All chapters till now have been between 1500 and 3500 words

This is almost 7000 after the 'fix-up' hopefully that'll make up for the late update

Reason for it? Family came over, spent a lot of time talking to them with this chapter 'un-fixed-up' minimized in the background, but I got to it.

BTW anyone know why Wayu is...trivia...y? Trivia-ish?

ONWARD!

Chapter Ten

Euto Research Center

The inside of the research center was vast and maintained very well. Everything was clean and several researchers walked left and right quickly, all clearly hard at work.

Using the time of peace to its fullest the dedicated workers were determined in discovering all they need to know about life. Even as the moon continued to climb outside the workers paid little mind and barely even acknowledged the group following gate guard Orgoth.

The knight pointed at the displays and the large cylinders in the mail hall "There we hold replicas of documents detailing some of the inventions and discoveries…the originals are hidden away and maintained. The cylinders run a powerful current that energizes the building and will act as a foundation for powering Euto soon."

As they walked across the hall, Orgoth led them up the left flight of stairs and into a hall past two offices, one of which was open and inside were a few workers discussing something.

Wyre now easily dragged Mikel along and turned to Mia "Strange place…never seen anything like it…"

The trueblade nodded slowly as her eyes darted around the room "It's almost as if we've stepped into another world."

Orgoth stopped at a door that opened itself, the group stepped inside to find it was a very small room they barely fit in. As the door closed they noticed they were on some kind of lift that began moving upwards rather quickly.

It came to a slow stop and Orgoth got out and motioned them past more offices to a rather large one with windows from which you could see Euto along the horizon, a woman stood looking towards the city as Orgoth walked towards her.

"Eminse, I believe these are the people Ulmeihn mentioned in his letter…they're here."

Without turning completely around the researcher faced Orgoth and smiled before whispering "Thank you."

She then turned and smiled towards the group "Ulmeihn…how has that old fogey been holding up?"

The head researcher had tied up her black hair and wore glasses, covering her zip up shirt with a white lab coat that had her identification card and a pocket with a pen. She adjusted her glasses and walked closer to the group with Orgoth behind her.

"He's good from what we last saw of him several days ago after passing through Malsean." Soren answered.

Nodding Eminse turned to Orgoth, smiled again then faced Soren "He said that you were bringing some of his preliminary work on this strange organism that was attached to a man who burst into flames?"

"Yes and we believe it may have something to do with the soldiers we somehow manage to kill more than once."

Soren reached into his bag and took out the papers, as he handed them over to Eminse; Orgoth coughed "It's unbelievable that someone has the ability to bring back the dead."

Soren raised his eyebrow "So you do know about the letter? Was the doubt an act?"

Orgoth shrugged as Lyle shook his head "Bringing back the dead is unbelievably disgusting…"

Eminse nodded towards him before turning "It certainly shouldn't happen. No matter what the use…either way…"

Returning to her desk Eminse sat and sighed "I'll get to work on this and contact you all as soon as I know anything…Orgoth will show you to our guest rooms…feel free to wander but don't get lost…with any luck I will have something for you before midnight."

The group reached the hall with all their rooms, as they split up Soren turned to Orgoth.

"Hey, would you mind showing me around a little more?" the armored knight sighed; he shifted his elbows and focused on Soren again.

"What do you want to see?"

"If it's a problem-"

The knight shook his head "No problem."

As Soren left with Orgoth, Mia peeked out of their room. She smiled knowing how interested he must be to learn about technology and really anything that could advance Soren's well of knowledge.

She started walking and as Wayu exited her room having removed the upper body armor. She stretched her arms and acknowledged Mia "Where are you headed?"

Shrugging the trueblade continued walking "Just want to have a look around…I won't get lost."

"Of course not, cause I'm comin with you!" Wayu stated and joined Mia.

Exiting Mikel's room Lyle shook his head, unbelievable how drunk the idiot got in such a short time.

He noticed Mia and Wayu turn a corner and he quickly turned around feeling someone was watching him.

He came face to face with Wyre Reh; personally Lyle wasn't too fond of him. He came from another continent and yet had more casual chats with Mia who he hasn't seen in years than himself who was living in Corelis for the last several years.

"What?" the swordmaster asked bluntly.

Wyre looked him over, determining to himself what he should say "How close are you to Soren and Mia?"

Laughing Lyle pushed past Wyre "Why do you want to know? Are you their guardian now?"

