Chapter Ten: Underground Assault
Costa del Sol
The early morning sea breeze made meeting in front of the aetheryte in Costa del Sol a brisk affair. Adding to the cold atmosphere were the heavy clouds darkening the sky. However, as the did approaching bad weather, the threat of the primal Titan still loomed over them and the Scions had been delayed long enough.
The gathering of Scions were divided into their groups for some last minute deliberations. Minfilia, Luna and Y'shtola were on one side, while Ula was drilling some final instructions to Noctis and Alex.
"I can't stress this enough, but be aware of the space behind you."
"In case the kobolds attack?" asked Noctis.
"Well, that might happen, but not the main reason why. You'll literally need space behind you while you fight Titan." answered Ula. "One of his most devastating skills is a knockback that could send you towards a wall, or worse, over a cliff."
Ula thumbed the drop from the shoreline behind her as an example.
"Like a carbuncle's backdraft-" Alex referred to the wind skill of an arcanist's pet. "- or more of a really strong punch?"
"Neither. And don't think about bracing yourself against his attacks. You can't anchor yourself when what your standing on is doing the moving." Ula idly kicked some sand. "From what I remember, just try not to stay in front of Titan when he looks like he's preparing something big."
"Guess I'll have to focus on that. Noctis can just ignore it."
Noctis shook his head. "Probably still should. I won't be able to stay in the air all the time."
"He's right." Ula agreed. "It may sound foolproof but there's always a chance to get caught by it. Although, if anyone had to be thrown of a cliff between the two of you, it'd be better if it was Noctis."
"Gee, thanks."
"You'll live."
"Don't worry, Ula." Alex reassured Ula. "We've studied everything you've told us already."
"And if we haven't remembered it by now, cramming won't help." Noctis added.
"I know guys." admitted Ula. "Just nerves I guess."
"We are the ones fighting Titan, you know?" snickered Alex. "It's probably going to be way easier than those annoying fetch quests you had us go through."
Ula laughed at the comment. "Well, can't blame yeh. Do your best then."
Noctis watched the two perform some secret handshake before ending in a fistbump. When Ula turned to Noctis.
"I'm not doing that."
"Oh no. You get something special."
"What-" Noctis was interrupted when Ula tackled- hugged him, pinning his arms to his sides. She was deceptively strong for a mage. Just when Noctis was going to accept his trapped fate, he felt a sharp pain on his ears. "Hey, what the hell!"
Ula swiftly retreated out of his reach, laughing at Noctis's incredulity. "Guess they're real after all!" the playful Scion teased as she left.
A giggle stopped Noctis from chasing after her.
"I see Ula has gotten to you." Luna smiled at her friends antics, her own ears twitching in amusement.
"Shouldn't have let my guard down." Noctis ran a hand over his ears hoping to soothe the mild pain they were in.
"She does have a certain talent for ambushing you when you least expect it."
He could imagine. "You're heading back to base?"
"Yes. While you are occupied with Titan, we shall try another strategy in solving the recent memory problems with the Echo." Luna tilted her head towards Alex who was occupied with Minfilia. "Hopefully we have more success through this avenue."
Admittedly, Noctis understood little of the matter beyond no one remembering a certain group of people from before. One which Alex and Ula's sister was a part of. Noctis was growing fond of the Scions and wished he could offer his own assistance on the matter, but it was something outside his field of knowledge. Even with the best magical and academic education royalty could buy.
"Good luck then." offered Noctis.
"I wish you fortune as well." Luna returned.
"Hey, umm…" started Noctis. "Afterwards, maybe we could go somewhere to relax? I mean we went to the beach but we weren't able to chill much. How about one of those places you like to go to? If you want to that is…"
Luna had a small smile as she patiently waited for Noctis to finish his rambling. "I would love to."
Noctis felt lighter now. "That's great!" He winced as he realized how loud it came out.
A dainty laugh escaped Luna's lips causing no small embarrassment to Noctis. "I look forward to it."
To Noctis's surprise, Luna closed the distance between them and planted a small peck on his cheeks before withdrawing just as quickly.
"Come back safely." Luna turned away before he could reply.
Once he had recovered from his daze, Noctis rejoined the others for a final farewell. They were split into their respective groups. Luna with Minfilia and Ula, for those returning to the Waking Sands. While Noctis with Alex and Y'shtola about to head towards Titan.
"This is where we part ways." Minfilia spoke to the gathered Scions. "Though the celebration may have been premature, I share in their confidence in your success against Titan. Do your best, look out for each other, and may you walk in the light of the Crystal."
Upper La Noscea
Noctis mentally swore as he felt the first drops of rain hit him. Though only a drizzle for now, the rumbling in the sky suggested it was only going to get worse. It wouldn't be a complete hindrance to their mission but it would make things a bit uncomfortable. Noctis was starting to agree they had wasted too much time with all the task they had to do beforehand. He was starting to miss the great weather from yesterday. At least they finally arrived at their destination.
Camp Bronze Lake was, to Noctis's surprise, built on top of a hot spring. Though instead of a tourist destination, it was primarily used as a hospice for injured soldiers, mainly from Limsa Lominsa's ranks. It was here they would finally gain the information needed to enter Titan's lair.
"We best find our contact before the weather worsens." said Y'shtola. "Alex, would you care do the honors?"
Alex pulled out his map and noted the locations marked on it. The final hoop they had to go through involved whistling at specified points in the camp before heading to a final spot. The Company of Heroes were really thorough with the whole secret information thing.
"While he's doing that, I'll head over to the inn to gather some information." Noctis informed them of his plan. The whistling was doable by just one person and following Alex around was a waste of valuable time in Noctis's opinion.
One that Y'shtola seemed to mirror. "Hmmm… That does seem like a sound idea. Very well, I too shall speak with the Maelstrom posted here. They may shed some light unto the current actions of the kobolds. I trust you have no issue with this, Alex?"
"Nope." Alex shook his head. "Doubt the guy's gonna suddenly be there as soon as I finish at the last spot. I'll wait for you guys at the meeting place."
