Chapter 35: Prelude in Violet
It took her the better part of an hour for her to calm down. It all happened so fast and without warning that Alisaie could not help it. She just buried her face in Claire's clothes as she let out all the fear and anger that burned inside her. Claire didn't tell her to calm down or slap her awake like most would have done. Instead, she just pulled her into a comforting embrace and held on no matter what came out of Alisaie's mouth.
She brought her to the solar to where they were given some privacy and Alisaie could cry without being watched like she was on display. Claire didn't question her, didn't judge her… she just sat there and was just what she needed most at that moment. She was just kind.
Looking back, she realized how childish she had been acting and drew away as she rubbed her stinging, painful eyes.
"I'm sorry," she said when she finally pulled away from her and looked back through red and swollen eyes.
But Claire merely smiled and shook her head, not saying a word. What happened here would be just between the two of them. Alisaie forced herself to smile back as she rubbed her eyes, taking strength from her friend's calming presence. After taking several steadying breaths she was ready to face the others.
When they left the solar, they were swarmed by the others, asking what was going on and what happened to Y'shtola and Urianger, along with question on what they should do now.
Claire was the one who took charge, explaining what happened earlier that day and of the voice that somehow 'called' them away. For the time being, they were to look after the two of them and do their best to tend to their care while they try to discover what was causing this sleep.
Alisaie felt ashamed that she was leaving Claire to do all this on her own. Yet, was finding it hard to try and speak at this moment. It wasn't until most of them had returned to their own tasks, leaving just Hoary Boulder there, was she able to find her voice. He was just promising them that he and several others would take shifts in watching over the Archons and that they won't leave them alone for a single moment.
"So don't you worry," he was saying soothingly. "If there is any change at all, you two will be the first to know."
At last, Alisaie forced herself to speak. Though, instead of thanking him, she could only mutter, "Forgive me, that was unseemly display…"
She didn't look at them, merely looking down at the floor as she apologized.
"It happened before your very eyes, my lady," Hoary Boulder said sympathetically. "None here would have behaved any differently. We have borne the two of them to a private chamber. But tell me, is it true that Master Thancred languishes in a like state in Ala Mhigo?"
"I'm afraid so," Alisaie said, forcing herself to look up, though looked at Hoary Boulder's shoulder, rather than look him in the eyes. "Though, given the circumstances, it would seem best to observe them together. I will send word to Lyse that he should be brought here."
"Take heart, my lady," Hoary Boulder said bracingly, giving her a clap on the shoulder, "The world is full of scholars and knowledgeable folk of every persuasion. Someone out there is bound to know what ails our comrades, and how it may be cured. Thus will we rouse them—no matter what."
That was true. They weren't without options. Still, how were they able to find a way to help them when they weren't entirely sure what was causing this slumber?
Refusing to give up that easily, though, she gazed him in the eyes this time and said firmly, "That we will, Hoary. That we will. But first things first—our comrades will have questions. May I ask that you explain the situation to them? I must attend to a private matter."
Hoary Boulder saluted and left, promising to inform the others of what was going on and that they would make sure that Thancred would be brought back safe and sound.
As he left, Claire asked, "What matter?"
Alisaie sighed before looking back to her and confessed, "Oh, I promised I'd visit someone in Limsa Lominsa. He's been waiting at Maelstrom Command for a while now." She thought it over and added, "…You know, you should come along too. I think he'd be glad to see you."
In all honesty, she wasn't sure she could handle being alone at the moment. And she was grateful when she saw Claire nod and took her clammy hand in her own warm and strong one. Alisaie could feel the soft skin with the callous and scars that covered her palm and fingers as she squeezed back.
She let Claire take the lead and pulled her from the Rising Stones. She closed her eyes until she felt the movement stop and before she knew it, her feet were upon stone as the sound of waves filled her ears and a salty breeze hit her face. She opened her eyes to be standing in the very square of the Limsa. She leaned her head against Claire's shoulder as she allowed her friend to place a comforting arm around her shoulders and guide her from the square to the upper decks.
