Electra planted her feet and took a deep breath. With one hand, she began drawing out lines of electricity, and with the other, she guided them. Snaking the lightning ether across the ground in long arcs and weaving through the obstacles Nim had set up. Normally, it wouldn't have been anything to write home about, but doing the exercise blindfolded? With Pandoria moving the target around the course to throw her off? That took more than just talent.

She hadn't realized it yet, but Zeke suspected she had some form of electroception. A way of "seeing" electric fields and charges like most Blades could see the ether. It was strange that she had so little foreknowledge on how to use her powers, though. Usually Blades woke up with more-or-less complete knowledge of their abilities. Maybe the damage she'd suffered in the past had something to do with why she hadn't? Something to ask Nia about.

"Kid's a fucking natural," Mabon muttered. He and Zeke were watching her feel out the obstacle course from a rocky perch. They'd set up outside the gates, a good distance away from the path in and out of the Gardens just in case any electricity got out of hand. It had been weeks since the attack, but people were still anxious about more buildings being destroyed.

"Impressed?" Zeke asked. "You should be. She's my star pupil."

"She's your only pupil."

"So far."

"I swear…" Mabon sighed. "And here I was enjoying my retirement. I can't believe you managed to rope me into another one of your schemes."

"Oh please. You were itching to get back into the game, and you know it. You should be thanking me, really. This is your chance to pass all your skills on to the next generation."

"You sure you want an old-timer like me around? I might… How did you put it all those years ago? Cramp your style?"

"Lay off." Zeke shoved Mabon on the shoulder. "She looks up to you and Vess. Pandoria's been filling her head with stories of our old exploits, and now the Gourmet and her Driver are here in the flesh? She'd kill me if I didn't do something to keep you around."

"I'm too old to be training a kid like her, Zeke. I'm pushing sixty-five, for Architect's sake. My body doesn't move like it used to."

"You don't need to get in the ring with her, I'm just asking you to show up every once in a while. Think of it like visiting your grandkids."

"Don't let Vess hear you say that, or you'll never hear the end of it."

"Come on, old man," Zeke groaned. "Cut me some slack here."

"Well…" Mabon smiled and shrugged. "I can't say the idea isn't appealing. But if I'm going to help with her training, I'm going to put her through the wringer, just like you and Pandy."

"I'm sure she'd love that."

There was a crack of lightning as Electra's ether connected with the target. Pandoria stopped and planted the pole in the ground.

"Did I get it?" Electra asked, reaching up to take her blindfold off.

"Sure did," Pandoria said. "And you only hit two walls in the process."

"Shoot." Electra kicked the ground. "Can we go again? I can do better next time."

"Nope!" Zeke shouted, getting her attention. "We're going to try a different approach."

Electra looked up at them, and her eyes lit up when she noticed Mabon was here. She began vibrating in place as Zeke and Mabon got down from their perch.

"Mr. Mabon!" she shouted, unable to contain herself. She ran over to them, grinning from ear to ear.

"Hey kid," Mabon said. He held out his hand. "That was impressive stuff."

"Oh, it's nothing, really. I've still got a long way to go."

As if to prove her point, a spark of electricity leapt out of her hand as she reached out to shake his. It nearly struck him, but he pulled back at the last second.

"She gets better every day," Zeke said. "There's still some stuff to work on, though."

"I see," Mabon said, nodding. "Well, we'll have that fixed up in no time, won't we?"

"We?" Electra asked.

"Mabon has offered to help out with your training," Zeke said. "This old geezer's forgotten more about Driving than I've ever learned, so I'm sure he can teach you a thing or two."

"I'll choose to take that as a compliment," Mabon said. "It's been a while since I've had a pupil, but don't think I'll go easy!"

"Of course not!" Electra shot up, a spark in her eyes, and saluted. "I wouldn't dream of it, sensei!"

"Finally, some proper respect." Mabon chuckled. "If only I could get Zeke to show half your enthusiasm."

"What are we starting with first?" Electra asked.

"Let's see…" Mabon walked around Electra for a moment. Then, without warning, he lashed out, trying to sweep her legs out from under her. She jumped, moving out of the way with ease, and immediately he grabbed her arm. With one swift motion, he wrenched it behind her and drove her into the ground. She tried to struggle out, but she had no leverage.

"Ow," she muttered. After a moment, Mabon let her go.

"Physical training," he said. "You rely on your ether too much. It'll give you a good boost in a pinch, but that's no substitute for good old-fashioned muscle."

"I'm not teaching her how to fight," Zeke said.

"Can't control your ether if you can't control yourself. A strong, sound body is the first step on the journey."

"Ooh, that's a good one," Electra said. "I'll need to remember that."

"Roughing up my student, Mabon?" Pandoria asked, approaching the group. Nim and Kora were trailing behind her. They'd been hanging around Pandoria ever since the attack, and the three had really hit it off. Or so Zeke figured. Kora got along with everyone, and Nim never seemed to open up while he was around, so he had to take Pandoria at her word. Still, it was good she was making friends again.

"Getting a sense for what she can do," he replied. "If I'm going to help out around here, I need to know what I'm working with. How many sit-ups can you do?"

"In a row?" Electra asked. She thought for a moment. "I'm not sure."

"Well, let's find out then."

"Right!"

Electra got down and immediately began doing sit-ups.

"We working out?" Kora asked. "Sweet!"

She and Electra began doing exercises together, while Mabon slowly walked around them in a circle, looking as stern as possible.

"You asked for Mabon's help?" Pandoria asked.

"I thought we could use a fresh perspective," Zeke said. "It'll be good for her to interact with more people every once in a while. Build up her confidence. And it never hurts to have another pair of eyes on her."

"You're planning on being around less," Pandoria said, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. Zeke sighed.

"Yes, that too. I do have responsibilities as a Caretaker, you know. I can't spend all my time training."

"What is it you all even do?"

"Lately I've been helping Mikhail and Strix plan the next set of expansions. But mostly Caretakers are responsible for looking after the Blades in their care, and so far I've only been responsible for you."

"Electra doesn't count?"

"Technically, Nia is Electra's Caretaker. She's just not really equipped to help Electra the way we are, so we're picking up the slack. But I'm waking up a new Blade today, and probably I'll be doing that every week or two from now until we run out of cores, just like Nia and the others, so the responsibilities are only going to keep piling on from here."

"Oh." Pandoria frowned. "I see how it is. We've been here, what, a couple months? And already you're trading up for a new Blade, huh?"

"Pandy, that's not what—" Zeke stammered. "It's my job, you know—"

"Oh relax, would you? I'm kidding."

"Right…" Zeke looked back at Mabon. He was having Electra do squats, now. There was still some time before he needed to be back at the Gardens. He could help out here a little longer.

"Don't sweat it. You'll do fine."

"Hm?"

"You're fidgeting," Pandoria said, pointing to his hands. He'd crossed his arms to keep them still, but he was still tapping his fingers sporadically. Somehow, that had escaped his notice.

"It's just been a while is all. I haven't resonated with a Blade in… Twenty, no, twenty-one years?"

"Twenty-two. You were close, though."

"It's already been two years since the Cataclysm?"

"Two and a half," Nim muttered.

"Wait, Pandy…" Zeke did the math in his head. "That means your birthday's coming up pretty soon."

"So it does," she said, nodding. Damnit all, how had he managed to lose track of time this badly? He promised they'd have a celebration this year, after missing out for so long. And, like an idiot, he'd nearly forgotten. He really needed to bug Mikahil for a calendar. Did he have weeks? Days? Silently, he prayed it wasn't tomorrow.

"You have a birthday?" Nim asked.

"After Zeke's first birthday with me around, I wanted to have my own, so the palace threw something together. It kind of snowballed into a yearly tradition. We usually do it on the anniversary of when I woke up."

"That sounds nice."

"It was nice. Being the center of attention for a day meant the world to me, back then. Not so much these days, though."

"Nonsense," Zeke said. "We're going to throw you the best celebration you've had in ages. Just you watch."

"It's the thought that counts, more than anything. But isn't there someone else you should be spending your focus on, right now?"

"No one comes to mind. No one more important than you, anyway."

"Zeke…" Pandoria sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I mean this in the nicest way possible, but you are the biggest idiot I know."

"Oh, come on," Zeke said. "What's more important than your birthday?"

