Rinoa strolled through the streets of Gelon with a worried look on her face. She had only just finished her meeting with the King of Sabasa, and she was unsure of what she should do.

Or I suppose the King of Gelon now. Still, that offer was surprising... I don't know... Becoming one of his knights could let me do more to protect humans, but then I'd be limited in where I can go. But still... To be his first knight...

Maybe I should ask Luka what he thinks, once he gets back that is.

The Doppel looked around the now mostly-restored buildings of Gelon. The reconstruction effort was well underway, though the castle would take a much longer time to finish, but as priority was given to houses, shops and storage buildings, most of the city was functioning properly. A few orphanages had been set up here and there, as they became more and more necessary as the war raged on.

Should we send Luna to one of them? I've heard they really care for the children there... But, I don't know... I think she's better off with us.

Speaking of, I should go find her.

The girl walked back to where Luna could normally be found, playing with her new friends. She was surprisingly adept at the task, having already made three of them. They were similar to her, in that they had lost their parents due to the war. Rinoa knew that socialising could only help the girl in the future. She wished she had more friends to talk to when she was young, or more accurately, when her original was.

Luka's youth had been a lonely one. After his mother died, the only thing that kept him going was his father's money, and his faith in the goddess. He went to her out of a desire to fit in, and because his father was a believer. He once asked his mother whether or not she followed Ilias, but she would never answer the question. It took many years for him to understand why.

But now, he had a family, friends, and was infamous as the saviour of the world, and a pillar of coexistence. Rinoa did not receive any titles like that. Instead, she had been forgotten by the hero, and the world at large never even knew of her to begin with.

Still, she pressed on, out of a desire to find out who she truly was. A doppel? Nothing more than a clone of someone better?

No... Luka said it himself. I can be whoever I want to be. I just have to choose. My connection to him is nothing new. Besides, I've grown to like him now. I could've had worse for my original I suppose.

"Rinoa!" Luna gave the Doppel a big hug upon seeing her, surprising Rinoa. She hesitated for a moment, but eventually returned it.

"Oh, it's nice to see you too, Luna. What have you been up to?" She asked, rubbing the girl's hair as she did.

"We played tag! And hide and seek." Luna explained. "I was really good at it. Nobody could find me!"

"That's... surprising. I thought your silver hair would stand out... Anyway, we have to go. It's getting late." Rinoa said, much to the disappointment of Luna. She had hoped the Doppel would join in on the fun, but accepted that it was time to go home. After saying goodbye to her friends, she walked along with Rinoa, holding her hand as she did.

"What's going on over there?" Rinoa wondered aloud. Luna turned to where she was pointing to. There was a congregation of both humans and monsters, all surrounding someone in the middle. She couldn't quite make out who it was, thanks to all the figures in the way. With her curiosity piqued, she walked over to the crowd and pushed through to approach the person in the centre.

A Scylla? Hmm, a few of her tentacles look to be stuck to the ground.

Is she crippled or something? I've never seen that with a monster.

"Who are you?" Rinoa asked. "And why are so many people around you?"

"What the... You look just like someone I know. Except, he's a guy... Are you his sister or something?"The Scylla wondered.

"Who's sister?" Rinoa inquired, even if she could already make a good guess as to who she was referring to.

"Luka." She said. "Purple hair, short. Good with a sword. Obsessively heroic."

It couldn't be... Just how many people has Luka met? It's only been two months!

"Oh, you know him as well? Rinoa is Luka's sister!" Luna explained. "We met awhile ago, in San Ilia. What's your name?"

"My name is Omori." The Syclla said. "Wait, are you Luna?"

"I am!" She said. "Wait, how do you know that..?"

Luna is being surprisingly friendly with her... That's good. Her time with the monsters in this city must've helped her better deal with them... Or is she just doing that cause I'm here, and I'd give out to her if she treated the Scylla badly?

I hope it's the former... Otherwise, we still have a long way to go with her.

"Luka told me a lot about you, though he never mentioned you, Rinoa." Omori said.

"I think he talked about you once... Anyway, what did you do to attract such a big crowd?" Rinoa asked.