"No…but I don't know anything about you because you are always avoiding me. Wayu and Mikel talk to me perfectly fine…I know they are good people…you, on the other hand, continue to give me the runaround."

Turning Lyle put his face very close to Wyre "So what?"

Not backing down the sage placed his open palm on Lyle's chest and pushed them man back a few steps "This is exactly why I can't rest easy at night…you need to relax Lyle…we are all comrades here."

Closing his eyes the swordmaster turned and walked away "Why don't I talk to you? Easy. I don't like you Wyre Reh. Not one bit."

Orgoth and Soren entered a room and the knight turned to the other man "Unique blood? The types we've established haven't changed since their inception and they incorporate this continent's and several of the surrounding ones like Magvel, Elibe-"

"But I'm the first person who's come here from Tellius."

Orgoth raised his eyebrows but acknowledged Soren's statement. "Why do you want to know about it? Why would you trust us with it?"

Turning Soren looked at Orgoth "Because…the short conversation with Eminse showed me you are people worth trusting…the only problem is that we need a base."

"Base? Why not you're…girl...close…significant other, Mia? She is from Tellius as well, right?"

Soren grinned and turned to the lab "No…she is the reason I'm doing this. I know for a fact my blood is different than Mia's and most of Tellius…hers is as well…and there are two other types I'd need…"

"You'd need to find two other members of the Greil Mercenaries?"

Soren nodded "Tellius is made of the beorc and the laguz…any other member of the group would work. The harder part would be laguz, we only brought one, Ranulf along and I have no clue where he is."

Orgoth crossed his arms "I see…from what you've told me, Laguz are quite a sight…human like appearance, portions of the animals they can shift into…I figured he would stand out like a sore thumb."

"He probably does…but Ymarkteg is vast." Orgoth and Soren approached a table and the knight began preparing to draw some blood from Soren.

"This sounds pretty long term if you need to find Ranulf…seeing as how you told me two of your beorc friend settled in Malsean."

The archsage sighed "Indeed, but it will greatly help this delicate situation I'm in."

Orgoth pulled out a needle and tested it "Okay…you'll tell Eminse and I about this situation so we can use this research center's full capability to help you, right?"

Soren nodded and winced a little as Orgoth put the needle in his arm "I really do trust you but seeing how much I need to get ready…there is no reason to let it out know."

Agreeing Orgoth prepared to put the blood sample away.

Laughing with each other Mia and Wayu came out to a large balcony overlooking a room with workers crowded on one side as a man stood on a stand and raised a small object above his head.

"For the longest time the only weapons we've had to strike at our foes from a distance were bows…ballistae and most reliable of all…the ethereal forces of magic…but with this! The common man will have the weapon that can shoot, into the future!"

Aiming the device at a circular object on the opposite wall, the scientist moved one of his fingers to push against something; a loud bang rang throughout the room as a portion of the round object broke off in pieces.

The workers clapped as the lead man dropped the item and his hands flew to his ears "Still have to work on that noise."

Mia also noticed the item on the floor was smoking "Ouch…that burned his hands…"

Wayu smiled "Not so different from misusing a bow…still has some bugs to work out it seems…"

The pair left the room and continued down a hall; Mia glanced over at Wayu who seemed to have a very serious expression on her face all of a sudden.

"Hey Wayu…maybe I'm reading too much into it…and I don't want to get in your personal business…but…"

Wayu glanced over at Mia "What?"

Mia looked away from her and back down the hall, thinking it over in her head if she wanted to ask. Deciding against it she shook her head turned back to Wayu and smiled "Never mind."

"Are you sure?" receiving a nod from Mia, Wayu decided there was nothing else there.

"Despite the gratuitous violence we see on the road…I am glad to have come along with you guys…for many reasons but above all I believe this will help me become a better person."

Mia smiled, noting that the adventures across Tellius and the other continents have made not only her but all the Greil Mercenaries stronger and better people.

"I hope it does."

Ascending to the highest structure, Wyre came into a room with many guards. Very round and with many windows he saw giant ballistae outside and catapults.

A guard walked up to him "You must be one of the guests."

Wyre nodded and then bowed quickly "I apologize if I'm interrupting anything…I come from a long military background and I noticed the defenses outside…seeing how much research is done in here…even in peace you can't be too careful."

The man nodded and extended his hand "Indeed…I am General Krayvon. I oversee the defenses of the entire facility and am in charge of the many knights you've no doubt seen on the premises. We've unfortunately never known true peace as some discoveries lead to the workers attempting to escape with the knowledge for…untoward activities…as such we have struck down many of our own."