"It's your birthday?" Vess asked, startling Zeke a little. She'd come down the path back to the Gardens carrying a basket of food, probably freshly made.

"It's getting close," Pandoria said.

"I can't believe it. I nearly forgot."

"The world ended, Vess. I can't really blame you."

"Nonsense." She passed the basket to Zeke. "It's been years. I'm not letting you go another one without a proper celebration."

"Hey," Zeke said. "I resent that."

"I didn't mean—Mabon!" Vess noticed him standing over Electra and Kora. They were taking a break, now, and they both seemed winded. "What are you doing!?"

"Training," he said. "Gotta see what the new girl's made of."

"Please tell me you're not putting them through the same stupid training regime as Zeke."

"He turned out fine, didn't he? And besides, unlike him, she ain't a wimp."

"Watch it old man," Zeke said. "I can still kick your ass any day of the week."

"I'd like to see you try, brat."

"Sensei fight!" Electra shouted, throwing her arms in the air.

Zeke smiled to himself. If he was quick, he might be able to squeeze in a round or two. Electra seemed excited, and he hated letting her down. Plus, the fight with Orion had been a wake up call in more ways than one. Sitting around on the council for a year had made him rusty. He needed to get back in fighting shape if he wanted to keep his promise to Pandy.

But… He had other responsibilities. He was supposed to wake up a new Blade today, and he couldn't keep putting that off. It was time to face the music.

"Sorry," he said, handing the basket to Pandoria. "Some other time. I've got Caretaker duties today."

"Aw." Electra deflated.

"Running away, eh?" Mabon asked. "Not that I can blame you."

"You wish," Zeke said. "Not all of us get to lay about all day, old man. But the second this is over, I'm punting you into next week."

"You are not slinking off by yourself again," Pandoria said. She tucked the basket under one arm and started up the path. "Come on, we're eating back at the Gardens."

"What's going on?" Kora asked. She and Electra got up as the group started moving.

"My prince is waking up a new Blade. And, as the only living expert on Zeke handling, it's my duty to help them through the initial chaos of having this lug as their Driver."

"Are you taking on another pupil?" Electra asked.

"Who knows," Zeke said, shrugging. "That's really up to them. You all really don't have to come, you know. It's probably going to be a lot of boring ceremony."

"Cole makes these go quick," Mabon said. "I've been here for enough of them. And I don't know about you, but I'd like to get out of this heat for lunch."

"Me as well," Nim said.

"Fine," Zeke said, sighing. He'd been planning on doing this by himself, to let Electra spend more time with the others. She'd grown quite attached to him and Pandy over the last couple months, and if he was going to be around less, she'd need to get used to it. But he was also glad. He'd dreaded doing this by himself, and it was nice to know there were people willing to support him. He was trying not to take that for granted anymore.

"Zeke," Akhos said, his voice echoing in Zeke's earpiece. "Where are you?"

"On my way back now," Zeke said. He stepped a few paces ahead of the others while he talked. "We got a little carried away with training and lost track of time."

"You're cutting this close, even for you." Akhos sighed. "Whatever. I'll let Cole know."

"Was that Akhos?" Pandoria asked.

"Apparently I need to hurry it up," Zeke said. "It's not like they can start without me, though."

"Be nice," Vess said.

"You ever wonder why those two are helping out?" Pandoria asked. "Akhos and Patroka, I mean."

"It's not like they've got anything better to do," Zeke said. "Frankly, it's a miracle they're able to communicate at all, considering what happened."

"You know that's not what I mean. We were trying to kill each other during the Cataclysm. I'm curious what changed."

"Nia's the only person still alive who gives a shit about us," Patroka said, catching Zeke off guard. "The least we can do is return the favor."

"You can hear us?" Pandoria asked. She still had the earpiece Mikhail had given her. "All the way out here?"

"I bet they can hear you from the other side of the Titan," Kora said. Pandoria turned around and stared at her. Kora smiled, and Pandoria rolled her eyes.

"Of course I can hear you," Patroka said. "Your earpiece is on, isn't it?"

"What, are you spying on me or something?" Pandoria asked.

"Relax, Sparky. I heard my name come up is all, I'm not creeping on you and the Princeling or anything."

"Of course not," Zeke said. "We appreciate everything you do, Patroka."

"I don't need you to butter me up, Princeling. But if you're feeling thankful, can I ask a favor?"

"What do you need."

"Nia's been… Akhos would be able to put this better, but she's been freaking us out."

"How so?"

"You two are close, I figured you would have picked up on it by now."

"She's been a little distant since the attack. I figured she needed her space, but… Do you think something's wrong?"

"She hasn't been sleeping. She stays up most nights helping Adenine with whatever the hell it is they've been working on, but during the day she kinda just sulks around a lot. It feels like she's avoiding everyone."

"I'll check up on her," Zeke said. "But it wouldn't exactly be uncharacteristic behavior from her."

"Since you got here, she's managed to find an excuse to see you prettymuch every day. How many times have you actually seen her since the attack?"

"Three or four."

"And that doesn't strike you as odd?"

"It…" Zeke paused. It was odd, now that he thought about it, but he'd been so wrapped up with Electra's training and smoothing things over with Pandoria that he hadn't really noticed her absence. "Yeah, you have a point. I'll talk to her."

"You'd better," Patroka said. Zeke waited for a moment, in case she had anything else to say, but that seemed to be the extent of it.

"She done?" Pandoria asked. "Man, she really grabbed your ear didn't she?"

"Have you noticed anything weird with Nia lately?" Zeke asked.

"You mean you haven't? Ugh." Pandoria smacked her forehead. "This is what I get for assuming you'd be paying attention."

"What?"

"She's been in a funk for weeks. Ever since Orion's attack. You're telling me you didn't notice?"

"I mean, I could tell something was up, but…" Zeke shrugged. Pandoria sighed and muttered something under her breath.

"You need to get your head in the game," she said, marching up the path to the courtyard. "Once we get your new Blade settled, you're going to go talk to her."

"Pandy, I'm going to have a mountain of work in front of me today."

"And that's your own damn fault. You should have done something about this weeks ago. I should have made you, and I'm already kicking myself for leaving it up to you."

"I'm not Nia's keeper," Zeke said. "She can look after herself. She's trusted me to handle my own responsibilities, I can't just drop everything because she's having a bad go of it."

Pandoria stopped and turned around, glaring at him.

"Are you worried about her, or aren't you?"

"Of course I'm worried about her," Zeke said. "She hasn't looked herself, lately."

"Then I'd say that's about all the damn reason you need, idiot."

"I…" Zeke would have said something else, but they were already at the place. "Listen, we'll talk about this later. I've got work to do."

"Right," Pandoria sighed. "Well, good luck. We'll be right behind you."

Zeke opened the door to the community hall and ushered everyone in. There was a sort of auditorium on the other side, one of several public spaces throughout the facility. This one was a smaller space for more intimate community gatherings, though it reminded Zeke more of a chapel than anything. There wasn't an altar, but the fact they mostly used it for ceremonies gave it an almost reverent atmosphere. The stained glass along the ceiling also probably played a part in that image.

Cole waved Zeke over from the other side of the hall, and he broke off from the others as they found seats. There were a few other Blades in the audience as well. Among them, Agate and Krogane were sitting with Cole's "granddaughter", Iona, in the front row. All in all, more than a dozen people had gathered to welcome the new Blade into the community.

"Hey," Zeke said as he joined Cole in front of everyone. "Sorry I'm late."

"Don't sweat it," he said. "I used to run a theater, remember? I've dealt with my share of last-minute arrivals."

"Any idea who I'm waking up today?"

"Nope." Cole took out the Core Crystal and passed it to Zeke. "I figured I'd find someone fun for your first time. I found this one in Uraya, just before the Cataclysm. Been hanging onto it ever since, looking for the right Driver. When you arrived, I figured you'd be as good as any."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Zeke said. It felt strange to be talking to one of his childhood heroes like this. He'd gotten used to hanging with the Aegis, more or less, but that was because she'd been so different than she was in the stories. Cole, though? He was older, but Zeke could tell he was exactly the man who'd written all those stories he'd read growing up. It was a surreal experience.

"Well, I ain't getting any younger," Cole said. "We might as well get started."