"Oh... well, I told them how I ran from Alipheese's army, and how I managed to evade her soldiers. They don't believe me, and now more and more keep showing up to ask me questions." She explained.

"Ah, I see... Well, come with us." Rinoa said. "Can you walk?"

"Not very well. It's more like crawling... Could you carry me instead?" She asked. Rinoa sighed discreetly, but decided to do a good deed. If she really was Luka's friend, it's the least she could do.

"Sure." Rinoa picked up the Scylla, allowing her to wrap around her body. The crowd made way for her. The Doppel had gotten quite famous among the people of Gelon, just like Luka did. It was strange for her, as she was not nearly as used to the attention as Luka was.

Once she arrived back at their home, she told Luna to wait in her room. Rinoa had some questions ready for the strange Scylla. Promestein also showed up in this time, curious about the monster, though, she seemed to bored after only a few minutes of conversation. Rinoa sighed as she looked at Omori.

Ugh... She's going to want to stay here as well, won't she? She just going to have to sleep on the floor. Heh, Ilias will probably have to do that as well. Though, I bet that idiot Luka will offer her his bed.

Nope, I won't let him. I can't wait to see the goddess herself sleeping on the floor, like a mere peasant.

"What are you smiling about?" Omori asked.

"Oh, nothing. Anyway, just who are you really? How did you meet Luka? And... what happened to you?" Rinoa interrogated the monster, like she had done many times before, back when she was hunting them down, or more accurately, when they were hunting her.

Though, I don't recall ever really caring that much about their reasoning. It always boiled down to "I was hungry" anyway.

"...I get why you don't trust me." Omori said. "I met Luka a while ago. Lucifina had just attacked my village, which was in the north of Safina, and Luka showed up to save me. He brought me back to Sabasa, and once he came back from a mission he was on, brought me along with him on his journey. We went around a lot of the world together, and ended it with a battle against Kanon." She explained.

"K-Kanon!? You fought her? I thought Luka did that on his own... No, wait. He did say you helped him with that." Rinoa said. She sat down across from the monster, letting the two talk eye to eye. As the conversation went on, Rinoa began to find the girl's story more and more believable.

"I did! I was vital in that battle... I think. Anyway, I got hit with a nasty spell from the ancestor. I was crippled by it, but my life was saved by Luka. Thats twice now he's saved my life... After that, he left me in the care of a monster doctor. She took care of me for a while but eventually decided to sell me out for money. Thankfully, one of the other monsters told me about it before Alipheese's forces could show up. I teleported as far as I could, all the way to Natalia, in fact." Omori said.

"Since then, I've been crawling around. I got picked up by a patrol of guards earlier, who brought me here. They said they had places for monsters like me."

"I see... That's quite the story." Rinoa commented. "Well, you're welcome to stay here until he gets back."

"Yeah... Thing is..." Omori suddenly looked a little bit embarrassed, confusing the Doppel. "I-I haven't eaten in ages now... And I'm not talking about normal food..."

"Oh... Well... I guess I can help you." Rinoa said.

Just this once though. I've grown to like this form... Plus, this one has its advantages.

"Ah- no thanks. I've never really been into that sort of thing." Omori said.

"No, not that! Ugh... I suppose I'll have to tell you the truth then. Just don't tell Luna. Not yet, at least." Rinoa piqued Omori's curiosity with her statement.

"I'm not actually Luka's sister, I'm his Doppel. I'm actually a monster. I was made by a scientist, who infused me with Luka's cells." She explained.

That was what, seven years ago now?

Wait a second... Am I seven years old!? Damn it. My memories made me think I was older...

"A scientist..? Who?" Omori asked.

Could it be... Was she made by Tamamo No Mae!? I've heard she's been experimenting with technology like that recently...

"Haah... I guess I better start from the beginning." Rinoa said. And so she did. She told Omori everything she knew about the future and the events that led them here. It took a few hours, but Omori eventually understood. Promestein also helped her explain things. She didn't entirely believe the girl, but if Luka backed her up, then she would just have to go along with it.

"So you can change gender at will?" She asked.

"More or less," Rinoa said. "Like I said... I don't mind feeding you... Just, not here. Not with Luna so close."