She let her eyes close as she listened to their footsteps on the stone and comforting sound of waves below them with the occasional cry of a seagull. She could smell wondrous foods a short distance away and knew they had just passed by the Bismarck. Though those smells soon faded when the scent of whiskey filled her nostrils
As she thought, when she opened her eyes, they were passing through the Drowning Wench, ignoring some of the catcalls from the drunks who were drinking themselves stupid.
"Men," she said with a roll of her eyes and a faint shadow of a smile on her face.
Claire merely tightened her hold around her shoulders and rubbed her arm as if she were cold. Alisaie didn't mind, she needed this comfort as she breathed in Claire's scent of faraway lands, fragrant flowers, and of fresh air. She found that she loved this smell more than any kind of perfume and breathed in deeply as she slowly felt some of her dread and panic from before leave.
When they were just outside Maelstrom Command, Alisaie finally left her side and went before a Maelstrom private and made her request. She looked back to Claire and explained what was going on.
"As you've probably guessed, its Ga Bu we've come to see," Alisaie explained sadly to her, "The private here will bring him out to us." The private nodded as Alisaie went on, "Ever since the Maelstrom took him in, I've tried to visit as often as I can. And after what befell our friends, I was taken by the urge to visit again. It's… difficult to explain."
Claire merely gave her a kind smile as the Private saluted and left them.
Perhaps it was because the idea that she had seen those she cared about struck down before her… feeling helpless to do anything to be able to save them… much like how little Ga Bu was… that drove her to understand the pain that the tiny kobold felt at that moment.
When the Private returned with Ga Bu, Alisaie felt some sense of relief as the tiny creature waddled after the private. He seemed very much like how she last visited him. She knew that he was being well cared for by the others in the Maelstrom… after having explained the situation, the Admiral seemed to have taken it upon herself to make sure that Ga Bu was treated with every kindness.
While she was glad to see that he was clearly being looked after, there was no denying the air of sadness that still clung to little Ga Bu as he trotted over to them.
"Here he is, m lady," the Private said before looking sadly down at the little kobold. Alisaie smiled tiredly as she knelt down to almost eye level to him.
"Ga Bu… it's been too long," she said kindly to him.
Yet, he didn't answer her. In fact, he barely even looked at her as the Private sighed at the sight of it. She knelt down next to him as she explained sadly, "I'm afraid there has been no change. If he can see or hear us, he has given no sign…"
The two looked at each other; both knowing that she meant that there were no signs to indicate that Ga Bu had been tempered or not. They couldn't tell if this silence was as a result of being tempered by the primal or by the shock and trauma of the sight of his parents…?
Alisaie tried not to think too much on that before she nodded.
"I see," she said before looking down at Ga Bu again and said, "You're still fighting."
At last, the little kobold looked up at her with his beady eyes and she told the little one honestly, "I'm proud of you."
The private stood and saluted, promising to be back when they were done visiting. After she left, Alisaie went on speaking to Ga Bu, telling him, "We promised that we would come and visit you together, didn't we. Alphinaud and I. I'm sorry that we haven't managed that yet."
Right, because she had been off in Doma for the most part before rushing straight back to Ala Mhigo to free it from oppression. And then being struck by Fordola before the final battle? She had been stuck in a bed for the longest time before heading back to Doma?
They certainly have been busy, haven't they?
She felt Claire watching and she said to her, "You know, with the three of us like this, does it not remind you of that night?" She glanced up at her to see that there was starlight glowing about her like a halo as she said, "Of the stars beyond count, twinkling in the heavens? I was feeling pretty low back then. Powerless. But I knew that my brother was close by if I needed him. And that the others would be waiting for me back at the Rising Stones."
She then frowned as she looked down and added, "Not like now."
Claire didn't speak as Alisaie fought within herself to figure out what was hurting her the most.
"I've seen my share of trouble since coming to Eorzea," she said, sounding slightly choked up as the events that led her to this point played out in solemn precession in her head. "Been reminded again and again of my limitations—of how little I can change about this world. And I've come to know the sorrow of parting all too well."
She had wanted to grow stronger to protect those that she held dear the most. And that was why she trained so hard with the art of the Red Mage. She was determined to learn however much she could so that she wouldn't lose anyone else that she loved.
But now…?
It just felt that no matter how hard she tried… she couldn't protect anything or anyone she loved.
