took notice of her. Two of them straight ahead, two more on her left flank. The two at her front drew their boomerangs and hurled them. She took cover behind a tree and dropped the spear she held to create a flame in her hand.

"Eat this!" With a wave of her hand she hurled a fireball at one of them.

The moment it touched the Agasura it burst into flames and ran away screaming before it collapsed.

One down, three to go.

She hurled a second but the Agasura took note and collapsed to the ground, narrowly avoiding the spell.

She clicked her tongue before she leaned to the other side of the tree to see the other two. She watched as they made their way towards her and also towards a narrow path they would have to line up to get through. She counted down the seconds before she stepped out from her cover and hurled the spear.

"Sacrificial Arm," she snarled.

After a couple of seconds in flight, the weapon combusted and exploded upon hitting one of the bukuri, blowing them both to pieces.

The path was clear!

She immediately broke out into a sprint for a brief time, but slowed down as she realized she had exerted too much stamina getting to this point. She had not shaken the fourth bukuri yet, and the fact that it still pursued her at a fairly competitive speed despite its short legs meant she had to act. Fight? Or escape? Perhaps she could do both.

She armed her staff and pointed it towards the bukuri. A sky blue sphere took form at the tip and she fired it off before creating another. A common magic missile spell for staff users but one that did not take enough SP to really be considered exhausting. Also one with little power, but the enemies before her were nothing more than fodder in great numbers. As she ran, she continued to fire them off but none made contact.

She hit a tree and fell down almost immediately.

"Mmnn…" She muttered under her breath as she rubbed her head.

As the bukuri neared an icy spear pierced its mask and it collapsed to the ground.

TJ descended from the treetops and rolled over onto his back before he got up and dusted himself off. A terrible landing but one befitting of a clumsy person like him.

He hurried over to her and offered her a hand.

"Amata! I finally found you!" He said with a look of sheer relief in his eyes and a bright smile to accompany it. "Are you alright? Can you stand?"

She took his hand and he helped her to her feet. The strength he put into it pulled her into him and she placed a hand to his chest with a look of surprise.

Although…she did not mind this too much.

"TJ! You don't know how glad I am to see you!" She laughed with relief. To see a friendly face after being bombarded with spears and boomerangs was the best thing she could ask for.

"I-I'm glad to see you too!" He said as he averted his gaze, his cheeks flushed. "You're not hurt are you?"

"Just a little bit."

She looked directly at him and his nervousness increased somewhat.

It was fun to tease him a bit…but it was probably the first time that she got such a good look at him up close. A distance she often did not cross with anyone…but one he and Peorth were close enough for. She felt slightly envious at the prospect but decided to set it aside for now. For the next few days the two would be together, so there would be time for shortening the distance between their hearts. They had to finish this fight before all else.

"Can I count on you for that?"

He beamed. "Leave it to me!"

For a time TJ sat down and healed Amata's wounds with his song. She sat down and listened intently with a pleased look up until the song finished. Once it was done the Governor rose to her feet, rolled her shoulders and spread her wings.

"Better?" He asked.

She grinned. "Good as new! Thanks TJ!"

He beamed. "Perfect."

Amata put her wings away and picked up her staff before she turned her eyes to the battlefield they once were upon. "Now that we've regrouped, all that's left to do is to get back that crazy girl and take down the kuri chieftain.

"Was everything okay on your end?"

TJ got to his feet and placed his guitar on his back as he nodded.

"I managed to repel the bukuri and the Lilliputian soldiers escaped safely. Do you think they'll be able to get back to Lilliput?" He knit his brows.

"Honestly, they'll probably have the others that were following up after us to escort them back. It'd be for the best, anyway. We can handle things here, right?" She grinned and winked.

He felt a bit more courageous upon hearing those words.

"Yeah. Definitely!"

She gestured for him to follow after her.

"Well come on then! No point in sitting around when there's a fight to be finished!"

Without further ado the two hurried back onto the battlefield. As both had expected, most of the bukuri that once inhabited it had become nothing but corpses in a one-girl slaughter. What surprised them however, was the fact that one girl was not alone. Several Suubas flitted about the battlefield, armed the same as their creator and bringing death in their wakes. When their duration had ended, they would crumble into dust and vanish. One of the Suubas would stop, create another mud golem and it would take her shape before both continued the fight.

"Why am I not surprised she would do that?" Amata sighed as she shrugged. "Like really! What a waste of mana!"

"She certainly is effective though…" TJ said with a gentle chuckle. "Let's help her out. If we work together we can cut down the mana she uses among the three of us."

"I suppose you're right." Amata spread her wings. "I'll play it a bit safer this time with the chieftain. Will you be okay getting around on your own TJ?"

He gave her a thumbs-up.

"I'll be alright, so you don't have to worry. Just be safe, okay?"

At his words she looked startled for a moment, but it quickly subsided and in place of it she smiled with rosy cheeks.

"Thanks for worrying about me. See you on the field." At those words she took off and TJ looked upon the battlefield.

There were vines that would allow him to ascend the platforms but they were far. Now was as good a time as any for him to practice with his wings…or at least put them to use in a practical situation. He spread his wings and looked up to his destination. He got a running start and jumped into the air and performed a second that allowed him to flip through the air. He ascended above the platform and began his descent, skidding to a halt beside a Su who took a couple stabs at a pair of bukuri and cut them both down.

"It's about goddamn time you idiots decided to show up," she hissed.

"The fuck took you so long?!" Another snarled.

"You're both fucking slow!" A third shouted from across the field.

TJ watched in disbelief. They did not stop what they were doing to berate them, but they still made the effort to do so. To add insult to injury they all sounded exactly like the real Suuba and this made it difficult to tell which of them was actually her.

Before a fourth could speak up Amata dodged a mortar and roared, "would all of you just shut up?!"

They all clicked their tongues in succession and set their sights upon what they were doing. TJ took note of this—childhood friends never seem to get along. Despite this, they can complete the marriage contract. Something to remember for the future.

As the lower platforms were cleared of the bukuri, Su's mud golems began to vanish and TJ decided he needed to ascend further. As he flew ever higher he touched down on top of one of the bukuri and found a dagger hurled between his feet and into the back of the head of his adversary.

"Quit gawking and start killing things unless you wanna join them, dumbass!" Su snarled as she kicked a bukuri in the face with her boot and turned to grab her dagger.

Moments before she found herself impaled she parried the head of the spear and charged the bukuri into another, hurling them both off of the landing.

TJ immediately hopped off of the felled Agasura and defended his back with his guitar from two incoming bukuri. He held one back with his foot until he could finally force the other two away. He reeled his foot back and bashed it over the head with his weapon.

"Icy Wind!" He shouted as he strummed his guitar with a wave of his hand. A chilly gust surged forth and caused the bukuri to take up a defensive stance. TJ charged forward with his guitar and bashed both off of the landing causing them to fall to their demise.

It felt like he was at the Temple of Pluton all over again! He grinned with delight for a moment, but his happiness was short lived.

"Watch it, idiot!" One of the Sus roared.

An earthen spear collapsed where he stood all but a moment ago and shattered the platform he stood on. It crumbled to pieces and he frantically ran as it slowly fell away from the rest. He leapt towards the nearest one and jumped a second time, nearly landing upon it until he was caught in a sudden vicious torrent of wind. His skin was cut and he was splashed with his own blood and tossed off course.

"Crap…!" He uttered as he fell away, his hands grasping at what was once within his reach.

Much to his surprise a hand reached out and grasped his, pulling him just above the platform and dropping him down where it was safe.

"Watch the kuri chieftain and his entourage while you fight TJ!" Amata shouted as she touched down next to him, the two surrounded by bukuri.

She plunged her staff into the ground. "Ring of Entropy!"

Just as the spears touched their skin flames emerged from around them and caused the bukuri to pull away and jump to the nearest landing they could. A majority of them fell to their demise.

"Thanks Amata!" TJ said as he took to her blindside.

A massive ball of flames soared towards them in an arc and TJ immediately raised both his hands to create a sheet of ice to block the spell. The flame hit his wall and it melted almost immediately, disarming the threat. He took note that he was the caster among them. Taking him down wouldn't be easy, but if he could get those bukuri out of the way the others could likely manage.

"Nice save," The Governor of Fire said. "Looks like most of them are out of the way. Su's got that last group under control, so you and I can target the chieftain and co. Any questions?"

"Yeah, just one." He said and she raised a brow.

He eyed the group warily and they seemed to be jeering and cursing at him—or at least he assumed they were. The chieftain stood tall and solemn among them and somehow it gave him an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"Think we can get them off of that platform?"

She knit her brows. "It's possible but…why? Wouldn't it be easier to knock them off of it like the rest?"

"It'd be nice yeah, but I just have the feeling they'd be weaker in close quarters. I mean…they have the power over the elements, so it's hard to get them with spells isn't it? Fire, earth, wind…" He raised a finger as he listed off each.

"Though I assume, like any other mage…Su aside, they're weaker when you fight them in close combat. They need time and distance to cast effectively."

Amata blinked.

"You raise a pretty good point. I'm not all for trashing this place, but for the sake of the Jungle and the cities within its radius, let's do what we've gotta do."

She stepped forward as a torrent of flames was launched towards them and repelled it with a single hand.

"I'll keep them busy TJ! You focus on shattering the platform! If they fall to their deaths, good! If not, we'll take the battle to them on the ground level!"

At those words Amata took flight again and TJ set his sights on the landing they stood on. While half of the bukuri set their sights on Amata, the other half had focused on Su, but the chieftain continued to watch TJ as if he saw something in him or knew something about him. The look of the mask gave him the shivers, but fear would not diminish his will to fight.

There was nothing to it but to engage them. Amata rapidly hurled fireballs down at them and they retaliated with torrents of ice to put out the flames. It seemed that it was not just the chieftain, but all of the bukuri that fought alongside him that could cast spells. He would have to strike them down one by one, if so.

He held out a hand and an icicle took form. He caught it in his palm before he winded his arm back and hurled it at one of the bukuri who were facing away. As the spell neared it the chieftain raised his staff and a barrier of fire melted the icicle before it made contact.

TJ eyed him warily for a moment but took notice of this. It served as a good test, but also proof that he would need something far stronger.

"Here I go!" He said as he took a step forward. "Shattered Berg!" Behind him the massive iceberg took form and as he raised a finger skywayrd it shattered to pieces. He outstretched his hand before him and the shards of it shot forward toward the group. As they neared the kuri chieftain outstretched his staff and a wall of flames took form and moved forward steadily for a couple of moments, melting TJ's spell before it could reach him and his men. "Damn it!"

Amata flew back towards him, but continued to face their adversaries. "Don't forget what you said TJ! You can't challenge a mage from afar." She furrowed her brows. "Neither can I, but since Su's preoccupied at the moment we have to figure something out."

TJ rubbed his temples. "I dunno what I should do!" He complained in his frustration.

"Remember that every element has a weakness. Fire is strong against earth, earth is strong against water, water is strong against wind and wind is strong against fire. Among the three of us, we have three of those four elements!" Amata kept up a barrage of fireballs to stall for time. "If you wanna beat them at their own game, you'll have to play the waiting game to strike their weakness!

"But then again, this is you we're talking about. You're the Abellan and our plan guy. You always figure something out, so do what you do best." She gave him a smile that boosted his confidence somewhat alongside her words.

"Alright just gimme a bit and I think I'll come up with something."

He placed a couple fingers to his chin as he mulled over her words. What he had seen thus far was that the bukuri surrounding the chieftain were, more or less his offense. Not once had the chieftain attacked, but he had plenty of defensive spells to prevent TJ from taking out his men. That aside, he could easily counter TJ's ice spells with fire, and due to his lack of skill with earth magic and Su still fighting the bukuri on the other landings he could not rely on her for that. Though to his dismay, they could counter that also. What else did he have at his disposal?

He placed a fist into his hand with a look of realization.

The Frequency! Of course! How did I not think of it sooner?! He thought.

Through it he would be able to tap into his greater powers—something that only he could do. Light and darkness were elements also, but a pair that could only counteract each other. The two gave him a strength that could not be competed against through the use of normal spells. But what skills did he have at his disposal that could allow him to fulfill the task Amata had suggested?

Warden's Wrath could work, but considering his current position he would not be able to reach them with the spell. It was close range, after all.

Starfall had impact, but not enough to smash the very ground the kuri inhabited. That aside, he had to use himself to bring the spell into existence, so he would only find himself blown away and falling to his death.

Lightning spells had great impact, but earth was resistant to them despite how powerful they were. Better used against living creatures than just land itself.

He sighed. He did not want to have to use anything within his chaos repertoire if he could refrain from it, but more often than not the situation seemed to call for it.

"I'm gonna be real with you TJ, I dunno how long I can keep this up. I still have plenty of mana, but I dunno if my stamina will hold out through all of this." The God's Governor said as she breathed heavily.

Beads of sweat ran down her face and TJ found himself hard pressed not to worry.

"I'm sorry Amata! I've narrowed down the options so it won't be long, I promise!"

She half-smiled.

"Well I am putting you on the spot, so you do what you have to do. I'll put my all into keeping this up for as long as you need."

He nodded with a smile, but his joy was nothing more than a mask to ease her concern. He slapped his cheeks and closed his eyes as he thought even harder.

Chaos spells were exactly what he needed. They had the sheer power and impact to both break through the kuri defenses and shatter the ground they walked. If he tried hard enough, he could recall the spells and what they did, but there was so many of them and so little time. He needed an idea…a push in the right direction.

"Amata, how do people normally break earth or really hard things like rock?!" He asked desperately.

"H-huh? That's…well…you know, pick axes and stuff. Though that's the hard way. Drills…they're good too. Especially those. Umm…the Abio store sells mine bots and they have a built-in drill which makes mining really easy, I hear."

Drills…drills…that was it! If he recalled correctly there was one spell within his repertoire that could do just that. He would have to tap into his powers, moreso than he was used to and even more than he would like to, but it was his duty as the Abellan. He was the only one that could, and he would have to master those powers in order to defeat Asmodeus. He could not be afraid of them or he would never improve and overcome them.

"I have a plan!" TJ said with newfound confidence.

"Music to my ears," Amata chuckled.

"Su, can you hear me?" He asked as he looked down to his gem.

From the far end of the battlefield Su kicked a bukuri to the ground and impaled it with its own spear. It wriggled and let out a dying cry followed by a gurgling noise.

"Good timing. I just cleaned this place out," she answered.

"Perfect. How quickly can you get over here?"

His gem lit up and the Governor of Earth emerged from it and stood before him. She crossed her arms and raised a brow solemnly.

"Oh…right, of course!"

He had gotten so wrapped up in everything else he was forgetting the obvious things.

"I need your help to tap into the Chaos Frequency. I'm gonna use that to break through their defenses and bring this thing down."

"You are?" She snorted. "Ballsy. So? That all you need me to do?"

"Well…no. Two things!"

He raised a finger.

"The first thing I need you to do is help Amata keep the kuri busy, preferably with Chaos spells." He raised his second finger. "The second is…if I lose myself…um…do what you have to to bring me back."

She grinned. "That's all? You sure know how to set the bar low, don't you?"

He smiled slightly at her remark.

He was glad to have a partner who he could count on.

"I'd expect no less from you." He took a deep breath. "Okay, let's show them what we're made of!"

"Time for a bloodbath!" Su roared with delight.

TJ pounded his fists together and Su pounded an open palm. "Frequency," They said in unison. Both of their irises flickered to crimson.

"Alright, I'm gonna get started. Can you two buy me just a bit more time?"

"No problem. I'll take the rear." Amata told them before she zipped off.

Su cracked her knuckles and her neck.

"Those dirty little shits are in for the best kind of treat!"

TJ took a deep breath and raised a hand to the sky. "Wrath, Pride, Sloth!" A crimson and black vortex opened up in the sky above him and three tethers emerged from it and gathered upon his arm.

"Didn't expect that." Su said with a bored look. "Just don't get us caught in that, would ya'?"

"I won't, I promise."

"Alright, I'll give you the time you need." The Governor of Earth grinned. "Let's see how long those little turds can keep up their guard." She raised a finger to the sky and snapped her fingers. "Dance of Blades!"

Three swords appeared around her and moved to attack the bukuri at her command.

The moment they set out for the kuri chieftain intercepted each attack with a wall of ice that disappeared as briefly as it appeared.

The Governor chuckled mirthlessly as she changed her fighting stance. She raised both arms to match her shoulder's height and a single leg. Both feet gained a pink glow.

"Malignant Spitfire!"

With every kick she performed, a pink crescent was launched at her targets. The bukuri conjured and hurled rocks to deflect the attacks but struggled to keep up with her onslaught.

"Just a bit longer…" TJ muttered as he looked to the sky.

The vortex began to shrink and the last of the tethers gathered upon his arm. It had taken the appearance of the vortex, completely black with pulsing red veins swirling throughout it and his hand.

"I'm ready! Can you give me a boost Su?"

She stopped cackling and turned to him.

"Seriously? Man you're hopeless. Alright, come on, let's do this."

She cupped her hands and he nodded. Without further ado he ran towards her and placed a foot into her hands before she hurled him into the air.

"Now's my chance!"

He aimed his hand down and caught a glimpse of the Agasura dropping their guard to back away. The bukuri that followed the chieftain turned and began to chant—he was prepared for this.

"Gula," he roared.

A tornado surged forth towards him and with both hands he engulfed the spell. Power surged within him—he felt stronger both physically and magically, and he put that power into his next spell.

He aimed his hand at them and a crimson beam was shot from it and pierced through the landing.

"Executioner's Calling!"

The crimson veins in his arms emerged and gathered around it to form a swirling drill.

His body lunged forward carried by the arm and he hit the ground the kuri chieftain and his men fled from. Within a matter of moments his drill pierced the earth and the ground began to crack and break apart. In the few moments he was there, he could see a magic-pulse ripple through the landing and the mana within drift away before the landing began to fall to the earth.

Lead by two of the bukuri, the chieftain and the men following him leapt off of the landing before it broke apart. TJ pulled his arm out and attempted to escape also but lost his footing as it collapsed with him in the center. He dug his fingers into the dirt as it began to fall and he looked to the skies to find Amata nearing.

"Take my hand!" She shouted as she reached out to him.

He reached out for her and she took his hands in both of hers. She rapidly began to flap her wings to ease their descent and she let him off at the ground floor.

"You saved me again. I can't thank you enough." TJ said with a sheepish grin.

"This is…nothing…! For a God's Governor!" Amata uttered through heavy breaths.

The few beads of sweat had multiplied.

Su emerged from the gem and looked into the cloud of dust as the remaining pieces of earth fell to the ground.

"I take it that didn't kill them?" She asked.

The three covered their faces as a wave of dust was pushed in all directions, including theirs. The kuri chieftain and his men drifted down gently via a powerful gust from beneath his throne.

"Fuckin' figures…" She shrugged. "Well there isn't much standing between them and my dagger so…first come first serve!"

"You mean first in and first out…" Amata muttered with an exasperated gaze.

Without a moment to lose Su rushed towards them. One bukuri lifted his mask to blow a series of flames at her and another chanted before firing a torrent of wind in her direction. She somersaulted away from the first and dashed in another direction to avoid the second while closing the distance. The kuri chieftain summoned a shield of ice and placed it down before them, but not even that could hold the Governor of Earth back. She vaulted over it and descended upon them with a spinning slash, but found her blade met with a hardening barrier of mud.

She withdrew but remained in close range of them. As she touched down she backed away as the earth arose in spikes at her feet with every step she took back until she hit the wall. Before two more pierced her legs she leapt against it and leapt from it to lunge at the chieftain. The other bukuri surrounding him stepped out and launched her back to her allies with a surge of wind.

"Pain in the ass!" She snarled as she wiped the blood from her arms and face and arose once more.

"I saw that one coming from a mile away," Amata muttered under her breath.

"Did you now?!" Su hissed.

She stomped the ground and a wall of earth protected them from an onslaught of flames.

"Great! So what's your plan, smart one?"

Vicious winds began to lash against the wall and pieces of it began to shatter and fall away.

"Let's just attack together. They can't defend all of their sides at once."

She eyed Su warily.

"Why don't you summon some of your clones?"

"Against these guys? Fuck no!"

"We don't have much time to argue the point. We've gotta put this plan into action, and fast." TJ said as he took cover from a piece of rock that broke from the top of Su's wall.

"Suppose you're right. Think you can come up with another plan in the meantime?" Amata asked as she glanced at him from the corner of her eye.

It seemed that his role was being further established as the team's 'plan guy'. Not exactly his specialty, but doing that and leading the team were not so different after all. If his allies could count on him, all the more reason to strive to improve.

"I'll give it a shot," he answered. "In the meantime, let's try and find a weakness."

"Alright, break!" Su shouted and they all dashed out from the wall.

Su ran right while TJ and Amata took to the left.

"Hailstorm!" TJ shouted as he outstretched a hand and fired a series of icicles.

One of the four bukuri met his icicles with fire and Amata took to the skies before she soared above them.

"My turn now! Falcon Torrent!"

She outstretched both hands and unleashed her flames down upon them. She fell away briefly after as steam rose up and burned her skin. Upon her falling back she caught a glimpse of the kuri chieftain shielding them with ice once more.

Su stomped the ground and hurled a chunk of earth in an arc, then followed it with a second sliding across the ground. Two of the bukuries stepped out to block it with earth of their own and neutralize the strikes.

"They've got us in spades! They've got all of our strengths covered and there's no easy way in!" Amata shouted to them as she landed.

"Maybe there is! Shadow Dive!"

TJ leapt into the shadows and traversed them to get into their range.

It felt as if he was swimming through the ground and all the while had to hold his breath.

Once he emerged he gasped for air but still found himself stuck within and struggled to pull himself out. The chieftain took notice of this and started bashing his head and torso with his staff until the bukuri turned and lifted their mask in preparation for more fire.

"This idiot!" Su muttered as she dove into the shadows after him.

Before they could set him aflame, he vanished into the ground and the two emerged shortly after in Amata's shadow.

"Don't use spells you don't know how to use!"

Amata looked at them with a hint of terror in her eyes, but it quickly subsided.

"Couldn't you have jumped out of another shadow? Jeez…" She sighed.

"I…figured it was worth a try," TJ muttered apologetically.

Su had always done it so skillfully and easily. He knew the effects of the spells and how to utilize them, but he did not know the finer details of them. Those in his chaos repertoire were in a league of their own, regarding difficulty.

"It almost worked," Amata said as she took his hand and the three started running to avoid an onslaught of spells.

The kuri chieftain and his men left the throne behind and began to pursue them.

"I mean, you did get in there, but you just didn't… you know, actually get to do anything with it."

The trio dived for cover behind some of the fallen landings to catch their breath and heal their wounds. TJ began to play his guitar and Su stood guard.

"Maybe if we had Su do it instead it would work better?" He suggested.

"The only way we could pull that off is to exit through the chieftain's shadow. The others are too small, which is why your big ass got stuck." Su retorted with an exasperated gaze.

"My ass is not fat!"

"I didn't say fat." She grinned devilishly. "But I beg to differ."

"Enough of your squabbling," Amata muttered.

"More importantly, if we're gonna kill these guys we're gonna have to do it without being seen. We could have them come over here and ambush them."

TJ finished his song and sighed with a bit of relief.

"I used Sunlight on the bukuri to buy me some time for an attack, but in this state I can't do that. That, and it has a short effect time. We can't do much with only a couple seconds."

A powerful torrent of wind passed around them and they were immediately pelted with massive stones. They fled from their hiding spot and immediately split up once more.

"That…was a bad hiding spot." TJ said as he wiped the blood from his head.

"Figures." Su sighed as she ran alongside him. "Why don't you just use your sister's power and disarm the asshole? He's probably powerless without his staff."

"Probably isn't good enough," he complained.

Su tackled him aside as a mortar collapsed upon where they were running.

"T-thanks."

The two got to their feet and decided to turn back around to back up Amata, who became the preferred target. As they did, TJ pondered his options.

The best way to close the distance would be to do so undetected. To use Shadow Dive was a good way to get in, but it left them vulnerable while they emerged. However, so long as the bukuri and kuri chieftain could not see them, they could not counteract their attacks. If light would only blind them briefly, what if they were able to trap them in darkness? It would still be some time before night, but was it possible they could do so artificially? Perhaps through phantasm magic…

"Su, I have an idea!" TJ shouted to her as he used Dance of Blades this time around.

"Another one of your ideas? Your last one didn't go so well, now did it?"

"I-I know… but this one's better!"

"Ugh… fine. What is it?"

"The bukuri can't counteract spells if they can't see what we're casting. Do you have any phantasm magic that can coat the area in darkness?"

"Phantasm?"

A series of icicles flew over Su's head as she crouched down.

"Hell no."

She somersaulted aside as a pair of mortars descended upon her and exploded within a short radius.

"Chaos? Absolutely."

She frowned as she ran to his side.

"But you know how damn long these things take. It's got a long ass cast time."

She paused.

"Actually, just do something so that they can't see what I'm up to. I just need to get close. A few seconds will do."

He grinned.

"Leave it to us."

"Amata!" TJ shouted as he ran towards the bukuri and they turned their spells on him.

"Yeah?" She shouted back as she took to the skies.

"We need something big! Huge spell! Huge and distracting if possible! We'll cover you after if need be!"

"I've got something in mind, but I need you to contain the flames! Can you do that? It's a little like Falcon Torrent."

He nodded.

"I'll go and set up, so you get ready!"

At those words she nodded and soared ever higher.

If she was gonna use a spell like Falcon Torrent, it would have to come from above. All he needed was something to funnel the flames directly on to the Agasura. That, he could do. He just needed to get a bit closer…

He charged directly ahead towards the two bukuri who watched the chieftain's back. One of the two blew fire while the other hurled pieces of earth in TJ's way. He had to side step multiple times and leap over the remnants of the flames to avoid getting burned. As he continued on one of them began to chant and he expected the upwind to force him back, but instead he was caught in a downwind and began running too fast for his mind to process each step. He began to fumble in an attempt to slow down and the flames he once avoided were carried by the wind and burned his back. He hit the ground hard and rolled over to put out the flames while the wind stopped briefly allowing him to rise again. When he did, another surge came forth and cut him apart but he decided to force his way forward.

He put one hand to the gust and and the skin was steadily torn from his fingers.

"Negate!"

At his command the wind came to a halt and he charged through the flames in one last desperate attempt to see his duty through. He leapt through the air and slammed a fist to the ground as he raised his head.

"Necrotic Pillars!"

Several massive violet pillars arose from the ground and surrounded the Agasura, trapping them in completely. He rose to his feet and raised a hand, summoning a second, third and fourth set to create what almost seemed to be a tower of pillars.

Afterwards he fell back in the grass and groaned.

"You're up, Amata…"

He let out a dry chuckle as he put out a small flame on one of his strands of hair.

High above them all the God's Governor remained in flight, a ring of flames surrounded her arms and feet like bracelets and a mantle covered her body. Half-way to awakening, she looked down upon the battlefield as TJ erected the pillars and trapped the Agasura in.

She clenched a fist and a flame surrounded it. When she opened the palm of her hand a sphere took form as she aimed directly beneath her.

"Die! Hellzone Torrent!"

Flames shot downwards with the strength and speed of a laser and rained down upon the Agasura within for several seconds before the spell dissipated and the Gods' Governor heaved.

"If that didn't kill 'em, Su's plan better."

TJ could hear the cries of the Agasura within, but none were the sounds of them dying if his experiences were any indication. At the very least, her spells wounded them to some degree.

When the flames came to an end he destroyed the pillars and glimpsed the five Agasura surrounded by embers and steam. Their skin had suffered severe burns from the attack and a greater portion of the chieftain's staff was burned and steadily crumbling away.

"It's my turn now!" Su said as she rushed ahead.

Much to his surprise, she wore a mantle like crow's feathers. Where did she get it from? Or was it possibly a spell?

As she neared, the bukuri turned on her and started blowing fire to keep her away. While one aimed directly ahead, the other created a wall of flames. Su cackled as she neared and leapt above them all. The chieftain weakly raised his staff to create another wall of ice, and as he did Su spread the mantle open and it took on the appearance of a wide cape.

"Crowstorm," she shouted.

From within her mantle, feathers dark as night rained down upon the five and pierced through the shield and those beneath.

"The fun's not over yet! Murder!"

She covered herself in it once more and vanished, leaving only a thick black cloud. From within it a series of crows emerged, squawking together and creating a cacophony of noise before they descended upon the five and attacked mercilessly as if they had already become carrion.

Suddenly a shade fell over them all and as TJ looked into the sky he saw the mantle drifting down, all the while blotting out the sun.

A single crimson eye took form upon it and as it did Su's voice echoed, "Nevermore."

The mantle spread like a veil of darkness over the whole battlefield and a shade was cast across it.

As the final effect came in a mantle like that of Su's appeared around him and when he spread it, it took the form of crow wings. When he looked to the Agasura they were huddled close and searching the area though he still remained within their direct line of sight.

She had done it!

"Alright, I did what you asked. Now we've gotta pick these guys off before our time is up. We've only got a minute, so let's make short work of them," Su said to him through the crystal.

The light drew the attention of the bukuri and one of them launched a fire ball in his direction.

He took to the sky and it continued to fire them until it felt certain there was nothing there.

"Hey bitch! Give us a distraction!" Su shouted as she took to the skies to meet Amata.

"Seriously? After that you still want more out of me? Fine."

Amata pointed to the ground and a blue flame appeared.

"Will o' the Wisp!"

She pointed at a few more places and more were scattered around the Agasura.

"That should get their attention."

As she had speculated, the bukuri took it as an attack and attempted to put out the flames with ice.

"Perfect." Su said with a grin. "Alright TJ, follow my lead!"

She spread her wings and shot down to the ground like a torpedo. Once in range of the Agasura she grabbed one and pulled it from the others and into the sky. Following that, she plunged her dagger into its neck and hurled the corpse aside.

Bird of prey tactics?! The Abellan looked on in disbelief. Following her lead was the one thing he could not do, but he would be damned if he would not try!

He ascended to a fair height and took a deep breath before he swooped in and attempted to abduct one of the remaining three bukuri. His inability to fly properly caused his descent to continue while he struggled to ascend and the two crashed into the ground—all the while they tumbled over each other. TJ dragged himself from the ground and drew his guitar and decided to pull a coup de grace. He violently and repeatedly bashed the head of the bukuri in until the sounds of its skull cracking and death cries came to an end.

He heaved and wiped his brow before he turned to the remaining Agasura and caught a glimpse of Su flying away with the last bukuri.

"We're almost out of time, so take flight and get his back!" Su commanded him through the gem once more.

"What do I do then?" TJ asked.

He did not have enough time to review what the spell's effect was—the memory was there but he needed to sift through his own to get a clear idea of it.

"Just go. It'll happen regardless, as long as you do what I say."

He took flight and carefully descended near the kuri chieftain who had put himself in the fettle position with his staff above his head. It was not long before Su descended before him, and the darkness they created encroached upon them and gathered to the two. Once it did, their bodies were enveloped in it and the two took on the form of massive crows with crimson eyes, sharp talons and beaks that were ready to tear apart their prey. Without further ado, they did exactly that. Their talons dug into his skin and their beaks ripped his hair out and pecked at the muscle, tearing the Agasura limb from limb and leaving only scraps and bones.

Finally, the two touched down and the shade was cast off, leaving only the God's Governor and a horrified looking Abellan.

"…What was that?" TJ asked in disbelief.

"Nevermore," Su answered matter-of-factly.

"We just ate that Agasura."

"Yup."

Su seemed to have her tongue in her cheek.

"I think I've still got some of him stuck in my teeth. Got a toothpick?"

"Aren't you bothered by this? Like at all?!"

"Oh stop being such a wuss about it would you? You've got Agasuric blood! Live a little!"

"That's disgusting!" Amata hissed as she touched down. "I mean, it's a good thing that you killed him and all, but did you have to eat him?!" She hid her wings and glared at Su.

"What're you lookin' at me for?! You should be worshipping the very ground I walk! I did what neither of you idiots could!"

"You mean would. Who the hell would want to eat a humanoid thing?!"

"Keep talking like that and I'll tie you down and feed you the rest of his corpse! So?! How about it?!"

The God's Governors were beginning to get heated—they had gotten in each other's faces again and it seemed a fight between them was imminent.

"Girls, come on. I'm not happy about it either but…at least he's dead, right?" TJ chuckled sheepishly as he stepped in between them and pushed them apart. "Let's just leave it at that.

"The sun's setting, and we've still got a long way to go before we reach Mezzalone. Let's think about setting up camp instead. Preferrably not here. Not anywhere near here, actually."

Amata sighed.

"Yeah I'd rather not look at this place either. We pretty much trashed it."

She looked over it with a forlorn look in her eyes before she shook her head.

"Follow me. There's a cave nearby we can take shelter in for the night."

As Amata had told them there was a cave a short distance away and they took cover inside. She lit a flame in the palm of her hand and guided TJ in.

It was small, but dry, thankfully. Within there was what seemed to be a small fire pit, perhaps some scraps of food and bones. They were rather small so it was likely from people eating, rather than any other sort of creature. …Like bears…or tigers.

"There's still some wood back here. I guess whoever came here last didn't use all the firewood they had collected. Lucky us." Amata said as she picked up a few pieces and brought it over.

She had suggested that he pick up some along the way and so he grabbed a few. Like Peorth had said, having someone who was familiar with the lay of the land was a very valuable part of any team. If it was just TJ and Su they may have spent days wandering through the jungle in search of Mezzalone.

She crouched down and began to arrange them in such a way that she would be able to create a pyre. Once finished she pointed at it and it was ignited. She then blew on it until it crackled to life and she nodded at her handiwork.

She sat down and held her hands out to the flames as she let out a gentle sigh.

"Hell of a day…"

She opened her eyes and looked into the fire solemnly. There was longing and sorrow in her red/blue eyes that shone ever brighter as the fire crackled before her.

"You had to do some tough things back there but…thanks to you and Su, we pulled through."

Amata wrapped her arms around her legs and chuckled mirthlessly.

"I talked a big game to those Lilliputians but against the kuri chieftain and his men I was powerless. You guys had to pull me through that fight.

"I'd always had such confidence in my ability. On expeditions and other things everyone looked to me and I wondered if I was too strong. …But now…?"

At those words TJ got up, walked over to her and crouched down. Wordlessly, he embraced her. One hand gently stroked her hair and the other rested on her shoulder.

"T-TJ? What're you doing so suddenly…?!"

In his memories, many of the times he carried sadness in his heart someone would do this for him. Perhaps what Amata needed was that same warmth—something to quell those negative feelings deep in her heart. If he could, he would sing but the only song he knew was Velvet's.

"Aren't you putting too much of a burden on yourself Amata?" He asked. "You're God's Governor of Fire but… well…you can't carry that and everything else alone."

He held her tighter.

Those shoulders that carried the whole of Ves and Mezzalone belonged to one courageous but young girl. Perhaps in the past those shoulders looked different and belonged to someone else, but in this time they were hers.

"Just like you told me…I want you to depend on me. If there's anyone that can walk side-by-side with the God's Governors, it's the Abellan, right? I mean, even our ancestors thought so! It's why I can take this trial with you after all!"

She chuckled lightly.

"I guess that's one way of looking at it. …I really am glad you came."

She looked up to him with a twinkle in her eyes and a bright smile on her face.

"I spent so many nights worrying about what-ifs about my trials but…now…I don't feel so nervous anymore because you're here."

She lowered her head and rested it against his chest.

"You know…through the gem I can hear the sound of the waves. It's…calming."

"I don't think there's any water in there, though." He answered as his eyes began to swim.

There were certainly a lot of other things…like a tree.

She laughed.

"You're such a dork, you know that? You can't read the mood at all. But that's fine too. Just…let me stay like this a little longer, would you?"

After a brief while she fell asleep and he laid down too as he looked up at the roof of the cave.

How long had Amata gone keeping up that tough front before all the others? There was no denying that she had some confidence of her own, but how much of it was actual confidence and how much false bravado? Perhaps she had fears, many of them she never dared to speak to anyone so that they could confide in her instead.

After all, she carried the hope of her people and the fate of all of Jienda on her shoulders also…and yet, she was still so young. Was there any more that he could do for her? Could he ease her burden if even just a little more?

TJ awoke to the sound of birds chirping and a crackling fire. He peeled himself from the ground and cracked his neck as he groaned, which transitioned into a yawn. There was a distinct pain in his neck and he was beginning to regret sleeping on solid bedrock. Again.

"Morning TJ." The Governor of Fire said as she walked over with a small container. "We probably should've eaten after the battle but…well that's water under the bridge now."

"The fact that we can eat more food by Purnima makes everything A-OK in my books." TJ said with a delighted smile.

"My cooking's not that bad, is it?"

"I think your cooking is great," he said hurriedly.

She just needed to tone down the spices a bit and it would be nothing short of on par, if not better, than Purnima's.

She smiled slightly.

"I'm glad you think so."

She handed him one of the containers and a fork and sat down next to him.

"Hey…TJ…"

"Hm?"

He had already began digging in and had his cheeks stuffed when she posed the question.

"I umm…about Hanamah…"

She drew circles in the ground with her finger.

"Su told me what had actually happened then, back during the party. I'm sorry for pinning the blame on you when I didn't know the whole situation."

He grinned.

"Come on, that was ages ago! You don't need to apologize for that!"

Her lips curled into a tiny smile.

"But I wanted to anyway. It's at least a start on the path to atonement. We promised, didn't we?"

She grinned.

"But more importantly, there's more that I want to share with you. You are the Abellan after all so…if there's anyone I can trust with this information, it's you."

This really reeled him in.

He placed down his fork and gave her his undivided attention.

"When I went to Hanamah six years ago, I had told Su and Samson the reason was because I didn't think Su was cut out to be God's Governor of Earth."

She twirled her finger through her hair as she averted her eyes.

"It…wasn't a lie but it wasn't completely true either. I umm…I'd heard a voice then. I'd never heard anything like it before—the voice of a woman. Her tone was so…silky and dream-like it was absolutely surreal. Every word she spoke was as if she was singing…she had such a gorgeous and unforgettable voice. I thought I was imagining at first, but I heard it more and more and it seemed to be calling me to Hanamah. I made up an excuse to my dad and hopped on the first caravan I could to travel the continent.

"Still…I felt it was a mission that only I could fulfill and one that shouldn't have been mentioned to others so I did everything I could to keep it a secret. Due to that fact, I brought a lot of trouble to Su and Samson.

"As much as I hate to admit it, my search didn't turn up any results…but I felt certain that the voice was coming from Hanamah. A small part of me said it may have been our patron goddess Lady Amae. It was just a feeling but…you know?"

Oh he knew. He knew a lot about that. Her description of Lady Amae's voice alone was absolutely on the mark. But given that knowledge, did that mean Lady Amae was actually on Jienda in the near past? If Amata's words were right, it meant that she had come down to Jienda from Asgard once more…but for what reason?

"I guess after all was said and done, well…things turned out pretty normal anyway. Samson helped me make amends and everything was pretty good, up until the Dark Moon invaded. We did all we could just to survive."

At those words Su emerged from the gem and glared at the God's Governor of Fire.

"We?! Says the girl who up and ran at the first sight of danger?!" She snarled.

"R-ran?!"

Amata got to her feet and TJ caught the food Purnima packed before it spilled everywhere.

"You heard me! While the others and I stayed back to fight those assholes off you turned tail and ran!"

"I did not run away! I was helping evacuate the citizens who couldn't fight! It's thanks to our efforts Reina and the others were able to save as many lives as they did that day!"

"Had you stayed and used that power to kill the damn invaders we wouldn't have had to run away in the first place!" Su hissed as she roughly poked Amata's solar plexus.

"And what? Set the forest on fire again?! If we went along with your plan there wouldn't be a Hanamah to run away from! Let alone a forest for us to take refuge in! We were lucky that we were able to minimize the casualties and the damage!"

"Do you know how many soldiers I killed single-handedly that day?! Maybe you didn't lose much, but I had to watch my fa-"

"Girls!" TJ shouted as he pulled the two apart once more. "Look, we were all there that day. I'm well aware you both had a lot to lose then. You both did what you could…and both of you did well. Su, you fought for your village and in the process I'm sure you were able to buy the villagers enough time to escape. Amata, it was thanks to your efforts and that of the others that their pursuers didn't get to them.

"No matter how you look at it, it was working in conjunction that you two were able to save anyone at all that day. After all, isn't that a God's Governor's duty? To protect the people?"

"W-well…" Amata muttered as she pursed her lips.

"Hmph," Su snorted.

He pulled them both in and hugged them.

"I'm proud of both of you guys. Thanks for doing what I, as the Abellan, couldn't. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

Amata seemed to lighten up and her lips curled into a slight smile. Su unfurrowed her brows and sighed.

"I've been stuck to you for over a year now and you're still lame as fuck." She said with a shrug.

He grinned.

"Don't count on that changing anytime soon."

This made her chuckle.

"I won't hold my breath." At those words she returned to the gem and his left arm fell to his side.

"You can…let me go now too, TJ." Amata said as she averted her gaze.

"Oh! S-sorry!" He let her go and his eyes began to swim. "W-well then, let's dig in, shall we?"

The trip continued on without any further hindrances on the part of Agasura. As Amata had suspected, they did not meet with the Lilliputians again, but she felt some certainty that they would be able to return to their city without much difficulty. As for them, their trip to Mezzalone was extended by a day due to the time spent fighting.

"Are you holding up okay TJ? I know it's taking longer than I initially told you, but we're not far, I promise." The Governor assured him as she looked over her shoulder with a sullen expression.

He chuckled and waved off her worries.

"It's no problem. I'm glad we could keep the peace around here.

"Besides, a few days spent walking is nothing for me! I've been all over Jienda by foot so I'm used to it by now!"

He was in pretty rough shape following the last battle at Kimara, but he was getting back into the swing of things quickly.

The Governor of Fire who led the way pushed some leaves from a tall plant aside and made her way under them before she continued on.

"You probably had your reasons but…why not just use a town capsule? Unless your goal was to visit each city…"

TJ brushed the plant aside and let go briefly after, getting hit by it afterwards once it rebounded. He glared at it before he jogged lightly to keep up with Amata.

"I wouldn't say going to each city was my goal but…hmm…I think they were all worth visiting. I met tons of people and made some good friends along the way.

"I met most of my old allies in the Desert too. Actually, that was where I met the Chief!"

Amata squinted at him.

"What was she doing there?"

"Fighting…stuff?"

His memory about that was rather hazy.

The Governor of Fire laughed, "guess I should've saw that one from a mile away. To think she went all the way to the Desert for that is odd, but then again, so is she.

"I take it that's when she inducted you into the guild huh? Shame, that." She turned away as her lips curled into a small smile. "Had we met you first, you probably could've been a part of Devotion."

He placed a finger to his lips thoughtfully.

"Your guild seems really fun Amata. Though if I didn't join Yggdrasil I wouldn't have been able to enter the guild room would I? Or go through all the things I did to become the Abellan."

She turned around and started walking backwards.

"Rituals and stuff I take it?"

He nodded and she closed her eyes.

"Makes me kinda curious what they were like.

"Though even more so I'm curious what it'd be like to be with the queen so frequently."

TJ smiled.

"A lot of the time she doesn't say much, but she's really nice. She worries a lot and she only smiles every now and again, but it's really nice!"

Amata blinked.

"This might make me sound like that weird barista but…she smiles?"

He laughed.

"Doesn't everyone?"

After lunch the two continued their journey in a brief silence before they came to what seemed to be a series of tall trees and bushes along with towering grasses. Amata sighed as she took a deep breath and dashed directly into it. The moment she let go of the grass it returned to its original position and she vanished behind the veil of flora. TJ's mouth fell agape for a moment as he quickly pursued her.

"Don't be afraid! None of it will bite! Unless there's a snake or something hiding in the grass…" The Governor said from what seemed to be the other side.

"I've seen enough snakes for a lifetime!" TJ complained as he brushed the stalks of grass aside to reach Amata's voice.

"Try living in Mezzalone for a few weeks. You'll see a lifetime's worth and then some," she chuckled.

When TJ reached the other side he needed to raise his hand to block out the light of the sun. Much to his surprise, they had arrived in the Haven Mezzalone. Alike to its sister city, it had towering golden buildings, some in brown, orange and yellow. Bright colours as far as the eye could see, the sound of voices and song and banners hanging from the highest rooftops. The sheer size of the city was enough to throw him off, but the liveliness was in a realm of its own.

"Welcome to Mezzalone TJ…my old stomping grounds." The Governor said as she held her hands out to the city before her.

"It's a big city so we'll need to catch a ride if we're gonna get to my house before sundown. But if you're not in a hurry we could take a look around…I guess."

TJ shook off his awe and smiled as he nodded. "That sounds great. If your parents don't mind waiting a little longer, I'd love to see more of this Haven."

The Governor smiled as her cheeks flushed gently. "Don't worry about them. The longer my dad has with you the more embarrassing home videos and photos he'll show you. So? Let's go!"

She held out a hand as she grinned. He took her hand and before he knew it the two were running through the streets. As they did TJ caught a glimpse of three dancers dressed in colourful clothes from head to toe, side by side and moving in unison. There were men and women handing out pamphlets, some selling wares and others talking about religious things.

He came to a halt as he heard someone mention 'The Abellan' and Amata stopped with him. He stole a glimpse at a robed man who spoke to a small crowd of people and the Governor of Fire pulled gently on the sleeve of his coat.

"I feel that it's only fair I warn you that most people, Human or Cerebian know little to nothing about you. I suppose we're in the same boat but…"

She looked to him but his eyes remained transfixed on the speaker.

"I probably can't talk you out of that huh? Well if you wanna listen in a bit that's fine too, but promise me you won't get too caught up in his words would you?"

"You got it. I'm just a little bit curious anyway."

He smiled affably to mask his true feelings.

A little bit was an understatement—after what Amata had told him he was hard pressed to say that he could doubt what the man had to say because his entire existence was shrouded in mystery. He knew where he was from, what he was capable of and what he needed to do but…there was so much more than that to his very being. If even just a little more, perhaps there was something the speaker knew that he did not?

The two walked over and the man looked to them with a twinkle in his eye.

"Ah…what aspiring young lambs have come to join our flock. I welcome you, Governor of Fire Amata and companion." He said as he greeted them in Ves fashion.

"Y-yeah. Hi there," Amata answered awkwardly.

TJ blinked solemnly but listened intently.

"Forgive me, allow me to continue where I left off. As it was in the ancient scriptures, the Abellan is said to come in Midgard's darkest hour to strike down the evils that will plague our world. In doing so, the sins of man shall be purged once and for all.

"In their demise the Agasura King will rise again! Alongside the Abellan the fallen heroes of eld, of generations past shall band together to bring an end to his reign of tyranny, and upon so doing the threat of the Agasura shall be wiped from the face of this world!

"Their duties done, the Abellan shall leave this realm to take up their throne in the heavens to govern and maintain order upon the seven worlds."

TJ knit his brows.

Was it possible that to defeat Asmodeus would bring about the end of all of the Agasura? What of those who cast away their nature like the Vampanelar sisters? What of him? Would he too, die if he was to kill Asmodeus? Or if he lived, would he need to leave everything behind? After all the friends he made and the fun times he had would he…

His train of thought came to a sudden and abrupt end as Amata poked his cheek a couple of times before she dragged him off.

"I thought I told you not to get too into it?" She asked as she pursed her lips and placed her hands on her waist.

He opened his mouth to defend himself but found himself drawing a blank at her question.

"You totally did," he relented.

She slapped both his cheeks and pushed them together.

"You're damn right I did, so stop thinking so hard about that junk and making that face, got it? What those guys go on about is just legends they preach and whatnot!

"Now you didn't hear it from me, but all that stuff in the scriptures and stuff is just hearsay passed down from our ancestors. The only people who could actually know the first thing about you, are Peorth and yourself! …And maybe our ancestor's Einherjars, but we can worry about that junk later!

"Asmodeus isn't here yet, there's no Sinners for you to stress over and you're in Mezzalone for the first time. You're also being guided by yours truly."

She pointed at herself with her thumb.

"You're a pretty lucky guy you know! Not everyone gets a chance like this!"

His cheeks flushed lightly as he smiled.

"Can't argue with that."

Being with her like that made him forget that he was the Abellan. Here, she was perhaps a legend in the flesh and though he was unknown to the people, it allowed him to be among them as one of them—something he could hardly do amongst Humans because of his history with Iris. Now was the time where he could see and do.

"Anyway, let's get going. No point in moping around when there's only so much time in a day."

Amata guided him through the city, pointing out things of interest along the way.

"That shop sells all sorts of great Ves style foods, but it's pretty expensive so I wouldn't recommend it if you're trying to be thrifty."

They walked through a plaza with plenty of stores that lined it, caravans and wagons that were pulled by giant prirings and in the heart of it a statue of a man with a dragon coiled around him.

"This is the city's main plaza. The statue there is of Rayinth and his familiar Grislan. I've read the stories about his heroic battles and deeds so many times I know them all by heart!" The Governor said with clenched fists and a twinkle in her eyes.

TJ blinked slowly with his mouth slightly agape and she averted her eyes as her face flushed.

"D-don't give me that look! I know I said you shouldn't take the old scriptures to heart but this is different!"

"I believe ya'." He said with a light chuckle.

"Well I don't believe you," she muttered under her breath.

The Haven seemed to be built in a somewhat mountainous area. Much of their walking consisted of climbing slopes ever higher as they explored what it had to offer. As they ascended further TJ could see many of the places Amata pointed out along the way. The plaza, the marketplace, the theatre, the store that sold all sorts of exotic pets, both as battle companions and as regular companions. Much to TJ's dismay, they did not have brownies, but they had some of the colourful birds he had seen in the jungle.

On another note, many of the people they passed by on the street greeted Amata.

She seemed to be extremely well-known around all of the Haven despite being away on expeditions so frequently.

Time seemed to fly by as TJ took in the sights of a variety of the places of Mezzalone and before he knew it the blue sky turned the orange and crimson tones of dusk.

"Ah…here we are." Amata said as she stopped at a pair of gates.

She took a deep breath, but it turned out to be a long-winded sigh.

"Brace yourself TJ. It's time for the boss."

"B-boss?" He asked as he looked startled. "Rayinth's not in here, is he? Is this his temple?!"

The place before him looked like a rather large house—not quite on par with Peorth's castle, but somewhere between that and the size of his own home. To think that the temple would be located within the heart of Mezzalone!

The Governor looked at him as if she wanted to speak for a moment, but her agape mouth shifted into a grin as she giggled.

"What're you getting so worked up for? I meant my parents. This is my house!"

"House?" He took a double-take. "It's huge!"

"Yeah it's one of the things that makes us stand out around these parts. That…and my dad. He's kind of…well you'll see."

She opened the gates and invited the Abellan in. He entered after her and took in all that there was to see.

The tall scarlet building, the fountain in the courtyard and the tall doors that loomed before them. The Governor of Fire made her way up the stairs and rummaged through her pocket before drawing a keyring.

Among the keys was a small moon-shaped charm and what seemed to be an oddly shaped 'S'. TJ watched the charms wave about as the Governor of Fire unlocked the door.

As she did the sound of footsteps hammering against a wooden floor caught TJ's attention and he braced himself, this time without drawing his guitar.

He knew not what waited beyond the door, but he felt it best that he keep his guard up.

Much to his surprise, but not to that of the Governor's, a burly man burst forth from the ajar opening and wrapped the young girl in his arms.

"Amata! You've finally come home! It's been too long Kiddo! Way too long!" The man said as he hugged her, much to her dismay.

He was a tall, muscular man with his black and white hair tied in dreadlocks. He had dark skin, the same tone as TJ's, crimson eyes and a wide grin. He wore a black tank top and blue jeans along with pair of navy blue slippers with white cotton insides.

