About 12:30 AM, really late or really early, you decide!

BTW Part Two is still coming out tomorrow...or today...Saturday

Chapter Twenty Eight

Umbarra Heights: Part One

Rebuilt and rearmed, the Euto Research Center stood prouder than ever, under Krayvon's lead he continued to ensure the place would not fall victim to another attack.

The enhancements were thanks to funds from the government of Euto in response to the Korgan and Dune Guard attack, Eminse has been trying her best to research anything else in regards to what she gave Soren so long ago.

Amazingly enough, news just didn't travel, she expected if more attacks were occurring in Sarhara or wherever the group wound up going, she'd hear about it, especially since the Research Center is all about information.

Adjusting her glasses she sighed and walked out into the hall, stopping momentarily to look into the guards' quarters. She walked over to a locker and placed her hand on it, wiping dust off of the name, Orgoth.

"I can't help but feel jealous of him…there is no better information to be attained than actually going out there and getting it..."

She recalled how Orgoth joined in the beginning as an ordinary knight following his generations of family service. At that time Eminse's superior and the former head of the Research Center, Kolkem was considering retirement.

"I'm not even twenty! Are you sure the people will be alright with me helming the Research Center?" A younger Eminse asked Kolkem as he wiped some dirt from his white robes.

He turned to face her and removed his glasses, cleaning them "It'll be alright…you are the brightest of my personal pupils, besides the Head of the Guard was recently changed and this Krayvon has proved to be a great man, it's time the research end changed hands as well…you've spoken with Krayvon, right?"

Eminse nodded "Still…I don't feel I'm up to it…"

After speaking with Kolkem a bit longer, the man decided to postpone his retirement until Eminse was sure with whether or not she'll follow him. He didn't have a second choice but he'd find her to please Eminse, she contributed much to some of his projects, hammering the point that his era was over.

That night as Eminse sat in the library reading books, a guard walked in to close up, "Hey…it's late; all the other researchers have gone home."

She shrugged "I like the silence…you can leave it open, I can lock up, I have the credentials…"

The guard tilted his head and examined the room "I've been through here countless times in the few months since I've worked here and never got to just…browse…"

"You read?"

The man looked at her and nodded "Yes, my family has been in service to the people for such a long time which is why I became a knight…but I've always been more interested in the science and fact behind things…during my nightly and early morning routines I usually have a book with me."

He approached her and reached into his bag that he carried with him, no doubt he already locked up the locker room and was about to leave.

He showed her a small book and she smiled "Sky Riders…"

"You've read this I assume?"

Eminse looked at him and nodded "I've read many books, I plan on reading through every book in this library…Sky Riders was always one of my favorites though, I've read all the books in the series countless times…"

The knight gave her a funny look to which she chuckled "Just cause I'm really smart doesn't mean I can't enjoy a book of talking animals…it isn't entirely falsehood, there are many reports of wild clans of Rocs, Griffons, Wyverns and Pegasi doing things similar to the events in the books…"

The knight sat next to her and glanced over, he noticed a pair of glasses hanging out of her coat pocket "You don't need those?"

She looked at them and then turned to him and shook her head "No…not when I'm reading…I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"Orgoth. You?"

"Eminse…you've only been here for a few months? I've been a researcher for six years and apparently…now I'm to be the head of the Research Department…"

Orgoth whistled "You started here young and are going to be the youngest head researcher…that is really, REALLY impressive."

Eminse sighed and closed her book "I don't think I'm ready…I'm just…worried that I'll fail and let Kolkem down."

Orgoth laughed "I don't think so…I can see it in you, you are much smarter than me about everything, age and position just adds to it. You should go for it."

She shook her head to which he glanced around the library and noticed how unbelievably quiet the Research Center was "I can help you, I don't know much but I can quiz you and all sorts of things to help you feel smarter…and in doing so, I can learn a lot more."

Eminse smiled "Thanks but…" she caught Orgoth's glance and sighed "Alright…Kolkem isn't postponing for long so…we'll start tomorrow night."

Eminse exited the locker room as the building began to shut down for the night, the quizzes, endless questions and time the pair spent in the library learning for the next five nights played over in her head. Orgoth learned much and eventually raised a rank of his own, allowing him to partake and aid in different researching and experimenting fields when the opportunities arose.