"What!?" Promestein shouted, suddenly joining in on the conversation. "You could change gender this whole time!? Why didn't you tell me?" Rinoa was surprised by the sudden outburst, but was even more so by the genuinely heartbroken look Promestein had on her face.

Did it really matter that much to her? Jeez, I'm glad I didn't tell her now...

"Because I knew you'd want to use me for your experiments. Anyway, go back to your labs. I'm trying to help Omori." Rinoa said. Promestein was annoyed at being lied to but went back to her lab all the same. She would get some of the data she'd need from Rinoa, eventually.

One way or another, I will research it! I just need to form a plan...

Omori smiled as Rinoa picked her up. Finally, she was about to be fed. The poor monster hadn't eaten in weeks.

Wait a second, if she's a clone of Luka, then it'll be like I'm doing it with the real thing... Though, I suppose she'll have to take charge since I can't really move much. Hmm, maybe that could be fun too...

Tamamo No Mae's fan cut straight through the angel, grounding the girl. She lit her corpse up in flames and moved on. Many more awaited her, but they were at least going down easily. Micaela and Lucifina had shown up a few times now, but they were pushed back over and over again.

We've pushed further and faster than we ever could've imagined. Kanon has finally arrived, though no angel has seen her yet. In another day, we'll have reached Gelon. I suppose I'll have to infiltrate it soon then, and after we're done there, we can take San Ilia.

Most of our forces are now united. In this battle alone we have four ancestors. Kanade is still to the east, and Kanon isn't fighting just yet. We'll use her as a trump card, when the time is right.

"Tamamo No Mae! You're rampage ends here!" An angel shouted, bravely standing against the ancestor. She was an archangel, but not one Tamamo had ever seen before. She must be new.

"For Ilias!" The angel launched a holy spell towards the goddess, powerful enough to shake the ground itself. Tamamo blocked it with her tails, deflecting the attack completely. She slowly approached the inexperienced angel, who really should've just kept her mouth shut. She might've lived if she did, as a slave, that is.

Tamamo was glad to teach her the lesson. Flames sprouted from the ancestor's tails, and were all directed towards the angel. She managed to stop some of them, but the sheer magnitude of them overwhelmed her. Her body exploded into a raging flame, with her wings being the first to go. Tamamo revelled in her screams, but quickly moved on. More angels awaited her.

"Tamamo."

The Kitsune turned to the voice. Saja appeared beside her, still wearing the same smirk as always.

"Saja."

"How have you been faring?" She asked.

Tamamo was surprised by the question, which seemed to be almost genuinely asking her about how she was doing. However, the Kitunse knew it was likely just courtesy. "Fine, I guess." She said. "I've lost a few of mine, but the angels have paid the price. Have you seen a seraph yet?"

"No... They were fighting yesterday. I wonder where they've gone to... Perhaps there preparing an ambush?" Saja wondered.

"I doubt it. They may need to recover. We hit them quite hard earlier, and they returned the favour. Using so much energy at once... I'm sure they'll need to replenish it now." She explained her theory to her sister, who nodded.

"Possibly. On to other matters, how much of our army remains to us?" Saja asked. Tamamo sighed.

"Thanks to our current strategy, we've lost almost half of our combined forces. The angels have suffered a loss of around half of that, but thankfully, those were mostly their highest-ranking soldiers. Still, they cannot stop us now. Rushing towards San Ilia is proving to be a good strategy, but only time will tell if it was all the losses were worth it." Tamamo explained.

"I see..." Saja said. "And what of Gelon? It is in our way, is it not?"

"I already have plans for the city. Speaking of, I should tell Minagi of her role in all this."

"Minagi? You think she will listen to you?" Saja asked.

Minagi only ever listens when there's prey involved, or when the Lord commands her too... Why would she do as Tamamo asks?

"Oh, trust me. She'll be on her knees thanking me for the opportunity. I think she'll be very grateful for the feast..." Tamamo said, a sly smile crossing her face as she imagined the scene.

"I see. So then, what shall I do? I assume you have this all planned out."

"I do, actually. You will lead our forces along with the second. I, Hiruko and Kanade will storm Gelon, much like we did last time. Minagi will do as I instruct her to, and Kanon will assist you on the front lines." Tamamo explained.