Wyre shook the man's hand and looked over the rest of the area "Sad…no matter how great the invention, someone will find a way to manipulate it…why is our species prone to that sort of inane bullshit."

Krayvon shrugged "That is something no amount of research could possibly determine."

Turning, Krayvon raised an eyebrow to a comrade of his in mage robes "Isn't that right, Retuu?"

The other man shrugged "Still on this? I gave up a long time ago…"

"While the knights obey my command, the sages follow Archsage Retuu over there; he is good at his job…but not as good as me."

The sage shook his head as Wyre laughed before Krayvon motioned for him over and took him around the room, introducing Wyre to the many knights on site. Wyre glanced outside looking at the high rock cliffs and formations; Ymarkteg was a sight to behold regardless of where you were.

Returning to the hall, Soren bid farewell to Orgoth for the night and went to check in on Mikel.

The warrior was lying on his bed; he looked up quickly to see Soren walk in before letting his head fall back onto the bed "Hey there, Soren…"

"Guessing you're feeling better, Mikel?"

The man shrugged "Kinda…sorry you had to see that…I just really enjoy life's pleasures."

"No judgments here…"

Mikel sat up and looked at the tactician "I met the most amazing woman in that ol' tavern!"

Pulling a chair from behind a desk, Soren sat down "Did you?"

Nodding Mikel grinned "Really tough, seems the kind to use foul language whenever she pleases…sucks I didn't figure out her name though…lost in an arm wrestling match…all good fun."

Soren laughed and turned as the door opened slightly to show Mia and behind her Wayu.

Soren stood and bid Mikel farewell before exiting "What's up?"

"Not much…really interesting place here definitely filled with a bunch of smart types." Mia stated with her hands on her hips.

Wayu yawned and rubbed her eyes "Most of the things they're working on here make very little sense to me…way too complex."

"Hm, I actually didn't get a chance to look at too many things."

Wayu raised an eyebrow "What were you doing with Orgoth?"

"Just taking an expanded tour…anyway, Mia did you find some kind of 'sword of the future' or anything that got you really excited?" he asked.

She shook her head "Nothing really, lots of the things here are more practical, there is some weaponry but they are clearly in no hurry to perfect it. What do you need fancy weapons for when war is a distant memory?"

"Soren…did you see Wyre while you were out and about?" Wayu asked.

The sage thought quickly but shook his head "No…come to think of it, I haven't seen Lyle either."

Wayu looked down "I see…well…I'm going to turn in…have a good night you two."

Mia smiled at her "You as well, Wayu."

As she left Mia turned back to Soren "I'll go look for Lyle, if I can't find him I'll head back…I'm sure he is here just wandering about…best we all keep accounted for though."

Soren nodded as Mia began walking away "There is one thing I need you to do here…we'll talk about it more in the morning or later tonight if you don't mind it."

Mia smiled "Good change of pace to just talk, I suppose."

Soren waved as Mia continued walking again "Love you, Mia."

"I love you too, Soren."

In her room, Eminse read over the information and wrote even more. She was amazed at what it was and had a strong urge to figure it out; she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned.

"Orgoth…"

He bent down to get a closer look at the files "I was about to offer some help…but I'm nowhere near this level…"

Eminse smiled and put a hand on Orgoth's "No worries, I'll handle this…you should get some rest."

"No…I'm a guard, even as a…what was the title? Science Knight? I am really just a guard that is allowed to touch the experiments in this building…you are the one who should get some rest."

She shook her head "I'd like to…but this is…well it is amazing…I just have this need to figure it all out."

Orgoth nodded and stood up straight "Alright, but don't work too hard."

"Fascinating stuff…" Wyre stated as he turned to the exit, Krayvon bowed to the sage "We have a huge responsibility in defending not only the inventions but their creators."

Before Wyre could comment back he noticed something strange and walked past Krayvon up to a window, examining the dark landscape closely.

"Quite a sight eh?" the general asked as he walked up to and stopped next to Wyre.

"Yes…but something concerns me…" Wyre narrowed his eyes as he peered into the darkness at a rock formation he was staring at earlier that night.

"What is it?"

Lyle sat in a room looking at several researchers walking to their rooms for the night. He spotted quite a few attractive females, even Eminse was not what he was expecting in an egghead…but he felt nothing.