She screwed up her eyes as she said mournfully, "But to have the people I hold dears truck down before my eyes, and be powerless to help them…? That—That I cannot bear."
What was the point if she kept losing those she loved the most? To be forced to sit back and watch those she cared about being struck down and she was powerless to help them?
"You still have me," Claire's kind voice reminded her and brought her back to reality.
That was true. She was right… she wasn't alone in this. If Claire had also fallen into slumber like the others…? She couldn't even bear the thought. She was still here with her, able to and willing to help her through this.
"And for that I am grateful," she said sincerely as she looked up at her, giving her the first true smile she had in a long time, "I don't know what I'd do without you."
She looked at Claire's warm green eyes that shone through the darkness around them and she felt a sense of safety and strength rise up within her… as well, strangely enough, a faint blush on her cheeks as she stood up.
With a hand on her hip, the pain in her heart fading slightly so that she felt much lighter before speaking in a more upbeat tone, "Well, that's more than enough brooding for one day. Come on. We have friends to save."
She rubbed her eyes a little, a new hope blazing in her chest like a beacon as she was ready to get down to business. They were still here, they were still fighting. They would find a way to help her brother and the others. They just had to find a way.
In other words, they had a lot of work to do.
They looked back down at Ga Bu, both of them promising to visit him again as soon as they could and they promised that they would continue to look after him here.
Claire, bless her, then reached into her bag and pulled out some ores she harvested while in Doma and held them out to Ga Bu, telling him of the kind of lands she had been to that gave her such stones. At that, Ga Bu seemed to have a spark of interest as he took the chunks of ore and held them up with his tiny paws.
"I'll be happy to come back with more for you," Claire told him as she patted the top of his head. "You just focus on getting better."
Ga Bu didn't answer her, but perhaps there was some new sense of peace that seemed to radiate off her that brought him comfort. Soon though, the Private returned and took Ga Bu back inside as the two of them set off together.
"Let's return to the Rising Stones and take it from there," Alisaie offered as she took Claire's hand and led the way back this time, determined to remain strong.
Claire remained with her for the rest of the night, once more sharing the same room, though she didn't get much sleep. Claire sat up with her on her bed as she wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder, humming a song she did not recognize under her breath until she felt herself starting to doze off. Alisaie kept waking and drifting off for most of that night… one minute she would be leaning her head against Claire's shoulder as she heard her song put her to sleep. Only to wake soon after that to where Claire would start her song again and she would drift off once more.
It would be morning before she realized that she hadn't gotten much sleep, but had no desire for more.
"I'm sorry," she told her, looking up to Claire's tired expression. She was out of bed and insisted that Claire get some sleep this time around before she went on with her sudden duties as the acting leader of the Scions.
She never liked being given a leading role—yet with no other options, she was willing to try. Up till now, they've had their fellows to fall back on. When she couldn't think of where to go or what to do, they were there to help give her advice on their next course of action. Yet now… save for Claire, she was on her own. Nobody was left to give her instructions and it was more than she could take.
Now that her brother and the other Archons are gone… they were looking for leadership. With their souls ripped from their body and now she felt more alone than ever before with the thought that they may be gone forever.
That was where she came to a painful understanding. She couldn't expect the Warrior of Light to be able to led them and continue on with her own responsibilities. No, that wasn't fair to her or anyone else. The time came that she would have to step up.
For right now, she would focus on all that she had at her disposal and figure out the best course of action. Later that day, when Claire had emerged from the room, still looking tired, but better than before, Alisaie came before with a forced smile.
"I did some thinking on the way back, and I think Hoary is right: we need to seek outside help," Alisaie said, "Ordinarily, we would turn to our own experts on such matters, but they're both among the stricken…"
There was an awkward silence as she took a deep breath, determined not to cave now. This was just the first day… the first day was always the hardest. And she had cried enough times already.
"I will begin by reaching out to the myriad guilds and research institutions here in Eorzea," Alisaie said, "Additionally, Grandfather and Minfilia had a wealth of connections between them, and I mean to explore those avenues too. We'll find a way to save everyone, mark my words. Much and more has happened in recent days. Some of it for the good, some… not so."
