Arthur and Virion entered a single story building near their residences. There were several other rooms in the building, making it perfect for the council to not only assemble, but also work on individual tasks in their own offices. They walked down the hall until they reached the sizable open room where the rest of the council was waiting.

"About time you two arrived," Buhnd stated grumpily. "First item on the list, table and chairs for this room."

"Seriously. Of everything we need you want that?" Virion commented.

"I can't turn the ground into a seat for myself, and these old knees of mine are protesting already," Buhnd replied as he rubbed his knees, and a young woman off to the side made note of his request.

"Well if we're on the topic of furniture," Blaine started. "Beds, as well as a kitchen table and chairs for everyone."

"Only one for Arthur and my granddaughter," Virion said with a smirk to the woman taking notes. "Arthur managed to bring a bed for the both of them."

Everyone else other than Blaine, Arthur, and Bairon snickered a little at that comment.

"Anyway," Virion said, being serious. "Will lady Sylvie need a bed?"

"A bunk bed for her and Regis if possible," Arthur replied with a smirk.

"Regis is your weapon isn't it?" Bairon asked to clarify. Arthur nodded. "Then why does it need a bed?"

"Regis is a sentient weapon with a will of his own. I feel it appropriate for him to have someplace comfortable where he can absorb all the ambient aether around us," Arthur replied.

"Aether?" Mica asked.

"Short answer, fifth element of magic that was used by the ancient mages and currently by the Indrath clan. I'll give you a better and longer answer later when we have more time if you want," Arthur explained.

Priscilla pulled out a paper and unfolded it. "The cooks requested more cooking artifacts, as well as chiller boxes to store food."

"There are artifacts in the rooms, they're just depleted of mana," Arthur stated. "I can show them how to recharge them after we're done here."

"Perhaps also show us," Merial requested. "I'd like to be able to make a pot of tea without having to leave my room if it can be helped."

Arthur agreed to help.

"Water heating artifacts for our rooms," Priscilla read.

"Artifacts are in the hall closet," Arthur informed her.

Several more requests were made for supplies, and luxury items by the council. Bairon then continued with requests from the guards for additional personnel and weapons, as well as an armory and training area. Alduin suggested taking an area outside the town and converting it into a training area for the guards. Everyone agreed, and that additional personnel would be needed to build it.

"Next order of business, personnel," Virion stated. "We already know the guards want more people, any other area?"

"Plant and water mages," Arthur suggested.

"For what purpose?" Priscilla asked.

"Long term planning," Arthur answered, then elaborated. "Upon leaving the castle we need to be ready to become completely self-sufficient."

"Why? We can have supplies delivered on a regular schedule. We can even make sure they send extra so we can have a stockpile," Blaine asked.

"Right now all supplies will go through the floating castle, but what if the castle is attacked?"

"Then we would get our supplies from another location," Blaine argued.

"And what if that location is attacked? We move to another, but then what if they're attacked too? Eliminating the council is the quickest way to win the war. I have no doubt the castle will be attacked eventually and once they realize we aren't there, they will begin attacking city after city to find you all. We may be safe here, but the second they realize the council isn't in the castle anymore, we will have made every city and town with a teleportation gate a target. In the end we will be trapped here without enough food if we don't plan ahead now."

"General Leywin is right," Bairon said in agreement, catching everyone off guard. "We need to prepare for the worst. We've been lucky so far, but a Scythe or retainer is more than capable of mass destruction, if not leveling a city on their own. We need to honestly be prepared to make a stand here."

"What do you mean?" Merial asked.

"He means," Virion said, now seeing the big picture of what Arthur was preparing for. "Just as Arthur said, make this place self-sufficient. Have plant and water mages here to ensure enough food and water, but also be ready for the worst, that we could lose the war. The sanctuary is intended to be our last refuge. With the space we have here we should be prepared to take in our own people fleeing as well as soldiers to fight back."

"Even though we can only have so many people in the buildings, the cavern is larger, we could set up tents if needed," Mica suggested.