"Dad! Stop! You're sweaty and hairy and gross! Also put me down already would you?!" The Governor of Fire complained until he finally released her.

She shuddered once before she wiped her face and glared at him.

"How many times have I told you not to do that?!"

The man's grin widened as he crossed his arms.

"Not enough to stop me."

"Apparently," she sighed.

He looked to the Abellan and the young man instinctively jumped as he turned his eyes up to meet the previous Governor of Fire's.

"You must be the Abellan huh?" He asked as he held out a hand with an affable smile. "Looks like we finally meet again. Name's Alvaro Seitz."

TJ took his hand and shook it—Alvaro's grip was firm and decisive.

"I'm TJ." He answered with a questioning gaze. "But…we've met before?"

Alvaro rose to his full height once more and chuckled.

"Well I wouldn't call it much of a meeting. The younger Kolb and I had been invited to meet you after some castle dogs locked you up. You didn't take much interest in us back then, though."

"Dad!" The Governor hissed as she hit his bicep with her fist. "You don't just go talking about people's pasts like that!"

"Ahh…sorry sorry!" He laughed as he blocked any further fists with open palms.

"Well anyway, we can talk some more over dinner. A little thing like you needs to eat more if you wanna become big and strong like yours truly."

After he said that he rustled TJ's hair and the Abellan pondered the statement briefly.

"Kavitala made a feast fit for a king tonight!"

Alvaro did not seem as bad as Amata made him out to be. He seemed to be a genuinely happy-go-lucky man and one that had plenty of love for his daughter. Perhaps she just did not understand his affection… though he and Su had a very similar relationship, so he could somewhat understand the situation the two found themselves in.

Amata sighed gently.

"I'm sorry for all the trouble. That's my dad in a nutshell. He has a little too much energy for a man his age."

"I think he's nice!" TJ said with a grin.

She knit her brows as she smiled gently. "I wish I could look on the bright side of everything like you do, TJ. Although…I think that cheeriness of yours can be a little contagious sometimes."

It made him happy to see her smiling again. She, like Peorth, shined her brightest whenever she would smile. It was something rare and that he felt they both could and should do more frequently.

"I'll show you to the bathroom so you can wash up and stuff. Just…gimme a sec to use it, okay?"

"No problem."

She lead him down the hall and he stole occasional glances around the place, taking in the sights of her home. There were all sorts of lovely works of art that hung on the walls, sculptures that were placed around the house, and of course plenty of pictures that featured Amata, her parents and perhaps others in her family. There was a living room with plenty of chairs and couches and even a strange black box on a stand by one of the walls.

Amata excused herself as she slipped into the bathroom and TJ leaned against the wall as he let his thoughts drift off.

It was the first time he had seen a family. He had met siblings before, like Peorth and Freya and even their cousin Kooh. There were the Vampanelar sisters also, but he knew very little of the parents of both families. Was it possible that all beings, be they Cerebian, Human, or beast had parents like Alvaro and Kavitala?

He thought back to the talk with Avaritia. She had told him that their sole parent was Asmodeus—he and all eight of his siblings. Was it typical for Agasura to only have one parent? Or were they a unique case? What of Lucia and the others? Did they have any at all?

He stole a glimpse at Amata in her youth and in it he could see how she had grown and changed—how she grew taller, her face matured and her every feature changed with the years. Had he ever seen such changes in his life? Would he ever grow and change as the Governor of Fire had to become as strong or incredible as those he had met in the past weeks?

He had so many questions about his past and even some about his uncertain future…but who would have the answers to that? If he did not know, nor Peorth, there were very few other options for him to take solace in. If anything, at the very least he knew that he could ask the first Governor of Fire. If his memories held true, they would have likely existed within the same time period. He just had to ensure that he did not lose such an important battle.

The door creaked open and the current Governor of Fire stepped out with a sigh of relief.

"As much as it contradicts what I said before, being in my own home again is nice." She said with a relieved smile. "You can go ahead and use it TJ. Thanks for waiting."

"O-oh!" He said with a look of surprise.

Her sudden return snapped him from his reverie.

"Right. I'll only be a sec'."

"You don't need to rush for my sake. Take your time."

He stepped into the bathroom and glanced around. There were ornate navy blue carpets, a white porcelain toilet with a strange fuzzy cover, a shelf with all sorts of toiletries and a sink that matched the toilet with a set of cupboards underneath. Around the sink were hand soaps and hand sanitizers and to his right a towel rack with a set of three hand towels, each with an ornate flower design upon the turquoise items.

He walked closer to the mirror and looked at the person that stared back at him. How much he had changed since his time in Belos…he was the same person inside, but he had begun to look so different outside.

He sighed as he blew his bangs aside, the golden streaks flitted through the air briefly before they came to rest further along his face. Vanir had warned him but…those powers extended beyond the boundaries of what he was currently capable of.

Annoying as the change was, it was a necessary evil. It gave him the strength to protect his allies and putting them at risk to void his Agasuric nature's growth was not something he was willing to do.

But even so…that deep fear that lurked within still chilled him to the bone. One misstep and he could become a monster.

He closed his eyes and turned on the tap before he splashed water in his face a couple of times. He scrubbed his whole face and took a deep breath before he turned the tap off and looked himself over once more.

He swore that he would remain in control. He was in charge of his destiny and himself—he would not let Asmodeus nor Adonis break his spirit.

He placed his hand to the Mr. Bear pin Velvet gave him and closed his eyes slowly.

He would reject that nature, but he would use it for good. Peorth gave him the chance to turn over a new leaf and so he would not disappoint her under any circumstances.

The Abellan wiped his hands and face and rejoined Amata.

"Hold still a sec." She said as she looked to him and wiped his head with her sleeve. "You've got water dripping from your hair."

"Thanks," he answered.

She grinned.

"No problem. Now come on, I'm sure you're as hungry as I am, if not more."

Amata lead him further down the hall and into what he deemed to be the kitchen. The snow white walls, the bright silver of all sorts of appliances blinded him and the lovely sparkling of the table cloth and entire kitchen dazzled him. He looked around in awe as he took it all in, and eventually discovered a feast laid out upon the table. He had not the foggiest as to what any of it was, but the delectable scent and sight of it all made his stomach growl.

He held it in embarrassment as the whole family chuckled gently.

"Come over and sit down you two. There's plenty to go around." Kavitala told them as she laid a couple of plates down on the table.

The Governor of Fire's second parent was a slender, average sized woman with bronzed skin, sea blue eyes and dark green hair tied in a ponytail. She wore a violet sari with gold embroidery, white pearl earrings and a bindi.

She looked to TJ as he approached behind Amata and smiled gently. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, TJ."

She greeted him in the style he was taught and he followed suit.

"To have the Abellan at our dinner table is truly an honour."

"N-no, the pleasure's all mine! Thank you…for having me…" He said as he gestured that it was not the case and muttered his final words.

"Can you two stop making him feel so awkward already? Geez!" Amata huffed as she sat down.

"Sorry Ama." Kavitala said with a smile.

"He knows it's all in good fun." Alvaro said with a grin.

Kavitala looked to her husband and blinked slowly.

"Will you do the honours today dear?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"As long as you don't regret it later!"

The Governor of Fire clapped his hands together followed by his wife, their daughter, and finally TJ who nervously followed suit.

Alvaro began to speak, but TJ felt unsure exactly what language it was in. It sounded oddly familiar…some of the words he heard were those that Peorth had spoken while reading from Memorius Sanctum, but he could not quite put his finger on that fact, let alone what any of them meant.

Once finished Kavitala looked at him with knit brows and Amata gave him an exasperated gaze.

"You're way too carefree Dad," the Governor of Fire muttered.

"You shouldn't play around too much during prayers, Dear." Kavitala said as she sighed.

Alvaro laughed.

"The gods' won't mind any! Right? TJ?"

He nearly jumped out of his seat.

"Yeah! R-right!"

"Don't mind him too much TJ. Anyway, let's get some food in you before he gets into his antics," Amata suggested.

She pointed to each dish as she told him the names.

"That right there is biryani, this is rajma, tandoori chicken, bhindi masala fry, rumali roti and finally rogan josh."

She sat down and her eyes shifted to her mother.

"You really went all out, huh Mom?"

"Having you come home with the Abellan for your trial is quite the event you know." She said with a mother's grace.

"Maybe we should bring out the champagne?" Alvaro suggested.

Kavitala crossed her arms.

"You should wait until they come back from the trial before you celebrate."

"Well that's just another reason to celebrate isn't it?" He pointed out with a raised index finger.

"People in Mezzalone have too much to celebrate as is, don't you think?" Amata asked as she placed her fork down and eyed him warily.

"It's a good thing. Every day that the people can spend celebrating is a day that they don't spend living in fear of the Agasura and the impending war against Asmodeus."

That statement drew TJ's attention and he began to see Alvaro in a new light.

Amata sighed as she chewed her food.

"I think it's better that we keep the fact that Asmodeus' arrival is right around the corner fresh in our minds. We can't let our guard down or things could go wrong at the drop of a hat. You especially, Dad!"

As TJ put a fork full of rice in his mouth he pondered the statement.

Perhaps if he had his emotions in check he would have been able to see the fanatics before they had gotten to him first. Amata did raise a valid point but… Peorth stood on the other side of that spectrum in regards to opinions. At least, to some degree.

"Why's that?" He looked genuinely curious at her statement.

"You're God's Governor of Fire! Mezzalone needs you to protect it, dummy!"

This made him laugh.

"I was God's Governor of Fire. I'm looking right at my cute little successor."

She pursed her lips at the statement.

"It's a good thing that Mezzalone has a reliable guardian like you now, doesn't it?"

She furrowed her brows and averted her eyes.

"I'm not reliable. How can I succeed you properly if I can't even beat you in a sparring match? If you're still stronger than me what I can do now isn't gonna cut it."

The previous Governor of Fire placed his drink down and chuckled as he intertwined his fingers.

"So you say, but I had given you my title years ago.

"But that's beside the point Kiddo. Lemme' tell you something good. Of all of the elements, fire tops them all in terms of raw power. Naturally, if you were to face someone 20-30 years your senior, you would likely lose. Magic is reliant on the wisdom of the user, of course. You lack experience in life and in so doing I have the advantage over you.

"But!" He closed one eye as he grinned. "The fire of your willpower still burns bright. I won't say I don't have any at all, but you have the potential to be a better God's Governor than I do. I'm not the only one who thinks so, you know."

"No elbows on the table Dear," Kavitala remarked.

"Sorry."

"Who else thought so?" Amata asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Little Kolb. God's Governor Julius."

"H-he did?"

"Definitely! He used to say that you'd turn out just like me. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree you know."

"That's definitely not going to happen."

She glared and Alvaro laughed.

"That's just your rebellious phase talking.

"Leaving all of that aside, the fact that you're here now with TJ speaks volumes, don't you think? You're going to do what me, your grandpa and all of your other predecessors never dared to do."

"Couldn't they… not do it? Go to the temple I mean. Wouldn't they have to wait until TJ appeared before they could take that step in awakening?"

The Governor of Fire roared with laughter.

"Not a chance! The temple was always there and all of them knew how to open the way. That's knowledge that's been passed down for generations. We were all just too scared to fight Rayinth, that's all."

The Governor of Fire closed her eyes while the Abellan chuckled gently.

"When you put it like that, you old guys are really lame."

"Any father called lame by his cute daughter would feel wounded by those words.

"But on that topic, I never did tell you how to open the way to the temple. I haven't kicked the bucket yet so I'll go on ahead and do that for you tonight."

"I'll go too." She said with a look of resolve in her eyes.

He waved his fork at her.

"There's no need for you to do that, unless you wanna say hi to your ancestors with me."

He smiled gently.

"You and TJ will have to get through the temple before you reach Rayinth in the inner sanctum. You and him should have a good night's rest. Eat some good food, sleep in a warm bed and then go on an adventure."

"You sure know how to make it sound easy Dad." Amata sighed gently as she turned her fork around on her plate.

"Do I?" He asked.

His eyes looked distant prior to him closing them and smiling.

"To be honest, it isn't. But the reason I phrase it like that is because you're the one going to do it."

She knit her brows in response.

"Yeah I got that part."

"You misunderstood him Amata," her mother told her.

Her eyes shifted to her second parent and she raised a brow.

Alvaro nodded.

"Your mother and I have the utmost faith in you. The reason we have no doubt is because you're our daughter. All those times you sparred with me…sure, you didn't win against me, but you never gave up. You kept coming back after training harder just to lose again. That spirit of yours never burns out. Wear that as a badge of pride and face off with Rayinth. I'm sure he'll see himself in you before the fight and after you come out on top."

"Do you…really think so?" She asked with upturned eyes.

"No doubt about it." Alvaro said with a confident nod.

"Our daughter will not be defeated. Your father is only good at fighting, after all." Kavitala told her with a wink.

Alvaro looked on in disbelief.

"Somehow my pride as a man was wounded by that statement."

Amata smiled.

"Thanks Mom, Dad. If we do succeed I can't take all the credit though, since TJ's gonna be with me through the thick of it."

"I'll do my best," The Abellan said in response.

"You've got guts, TJ! I like you already!

"So what do you think about becoming my son-in-law?"

"Daaaaaad!" Amata snarled as she got up with a fire in her eyes.

"I told you to wait until after Dear…" Kavitala sighed as she shook her head.

After dinner Amata and Kavitala collected the plates and brought them over to the sink.

"Do you want some help cleaning up Mom?" The Governor asked as she ran some water over the dishes.

"I'll take care of it. Why don't you go and wash up?" Her mother suggested with a smile.

"I want to but…" She looked over to her dad warily as he smiled guiltily.

"Dad, I'm laying down the rules right here, right now!" She said as she slammed a hand down on the counter.

He raised his hands in surrender.

"First, no embarrassing home videos or photo albums! Second you can't show anyone my room without my say so! And you better not put any ideas in his head about sneaking into the bathroom!"

"You know I wouldn't do any-"

Before he could finish she glared at him and growled and he averted his gaze.

"Most of those things."

"You better not do any of them!" At those words she huffed and stormed off.

TJ watched solemnly, but realized he had no idea what to do with himself at this juncture.

"You look lost, TJ." Alvaro said with a wide grin. "If you don't mind staying up a little later why don't you keep this old man company for a spell?"

Without a second thought TJ followed Alvaro through a set of doors that lead to another corridor and as they did he passed by a multitude of doors along a single wall. On his right was a set of glass windows that extended from one side of the hall all the way to the other. Once they reached the end of it Alvaro opened a pair of orante white doors with a golden finish upon each and lead the Abellan inside.

It was a fairly dark room—the entire floor was covered in a scarlet carpet and a pair of matching chairs sat facing a single table between the two. At the end of it was a fireplace that was as of yet to be lit. On one side of the room was a single grandfather clock—the gentle ticking as the hands each turned at their own pace drew the Abellan into its solemn metronome for a brief spell. In one of the corners of the room was a cabinet with what seemed to be a series of shelves housing all sorts of alcohols.

Alvaro walked over to the fireplace and pointed a finger at it. A series of sparks erupted from within the wood and in moments they lit up with ease.

"Have a seat TJ. I won't bite." Alvaro chuckled as he made his way over to the cabinet.

The Abellan took the suggestion to heart and sat down in the chair on the right. The cushions were comfy and the seat was huge in comparison to his small body. The wooden arms, legs and that which surrounded it made him feel as if he was sitting in a throne.

"To think I'd be able to have a drink with the Abellan within my lifetime. Ha! If only I had a chronicler here. Or perhaps an artist." He removed a dark green bottle with a crimson liquid from within the cabinet and brought it over to the table before he paused and placed a hand to his face.

"I knew this mistake would come back to bite me years down the line and it has."

TJ looked at him quizzically but quickly turned his eyes as the doors to the room opened once more and Kavitala entered.

"I wouldn't say this is the reason our ancestors believed it a good idea to have a Pledger, but for you it is and many more." She said as she entered with a couple of wine glasses on a platter.

She placed them down and Alvaro embraced her before he kissed her on the lips.

"I wouldn't be able to keep my head attached to my torso without you, Kavi."

"Oh please," she chuckled.

Once he let her go she made her way to the door.

"I'll leave you boys to your discussion. Just try not to drink yourself into a stupor, Dear."

"You can add that one to your list." He answered with a guilty grin.

At his words she laughed gently and exited, closing the door behind her,

"Now then, without further ado let's have a man-to-man chat, shall we?" Alvaro asked as he unfurled the golden wrapping around the neck of the bottle and began to uncork it.

TJ eyed the bottle warily before turning his eyes to Alvaro.

"Does this have alcohol in it Mr. Seitz?"

"No need to be so formal! Just call me Alvaro!"

"Got it," he answered with a hint of hesitation.

"Wine does count as alcohol so it's got some. But it's not so much that you'll get wasted after a cup or two I'm sure."

The Abellan pursed his lips. "Verun says that minors shouldn't drink too much when it comes to those things."

"Who's this Verun gu-oh!" The Governor roared with laughter. "Did he say that? Ha! If only he knew! I suppose you couldn't expect a Confidant to know about that after all. Don't mind his words TJ."

"But-"

At those words Alvaro raised a finger and waved it solemnly. "I don't mean to call you old, but there's no denying that your youthful appearance is deceiving both to lookers and the keeper himself."

"I know. I haven't grown much despite all these years…" He muttered under his breath.

The previous Governor laughed gently at those words.

"True. You haven't grown much since I last saw you, but that isn't what I'm referring to. Your appearance and your age are two very different things. You may look like a child, but you're far older than me and even most of my predecessors."

TJ blinked in disbelief.

"Huh?"

Alvaro tipped the glass as he poured enough wine to fill it up halfway and sat it down before the Abellan.

"It's no lie. Be it in the scriptures, the textbooks, even the songs of bards from ages past, they all mention the Abellan. Of course, everyone has their own take on history so most of the information is likely inaccurate, but the one thing that they all agree on is that you existed then. During the Age of Heroes, the years where the Gods and Mankind were tied by the bonds of fate. Prior to Mankind's fall from grace, of course.

"Put simply, you can have a few drinks with me without worrying about drinking age and all of those things."

"Do you really believe that? Alvaro…?" TJ asked as he took a sip of the wine. It tasted bitter going down, but the aftertaste had a faint sweetness.

"Course I do! People tend to be skeptical and judge by appearances without even a hint of certainty to their actions. 'Cause of that, you'd gone through hell and high water didn't you?"

He shook his head gently as he swirled the wine in his glass.

"Even I had some difficulties believing it back then, but I saw you on Asgard. I saw you during the war too. Armed with nothing but your guitar and spells I've never even seen before, you took the fight to the Agasura.

"I'll admit, those made me believe that you were without a doubt, the Abellan. But what really convinced me was that you were able to convince my daughter."

"Amata?" He asked with a puzzled glance.

Alvaro nodded before he took another sip of his drink.

"That's right. She's a stubborn one, but if you could befriend her and convince her to come all the way back here to take the trial you would have to either be the Abellan or one of Lady Amae's Saints reincarnate."

The Abellan chuckled gently.

"It was mostly her that had garnered the courage to do it though. All she needed was a slight push from the Chief and the others to understand what it is she wanted to do."

The previous Governor smiled.

"You and your friends are a good bunch. Amata's in good hands."

TJ beamed.

"We're glad to have her among us too."

He took a bigger drink from his glass as he mustered his courage.

"Alvaro, may I ask you something?"

The previous Governor raised an eyebrow.

"Of course! What's on your mind TJ?"

The Abellan knit his in turn.

"When I met the Chief…I mean the queen. Do you know what happened then? I mean what brought her to where I was?"

He closed his eyes and nodded thoughtfully.

"I do. The king had called upon one of the members of the Artimen Clan after the First Asgardian War had ended. He and the princess had gone with him to see off Queen Remedi."

TJ blinked.

"To…see her off?"

He nodded grimly.

"It was her sacrifice that ended the war in our favour. Since the Agasura didn't have their ace in the hole we were able to push them back and force them to flee from Asgard.

"Though the battle was won, the war was lost. Our queen had fallen."

He took a drink from his glass and turned his eyes to the fire.

"The whole of Asgard was in mourning for some time afterwards. Wasn't long after that the princess went on to meet you and from then on I imagine you know where the story goes."

TJ looked into his wine glass solemnly. Five words hung like ghosts in the air when he thought back to that fateful moment. Looking into the eyes of the youthful princess he asked her, "do you wish to meet her?"

It was that very question that had set both of their fates in motion. Much to his surprise, it was that which set all of their fates in motion—including that of Su and Amata's.

What about Amata? Was becoming a God's Governor something she felt certain she wanted to do? Alvaro still looked rather young, and if their talk at dinner was any indication, he was no less capable despite being an adult.

"This is a bit more personal but I was curious when Amata became God's Governor of Fire."

Alvaro gave him a melancholy smile. "It wasn't until after the Hanamah incident that I gave her my title, but I had planned to do it long before that.

"Amata was always a capable girl and she had a good head on her shoulders just like her mother. Perhaps if I'd spent more time treating her like a normal girl and less like a God's Governor she would have had an easier time growing up."

He closed his eyes and slumped over as he let out a heavy sigh.

"She didn't have a whole lot of friends when she was young. Most of the time she had, she spent it training by herself or sparring against me…and don't even get me going on how many times she came out hurt."

He gulped down the rest of his wine and poured another glass.

"Don't be shy, TJ. Come on, you drink up too."

TJ nodded before he finished his glass and hiccupped.

His mind felt a little fuzzy, but he felt that he was getting to know the Governor of Fire better. It seemed she had a lot to hide, but her reasons and Alvaro's may have differed.

"My little girl was a real natural. She had to work hard to get where she was today, but all of the effort she put in made her one of the fastest growing Governors."

He smiled bitterly.

"Can't count how many times she had told me that she'd protect me and Kavi. I used to think she was just a kid with big dreams and a little twinkle in her eye. Little did I know that she was serious. I used to just rough her up a little in our matches so that she wouldn't overdo it but she was insistent on getting better.

"Before I knew it she was on the road to becoming a better God's Governor than I had ever been… and when she came back from Hanamah…hoo boy…"

The Governor placed a hand to his face and shook his head.

"The look on her face…the twinkle in her eyes…gone. It was the face of someone who had seen the horrors of war and lived to tell. But at the time she was so young. Much too young to have gone through something like that…and I had no idea. I couldn't be there for her and her closest friend was kidnapped or killed by the Dark Moon.

"My baby girl had gone beyond my reach and grown up when I couldn't see her. Wasn't until then that I realized how much time I'd wasted. I wasted her youth."

He looked to TJ and smiled once more, but this time one without sorrow or melancholy.

"That's time I can't take back for her…but she can still have a future." He placed a hand to his chest. "From this fool of a father, I need to make a request of you TJ."

The Abellan tightly clenched his fists to his lap and nodded solemnly with a look of resolve in his eyes.

"Please look after my…our daughter. I'll fight in this war too, but I won't be by her side through all of it. She'll have to go to places beyond my reach again and this failure of a God's Governor can't follow her there. So I entrust her to you. Let her live to see the day where she won't have to fight the battle we had started. Allow her to fall in love, marry and live in peace as we have. We owe her that much…but only you can give her that chance."

TJ's lips trembled at Alvaro's earnest desire and he looked to his shoes.

"I…I know I have the strength to do it but…I lack control. I'm afraid I might hurt her or the others."

Alvaro's eyes softened as he looked upon the Abellan as if he were his own child.

"You and her are just like each other. She just wasn't as honest about it as you are now."

He chuckled gently as he reminisced on the fact.

"TJ, sometimes there's no better place to learn to master yourself than on the battlefield. If you feel your powers are too much for you to control, then all you need is a hardy ally by your side. After all, a Pledger is every Cerebian's greatest asset. Someone by our side who covers for our flaws, emphasizes our strengths and allows us to be the best that we can be.

"I'm sure the years have taken their toll on you… whether time passed or not for you, I can't say. But what I do know is… you're young. You have plenty of spiritual knowledge I'd bet, but you lack wordly knowledge. You need to go out there and experience things as a Human or as a Cerebian. Doesn't matter which—we're not that different after all. Fall in love and let that person know you do, get in a scrap or two, make some friends or rivals and get in a bit of trouble every now and again. Do some of those things and you'll see the world for all it is.

"But even now, as I look at you in the current state I can see your inner strength. You have courage and the will to see your mission through… and to challenge Asmodeus is no small feat. You've been tasked with saving the world and you've still got the drive to go through with all the steps towards it."

The previous Governor grinned a toothy grin.

"You might just be a carp now but…you climb that waterfall and you'll become a dragon before our very eyes. So hold your head high and keep walking forward. If you do, I know this'll be a simple task for you, TJ."

TJ closed his eyes as he took in Alvaro's words.

People believed in him. That desire they carried was a torch they passed on to him, and he would take it as far as he could, no matter the circumstances. There were many, many lives he could save, those of the God's Governors included. He had to be strong enough to protect them, his home and the places and people that held both dear.

"So long as I live, I'll protect her with all that I am."

"Atta boy! I'll cheers to that!"

The two raised their glasses and clinked them gently.

For a brief moment TJ felt glad that he learned what a 'Cheers' was.

Amata made her way through the corridor as she sighed gently. A crescent moon hung gently in the sky alongside the stars that lingered around it. Bathed in it's gentle light she stopped for a moment to place her fingers to the window and look outside.

Thinking of what she had tasked herself with the following day, she could hardly bring herself to lay down and sleep. Her heart raced at the prospect and her mind was abuzz with plans for battle, formations and the potential strength of her ancestor. All the while the fear of loss frayed the outskirts of her conscious.

Partially because she was worried about her social life and partially because her companion would be stuck with Alvaro for an extended period, she set out to check on the duo. On the bright side, it allowed her some time away from her own fears.

As she approached the door she took a deep breath and exhaled.

What was she getting so worked up for? Her father had done some ridiculous things in the past, but she could at least expect him to get his act together in front of the Abellan.

"Dad, TJ, I'm coming in!" She said as she rapped on the door.

The moment she stepped in she looked on in disbelief. Both men were roaring with laughter while a rather large silver dragon with bright yellow eyes stood, its wings folded towards its body and an exasperated look on its face.

"Master, I do not think this appropriate in the slightest. Both the time and place," she said.

"She talksh!" TJ said excitedly as he sat up.

"Dad! You got TJ drunk?! What're you doing?!" Amata snarled as she stormed into the room and helped the Abellan from his seat. "You reek of alchohol! Just how much did you drink?!

"Oh we just had a little bit of wine! What's the harm in that? Besides he's an adult too." Alvaro said as he laughed it off and shrugged.

"You two finished the whole bottle!" She hissed as she picked it up and tapped it. "That aside, this percent is through the roof!"

As TJ staggered she caught him and held him close.

"And what're you summoning Sorvir inside the house for?! She can barely fit at that size!"

Sorvir closed her eyes.

"Do not mind it so much, young Governor. My master may have his unusual moments but I assure you this only happens on occasion."

"This shouldn't happen at all." She sighed as she shook her head.

"I'm gonna take TJ to one of the guest rooms so make sure you clean up and go to bed!"

She huffed before she stormed off and Alvaro leaned over his chair.

"Oh come now Ama, we were just having a little fun," he shouted in his defense.

"Rethink your definition of fun, stupid Dad!" At those words, she took TJ through the door and slammed it after her.

"It seems parenting is still a challenge for you, Master. Perhaps you would have better fortune with my brood."

Alvaro chuckled dryly.

"I don't think Kavi would accept having any more dragons in the house. Disciplining Bharva took it's toll on her."

Sorvir chuckled gently.

"Alas, you have as of yet to tame your own dragon."

He knit his brows.

"She's in a league of her own… but I think she's growing up just fine nonetheless."

He smiled at the thought.

"She just needed some good friends to do it with."

The duo walked down the hall, the Governor of Fire absolutely seething with anger. TJ remained somewhat slumped over so Amata had to partially haul him towards a guest room, but after doing it once she had a pretty good idea of it.

"That guy! He's so troublesome sometimes!" She snarled as she made her way through the corridor. "I swear, every time he finds some way to topple the last thing he did! Ridiculous!"

"He's a good dad." TJ said with a grin.

"I know you'd think so. You could see the good in everyone. Speaking of…"

She turned her eyes down to the Heart of Yggdrasil.

"Quit slacking off and get out here! Help me carry him to bed!"

Su emerged from the gem and crossed her arms.

"Honestly, when you idiots are together I just get dragged into dumb shit," the Governor of Earth muttered.

"It's not like you're doing anything worthwhile! Might as well make use of yourself."

"Whatever."

Su placed one of the Abellan's arms over her shoulders and the two made their way through the Seitz Manor.

"You're both sho…. shtrong…" The Abellan giggled before his head fell limp.

"Honestly…" Amata began to chuckle to herself as they walked up the stairs. "You're such an easy-going guy. Still… I'd rather have you get drunk and have to haul you around than do it because you got a dagger in the back. If this is the flip side of the coin, I'd take it any day."

"Shaaaame!"

"You meant 'same' right?"

"'S what I said!"

She laughed.

"Sure it was."

Su eyed them for a brief while but turned her gaze back to the corridor before them.

After a time on the upper floor, they stopped at a door and Amata used her free hand to open it. The inside was homely, with a double bed, a set of dressers in two portions of the room, a couple of windows with transparent curtains and a wadrobe. There was a nightstand by the bed with a lamp on it that Amata turned on before she returned to the Abellan's side.

"You've had a long day. Rest here as long as you need to in preparation for tomorrow. There's no real rush, so you can sleep in as long as you need to to feel comfortable. Don't stress over it, okay?"

"Aye-aye!" He said as he saluted her and collapsed upon the bed after Su let him go.

"Mm… soft…" He muttered into the sheets.

"At least properly put him in the bed." Amata sighed as she corrected his posture and covered him.

"What are you, his mom? Get over yourself." Su retorted as she furrowed her brows.

Amata glared in turn.

"You don't need to be somebody's mom to show them proper hospitality! Why don't you go sleep out on the concrete if you've got a problem with my way of doing things?!"

"Were you expecting me to get in that bed with him?"

She looked surprised for a moment but it quickly turned to a smug grin.

"Heh."

"You're infuriating! Good night!" At those words Amata stormed off and slammed the door behind her.

"That never gets old."

Su turned her eyes to TJ who seemed to be fiddling around with something.

"The hell're you doin'?"

"I need to… the Chief…" He uttered.

"Even now you're worrying about her? She can wait until morning. She won't die you know."

At those words he sat up and frantically sought out his badge.

"It was just a joke! God! Can you relax already?"

"Found it." He said with a look of relief.

"Jeez…"

Without further ado he tapped the badge twice.

[Guild]TJ: Chief! It'sh meeee!

[Guild]Peorth: TJ, good night.

[Guild]TJ: We made it to Mezzalone!

[Guild]Peorth: Is that so? What pleasant news. Judging by your speech patterns you had a celebratory drink?

[Guild]TJ: Uh-huh. Me and Alvaro had shome wine.

[Guild]Peorth: So you've met and forged a bond with God's Governor of Fire Alvaro have you? This brings me much jubilance.

[Guild]Peorth: Alas, since this may be one of the first times you have had more alcoholic content than you are familiar with, it would be in your best interest to drink plenty of water and to get rest to offset the effects in the morning.

[Guild]TJ: 'Kay!

[Guild]Peorth: Rest well TJ. I will be praying for your success during your expedition tomorrow.

[Guild]TJ: Mmk, I will. And Chief?

[Guild]Peorth: Yes?

[Guild]TJ: Good night! I love you!

There was a brief pause accompanied by a quiet gasp.

[Guild]Peorth: Y-you may have mixed up the order of your words but…alas, I digress. I…as do I, TJ. Good night.

It was not long before he rested his head against the pillow and fell fast asleep. Su, who leaned against one of the dressers closed her eyes as she shook her head.

As Amata made her way back to her room she caught a glimpse of a figure moving through the dark and she froze up instinctively.

"W-who's there? Is that you Dad?" She raised a finger and a small flame was lit before it, giving her some vision in the darkness.

After a few moments Kavitala emerged from the darkness and smiled at her daughter.

"Sorry Amata, I didn't mean to startle you," she said.

"Oh…it was just you Mom. Were you going to get Dad? He drank himself silly again." She huffed as she extinguished the flames and crossed her arms.

"That's just like your father, isn't it?" She chuckled.

"I dunno what you see in him, really."

This made Kavitala smile.

"That's often the case with parents and children. But that's love, Dear. You love and accept everything about your partner, both good and bad."

"Yeah…I've got the gist of it, more or less." She said as she scratched her cheek.

There was someone she could think of like that, but he seemed too good to have bads. Or perhaps it was his goods that had turned bad. A mysterious person…but one she felt she could learn a lot from.

"But I'm not here to lecture you about love. I've something that I'd like to ask of you."

Amata cocked an eyebrow.

"What's that?"

"Would you meet me out back with Bharva?"

Her mother clasped her hands by her waist and the Governor could not help but feel unease.

"Okay…I guess?"

If she knew her mother, she often had a very distinct problem with the Governors' familiars. Though Sorvir was a victim of this scenario, she had been caught in Kavitala's ire due to Bharva's behaviour in his early years.

Without a second thought Amata made her way to the manor's backyard and summoned her companion in his second size.

Thankfully, the garden was rather spacious so he could fit without too much trouble. So long as he did not use his breath he would not set their garden or house aflame—a concern of her mother's.

After a brief spell the doors slid open and Kavitala stepped out.

"So what did you want us for anyway, Mom?" Amata asked as she raised her eyebrows.

"Oh I just wanted to give Bharva a trim with these little things." She answered as she closed the door behind her.

When she turned around both Governor and familiar alike looked on in disbelief.

"You call those industrial grade hedge clippers little?!"

In her mother's hands were a pair of clippers large and wide enough to easily wrap around a human's torso.

"I mean, sure his mane is getting a little shaggy, but don't you think this is a bit much?"

The dragon turned to her and huffed and she placed a finger to her lips.

"It's for a good cause, I assure you. Now I'll need you to get Bharva to stay still while I take a few off the top…"

Amata placed her hand to Bharva's face and knit her brows.

"Sorry…but you know how it is. Mom and Dad are the bosses around here so let's just try and get through this peacefully, okay?"

The dragon groaned and she grinned guiltily.

"That's the spirit."

How long had TJ spent in bed? He awoke with a splitting headache for quite some time. Amata had come and gone constantly, apologizing as she did and bringing glasses of water for him until he felt better.

He felt a little ashamed that he could not get out of bed to eat, but she assured him that it was not his fault and she understood his pain, before cursing her father for doing such a thing.

Leaving all of those events aside, something else had been bothering him that morning. Most of the night was a blur. He recalled talking with Alvaro, meeting his dragon familiar and Amata yelling at him, but further past that point was hazy. Did alcohol have memory erasing properties to it? Was it possible that someone had given it to him in the past and the course of events lead to his hazy memories? Though it also raised the question of how that person had placed his memories in the Iris stones.

Further into the day the pain he felt had subsided and he climbed out of bed. He stepped out of the room after making the bed and putting his accessories on. He looked both ways and began to feel as lost as he did in Devotion's guild hall.

"Go right," Su told him from within the gem.

He nodded solemnly and made his way through the corridor until he found a winding staircase to the lower floor. As he did so, he caught a glimpse of Amata as she made her way down the hall with her eyes focused on him.

"Hey TJ. Are you feeling any better?" She asked with worry dancing on the edges of her voice.

"Yeah, completely!" He answered as he gave her a thumbs-up.

She beamed.

"Good. Mom and Dad are helping me pack up so we'll be ready to go soon. If you like you can rest a little longer."

He scratched his cheek gently.

The Abellan spent the better half of the morning resting, so it only felt right that he return the kindness she showed him-at the very least.

"I think I'm okay there. Is there anything I can help out with?"

The Governor placed an elbow in hand and tapped her finger against her cheek.

"Not that I can think of…though Mom did say she had something to give you, so maybe we should go see her about it."

He chuckled gently.

He had been on the receiving end of plenty of useful items lately. The Cerebians were all very thoughtful towards him.

"Sounds like a plan."

TJ made his way to Amata's side and followed her into the Seitz' living room.

"Do you think they'll need bug spray?" Alvaro asked as he picked up a small bottle.

"Bugs will be the least of their concerns in the temple, Dear." Kavitala answered as she placed things into a rucksack.

"I'm just keeping their well-being in mind. You won't find any bloodsucking Agasura around these parts will you?"

"Amata can handle herself. Let's pack important things they might need in the temple and if there's space we can fit all of those little extras."

Alvaro relented and set the bottle aside.

"Mom, Dad, TJ's awake. Are you guys almost done?" Amata asked as the duo stepped into the room.

"Good morning," TJ said with a moment's hesitation.

"Good morning to you, TJ." Kavitala said as she offered a bright smile.

"Morning to ya', TJ." Alvaro said as he grinned and saluted.

"We're almost done here. It'll be quicker if you can convince your father you can handle a few insects though." Kavitala said as she grinned and gestured to her husband.

"I'll be fine Dad, stop worrying so much!" Amata said as she furrowed her brows while looking in his direction.

"But you know what those bug bites do to you. If you'd just stop scra-" He began but was soon cut off by his furious daughter.

"Ahh don't talk about that! I'll be fine, okay?! I'm not a kid anymore!"

Alvaro turned his eyes back to the bag that he packed.

"That's true. You're an adult now."

She huffed gently before she crossed her arms and looked to her mother.

"Mom, you said you had something for TJ, right?"

"That's right. Hang on a moment you two." At those words she vanished into the corridor and Amata took up her place to familiarize herself with the contents of the rucksack.

"There's a lot of handy stuff in here. Rope, Grappling hook, spare secondary arms…even food. Looks like we'll be prepared for just about any situation. There's a lot of water too."

"You'll be entering your ancestor's temple. The heat might be near unbearable for anyone that isn't part of our lineage." Alvaro said with a light chuckle.

TJ swallowed the comment hard.

"We were prepared for this, of course." Kavitala said as she emerged from behind TJ.

He nearly jumped in response while Sse chuckled gently at his reaction.

"This is for you."

She held out a crimson cloak with scarlet fibres woven throughout the entire item.

He accepted it with a look of curiosity.

"This is…?"

"A dragon's mane cloak. It's said that the original architechts of Rayinth's Vestibule wore them when they built it. It protected them from the intense heat emitted at the heart of Midgard."

"M-Midgard has a heart too?!" He asked with a look of disbelief.

"Whatever you're thinking, TJ, I don't think it's that." Amata said as she giggled. "Reina said the core of Midgard is pure magma, so the deeper you go into the ground the hotter it becomes."

"That makes sense." He said as he looked over the cloak. "Thanks a bunch, Mrs. Seitz."

He smiled earnestly

"Think nothing of it. We owe you our thanks, after all, for looking after our daughter."

"I'm glad to help out."

"Can you guys skip the embarrassing stuff already so we can go? By the time we get there he'll already be dead due to boredom," Amata complained.

"We'll be finished in a moment, Dear. Just hang on a little longer."

"Ugh…"

Amata slumped into a couch and frowned.

TJ laughed gently as he held the cloak close. As he did so he felt that he was beginning to understand what it was like to have a family.

"Been a while since I put these to use," Alvaro said as his wife handed him a pair of gauntlets. That which covered the wrist was silver, while the hand portion was black with a gold plating. Each of the knuckles had a circular plating and gold streaks ran from them across the entire item.

"Gauntlets?" TJ asked as he tilted his head quizzically.

"They're knuckles. Dad's a Guardian," Amata answered.

"A Guardian!" He repeated with a twinkle in his eyes.

The previous Governor laughed.

"You sound like you'd never seen one before."

"I haven't!"

Alvaro blinked with surprise.

"Where has he been?"

"Surprisingly, just about everywhere." Amata answered as she knit her brows.

"Apples and oranges, I suppose." Alvaro said as he put on his knuckles and pounded his fists together.

"It really has been too long. It'll feel good to get back out there."

"You've been slacking off since I took up your title, haven't you?" She asked as she eyed her father warily. "It's honestly kind of incredible really…that a battle idiot like you could resist fighting Agasuras."

He smiled.

"You really don't think much of your father, do you?"

"You didn't give me much of a reason to. Mom loves you enough for the both of us, though." At that, the Governor of Fire smiled.

"I'll comfort you, Dear." Kavitala answered with a grin.

The previous Governor smiled wryly before he turned to TJ.

"Don't you think I'm underappreciated TJ?"

TJ laughed heartily.

"I think you're kinda cool Mr. Seitz!"

"You're a good kid TJ. Do you want my daughter's hand in marriage?"

"M-marriage?"

The Chief had warned him about this!

Amata was positively fuming.

"You're talking like your daughter isn't right here, you idiot dad!" She took his hand and stormed off towards the gate. "Come on TJ, we don't need him to find our way to the temple."

"You're going the wrong way!" Alvaro said to her as Kavitala crossed her arms and eyed him.

Amata looked back and glared daggers, mainly to mask her somewhat puzzled expression.

"Try not to tease them too much, would you?" Her mother asked.

"It's a father's duty."

She chuckled gently.

"You know, most fathers wouldn't want their daughters to be married."

He laughed as he waved it off, making his way around the house.

"I guess that's what makes me a bad dad, huh?"

She placed a hand to her cheek.

"If only you knew…"

Amata and TJ caught up with Alvaro and the two followed closely behind.

"So where exactly are you taking us Dad? The exits to Mezzalone are all on the other avenues, you know." She said as she furrowed her brows.

"Those are just the exits everyone else is familiar with. We have our own, of course. Call them what you will." He said with a half-smile.

"You lost me the moment you started talking."

The previous Governor of Fire stopped at one of the grandly trimmed hedges in the shape of a horse standing tall on its hind legs. He pushed aside the leaves at the base of it and from within a small silver handle became visible in the blades of grass.

"A trap door? You've been hiding this here all this time?!" Amata asked in disbelief.

"We weren't…hiding it, per se. It's just a little shortcut we made to get to the temple."

"What for?!"

Alvaro grinned as he opened the hatch.

"I wanted one because it takes me back to my childhood. Your mother agreed because she thought it would be a good idea."

She crossed her arms and cocked an eyebrow impatiently.

"There's no denying that we're the only ones who can open the way to the temples, but once they are, anybody can get in. If one of us were to be followed, God Ah only knows what information and artifacts could fall into the hands of our enemies."

Her gaze let up as she climbed after him and seemed to mull it over.

"But isn't the temple only for completing trials? Why would our ancestors keep anything in there?"

Alvaro chuckled as he climbed down the ladder within, followed by his daughter and the Abellan.

"Humanity is a curios sort. If there are dungeons to spelunk, treasure to be found and Agasura to battle, they'll go. To that end, wouldn't a place they can't find or enter be the safest place?"

TJ had heard similar stories before. Was his cause different? Perhaps it was such things that gave birth to the Agasura—to find no peace in the wake of their demise could serve as reason to hold enmity in their hearts and seek out vengeance upon their return.

"Mr. Seitz, I have a question." TJ said as he joined the Seitz in the dark tunnel.

Alvaro pointed to a torch on the wall and lit it with a single finger.

"Sure TJ. What's on your mind?"

"Why do you think the Cerebians have to hide themselves from Humanity?"

He chuckled dryly as he stopped at a silver door with a wheel on the front like that of a ship's. He turned it and the door creaked open, revealing a long series of stairs into the dark unknown.

"Why do I, hm? Well isn't that just how it should be? Regardless of our appearance, Humanity would see us as monsters. To them, we're the 'other'. The unknown beings upon their world, and to that degree, enemies to be eliminated. Mankind has evolved and thrived by becoming the apex predator. They made tools, weapons and used those to strike down anything that was a threat to them, and in so doing became rulers of Midgard.

"At this point in their lives, I think you could call it an instinct. One that demands exploration, combat and the reminder that Humanity will remain upon that seat of power. We know what they don't, and it's our duty to keep it that way."

TJ knit his eyebrows as Amata furrowed hers.

"But they don't know that their world is in danger. It won't be long before Asmodeus returns. Wouldn't it be best we tell them the truth so that they can prepare themselves to wage war?"

In Amae's memories they were all aware of what happened. Seres was to pass on the message and Amae herself went on to see how their progress came along. There was no longer a Xenadia, a Seres, let alone Lady Amae to perform such grand feats, but somehow, some way, would it not be possible for them to get the message across?

They continued to descend one step at a time and in the darkness it seemed the stairwell was endless. Upon glimpsing back TJ could only see shadows.

Would these stairs lead them to the core of Midgard? Was it possible that it was where Rayinth had his temple built?

"Perhaps. But that isn't our decision to make. Our ancestors had passed down the knowledge that our patron goddess wished us to keep our identity a secret, and so it's been since time immemorial. That is, until Queen Remedi decided to break tradition."

"You knew her, Dad?" Amata asked with a curious glint in her eye.

The man roared with laughter.

"Did I ever! She had caused more of an uproar with her actions than TJ did with his arrival on Asgard! She used to leave the castle to visit the market, go down to Midgard without permission, dress up as a civilian to attend the festivals—the castle was constantly in tumult in trying to keep her in one place.

"But that's beside the point. As it is now, TJ, Humanity won't just believe anything we say.

"Think back to the summit you recently attended. I'm sure Peorth had her reasons for keeping her presence a secret, but she had to do some very interesting things to win the trust of the guild masters at the summit.

"As far as how we know, word travels fast among our kind, especially about important events like that.

"More importantly, the Cerebians also would likely have their doubts on the validity of her statements. It isn't unlikely that an imposter would disguise themselves as her—now that the truth is out that she is alive, they might start cropping up.

"Anyway let's get back on the topic of Humanity. Like the Cerebians, Humans won't take our word at face value. There's not much proof of Asmodeus' existence, and it's been hundreds of years since the Legion War happened on Midgard. If there are any traces of our existence, let alone his, only those with the most devoted pursuit of our kind would know of it and all others would probably doubt it.

"To reveal yourself as a Cerebian would certainly get them to believe we exist. Or think you're an Agasura which will wind up with you being detained, tested on or killed."

Both Abellan and God's Governor looked shocked and disgusted by the response.

"That's a little…extreme," Amata muttered.

"That's just the way things are."

"So our cause is lost?" TJ asked with a damper on his usual upbeat attitude.

Amata ruffled his hair and he looked to her.

"You're the last person who should be saying that. We don't need Humanity to win this war, and they don't need to be caught up in it for us to finish it. We're strong enough to take on Asmodeus and save Humanity.

"If you're ever feeling unsure about it, just ask me about any of the heroes of the past. I know a ton of great stories about Lady Amae's Saints and the God's Governors and even the Cerebians who had gone through Apotheosis! They were all really cool and managed to protect the innocent all while keeping their identities secret.

"We've done it for this long too. I think the fact that you've managed to beat so many Agasura while doing that is pretty cool, TJ."

He smiled at her words.

Perhaps even with his little strength he could manage. It would be difficult, but certainly not impossible for him and the other Cerebians.

"I think you're pretty great yourself Amata."

She always did her best and worked so hard that she learned to awaken. He could certainly learn to be as strong both in magic and personality from her.

"You kids are already doing a great job. Whatever happens, don't worry too much about it. You won't be the first to break the traditions, but you'll be the ones to end an age-long war."

Amata grinned. "You better watch me Dad. I'm gonna become a hero that'll go down in history just like all the others."

"Your journey starts here, kiddo."

"If people hear you calling me that I'll go down in history as a daddy's girl!"

Alvaro pushed a giant rock aside with some help from TJ and they came to a clearing. They found themselves within the Jungle once more, but in an area unfamiliar to TJ. Was it possibly on the other side of Mezzalone?

"We're close, but not quite…there…yet…" Alvaro's eyes began to swim as the trees began to shift and rise upon their roots.

Though much shorter than the actual trees in the Jungle, the Agasura stood as tall as Alvaro and at times more so than him. They were somewhat rotted with moss growing on their worn branches. They had sunken faces, branches like arms and roots like legs.

"Agasura?!" TJ asked as he drew his guitar.

"Trents!" Amata snarled as she held out a hand and her staff manifested in flames.

"Ahh…" Alavaro groaned as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess this is what happens when no adventurers come through. Looks like we're gonna have to fight our way past them. You two ready?"

The Governor of Fire grinned devilishly.

"I've gotten a lot stronger since you last saw me Dad. Watch and learn!"

"It's an honour being able to fight beside the previous and current God's Governors. I'll try not to slow you guys down." TJ said with crinkled eyes and a bright smile.

Su emerged from the gem and twirled her dagger in her hand before she took hold of it and took up a battle stance.

"Make that three, Geezer," she added.

He eyed her with a dumbfounded look.

"Kasumi?" Alvaro asked.

She glared back at him.

"Who?"

"N-never mind that. Let's settle things here and we'll talk after, yeah?"

"I'll make short work of these guys, so try not to eat too much of my dust."

"Just like your mother…" He chuckled dryly. "Nothing for it then. Ladies first."

"Don't mind if I do!" Su said as she dashed off.

"I'll be going first then, Dad. You're our front line, so don't lag behind!" Amata followed in Su's wake and readied her staff to release a torrent of flames.

"I've got your back Alvaro! I just need a little bit of time to provide some support spells." TJ added awkwardly as he prepared to play.

"I'll leave everyone's upkeep in your hands TJ." Alvaro said as he cracked his knuckles. "I'm off!"

Just as Amata had, with a small burst of flames he launched himself towards the trents and descended upon them with a flaming kick. Two of them flew away and collapsed upon a few others in a burning typhoon.

"You've got some moves for an old man!" Su said as she flipped onto his shoulders and leapt from there to dive into a trent, dagger first.

She stabbed it once more before she smashed her foot through the wood between its eyes. As a second came behind her and took a swipe at her she grabbed its branch and cut it off with her weapon before she thrust her dagger into it and froze it from the inside out.

Another that was nearby held out both branches and a green glow surrounded them before vines sprung up from the ground and wrapped around her legs as she attempted to jump away. They pulled her back to the ground and she collapsed in a heap before swearing.

Alvaro hopped over her as three trents approached and shoulder checked the Agasura in the middle. As the other two attempted to hit him he leapt above them and held both palms to the earth releasing a torrent of fire.

"You really need to watch yourself!" Amata snarled as she pointed a finger at the myriad of vines and ignited them one by one.

"I didn't ask for your help." Su muttered as she cut herself free.

"Well you're getting it anyway!"

"Amata, Su, look out!" TJ shouted to the two as he rushed to their side.

One of the trents opened its mouth and let out a long groan before a pair of hummingbirds the size of a small dog flew out towards the two.

There was no way he would be able to hit them with a direct attack—they were much too fast for him to pinpoint twhere they would go should he retaliate. He shook off his unease and placed his guitar to his back before he outstretched both hands.

"Icy Wind!"

At those words an icy torrent was unleashed and the birds caught in it began to slow down in their approach while the rapid beating of their wings came to an eventual halt. Both fell to the ground, frozen in place.

"Thanks TJ. I dunno how those things got in there, but let's keep an eye out for more." Amata suggested as she opened a hand and hurled a fireball at the trent before it could approach.

"If they're hiding freakin' birds in them than I'll just crush them from the top down. That'll teach them to stick with trees that aren't Agasura." Su muttered as she ripped the remaining vines from her feet.

"Just don't get caught this time." The Governor of Fire suggested with an exasperated gaze.

Su clicked her tongue before she dashed towards and scaled a tree, disappearing within the leaves.

Amata turned her gaze to her father who lunged at a trent and smashed his fist through its nose, then reeled it back to follow it with a flaming uppercut.

"Watch your back, stupid Dad," She shouted.

She dropped her staff to the ground and placed her hands together to create a flaming sphere.

"Lion's Dance!"

She hurled the ball towards the trents approaching Alvaro's blindspot and they were set ablaze in the rain of sparks and fire.

In its final moments he rushed towards them within a blaze of his own. He barreled through those that were in his direct line of sight and upon reaching the heart of the group the flames that once surrounded him swirled around him before expanding in a wide radius around him.