However, even after the time, she still wasn't entirely confident, true her work was outstanding but in her opinion, all the things Kolkem discovered were just so above her, she didn't feel like she could ever measure up to him.

"I feel the same way about Krayvon…early on I saw him training some other recruits and thought…wow…he looks like a knight from my family, bigger, braver and much more confident than myself…"

Eminse laughed as the pair walked through the hall nearing the exit.

"Krayvon just started here like you not too long ago…but I understand what you mean, it does feel like he has been around forever. He learned all the codes and methods and how the institution worked much faster than any previous Knight Commander, most preferred keeping the aspects separate."

As Eminse and Orgoth stepped out into the night, he looked over at her "I've never seen you wear your glasses…just a thought…"

Eminse smiled "I'm not too comfortable with them around people, it does make it hard when I work with other researchers but…when it isn't Kolkem…"

Orgoth nodded "He sounds like he could be your father."

"For all intents and purposes I consider him that…"

As Eminse stepped out into the main hall, Krayvon approached her and nodded, a short talk about the finished routine and he walked away allowing her to leave.

The next day she told Kolkem she'd take the job and most of the staff seemed behind the decision, the rest she won over with her brilliance and willingness to meet Krayvon and bring the researchers and guards closer together. Though it was mostly personal as she wanted to speak more with Orgoth whenever the chance arose and the two grew very close.

"Another day complete…amazing…only six months since we met and we're both comfortable in our new positions…I take it, any doubts you had of taking Kolkem's position, vanished?"

Eminse smiled "They've been gone for a long time…mostly thanks to you, Orgoth."

The knight turned and took Eminse's glasses, she moved towards him but he held his hand out, he slid them onto her face and smiled. "Happy?" she asked, sarcastically to which Orgoth nodded "Very."

"Eminse…are you…Eminse…" the researcher turned and her eyes widened. Kicking open the door she cried out for Krayvon who ran over to her along with a knight he was speaking with, noticing the man on the floor he told his soldier to get on the communication unit to see if any medical officers were still on site.

"Who are you? What happened?" Eminse stated, bending down and applying pressure to his chest wounds as, Krayvon lifted his head.

The man had three sizeable holes in his chest and stomach and the torn end of a blade in his side. There was a large gash on the side of his head and blood streaming from his lips.

"The governments…stopped…"

Eminse pushed hair out of her face and got closer to the man "What do you mean? Where did you come from?"

His mouth moved, Krayvon bent in close to listen as the man continued speaking.

Eminse looked up as an officer ran over, after a few minutes; the medic stood and shook his head.

Krayvon sighed "Damn it…"

"What did he say?" Eminse, Krayvon, the medic and guard all took a step back as the fallen man's body burned away leaving nothing but the torn end of a blade on the floor.

As the sun moved higher, the group stood at the base of the Umbarra Heights, according to Rhogam and Tyazaer the Umbarra Mountain Trail zigzagged and divided among a good portion of the eastern range, the rest including the massive Umbra Peak had to be scaled entirely.

As they proceeded, the Questers in front and merchants in back, they were ready for anything. Whoever that home within the Negative Wastes belonged to they would be somewhere in the eastern range.

As they walked, Leena and Mikel noticed Orgoth didn't seem as alert as he usually is; instead it looked like his body was just a shell, following them while his mind was elsewhere.

Leena wanted to say something but wasn't sure, until Mikel just walked past her "Hey, Orgoth, what's got you down?"

The knight turned to face Mikel but said nothing "It isn't like you to not be paying attention…if you aren't feeling well, we'll see if you can rest in the merchant carts for a bit."

Orgoth remained silent and turned away, at that moment, Leena's eyes brightened and she pulled Mikel away.

"What?" the mercenary slapped Mikel before whispering in his ear.

Leena: I have no doubt he is thinking about the Research Center…

Mikel: Why now? It's been a really, really long time since we left!

Leena: Not the Center itself, he left someone behind to come along with us.

Mikel: Orgoth…the uptight, watchmen of our group…I don't believe it and how would you know?

Leena: Orgoth and I have been friends for a while, obviously, I wouldn't have come along with your group if Orgoth didn't ask me, and I didn't know any of you.

Mikel: Then, but now you know us, some much, much more than others.