Sighing the swordmaster stood and was about to kick something over when he noticed Mia cross a bridge one floor up, without thinking "Hey Mia! What's up?"

The trueblade came to a halt and turned to face Lyle "Hey! What cha doin down here?"

Lyle shrugged as he walked over and jumped up onto the bridge.

"Nothing really…just thinking about a conversation I had with Wyre."

Mia raised an eyebrow "You were talking to Wyre? I don't see you two interact much…it's like you can't support each other or something."

"No, not like that…it's just…I have a strong feeling that he doesn't like me…at all." Mia frowned at Lyle as the swordmaster looked at the ground, crestfallen.

"I'm sure Wyre…well, I know that he has no negative feelings towards you, we travel and fight together."

The green swordmaster sighed as he turned and walked back to the rooms with Mia close behind "I know we do…but he just…he talks to Mikel and Wayu just fine so it's not that I'm from another continent…do I act like someone people wouldn't like to get to know?"

Mia laughed "Lyle, you are a very dependable swordsman and you fight in a rather unique triple edged style. That in itself makes you an interesting person to talk to."

Lyle glanced over at her "You think so?"

Mia smiled "Yeah…at best I could probably work with two if I put myself to it…but three! Wow!"

Lyle smiled "Well…if we ever get the time, I could teach you…be warned though, it's not easy."

Shaking her head, Mia patted Lyle on the back "I never give up or let anything scare me off."

"Wyre? You still there? Hello?" the general moved to wave his hand in front of the sage but Wyre held one of his arms up to stop Krayvon.

His eyes continued to scan until he saw what he was hoping he wouldn't see.

"It moved."

"What?"

"The rocks moved…Krayvon! The facility is under attack!"

Lyle glanced over at Mia who hummed happily as they walked. He then turned to a wall clock. It was nearly midnight, time certainly did fly.

As he opened his mouth to tell her something there was a loud crash, the pair turned quickly both drawing out their blades.

Before they could ask each other anything a boulder crashed through a nearby wall, Lyle grabbed Mia and jumped off the catwalk as it was smashed by the rock.

Pushing away quickly, Eminse stood and turned, Orgoth turned in the opposite direction "Was that…"

Eminse swallowed "An attack?"

She glanced over to Orgoth who nodded, picking up his lance he took off.

Soren, Wayu and Mikel were armed and running down the halls quickly after the first crash, following the fourth a loud ring reverberated through the halls followed by a voice.

"This is General Krayvon on the intercom system, according to Wyre Reh we are under attack by the Earth Sages of the Dune Guard, the Center's outward lights have come on and we see a horde of over thirty Korgan bandits charging, calling the Orgoth and Elm fronts outside to meet the first impact, Archsage Retuu's group will meet on the 8th floor balcony and rain hell on them. We mustn't allow the Dune Guard or the Korgans in our facility; other soldiers watch the holes in the wall!"

Jumping over a railing, Soren, Wayu and Mikel landed as another boulder smashed into a wall, this one did not go through but left a huge inward dent.

Heading for the main gate Soren skidded to a halt "Mia."

Mikel put his hand on Soren's shoulder "You go find her, we understand, we'll help Orgoth outside!"

Splitting up, Soren headed back as Mikel and Wayu joined the knights exiting the building.

Mia opened her eyes and glanced around at the fallen rubble strewn everywhere, she tried to move but realized Lyle was laying on her. He got up above her "Are you alright?"

She rolled on her side and stood as the man did the same. She dusted herself and stared at the gaping hole "Dune Guard…we've got to get outside."

Before they could move, three Earth Sages leapt through the hole and landed next to them.

They turned to face the pair of swords pointed at them "Kill!" One of them yelled as the other two spun lifting tiles from the floor and sending them at the swordmasters.

Mia slashed through hers as Lyle leapt into the air and brought his blade onto a rock shield one of the sages formed.

With a quick stab, Mia pierced the shield and the sage, dropping the rocks; Lyle followed with a spin and cut into the man's neck. As blood spewed out he fell back and Mia withdrew her blade.

The other two sages took off "We can't let them in here!"

A knight turned the corner and impaled one of the sages followed by Soren leaping over the armored man and sending an Arcwind point blank into the other sage's chest, sending him across the floor into a wall and shattering his spine.

With both men down, several more knights filled the room as Soren ran up to Mia and Lyle.

"We need to get outside; over thirty Korgans are on their way. The rest of the Center forces will handle the open walls."

Grabbing Mia's hand Soren led her as Lyle followed quickly.