"Amata, over here!" TJ said as he pointed to more approaching trents.

Four of them opened their mouths and a torrent of hummingbirds flew out from within before spreading out.

"This is a little much." Amata muttered as she pointed her staff towards one of them and unleashed a torrent of flames with Flamethrower.

TJ held out both hands and released another icy gust but found himself hard presed to keep it trained on the birds. As he did so he noted that he was rapidly expending mana trying to upkeep the spell.

"We need a new plan…" He muttered under his breath as he sighed gently. He held out both hands and a chunk of ice took form before him. It shattered and he began to spin as a rain of hail fell upon the incoming Agasura. Some fell to the spell but many remained in pursuit of the two.

"No good…take cover!"

Amata acknowledged the order and the moment the two attempted to split up they both found a series of vines wrapping around their legs from within the ground. TJ fell on his face and his companion to her knees.

"Not this again…" She hissed as she attempted to ignite the vines but quickly found herself putting up a defense against the hummingbirds.

TJ picked himself up and raised a finger skyward.

"Ice Shield!" He cried out.

An icy mist surrounded the two and slowed the approach of the hummingbirds somewhat, but they descended upon them nonetheless.

"Get…outta…here…stupid birds!" TJ shouted as he drew his guitar and started taking swings at them.

As one would expect, even with Ice Shield they were too quick for him to hit.

"I can't cast a thing like this!" Amata said as she tried to block her face with her hands and staff.

At that moment four different Sus descended from the treetops, each with their daggers in hand.

"Let's go old man!" She shouted to him before they each ran in one of four directions to take on the incoming trents.

Alvaro chuckled dryly as he ran towards his daughter and the Abellan.

"Mr. Seitz is okay too, you know." He answered as he knit his brows.

As he approached he threw a series of punches that unleashed a fireball with every movement. Much to the dismay of the trapped fighters, none hit, but it seemed he had another plan up his sleeve.

"Stay close, kids." He said as he pounded an open palm.

He waved a flaming hand across his chest before he held it skyward and a ring of flames surrounded the two.

"Dad, don't do that with us right her-"

Before Amata could finish her sentence the three were surrounded by a rising tornado of fire that burned all that were within range.

The ashes of the hummingbirds that once attacked them fell to the ground as Alvaro dusted his hands off.

"Idiot! That was super dangerous!"

"You know the last thing I would want to do is hurt you, Amata." He said with a smile.

"You nearly cooked TJ and I alive!"

Though she did not notice at the time, the embers lit the vines and singed them enough for the two to break free without any excess effort.

The real Su leapt on to a trent and off of it to perform a flip through the air. She descended upon it with an axe kick and shattered its face with her foot. She turned to one of her golems as it ripped its dagger from the face of a trent and made her way towards it. She leapt through the air and hit the ground to come to a skidding halt, raising the earth in the process and impaling two trents that attempted to trap it with vines.

"Good one," The golem said to her.

"Naturally," She answered.

The second golem plunged her fist into the earth causing a massive stone hand to arise from it and crush the last trent she fought. The third slid into the roots of hers and backflipped over it as it fell face first into the earth. Once she touched down she slammed her dagger into the trunk and split it in two from the top to the bottom.

"Bunch of scrubs making some shitty Agasuras look hard." She said as she rolled her shoulders.

"Where would they be without us?" Golem #2 asked.

"Dead. Or worse," Golem #1 snickered.

"Alright that's enough out of you lot. There's only enough room on this shitty continent for one snarky ninja. Piss off," the real Su said.

The three golems turned to a bundle of leaves that drifted to the ground.

"I think we're in the clear." Amata said as she looked around the area. "Thank goodness for that."

TJ placed his guitar on his back and rubbed his neck.

"I'm glad we won, but I really didn't contribute much to the fight this time around," He said. "It's a little underwhelming really."

"A Bard's duty is to provide support for the rest of his/her party TJ. The fact you were on the front lines was a little surprising, really." Alvaro said with a slight grin.

"He takes the term 'Battle Bard' to the extreme." Amata chuckled as she looked to him through the corner of her eyes.

"I-I can't help it! I'm the Abellan! If I wasn't using these powers to protect my friends that would be really lame!" He said defensively with a hand to his chest.

"All of you shut up for a minute. Except you, old man. I've got questions and you've got answers, so get ready to spill all you know."

"Ah right…I haven't forgotten. I'm sure you'd wanna hear about your parents sooner or later. Let's walk and talk. We're not far from the temple." Alvaro told them as he gestured for them to continue to follow along.

Su glared, but not at Alvaro in particular. She looked at her shoes as if she was enraged at just the thought of her parents.

"It's not them I wanna hear about from you. I don't wanna hear excuses for them from someone's else's mouth. I'm gonna get the truth out of their corpses if I have to.

"I want to know about my uncle. You knew him, didn't you? I need information."

"Samson huh? It's been ages since I've seen and heard from him…but knowing him, he's hard to kill. I've no doubt that he's still out there," Alvaro said.

The group continued their way through the jungle. The sound of the creatures that inhabited it was much noisier than those from the outskirts past Ves.

"Is he alive or not? When was the last time you heard or saw him?" Su asked with a pointed gaze.

"The last time I saw him? Hmm…if I recall it was some time after the raid on the Dark Moon. He and Reina came with some of their other members to meet with the guild masters and ask them to join the Dark Moon Counter Allegiance."

TJ blinked at the realization.

Did that mean Samson was a part of Reina's guild? He recalled that Amata had described him as Su's wrangler, and Su just confessed that she was his uncle. Perhaps that was the reason they had a history together? But what had happened that had him separate from her?

All things considered though, if the Dark Moon was the reason that Hanamah fell, it would make sense that her uncle would join those who fought to prevent something of the sort happening a second time. However, it had been quite a few years since the event and it seemed that Su had not heard from him in some time.

The Abellan placed a hand to his chest as he felt a pang of guilt in his heart.

It would be even more difficult for Su to find Samson because she was bound to him. Since the two were always together and he had to see his duties through, she would constantly have her hands full with problems that were not hers.

The Governor of Earth's gaze sharpened.

"And? Was that it?"

Alvaro shook his head.

"No, that wasn't the last time. He had sent me a mail a few years ago. Said that he settled down in Belos with his wife. A former student of his—Meryl Ambrosia, I think? They have a son now, too," he chuckled. "I remember his teaching days. Never thought I'd see the day where that irresponsible man would be teaching other Treasure Hunters but life's just full of surprises isn't it?"

Su squinted at the previous Governor of Fire in disbelief.

"That geezer got married?"

"You didn't tell me about his son Dad! I'd have liked to know!" Amata complained as she began to pout.

"You knew more than I did and you didn't tell me any of it!" Su said as she shoved the Governor of Fire.

"If you weren't so stand-offish about everything and actually talked to us about anything I would know what you were thinking, you idiot!"

"Girls, let's not fight here. I'd like to know more about this too." TJ said with a wry smile.

Su eyed him warily.

"What's my geezer got to do with you?"

"N-nothing in particular. Though if you care so much about him any information we can get on him could probably go a long way. I'd bet Lucia or Reina could be a big help on that."

"I don't need their help or yours. I'll figure this out on my own."

"You're just like Rosetta." Alvaro said as he smiled slightly. "I suppose I can't blame you for feeling the way you do about your parents, but try not to hate them. They did what they did with your best interest in mind."

She snorted.

"My best interest huh? The parents of that monotone bitch did things with her best interest in mind and look how well that worked out for everyone involved. I'll believe it when I hear their reasons myself."

Like Amata told him, nobody can bring back the dead. However, if what Reina told him was true there was a place where she could meet with her parents once more. Was that what she had held in her heart and mind at this very moment? If TJ could take her there, then…perhaps he could fulfill that wish. But he needed to figure out how and if it were possible.

To give them a chance to reconcile and perhaps start over…they deserved that too. Everyone did.

"So is the geezer in Belos or not?"

"I couldn't tell you. Samson was never the type to sit still in one place for extended periods of time. If he was there years ago, chances are he's somewhere else in the world now."

Su clicked her tongue at the statement.

"Another dead end huh?" She closed her eyes. "This trail hasn't run cold yet. I will find him."

"Now then, could I ask you a few questions…Su, right?"

"Yeah. What?"

"You were taken captive by the Dark Moon after Hanamah weren't you? How did you survive?"

Su knit her brows.

"They didn't kill me. They'd lose out if they did. You should know this, old man. Kill a Governor and another one will take their place. The lineage might end but the Governors always come back. If they kept me captive they could experiment on me and prevent anyone else from taking my place.

"It costed them, though. I broke out of my cell, killed the bastard who captured me and wound up being taken in as a kunoichi."

She furrowed her brows.

"That very day I bet it all on my revenge. That same day is the day the Governor of Earth Suuba died and the kunoichi Setsuna came to be. If it weren't for Master Tamori they'd probably have tortured me."

"Tamori huh? Heh…Samson's got friends in high places that have more use than one would expect."

Su eyed him warily and he waved it off.

"So? What happened after that?"

"Few years later I met this clown-" She pointed her thumb at TJ and he smiled wryly. "-and I've been running the gamut with him since. 'Til we got into a scrap with that bitch Choen Palm and she fucked us up."

"The Heartbreaker? You were there during the Elfa incident?"

She grinned.

"Word spreads fast huh? Yeah, I was there. It's how I became a contracted spirit. I'm living in the Heart of Yggdrasil now, and with this I can make sure that we save this world or whatever."

Alvaro remained silent for a few moments.

"You've sacrificed a lot, haven't you?" He smiled mirthlessly. "What a world we live in. One where our children must deny even death itself to do what we can't."

He shook his head gently.

"So what part does Samson have to play in all of this?"

Alvaro walked towards a small opening hewn in stone that had a small descending set of stairs. The inside seemed reminiscent of a grotto, and at the far end of it was a gate—one that was similar to, but not quite alike to that of an Instance Dungeon's.

"He doesn't. That damn geezer gave me his dagger and this stupid stone and pissed off forever. Now I'm trying to find him to figure out why the hell he did and never came back. I hate people who break their promises."

TJ took note of her words. He finally began to understand why she had used the old, slightly rusted and chipped dagger rather than replacing it. To her, like his corala guitar, it was a memento of someone from her past. He gave his left arm a gentle squeeze as he mulled the thought over. Though they were far and few between, he felt that at this moment also that he was just a little bit closer to her than he was prior.

"Is that what I think it is?" Amata asked as she looked at the blue stone in Su's hand.

"The Mino Gemstone…haven't seen that artifact in years. It's just like him to entrust it to you." Alvaro said with a grin.

"I gave him my earring in turn. He better not have lost it, that senile old man."

She clenched her fist as she grit her teeth.

"So do either of you idiots know what this thing does or what?" She asked as she eyed the two.

"I've only heard about it," the Governor of Fire answered.

"I don't have even the slightest clue, Kiddo. Try asking Reina the next time you meet her." Alvaro suggested as he held out an open palm.

Su glared.

"That weirdo with the fetish for gay dudes and her clingy best friend? Hell no!"

"God Ah…why are you so stubborn about everything ever?!" Amata complained as she rolled her eyes.

Alvaro chuckled gently as he stopped at the gate.

"Well, I've said my piece on that matter. Good luck on your quest to find Samson, Su. That man is like a lost child sometimes, so you'll have a hell of a journey ahead of you.

"For the time being, you're gonna need all the luck you can muster to defeat our ancestor. You kids look out for each other in there, alright? This is as far as I go."

"Thanks for showing us the way Dad. Don't wait up okay? We'll be back pretty late." Amata told him as she smiled, and he did so in turn.

TJ gave him an acknowledging nod as to leave the two to their moment. The look in their eyes was the proof of their bond and the faith that they had in each other.

"Let's go TJ. From here on out the three of us will have to watch each other's backs. Look out for me, okay?" Amata asked as she turned to him and beamed.

He grinned in turn.

"You can count on me, Amata."

As Amata took her first steps into Rayinth's Vestibule TJ took a moment to look up to the gate before him. A pair of dragons rose from the ground up to the top of the gate at the roof of the cave. Their claws and muzzles connecting and bridging the two sides of the gate together. The fire from their mouths seemed to form words, and though he could not understand them he suspected they read out the name of the temple.

He stepped towards the transparent blue energy that rested within the gate and caught a glimpse of the ripples he created upon entering it. As he stepped through he noticed that he could see both inside and out, and the feeling of entering an Instance Dungeon did not accompany it.

What truly surprised him, was that the moment that Su stepped through the gate, she dispersed into a series of tiny spheres of light before returning to the crystal.

"H-huh? Su? What happened?" He asked as he looked at the gate, then at the baffled Governor of Fire.

"Hell if I know! I can't get out of this damn thing either, for some reason! What's up with this place?!" She shouted from within the gem.

"It's not an Instance Dungeon…there must be something stopping her from coming in. Dad, I can understand but you? Perhaps it was a countermeasure against Agasura?" Amata suggested as she placed a finger to her lips.

"Do I look like an Agasura to you?"

"It was just a suggestion! There are a hundred better insults I could use than that, you midget! You're better off staying in there!" She crossed her arms and grinned smugly. "I'm willing to bet they designed this temple just in case for someone like you."

"You give those ancient losers way too much credit. Though your idea is stupid as all hell.

"I'd bet that they did this to prevent Agasura in human bodies from sneaking in. Or whatever the hell those things the idiot barista was talking about are. I can't believe I got lumped in with them!"

"Nothing we can do about it then, huh? You did say only the Governor and the Abellan can take up the trial, so I guess that applies here too. Even so, let's not be disheartened. Even with just the two of us I'm sure we can do it!" TJ said as he clenched both fists with a twinkle in his eye.

"I like your spirit! This is my trial after all so not having her along is no loss for me. Let's go TJ! I'll treat you to dinner once this is all over."

At those words the two continued their way into Rayinth's Vestibule and the trials that awaited them within.

Their first steps in Rayinth's Vestibule had made them feel as if they had wandered into a deeper section of a cavern. At the far end of the tunnel they could see what seemed like the temple itself—bricks perfectly lined together to create walls and a floor within the dungeon. Though it seemed that time had worn it down somewhat—there were cracks in the stone, moss growing within the walls and weeds through the floor. Even so, much of the temple still seemed to be intact. The duo continued on until they found themselves within and looked around cautiously.

The initial room had a mural of what looked quite like a man and a dragon—the design was strange and unfamiliar, but simple enough for the two to make out. Was it in fact God's Governor Rayinth and his familiar Grislan? The bricks were a faded yellow and the torches on the wall gave the temple a deep orange, almost crimson light within the darkness of the cave. Though they were not far in, the warmth inside was much different from that in the cavern.

Amata walked up the four stone steps to the mural placed between two totems and slid her hand across it.

"This really is my ancestor's temple huh…?" She asked if she herself could not believe it.

"For a place that existed so many years ago it's hard to believe that it's still standing tall," TJ said with a hint of disbelief himself.

He had never been to such a place himself, nor had he had any memories of them yet he still felt as if there was a hint of nostalgia somewhere in his memories, especially when he looked at the mural. Was it possible that Kera had some sort of relationship with the God's Governors? Or was it something within Amae's memories? He clenched his fists as he let the thought pass. The answers he sought out waited at the end of the temple with God's Governor Rayinth himself. He would give his all to see Amata through this.

The Governor of Fire placed her hand to her chest and let out a quiet sigh.

"Sorry about that TJ. Just needed a moment to take this all in. You know, after coming all this way I actually feel a little bit nervous!" She said as she scratched her cheek gently.

He walked over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"You'll be fine, trust me." He said with a grin. "You and I have been through plenty of tough situations. This'll be just one more to add to the list, don't you think?"

Her mouth hung agape for a moment before she closed it to smile.

"Y-yeah. Those other dungeons were nothing for us! This'll be a piece of cake!"

"That's the spirit! Let's keep going."

He walked to her right and stopped at a stone door with a pair of torches that remained unlit. He inspected the door and found it completely shut. He looked at it from top-to-bottom noting the runic markings engraved within and the spherical shape hewn into the stone itself.

"This reminds me of that door in the Pharaoh's Chambers…" He muttered as he reached out to the door.

It was possible something needed to go there. It was likely in fact, but if he was wrong, better not to find out later.

He pushed, hit and charged the door but to no avail.

Amata knit her brows.

"You know, I think it is just like that door. Whatever opens it, we certainly don't have it."

"Yeah, I'm gonna have to agree with you on that one." He told her as he turned with knit eyebrows.

The Governor of Fire lead the way to the other door and as she placed a hand to it, a crimson glow ran through the entirety of it as it rose into the wall itself.

"This one's open, TJ. Let's head in and check out where it leads to. I bet we'll find that stone or whatever somewhere in there."

"Right behind you." At those words he ran over to her side and the two pressed on.

The two found themselves in what seemed to be a long corridor. Torches lined the wall and lit the way up until what seemed to be a round area within the corridor. There was a faint group of lights coming from it and the two watched warily as they approached.

"Hang on a sec' TJ." Amata said as she placed a hand to stop him.

"What's wrong? He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Just call it a hunch…but…there's something over there."

"Agasuras?" He asked as he tilted his head quizzically.

"Similar, but no," she chuckled gently. "They're spirits, I think. Their presence reminds me of Bharva, but much weaker. My ancestor and those who built the temple must have summoned them as a part of the trial. We should prepare for a fight."

He nodded solemnly and drew his corala guitar.

Amata held a hand skyward and a flame crackled to life in the palm of her hand. She threw it down into the center of the room and it burst to life and remained alight as the two rushed in.

TJ glanced about the area and caught a glimpse of three spirits—the two on his left were a Fire Sprite, a creature he saw in his Monster Manual and a Will o' Wisp along with a second on the right. The former was a humanoid-shaped creature with a case of dwarfism, flaming hair and fire magic at hand. It's skin was a scarlet red and it wore crimson cloth that covered both the chest and waist. The latter was similar to those of the spell Amata created, but they had a more ferocious look to them and were greater in size. The three of them had the power of levitation on their side.

The moment they were spotted the Will o' Wisps began to crackle as if agitated while the sprite pointed at them and said something in words neither could understand.

"I'll get the two on the left, TJ you get the right!" Amata shouted as she rushed towards them.

"I'm on it!" He shouted as he took a few steps forward.

It was just one spirit. How bad could it be?

It crackled violently and a fireball was launched from it and burst as TJ leapt aside.

"Okay whoa!"

He looked at the blackened stone from where the fireball hit and grit his teeth.

Though it may have been a trial, the spirits within Rayinth's Vestibule would kill them without hesitation. He took a deep breath before he charged towards it, his guitar hanging loosely in his right hand. Without hesitation it launched two more fireballs at him and he managed to step aside from each. He leapt through the air and brought his guitar down upon the spirit but missed as it drifted aside. He took a wide horizontal swing and it flew above the weapon before it shot another fireball at him. He leapt back to avoid the attack and narrowly avoided the brunt of the explosion but still got caught by it.

"A-ah!" He shouted as he tried to pat out the flame on his pants.

"Stop drop and roll, loser. Don't you know anything?" Su asked from within the gem.

Without a moment to lose he fell to the floor and desperately began rolling across it. His original goal was to put out the flame, he wound up rolling to avoid getting blasted a second time.

The fact that they had sent spirits in such small numbers was a clear sign that the Cerebians of the past had plenty of confidence in the creatures they summoned. Unlike the Agasura, the spirits required a steady supply of mana to maintain their form but were very resilient and undoubtedly strong. Assuming that their summoners had long since passed, was it possible that the temple itself was a power spot of abundant mana? She could not say for certain yet, but now was the time for action, not questions.

As she approached the Will o' Wisp launched a fireball at her and she somersaulted aside to avoid it. She felt slightly underwhelmed that hers could do no such thing, but let the thought pass.

In a torrent of flames her staff appeared and she took it in hand before conjuring a flame with her right hand. As the sprite approached she hurled the flame into the air and clenched her fist.

"Mortar!" She roared as it burst and rained fire like bombs.

As the Will o' Wisp got caught in the blast and distracted she turned her focus to the Fire Sprite that neared. She caught a glimpse of it as it grinned at her and placed a hand to its lips to blow her a kiss. A long torrent of flames was launched at her and thankfully she was prepared for it. She held out her staff and her barrier manifested before her, creating a force strong enough to repel the flames with an inferno of her own. So long as she kept her guard up she could repel most fire-based spells with ease.

When the attack had ended she took a high horizontal swing at the sprite but missed it. Little did it know that the attack was nothing more than a feint. It had lowered itself within the reach of her next skill and so she performed it without a moment's hesitation.

"Flame burst!"

She held out a hand where a flame took form and gripped it tightly. As she reeled her fist back the flame surged forth and her body slid backwards while launching the sprite forwards. "You're mine now!" She said as she slammed a fist against the ground. "Illusion Fire!" A series of flames shot up across the ground towards the dazed sprite and launched it into the air. It hit the ground as Amata rose to her feet.

That would keep it for a while. She felt something bump against her feet and she turned around to see the Abellan looking worn out and ashen.

"T-TJ? What're you doing on the ground?" She asked as she looked on in disbelief.

"No time to explain! Run!" He said suddenly as he rolled away.

"From wh-" Before she could ask a flame from the other Will o' Wisp was launched at her.

It exploded on her, launching her a few feet away. She hit the ground hard and slid across the ashes before she was blasted a second time by the recovered second Will o' Wisp.

Before she knew it she landed in the arms of the Abellan. She opened an eye as she caught a glimpse of him with a determined expression and his wings spread.

"Hold on tight!" He said as with a single powerful beat of his wings he launched himself in the opposite direction and flipped through the air, coming to a skidding halt.

"Are you okay? Can you move?" As he posed the questions he started running again.

"I'm alright." She said as she moved some strands of hair from her eyes. "I just wish you'd act cool before you put me in danger."

"S-sorry…" He said with a sheepish grin.

"It's alright. When you're that sincere about your apology, it's honestly a little difficult to stay mad," she chuckled gently. "Now then, this has been great and all, but we have to finish this fight, so you can put me down now."

When he proceeded a safe distance into the corridor he placed her down and she dusted herself off.

"Although, if you're afraid of catching fire why don't you put on the cloak now? It's flame-resistant you know. It's not just to keep you cool," the Governor of Fire laughed.

"Eh? Seriously? That's super handy!" He said with a twinkle in his eye.

He began to rummage through his bag to retrieve the item and she grinned.

If Bharva was here she would thank him, but it could certainly wait. His sacrifice might have scored her some points. Nonetheless, she had a pride of her own and she could not always be on the receiving end.

"I'll buy you some time, so get that thing on and join me back in the arena when you're ready."

He saluted her.

"Alright, don't keep me waiting!" She took a few steps forward, spread her wings and conjured a flame that swirled around her before she took off with Vulcan Rain.

TJ shuffled into the cloak and readied his guitar. He felt cooler already—in both senses of the word. Alas, now was not the time for him to be appreciating his appearance. Without another moment's hesitation he hurried back on to the battlefield and glimpsed Amata as she flew through the air avoiding one fireball after the next. Though it was difficult to tell which way the Will o' Wisps were facing he could at the very least catch the Fire Sprite off guard. An opportunity like this would not likely present itself again so he decided he would take a gamble with a long spell cast.

He raised a hand and the cluster of ice took form behind him. As he did so he watched Amata, who knowingly glimpsed the spell as it took form and winked at him, a clear sign that she was prepared for it. He lowered his hand and it cracked, then held it out before him as he shouted, "Shattered Berg!" The chunks of ice seperated and launched themselves towards their adversaries and as they did so Amata immediately ascended to avoid the onslaught of ice.

The Fire Sprite caught the brunt of the spell, a series of icicles hit it and were soon followed up with more, shattering those that came previously while both Will o' Wisps were damaged by the other stray shots. It seemed their flames had diminished somewhat due to the last attack.

"Good one!" Amata shouted to him as she touched down and hid her wings.

As the ice faded away he caught a short glimpse of the sprite laying on the ground before it turned into a series of sparkles and proceeded to fade away.

"Two left! We can do this!" TJ said and she offered a thumbs-up in turn.

He plucked the strings of his guitar once and raised a finger skyward.

"Ice Shield!"

An icy mist surrounded the two and he immediately took the lead.

"I'll make an opening for you!"

"I'll leave it to you," she said.

The Will o' Wisps were slower than the hummingbirds he fought in the Jungle. With this he could at the very least, get in a few hits on them.

He hopped aside as a flame burst at his feet and somersaulted to avoid one aimed at his chest. He hit the ground running and skid to a halt before one of the two wisps. He swung his guitar once and it flew just above his weapon. As his body turned and came to a halt he came around a second time and cut through it with the weapon.

"I'll take it from here TJ!" Amata said as she leapt over his head and landed on the other side of the wisp. She clapped her hands together and held out a hand just inches away from it.

"Combust!" In a matter of moments a ring of fire surrounded it and as it closed on the spirit, the two suddenly blew up in a violent conflagaration.

As she performed the spell TJ noted the other sought the opportunity to attack and rushed to her side. To push her aside would likely put her in danger of her own spell and he had no time himself to prevent it. It left him little choice. The moment he reached her side he swept the base of his cloak from the ground into his left hand and blocked the fireball that approached her. It burst upon the fabric and though he could feel the intense heat through his equipment, he found that it did not hurt half as much as it would have had he not worn it.

As he recovered from the attack he turned on the balls of his heels to switch which hand his guitar was in and to use the other to cast. "Icy Wind!"

He unleashed a chilly gust on his adversary and maintained the spell as it fought against the incoming force and its own dwindling life force. As if with a final spurt it violently crackled to life and forced its way through his spell towards him. He ended the cast and backed away as Amata placed a hand to his shoulder and stepped forward. As it gained momentum it exploded into a burning torrent that met the Governor's left hand head on. As if it were a vacuum the flames were pulled towards it and encased in a tiny sphere before she closed her palm around it. Blue veins ran through her arm temporarily and immediately faded away as she held out her staff and it disappeared in a series of cinders.

"That's that!" She said with a confident grin.

"What was that?!" TJ asked with a twinkle in his eye. "How did you do that?!"

She chuckled sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her neck.

"Well…it's a spell I use for draining fire attacks. I can reduce it back to it's unrefined form, be it mana or special power. It's good for emergency situations like that."

She placed a hand to her face as she sighed.

"It was my ace in the hole against my dad, but I could only use it once in a while so I didn't often win fights. Especially because he combined physical skills with magic."

A flaming kick. The bane of a mage's existence. TJ would keep that in mind for future reference.

"But let's not spend too much time talking about spells. I'd rather show you what I'm capable of than just tell you." She grinned. "Anyway, we've cleared this room so let's keep moving."

"Good idea. It's hard to see a thing around here anyway. That and God Ah knows what might be lurking in the darkness."

"I'm s-sure it won't be a snake. Who would want a snake as a familiar, right? I mean there are way better choices out there!" Her voice faltered somewhat as she uttered those words.

TJ laughed at the thought.

"Well I don't think we'll run into Apep again anytime soon."

"It'll be too soon before that happens."

She shuddered at the thought.

The two made their way through the corridor at the far end of the room towards the next door. When they finally reached it, Amata placed a hand to it and yet, nothing seemed to occur.

"Huh? It didn't open." She said as she attempted it again. "Something's definitely not right here."

Regardless of what she had done, it would not move in the slightest.

"If I was to hazard a guess, it might be like that one room in the Pharaoh's Chambers," TJ suggested.

The Governor of Fire turned to him and raised an eyebrow.

"You have my attention. Continue."

"W-well…" he chuckled nervously, "I'd bet there's some kind of puzzle we have to solve. It doesn't look like there's a slot in the door for anything to go in, so I'd bet there's something we have to do in here."

She nodded as she placed a hand to her lips. "That makes sense. But what in here do we have to do? I can't help but doubt that it isn't like the Pharaoh's Chambers in that regard."

"Yeah, me too. So let's consider what we know about this place thus far."

The Bard pointed to the torches beside the door.

"This one, just like the other has these unlit torches. The other one had a slot for something to go in but this one doesn't so…let's light the torches!"

He clenched a fist with enthusiasm.

She chuckled gently. "Worth a shot."

She placed a finger to the torch on the left, and released a short torrent of fire into the torch's bowl and did the same for the second. Much to her dismay however, they immediately went out.

"Hmmph."

"No good huh?"

TJ placed two fingers to his temples as he tilted his head quizzically.

"If that's not it then…" He looked back. "Of course! There were unlit torches in that arena-like section! Let's give it a try there, Amata!"

"I can't say that it'll work, but I can't say no to that optimism either."

The two made their way back to the round section in the room and stopped at the left side of it. As TJ mentioned, there were indeed a group of three torches on each side. The Governor of Fire moved along the wall and lit each one up, but before she reached the end they went out.

"Well that's upsetting." She said as she furrowed her brows and crossed her arms.

"I was almost certain this would be it…" TJ muttered as he knit his in turn. "There has to be a reason that these are the only ones that are unlit!"

"I think you're right TJ. If they won't stay lit while I do the others I'll just do them all at once! You might wanna hit the floor for this one."

She outstretched both of her arms for a couple moments before she clapped her hands together. Once she did so, six flames surrounded her like Will o' Wisps.

"Flashfire!" She roared and outstretched her hands before they crackled to life and shot towards each respective torch.

The room was alight in moments due to Amata's actions. TJ removed his hands from his head and arose to his knees to look around. Much to their surprise, all six torches remained lit.

"You did it! You're a genius Amata," he said delightedly.

"O-oh come on now! It wasn't anything special!" She rubbed her neck sheepishly.

"I agree. This girl is dumber than a sack of bricks," Su said from within the gem.

The Governor of Fire's expression immediately soured as an angry vein began protruding from her forehead.

"Why don't you come out here and say that to my face, midget?! Oh wait, you can't!"

"Hurry up and get out of this shithole so I can end her," Su roared.

"Now now…" TJ chuckled nervously.

Without further ado the two made their way back through the corridor to the door that they could not open prior and upon reaching it, they noticed the torches beside it had lit up. Amata reached out to it and it slid open.

"Looks like we can go on. Shall we?" She asked.

"Right behind ya'." The Abellan said with a grin.

The two made their way into the next room and found themselves surrounded by a series of statues. Upon a closer look, the circular shape and incredible height of them were more reminiscent of totems reaching towards the rooftop. Much to their surprise however, the bottom half of them only had a series of holes going vertically around the object while the upper halves had faces. The rooftop also had a series of holes within and the Abellan could not help but feel somewhat skeptical at the sight. Next to them was a single standing torch as high as the Governor of Fire's shoulders with a blue flame lit upon it, along with a multitude of candles that surrounded it.

The room itself had a high roof and was fairly wide, giving them plenty of space to move around, but without a doubt their movement would be limited due to all the totems scattered about in what seemed like, at a glance, random placement.

TJ looked at the roof uneasily. "What do you think are the chances that scorpions or bugs are gonna come flying out of there?" He asked.

Amata laughed heartily. "I think that's pretty slim. I mean, at least this time the holes are already there. If something that was alive was in there, chances are it'd already be in this room," she explained.

She crossed her arms.

"Though there's no doubt that it's not as easy as strolling through here. If I was to hazard a guess, there's something we need to do and it likely has something to do with that."

She pointed to the torch and the Abellan scratched his cheek.

"You're…probably right. Maybe we should check it out first before we act on it. I'm afraid to trigger a trap."

She grinned at his words.

"What makes you so sure not using this won't trigger a trap?"

At those words he looked dumbfounded.

"G-good point."

She gave him a pat on the back as she laughed.

"I'm just teasing you TJ! I doubt that'll be the case. Come on, let's investigate this place."

At her words the two proceeded through the room. The Abellan looked around and took in all the sights, speculating on what they were placed there for while the Governor of Fire kept her sights set forward. After a couple of minutes of walking they reached the end of the room and found the next door with a standing torch similar to the first before it.

"Another torch," he speculated.

"That's a torch if I've ever seen one," she agreed, "and I can't help but think that like the others, it can't be lit with just any flame."

She knit her eyebrows yet smiled nonetheless.

"At least figuring out the puzzles in here hasn't been too difficult. It's just a matter of overcoming whatever traps accompany them that make me uneasy."

"That makes two of us." The Abellan said as he chuckled dryly. "Well, we know what to do, so let's give it a whirl."

"Agreed."

After returning to the entrance the Sorceror knelt down and took a pair of candles with plates in hand. She offered one to her companion and the two looked at the blue flame before turning their eyes to each other, giving the other a nod of acknowledgement.

"Here we go…" Amata said as the two placed the candle wick to the fire.

The moment that the candles were alight the whole room sprung to life. Spikes would emerge from the bottom half of the totems at set intervals before returning, spikes also emerged from the roof as it began to steadily proceed lower and the sound of stone grinding against stone echoed throughout the chamber. With a glance the two could see a pair of steel balls emerge from behind the walls and roll about the room.

"Are you kidding me?!" The Sorceror cried out almost reflexively.

"If Rayinth wasn't trying to kill us before, I'm almost certain he is now." The Bard added with a nervous chuckle.

"This is nothing we can't handle!

A fire in her eyes was the proof that accompanied her words showing her burning desire to succeed.

"If we're stopped by this we don't deserve to fight my ancestor!"

Without another word she charged off, narrowly avoiding being impaled as the spikes emerged from the nearest totem.

TJ looked on in shock and disbelief before Su's words brought him back to reality.

"Well? What're you waiting for? You scared?"

He pursed his lips at her goading.

"I'm not scared! They're just spikes that could potentially make an Abellan kebab out of me!" His defiant tone was no match for the fearful words he spoke.

She sighed audibly.

"Haven't you ever heard the phrase, 'Work smarter, not harder?'"

"Well…no. What does that mean in this case?"

"Rather than do what that idiot did and run head first through spikes and balls of steel, just go from above. Your acrobatics aren't complete shit, so you could manage a few jumps can't you?"

He had been practicing, but he was only doing what he had seen Su do in the past. Jumping and casting was easy and so was using the treetops to help him…but in this case he had little going for him. He swallowed the fact hard as he eyed the distance between the spikes on the totems and the faces that followed. Could he reach that height? He shook off his doubt and spread his wings.

"Here I go!"

He got a running start and leapt vertically as spikes emerged before him. At the apex of his rise he placed his hands between them and his feet on a lower set before leaping backwards to rise again. As he neared the height of the spikes and those before him were sheathed once more, he used his wings to urge himself forward. As he ascended he neared one of the totems and grabbed hold for a moment to launch himself from it, the exit growing ever nearer but it had caught him off guard. Two crimson lights glinted to life within the totem and a torrent of flames emerged as he leapt away from it. Much to his surprise and dismay one of his wings were set alight and caught his eye.

"Kuh!" He groaned as he attempted to put out the flames with his hand.

He collided with one of the other totems and fell back to the ground. He hid his wings but the collision had left him dazed and unable to stand.

"TJ? Are you okay?!" Amata shouted from nearby.

He could hear her but her voice sounded distorted and far away. His fingers scratched the stone beneath him as he attempted to muster the strength to stand but froze in place as he caught a glimpse of one of the steel balls rolling towards him.

"Hang in there, I'm coming," The Governor of Fire cried out.

Before he knew it he was lifted from the ground and tumbled across it without feeling the brunt of it on his torso. When he opened his eyes he saw Amata's determined expression, her face covered in dirt and sweat and her wings that wrapped around him. She had dropped her candle and plate, but she had saved him in the process.

"Hold on to that okay? At least one of us can't afford to lose it."

Without another moment to lose she immediately rushed forward before the spikes emerged and impaled them both. She side-stepped the next set and used her powers to jump high enough to avoid the second oncoming steel ball. As she proceeded the exit came into their sight and after narrowly avoiding some more of the totem's attacks she reached it with TJ under her arm.

She took the candle plate from his hand and set the torch alight.

"Ahh made it…" She sighed as she collapsed to her knees.

"Thanks Amata." TJ said sheepishly.

He placed his right hand to his arm and healed himself.

The collision had left him shaken and slightly hurt, but he would be fine.

He picked himself up and dusted himself off before he turned to her and looked on in disbelief.

"Amata…you…"

She smiled sheepishly at his words.

Her left wings were heavily damaged. Feathers hung loosely about and blood was splattered and dripping across it.

"When did this happen?! Why didn't you tell me?!"

He got to his knees and placed his hands to her shoulders.

"C-come on! There were way more pressing matters at hand, don't you think? Besides, getting poked once in a while can't stop a God's Governor, you know! I'm way tougher than I look!" She said as she raised her head haughtily.

Despite her words, however, it was clear that there were tears in her eyes and she was sweating even more than before.

TJ pursed his lips and wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm sorry…! I'm sorry for letting this happen to you!"

"Ow! Oww! Heaven and Hel!" She cried out in a pained panic before she suddenly eased up. "Huh…most of the pain is gone."

"Sorry about that." He said as he let go of her and looked over her shoulder. "It's a lot easier to speed up the recovery process by touching the wounds directly. I can do a bit more if you like."

She grinned.

"Who am I to turn down that offer?"

He got to his feet once more and walked behind her. She placed her hand behind her neck and brushed her hair over her right shoulder. TJ pored over the four feathered appendanges with a keen curiosity.

Unlike Peorth's, they did not rise in the same way, nor have the shape and size of them. They were long and thin and rested on the ground when they were not in use. Peorth's on the other hand stood tall and proud and would fold themselves around her body in such a case.

As the glow from his hands faded away and he deemed it the best healing he could offer her at this time, he reached out a single hand and ran it across one of the wings.

"T-TJ?!" Is this a part of the process?" She asked with a jump.

He shook his head gently.

"No…not really. I just wanted to take a moment to admire your wings. They're beautiful."

His were small and round, almost childish in comparsion. He had not given it much thought until now, but there were many fine differences for each Cerebian. Would his someday grow to such a degree? If so, what would they look like?

"It's really a shame that you got wounded like that."

"D-don't worry about it so much…" She lowered her head at those words. "I'm sure you'd have done the same if you were in my shoes."

He chuckled gently in turn.

"If I could be that heroic that would be nice!"

She looked over her shoulder through her peripherals.

"Me? Heroic? …Do you really think so?"

He nodded once and she turned away as her lips curled into a smile.

"That's the first time I've done anything like that. It's…nice."

"Since you made this sacrifice for me, let me return the favour. At the very least it'll take maybe 15 to 30 minutes before it fully heals. That aside, I am here to support you, so while we're still in here let me be your strength."

She did not respond, but instead placed a hand to her chest.

"You already were, dummy."

The Governor of Fire hid her wings and got to her feet before she dusted herself off and offered him a hand.

"I guess I can leave it to you, then."

He took her hand and she removed a handkerchief from her pocket to wipe the blood from his.

"I expect you to do some pretty cool things if you're gonna top me, though!"

He grinned and placed a fist to his chest.

"Count on it!"

He opened the next door and the pair proceeded through.

They found themselves in a wide room that seemed to be seperated into three levels of varying height. The rooftop was high above them giving them plenty of space to move freely, but it seemed there was no stairwell nor ladder to assist them in reaching the differing heights. Before them stood what seemed like an unusual panel with a variety of runes inscribed upon it. It was a dark brown and protruded from the floor, all the while the inner circle upon it protruded even further.

"What do you make of this, TJ?" Amata asked as she crouched down next to it.

"It's…probably a trap." He shuddered at the thought.

Much to his dismay, it was just he and Amata within the temple. Su could not aid him here, so one of the two would likely have to step on it to find out whether it was trapped or not.

"You think so…?" She seemed to be mulling over the possibility of it. "If it's anything like the last room, I'd bet it activates some kind of trap. I get the feeling we're gonna need it later though. Let's scout out the area and see, then come back to it."

He nodded firmly.

"That sounds like a good plan."

As he walked ahead the Governor glanced over the edge of the landing they stood on and knit her brows.

"Hey, TJ! Come check this out!" She said as she waved him over.

"Hm? What is it?"

"There's two of them down there! They look just like this one too! There's also a pair of weird statues down there, just like the one over there."

As she had said, there were a pair of stone statues that were designed like armoured knights bearing a pair of different weapons. Upon the same landing they inhabited, a similar statue remained knelt down, shield before sword directly in front of the entrance.

"You don't think they breathe fire, do you?" The Abellan asked as he squinted at them cautiously.

She snickered.

"Doubt it! Come on, let's check it out!"

Without further ado she took his hand and pulled him along as she ran towards it.

As they neared he began to realize just how detailed and massive the statue really was.

It towered over the two, even while kneeling and he could not help but be impressed by it. To have withstood the test of time and still remained in such a state was proof of the craftsmanship of those who had walked Midgard long before his time.

"The door's right over here," Amata shouted from behind the statue.

As TJ approached he saw her with her hands to it.

"Can't open it though. I bet these guys have something to do with it."

"Maybe we have to break them? Curt and I had to break a jar back on Toad Mountain so we could find Rabana."

The Governor of Fire blinked in disbelief.

"You were on Toad Island? And you fought Rabana?!"

At those words the earth beneath them began to shake and the two flew into a panic. As soon as the Bard had gotten his bearings he took to Amata's side and held a hand out before her to guard her.

The statue that sat perfectly still a moment ago rumbled to life and drew both weapons before it turned to them with a yellow glint in its eyes.

"Holy shit, it came to life…" Amata said as she watched it in awe.

"Watch out!" TJ shouted as he picked her up and dove aside.

The statue brought its sword down and shattered the stone before it moments after TJ moved. He somersaulted and took a knee as he let Amata down.

"Good save," she told him.

With a wave of her hand her staff manifested and she gripped the weapon tightly.

TJ got to his feet and drew his guitar as the statue withdrew its weapon and turned its head in the direction they had dodged before its body followed.

"Ugh…stone golems. Things like these are a big weakpoint for me. Fire spells are almost useless against them too," the Governor of Fire sighed. "All of my explosive skills are close range…and those could end badly for both of us."

Getting pelted with giant rocks was not on TJ's list of necessasary life experiences. What skills did he have at his disposal that he could use against it?

"Don't worry, I'll figure something out. Be careful, okay?"

She huffed gently as she smiled.

"Don't you think that's my line? I'll back you up."

The Abellan looked upon the golem with a growing anxiety spreading through him, but he had to prove that he was a man who was not just words but one of action. Amata was depending on him. He would not fail her.

He ran towards the golem as he placed his free hand to his guitar. "Augment!" He shouted as the weapon gained a gentle glow. As he neared the golem drew its sword back and brought it down with a powerful swing. He avoided the weapon but the sheer impact of it hitting the stone nearly caused him to lose his balance.

"That thing might be slow, but it's got a good few feet on your short ass. If you're gonna avoid being crushed into a fine paste you're gonna have to put that speed training to use." Su remarked from within the gem.

"You can say that again!" He roared in response as he took to its flank and swung his guitar with the weight of his conviction behind it.

The weapon hit but it only chipped a small piece off of the statue. The vibration of the collision staggered the Abellan and he had to grab his weapon arm to stop the shaking.

"You really are an idiot, aren't you? You think that weak augment will break through stone? You're a Bard! Use your head!"

She did raise a good point. It was time to do what he did best.

As the statue whirled around a series of fireballs collided with its head and caused it to shift slightly, throwing its aim off and causing it to swing out of TJ's reach.

"Take this!"

He shouted as he armed his guitar and with a single strum summoned a ring before him.

"Hailstone!"

He held out a hand and a multitude of icicles fired at it.

The icicles hit the statue but hardly seemed to faze it. As Amata's barrage came to an end and TJ's followed suit, he caught a glimpse of the statue charging towards him and immediately retreated. It swiped at the floor and he narrowly avoided it by jumping back but neither its charge nor onslaught ended there. It followed the first swing with another horizontal slice that TJ avoided by jumping. The second was followed by a third and TJ had performed a second jump with his wings in a last desperate attempt to avoid the attack. The final attack, however, was with the statue's shield and the mere size of it along with the force of it launched him away.

"TJ!" Amata shouted as he hit the ground and tumbled away.

He urged himself to his knees and wiped the blood from his lip as he muttered, "not yet…it'll take more than that to stop me!"

Amata hurried to his side but as she did so the statue followed in her wake and quickly gained ground on her.

"Behind you!"

The Governor of Fire caught a glimpse of it following in her wake and turned on the balls of her heels to meet its attack. As the blade threatened her flank, she held out a hand for a flame to take form.

"Flame Burst!"

The blast forced both her and her target back and she avoided the attack. Moments before it brought its sword down, she leapt from where she stood with a single blast and skidded towards the Abellan.

He staggered to his feet and cracked a half-smile.

"That's a pretty neat trick. What's it called?"

She grinned in turn. "Isn't it? It's a fire hop. I learned it from my Dad."

She turned her eyes to the statue as it approached and pointed her staff at it.

"Can't you see we're having a conversation here?! Ten Flames!" At her words a series of flames took form before them.

Moments after the statue emerged in ash and smoke and brought its sword down upon the two. They split up as they dodged and it withdrew its weapon once more.

As it did so, an idea had come to the Abellan. As both his ice magic and Amata's fire magic would be ineffective, he had two options—to either defeat it with sheer brute force or to somehow gain a mastery over earth magic, which in essence contained the same amount of strength he required. However, only one of the two could he do with some certainty. He would just have to dive deeper into the rabbit's hole.

"Sorry to put you on the spot like this Amata but can you buy me some time? I'll provide you some support before I do!"

She huffed gently before she grinned.

"You could ask me for more, you know. I'll keep it busy, so do your thing."

The Governor of Fire's hair and eyes ignited in scarlet as she rushed towards it and engaged it in close combat. As she was nearest to it, it focused on her and immediately attempted to cut her down with its weapon but just as TJ remembered it, she had incredible movement for a Sorceror. Though she could not trade blows with it, she hopped over, crouched under and outright avoided its attacks with grace. All the while she managed to get in a few light and quick spells.

As she did so TJ gently strummed out a couple songs to bolster her defense, movement and magical aptitude. Followed by it he placed his guitar on his back and took a deep breath.

"So what's your oh-so-brilliant plan this time, smart ass?" Su asked him.

"I can't really tell you the whole of it, but I'm gonna try and beat it in a match of strength," he answered.

"You? Beat anything in a match of strength? Ha!"

He knit his brows.

"You've got a disturbing lack of faith in me sometimes.

"Still…even if you're in the gem, I'm still gonna need your help on this. You ready?"

"Heh. You're hopeless. I'll lend you my strength."

TJ nodded solemnly.

"Thanks!"

He closed his eyes for a moment before he opened them with renewed resolve.

"Frequency!"

His eyes flickered to a deep crimson as his aura followed suit.

"With this power I think I can make up for what I currently lack. As long as I have the mana to do it…" He said sheepishly as he drew his guitar. "Here goes…"

He held out a hand and a crimson vortex opened up before him.

"Gambler's Quasar!"

He said as he held his guitar above it and let it go. The weapon seeped into the swirling vortex and vanished within briefly after. The vortex shifted over to him and as it did so hands emerged from it and wrapped themselves around his body. They almost threatened to pull him into the vortex itself, but he resisted with all the might he could muster and they seeped into his skin instead.

He had grown stronger due to the use of the spell, but his speed was no different than it was when he used the Chaos Frequency. He needed more…if he was to rival that which he felt during the use of Su's Zealous Creature he would have to surpass what he had done thus far.

He clenched his fists and closed his eyes.

"Wrath, Pride, Envy! Punishments of the Sinner! Bestow upon me the strength to crush my foes! Testament to the Demon!"

A crimson aura surrounded him and as if the very gravity around him changed, he was forced to spread both his legs to remain standing. He clenched both his fists and his teeth and let out a low groan as the spell took form. Crimson highlights ran through his hair and the hair band he wore that tied it all together snapped as the tamed and brushed hair became wild and dishevelled. His teeth grew sharper and his nails grew into short claws.

"Oh? I'm actually pretty impressed you were able to pull that one off," Su said.

TJ huffed a few times before he rose to his full height and wiped the sweat from his brow.

"That makes two of us. I hadn't realized that buffs used by Agasura can be so straining and difficult. I think that first one could've killed me, to be completely honest," he chuckled dryly. "But the power that comes from them is nothing to sneeze at. I can feel strength pulsing through every muscle in my body.

"But this isn't the time to be admiring the powers available to us. Right now Amata's fighting and she needs my help. It's my turn to protect her."

His typical sprint had been enhanced allowing him to take great leaps to close distance in place of moving forward a step at a time. As he rushed to her aid he considered the facts available to him. Unlike Zealous Creature, his raw strength and speed were not increased as substantially, nor would they continue to do so over the span of time the spell remained in effect. It seemed the spells used a flat amount of mana but did not drain over the period they were in effect. If he was to completely utilize the spell, he would have to defeat this enemy and the others nearby before it wore off completely.

"TJ? What happened to you?" Amata asked as she looked in disbelief. "You're not…transforming again are you?!" She asked before she disengaged the statue and he took her place in battle.

"It's fine! I mean I'm fine! And by that I mean I'm me!" He answered her as he sidestepped the statue's vertical swing.

He backflipped on to its sword-hand and ran up the arm before he threw the weight of his whole body into a punch and lunged from the shoulder to the head. The moment the blow connected he forced the statue back a couple steps and touched down before shaking off the pain in his knuckles.

"Oww!"

"That spell is the real deal huh? You actually staggered it!"

"Yeah but that's just a start. Step one is to disarm it."

"And step two is...?" The Governor of Fire crossed her arms.

"Destroy it. That's where you come in!"

"Oh that's all-wait what do you mean? Hey! Come back here and explain yourself!"

As he rushed off he mulled over how he could toughen up his body a bit.

He had 10 seconds at best before the statue recovered and got within melee range of him. A quick spell or stance would need to suffice.

He stopped running and came to a halt before he swung an open palm before him and held it skyward.

"Serpent Membrane!"

The moment he clenched his fist a dark cloud of smoke coiled around him and as it faded a snake black as night took form and hissed but for a moment. It began to fade away and a scale-like effect covered him from head to toe momentarily. He clenched his fist and nodded to himself.

"That should do it."

"TJ?!" Amata cried.

"S-sorry!"

As he turned his focus back to the statue approaching he noted that its stance had changed. It armed its shield before it with its sword held to its hip. It had decided to protect itself. If so, he would just need to break through. Before it could reach him he dashed to it, expecting it to make the first move. To his surprise, it waited and in that moment he immediately noted an opportunity. As it came out of its running stance he jumped on to the knee and from there directly in front of the shield. It attempted to bash him with the weapon and he wrapped his fingers around the top of the buckler as it lunged forward, his feet to it also. He hung on tightly and it seemed to notice him as it dragged the weapon back. Rather than shake him off, it brought its right hand over and attempted to smash him with it. Before it could he kicked off the shield and avoided the blow by balancing on the top with his hands. The collision threw him off and to the other side but he narrowly landed upon its left arm. Following that he turned back to the now cracked shield.

"Now's my chance!"

He reeled a fist back, tightly clenched.

"Bone Crusher!"

He lunged at the weapon and with a single punch he shattered the remains, taking a large portion of the left arm with it.

Before it could retaliate he backflipped from its arm to its head and jumped through the air before reeling his right fist back for a follow-up attack. He turned his leap into a nose dive that seemed to rend the air itself as he descended upon his adversary.

"Skull Sunder!"

The moment his fist touched the stone it cracked and air surged all around him before he leapt down in front of it and skidded to a halt.

"Last one!"

As if he vanished from the very spot he stood he appeared beneath its right arm and reeled a fist back as he crouched down.

"Blink Spiral!"

His clenched fist trembled as a dark energy emerged from his fingers and to his wrist before he vanished once more. When he reappeared his fist collided with the arm of the statue as he arose and the dark energy coiled around him. The fist shattered as his ascension continued to its apex.

Once he touched down he someraulted twice and held out a hand as a dark violet sphere appeared above his palm.

"Amata, get ready! I'm gonna need your help to finish this!"