With that the group split up as Noctis headed towards what passed as the main reception of the place.
"Good evening sir, are you here to check in the wards?" the male roegadyn attendant behind the counter greeted him.
"Actually I'm just here for some information." corrected Noctis.
As a settlement managed partially by the Yellowjackets, Camp Bronze Lake was more knowledgeable about hostile forces in the area than a typical hot springs would be. Based on what Noctis gathered, they would be heading north to where the kobold territory was located. Also, he was also told to beware of the Mamool Ja, another beastman group in the area. Some of their kind were usually hired by the kobolds as mercenaries. Though for some reason, the camp was more concerned of peeping Mamool Ja disturbing their bathers. Noctis had a hard time wrapping his head around that.
After getting all the information he could from the inn, Noctis thanked the attendant and turned around to leave. Unfortunately, Noctis completely missed the person standing behind him and ran head first into them, staggering him backwards. At least he managed to regain his balance and refrained from humiliating himself.
"Apologies my boy." Boomed the person Noctis had run into.
The man was a male Highlander, impressively built which allowed him to stay his ground when they collided in contrast to Noctis. He sported red-shaded spectacles and six red dots on his forehead. Crow's feet peeked from behind the spectacles along with some wrinkles on his forehead indicated his elderly age. With his white hair combed back as well as the sharp coatee, dress gloves and shoes he wore, the man would have been respectful dressed. If only he had included pants in his attire.
Noctis felt a sense of deja vu about this.
"Ah, it's fine. That was my bad." Noctis disconcertedly apologized and politely got away from their as fast as possible.
Returning outdoors and into the drizzling rain, Noctis tried to recall the meeting spot of their informant. Alex and Y'shtola should have finished with their tasks as well and could be headed there already. If he remembered correctly, they were supposed to go to the higher accommodations of the camp. Sure enough, Noctis spotted Alex waiting at the bottom of a set of stairs.
Alex greeted him when he arrived. "How'd the information gathering go?"
"Just be careful about some peepers if you plan to take a bath." informed Noctis, slightly amused by the disgusted face Alex made. "Y'shtola not back yet?"
"Right here." Y'shtola announced her arrival. "Let us be off before the weather scares them."
With the Scions reunited, the group climbed the stairs as high as it could go. The sky rumbled loudly, reminding them on the approaching bad weather in addition to the continuous drizzle. Their climb took them to a cliff overlooking the whole camp. A person was clearly waiting for them, as he had been watching their ascent.
"Greetin's, lass," the person greeted Y'shtola. "Mates," turning to Alex and Noctis. "Might you be the ones the cap'n said would come callin'?"
"That's us." Alex spoke up for them. "Riol I'm guessing?"
"Aye, that's me." confirmed Riol. The man matched the description given to them by Wheiskaet. A blond haired midlander hyur sporting a purple tattoo beside his right eye and an eye-patch over his left eye. Would be difficult to mistake anyone else for him with that.
"Finally going to tell us how to get to Titan?" asked Noctis.
"Aye, finally." Riol answered with good humor, well aware of the tasks they had to go through.
Their conversation was interrupted by a loud resounding thunder. The rain grew similarly stronger turning into a complete downpour.
"How about we take this inside instead?" Riol lead them inside the shack behind him.
Rain pounded against the shack but at least they were in drier accommodations. The Scions plus Riol took a seat around the dining table. Once they were settled, Alex motioned Riol to continue their conversation.
"Pay attention, now, 'cause I ain't explainin' meself twice." the former Company of Heroes started.
"Years ago, when we was weighin' up how to get to Titan, one of our scouts stumbled across this beastman aetheryte, see…" Riol paused as he saw Noctis and Alex's expressions. "Eh? What's that look for? Not familiar with 'em?"
"He speaks of an unamplified aetheryte which has been claimed by a beast tribe." offered Y'shtola. "Lest you wonder, there is no fundamental difference between such aetherytes and those which you have used on countless occasions."
"'preciate the explanation, lass." said Riol. "No surprise you Sharlayans would know about 'em."
"Forgive me for interrupting." Y'shtola spoke up again. "I had planned to let you finish your report, but I succumbed to curiosity. The tunnels beneath O'Ghomoro form a bewildering labyrinth that no outsider has ever fully explored. How the Company of Heroes managed to navigate it is a mystery I have long pondered."
Riol chuckled before answering. "Give us a bit of credit, love! We weren't daft enough to try goin' in the front. The kobolds are always diggin' new tunnels an' fillin' the old ones with traps. One wrong step, an' the next thing you know, ye've got a hundred tonzes o' rock on your noggin. Suicide to even try, see?"
"Funny thing was, the kobolds didn't seem to have no trouble findin' their way 'round─an' it was that as got us thinkin'. I mean, U'Ghamaro Mines are like a bleedin' city, ain't they? An' gettin' around in a city that big would be a right pain in the arse if you didn't have an Aethernet, wouldn't it? So it stood to reason that the kobolds must have one, didn't it?"
"Hm." Y'shtola considered the idea. "Even if there were aetheryte shards in the depths of O'Ghomoro, you would have needed to attune yourselves to them before you could identify their signatures within the Lifestream."
"Ah, well, that's where yer wrong, love." admitted Riol. "We had this Sharlayan bloke to help us, see. Delivered us right into Titan's bedchamber, he did."
Noctis didn't miss how Alex's fists tightened at Riol's words.
"I don't rightly know how he did it, but I do remember him sayin' it weren't nothin' any Sharlayan scholar worth her salt couldn't manage." Rilol cheekily said.
"...Did he now? Hmph." Despite her words, Y'shtola actually sounded rather amused. "Locating a beacon in the absence of a known signature might be possible if the aetherytes in question happened to be... Ah, yes. But in order to guide a traveler to said beacon safely, a second party would be required to... Hmmm." the Sharlayan Miqo'te conversed with herself.
"It is possible─in theory at least." She finally came to a conclusion. "Yet I cannot be certain until I try. Plainly, all will depend upon whether or not I am 'worth my salt'."