He stepped up in front of a small podium, and as he did, the conversations in the audience quieted down. He waited for another moment, then he started speaking.

"Thank you all for coming today," he said. "I know every Blade appreciates the welcome they get here, but things are a little different this time. Today, we're also officially welcoming a new Caretaker to his duties. I'm sure you've all seen Zeke around the Gardens while he's gotten settled in, but now one more of our number will be under his care as Driver and Blade."

"I'm happy to do my part," Zeke said.

"Before we welcome our new sibling, I'd like to get a list of our witnesses. Starting in the front row, please."

"Krogane."

"Agate."

"Dahlia."

"Azami."

One after another, Blades announced themselves. Witnesses to the new awakening. As Zeke understood it, it was mostly a formality, but on the off-chance a Caretaker ever went back on their promise to the community, witnesses were important for holding them to account. As the Blades gave their names, though, Zeke couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. He'd never done this with so many people watching before. In fact, he'd only ever done this once.

"Thank you," Cole said as he finished recording the names. "I call you all as witnesses to the first awakening by the Caretaker Zeke von Genbu. Do you all agree to hold him and yourselves to account, to ensure that this new Blade is never mistreated by members of the community?"

"I do," the audience said, in near unison. Some of them had done this more than once, from the sounds of it. Which, on the one hand, was good. The more people that participated, the better the system worked. But it was also a little weird. Zeke couldn't imagine attending every week, much less every day or two.

"Good. And Zeke." Cole turned to face him. "Do you swear, in front of these witnesses, to treat your new Blade with dignity and respect, to look after and protect them in times of need, and to uphold the standard set by this community to which all Drivers should strive?"

"I do," Zeke said. He could barely keep the trembled out of his voice. But—

No. Why was he getting so nervous about waking up one Blade? He was Zeke von Genbu, bringer of Chaos. He fought the world-destroying Aion face-to-face, man-to-machine, and he was still getting nervous in front of an audience? Preposterous. He'd give these people the awakening of their lives.

"Alright," Cole said. "With that out of the way, you're free to start the awakening, whenever you're ready. Let's welcome our new sibling into the world."

"With pleasure!" Zeke shouted. He grinned and threw an arm back, letting a little excess ether from his Core Crystal dance along his fingertips. He forced the ether into the inactive core, and he could feel it respond. It lit up, pulsing with energy as it drew in ether from its surroundings.

"Come forth!" Zeke continued. "And be awakened!"

He snapped as he felt the ether reach a critical point, creating a small burst of electricity for effect. On cue, the core expanded, and the ether coalesced into the Blade's new body.

She was shorter than Zeke had been expecting. Not that he'd really been expecting anything, but a girl barely taller than Electra hadn't been at the front of his mind. She wore a large helmet crested with two flame-shaped horns, and she had a silver cloak draped over her body. It seemed made of six separate sections that shifted around independently. He could see armor underneath, silver and gold with a lot of blue lines running across it.

"Well I'll be," Cole said, studying her. "That's… Certainly unexpected."

"Hello," the new Blade said. She looked around the room for a moment before settling on Zeke. "Are you my new Driver?"

"That I am," he said. He stretched out a hand. "Zeke von Genbu. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You don't have to be so stiff about it," she said.

"Well, the whole ceremony felt a little formal, so I thought I might go along with it."

"Ceremony?" the woman asked. She looked back at the audience. "I'm not one to question the circumstances of my awakening, but somehow this doesn't strike me as normal."

"We do things a little differently here," Cole said. "My name is Cole. On behalf of every Blade here, I'd like to welcome you to the Gardens. We're a group of Blades trying to live our own lives, on our own terms."

"Huh." The woman took everything in for a moment. "I kinda like the sound of that. Not really sure why, but… Yeah, sounds nice. So you all live here with no Drivers or something?"

"Not no Drivers," Zeke said. "Blades kind of need Drivers to stay alive. But we've got rules. I'm supposed to check up on you from time to time, make sure you get settled in alright, but other than that, you're free to do whatever you want."

"This is a little much," the woman said. "I'm… Not sure what I want to do with all this."

"Most aren't," Cole said. "But there are people here to help you get settled in and figure out what you want to do. We're all family, here."

"I've never had a family before," the woman said. It wasn't like she'd ever had anything before, technically, but Zeke didn't say that aloud. Pandoria had been much the same way when she'd first woken up. Like she had the impression of memories without any of the real thing. It was probably a side-effect of retaining language and other kinds of general knowledge, but Zeke didn't know the particulars. Probably something to ask Adenine about, if he ever got the chance.

"Do you have a name?" Zeke asked. "Something we can call you?"

"Obrona," she said. The name sounded vaguely familiar, somehow. Like a character from an old story maybe? Or…

No. Not an old story, a very recent one. He remembered Nia telling him about her and Rex's adventures before he joined up. Obrona was one of Torna's Blades. Akhos's Blade. Supposedly, Mythra had cut her core in half in her first real display of Aegis power.

Zeke looked at Cole, and he just shrugged.

"Welcome to the Gardens, Obrona," Zeke said. "I'm sure there's a lot of others who'd like to meet you."

He glanced back at Pandoria, silently pleading for her help. She locked eyes with him and walked over, throwing an arm around Obrona.

"Hey," she said. "I'm Pandoria. I'm this bozo's only other Blade at the moment, so if he gives you any trouble at all, you let me know, all right?"

Zeke stepped away as Pandoria and Obrona started talking. A few other members of the audience joined in, and for once Zeke was grateful for Pandoria's ability to embarrass him in public without hesitation. It kept everyone distracted while he started talking into his earpiece.

"Akhos," he said. "You there?"

"Yeah," Akhos said. "What do you need?"

"Are you watching the ceremony?"

"No, why would I? They're terminally boring, and I've got more important things to do."

"Just… Take a peak, would you?"

"Alright…" Akhos sighed. "But this better—"

He stopped. After a moment, Zeke got worried.

"Akhos?" he asked. The man didn't respond. Instead, his holographic body manifested next to Zeke. Zeke didn't know he and Patroka could do that outside the Caretakers' quarters. The conversation died as he stepped forward, and Pandoria ushered the crowd aside.

"Obrona…" Akhos said. He stared at her, and she stared at him.

"I know you," she said. "How do I know you?"

"You'd damn well better." He smiled. "I'm your Driver." If the holograms could cry, Zeke was pretty sure he'd be crying right now. Not an emotion Akhos had much need to express, usually.

"My old Driver…" Obrona looked at her hands. "That shouldn't be possible. What happened?"

"You broke. I didn't—" Akhos's voice caught for a moment. "I thought you were gone."

"Well, I'm back." Obrona twirled around, lifting into the air slightly. "Miss me?"

"More than anything. I'm…" Akhos stopped for a moment. "I'm glad you're okay."

Zeke couldn't help but smile to himself as Akhos and Obrona got to talking. The man was usually so dour, so it was good to see him liven up a little bit. But even more importantly, Obrona's core had supposedly been destroyed. Yet here she was, talking and floating just fine. This was exactly what Nia had been looking for. A Blade that had come back from death.

He wasn't sure what had been bothering her the last few weeks, but whatever it was, this was bound to brighten her day. Maybe she'd finally stop punishing herself over what happened to Dromarch. As Obrona and the others talked, he slipped away. There'd be time for getting to know his new Blade later, but right now, he needed to find Nia and give her the good news.

Before the Cataclysm, Nia had wanted to find Elysium because she thought that it would bring peace. That with enough resources to go around, people would stop fighting and oppressing each other. She'd founded the Gardens to put that idea into practice, to serve as an example to the rest of the world. It was a society founded on true freedom, true equality, for all people. But there were some who considered that perspective flawed, particularly among the Titans. Tenax was one such individual.

She'd been living in Temperantia since the Aegis War, when the last of its human inhabitants left. She'd chosen this place because of its isolation from human society, because according to her, Titans and humans were too different to coexist as equal members of a society. Titan lives were immeasurably long, and this gave them a radically different set of values. They had no need for history or culture or most aspects of shared community. At least, that was what she said every time they spoke about it.

But, as terse as she could be, her perspective was a valuable one, so long as Nia treated it with respect. She'd been a great help conducting hearings for the community. Her lack of interest in their values—or anyone's for that matter—gave her the closest thing to an objective viewpoint they'd been able to find. It allowed her to see things where others could not. Combined with a lifespan stretching back over a thousand years, and Nia hoped it would be able to provide her with some answers.