She blinked in disbelief.

"With that ridiculous strength? I wonder about that." She laughed it off as she approached but seemed to be willing nonetheless.

As he clenched his fist upon the sphere his arm crackled to life with black sparks and crimson lightning.

"I'll immobilize it for you. If you can, I want you to melt it with some kind of magma spell."

"We don't have much time. I dunno if I can get from here to it."

"Just leave it to me!" He said as the gauntlet took form.

"You're…you're not gonna throw me, are you? With that ridiculous strength? I'll die!"

"I-I won't do that! I'll use magic, don't worry!"

Once the spell was complete he clenched his fist a couple times before he reeled his hand back.

"It's time! Heathen's Gauntlet!"

He threw the weight of his body behind the massive fist and it extended the gap before it hit the statue in a rising arc. Following the attack he slammed it back to the ground and left a massive crack in the body, then reeled his arm back to him and dispelled the effect.

As it diminished, lightning cracked from his fingertips and he gripped his arm as he let out a pained groan.

"You okay?" She asked as she knit her eyebrows.

He smiled back and nodded.

"Yeah, no problem. Now, it's your time to shine. Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. Don't forget, I'm not like Su so you have to put me somewhere safe after you throw me, okay?"

"Leave it to me!"

He saluted her before he raised both his hands before him, fingers curled.

"Avaritia!"

Amata's feet left the ground and she floated freely next to him, her staff tightly held between her fingers.

"Okay! Consider me completely terrified!"

Without further ado he shifted his whole uppter torso and she was launched through the air. The moment she was directly above the statue he stopped her and took a deep breath.

"You can drop me here TJ!" She shouted as she waved one hand.

Acknowledging the request he lowered both hands and she descended upon the felled statue staff first.

"Time to say goodnight! Molten Plume!"

The moment she withdrew her staff magma spewed from the statue's chest like a fountain.

TJ reeled his hands back and Amata soared through the air towards him. He placed his arms at waist-length behind him and clenched both fists. Her body lowered to the ground and her feet skidded across the stones for a couple moments before she came to a complete halt.

She let out a relieved sigh as she steadied herself.

"That was a hell of an experience. I've never been so terrified of flying in my life, but you did bring me back in one piece, so thanks!"

"Yeah, somehow…" He said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Still, it's thanks to you, we finally beat that statue."

As he had said the stone melted in the magma and once there was nothing left it began to harden.

"Yep. Now we just need to do that three more times."

"T-three?! Hoo boy..I don't think I can hold out that long." He smiled wryly at her words as he let out a defeated chuckle.

"Well before we do, let's at least check out that weird panel. If that was the trap, it should be safe."

The two made their way back to the panel and looked at it with unease for a couple moments.

"Here I go…" TJ said as he cautiously took his first few steps towards it and finally upon it.

He nearly jumped as it sunk lower and a bright glow lit the markings upon it.

"Is it a trap?! Where's the trap?!"

He looked around frantically while Amata gazed over the room, both expecting something to happen.

"I think it's safe." The Governor of Fire finally said with a chuckle.

"R-really? That's a first."

She crossed her arms before she gently tapped her right.

"So there's three or four of these things right? We should probably go activate those other ones. If I was to take a guess, we're gonna need to get all these panels to light up if we're gonna get into the next room. That's pretty easy!

"So about that weird transformation you used…can you continue like that?"

He nodded once as he stepped down from the platform.

"No prob-huh?"

As he looked back the pedestal had arisen once more without him to stand on it.

"Stupid thing won't stay."

He leapt back on to it, stomped it once and exhaled through his nose.

"That should fix it."

As he stepped down once more, Amata knit her brows.

"You know, I don't think that'll do it."

He looked back over his shoulder and grimaced.

"Yeah…you're right. What should we do?"

"I don't think it's what we should do but rather what we've done."

She pointed to the melted statue and TJ blinked.

"O-oh…"

She nodded sagely.

"At the very least, we can still keep it held down with one of us. But we should check the others first, just in case."

"Good idea." TJ said as he walked over to the ledge and climbed up the short step.

It was a fair distance down, but he had much more terrifying falls than this.

He crouched down before he hopped off the ledge and landed with ease. Amata stood at the top and looked down upon him, a bead of sweat slowly trickling down her cheek.

Was it possible she was not good with heights?

TJ walked closer to it and held out his arms.

He was beginning to understand what it was like when Straw Hat had done it for him.

"It's okay to jump, I'll catch ya'." He said with an earnest smile.

"This is so embarrassing…" She muttered under her breath as she averted her gaze. "I'm coming down, alright? Get ready!"

He offered her a thumbs-up in response. Without another moment to spare, she closed her eyes and leapt down, to which his body moved almost as if on instinct to hold her in his arms.

Even his hand-eye coordination had improved substantially. He could get used to these powers!

"T-thanks." She said as her cheeks flushed and he let her down. "I-it's not that I'm afraid of heights, okay? It's just that I usually fly in cases like this, that's all."

"It's alright. I'm not so good with heights either." He responded with an affable smile.

He had half expected Su to chime in with a witty remark but she had remained quiet. Perhaps she could not be bothered?

The Governor of Fire cleared her throat and composed herself.

"Anyway, we should get a move on before you run out of time."

At her words the two made their way over to the lower landing's panels and examined them. TJ stepped on the left panel but despite him being atop it, it did not budge in the slightest. Amata stepped on the second but once again found that it had no effect.

"Do you think we need to break the statues to get them to move?" The Abellan asked with a puzzled gaze.

"I wouldn't say that's the case…'cause if we did, how would we hold them all down? Hang on a sec, I have an idea."

Amata walked over to him and stepped on the panel.

"Scoot over a bit?"

She took her place close to him in the center and the panel lowered under their combined weight.

"Good call!" He said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"We can't have the two of us standing on this many, though." She said with a light laugh. "If we can get the statues on these, we can go check out the rest, right? So let's try not to break them."

He nodded in acknowledgement.

"Right. I just hope we can keep them in one piece."

Amata raised two fingers in response.

"Essentially there are two ways to defeat a golem: the first, is to surpass the damage threshold they can withstand. Things like stone are really tough, so they have a high resistance to physical attacks and certain magical elements, but it's still possible. The second, is to time it out. In most cases, they can only draw mana for so long, but once they surpass their capacity they usually shut down. In Su's case, she disperses them so they stop drawing mana from her, so we haven't actually seen that happen yet."

TJ blinked in disbelief.

"You're really knowledgeable about this stuff, Amata!"

She smiled as she closed her eyes.

"Did you expect any less? I am the one who trained her, after all!"

"Oh piss off. All you did was bark orders and act all high and mighty," Su hissed.

"You wouldn't be half as capable as you are now if I wasn't 'barking orders' at you, you know!"

"Now now…" TJ said as he gestured for them to calm down.

"Now that we know what needs to be done… are you ready, Amata?" TJ asked as he looked over his shoulder to her.

"Always. I imagine that with two of these guys you'll have your work cut out for you, so I'll try to provide you more support." She responded with a grin.

"I'll be counting on you."

He took a deep breath before he sprinted towards the two statues, Amata following in his wake.

Once in range the two statues stirred to life and arose from their kneeling positions. One bore a great sword in both hands and the other a spear. TJ swallowed hard as they rumbled loudly before the eyes within flickered to life.

"Bring it on!" He roared as he charged toward them.

The spearman took the lead and thrusted its weapon at the Bard twice. He sidestepped the first and jumped on the weapon at the second. As he ran across the shaft a series of fireballs collided with the spearman's face. From his peripherals he caught a glimpse of a wide swing from the swordsman and leapt, narrowly avoiding being caught by the blade, but landing on it as it drifted by. He remained crouched down until it came to a halt then ran down the blade and hopped on to the arm before he was nearly shaken off.

"I've got your back, TJ!

"Eye of the Storm!"

Without a moment to spare a swirling torrent of fire engulfed a majority of the statue's upper and all of its lower body.

"Thanks!" The Abellan shouted.

He took the opportunity to make his move while the swordsman defended itself.

He would have to hold back somewhat in order not to destroy it outright, but a few cracks would not suffice to break it.

As he jumped through the air, he spun once and reeled his fist back to drill it into the side of its helmet.

He caught a glimpse of Amata as she took a knee and realized he had to get to her side before the spearman did. Moments before the swordsman regained its balance, he leapt to the top of its helmet and hung on with one hand, his torso facing away from its face. The moment it had stopped, he lunged from the nose and darted towards the ground between the spearman's legs. He somersaulted to his feet and dashed a few meters ahead of her to catch the spear with both hands. He slid back and almost bumped into her, but managed to hold his ground as he grinned.

"You alright?" He asked as he looked over his shoulder to her once more.

"Yeah but you-" Before she could finish her sentence, the weapon was withdrawn.

The Abellan was drawn back with it and as he let go, glimpsed it as it followed him and thrusted him directly into a wall. The earth shattered and blood splattered across the tip of the spear from his mouth before he fell to the ground and took a knee. The spearman stepped back while the swordsman stepped over and hauled its broadsword over its shoulder.

"I can still-" TJ muttered under his breath as he staggered to his feet, only to find Amata before him.

Her wings spread, one still wounded and dripping with fresh blood, her hair alight and a single hand outstretched before her.

"Try it! I'll make you regret it!" She snarled as the sword came down upon her.

The moment it nearly touched her finger the fire in her hair died down and the air before her combusted in a massive explosion. She turned to him and helped him rise to his full height.

"Can you go on?"

"Come on, I'm not that weak." He said as he wiped the blood from his mouth. "Sorry you had to see me like that. I know now that these guys are even stronger than the first."

As the smoke cleared, the two caught a glimpse of the now blackened statue with only a half of its sword remaining. The spearman did not waste any time in starting its offensive anew.

"I'll be fine from here on. Let's keep our guard up!" TJ said as he charged off to meet it once more.

"I could say the same to you."

When he had reached a fair distance, she placed a hand to her wounded wing and let out a low, pained groan. She took a deep breath, exhaled and steeled her resolve before hiding them once more and returning to the fray.

TJ found himself dodging a flurry of stabs from the spearman but he did so with ease. Left, right, above, below, even a sweeping swing. The final strike proved to be its undoing. He rushed forward and touched down beneath it before leaping from one leg to the next, ascending to the left arm. The swordsman tried to strike him from it with a forward stab but missed as he leapt over it and onto the arm. As it pulled back, he hung on to the wrist and placed both feet to it. The moment it passed the spearman's face, he put all of his body's weight into a single swing and kicked off of it, forcing the two to collide as he descended through the air and touched down.

"I'll follow you up!"

The Governor of Fire ran over to the felled statues and climbed upon the back of one. She pointed her staff at its back multiple times and as she did so, pulsing, glowing red swellings took form. She leapt down, ran a safe distance and plugged her ears.

"You might wanna do the same TJ! Gambit!"

The swellings lit up before bursting in a series of explosions.

"Hoo…" TJ said as he looked upon the smoke. "Didn't know you could do things like that."

As the smoke cleared he caught a glimpse of the broken statue staggering out before finally kneeling down. The yellow glints in each eye faded out as the damaged remains came to a final halt. Without a doubt, they had defeated one of the two without destroying it outright.

TJ crossed his arms as he raised an eyebrow. Was that really all it took to defeat them? They had seemed much more capable at the start, but perhaps he was wrong.

"Leave the other one to me. I'll make short work of it." He said as he rolled his shoulder and watched as it approached with caution.

"Hmm…?" Amata muttered as she eyed him curiously. "I'll keep an eye out then."

Perhaps suspecting he would not move from the spot the spearman broke out into a sudden sprint. The Abellan grinned before he hopped on the spot as the spear threatened to crush him once more.

"Shadow Dive!" He shouted before he slipped into the darkness.

His body emerged from its shadow and he leapt onto its arm as it reeled it back. He walked down the bicep and to the wrist before he stopped. He cracked his knuckles while it prepared to brush him off and without another moment to spare, crouched down and shattered the weapon hand with his fist. He hopped onto the wrist before he leapt to the face and kicked off of it, allowing him to retreat a safe distance, all while forcing it back. He took the spear in hand and twirled it over his head to aim it at the previous wielder.

"I'll break you!" He roared before he hurled the spear with all his might.

The weapon flew towards the statue and the blow proved strong enough to pierce the chest and leave a gaping hole within. He cracked his right hand's knuckles with his left and reeled a fist back.

"Now for a finishing touch…"

Air surged around his hand as he slowly pulled it back.

"Air Render!"

He let his fist fly and from it an incredible torrent of wind tore through the air before the two and collided upon the spear, forcing it to plunge even deeper into the gap.

The statue shuddered as the stone crumbled from the hole within. Just as the first had, it knelt down and the lights within the eyes flickered out.

His power was growing…and yet there was so much untapped potential still. To bring out that potential, he needed a challenge that could truly push him to his limits. Su, Yuta, Choen Palm…all of them were people who were able to do so.

He looked to the Governor of Fire who seemed to be admiring his handiwork and in her, he saw an opportunity. A wide grin spread across his face before he took two steps towards her. Without another moment to spare he rushed towards her as he reeled a fist back. The moment he stepped in range of her, he threw his fist towards her.

His very approach and the sudden halt he came to created a wind pressure strong enough to nearly force the Governor back, but despite the fact and even more so his approach, she held her ground. The very fist he threw wrapped over her shoulder and came to a rest upon her back. He pulled her in and leaned his head over her left shoulder while the crimson streaks and disheveled hair upon his head came to a rest.

"Tell me Amata…do you fear me?" He whispered into her ear.

She sighed.

"Fear you? No."

He let her go and took a step back. The vicious crimson eyes had become their usual deep brown and the look in them had become timid and tired.

The Govenor of Fire stepped towards him and patted his hair down with her hands.

"Let's be real here, TJ. I've seen you at your worst. You really don't give me enough credit."

"But-"

"But what?"

She placed both her hands to her hips.

"I've been around long enough to know what Agasuric mana and blood can do to a person. I've also been around long enough to know you. The real you. You think becoming drunk on power and losing yourself is gonna deter me?"

She snorted.

"If you lose yourself once or twice, I'll be there to knock some sense back into you.

"Besides, if you were going to attack me with the desire to kill, you'd have done it long ago and even if you did, I certainly wouldn't make it easy on you."

She closed her eyes as she shrugged.

"If it was my time to die, I'm sure I'd be seeing Valkyries by now. But it's not."

He closed his eyes guiltily.

It was not the first time this had happened…and he could not help but think that it would not be the last. Had he defeated his enemies any sooner what would have happened to them? Would he really have continued his offensive?

"Sorry."

The Governor of Fire chuckled.

"It's fine, isn't it? I was depending on your strength, well aware of the risks. If I was to blame you now, what kind of girl would that make me?

"Now hold on a sec', I think I've got a hair tie in my stuff somewhere."

She made her way over to their bags resting near the panels and soon returned with a dark blue scrunchie. She walked behind him and tied his hair back into the usual ponytail. Following the event she walked back to stand directly before him.

"I don't mind any of the junk that just happened, but there's something I need to know."

He gave her a slightly wistful but thankful smile.

"What's that?"

Amata's eyes remained focused on his, her expression hardened, yet determined.

"Is there anyone that knows about that side of you? I mean, is there anyone that you confide in about it?"

He opened his mouth to speak but found himself at a loss.

"W-well…"

It seemed that he had gotten through at every other interval on sheer willpower alone…however, he had not considered the consequences of whether he failed to do so.

The Sorceror placed her hands to his cheeks and turned his head to face her directly. Her lips were pursed and her eyes even more determined than they were prior.

"This is a serious thing, TJ. I don't want this to become something you come to regret later! Don't. Be. Stubborn. Okay?! It's okay to ask for help. It's okay not to be strong enough alone…even if you are the Abellan. We're in this thing together, you know. Even if it's just you and me right now, you can talk to me. I won't like you any less for your faults, dummy."

His mouth hung agape for a few moments before he placed a hand to hers and closed his eyes.

He himself did not know it, but perhaps those words were what he had yearned to hear.

His lips curled into a smile as he opened his eyes once more.

"Thanks…a bunch, Amata. I needed that more than I know."

She grinned.

"I'd bet!"

The two stood before the statues as they s0lemnly examined them. Amata rapped her knuckles against the swordsman and gave it a nod of approval before she sighed.

"Well they're as dead as they'll ever be and I'm willing to bet they're not gonna suddenly wake up and attack us…but…" She sighed once more in place of finishing her sentence.

"We're gonna have to move them ourselves somehow, huh?" TJ asked with a hint of unease.

"Pretty much."

The Bard ran through the possibilities of what he could possibly do before the Governor of Fire rapped her knuckles against his head.

"Quit making a face like that. I'm sure between the two of us, we could move that thing."

She placed a hand to a curled arm as she winked.

"It'll just take a little elbow grease, is all!"

Her optimism was a refreshing change.

"Yeah! Let's give it a shot!"

The two took their place behind the statue and prepared to push it.

"Okay, you ready? On three! One, two…" Amata counted their push down.

Without another moment to spare the two started pushing against it with all their might. The Governor of Fire did so until she was red in the face, then finally collapsed against it as she huffed.

"A good idea in theory, but our execution is nothing short of piss poor."

"We might be at this for a while…"

"Idiots! If you've got the Frequency at your disposal, use it. No point in doing dumb shit like this. What'd you expect?" Su asked.

Amata looked at the Abellan's chest and growled under her breath. He placed a clenched fist to his chest as he mulled over her suggestion.

"Su may have a point."

The Sorceror looked at him in disbelief.

"Are you nuts? After what we just went through?"

He knit his brows.

"I know. But if my suspicions are correct, it only seems to happen after a certain while… I mean, the first time it happened, it was a lot sooner. This time I had a lot more self control up until that point. So long as I don't overdo it, I think I can manage. But in case I'm wrong… can I count on you?"

She crossed her arms as she knit her brows in turn.

"I don't really like this but… I've got nothing better. Besides, I trust you. If you feel you're losing yourself, cancel it right away, alright?"

He grinned.

"Will do! Thanks.

"Okay Su, one more time!"

"Yeah yeah, hurry up and do the thing already."

TJ pounded his fists together.

"Frequency!"

His irises flickered to crimson and he took a deep breath.

"Here goes…"

He placed both hands to the statue and began to push it along the ground towards the panels. It took a bit of extra effort to get it upon the panel itself, but he had managed nonetheless, while hardly breaking a sweat.

"How're you doing?" Amata asked as he returned.

"Good to go!" He said as this time he flexed.

She chuckled at the gesture and he continued the task he set out to do, with her following closely behind. Once the statues were upon their respective panels they both lit up and remained that way.

"That should do it," TJ said. "I've never used the Frequency so much in such a short time frame before. Maybe I should practice."

"I just hope you won't need to. Then again, we're gonna be facing some tough guys in the future, so I suppose there's always room for improvement.

"Still, let's get back to the task at hand, shall we? We've still got one more level to check and then we have to find a way to get that panel on the middle floor down."

"Right. Let's head back up… there…"

As he looked for a way to reach the main floor he found nothing but the length of stone from where they were to where they had come from.

"No ladder, no stairs, nothin'. Stupid architects!"

"Suppose we can't fly up there either." He placed a fist into an open palm with a look of realization. "Now that I think about it, didn't you use your wings to get to me? You re-opened the wound!"

"Wah…are you mad?" She asked with a teasing grin. "It was for a good cause."

"I'm thankful for that, but still! I'll give you a boost up there before I dispel the Frequency, but I'm gonna patch you up again after that."

She smiled. "I'm in your care again, Doc."

He walked over to the wall and cupped his hands. He could not help but think of his time in Foe Mansion. "Alright, come on."

The Governor of Fire took a few steps back before she leapt into his hands. Without further ado, he hurled her through the air and she touched down safely.

"Thanks!" She shouted back as she waved.

"I'm gonna throw the bags up there too!"

"Bring 'em on!"

TJ took Amata's in his left and tossed it up. After she caught it, she set it down and called for the next one which he threw with his right. She called for the next one and he tilted his head quizzically before he understood her meaning. He laughed gently at the thought.

Once that was done he exhaled gently and returned to his normal state. He looked to the statues before him and climbed up onto the shoulders of the swordsman before he spread his wings. He leapt across the gap and pushed himself up once more before he landed and skidded to a halt.

"Good plan. Still, we're gonna need a way to get up there too. I'm glad you're so reliable with the Frequency, but I'd rather not have you do it again just for the sake of this. You're pushing yourself too hard."

"You…might be right." TJ said as he scratched his cheek sheepishly.

"For the time being, lemme' get a look at your wing. We can consider our options afterwards."

The Governor of Fire brought out her wings and as he had expected, one of the two remained wounded. He placed his hands to it and they released a gentle glow to heal the wound once more as he mulled over the options for what they could do.

It was certainly possible that Amata could make the jump if she was to use her Fire Hop technique. Or was it? He could not help but worry that if she did not reach the required height she would fall hard and be unable to land safely. Even if she was to do so, there was little doubt it would be painless. TJ could not make the jump either, especially without a foothold. Unlike the Jungle, the stones were smooth and so there was very few, if any places he could jump off of. His wings were unlike those of other Cerebians and lacked the ability of flight. To add insult to injury, he was not very strong without using the Chaos Frequency.

He sighed audibly and Amata looked over her shoulder.

"Having troubles coming up with something? Don't stress over it too much. Between the two of us I'll bet we could come up with something."

He smiled at her words of comfort. "Let's do our best together."

She placed a finger to her chin. "If the obvious things like flying are out, we could use skills. I could blast the wall so we can climb it!"

"I don't think we should destroy the place!"

If he was to use his powers, perhaps he could do something. He was able to shift the earth to get Robo to differing heights, but he had never done it for himself alone. If the Divine Arts were out and the Arcane were limited, that only left Synergism, Manipulation and Command skills. At the thought a realization dawned upon him.

"I've got it!"

"Hm? Got a plan? Lay it on me."

"If I summon Velvet I can fly us both up there and fight any enemies without having to use the Frequency!"

Velvet had everything that TJ lacked in this scenario. Strength, great defense, the body of an Einherjar and the Calling ability. She was in fact, a Keruz.

"I've no idea what you mean by that, but your plans usually work one way or another. Is there anything you need me to do?"

He got to his feet and shook his head.

"No, you can leave this to me."

Amata lent him her handkerchief once more and he wiped his hands before offering her his gratitude. He made his way back over to the panel and stood upon it. Following that, he drew his guitar and took a deep breath. As he strummed the first few notes to Velvet's song, he began to sing the lyrics and upon completing it for the first time Velvet took form before the two along with her signature catchphrase.

Amata squinted at the sight.

"I remember this but...why are you still singing?"

"Oh…about that…" Velvet answered as she chuckled sheepishly.

The Governor of Fire's eyes darted to the Einherjar before she took a cautious stance.

"I-it's okay, it's me!" Velvet cried out as she gestured for her companion to calm down.

"You as in TJ or you as in that Velvet girl? You talk like TJ but you clearly aren't. He's right there." She pointed to him.

"I'm TJ. This is the effect of Synergism. After I mastered Velvet's song I became able to summon her as an Einherjar. It's just that I have to take control of the body."

Amata chuckled dryly while she smiled wryly.

"And here I thought I'd seen everything. You're just full of surprises aren't you TJ?"

Velvet smiled in turn.

"You don't know the half of it."

"Okay, consider me impressed. So? You said you had a plan didn't you? Impress me again."

"As long as you're ready…" She took a couple steps toward her and swept her up in her arms.

Once she did, she spread her wings before looking skyward.

Amata's face flushed pink, her eyes swam and she seemed to be in a tizzy.

"Okay maybe I talked a big game but I wasn't r-ready for this!"

Four lovely feathered appendages surrounded the two before they spread out. TJ could not help but feel nervous as it was his first time flying, in Velvet's body at that, but he decided that regardless of what happened his top priority would be keeping Amata safe.

With a single powerful beat the two took off and continued their ascent as TJ carefully made his way towards the final landing. When he reached the designated height he cautiously made his way over, landed and let the Governor of Fire down.

She let out a sigh of relief as she brushed her bangs aside.

"I can't count how many times I've been held today. I haven't been picked up like that since I was a little girl."

She seemed to be looking at him from her peripherals.

"You better take responsibility."

Velvet laughed gently.

"Sure, sure."

"This is the last of them." Amata said as she stopped on the final panel.

"I wonder if we can press it down…?" Velvet walked over and pressed her body to the Governor of Fire's.

"There's something else being pressed down."

At those words Velvet noticed she was pressing her chest into Amata's face and she jumped back.

"Sorry about that!"

Her face was flushed again. It was probably hard to breathe, given the circumstances.

"You need to be more aware of your surroundings sometimes, TJ," she said.

"But leaving that aside, despite both of us standing on it, we couldn't budge it at all. Guess I've gotta give some credit to those old guys. They weren't gonna let us take any shortcuts on this, were they?"

Velvet grinned.

"Isn't it fine? We've beat three of those guys so far. What's one more to the two of us?"

Amata smiled.

"You sound pretty confident despite being an Einherjar. You don't have the Frequency on your side this time. You sure you can handle it?"

"No problem! I trained with the Chief for this!" She said excitedly as she drew her weapon.

"That so?" Amata held her right arm with her left hand. "I'm glad you've practiced, at least."

She turned her body to face the final statue, knelt down but still looking threatening while wielding a battle axe in its hands. "For this guy, I've no doubt we're gonna need it."

Velvet took a deep breath before preparing her stances. She used Bravery Shout, Chivalry and Warden's Emissary respectively before looking to the statue with renewed resolve.

"Here goes nothin'…" Velvet muttered as she approached.

"More like everything. Don't die in that body, alright?"

She could not help but laugh and offer the Governor of Fire a thumbs-up at her concern.

As she grew ever closer to the stone statue, it too rumbled as it came to life and brandished its weapon.

Velvet brandished her club in turn and slammed the weapon against her shield twice.

"I'm ready for you! Come," she roared.

The statue's head tilted slightly as it took two slow steps and paused but for a moment. Without another moment's hesitation it broke out into a sprint that ended with it putting the weight of its whole body into a fell swing. The earth shattered as Velvet leapt aside and skidded to a halt. She stormed back into the fray and took a swing at the wrist of the axeman as it withdrew its weapon.

It had been quite some time since TJ last fought in Velvet's body so he would need to adapt once more. She was slower, but stronger. The weight of the weapon differed, and the speed and strength at which she could swing it was much better than his. He could use his shield to defend against most attacks and should push come to shove, he could use Perfect Shield. More importantly than everything else, he needed to ensure that he protected Amata.

As the eyes turned to him after he put a dent in the arm a small flame rushed toward its face and burst, throwing it off guard which gave Velvet the opportunity to reposition herself. As the flames and smoke dispersed it turned its focus to the Governor of Fire and she knew she had to act.

"Guard Impact!"

As it took its first step towards the Governor of Fire, Velvet lunged at its left ankle with her shield and collided with it, staggering the statue and drawing its attention back to her. It seemed that attempting to stun a golem of that size was not possible for her, but at the very least she succeeded at her initial goal.

"There's more where that came from! Helm Splitter!"

She leapt from where she stood, mace raised and shield withdrawn to land a leaping strike. As she did so she noted that there were two potential ways to follow up the attack: the first would be to perform a mid-high shield bash, dissimilar to Guard Impact in that the user shoved the shield forward rather than using their entire body to shoulder-tackle the target and daze them. The other was to raise the shield and bring it down upon the target, in essence, leaving the wielder open but dealing a more fatal blow. She was beginning to understand the small differences stances could use to confuse opponents, such as those Peorth used.

Putting the thought aside she raised her shield and brought it down with a powerful strike that cracked the stone. She only had a couple of seconds before it completed its turn and attacked. She stepped forward to ground herself and brought the mace upon the leg in a right hook, cracking the leg further and chipping a few pieces off the rock.

Without another moment to waste the statue reeled its axe back and brought it down with both arms. Velvet raised her shield to meet the weapon and the two found themselves in a deadlock. She could hold it back but not for long. The strength of both arms and its size advantage would overpower her eventually.

"Repel," she shouted.

Her shield gained a bright glow that pulsed outwards like after-images and forced the axeman back with incredible force.

Velvet clasped her hands together, lowered her head and closed her eyes. Following that she looked skyward as she raised her mace.

"Blessed Strikes!"

The weapon gained a powerful glow while she charged back at the axeman. The first swing was aimed at the right leg, the sound of steel colliding with stone echoed throughout the chamber with incredible force and velocity. The leg she hit collided with the other and caused the golem to collapse to the ground.

"Good one TJ," Amata shouted from nearby.

She took to the arm that held it up and also carried its weapon and aimed her second strike at its hand. She broke two of the fingers and knocked the arm out from under it, causing it to collapse to the ground once more. She wanted to strike again but recognized the risk in going the distance, then opted out to strike the head instead. The final devastating blow was aimed at the side of the head and shattered a large portion of the helmet chiseled into it, leaving portions of the stone face crumbling away as it rose to its feet once more.

"Tough guy, huh?" Velvet asked with a dry chuckle, as she took a breath. "Think I made him mad."

TJ had forgotten one important thing about Temple Knights. They expend quite a bit more mana from a much smaller pool. He would have to choose when to use stances wisely.

As it rose to its full height once more the eyes glistened in and it seemed to focus itself on Velvet. Without another moment to spare it drew its axe back and took a mighty horizontal swing towards the ground. Too high to jump but too low to crouch underneath she opted out for defending herself with her shield. Both hands tucked tightly behind the arm she took the blow head on and the sheer force caused her to slide back a fair distance before she was lifted from her feet in a rising arc.

"TJ! Hang on!" Amata shouted a she rushed towards her.

"Don't worry! I've got it," Velvet vouched.

She spread her wings and awkwardly flitted about until she could regain her balance. The moment she did so, however, the axeman had already recovered from his last swing and brought his weapon around with another.

"Oh crap!"

Velvet stopped beating her wings and fell slightly before rising up once more in a vain attempt to get back to the landing. As she attempted to do so the weapon came around in a rising arc, followed by a falling arc in a series of attempts to predict where she would be next.

"You don't have this at all, do you?! You really need to learn to ask for help, dummy," Amata scolded.

She ran back to their things and rummaged through her pack drawing a dagger. She tossed it up and down a few times to test the weight of the weapon before she pointed it at the golem.

"Hey asshole! Look alive! Sacrificial Arm!"

She hurled the weapon with the force of her entire body behind it and as the weapon took flight it combusted and exploded upon contact with the statue's face.

"Now's your chance TJ! I'll keep it busy so get back over here!"

"T-thanks!"

"One more!"

The Governor of Fire spun her staff above her head before she slammed it into the ground. A whirlwind of fire surrounded her body for a couple of moments before she reeled a hand back. A flame crackled in it as sparks clicked to life at her heels. She broke into a sprint leaving a trail of flames in her wake as she rushed towards the statue. The eyes shone through the cloud of smoke left in her spell's wake and the axe soon parted them. Before it could crush her, Amata fire hopped from where she was about to step and launched herself towards the statue, soaring between its legs and skidding to a halt behind it. She hopped once more and flew through the air, towards the back of its head. Her flaming hand was put forward as she lunged toward the axeman and let loose a series of explosions.

"Salamander Bombardment!"

The force of the explosion forced her back and she managed to touch down, albeit by taking a knee, however, safely nonetheless. In the wake of her attack a series of explosions followed and she outstretched both hands. As she did so, plumes of fire seperated from the explosions and formed a series of six orbs that surrounded her adversary.

She clapped the two together as she roared, "Elemental Sigma!" The spheres began to spin around the statue before they converged upon it in a massive explosion.

"That good enough for you?" Amata asked as a multitude of beads of sweat ran down her face and neck.

"That'll do perfectly!" Velvet answered, now flying just above the face of the right arm of their enemy.

"What the hell're you doing there?! I thought I told you to land!"

"I've got a plan!"

"Another plan? At this point I'm kinda hard pressed to tell you not to follow through with them…" She grumbled under her breath.

TJ lacked the ability of flight and by extension struggled to do so as Velvet. However! There was a loophole in this scenario. Velvet's knowledge of stances allowed him to perform maneuvers he could not do in his own body. In her repertoire there was one that was somewhat reminiscent of Peorth's use of Broken Wings while under the effect of Valkyrie Stance. With it, he could potentially perform a finishing blow while meeting the statue in strength, should push come to shove. All the while, his lack of flying skill would be set aside to meet the stance's requirement. A good plan, if he did say so himself.

Velvet placed both hands to her mace and held it before her as a pair of golden rings took form around her, spinning around her while moving in rising and falling arcs. Once they vanished beads of light like sparkles surrounded her as she took a battle stance.

"Heavenly Sunder!"

She immediately took flight and rushed toward the statue with a sweeping strike. As she flew by she bashed it across the face and staggered it once. Before she flew into the ground her body turned the dive into an ascent and circled back around to hit it where the helmet was once shattered. Once more as she drifted past, she turned around to take point before it. She raised the mace skyward and a beam of light came down from the heavens and enhanced her weapon. It gave the weapon the shape and form of a a large hammer that she wielded with both hands. As she prepared to deal the final blow the statue regained its balance and prepared its axe to cut her down.

Velvet took off and the statue brought its axe directly down upon her. The two clashed in a match of braun. At first Velvet found herself being pushed back but she focused on fighting back and she began to regain control of their deadlock. Sparks flew from their respective weapons until with one final push Velvet forced the axeman back and broke free of the lock. Without a moment of hesitation she dashed forward and smashed her hammer into the statue's chest with an overhand swing. Following it she brought her weapon around with a right hook and blew the statue back with the force of the strike. It's feet skidded across the floor after she hit it until it crashed into the wall.

The eyes dimmed, the statue crouched down and the battle came to a close.

"Wow…that was kinda scary!" Velvet blurted as she touched down and let out a sigh of relief.

"You just love to put yourself in the most dangerous of situations don't you? Honestly…" Amata articulated as she shrugged.

She tossed her staff away and it vanished in a series of embers.

"What can I say?" She asked as he rubbed the back of her neck. "Old habits die hard."

The Governor of Fire let out a gentle chuckle as her lips curled into a grin.

"Yeah, and so do you."

Velvet rolled her shoulders as she inspected the statue.

"Let's give this a whirl, Amata," she said enthusiastically.

The Governor of Fire, however, did not share in her enthusiasm.

"I won't deny your strength or anything but…are you sure you can move that thing?"

She offered her a puzzled head tilt.

"Me? We! We can do this, together!"

At her smile Amata blew her bangs from her face and let out a light chuckle.

"Yeah, that sounds about right."

She inspected it from front to back and crossed her arms.

"But how do you plan to push it? You launched it into the wall and we can't get back there."

A couple of beads of sweat ran down the back of her neck as she too, inspected her handiwork. She raised a finger to make a counterpoint but lowered it with a defeated expression.

"I'll figure something out."

Velvet attempted to pull it from the front but could not muster the strength required for it. She let out an upset huff before she walked past it and climbed the legs to put herself between its waist and the wall. With a grunt of effort she used her body to push the two apart and much to her fortune and dismay, it did indeed slide forward. This resulted in her falling to the ground.

"Ow ow ow!" She cried as she rolled over and rubbed her bottom.

"There's a lot I can say about that, but hey, you did it. Good thinking. Albeit somewhat flawed." She told her with a chuckle. "I can see the difference in strength, though."

"That makes two of us," Velvet answered somewhat sulkily.

Amata grinned as she leaned against the statue.

"Don't let it get to you. I think you're alright just the way you are. Rather, trying to imagine you with bulging muscles is a little…disturbing. I think I prefer your pre-pubescent, girly figure."

"That's not a compliment." She muttered as she pouted.

"Good one." Su said from within the gem.

"Right?" Amata smirked.

"Why is it at times like these that you guys actually agree with each other?" Velvet asked as she placed her hands to the statue and began to push it herself.

"Hang on, I know it isn't much but I can still offer my help." The Governor of Fire said with a snicker.

The two pushed it to the landing and upon doing so a bright beam of light pulsed outwards from it and the other three buttons.

"Think that did it?" Velvet asked.

"Must have. We should go check out the exit again," Amata answered.

"Alright, let's go!"

Without another moment to spare Velvet swept her up once more and spread her wings to descend to the lower floor.

Amata closed her eyes and her lips curled into a frown.

"Nope. Still not ready for this."

The pair landed and upon letting the Governor of Fire stand Velvet began to fade away. TJ opened his eyes and stopped playing his guitar before he regrouped with his companion.

She eyed him from head to toe before nodding with approval.

"None the worse for wear. That's pretty handy." She said with a grin.

"Exhausting though…" He sighed before he smiled slightly.

"Well, nothing for it then, let's get a move on!"

At her behest the two proceeded past the statue they defeated and to the next room. At Amata's gesture the door slid open and offered them access to the next place in their journey.

The following room was one that was similar, but also eerily different to its predecessor. To their left was what seemed to be an empty abyss. It was darkness as far as the eye could see. There was no railing nor walls that would prevent challengers from falling into it, and as one would expect, to find out what awaited at the bottom was not a welcome prospect. To their right was what seemed to be an ascending ramp towards a higher level. Directly ahead were a pair of holes accompanied by a single landing with another button upon it.

TJ swallowed hard as he glimpsed into the abyss.

"It's uhh…pretty dark down there. I'd hate to fall in it." He said awkwardly as he inched himself towards the wall.

The Governor of Fire cocked an eyebrow at his statement.

"Hasn't anyone ever told you, 'don't look down'?" She asked.

"Probably. But I mean, not looking at it doesn't mean it's not there, you know."

She chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah I know.

"At the very least, there aren't any giant statues around here that we'll need to beat up to put on those buttons."

She approached the nearest button and crouched down to get a better look at the distance of it.

"Though it's hard to tell when standing, this gap is pretty huge. If we're gonna try and get across, either we'll need to fly or use an ability I-"

"Look out!" TJ shouted as he ran to her side and held out a hand. "Frozen Buckler!"

At those words a sphere of water took form before his hand before he clenched a fist and moved it inwards, a short stream emerged for him to grab hold as it froze and spread out, forming a buckler.

Almost immediately after it took shape a fireball collided with it and melted the shield, causing the Abellan to hurriedly shake his hand off.

"Ooh that's hot!"

"T-thanks," Amata said.

She whirled on the balls of her heels as she rose to her full height and caught a glimpse of a robed and hooded humanoid figure. It wore a tattered, crimson robe with gold embroidering and carried a gnarled wooden staff in skeletal hands. The edges of the bottom of the robe were frayed and looked as if they were burned away, still alight to that very moment. From within the hood the duo could only make out a deep darkness.

"I hate fuckers who fight dirty!" She snarled as she raised a hand skyward and manifested her staff in a series of flames.

She fire hopped over TJ and used the wall as a jumping point to perform a second. As she flipped through the air she outstretched one foot as a flaming aura surrounded her body.

"Salamander Dive!" She roared as she soared towards it.

Though no legs to speak of it leapt from where it stood and avoided her attack. She skidded to a halt and turned around as the aura diminished only to catch a glimpse of the spirit drifting down.

"Flame Shaman or not, you're not gonna get away from me!"

"I'll back you up!" TJ shouted as he outstretched a hand. "Hailstone!"

"Mortar!" Amata snarled as she placed a hand to her side and a flame crackled to life in it.

She hurled it into the air above the Shaman and detonated it, causing fire to rain like bombs on the surrounding area.

TJ formed another buckler and took cover under it as the flames nearly fell on him too.

Much to the dismay of the two, from beneath the Shaman's robe a burst of flames would occasionally be emitted, allowing it to maneuver the barrage of attacks.

Amata looked furious, yet envious.

"Bastard! …I need to learn to do that…" She muttered as she watched it drifting to the ground.

Shortly after it touched down near the door and aimed its staff at TJ.

"Get out of there TJ!"

He swallowed hard as he dropped the shield and pressed himself against the wall to avoid the launching of three fireballs at him.

"Close call there…" He muttered as he wiped his brow.

He stole a glimpse at them as they all came to a halt and amalgamated into one ball, then launched themselves back at him. Without a moment to spare he immediately dashed up the ramp and nearly bumped into Amata as she took off up the second flight upon it. The spell continued its pursuit and the latter soon found herself at a dead end.

There were stones in front of her that seemed to have some unusual markings and grooves in it that may have meant they served a secondary purpose. However, given the current circumstances, they were nothing more than an unneeded extension to their current vantage point.

She turned to him with a panicked expression.

"You willing to block it again?" She asked with her voice edging on desperation.

"No way! It's huge!" He answered glancing back uneasily.

"No choice then!"

Without another word she walked past him and leapt off the ledge to the lower section.

"You're kidding!"

He glimpsed the fireball coming to a halt once more before it neared him. He took a deep breath, leapt down and landed hard. He let out a pained and muffled groan before rising to his full height.

"Here it comes again!" Amata said to him as the two glimpsed the Shaman ascending and aiming its staff at them.

A small flame crackled to life before it and moments later it unleashed a torrent that threatened to engulf them. The Governor of Fire held her staff out with one outstretched hand and met its onslaught with her Flamethrower spell. The two remained in a deadlock for a time, their flames collided and fanning out, draining the oxygen in the surrounding area.

"Persistent bastard…" Amata muttered as beads of sweat ran down her cheek. "Now's your chance TJ, see if you can catch it off guard!"

"I'm on it!"

He stepped out from behind her but backed away slightly so as not to be caught by the flames.

Though it seemed that he was just taking cover, which was not entirely untrue, he was counting the seconds that the Shaman had remained airborne. Just as a Cerebian can only remain in flight for so long due to stamina, he was willing to bet that Shaman had a limit to how long it could do so also. This could lead to two potential ways they could defeat it.

TJ placed a hand to the top of his right wrist and aimed it directly at the Shaman.

"Freezing Wave!"

The moment he spoke the spell it seemed to shift its head in his direction moments before the spell reached it. It broke away from the deadlock with Amata and drifted aside as TJ struggled with all his might to follow after it with his spell. Amata managed to catch it off guard and set the weapon hand aflame.

The two ended their casts as the Shaman fell towards the landing in a heap.

"Thirteen seconds!" TJ cried out excitedly as his right arm fell limp.

He learned something new about the spell today—the first thing, being that it takes a lot of mana to maintain it for a prolonged period and the second, it is a great strain on the body.

"What's with the timer?" Amata asked as she glanced over her shoulder but for a moment.

"I'll explain later!"

"Make sure you do."

Without another word her body moved in the opposite direction, leading her down the ramp towards the seperated landings. As she did so small chunks of molten rock rained down on her like artillery.

"Hit the floor, Amata!" TJ shouted as he glimpsed over the edge.

"Gotcha!"

At his request she performed a short hop and skidded against the ground before planting her staff in the stone. As she swung around the weapon, three fireballs drifted over her head. She rose to her feet and withdrew the weapon, dragging it behind her moments before she transitioned into a fire hop. The fireballs that were launched reversed and followed in her wake.

"You're mine now! Explosion!"

She spun her staff over her head once and pointed it down at her target causing a couple of bursts of fire before a single massive conflagaration blasted them both. The brunt of the spell hit the shaman while the force of it blew her away, up towards the higher landings.

"H-hang on! I gotcha!" TJ shouted as he ran back and forth to predict where she would land.

She collapsed upon him and they both groaned.

"Well…I appreciate the effort…" Amata muttered as she rubbed her buttocks.

"Just…doing what I do best…" TJ uttered as he arose to his knees.

The Governor of Fire looked alarmed as she caught a glimpse of the shaman returning from the flames and smoke beneath them. After her attack the robes it wore were heavily damaged as was its weapon, but it persisted in flight. As it aimed its staff down at them what seemed like a cackle sounded from it as it prepared another spell.

A magic circle with the herald of fire took form behind it as it raised its staff skyward, both hands tightly clapsed around it.

"What the—this is bad! Stay behind me TJ!" Amata said as she outstretched a hand.

"Something big is coming, isn't it? Are you sure about this? Will you be alright?" He asked, fear edging his voice this time around.

"It'll be fine. I told you already didn't I? I'm not just God's Governor for show."

Flame spheres began to appear in the general vicinity of the caster as the channel continued.

Was it using the same Ten Flames spell Amata used in the past? There was something different about it though—rather there were several, which made TJ both unsure of what it was and fearful for Amata's well-being.

In spite of this, he kept a close eye on how long the shaman had remained airborne. If there was an opening at the end of the spellcast, it would be his chance to strike.

As the spheres continued to increase to upwards of ten, almost fifteen, the magic circle disappeared and the shaman began to cackle again before it pointed its staff at the two. The flames before them crackled to life before they exploded in succession, each in a solid line directed at Amata.

"Flame Eater!"

She put her right hand forward and just as she had before, created a vacuum that pulled the spell to her one after the other. She gripped her wrist with her free hand as she grit her teeth, struggling to maintain the spell as more and more joined in the first few. The effect waned somewhat but she still persisted.

With a couple seconds left on the clock, the Abellan saw his chance and stepped out from behind his companion.

"TJ what're you—ngh!" Before she could ask she was met with another blast from the spell and turned her concentration back to the other incoming shots.

"I'm gonna put this plan to the test!" TJ shouted as he drew his guitar but held it with the base skyward. "Here goes…Broken Wings!"

He hurled the weapon through one of the fireballs and the moment it collided with the shaman he vanished. He reappeared upon it, the two both airborne above the abyss. Just as he appeared, the shaman's flight ability began to give way and they began their descent. Before it could retaliate, TJ pulled his weapon into an overhand swing and bashed its face, causing it to plummet downwards before he spread his wings. With a single beat he brought himself into a backwards ascent, flipped through the air once and touched down on the second section of the landing near the Governor of Fire.

"H-hey, I stuck the landing!"

A fuming Amata stomped over before she bashed him over the head with her staff. With a quiet whimper he crouched down and rubbed his head.

"TJ you idiot! What do you think you're doing, doing something that dangerous?! Do you know what could've happened if you botched that?! You could've died! And with the way I am now, I couldn't have helped you! Jeez!"

Without another word, she pouted, tossed her staff away and stormed off.

"You totally deserved that," Su said.

"D-don't rub it in…" he muttered under his breath.

Since Amata went up the ramp, it was safe to assume that she would stand on the button there, so the one on the lower platform was up to him. He was thankful that she stormed off the way she did or she may have insisted on taking the more dangerous route of the two. If her wings had healed, she may have been able to handle it with ease, but as that was not yet the case, he felt better about going himself.

When he approached he got a better look of the situation at hand. There were two landings and the second had the button upon it. They were rather small at that, so to jump too far or not far enough would result in him falling into the abyss. Judging by the fact that the shaman the two had just fought had not come back out, it likely went much deeper than he could and would like to know.

He let out a nervous chuckle before he steeled his resolve. Without another moment of hesitation he backed up and got a running start before he leapt towards the first landing. As Amata had said, even with a broad jump he could not make the distance. He flapped his wings once and touched down on the platform safely, using the wall to steady himself.

From his current location, it seemed the gap was about the same distance, but this time he would not be able to get a running start so he would need to use his double jump ability to make up the momentum he lacked to make the distance.

He took a deep breath. It was true that one wrong move and he would fall to his death. It was also true that he promised Peorth he would see Amata through this trial, that the Governor of Fire herself was waiting on him and Peorth was at home also, waiting for him to return safely. His burning desire banished his fears and he decided to go forward with a strengthened conviction.

He leapt from where he stood, flapped his wings once and safely landed atop the button on the second landing. The moment he touched down, it sunk beneath his weight and a green light pulsed from beneath it, through a series of veins in the wall and up towards where Amata stood.

The sound of stone shifting and grinding after eons of a lack of use sounded through the room and the two platforms near the Govenor of Fire began to rise and fall in succession.

TJ made his way back across to the ramp and once he touched down he collapsed to his knees.

"Thank God Ah that's over! Can't stand heights!" He uttered with a relieved chuckle.

He was not sure if he was thankful or even more terrified of the abyss in comparison to knowing exactly where he would fall and upon what.

"Heeeeey! TJ, the lifts are working now. You coming or what?" Amata asked as she leaned over the landing.

Her bangs fell into her face and she blew them away before she blinked. It seems that she was not as angry as she was but a few minutes ago.

"Yeah, I'll be right there."

He made his way up the ramps and waited with her for the nearest landing to descend.

"You know, while I was flying through the air, I saw another Flame Shaman up there. Are you ready for another fight?" She asked as she cocked an eyebrow.

"There's not any holes up there, are there? Or another abyss or something?"

"Nah, just solid ground and a wall. You're gonna have to change your stra—huh?!"

TJ fist pumped with both fists at her words.

The Governor of Fire chuckled and shook her head as she shrugged.

"Well, I guess judging by that it doesn't bother you any huh? We'll just have to beat it down the regular way."

Moments after she said that the landing neared and stopped next to them, allowing them to board.

"We should be fine," he said. "As long as we can keep the fight up here, it's our advantage. A Flame Shaman has some decent aerial movement, but nothing like yours."

She smiled slightly.

"Y-you think so?"

He nodded proudly. "Definitely. If we can keep it airborne for the maximum length of time, we'll be able to get a free shot on it when it lands, so long as we can avoid any spells. This'll be an easy fight."

"I'll take your word for it then." Amata said as she turned to the landing they arrived at.

Upon it they caught a glimpse of another Flame Shaman drifting back and forth before it turned to them with a screech.

"You ready? Let's show it who's boss!"

Without a moment to spare Amata fire hopped from where stood to draw the attention of the Flame Shaman. She hopped again as she placed her left hand to her right and pointed a finger.

"Flashfire!"

A flame was ignited on the tip of her finger and launched towards the shaman, igniting its robes and causing it to fall away.

"You're up, TJ!"

"I'm on it! Five Arrows of Light!" TJ shouted as with each sturm of his guitar the arrows took form.

He launched three in succession as he stormed towards the shaman. It retaliated by pointing its staff at him, unleashing a torrent of fireballs. As he caught a glimpse of the incoming spells he dashed to and fro while continuing his approach, finding it more difficult to avoid as he got nearer.

He stole a glimpse back fearing that the spells would circle around for him, but at his glimpse he noted that they were ordinary fireballs, ones that only moved forward. As he turned his focus back to his enemy he only glimpsed a fireball and was blasted back by it, tumbling away after it burst upon him.

Amata got within the maximum range of her next spell and summoned her staff, then slammed it down before her.

"Illusion Fire," she snarled.

A series of rising flames arose before her as she rose to her full height and glimpsed TJ rising to his feet again.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm okay!" He answered as he dusted himself off. "It wasn't a strong spell but it caught me off guard."

"Alright, let's keep the onslaught going!"

As Amata approached it turned its staff on her and unleashed a torrent of flames.

She stepped aside and aimed her staff at it with a single outstretched hand as she shouted, "Flame Burst!"

A small trail of fire shot forwards before it burst where the shaman had been a moment before.

"Shadow Dive!" TJ shouted as he leapt on the spot and vanished in the shadows.

He leapt out of the shaman's shadow as it retreated and placed a hand to its back.

"Hailstone!"

He reeled his hand back as the spell took form and pounded his fists together.

"Lucidity!"

He held his guitar out with both hands and a bright glow overtook the entirety of it due to his augment.

As the Hailstorm spell came to an end he fired two more Arrows of Light, following in their wake with an overhand bash of his guitar and a horizontal swing to knock the shaman towards Amata.

"Good one TJ!" She shouted to him as she fire hopped over it and placed both hands downwards.

"Falcon Torrent!"

Once she touched down both prepared to continue their attack but found themselves retreating when the shaman screeched and circled around as it levitated again. As it moved, a bouquet of flames was spread in its wake, making it near impossible to get in from any angle, save for directly above it. It ascended into the air and performed the same spell the last had, magic circle and all.

"We've gotta cancel the channeling!" Amata said to him hurriedly, her gaze darting in his direction also.

"Leave it to me!" TJ said as he prepared his guitar once more. "Broken Wings!"