Leena: ANYWAY…it's a special day for him and this person…though I swore not to speak of it, just let Orgoth be.

Mikel nodded as Leena backed away before turning to Orgoth again, with the knight preoccupied, the rest of the group had to be even more alert. Even with Soren, Mia and To'Eltz who had refined senses and Rhogam and Tyazaer who knew the area, their foes would not quit and the fact that they have remained silent since the Altar attack in the Negative Wastes was extremely worrisome.

Mikel felt like whoever was out there was planning something huge and were waiting for the perfect opportunity.

The troop entered a cave that would take them higher on the current cliff and to a stone bridge made of debris, snow and ice that connected several mountains and cliffs.

In a deep cavern within one of the Umbarra Heights' great mountains, a figure ran, seemingly panicked back and forth. Stopping every once in a while at a chest before returning to what looked like small living quarters built into a cave wall.

"Why is it acting up? Damn it…why did he have to leave now?" kicking the chest as hard as possible only caused the person to hop around grasping their leg.

"Just shut up until…" turning quickly the person walked over to a globe on a desk and waved their hands over it, forming an image.

"Oh no…"

"Were the two of you ever caught in an avalanche here?" To'Eltz asked the Questers.

Tyazaer shook her head "I've never had an experience like that. However, Rhogam has been in a few and I'm pretty sure its cause he caused them."

Rhogam shook his head "You can't prove that."

Surprised, Kay'Shera leaned closer "How did you survive multiple avalanches? I heard those are some of the most violent and dangerous of all disasters."

Rhogam grinned "As a Froghul, we're used to the intense cold, even if I was buried, I'd dig myself out."

"He probably wouldn't feel his fingers freeze and break off…" Lyle muttered behind the Reaver who laughed, turning he struck Lyle in the back "I probably wouldn't!"

Tyazaer's horse reared up and the paladin brought out her lance as a man stood in front of the group "We'd like to test that theory."

To'Eltz shot a glance to Soren; this guy wasn't with The Altar he had to be part of Midnight.

Rhogam and Tyazaer charged him as he held his hands out and fired black bolts at the Questers. The pair managed to deflect the shots; however they burrowed into the cave walls and exploded causing the mountain to rumble.

Soren's eyes widened and he turned quickly "Fistivus! Lune! Back out!"

As the back half of the group began moving away another man spawned behind them. "I don't think so…prepare to be buried!"

Raising his hands he fired black energy through the cave ceiling causing the entire corridor to begin collapsing and filling with the snow outside.

Rhogam brought his axe down onto his enemy's blade; pushing him away The Midnight soldier dodged Tyazaer's attack and vanished along with the other one behind the group.

"We're going down!" Mikel called out as the cave continued to collapse and eject them down the treacherous side of the mountain followed by a barrage of snow. Any yells from other teams mates were drowned out by a massive avalanche as all their visions went white.

The two men spawned far away, smiling "Jyuugo will be pleased to hear this news…his foes…buried…"

Far away and working his way up a mountain, a man came to a stop and turned. "What was that?" Narrowing his eyes he turned from where he was heading and took off.

"Can anyone hear me? Hey! If you aren't dead I'd appreciate a call back!" Leena screamed as she stood up amidst cold ice and snow and scattered cave rubble.

"Where am I?" She surveyed the cave, clearly formed by the avalanche. For all she knew she was at the bottom of the mountain they were climbing, angry she kicked a small rock away "Damn those cowards…here I thought The Midnight was fearsome, resorting to tactics like this…pathetic."

Seeing her blade on the ground she quickly picked it up, examining it before sheathing it and walking away. Any 'paths' were just open spaces amidst snow still piling in and debris rolling across the floor.

As she continued she tried to recall the last moments before being engulfed by the avalanche. Smirking she shook her head "Irony…I will never openly discuss a natural disaster unless I'm at home…"

She remembered Mikel, the big idiot trying to cover her; if the threat wasn't imminent she would've started a huge argument with him.

Hearing a murmur she turned quickly "Is anyone there?" Walking towards the sound she found Wayu on the ground, her lower half covered by snow.

Bending down, she helped her friend up "Are you alright?"

Wayu opened her eyes and smiled slightly before noticing something "Behind you!"