"Head Caretaker," Tenax said, slithering out of her cave on Temperantia's head. She looked over the other members of the group, passing over Mikhail and Strix without a second thought. But when she looked at Azurda, she scowled. "And you."

"Hello, Tenax," he said. "You're looking well."

"Yes, I'm sure you think so, Azurda. Tell me, why have you decided to visit me today? Finally gotten up the nerve to apologize?"

Nia looked back at Azurda, but he didn't betray any emotion on his face. It was like this every time she brought him along.

"Let's not drag that into this." Azurda coughed, pointedly. "Nia wanted to speak with you, actually, but it's difficult to get up here without wings, so I gave her a lift."

"Ah. Well." Tenax slithered the rest of her body out of the cave. "To what do I owe your visit, Head Caretaker? Did you have need to conduct another hearing?"

"Not today, thankfully," Nia said. "I'm here because…"

She sighed and looked back at Mikhail. She hadn't actually told him, or Azurda for that matter, what was going on yet. She didn't want to bring more people in on it until they could be sure there really was a spy. But she and Strix weren't getting anywhere like this. They needed help.

"Something troubles you," Tenax observed. "I warned you, Head Caretaker, that I did not wish to become overly involved in your troubles."

"Well, I doubt either of us have much say in the matter. A few weeks ago, Temperantia was almost destroyed. Had my Caretakers and I not managed to stop the attackers in time, this whole continent would be ether vapor."

"I…" Tenax lowered her head. She was probably frowning, or something approximate, but she didn't have the facial features to convey it in a way Nia understood. "What did you do?"

"Nothing," Nia said. "But the Gardens seem to have caught just about everyone's attention, and someone tried to exploit that."

"I warned you this would happen. Humanity does not abide threats to the established order."

"I didn't come here for spirited debate, Tenax. I'm looking for the man responsible."

"And you think I know him?"

"I think the three of you are three of the oldest people still alive." Nia faced everyone in turn. "The three of you lived through the Aegis War, and you've all seen some of the worst humanity has to offer. Strix and I have reason to believe the man behind these attacks is a Blade who calls himself Atasaiah. Do any of you know him?"

"I recognize the name," Azurda said. "Like many, he joined the militia. Though I cannot recall in which division he served."

"Mine," Tenax said. She sighed. "I had longed to forget those days, but Atasaiah served under my command. We were in Spessia when the Dark Aegis finally fell. For weeks after the fall of Torna, we helped resettle the flood of refugees. Until the Praetorium came to wipe us out. I managed to escape, but many of my companions did not. Atasaiah and his Driver were among them. I don't know what became of them, but I don't imagine they survived."

"They didn't," Azurda said. "Minoth and I spent some time tracking down any survivors of the massacre we could find. Jin was the only one we ever found. Everyone else was either buried in Spessia or taken by the Praetorium."

"What if he never left?" Strix asked. "You've all heard about the Titan Eater, haven't you?"

"Every Titan alive has heard that story," Tenax said. "A hulking monstrosity lurking in the Spessian outback that kills Titans and wears their flesh."

"I'm thinking they've got a connection."

"The Titan Eater is an old rumor," Azurda said. "It predates the Aegis War by hundreds of years. Likely it was started by encounters with the first Spessian Titan-poachers."

"He's real," Strix insisted. "I've seen him with my own eyes."

"Torna went after him once too," Nia said. "It was a recruitment trip to Spessia, trying to find more Flesh Eaters for the cause. Strix and the Titan Eater were at the top of that list. This joker joined up but never stuck around." She motioned at Strix. "We never managed to track down the Titan Eater, but Malos could feel his presence in the ether. He slipped through our fingers back then, and I'm not going to let that happen again."

"You were chasing a ghost," Tenax said. "A fairy tale. Of course you never found anything."

"We did," Mikhail said. Everyone turned to look at him, including Nia.

"First I'm hearing of this," Nia said. "You told us you didn't find anything."

"Yeah, well, I lied," Mikhail said. "I found him. Or he let me find him, more like. I offered him the job, he turned me down, and I didn't feel like dragging another one of Addam's comrades into that mess, so I lied."

"I…" Nia sighed. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. It wasn't the first lie Torna told me, I'm sure."

"I lied to everyone else too. I lied to Jin. It didn't feel right, bringing him into it after he'd managed to find some kind of peace."

"You bastard!" Strix shouted at him. "I spent weeks looking through those wastes for him, and you knew where he was the whole time!?"

"He didn't want to be disturbed."

"Asshole," Strix muttered. "Did you at least get a good look at him?"

"What, you think he kept to the shadows or something? We spoke face to face. It wasn't like he had much to hide."

"Well, our suspect is big. Hulking guy, more or less my height, covered in Titan plates. That description fit?"

"I thought he was supposed to be taller than you," Nia said.

"Details."

"That description tracks," Mikhail said. "And he was a Flesh Eater, too."

"That's him," Nia said. "Hiding out in Spessia since the end of the war, it sounds like."

"Much like Jin in that respect," Azurda said. "Still, are you sure this is the man behind these attacks?"

"No," Nia admitted. "But it makes a lot of other things make sense. Orion's group and Shieldwall had a common employer, they claim it was Spessia, and Qadar's been warning us for months that Spessia wants a war."

"It was many years ago," Tenax said, "But I remember Atasaiah as a lively, boisterous man. He was proud to serve in the militia, as were many, and would have given his life to protect the people around him. Of all the humans and Blades I have met, he numbers among the few I consider to have earned my respect. What reason would he have to attack this place?"

"I'd like to know too," Nia said. "In fact, I was hoping you might be able to tell us."

"Alas, I cannot."

"Time changes people," Azurda. "I've seen it happen all too often, especially to those who survived that accursed war. The only way we will know for sure is to find him and ask him ourselves."

"Thank you for your time," Nia said. She gave Tenax a small bow. "We should be heading back."

"Yes, you should." Tenax scowled at Azurda again before retreating into her cave. "Best of luck in your search."

"Be seeing you," Azurda said. There was a noise from the cave. A dismissive grunt. Slowly everyone climbed onto Azurda's back, and after a moment's lingering, he took off for the Gardens.

"What was that about?" Mikhail asked.

"I don't want to talk about it," Azurda said. "I've made mistakes in my time. What's past is past."

"I wasn't talking about your cranky ex, pops. I'm wondering why you waited this long to tell us someone's got us in the crosshairs."

There was silence, and Nia realized he'd been talking to her.

"It seemed obvious," she said.

"And you didn't feel the need to bring this up at any of the meetings? Get Minoth or Adenine's opinion on this whole thing? Maybe they know who you're looking for. Or, hell, what about Qadar? You don't think the literal Oracle might be able to help?"

"It's complicated," Strix said.

"What, you trust goops with this stuff, but you won't tell me? Or Zeke?"

"Easy," Azurda said.

"No, it's alright," Nia said. "I didn't want to jump to any conclusions. Orion would have said anything to get on our good side."

"You're getting all of this from Orion?" Mikhail asked. "The whackjob that attacked Zeke?"

"And Bradly," Strix said. "He had plenty to say too."

"Oh." Mikhail threw his hands up. "That makes everything make sense then."

"That's one of the reasons I didn't tell everyone right away. I had to confirm first. I asked Mòrag what she could share, and… The story checks out."

She produced a letter from her dress and passed it to Mikhail. It had come in last night. Signed and sealed by Mòrag's department. She gave him a moment to look it over.

"Spessia and Sthenos have entered into an uneasy alliance. For months, possibly years, they've been funneling resources to anti-Coalition groups like Shieldwall and Brionac. And apparently, we're not the only ones getting the short end of the stick. A month or so ago, they hung the Praetorians out to dry, and there's been border clashes between Duthract and the Spessian-aligned guilds for going on two weeks now. They're provoking conflict everywhere they can find it."

"And you think this one guy is behind everything?" Mikhail asked.

"I think it's a place to start looking."

"Start looking? You make it sound like we're getting involved."

"We are involved, Mikhail, whether we want to be or not. They attacked us. Twice. They want us dead, and we can't just let that happen."