He hurled the weapon but as it soared through the air, one of the flames suddenly burst and launched it away from him and across the room. At first he watched in shock, then came disbelief.

"I'll put a stop to it!" Amata said as she held a hand to her side and a flame took form. "Lion's Dance!"

She hurled the ball towards the spirit and as it bounced through the air a shower of spark and flames rained down upon it, but despite the fact the spirit was not deterred and accepted any pain that would come from the spell.

"This bastard is even more persistent than the last…" she muttered in disbelief also.

TJ clenched his fists tightly.

They had one chance at hitting its weakness, but they would need to get past the onslaught of fire blasts it was preparing. To add insult to injury, he was disarmed and without his weapon he could not perform some of his best spells. That aside, Amata could not use Flame Eater a second time, or she would have likely suggested it already.

What were his options? To use Frozen Buckler against a spell with that much momentum and general force behind it would likely harm him. It offered him mobility, but he could not rely on it here. Perhaps his best bet would be to use its vision against it? If it could not hit what it could not see…

"Amata, I've got a plan!" TJ shouted to her as she gave him an 'OK' sign from afar. "I just need you to bring me my guitar!"

Without another word she dashed away to reclaim the weapon.

TJ cracked his knuckles as he took a deep breath.

"Here goes! Ice Storm!"

He raised a hand skyward and three massive chunks of ice surrounded him before they shattered and he began to spin. As they rained down around him, the area was covered in an icy mist. Step one was complete.

"Ice Fear!"

One after the next he created a series of icicles that created a sort of labyrinth upon where they fought.

Amata stopped after she reclaimed the guitar and looked on in disbelief.

"What the hell is this?! Do you know how hard it is to get over these things?!" She complained.

"I've got it! I just need you to throw me my—whoa!"

TJ dove aside as a line of flames rushed past him and hit one of the icicles, followed by a second before it eventually fizzled out. It seemed to some degree, his plan had worked.

Amata threw his guitar to him before she took cover and waited for his next order. He was thankful for this.

It was not long before another fireball was launched towards him. He was running out of time before his spells wore off, and the upkeep of the mist was rapidly draining his Special Power.

He broke out into a sprint and two fireballs were launched at him, causing him to slide on the ground and pound his fists together.

"Frequency," he whispered.

As his eyes flickered to green, he oustretched a hand and caused some of the stones nearby to shift, drawing the shaman's attention to them. Once it did so, he gauged the distance between him and the wall by memory before he planted his hand to the ground.

"Spell Suspension!"

At his words a small magic circle took form above his hand and solemnly turned.

"Iron Maiden!"

The magic circle dissipated, becoming a thin green streak of pure energy that surged into his hand, entered the stone and made its way to the far wall where the magic circle took form again.

As the sound of another fireball erupted he dove into the stone to avoid the spell and emerged once more before preparing his next cast.

"Venus Fly Cannon!"

He outstretched his hand at there different locations, each cracking the stone and releasing a plant in the shape of a massive venus fly trap. Fireballs were launched in succession and as they were, he created one more next to him.

The moment it arose from the earth, it opened its maw and swallowed him whole before closing back and pointing toward the shaman. Without another moment to spare he was launched at it, moving at incredible speeds. He drew his weapon and once in range performed a takedown, their collision slowing his momentum as the two began their sudden descent.

The moment they hit the ground TJ bashed its weapon off of the landing with his own and raised the shaman to his height by shifting the stone beneath it. Before it could retaliate he slammed the base of his guitar into its chest and dragged it along with him towards the spell he had delayed.

The magic circle dissipated and the earth shuddered as a stone iron maiden took form and opened up as the two approached. With the momentum of his dash he hurled the spirit into the device and outstretched a hand to slam it shut.

A series of sparkles along with a trail of blue mana emerged from the iron maiden before it dissipated, leaving nothing in its wake.

TJ huffed a couple times, sat back down and let out a long sigh.

"That's that!"

The mist faded, the icicles shattered and Amata approached looking rather impressed.

"That was pretty cool. But I can't help but wonder why you have a torture device turned spell…" She muttered as she eyed him warily.

"Torture device? Which one?"

Amata cocked an eyebrow but shook her head.

"You know, maybe it's better that you don't know. Just…don't ever use that on me okay? I'll die too, F.Y.I."

"Eh? I wouldn't do that! I'm not some psycho killer!"

She grinned as she laughed.

"Sure, sure. So you got any more torture devices hidden you'd like to share, Mr. Not psycho?"

He pouted at her words.

"I think that's enough teasing you for now. Too much and I might actually make you mad."

She grinned impishly as she gave him a gentle pat on the back and went on ahead.

"Let's go find out what's waiting for us just past this door."

Without further ado the two moved on ahead towards the door and Amata reached out to it. At her touch the door opened up and gave way to what seemed to be a long corridor. It went on a downward slope and was much lengthier than the two initially suspected.

"The other doors typically didn't have corridors like this. What do you think is down there?" TJ asked as he looked around warily.

"I dunno. A boss maybe?

"I mean, we definitely have to backtrack with that suspicious door waiting for us at the entrance. Maybe there's just a bunch of traps waiting down there for us like that other room? Either way, I'm willing to bet whatever goes into that door is near here," Amata answered.

"If we are going to get into another fight, we should probably prepare. Are your wings okay? I can play you a song again if need be."

The Governor of Fire stopped to ponder the matter a moment. She spread her wings, flapped them a couple of times and nodded with confidence.

"I'm good to go! Whatever's waiting down there for us, I can take it on with all my strength."

"No heroics this time though, okay?"

"Hmm?" She asked with a devilish grin half-visible over her shoulder. "I could say the same to you. You're the king of heroics, after all."

He rubbed his neck sheepishly.

"Well let's both try and be safe. Sound fair?"

"Deal."

The two reached the end of the corridor and found themselves at another door. Amata reached out to it and it opened without issue, leading the two to a room that was nearly pitch black.

"This is…familiar," the Governor of Fire muttered.

"We…we can use our mana, right?" TJ asked.

He clenched a fist and a bright light took form before he hurled it into the center of the room.

"Sunlight," he shouted.

It grew in size over the course of travelling and finally stopped in the center.

The room lit up due to his spell and revealed a mural that spanned the entirety of the circular area. In the middle, encased in a prism of glass was a small spherical object, likely that which they needed to open the door. The roof was high, allowing for a series of landings to line the walls nearly an entire floor above them, each with a stone wall brazier. In between each of these were a series of age-old weapons that were hung on the wall—most rusted and likely unusuable now, but some still maintaining their shape and original design.

Much to TJ's surprise, it was not those which drew Amata's attention but the mural on the wall. Like a child in a candy store, she let out a cry of pure joy as she examined the markings on it that told of a story likely familiar to her.

His shock at the sight caused him to break concentration and his spell burst, leaving the two in an encroaching darkness.

"S-sorry! Hang on a sec I'll create another," he shouted hurriedly.

"It's alright. Here," Amata answered.

A flame crackled to life, revealing her face, a small portion of her torso and the hand that created it.

"It's a lot easier for me to maintain a flame like this than for you to maintain that spell right? Saves mana too.

"More importantly! You've got to get over here and see this!"

TJ chuckled as he acknowledged the request.

He was glad that for one thing, there was no Apep hidden in the darkness, or any other Agasura for that matter. It also made him happy to see Amata so enthused. In this regard, she reminded him of his other companions who had a distinct love of history.

As he neared he glimpsed the mural himself and felt rather baffled at the sight. If he was to hazard a guess, it seemed to depict people—humans, possibly. They were armed like humans, with bows, swords, spears and other such weapons. The same as those that were used currently. There was however, one thing that threw him off.

"Why are they all… purple? They're humans right? Or are they Cerebians?" TJ asked as he tilted his head quizzically.

Amata blinked in disbelief.

"You don't know?" She asked in turn.

"Know what?"

She laughed.

"Those aren't humans or Cerebians. They're Svartálfar."

"Sva-wha?"

"Dark Elves. I'm surprised Peorth never taught you about that, considering how much she knows about the history of the Asgardians and the nine worlds. Like the Jotun, they have a world of their own called Svartálfheim."

"So why are they here? And all of them armed? Were they adventurers that lived on Midgard too?"

TJ's memories did not mention nor show any such beings. Was it possible that they were a type of Agasura he had never seen? Though he could not recall any that used conventional weapons, except for Choen Palm. Did she count as an Agasura?

"It's…hard to say. I mean, maybe they were adventurers on their world but they certainly weren't here."

For some reason both the Jotun and Svartálfar decided to side with the Agasura. If they had a world of their own, they weren't likely Agasura but… it raised some questions. If there were nine worlds, four of them TJ knew, five he did not, was it possible the other five might side with the Agasura also? Would he have to fight them in the future?

As Amata walked along TJ began to see more and more of them, both men and women, some armoured heavily and lightly, all of them surrounded by a strange mist. Further on, he began to see strange things that accompanied them. What seemed to be ghosts of sorts the same colour as the mist that surrounded the Svartálfar. He began to feel a sense of doubt with dread that tinged the edges of it.

"They were…" Amata continued, "…well, I had read they were the enemies of our ancestors. That they fought alongside Asmodeus against Lady Amae, God Ah and her saints."

TJ grit his teeth.

So it was true? Though it may have been eons ago, the fact that they were so alike to Humans may have meant that their futures could have been different. To add insult to injury, the fact that there were none upon Midgard now, may have meant that they were completely wiped out in that battle. The weight of that truth alongside his own duty weighed heavily upon him. Would he too, have to commit the genocide of the Agasura as God Ah's Right Hand? What proof did he have that his path was truly just?

As Amata continued along TJ glimpsed some creatures that were not the Svartálfar, but rather actual Agasura. Those he had recognized from his journey. Though the drawing was unusual and perhaps did not capture the essence of it entirely, he glimpsed a dragon. That which he had fought in one of the earliest memories he had found, Invoke, alongside Iris and her companions.

"Isn't that…?" He asked as he stopped to look at it.

"Hm? Oh! Yeah, that's Invoke. Bet'cha didn't know that it's actually been around since then! Legend has it that when Asmodeus was defeated along with the Seven Sinners, the Saints went on to create the Instance Dungeons to seal away all of the guardians. That way, no matter how many times they were defeated and resurrected, they'd remain locked away."

As she proceeded along the wall, TJ glimpsed another Agasura, but one that he was not as familiar with.

It seemed to be a turtle of sorts, one with a shell as massive and with similar characteristics to that of a mountain.

Upon seeing it, a searing pain was inflicted upon his eye and he tightly gripped his face until it subsided.

For the brief period it was there, however, he recalled a memory.

He saw himself, Iris, Muwen and his strange flying companion along with one other person, all fighting against that very Agasura. A woman with long, straight scarlet hair and sea blue eyes. She wore a black cheongsam with a flower print, crimson cuffs and collar-line, with a red skirt. She carried what seemed to be a two-string instrument with a long neck, and a stout base. In her other hand she held a bow to accompany it.

Was she possibly a bard of sorts? TJ had never seen a weapon like it.

Once the feeling had subsided he shook the feeling off, yet the memory remained.

"Hey, you alright?" Amata asked with a fearful expression.

"It's okay, I'm good. I just remembered something." He answered with a sheepish grin.

"Something to do with Hyunmu?"

He looked back to the mural.

"Is that what that thing is called?"

She nodded.

"Yeah…it was that. A memory of my time with Iris. Though there was someone I can't quite remember. A girl with scarlet hair…she must've been one of Iris' party members at the time."

"Sounds like Shaowee."

"You know her?"

"I don't know her but I know about her. If she's a part of your past, it might be a good idea to seek her out. Unlike most of Iris' party members she's one of the few who actually settled down. The last I had heard of her, she lived somewhere in Yong Gyoung.

"I heard she was pretty strong, but wasn't much of an adventurer anyway, which is probably why she isn't pursuing Iris like the others are."

A possible clue to Iris. When he acquired time to search for her again, it would be a good idea to follow up on that.

Amata went on and he glimpsed what seemed like a sort of dragon.

Unlike Invoke, it had a different shape. Rather, it was more reminiscent to Amata's own spirit. While Invoke and Sorvir had some similarities, it was closer to Bharva and Grislan. Oddly enough, TJ could not recall anything upon seeing it, but he could not help but feel that there was certainly something there.

"This one's the Ocean King. I…find it kinda hard to believe that he would side with Asmodeus, all things considered. Maybe he was brainwashed?"

She looked to him.

"Nothing come to mind when you see this?"

He shook his head.

"That Iris visual I saw mentioned him, but I don't remember a thing about him. There's something there, though. I'm sure she met him…she must have. But my memory isn't resurfacing."

"Hmm…well, I guess there's some complications to your amnesia huh? Well let's keep moving. There's still a lot to see."

As they proceeded to the next one Amata stopped and looked at it with a befuddled expression.

What confused her seemed to be a flaming bird of sorts. TJ could not recall seeing or hearing anything about it, so he found himself just as confused as her.

"The hell is this…? A phoenix? Did he have something like that? I haven't seen one since…hey, Su."

"Whaddya want?" Su asked.

"This familiar to you at all?"

"Hell no! If I'd fought that thing before I'm sure he'd have recognized it."

"I guess some spells don't have backgrounds. Man, that trail went cold fast," Amata muttered under her breath.

Invoke, Hyunmu, the Ocean King and now a phoenix. It seemed that these were the guardians Asmodeus had brought to destroy Midgard in the past. If three of the four were known to TJ in the present, was it possible that the phoenix among them was also somewhere on Midgard? Had he fought it with Iris? Or had she gone on to do that following their separation?

There had to be more Iris Stones that contained the truth he sought, but in order to find the answers to that he would have to go beyond the Abyss Ruins. So long as the Sinners were about, he could not devote himself to such a grand task. Unlike the early stages of his journey, he had promised himself to Peorth and his co-operation with it. Now, unlike then, he was duty bound. To find Iris and to save Midgard…the two were not mutually exclusive…right? One had to happen for the other to come to be, according to Peorth.

"Hey," Amata's voice snapped him from his reverie. "Don't think too hard about it. There might only be four here, but that might not be all of them. There are other guardians out there. We haven't seen nor fought them all, but I'm sure the artists just didn't depict all of them."

"Yeah, maybe you're right."

He smiled bitterly.

It would likely be best if he did not let his thoughts get mired in memories of Iris and his concern for her whereabouts. He had chosen his path. Had he pursued Iris, he may have never come to know that he was the Abellan and come to terms with his relation to the Asgardians, the Agasura and his part to play in their battle.

Moving on he glimpsed what was without a doubt, Rabana. It seemed that the Rabana he had come to know was not as menacing as that of the past version. Here, he was more muscular and the flower that grew from his head was much larger and more intimidating. Accompanying him was the Malign Shroud, and to some degree, it fit the name quite clearly. Something about it was reminiscent of those strange ghosts TJ had seen prior, but it too, was different from the present Malign Shroud. Did integrating him change something about it also?

The two pressed on and it seemed they were reaching the halfway point. As they did so, they came across what seemed like a winding shadow that spanned a fair portion, around it were strange ghosts, each marked with a differing set of characters and with some kind of…face. The Abellan had found it hard to describe, but even more so to make out because of how disfigured and unusual they looked. Upon reaching the end of the shadow, he found something that took up the entire mural from top to bottom, and he could not help but feel that it was indeed Agasura King Asmodeus, the disfigured ghosts that accompanied him his seven children.

"That's him, huh?" Amata asked as she furrowed her brows.

TJ's face was hard, contemplative.

What he saw before him was not the Asmodeus he knew. It raised several questions. The man he saw in the memory, Adonai, may or may not have been Asmodeus, but he felt almost certain that the two were one. There was also no denying that the man who lovingly spoke to Avaritia was the same Asmodeus she held so dearly. So what was this beast that they deemed to be him, along with those strange beings that followed him?

Even more so…what was this feeling he had at the sight? For what reason, would he feel insulted on Asmodeus' behalf?

He placed a hand to his face and shook it gently. So much was happening in such a short time it was confusing him. At the same time, it made him fearful of the truth. If this was any indication, he was seeing the battle and Asmodeus' family depicted in the eyes of the common Cerebian—those who built Rayinth's Vestibule. Perhaps they did not know him like TJ had. Yet...he hardly knew him.

Amata looked even more concerned than before.

"You holding up okay? I guess seeing all of this is taking a huge toll on you mentally, huh? Sorry about that. We can leave the rest and move on."

The Abellan shook his head.

"No, let's go on. I want to…no, I feel I have to see it. I don't wanna look away from the truth that I've searched for."

Her expression lightened up slightly. The Governor's look something that edged the brink of disbelief, but it was soon followed by a bright smile.

"Yeah, I guess that's just like you, huh? You've got guts. I like that about you.

"Well, come on then. The other side should be some of the Cerebians from then."

As they continued on towards the center, what the two came across shocked them both. What was there seemed almost like a tear. It was akin to a black hole that seemed to separate the Asgardians and the Agasura, but rather than just sucking everything in it seemed to be spreading outwards.

If TJ recalled correctly, Curt had said that a war broke out and tore the world asunder. It was the battle between gods that had blighted the land and created the Jienda that he knows today. Magic made most of the land levitate in the air and created all sorts of strange landforms. This mural depicted that very event, it appeared. It seemed though, that it was not just the gods battling, but also a variety of others. The guardians, the Dark Elves, perhaps Lady Amae and everyone who followed in her wake. What of Kera? What of all the humans who armed themselves, learned to utilize the Frequency and decided to go to war?

It was both incredible and unbelievable that TJ could see the world's history chronicled upon a single wall. It supplemented what he knew, but it did not provide enough information to draw a concrete conclusion.

"The hell is this thing?" Amata asked as she raised her hand in an attempt to make it out.

"Hard to say. A clash?" TJ asked as he scratched his cheek.

Perhaps this was one of those times he could not speak the truth. With his own personal feelings about Asmodeus, what he knew about this entire scenario and Amata's own fervor spurring her on, he was hard pressed to confide those concerns in her. The best thing he could do, would be to seek out his remaining memories through Memorius Sanctum to find the truth.

"Let's keep going." Amata said as she made her way over.

As she did so the sight of a masterfully painted woman came into his view. The flowing dress, the radiant aura, all save for her features seemed to say that it was Lady Amae. Unlike the real one, her hair was white, she wore a veil and a billowing white dress adorned with all sorts of ornaments.

As TJ had initially thought, perhaps those who painted the mural had not seen Asmodeus or Lady Amae herself, and depicted what they imagined the two to be like. However, most of it was so detailed it was hard to believe that the two most prominent figures were unknown to them. Did Lady Amae not reveal herself to them? Or was she like God Ah, in that one could not so easily look upon her and see her as she is? Was what TJ saw of her and Adonai their true forms? Even more so, if he existed during that time, what was his?

"I've seen all sorts of depictions of Lady Amae. Some people have seen visions of her and glimpsed her magnificence in their dreams." Amata knit her eyebrows. "I guess it'd be kinda presumptuous of me to think that I could meet her if I went to Hanamah but…even now, I still believe it.

"I'm willing to bet that those that have seen her really did. But maybe they saw her in different forms because that's how she chose to appear to them. It's not a bad hypothesis, right, TJ?"

He remained completely appalled by her speculation before he realized she was indeed, talking to him.

"Huh? Oh yeah, definitely!"

Leaving aside how close to the truth she was, she may have just imparted some new knowledge upon him about her. It seemed that Lady Amae had reached out to various Cerebians. For what, and if, remained a mystery, but such a possibility was one he would like to keep in mind going forward.

As she moved forward she let out a light shriek of excitement.

"TJ look! It's Valkyrie Leigha!"

It…actually looked exactly like her. Armor and all—the bushy eyebrows, the icy blue hair. This one was mounted on a horse. He himself, had never seen a horse, but he recognized one somehow.

"Ooh! Ohh! They even have the Saints following her! Look, here's Dolce the Maven, and Fahim the Kindred and-"

"H-hold on a second, Dolce is here?!"

TJ hurried over and looked on in disbelief.

As Amata had said, she was there too. Appearance wise, she was the same, outfit wise she was different, but it was without a doubt her. It felt rather surreal seeing her there. He had seen her in Amae's memory, heard her voice, held her hand even…seeing her here made his heart ache. It meant that at some point, her time had come. That she had passed on to the other side, along with all of the other Keruz. Though he himself did not know her, he felt as if he had.

"You know her TJ? Didn't think you were interested in Cerebian heroes!" She puffed out her chest proudly. "Well you're in luck! You won't find anyone more knowledgeable about the heroes from that age than yours truly!"

He was thankful for her assumption. He nearly gave himself away.

"Yeah, I've heard a bit. What about the others?"

"Well this girl over here is Miha the Matriarch, and that there is Tiramin the Clairvoyant—ooh there's Revai the Warden and Sola the Spine!"

TJ blinked.

"Are those their titles?"

"Yeah. Most people don't know them, but it's what a lot of spells and stances have their basis in.

TJ placed a fist in an open palm at the realization. There were spells that he used that often mentioned the Warden. To think that he knew the Warden himself brought him a bit of pride…and yet more sorrow. The Keruz of the past and present, most had already gone.

If what she said was true, there were others he was as of yet to come to know. If he collected the other pages of Memorius Sanctum, would he meet them? Here they may have just been a memory immortalized, but then, they were people. Just like he and Amata.

"Hm? Isn't there only six of them? Where's the seventh?" He asked with a puzzled glance.

What followed after, judging by the appearance, was God's Governor Rayinth. The flaming mantle and hair, the fiery wings, he was unmistakable. Amata likely donned that appearance as his descendant.

"I…I dunno. I've spent years trying to find out who the seventh Keruz was. Let alone if there even was one, but there's no proof of it. All the scholars say that it was just the six. Some think that they kept the seventh spot for you, TJ."

He pointed to himself in disbelief.

"M-me? Leigha's Keruz? No way!"

The Abellan did not know Leigha. At least, he did not think he knew Leigha. Let alone the six saints.

He rubbed his neck uneasily.

It was speculation…just speculation. Amata herself said the scholars and others could be wrong. The truth could only be found by him and the Chief. But…that was the closest he had ever gotten to the truth about himself regarding that.

She did say that she found herself fortunate that she was the one to have formed a contract with him. Leigha being her ancestor, it was possible they could have also. If she had, what would the world have been like today?

"Yeah, that'd be kinda crazy huh? But who knows? Maybe you'll become one of Peorth's!" Amata suggested with a teasing grin.

"I've got a long way to go before that happens."

As Amata went forward TJ glimpsed God's Governors Undine and Dione. One beautifully wrapped in a deep sea blue dress and the other an ice blue, their hands joined. Though they took different forms, the other aspects of them were exactly alike, just as it was with Peorth and Freya. It seemed the two were twins also.

Following them was God's Governor of Earth Terramane. TJ had never seen his look before, and found himself rather surprised at the sight. The mantle of leaves accompanied by wings that were reminiscent of Sellistar's. Even upon his green hair were tiny flowers spread throughout.

"Is that what I'm gonna look like when I transform? That's fuckin' lame," Su hissed.

Amata snickered under her breath. "I guess you got the short end of the stick huh?"

Without a moment to spare Su began cursing at her.

The last of them was God's Governor of Wind. Despite knowing two of them, he seemed to be an enigma that evaded any knowledge TJ had of him. Even his name. He had silver hair, along with a white tunic and pants. Unlike the others however, he seemed to be levitating—almost sitting in the air. Yet he had no wings to speak of. The sight left the Abellan baffled.

"Amata, do you know the name of God's Governor of Wind?"

She blinked.

"You don't? Man, you're a real oddball." She laughed as she grinned. "That's God's Governor Arafaar. Now you know!"

He could not resist smiling at her cheeriness.

It seemed this really was something she loved. Upon glimpsing these things with her, he could not help but feel a little closer to her than before.

"Of all of them, I stand by my belief that Rayinth has the best design by far," she remarked.

As she moved further along the wall, TJ glimpsed a variety of Cerebians, but none that particularly stood out to him and perhaps Amata also.

Perhaps they were heroes in their own right, but not those that had such a distinct place in history like those that preceded them. Still, to have been immortalized here, there must have been people that recognized their heroism.

"You know, I recognize every one of these guys," Amata began.

TJ squinted in disbelief.

"I could tell you all of their names and what they did."

She grinned as her eyes crinkled.

"But…those are stories for another time. If you're ever interested, don't be afraid to ask, okay? Being able to talk about all of this stuff with you is fun.

"But the time for that stuff isn't now. We're here to beat Rayinth and that's what I wanna set my sights on. However I can, I wanna help you to find the truth. To find out just who you are. And I guess, to help you be the Abellan you were meant to be. Maybe Rayinth couldn't, but I sure as hell will!"

He beamed.

"Without a doubt. Let's show 'em this generation's Governor of Fire is not to be underestimated."

"Uh huh!" She said as she placed a hand to a curled arm.

The two made their way to the center of the room and stopped at the glass case.

"This is it huh? With this we should be able to open that door." Amata said as she inspected the small spherical object.

"Nothing's happened yet, but I can't help but feel that there's a trap waiting for us. Prepare yourself, okay?" TJ suggested as he knit his brows.

"Oh I'm expecting a battle alright. So you better be ready too!"

Amata reached out to the glass and the moment she did, it cracked. She leapt back as TJ retreated also and further cracks were made in the glass. From within, four streams of fire surged and curled around into the air before they gathered upon the case.

"Here it comes TJ!" Amata shouted as she manifested her staff.

Once the flames had gathered, a surge of wind was released carrying the remnants of the flames with it. Amata took to the Abellan and blocked the two with her barrier as a blinding light followed in the wake of the gust.

"You who would trample upon this sacred place…" A powerful, androgynous voice spoke, "… know the full weight of your actions and the price to be paid! Prove you are worthy of the seat of God's Governor of Fire, or your life shall be forfeit!"

As the light dimmed the two glimpsed the being that spoke to them in the now lit room. Two rings that rapidly spun levitated in the air. Six wings emerged from them and connected to the spokes in the inner ring was the same gem the two had their eye on. Upon both rings, a series of eyes appeared and seemed to focus upon the two.

"Ophanim!" Amata said as she armed her staff.

"Ophanim? W-wow…that thing's creepy!" TJ said as he armed his guitar also.

"This is our chance! Let's get the first strike, TJ!"

Without another word Amata spread her wings and rushed to the spirit. Upon reaching it she outstretched a hand and a ring of fire surrounded Ophanim.

"Combust!"

The ring closed in on it as she backed away and it blew up in a massive conflagaration.

As the smoke began to part she glimpsed the being, completely unharmed.

"You've got to be shitting me!"

The rings of the spirit began to turn faster and the eyes opened wide. Upon glimpsing that, Amata noticed the ground beneath her began to heat up and she immediately retreated from the spot as a pillar of flames arose from where she once was. Upon touching down, it was followed by a second, third and continued on as she immediately took flight and rushed around the area.

"I've got your back!" TJ shouted as with a single strum of his guitar he summoned an iceberg. "Here goes!"

He outstretched a hand and it cracked.

"Shattered Berg!"

The iceberg shattered to pieces and the chunks immediately flew towards Orphanim. Despite each of them hitting it directly, it seemed to ward off every single blow without taking any action at all. The pieces shattered on contact and dispersed.

"Huh?! It didn't affect it at all!"

"Well this is getting a little ridiculous." Amata hissed as she finally was able to come to a rest. "Let's try some other things, TJ!"

She flew up into the air and held a palm skyward as a flame crackled to life in it.

"I'll destroy you! Scorn!"

She closed her fist on the flame before she hurled it to the ground beneath the spirit. Despite witnessing the spell however, it did not move in the slightest. Where the flame had touched down, it sparked to life once more in an explosion.

"That do it?" Amata asked as she caught her breath.

Suddenly a piercing red laser cleaved the smoke and flames in two and drew a line across the wall and through Amata. Moments after it passed a line of explosions followed in its wake and downed the Governor of Fire.

She let out a short cry as she was shot down and quickly descended to the ground. The Abellan rushed after her and dove with his arms outstrectched to catch her before the two hit the ground in succession.

"Thanks… and sorry." She said as she urged herself to her feet and patted out the embers on her singed coat.

As TJ did so also, the two glimpsed Orphanim once more, completely unharmed. Even more so, it seemed that despite Scorn being placed directly beneath it, the explosion only occurred around it.

Amata squinted at the sight before she shook her head in disbelief.

"Did it…did it absorb my attack? What the hell is this thing?"

"Let's try changing tactics. We've only used magic thus far, so maybe we'll have better luck with physical attacks?" TJ asked with a shrug.

"You're not gonna…just hit it with your guitar, are you? I mean, I get that it's kinda standard fare for you, but I don't imagine that'll end well."

…It may have been an idea that crossed his mind.

"I've got a few tricks up my sleeve! Let's do it, Su!"

"I won't expect much, but I'll help you out," the Governor of Earth answered.

He placed his guitar to his back and pounded his fists together.

"Frequency!"

His eyes flickered to crimson and he quickly dashed away as Ophanim launched a series of fireballs directly at them.

Without another moment to spare he held out his guitar with a single hand.

"Demon's Armoury!"

A crimson energy surged around him before gathering to his weapon and giving it the form of a sabre.

Without a moment to spare he rushed to Ophanim with the momentum of his sprint leading his stab. As the weapon neared the spirit, it came to a sudden halt and nearly threw the Bard off balance. However, in those moments he glimpsed what seemed like a grid that surrounded it.

"One more!" He shouted as his body twisted and he performed a wide cleave.

Once more he glimpsed the grid and noted that it seemed to have a barrier protecting it. As he prepared to retreat Ophanim opened all of its eyes and a sphere of flames took form before it burst in TJ's direction. Caught in the blast he was thrown backwards in a ball of fire before he skidded to a halt on all fours; his weapon had returned to normal and his eyes did also.

He got to his feet and removed his hood as Amata regrouped with him.

"What happened? Your blade couldn't reach it at all!" She said with a baffled gaze.

"It has a barrier. It reminds me of ours but…I can't think of any that blocks physical attacks too."

"A barrier?"

She placed a fist into an open palm.

"It makes so much sense! Hang on TJ!"

Amata took a deep breath before she closed her eyes. Upon opening them, her pupils had shifted into triangles. She seemed to be scanning the spirit before shifting her gaze higher and around the room.

"That's it! That barrier it has must've been erected by whatever these tethers lead to."

TJ squinted with a puzzled expression, not having the foggiest as to what she saw.

To be able to see a barrier manifested though, she likely had used the Mana Sensory ability. Something he, as of yet, could not do. He felt a hint of shame at the prospect.

"I'm gonna go check this out. Think you can keep it busy for a while?"

"That, I can do."

At those words Amata spread her wings and took off to one of the landings that were attached to the walls of the room.

"Alright, let's shake things up, Su! I'm gonna borrow one of your spells!"

"Are you now? Heh, let's see it," the Governor of Earth answered.

TJ pounded his fists together.

"Frequency!"

As his eyes flickered to a jade green he slammed a fist into the ground.

"Elemental Dominion!"

The moment his fist touched the ground an icy aura surrounded him before the entire arena was bathed in a coating of ice.

Despite the change Ophanim seemed unaffected. While the two had spoken it had prepared a series of fireballs that it launched in succession at the Abellan.

He immediately dashed aside before transitioning into a skating form. As he skated around the spirit and avoided the spells he began to strum his guitar. With each pluck of the strings a series of icicles would take form and be launched at the spirit. Though the spells did not make contact, their collision against the barrier and subsequent melting from the fire spells casted by Ophanim created a field of mist, allowing Amata to work unhindered.

Ophanim began to shine brightly as it levitated higher for a time.

"Oh…this is bad." TJ said as he skated closer to the wall.

It began to lower itself and upon doing so, a ring of flames surrounded it before it began to expand slowly. It was followed by a second, third and fourth.

"You've gotta get outta there, TJ," Amata shouted to him.

The landings that lined the massive room were high enough to evade the attacks but they were far too high for him to jump.

"I-I can't reach," he cried out.

"This way!"

She waved him over and he skated around the outskirts of the room, the rings enclosing on him.

Amata leapt off and held her position in the air for a time as he neared. He skated over, spread his wings and leapt towards her. With a boost from them he managed to place his hand in hers and she barely managed to haul him up on to one of the landings.

"Man that really takes a lot out of a girl…" she huffed as she edged her way over to a torch and lit it.

As she did so, the Abellan watched as the barrier that surrounded Ophanim became visible and melted away.

"All of the tethers are taken care of. I can't sense the barrier anymore either."

TJ nodded.

"Yeah, I think that did it! You ready to strike back?"

"Oh I've been waiting for this!"

She spread her wings before a flame crackled to life and spun around her body.

"Dragon Dive!"

At those words what once surrounded her burst and enveloped her in flames as she shot directly at Ophanim. She hit it head-on and it was launched through the air.

"TJ, can you hit it with Freezing Wave?" She asked as she took flight in pursuit of it.

"Y-yeah! I'm on it!"

He leapt down to the lower floor and angled himself to meet its descent. He placed his left hand to his right wrist.

"Freezing Wave!"

It took a couple seconds to steady himself but he managed to focus it on the falling spirit.

"Chew on this! Falcon Torrent!"

Amata met his beam with one of her own and the clash of spells caused a series of rapid pulses of searing winds before they were followed by a single outward burst.

Ophanim came crashing to the ground and rolled away as Amata landed and took a breath.

"Quit standing around and follow it up, idiot! Beat the shit out of it while it's guard is down," Su urged him.

He glimpsed across the arena and saw that the spirit was still recovering from the last attack.

He could use a spell, but would that suffice? It would probably be best to hit it fast and hard with a chain of stances.

"Yeah. Alright, here goes."

He took a deep breath as he raised a hand skyward and clenched a fist.

"Sloth, Wrath! Inertia!"

As he lowered his fist a surge of energy surrounded him and shifted the gravity around him, causing the ground beneath him to crack. He armed his guitar and dashed forward without a moment's hesitation.

Once Ophanim glimpsed his approach it opened some of the eyes on the outer ring and a series of fireballs were launched at him. With the increased speed from his stance he narrowly avoided them both as he ran headlong towards it. The final sphere was launched directly at him and despite it bursting upon him, he shrugged it off and continued his sprint. The moment he was within melee range he leapt as his body turned once and he bashed it with enough force to throw it into the wall.

"Sledgehammer!"

He hauled his guitar over his shoulder before he flipped through the air twice and slammed it down, shattering the earth beneath them.

He raised a hand and waved it in what seemed like a beckoning motion before he placed the weapon down by his side, the neck held by both hands.

"Fury Chute!"

Wind gathered above it in the moments he hauled the weapon over his shoulder once more and as he brought it down, it surged forth upon the spirit with severe intensity. Following the first, another series of blasts followed suit, hammering Ophanim without mercy.

The spirit did arise again as TJ backed off to recover, however unlike before, it was heavily damaged. The feathers upon its wings were damaged and loose, many of the eyes had closed and pieces of the rings had fallen off or were dented. As it took flight again it repulsed the Abellan and regenerated its barrier.

"Did you notice?" Amata asked as she ran over. "It seems that it's a lot weaker when the barrier is down. The effects of its spells weren't half as strong as they were with it up.

"Still, judging by the shape its in, we've got the bastard on the ropes. Same plan?"

"Same plan."

He grinned. She offered him a confident grin back before she took off.

"You feel that? I dunno what it's doing, but I get the feeling something big's coming. It's probably getting desperate. Don't you go dying to some mid-boss, you hear?" Su asked him.

The Flame Shamans also used stronger spells when they were weakened. Like an animal cornered, what kind of tactic would it use to defeat them?

Some of the eyes opened and a red glow took form upon the pupils. Suspecting it was the laser, TJ spread his wings and leapt through the air the moment he glimpsed the beam being released. It cut a swath across the wall and was followed by a series of explosions in its wake. However, the onslaught had not ended. It followed with another set as TJ began his descent and followed him as he made his way around the room.

He found himself in a bad way. If he was to create a mist to hide himself, Amata would likely be targeted. If he was to try and blind the spirit, he would need to do so from a close proximity to lower the risk of it changing targets.

He began his approach anew, avoiding the lasers by skillfully using his wings to change direction upon jumping and weaving his way through the air. Ophanim seemed to notice this and opted out for using homing fireballs instead. As he approached, TJ noted that they were much harder to dodge and the rate at which it could create and fire them was incredible. Luckily for him, it seemed that all of his training had borne fruit and he managed to approach with only minor burns from a few grazes. Nothing that could pierce the cloak he was gifted with.

As he neared, Ophanim began to levitate higher as the eyes all faced skyward. TJ outstretched a hand to create a mist around the area but quickly found himself forced back by the spirit. A shield of flames surrounded it and pulsed outwards, blasting the Abellan back and singing his dominant hand in the process.

He grit his teeth and hid his hand within his cloak as he further pondered his options and his next course of action.

"TJ! Something big is coming! Brace yourself!" Amata shouted as she leaned over one of the landings.

"What?! Where?"

He could sense that Ophanim was expending a lot of mana over the period of time since it regenerated its shield, but it did not seem to be on any of the attacks it used against him.

"Above!"

He glimpsed directly above him and as she had told him, it was there. A massive magic circle with the herald of flames loomed over the two. From within it, a series of spheres of fire took form before they shot down at the ground with immense force. Upon hitting the ground they burst into a halo of flames and spread outwards across the arena.

Despite being out of the immediate range of the blast, the searing wind alone burned the flesh on his face slightly. Much to his dismay, it was not a spell that ended with just one blast. They continued to rain down in succession, whittling his ability to resist the attacks and draining his stamina. With each blast the heat and pain that accompanied it became more intense, even through the cloak.

"Hang in there a little longer TJ, I almost have it!" Amata assured him as he glimpsed her flying from one platform to the next briefly.

He would have to hold on until she could finish…but would that bring the spell to an end?

With a wave of his off-hand he created a shield of water around him that he froze. A shield similar to that which Kooh had formed but one that also did not have the thickness of it. The fire bombs continued to rain down and though he was safe inside of his shield for a time, he could tell it would not last. The heat from the spells was steadily melting the shield. The straw that broke the camel's back was one of the bombs collapsing directly on top of him and raining scalding hot water upon his head.

With a pained cry the spell dissipated and he fell away desperately wiping the water from his body with the cloak.

"Are you alright?!" Amata asked in a panic.

Her fear soon turned to anger as her hair lit up and the flaming manacles took form around her arms and legs. She took flight and landed next to him before she held a hand skyward.

"I can't summon Bharva in here but there is something I can do!

"Ardent Keeper!"

She outstretched her hand and as she did so the roar of the dragon pierced the battlefield as its golden form appeared and surrounded them. Judging by the shape and size, it was indeed Bharva, but it seemed he had taken on a spiritual form. Now coiled around the two, the flames that once surrounded them seemed to have no effect upon them.

"Eye of the Storm!"

At her words three pillars of flame shot up from the ground as a magic circle featuring the herald of flames took form.

Ophanim, completely drained from using it's ultimate spell and having its defenses lowered once more weakly watched as Amata prepared her own.

As the flames circled back around and gathered upon her weapon she held it out, the fury in her eyes evident. She rapidly spun the weapon and unleashed a tornado of flames upon the spirit.

"This is the end for you! Passage of the Keeper!"

Bharva's eyes opened before he uncoiled from around Amata and as if in pursuit of the flames themselves, he shot towards Ophanim and coiled around it before emitting a powerful glow. In a matter of moments both dragon and spirit blew up in a massive conflagaration.

The stone the two sought out flew through the air and bounced a couple times before stopping at Amata's feet. She bent over and picked it up before tossing it through the air and catching it.

"Game, set and match! This one's ours!" She said with a bright grin.

With the battle at a close Amata turned to TJ and crouched down.

"Hey, are you alright? It must've been tough for you, being caught in that. I should've came down to help you but…the idiot that I am, I thought if I dropped the barrier the spell would be cancelled. Took longer than it should've." She said with a dejected expression.

"Don't worry about it. The coat took most of the brunt of the spell anyway, so I'm alright." He said gesturing that he was fine.

At the sight of his hand she looked mortified.

"Y-your hand…did it do that? Are you sure you're okay?!"

She took it in her own and looked from it to him.

He blinked in disbelief before his gaze softened.

He could not shake the feeling that there was something about his burns that caused her to react that way. He wanted to ask but more than that, he felt he should reassure her.

"It's okay. It's just a light burn from getting blasted back. By the time we get back to the entrance my hand'll be as good as new."

She opened her mouth to speak but bit her lip. Following that, she smiled, but it was only a thin mask hiding the agony beneath.

"Y-yeah. Of course. You're a healer, durr. I'll leave it to you, then."

As she got up and placed her staff to her back TJ placed his off-hand to his dominant and healed it over the next few moments.

Even so, he could not help but worry about her.

She solemnly looked about the room as if to take her mind off of it, but it was clear there was something else that bothered her.

Once he had felt he recovered as much as he could, he decided he would leave the rest to regenerate over time. Both his healing ability as an Agasura and the passive healing from his spell would help him to recover fully over a given period of time.

He got to his feet and the two began walking back. Though it seemed she was still trying to hide it, the regret was still evident in her expression.

Perhaps there was something TJ could do to help her feel better? He could get her to talk, for a start.

"Hey, Amata," he began.

"Hm?" She asked absent-mindedly.

"You said you can't use Bharva in here right? Why is that?"

She crossed her arms as she uttered a quiet but prolonged 'hmm'.

The two exited the mural room and made their way back through the tunnel.

"If I was to hazard a guess, it'd probably be that it would make my trial too easy."

She paused as she pursed her lips.

"Maybe not that. Actually maybe! Though then again, there's an abundance of mana circulating all of Rayinth's Vestibule. If I was to summon Bharva, I'd probably to keep him with me through the entirety of the dungeon.

"I'd bet that they could make it more challenging by limiting the amount of mana we could utilize, but I can't say if those old guys would be able to maintain their spirits and deny us mana at the same time."

The two boarded the lift and began their descent to the massive ramp in the next room.

TJ felt a bit at ease. It seemed that having something else to mull over had taken Amata's mind off of whatever bothered her before. To see her thoughtful expression was a nice change. He considered encouraging her further, both for her sake and to sate his curiosity.

"Though then again, it is a trial. In that, it's meant to be a test of my strength and resourcefulness.

"Makes you wonder though, doesn't it?"

"About?" He asked as he tilted his head quizzically.

"They were wise enough to prevent people like Su from sneaking in, but they allowed you to take the trial with me."

She laughed heartily.

"Those old guys really didn't think that through, huh? You're the best companion a girl could ask for!"

He felt a little bashful at her words. It was nice to be recognized once in a while. It was also the proof that he was improving slowly, but surely.

"Still, I'm glad you're here. Now more than ever, I feel our bond is strong. Not even Rayinth could scare me so long as you're with me."

"We're getting there, and we'll beat him when we get to him too."

"Without a doubt!"

The two had already made their way down the ramps and exited through the doors to the room that was once inhabited by the statues.

TJ rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment as another thought came to mind.

"There's something else I was wondering about though."

"Whaddya wanna know? I might have an answer for you."

She smiled.

"Why is it that only the God's Governors can summon spirits? Are there, or were there, other Cerebians who could in the past?"

His and Su's talk with Vanir came to mind. If Bharva grew and changed as Amata did, was it possible that he came from the same place as Skuld? It also raised the question of how Vanir went there and just who Vanir is.

"Duh! The first Cerebian to form a contract was actually Fahim! That's how he obtained the title The Kindred. He formed contracts with all manner of spirits and he would summon them into battle to fight alongside him. A lot of the records say that he had used cards and some of the ones that we use today, for divination and other stuff have some basis in that.

"He wasn't the only summoner though! There were plenty of others throughout history, but none like Fahim. I don't know when but… somewhere along the way I guess wherever it is that we would form contracts with spirits was closed off to us. Or maybe the way to get there was lost to time.

"One thing that did survive though, is our ability to summon spirits to us. Something that's unique to the God's Governors now."

"Why is that?" TJ asked with a quizzical expression.

"Probably something to do with mana? I mean, most Cerebians don't have access to theirs. But not only that, a summoned spirit requires a lot of mana from their summoner. Cerebians like you and I have a really large mana pool so we can summon our spirits and still fight alongside them. But both summoning and maintaining a spirit is a taxing thing to do.

"By the by, a contract is permanent. Once you summon the spirit, the contract is forged. To do so carelessly could permanently cripple a Cerebian. Perhaps for that reason they decided to keep it a secret shared only with the God's Governors.

"But there is something that bothers me…"

TJ hiked an eyebrow as she rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

The two made their way from one room to the next as she mulled the matter over solemnly.

"Did you notice? In the mural room, the mural was not only on the walls, but the floor itself?"

"Huh?!"

He nearly leapt on the spot at her revelation. She nodded in turn.

"When I traversed the landings I saw the final piece of it from above. It depicted the dragon that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, Nidhogg. Not just that but…the human who tamed it."

TJ squinted in disbelief.

If there was a dragon who was eating Yggdrasil, that human would likely have to be something special to have tamed it. Was it possible it was someone from the Derr Clan?!

"I guess tamed might be a bit much. More like…controlled? It might just be an overblown myth or something, but supposedly there was a Human who had forced Nidhogg into a contract and sealed it away in the weapon he wielded. I can't really imagine a Human being able to control a spirit, let alone one that strong, but the Age of Heroes certainly lived up to its name more than I know, if so.

"Though there aren't any shortage of accounts that say that Asmodeus freed him from his trapping. That mural depicted the battle so… I've little reason to doubt the legitimacy of it.

"Anyway, these days since most people can't have spirits, instead they have pets. There are some that have their origins as spirits though! Like naiads, dryads, brownies and yambi… the list goes on.

At the sound of 'brownies' TJ felt his heart swell with envy for Vanir. If Vanir could summon spirits and he had a brownie, that may have explained how the two had come together.

His train of envy came to a screeching halt as he glimpsed the dried trail of blood from their encounter with the traps. The envy subsided and his heart was struck with a pang of guilt. To hear Amata enthusiastically talking about historical figures took her mind off of other things. This was one thing she definitely did not need to remember.

"So of Amae's Saints, who would you say your favourite is, Amata?" TJ asked with a slight nervousness.

"Sola, hands down!" She excitedly answered with clenched fists as she exhaled proudly.

"Did you know? The path that most people take across Jienda was traversed by her first! During and after the war ended, she took some of Asgard's strongest Cerebians and began a campaign that spanned from the Forest in the North all the way to Ktuka in the South! She and her men cleared the Agasura out everywhere they went, and at the end of her journey they named the path she walked Midgard's Spine. It's how she got her title too!

"Isn't she just the coolest?! I've always aspired to be just like her since I was a little girl."

TJ could not help but laugh gently at her enthusiasm. At the sight of it her cheeks flushed red and she began to pout.

"Hey, I was being serious, jerk!"

She pummeled him with her fists and he raised his hands both in surrender and to protect himself.

"Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to laugh! I didn't because it was funny, it was just the natural reaction because I thought it was cute."

She stopped hitting him and furrowed her brows.

"You just say whatever, don't you? Jeez.

"Still…now you know something else about me. Better not tell anybody."

"It'll be our secret." He answered with a grin.

The two finally arrived back at the entrance and stopped at the sealed door.

"Here we are. You ready, TJ?" Amata asked as she looked to him.

"Yeah. Let's keep going. I feel like we're getting a lot closer." He answered with a confident nod.

She placed the stone into the slot and backed away cautiously as the runic markings upon it lit up. The sound of stone shifted across the chamber and shortly after the door did also.

"That was it," Amata said somewhat in disbelief.

"Let's keep going," TJ suggested.

The two stepped inside into the next room and found their path blocked by a series of vines. The wild growth over centuries created an impenetrable wall of flora that seemed to dissuade travelers from attempting to get through.

"That's…that's a lot of vines." TJ said as he knit his brows.

"I can clear a path." Amata said as she held out a hand and a flame crackled to life in it.

"H-hold on! If you do that there's gonna be a lot of fire in a small proximity! We might just get smoked out. Let me do it."

She clenched her fist and outed the flames before she shrugged.

TJ held out his dominant hand, now fully healed and with a flick of his wrist casted his next spell.

"Elemental Mastery!"

At his words his hand was coated in ice and five frozen claws took form.

He took a step forward and cleaved the vines before him. He took a few more steps and with each swiped at the plants before him to clear a path for the two to walk. After going from one end to the other he returned halfway and smiled proudly.

"How was that? Not bad, eh?"

The Governor of Fire grinned slightly.

"You've got something for every situation don't you? Not bad at all."

Her grin subsided and was quickly replaced by apprehension as she noticed the vines seemed to be moving of their own accord.

"Something's not right here. TJ, get out of there!"

As he took a couple of steps forward the vines sprung to life and connected where they had been cut, trapping the Abellan in.

"W-whoa! What is this?! I-I'm stuck!"

He struggled with all his might but could not budge in the slightest.

"Well…I suppose this is a pretty good counter measure against anyone trying to break in with normal methods." Amata said as she crossed her arms.

"Speculate later, help me out of this first," he complained.

She laughed lightly.

"Alright, alright I'm coming. It'll take a bit though, I'd rather not burn you alive in there."

"That'd be ideal!"

She had a good laugh about that.

The Governor of Fire reached out to the vines and at her touch the sound of the plants being seared filled the room. Upon a group of them being burned they fell limp and remained that way. She waited to see if they would recover but did no such thing following the event. Following that she continued onwards until she could reach her companion and freed him from his binding.

"Thanks for that. I should probably assume that most things in here, I can't do. Save for fighting."

"You make for pretty good moral support too," she chuckled.

He pursed his lips at her words.

"That didn't sound like a compliment."

"Take it as you will!"

With Amata leading the way the two made their way through the room right to the next door and proceeded into the subsequent area.

They found themselves in a wide room with a set of landings connected by bridges. They were far and few between, and rather small at that. Their location was leagues above what seemed to be a basement sector to the Vestibule. From above they could see a thin strip of stone surrounded by magma.

TJ remained frozen in place the moment they entered the room.

"I know you don't like heights but we can't avoid this. You were able to get through the first set, weren't you? This one isn't all that different! You can do this," Amata assured him.

"Oh but it is. This time we can see the bottom."

"You and your semantics."

She knit her brows and he chuckled lightly at her response.

She was right, though. Despite his reluctance, he did not forget the conviction he had resolved himself to prior. To face his fears would serve as a stepping stone towards a greater goal. Assuming that this was the only room of its type he would overcome it. A small step, one that was not easy, but one that he would see himself through.

"Alright, I'm in. Thankfully the exit's not far, so I'll stick with you 'till the end."

"That's more like it!"

Amata led the way up until the two reached one of the two bridges. She took hold of the rope and tested the sturdiness of it.

"Should be fine, I'd say. The wood's in good shape, the bridge itself hardly budges when I try to rock it too. We should be able to get across no problem!

"Our main concern is that spirit over there."

Where Amata pointed a single spirit wandered. It seemed to be a humanoid figure made solely of flames. Alike to many of the others, it was the first time TJ had seen anything of the sort. Given that, to underestimate it and its abilities would be a grave error.

"It hasn't noticed us yet. Let's get a first strike!" Amata enthusiastically said as she took off.

TJ watched her with a hint of envy at the prospect she need not use the bridge.

She came to a halt behind it and held out a hand where a flame took form. She gripped it and reeled her fist back.

"Flame burst!"

As the spell was let loose the force of it pushed her back through the air while forcing the spirit forward slightly.

"Seems the Straw Men are pretty fire-resistant. Looks like this one's gonna be right up your alley TJ!"

She was as enthusiastic as ever, while he found himself in a bind. So long as he did not look down, he would be able to get across. There were no holes between the planks of wood so he set his eyes forward.

Much to his fortune, it seemed the straw man had turned its focus to the governor in flight. It took a couple swings at her and with each strike a small burst of flames was released.