Leena turned in time to see a man charge her before being tackled to the ground. Rolling to their feet the men engaged each other; Leena set Wayu on the ground and joined the fray.

Noticing her ally was using an axe her face brightened slightly, until "Rhogam!"

The Reaver nodded as he knocked aside the assassin's blade, allowing Leena to charge in and kill the man.

The pair examined his body, he seemed injured prior to the encounter "The Altar was also positioned to attack us…"

Rhogam sighed heavily "I guess it's fortunate the avalanche didn't just hurt us…regardless, we have to regroup."

Leena walked back over to Wayu and helped her up "Let's go."

"Orgoth…I thought you forgot about today." Eminse said, sitting on the roof of the Euto Research Center as he approached.

"I would never…I'm not that stupid."

She smiled as he joined her, "If I may say so…I prefer you without that bulky armor"

Orgoth grinned as she faced him "And I prefer you with the glasses on."

The pair looked back to the moon and stars, exhaling in relief over a successful day. Krayvon acknowledged Orgoth as one of his best and Eminse continued to make scientific leaps with her comrades. Overall, spirits were high and it reminded them how peace has changed everything and how they greatly enjoy being able to grow up in such an age.

"Remember what you told me one year ago today?" The researcher asked.

"Orgoth!" The knight opened his eyes, facing To'Eltz "Finally!"

Orgoth noticed the trickster's left arm was bleeding heavily and behind him Mikel was battling an assassin

Standing the knight used all his strength and shot out his spear head as Mikel was struck down. The weapon pierced the assassin, as he tried to stumble away; To'Eltz came down on him, slicing his throat as expected.

As To'Eltz tended to Mikel, Orgoth noticed his armor was heavily damaged, several sections were completely torn off and he was bleeding a lot prior to To'Eltz reviving him.

"How close to death was I…" he muttered as To'Eltz helped Mikel up "We've got to keep moving…not sure in which direction but if we're lucky, we'll come across the rest of the group."

"Can you see now?" Wyre asked his hand crackling with electrical energy as he led Lune and Tyazaer down a tunnel. Wyre found the pair and Tyazaer's horse after five minutes of wandering and proceeded to heal them, primarily Alsyia at a barely conscious Tyazaer's request.

The horse followed them as its rider tried to regain her bearings "I'm not sure how I can lead you all out of here…but I'll try my best."

Wyre nodded as he continued "That is all I ask."

Mia leapt and landed behind a large stone as an arrow flew into it. Wincing as her left foot, which was pierced by an arrow, hit the ground first.

She awoke and was set upon by two assassins, one took a sword to the gut and lay dying with Ein'Tosen in him, unarmed she was struck by the other assassin and is now hiding from him.

Melting off the ends of the arrow she tore it out of her leg, gritting her teeth.

"Come out and fight!" As Mia prepared a ball of flames in her hand she heard a scream. Quickly looking over, the assassin was speared by Kay'Shera. Falling to the ground dead as Fistivus followed the Roc Knight towards Mia.

Kay'Shera was about to hug Mia, but stopped and scratched the back of her head "Um…glad you're alright…I heard something goin' on and-"

Mia embraced her "Thanks." She then grabbed Ein'Tosen from the other dead man and turned to Fistivus "Are you-"

"Those stories I bore you all with…they're true, I've been through many different situations, I'll live."

Mia nodded and turned to Kay'Shera "Where is Michalis?"

The other woman looked away "I don't know…"

"Die you son of a bitch!" A man called out, blade striking the bare cavern floor as Soren leapt aside and continued firing off sharp gales.

The assassin, despite being gravely injured and struck several times by Arcwind refused to stay down and continued to surge towards Soren.

"Take your own advice!" Reaching into his cloak, the pair clashed with their blades.

As they continued moving across the ruined cave, the Altar assassin threw his blade aside and leapt away before firing arrow bolts towards Soren, who cut through them precisely with his blade.

"Damn it!" As Soren charged the assassin, the man threw his head back and screamed before being stabbed and falling dead.

Dropping his blade, one of his hands flew to his side; the Archsage stumbled back feeling the wetness of blood against his cloak. Turning he stumbled away, pass the fallen assassin and his two comrades.