"Ugh, Kanon... I know I was the one who wanted it, but still... What you and the Remina team did to her is disgusting. After this war is over, we may as well let her rot in the ground." She suggested.

"I agree, actually," Tamamo said. "She is too much of a wildcard for us to keep. She could attack our own people if this continues, or even one of us. Plus, she takes way too many men to keep operational."

Saja was surprised. Tamamo had never shown even a hint of compassion for her any race other than her own. Perhaps she really didn't like what had been done to Kanon.

Or perhaps she just doesn't want to have to share with her.

Really... Why are all my sister's such gluttons? I only have two or three men a day, when I'm not married, that is.

We're going to run out of them at this stage... Kanon's death might have actually been a blessing in disguise...

"Well, we best get back to fighting," Saja said before teleporting away. Tamamo agreed, teleporting back to the frontlines. As soon as she arrived, a horde of monsters and angels clashing were seen by her, with her side taking the biggest hits in the fight. But once she joined in, that all changed. Tamamo started to send swathes of flames towards the angels, each one fleeing in fear upon seeing the ancestor.

Run. Fly away. Nothing you can do will save you now.

After she had cleared the area, she moved on to the angels who had their wings burnt off. She could sense the pain they were in, and decided to relieve them of it. She approached a Valkyrie, wrapping her up in her tails, and proceeded to pleasure her, stealing her energy as she did.

Once she was done, she dropped the now twitching angel to the floor. She was still alive, but just barely. Her energy was quite nice, and she would make for a fine toy after this was all over.

Saja launched another dark spell at the group of angels, disintegrating them in seconds. One remained standing, a strange angel. She sat on a throne of what looked to be snakes, with human heads. A huge halo could be seen above her, along with a pair of large wings behind her. The last thing Saja noted was her complete lack of clothing, which was strangely common among the angels.

"You seem to be quite strong, angel." She said. "But not quite an archangel... What is your name?" She asked. The angel brushed her shoulders clean, as though the attack had meant nothing to her. Saja knew it was just for show though. The angel had taken heavy damage from the spell, and one more like it could finish her off.

"They call me Principality Nageal." The angel said. "I control the fate of souls."

"Interesting... And what made you come down here?" Saja asked. "Surely, Ilias has not gotten that desperate..."

"Do not speak ill of her!" She shouted. "The Goddess's choices cannot be interpreted by any of us. Especially not one such as yourself, damn monster..."

"And here I thought we could have a civil conversation. But very well. Disappear." Saja said as she launched another spell at the angel, one filled with the power of darkness. Nageal's life flashed before her eyes as the spell approached. Was this it? Everything she had worked towards, her servitude to the goddess, all of it, wiped out in an instant?

The spell was redirected suddenly, just barely missing the angel. She let out a sigh of relief. The goddess had not failed her, just as she expected.

"Micaela... It's about time you came out of hiding." Saja said, looking at the seraph as she descended.

"Leave us," Micaela commanded. Nageal bowed before the seraph, and did as she told her to.

"Oh, want to fight one on one, is it? Well, I don't mind. Monsters." Saja tuned to her troops surrounding her. "Do not interfere with my battle. That includes you, Alipheese."

Micaela's eyes widened at the mention of the name. One of the monsters in front of her was Alipheese the second, but which one?

There are hundreds of them. I can't even tell the difference between those wretched abominations, they all look the same... I suppose I'll just kill them all. That should solve the problem, but after I deal with her.

The Sword of Heaven readied herself for the upcoming battle. She had been restoring her energy for a while now, and might have just enough to take down the ancestor, though she could not be sure. But one thing was certain, neither foe would flee from the fight. Doing so would disgrace their respective Goddess.

Though... Ilias said I should value my own safety above all others, even my fellow angels. She needs my power. I cannot afford to lose now, so even if things do turn bad... I suppose I will have no choice but to flee.

At least Minagi isn't here... I don't want to have to endure her sick pleasure ever again.

"Let us begin," Micaela said, unveiling her famed sword as she did. Saja had a confident smirk as she approached the seraph.

"I fight for Alipheese, and you for Ilias. Let us see who is the true Goddess." Saja said.