"Oh, you are, lass! Don't you worry about that! Have a bit o' faith in yerself!" insisted Riol. The hyur turned to the two excluded from their conversation. "Why don't we all go to Zelma's Run an' take a closer look at the aetheryte? It ain't far─though there's sure to be a few kobolds blockin' the way. Naught ye can't handle, mind!" Another rumbling of thunder punctuated his statement. "The rain's goin' to make it harder though."
"Normally I'd suggest waiting for better weather but…" Alex trailed off as thunder rumbled outside. "We've already used two days to get here and the weather won't be letting up soon according to the skywatchers. We should do this now."
Noctis agreed. "Weather might make infiltrating easier."
"Alright then. We be off."
Noctis and Alex followed as Riol got up but were surprised when Y'shtola remained in her seat.
"Go on ahead. Though I may have an idea on how to go about the beastman aetheryte, I would prefer to consult with my peers to prevent any accidents." admitted Y'shtola.
"Better safe than sorry." agreed Riol. "I'll come back for you after I show them the way."
The trip was unfortunately very wet from rain. It didn't help the lake was starting flood the paved pathways they had to travel on. At least the new gear Noctis wore was proving its worth preventing most of the rain from seeping in. Unfortunately, the same could not be same for his drenched hair. Styling gel wasn't a thing here. Maybe he should have worn a hat like Alex.
After taking a left on a forked path, Riol signalled them to crouch low, and started walking slower. They group stopped behind a large bush to hide their approach. On the other side of their bush was the beastmen aetheryte, glowing bright blue despite the rain. Between them and aetheryte however, were a couple of kobolds guarding it.
"I see two kobolds guarding the crystal." whispered Alex.
"Three." corrected Noctis. "He's hiding underneath those overhangs." The heavy rain and darkness providing little hindrance to Noctis.
Alex swore as he found the last kobold he missed. "Good eye. How you want to do this?"
He was about to pull out his weapon but Noctis motioned not to.
"I got this."
Noctis materialized his weapon and threw it to the furthest kobold. Three warp-strikes later, the area was clear of the kobold presence. The rain, thunder and lightning drowned out all the noise that could have alerted the now dead kobolds to the attack. When no signs of reinforcements came, Alex and Riol stood up from their hiding spot and approached Noctis.
Riol whistled at the dead bodies littering the area. "With skills like that, Titan'll be a piece of cake." At least they maintained their one hundred percent Company of Heroes confidence rating. "I'll be fetchin the Sharlayan lass then."
While waiting for Riol to return, Noctis and Alex looked for the driest spot they could find. Unfortunately the overhang was only big enough for the squat stature of the kobolds. They had to make do underneath some foliage lessening the downpour into a drizzle.
"I hope Minfilia and the rest are doing better in this weather." Alex started some small talk to pass the time.
"They're probably nice and dry inside the base." Noctis ran a hand through his hair trying to shake off some rain. "While here we are, hiding under some shade that's barely helping."
"Yeah but ports are hit worse during bad weather." argued Alex.
Noctis didn't know where Alex was going with this. "I doubt it's the first rain they've had to weather through. What's with the sudden concern?"
There was a slight pause Alex thought about it. "Not sure I guess. Maybe thinking about Y'shtola contacting them made me wonder how they were doing." he admitted. "Or I just want to get out of the rain."
"Well, hopefully underground is a lot drier than up here." commented Noctis.
The conversation died leaving the group in silence. Noctis busied himself with monitoring for any new arrivals.
"Someone's coming." alerted Noctis.
"Can barely see anything in this weather." muttered Alex.
The arriving figures became clearer as they neared. Noctis and Alex stepped out from their spot as Riol returned with Y'shtola in tow. The female miqo'te had chosen to brave the elements as well, causing her drenched white dalmatica to cling to her form. Not that she seemed the least bothered by it.
"Alright mates, that's everyone. Good luck to yeh and happy huntin'!" The Scions thanked Riol as he left.
"So this is the aetheryte the Company of Heroes used to gain access to Titan's sanctuary." Y'shtola wasted no time and homed in on the aetheryte, poking and prodding the crystal until she was satisfied. "Hm. It is as Papalymo speculated."
"Can we use it?" asked Alex.
"It is useable." Y'shtola turned to them and answered. "In its present state, this aetheryte's signal will not be strong enough for our purposes. I may, however, be able to use my own energies to amplify it. Alas, the task will monopolize my attention for the duration. It seems you two will have to proceed without me. I must needs remain here and supplement this beacon's power, lest you be denied your only path of escape."
It would feel less like a suicide mission if they did have an escape plan.
"Kobolds might come back." Alex pointed out. "You'll need someone to guard you while your concentrating on that."
"Fear not: I will summon the Maelstrom forces stationed nearby to protect us." assured Y'shtola. "With effort, it is possible that I may be able to stabilize the aetheryte's signal and thereby join you, albeit belatedly. Until such time as I do, you will be on your own."
Y'shtola returned to the aetheryte. "Now... let us see if I am worth my salt."
She raised one hand to the beastman aetheryte, much like one would do to attune themselves to a regular one. She closed her eyes in concentration, ignoring the raindrops and thunder in the background. Aether started to dance between her fingers and the crystal. After a few seconds, the aetheryte shone like a beacon in the dark, marking Y'shtola's success.
"I have located another beacon─one far below the mountain." she informed them. "I can only speculate as to what you will find there, so stint not in your preparation."
The two simply exchanged nods before raising their own hands to attune with the crystal. Noctis felt the location of the mentioned beacon far underground as Y'shtola metioned. They really would be diving into the heart of kobold territory.
"See you on the other side." said Alex as he waved good-bye to Y'shtola and then teleported away.
Noctis followed not too soon behind.
