Welcome to Gaia! ::

Everyone, including the calm collective Lucas, was in a state of disarray from Ruby's absence. Well she was there know with barely energy to aid them, however, Alexis and Laxion felt whole again. The team had been separated a number of times within these past years and the thought of losing each other is intolerable. Slicing her way clumsily through the hoard, Ruby was untied with the group just in time for her two teammates to conduct their signature move. The "Graceful Dragonfly" is far from a perfected tactic, but they were up to their ears in demons so any risk was enviable. Laxion informed his partner of their position while brutally carving into a demon that was about to attack him, no mercy in his eyes. Alexis protruded her straightened weapon into the air creating a blinding orb of blue light that extended outwards. It folded over the team like a beached jellyfish, the force field resembled the texture of a jellyfish, and locked onto the ground. Once a demon entered the field's domain, it slowed drastically and only a powerful wizard like Alexis could control time. Although, this spell is so weak, awful consequences happen to wizards that mess with time. Alexis was already immortal so what would be a price that is one step up from everlasting youth?

The demons looked frustrated with their slow reactions and ineffective numbers which made it easy for Laxion to obliterate them. Catapulting into the skies, his spears detached from the pole and the whipped around shredding the demons into pieces staining the exposed tiles with blood. Ruby shot at the demons that survived by not being cut all the way through, but just holding the guns made her arms feel like lead. A couple of times, she would drop to her knees but always managed to stand back up despite her condition. Once Laxion landed, the incantation vanished leaving them defenseless until Alexis formulated a plan secretly. Exchanging concerned expressions, the blonde did the unthinkable and drove into the demons willingly. She shoved her way through letting the blackened spawn swallow her whole. Ruby stood there in disbelief until she snapped to her senses ready to pursue Alexis only to be intercepted by Lucas.

He gave Ruby a cold glare as she screamed for her teammate trying to get out his vice grip. She didn't care if she was making a scene in front of her instructor because she couldn't live with herself if Alexis was lost again. With Ruby flailing about, she was depleting what little energy she had faster allowing Lucas to not apply so much force. He could effortless pin her down with one finger if he wanted too. She knew Lucas was just as scared about losing his students, but why do he have to be so hardened by their love for one another. As a teacher, he had to be braver than his pupils and take responsibility for their lives. Ruby looked up at him with tear eyes looking disappointed trying to understand the code that he goes by.

Suddenly, Laxion demeanor transformed into something mysterious and his iris' held a traveling inter dimension within them. Ruby could have gotten lost in the galaxy pulls if it wasn't for the nudge Laxion gave her to get behind him. His touched warmed her cold anatomy and a green aura shaped her outline healing her abrasions. Ruby examined her skin that left no evidence of her ever being assaulted. A smell of fresh grass and flowers of all kinds calmed her mind and when she closed her eyes an image of the three laying in an open field together popped up. He was obviously distressed, but inside his intentions to protect his comrades manifested itself into an actual form. When she opened her eyes, she was standing in front of the battered jewel, its light a little rejuvenated from Laxion along with some cracks. The crystal just remained as it is and didn't take on a reflective form of herself like it did last time.

A voice didn't appear to her it just wanted Ruby to notice that because of Laxion she was presented with more time so she better use it wisely. The albino was pulled from her conscious and grabbed onto Laxion's arm which meant, 'Sorry I didn't call on you or Alexis for help before'. A blue light shot up from the spot Alexis was located killing all the demons near her. Lucas responded quickly by jumping in the way of the two and unsheathing his sword. She should have doubted him in the first place.

A watery illusion filled the inside causing the demons to freeze, slow down, or float into the air aimlessly. Ruby felt light as a feather now, literally, she lifted off the ground a little but luckily she was anchored to Laxion. Her eyes were light blue matching her Scythe and she kind of looked like Ruby when she went into her jewel state. Now that all the demons were pinned, the girl glued her feet back to the ground and loaded a speical bullet that she had been saving for a long time. It was a gift from Lottie and her sister when they completed their mission. "Everyone cover your ears." Pointing the gun into the air, she fired which sent of a bullet that burst into a blizzard blast icing over all the demons. Along with the blast was a deafening ring that shattered the vermin into bits.

