The Scions Of The Seventh Dawn were branded as heroes. Lights in the dark for all of Eorzea and praised as though we were the twelve themselves. After the subsequent defeat of the Garlean Empire, Myself, Thancred, Y'shtola, Yda, Papalymo, Urianger, Alphinaud, and Minfilia….we were the heart and soul of the Scions. The inner circle within the circle that paved the way for what we once were. But as soon as our dreams had been realized, they came crashing down just as fast. The Crystal Braves, they...they were a contingency group made by Alphinaud with the selfsame goal as the Scions; the irrefutable salvation of Eorzea. However, they, and many others beside them had other plans. Plans to go against us for one man's dream, one man's purpose that wasn't too far off from our own. One man's hope of taking back Ala Mhigo. This man's name is Ilberd. And he's the one that turned fate itself against us. It all started with the poisoning and murder of Nanamo Ul Namo. From Sultanate of Ul'dah to corpse on the carpet at what they all said to be my hand….By my doing.
"The fabled Warrior Of Light turned murderer of the Sultana. Hero turned villain. Light turned to Darkness. It's a poet's story, really, and one that I'm sure you and your Scion friends will be ecstatic to hear the end of."
As she was thrown to the ground of the banquet hall, Dariya looked on as her comrades and friends were restrained by members of the Crystal Braves. Above her stood Ilberd himself, his dark blue eyes and greyish-white hair almost shining with the fire in Dariya's own gaze. The Crystal Braves were only made possible by Alphinaud Leveilleur, who was simply following in his grandfather's wishes for the salvation of this very star. However, as Alphinaud entered the banquet hall with his hands up and a blade to his neck, his eyes met Dariya's as she gave him a look of pure rancor. As far as she was concerned, this was his fault. All of this was his fault.
"Ilberd, you bastard! What is the meaning of this!?"
A gruff and low voice would call out to him as the leader of the Braves turned to face its owner. It was none other than Raubahn Aldynn, leader of Ul'dah's Immortal Flames and the man who swore his sword to Nanamo's side.
"You still haven't realized it, Eh? This is all for Ala Mhigo! Everything I've ever done has been for Ala Mhigo! This was never about the Scions, or the Braves, or for some bollock salvation of Eorzea. It's all been for taking back our homeland! I know you understand….brother."
Raubahn grit his teeth at the man before him, putting both hands on the hilts of his sheathed swords. It was true that for a time, Raubahn and Ilberd saw each other as brothers. They would fight and die for Ala Mhigo, or fight and die for Ul'dah in its stead. It had been moons upon moons since Raubahn last saw him, and to see Ilberd again as not a brother but an enemy...it made Raubahn wonder if it was worth fighting for Ul'dah in the first place.
"Do not coddle me as if I am still your kin! You turned your back on all of Eorzea, and for what!? Salvation!? Freedom!? This will not bring freedom to Ala Mhigo, this will only bring that same hatred and fire that the Garleans brought onto our homeland! You must understand, this is-"
Before Raubahn could finish his tangent, Y'shtola put a hand on his chest and pushed the general back. She stepped forward and faced Ilberd with balled fists and a reddened face. Needless to say, she was pissed off.
"Excuse me, general. With all due respect, words will not see through this shell of a man. You know what we must do."
"Rhul, what do you intend to-"
A sudden flash of light followed by a spear of aether shot at Ilberd from Y'shtola's wand, the man dodging narrowly to the side before lunging at the Miqo'te. Before he could strike her though, Raubahn jumped in front and blocked an overhead slash which was surprisingly hard to keep at bay. Ilberd had always been stronger than his brother, both physically and mentally with resilience to boot. It showed as hard as it hit in this coming battle, but luckily enough, Raubahn wasn't alone. From Ilberd's left came a ball of electric energy that hit him in the ribs and sent him flying into a wall, this magic being procured by Papalymo. Despite the 3 on 1 situation on Ilberd's end, more and more Crystal Braves began to flood the banquet hall with weapons drawn and eyes turning to the Scions Of The Seventh Dawn. As the influx of fighting began however, the antecedent ran to Dariya's side and undid the bindings on her wrists. Helping her to her feet, Dariya looked Minfilia in the eyes with a soft smile that the other girl had seen many times before. The same smile that made Minfilia's heart melt upon seeing her.