Without another word, the battle began. Micaela immediately countered the spell which shot out from Saja's hands. The seraph was left with no room to breathe as another volley of fire, lightning and other spells were launched at her.

The Sword of Heaven dodged each one with grace, before swooping in on the ancestor. She swung as hard as she could against her neck, but the blow was blocked by her snakes. One had even taken the sword into her mouth, biting on it.

Suddenly, the sword started to glow, and the snakes began burning up. This was the special effect of the weapon, where it would literally burn any darkness that touched it, whenever the seraph willed it so.

Saja screamed in pain, and unveiled a pair of wings at her waist. She used them to fly away, freeing herself of the sword's pain. Once she was far enough, she launched yet another volley of spells at the seraph, who danced around them, not getting hit even a single time.

The ancestor's fury rose with each passing second, eventually forcing her to make a risky move. She launched herself at Micaela, coiling around her as she did. With the angel constrained, she began to choke the life from her.

Micaela was not one to fall so easily, however. In a display of incredible skill, she managed to slip free from the grasp, and also left a few wounds on the ancestor as she did. Saja groaned in pain. The angel had managed to cut in the perfect spots on her body, causing as much damage and pain as possible.

This isn't working... She's far too evasive. I'll have to use a spell she can't dodge.

Saja began to charge up a massive spell, one which had already eradicated hundreds of angels before. Even Micaela herself would be hurt by the spell, and if hit repeatedly, might even die from it.

But just before she could launch it, a voice sounded out.

"What is going on here?" A seductive voice asked. Saja frowned. She knew who it was, but still had some hope she was wrong. When she turned to see the flying obscenity in her full glory, all that hope was destroyed.

And just when the fight was starting to get good...

"What do you want, Minagi?" Saja asked, unamused by her sudden appearance.

"What's with the hostility, dear sister? I was just wondering why you were fighting my prey without my permission? Did I not claim this particular angel long ago?" Minagi asked.

"Oh please. You can't just say it. You have to claim her with action, not words. If you care about her that much, then take her down yourself. But after I'm done." Saja said.

"That's not fair..." Minagi responded. Micaela watched as the two ancestors bickered over her of all things. Sadly, she had gotten used to it over the years. This was a fairly common occurrence...

I guess it's over then...

She sighed, unhappy with the battle's anti-climactic conclusion. Still, it was better than potentially losing the battle. But now the question was, should she flee while she has the chance? Or should she stand and fight?

Micaela! What's your side looking like?

The seraph was surprised by the sudden telepathy. Her sister was asking her a question, and she would do her best to answer quickly.

Minagi and Saja are here, along with Alipheese the second, apparently. How about you?

Kanade was here, but I dealt with her. She probably has a few clones left, but she shouldn't show up for a while now. Anyway, I can come help.

That would be appreciated.

Micaela backed up from the ancestor, giving herself time to counter any incoming attacks. Minagi and Saja were still quarrelling over who got the seraph after the battle, as if they were somehow assured of her defeat.

Once Lucifina gets here, we'll put these two in the ground and move on.

Ah, there she is...

Lucifina flew beside the seraph, surveying the area around them. A large division of the monster army was present, with two ancestors, no less.

This will be fun...

The Daystar smiled as she looked at her soon-to-be victims. She was confident in her victory, as she would have her sister fighting with her. The pair had been an unstoppable force on the battlefield. They had even fought five ancestors at once and still prevailed, if only barely. Though, Eden was also present in that particular battle, but her power was negligible.

"Let's begin," Lucifina said, surprising her sister. Micaela knew she was incredibly tired right now, and yet, she was still prepared to fight.

She is an inspiration to us all. For the Goddess, we must keep fighting!

Micaela nodded, letting her sister lead the charge. Lucifina flew towards Saja, immediately slicing at one of her snakes as she did. Saja screamed in pain, surprised by the sudden attack. She didn't even sense the Daystar's sudden appearance.

Minagi however, was able to punch the seraph off of her sister, using her skills in martial arts to do it. The Daystar made no reaction to the attack, only glad that the ancestor moved her out of the way. It gave way to her sister's attack, who had been preparing her signature move all this time.