Laxion sympathized with her innocent eyes and they found peace within each others company. Her unmarked skin and energized stature much had made him confused because he healed her unintentional without realizing that he did. His eyes lost their reflection of the universe, but still held the wisdom and beauty they've had for as long as she had known him. Did he think the same when he stared into her piecing blood red eyes that use to strike fear into her neighbors when she resided in the Land of Crows? The magical liquid submerged their feet and caught the two off guard as they stared down at their reflections. Now, she could examine herself thoroughly, however, her eyes looked to Alexis instead. Ripples lapped from her ankles and spread out across the Reliquary along with a slight breeze filling the room. It's not because the room was drafty or anything, Alexis' power was simple to massive to maintain all of it. The wizard's blonde hair fluttered and the loose parts of her clothing whipped around elegantly. Ruby was completely unaware that her friend possessed the Sapphire jewel, but had a feeling that Alexis would tell them the truth sooner or later.

A chiming voice rung out to the White Jewel and she scanned the walls frantically only to have the voice fade. Apparently, no one else heard it because she was the only one moving her head left and right. She could just be tired and the voice was created from her delusional behavior, but it sounded to real to be a fabrication. Anyway, its not like anyone was paying attention to her especially due to the deafening bullet she just fired. Lucas sheathed his sword to cover his ears and Laxion followed. Alexis on the other hand, bended the water and overlapped streams to create a barrier for herself. The sound wave wouldn't even effect it nor the individually handcrafted snowflakes that fell from the sky.

The group should have noticed who gave her the special endorsed bullet by now. The freezing atmosphere didn't freeze the water over and Ruby kind of wished it did so they could go ice skating. The carnival was invaded by demons and destroyed; this place was in good condition but they didn't have the time to mess around. Being a hero meant everyone's lives before your own, and no recess or else the darkness will sneak up on you! Ruby hoped the time that she had left would be enough to make them smile for all eternity.

The shimmering blue light left Alexis' eyes and she regrouped with her comrades before Lucas could lecture her about her warring technique. The albino knew Alexis had been training because her moves were to fast for her to keep up with. Alexis was winded, but relaxing for a few moments would have to wait considering the damage that was recently inflicted to the roof top. An angel, Lysandiel, and a demon of no name, rivaled against each other flying this way and that. The two stream lines coming from them swirled and curved until they both plummeted down into the ground. The tiles floor shattered and the two were left wrestling until one prevailed. The Angel of Redemption erected himself and bluntly penetrated the demon through the chest. It squealed as blood leaked onto the floor and its last breath was let out in short wheezes. The cyclopes' eye rolled to the back of its head only showing white as its body unlatched.

Lucas thanked the angel and ensured they were safe now, but according to Lysandiel they were far from it. Ruby couldn't stand the suspense and wanted to jump into more action now that she was healed but the others needed to rest. She could see the exhaustion in their eyes and faces. "What should we do now?" she asked, blankly. At the corner of her eye, she saw a furry black...tail? Was there a demon that had survived the bullet even thought the possibility of that was nearly impossible. Much like Alice, she followed the invisible White Rabbit to the wagging tail and peered around the corner. Before she could reaction, a black ball bounced onto her chest making Ruby bark out a scream that slowly turned into laughter. The demon hound licked her pale face with its purple tongue. The dog was abnormally large; horns rested on its skull and innocent red eyes blue eyes stared down at her. This creature must have been purified from the water or maybe she did it herself because she crystal shined a bit when that voice called to her. "Down, boy!"

Lucas insisted that he needed time to come up with a strategy, but the war is excelling as they speak. The teacher was in a position where his students asked for instructors that he could not deliver to them. She could only image how he felt, but the only time she had been in the line of command was during a couple of missions. Usually, she just winged it and hoped that everything would work in their favor even if it is a long shot. Ruby wanted to defend him, but how could she when so many odds were stacked against him. Alexis acted like she'd rather die to save one life, her's to be exact, than to follow Purevelion's orders to consider the lives of the citizens and city. Laxion risked himself for her to many times despite Lucas' command to fall back instead of being reckless. Honestly, she wanted to talk to Lucas, but was scared of how he would react if she was the first one to tell him about her situation. There is no doubt that he'll tell the others without her consent, but it's a perilous bridge she'll have to come across eventually. She at least let herself enjoy the tickling sensation the mutt left behind when he licked her cheeks. Laxion asked her where he was heading off too, and although she should have answered back; she just had to discover him on her own. Hearing the groups footsteps, she got up and decided to show off her new loyal companion. Lucas was the first one to become aggressive even though the dog showed no signs of being a potential threat.

