Chapter 322 - The Ark Of First Meeting With Gillian

But of course, the Bahamut was losing ground. The more Tiamat was active, the more Gillian was absorbing the power out from her. As Gillian unleashed his move on her, the Bahamut stood dead still and allowed the spell to overwhelm her.

As the light died down, all spectators and Gillian were shocked as a woman fell from the middle of the sky where the Bhamut once was. She was in a tattered dress with bruises all around. Gillian quickly transformed back and caught the woman on time.

"Oi! You didn't tell me she was a woman!" yelled Gillian, facing towards the Congregation's Headquarters.

"Neither did I! Don't blame me, all we had on this thing was that it was a mad beast running rampant from the countryside. How am I supposed to know that it would be a woman, huh?!" yelled Old Man Pond, with Z laughing in the background.

"Had I know that you were a lady, I wouldn't have turned into that beast to fight you," said Gillian, the moment Ysabeau woke up.

A sharp pain ran through her spine and abdomen.

"Easy there, you took one of a Goddess moves head-on. So expect some kind of pain. Although, you do have some poisons running in your system. I can guarantee you that I did not do that," said Gillian, as he tried to restore Ysabeau's Elemental Energy.

"Why are you helping me? I lost, didn't I? Why don't you just go ahead and kill me?" asked Ysabeau, with dulled eyes.

Gillian was shocked but then he flicked Ysabeau's forehead, earning a small 'ow' from her.

"Don't be ridiculous. I came here to stop your rampage, not to give you a death sentence. If you want, you can do it yourself. If you can't confront demise then live the life you don't deserve. Or, you can stop saying those things and see this as another chance."

"You are not human, so you've got no excuse to say that your life is short. I don't know what happened or what's your backstory but I do know this. I need you to live on. You are the last of your kind. How would your ancestors feel that their last offspring was a coward who killed herself?"

Gillian's words were poison as Ysabeau kept silent. That was true, if she did kill herself or forced Gillian to, it would mean shame to her background. The Bahmuts were guardians of the Upper Skies. A strong beast like them should have a strong mind, right?

"But, if you have been evicted from your home, you are welcome to join me in the Congregation. We would need a powerful Mage like you. Your Elemental Energy alone could destroy lots of low-ranking Mages. You would be a great ȧsset to us," said Gillian, smiling at Ysabeau.

The Bahamut looked conflicted until Gillian impatiently huffed and stood up. This scared the poor woman as Gillian began walking towards the Congregation's Headquarters.

"What are you doing?! Put me down!" yelled Ysabeau, kicking and screaming.

"You've got quite the energy within you, I'm surprised that the earlier attack did you in," said Gillian, not caring at the fact Ysabeau sucker-punched him in the jaw.

"Of course, I'm getting kidnapped!"

"You were going to die just now, and you think that kidnapping is worth your energy?" asked Gillian, staring at Ysabeau while catching another punch.

Finally, the woman quietened down. The two were in silence as they continued their journey to the Congregation. But in the middle, they decided to make a pitstop for some food. Particularly, a juicy stag. As Gillian did most of the work, Ysabeau was left to sit alone.

Gillian returned with some firewood and got to work cooking the catch they made. Ysabeau stared into the flames, mesmerized by its little dance. Gillian sat by her side, enjoying the beautiful view of her face.

"What's wrong?" asked Ysabeau, noticing the Aki.

"Nothing, I just thought you are quite pretty," replied Gillian, looking at the cooking dinner.

"Well, that means you've not seen that many women yet. I am surprised since you are quite the looker," replied Ysabeau.

"You meant that?" asked Gillian, shocked.

"Yea, you are quite handsome. You'd make a fine husband but you should learn when not to sweep women off their feet. Literally," commented Ysabeau.

"I was trying to get you to safety. The bombers were still around. Besides, my offer still stands. Will you join me in the Congregation?" asked Gillian, giving another smile.

Ysabeau had nowhere to go, she had just destroyed her hometown. Her family was gone, yet again. She felt as lonely as she was when she first arrived on Earth.. And now, someone like her was extending a hand to help. How could she not agree?