The faint hum of lingering magic from Madeen's presence still filled the air as Ramza forced himself to sit up, his body protesting every movement. The chipped edges of his blade caught the faint glimmers of light as it rested by his side, a testament to how narrowly they had escaped defeat.

Freya, though battered, was already on her feet, her spear planted firmly against the stone floor to steady herself. Her sharp eyes scanned the space where Beatrix had vanished. The light that had engulfed her was gone, but the emptiness left behind seemed ominous. Freya's chest rose and fell with labored breaths, but her resolve had not faltered.

Eiko was still on her knees, her small frame trembling as Madeen's towering form began to fade. The light of her Eidolon dimmed, its presence receding until it was no more than a whisper of magic in the air. As the last traces of Madeen disappeared, Eiko collapsed forward, catching herself with trembling arms.

Freya was at her side in an instant, kneeling down to support her. "Eiko," she said softly, her voice filled with concern. "You did it. You saved us."

Eiko shook her head weakly, tears welling in her eyes. "But she's not gone for good, is she?" she asked, her voice barely audible. Her gaze lingered on the spot where Beatrix had stood, now empty but still feeling haunted.

Ramza wiped a streak of blood from his cheek, forcing himself to his feet. The reality of his own words hit him as he replied, "No. She'll be back." His tone was grim, his expression dark with knowing. "The stone... it's taken her somewhere else. When she returns, it won't just be her power—it'll be the power of the Lucavi."

Freya's jaw tightened, her protective instincts flaring as she held Eiko closer. "Then we have to stop her," she said, her voice steeling with resolve. "We can't let her gain the advantage again. The regent—Lindblum—they're still in danger if Beatrix returns."

Ramza nodded, his body aching with every step as he sheathed his battered blade. "You're right. We've bought ourselves time, but it's not enough. We need to warn Regent Cid and secure Lindblum before it's too late."

Freya knelt beside Eiko, concern etched across her features as she gently helped the young summoner to her feet. Eiko leaned heavily against her, her small frame trembling from the sheer effort she had expended during the battle. Freya opened her mouth to speak, but before any words could escape, she felt Eiko's weight shift abruptly.

"Eiko?" Freya asked, her voice tinged with alarm.

Eiko's head tilted forward, her eyes fluttering closed as the last reserves of her strength gave out. Freya instinctively tightened her grip, catching the girl before she collapsed completely. The soft rise and fall of Eiko's chest reassured her that the summoner was only unconscious, but the sight still sent a pang of worry through her.

Freya adjusted her hold, cradling Eiko with as much gentleness as she could offer. "She's pushed herself too far," Freya murmured, glancing toward Ramza and Zidane. "We need to get her somewhere safe to rest. The regent will need to know what happened, but she can't take another step right now."

As they approached the castle's lift, faint sounds began to filter through the air—distant footsteps, urgent voices, and the metallic clatter of regrouping guards. Lindblum was stirring once more, survivors emerging from the chaos to piece together what remained. Yet, even as life returned to the city, thoughts of the battle with Beatrix lingered in their hearts. The enemy was gone—for now—but the shadow of her presence remained. It wasn't over. Not yet.

The sudden echo of approaching footsteps snapped Ramza from his thoughts. He froze, his battered sword instinctively in hand as his muscles tensed against the deep ache of exhaustion. The steady clanging of armor reverberated down the corridor, growing louder with every step. He braced himself, the prospect of yet another fight filling him with dread.

Beside him, Freya's ears twitched, her sharp eyes narrowing toward the source of the sound. But as the figures drew closer, her expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It's all right," she said quietly, lowering her spear slightly.

Moments later, a familiar voice called out. "Freya! Hey!" Zidane's silhouette appeared first, his usual light-footed stride replaced by one of urgency. The thief was flanked by two others—Garnet and Steiner. The knight's armor clanged with every step as he hurried forward, and Garnet's calm demeanor seemed almost unshaken by the destruction around her.

Ramza blinked in surprise, his hand dropping from his sword as the trio closed the distance. He recognized none of them, but Freya's reaction was enough to reassure him. Zidane's expression was one of guarded relief as his eyes darted between Freya, Ramza, and the exhausted Eiko. "You're alive," Zidane said, a faint grin breaking through the tension. "We saw the explosions from a distance. Thought we might've been too late."