"Alright, sure." Mikhail handed her the letter. "But I know you, Nia. There's something you're not telling me. Why wait until now?"

"I…" She sighed. She might as well tell the truth. "We have a spy."

Mikhail didn't have a response for that.

"The enemy knows too much about us. Orion had a map of the grounds. Shieldwall knew exactly how to sneak past Strix, and they had help doing it."

"What, you think I'm a fucking spy?" Mikhail asked. "That I'd sell this place out? I built this place, Nia, it's as much—"

"No," she said. The accusation hurt to hear. She could understand where he was coming from, but still. "If I wasn't sure I could trust you, I would never have picked you to be a Caretaker. That goes for everyone else, too. I just… I was hoping it wasn't true. Or that if it was true, I could handle it on my own somehow. Without getting everyone else involved. Zeke especially, I didn't want to put all of this on him after the attack."

"Nia, you aren't the only person who cares about this place. You know that, right?"

"I know."

"Then next time something like this happens, you tell me. You can't deal with every crisis like this on your own."

"I know," Nia said, more insistent. "I'm not trying to, it's just…"

"Just what?"

"I'm not going to be responsible for any more death!" she shouted. "It was my idea to build this place, it was my idea to invite people here, so if that's put a target on their backs, then it's my responsibility to protect them!"

"You're not the Aegis, Nia!" Mikhail shouted back. "You think you can take all of this on by yourself, but you can't! And if you keep this up, it's going to kill you just like it killed her!"

Nia had to stop herself from shouting back. She could feel herself getting angrier, and she couldn't let that anger control her. She was supposed to be better than that. So instead, she just went quiet. For a while no one spoke. As Azurda landed in the courtyard, however, he looked back at them.

"You're only one person," Azurda said. "If you want to help people, then you need to accept some yourself."

"Well, this is what that looks like," she said. She hopped off his back and headed for the Caretakers' quarters. She'd have to ask the other Caretakers about Atasaiah, of course, but it didn't seem like that would get them anywhere. They needed something more concrete, and the best person to get information like that was Nal. As she stepped into the Caretakers' quarters, however, there were more problems waiting for her.

"Head Caretaker," Corvin said, glaring at her from across the hall. There were other Blades with him. Llyona, Kirim, Sheba… She hadn't expected Sheba of all people to join Corvin's group. It seemed like every time he came here, there were more people on his side.

"Corvin," she said, trying her best to return his glare with a smile. "What can I do for you today?"

"You know what I'm here about."

"Am I supposed to guess? You've got a new list of demands every day, Corvin, you're going to need to remind me."

"You think this is funny?" Sheba asked. "Isn't it your job to listen to our concerns?"

"Assuming you ask in good faith, then yes." Nia crossed her arms. "But I'm seriously starting to doubt if that still applies here."

"Unbelievable," Sheba scoffed. "The Head Caretaker should hold herself to a higher standard than this, Nia."

"Standards? You want to—" She stopped herself from raising her voice and took a moment to calm down. They weren't making her day any easier, but she still couldn't let herself get angry. "I apologize for my tone. But I can't help you if you won't tell me what it is you need."

"Fair enough," Corvin said. "Sheba, if you would—"

"I'll thank you not to speak for me," she said. "You have two Blades still in custody, Head Caretaker. Olua and Kaeda, in case you've forgotten their names. I want them released."

"As do I," Corvin said. "They belong out here, with us. Not locked in a cage."

"It's simply dreadful," Sheba continued. "Locking up two sweet things like them in the company of a brute." She looked over Nia's shoulder at Strix. He was hanging back in the courtyard, probably keeping an eye on things. Or maybe getting ready to intervene.

"They attacked us," Nia said. "They tried to kill one of my Caretakers."

"They're still Blades, Nia," Corvin said. "They deserve their freedom."

"We have rules. They broke them."

"Under orders, not by choice. And it's not like you even gave them a chance to follow the rules in the first place."

"I see what's going on here," Sheba said. "It's that slovenly Thunderbolt Prince, isn't it? He's still sore that he lost, and Architect forbid we offend the sensibilities of one of your precious Caretakers. Not that he ever does anything for us."

"If you want to jump to wild conclusions, Sheba," Nia said, "Do it somewhere else. I'm not really in the mood."

Sheba just shook her head.

"I'm not dropping this," Corvin said. "Sheba and I are in agree—"

"In this one instance," Sheba said, cutting him off.

"Yes. In this one instance, Sheba and I are in agreement. If you won't release Olua and Kaeda, we'll move to hold a hearing on it."

"Oh for the…" Nia sighed. She'd just gotten back from talking to Tenax, she didn't have the time or energy to go out there again today. And she didn't imagine that conversation would go over well.

"Is there a problem?"

"No." Nia looked Corvin over for a moment. The more time passed, the surer she was that he was their spy. Why else would he be trying to free two of Orion's companions? Still, the community splintered more and more with every hearing he forced through. Between letting two Blades out and risking more factionalism, she'd pick the enemy she could actually fight.

"Fine," she said. "I'll tell Strix to let them out." She looked back at him, and he nodded. "But if they so much as lay a finger on anyone in the Gardens, they're going right back in."

"So boorish," Sheba muttered.

"Are we all on such thin ice?" Corvin asked.

"That depends. Did you try to kill anyone here recently?"

"Of course not."

"Then you don't have anything to worry about." Nia stretched out her hand. "This is what I'm willing to offer you."

"Fine," Corvin sighed, shaking her hand. After a moment, Sheba did too. "I suppose we can't ask for more."

"So unladylike," Sheba muttered again. She straightened up in her tub. "But I suppose I have to commend you for seeing reason, Head Caretaker. I expect to greet my new sisters with open arms."

"You can greet them however you want," Nia said. "Just give Strix some time to get them out, first."

"Ah." Sheba's face soured. "Yes. Relying on the brute's good graces once again. I suppose it'll have to do. Good day, Head Caretaker."

Sheba left, floating down the hallway in her tub. After a moment, Strix got up to follow her. Leaving Nia alone with Corvin and his supporters.

"Was there anything else?" Nia asked. Corvin didn't look like he was finished here.

"Yeah," Kirim said. "The humans."

Nia turned to him and crossed her arms. The man was angry, so she stared at him for a moment, waiting for him to clarify what he'd said or back down. He did neither. He just glared at her.

"I will be very clear," Nia said. "There is one rule I will not stand for anyone breaking. The Gardens are a safe place for all. Humans too. If you don't like it, you're free to leave, but that point is not negotiable."

"He doesn't mean the Drivers," Corvin said. "Or Shieldwall. You've made your position there abundantly clear, and we'll respect it."

Meaning he didn't yet have enough support to call for a public execution.

"We're concerned about the new Caretaker," Corvin continued. "Zeke von Genbu. It's pretty obvious he's human."

"And?" Nia asked.

"Well… Not everyone feels comfortable having a human Caretaker around. Individual Drivers are one thing, but the longer he sticks around, the more Blades he'll have in resonance. It's enough to give people pause."

"Are you seriously asking me to kick out Zeke?"

"Not so much kick out as—"

"We don't want him as Caretaker," Llyona said. "He's a human. We can't trust he won't abuse that someday."

"No," Nia said. She didn't even have to think about it. "This community needs Caretakers like Zeke."

"He's waking up a new Blade today! How long before he's got five? Ten? Twenty!? No." Llyona stomped her foot. "I'm not letting that happen."

"We've already got human Caretakers. It hasn't been a problem before."

"Neither of them took Blades before," Kirim said. "But if you want to have a human putting his hands on our new siblings, then we're going to have a problem."

"Zeke is not a monster," Nia insisted. "Whatever you're imagining, I can guarantee you he's not like that. He's only been here a month or two, and already he's put his life on the line to defend this place more than once."

"Then let him defend, but I don't want any more Blades in his hands than he already has."

"Look, Nia," Corvin said. "No one's denying that Zeke's done a lot of good in the past. He helped you stop the Dark Aegis, that counts for something. But there's a lot of people here who've been hurt by their old Drivers, and seeing one being given so much control over the only place they can feel safe is a bitter pill to swallow."

"We needed more Caretakers," Nia said. "He was the best person for the job. I am sorry if it's upsetting, and I'll do everything I can to help, but we can't just kick him out."