"We should also limit access down here. We shouldn't leave any of the medallions on the surface," Buhnd added. "We've determined already that communication scrolls work down here, we should send our own people up to gather supplies and personnel. And anyone who leaves shouldn't have a medallion either. Make them contact us and we send someone to retrieve them."

"Agreed. We'll leave security measures in place with the castle. They only contact one specific individual for any needs requiring gate access, as well as a code word to ensure they are who they claim to be," Bairon continued.

"I can't believe we're preparing for our loss," Alduin commented.

"We're not preparing to lose, we're making preparations to ensure Alacrya is never able to experience peace in Dicathen," Arthur replied.

"Alright, I think we've got enough for one day," Virion said. "Merial, Alduin, work on a list of personnel from Elenoir, Blaine and Priscilla, Sapin, Buhnd, Darv. I'll work with the Lances on procedures and long term planning for our time here. If there's nothing else..."

"Actually yes!" Blaine's voice boomed. "You've been covering for him long enough!" Blaine's eyes narrowed on Arthur. "You owe this council an explanation. Several days ago you used magic we've never seen before, and I demand that you start explaining now."

Arthur just stared at the human king with disinterest, infuriating him even further.

"Arthur," Alduin said, gaining Arthur's attention. "Even though I don't share the same enthusiasm as my Sapin counterpart, he is right. The abilities you showed us require some degree of explanation."

"You're not in any kind of trouble," Merial said kindly. "Are these some abilities that the Asura taught you that you've been working on? We only want to know because these could be a needed advantage in this war."

Arthur sighed. "Every one of the Asura clan holds an iron grip on their unique abilities, and don't share outside of their own clan."

Even though his future in-laws were at least being respectful he had no intention of really sharing anything of significance.

"Then maybe you gained these abilities from Vritia," Bairon suggested. "It would explain our recent victories, you did seem to be prepared for everything. I wouldn't be surprised if you made some kind of deal for their protection."

Looks of disbelief formed as everyone looked back and forth between the two Lances.

Angered just from the suggestion, Arthur released the pressure from his cores, as well as directed his killing intent right at Bairon.

"There are so many flaws in your theory it's not even funny," Arthur said as he slowly walked to Bairon. "Not only have I eliminated two Scythes from their side, but also thousands of soldiers, and am responsible for three major victories that would have cost us the war if we lost. Not to mention they recently targeted and killed my father, and you want to suggest I'm a traitor?"

By this point they were practically nose to nose, and Bairon was barely able to keep standing from the pressure and killing intent. Everyone on the council was down on their knees. They wanted to say something, but it was taking everything they had to just keep breathing. Even Mica was trembling as she fought just to keep standing. Knowing this needed to stop, Virion activated the second stage of his beast will to help him overcome the pressure and intent.

"ENOUGH!" Virion managed to yell.

Realizing now the condition everyone else was in Arthur with drew his pressure and intent.

"Thank you," Virion said as everyone was finally able to breathe easier.

"We are at war, we don't have the time to be fighting among ourselves," Virion said, as he and everyone else stood back up. He then looked to Bairon. "As for Arthur's loyalty, I will personally vouch for him. He would never betray us to Alacrya."

"How can you be certain? You're allowing your personal feelings to cloud your judgment since he's engaged to your granddaughter," Blaine argued.

"You know, don't you?" Mica interjected. "Mica noticed, you don't seem curious at all. Even though you were surprised when you saw Arthur create a portal without a gate, you don't seem to care how he did it. You already know the answer."

"Out," Virion said calmly. "Everyone but Arthur out into the hall now."

Quietly everyone walked out. They could tell Virion had reached his limits on patience, and suspected he was going to try and convince Arthur to talk. It was obvious they shared a special bond, more than that of master and disciple, closer to that of a father and son.

"Arthur, why don't you cast a sound spell for some privacy."

With a wave of his hand the two were in a sound proof bubble.

Virion sighed. "You know you really know how to create a stir. I know it was to try and save your father, but do you realize how much trouble that spell has caused me?"

"Sorry about that. At the moment I didn't think of the ramifications. That said, I would still do it again."

"I know, I know. To be honest the circumstances called for it." Virion leaned up against the wall and closed his eyes. He stood there in silence for a few seconds before he continued.