Freya's gaze lingered on Zidane, her smile faint but genuine. "You've got impeccable timing," she said, her voice steady but heavy with weariness. "Though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

Steiner's gaze moved quickly to Freya and then to Ramza. The knight's hand hovered over the hilt of his sword for a moment before he relaxed, noting the lack of immediate threat. "What happened here?" he demanded, his tone gruff but underlined by concern. "The castle... the guards... and what of the regent?"

Garnet stepped forward, her expression perfectly composed, though her tone lacked the warmth her words might suggest. "Is she injured?" she asked, glancing toward Eiko.

Freya barely seemed to notice, her focus remaining on Eiko as she replied. "She'll recover," she said softly, brushing a strand of Eiko's hair from her face. "She's been through a lot, but we're all still standing. That's what matters."

Zidane, however, stole a glance at Garnet, his grin faltering ever so slightly. The tone of her question and the lack of tenderness in her voice weren't lost on him. He said nothing, but his sharp eyes lingered on her just a moment too long before he turned his attention back to Freya.

Ramza stepped back slightly, allowing the group to exchange words, his mind still racing from the battle and the sudden arrival of these newcomers. He cast a cautious glance at Freya, silently asking for clarity. Her faint nod was enough to assure him that they were allies—at least for now.

Zidane's gaze finally fell on Ramza, his curiosity evident. "And who's this guy?" he asked with a grin, though his tone carried a hint of caution.

Ramza straightened, his fatigue mostly hidden behind a composed expression. "I'm Ramza," he said simply, his voice calm but firm. "I... just somehow tend to get caught up in these things." He glanced at Freya, silently acknowledging the alliance they'd formed. "As for Beatrix... she's gone, for now."

T group exchanged silent looks at his words, the reality of what had happened dawning on them. Zidane's hand drifted to Garnet's gently, but she didn't seem to notice, her gaze fixed elsewhere.

Freya straightened, her exhaustion still evident but her focus now razor-sharp. She readjusted her grip on Eiko as she turned toward Zidane and Garnet. "Can you two look after Eiko?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with quiet urgency. "I need to check on the regent. We need to make sure he's safe before anything else happens."

Zidane nodded without hesitation, stepping closer to Eiko, who was still unconscious. "You got it," he said, his tone reassuring. "We'll keep an eye on her."

Garnet followed his lead, though her response lacked the warmth Zidane had shown. "We'll ensure she recovers," she said plainly, her gaze flickering toward Eiko for a brief moment before returning to Freya.

Freya offered a small, grateful nod, carefully lowering Eiko into Zidane's arms before turning to leave. As she did, Steiner's voice broke the silence, hesitant and uncharacteristically soft. "Wait," he said, stepping forward. His brow was furrowed deeply, his gloved hands tightening into fists. "Freya... Was it... was it truly Beatrix? Did she... cause all this destruction on her own?"

Freya froze for a moment, her back to him. The question hung heavily in the air, and even Zidane, often quick to break tension with a quip, fell silent. Freya's posture tensed, but before she could respond, Ramza spoke up.

"It wasn't her doing," Ramza said firmly, shaking his head. He stepped forward, meeting Steiner's troubled gaze. "Not entirely, anyway. It's possible the Beatrix you knew may still be in there somewhere, fighting against what's happened to her." His voice softened, but there was no escaping the weight of his next words. "But I don't want to give you false hope. She may be too far gone. The stone's power—when used that way—twists everything it touches. It warps people into something unrecognizable."

Steiner's shoulders sagged slightly, though his troubled expression didn't waver. "She..." he began, his voice cracking as his words faltered. "Beatrix... she may not have seemed it, but was a kind woman. Fierce at times, yes, but deep down she was a good person. I… I don't understand how this could happen to her."

Ramza nodded solemnly. "I've fought others like her before, victims of the stone's curse. If there's even a fragment of who she was left in there, it will take everything we have to save her—or to stop her, if there's no saving left to do."

Steiner turned his gaze to the ground as he pondered Ramza's words. Freya finally spoke, her voice softer now. "Steiner, we'll find a way to bring her back," she said, sparing him a glance over her shoulder. "But for now, we have to keep moving forward. Lindblum is still in danger."

Steiner straightened, his composure returning, though his eyes betrayed the turmoil within. "You're right," he said quietly. "The regent must be protected, no matter what."

Freya nodded and turned to continue toward the regent's quarters, her spear held tightly in her hand. Behind them, Zidane adjusted his hold on Eiko, casting a sidelong glance at Garnet. She appeared calm, but something about her unflinching demeanor gnawed at him. Yet, now wasn't the time to press the matter.