They had a lot of worries and fears coming for them in the upcoming days. But she would have to be ready for them. She wasn't sure if she was making the best choices here, but they were hers and she was determined to find the right path for them to take. And knowing that she had someone's support here was enough to give her the strength she needed. She was going to complete the quest she begun the moment she left home. She was going to win this battle… she had yet to find a fight she was willing to run away from, and she wasn't going to start to now.
"But all around me, people continue their fight. From the shinobi who search for Alphinaud to the Alliance members who make ready to move against the Empire, they march on in the face of great adversity, bearing heavy burdens," she said, "Everyone is playing their part… and so must I."
She looked back up at Claire, and added, "You have your own part to play, I know, and it's bigger than most. So I won't keep you. Just promise that you'll visit from time to time, and I promise I'll have good tidings to share with you when you do."
Claire nodded and promised, "If you need me, I'll be just a linkpearl call away from you."
Alisaie gave her a watery smile and before she could stop herself, she flung herself into another hug, holding on as tightly as she could. Claire hugged her back, and perhaps she was imagining it, she thought she could feel a slight tremor in her hands as she returned the hug.
Perhaps she wasn't the only one who was scared of what may or may not come?
But she could at least go on for them both until they found the answers they needed together. The Warrior of Light needed to be out in the world and reaching for the stars. Not being held here in this one place and delegating duties.
They would find their answers in their own way.
Yet as Alisaie waved goodbye and watched her friend leave, she couldn't help but let some thoughts cross her mind.
Anyone with sense would tell her that she had been through much in the last few days alone. In fact, by all rights, maybe she shouldn't still be alive after all that's happened. Yet, all that she could do was wake up every morning, thank the gods for giving her that day, and continue on forward.
But she saved her deepest thanks for the greatest gift of all.
Alisaie only watched as Claire turned and gave her a kind smile and a bow of her head before she left the room. Alisaie came to believe that if there was one thing that the Warrior of Light taught them, it was that maybe their own problems weren't as great as they believe them to be. That sometimes all it took was opening your mind to different possibilities and seeing it from a new angle that brought about the greatest change for them.
She believed with all her heart that the Warrior of Light was an angel… for she could see the angel's wings every time she looked at her.
*Alphinaud*
Alphinaud would be lying if he said that he wasn't grateful to have left the seemingly endless hills of sand far behind him as they crossed over into more grassy hills with scattered trees. After spending days wandering about in that wasteland, he couldn't hide the sigh of relief at the sight of green on the horizon and knew they had finally made it out of the Burn.
Still, he had been keeping a close watch on the man who insisted on calling himself the Shadowhunter. From the moment they headed off from the crash site, he had studied their saviors very carefully. He was definitely of Garlemald descent thanks to the third eye upon his head, and was no stranger to military actions with how he ran his comrades. Yet, there weren't that many people who were able to wield gunblades like that one—and this man was able to use it effortlessly.
He barely spoke the entire trip out of the Burn, other than some passing orders to his fellows, continuing on ahead. Every once in a while he would have them stop and rest—though not for himself. He would stand guard as he allowed the rest them to rest. They had a few canteens of water, some dried meats and fruit that they shared with them which was a welcome relief. Yet as the rest of them rested, Alphinaud watched how the Shadowhunter would stand apart from them and surveyed the area. Alphinaud was starting to wonder if he ever slept.
At the end of the first day when the sun was going down, the Shadowhunter led them to the remains of Allagan ruins, which startled Alphinaud. How could there be ruins of Allag all the way here? He tried to reason that, at one point, Allag had once covered nearly all of the world. Still, it was a startling surprise to find the remains of what appeared to be generators here in the Burn.
"You are certain they are generators?" Maxima asked as he sat down next to him as they gratefully recovered.
"I have seen similar such structures before," Alphinaud explained as he tended to the wounded members of the crew who crashed with them. "I may not be up to par with the masters, but I am reasonably educated with them."
Speaking of Maxima, he seemed to be both nervous and uncertain if they could trust the Shadowhunter. Yet, it seemed to him that he was more wary if not knowing who this man was that bothered him.