"You're technically only eighteen years old, yet you're more powerful than anyone on this continent. If your skills were only limited to just magic and combat you'd still hold a great deal of influence, but with all that other knowledge and your way of thinking from being a king in you previous life, and you'll be the next king of Elenoir, you pretty much can hold the council in the palm of your hand."

"I never intended for things to go that far."

"I know, but you can't deny that is how things are going. But you have one weakness that will undo your influence every time. Your circle of trust is almost nonexistent."

"I trust you."

Virion walked over and placed his hands on Arthur's shoulders.

"Then trust me now. Give them at least part of the truth. I know you could probably win this whole war on your own at this point, but it'll be a lot easier with their support than without, which will be your situation if you don't give them something."

"Damn it," Arthur groaned as he brought his right hand up and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. "Fine, I'll give them something."

"Thank you," Virion said with a sigh of relief as his hands slid from Arthur's shoulders. "Just so you know, you owe me."

"Let me guess, great grandchildren?" Arthur guessed, knowing how the old elf thought.

"One at least on the way within your first year of marriage," Virion said with a smirk. "I plan on retiring for good once this war is over, and all I want to do then is spend time with my great grandchildren."

"Well first Tess and I need to get married. We haven't even had time to think about a date," Arthur said, then canceled the sound spell.

"I'm sure you two will have time to talk while here," Virion said while walking to the hall. "Everyone please come back in."

One by one the lances and council members walked back into the room, and stared at Arthur with expecting looks.

Arthur took a deep breath and exhaled.

"What you saw me doing the other day, was using an aether art to create a portal."

"As in the same kind of magic the Indirath clan use?" Priscilla asked.

"That's correct."

"So the Indirath clan did teach you some of their magic," Blaine stated in an accusatory tone.

"As I said they didn't. Aether arts aren't exclusive to the Indirath clan, the ancient mages used them too. Just like with the four main affinities, one only needs to have an affinity to aether."

"Seems the code name God spell really does suite you," Mica commented.

"When did you learn of your affinity, and when did you develop that spell?" Alduin asked.

"Hmm," Arthur looked deep in thought. "I'd say, a few days from now."

"You mean days ago right?" Bairon asked, though days ago didn't even make much sense either.

"No, I mean days from now," Arthur restated, then began explaining the previous timeline.

He told them how the war was supposed to end, and how he ended up in Alacrya, but with held the part that he was now part Asura. He told them about his aether core, and how he fought through the relic tombs and scythes to return to Dicathen. He then told them about the end of the resistance, his time being tortured and experimented on for over a year, and how he gained the Aevum god rune of time to return.

He avoided everything that could even lead to questions that could require him explaining his reincarnation, and twisted the truth a bit where needed. Which also helped how he knew about Elijah being Nico and his desire to save him.

Everyone remained quiet as they allowed everything to sink in. Virion and Arthur both remained quiet as they observed them, trying to read their reactions.

"It's so unbelievable, yet at the same time I can't help but believe it's true," Blaine said as the shock kept him looking at the floor.

"So that's how we won those battles," Bairon mused, then looked to Arthur. "You had already fought through them so you knew what to expect."

Arthur nodded.

"I chose to arrive right before the battle at the wall to avoid the massacre, and to ensure Elenoir wasn't forced to evacuate. But even with those victories, winning at Etistin was the most important. I had a lot of time to think how things could have been done differently, so I was ready when I did this."

"This is amazing," Blaine said as a huge smile formed on his face. "We can without a doubt win now!"

"Didn't you listen," Virion grumbled. "Everything has changed now. Arthur doesn't have anymore knowledge of the upcoming battles."

"I understand that," Blaine said dismissively. "But because Arthur can manipulate time, every loss can be turned into victory!" He said with excitement.

Arthur shook his head. "To move myself through time like that again, I need to reach the same point I last came from. Meaning I need to wait nearly two years before I can turn back time again."

"So at worst we lose the war, then when that time comes you just turn back time again," Blaine replied making it sound like a small thing.