The silence stretched for a moment as Eiko stirred, her breathing slow and unsteady. Zidane knelt beside her, concern etched across his face. "Hey, kid," he said softly, his tail flicking anxiously behind him. "You in pain?"

Eiko's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused at first. She blinked a few times before turning to Zidane, her expression tired but defiant. "Who are you calling a kid?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zidane smiled faintly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Good," he said, the relief evident in his tone. "Think you can stand?"

Eiko hesitated, her small hands gripping the ground as she braced herself. "I'll try," she said, determination flickering in her tired voice. With Zidane's steadying hand on her arm, she slowly pushed herself up. Her legs wavered under her weight, trembling slightly, but after a moment, she managed to stand shakily on her own.

"There we go," Zidane said with an encouraging grin, his hands hovering nearby in case she faltered. "You're tougher than you look, you know that?"

Eiko gave him a faint smile in return, though the exhaustion in her eyes hadn't faded. Her gaze shifted to the spot where Beatrix had vanished, her brows furrowing. "That stone," she said quietly, her voice tinged with both fear and curiosity. "It really did that to her, didn't it? It wasn't just her... it was the stone." She glanced up at Ramza, who stood nearby, listening intently. "Is the stone just... evil?"

Ramza's expression darkened as he stepped closer, his gaze steady and measured. "It's complicated," he said, his tone gentle yet firm. "The stones themselves aren't inherently evil. They're powerful tools, capable of great things—but they come at a cost. They don't create darkness... they amplify what's already there. For some, that means their worst fears, their anger, their despair—it all gets twisted and brought to the surface."

Eiko frowned, her small hands balling into fists at her sides. "So it's not the stone's fault? It's... the person's?"

"No, not entirely," Ramza replied. He knelt slightly, lowering himself to her level. "The stones can manipulate even the strongest of minds. They exploit weaknesses, fears, self-doubt—even someone like Beatrix, who maybe was strong and kind, could be turned against herself and forget about the things that once mattered the most." His voice softened further. "It's the promise of gaining something that might otherwise be out of their reach without ever knowing the cost they are paying for it. That's the danger."

Eiko lowered her gaze, her expression somber. Zidane placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his grin softening into something more subdued. "Hey, don't worry," he said, his voice gentle. "We'll figure it out together, okay? We'll take it one step at a time."

Ramza's gaze shifted slightly as he looked toward Garnet. She stood quietly, a few steps away, her expression calm. He thought it odd that her composed demeanor was unshaken, but without knowing them decided that perhaps she was stronger than most.

Before he could dwell on it further, Eiko's eyes widened as something seemed to click in her mind. "Wait!" she exclaimed, her voice cutting through the quiet. She looked up at the group, urgency sparking in her gaze. "That stone Beatrix had... I've seen one like it before!"

Zidane frowned, his attention snapping to her. "What do you mean, Eiko? When?"

"Father," Eiko said quickly, her small hands curling into fists. "He has one too! But... it's a different color. I remember seeing it when I was with him. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now..." Her voice faltered as the realization settled. "What if the same thing that happened to Beatrix happens to him? We can't let that happen!"

Zidane's expression filled with concern. "Then we don't have a second to waste. If the regent's at risk, we've gotta act now."

Garnet's voice cut through the conversation. "If the regent possesses such an artifact, we must secure it immediately," she said, her gaze focused but detached. "Allowing it to remain unchecked would be reckless. We should hurry to him."

Eiko looked up at Garnet, a flicker of confusion in her eyes at the queen's demeanor. Zidane, however, clenched his jaw ever so slightly. "Right," he said, his voice low and deliberate, masking the unease in his chest. "We're heading to the lift. Freya's already on her way to him."

Without another word, Zidane helped steady Eiko and began leading the group toward the lift. Garnet followed behind, her face urnreadable, while Zidane kept throwing cautious glances her way, the disconnect between her words and the Garnet he knew all too well weighing heavily on his mind.

…

The heavy doors to the throne room creaked open, and Zidane stepped through first, his eyes scanning the space with a mixture of caution and relief. Freya was already there, standing before Regent Cid, who sat in his ornate chair with a calm yet authoritative presence. The regent's usual air of collected composure seemed unshaken, despite the chaos that had unfolded earlier.

"I'm fine," Cid was saying to Freya, his tone firm but kind. "And I am thankful that Eiko and the others survived the ordeal. It sounds like it was no small feat."