"Only the very highest of ranking soldiers carry such weapons," Maxima told him one night as they ducked down in a cave and the Shadowhunter stood guard at the entrance. "And after seeing him wield it, he has clearly used it for a long time. Yet, that seems to be an older version of the gunblade that we use today…?"
Meaning that this man had certainly been a part of the Imperial Army at one point, and quickly rose through the ranks. Yet, that also seemed to have been some time ago and as far as Maxima knew, there were very few high-ranking soldiers who still used such a weapon to this day.
This man was a mystery. That much was certain.
That was the way it was for the next six days as they continued to cross over the rest of the Burn on foot. Once in a rare while they would see what looked to be a Garlean scouting party… either searching to discover what became of their ship… or the ones who had set out to make sure they never reached their destination.
Thankfully, they were able to hide within the more rocky parts of the Burn. The Shadowhunter certainly seemed to know his way around here and was no stranger to battle as he dealt with every kind of creature that came at them.
He hardly spoke the entire time. In fact, aside from orders from time to time, he did not speak at all until they finally made it out of the Burn and enter more grassy hills and scattered trees. Alphinaud was so happy to leave all that sand and dry rock behind them that he didn't even realize it when the Shadowhunter spoke up in a gruff voice.
"There is a Resistance encampment up ahead," he said. "They should be able to give us some information to what is happening."
"Forgive me, but why were you all in the Burn to begin with?" Alphinaud asked, startled that it took him all this time to ask that question.
"We have heard that there is great unrest in Garlemald," he answered without bothering to look back at him. "And even more so when we learned of a large airship making its way across the Burn, heading to Doma. We decided to see if we could look into it."
"And that was when you found us," Alphinaud nodded as he thought it over a little more. "So these Resistance Fighters, are they…?"
"From one of the provinces ruled by the Empire," the Shadowhunter confirmed. "After learning of Doma's and Ala Mhigo's recent liberation, they were inspired to fight back."
"I see," Alphinaud said, wondering if he could possibly be able to get a message back to the Scions at this point.
The Shadowhunter suddenly paused and looked to Maxima and the surviving members of the crew and informed them that they may not be welcomed to this encampment—obviously being members of the Imperial Army.
Maxima agreed with this, saying that the last thing he wanted was to cause unnecessary fear and alarm for anyone. Alphinaud had grown to quite like Maxima and promised that they would be back for them as soon a possible.
He glanced back at the Shadowhunter to see if it would be alright for him to accompany them. In all honesty, he looked as if he could care less what he did.
Maxima looked a little more apprehensive about this and told him, "I understand. We will await your return. But please be careful, Master Alphinaud. I would hate to see something happen to you. And we are not in safe territory."
"I am not Garlean," Alphinaud reminded him. "I wish to speak with them myself. Do not worry, my friend. I will be on my best behavior. We will return to you soon."
So, leaving Maxima and the others in a safe place to rest, he journeyed with the Shadowhunter and his comrades a fair distance of a few malms before they came to the foot of a steep, rocky hill. The hill then led up to a small enclave in the rock to where he could see tents set up.
He made to move forward, yet the Shadowhunter unexpectedly held out his hand to stop him. Startled, Alphinaud looked up to see the man's eyes narrowed dangerous, almost sniffing the air with suspicions.
"Something's wrong," he said, "We should not be able to approach this closely without being met with a guard."
They moved closer, but more cautiously. Alphinaud could feel a terrible sensation in his stomach as they approached… and saw several masses lying on the ground.
His jaw fell open before asking mournfully, "What in the world…?"
It was worse than he could have thought. There were bodies scattered about the tents. All of them laying there as if struck down where they stood and not realizing what had hit them. Alphinaud ran up and looked down at the closet person, hoping that he could help somehow… yet he knew better when he dropped to his knees next to the lifeless body. These people were long dead… their faces pale as death and cold as ice.
They had been dead for a short while… a full day at least. Already showing signs of decay and he shook his head as he fought the urge to cry.