"No!" Saja attempted to block the attack, but the arc of light still cut into her body. Minagi watched as her sister was flung into the ground, a new cut appearing on her eye. The attack had taken a lot of energy from the Sword of Heaven, but it seemed to be worth it. If her sister could capitalise on the moment that is.

And so she did. Lucifina landed atop the body of Saja, plunging her sword into her chest. Minagi swooped in to protect the ancestor, kicking the seraph off of her. She removed the sword and threw it away.

"Saja, are you alright?" She asked, checking her sister's vital signs with her magic. The ancestor did not respond. She too, had been tired from the fighting earlier.

It's time to give you a break. You've done enough.

Minagi teleported her sister away, giving her some much-needed rest. She would live, but she wouldn't be able to fight for a while.

"Saja!" A monster shouted. Minagi recognized the voice.

Alice the second... She's still here.

Wait... If she's here, then... Could Kanon be here too?

I can't take on two Seraphs on my own. I must call in reinforcements.

Minagi sighed as she contacted her sister. The task was not a fun one, and she had always held distain for the Kitsune

Tamamo. We need you. Lucifina and Micaela are here, and Saja is down. Alipheese the second is also present.

After a few seconds, the Kitsune responded.

Very well. I shall be there soon. Wake up the weapon while you wait.

"Succubi. Distract the angels. Give me time." Minagi ordered. Surprisingly, they obeyed her. They had been well trained by their ancestor and respected her enough to listen to her commands, which was unusual for the normally playful and disobedient succubi.

Minagi flew to the back of her army. Under a cloth cover, the alruane ancestor awaited her. She had been hidden from the army, so that no one would leak the information out to angels, whether on accident or on purpose.

Here you are, dear Kanon...

She looked at what was left of her once-mighty sister. Once she saw her, she wished she had never looked in the first place.

Just what did they do to you in Remina..?

"Wake up, Kanon. It is time to fight." Minagi ordered. After a few seconds, the ancestor's eye opened. She made no sound upon seeing her sister, instead simply standing up and moving. Minagi led her to the seraphs.

"Die..." Lucifina cut through another succubus, cleaving it in two with a single attack. She repeated this over and over, until all the monsters present were dead. Her sister assisted her in this, making sure they cleared the field of those wretched creatures.

Damn it. The second must have teleported away, like the coward she is...

We'll find her later. For now, we must take down a few of these ancestors.

If we still even have the energy left for such a task, that is...

"What is that..?" Micaela asked, pointing towards what stood beside Minagi. Lucifina turned, and even she was surprised by the sight.

"How the hell? Kanon? I thought she was dead?" Lucifina couldn't wrap her head around it. But once she saw the makina sticking out from her body, along with the rotting skin, and wilted flowers, she knew what they must have done.

"An abomination..." Micaela said. "This is the depths only a monster would sink to. We must rid the world of this... thing."

Lucifina agreed, preparing to attack once more. And so she did, flying towards the zombified ancestor at an incredible speed. But before she could harm the abomination, a vine struck her.

So she can still fight. Well, that'll just make this more fun...

The Daystar's body began to glow, and when another vine hit her, a smirk appeared on her face. Suddenly, a huge comet appeared above the ancestor, its light illuminating the blood-stained fields of Noah. It crashed straight onto her, lighting her on fire.

And as if that was not enough, Micaela started to use her signature attack in unison with her sisters. But before she could fire it, Minagi got a bit too close for her taste.

"Let them have their fun..." Minagi said, flying right beside the seraph. "Why don't you and I have some time to ourselves? It's been so long since we last did..."

"Shut up!" Micaela shouted, swinging her sword at the ancestor. She had always done this, teasing her like there was no tomorrow.

And what's with her saying it's been so long? We've never done anything like that! And it's not like I ever would!

Damn succubi...

The fight in the air continued as the seraph fought off the ancestor, who continued to caress her, much to the annoyance of the angel. On the ground, Lucifina continued to slash and burn the alraune, who made no reaction to the pain she should've been feeling.

Micaela, use your attack! Finish off this damn thing!

Lucifina continued to cut the ancestor, over and over, causing old, dried-up blood to seep from her body. She evaded any attacks from the now slow monster, overtaking her in both speed and power.