Lysandiel wanted in on the action too, but strangely Alexis was the one to intercept them. She explained that the dog was no longer evil and surrendered to its cuteness. In a flask, she disappeared and reappeared beside Ruby burying her face into the animal's short black fur. Her childish state had been renewed and she nuzzled his muzzle while making noises that one would make while feeding an infant. Dogs probably weren't Laxion's forte so he moved on with more pressing matters like the location of the monks. Lucas answered diligently by saying that this holy place is pretty vacant, and at the moment the monks are talking precautionary maneuvers to protect the summit. Ruby hummed with content of this news; for now they were safe and had a little time to spare. Laxion evaded the conversation, as expected, and asked again what was next on their agenda. She will certainly be surprised if Lucas comes up with a response this time.

He had gotten some resourceful information that Lucifial is in Zakernand; they also had to meet the reminding Ascends that came across his path. This mission was a lot for Lucas to sallow and she felt the weight on his shoulders. The demon could probably heard the sadness in his tone because its ears perked up after he had finished. This group of Liberimmuins, he happened to mention they had encountered them before which meant one thing, her sister. The element tried to hid his excitement, but she could see through his ruse. He them asked where were they at, but Lucas said that their queen relayed them on a mission although the mission wasn't specified.

Ruby moved away from the dog, however, it just followed her while looking over its shoulder to see if Alexis was coming. "Okay, then what are we waiting for!?" she exclaimed, stopping beside Lucas. "Laxion will kill over from anticipation if we don't. Lucas! We got to hurry or he'll explode!" She shook the man playfully and spun around happily acting like nothing is wrong.

Alexis followed after her and the hound supporting their urgency to leave right away. It was rude to kept the other fraction of the team waiting, wasn't it. Plus, she had her own selfish motives too, like wanting to Claudia after a long period of time. Lucas became almost dumbfounded by her spontaneous outburst and Laxion's face turned a hot shade of red which she thought wasn't possible. With a swift discreet motion, a gust of wind swirled thought her white locks causing it to fall in her face. She laughed trying to smooth it back while answering his remark, "Me and my sister must have the same interest then because I hang out with you." The girl pointed dramatically before noticing Lucas hiding a Cheshire cat grin and she thought he didn't have a sense of humor. "So the man can truly smile." Ruby couldn't help but award him with a small hug before running over to Laxion and Alexis' sides.

Back to resourceful intensiveness, Lucas suggested to take a portal that Lysandiel could summon for them instead of the Lightcleaver. They didn't want to draw attention to themselves with the huge aircraft so this was the safest route. The angel floated above the group giving his assessment which made the team revert back to being serious. Why did he have to ruin what little fun time they had left? At least, she got to see them all smile including the instructor which she will cherish until the time comes. Although, she had to agree with teamwork because that is the one element that is sure to win this battle. If everyone's heart resonates as one, their love for one another could triumph over the darkness.

As reality set in, Purevelion informed them that the distress beacon for the Land of Crows has been lit. Lucifial has advanced father into the region which means the demons are growing stronger from the dark influence. Laxion changed the subject to the others, but Lucas couldn't say anything about their whereabouts until Declasia responses. It sounds like the queen isn't being very cooperative, however, Ruby could only image how much she has on her plate. Lucas was suddenly interrupted by the incoming message on the laminating scroll. The shocking news about them and some unknown group in Southmarch only confused the girl. Who were the Therians and why was Southmarch so important to reclaim when it was just a dead spot of land? Eventually, her inner thoughts were answered. The Therians ruled that land before the Vampire race stole it, but it was the perfect area to start anew system. Ruby shrugged, "All the more reason to take it if its not wanted. Like we should take back Magic Earth from Lucifial. You guys can always smile." The last part she added on with a whisper. "Besides, what have we got to lose?" She gave Alexis a nudge and then Laxion still exerting her playful side.

Ruby couldn't make out what Lucas and the Angel were talking about but it seemed classified since they couldn't bring it to light for everyone. The albino didn't know how much their smiles meant to her. Alexis received a message from her father and apologized as she skimmed her phone. It was from her father so obviously it was private, however, the female associated with her. She mentioned that when she was falling she examined the jewel within her. The hooded Angel displayed interest, but didn't say a word until Alexis was finished. Ruby's red eyes widened when Alexis emphasized how she was using the Sapphire Jewel's power without physically having it. So that beam of light from earlier was the jewel's essences vanquishing those demons? And the voice calling to her, that had to be the Sapphire Jewel itself trying to communicate through her. All the puzzle pieces were coming together and Lucas didn't like her direct interference. Ruby knew first hand how powerful these artifacts were, but because she is so young she's not fully aware of all its assets.

