"Great Ariel's Light!" exclaimed Governor Fasimedes sinking into his chair. "In all my years in office, I've never heard of such as diabolical scheme against Elysea. We're talking complete annihilation!"

The three friends were gathered with the governor in his office discussing the situation at hand.

"I've no love for the Asmodians, but I've no stomach to eradicate the entire population," Devaen said, shaking his head.

"Thank Aion and Emerali here, we put a stop to it, but that's not enough. We've got to cut the drynac's head," Thori said.

"That's it. Bakren is the source of this evil; we've got to end him, or he'll just find another way to try to destroy Elysea. I wouldn't be surprised if he's got a Plan B up his sleeve," Devaen mused.

"Neither would I," Emerali reflected. "That's why we've got to take action now."

"Well, first things first," said Fasimedes. "We've got to find and destroy those bombs."

"Find them, yes, but not destroy them, sir," Emerali said.

Three pairs of eyes turned to stare at her.

"Hear me out. We can turn this thing to our advantage if we can collect these bombs, disassemble them, extract the Vile Death component and use the reassembled bombs to draw Bakren and his army out. Elyos scouts can use the Vile Death against the Asmodian army, too. I know firsthand the damage it causes; we could gain the upper hand in no time, I'm sure."

"That sounds like a very dangerous plan, Emerali," Fasimedes said, brows knitted sternly.

"It's a tremendous gamble, it's true, but it could work, sir. We've got our own Technists, haven't we? If they can reassemble the bombs, we can take them into the Abyss and detonate them there, letting them drop into the endless void where they can't hurt anyone. Bakren wouldn't know the difference as to where they've gone off, and he'll be on the move. That's where we would come in," Emerali explained.

"Who's 'we'?" asked Fasimedes. "Surely you don't mean the three of you? You wouldn't stand a chance against the alliance Leiva spoke of."

"Of course not," Emerali said. "So the time has come to expand our numbers."

"Emerali?" Devaen and Thori looked at her inquiringly.

"Sir, I promise you that we will get the necessary numbers to handle the situation. In the meantime, may I be so bold as to suggest a plan of action?"

Fasimedes nodded.

"The locations of the bombs have been disclosed to us; put out the order for their collection to every Daeva in Elysea. Once they've all been gathered, send word to me or my friends here, and we will begin carrying out my plan."

Governor Fasimedes was silent for several minutes, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. At length he nodded. "Very well, young Daeva. It shall be done as you say. It is in the darkest of times that we must exercise the greatest faith. I entrust this mission to you. Walk in Ariel's light!"

"So where are these great numbers gonna come from?" asked Thori, as the three walked out to the street.

Emerali turned to face her friends with a sigh. "I've learned a lot from you both and from the stupid mistake that I made. It almost cost me my memory once again, and I put our friendship on the line. I'm still regretting that decision. But from my errors, I derived wisdom. I know now that no one--not the strongest, brightest of Daevas--can do everything on their own. Being a part of the Daevic Order I learned that the best of leaders must also know how to follow; follow the needs of those who serve under them.

"I've been called the Daeva of Destiny. It's a distinction that, truthfully, I've been afraid to bear. It's not easy having the burden of an entire people on your shoulders. But what I failed to realize is that I don't have to bear it alone. I'm ready to fulfill my destiny. I'm ready to lead. Will you follow me?"

"You know I will!" exclaimed Thori, throwing her arms around Emerali.

"I'm prepared to follow you to the depths of the Abyss if that's where fate leads us," Devaen said, bowing.

Touched to the quick, Emerali hastily wiped away a tear of emotion. "Okay, then. Today we're founding a legion, and as soon as that's done, we'll recruit the best and brightest Daevas we can find. We're gonna need every class in Elysea, particularly Technists and Scouts if we're to bring my plan to fruition."

"Isn't it nice you've already got an Assassin handy?" Devaen said, smiling wryly. "So what are we gonna name this mighty Elyos legion, General Emerali?"

Emerali considered for a few minutes. At last she smiled. "Aethereal Radiance."