"Are you ok?"
"As ok as I can be. Though, I don't have my weapon...And where's Thancred?"
"Thancred will be ok. For the now, we must quit this place while we still can."
Dariya nodded in agreement with Minfilia's words and looked on towards the other Scions who fought the Braves. Y'shtola and Yda regrouped at their side followed by Papalymo, who looked at Minfilia with furrowed eyebrows.
"I for one agree with our antecedent. Leaving should be in our best interest!"
Alphinaud suddenly spoke with a slight hiss in his voice that preceded his obvious annoyance with the situation at hand. Dariya's eyes however stayed glued to the general of the flames, fighting off Crystal Braves and his so called brother with an anger and fire that she's never seen before. She grimaced at the thought of leaving him behind, but a part of her knew that he would be ok. This was Raubahn Aldynn, the Bull of Ala Mhigo. He wouldn't fall that easily.
"...L-let's go!"
With haste, the Scions Of The Seventh Dawn vacated the banquet hall and ran out into the Hustings Strip, Dariya giving Raubahn one last look which was received by a nod from the soldier. Then, when the doors of the hall closed, there was naught a sound to be heard on the other side. All that could be noted was the hopeful smile forming on the face of the Warrior Of Light. She was positive everyone would be ok. The Scions continued to make their way through the strip, going down a flight of stairs and making for the back exit that led into the alleyways of Ul'dah. Once outside, Yda and Papalymo both opted to stay behind and hold off any oncoming forces from the Crystal Braves or Brass Blades, and let the other Scions off to search for Thancred. Y'shtola and Daryia scoured the backends and crannies of the streets while Alphinaud and Minfilia checked unguarded buildings by the sides. Riots were happening all over the city, and the Scions didn't have much time as Ul'dah was slowly being put under siege by the combined might of the traitorous Braves and rebellious Blades.
"Thancred! Thancred!?"
Y'shtola called out into the streets to be greeted with mere silence. The rogue was of no use disappeared, and fear of the worst began to fill Y'shtola's mind. Dariya on the other hand had the same luck, not being able to find Thancred but spotting the stab-wound filled bodies of Brass Blades littering an alleyway. She called for Y'shtola and the two traversed down this path which continued on with the bodies of either knocked out or dead soldiers of Ul'dah. The two eventually found themselves outside the city, peering over what seemed to be a downward facing hill that led into a tunnel. Dariya nodded to the conjurer beside her and went inside, followed by Y'shtola and the other two Scions in due time. Within this tunnel was indeed Thancred, one of his two daggers being plunged into the neck of an unlucky soldier who came at him. He looked over towards the entrance of the tunnel with a frown, expecting more annoyances but being greeted by the people he considered his family. Thancred smiled in relief and put a hand on his hip, but a sudden slap across the face from Y'shtola galvanized his rather calm senses.
"Thancred! Where have you been!? We've been looking everywhere for you!"
"Well, as you can clearly see, I've been dealing with cleaning up some rather fervent admirers. Glad am I to see you all have found the tunnel. But what of tiny storm and tall fists?"
"Yda and Papalymo stayed behind to give us more time. However, time is running low. We have to get out of the city!"
Alphinaud would suggest in a panicked manner to which Thancred simply chuckled.
"My thoughts exactly, Leveilleur."
"Wait…"
Minfilia would say, having all heads turn to her in an instant.
"I shall stay behind. It is you they want, Dariya, and I must do my part as antecedent and keep you safe."
Thancred stepped forward and frowned, nearly balling both fists with a look of both confusion and anger.
"Minfilia! Staying behind now is completely out of the question! We should be leaving, all of us."
The antecedent simply shook her head and put a hand to her chest. The look on her face was genuine and unmoving.