The blonde comforted Lucas saying that wherever the jewel is now it isn't affecting her greatly. She wanted to perform the same technique for Ruby when they had time, but they won't have time. How will Alexis extract the jewel without killing her in the process? How will she repair the jewel? Alexis understood a lot yes, its just that time was up for Ruby. Anyway, the child smiled and pretended to act excited about it as she ran over to Lucas. "Sure thing. Before we get to all that science mumbo jumbo, lets have a battle. Laxion still hasn't beaten me after all this time and I want to see how strong you really are miss wizard." She grabbed Lucas' hands and looked into his his eyes. "You'll be on my team. The hound could be our referee!" The demon dog made himself comfy on the side lines while panting relentlessly. "Come on Lucas, it will be fun. Now show me that award winning smile!"

She jetted around to his backside and pushed him forward as she did her expression turned serious. Looking over her shoulder to Lysandiel, she silently spoke hopping he would be able to read her lips. The moment felt like it was in slow motion and what she said would either surprise him or leave him questioning her humanity. My time is up...

Lucas's expression looked like he wanted to reject the idea, but his legs needed a stretch. Alexis allegedly promised not not use the jewel and Ruby took her word on it so she wouldn't use hers either. Like she had a choice in the matter, her strength was weening as it was and by the end of this sparring segment she wouldn't be surprised if she could stand afterwords. Still, she is a sore loser and hates to wing of a battle just because she's not at the top on her game. Alexis bragged how brilliantly she was and Ruby decided to provoke her playfully hopping she wouldn't take it offensively. "Yeah, once but now your old." The female stuck her tongue out and laughed boisterously. After the teams were together, Lysandiel exited the building in a white flurry telling them that he will return when the others are prepared. The angel even managed to fix the roof on his way out leaving no trace that it had ever been destroyed.

Her two mates intimidated her by unleashing their weapons and she knew the elements were in their favor. Lucas unsheathed Purevelion, waved his hand over it, and created a wall of light above their heads. This wall would enable the teams to not cause physically harm to each other but mental harm which is far less worse than it sounds. Without his light, Lucas was left with the invisible blade to defend himself, but Ruby believed in his power. Would he honestly be their instructor if he didn't? Alexis and Laxion whispered to each other for communication while Ruby and Lucas just conveyed side way glances. Discreetly, Ruby detached the red cape from her armor and shouted, "OLE," to provoke them before twirling the cape around. At some point, she let go of it and ran behind Lucas as if it was a disappearing act in order to confuse them. Lucas would charge ahead and she would remind behind him until they were close enough for her to jump out for a surprise attack.

Alexis has grown into a mature woman and her childish tom-foolery wouldn't knock her down. As a playful gesture, she wanted a response in return but wouldn't receive it which showed her immaturity. Either way, the two didn't see through her optical illusion making her disappearance a success. Lucas lunged forward with his invisible blade of glory that evidently didn't reflect the light above. This worked to their advantage because the others had no idea of the Purevelion's length, and it could jab at them any moment. Plus, connecting the angle of the blade to the hilt was nearly an impossible task when the instructor was waving it back and forth. Laxion must have anticipated this strategy as she distanced himself in order to create a vortex that Lucas would eventually cut through. Smart tactic for something that you couldn't see. It similar to the way power is disturbed through the air to reveal security lasers in action flicks. Ruby remembers sitting down with Laxion on rainy evenings filling their stomachs with popcorn and brains with mindless nonsense.

Lucas collided with Laxion's spear and the two were locked in a stalemate causing strain and tension on one another. Now was her chance, and she jumped out behind Lucas ready to strike the same opponent. Ruby attached her guns choose her sword for close range combat like she's always been taught. Alexis's scythe retreated into her staff as she summoned a replica of herself to take the hit. The glass version taunted Ruby as she smashed right through it, shatter it without any rebuttal. So that's how she wanted to play, well Ruby could match her ignorance. Although, the real Alexis met her on the other side of the figurine and intercepted her the same way Laxion and Lucas were stationed.