Duty Commenced: Lord of Crags
When Noctis rematerialized from the lifestream, the first thing he noticed was the lack of rain. Finally a dry environment. The second thing he felt was the pressure. Not the performance anxiety but the kind that felt as if you were buried underneath the sand as part of some sadistic pranks by your friends. Quite ironic considering the actual place they teleported on top of was an empty platform within a very spacious cavern. Large earth crystals were embedded in the rocks all around, illuminating the area with a yellow tint.
The very platform Noctis was on was made of one such large solid piece of crystal. Based on his growing familiarity with the teleportation system of Eorzea, Noctis guessed the platform was the beacon Y'shtola had connected the beastman aetheryte to. Though it was perplexing as to why this would be the place the kobolds would use as their teleport point. The platform was surround on both sides by a wall of jagged rocks with no visible entrance or exits. Although on the positive side, they didn't end up teleporting into a large gathering of kobolds.
A whistle caught Noctis's attention causing him to find Alex at the edge of the platform looking over the barrier. When Noctis reached the same area, he took a peek as well and couldn't help but similarly whistle at the sheer drop on the other side. Their teleportation was luckier than Noctis originally thought. They could have missed the the platform entirely and appeared hundreds of feet in the air. Though Noctis could survive such an event. Alex on the other hand, not so much.
"Found them." Alex pointed to a platform sporting beast tribe decorations across the chasm. Sure enough, a gathering of kobolds were present and based on the flurry of activity, they had spotted Noctis and Alex as well. "Out of range for spells. Should have brought my bow instead."
Before Noctis consider teleporting to the platform on his own, the kobolds started emitting angry chittering noises. More beastmen language he couldn't understand. Even so, he didn't need to have Alex's gift to recognize the hostile tone directed their way. As the incomprehensible words turned chant like, Noctis felt the astral mark heating up in response. As the air started to buzz with earthly aether, the sensation brought forth old memories. Memories of a large meteor held on top the equally large shoulders of an astral.
Motes of yellow aether flew around the platform before coalescing in the middle. Noctis and Alex had no choice but to ignore the kobolds for now and focus on the approaching primal. Noctis materialized a short sword in hand while Alex drew out his grimoire to summon his familiar. The ground started to rumble as the loose rocks flew towards the ball of aether, encasing it until its glow could no longer be seen. At the same time Noctis felt his astral mark pulse, beams of light shot through the gaps between the rocks and exploding outwards revealing the primal Titan.
As with Ifrit, the Titan standing before him bore little resemblance to the Archean he knew. The primal was massive with unbalanced proportions between its huge upper body and smaller lower body. Yellow veins flowed from a glowing 'heart' all the way to its bulky arms. Oddly enough, Noctis found the primal resembling the overall physique of the kobolds. If kobolds were thirty feet tall and made of rocks. Titan's deep voice echoed through the cavern in the tongue of the kobolds, meaning Noctis once again could not understand what was said. It was probably more hostile language he didn't care to hear anyway.
A small burst of aether beside Noctis signaled that Alex had finished his own summoning. A small fairy creature hovered around the two increasing their total party size to three. Noctis was still skeptical about the effectivity of the pet in this situation despite being warned beforehand. After being stressed the importance of proper tactics in battling Titan, Alex said there was no better summon suited to the task. Comparing the stark difference in size between Alex's summons and the kobold's, Noctis could only pray the fairy could back up its summoner's claims.
"All set?"
"Combat ready." Alex had gone into an analytical mindset needed for his current discipline.
Noctis felt a white crystalline barrier overlay on himself. The spell would protect him throughout the fight, reducing some of the damage he would receive. Just the first in a set of spells they planned for this encounter.
Before they could finish their preparations, Titan pound his fist in and lumbered towards them. Noctis charged forward to intercept the massive creature leaving Alex behind to finish the rest of his spell casting. As Noctis moved to intercept the Lord of Crags, rings of green aether orbit around him further increasing his defense. Noctis phased above the first punch Titan threw and swung his sword to hit the fist underneath him. It felt more like hitting a solid wall than a living flesh.
Noctis airstepped himself further up reaching eye level with Titan. Noctis slashed once more at the primal, just missing the face and hitting its broad shoulder instead. Titan tried to swat him out of the air but the Noctis phased out of reach and countered with another attack. The primal constantly tried and failed to catch him, causing no end of annoyance with his continuous acrobatic attacks.
However, Noctis could not keep up this tactic indefinitely lest he end up in Stasis.
Noctis threw his short sword at the rocky barrier platform to temporarily disengage. His sudden disappearance confused the primal distracting it from the series of spells which impacted it. Enraged, the Lord of Crags searched for source of the spells, spotting Alex and charged towards him. Before Titan could even get close, Noctis reappeared airborne in front of the primal resuming his aerial harassment. Alex contributed ranged support with his own magical attacks.
With Noctis's capability of extended aerial combat, he could fight Titan and avoid most of its dangerous attacks. At least that was the idea they learned from the former member of the Company of Heroes. Supposedly, as a primal with earthen affinity, most of Titan's abilities were ground based. If they were lucky, they could completely avoid the dangerous attacks. They just had to time it properly that Alex would draw the primal's attention long enough for Noctis to disengaged and recover.
Noctis was about to land another blow on Titan when the primal dodged the attack, by jumping higher than its relatively tiny legs should have been capable. Instead of waiting to hit the floor, Noctis teleported to the rocky barrier, guessing the primal would land at same spot it took off. Staying as far as possible would be better, at least that's what Noctis assumed.
"Get away from edges!"
Noctis dislodged his sword and threw it a short range teleport away from the barrier. He landed on floor just it time to see Titan touchdown. Noctis lost his balance as the ground beneath him buckled but, luckily, still held firm to the platform. The same could not be said for the rocky barrier as it had completely collapsed leaving a unguarded drop to the bottom.
Noctis regained his balance and saw Titan focus its attention on him again. He made the first move and ran forward while the primal drew back its fist for another punch. Noctis just had to wait for the right timing again.
"Dodge to the side!"
Trusting his comrade, Noctis leapt sideways even adding a roll for more distance. A wise decision as the ground he was previously on slid towards the edge of the platform. Titan growled again, frustrated Noctis had not been hit, before he stomped one foot causing a tremor on the platform. While Noctis and Alex tried to regain their balance, Titan leapt into the air and disappeared from reach.