TJ noted this, thankful that he used a fairly long weapon. That and he had an elemental advantage.

He took a deep breath and drew his weapon before he ran his hand across it.

"Elemental Augmentation!"

His weapon was coated in a thick layer of ice following the action and once more he took the neck in both hands.

He dashed forward across the last few steps on the bridge and his feet pounded against stone before he neared his target. As he skidded to a halt he took a wide, spinning swing at it and followed the attack up with Hailstorm. As the spell came to an end it was followed by a stream of fire from Amata's Falcon Torrent.

"Nice!" TJ said with a thumbs-up.

"Don't let your guard down yet! This guy's still got a lot of fight left in him," she answered.

It staggered two and fro from the chained spells but regained its balance and decided to attack the Abellan. It took two wide swings as it did with Amata but the third nearly caught him off guard. It outstretched both arms before it and seemingly fired them forward with incredible momentum. TJ leapt aside to avoid the attack and swayed as he stopped on the edge of the landing.

"Too close! Way too close!"

The straw man seemed to regenerate its arms almost immediately after and took a couple steps forward before it leapt towards him. He dove aside and scrambled to his feet as a wave of fire followed in the wake of the spirit landing.

Amata twirled her staff above her head before she slammed it down with incredible impact.

"Illusion Fire!" She shouted as she withdrew the weapon and five pillars of fire arose before her, walling the spirit off.

"Do you know any water spells TJ? High impact spells can force it back. Enough force and I'd bet we can push it off the landing. Fire is okay, water is even better."

"I can't really recall any water-specific spells I knew in the past, but if it's just basic water attacks I think I can do that.

"Suppose there's a lot I can still learn from Freya." He chuckled lightly as he knit his brows.

"Who?"

"N-never mind that!

"Anyway do you think you could buy me a little time? I'm gonna prepare something with enough force to take this spirit down."

"Easy!" She grinned.

As the fires of Amata's spell died down she prepared the next.

"Lion's Dance!"

She hurled a flaming ball and sparks rained down upon the spirit. In reaction it swatted at the fireball in what seemed to be an attempt to grab it, likely in an attempt to absorb the spell.

"Wrong move! Ten Flames!"

At those words ten massive fireballs took form and surrounded the spirit before exploding in succession.

All the while TJ had been gently strumming his guitar to create an ever-growing sphere of water.

"I'm ready!" He said as he raised his head yet continued moving his hand.

As the smoke cleared from Ten Flames Amata landed by his side and pointed at it.

"Blow 'em away!"

TJ outstretched the hand that strummed the strings and a torrent of water was unleashed upon the spirit. It attempted to block the onslaught but found itself being put out nonetheless. The sheer force of the water caused it to slide back steadily due to its resistance, all the while causing the body to diminish. Suddenly, the body started to swell all over despite it shrinking. This gave Amata pause.

"…Something isn't right here. I dunno what it's doing, but it's doing something! TJ, run!" She took to the air at those words.

TJ squinted for a moment to glimpse what was happening and ended the spell almost immediately after.

"No, no, no!" He cried out as he began to run.

Moments after he did so the spirit lurched forward and back before it rose from the ground and exploded. The sheer force of it caught the Abellan and propelled him forward onto the second bridge. He came to a skidding halt against the wood as the ropes upon it were ignited.

Amata landed before him and helped him to his feet.

"This is no time to be laying about! You have to hurry before this thing collapses!" She ushered him as she helped him along a few steps.

He shook his head gently to remove the rest of his dizziness.

"What? Did it…?" He looked back and saw the result of the last battle.

In a matter of moments the ropes tied to the post keeping the bridge suspended would burn away and he would fall. He had to escape and quickly!

As TJ took a couple of steps forward another straw man appeared before him and blocked the path across. It continued forward, taking a couple steps on the bridge and slowly but surely, set them aflame also.

"Oh no you don-" Amata ignited a flame in the palm of her hand but froze in place. "I…there's nothing I can do here…"

The look in her eyes was the proof of her crippling realization. She seemed even more fragile and vulnerable than the Abellan was in this scenario.

"I'll…I'll figure something out, TJ! Just hang on!"

She took flight moments before the ropes burned away and the bridge began to collapse. In a moment of desperation and reckless abandon the Abellan decided he would run forward and through the spirit if he had to. As the steps fell away from his feet and he found himself stepping on nothing, he grabbed hold of the rope and swayed with it before he and it crashed into the stone. As that moment came to pass he glimpsed the straw man falling through the air to its demise.

"You have to keep climbing! It's still alight on both sides," Amata cried.

He wanted to look down to see how much time he had before the flames caught up to him, but could not bring himself to do so. The ashes of wood and singed planks fell past him as he desperately began to climb up towards the landing. The heat from the rope burned his hands but he still persisted. Suddenly the rope he held on to jerked as the sound of it tearing drew his attention above him.

"I have an idea! Just hang in there a little longer!"

What choice did he have in the matter? He wanted to make a witty remark but he was so terrified he thought the only thing that would come out are desperate shrieks.

He opted for nodding solemnly.

The sound of tearing rope continued and TJ held on for dear life as he ran through a myriad of possibilities to get himself out of his predicament. His best plan, relying on acrobatics and his double jump ability to close the gap between where he was and wanted to be, was flawed. To jump off of the rock would be difficult because of how smooth it was, and to create too much force might cause him to tear the rope and fall.

To his surprise Amata dove from where she stood and took flight nearby with a rope in hand.

"Here, take this!"

Somewhat afraid to let go of what he held on to now and yet also afraid to subsequently fall to his demise, he decided he would accept her offer. He took the rope in hand and swallowed hard. He raised it to meet his right hand and once close enough he kicked off the bridge and took the rope in both hands. As his body neared the stone again he brought his momentum to a halt with both feet and grit his teeth as the vibration from the collision rattled him.

With a sigh of relief he began to climb up to the top accompanied by Amata who assured him that she would be nearby in case anything happened. Soon after, he reached the landing once more and managed to safely climb up before he exhaled deeply and lay on his back.

She touched down and leaned over him with an expression that he had not seen before. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes crinkled and she had a wide smile.

"You know, I…I'm glad you're safe. That entire course of events was way, waaaaay too scary for me. But we made it."

He sat up and beamed.

"It was thanks to you and your quick thinking. Alone, I don't think I'd have gotten out of that in one piece. So..thanks for saving me."

"It was the natural thing to do, wasn't it? Anyway, here."

She handed him a canteen brimming with water.

"You're sweating bullets. After an event like that, though, I can't blame you." She grinned. "Let's take a breather so you can recollect yourself."

"I'd like that." He added with a smile.

Amata sat with him in the fettle position while he took a drink of water.

"That hit the spot!" He said with a sigh of relief.

Shortly after he glimpsed the grappling hook and rope tied around the bridge's singed post.

"Looks like those things your mom gave us really came in handy. Thank goodness for that."

Amata chuckled gently.

"I guess that's just a 'mom thing' huh? Meeting those needs you never know you might have," she suggested.

"Alvaro seemed worried about you too though, don't you think?"

She pursed her lips at his words.

"If he wasn't so over-bearing all the time it probably wouldn't be so bad! If I was older I'd have left home already, but I'm stuck with…"

She paused and furrowed her brows as she looked at her shoes.

"That's…not a very fair thing to say, is it? Our families are so radically different. I should probably consider myself lucky, shouldn't I?

"I have normal parents. Two of them, in fact. Your only parent is Asmodeus and he's…" She huffed gently. "Sorry for saying something so selfish."

"Isn't it fine? Having moments like those is what makes you realize how important the things around you are to you. That aside, despite how much you fight with Alvaro, I think deep down you really love him."

"L-love? Him?! That's…no way! He's just a big, hairy old man!"

She furrowed her brows as she pressed her fingers together.

"But I guess…he's my hairy old man. I'm thankful for what both he and mom did for us."

TJ smiled.

"Make sure to tell them before you change your mind."

"I…I'll get to that! Eventually."

After packing up their things, the Abellan did a couple light stretches before he let out a sigh of relief.

"Alright, I'm all limbered up and ready to go," he said.

"Good. It's not gonna get an easier, so you're gonna need that." Amata said with a teasing grin.

"How reassuring," he chuckled dryly.

She placed her hand to the door and it slid out of their vision into the stone.

As they took a few steps in they found themselves atop what seemed to be a descending ramp. It spiralled down an incredible distance towards what seemed to be the lower section of the Vestibule they had glimpsed in the previous room. Along the walls that lined the ramp, it seemed there were a variety of traps that waited for challengers to attempt to bypass them before they activated.

TJ grit his teeth at the sight.

"More traps? At this juncture I think I'd take the spirits over them," he muttered.

Amata hiked her eyebrows mischievously.

"But you know, the good thing about traps is you can get around them. A spirit would follow you until you take it down."

She seemed to have some sort of an idea and TJ could not help his own curiosity.

"What do you suggest?"

"You should create a ramp or something! Or a slide to get to the bottom!"

He chuckled lightly at her comment.

"That's a good idea but…I'm not that good with my magic. I'd bet Su could do something like that though. Kooh likely could too."

"Damn right I could," Su remarked.

Amata squinted suspiciously at the suggestion.

"Su, I could see doing that, but Kooh? I mean, I guess she is God's Governor of Ice but she doesn't seem serious enough to be that competent."

The thoughts of the battle with Choen Palm in Elias were proof enough for TJ. Though Amata's response reminded him that she had never seen Kooh in action. In her defense also, even in action Kooh seemed rather free-spirited. Given the experiences of the two God's Governors together, alongside Kooh's natural demeanor, proving she was capable would be rather difficult.

"I can see why you feel that way.

"Nonetheless, I'll just take the regular way. I'll be a bit more careful this time, though. I'd rather not fall from here. Or get burned. Again."

"I couldn't ask for more." Amata said with a teasing grin.

"As far as I can tell, there doesn't seem to be any anti-air traps so I think I'll fly down there and investigate a bit. I can't shake the feeling that there's something off around here, so I wanna see for myself."

"Like the presence of a spirit? I don't see any around here though. There might be some in the room next to this one though."

"Something like that…" She muttered as she furrowed her brows. "But it's close.

"Still, if you find yourself in trouble, scream for help. I might be able to do something."

She grinned at him and he could not help but smile back.

"Alright, I'll be counting on you then."

"Aye-aye sir!"

She saluted him as her wings took form and spread out. She leapt from the landing and soared down to the bottom without a moment's hesitation.

"Well? You done beating around the bush? Get on with it already," Su said.

"You know, if I get impaled I'm gonna hold you responsible."

"Blame those old guys for using these tricks to trap me in this rock. Would that I could haul your sorry ass through this trial."

The fact that he had, as of yet, needed to be rescued by Su since they began the trial was a pretty incredible feat in and of itself. He felt a bit of pride at the prospect and found some newborn confidence.

He pounded an open palm with his fist and decided to press on.

He began to make his way downwards and the first thing that caught his eye was a series of totems stacked atop one another inside a depression in the wall. As he neared he stopped and waited but nothing seemed to happen. He took a stone and tossed it across and the moment it passed by one of the statues unleashed a torrent of flames. He swallowed hard before he took a sprinting stance after backing up somewhat. He ran full speed ahead before he dove through the air and transitioned into a somersault before coming to a halt. As he glimpsed back he noticed the flames of the totems coming to a rest in his wake.

A success, if he did say so himself.

He got to his feet and took a couple steps forward before coming to a halt. One of the stones he stepped on sunk beneath the weight of his foot and the shift made him suspicious. The sound of stone grinding as some of the bricks in the wall fell to the floor made him realize he was in danger. A series of arrows cut through the air like blades as he broke out into a desperate sprint to avoid being impaled. The sound of metal meeting stone time and again reverberated in the wake of every step TJ took down the landing before finally coming to a halt at a series of totems lined up in succession. They would breathe fire in turn from first to last and such a sight gave the Abellan pause. As he prepared to dash following the end of the first totem's flames, he noted the last one began.

"What the—there's no way through! What the hell is this?!" He complained.

"You're not a Human, idiot. Use your brain," Su suggested.

At those words he clued in what he could do.

He spread his wings as he took a few steps back and got a running start. He leapt from a greater height and used his ability to propel himself forward and past the totems. Due to the nature of the ramp the height he fell at had increased substantially, causing his landing to be rather rough. He stumbled a few steps before he crashed into the wall, finally coming to a halt. As he peeled himself from the stone and attempted to rub the engraving from his cheek the sound of stone grinding again caught his attention; this time, it seemed to be coming from above. Much to his dismay, a massive stone totem fell from the roof and landed on the ramp behind him and cracked the stone beaneath it. The impact of its touchdown caused severe vibrations through the stone and nearly brought the Abellan to his knees.

"Now what?" He asked as he turned his eyes to the totem.

From within the gaping mouth, a fireball began to take form. If the size of the mouth was any indication, it being as wide as the ramp and taller than him, the fireball would grow to immense sizes. Further to his dismay, it did exactly as what he suspected it would. After a prolonged period of development, the totem unleashed the fireball and it surged forward down the ramp in pursuit of him.

He was only about halfway to the bottom and he found himself in danger of being cooked alive. As he ran, he glimpsed a series of holes in the wall, which he suspected would contain more arrows. He lowered his head as he ran past and nearly found it taken off by the spears that emerged from the holes. The three, however, were only the beginning. As he proceeded further down he found another set but at a lower height this time around. He bent his torso and lowered his head as much as he possibly could to avoid being impaled once more. The feeling of running in such awkward positions made his stomach churn, but he knew that it was a much easier fate to embrace than death by fire.

Two more sets followed the first two. The following was much too low for him to crouch under, but too high for him to easily jump over. He took a deep breath as he neared and opted out for an act of desperation. He hopped during his sprint and outstretched his legs to slide beneath them. He scrambled to his feet as the lost time allowed the fireball to grow ever closer.

He glimpsed down to the bottom where Amata walked about as she seemed to be inspecting the ramp's end. Despite his thoughts about not needing to be rescued, he found himself in a predicament he would likely need to be rescued from. Setting his pride aside, he decided to ask for help.

"Amata! Help!" He screamed at the top of his lungs as he continued his descent.

He ripped his eyes from her figure as he barely caught a glimpse of three more spikes that were lower than the others, but high enough to impale both his ankles. He narrowly avoided them with a last-moment jump but failed to land properly and tripped over his own feet. His body lurched forward and he fell on both his hands, scraping them in the process of his entire body crashing down. He urged himself to his feet once more and continued on, realizing that time was running out. He wanted to check if Amata heard him but the next trap loomed ahead and he needed to ascertain what it did and when.

As he neared he glimpsed what seemed to be massive sections of stone cut into cubes that would lunge forward at certain intervals before returning to their original position. Had he stepped in at the wrong time, they would not just shove him off, but likely break his bones in the process. The moment he neared the first he noted that the time it would be released was coming and he had to stop before it. It shot forward, but it took time for it to return and he knew it was time he did not have. He looked back and glimpsed the fireball barreling toward him and realized he was trapped.

At that moment Amata's figure appeared before his eyes and stood down the spell without hesitation. She held out an outstretched hand as it neared and challenged it head on.

"Flame Eater!"

At those words the fireball collided with her hand but came to a halt as little by little, the spell drained away its size and threatening presence, leaving nothing but the remnants of heat in its wake.

Her wings came to a rest as she touched down and turned to him.

"I'm not an Einherjar, you know." She said as she began to pout.

"I promise, I didn't think that for a moment and I'm thankful you saved me again," TJ said hurriedly.

"Yeah, yeah." She said with a much more amicable grin. "Not like I could leave you to be cooked to a crisp anyway."

It was then that he noticed her pupils had changed shape. It seemed she was using the Mana Sensory ability. For what, he did not know, but it likely explained why she seemed to be studying something intensely at the base.

"Anyway, I've almost figured out what's up with this room so I'm gonna head back down and see if I can. Just be careful when you get near the base. I dunno what it is, but it'd be best if we didn't have to find out the hard way."

"Got it. Be careful down there."

She grinned teasingly.

"You worried about me? I think you should be more concerned for yourself. Still, makes me a little happy nonetheless!"

At those words she fluffed her wings but once and shot off. TJ could not help but think that she was a little free-spirited also.

With the threat of the fireball behind him, he could proceed with more caution going forward.

After watching the strange shoving mechanics of the stones before him, he had noted the times for when they would appear. It took about four seconds for each of them to return after being thrust forward and about two for the thrust. There was a six second delay between one beginning and the following starting afterwards. The order of them was the third first, the first second and the second last. The Abellan watched carefully as the third came forward and he waited out the second. As it returned he side-stepped his way around it and watched as the second was thrust out. He stepped past it following it and once the third had began the rotation anew and finished, he made his way past.

He wiped his brow with a sigh of relief. It seemed he was getting closer steadily. The end was near and given a few more minutes at the pace he was going, he could reach Amata. He cautiously took a few steps forward before the stone beneath him began to rumble. Struggling to keep his balance, he decided to break out into another sprint moments before the stones beneath him crumbled and dragged him down. Despite his desperate sprint, this seemed to happen continuously and each time quicker than the last. He leapt from where he stood and used the wall to slide down to a lower section of the ramp in a desperate bid to avoid a direct collision.

He continued his sprint until he glimpsed a a small hole in between some of the stones that seemed to release a gas as he neared. He looked back at the direction he had come in and indeed, a large part of the ramp had crumbled and fell away where he would have walked. It was a wise choice to take the jump. The most recent trap however, had seemed pretty simple. There was nothing more to it. Like the totems at the top, it only seemed to activate when he came within its proximity. What effect did the smoke have, he could not fathom, but pink smoke only held ill omens. He covered his face as he crouched underneath the location it was sprayed from and made his way further down.

Amata was not far from him and neither was the end of the ramp. It seemed he had made it safely. He raised a hand as he decided to greet her.

"Hey, Ama-"

Before he could finish his sentence Amata held out a hand to stop him.

"Hold it right there!" She said with a look of urgency.

He froze in place, greeting and all as he waited for further instruction. At the sight she snickered quietly before she approached.

"You can lower your hand, you know.

"But more importantly, the reason I stopped you is because this whole area is trapped. Just the ramp parts, that is. The end of it too, actually. Right over…there."

With a flick of her wrist she created a small fireball she hurled to that specific location. It burst upon landing but nothing seemed to happen. Perhaps given that, only a person stepping within the range of it would activate the trap.

"If you jump down from this height though, chances are you'd hurt yourself. I mean, I imagine you're pretty durable, especially if you use the contemptuous arts, but I'd rather you…not…do…that."

Her cheeks flushed pink as she scratched one of the two gently with her index finger.

"S-so…I'll help. Just this once."

She flew away from him towards the exit but a fair height that he could likely reach with a jump.

"Alright, come on. I'll catch you."

They had done many things similar to this, but actually doing it himself was a little embarrassing. He was beginning to understand how Amata felt when he had to carry her. His clipped wings were seeming to be more often than not, the bane of his pride and on too many occasions, nearly his existence.

"A-alright. Here I go!" He said with nervousness edging his tone.

He got a running start before he leapt from the ramp to the Governor of Fire and as promised, she caught him. He held on tightly as his face rested against hers and his arms draped over her back. She gasped before she began a solemn descent, slowly, carefully. Once the two touched down he let her go and she turned away before she hid her wings.

"You know, doing that kinda felt like a hug." TJ said with a laugh. "Under very unusual circumstances I guess. Hopefully next time it'll be a little more normal."

Hugs were nice. He did not quite understand the significance of them, but he enjoyed them all the same. They were comforting. A little like his past selves' tendency to pat someone on the head.

"N-next time? What, are you offering?"

"Yeah, of course! Hugs are okay with me."

"I-I might take you up on that.

"More importantly! We avoided that trap."

TJ looked but as he suspected, he could not see anything.

"What did it do anyway?"

Amata pursed her lips.

"If I was to hazard a guess, it summoned something. If it was a spirit, they probably could have just summoned it themselves, but this one was more like…a ritual. A summoning ritual, but laid out like a trap. Whatever it summons was already decided, it would just bring it here. It might not have even been a spirit… more like an Agasura."

"Don't you think that this was a little…you know, bad?"

Amata shrugged before she crossed her arms.

"Like my Dad had said, they probably have these as a defense against intruding Humans. Most things can be bypassed through flight, like you saw with me. Some sections can't be bypassed without it.

"Even Ophanim said that if its attackers weren't worthy, it'd kill them. But it'd kill me too…despite being the God's Governor. Bastard!"

TJ rubbed his neck uneasily.

"It does make me wonder though…if this is just the first of the four or five dungeons we need to enter, will the others be like this?"

Amata shook her head gently.

"I don't think so, TJ. I'd bet if the dungeons were designed as the original God's Governors wished, each was built to test what they believed their descendants would need. Rayinth believed a strong body and mind are crucial to being considered a warrior. If this dungeon is any indication, that speaks for itself. It's really pushed us to our limits, hasn't it? There's no shortage of traps and enemies to fight and all of them are powerful in their own right. We both know that overcoming a powerful enemy is proof that you yourself, are strong."

She furrowed her brows as she looked at her open palm. Then closed it as she looked to TJ.

"Beating my dad was what I saw as the proof of my strength. There might have been better ways to go about it, but he was the goal post I had set for myself. I always believed overcoming him would be the proof that I need to know that I'm strong enough to face God's Governor Rayinth. But had I…had I done so…had I not met you…I'm sure my beliefs would be misguided.

"I realize that sure, I could challenge Rayinth's Vestibule. I might even get to Rayinth himself, too. But alone? There's a damn good chance he would kick my ass. Even so, blinded by my own confidence I would attempt it anyway.

"This…would be the biggest mistake of my life. What we're doing isn't called a 'trial' just for show. There's a lot of reasons my dad and his dad and all those before them didn't attempt this, but I know for a fact that there's something to lose here, should I fail. If he chooses not to kill me, it makes you wonder what he would do, doesn't it? Just like all other things, I don't think I'd get a second chance at it.

"Now more than ever, I realize that we can't, nor need to be strong alone. Just as Lady Amae fought alongside her Saints, how my dad has my mom and how Rayinth too, found someone strong enough to stand beside him…I have you. You're my equal, and so much more. With you, I can defeat Rayinth. I'll take a major step to becoming God's Governor of Fire. The real deal. And I…can go home to my parents' smiling faces with my head held high.

"I can and will be that beacon of hope for Mezzalone, for Ves and for the Cerebians. I am the only who can be, after all."

She chuckled sheepishly after her speech and TJ could feel his heart swell with pride.

She had changed so much since their first meeting. He still remembered their talk after their fight with Avaritia and her fear that she lacked the mental fortitude to be what she was meant to be. Her burgeoning strength was always there, she just had not realized it herself. However, Alvaro had always known, Kavitala likely did also, and now TJ was seeing it clearly for himself. Just as he had, she came to realize how important the bonds between people could be. She had done so all on her own, at that.

"You can do it, Amata! Definitely!"

He took her hands in his own and she nearly stepped back, eyes wide and cheeks flushed.

"Y-yeah. Of course! A-anyway, let's not get too sentimental yet! We can…do that after we defeat Rayinth.

"Come on, there's still more to do."

The two peered through the doorframe to the next room and noted there were a few spirits that inhabited it. As they had seen from the upper floor, it was indeed a limited fight space. One surrounded by magma.

What caught TJ's attention were the worm-like creatures that would burrow into the ground They left a series of holes where they went, some in walls and some on the landing.

Even more so was the spirit that resided over them. It looked eerily similar to Ophanim, but it had fewer eyes, lacked the stone that held the spokes together and only four wings to the previous spirit's six.

"You see that?" Amata asked.

"Yeah. That thing looks a lot like Ophanim," TJ added.

"Not that! But it does, doesn't it? It's not it, though. It's a regular Throne. I'm glad we didn't see more of them to be honest, but I don't think this is a good place to fight one.

"More importantly, it's the cavern worms. Have you noticed that they avoid the magma? They can only dig into the stone. I think if we can knock them into the magma we can take 'em out. The same can probably be said for that throne, but it can fly so we're gonna have a hard time with it.

"Most importantly though, you need to be careful so you don't get knocked in. I can't save you from that."

He almost knit his brows but he rebuked the thought.

He did not want to show weakness after all that Amata had said. She had faith he could stand side by side with her and to fear the elements would undermine that belief.

"It'll be fine. I've spent a long time working on my acrobatics. I might not be able to fly, but I do know how to use the things around me to my advantage."

She grinned devilishly at those words, her eyes shuttered.

"Don't have to tell me. I'd seen it first-hand against those statues. You're pretty scary when you're resourceful."

Compliment? Insult? He decided he would take it as a compliment.

"Still, my advice to you is to watch those potholes. If you're not careful your foot might get stuck in them, so be careful where you land and walk, alright? This is gonna be a really technical fight, but if we play our cards right, a quick one."

"Right. I might be able to find a way around it with magic."

She nodded as she grinned.

"If it's you, I've little doubt.

"Now then, you ready? Let's show 'em what we've got!"

A flame crackled to life and surrounded Amata before it shrouded her entire body.

"Dragon Dive!"

She shot towards Ophanim and collided with the spirit with the sheer intensity of her flight.

"I'm just getting started!"

She raised a hand and her staff manifested in flames before she twirled it around. The moment she pointed it at the throne a series of sparks crackled to life around where it had crashed into and an explosion followed suit. The earth it had rested upon cracked apart and the spirit nearly sunk into the magma until it narrowly avoided death through flight.

"Oh…I might have overdone it a bit…" She muttered as she grit her teeth.

TJ awkwardly made his way over, keeping his eyes on the ground to avoid stepping in the potholes that lined the area.

"It'll be a little difficult getting to the exit but I think we can still manage it! I mean, thankfully the stuff its made of is somewhat resistant to explosive attacks, right? It's still intact."

"Small consolation," she chuckled dryly.

Her eyes darted to the western wall as the sound of one of the worms chewing through it drew their attention.

"TJ your left!"

His eyes quickly followed where she pointed and he drew his guitar just in time to bash the creature back. It collided with a portion of the wall but narrowly managed to slither into one of the other holes.

"These spirits are really unlike the others. They seem to be a little too…normal? I guess?"

"They're not spirits." Amata answered as she set her eyes back on the throne. "They're just these weird bug things. I guess things like these inhabit the deeper parts of Midgard. Some of them just found their way into here."

The throne recovered completely during their conversation and took the time to prepare a series of fireballs. Six of them surrounded it and the moment its eyes opened they shot toward them in succession. With one hand outstretched and her weapon hand resting behind her, Amata's barrier became visible and absorbed the spells that surrounded them.

"This thing is nothing compared to Ophanim! We should be able to crush it easily!"

"Good, let's," TJ said excitedly.

He leapt aside as one of the cavern worms leapt out from one of the holes upon the landing they stood on. He took a swing at it but it vanished into another and did not return.

Amata took off to engage the throne once more. As she neared it looked to her and fired a single beam that cut a swath through the wall and left a trail of fire in its wake, but failed to catch the Governor in flight. She retaliated with Flamethrower for a brief couple of seconds before cancelling the spell to avoid another laser. She flew above it and immediately rained fire upon it with Falcon Torrent, causing the creature to shudder and collapse under the weight of the spell.

"Behind you Amata!" TJ cried out as he glimpsed one of the cavern worms once more.

This time it came from the southern portion of the wall. Unlike the previous worm however, it remained within the wall and reeled its head back before spitting an unusual green liquid at the Governor of Fire. It landed upon her right wing and she let out a cry before she fell away from the throne and touched down.

"I-it…burns…" She uttered as she placed a hand to her shoulder.

"Hold still and I'll heal you!"

As he reached out to her she shook her head.

"Now's not the time! It's coming again!"

She lunged forward with her free hand and pushed him back, causing his foot to get caught in a pothole and for him to fall backwards. As he did so, he glimpsed one of the two worms jumping from beneath his raised arm towards the Governor of Fire. It barely drifted over her lowered shoulder and dug its teeth into her wing where the other had laid its acidic secretion, and following the event, Amata flew into a panic.

She screamed and thrashed about while swinging at it before she took flight. She careened to the ground and off of it, flying in every which direction while crying out about the pain.

TJ could not help but wonder if it had a secondary effect. By this juncture, her wounds would have healed, so the only thing that damaged her wings were those two attacks. Was it possible that liquid actually made her much more vulnerable?

"I can try and hit it but you're moving too much!"

Leaving that aside, what could he do to help her? The thoughts of using Frozen Blitz danced in his mind for a couple of moments, but to do so would be a dangerous move indeed. He lacked Kooh's hand-eye coordination and to use it on an ally was something that could easily end in their demise. Especially given that they were surrounded by magma. However, if he used the contemptuous arts he could make up for what he lacked. If for a short time, he could manage…right?

"Now's now the time for doubts, idiot!" He said to himself as he slapped both his cheeks.

He had a plan. A tricky one, a double-edged sword perhaps, but one that might be his best bet.

"Su, lend me your strength!"

"It was only a matter of time huh? Better rescue that idiot before she seriously hurts herself. That's too pathetic, especially for her," Su answered, her usual sharp tone absent.

"Here I come! Frequency!"

He felt a presence followed by a killing intent behind him the moment the Chaos Frequency came into effect. He crouched down moments before the acidic saliva was launched at him and it drifted over his shoulder, landing upon the rock and corroding it slowly.

The time to turn on the worm would come, but for the time being his target was the throne. It seemed to carefully watch Amata as it prepared another group of fireballs to launch now that her guard was down and in that he saw his opportunity.

"Shadow Dive!"

TJ hopped on the spot and slipped into the shadows before arising from within the throne's. The eyes looked startled as he grabbed hold of it and drew it towards him, the spell dissipated in the wake of his action. He placed one foot on the inside of the ring to hold it down and gripped one of the spokes while he smashed one of them with his fist.

"This'll do."

He stepped out from within the spirit and kicked it into the magma before he drew his guitar.

"Demon's Armoury!"

A crimson energy surrounded him before gathering to his weapon, this time taking the form of a mallet.

"I'll crush you!" He snarled as he leapt in the air and pounded the throne further into the magma.

Halfway-sunken into the magma he used its remains to leap back on to the platform, narrowly avoiding where magma had splashed. He placed his weapon on his back and picked up the broken spoke. His eyes darted to Amata in flight and he weighed the weapon in his hand before he armed it. He glimpsed her sudden descent and moments after it began he hurled the spoke and caught the worm on it, dragging the creature in its flight and pinning it to the wall.

He caught the Governor of Fire and held her so that she would remain still.

"Collector's Bounty," he muttered.

The Abellan's shadow arose from the ground like a specter that loomed over the two. Eyes and a mouth took form upon it as the figure seemingly spiked temporarily and cackled hautily. It pored over her body and upon doing so the acidic saliva was removed. Following the event, it returned to the ground and became his shadow once more.

"It's alright now, I've removed the spit. As I am, I can't heal the wound, so this'll have to suffice. Have you calmed down?"

She opened her eyes half-way and nodded glumly.

"Yeah. I'm sorry you had to see me in such a sorry state," she answered.

"Don't worry about it. I think I was able to piece together why you acted the way you did there. I would've too, except it would've ended on a much worse note." He smiled amicably.

"I do have a plan to finish this battle though. The worm doesn't stay out for long, as you've seen. Seems they only attack once they've got one of us covered in saliva. So instead of waiting for it to strike, we smoke it out.

TJ let her go and she placed a fist into an open-palm.

"I get it! All the tunnels are connected so if we can hit 'em all, we can take it out, right?"

He nodded.

"Leave it to me!"

Amata moved to the middle of the room and with a wave of her hand, summoned a series of tiny fireballs over each hole. The moment she slammed her staff down they flitted inside of them and at her command, exploded all at once. The cry of the worm drew their attention to a hole in front of Amata as in a puff of fire it was launched from the tunnels and into the air.

"You're mine now!"

With a wide swing from her staff she bashed the creature into the wall. It collided with it and fell into the magma with a final dying cry before it curled up and sunk solemnly.

She let out an exhausted groan as she sat down while his eyes returned to their natural brown.

"Man that was brutal. As if the corrosive spit wasn't enough, having that thing gnawing away at my wing was a nightmare."

"Take a load off. I'll patch you up." TJ said with a grin as he drew his guitar.

As TJ gently strummed his guitar Amata let out a sigh of relief.

"Thanks for this, TJ. This turned out tougher than I'd have expected. Having a healer nearby though, is a must. I really should listen to Nia more often," the Governor of Fire chuckled dryly.

"Listening to your guild master is always a good idea," he added knowingly.

"If my guild master was the princess too, I'd be hard-pressed to tell her she's wrong."

She pursed her lips.

"But this and that are two different things! Regular Agasuras aren't usually this tricky. Save the effects of the dominion…they've become rather clever of late.

"Though after fighting all these spirits going back to Agasura would be a really huge change."

"I bet it won't take long to get used to it."

"Yeah, probably!" She laughed as she leaned back.

TJ's song came to an end and he placed his guitar on his back.

"How are you feeling? Do you wanna take some more time to rest?"

She shook her head as she got to her feet and stretched.

"No way. You've done plenty for me already. That aside, I imagine the heat in here must be unbearable for you. I wanna get to Rayinth as quickly as possible so I can get you out of here in one piece."

He grinned at her words.

"Thanks for looking out for me."

She knit her brows as she looked over her shoulder.

"I-isn't it obvious? I did bring you here, so the least I could do is make sure to get you back home safely.

"By the way, I'm only sensing spirits nearby in the next room. Past that, I can't really sense anymore so…either we're getting close to Rayinth or the next few rooms are traps galore."

"Is…is this one of those good news/bad news scenarios? 'Cause the bad news is really bad news. But the good news is also kinda bad news? Knowing that we're so close makes me a little nervous."

She laughed heartily at his words.

"You talk like you're scared but knowing you, you'll still fight him head on!"

There was no denying TJ was scared. To fight a God's Governor head-on, especially the first of his lineage would be an overstatement. His conviction was there but not in this moment. When it came down to it, perhaps it would find its way to him again.

He could not forget however, that though his main priority was seeing Amata through her trial, he came to discover things about himself. From Amata, he learned much and more about the Seven Saints and Asgard's history. From Alvaro he had learned some things about himself in the near past. The chance to meet with a being who lived that age, who knew of God Ah's family and by extension, him, was right around the corner. There may be answers he would get in talking to him but some may be only given upon defeating him.

"You look awfully tense. Are you mentally preparing yourself?"

She asked and the tension in him and his expression faded almost instantly.

"Ah! There's the goofy expression I know and love! Relax! We'll be fine, guaranteed."

She flicked his forehead lightly.

"D-don't let what happened in this battle fool you! I'm tough right to my very core, you know!"

He rubbed the spot she flicked and smiled slightly.

"I've not a doubt in my mind.

"So, shall we go on?"

"You bet! Follow my lead!"

With Amata leading the charge the two made their way into the next room and found themselves at a standstill. Where they stood was stone hewn into a fine shape and a great length away from them was another such landing with the exit. Between there and where they stood however, was a lengthy pool of magma and nothing but.

"What the—it's huge," TJ cried out in disbelief.

"Okay…wow. In truth I'm surprised they didn't try this sooner. Simple, but effective." Amata muttered as she crossed her arms. "I…uhh…can't get you across this. If I was my dad I might be able to carry you, but no way I could manage this distance. Sorry."

TJ scratched his cheek gently.

"No, that's okay. I wouldn't expect you to carry me across. If I could summon Velvet may…no that won't work either.

"Didn't you say there were spirits in here though, Amata?"

"T-there are! I can still sense them! I just don't know where."

"You think it's another trap?"

"Not like the last one but maybe?

"Still, our main concern is how we're gonna get you across this. It's way too long to jump and there's nothing I can tie a rope to for you to cross."

"A rope?! Just warning you now, there's no way I can walk across a rope! My balance isn't that good!"

Amata could not hide her laughter.

"Well our choices are pretty limited, after all. I could use an explosion spell on you if you like."

He made an 'x' with his arms and she laughed again.

"Jokes aside, it is magma we're working with, so if we can make it harden we can walk across it. You're pretty good with water aren't you? Why not use that Elemental Dominion spell you used earlier but a water version?"

He knit his brows as he mulled over the possibility of it.

"I dunno if that exists. Or how it'd work, really."

He imagined it and saw the entire room being filled with water. At the thought, he realized that he could not swim, let alone breathe underwater. Diving into the sphere he created during the Gourmet's Valley was risky as is. If the spell was as he imagined, that would be too much to attempt.

"That might be a bad idea. I can't swim."

"There'd be that much water? Definitely a bad idea. Still, I don't think we need enough to fill the room. Just enough to create a bridge across, I'd say. Kinda like that last room. Think you can do that?"

"I think so. Let's give it a shot."

He pressed his hands together and as he pulled them apart a sphere of water took form, ever growing in size. Rather than going for sheer volume alone, his intent was to create and maintain it to release a steady amount. Upon reaching a decent size he took a step back and outstretched his hands before the sphere began to gurgle. Following the evnt it released a steady torrent of water that shot towards the magma. Upon the two liquids meeting steam surged upwards as the crimson liquid began to turn dark shades of brown and harden.

"Hey, it's working! Keep going TJ!" Amata said with clenched fists.

He pushed the stream to unleash a greater force and cover more distance, creating a strip of land wide enough for both of them to walk from one side nearly three-quarters to the other. It was then that the spirits Amata had mentioned prior came into the vision. Two mounds of magma began to arise suddenly, one of the two directly caught in TJ's stream while the other emerged beside it.

"Magma Golems! S-spray it TJ! Spray it down and make sure it stays down!"

"I-I'm doing it!" The Abellan cried frantically as he increased the output of mana and increased the force at which he fired water from his sphere.

The spirit let out a garbled cry as the stream of steam came to an eventual halt. Much to their dismay the other spirit continued its steady approach. Though it was difficult to make out the shape with magma dripping from its body, what seemed to approach was a humanoid shape.

A golem of sorts?

The second that accompanied it was easier to see due to it's body being put out and becoming nothing more than stone, frozen in place by the hardened magma that made it up and that which kept it pinned from the front.

"Looks like you've got one of them! I think we can take it out while it's stuck there. Can you keep the other one busy while I do?" Amata asked as she spread her wings.

"Umm…no?"

"There you go again." She laughed as she gave him a rough pat on the back. "I'll be right back, so just do what you do best!"

At those words she took off and the Abellan found himself with the golem still approaching. He dissipated the spell as it climbed on to the stone before him and he drew his guitar. Once again, he found himself in quite the predicament and had not the foggiest how to get himself out of it.

"I feel it's only fair I warn you, if you hit that thing with your guitar, it'll melt." Su said with a light snicker.

"Yeah, that sounds about right. Got any good suggestions?"

"Blast it with water?"

It climbed on to the platform and lumbered towards him, giving him two very small openings to escape it.

"I figured that much but there's not enough time to prepare another spell! Not only that, I have to keep it trained on it and it's huge!"

When in the magma it did not reach its full height, proving how deep it was. Most of its torso was within it, thus when out of the liquid it towered over the Abellan but still left a fair height between it and the roof. However, to attempt to jump over it would be too high a hurdle for him to overcome—a hurdle that would likely result in him losing one or both feet in the process.

"You're hopeless without me aren't you? Fine, I'll guide you.

"First things first. Watch its movement. Pretty slow isn't it? Judging by the way it walks, it likely attacks just as slowly. If you try and run now, it's gonna catch you with your pants down. Instead, let it make the first move and evade."

TJ looked down at his gem in absolute horror.

"You do realize if that thing hits me, I'll die right? No ifs, ands or buts about it. It'll melt me."

"Got a better idea?!"

"Not a one." He chuckled sheepishly with a wry smile.

"Then you follow my tactics. Now wait for that meathead to get over here and I'll tell you when."

TJ held his guitar close to his chest as he watched the golem stagger ever closer. He pressed himself against the closed door as his eyes remained trained on his approaching adversary. With every step it took it would leave a melting puddle in its wake while his breathing would grow ever more brisk.

When it came close enough it raised both arms and let out a garbled cry before pointing them at him.

"Crouch, now!"

At her call TJ immediately dropped to the floor. Much to his surprise, the golem's arms extended and collided with the door, remaining there for the period he used to dash aside. He narrowly avoided the magma running down the door and made a desperate dash past the golem. Given the opportunity, he decided it would be best if he regrouped with Amata.

He leapt from the landing onto the hardened magma he created and nearly stumbled as the rock seemed to shift and break apart under his weight. The longer he stood on it the further it would sink and in a desperate bid to prevent that he cautiously, but hurriedly made his way closer to the Governor of Fire before coming to a sudden halt. He glimpsed her flying towards him and at the sight she looked rather surprised.

"TJ! How are things on your…wah…looks like he's not through with you yet." She said as she came to a halt near him.

"By the way, you might wanna cover your ears." She turned around and held out a hand. "Gambit!"

The golem she was in combat with merely moments ago had proven to be covered in the signs of Amata's spell and at her words each marking began to emit a bright glow. In a matter of seconds they exploded in succession and rocks were flung across the room in every direction. Some landed in the magma and caused the Abellan to frantically hop around in a desperate bid to avoid getting splashed.

"Truth be told, I don't think my spells will be very effective against them alone. Fire wouldn't do much but heat 'em up more." She chuckled sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her neck. "So long as you can cool them off I can take them out."

"I need time to do that," TJ answered uneasily. "Su taught me the basics of manipulating water and its temperature, and creating it is something I just sorta…knew. Making spells of it is still beyond me. But you already know that.

"The main issue here is that it takes a long time to prepare the most basic of water attacks."

TJ had a very vague understanding of the use of water spells thanks to Su, and it seemed to some degree, her teaching jogged his memory. However, what bothered him was that he felt he knew more and could understand it on a deeper level, yet could not recall that knowledge. Hence, the possibility of him having some skill in using water itself was there, but until he gathered more of his memories it would likely remain unbeknownst to him.

If it was like creating ice or earth spells, it would be as simple as using his mana to shape it. He could not shake the feeling that despite having that understanding of magic, he could not skillfully shape the spell. When doing so to freeze it, it came naturally and could maintain the form. Could he not just skip the final step? Or was now too dangerous a time to attempt it?

The current scenario required him to prepare the spell without breaking concentration. Standing still too long would mean that he would eventually sink into the magma. That, and the magma golem had already begun its pursuit of them. He did not have many options.

"I can stall for you. I mean, I won't be able to damage this thing for the life of me, but I could probably get its attention.

"Prepare a big one, alright? If we're gonna kill it, we're probably gonna have to blow up most of it. Torso and up, I'd say, and that should keep it from regenerating like its buddy over there."

They could regenerate?! He could not help but wish that she had mentioned that sooner, but the fact that she knew, let alone recognized the spirit was impressive. He would have to ask where she gleaned her knowledge.

She pointed her thumb in the direction of where the previous golem had been and it seemed that it and most of the bridge TJ had created were destroyed.

"Ah…I uhh…oops?" She smiled guiltily.

"This is bad, you know." TJ said matter-of-factly.

"I-I know! I'll figure something out, don't worry!"

He was worrying. He would not admit to it, but he could not avoid it.

"Hey," Su said.

Su's voice snapped him from his worrying and drew his attention to the gem. He decided it prudent to get as far away from the golem as he could to prevent it from reaching him. As he did so a fireball flew through the air like a mortar and burst into a halo of flames upon narrowly missing the Abellan.

"That thing breathes fire too?!"

He glimpsed it crossing the bridge he created and returning the stone to magma in the process. As it approached, what seemed to be a mouth steadily closed. At the same time, Amata flew over to it and openly mocked it to draw its attention.

"Forget about that! I mean, don't get hit with it, but listen, 'cause this is important!"

"Alright, alright, you've got my attention."

"If you're gonna fight this thing, try to hold back on the Contemptuous Arts. You've overdone it today. If you keep using it you're gonna hit your limit and then you're gonna start borrowing power from that shitbag Adonis. Let's not."

Borrowing power…from Adonis?

TJ furrowed his brows as the thought sunk in for a couple of moments.

It seemed that Adonis was, more than he would have liked, his connection to the Agasura. To some extent he had Agasuric mana of his own but their connection allowed him to go beyond his own limits. He could recall the first time he had heard Adonis' voice—that ghastly hand that reached out to him and offered him power beyond what he could muster. The same hand that would choke the life from him if given the opportunity.

"Y-you're right."

"We're still good for a while, but if you're cutting it close I'll give you shit. Save it for the next fight, 'cause chances are that Rayinth bastard is gonna knock your fuckin' lights out. If you become the Molly or use your Arcane powers, you won't last too long against him in a battle of endurance.

"But that's beside the point. What you need to know is that we can't get Agasuric mana in here. The good thing about Humans though, is the mana they use is interchangeable. You can use Divine mana for the Arcane Arts without any side effects, and there's no shortage of it in here. Use the Neutrality Frequency to cut down your casting time and up the output. Make enough space to move and then help the bitch put that fucker down."

"That sounds like a solid plan."

"Of course it is! I made it! Now get on it!"

"Frequency!" TJ pounded his fists together and his eyes flickered to jade green.

With a wave of his hand he created a stream of water.

"Caster's Workshop!"

At those words the stream froze into the shape of a bow that he took hold of.

With a second wave he created a series of slivers of water before he placed a hand to his lips.

"Frozen Caress." He said as he blew an icy kiss and froze them all in succession.

As he nocked the first the other several followed and waited for him to fire them. He fired the first into the magma and continued to do so for the others leaving a series of stone patches in their wake. With that completed he jumped from where he stood to one of the newly created spots.

He turned his eyes to Amata who flitted around the golem firing down upon it with Flashfire. As she did so it took a couple swings at her splashing magma around in the wake of the attacks. After a few vain attempts it folded its arms into its body before it began to rumble violently. Before TJ could shout to her she shot in his direction. After a couple of moments the golem seemed to burst, flinging magma all around it. However, unlike the straw men it retained its form, while the attack proved deadly to a lesser degree.

"How's that spell coming along TJ?" She asked with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

It seemed even with flight on her side, she still had a lot to fear. Useful, but not almighty. He felt a bit better about his inability.

"Incoming!" TJ shouted as he glimpsed another fireball being launched at them.

He drew a ring with his finger and an icy shield took form in the air to block the attack. Amata held her hand out moments before the two collided and let out a sigh of relief.

"Thanks for that. Ready to do your thing?"

"Yep! Cover me just a little longer!"

"I'm on it."

Amata reached into her pocket and drew a spare dagger.

"Two can play that game, dick! Sacrificial Arm!"

She hurled the weapon and the moment it entered the golem's chest it exploded, creating a cavity in the chest that was soon covered up. Amata used the chance to close the gap and blast it two more times with her Ember spell.

"Alright, my time to shine."

He took a deep breath as he threw his bow to the magma and drew his guitar. He closed his eyes and began to strum the strings, time and again to create a growing sphere of water above him.

Amata flew behind the golem as it fired a wave of magma directly before it and into the remnants of the stone bridge. As she landed behind it and razzed it, it reached behind it while looking over its shoulder to fire another wave. She flew above it and laughed, causing it to look up to open its maw and unleash a fireball. It dispersed against the stone as she flew in front of it once more. It let out a low groan before retracting its arm and taking a couple steps forward. The Governor of Fire flew out of its path as much to her dismay, she realized it was ignoring her.

"Looks like the bastard has me figured out…" she muttered under her breath. "All I can do now is keep it back."

She touched down on one part of the bridge and twirled her staff over her head.

"Illusion Fire!"

The moment the weapon touched down the stone split and an ongoing tower of flames arose before it. The spell staggered the golem for a couple of moments but did not deter it for long. She placed her staff on her back and held her right hand to her left wrist once more.

"Ember!"

The sheer force of the spell staggered it once more, the second blast less so, but it continued on nonetheless. It opened it's maw once more and a fireball began to take form. Moments before it launched Amata took to the skies to meet its trajectory.

"Oh no you don't! Flame Eater!"

She held out a hand and seconds after the spell took flight it met her appendage and came to a screeching halt before being drained away into nothing.

"Amata, I'm ready," TJ's voice soon rang out.

"Are you? Good! Hit i—n-never mind, I'm coming over there!"

Amata zipped over to his location and touched down behind him and the massive sphere of water he created.

"You know, seeing this is pretty nostalgic."

"Makes me realize I haven't improved much." TJ said with a gentle laugh.

She shook her head as she grinned.

"I'm glad you did this. It gave me a good idea.

"More importantly, less talking, more splashing!"

"Right, here goes!"

He outstretched his right hand and the sphere almost seemed to leap through the air towards the golem. Upon crashing down directly upon it, water spread across the entire field and caused steam to rise all over, coating the battlefield in a dense, hot air. The golem, alike to its counterpart was already steeped in the magma and in the process found itself trapped upon the top layer becoming stone.

"I'll blow this bastard up in one go!

"Inner Flame!"

Amata held a hand out as a fire was lit in her eyes. The moment she clenched her first an aura like embers surrounded her and dispersed shortly after. She drew her staff and armed it as if she was going to lunge forward and much to TJ's surprise, she did just that.

From where the two stood she soared towards the golem and plunged the base of her staff into it.

"Hollow Pulse!"

Following her words a bright crimson glow emanated from the hole she created three times in succession before she ripped the weapon out. Following the event there was a single, final pulse before the golem itself seemed to detonate, leaving a smoking crafter where it once was.

"That's it!" Amata said as she dusted her hands off.

"Made it." TJ said with a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Su."

"Yeah yeah, whatever," so she said, but to him she sounded rather happy.

"Let's shake a leg before all this stuff turns back to liquid, TJ!" Amata said as she ran over to him.

"Right behind you!"

At that the two hurried over to the other side and stopped at the next door. At Amata's touch the door opened and the two nodded to each before pressing onward.

The duo made their way into the next room with much less caution and found themselves to be in what seemed to be a library of sorts. It was a round room, the walls of it lined with stone bookcases, each with several shelves. The two looked on in awe at the sheer amount of scrolls that made up the Vestibule's collection.

"No way!" Amata said excitedly as she hurried over to one of the bookcases. "Can you believe this TJ?! This stuff must be ancient! What do you think is in them? Records of battles?! Tales of heroes?!"

She removed the thin crimson ribbon that tied it shut and unfurled the scroll, releasing a cloud of dust in the process. After coughing violently for nearly fifteen seconds the dust parted and the Governor of Fire exhaled.

"This entire place seems to have collected quite a bit of dust over all these years." TJ said as he approached, following the storm.

"Should've came sooner!" The Governor of Fire coughed one last time. "So you could get blasted by this thing with me!"

He grinned as he laughed.

"Better luck next time!

"So, what's it say?"

Amata looked at it, squinted, hiked her eyebrows and finally shook her head.

"Can't read a lick of it."

"Really?"

That single word made her pout.

"Who do you think I am?! Reina? You're the Abellan, aren't you? You read it!"

She thrusted it at him and in doing so, it seemed to crumble due to the force.

The sudden action staggered TJ, but what surprised him was the Amata seemed to imply that Reina knew how to read an ancient language. He would have to ask her more about that the next time he saw her. Whenever that would be.

"Man, you're really tearing this place up," Su snickered.

"Sh-shut up! It was an accident! The things in here are just old and crumbling."

TJ looked over the scroll but knew full well that he too, could not read any of it. Despite this fact, he recognized the text and the characters that lined the paper. They seemed to be in the same language as that which was in Memorius Sanctum. If Peorth was here, would it be possible that she could translate them? He could not help but wonder if that if she was to read them, he might be able to glimpse a memory of the past.

He laughed under his breath to set the thought aside.

"I'm as lost as you are with this, Amata," he said.

"Well that sucks. Guess we'll need to bring these to the others sometime. But there's too many to carry out and I'd rather not break any more of them. I just hope we can come back." She knit her brows, genuinely disappointed at the end result.

"I'd bet there's a way around it. Maybe we could ask Rayinth after this is all over."

She smiled upon hearing that.