"Then you're not exactly willing to do everything, are you?" Llyona asked.

"Zeke is my friend. You have my word that you can trust him."

"Honestly," Corvin said. "Given your relationship, you're not the best person to judge this situation objectively."

Nia stared at Corvin for a moment, looking to see if he'd betray any hint of satisfaction. Looking for another sign that he was their spy. Zeke was probably the most trustworthy person she knew; this was so obviously absurd. It was beyond absurd. The only way this made sense was if he was trying to weaken the Gardens. But she wasn't going to let that happen.

"Nia!" Nal shouted, interrupting her just as she opened her mouth. She was standing near Jin's sword, where Azurda and Mikhail had been earlier. Silently, Nia thanked her. If Nal hadn't interrupted her, she might have done something stupid. Instead of shouting in Corvin's face, she turned and gave Nal a small wave.

"I'm sorry, something appears to have come up," she said. "I wish you all a pleasant day."

"We're not done here, Head Caretaker." Corvin grabbed her arm.

"Yes, we are." She shrugged out of his grip.

"Do not force me to bring this to a hearing."

"Bring it wherever you want." Nia shrugged. "I'll tell Tenax what I told you. This place needs Zeke. Now, if you'll all excuse me, I've got a job to do."

She stepped back into the courtyard, closing the door behind her. She waited for a few seconds, but Corvin didn't follow her. Thankfully.

"Howdy," Nal said as Nia approached. "Rough day?"

"Could be better. How about you?"

"It's been an absolute shitter," Nal sighed. "I've been runnin' around all day, my feet hurt, and Patroka won't stop barkin' my ear off about patrol schedules. But the real kicker? Yer Ardainian pals dropped by for a visit a little bit ago. They're saying the Praetorians have annexed the rest of Leftheria."

"You've got to be kidding." Nia let out a groan. More political instability was the last thing she needed right now.

"Don't you worry, it gets worse. The Coalition's puttin' together a force to deal with 'em, and they want us to contribute. Pay our dues as a proper Coalition nation and all that."

"They're invading Leftheria!?" Nia shouted. Nal winced, and Nia had to make sure there was no one else around. "Have they lost their minds? And they expect us to go along with this?"

"I don't rightly know. But it's not like we've had much of a voice to object with lately."

Damnit. Azurda had volunteered to serve on the Coalition Council in the early days, but he was also the only Titan she knew that commanded the respect of the others, so he'd had to split his time. She knew it'd come back to bite them, but she hadn't expected them to make this kind of decision in his absence. She really needed to find him a replacement, but the only two people here with any kind of political savvy were Dromarch and Zeke. Dromarch couldn't risk missing his appointments, and Zeke… She was being a little selfish there. Even though she knew he'd probably agree if she asked, she wanted to keep him close by. He made the Gardens feel more like home.

"The details are all in here," Nal said, handing Nia a letter.

Immediately, she tore it open and looked it over. Apparently, the Praetorians had taken over the Spirit Crucible and used it to annex the settlements not under their control. Their new base was in… Fonsett? That couldn't be good. If they didn't already know Rex's family was there, they probably would soon. The only saving grace there was that he was currently on Tora's expedition, but that wouldn't last forever.

She felt compelled to do something, but what? Trying to open a dialogue was out of the question. The Praetorians had backed the attempt to kill them all a few weeks ago. But the Gardens had no standing army, and asking for volunteers to go fight in Leftheria felt like handing Corvin another issue to press. But if they did nothing, they'd risk losing the protection of the other Coalition members. Not that it had counted for much recently, but she dreaded to think what Queen Raqura might do if the others weren't holding her to account.

"How're we gonna proceed?" Nal asked.

"I don't know," Nia said. "Ask for volunteers, I suppose."

"Ya' really think we should send troops to fill out the Coalition's ranks?"

"No, but I don't see a better option."

"We could go by ourselves," Nal offered. "It's about time we paid the Praetorians back for sendin' Shieldwall here anyhow."

"We're not starting a war with the Praetorians."

"Seems like the Coalition's pretty keen to."

"I know," Nia sighed. "Just give me some time to think, alright? This isn't a decision we can make lightly."

"Well, we've gotta do somethin'. And fast, I'd wager. The Coalition won't exactly be takin' their sweet time musterin' their own troops."

"I'll bring it up at the meeting tomorrow."

Nia sighed and sat down, taking a moment to stare at the flowers growing around Jin's shrine. It felt like all week—all month, even—she'd been bouncing from one crisis to the next. Now this? This wasn't what she'd had in mind when she set out to build this place. The Gardens were supposed to be a shelter for Blades, not the Coalition's war reserve.

"You look tired," Nal said.

"I feel tired. I think maybe I am tired."

"I've seen this happen before, y'know. People with big ideas crushed under the weight of 'em. People tryin' to change things who were too stubborn to stop from runnin' themselves into a wall."

"I can handle myself," Nia said.

"I know ya' can. It's yer ability to handle everyone else that I'm not so sure on."

"What would you have me do?" Nia looked up at Nal. "I don't have any good options, here."

"Nia, if yer turnin' to me for help, yer lookin' in the wrong place. I've been runnin' away from somethin' my whole life. The only advice I can give ya' is look after yerself, but that won't do this place much good."

"I didn't figure you'd joined up to be my advisor."

"I didn't. Just callin' 'em like I see 'em. But there are people who did show up to help ya', y'know. Might wanna give them a try."

"I can't abdicate my responsibility to anyone else. I'm the Head Caretaker. I'm the one who's supposed to make these decisions."

"Then make 'em after you've asked for a second opinion. Or, y'know, don't. I can't stop ya'. But I'm tired of seein' people who give a shit get ground into the dirt. So, if for nothin' other than my own peace of mind, would ya' at least try to stop lettin' it happen to you?"

"I'm…" Nia sighed. "I'm going to ask Mikhail's opinion, obviously. Probably Dromarch's, too. But the decision still lies with me."

"Whatever ya' say." Nal shrugged. "Yer the boss, after all."

She walked away, leaving Nia alone with her thoughts. No one said this would be easy, but… There was a war brewing. An actual war. She figured things would have been better than this, after the Cataclysm. She thought people might finally wake up and start treating each other with some dignity. But it was like Zeke had said. People were quick to move past tragedy. Apparently they were quick to rush back into it too.

She took a moment to just sit, in silence, not worrying about anything. It was nice to forget, for a moment, all the things that were happening around her. Even if it was a little irresponsible. That peace was shattered when the door to the community hall flew open and Zeke came barreling out.

Right, he'd been conducting an Awakening today. But he looked a lot more flustered than she'd figured he would.

"Nia!" he shouted, noticing her sitting there. He ran up to her. "You've got to see this!"

"See what?" she asked.

"Just—It'll be better if I showed you." He grabbed her hand, rather suddenly, and dragged her to the community hall. She was surprised, but she didn't fight back. She was a little curious what had happened to get him so excited. As she entered the hall, though, her breath caught in her throat.

It was Obrona, floating in the middle of the crowd, talking and laughing like it was the most natural thing in the world. Like her Core Crystal hadn't been cut in half. And, by the looks of things, it hadn't. It seemed perfectly intact on her chest.

"It's a miracle," Zeke said. "I'd heard tell that her core had been destroyed."

"It's not a miracle," Nia said. "She's been repaired. Or, no. She repaired herself."

"Repaired herself? Is that… Possible?"

"It's more than just possible, it's—Look, Adenine and I have been trying to crack this problem for a while. This might be just what we need."

"For Dromarch's appointments?" Zeke asked.

"And much, much more. This is…" Nia stopped to consider the possibilities. If this gave them the data they needed, they could finally fix Dromarch.

This was big.

Too big to focus on, right now. Between tracking down Atasaiah, dealing with Corvin's growing faction, and the Coalition's war with the Praetorians, she didn't have time to devote to this. Much as she wanted too. She couldn't afford to let everything else slip through the cracks.

"Something wrong?" Zeke asked. She realized a moment later that she'd been frowning.

"Yeah," she said. She handed him the letter. He took a moment to read it over before handing it back. "I've got a lot on my plate right now. I don't think I'll have time to sit down and figure this mystery out for a while yet."

"I'll help any way I can," Zeke said. "It's why I'm here, remember?"