"Inside again!" Alex warned again.
Familiar with the Titan's attack, Noctis ran away from the edge but kept an eye on Titan's trajectory. It would not do to accidently position himself right underneath the primal's touchdown. Titan landed - the ground quaked. The platform's outer edges collapsed even further.
Noctis hoped the giant crystal they were on was was solid enough to take more of those jumps.
There was a change in Titan this time. Noctis felt the aether around him gather towards the primal as the center of its chest grew brighter with the energy. An omen that Titan was preparing his devastating attack. On the other hand, based on their intel, it was also a critical weakness for the primal.
"Target its heart!" Noctis called out this time as Alex was positioned behind the primal.
Noctis phased over another punch bringing him level with Titan's heart this time. He thrusted his spear but barely scratched the surface. The collection of aether was denser than he anticipated. Noctis phased again to dodge another swipe from Titan, performing the same strategy as earlier. Meanwhile, Alex launched his own spells, hoping magical attacks would be more effective.
Unfortunately Noctis was was starting to feel the strain of his aerial maneuvers requiring him to pull back. Without a nearby vertical surface to easily teleport to, he could only drop back and put some distance between him and Titan. With Noctis halting his attacks, Titan's enmity turned to Alex. Noctis watched Alex solo combat the primal while he recovered his energies,.
Alex was actually doing quite well in Noctis's opinion. The green barriers Alex employed offsetted the expected frailty of a mage and gave him defenses one would expect from heavier armored classes. With the fairy providing healing and support, Noctis mused his comrade could actually solo fight the primal if needed.
Just as Noctis felt ready to return to the fight, Titan abruptly shifted its attention back to him. Noctis dashed forward, or at least that was his attention, as he felt himself unable to move from his spot. Feeling something grab his leg, Noctis's eyes widen as he looked down and saw his foot seemingly swallowed by the earth and dirt, rooting him to the ground. He tried to leverage his other foot to escape but found it too was encased in the same manner. Noctis barely heard Alex's warning as more earth shot towards him from all sides as if he was some magnet, his green defensive barrier shattered like glass from all the impacts. The earth was starting to encase Noctis. He increased his struggle but the rocky prison had already hardened.
The darkness and immobility was already unsettling but Noctis felt like the prison was trying to crush him to death. There was no room to struggle, no way to summon his arms, and no way to use his magic without potentially blowing himself up. Escape would have to come from an outside source. Assuming Titan didn't just directly squash him in this state. When Noctis did feel impacts on his rocky prison, he feared the primal was in fact doing just that. Instead, Noctis felt the rocky construct starting to weaken.
With each hit, Noctis found he could move a little bit more and resumed his struggle against until with one violent lurch, he broke free from the prison. However it probably wasn't the best time to do so.
"Watch out!"
Disoriented from the sudden shift from pure darkness to the cavern's brightness, Noctis missed the warning and stood still as Titan slammed its fist on the ground in front of him. Instead of an earthquake, The earth lurched underneath Noctis and carried him over the platform's edge, into the abyss.
"Although, if anyone had to be thrown of a cliff between the two of you, it'd be better if it was Noctis."
"Gee, thanks."
"You'll live."
Noctis summoned a weapon, threw it at the platform's edge and teleported to it. As he dangled from his weapon, Noctis dared to peek underneath him. No way anyone could survive a fall this high. Tremors through his weapon remind Noctis of the battle going above. Using his weapon, Noctis swung himself back on the platform, returning to the fight.
Thankfully Alex managed to continue fighting without Noctis. However, the primal's heart was now brighter than Noctis last saw it. Allowing it get any stronger would have deadly consequences. And though it was starting to show cracks now, the sustained bombardment from Alex hadn't brought it close to breaking soon. Time to bring out the big guns, so to speak.
When Titan raised both its arms to attack, a heavy, flamming object crashed into its heart, followed by its teleporting owner. Noctis wrested his weapon from the primal's heart and landed beside his teammate.
"Knew you could survive that." Alex cheekly said. His fairy hovered beside Noctis and washed him with green energies, healing any injuries he had gotten.
"Glad everyone else thought so." Noctis snarked back. "We need to finish this."
"The last thing you hit him was did the most damage." Alex eyed the burning weapon in Noctis's grasp.
With the weapon he gained from Ifrit, Noctis managed to inflict a large fracture on Titan's heart. The impact from the last warp strike alone was enough to stagger the primal allowing them to even have a conversation. Noctis shifted the primal arm in hand, feeling the heat and additional strength it imbued him with. Unfortunately he wouldn't be able to maintain the weapon for long and he would need to make the most of its use.
"I need a good opening for one clean strike."
Noctis could practically hear the gears turning inside his comrade's brain.
"When you feel the earth ripple, he won't be focused on defending himself." Alex motioned to his fairy ordering it to cast its defensive magics on Noctis again. "Even if it's right below him, do it!"
As if on cue, Titan roared then charged forward. Noctis moved to intercept, and this time, there wasn't anything rooting him in place. Unlike before Noctis stayed on the ground, sneaking in some slashes whenever he could. He needed to bait the right attack from Titan which the aerial style wouldn't encourage. It worked as when Titan raised both arms in the air, the earth around the primal rippled like a water's surface.
"Noctis now!" At the same time, a green barrier enveloped Noctis.
Noctis dutifully leapt towards Titan's Heart as the ground underneath erupted, sending sand-like particles shooting up at him. His green barrier shattered as it absorbed most of the damage allowing Noctis to endure through the attack. Noctis drove the Axe of the Inferno through Titan's Heart, completely shattering the already weakened construct. Aether bleed out freely from wounded primal.
Despite Titan's best efforts plug its wound, effervescence slipped through its fingers. The motes of yellow aether were drawn towards Noctis who was already kneeling from exhaustion due to prolonged usage of a primal arm. As the last speck of aether drained from it, Titan growled in outrage at Noctis, at least that's what he assumed the primal was doing. When the primal was finally drained of all its energies, the Lord of Crags collapsed on the ground before his body evaporated with a burst of aether.