"Ever the voice of optimism, aren't you? I don't think I'll grow tired of that anytime soon.

"With that thought in mind, let's keep going! If there's a safe place like this holding information, we've gotta be getting close!"

Amata had gone on ahead and opened the next door, opening the way to what seemed to be another tunnel. Unlike the corridor that lead to the mural room housing Ophanim, this one was merely carved in stone. It was a stark change from much of what they had seen, save for the entrance and some of the rooms but it made them curious nonetheless.

As they walked, TJ decided to ask what was on his mind a short time ago.

"Say, Amata, how did you learn all that info about the spirits in here? You really knew your stuff." He said with an amicable grin.

She looked at him through her peripherals, flushed cheeks and eyebrows hiked.

"Y-you think so? I just studied some old texts. Some of them featured the spirits that the God's Governors and their acolytes could create, and how. It wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but translated texts were often far and few between when I was growing up. Never thought that knowledge would come in handy!"

"Translated…from what?"

She shrugged.

"Ancient Cerebian, probably. There's this wack job that goes around collecting old texts and translating them. Then there's this guild called Historia I think? They somehow get their hands on that stuff and release it in collections. I met some of them at one of the summits Nia made me attend, but I didn't meet their leader. Apparently nobody knows who he is! Can you believe the nerve of that guy? Honestly!

"But yeah…it's thanks to those guys that I know as much as I do. When the nomadic Cerebians would arrive in Mezzalone there'd always be a group bringing new books in, some from the Human cities and some of those translated works I love."

Was that 'wack job' Amata mentioned and Historia's guild master the same person? If so, one would expect that the guild would, sooner or later, introduce their guild master. Was it possible that he had some reason for keeping his indentity a secret? It also raised the possibility that he was a she.

TJ felt a hint of excitement at the prospect and at solving the mystery.

After a couple of moments, he realized the situation was not dissimilar to Peorth's case. Did that make her a wack job too?

The two came across a small clearing. Far below them, there was a pool of lava. The light from it crawled up the wall and gave the area a crimson glow. In spite of the pit, there was another simple rope bridge allowing for the two to traverse the hole without any undue effort.

Much to TJ's peace of mind, there were no straw men in the area that threatened them.

"You know, in some of them they mentioned a lot of things that we don't have anymore. Different breeds of Agasura and animals I'd never heard of, save for those. Maybe they evolved over the years or just went extinct or something but…it really puts our world into perspective."

"Like horses!" TJ said with a sudden realization.

"Wha?" She gave him a dubious look.

"You know that thing that Valkyrie Leigha was riding? That!"

Amata grinned.

"I guess you're pretty well informed yourself. Though…I didn't know that, actually. I can't help but feel that there's so much more to discover."

Discovery was exactly what awaited them. The two found themselves at a short stairwell, and as they proceeded to the bottom step by step, they came across a single crimson door emblazoned with the herald of flames, the door accompanied by two tall pillars.

"This…must be it. This must be the door to the sanctum!" Amata said as she reached out and touched the door.

As if it woke from a long slumber, light traced all the crevices in the door and upon filling all of them, the door burned away in a series of flames, revealing the sanctum.

The Vestibule's sanctum had a muted red tint to the stone. As they took a couple of steps inside TJ noted the statues that lined the walls. Each a man or a woman, bearing a variety of weapons and differing appearances. He had a suspicion at who they could have been, yet it raised the question, who built them?

"Are these…?" He asked solemnly as he glimpsed a couple more further in.

"You noticed huh?" Amata asked as she grinned back at him. "All of these old guys and gals… these are my ancestors."

It was as he had suspected. Though to glimpse upon the governors of ages past was still rather intimidating. It was even harder to imagine that they were all people who lived between the current period and that of Rayinth's. The last link in the chain walked side-by-side with him now. Judging by the look on her face, there were none who held such a fascination for them as she.

The two found themselves in the deeper section of the sanctum where three pedestals were laid out forming a triad.

The pedestal to their left was a sword still in its scabbard. Amata took the weapon in hand and unsheathed the blade. The two glimpsed upon the magnificent weapon, the blade in almost perfect condition despite centuries of being within the sanctum. A series of small rubies lined the hilt with a single large piece placed within the pommel.

"This is nice. I don't recognize it, but I feel stronger just wielding it." Amata said before she placed it back in the scabbard. "Better not to mess around with these things though. Unless…"

She looked to TJ with a curious gaze.

"Hm? What?" He asked.

"Maybe you should take it. I mean, they put it here for a reason, right? They wanted someone to find it. Better you than some grave robbers.

I've heard of too many cases where tombs were pillaged before we found them. I'd rather not see my ancestors' artifacts fall into the wrong hands."

"M-me? I don't think I can wield that, though."

It would not be the first time he attempted to wield a sword. Demon's Armoury was an exception to this fact, but there was no way he would attempt to wield a real sword again.

"Though…I might be able to hold on to it. I could probably keep it in Memorius Sanctum with the other artifacts."

Just as Peorth had tied Pandora's Box to him, could he not tie Memorius Sanctum and the sword before him together? He did not know the requirements for the ritual but perhaps he would remember upon attempting it? Or succeed by sheer luck—either or would be ideal.

"To me, Memorius Sanctum!"

As he outstretched a hand and spoke those words, the gilded tome took form before him and opened before flicking through the pages. It gained a bright glow, one that was unfamiliar to the Abellan. Both pages shone brilliantly, almost seeming to invite him to make an addition to its collection.

"Here goes nothing…"

He took the hilt of the sword in both hands and plunged it into the book. The moment the scabbard touched the pages the weapon's descent came to a sudden halt before proceeding slowly, right from the tip of the blade to the edge of the hilt. The light from the pages faded and in place of it was a new passage to the book. An illustration of the sword and text to accompany it were now featured.

"That…that works," Amata said in disbelief. "You never cease to amaze, you know that?"

"Honestly," he laughed, "everything I know I learned from what the Chief did. This, though…I can't help but think Memorius Sanctum sensed my intentions. I mean, whenever I summon it, it always knows exactly what I intend to do."

From the times he intended to transform, to summoning Garfitua's Hourglass in order to meet with Freya and now for adding relics. It truly was an incredible tome, and an artifact that befit the queen and proxy to Lady Amae.

"Do you wanna do that for the others too? This cloak probably won't be of much use to you, but maybe this ring can be?"

She held two items in hand—the first being a cloak somewhat similar in design to his own, but unlike his, it contained fibers that were a much deeper shade of scarlet and was emblazoned with the herald of flames. The other item seemed to be a rather ornate silver ring with a ruby embedded in it. It was not solid all the way through—it seemed to have a pattern to it, one that formed a sort of zig-zag shape, in TJ's opinion.

"You don't think it'll be bound to me if I put it on first, do you?" He asked as he knit his eyebrows.

"Dunno. I'm no relic expert. You're gonna have to be the one to teach me about that." Amata answered with a laugh.

"Better to be safe than sorry."

He recorded the cloak and ring in the tome and withdrew the ring.

He could not help but notice that the fibers in the cloak were much coarser than that of which he currently wore. Perhaps that saying, 'to each his own' applied? In this case, it might be more fitting to say, 'to each dragon his own'.

He chuckled gently at what he believed to be a clever joke, to Amata's confusion.

Following that, he dismissed the tome and it disappeared in a series of beads of light.

TJ placed the ring on one finger after the next until he could find one where it fit.

Much to his dismay, it seemed it was made for an adult. Or someone with bigger fingers that was clearly not him.

As he took a closer glance, he glimpsed what seemed to be a small fire within the ruby. It formed a ball before circling around the entirety of the accessory, then came to a rest and performed the action once more.

"What a weird set of items. You'd think that they'd put the cloak at the entrance of the dungeon. You'd have gotten fried before you made it here."

"It's really handy that your mom knew how to sew one, then. I guess you might not have needed one, but it did prove to be helpful. It'd be useful even now, especially for fighting Rayinth. I've little doubt that he'll use a lot of fire attacks."

"True."

She closed her eyes thoughtfully for a moment.

"I guess they were doing something to prepare my partner for the upcoming fight. I might not be giving these old guys enough credit."

"Well, I'm ready as I'll ever be. But I mean…where do we go from here? It's a dead end, isn't it?"

"Hm? Oh that? It's a fake out."

Amata made her way over to the far wall and stopped at it. To TJ's eyes, it was indeed a dead end. There was a wall with a stone dragon forged into it, it's imposing eyes solemnly looked at them from the time they entered to now. After seeing its visage on multiple occasions, he quickly recognized the creature to indeed be Grislan.

The Abellan could not help but wonder if the dragon would take form to protect its master as Lady Hug did Pandora.

Amata ran her hand over the muzzle of the dragon before she closed her eyes. When she opened them, her hair burst into flames and a severe outward pressure nearly knocked TJ off of his feet. Following that, the stone Grislan's eyes lit up a powerful crimson before the herald of flames appeared between it and Amata's hand. Moments later, a long slit formed right down the center and creaked open, revealing the inner sanctum to Rayinth's Vestibule.

"I'd only read stories about it but…it really is here. The fact that I was able to get in must mean that Grislan deemed me worthy." Amata said as she lowered her hand.

Her expression was hard, pensive and her tone conveyed this fact without fail. Yet, all the while there was a sense of awe to it all…of masked disbelief and burgeoning conviction.

Her hair died down and she took a couple steps inside, closely followed by TJ.

The two found themselves in a wide room with a high roof. In the center of it was a small pool of water. Along the walls were several pillars accompanied by a set of six braziers that lit themselves in succession upon the Governor of Fire entering the area. At the far side of the room was a massive statue of who TJ suspected, was the original Governor of Fire Rayinth in all his glory. His looming figure seemed to be the last judge of his descendant's character and her worthiness to succeed him.

"This is the place. Being here after all these years feels so…surreal!" Amata said with a hint of excitement.

"Is there another hidden door here?" TJ asked.

"Nope. This is it. This is where Rayinth is waiting for us."

"He's here?! Is that him?! He's huge!"

"What? No!" She laughed as she gestured for him to calm down.

"To summon him I have to perform a ritual. A really…embarrassing…ritual. You can't look though, okay? You definitely can't look! So cover your eyes!"

"A-alright."

He did as she requested.

"Close them too! A-and turn around!"

Was this part of the ritual? He had never been in one that required him to do something like this before. He would keep it in mind for next time.

"Cover your ears too!"

"Wait, I only have two hands!"

"'S fine then…"

He could not help but think that over the period of time this ritual had started, Amata's voice began to sound more and more subdued. It was a little unlike her. Though it did happen on occasion, this did not seem warranted like the others. However, he did not want to press her for his curiosity, nor ruin the ritual.

At that, he heard the sound of what he suspected to be clothes rustling. Did she have to take some things off because they would get in the way? He felt more and more unsure as the sound continued, accompanied by Amata's grunts of effort and muttered complaints about perverted old men.

Finally it came to an end and the sound of bare feet quietly rang out across the stone. They came to an abrupt and sudden halt as the Governor of Fire sighed.

"I can't believe this," Amata muttered.

The sound of something touching the water in the basin brought TJ's senses to the fore and nearly made him jump as Amata shrieked.

"You'd think with how deep in Midgard we are the water would at least be lukewarm! Geez!"

"Y-you alright?" TJ asked nervously.

"I'm f-fine. You're not looking right?"

He could feel her gaze trained on his back.

"You're…you're pretty pure, aren't you?"

"I dunno what that means, to be honest."

"That's fine. Just…keep doing that.

"Moving on…"

The sound of water being splashed accompanied by Amata shuddering was what TJ had heard next. The more he heard, the more baffled he became by this ritual, but he would not break the rules of them.

"Okay, now just for the prayer."

Amata took a deep breath and took some time to exhale, seemingly steeling her resolve.

"I stand before you now as the bearer of the torch. Nurturing this tiny fire in my bosom into the raging inferno that is my spirit, my conviction, my reason! Look upon me now, not as a child born of the flames but a battle-bred warrior forged by them!

"Let the past, present and future be mended by these hands! We shall see the prophecies fulfilled and be the keys that will open a path so that the rightful king may claim his throne. I, Amata Seitz shall ascend to bring about the unity of the five Governors in this time, to strike down evil in all its forms! Hearken to me, brave hero of eld and grace me with your presence and the right to your glory through this divine challenge! Here and now, I shall prove myself worthy!"

In a matter of moments the flames that crackled to life within the braziers burst into massive conflagarations that threatened to engulf the entire room. In a panic TJ opened his eyes and had half a mind to shout Amata's name in a desperate bid to protect her from what was to come, but despite being surrounded by the flames he felt nothing. In all of the flames however, he could not see a thing. The crimson blossom that paraded around him was nigh blinding and in a desperate attempt to protect his eyes he covered them with his sleeve.

When the effect came to an end he found himself in what seemed to be an arena of sorts. The walls were pristine and stone, a gentle tan lined with weapons and markings in the ancient Cerebian language. The floor was marked with the herald of flames. In the heart of it stood Amata, clad in a crimson cape and before her stood God's Governor of Fire Rayinth, likely closer to the end of his life.

"Hm? What's this?" Amata asked as she brushed the cape aside to get a closer look at the outfit.

It featured a crimson sleeveless tunic with a gold embroidery, a knee-length pleated skirt, brown gladiator sandals and gold bangles on her wrists. It had a long cape lined with fur around the neckline and the herald of flames emblazoned upon the back. It even came with a golden hair clip in the shape of a dragon's head.

"Must be ritual garb. It's nice. I'm not that big on skirts, though…"

She turned her focus to Rayinth as she was joined by TJ.

"It's…a pleasure to finally meet you, honored ancestor," Amata said.

There was a fire in her eyes. It seemed that the ritual that she spoke was not just something she said in order to begin her trial, but something she felt and believed with all of her being. The conviction she showed up to this point and now, face-to-face with Rayinth was the proof that she was ready and did not fear what was to come.

Rayinth was a withered man, his beard and hair now snow white. The wrinkles on his bronzed skin, face, hands and perhaps in other places beyond their vision were proof of the time he had spent on Midgard, time he spent until there likely was none left. He wore a simple black robe with long sleeves. Upon his head was a wreath of cyclamen.

He opened his mouth to speak and upon doing so, spoke in tongues neither could understand.

"F-forgive me…I don't…speak the ancient Cerebian language." Amata muttered under her breath, her expression showing her resignation.

Rayinth hiked a brow at her words. Following the event, he pointed to TJ and gestured for him to come over. At the action, TJ sent a baffled gaze to Amata who, despite her confusion, only nodded a single time.

He could not fathom what Rayinth wanted from him, but if it could help Amata he had no reason to refuse.

Rayinth reached out to his chest and with two fingers, gently tapped the location of the Heart of Yggdrasil. At his touch, the gem reacted and began to emanate as if the Abellan himself had activated the Frequency. TJ blinked in disbelief before he turned his gaze to the Governor of Fire before him.

"How did you…?"

Before he could finish his question Rayinth placed the same two fingers to his forehead.

Suddenly TJ felt the strength leaving his body as the memories of his adventure flooded back to him. From his time in Rayinth's Vestibule back to the time he awoke in Belos. Even the events that preceeded it all flooded back to him with an excruciating pain. He saw brief flashes of events he could not recall: his endeavours with Choen Palm and adventures with Iris, his brief journeys to the castle and the few but precious times spent with Peorth. Eventually going even further back to the time of God Ah's family, soon ending with a single glimpse of Amae's smiling face…and finally, the sound of her song.

When the moments had passed TJ broke away from Rayinth desperately gasping. He gripped his right eye as he gazed, terrified, through his left. The God's Governor's touch had done something to him—it felt like something was pulling his eye right out of its socket and yet the sound of the song had eased the pain somewhat.

"What…did you do to me?" TJ uttered as he struggled to stay on his feet.

"T-TJ! Are you alright?! "

Amata hurried over and placed one of his arms over her shoulder before she looked shocked once more.

"Y-your eye…what happened to it?"

Her shock quickly became fury and she directed it at the Governor before her.

"What have you done to him?!"

Once again, it had taken up the golden appearance. Something that happened very rarely, but a sign that seemed to reek of ill omens.

"So it seems…" Rayinth began, speaking in the common modern language, "…that you have developed in a variety of unexpected ways."

Both challengers looked on him in disbelief.

"'Me'…hmm? Never had I dreamed that I would see the day where you had developed an identity of your own…become more Human, in a sense. I cannot help but wonder if it was Her Grace's design, or nothing more than a by-product of their binding.

"But I digress. Tell me, Child, was that young girl in your memories Leigha? Has she reincarnated?"

"Leigha…?" TJ asked, searching his memories of one such person.

Had Rayinth thought Peorth to be her? There were similarities, and it certainly was not the first occurrence, but she and Peorth were and always would be two separate people.

"She isn't Leigha…that's the Chief. My guild master." He said through his breaths.

"Is that so? A shame, truly. A foolish hope that she lived to the day, one also that she had reincarnated into her descendant. Alas, she still awaits us on the other side."

The pain yet lingered, his vision was still lost to him, but he believed it would return in time. He could see a correlation between what Rayinth had done to him and what he had gained in so doing and yet…he could not shake the feeling that was all.

"But if you know that I lacked an identity in the past…is it true you know who I am?"

This brought a smile to the old Governor's face.

"Indeed. You are a product of our time. As such, we know of you, of your origins and your purpose. Now but once more, I shall have you serve it."

TJ let out an agonizing scream as he collapsed to his knees. The Heart of Yggdrasil seemed to respond when Rayinth held out his hand, energy pulsing from it and swirling around the battlefield.

"M-my eye…I can't…" TJ uttered.

When he blinked and opened it again, there was nothing in its place save for an empty socket. Amata was absolutely mortified at the sight and could hardly utter a word as she turned her eyes back to Rayinth, who held his hand skyward. Towering above them was a massive golden magic circle that spanned the entirety of the battlefield.

Within it, there were three heralds forming the triad. Asmodeus', the Ouroboros, the dragon's scales like thorns being devoured by the owner itself. Amae's herald, a watchful and merciful eye over a sunburst. Finally the magic circle, the mark of Humanity, much of what they owe their ability to survive and thrive to. In the center of them all was one Amata had never glimpsed before, however.

It was, what seemed to be the World Tree. Upon it's crown, flowers bloomed and to its side petals rained down like tears. The roots of the tree were dying and decaying as Nidhogg feasted upon them.

It was from this, that a set of three smaller magic circles took form above Rayinth. What once started as a bead of light became an ever growing sphere before taking form as a pillar of light that surrounded the Governor of Fire. Upon the light dispersing, Rayinth was born anew.

His white and receeding hair had become a deep shade of crimson, its wild shape flowing from the top of his head down his shoulders and back. His beard had grown shorter but it also, seemed to be brimming with life. His dark brown eyes had a jubilant fire to them that matched the bold grin he wore. His body had become all around muscular, from his toned arms and legs to the pectoral and abdominal regions.

He wore a sleeveless, open black vest with a white and red pattern adorning it from the front to the back. Upon the back, alike to Amata's ritual garb, it featured the herald of flames, likely proving to be something belonging to Rayinth specifically. He wore red harem pants with a mandala design in white and black, along with a pair of open-toe sandals. Upon his wrists were a set of beads forming bracelets and his fists were closed upon what seemed to be a metal gauntlet. Like flames that extended from his fist to his forearm, his gauntlets proved to be as daunting as their wielder. With a flick of his wrist the weapon would bring the fire to life and claws would emerge after the flames died down revealing that which was masked.

"To be young again…what an excellent feeling."

"Hey bastard! The fuck you think you're doing, huh?! Let me out of here so I can tune you up before your great grandchildren," Su roared from within the gem.

"Disgruntled, aren't you? Be silent."

He pointed at the Heart of Yggdrasil and it lit up but once before dimming. In so doing, Su said no more.

"I won't threaten you like she had, but I need to know. Why would you do all of this? First glimpsing his memories and then using his powers to your own ends? Don't you find any of that wrong?!" Amata asked.

As the seals faded away, TJ's eye returned to him but the shock of the event still left him in awe and unable to act.

Rayinth crossed his arms as he grinned.

"Should I? For eons Cerebians have used the Heart of Yggdrasil to glean the knowledge of their predecessors. It is to this, we rally to, we seek our power and we are able to become one with our goddess. Just as our successors have contained their memories here too, I, Undine and Dione, Arafaar and Terramane have also contributed. There is little that we know that this child does not. However, as we have bodies that are, in some respects similar to Humans, there is deterioration, including that of memories. The Heart of Yggdrasil keeps all things in pristine condition, exactly as the child saw them and knew them, as we did. The matter of…his being the conduit, was something that was nothing more than a matter of course. As it was in the past, I act upon the same beliefs now."

At this juncture Amata was on the verge of boiling over with rage.

"You!"

She clenched her fists and her eyes before she took a deep breath and exhaled.

"I have the utmost respect for you, Honoured Ancestor, but I don't—I can't accept your way of life! It's been too many a millennia since your time!

"Maybe then, TJ was something or someone else, but not here! What he is to you, isn't what he is to us! He's a person who thinks, feels and experiences life just as we do! Even more so! More than you'll ever know by just skimming through his memories! I respect you, I do, but if you treat him like shit, I will not forgive you!"

Rayinth blinked solemnly, placed his hands to his hips and let out a mighty laugh.

"Is that so? I've waited to hear your heart's true voice! Even without looking into the Heart of Yggdrasil, I found it unusual that a descendant of mine would speak so formally. But indeed, you are the blood of my blood and a descendant of mine.

"Now then, far you have walked and hard you have fought to challenge me. You have proven yourself worthy of that right. Even before me you have shown that your conviction is not trite in the slightest and that you find yourself sworn to a cause. Magnificent! Let that be the sword you wield and strike me down with all your might! Just as I will fight you without restraint, I wish you to fight me with every fiber of your being!"

He crossed his arms and nodded solemnly.

"Alas, so as you do not have a handicap, I shall give you and your companion some time to gather yourselves. Make your preparations and once ready, I shall instruct you on the path this trial shall take."

"I-I'm fine…" TJ uttered as he staggered to his feet with the aid of his guitar.

The young Governor of Fire sighed as she helped him right himself.

"You're not fine. Like, not at all. I told you didn't I? You don't need to put on the tough guy act with me. Even here, that still applies."

He laughed mirthlessly as she sat him down.

"Since we have this chance, why don't you prepare some buffs for the upcoming fight, hm? Maybe we can formulate a plan."

Amata raised a good point. It would have done them well if he had done it on a more regular basis, but for the time being he would not reflect on past mistakes. What mattered was what he could do now.

Amata squatted next to him and looked at Rayinth as he took a few practice punches and kicks.

"In truth, of all things I didn't think he would be a Guardian. Not many stories spoke of what weapons the God's Governors wielded, but this is both underwhelming…and helpful, I guess. All those sparring matches against my dad might serve some use here."

"But I shouldn't let you take the front line." TJ said as he gently strummed out the first song. "I know it'd be better if we had someone like Alvaro or Velvet to fill that gap but…the problem with using Einherjar to battle is that I'm wide open. Against a Cerebian enemy, it won't take him long to target me and dispel my Synergism. Still, even if I'm a Bard, with the Frequency on my side I should be able to hold him off and hold my own."

Amata knit her eyebrows but eventually let them come to a rest as she chuckled gently.

"I guess coming up with elaborate strategies never really was our strong suit, huh? We've always just done whatever worked. But you know…in spite of that I feel a sense of synergy with you. Somehow we just always know when to come to each other's aid and do so with enough care for each other. One way or another, I'm sure we'll work this out too.

"But that aside, don't feel for a moment that we all think of you as a thing TJ. If I have to beat that fact into Rayinth with my bare hands, I'll do it. Now more than ever, I know I need to win this fight to prove that me and my beliefs aren't just hot air. If I defeat him here, I'm willing to bet he'll see things my way."

"Well, this is it, isn't it? We've come this far together, we'll clear it together.

"Still, knowing that you and the others see me the way you do is good enough for me. I know I don't really qualify as a Cerebian and I don't really understand the world we live in but...I want these fun days to continue. That, and I want to go on more adventures with you."

She smiled sheepishly at his words.

"Y-yeah, me too."

When TJ finished all of his songs he got to his feet and put his guitar on his back.

"Alright, I'm ready."

"I am too. Ho-" before Amata could speak she was cut off by Rayinth.

"Hold! Did we not discuss this, Amata? I have no desire for your formalities. Address me as you truly would." Rayinth said, holding his hand out.

"Huh? Seriously?" She rubbed the back of her neck. "Rayinth?"

"Wrong."

"Grandpa?"

"Try again."

"…Old man?"

He nodded with approval.

"Yes, that sounds correct."

"Wah…busted…" Amata muttered under her breath as she shifted her eyes to her shoes.

"That is enough of that, for the time being. Come, children. As you are now, you are in no state to be fighting."

TJ sent Amata a skeptical glance but she looked to him with confidence in her eyes. She nodded but once and led the approach, he closely following behind. Rayinth placed a hand to both of their heads and moments after doing so, it felt as if they were blasted with a wave of heat.

"What was that?" Amata asked as she looked to him curiously.

"I have pulled your souls from your corporeal forms in order to create an astral body," he answered matter-of-factly.

"You what?!"

TJ turned around and as Rayinth had said, their bodies were indeed separated. The two leaned against the far wall in sitting positions, gently resting against each other. He could only laugh dryly at the occurrence.

It was nothing new for him, that being, an out-of-body experience, but for Amata it was likely a first.

"Allow me to explain. For this trial, there will be no rules, to complicate the matter. However, there is but one requirement: defeat me before both of you become unable to battle.

"The reason I have separated you from your bodies is so that in the course of our battle, they do not come to harm. As I had told you, I will be fighting you with all my might. To fatally wound you may be the catalyst towards your defeat, whether in this trial or following it. It is my duty to decide whether you are capable enough to protect Midgard in my stead, not to be your downfall.

"Alas, do not think for a moment that is reason to be careless in your actions. You will hurt and you will bleed as if they were your real bodies. It will serve as a good experience for future reference, as this may be the first time you experience such an event, but it will not be the last. Of that, I can assure you.

"Now then. These-"

He held out both hands and two flames crackled to life above them. The two floated over to the challengers respectively and stopped before their chests.

"-will be the proof of your willpower. So long as your ability to fight remains, they will not diminish. However, should your ability to fight be snuffed out, so will your flame and you will be unable to battle any longer. Should both of your flames be put out, I shall consider the trial a failure and you shall be punished."

"Punishment…" Amata muttered weakly.

Rayinth nodded solemnly in response.

"Fail, and you shall be stripped of your title. You will be ejected from this hallowed location. Your candidacy will be revoked and you and the rest of your lineage shall be branded so that never again shall you have the opportunity to become a God's Governor. You will be unable to enter this location. You will no longer be able to commune with your ancestors. Lastly, your powers shall be stripped from you."

For a moment she looked mortified, vulnerable at the information imparted upon her. But only moments later she furrowed her brows and clenched her fists, renewing her resolve.

"I wouldn't have it any other way. That's just more reason for me not to lose."

This made the God's Governor of Fire grin boldly.

"You have confidence. I respect that. Alas, you must prove to me that your confidence is more than empty bravado!"

He backflipped away from the two three times before taking up a battle stance.

"The time for talk has ended! Come, children! Your trial begins now!"

"Let's show 'em how we get things done TJ!" Amata said as she reached out a hand and manifested her staff.

TJ drew his guitar and nodded to her, steeling his own conviction all the while. Su could not aid him in this fight so he would have to rely on his and Amata's strength alone.

"I've got your back!" He said as he armed his weapon.

With a strum of his guitar and an outstretched hand an icy ring took form.

"Hailstorm!"

At his behest a series of icicles were fired from the ring at the God's Governor of Fire. For but a moment TJ glimpsed him grinning and within moments he dashed out of the radius of TJ's spell and weaved his way over to the Abellan.

"He's fast!"

He reeled a fist back and TJ desperately raised his guitar to block the attack. The sheer force of his blow forced the Abellan back and required him to right himself. Rayinth's onslaught had only begun, as he immediately followed the attack with a mid-air axe kick. TJ blocked the attack but did not suspect that his adversary would perform a second. At that moment Amata appeared by his side in flight and grabbed Rayinth's foot.

"I won't let you!" She roared as a glowing ring surrounded her hand and his foot. "Combust!"

The ring blew up and forced Rayinth back along with the duo.

"Don't let your guard dow-"

Moments away from finishing her sentence Rayinth flew throught he cloud of smoke and kicked her across the face. Her body twisted through the air before she crashed against the stone.

"Amata!" TJ shouted as he soon found Rayinth upon him once more.

The first punch he managed to parry with the neck of his guitar. The second he knocked aside and upon the third he managed to guard. The two found themselves in a deadlock of pure strength.

"You would do well not to take your eyes away from your opponent, Child." Rayinth said to him.

Without any prior warning, an explosion occurred right upon their deadlock and TJ's guard came undone as he struggled to keep his footing once more. Rayinth closed the gap again following with two rapid punches to the stomach and a single bolley kick across the side of his head.

The world seemed to spin as his body hurtled to the stone and he collapsed, temporarily dazed.

Rayinth, however, was not finished with him yet. The sound of his sandals storming across the stone seemed to prove he had all the intention to follow up the last set of attacks.

"I'm not done with you yet," Amata roared from nearby.

TJ found it rather incredible how quick she was to recover after getting kicked with such ferocity. He decided now was not the time to admire her and that he should focus on recovering.

"Tri-bomber!"

The sound of a burst of fire signalled Amata's fire hop and following it TJ glimpsed her figure drifting over him for but a moment. She met Rayinth's punch head-on with an open palm. The collision was met with an outward explosion in Amata's favour, causing Rayinth to retreat slightly. She twisted as she jumped through the air and brought her hand down to meet his fist. Again, the blast forced him to stand his ground. The third and final time they clashed proved to be the biggest of all three explosions and caused Rayinth to skid backwards.

"Tombstone!"

She twirled her staff above her head before two flaming spheres took form above it. The moment she slammed it into the stone they both burst and shot forward, continuing to do so as they headed towards their target.

As Rayinth prepared to lunge at her she did so also with the effect of Dragon Dive backing her. The two clashed, her staff versus his fist and remained in a flaming deadlock for a few moments.

"You can't challenge him in brute force Amata!" TJ warned her as he rose to his feet and found himself back to his full strength.

As he had warned her, despite the effect of her spell Rayinth was pushing her back, unaffected by the fire.

"Alright then! Dragon Fang!"

The fire that once surrounded her seemed to surge forward and gather at a point, that single space where they clashed. Beads of light surrounded her body before shooting forward to that spot and taking the form of a dragon's head that launched the two back in their respective directions. Upon the spell's effect waning, the Tombstone spell reached its maximum distance and exploded downwards like a hammer falling upon its target.

As Amata touched down near the Abellan she gently shook her hands, the burns evident upon them.

"You alright?" He asked.

It was unusual to see her, of all people, get burned by anything.

"Yeah. The reason I don't often use Dragon Fang is because of the backlash. Really strong, though."

She placed a fist into an open palm.

"If we can't beat him in strength or speed, we just need to hold him down. I know it's kinda short notice, but I've come up with something the two of us can do together. Wanna give it a try?"

TJ sent her a puzzled glance as she hurried over and whispered in his ear.

"Oh! I like the sound of that. Let's give it a shot!"

Through the clouds the two glimpsed Rayinth jumping out, his wrists crossed, still in the guard stance following the end of their clash.

TJ noted that if he did not act the orginal Governor of Fire would take the offensive once more and put them at a disadvantage.

"Ice Fear!"

He outstretched both hands and a series of six icicles formed in the general radius where Rayinth was to land. Noticing this he outstretched a single fist and changed his landing to a descent. The first icicle he touched, shattered beneath the weight of his fist and a wave of magma surrounded him and splashed down melting the rest. In spite of this, the grin on his face seemed to imply he was impressed. Without further ado, he fire hopped into the air and used a hand to create a blast to propel him toward Amata. She raised her staff to parry the blow and followed his punch through to the end of his arm, placing herself behind him.

"Fire Blaster!" She roared as with a spin she created a sphere of flames.

The initial blast forced him back but suspecting the end of it, he clapped his hands down upon it and negated the burst.

TJ was waiting at the end of the radius, his eyes lit a jade green and his hand outstretched.

"Shattered Berg!"

Rather than shattering and hurling the chunks of ice at his adversary he brought down the iceberg as is. Rayinth did not attempt to escape it. Rather, he stood his ground, raised a single fist skyward and shattered it into nothing more than dust with a single punch.

"Wrong move! Falcon Torrent!"

Amata drifted above where the iceberg had come down and outstretched both hands to unleash a stream of flames upon their shared adversary. For but a brief few moments the spell caught Rayinth off guard but once they were up he raised a hand to part the blast. His weapon gained an intense glow and upon the effect ending he performed an uppercut that released a torrent of flames back at the young Governor of Fire. While Amata found herself needing to block her returned attack, TJ took the opportunity to hurry over to Rayinth and perform his next spell.

"Frozen Caress!"

TJ blew a gentle kiss that, enhanced by the Frequency allowed for him to quickly freeze Rayinth's feet and thighs in a thick casing of ice.

"Oh? It seems I underestimated your teamwork," he remarked.

He pounded his fists together and his body began to emit an intense heat that steadily began to melt the ice.

Moments before the effect ended, Rayinth was surrounded by Amata's Ten Flames spell. One after the next they began to burst and for the most part, he skillfully avoided them. Upon breaking free of the mass of conflagarations, he found the earth beneath him shatter and take to the skies.

"Mother Gaia!" TJ roared as with an outstretched hand they took flight.

As the two suspected, Rayinth bobbed and weaved his way around most of the stones and punched those he could not avoid, shattering them on impact.

"There's more where that came from! Mortar!"

Amata hurled the flaming ball through the sky before it rained down fire like bombs.

"Oh?" Was all the Governor of Fire had said to this.

Despite his skill, there were some attacks that had gotten through and grazed him.

"Hit it TJ!"

TJ raised a hand skyward and spun his wrist in a circle, index finger outwards. Upon doing so, he finished the gesture by outstretching his hand and the stones came to a halt before instantly closing in on his target.

"Gaia Burial!"

The rocks converged on Rayinth and trapped him in.

"You're up, Amata!"

Amata soared over where the spell took form and armed her staff. She reeled the weapon back and as she did, fire surged around the weapon.

"Hollow Javelin!"

She hurled the weapon at the stone and it pierced through, the fire gathering around the weapon before shooting downwards to where it landed.

"Together, TJ! Now!"

At those words Amata shot down towards the spell and landed with incredible force, taking hold of her staff all the while.

"Molten Tomb," the two shouted.

The stones clenched together ever tighter and magma seeped through the cracks after filling the entire enclosure. As Amata withdrew her weapon the stones began to rumble and she noticed something was off. She immediately took flight and manifested her barrier moments before the enclosure exploded, flinging molten stone and magma all over the arena. In the wake of it Rayinth stood tall and proud, his clothes somewhat tattered but he, otherwise unharmed. However, his hair was alight alike to Amata's, likely by his own doing.

"Excellent, warriors! More! Continue your offensive! We have only begun," he roared with delight.

"Huh?! We barely even scratched him!" Amata cried out in disbelief.

In a matter of moments Rayinth shot from where he stood to face off with the young Governor of Fire. His right fist was already reeled back and the sheer force of his blow to her stomach seemed to bring his forward momentum to a halt. Moments after she was thrown through the air, he shot after her to follow up with two more.

"Hang on Amata! I'm coming!" TJ roared as he ran closer to their location.

With a flick of his wrist, a set of three frozen needles took form in between each of his fingers. As he prepared to hurl them into Rayinth's back he shot forward towards Amata once more and grabbed her foot before she hit the ground. With one hand to her leg and the other rapidly shooting out small bursts of flames he propelled himself, gaining momentum as he spun her around.

TJ watched cautiously but knew that there was no good opportunity for him to strike without harming her in the process. He grit his teeth, knowing full well his best bet would be to strike the moment she was out of his radius.

Without another moment to spare Rayinth hurled the Sorceror and she bolted through the air before colliding with one of the walls, leaving a crater in the wake of her collision.

TJ wanted to check on her but knew the moment he took his eyes off Rayinth he would be struck down. Setting the thought aside, he saw his opening.

He hurled the three needles and prepared a set of six more. At the sight of the spell incoming, Rayinth looked to him with a glint in his eye for a moment before he fire hopped from the spot and performed the action in mid-air. Befuddled and in disbelief for a moment, the Abellan attempted to follow his trajectory. He threw the first set and missed with all of them as Rayinth bounded off the ground and did so in mid-air once more. He threw the second set and found himself in the same situation. The Governor of Fire rose ever higher before he shot down towards the Abellan, the gap between them now non-existant.

In an act of desperation, TJ drew his guitar as he glimpsed his adversary's foot descending upon him. However, he had done so too late. Before he could properly grip the guitar, Rayinth struck. The blow broke the hold of his left hand on the guitar's base and the weight of the weapon along with Rayinth's momentum and sheer force collapsed upon him. Moments after he touched down, he hit him directly in the chin, followed it with a right and left hook leaving the Bard punch drunk. With a wind-up, he landed one last blow to the stomach and enhanced the strength of it with a set of blasts that propelled his arm forward three times, culminating in a fiery thrust that flung the Abellan into the roof.

The force of the blows already had him coughing up blood. The two-way collision from the roof to the ground left his body battered and unable to rise.

An infuriated Amata with flaming manacles on her wrists and ankles shot towards the Governor of Fire both in body and with a series of fireballs backing her. Each one he easily dispersed with a single hand until she closed in on him with a single hand reeled back. As he met hers with his own, she was thrusted back as a torrent of flames overtook Rayinth. Even so he pushed through the flames and came at her a second time with a flaming haymaker. She stood her ground, one hand out before her and the other holding her staff behind her back, the top facing the ground—her hair alight all the while. Just as his blow was about to connect he was blasted back by a massive explosion from her Retribution spell.

She twirled her staff above her head before she pointed it at where she suspected Rayinth to be.

"Reckoning," she snarled.

The cloud of smoke seemed to be gathering in one location as the air currents changed. At the location sparks of fire began to arise before another explosion emerged. Rayinth shot out from it and at the sight of him, Amata's staff followed and created another blast to meet his escape. Every direction he moved in, she followed and left destruction in her wake, but could not be the bane of their enemy. After evading her attacks two more times, he shot towards her, causing her to flinch before he leapt above her head and shot towards her blind side.

At that moment TJ took to her and blocked the blow with an elementally augmented guitar. He deflected the blow and as Rayinth touched down he lifted the guitar over his head into an overhand swing.

"Rampart!" He roared, smashing the weapon into the ground.

The stone sundered as massive icicles sprang up in the wake of the blow. Rayinth noted this and jumped back a couple times before changing direction. To his chagrin, they followed him for a time before finally coming to a halt. Noting the end of the spell, he took to the offensive again and TJ glimpsed this from the distance he created.

Once more he wound up his weapon and Rayinth drew his fist back—at the action a flame took form and enveloped his arm as he prepared to take on the Bard's spell head on.

"Rampart!"

TJ slammed the weapon down again and once more the earth was sundered, but in place of a series of icicles massive stalagmites arose. These proved to be substantially larger than their counterparts and caught the Governor of Fire off guard. His blow connected with the stone and to some degree shattered it but the flames he unleashed upon it had little effect and dispersed. Moments afterwards another stalagmite arose and forced him into the air.

Amata spread her wings as she spun her staff above her head and a flame crackled to life around her.

"Draconic Bombardment!" At those words she shot after him.

As she neared her wings closed around her until she was within melee range. Upon reaching him she spread her wings and upon doing so unleashed a bouquet of flames. Rayinth guarded but the initial attack hardly seemed to faze him. With a beat of her wings a series of explosions took form exactly where he was and launched him into the ground. Despite the attack being in her favour, he still landed on his feet and skidded backwards in a guard stance. However, her onslaught had only begun. With each beat of her wings a series of explosions would go off where he stood and around him, keeping him on the defensive despite his incredible mobility.

As TJ glimpsed the occurrence, he decided it would be prudent to aid Amata and increase the chances that the two could land a clean hit on Rayinth.

"Elemental Dominion!"

He slammed a fist to the ground and the entire battlefield became an icy ring. Upon doing so he skated around the outskirts of Amata's spell and drew his guitar in preparation to fire at the God's Governor on sight.

"You have done me a service," Rayinth said.

At those words he glimpsed the Governor of Fire leaping through the smoke of an explosion as he slammed his fist down. The domain had shifted from one of ice to fire in a matter of moments. The sudden change caused the Abellan's momentum to come to a sudden halt and for him to trip. His body collapsed to the ground and into one of the fires. The feeling of the heat caused him to scramble to his feet and quickly pat down the spots that were burned.

Much to his relief, the coat did not catch fire nor get burned in the process. However, his carelessness did not prepare him for Rayinth's next move.

From the very same flame TJ just fell into, the Governor of Fire exited, using it as an emergence point through a skill similar to Shadow Dive. Upon his arrival he dragon punched the Abellan in the back and staggered him. Following it, he grabbed him by the back of his head and slammed him face-first into the stone. He picked TJ up by his ponytail and held him for a couple of moments before tossing him into the air. As his descent began he increased the aerial time with a flash kick. Once more, as TJ's descent began he put a single foot back in preparation for a charge. The Guardian shoulder tackled the Bard and pulled him across the battlefield with the Sorceror in tow, unbridled fury in her eyes.

"You've got some fuckin' nerve!" She roared as she chased after the two, her hair ablaze.

"Minesweeper!"

In the middle of her pursuit she pointed her staff to the ground below and a wave of flames swept over the battlefield, clearing it of the fires Rayinth left.

Rayinth looked back at her for a moment and grinned, a sign of how smug he was that victory would be his or perhaps…something more.

As he gained momentum a flaming aura surrounded him up until the point his forward momentum slowed down, pulling the aura into his gauntlets. As TJ collapsed to the ground Rayinth reeled his fist back and slammed it into the small of his back. The sounds of bones cracking followed and was immediately subdued by the torrent of flames that surged forth upon the two. A single agonizing scream pierced the sound of the fire tornado that surrounded the two. His diminishing fire began to peter out even further.

"I'll kill you!" Amata snarled as she attempted to force her way through the fire and winds.

Despite her best efforts however, the sheer force of the elements at work proved to be too strong for her to break through. As Rayinth stepped out of the flames and they began to die down, an enraged Amata awaited him with a flame in hand. She clenched her fist on it and it lit up a series of runes in her left hand before she used that very same hand to hit her own chest, placing the mark on her torso.

"Rage Embryo," she said, in a mutter.

At her words the rune lit up and a small pulse of fire was emitted from her body. The rune however, remained.

"You let your anger cloud your senses. Like an untamed flame, it will eventually consume you. Do you dare continue?" Rayinth asked as he crossed his arms.

"I'm not here to talk! I won't forgive your words, nor your actions! Astral bodies or not, I won't forgive anyone who dares to hurt those I love!"

"Inner Flame!"

She outstretched a hand and once more upon clenching it embers surrounded her and strengthened her.

"Hell Slinger! Hinder!"

With a flick of her wrist a fire crackled to life in her right hand. Following that she pointed a finger at Rayinth and a transparent reticle appeared over him before disappearing shortly after.

Without another moment to spare she charged directly at him and threw a left hook. Somewhat surprised by this, but not enough to take the attack he leaned out of the way of her strike and followed up with one of his own. Despite being punched across the face she stood her ground and placed her right hand to his chest causing a wave of fire to be launched at and through him. As he reeled his fist back to punch her again Amata's Rage Embryo came into effect, releasing a pulse of fire. Though the blast itself was not particularly strong, the effect of Hinder caused Rayinth to flinch and lose the momentum of his attack. In that moment she punched him in the nose and hit him across the face with Hell Slinger.

Their fight seemed to devolve into nothing more than a fire imbued brawl. Time and again, the two would trade blows, Amata's though light often left burns in the wake of her attacks. Rayinth's carried much more strength but often found themselves cancelled out whenever Hinder would come into effect, allowing for the young Sorceror to get in more strikes than he could.

The Abellan, meanwhile, struggled to his knees as the sheer pain of Rayinth's kinetic blows left him reeling. He disabled the Neutrality Frequency, well aware that enhanced Arcane abilities would do him little good in the situation he found himself in. He looked to the two fighting and noted that Amata was not acting like herself at all.

It seemed that his weakness had lead to her being consumed by her own anger. Thankfully, it was not the manifestation of an Agasura. However Cerebians, like he, seemed to be able to lose themselves to their emotions.

Despite being bloody and bruised, she continued the fight and it pained him to see her doing that to herself.

"Amata…Amata you can't let your anger get the better of you! Don't make the same mistakes I have!" TJ cried out but to no avail.

The two seemed to be in a world of their own.

He clenched his fists and bit down on his bloody lip as he cursed his weakness.

He had to get back in the fight and soon. Su's warning reminded him that if he was to use his Messenger of Light form, despite the enhanced abilities, it would not improve his defensive parameters. To bring out his wings would raise the risk that Rayinth could wound them, but at this juncture he had little choice. He could not bring himself to stand, let alone to play his guitar, but if he could heal himself with just his magic alone, he could fight again.

"Abide by the words of my contract and give me the strength to become the hope of this world," he uttered weakly.

Memorius Sanctum took form before him and its emergence offered him his hidden potential once more. His wings took form, eyes changed colour and his hair changed to a snow white. He weakly reached to his back as he grit his teeth and shut his eyes tightly. The pain was excruciating, but as the healing energies from his magic trickled over his battered body it began to ease.

Given more time, he was able to rise to his feet again. He rolled his shoulders and took a deep breath as he looked upon the two God's Governors still duking it out. It seemed that Amata was wearing herself out trying to fight Rayinth head-on, but in spite of this, Rayinth expended an incredible amount of stamina in dueling her through such a means. What really caught TJ's attention however, was the mark from Amata's Rage Embryo. The pulse of it had grown massive, though the duration between each blast became longer each time—even more so, the mark on her had grown blinding. What concerned him most, however, was that each time it came into effect she seemed to hurt herself more and more. The spell was a double-edged sword and she used it full-well knowing the consequences of it. To fight Rayinth directly all the while was nothing short of suicide.

TJ gripped his guitar in hand as he swallowed hard. What he was about to do, she would not likely forgive him for it, but if what he suspected was going to occur, he had to stop her before she could do it. He armed his weapon and threw it with all his might.

"Broken Wings!"

The guitar soared through the air, past Amata and to Rayinth, who deftly blocked the weapon. The moment it made contact TJ manifested upon it and backflipped away with the aid of his wings.

"Thunderbolt!"

He outstretched a single hand and a bolt of thunder struck down where Rayinth stood but seconds ago, the spell deftly evaded once more.

"TJ…? What are you…?" As Amata weakly uttered those words her arms fell to her side.

He glimpsed her but for a moment. The lovely girl with the impish smile he had seen so many times now looked back at him, her face bruised and bloody. Her arms were covered in welts and burns and the sight made his heart ache. He solemnly turned his eyes back to Rayinth who awaited a follow-up attack and the Abellan obliged. With a wave of his hand fifteen Arrows of Light surrounded him before he shot towards the God's Governor.

As the two got within melee range of each other TJ took a couple swings with his guitar all while launching the arrows. Rayinth dodged the weapon and repelled the spells with his fists alone. Suddenly TJ put the weapon away and placed one outstretched arm beneath another.

"Radiant Blast!"

A powerful jet of light forced the Governor of Fire back and in that moment TJ retreated to get back to the young Governor.

"Huh? TJ no! G-get away!" She cried as she backed away from him.

"I can't just stand idly by while you hurt yourself!" TJ shouted as he wrapped his arms around her and held her still.

"No you don't…you don't understand! You're gonna get hurt!"

She tried to remove his grip on him but could not muster the strength no matter how hard she tried.

"Isn't it fine? You got angry for my sake. You suffered for it too. So let me make it up to you.

"No…what? TJ, stop!"

"Barrier Release!"

At his words his barrier took on a corporeal form before vanishing. Moments after it did, it reappeared and surrounded the Governor of Fire.

"It's just like Alvaro told me. Sometimes you just need a hardy ally by your side to make up for what you lack. If you can't control your powers, isn't that fine?"

Amata kept muttering, 'no' time and again as she tried to get away. The mark grew brighter, and within moments would detonate.

"To win this fight…we're gonna do this together. So even if you're afraid for me, don't be. I promise you, I can take it. If you have to eliminate me from the match to defeat Rayinth, then do it! If you have to burn the very flesh from my skeleton in order to pass this trial, then do it! I believe in you, so believe in me too!"

"TJ…" She said as she looked to him and blinked slowly.

She stopped fighting and resigned herself to his wish. Only moments later, the mark's light became nigh blinding and as Amata had warned him, it went off. A powerful flame pulse was emitted from her body and the sheer strength of it nearly threw TJ off of his feet—the only thing keeping him grounded was his hold on the young Governor. The intense heat did indeed, burn him severely. Even with the protection of the dragonsmane cloak his arms were still set alight for a time and lightly burned. His face, being the main part of his body that remained unguarded had received the brunt of the spell and suffered the most for it, but all the while he retained his smile.

Throughout the whole thing, she could feel his healing touch. The burns from Rage Embryo had proved to be nothing that he could not recover in the Messenger of Light form—all the while, most of the bruises she received receded and the pain that accompanied them subsided.

"I'm going to fight, Amata," he said.

"TJ, you're badly hurt, let me go instead."

Taking that last attack had diminished his flame substantially and the fact she seemed to have her eyes on it likely solidified she was thinking the same thing.

In spite of this, he shook his head gently.

"Scars and stuff…they matter a lot more to girls than to guys, don't they? It'd be pretty uncool if I let you get more than you needed." He chuckled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "No wait, that's not it! You should use this chance to prepare! Let's not hold anything back!"

"You're not suggesting I awaken, are you?"

She looked bewildered at his suggestion.

"Yeah. I'll give you all the time you need."

He shuffled the coat slightly as he crouched down and placed both hands to the ground.

"Fount of Life!"

At his touch a glowing green tree emerged from the ground behind the Governor of Fire. Beads of light fell away from it's splendor. After a couple of seconds being underneath it, Amata noted that it seemed to have a regenerative effect on any who stood under it.

"Take as much time as you need to awaken and recover. I'll keep him busy."

"I commend your strength of heart and spirit, Warrior. Even a fool would know to run at the sight of growing flames. You are the greatest of them, to challenge it. But you are the bravest, to do so in order to bring your ally to her senses.

"However! Bravery and foolishness are not so different! One must know when he has gone beyond his capabilities! To face me alone, I shall show you the difference!"

"I take pride in my foolishness." TJ said with a light chuckle and a smile. "It's…one of my good points, I think.

"So? We're not gonna hold anything back against you, God's Governor! Hit me with everything you've got!"

"A challenge, is it? I accept!"

God's Governor Rayinth glimpsed Amata briefly before he rose to his full height. He crossed his arms over for but a moment before lowering them to his sides. At that moment, TJ glimpsed the original God's Governor of Fire in all his glory.

The mighty fiery wings that emerged from him spread out like a phoenix taking flight. His wild hair had become even grander, embers rising from it like a bonfire. As the Abellan suspected, he donned the same coat and fiery manacles that Amata wore when she transformed. His pupils and irises had been enveloped in the powerful crimson orange light from his eyes. Lastly, across his muscular body a series of runes took form. The moment he unleashed his powers, he created a powerful outward pulse of fire not dissimilar to Amata's own, accompanied by searing winds.

TJ took up his battle stance solemnly at the sight.

He was going to face a powerful opponent. One of the greatest mages Midgard had ever seen. Someone who became a living legend, who bards sung stories of and created a legacy during and in the wake of his life. His power dwarfed TJ's own substantially and deep down he knew, that one wrong move and Rayinth would eradicate him. Yet…he felt no fear. He would not cower under the pressure of what was to come. He would not look away, doubt himself or fear the consequence of his actions. He knew that he would see Amata through this trial. It was all he knew, but all that he needed.