"I'm either very unlucky…no…that's it…" As he continued, he realized he didn't have a staff on him and cursed before stumbling and falling to the ground.

"Soren!" Looking up, the fallen tactician could barely make out someone running towards him. The person leapt over his fallen body and struck one last assassin down before pulling out an elixir just as Soren's vision faded to black.

Back in the cavern house after seeing the avalanche, the unknown person began to leave, grabbing a cloak. However, they came to a stop as the chest began acting up again, "I can't just leave them there to die…"

Looking back at the collapsed mountain the person noticed something and moved along the mountain range to see another cloaked man heading towards the avalanche.

"Is that…no…it couldn't be…" as a breeze came across the mountain, the man's hood was pushed back "It isn't who I was hoping…but the next best thing!"

Down in the caves, Soren came to, shaking his head and noticing Lyle standing before him. The Archsage stood quickly and moved a few feet away, examining the area.

"I was considering waiting…but we need to find the others so I carried you…"

Soren calmed down and his arms came back to his sides "Nothing to be concerned about…Lyle; you didn't hear or see anything?"

The swordmaster shook his head "Nope, I've tried to keep a consistent path heading in what I think is the right direction but I haven't heard any calls or seen anyone."

As Soren nodded he made sure he was armed and walked towards a tunnel "This way?"

Lyle nodded and followed, the pair remaining silent as they continued.

Rhogam shielded his face as the group exited the ruined cavern into the very snowy and windy night. It was far colder than before, the Reaver turned to Leena and Wayu behind him, the Halberdier regained enough energy to walk all by herself but in this breeze and frost it looked like she was about to fall over.

"We have to walk through this?" Leena called out to which Rhogam nodded.

"We have no choice…and I have no idea how much time passed between the avalanche and waking up in underground assassin heaven."

Leena turned to Wayu "Are you sure you can continue on your own?"

The pink haired woman nodded, though she stumbled slightly "I can make it…just…stay close."

Leena smiled "No problem."

As Orgoth continued walking, Mikel noticed the man was gone again "To'Eltz…you seeing this?"

The trickster nodded but said nothing, clearly he didn't want to intrude on another's personal thoughts; and even more clear was that Mikel didn't care.

"Hey, Orgoth, what is up with you? We need to be completely focused right now if we're going to find everyone else!"

The knight turned slowly to Mikel and blinked a few times "What?"

To'Eltz saw the instant flash of emotion across Mikel's face, but before he could move, the warrior's fist met the knight's cheek and threw him to the ground.

"Seriously! Leena told me to ignore this and To'Eltz pretty much said the same without saying anything! But this is a serious situation! Look at me, I'm taking charge and I hate doing that! Pull yourself back together and start leading and being the responsible one!"

Orgoth stood slowly and met Mikel's eyes, To'Eltz continued to remain silent until the knight nodded "You're right, Mikel. I apologize…"

Orgoth closed his eyes as Mikel moved away and sighed.

Opening them, To'Eltz noticed the old Orgoth's solid determination and smiled.

As Lune rested on Tyazaer's mount, the paladin and sage came out to a thin path along a frosted edge. There was a sheer drop countless feet down to a vast snow plain.

"How are we going to get along this path…more specifically, your horse?" Wyre asked, Tyazaer moved aside, allowing Alsyia and Lune through, the horse walked slowly and carefully, Wyre never knew they were capable of this and was thoroughly impressed as he followed Tyazaer into the cold.

"Shit." Lyle looked around as he and Soren walked into a cave with highly reflective walls. It was as if they stepped into a room of mirrors but it was also a dead end.

Soren glanced to his side, seeing the many reflections of Lyle, a clear representation of the man that stood behind him.

"Which face is real…" he muttered to which Lyle turned to him "What?"

"…I'm still thinking about Ushnae and your father's old friend…"

"You still don't trust me? Never mind…you never really did."

Soren turned to face the swordmaster.

"I'll admit, I wasn't fond of you and your interest in Mia. But through the constant battles I'm reminded a person's true face would come to light when they fight for their life…you're honorable and protective of your allies…and in the gravest of moments…selfless."

Lyle was about to ask what Soren meant but remembered when Kanahana told Soren to pick between Mia and Lyle, which one he wanted to die. Lyle himself told Soren to go with Mia, not out of interest or care for their relationship but because he'd do anything to make sure Mia is safe.