Yet the more reasonable and calm part of his mind was trying to figure out what was going on. He realized how strange these bodies were…
"Dead…" he whispered, in shock, "All dead. Yet I see no wounds, nor any evidence of battle…"
Indeed, there was no physical harm done to any of them. No signs of blood or even cuts… no signs of being killed by magic either… He looked up to their encampment and saw that it was still in one piece. No signs of having been burned or ransacked. Now that he realized it, he could see that some of the people had fallen where they were busy doing various chores. There were a couple of them lying next to a fire pit that had long since been burnt out. There were remains of food that were set up next to them as if about to be put into a stewpot. And nearby, there were some men having dropped an armful of weapons and supplies that had scattered about as they were dropped without warning.
It was as if they all dropped dead while cleaning up camp.
Alphinaud then looked up to the others, all of them examining bodies as they walked through the ocean of death. They weren't talkative ones either, but from the looks on their faces, he knew what they had discovered. No survivors.
Shaking slightly, Alphinaud slowly stood up, staring at the woman's dead eyes and felt anger boiling inside him.
"Damn them," the Shadowhunter growled next to him, getting his attention, "They finally used it."
Alphinaud looked up at him as he turned his gaze off to the distance.
"The Empire developed an alchemical weapon in Gyr Abania," he explained, sensing Alphinaud's eyes upon him. "A gas. 'Black Rose', it was called, and to breathe it is to breathe your last."
"And that did this?" Alphinaud asked quickly, feeling sick at the thought.
The Shadowhunter didn't confirm or deny it. Instead, he turned his gaze away from him as he muttered, "I thought the project abandoned, and its vile fruit destroyed. But naught else could have wrought such an atrocity."
He stared down at the woman's lifeless body and Alphinaud could see the same anger that burned inside him rage in his eyes as well.
"Fools…" the Shadowhunter added darkly with anger, "What do they hope to gain with this butchery? Can they not see that a rule won through terror will not endure? How many more provinces must they lose!?"
Just then he paused, as if remembering something and shook his head. He looked to the skies and added, as if trying to convince himself of this, "Nay… wait. This is not the work of men, but monsters. The Ascians. It cannot be a coincidence that their trail led us here. Their objective was never to rule, but to sow strife and discord."
After all that he had seen the Ascians cable of, it would not surprise him to think that they would resort to such disgusting methods. And with such a weapon, they could use it on Eorzea at any moment.
"Such a crime does indeed bear the mark of the Bringers of Chaos," Alphinaud agreed darkly as the idea of such a weapon plagued his thoughts. Even the mightiest warrior would fall prey to such poison.
The mightiest…?
"Black Rose cannot be allowed to kill again," he said determinedly. "We must find the Ascians and put an end to their plot."
The Shadowhunter observed him through those cold eyes, as if trying to see if he was serious or not. Alphinaud did not look away, however. He glared back up, ready to walk to the ends of the earth and back if that was what it took to prevent this poison from being unleashed again. Finally, the Shadowhunter nodded.
He turned and left without a word, leaving Alphinaud to follow after him in silence as they headed deeper into the lands that were still ruled by the Empire.
The man was as silent as Claire was, only his presence did not bring with him the warm reassurance that hers brought.
Since he last spoke to her, he found her always at the forefront of his mind. He was wondering if they heard about their ship going down in the Burn by now? He reached up to his linkpearl and tried again to contact her. But he may as well not have bothered for all the good it did. He panted slightly as they continued on their long walk through the wilderness, already discussing their next course of action.
"How far are we from Garlemald?" he asked after nearly another hour of silence.
"We will rest soon," the Shadowhunter told him. "Though only for a short while. It's not safe to stay in one place for too long. And if we keep up at this pace, we'll be outside the capital in less than three days' time on foot."
That was good news for them, and he nodded in gratitude as he wiped at his brow. The sun soon set completely and the Shadowhunter felt that it was safe enough to be able to catch their breath. They returned to the others, informing them of what they found. They would stay until everyone regained their strength before moving on further into the lands to Garlemald.
"Why don't you get some rest?" Alphinaud suggested at one point to the Shadowhunter as he took his usual position as guard. "I don't think you've rested once since we met?"
"I am fine," the man retorted, "I will wake one of my comrades should I grow tired. Now rest. I will not be making it easy for you if you chose to continue with us."