In response to the swirling aether around him, Noctis felt the pulse of his astral mark. He extended his left hand and the astral mark started shine brightly even through the glove. Incorporeal aether converge in front of his outstretched hand until it started to solidify into the shape of weapon. It had a long shaft but instead of a bladed end, this one had a thick head. Once the weapon was fully formed, Noctis stood up and braced himself for the next step. The mace-like weapon shot towards Noctis causing earthy energies surge through him. Ghostly figures of his axe and mace danced around him, displaying the weapons he collected, before vanishing again.
"Weird." commented Alex.
Noctis shrugged in response. "Yeah I still don't understand it myself."
"Oh, I didn't mean that. It was something Titan shouted before disappearing." Alex clarified. "Something like 'this should not be the end!', like he wasn't expecting it."
"Isn't that something they all say?" Noctis pointed out. These primals seemed to be surprised that they could be beaten at all. Even if they had been supposedly vanquished before.
"I guess." Alex conceded with a shrug. "Just felt weird."
While it was probably something worth discussing, hostile territory wasn't the place for it. There was just one more thing to do.
"Shouldn't you be getting that?" Noctis thumbed to the object the remained were Titan previously stood.
"Guess it's time for my spoils." Alex walked towards the object and reached out with his hands. The yellow crystal flew to Alex's open palms and based on his stationary form and blank expression, he was having another vision.
Some chattering caught Noctis's ear and he quickly readied a weapon.
"The Lord of Crags, Great Father Titan has fallen!" the kobolds across the ravine lamented the loss of their primal.
Thankfully the kobolds made no move to avenge their fallen 'father' and scattered back into the caverns of O'Ghomoro. At least there weren't any enemies nearby.
"Now these are the readings one would expect of an eikon…" Nero recorded the measurements from the device on his wrist before turning his attention to the two primal slayers below. "I have seen enough. We proceed as planned."
"Are you sure that is wise, my lord?" A black armored figure the size of roegadyn accompanying Nero wondered. "Your… curiosity is untested and unproven. We do not yet know its true capabilities."
"Then trust in mine, Rhitahtyn. My curiosity, as you so eloquently put it, would have bested Titan in the blink of an eye. Why, if there be truth to the legends, it could readily subjugate the whole of Eorzea given but a little while longer."
"Is that not so?" Nero addressed the sudden appearance of a black ripple in space.
Where the ripple appeared now stood the Ascian Lahabrea. "It is. No greater single power has ever been conceived, much less realized."
"What you say may well be true. But while such devices may win battles, I do not believe they will serve to change the course of this war." countered Rhitahtyn.
"Oh but they will." boasted Nero. "Have a little faith, my friend."
"...I cannot endorse this course of action." Rhitahtyn stated before leaving, ending the conversation.
Nero showed visible exasperation at his fellow tribunus but followed in his departure.
"...Fool." Lahabrea spoke in a tongue unintelligible to those without the Echo. His gaze was focused on the two scions below, unaware of his presence. "And the Warrior of Light has a fourth. While the Transmigrant collects his trophies. Fascinating." The Ascian let out a small laugh. "Carry on, crystal blessed. Far though you have come, your work is far from done."
He turned his gaze to a rocky outcropping within earshot, catching a brief glimpse of white before it vanished. The space around Lahabrea rippled once more before it disappeared along with the ascian.
Y'shtola let out a breath she'd been holding. "And naught remained to mark his passing... Well, the Ascians are nothing if not elusive. It is of little wonder that they should cast advanced teleportation magicks at will." Even better than their raven-haired primal slayer she mused.
"But that they would choose to consort with the Empire…" she thought out loud. "What common goal could they possibly share...?"
Waking Sands
The relaxing atmosphere of the common area was disrupted by the violent entrance of one Una Tayuun, catching the attention of all the room's occupants. She stormed past everyone until she sat at a table at the very back of the room. Luna's own entrance a few minutes later and beeline to the same table peaked everyone's curiosity, but they had the sense to stay out of it.
"May I take this seat?" Luna diplomatically asked.
Una was surprised by Luna's presence, not expecting any company. She didn't answer and instead rested her head on a propped hand over the table, her mind seemingly elsewhere. While Una never verbally assented to the request, neither did she refuse, which Luna took as permission to join the troubled Scion at's table. Luna then waited patiently in silence, allowing Una to speak up when she felt ready.
"I didn't meant to run off like that." Una finally spoke-up. She lifted her head to properly face Luna. "I was so frustrated I couldn't get me Echo workin'. Even with the Minfilia's help." Her expression wincing. "I -ah- hope she wasn't angry with me leavin' like that."
Luna hummed in thought as she tried to find the right words. "She did seem upset, but I would surmise it was directed at herself. I gather she feels like she failed both of you."
"I'm the failure here." Una let out a pitiful sigh. "I'm startin' to wonder if it's worth the hassle to prove who I was. I mean what's there to remember? Just a failure that allowed Bahamut to blow up half the godsdamned world..."
The thud of Una's forehead hitting the table worried Luna, fearing the echo holder had injured herself. Her confession was somewhat concerning as well. Did all their returning Echo holders feel this way? Luna just might have to question Minfilia what exactly happened that night before the Calamity. Whatever Louisoix did that night was having unforeseen consequences to their members despite whatever good intentions he had.
"Uh… She alright?"
Luna turned to see Ula standing beside her. Despite also hearing the presence older Tayuun, the younger Tayuun remained collapsed on the table.
"For now, no." Luna did not bother to downplay her words. "What brings you here? Did Minfilia need me for something?"
Ula shook her head. "Minfilia received a linkshell call from Shtola. Looks like another successfully primal hunt by the boys."
"That's wonderful!"
"Sure is." agreed Ula. "Means all the practice was worth it." The proud tone was hard to miss. "Minfilia called Alex once she was done with Shtola. I left when they started making plans to meet outside thinking you would want to know as well."