"It's not nice to bully the crippled, you know." Another monster said. Lucifina saw the flames out of the corner of her eye, but still failed to dodge them, instead taking the attack head-on.

Tamamo No Mae smiled as she watched the Daystar burn up, but the flames did not last. Once they were extinguished, she looked at the ancestor with eyes filled with rage.

"Damn you, Tamamo..." She said. This was bad. Three ancestors at once, and with both seraphs already tired... Things were not looking up for them.

Lucifina. We must leave. We cannot fight any longer.

No! Kill this plant first, then we can go!

No. We leave. Now.

The Daystar pouted like a child at the command. But, she respected her sister enough to listen.

"We'll finish this later." She said, flying back to heaven as she did. Micaela joined her, having finally gotten Minagi off of her. She would have to take a long, cold bath to wash off her touch. The Daystar looked at her sister, who barely managed to keep up with her. Clearly, she had been overworked, as had Lucifina.

We did everything we could, but we still lost Noah... I never expected them to have all six ancestors on the battlefield... At least Kanade has been taken out of the fight, even if she is still alive...

And now we have surrendered our last line of defense. Only Gelon remains...

Damn it. Damn it all.

I must think of something, anything to win this. We can turn this war around, I'm sure of it. We just need time.

Sylph flew around the Forest of Spirits, evading the trees and branches as she did. She pushed more and more power into her wind, allowing her to achieve higher and higher speeds. Eventually, she outflew the fairy in front of her, winning the race.

"Wooo!" She shouted, basking in the glow of victory. The fairy pouted, annoyed at being beaten by the spirit.

"Well done, sylph!" Another fairy said, and with her, a crowd started to chant the spirit's name, congratulating her for her victory. Once they had dispersed, the spirit returned to her usual resting spot, on top of a small bump in the ground.

Right next to the bump, a rock was standing tall. At the very top, a strange-looking hat could be seen.

Gnomey...

Sylph took the hat, which was a bit too big for her, and put it on. Her friend had made it for her a long time ago. Sylph would always lose them, much to the annoyance of the Spirit of Earth.

I was so careless. I should've kept a better eye on them... Now I only have this one left.

When the Spirit died, Sylph didn't truly believe it at first. Something like this had never happened to the innocent spirit. She had always been carefree, but now, that was more of a face she put on. Without her best friend, what was the point of playing with the others?

Damn it... And we couldn't even get revenge in the end.

Even after threatening to leave Luka, the hero still refused to fight the angels head-on, instead opting for a safer option. One which didn't guarantee their revenge. The spirit wanted them all gone. Lucifina, Ilias, all of them.

And now her corpse has been defiled, and used to keep the element in check...

In truth, the spirit held nothing against the hero. If she had more time to consider their options, she may have even stayed with him in the end, but emotions got the better of her, and the same could be said for the others.

Luka said there's a Gnome in his world... I wonder, would he let me talk to her? Could I stay there with her?

No... This world still needs me. But, even if only for a minute... I'd really like to talk to her again.

I miss you, Gnomey... I miss you so much...

Did we make a mistake when we left Luka? Does he hate us now?

What if he's dead? He doesn't have us to protect him anymore... What if an angel snuck up on him, or one of the ancestors caught him...

No, I know it. He's okay...

Sylph sighed, lying down next to the rock. She clutched the hat in her hands, holding it close.

Gnomey...

The spirit slowly nodded off, wiping a few tears off her face as she did. Perhaps, she could apologise to the hero in person someday. It was not his fault that what happened to Gnome happened. And their revenge plan was dumb... She knew that.

Sorry, Luka... I hope you're okay...

Notes

Despite Lucina and Micaela's best efforts, the monsters have finally forced their way through Noah, taking it for themselves. This leaves the only boundary between them and San Ilia being Gelon. And unfortunately, Luka is away.

For anyone who thinks Lucifina and Micaela were too weak here, remember that they had been fighting all day before this, and there going against multiple ancestors at once.

Sylph continues to mourn the loss of her best friend. But perhaps, there is still hope for Luka to recontract with the spirit. But he must find the mysterious fifth spirit first.