Outside Wayu, Mikel and the knights under Orgoth and Elm formed a line, several bandits were struck by oversized ballistae bolts tearing through them over being momentarily stunned or crushed by giant stones catapulted from the roof.

As they drew closer, Retuu's orders rang out and over a dozen lightning bolts hit the bandits.

Roaring one of the bandits made a huge leap and sent his axe into a knight's armor. As the knight fell, Elm and Orgoth gave the order to attack.

Mikel dashed forward and initiated a jumping strike, burying his axe into a bandit's shoulder, after ripping it out the man roared at him and tried to strike, Wayu followed up by ramming her spear into his gut. Mikel spun and brought his axe into the man's body again.

The knights and bandits began clashing, loud clangs rung as shields and armor were hit and several soldiers let out cries and blood curling screams from injuries and fatal strikes that landed on their targets.

Orgoth took a step and jutted his massive lance out; the green gem on it spinning as the lance blade shot out on a chain and impaled a bandit, reeling the man in another knight stepped in and stabbed the man in the chest, ending him as well.

On the other side, Elm a sword knight stepped aside as a blade crashed into his armor and then buried his sword in a bandit's neck as a lightning strike hit the same man.

Elm's knights used their shields to push the bandit's weapons and knock the men off balance before striking at them.

Several swordsmen charged Elm's troop with large black silver blades.

As Mikel cleaved another man's head off, Wayu pointed and yelled "Armorslayers!"

Ripping through the shields with ease, Elm's men panicked as the five swordsmen began to cut them down.

Wayu and Mikel took off to aid them but were beaten by Soren, Mia and Lyle's timely arrival. Blades in hand Soren and Mia impaled one, forcing him to cough up blood all over the floor before he died. While armed with two blades of his own Lyle performed an X strike on one man, killing him as well.

Mikel and Wayu caught several weapons; the warrior turned to an injured Elm "Pull your troops behind Orgoth's! We'll handle these jokers!"

Nodding, Elm ordered the remaining knights to move to Orgoth's side.

Inside Wyre had an overview of the battle, the bandits out front and the sages on the side were indeed a threat, but worse were the huge boulders flying in from a distance.

"Only one man could be throwing those…" before Wyre could finish the thought a huge boulder shot into the sky, quickly glancing, Wyre could tell it was headed for Krayvon's defense station, where the sage was standing at that moment.

"Shit!" acting impulsively, Wyre spun and pointed at the rock and yelling "Bolting!"

A large thunder strike shot from his fingers broke through the windows and obliterated the rock midflight.

Krayvon pushed a button and a voice came over from someone using the wall horns on the 3rd floor "Several Dune Guard halberds are landing on the roof, they were thrown there on smaller rocks!"

Wyre and Krayvon glanced at each other and exited the office with the general appointing one of the workers to take charge.

Going topside they saw the Halberds approaching "Stand aside!" one of the Dune Guard yelled as he charged them.

Krayvon took a step drew out his large ornate axe, wound it back and with a swing, the axe end of the weapon shot out on a chain and cut across the halberd's face. The man fell to the floor dead, instantly.

Impressed Wyre charged past him and used his Brave Bolt on the remaining four Halberds. One stood and spun his lance deflecting the bolts as the other three closed in on Wyre.

The sage dodged a lance strike and with an electrically charged fist, spun and backhanded a man in the face. The general's axe whizzed by again embedding itself into the other Halberd's back. The man went into shock dropping his weapon, his body following it to the ground after the axe tore out of him.

Wyre leapt back as a javelin crashed where he stood, closing his eyes an electric cloud appeared above Wyre, in an instant he spun and opened his palm towards the Halberds "Rex Bolt!" a huge bolt came down from the sky and incinerated two, severely injuring the third that Krayvon quickly finished.

A huge crash sounded behind them, turning the pair was shocked, it wasn't a rock…it was the Dune Guard Commander, Meloi.

With Soren, Mia, Lyle, Wayu and Mikel aiding the knights, the bandits were all defeated, a cry came from above. Turning they saw the Archsage Retuu calling down to them.

"Meloi is on the roof!"

Soren grabbed Mia "Hang on." She smiled "Always!" with a burst of Arcwind the pair shot into the sky.

With slight shifts of his feet, Meloi raised the pieces of the roof below him to knock Krayvon's axe away repeatedly and redirect Wyre's lightning.

"Shit, I can't get this guy!" Krayvon yelled angrily.