_______________________

And so Aethereal Radiance was founded. The moment the transaction had been completed, Emerali proceeded to recruit members. All the while the three friends kept a close watch on the gems on Leiva's hairpin. The second stone was almost dark; that meant that Bakren's army was almost in position. They didn't have much time.

By the next day, a surprising amount of Daevas had answered Emerali's recruitment call, and all the candidates gathered in Sanctum for orientation.

Emerali took her place at the dais that had been set up. She looked out over the assembly and inhaled deeply, praying for the right words to address them.

"Arieluma and welcome, Daevas," she began. "I thank you all for your interest in joining Aethereal Radiance. However, all of you who are standing here now will not be counted among our ranks by the time this day is done. There are criteria for being one of us and I'll tell you what they are. If any single criterion is considered disagreeable to you, you are free to leave."

A murmur ran through the crowd at these words.

"Firstly, we are not in this for glory. If you're seeking glory and great honor, we're not the legion for you. We're gathering for the protection of every living creature in Elysea. This isn't about rank and being the stuff of legend.

"Secondly, I will not tolerate exclusivity. Everyone, regardless of class, strength or talent is invaluable to our cause. I don't expect that we'll all be the best of friends, but we must respect each other and function as one. Remember: united we stand, divided we fall. I won't allow condescension in the ranks.

"Lastly, no one gets left behind. We are Daevas and therefore immortal, but you are not to leave your comrades to die on the battlefield just to save your own skins. You're to protect one another at all costs. Should a comrade fall and you're in a position to resurrect them, do it. Without one another, the mission is doomed to fail."

"This is what it means to be a part of Aethereal Radiance. This is the commitment I expect. We're servants of the Light. We are chosen Radiant Ones. Let's behave that way and wear the title of Daeva with pride. If there are any among you who feel you can't meet these standards, now is the time to leave."

During Emerali's oration, many Daevas had begun to leave. The large crowd of candidates had dwindled to about twenty five.

"This is actually kind of sad," remarked Devaen aside to Thori.

"But at least we know whose hearts are true," she replied.

"Thank you," Emerali told the remaining candidates. "May Aion bless your endeavors. I hereby officially name you legionaries of Aethereal Radiance. Let me warn you that we have our work cut out for us."

The small crowd cheered, and Emerali concluded the orientation.

While everyone was mingling and meeting, Devaen felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned to see Cullis.

"Arieluma, Cullis! How are things going with Daevic Order?" he asked.

"Gone," replied Cullis. "I quit. I was hoping to join your legion, but I guess I'm too late, huh?"

"You're never too late. We need all the help we can get on this venture," Devaen replied. "What made you quit?"

"I realized that the Daevic Order wasn't the legion for me. There was no friendship or camaraderie there. It seems you're offering that here."

"Well, you're welcome here," Devaen assured him. "Just one thing: Drella's not coming, too, is she?"

"Definitely not," answered Cullis. "She's loyal to General Etyanah."

"Thank the Five," exhaled Devaen, rolling his eyes.

"A wise decision on her part," said Emerali, coming up behind them. She had heard everything. "It'll be an honor to have a heart like yours with us. You're very welcome in Aethereal Radiance. Drella, on the other hand, wouldn't be. For her, I'd have a nice little song prepared that she really wouldn't like."

Having said this, Emerali moved on to greet another new recruit.

"That's my girl," Devaen said, chuckling as he followed her with his eyes, a small smile playing on his face. He turned back to Cullis who was looking at him, brow arched inquiringly.

"Things have changed a lot since you were last with us," Devaen explained cursorily.

"Uh-huh. So I see. By the way, how about Thori? Has, uh, anything changed with her? You know, in that way?" asked Cullis rather timidly.

Devaen clapped him on the back. "Nope. You're free to have a go at it, my friend."

At that moment a Shugo Express Deliveryman appeared seeking Emerali. "Important mail for Daeva Emerali, nyerk!"

It was a letter from the governor. Emerali tore it open immediately. It bore urgent news: the bombs had been located and collected, and were now being held near the Golden Bough Garrison in Eltnen.

It was time to take action.