"Selfless…I didn't see it that way…"

"But I did…and I know Mia did too…I just…it's so complicated to find out who you really are, Lyle."

The swordmaster looked into the reflective walls "Who I am?"

"As a person, I can't pinpoint if you are the serious, stalwart ally or the lighthearted helper…or the violent tempest…or the quiet soldier who just follows orders…"

Lyle looked back at Soren "I was wrong…I will admit right now, that I've never been too fond of you Soren…I said things about you behind your back when no one else was around and I'm sure you noticed I questioned your decisions at the beginning of this journey…but like you saw more of me, I saw more of you…I can see why this Ike entrusted you with the Greil Mercenaries well-being…their lives…and why you are a leader worth following…"

Soren kept his eyes on the swordmaster.

"I respect you, Soren…and I tell you with all the sincerity of my multiple faces that the people I met with and spoke with have nothing to do with this and I have no intention of crossing the troop."

The pair remained silent, as Soren thought of a response, Lyle noticed something, blades in hand he tore through a thinner, weaker wall and smirked before turning to Soren "Let's go."

Kay'Shera came to a stop "Did you hear that?"

Mia turned to her "Yes…sounded like someone ran by…but at the same time, not directly by us…"

"Another tunnel close by, maybe?" Fistivus asked.

Kay'Shera nodded and took off alongside Mia with Fistivus following as closely as he could.

As Orgoth, To'Eltz and Mikel stepped outside into a large snowfield they saw a massive opening ahead of them. "I'm guessing that is natural…looks like we are back on track!"

To'Eltz took a few steps forward "Hey! Pink hair! That's Wayu!" Mikel and Orgoth got next to the trickster and noticed Wayu and two others nearing the cave entrance.

They began calling as loudly as they could but the snowstorm drowned them out.

They did however hear a screech and looked up as Wayu's group turned around, above them Michalis flew around and continued to screech. As he looked up, Orgoth also noticed high up the mountain wall another group was crossing a very narrow edge "A horse! Tyazaer is up there!"

Mikel took off towards Wayu's group "C'mon! Before they disappear into that cave, we need to regroup!"

As they took a step forward, Orgoth turned around in time to see a man run towards them "To'Eltz!" he screamed as the attacker leapt into the air and threw a small black device at their feet.

It exploded into a magnificent flame and threw Orgoth and To'Eltz in opposite directions. The attack also drew attention from Mikel and Tyazaer and Wayu's groups.

As the smoke cleared, Mikel brought out his axe "Quo'Eltis!"

The assassin sneered as he charged Mikel and the two began clashing.

Across the field, Leena realized what was happening and charged as quickly as she could "Rhogam, Wayu!"

The pair turned and followed her, though the latter stumbled and fell, Rhogam skidded to a halt and cursed going back for her with a vulnerary in hand. "Gonna need you to buck up or we'll be in trouble."

Above the two groups and Quo'Eltis, Wyre looked down "Can we help them from up here!?"

Tyazaer sighed "I can't jump down there and hope to keep my legs…neither can you."

Lune nodded "We'll need to keep moving and hope to find a way to double back to the field."

Wyre sighed "Alright…then let's hurry."

Elsewhere, Mia, Kay'Shera and Fistivus came out of their cavern; it led to an opening on a cliff wall with a sheer drop below. Kay'Shera sighed "We're stuck…we'll have to go back."

Mia shook her head "No, wait! Look down there!" Peering over the edge they saw other members of the troop engaged in battle.

Kay'Shera also noticed Michalis circling high above the conflict screeching "Michalis! This is good, he can fly over here and bring us down to-"

Without waiting for Kay'Shera to finish, Mia leapt off the edge and covered herself in flames as she headed down towards the battle.

With several flips, Quo'Eltis avoided Mikel's attacks and bringing his knee into the warrior's gut. With a quick spin his elbow smashed Mikel's weapon hand, causing the axe to fall to the floor.

With a leaping kick, Mikel was knocked several feet back and into the snow. The assassin turned, blade meeting with To'Eltz' and grinning "This time, for real!"

Breaking away, Quo'Eltis casually dropped another fire bomb, To'Eltz flipped away but the blast still caught him and hurled him to a cliff wall as Orgoth stood slowly.