"So you keep reminding me. But, if you're offering, I could use some advise. I've no idea what to do about the Coalition. There aren't any good options, but I don't want to jeopardize the people here. I want to protect this."

She motioned out at the group of Blades. Akhos and Obrona seemed like they were catching up. She was happy for them, that they'd finally found each other again. Even if it was under less-than-ideal circumstances.

"You're right, there are no good options." Zeke went quiet for a moment. "Anything we do will have consequences. But if you can't find a way to weigh them yourself, maybe you don't have to."

"What do you mean?"

"This is a community, right? Let them make the decision. Call a public hearing, lay everything out, and the ask them what you should do."

"They put their trust in me to make these kinds of decisions. What kind of Head Caretaker would I be if I can't take responsibility for things like this?"

"Our job is to support this community as best we can. Shielding them from this decision won't shield them from the consequences. It's better if they at least have a say. And if they don't want to make the decision, then…" Zeke shrugged. "At least we tried."

"Maybe you're right," Nia said. It made a kind of sense. The prospect of leaving decisions like this up to the community made Nia feel uncomfortable, but she wasn't a ruler. Her job was not to lead people. She was a Caretaker, and her job was to support. Maybe it was time she started putting more decisions in their hands.

That was one weight off her mind, at least. It would embolden Corvin, but she doubted he could get much bolder. Of course, there was still the issue of Atasaiah. If she could deal with that, somehow, she might be able to devote time to figuring out Obrona's mystery. But unless Cole or Qadar knew something Azurda and Tenax didn't, then they weren't going to get answers about Atasaiah here. They'd need to go to the source.

But she couldn't leave for Spessia. None of them could, really, they were all needed here. Without Strix, they were blind, Azurda already had too many other duties as it was, and Mikhail couldn't stray too far and risk missing an appointment. Which meant she'd have to let someone else in on things.

"Hey Zeke," she said, committing to the idea before she could convince herself it was a bad one. "I need to ask a favor."

"Anything," Zeke said. "You aren't going to ask me for a kiss, are you?"

That sentence stopped Nia dead in her tracks. Her first instinct was to wretch. Her second instinct was to reply with an appropriate quip of her own. But she did neither. The mental image he'd conjured was intense and overwhelming. Suddenly, she thought about doing just that.

"Furry Ears?" Zeke asked. "Hello? Everything alright down there?"

"Will you knock it off?" she said, managing not to sound like an idiot. "I'm being serious, here."

With some effort, she pushed the idea from her mind and refocused on the task at hand. That was something to think about… Later.

"Alright, not the time, I get it. But seriously, what is it?"

"I need you to go to Spessia," Nia said. If Zeke was so insistent on helping her, on sharing the load and whatnot, then he could take this one on himself. "There's a man there we need to find."

"Those are our options," Nia said, looking out at the crowd. "I discussed this with the other Caretakers, and we agree this decision is too important to make on our own. So instead, we're putting it to a vote. The community should decide how we proceed in Leftheria. Whether we comply with the Coalition's demands or choose some other option. I'm sure you all have questions, so before we vote, I'll give anyone who wishes the opportunity to speak."

"Why is this up to us?" one of the Blades asked. It was Crossette, the explosions girl. He'd seen her around a few times, helping Nia with disposing of the leftovers after a day of healing Temperantia's wounds. "I thought we had Caretakers to handle these sorts of things."

"If you all wish for us to make this decision on our own, then we will. But it didn't seem right to do so without your explicit consent in a case with such far-reaching consequences."

"What will the Coalition's response be if we refuse to send help?" Vale asked.

"We don't know. But the terms of the Elysian Treaty mean every Coalition nation must contribute to the defense of the whole during times of crisis. If we refuse, they could hold us in violation of it. Which would mean we lose their protection, among other things."

"What good is their protection?" another Blade asked. Zeke didn't know him. "We've been attacked three times now, and every time the Caretakers have dealt with the problem on their own. What do we need the Coalition for?"

"They protect us from themselves," Nia said. "So long as we sit at their table, they treat us as equals. Or at least they pretend to. I don't know what will happen if they stop."

"We shouldn't have to chain ourselves to the Coalition!" shouted someone in the audience.

"This is the Praetorium we're talking about," someone else said. "Are we seriously going to pass up the chance to pay them back for everything they did?"

"We came here to escape fighting," Vess said. "To end the violence that we've spent our lives spreading."

The arguing continued back and forth for a few minutes, as different Blades made their cases for whatever option they supported. It was chaotic, but public forums tended to be, and at least no one was being shouted down. After a point, Zeke began tuning it out, focusing instead on watching the crowd. Despite the number of Blades expressing their opinions, Corvin had chosen to remain silent thus far. He just sat in his corner, keeping to himself. Zeke didn't trust it. He was planning something. He had to be.

"You know, this isn't what I'd been expecting," Obrona said.

"Really?" Zeke asked. "What were you expecting?"

"I figured there must have been someone in charge of this place. Nia seems like the closest thing we've got, but… We're really leaving this decision in the hands of the hoi polloi?"

"Who's this 'we' you're talking about? You aren't a Caretaker. If the people here are the unwashed masses, then you're in sore need of a bath too."

"I don't mean to be rude, it's just…" Obrona shrugged. "People are stupid. It might make you all feel better, putting this in their hands, but they're going to screw it up."

"You're very confident in an opinion you've formed over the course of an hour," Zeke noted.

"It's just a feeling I've got is all. One of those pre-awakening feelings, soaked into my bones. I thought you'd understand, considering it's probably you I'm getting this from."

Zeke stared at her pointedly.

"How do you figure that?" he asked.

"Blades change to fit the Driver. It's not complicated."

"Feels more like something Akhos would have imparted," Zeke said.

"I'll have to take your word on that. It's not like I know him well enough to judge."

"You could, you know. I'm sure he'd be willing to re-establish… Whatever it was the two of you had."

"I don't know…" Obrona looked away, fidgeting. She started floating, too. "Talking to him feels weird. He's got his own idea of who I'm supposed to be, but I don't think I'm that person anymore."

"I'm not here to tell you what to do."

"So you've said. I don't know if I should be grateful for that or…" Obrona let the statement hang.

"Or…?"

"I don't know. I've never had to make my own decisions before. I expected, when I woke up, that I'd just be following after you, but… That doesn't seem to be an option."

"Take your time. From what I hear, that disorientation's normal for most newcomers."

"Doesn't make it less of a bother." Obrona let herself fall back to her seat, pouting.

"Well, until you make up your mind, you're welcome to hang around us. I know Pandoria would love the company."

"Is that allowed?"

"Is what allowed?"

"Sticking with my Driver? Or, I guess you guys are called Caretakers. No one else seems to hang around theirs much."

"I…" Zeke paused. He hadn't really thought about that much. Aside from Nia, he was the only Caretaker who'd had a Blade before signing up. Except Mikhail, technically, but Cressidus had met the same fate as Obrona. He got the feeling none of them wanted to be Drivers so much as they needed to be. Otherwise the Gardens wouldn't have half as many residents. But he'd spent most of his life as someone's Driver, so he wasn't nearly so opposed to the concept.

"The general rule is do whatever you want," Zeke said. "I guess the idea just doesn't appeal to most people."

"Weird." Obrona stared into the middle distance for a moment. "But y'know, I think I can kinda get that."

"You do?"

"No offense or anything, but why chain myself to someone I barely know?"

"I guess that makes sense…"

It did raise questions, though. He glanced a row or so down, where Pandoria and the others were sitting. Was she staying with him of her own volition? Probably. But at what point had it become her decision instead of his? Had it ever been?

"I like your Blades, though. Kora's cool."

"She's not mine," Zeke said. "She's just a friend. So far, I've only got you and Pandy."

"Wow." Obrona whistled. "When you said you were new, you meant new."

"It means you get to set the precedent, though. I figure if you hang around with me, anyone else I wake up is liable to do the same."

"Don't put that on me," Obrona said, groaning. She sunk into herself a little.

"Sorry," he said. "It was a joke. If you want, I can give you some space. Let you get to know everyone without your Driver leaning over your shoulder."

"I guess…" Obrona looked around. "It seems like that's what everyone else here would want."

"Is it what you want?"

"I don't know. Probably not, if I'm being honest. But I don't think I'll get much chance to figure out what I do want if you're around all the time."