"No, I cannot. I have stood idly by for too long and have done nothing for too long to have it last any longer. We together put a stop to the Garlean Empire last year, and I did nothing. We stopped Gaius Van Baelsar from unleashing the Ultima Weapon unto Eorzea, and I did nothing. I refuse to be coddled and treated as if I can do naught any more, so I shall stay behind and do something. At the least, Thancred. Please!"
The rogue looked down and grit his teeth in frustration. He raised Minfilia as if she were his own child, and he couldn't bear the idea of leaving her behind. She gave him a new life when he needed it, and he gave her one back when she lost her father 6 years ago. He wanted to stay with her, he wanted to keep her safe, but she was capable. She was ready. And he knew this for a fact. So, with a tight hug and a nod accompanied by shaky breaths, Thancred left down the tunnel with Y'shtola and Alphinaud in tow. However, Dariya felt a hand grab her wrist and stop her before she could go herself.
"Dariya….I never truly got to tell you how I felt about having someone like you in my life. From the day you became a Scion, one of the forebears of the wild rose, you have shown all of Eorzea that there is forever a shoulder to lean on within you. But not as a Scion, or a Warrior Of Light, do I wish to speak with you now. I want you to know that as a friend, I never gave myself the chance to show you just how much you mean to not only me, but everyone in all of Eorzea. You are our light, Dariya, and without you, well….We would be nothing."
Minfilia would speak while holding Dariya's hand and looking down with closed eyes. She wondered exactly what Minfilia meant with all this, and at a time like this, with so much emotion and passion put into it, she knew that Minfilia wasn't going to take back anything she said now.
That's when she kissed her.
Right then and there, Minfilia's soft lips collided with Dariya's and the Viera was sent into a state of shock.
"Now go. Catch up with them and clear our names. Fix this. Please."
Dariya sighed and put a hand near her mouth, still trying to process the sudden kiss from the antecedent. She smiled at her and with a final nod, she left the tunnel after the others. Luckily for Minfilia, Dariya heard the last three words she would hear of hers for some time.
"I love you."
And with that, the Scions exited the tunnel to the outside of Ul'dah and agreed to part ways for the time being. Thancred and Y'shtola headed off to the south while Dariya and Alphinaud went off towards the north.
However, as with most things, the Scions weren't left alone in their endeavors of escaping Ul'dah. And just like so, with most things, this was only the beginning.
One Week Later
"Is this thing loaded? Hey, Alenka, disarm this for me."
Two people stood over the unconscious body of Kan-E-Senna, Elder Seedseer of Gridania and one of the three figureheads for the Eorzean alliance. Lying on the ground beside them was a rifle, one of a Machinist class covered in green foliage and a muddy decal. It was nice and bright outside, and both figures knew that rain would come shortly after. However, as the taller one spoke just a few minutes earlier, he mentioned to his partner that this was for the sake of Eorzea. A "wake-up call", so to speak, For everyone thinking they can stand idly by and live in peace without doing anything themselves.
"If we really do this, we're gonna stir attention coming back into Gridania. We're the only people wearing stuff like this, And if the elder Seedseer is gone…"
One of the figures was a Miqo'te female, with short black hair and freckles covering the cheeks of the girls fairly pale skin. She had a look of mild concern on her features with her pearl black eyes constantly darting around. The other was male, A human. Tan skin with peachy hair and white highlights, alongside glasses and two different colored eyes. Both wore black, one a Thaumaturge and the other a Machinist.
"You're worrying too much. All we need to do is not show our faces. Sounds simple enough, doesn't it?"
The male stepped over Kan-E-Senna's unconscious body and grabbed his rifle, checking the waist belt he wore for all of his wiring equipment and mining tools. With everything in check, he turned the safety on his weapon and put it in his bag, zipping the compartment closed and slinging the brown bag over both of his shoulders.
"Besides, In the end, It's their fault for being so ignorant. I couldn't care less about the siege of Ul'dah or the prostitution in Limsa. That's their problem, and we have better things to do than fall down those rabbit holes."