Wyre ran towards Meloi who laughed as a Brave Bolt was summoned, spinning Meloi yelled "Stalagmite!" A large stone burst out in front of him, deflecting the bolts, Wyre skidded to a halt and began stepping back as another shot out near him, wounding him.

He stumbled back as the rock exploded and Meloi's Earth Fist jammed into Wyre's gut, coughing up blood the sage skidded across the roof and hit a pillar.

Soren and Mia landed as Meloi dodge another axe and shot a stone at Krayvon that impaled into his side. The general coughed up blood and cursed as he fell to one knee.

Meloi turned quickly as Soren's Arcwind burrowed into him, skidding across the roof, Meloi raised one finger, summoning a rock out of the ground between him and Soren, cutting off the wind.

"Nice entrance but-" Mia came down over the Earth Archsage and slashed him from shoulder to side, as blood sprung from the wound Meloi spun and kicked Mia with an earth encased leg. Her head snapping back she fell to the floor and dropped her sword.

Soren ran towards her and with a quick spin caused a tornado to form around Meloi. The man encased himself in earth, keeping himself grounded as the winds welted him.

Picking up Mia, Soren jumped back as Meloi erupted out of his shell, sending pieces of earth everywhere.

Mia stirred slightly and stood next to Soren trying to bring everything into focus from that kick she took.

"Meloi…I know your aim has always been Mia and I, so why in the world are you attacking the Research Center!? You see how well defended it is!" Soren yelled.

Cracking his neck the Dune Guard Commander smiled "Orders…they have something that doesn't belong to them!"

Soren thought quickly, the documents that were given to them that Eminse was looking over right now.

With a quick swing, Soren destroyed the roof below him and dropped back into the Research Center, followed by Mia.

"No you don't!" Meloi yelled and followed the Archsage.

Outside, Orgoth spun and impaled another bandit, twisting the lance he tore it out and the man fell dead. Mikel leapt to his side and quickly readied his bow and arrow before shooting another bandit approaching Orgoth with an Armorslayer. With the bolt sticking out of his head the bandit fell over.

Wayu ducked as a blade flew over her head, "Stay down!" Lyle called as he leapt over to her and killed another Korgan.

Wayu got up quickly and turned in time to catch an axe with her lance "Thanks Lyle!"

As the swordmaster took off towards another bandit, she twisted her lance about, ripping the axe out of the bandit's grip. With a quick turn she impaled him in the throat.

Lyle dodged one of the knights as they were thrown aside by an earth attack. Spinning both blades he slashed through several sages, as they gripped their wounds several more knights under Orgoth's command swept in and killed them.

Lyle turned towards the building, checking the battlefield once more as another wave of spells from the roof hit the bandits he took off, re-entering the Research Facility.

Despite the conflict, Eminse realized she'd be more help continuing her research as she couldn't aid in the battle outside. She pushed the glasses up the bridge of her nose and as she continued to write out more notes, fascinated with her most recent discoveries, screams from very close by rang out. She looked up quickly the guards outside her room fell dead, one was missing his head.

Eminse stood as the door was smashed and in walked the hulking Korgan Lord, Murawk.

"Well…researchers have come a long way…I was expecting an old know it all…not a young beauty…"

"Save the compliments you monster!" the researcher yelled.

Murawk signaled and a Korgan walked up and forced a man to his knees.

Eminse's eyes widened "Ulmeihn!"

Murawk held his hand up "We won't kill him…if you just give us the research you've been doing…it isn't yours and you don't need it…"

"How did you know we had it here?" Eminse demanded.

Ulmeihn looked at her sadly and shook his head "Don't give it to them!"

The wall near Eminse exploded as Soren and Mia ran in and saw what was going on, Mia took a step "Ulmeihn!"

Murawk grinned "Aw, no mention of me at all? And after all that time we got to know each other at the Emerald Hold."

Soren glared at the Berserker "Murawk! Let Ulmeihn go!"

"This is all that Clock Keeper's fault! Had he not meddled, we wouldn't have needed to bring him here to get our property back! Give it up or we kill him!"

Eminse grabbed the research quickly and Soren yelled "No! We need that!"

She tossed it over to Murawk who snatched it out of the air and smiled.

Meloi popped up from below next to the Berserker and smiled "Good job."

Murawk nodded "There is one problem…"

Eminse cursed "What more do you want!?"