"Did you not hear how he was tortured and experimented?" Priscilla scoffed at her husband. "They severed his limbs and reattached them!" She said repeating a twisted truth. "Not to mention every time we lose the war it means people will die. you essentially want to ask him to go through that again! We may not remember who died or what happened but he will be scarred by it" She said in an uncharacteristic rage.

Blaine shrunk down, slightly intimidated by his wife's outburst.

"Thank you for your concern, your majesty. His response is part of the reason why I didn't want to share about my aether abilities," Arthur replied.

"Regardless of Arthur's abilities, we need to treat this war as if there is no second chance. He gave us another chance to win this war, I suggest we use it," Virion stated with inspiring authority.

"Thank you commander," Arthur said graciously, then looked to the council. "Even though I don't know how Alacrya will respond next, I do have further plans to improve our odds of victory."

"Oh? Do tell," Buhnd asked curiously.

"In due time. First priority needs to be for our long term security and survival here. I also need to finish a list of all the specific personnel I will need to move forward with my plan," Arthur replied.

"He's right. If we can't guarantee our safety here then there's no point in planning for any operations," Virion stated before anyone could try and press Arthur for more information.

Getting Arthur to share as much as he did was no small feat, but any pressure could push Arthur to leaving and working alone. Even though Virion had no doubt Arthur would succeed in not only winning the war, he wasn't sure what would happen to the rest of them without Arthur if they were to be discovered before Arthur won.

Everyone dispersed to complete their tasks. The council completed their lists fairly quickly, and sent them via communication scroll. Blaine and Priscilla also sent a message to Hester and Kathyln, requesting they return to the floating castle immediately. They gave no further information, but assured them that everything would be explained when they saw one another.

Virion and the three Lances worked the latest, resulting in Lunch being brought to them. They were a little surprised to see Arthur continued diligently working while they ate, but Arthur made sure to eat while working to avoid any suspicion. Arthur explained how the sanctuary fell in the previous timeline, so they started there and expanded. After several hours of working out the details, they had finally completed a set of rules and safeguards that would keep them safer, but also allow for normal operations.

Mica and Bairon rushed out the fastest, with Mica using the excuse that the pace Arthur worked was too intimidating.

"Well, that went better than expected," Virion commented after the other two Lances left. "I honestly didn't expect you to share that much of the truth."

"I needed to scare them a bit. If they know that we lost but I came back to fix things, they'll be more likely to agree to my plans. Self preservation is an excellent motivator," Arthur replied as he stretched.

"Speaking of self preservation, how are you, your mother and sister holding up?"

"I'm not really sure. Reading people's feelings has always been hard for me. They both seem fine on the outside, but I imagine they both are just putting up a front."

"I'll tell you from experience, you're right. They'll hide their pain from others, make it look like they're handling it, but on the inside they're breaking."

"But why not show me they're hurting? I can try and help them."

"All you can do is be there, this isn't something you can fix. Your mother feels she needs to stay strong for her children, and Ellie probably doesn't want to burden you. Alduin and I went through the same thing when my wife died. I made sure to be strong for him, for my people, and Alduin did the same with me. If it wasn't for accidentally walking in on him breaking down in Merial's arms I probably never would have known how much he was truly hurting."

"I see."

"And you?"

"Seeing my father die twice doesn't exactly make things easier, but I have enough mental fortitude to keep it together. I've also seen Hell once, so it's helping me keep focused so I don't see it again."

"Don't bottle this up. Alduin and I became much closer, and I felt healed faster after I saw him breaking down. It's ok to keep yourself in control, but let the pain out too."

"I have. I shed plenty of tears when I saw my father dead, as well as at his funeral. Tess has also really been there for me."

"As happy as I am that Tess is able to help you, it'll help you all heal when you know you're all going through the same thing. I want you to take tomorrow off to spend time with your family. I know you all need each other right now."

Arthur shook his head.

"No, there's too much to do. I want to present my plan to the council at tomorrow's meeting. It's going to take time to prepare so I'd like to get the ball rolling as soon as possible."

"Fine. After you get your approval I want you to take the rest of tomorrow off."

"But..."

"Prioritize yourself and your family, that's an order. If we need you we'll know where to find you."