He took one step and shrugged at his partner, that same gaze and grin following up which made her wonder how she even got herself into this situation. He began to walk off towards the north, setting a digital waypoint over his compass that would lead them to Ishgard. Their next step would be getting Ser Aymeric out of Ishgard so they can get inside, And this would do them wonders for their plan.
"..Hey, wait a second, ok Admes?"
"Huff...What now?"
He stopped in his tracks and looked back at the cat-girl.
"Look, I know this isn't your forte. You've more of an interest in history and advanced technology then political affairs and government happenings. But, we could get something out of this! Other than unlocking Crystal Tower, other than getting ourselves power. We could push all of Eorzea forward a generation, just the two of us! Besides, didn't you say yourself that this would be a wake-up call? That we would let all of Eorzea know they can't do this by themselves?"
Admes turned his back to the direction he was walking and fully faced Alenka. Lost in thought, He closed his eyes and rubbed the back of his neck. She was right about this.
"Y'know...You might be onto something, Alenka. But concerning ourselves with Ser Aymeric and Kan-E-Senna, What do we do now?"
Alenka placed her hands on her hips and closed her eyes, A small "Hmm…" sound coming from her while Admes waited for an answer.
"...Mor Dhona. We can just go to Mor Dhona and get everyone riled up there. Doing that'll get the attention off us, And we can move into Ishgard when they open the gates for reinforcements against the Dravanian attacks."
Admes chuckled at the sudden showing of stability that Alenka had in this situation. It was obvious she picked it up from him, But the Machinist was still impressed either way.
"Well then, I'll be letting you lead this operation in my stead. But we need a place to hold her.."
They both looked down at Kan-E-Senna. Admes then spoke.
"On second thought...I know a place."
12th Sun
Second Astral Moon
2:26 PM
Ishgard
The dark and desolate kingdom of Ishgard was a place for those without hope. Built on the foundation of war-fueled memories, The kingdom was once known for being completely secluded from the rest of Eorzea. Not wanting anything to do with the Battle Of Carteneau struck a chord in the alliance's efforts against the Garlean empire, And this, Along with Ishgards reoccurring dragon problem, Caused it's kings and queens to cave under pressure and cut itself off from the rest of the world. This is what led to today. After 10 years of silence, Ishgards gates opened themselves to the presence of three survivors. Ul'dah was under siege and the Scions Of The Seventh Dawn were divided, Leaving Dariya Lithos alongside her fellow Scions of Alphinaud Leveilleur and Tataru Taru to enter Ishgard and start anew. The Warrior Of Light, The Arcanist Scholar and the Scions secretary. Alphinaud was the only one out of the three who knew anything about Ishgard, As being a Scholar gave him the time and resources to learn what he needed to know for the days ahead. Even with the aid of House Fortemps-The highest ranking house in Ishgard-Alphinaud would rather be safe than sorry if things went south like they did in Ul'dah.
"Dariya? If I could humbly ask, Are The adventurers that you infiltrated Castrum Meridianum alongside still with us?"
Alphinaud made his way over to Dariya, Who was leaning up against a wall inside House Fortemps. She was lost in thought about everything that happened before they went to Ishgard, And the unknown fate of her fellow Scions kept her on edge. Upon hearing Alphinaud's question, The vieran girl opened her eyes and looked down at him.
"You mean Cyprus and them? Yeah, I...I spoke to them yesterday when we got to Ishgard. They're all fine, If you're wondering. I'm just thinking about where they are. It's obvious they know about what happened in Ul'dah, I mean, Everyone knows! Just…"
Dariya shoved her hands in her pockets and looked down, The gem on her head a dull grey instead of its original vibrant red.
"They were there for me when no one else was. So of course I'm worried, But…"
"Dariya, That's all you've been doing for the past three days is worrying. Ever since what happened at Ul'dah, you haven't had time to think about yourself and the things around you in the present. You've been put into this limbo of putting others before yourself as if you don't matter."