The assassin landed and spat "I lost all my men to the avalanche and possibly to you…but in your worn out states, I have a clear advantage!"

The knight from Euto tried to fight the agile assassin, but the cold, his ruined armor and the first fire bomb severely weakened the man. Quo'Eltis easily avoided his attack and cut deep into Orgoth before kicking him into the snow where he lay still.

Flipping his jagged and curved blade, he called out "Where is the challenge!?"

Leena reached him and their blades clashed "Right here asshole!" As they clashed a purple light began flooding the area, Leena noticed what was above them, as Quo'Eltis eyes began looking up Leena kneed him in the groin and leapt away.

Mia encased in flames crashed to the ground, releasing them, the furious flaming torrent threw Quo'Eltis away. Landing on all fours, one foot, open palms and on one knee she stood and turned to Quo'Eltis as he brushed the flames off and Leena joined her.

"Kept-"

"Don't even ask!" Leena called out, cutting off Mia who sighed "You ruined a really cool moment…"

Angry, Quo'Eltis hurled another fire bomb which Mia ignited between her, Leena and Quo'Eltis with her purple flames. Leena charged through the smoke and fire, engaging Quo'Eltis once again. Mia joined her and the assassin struggled to fend off the two blades. "The avalanche should've worn you out! This should be easy!"

As the women's blades found their way into Quo'Eltis flesh, he stumbled away and dropped several more fire bombs "Oops." He grinned as they exploded in front of Mia and Leena's faces and hurled them away into the snow. Wayu and Rhogam then engaged Quo'Eltis as Tyazaer and Wyre emerged from the cave Wayu, Rhogam and Leena were about to enter.

"Wayu!" Wyre quickly conjured up electricity and fired it across the clearing.

The assassin easily dodged the delayed bolt as he fought off Wayu and Rhogam's weapons. Mia stood and shook herself off as Leena slowly rolled over.

"Leena! Your arm!" Mia yelled as she walked over the other woman whose left arm was badly burned from the blast "You don't look so hot yourself.

Mia was covered in burns but ignored them as she laid Leena down and stood, turning she saw Michalis dive down with Kay'Shera and Fistivus on his back. The woman spun her lance about, striking Quo'Eltis before taking to the sky again as the assassin dodged Rhogam and pulled out his bow and arrow. Two struck Rhogam while one flew off and hit the snow near Wyre and Lune. The sage sighed in relief but noticed the arrow blink and threw himself over Lune as it exploded.

Tyazaer on her horse ran past Quo'Eltis, though the assassin side stepped the attack.

Quo'Eltis sneered as Wayu knocked his sword away and Rhogam charged in, striking the assassin across his chest.

Flipping away, Quo'Eltis took out another bomb "I've had it with you!"

Tossing it, the bomb burst into a large electrical ball that shocked Rhogam, Wayu, Kay'Shera and Tyazaer, dazing them all as they fell into the snow.

Quo'Eltis laughed "I took all of you down…on my own…I've succeeded!"

As he continued laughing he walked over to the fallen To'Eltz, grabbed him by the neck and lifted him. Pulling his blade out of the snow he showed it to To'Eltz "We don't need you anymore…the Altar has another way of finding your precious item…so I'll just kill you here and tell them…it was an accident."

Quo'Eltis turned quickly and caught Ein'Tosen, Mia broke away and leapt, kicking the assassin away and causing him to drop To'Eltz.

As Quo'Eltis landed on his feet, his blade met with Mia's again "I'm no letting anyone die here!"

Quo'Eltis pulled another bomb out he held it right in front of Mia's face "Let's see you survive this!"

A powerful wind flew by the pair, taking the bomb and sending it skyward where it detonated harmlessly. "No!" Quo'Eltis screamed, Lyle cried out as he landed near Quo'Eltis severing the man's right arm.

The assassin stumbled back in disbelief as Lyle spun his blade alongside Mia and they rammed them into Quo'Eltis who coughed blood all over the snow. Tearing their weapons out, the assassin stumbled past them towards To'Eltz fallen body. The trickster's eyes met Quo'Eltis as the assassin fell to his knees.

Closing his eyes, his body remained on its knees for a few more moments before falling over into the snow.