Luna did appreciate the news as it was a relief to her as well. While she had had every faith in Noctis, she would still worry. Even with the news of the success, Luna still consider the possible aftermath. Did Noctis receive another arm from slaying Titan? She would most likely be accompanying Minfilia out again to ensure nothing untoward happened. Tedious but it was better to be cautious about these things.
A loud bang from outside the room manage to pierce through room's noise causing a complete stop to any conversations. Everyone's attention was directed at the entrance, wondering what was happening on the other side.
"What was that?" It was Una who voiced their thoughts having finally gotten up from the table.
The second bang had everyone on high alert now with the more combat-oriented members drawing their weapons. Luna and the two Tayuun's joined the rest of the occupants guarding the entrance.
"We have come for the ones who slayed Ifrit and Titan!" An unfamiliar voice shouted from the other side of the doors. "Bring them forth! And you may yet know mercy!" The threat was punctuated by another gunshot.
"Intruders!" Ula quickly realized. "Barricade the doors!"
The closest scions rushed to the entrance, using their bodies to fortify the doors. An impact from the other side elicited a grunt of effort from them and managed to open a small gap. Arrows and spells shot through the breach causing those in the room to dive for cover. Definitely not friendlies behind those doors.
"Put yer backs to it!" Draegawyda bellowed as the female roegadyn tackled the door allowing them to shut it completely.
Another crash threatened to open the doors but they were able to keep them closed this time. The rest of the free hands carried any free furniture available and used them to barricade the door. They had managed to buy some time to plan their next move.
"Non-combatants start teleporting out!" Luna called out the evacuation protocols.
"I can't!" exclaimed Tajih. "I can't feel the Aetheryte!" Others confirmed the same difficulty for them.
Luna tried using her linkshell but winced in pain as the whine of a feedback assaulted her ears. "Linkshell is not working either."
"How are they jamming us!?" Ula practically demanded.
Disrupting the linkshell system over an area was within the realm of possibility of a talented mage, but doing the same to the teleport system should be practically impossible. It would require a large disruption to the lifestream… or greater magics no normal mage possessed. The implications of it was foreboding.
"Twelvesdammit, we're trapped." Ula swore as she watched the door rattle.
"No we are not." countered Luna before she swiftly turned around and walked to far end of the room.
"We have a secret escape route?" Ula ordered the rest to continue the barricade before she followed Luna. "And it's behind this?" She referred to the cabinet containing visible fancy glass cups and containers.
"It needed to be somewhere everyone would be careful not to approach." Luna explained as she searched the sides of the cabinet. "Or put anything in front of."
"No one's gonna use those delicate things that's for sure." commented Ula.
There was a click before Luna stepped away the cabinet before it swung open. The two winced as they heard the glasses inside shatter when the cabinet abruptly stopped.
"They were just for show." defended Luna.
"Don't think anyone will care." Ula turned to the rest of the Scions not busy barricading the door. "Arenvald! Liavenne!"
The young highlander and elezen quickly presented themselves to Ula. "Lead everyone out and away from Vesper Bay. Get to the nearest settlement as soon as possible. Then find the Flames and tell them the Scions need help."
Despite his nervousness, Arenvald nodded in acknowledgement of his orders. "I'll come back with reinforcements."
"No." rebuffed Luna. "Stay with others, keep them safe. We will follow."
Liavenne tried to protest. "But what about-"
"Just do it." Ula cut-off the female elezen. "Lead them out."
At least this way their affiliated personel such as their merchants and the Students of Baldesion would remain safe. Luna wish she could say the same of their other members. When the last non-combatant entered the tunnel, Ula recommend Luna escape while she could.
She refused. "Minfilia is still out there." And so were others unaccounted for but everyone knew how valuable a target their Antecedent would be. To make her point, Luna closed cabinet returning in to its unassuming state as a container of broken glassware.
"Then we're staying as well." Dariustel spoke for the remaining scions.
"I'm not gonna to miss out fightin' them imperials." A'aba's tail flicked in excitement.
Draegawyda pounded her fists together. "Me neither."
"We need to give time for Arenvald and the rest to escape." Aulie voiced her concern
"I'm helpin' too." Una stepped forward. "I'm not missin' anythin' anymore."
"Then let's kick these intruder's arses!" Una cheered.
"And rescue Minfilia." Luna reminded her.
"That too!"
The Scions gathered at the entrance waiting for the inevitable breech. With one final crash, their makeshift barricade collapsed allowing the doors to burst open. The intruders poured into the room finally revealing their identity.
The Garlean Empire had attacked the Waking Sands.
The sound of battle echoed through the room as Scions and Garleans traded blows. Luna supported the front line with her healing magics along the similarly disciplined younger Tayuun. The older Tayuun easily fell into her role as commander of their small defense, calling out targets to focus on while simultaneously flinging her arcanist spells. The cramped entrance allowed them to hold the line with their meager forces. However the Imperial forces seemed innumerable, preventing the Scions from making headway inside.
A white blur jumped over their frontline, landing in the middle of the Scion's formation. A'aba was the fastest to react, pulling away from the frontlines to intercept the white armored figure. The white armored garlean spun away from the Miqo'te's attack and used the momentum to drive a heel kick right into A'aba, sending him to the floor. Before he could even recover, the white armored Garlean pointed the gun barrel underneath their forearm and shot A'aba piercing through his armor.
"A'aba!"
Luna was about to run towards him to provide healing when Ula grabbed to stop her. Luna heard a bullet whizz past her signifying how close she was to suffering the same wounds. Ula raised her grimoire to cast her spells but a well placed shot knocked the tome from her hands. It was either a fortunate occurrence on Ula's part, or an intended aim of the garlean. Despite the loss of her weapon, Ula stood protectively in front of Luna and Una.