Alphinaud wanted to argue, but knew better. He wasn't sure if he could trust this Shadowhunter yet, yet he also knew that they needed answers. He would stay with them until he figured out what the best course was to make right now. Alphinaud's body was exhausted and after he had his share of food, he laid down, feeling the aches and pains the previous week had brought him.
Yet sleep did not come right away.
He laid on his side as he looked up to the sky to where a tiny sliver of the moon shone through the clouds. Not as clearly as he had seen in Doma or Eorzea… most likely due to pollution he was sure would be waiting for them in Garlemald. Yet it was still clear enough for him to see the tiny sliver looking back down at him like a cheerful grin.
So beautiful and yet so far away from him…?
Much like someone else.
More than once he wondered about Claire and the mystery of her past. She speaks little of herself, and never about her past. He couldn't help but wonder just what was there that she avoided at such costs?
No, he needed to focus on what was happening now. He couldn't allow himself to fail again like he did with the Crystal Braves. Though that was all in the past at this point, he could not help but think back on his regrets. She stood by him the entire time… supported him when he knew he didn't deserve it. Did she ever fault him for what happened to their friends? He couldn't bear the thought if she did, not now after relying on her to be his pillar of strength.
But what concerned him now more than anything else was… without him there… who else would be there to fret for her wellbeing? It was hard to believe there was ever a time where he saw her as a mere pawn that he sent out to battle for him.
How foolish he was. She's become more than that—more than he ever thought was possible for him to feel—and it was about time he proved that. He thought back to the idea of his newest Carbuncle and smiled slightly as the beautiful creature sprang to mind.
As every true Arcanist knew… Carbuncles were the very core of the craft of Arcane. These creatures were created to fulfil various roles depending on what was summoned. The Emerald Carbuncle cast offensive spells while Topaz Carbuncles drew a foe's attention onto them.
In the past he created his Carbuncles out of a desire to grow stronger and to fight alongside his friends. But this one was the strongest one he created so far. His Moonstone Carbuncle… He created Moonstone to protect and aid someone in battle. In a sense… this was the embodiment of his love… for her.
But even that will not be enough. He feared over every challenge she was forced to face. Though he had grown stronger, it wasn't enough. He does it for her sake… unable to bear the idea of failing her any more than he already had. He said that he fought for Eorzea, and he meant it. Yet his desire to become stronger wasn't just for any nation or even for his grandsire… not anymore.
He would have to learn more… become stronger. Because he was doing this for her. She had given him a reason to fight. She offered him more than he could ever hope to return to her. He hugged his arms as if cold as he remembered the night he found her in the Churning Mists… where they spoke about another pair who loved each other more than life itself.
Shiva and Hraesvelgr… standing almost on opposite ends of mortal and immortal… one seemingly ordinary, the other with the might of a god.
"Just wondering how Saint Shiva felt to know that she loved someone whom she knew they could never be together with," he said had said that night. "At least, not forever."
"I think that Hraesvelgr didn't mind what she was," she offered. "He said so himself that he loved her for her passionate spirit, despite the fact that she was mortal. And their love put an end to a war… that has to mean something. Not a day goes by that she isn't on his mind."
He smiled faintly at those memories. He wondered if that was how she felt about him?
Either way, the time had come for him to step up even further and continue the fight. He would protect her no matter what came next.
Her parting words to him rang in his head.
"I believe in you, Alphinaud," she told him.
He had set out in hopes of finding a way to ease the burden on her shoulders and to protect her. Now here he was, stuck in a wilderness with strangers he wasn't sure he could trust yet. He curled up on the ground, thinking of her face and feeling a sense of calm take over him as he looked into those eyes…
There were faces that one only had to think of to feel at ease and hers never failed to bring his troubled mind to rest. He hoped that she and everyone else was safe. That she and his sister were looking after each other. If it was just one of them, he would have been worried, but the idea that both had each other to support and lean on if they needed it? Brought much relief to him.
To Be Continued…
(I felt that we needed to end on a little romance ;) But we are finally caught up with Stormblood! So, for the time being, this story is over until patch 4.5. I will post a couple bonus chapters later on while we wait for the next patch, so if there is any scenes or ideas that you want to suggest to me, please let me know. And for the couple of you who are asking if Alisaie is developing feelings for the Warrior of Light? That's my secret.)