The berserker hurled a small hatchet he was holding behind his back, with a quick dash, Mia tackled Eminse to the floor as the axe stuck to the wall.

"We know you have an outstanding memory…give your life as well…or else."

Soren shook his head "That will never happen!"

Laughing Murawk pointed at Ulmeihn "We either kill Ulmeihn and Eminse or just Eminse…personally, I hate to do this…but it's the price you women pay for infecting every field of importance."

Eminse stood "Let me do this…"

Soren shook his head "No! We need you Eminse!"

She smiled "I appreciate it…but…"

The Korgan holding Ulmeihn cried out as two blades forced their way through his chest. Meloi and Murawk turned to see Lyle "You!" they both yelled,

In that split second Soren spun as his tome flared "Rexcalibur!" a powerful and frigid wind caught the vile leaders and pushed them back as huge shards of ice formed and struck them before exploding and sending the two through several walls and out of the Research Center.

Lyle grinned as Soren fell to his knees "That was too close…Ulmeihn…"

Mia glanced over at the man and noticed he was lying on the floor; she ran over to him and examined him.

"Soren…"

The sage looked up as Mia stared back "He's dead…"

Eminse's hands went to cover her mouth "W-what!?"

Soren quickly walked over and saw that he had already been cut. They were always planning on killing both of them.

As Eminse fell on the floor and cried, Soren cursed.

As the sun came up, countless warriors headed to their rooms to pass out, orders for repair crews were put in for later that day.

Retuu, and Orgoth stood to the side as Ulmeihn's body was placed into a coffin.

Soren, Mia, Lyle, and Mikel stood next to Eminse as she looked on.

Elm, Krayvon and Wyre were in intensive care along with several other knights and a few researchers caught in the battle.

Soren turned to Lyle and thanked him for getting them out of that situation during the attack. The swordmaster grinned "No problem."

Eminse turned to the crew as the coffin was lifted "We appreciate your help…and realize…this was not your fault…"

Soren shook his head "It was our fault and you know it…no amount of apologies could make up for this terrible attack…we're leaving as soon as the others are treated."

Eminse said nothing but sighed "While I do remember everything I wrote and read…I still regret handing over the files…"

She reached into her pocket and gave Soren the research "…this is all reconstructed from my memory…it should be the same as what I handed over."

Soren looked it over "Is this-"

Nodding Eminse turned as several men walked away with the coffin "The organisms are made from some sort of Elder Magic, they aren't actual living beings…we realize that what we know as Dark Magic technically is Elder…but in the countless centuries since the name was changed the art itself was also altered and moved away from its roots…in today's world, few practitioners of Elder Magic are actually using Elder Magic, rather they practice an older version of the established Dark Magic…these things could only have been created by True Elder Magic from ancient times…you could count on one hand how many people know how to use this magic…and even less still live…"

"So…what do we do?" Mia asked.

Eminse sighed "That information is not something we are likely to have at all in Anondye…rather…the secretive nation of Sarhara. Because of how the hierarchy kept to itself…I believe in their Old Archives which haven't been touched since before the warring age, there should be documents detailing these kinds of things…however, you'll have to determine the familial lines as most of the people from that age are dead."

Sighing Mia scratched the back of her head "Not going to be easy…then again…what part of this has been?"

"There is one last thing…it is a rumor that we can't prove or deny…but apparently an old hermit lives somewhere in the Grand Grove who knows about these people."

Soren raised an eyebrow "Who is he? How do you know this?"

She shrugged "My old mentor, Kolkem stated that he met a strange man while he was Head Researcher of the center…he only met him once and spoke of many myths of the time, True Elder Magic included…take that for what you may…"

Soren nodded "Thank you."

Wyre stirred and turned to his side seeing familiar pink hair "Wayu?"

The halberd nodded and smiled "Glad you're awake…you were in terrible shape…I was so worried after…after he didn't…"

Wyre's eyes widened "Krayvon! Is he-"

The general groaned "No…though Elm died a short while ago…"

Wyre closed his eyes, "Damn it…this is all because of us."

"We are leaving to continue our quest as soon as you are able, Wyre."

The sage smiled "I got it….thanks for…being here, Wayu."

The halberd blushed and turned away "Don't…don't mention it…"

Orgoth stopped by Soren and Mia's room to see the couple packing some of their things.

Mia turned to Orgoth "What is it? Wait, is this what you wanted to talk to me about Soren?"

The sage nodded as Orgoth cleared his throat "I would like to join you on your quest."