"Sounds good." Zeke stood up. There wasn't much else he could do for her until she knew what she wanted for herself. "I'll be around if you need me."

He navigated his way around the crowd as he left the amphitheater. The debate was still going on, though it would probably come to a vote soon. But the question of how to deal with Leftheria and the Coalition wasn't his most pressing issue, at least at the moment. Whatever Nia needed from him, he'd get done. Right now, he had bigger concerns. So instead of listening to impassioned speeches, he found himself back at the community hall.

"Zeke," Cole said, giving him a small nod as he walked in. The man was still packing up from the ceremony earlier that day, but at this point it seemed like he was loitering for the most part. Avoiding the commotion over Leftheria. Iona and a couple of other Blades were still here too.

"Do you have a minute?" Zeke asked.

"Sure." Cole set the podium aside and joined Zeke by the door. "What's on your mind?"

"It's Obrona. She's…"

"Different?"

"I got some stories about her from Nia. And Akhos, too. Her old self seemed much more… I don't know if arrogant is the right word, but definitely self-assured. She seemed like she was always the largest personality in the room."

"It's normal for a Blade to change between Drivers. It's part of who we are."

"I know, but she seems unsure about everything. And I can't help but think it's my fault."

"You can't hold yourself responsible for every aspect of her life, even at this early a stage."

"Can't I?" Zeke asked. "Blades are supposed to reflect their Drivers in some way, aren't they? What does it say about me that she's come out on such shaky footing? And is it right for me to impose that kind of insecurity on someone else?"

"Alright, back up." Cole put up a hand. "We don't know that that's what's going on. There's a lot we still don't understand about how Blades and Drivers influence each other. Don't jump to conclusions."

"Exactly! We barely know anything about how it happens, or how to make it not happen. I don't think it's my place to shape a person to that extent, especially if I've got no control over how I do it."

"I'm getting the sense this isn't really about Obrona."

"I…" Zeke slumped forward. Eventually, he muttered, "Not exactly."

"Tell me what's really going on."

"This business with Leftheria's got me on edge. It feels like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, some other horrible catastrophe to strike and everyone to rush into a panic again trying to deal with it. I'm trying to focus on Obrona, on being a good Caretaker, but it's hard not to feel like something's looming over me. To make matters worse, it feels like Nia's been avoiding me and I'm not sure why. I was supposed to find her, ask her what's been bothering her, maybe get some of that weight off my mind, but instead I went and broke my promise to Pandoria. Again."

"What promise would that be?" Cole asked.

"I promised her I wouldn't do anything stupid, and…" He sighed. "Nia wants me to look into something for her in Spessia, and like an idiot, I agreed."

"I'm sure she won't mind too much, so long as you explain the situation properly. Good communication goes a long way."

"I know she won't be too bothered. She's too forgiving in that regard. But I'm just… I feel like I'm not doing enough. I don't contribute enough as a Caretaker, I can barely take care of my own Blade, much less be a good Driver for a new one, and I can't seem to help Nia with whatever it is she's got going on."

"It sounds like you're trying to take a lot on."

"I feel like I've barely done a thing, though."

"You've done wonders for Electra, Zeke. She's really grown into her own thanks to you."

"I suppose…"

"I know it can be hard not to be critical of yourself. Believe me, I've had my share of self-doubt. I spent a long time blaming myself for Torna's fall and Amalthus's rise. But it's important to recognize that you give all you can. Don't beat yourself up just because you can't do more than your best. Think about the people you've helped. They're grateful you're in their lives, so take solace in that."

"I know all that, rationally, it's just—" Zeke stopped himself just short of saying it out loud. That he felt like he was disappointing her.

"It's just?"

"Nothing," he said.

"Not good enough." Cole crossed his arms.

"It's not a topic I like discussing, Cole."

"Obviously. But it's bothering you, I can tell. Is there anything you can tell me?"

"I'm supposed to be doing more than this. The world's not getting any better, and I've been kidding myself by thinking we'd fixed anything. I am very likely the most powerful Driver in the world, now that the Aegis is gone. I should be doing more to help. But instead, I feel like I'm letting down all the people who got me to this point."

"Living your life isn't letting those people down. You're a Caretaker, the work you do here is important. You can't fix the world."

"I have to," Zeke blurted out. "If not me, then who?"

Suddenly, Zeke realized why Obrona thought she'd gotten her pessimism from him. Deep down, he didn't really trust the world to heal on its own.

"You're wrong," Cole said. "We all have to fix the world. It's not something that's up to one person. You do what you can, everything you can, but it'll never be enough on its own. At the end of the day, other people need to want to make the world a better place too. And I like to think that people do."

Cole was right. Zeke knew he was right. He'd seen it a dozen times before. No matter what he and Pandoria did, things didn't get better unless other people wanted them to. But it still stung every time. And it stung especially badly this time. The moment he left the Coalition to their own devices, they decided to go and invade Leftheria. He couldn't help but feel like he could have done something to prevent that. And now, these Blades were being forced to decide between going to war and losing everything they'd built for themselves.

"Do they?" Zeke asked. "Because after everything that's happened lately, I'm not so sure."

"Not everyone does, obviously," Cole said. "But if things really were hopeless, then you wouldn't have been able to stop Shieldwall. Or Orion. These Gardens are living proof that things can get better. That at least some people want them to get better. That's something I try to take solace in, these days."

"Thanks," Zeke said. Most of what Cole had said, he already knew. But it helped to hear someone else say it.

"Any time," Cole said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think my granddaughter is trying to get my attention. Take care, Zeke."

"You too."

Zeke waved as Cole went to join Iona, and quietly he slipped out the way he came, making his way back up to the amphitheater. He needed to tell Pandoria what he'd signed them up for. And tell Electra that he'd be away for a few days on business. By the time he arrived, however, the meeting was already over, and the place had mostly cleared out. Nia was still there, though.

"Hey," she said, waving him over. She looked tired.

"Furry Ears," he said, putting on a smile. She returned it, which was good. "How'd things go?"

"About as well as we could have expected. We've decided to send a delegation, but we're going to attempt to broker peace. Mikhail volunteered to lead it."

"Good, good. And how are you holding up?"

"I'm fine," she said. The lie was obvious, even to Zeke, but he didn't really push her on it.

"So this Spessia business…" Zeke paused. Nia seemed on edge the moment he brought it up. "You going to tell me what it's really about?"

"Orion was here to break Shieldwall free. Supposedly, their boss is a Flesh Eater from Spessia named Atasaiah. If we can find him, maybe we can get some answers, but the only thing we have to go on is that he's connected to a local legend called the Titan Eater."

"It feels like there's more to it, though. Something you haven't told me."

"I…" Nia glanced around. After a moment, she removed her earpiece, and gestured for Zeke to do the same. He did. "Spessia has a spy in the Gardens, and I don't know who it is."

"Corvin," Zeke said, without hesitation. He was the obvious choice.

"Maybe. Maybe not. I don't want to jump to conclusions."

"You couldn't have told me this sooner?" Zeke asked.

"I didn't want to put that on your conscience. You've got Electra and the others to worry about, and I didn't want to bring this up before I had some proof that—"

Instinctively, Zeke wrapped her in a hug. He didn't even realize he'd done it until he had, but he didn't let go. And she didn't protest. They just stood there, his arms around her, for several seconds.

"Zeke?" Nia asked.

"You're scaring me," he said. "You can't keep things like this to yourself. It's going to destroy you."

"I don't need a lecture."

"I know."

"I can handle myself."

"I know." Zeke broke the hug, but he kept a hand on her shoulder. "Just promise me you won't keep me in the dark like this again, alright? I want to help."

Nia put her hand over his and took a moment to breathe. Eyes closed, in and out. Not trying to calm herself down or anything, just… Breathing. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes.

"Okay." She nodded. "I can do that."

"Thanks," Zeke said. He drew his hand back. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Do me a favor," Nia said. "When you find Atasaiah, punch him in the jaw for me, will you?"

"You got it," He flashed her a thumbs up, and she returned it. She seemed more at ease than she'd been in weeks. He didn't know why, exactly, but he was glad to help.

He couldn't save the world on his own, but he still had to do everything he could. And right now, what he could do was help Nia. If that meant going to Spessia and knocking some heads, he was happy to oblige.