He raised a hand skyward before he gently lowered it, then clasped his hands together as he lowered his head.

"Deliverance!" He cried out as he opened his eyes.

A powerful glow surrounded his body and remained that way.

Rayinth seemed to meet TJ's desire to an even greater degree. He held out both hands before he pounded his fists together, and much to the Abellan's surprise, he actually grew more muscular.

"Inhibitor Release!" At those words a golden afterimage of his body followed the change.

"Come! Sacred Guardian!"

A spell that at first, seemed eerily similar to Amata's Ardent Keeper happened before the two. Unlike it, however, Grislan appeared with a crimson hue and upon his arrival, he seemed to shrink down and remain as an aura that surrounded Rayinth. What it did, TJ could not say but he decided he would not let his guard down.

"We begin, Warrior!"

At those words Rayinth stretched out a single hand and upon doing so, magma sprung up from the ground like molten plumes all over the battlefield. At the sight of it, TJ lost his vision on Rayinth. From one of those very plumes he emerged and immediately threw a haymaker at the Abellan. TJ narrowly glimpsed this as it happened and glimpsed the two-pronged attack. Though Rayinth's punch hardly extended past where he once stood, the aura that surrounded him manifested as Grislan's spirit once more and shot forward a greater distance. The aura returned shortly after, but it remained transparent.

It seemed it would be down for a time. If he was to strike, now would be the time.

"Twenty Arrows of Light!"

At his behest forty Arrows of Light took form due to the influence of Deliverance.

Rayinth decided to press the attack, flying after the Abellan who desperately flitted through the air and across the ground as he fired arrows. Though he was slowly closing the gap, the Governor of Fire began to throw punches and as he did so, powerful and quick torrents of fire would rush to where the Abellan was and would be. After catching one of the blasts, TJ had to stop in order to defend himself and found Rayinth upon him. He guarded with his guitar but the strength of the Governor seemed to have increased substantially. Every blow felt like someone had taken a hammer to his weapon and the vibrations rattled him to his very core.

"Divine Intervention!"

TJ cried out outstretching both arms and wings. Four transparent shields surrounded him the moment he casted the spell and each time Rayinth attempted to strike him, the blows were blocked. With each blow also, a sphere of light would take form upon the attack being blocked and weaken the attacker.

"It has been some time since I last saw a master of the Divine Arts. It seems to some degree, you have a grasp of it. However, it shall not protect you for long," Rayinth told him.

After the fourth strike, the shields lost their effect. The Governor of Fire lunged at the Abellan through the Arrows of Light he launched at him and placed a hand to his chest. At his touch, a massive explosion went off and flung TJ backwards through the air. Rayinth shot after him, beating his flight speed all the while and turning around with a flaming kick. It was not the initial blow that flung him, however. He used TJ's momentum against him to bring him to a full stop before twisting his body 360 degrees to pull the Abellan through the fire and send him hurtling right back to where he came from.

Before he crashed into the ground he found himself in the arms of the young Governor of Fire. She raised her staff and slammed it down, quelling the magma plumes and revealing Rayinth at his distance.

"Thanks TJ, for doing all of that junk for me. Your words removed the scales from my eyes. I'm gonna turn this on that old man's head." Amata said as she let him down. "I just need five minutes. Technically.

"This time, I've got a plan. I'll fight with you while I charge up for my spell. After that I…I'll need you to keep him in place, whatever it takes. Buy me a few more minutes and I'll show him the power of a God's Governor."

TJ nodded as he grinned slightly.

"No problem. So…let's do this together."

"Aye aye!"

As Rayinth shot toward the two TJ began to strum his guitar.

"Thunderstorm!"

Bolts of thunder rained down as clouds gathered turning the battlefield into a deathtrap.

The governors met in a battle of braun, Rayinth fighting her head on with flaming strikes while Amata challenged him with hands of molten magma and rock that emerged from her back as a second pair of arms. The first wielded her staff all while casting using the free hand.

"I'll support you!

"Matriarch Protector!"

TJ clapsed his hands together and a pillar of light opened above Amata before raining sparkles down upon her. Through it, her magical defense was improved substantially.

"Come and get in on this TJ!" Amata shouted excitedly as she blocked one of Rayinth's punches and blasted his arm with an explosion from her staff.

She spun backwards away from him and her arms slammed into the ground before taking the form of two magma golems. Rayinth laughed as he pounded his way through them and found himself caught in a series of explosions. Following it, lightning sparks surged around him courtesy of TJ's Lucent Dissonance. He clenched both his fists and lowered them to his side, creating a massive wind pressure that dispelled all spells. He turned to TJ and as he outstretched his hand the spirit Grislan emerged and shot towards him.

"Spirit Whisper!" Amata shouted as she took to the vanguard and blocked the dragon.

The two clashed for a couple moments before the dragon dissipated and Amata took the effect as her own.

Moments afterwards Rayinth flew at her with a flying kick but found his body stopped and reeled back as TJ flew past him, Gleipnir in hand. The governor of Fire touched down and focused for a couple moments to break TJ's hold on him. All the while Amata flew above him and rained fire down upon him with Hellzone Torrent. The first Governor of Fire performed an overhand punch and as if he was up there a flaming hand swatted Amata and sent her hurtling into the ground.

TJ strummed his guitar and four electric spheres took form across the battlefield. He raised a hand and ran it across the strings.

"Ward of the Kindred!"

A magic circle featuring four different spirits each taking a fourth of the circle took form. Those spirits being a dryad, naiad, salamander and sylph. One appeared beneath Rayinth and the other TJ. Rayinth's closed in on him and in doing so, moments before he could throw fire at TJ he found the spell cancelled. As the Abellan began his next spell the mark was consumed and the effect was enhanced.

"Chain Lightning!"

TJ began to rapidly strum his guitar and upon doing so created an electric current. It shot from the weapon to the first sphere and bounced between each, strengthening the effect upon each sphere being added. Moments later the chain surged towards Rayinth and struck him also for the duration of the spell. As TJ removed his hand, he glimpsed Rayinth shooting towards him but for a moment until he was upon him. He slammed both of his knuckles over the Bard's shoulders and brought him to his knees, then prepared a single charged punch.

"You will have to forgive me, Warrior. Alas, to be cursed with a weakness and have it exploited is not the warrior's way, but I trust you will understand, once this is all over."

With his punch prepared he lunged towards the Abellan at full force and slammed his fist into the Heart of Yggdrasil. The force of the blow pulled him from the ground and into the air as the fire from the strike blasted through him and surged forth from the other side of his body. TJ's eyes became dilated as they returned to their regular colour, as did his hair.

"TJ, that's enough! I'm ready," Amata shouted from across the field.

"Alas, your words will not reach him. Henceforth, it shall just be you and I, descendant of mine."

The sound of electricity crackling caused the Governor of Fire to turn around and glimpse TJ staggering to his feet, a crimson glint in his visible eye.

"That's where…you're wrong…Rayinth." He uttered as he laughed weakly.

All around him, a ring was drawn in blood.

"To stand after having your weakness struck? What incredible tenacity you have, Warrior."

"You haven't seen the best of it yet.

"Wrath, Pride, Sloth! Punishments of the Sinner! Let none escape from my iron grip! Let none come between mine enemy and I 'till death do us part! Gauntlet!"

TJ clenched a fist and a dark aura like miasma poured out from it and filled the ring that surrounded him. Moments after it did, the ring expanded and enveloped both he and Rayinth within. Upon doing so, a grid-like glass pillar took form and upon reaching the roof solidified completely and became transparent.

"Thank you, TJ. I promise, I won't let you down," Amata said.

She raised a hand skyward and as she did so, an ever-growing sphere of fire took form.

"Hearken to me, ye gods who reside in the heavens above! I will walk where angels fear to tread! I am the one who dares to rise above all else, to claim what rightfully belongs to me! My burning passion, my indomitable spirit will be the container for the fire you wield! I shall rise above, turning the sword of your own keeping against you so that you may know the clemency of those you dare look down upon! Prometheus!"

"You would trap yourself in with me? Does your foolishness know no end?"

The Abellan grinned weakly.

"I'm not trapped in here with you. You're trapped in here with me."

TJ removed his guitar and let it sink into the swirling vortex of Gambler's Quasar before integrating it into himself, then following up with the Indomitability stance.

"There's only one way out of my trapping, Rayinth."

The Governor roared with laughter in turn.

"An ultimatum, is it? And not just that, a threat! How amusing!"

He cracked his knuckes before he took a battle stance.

"Then let us see how long your willpower will hold, warrior."

Without any more words to exchange, the two rushed at each other. Rayinth landed the first blow, hitting TJ across the face with a right hook. TJ took the blow and met his with two punches to the stomach. The Abellan was grabbed by the cloak and had his nose broken by Rayinth's headbutt, but persisted nonetheless. TJ followed up with a punch to the chin followed by a tornado kick to the side of his face only to find his foot grabbed afterwards and his body turned over. As his body turned in the air Rayinth grabbed him by the arm and let his legs fall to the ground.

"I learned from the best villains to be the best. Hit me and I'll grow tougher. Break my bones and I'll only get stronger.

"…Serrated Will."

At those words Rayinth broke his main arm and a crimson aura surged around him for a couple moments.

What Rayinth did not notice, however, was all the while their battle went on Amata drained the fire away from him. Each strike he made further added to this.

TJ staggered to his feet, one arm limp, blood dripping from his nose and in spite of it all, a smug grin on his face. His flame was diminishing and yet it still flickered proudly.

The Abellan threw a punch that was almost immediately swatted away by the Governor of Fire. The sheer force of the blow nearly dislocated his arm. Following it, Rayinth threw a series of rapid punches, each creating a puff of flames that quickly started to burn away at the dragonsmane cloak. After another flash kick he took flight and pointed a single hand down, firing a beam with as much force and firepower, if not more than Amata's Hellzone Torrent.

Barely able to rise to his feet and with his flame on the verge of petering out, TJ got to his knees and laughed weakly.

"A-as I thought…you're..beyond me…in strength…" He coughed up blood and grinned. "But…you're not… foolish enough…to make my…mistakes."

As TJ's flame flickered out and his astral body began to fade, Rayinth then felt the pressure of Amata's spell. Towering over the two, a massive flaming sphere loomed and threatened to consume the entire battlefield in a sea of flames once unleashed.

"End of the line, Old Man!" Amata roared as she brought both her hands down and Prometheus with it.

Rayinth watched solemnly for a few moments before with two words, the battle came to an end.

"That's enough."

Suddenly Amata came to in her body alongside TJ. She glimpsed around the battlefield only to find that all of the destruction they caused was undone, the spell she had just created was gone and her awakening no longer in effect.

"H-huh? What do you…what do you mean 'that's enough'?! How was the battle decided?! I couldn't have failed…no, there's no way…!"

Rayinth turned to the two, most of the marks of the battle still present upon his body.

"That's correct. You have done well, descendant of mine. The trial is over. Victory is yours." He told the two as he crossed his arms.

Amata gasped with delight before she took TJ's hands in hers and jumped for joy time and again and excitedly chanted, 'We did it!'

"Y-yeah! I guess we did!" TJ said with a nervous chuckle. "But I can't help but wonder, why did you end the trial there, God's Governor?"

He chuckled under his breath.

"I realize, that to take a spell of such magnitude would, undoubtedly destroy my astral body. Unlike the two of you, I am an Einherjar. My astral body is as much my real body as the flesh and bones you inhabit now."

TJ blinked slowly.

So in short, if he took that attack he would die?

The Abellan could not help but laugh at the absurdity of the entire scenario.

"Nonetheless, I must ask for your forgiveness, Warriors. 'Tis true, that I did not warn you of my intentions. As a part of your trial, I tested your mental fortitude. To achieve these ends, I had gone above and beyond the call of duty in order to antagonize you both.

"I am sure you are both well aware by now, but the element of fire is not one to be taken lightly at any time. Wielded by even the most masterful of hands, it can be dangerous to friend and foe alike. At times, often times, it can demand sacrifice."

The Governor of Fire closed his eyes solemnly, thoughtfully. In it, the duo before him could see the wisdom that accompanied the power he wielded. A true master of the art, who knew both the boons and banes of wielding such power.

"I wished to see if the two of you would fall to such a means. On more occasions than one, I had seen you both consumed by your anger." He closed his eyes as he smiled. "It seems that, of course, one of you would aid the other. Neither feared the intensity of the other…and in that, you found your strength. In each other, you found solace. To take the wisdom of those that came before you and use them as your sword and shield, you are wise. Far beyond your years, I believe. For that, I am grateful.

"Nonetheless, 'tis true I never could have imagined that you would be the shoulder that the God's Governors would come to entrust themselves to, young TJ. Had I the foresight of Her Grace, Leigha or Tiramin perhaps I would have had some semblance of an idea, but I confess, seeing it first hand was truly splendid. Good show, young warrior. I salute you."

"T-thank you…" TJ said as he rubbed his neck bashfully.

Amata gave him a gentle pat on the back as she grinned.

"Now then, congratulations on your victory, Amata. Your teamwork, courage and strength have surpassed my expectations. It is time for you to receive the proof that you have overcome my trial."

The young Governor of Fire stepped up to her ancestor and lowered her head as he placed a hand to it.

"What once stood before me a child, now becomes a warrior tall and true. Under the merciful eyes of all those who came before her, she shines brightest, the scars she bears and the title she wears, as such as she is wisest. Raise your head and receive of me now, the title of 'Maiden of Flames' as such you have proven worthy. Go forth, Amata Seitz and be the guiding star in this time of need!"

Once Rayinth began his prayer, the herald of flames manifested beneath the two and an incredible outward wind pressure was unleashed at every word. Upon finishing it, the light it created became nigh unyielding and in the following moments, runes began to form all across Amata's arms. Upon their completion, the runes lost their orange glow but remained in a solid black. For a time also, the mark of a Cerebian who opened the fire core was visible upon her but it too, faded once the ritual was completed.

"Maiden of Flames…huh?" Amata answered as she placed her hands to her chest. "I guess I really made it, then?"

Rayinth nodded solemnly.

"When next we meet, it shall be at Xenadia. It is there, that you shall have your opportunity to claim the God's Governor of Fire title."

She squinted at him suspiciously.

"Wait so…I'm not the Governor of Fire yet?"

The first Governor roared with laughter at the prospect.

"Absolutely not! Those who inherited the lineage are nothing more than a chosen candidate for the title! You must prove yourself worthy beneath the watchful eyes of God Ah's family before you can be acknowledged as God's Governor.

"Alas, to prove you have the strength of heart to face an opponent greater than you is but one step towards achieving this goal. The second, is to face yourself. I could tell the event that set you on the path to becoming God's Governor still haunts you. In time, you will have to overcome this. But let not this knowledge quell your celebration now. You are worthy, Amata. Let none tell you otherwise."

Amata clenched her fists at the Governor's words.

TJ did not quite know what the event Rayinth spoke of was, or what effect it had on her, but it seemed that her journey still had much and more to do. If the two were to meet again at Xenadia, then perhaps he would find out more there, especially with God's Governor Obermas awaiting their arrival.

"TJ, step forward."

At those words the Abellan looked like he had seen a ghost.

Was he to receive a new title too? Or those strange runic markings that Amata had?

He stepped forward and as he did so, the Governor of Fire held out a single hand. Upon doing so, Memorius Sanctum manifested before him.

"T-that's…!" TJ uttered in disbelief.

The Governor of Fire grinned gently.

"There are none who can utilize it like the royal family, however, we God's Governors do understand how to summon it, and how to make additions. As I had told you, we had chronicled our memories within you, but we also have chronicled our creations here. What is ours is to be that of those who follow in our wake for eons to come. To see these spells wielded so skillfully and those that followed was truly a spectacular sight."

He looked to Amata and gave her an approving nod.

With his free hand, he manifested a page and handed off the tome to TJ.

"TJ, there will come a time to return to Xenadia. It is there, that you too, shall be tested by the gods in many ways. It is there, also, that I am led to believe that you shall reunite with something precious to you and reclaim the time you have lost.

"However, this page is what I wish to speak to you about. This is but one portion of a song that you will need to have mastered for when the time to return is nigh. Perform for the gods, as was Her Grace's design, and they shall heed your call. Xenadia will be returned to the surface in so doing. Know that you cannot perform the song alone. You must form a quintet with the five God's Governors and have them perform alongside you."

"Eh…us too?" Amata asked.

"That is correct."

Rayinth produced another page and handed it off to the Governor of Fire.

"You, my descendant, have proven yourself a splendid warrior. In our age, even the greatest of warriors knew how to perform also—it was through this, that we came to give our magic form. I am positive you are well aware, however, as you are quite knowledgeable in those respects, are you not?"

He smiled at her and she grinned sheepishly.

"Just a bit…" she said. "But I…can't read our ancient language yet. Let alone speak it."

"Ah…yes, of course. Allow me."

He pointed a finger and a small series of flames ran across the page, allowing for Amata and TJ to read the notes and lyrics to the song.

"Thanks, Old Man!" Amata said as she beamed.

"'Tis nothing but a duty.

"Nevertheless, my time here is almost up. Before I leave, I shall create a means for both of you to exit safely."

"W-wait! Before you go, there's something I need to ask you!"

The Governor of Fire blinked before he smiled gently.

"Yes, I imagine you would have questions about your origins. I do not have all the answers, but I am sure I could give you some clemency to your ends."

TJ swallowed hard.

If he could ask one question, what would he want to know most? About himself? About Adonai? His relationship with Adonis? His purpose?

"I need to know…what do Lady Amae and I have to do with each other? What exactly is my relation to her? Why did she choose me?"

The Governor smiled as he closed his eyes.

"TJ, I am sure you are well aware, but you are unlike both Cerebians and Agasuras in several ways. The reason for that is because the means to your birth differed greatly from our own. To Her grace, you were a very unique and special existence. One that words could not begin to describe. However, one thing that we all knew, is that she loved you with all of her heart.

"To that end, to have your body used for evil broke her heart to an unfathomable degree. To have had Leigha strike you down, or rather Adonis, pained her even more so. Alas, to have merged the Heart of Yggdrasil to you, I believe she felt was an act of mercy."

He paused for a moment, seemingly thinking over what he would say next, or perhaps whether he should.

"Alas, it was not until after that battle that you were removed from Midgard. Be it for safekeeping, or solely to serve your other purpose, I cannot say. However, if the you that stands before me now is any indication of what Her Grace's final actions were meant to be…but…if it is her, I am almost certain she did so thinking of you all the while.

"Perhaps there will come a time where you are faced with the truth of your origins. The shadows of doubt will assault you once more, but know that the truth still awaits to be discovered by you. Let not darkness cloud your sight."

TJ's lips were pursed and his brow furrowed as he heard the knowledge imparted upon him.

How long had he spent pursuing the truth about Adonai and the Seven Sinners only to blind himself to a love that had been with him all along? Even now, after being with the Cerebians, he could not quite put into words exactly what love is, but…to allow him to see into her memories, to live her experiences, to see and know all the people that she had, was that not it also? The time and care that she, her Keruz and the God's Governors put into forging Memorius Sanctum into what it is today, was that not love also?

Someone, or something had chronicled both Amae and TJ's own memories within the tome. In so doing, little by little, he was able to grasp just what made him who he was. It seemed that everything pointed back to God Ah's family. The care that Amae had shown for him indirectly through all these means must have meant that his being was something deeply related to her. What that was, sooner or later, he felt certain he would find out.

In spite of all that, hearing those words from God's Governor Rayinth brought him unspeakable catharsis. Though the Sinners claimed Asmodeus was their sole parent, maybe, just maybe, TJ had another in that time. Someone who truly cared for him with all her heart.

A warm embrace snapped the Abellan out of his reverie as he soon found Amata's arms gently wrapped around him, her head resting against his back.

"TJ, just as you came to my aid when I needed it most, know that I'll be there for you. If the burden is too much for you to carry alone, then we'll do it together. You don't even have to think twice about asking me for help. I…really care about you, you know! So rather than making that scrunched-up face because you're thinking too hard about stuff, just talk to me."

He placed a hand to hers as he closed his eyes. He had a warm feeling in his chest and a strange, fluttering sensation. Like having butterflies in his body.

"Thanks a bunch, Amata." TJ said as he smiled gently.

Rayinth nodded wisely.

"That too, is a form of strength. The strength to aid your allies' and the courage to entrust yourself to them.

"Good show, warriors. My time has come, but when next we meet, I look forward to seeing what enlightenment you have gleaned in the time leading up to our reunion."

The two watched in awe for a couple of moments as Rayinth began to dissipate, fading away in a series of sparkles.

"Goodbye, old man! And thank you!" Amata said as she waved to him.

"It was nice meeting you Rayinth! Thanks for sharing a part of my past with me!" TJ said as he gently waved him off also.

The Governor of Fire raised a hand moments before his entire upper body disappeared entirely. As his legs faded away, in place of them a pillar of light remained, rising from the ground up.

"I…guess that's our exit? Shall we, TJ?"

He nodded as she took his hand and the two stepped into the pillar of light.

Much to their surprise, the duo found themselves back at the entrance to Mezzalone. Unlike the lively place it was during the day, it was quite docile at night. There were still people joyously strolling through the streets, friends loudly chatting and playing games and a variety of travellers that came and went. Across the city, there was no shortage of light, however. Though it was peaceful in comparison to the day, the night life of Mezzalone was nothing to underestimate either.

Amata let out a sigh of relief before she stretched.

"It really is over, isn't it? I've got the proof that I've completed the trial too. Pretty cool huh?" She asked as she glanced at her arms.

"Definitely!" TJ added with a grin.

"Though Mom's gonna kill me when she sees this." She laughed under her breath at the prospect.

"Leaving that aside…TJ, I can't thank you enough. In spite of everything, you really pulled through for me. Thanks to you, I can proudly call myself the Maiden of Flames."

He laughed and smiled.

"Just doing what I do best."

At his words Bharva manifested in a short series of flames that seemed to coil around the Maiden's shoulders.

"You have done my master a great service in seeing her through this trial, Exalted One. There is no end to the gratitude that I have for you," the dragon said.

As he spoke, though his mouth did not particularly open, a long, thin, forked tongue would emerge on occasion.

At his words however, both Abellan and Maiden alike looked on in disbelief. One of the two surprise, the other the lack thereof.

"Are you serious, Bharva? You know he can't understand anything you say, right?" Amata asked.

"Y-you're welcome," TJ answered sheepishly.

At that, Amata looked to him, then back to her companion.

"It seems you have not realized it yet, Master, but what God's Governor Rayinth bestowed upon you was not just an interim title, but his blessing. As you have grown further, I have done so alongside you."

"Eh? Seriously?" She asked as she squinted.

He nodded.

"Indeed. He has enhanced your abilities in several ways. I highly recommend setting some time aside in order to come to understand in which ways this has come about."

TJ's stomach growled loudly and he covered it while he averted his eyes.

"However, this time is not now. You have duties as of yet to be seen through. Until next we meet, Exalted One."

Without another word, Bharva came to a rest on her shoulder and emitted a powerful light before fading away in a series of crimson spheres.

"Guess you did work up an appetite huh? Well, I did promise, so let's go get some food!"

Amata led TJ through the streets of Mezzalone and as the two walked, once more she found herself bombarded by people who recognized her, commended her and at times, wanted autographs. After a while she eventually got sick of it and started exploding on anyone who came near, but in spite of the fact none seemed to take it to heart. It seemed that, that too, was one of her traits that people enjoyed. Some came up to her for that express purpose, leaving happily.

"Geez! These guys!" She huffed as she stomped her way through an alleyway.

"You're really well-liked around these parts." TJ said with a laugh.

"I dunno why my popularity got turned up to eleven, though! I bet it's my stupid dad's doing! He's always rampaging over the place and solving problems and making himself famous and then I have to deal with this nonsense!"

The two were more similar than she knew but he would not tell her that.

That matter aside, he noticed that both following the start of the battle and the end of it, Amata was dressed in her regular clothes.

"What happened to your ritual clothes, Amata?"

"Huh? I…I dunno. I didn't even realize I was out of them with all the stuff that happened."

She examined herself, realizing there were no signs of it left. As she rummaged through her bag, she took out the top and cape before smiling mirthlessly.

"That old guy folded 'em up all nicely and stuffed 'em in my bag. When did he even find the time to do this?"

"I guess it's just more proof of your victory." TJ said with a grin.

She knit her brows.

"When would I ever willingly wear this?"

After walking for a time, the two eventually came to another alleyway and in it, there was a single brown door featuring a teacup with a leaf lifted by the steam from the cup.

"This is the place." Amata said as she reached out and rapped on the door three times. "Mama, you in?"

After a brief delay the door opened up and a middle-aged woman answered. She was average in both size and shape. She had long, untamed curly hair tied in a low ponytail. She wore a white long-sleeve blouse, a matching apron, black dress pants with rolled-up cuffs and a pair of black slip-ons. Her shoes had a mandala sunflower design and her apron the logo and name of her restaurant, Escalier vers la Lune.

"Hey Mama. Sorry for coming so suddenly but we just got back from an expedition and well…nothing beats a meal here after one."

"Don't worry about it Amata, you're always welcome here. So, who's your cute new friend?" Mama asked as she smiled kindly at the two.

TJ's eyes seemed to bug out as he solemnly looked at the woman before him.

"…Yuna?" He asked in disbelief.

"Yes?"

Without another moment to spare he leapt into her arms.

"Yuna! It's really you! Yuna," he cried out.

Yuna looked on in shock, but held him nonetheless. She traded baffled glances with Amata who shrugged in turn.

"Have we met before?" She asked as TJ pulled away from her.

"It's me, TJ! I mean…it's probably been a few years but it really is me!"

At his name her gaze softened.

"That you, Sweetpea?"

She had to hold back her tears as she collapsed to her knees and showered him with kisses.

"I don't believe it! It really is you! It's been too long! Far too long!"

She held him tightly after his silent protests.

"Yuna! Kisses are for lovers!" He complained, resigning himself to her hug.

"You two know each other?" Amata asked as she looked nonplussed.

"Yeah, the two of us go way back." She said as she let him go and rose to her feet. "Back when I still lived on Asgard I found TJ in the forest near my home, collapsed and with an empty stomach. The guards came looking for him and I hid him and well…after that he came to live with me. He livened up those normal days."

She smiled with an air of motherly grace about her and he beamed back in turn.

"Who would have thought an empty stomach would bring you back to me?

"Even so, you've changed so much over that time. Looking at you now, I guess you've been working on fitting in with some of the kids on Midgard, hm?"

"Eh? Oh…no it's just…well a lot of things happened and so I wound up looking like this," he chuckled sheepishly.

"But more importantly! Yuna, what happened to your funny way of talking?"

She looked nonplussed for a moment before she rapped him on the head gently with the side of her hand.

"It's rude to call a lady's accent a 'funny way of talking', Sweetheart."

"S-sorry…"

Her pursed lips eased up and she smiled at the kids.

"After travelling the world for a time, I eventually broke the habit of speaking in that way. That's all!

"Anyway, I shouldn't have you two just standing in the doorway. Come in and have a seat. I'll whip something up for you."

At her behest the two entered the shop and TJ could not help but look around.

The restaurant was a small, homely place. At the moment, likely because it was closed, the lights were dimmed and the restaurant was silent, giving it a mature, after-hours feeling. There were two rows of tables and chairs along each side of the wall, leading to a counter. Above the counter was a greenboard that had recently been cleaned off and washed. Between some of the tables and in the corners of the room were a myriad of colourful plants that were likely native to the Ves region.

After the two sat down Yuna made her way toward the kitchen.

"TJ, you've gotta try Mama's curry. There isn't a restaurant in all of Mezzalone that can make it like she does!" Amata said enthusiastically clenching her fists.

He grinned.

"I'll take your suggestion, then."

The sound of running water drew their attention towards the kitchen in the back as Yuna emerged, drying her hands with a hand towel.

"I take it your tastes haven't changed? I can make yours mild if you like, Sweetheart."

She really was Yuna. There was not a shred of doubt in his heart.

"Yeah, please!"

'Comin' right up." At that, she disappeared into the kitchen.

Amata rested her head on her intertwined fingers.

"You really are full of surprises, aren't you TJ? You seem to be acquainted with everybody." The Maiden of Flames said as she grinned.

"I don't know everybody it's just…well, everybody seems to know me."

"You are the Abellan. Though this and that are two different things!

"Still, it does make me wonder…where exactly did you live before you met Mama? You…didn't live on the streets, did you?"

He crossed his arms and closed his eyes as he mulled it over.

"I…I don't think so? There's a bit of a gap in my memories regarding that. The earliest memory I can remember is the time where I lived on the other side of the gate…and I met the Chief there for the first time. After that the next memory I saw, I was in the dungeons of Asgard's castle."

Amata blinked in disbelief.

"The other side of the gate…? I'd heard the stories but hearing it first hand from you makes it all the weirder."

"Huh? You know something about it?"

"Yeah? Doesn't everybody?"

He gave her a sullen glance and she smiled guiltily.

"Remember that talk we had about the Artimen Clan, back in the Gourmet's Valley?"

He nodded.

"In essence, you're the other piece of the puzzle. The Artimen Clan would go to that place, you called it the 'gate' right? It's there that the souls of the dead were purified and released to the other side. There were no shortage of legends that said you were its gatekeeper, but since nobody had been able to follow the Artimen Clan there, nobody could say for certain.

"But to think you met Peorth there…the royal family really is something else, aren't they?"

TJ nodded slowly, thoughtfully.

"I think she was the one who brought me to your world. It's…kinda hard to believe, even knowing that all of that happened, but…it's no less true.

"Still, knowing that I existed during the time of Rayinth and Lady Amae, it makes me wonder how long I had been on the other side of the gate."

"Must mean you're a few thousand years old!" The Sorceror burst out into laughter.

"Well I certainly don't feel like it." TJ muttered as he knit his brows.

Yuna soon returned with an amicable smile on her face. She took a seat next to the Abellan.

"You two seem to be having quite the fun chat. Did I miss something?"

"We were just talking about the place TJ came from.

"But leaving that aside, I wanna hear more about your relationship, Mama."

"What's there to say?" She laughed gently.

"I'd like to know too!" TJ said as he exhaled willfully. "I…well I lost a lot of my memories and I found some, but a lot of the time we spent together is still missing. I have to defeat the other Sinners before I can see those memories again.

"Though one thing I do remember is the last time I was on Asgard was during the war. Was that the time when we were separated?"

Yuna nodded wistfully.

"Yeah, I'd say that was it. I remember it well. When those Agasura came, you packed up your things and said you were going to fight."

She closed her eyes for a couple of moments. Upon opening them there was a sadness beyond words within.

"I'd heard about parents sending their kids to war before but actually doing it was harder than I could've imagined. But I couldn't tell you not to go, could I? By then I had known you weren't just any average child but… even so, to me, you were. Still…I wanted you to stay by me, escape with me…but I knew Asgard needed you…the world needed you. And I let you go."

TJ's heart ached at her words. After all his adventures he knew he was many things to many people but…after coming to understand what made a family, he could only imagine what Yuna's loneliness at his departure felt like.

"Yuna…" he whispered glumly.

"In truth, at first I'd spent all of my time worrying about what had happened to you. After I touched down in Lemanin I'd spent some time asking around for any clues to your whereabouts. Not too many people knew, though.

"So, with a little help I started up my business. I ran a travelling cart selling food across Jienda. As I made stops in the cities and Havens, I asked around about you. It wasn't until the second time I visited Aoich that I had heard you had stopped there, taking up quests with your friends from Yggdrasil. For a time, it felt as if I was walking in your footsteps, going to all the places you had once been."

At the thought, she smiled and laughed gently. There were still hints of the wistfulness in her yard-long gaze, but her joy made up for it substantially.

"When I reached Ves I thought about it for a while, wondered what I would do if I did find you. After thinking it over, I decided it'd be best if I let you leave the nest. You found your calling, friends to see it through with and the strength to succeed. That journey you'd take is one that I couldn't do with you. I'd only be a liability, after all. I can't wield a sword or a staff. I wasn't raised to wield a ladle, but I guess you could say it was my weapon of choice."

She laughed mirthfully and the two did also.

"So after a few years of travelling and saving up, I decided to settle down in Mezzalone. I couldn't afford my own storefront but I managed to get this little place on the cheap, and so I built it to what it is today. I suppose at the end of it all, my mentality was that…when your adventure ends, you could come here and just have a nice meal, a roof over your head and…a warm embrace waiting for you."

Without a moment to think it over TJ embraced her and buried his face in her flank. She laughed as she gently stroked his hair.

"I'm sorry for being gone so long, Yuna. If I'd known sooner I'd have come to visit."

"You were busy saving the world, weren't you? You don't need to come all the way to Mezzalone to visit me!"

The chef's eyes flickered to the young girl across the table, beaming at the two with a look unbeknownst to either of them.

"Why the smug grin, Amata?"

"Oh it's nothing…" She said as she cackled quietly. "Though seeing TJ like this after all that we'd been through is quite a refreshing change. After all the heroics and showing off he's done, seeing that he has a cute side is a big shock for me. Is this that thing…what'd they call it? Gap?"

"You're really making me feel my age with that slang of yours." Yuna said as she chuckled under her breath.

"Though I'd never have thought that you of all people were his mom, Mama. I'd have to say that was the biggest surprise today."

"D-don't call me a mom. I'm not even married yet."

"I'll marry you, Yuna!" TJ said with a twinkle in his eye.

She began to sweat as she squinted at him suspiciously.

"I can't help but sense a misunderstanding here."

"Happens all the time," Amata laughed.

"There's no misunderstanding. I'd heard that lovers get married, and kissing is something that lovers do, right?"

"Ah, there it is." His guardian said as she smiled wryly.

She placed her hands to his shoulders as she looked him in the eyes.

"Sweetheart, you and I are gonna need to have a long talk about what a lover is. If you're not careful, you're going to make a lot of girls cry in the future."

"R-really? That'd be kinda bad huh?" He asked as he knit his brows.

The chef could not help but smile at his response.

"I know you wouldn't do it on purpose. With youth comes innocence, after all. That innocence will lead to you making mistakes, but that's all part of growing up. Even so, I guess it's times like these where your guardians might be able to intervene. We'll get you back on the right track in good time."

To that end, she explained the different ways of expressing love for families, friends and lovers for a brief period.

While Yuna finished cooking TJ and Amata chatted for a while. Soon after she returned with two plates and served them.

After a taste, TJ smiled with delight. He could not recall having tasted curry before, but he was thankful it was the first. It was not too spicy, had a bit of a sweetness to it and the taste reminded him of his time on Asgard. It was reminiscent of one of the places he could call home.

"Thanks for the meal, Mama." Amata said as she patted her stomach. "If you two'll excuse me, I need to run to the little ladies' room."

TJ blinked thoughtfully at her words.

Who, or what, were the little ladies? Were there other places they resided in?

"Sweetheart, it's just another term for the girls' bathroom," Yuna told him.

"Oho!" He said with a look of realization.

Was there anything she didn't know?

She smiled but her eyebrows remained knit.

"You must have had a difficult time getting along with people, didn't you? I'm sorry I couldn't give you a normal upbringing. When I found you, I should've studied more, but I didn't exactly do things by the book for most of my life. Treated parenting the same way. That was unfair to you."

He looked at her earnestly, solemnly for a time. Finally, he shook his head.

"That's not it. I…I don't remember much of our time together but…the time we did spend together that I do know, I'm super thankful for! You didn't know me but you gave me a home, clothes and you fed me too. You didn't chase me away or lock me up. You treated me really kindly. I wish I could tell you how glad I am that I met you, but…well, I'm kinda bad with my words. But I really, really love you!"

She ruffled his hair and kissed him gently on the forehead.

"I love you too, Sweetpea.

"Still, you might have lost some of your memories, but I'd bet you made plenty of fun ones along your journey. Why not share some with me?"

"I'd be glad to!"

For a time he talked animatedly about his adventures with Yggdrasil, the things he learned about its members and himself. Stories of the places he'd seen, the Agasuras he fought and of course, the foods he ate.

"So you wound up shopping with the girls? They're really full of surprises, aren't they?"

TJ nodded as he chuckled.

Moments later Su's question about his quest to become more masculine resurfaced in his mind. Perhaps Yuna knew something about it?

"Yuna, when we lived together was being…well, manly a big thing for me? Do you remember anything like that?"

She rubbed her chin thoughtfully for a couple of moments before she raised a finger.

"Actually, I do! It was around the same time Princess Freya passed away. Shortly after that, if I'm remembering right. You'd started studying under some strange masked fellow. You said he was teaching you some magic and close-combat. That and he'd often mention something about becoming a man of high caliber? I never quite understood that, but if I was to take a swing at a guess, it meant something like being strong—strong enough to protect those you cared about. He said he wanted you to prove that you could best him."

She crossed her arms.

"He was a strange one. I met him once, but never saw him take off that mask.

"Still, I think that was only half of the dilemma." She smiled guiltily. "I was probably the other."

TJ blinked.

"You were?"

She nodded in turn.

"Yeah. Around the time you were learning to talk, I figured it'd be best if I taught you to read too. Had some old picture books lying around that I used to read with you. A series called 'The Little Knight'. Used to love it when I was your age. …However old you are.

"I used to talk endlessly about knights in shining armour and whatnot. I'm sure a part of it was all the heroism and flights of fancy, but the other was based on my memories. Used to admire them 'cause my family took a lot of pride in their knighthood. Most of the men in my family picked up the sword and took the oath. Might be all my yappin' put some crazy ideas in that pretty little head of yours."

She paused for a moment as she closed her eyes, her brows furrowed.

"I need to be more careful. The more I think about the past the more my accent slips into my speech.

"Back to the topic at hand, a small part of me believed you could be that person for the princess. I shouldn't have put so much pressure on you like that. You'll have to forgive me for that too, Sweetpea."

She laughed gently.

"I've got a lot to apologize for, don't I?"

TJ grinned as he laughed also.

"That's okay. I'm not mad about any of it. To be honest, that's what I wanted too. Both then and now. I want to see the Chief smiling even if things get difficult."

She tilted her head when he referred to her by her nickname, but the moment quickly passed.

"I've no doubt you'll manage somehow. But you need to think about you, too. It's important to consider how you want people to see you. It's a really simple thing, but being a boy or a girl is something that's both important to the person themselves and those around them, especially when it comes to love."

TJ nodded, listening intently.

"What you need to understand is, in most cases, girls will like boys and boys will like girls. Sometimes boys will like boys and girls will like girls. It's different for everyone, Sweetheart. How you carry yourself, the way you dress and talk, these can all be things that will help others to tell what kind of person you are. From what you told me, there's a lot that you like about Queen Peorth, isn't there? The same could be said for you, in her case. Maybe you look cute in a quipao or have a certain charm when you're eating your favourite food. All of those little things you love in others, they can find similar things in you.

"But this isn't just about everyone else. You've been pretty worried about the matter too, haven't you? My advice is to be what you feel most comfortable being. You don't have to be a boy to be someone's knight in shining armour. You don't have to be a girl to feel cute in a dress either. Regardless of what you choose to be, you should feel happy being it. And whatever you choose, I'll be happy with too, because you're happy. I won't love you any less for being either, or choosing neither. If you find someone that can accept that about you too, then you'll know that they're definitely someone you won't want to lose."

She chuckled gently at the prospect.

"So I say, but it seems there are a few girls that already are looking to get their hooks in you. I won't judge, but try to narrow it down to one, okay?"

"Got it." TJ said with a grin.

She smiled with a smug look in her eyes.

"You've no idea. That one might have to be a life lesson."

After Amata rejoined them, TJ decided to ask about how the two had become acquainted.

"If it wasn't for you, I might not have met Yuna again…ever! You must have had a pretty exciting meeting too!" He said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Not all meetings are fantastic adventures. Some are, but this one was normal…but rather pleasant! It's a short story though," Yuna began.

"A few years ago Amata and a friend came by. Don't know what brought them to a hole-in-the-wall shop like mine, but I was glad to have them nonetheless. They ate, chatted for a while and left. Few days later and they were back. Next thing I knew, they'd become regulars. When people caught word that the daughter of the God's Governor of Fire was eating here, they started to flock to my store by the dozens. Still do."

"S-sorry…" Amata said as she hid her face.

"Ha! I should thank you! Business has been great because of it. Heck, even Alvaro dropped by once or twice in a blue moon."

"Eating at the same restaurant as my dad is painfully lame."

"You're at that age, huh?" Yuna asked as she smiled and placed her chin in her hands.

"But now that we're on the topic, I haven't seen you around much. It was Meena who gave me the nickname Mama because she said my food reminded her of her own mom's—just that it'd be weird if she called me Mom too. Although, Meena still drops by every now and again, yet I haven't seen you two together in years. Did you have a falling out?"

"W-well…"

"Say no more. I won't press you for answers. Whatever happened, I'll be here, hoping the two of you can sort it out, and when you do, be sure to come back. I'll have a meal ready for you." She grinned amicably.

Amata looked to the chef before she looked down at her shoes for a few solemn moments. When they had passed, she clenched a fist to her chest with a look of resolve in her eyes.

"Mama, we should get going. Thanks so much for having us and cooking too, even though it's so late."

"Think nothing of it, kids. My door's always open for you, so if you ever need a place to stay and a warm meal, just come on over."

"Thanks a ton Yuna. For everything." TJ said as he beamed, cheeks flushed.

"Thank you, kiddo, for looking after all of us. I dunno what the Cerebians would do without you.

"And hey, you should bring the Queen by sometime. It might be a little shabby for her high-class tastebuds, but I'll prepare you two a nice candlelit dinner. That is, if the two of you aren't already an item."

"Yuna!" Amata complained as she clenched her fists.

"I'm just teasing!"

She saw the two to the door and gave the Abellan a warm hug.

"Take care of yourself, Sweetpea. It's a hell of a world out there, but I'd bet there's no one who can navigate it like you can."

"I will, Yuna! You be sure to take care too. As soon as I can, I'll be sure to come back and visit!" The Abellan said as he grinned a toothy grin.

"I bet you will."

"I'll try to come by once in a while too. I'll probably be in the Haven more often now so I don't have a reason not to."

"Good. I'm looking forward to it, Kiddo. Also be sure to think long and hard before you get any more tattoos."

"I-it's not like that!"

Yuna laughed as she waved the two off. As they said one more goodbye, their journey began anew.

"As they walked through the streets of Mezzalone Amata wore a pensive expression.

"Hey…TJ," she began.

"Mm hmm?" He asked in turn, looking to her.

"I…I've been thinking… w-well..I uhh…" She rubbed her arm uneasily. "You remember how I told you about that friend of mine, way back when? W-well she lives near here. Like Mama had said...it's been a while since the two of us had been together…'cause I was avoiding her. S-so I wanna go see her. But I can't do it alone. If I do, I might chicken out and just go back home. No matter what I say, don't let me quit, alright? Make sure I see this through to the end."

"Well we did agree to stick things out until the end right? If you can face God's Governor Rayinth, I'd bet you could face Meena too." TJ said with a grin.

"This and that are two different things, though!"

"Though I can't help but wonder, would she be awake at this time?"

Amata shook her head as she shrugged.

"Oh definitely. That girl always was a night owl. Hell, it was her idea for us to go to Mama's after-hours because of the crowds during the day."

The two walked through the marketplace to a small district rife with houses. It seemed to be closer to one of the more mountainous areas in Mezzalone, but leading to what seemed to be nothing more than an uphill path. There were no houses or shops.

"You know, I'm starting to think this might be a bad idea. I mean, really, just showing up out of the blue like that? Terrible idea." Amata said as she shook her head.

"I dunno what you're talking about." TJ said with a mirthful grin.

"Let's be honest with ourselves, there's no way she'd wanna see me after all these years! Like really, better to just let sleeping dogs lie. Come on TJ, let's head back."

He grabbed her by the hem of her jacket as she tried to turn around and walk back.

"D-don't stop me, TJ! This is a bad idea and you know it!"

"I said I'd stop you, so we're going. No way out of it now, Amata."

After struggling for a time, she sighed, relented and started walking with him again.

As they neared their destination, Amata pointed at the house near the end of the street. As they drew closer, she began to sweat and immediately turned around to break into a dash, only to be grabbed by the Abellan once more.

"You can't run away Amata! You're braver than that!" TJ said as his feet began to slide across the concrete.

"I don't know…what you're…talking…about!" The Maiden of Flames uttered as she walked with all her might.

"Can't let you do that!"

TJ opted out for grabbing her waist and hauling her over his shoulder.

"You're…you're stronger than you look.

"Wait, that's not the point! P-put me down! I changed my mind! I don't wanna do this! I refuse to go! No! Absolutely not! TJ you idiot!"

She kicked and punched all while protesting. He expected it to be a lot worse, but after getting a beatdown courtesy of Rayinth and his metal gauntlets, Amata's fists were easy to handle.

Once the two arrived at the house TJ removed a hand from the Governor of Fire to knock on the door three times.

"I've calmed down. You can put me down now," Amata said in a defeated tone.

After a short period a young girl came to the door.

She seemed to be around the same age as Amata. She had bronzed skin, jade green eyes and shoulder-length violet hair. She wore a celeste sari with gold hemming. What caught TJ's eye, however, were the aged burn scars that covered most of her right side.

Though he looked only for a moment, he felt he could understand the scenario entirely. To that end, he dared not speak a word of it.

Meena looked at the two with a baffled expression for a moment before she clasped her hands to her face. Tears began to stream from her eyes while her old friend rubbed her neck.

"Ama? You came to visit…" Meena said through her tears.

"Y-yeah…it's been a while, huh, Mee-mrghph-" Before she could finish her question she was suddenly embraced by her friend.

"All this time I thought you hated me! I've wanted to see you for all these years but whenever I went to visit your parents told me you were away on expeditions!"

"H-hate you? No! You didn't even do anything! I-it was my fault…after all. I should've stayed, but I ran away…"

"That's fine. I'm just glad you're back. But since you're here…does that mean we can start over?"

"Forget that! Instead of starting over, let's just pick up where we left off. Except his time…I'll do better."

Meena invited the two in and let them sit down in her living room. It was a homely little space with a television, a group of couches, a dining table and various pictures on the wall. There were plants scattered along the window sill and a grandfather clock rested against one of the walls.

She soon returned with tea and biscuits to accompany them before she sat down beside Amata.

"Sorry for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Meena Patil, a really good friend of Ama's," Meena told TJ.

"Yeah…we go way back." Amata added with a light chuckle. "Meena, this is TJ, the Abellan."

"That's me, yeah." TJ said with a grin.

"Oh stop!" Meena said as she jokingly slapped Amata's arm.

"No I'm serious! He really is!" Amata remarked as she laughed.

"It's true." He added, soon looking rather startled.

Meena seemed to be practically brimming with excitement. She bit down her lip in an attempt to hide her grin. Following that, she got to her feet and held out a hand for him to shake it.

"I can't believe I'm meeting the Abellan in the flesh! I'd heard that you appeared at the summit in Lemanin but I didn't think you'd be coming to Mezzalone!"

"Me either," he laughed.

"Yeeeeeah…that was kinda my fault. Asked him to take Rayinth's trial on a whim, but he was pretty good about it. Thanks to him, we cleared it. It's also thanks to him that I actually came here and didn't run away." She muttered under her breath, cheeks flushed.

"You did it?" Meena asked with a surprised look.

"Check 'em out!"

Amata raised her tattooed arms for her companion to see and she examined them thoroughly while expressing her amazement.

"That's super cool, Ama! Is it permanent?"

"Probably?" She shrugged.

"How will you have mehndi applied if you have those, though?"

"Wh-"

The Maiden of Flames reeled back in shock at the question, her cheeks flushed.

"I…I'll cross that bridge when I get to it! I mean, it's n-not like I'm thinking about stuff like that right now! S-saving the world comes first! That can wait, can't it?"

"You're the same old Ama, huh?" Meena laughed.

TJ did not quite understand what they were talking about, but he was just happy to see them getting along so well.

"Yeah, a nervous wreck when it counts." Amata said with knit brows.

She took Meena's hands in her own.

"Really though, I can't apologize enough for what I'd done. After the incident, I did go to see you in the hospital but at the time you were unconscious. When I saw you like that I just couldn't…couldn't take the guilt. I should've been there for you but instead I went to Hanamah to run away from it all. Even after all that, I just wound up causing more trouble in another Haven. Even then, throughout the whole ordeal and my journey up to now, I couldn't stop thinking about you."

Meena beamed at her sullen companion.

"I forgive you. You didn't think I'd hold a grudge against my best friend did you? I love you too much for that!

"Besides, it was thanks to you that the two of us came out alive at all. I'd take this over dying there, any day. Both Mom and Dad were thankful that you saved me too.

"All in all though, I'm just glad you came back. I dunno what I'd do if I never saw you again. But to know that you were thinking of me all this time too, makes me super happy!"

The two girls hugged, each smiling from the bottom of their hearts.

"Let's swear not to let anything get between us again." Amata said as she held out a pinky.

"Agreed." Meena answered as she locked hers with her friend's.

As the two gently shook fingers and smiled at each other, the night passed.

The duo made their way back to the Seitz manor in relative silence.

TJ thought to speak to her, but since they had left Amata had been positively fuming with what he thought to be embarrassment. He decided it best to give her some time to mull her thoughts over.

He chuckled gently under his breath.

Yuna had told him there were many forms of love. It seemed to him, that there were many forms of courage too. Fighting might not be the hardest thing for some people to do—a truth he had seen first-hand. He felt proud of Amata who, though reluctant to go through with it, faced her fears and made-up with her longtime friend. To have been a part of her journey brought him a joy he could not put to words. Even more so, he was thankful that it all worked out in the end.

As the two arrived at Amata's home she snapped out of her flustered reverie and turned her gaze to the Abellan. She pressed her fingers together for a couple of moments before she decided to speak.

"H-hey…it's a little late and all so…do you wanna stay over another night? You can have breakfast and leave in the morning…if you want…" she muttered in a subdued tone.

TJ grinned slightly, his eyes crinkled.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass this time. I don't want to be any more of a burden on your family than I already have been. They've already done plenty for me, so this is enough," he answered.

"That so?"

It was only ever so slightly, but he could hear the disappointment in her voice at his response.

"W-well…still…um…TJ, thank you." She looked him in the eyes. "For everything. I was able to do all of this because you were with me every step of the way. Even when I turned into a quivering pile of jelly, you still stayed with me."

She pressed her fingers together again and lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red.

"You really are just like one of the heroes of eld. Makes me glad that I was the candidate for Governor of Fire when you came from beyond the gate.

"I…well…would you close your eyes? Just for a sec'."

He tilted his head quizzically for a moment before he did as she requested. The Maiden of Flames leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek before taking a couple steps back. He opened his eyes and placed a hand to the place her lips touched, looking bewildered.

"I've never felt this way about a boy before…nor did I think I'd feel this way about a modern-day hero."

She hurried over to the gates to the manor and opened them before glancing back one last time.

"Thank you, TJ! I'll see you again soon!"

As she waved the gates closed and she turned to walk away with a bit of a spring to her step.

TJ soon arrived at his home in Belos and as he did so, collapsed in the doorway.

"What a day!" He said with a sigh of relief.

Su emerged from the gem and crossed her arms as she grinned.

"Well lookit' you, lover boy! Looks like you somehow won the bitch over." She said with a teasing grin. "Good luck with that."

"I'm sure it'll be fine. In truth, I'm just glad I was able to do what I promised I would."

He had never seen Amata smile so much and in such a way. It seemed that he had the power to not only change fate, but people also. The other four Governors who were struggling in their own ways, there likely was something that he could do for them. Eventually, he would find out what that is, and together they would go on to accomplish great things. For now, he was just satisfied at having been of use to the Governor of Fire to-be.