Behind the white-armored figure, the Garlean soldiers quickly took advantage of the weakness in the front lines. Luna was helpless as she watched her comrades fall down one-by-one. Aulie got distracted by A'aba's demise and was blindsided by a garlean impaling her from behind. Dariustel's lance caught between Garlean's weapon and broke, leaving him unable to protect himself from the onslaught of attacks. Even Draegawyda fierce offense was eventually overwhelmed by enemy bombardment. In the end, only the three mages were left, held at gunpoint by the garlean in imperial armor.
"Where are the eikon slayers?" A female voice demanded.
"Definitely not above you." quipped Ula.
Puzzled, the garlean looked up and screamed in outrage as an emerald carbuncle landed on her faceplate. The construct clung onto the helmet as the garlean futilely tried to remove the distraction. The sight would have been comedic if it wasn't for the dire situation.
"Luna we have to evacuate now! It's too dangerous to go back in!" urged Ula. "Go!"
Before Luna could vocally agree, the Garlean soldier removed the helmet the carbuncle clung to, smashed it to the floor and shot the construct causing it to dissipate. The garlean leveled her gun at them again but was suddenly tackled by Ula.
"Ula!" her sister cried out.
Luna had to restrain the frantic Una in her arms to prevent her from foolishly joining the fray. As much as she hated it, Ula was right and she was sacrificing herself to give them a chance to escape. Unfortunately, Una wasn't cooperating making it a struggle to even move closer to the escape tunnel.
The next gunshot was practically deafening.
The white clad Garlean easily shoved Una away and delivered a kick to the abdomen sending the her skidding to the floor towards them. The shock caused Luna's grip to slacken allowing Ula to escape her grasp and scramble towards her downed sister. While Una cradled her sister's body, Luna heard the click of a gun priming to fire and caught the garlean pointing the barrel of her weapon at the two sisters.
"No!" Luna felt a surge of aether go through her.
Another gunshot echoed through the room but was followed by the ping of a ricochet. A clear barrier appeared in front of the Tayuun sisters and was quickly spreading at both sides. The Garlean shot another round at the barrier but found it was just as futile as before.
On the other side of the barrier, Luna was breathing frantically, her arm outstretched in front of her. She did not know how or why, but Luna willed the barrier to spread further, cutting the Garleans away from them. When the barrier extended from one side of the room to the other, Luna took calmer breaths as she tried to take control of the situation.
"Una-" Her voice slightly shaky. "-carry your sister and go."
"But, what about ye?"
"I- I believe I can keep the barrier up long enough to escape myself." Truthfully she had no idea but Luna really needed to convince Una. "But you will need time to carry your sister. Go." She repeated Ula final words at her sister.
Thankfully Una believed in her words and managed to start carrying her sister towards the tunnel. Luna could not see the sisters but she did hear the click of the cabinet opening and the shuffling footsteps entering the tunnel. Her view, on the other hand, was focused on the garlean on the other side of the clear barrier. With the slight pause in the battle, Luna was able to perceive the features of their armored attacker.
The Garlean had wavy platinum blonde hair that spilled all the way to her shoulders without the helmet. Her left eye was the only one visible as the other was hidden behind her hair, but the garlean third eye on her forehead was unobstructed. She would be a striking beauty but the hate and contempt colouring her features dulled it.
The Garlean officer inspected the barrier, most likely looking for a weakness but returned her gaze at Luna when she couldn't find any. A soldier ran up to white armored woman and saluted before speaking.
"My Lady, we've eliminated all their resistance and successfully captured their leader in one the rooms."
Luna felt a pit in her stomach at the news.
"Unfortunately," the soldier apprehensively continued. "There is no one present matching the descriptions of the eikon slayers."
The woman glared at Luna before she responded. "I shall see to the 'High Priestess' personally, and find out where our quarries have disappeared to. Kill everyone who resisted and the take the rest prisoner. As for her." The woman leaned forward so that Luna would clearly hear her. "Kill her and the rest of her cowardly lot."
The white armored woman left, leaving a line of soldiers at the other side of the barrier. There was no point in staying now. With a heavy heart, Luna turned around and ran as fast as she could through the escape tunnel. She could still feel the barrier's presence as she ran down the tunnel, preventing the garleans from immediately pursuing her. However, as she got further away, she could feel in starting to weaken. It wasn't going to last much longer.
Luna felt the barrier disappear altogether just as she exited the tunnel. In her rush to escape the tunnel, she was startled by the complete downpour that assaulted her. Her robes were starting weigh her down with the water it was catching. Unfortunately she had greater problems to worry about her drenched state.
She looked at the tunnel entrance and Luna knew what she had to do. With a wave of her wand, Luna drew on the earthly aether and pulled on the rocks forming the ceiling of the tunnel. The opening collapsed, completely sealing the exit. They wouldn't be able to pursue her now.
"Lady L'una!"
Luna to immediately pointed her wand at the caller before she realized it who it was.
"Una! Why are you still here?" Luna noticed she was alone. "Where's Ula?"
"I- I slipped 'cause o' the rain an' lost me grip on her." Una was ashamed to admit. "Then I heard the rocks and thought 'em Garleans caught up so I left her under some shelter. Gods, why did I do that! She's injured and needs help!"
"We all do." Luna wearily said. "But we must go before the Garleans find us."
Una lead her to where she had hidden her unconscious sister. One would have thought she was merely sleeping, but the blood staining her robes would have said otherwise. Unfortunately healing would have to wait. They needed to put as much distance as possible between them and the Garleans.
Luna assisted in carrying the injured scion as she lead them away from Vesper Bay and towards the nearest settlement. Hopefully they would be able to regroup with the rest of the absconded Scions.
"What do we do now?" asked Una over the downpour.
Luna shifted her grip on Ula. "We seek sanctuary."
A/N: Been a while but don't worry this fic isn't dead. We finally reach Titan now and Noctis and Alex are largely successful. For veteran players, they may have noticed things ended sooner than one would expect. It's a strange interaction between a primal arm and a glaring weakness on a primal. Regardless a win is a win.
However things are not all right. On the mainland, things are fairing poorly for the Scions. Next part will explore the aftermath of the events. Look forward to it.