Lucas stood there like a statue while the two exchanged some playful banter, although there was a lot of truth to Laxion's statement. The albino got the chance to battle Lucas one on one, but she still had the assumption he was holding back on her. If Laxion wasn't careful, he could accidentally slip up giving Lucas the opportunity to strike. The child was focused on the wizard in front of her as she strained against her before answering. "I do remember that. You were fashionably late. When you flew through the air you looked like a bird, a happy bird. Your smile was contagious, I'll admit. Promise me, that you and Laxion will keep smiling, okay?" Ruby jumped back while Alexis swung at her barely missing. She switched to her guns and began to fire bullets like crazy gesturing for Lucas to fall back with a flick of her head. They needed to come up with a different offense in order to beat these two master minds.

Alexis wanted the same treatment for her judging by her hasty statement, but could she make that promise. Lucas fell back as planned and stayed close to Ruby's side as she fire away at their opponents. The albino began inhaling and exhaling deeply, not from the adrenaline but the loss in energy with in her own body. Usually, her stamina didn't decrease towards the end of the duel but the jewel's deleting energy was trying to balance itself. In order to do that it needed to take more from her than necessary which caused her to slow down immensely. Even when they battled the owl, she was humiliated by being defeated effortlessly. Yes, she opening used the jewel before hand but it wasn't for a long duration of time so now it was apparent to her that she was dying. No matter how much she wanted to deny it, she saw the shatter complexion of the jewel with her own eyes. Ruby shook her head and continued to fire until her partner and her could conceive a new strategy.

Meanwhile, Laxion and Alexis shielded themselves with the wizard's arcane magic that adsorbed the bullets. Some bullets impacted the shield making cracks that weakened the defense until it got ready to shatter. By now, she predicted that the two were analyzing their weakens because all great minds think alike. Although, in her condition, she couldn't think as clearly as she would have liked so Lucas would have to fill the position for her. He had the wits of a chess player and the intelligence of an immortal librarian. Laxion was to far behind with his knowledge of war tactics and Alexis with her magical artistry. The blonde also had the upper hand considering she had a whole year to train to surpass the great Entei himself. She was truly a remarkable woman and deserved the highest regards from Absolute, the Guildeam, and the Blue Mages. Her future would lean towards one of those groups while Laxion joined the army as lieutenant or commander chief! Yes, there was no doubt in her mind that they all would be stable and happy for the reminder of their lives.

Finally, Lucas voiced Laxion's limited space problem but Alexis was more complicated than he realized. When he unsheathed Purevelion, Ruby saw that the sword became visible as the corner of her eye within the shadows. That could be used to their advantage since the first illusion catch them by surprise. "Lucas, wave your blade in out of the shadows as you attack her head one. She'll be entranced with the shadow since its the only solid thing she can see. Strike her when there's an opening because she'll have to guess of the different ways she can block you. However, these are just assumptions that will throw her off and cause her to become careless out of distress." She didn't expect the woman to crack under pressure, but it was worth a shot. As for herself, backing Laxion into a corner is her primary objective.

To late, Laxion took their silence as an opportunely to stage their own attack copying her same method in the archives. Their plan was to allow Laxion to harness his fae powers while Alexis protected him until their build up payed off. The arcane tornado Laxion created was enhanced with Alexis's light that sent tiny deadly scythes flying in every direction. By this time, Ruby had already switched to her own blade and pulled out the second one. The crystalline blade of white hot flames that never brunt its master. "Lucas, stay behind me this time." Ruby plunged the flaming blade into the ground setting the whole area ablaze, however, everything remind untouched. The heat was provided but the destruction lacked which made the flames a prefect cover.

Ruby dashed through them deflecting the miniature scythe's along the way, until she got closer the to vortex that was sucking in the flame. "I'm going in! Trade places with me now!" Once Lucas circled her and was in front, she jumped up, bounced off Lucas's shoulders, barely avoid the Alexis's true scythe that surfaced from the flames, and dove into the wind. Ruby knew she wouldn't be able to dodge the twirl spear, and the next thing she knew she was knocked to the ground hard. Her ears rang and upon lifting herself up the spears continuously nicked her. This was exactly like the first time they fought, expect back then she would have killed Laxion if Lucas didn't stop her. Breathing exhausting, she let the crystalline sword transform back into a bracelet before moving forward. Like before, she was calmly to her partner but instead of pointing a gun in his face, she was ready to impale him with her sword. But, when he tip was just inches away from his chest she came to the conclusion that she couldn't hurt him. "I can't..."Her sword trembled within her shaking hands.