Eiko, however, didn't wait for the conversation to continue. She marched forward with surprising force, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Father!" she called out, her voice sharp and filled with urgency. She stopped a few steps away from him, her small frame brimming with defiance. "Is it true? Do you have one of those stones?"

Cid's expression shifted ever so slightly, his brows furrowing as he regarded Eiko. He didn't immediately reply, his gaze steady but guarded.

Eiko stepped closer, her fists clenching at her sides. "I saw it," she pressed, her voice trembling with equal parts fear and frustration. "When I was with you yesterday, I saw you with one. It looked like the stone Beatrix had, but it was different—another color. Do you have one of those stones? You have to tell me!"

Cid sighed softly, leaning forward in his chair as though planning his words carefully. "Eiko," he began, his tone calm but measured, "this is not the time for rash accusations—"

"It's not an accusation!" Eiko interrupted, her voice rising. "You saw what happened to Beatrix! That stone twisted her into a monster, and if you have one, it could do the same to you! I can't let that happen!"

As the room fell silent, Zidane moved to Eiko's side, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder as her balance waivered, while Ramza watched the exchange intently. Garnet stood apart, also observing the confrontation but offering no input.

Finally, Cid let out a long breath, his expression unreadable. "The stones are a complicated matter," he said carefully, his words deliberate. "What you saw in Beatrix is just one possibility of their power, but it is not the only one."

"That's not an answer!" Eiko shot back, tears of frustration welling in her eyes. "Do you have one or not?"

Cid's gaze met hers, his silence lingering just long enough to suggest an unspoken confirmation without outright saying the words. His lack of denial was answer enough.

Freya's gaze was steady as she addressed the regent, her voice calm but laced with caution. "What is it you hope to gain with the stone?" she asked carefully, her words deliberate. "Would having more power really help make your kingdom any better?"

Cid's hands tightened slightly on the arms of his chair, his expression shifting as though weighing his response. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he reached into his robes and withdrew the stone. Placing it carefully on the arm of his chair, the gemstone flickered faintly with light before dimming once more.

I don't suppose there's any point in hiding it," Cid admitted, his voice weary but firm. "Yes, I took the stone, but not for anything so selfish as power!" His gaze swept over the group, resting briefly on Eiko before continuing. "I hoped it could give me the knowledge to revolutionize my designs, to push Lindblum into a new age of innovation and progress."

Eiko stepped forward, her small frame brimming with defiance despite her exhaustion. "You don't need the stone for that, Father!" she shot back, her voice sharp and filled with conviction. "You're already doing it! Look at Lindblum—look at everything you've built! The airships, the technology, the city itself—it's all because of you! Not some cursed rock!"

Cid blinked at her outburst, his expression momentarily softening, but Eiko wasn't done.

"You don't need its power," she pressed, her voice trembling but unwavering. "You've always found a way to make things better without it. What if it doesn't help you? What if it destroys you like it did Beatrix? You're stronger than that—you don't need it to achieve something great!"

Cid leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the stone resting on the arm. Its faint glow reflected in his eyes as he sighed heavily. "I didn't take it out of greed or reckless ambition," he said quietly, his voice almost defensive. "But... perhaps you're right. I've spent my life solving problems through ingenuity and effort. I've created without relying on things I don't fully understand." He looked up at Eiko, a hint of a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "Perhaps it's time I remember that."

Eiko's stance relaxed slightly, her fists unclenching as she took a shaky step back. "Then let's get rid of it," she said firmly. "It's not worth the risk—no matter what it might offer."

Cid nodded slowly, his expression resigned but resolute. "As always, you're wise beyond your years, Eiko," he admitted. "We'll find a way to safely dispose of it. I won't allow it to endanger Lindblum—or myself—any longer."

"That may be a problem..." Ramza said thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the faintly glowing stone.

Cid raised an eyebrow, his tone sharp as he replied, "Are you going to argue now that I should keep it?"

Ramza shook his head firmly. "No. You'll only continue to endanger yourself and your kingdom. But..." His voice lowered slightly as he continued, his expression grave. "To destroy the stones, we must have all of them together. Only then can they be truly destroyed."

Cid's brow furrowed deeply, his hand hovering near the stone as he contemplated Ramza's words. "What till then?" he asked, his voice heavy with uncertainty. His gaze dropped to the stone resting on the arm of his chair, its faint light flickering as if mocking his indecision.