Mia tilted her head "Personally, I'd love to have you but...are you sure?"

The knight nodded "Indeed. In addition to fighting I like to pride myself on my intellect...I'm fairly certain my mind can come in handy."

"That's a really good point...well, it's fine with me!" Mia commented.

Soren nodded "Alright then Orgoth…if you are absolutely certain, then you're in!"

Orgoth grinned "Excellent…also, there is a friend of mine who lives in town, we'll stop by the place and ask…the more the merrier, right?"

Mia smiled "Definitely, after last night, I'm certain we'll need all the help we can get."

As Mia returned to packing, Soren walked over to Orgoth who whispered "Are you sure you aren't-"

Soren raised a finger to his lips before pointing at his ears, the knight understood and remained silent.

After some parting words, Eminse waved at the crew as they left. Standing next to Krayvon, she removed her glasses, her bright yellow eyes looking at the traveler's backs. "What do you think they'll find? It worries me…"

Krayvon sighed "Peace isn't eternal…it's just a break…a respite…eventually, we have to face reality again…whatever they discover, I'm going to be ready to face it."

Eminse looked back over at the group, noting that Orgoth left with them and she recalled the last conversation they had about an hour ago.

"You are going to…go with them?"

Orgoth nodded, keeping his eyes on the strangers as they returned to pack their rooms and check on their injured comrade.

"I feel I would be more useful with them…the Center has men like Retuu and Krayvon to protect it…it'll be fine."

Eminse turned away slowly as Orgoth faced her. "What about…"

He smiled slightly "What about…what?"

"Don't make me say it."

He placed a hand on her cheek and turned her head to face him "I won't forget about you…I promise…"

Placing her hand over his, she nodded "Write back when you can…"

Closing her eyes, Eminse sighed heavily "Good luck Soren…Mia…Orgoth...please survive this and come back…"

Wyre glanced over at Lyle as they walked "Hey…"

The swordmaster's eyes landed on the sage but he said nothing.

"I heard how you got Soren and Mia out of that tight spot…I guess…no, I know I was wrong about you…where it counts…you are one of us."

Lyle grinned "I guess that's the best I can go for."

Mia glanced back at them, Lyle caught her sight and she nodded, referencing the conversation they were having about Wyre and his dislike for Lyle.

"Hey! Leena!" Orgoth called out to the roof where the group saw a boot near the edge.

"Leena! It's me Orgoth! I know you are in between jobs and this is way over your head but…these guys are heading to Sarhara."

"Are they the same guys involved in that attack on the Research Center by the Dune Guard and Korgans?" a female voice called back.

"Yeah! I want to know if you wouldn't mind joining us! We could use all the help we can get!" Orgoth called.

After a short silence the woman got up, jumped down and landed in front of them, standing to reveal herself, shaking her teal colored hair out of her face and smiling. Mikel yelled "You! From the tavern!"

Leena turned to him, her face showing slight surprise, she held up her hand and waved at him "You're just as obnoxious as when you're drunk."

Mikel grinned "You know it."

Leena ran a hand through her hair as Soren and Mia walked up to her. "Joint leadership?" she questioned.

"You know it!" Mia echoed, albeit happier.

"You aren't required to come with us…but we'd like the added strength…we'll-"

Holding up her hand, smile still on her face, Leena cut off Soren "I don't really need all the details, a trip to Sarhara is hardly a terrible deed…but if you attract attention like last night…it'll be all the more worth it!"

Shaking hands with Soren and Mia, the group headed to the meeting point with Fistivus and Lune.

Leena glanced over at Orgoth "Stalwarts unite!" she said with a smile.

Throwing in Fire Emblem related humor is a lot of fun, you get bits from Leena and Mia earlier in the chapter

Here is one for those who don't know, Mia's Japanese name is Wayu, thought it'd be fun to use that name

Anyway, with this chapter out my dA page will be update with another OC Sheet that includes: Librarian Yeta, Lance Knight Orgoth, Researcher Eminse, Patron Leena, Mercenary Leena, Warrior Mikel, Diver Wayu and Axe General Krayvon!

Also included is an image of the first six members of Soren and Mia's Troop in their Civilian Outfits! That's Soren, Mia, Wyre, Lyle, Mikel and Wayu! Which I just drew recently, hope you all like those

Next week will hopefully have an update on Friday and Saturday, if my schedule turns out busier than I'm expecting then both chapters will most likely be uploaded on Saturday but we'll see, until then!