Garnet stepped forward, opening her mouth to speak, but Zidane cut in before she could utter a word. "If you trust me," Zidane said, his tone serious, "then let me carry it."

Cid looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the thief. Zidane pressed on before the regent could protest. "I've got a knack for keeping things safe, even when people try their hardest to take them. You've got a whole kingdom to protect, Regent—you don't need one more burden weighing you down. Let me take care of it. I'll make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, and we'll find the others. Together."

The room fell silent, the weight of Zidane's words sinking in. Eiko looked between Zidane and Cid, her small hands curling nervously into fists as she waited for the regent's response. Garnet remained still, her expression unchanged, though her eyes flickered briefly toward Zidane.

Cid leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming thoughtfully against the armrest. Finally, he let out a long sigh. "You've always had a way of talking me into things, Zidane," he said, a faint but weary smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Very well. The stone is yours to bear, but you must be careful as well. If it starts to... unsettle you, even in the slightest, I expect you to tell me. Promise me that."

Zidane nodded solemnly. "You have my word."

Zidane took the stone carefully from Cid's outstretched hand, its faint glow casting a subtle shimmer against his gloves. He tucked it securely into his pouch, feeling the unassuming weight of the artifact—yet it seemed heavier in meaning than in physicality. His tail flicked once before he turned back to the others. "All right, we've got work to do," he said, his tone steady. "Let's find the rest of these stones before anyone else does."

Eiko hesitated, taking a step forward. "I'm coming too," she said firmly, her voice tinged with defiance. "I'm not just going to sit here while—"

"Eiko," Cid interrupted gently, standing from his throne. "You've done more than enough. The battle with Beatrix, summoning Madeen—it's taken a toll on you. You're an incredible summoner, but Lindblum may depend on you again in the future. You need to rest and recover your strength."

"But—" Eiko began to protest, her small fists clenching at her sides.

Cid placed his arm around her, his expression soft but resolute. "Please, Eiko. For Lindblum's sake. If something happens here while they're gone, we'll need you at your best."

After a moment of hesitation, and seeming as though she might continue to protest, Eiko finally relented with a frustrated sigh. "Fine," she muttered, turning away. "But you better come back. All of you."

Zidane knelt down and gave her a reassuring grin. "Hey, don't worry about us. We've got this. You just focus on getting some rest, okay?"

She nodded reluctantly, giving each of them a lingering look before heading toward her room, escorted by one of Cid's trusted guards.

With Eiko safely on her way, the group began to move. As they reached the door heading out of the room, Garnet spoke up, her voice calm but purposeful. "Uncle, may I have a word with you alone before we part ways?" she asked, her gaze steady.

Cid paused, his eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity. "Of course," he replied, nodding. "The rest of you, go on ahead. Garnet will catch up with you shortly."

Garnet inclined her head gracefully, her expression calm as she replied, "I won't be long. I just need a moment with my uncle."

Zidane hesitated, his tail twitching slightly, but he said nothing further. With a nod to Cid, he motioned for Freya, Ramza, and Steiner to follow him. The heavy doors of the throne room closed behind them as they made their way to the lift.

As the group descended, the soft hum of the lift filled the silence. Freya's sharp eyes flicked toward Zidane, her voice cutting through the stillness. "Something troubling you?" she asked, her tone casual but laced with curiosity. "Between you and Garnet, I mean."

For a moment, Zidane said nothing, his gaze fixed on the floor. Finally, he shrugged, his voice low. "It's nothing."

Freya studied him for a moment, then nodded understandingly. "She's been through a lot," she said gently. "Just try to stay patient with her."

Zidane glanced at her briefly but didn't respond. Freya shifted her stance, leaning lightly on her spear as the lift slowed to a halt. "Regardless," she continued, "I'd suggest we all get some rest soon. It's been a long day, and none of us are at our best right now."

Zidane nodded faintly. "You're right," he said, though his expression was distant. "But I think it'd be better if we camped outside the city. Lindblum's been through enough already, and I don't want to drag more trouble here."

Freya didn't argue, giving him a small nod of agreement. "Fair point," she said simply. "We'll find a spot nearby, then."

As the lift doors opened, the group stepped out, the air filled with unspoken thoughts. Zidane's mind lingered on Garnet's unusual behavior, the differences that he saw in her gnawed at the edges of his thoughts even with everything else that had happened. What had happened to her before they found her? For now, he did his best to push the thought aside—there were bigger challenges ahead.