Alphinaud would point this out before Dariya could finish, Showing his obvious worry for the girl who was once deemed "Warrior Of Light".
"It's because I don't matter, Alphinaud. I was once the Warrior Of Light, The savior of Eorzea! And now, Because of Teledji Adeledji, I'm back to who I was before I even came to Ul'dah. Just some bunny girl with mental scars that'll never heal."
Dariya uncrossed her arms and looked at Alphinaud with an expression of worry and sadness, Before taking a couple steps and heading to the door of House Fortemps.
"I'm going to get some fresh air. Tell Tataru I said Hi."
"Wait, Dari-"
Before Alphinaud could finish, The door was already closed and Dariya was gone. The Scholar grit his teeth and looked to the side.
"Damn that Teledji Adeledji...Confound it all!"
In the room next to Alphinaud was Tataru, The secretary of the Scions and one of the last remaining members of the group at large. However, Like Dariya, Tataru was lost in thought and by herself. Seated on the edge of her bed with her hands folded and resting on her chin, Tataru had a lot of thoughts about herself going through her head. She was slowly becoming a pessimist, And things weren't looking good for her.
"Staying like this won't help anyone…"
She began to think to herself.
"It won't be long before all we do is fight, And i'll be more useless than I already am. Alphinaud and Dariya don't need me, But I can't just sit here! I need to find something, A style of fighting that suits me. Behind a desk isn't where I belong anymore. Ishgard isn't the type of place that would give me that opportunity."
Tataru pushed herself off her bed and looked out her door, Seeing Alphinaud walk back to his own room. This prompted the Lalafellin girl to exit her room and go out the front door, A couple of minutes after Dariya already left. Speaking of…
Outside, In the cold breeze of Ishgard, Dariya took in the sights for a moment with an exhale. She stood still, Thinking about where to go and what to do now that she was out of Eorzea the same way she came in: Alone. Well, That's at least what she thought and how she felt. So, She decided to head to Haurchefont in want of just a simple conversation. He's been there for her in the past, And after everything she's done for Camp Dragonhead and Coerthas as a whole, It wouldn't be too far out there to say Haurchefont would more than enjoy her company. As she left to console with the Ishgardian man, Two people watched her go from an alleyway right of House Fortemps. An Au Ra man of Ala Mhigan descent, Alongside a Hyur of Ala Mhigan descent. Two brothers, Both knowing of Dariya.
"So she made it out alive of Ul'dah it seems….I'd expect aught less from the Warrior Of Light. However, Something is amiss within her mind. I can sense it no matter how hard she tries hiding it….I know Dariya."
The Au Ran man spoke, Arms crossed and leaning against a concrete wall. His brother had his hands on his hips and sneered, Before letting out a chuckle.
"Why are you so worried about dead weight? Someone like her, Warrior Of Light? If the name means anything then she can handle herself."
This comment earned the second brother a punch to his shoulder from the Au Ra.
"Doubting her like that right after she saved your ass back in Meridianum? Sounds like someone's jealous that they're not the Warrior Of Light."
The Au Ra would tease, Grinning at his brother who scoffed and looked away.
"Shut up, Cyprus. It's not like I would want to be the Warrior Of Light. I'm better than her already."
"Keep dreaming, Stryker...Keep dreaming."
Cyprus uncrossed his arms and patted his brother on his shoulder, Before walking off into the alleyway.
"I'm going to the pub down this way. Do whatever you want."
Cyprus waved his hand at Stryker in a dismissive manner, Before running a hand across the wall next to him to a door. Opening this door, He entered the pub. It had a wooden floor with brown walls, Alongside a long countertop that sat in front of a row of 5 seats. Behind this countertop was a shelf full of glasses, Drinks, And cigars. Cyprus gave the bartender a wave which he received back, Pocketing his hands and taking a few steps inside. Sitting down at the 3rd to last seat, Cyprus turned his head to his left and saw someone seated next to him. A cloaked Lalafell.
"Give me your strongest. It's one of those days."
The Lalafell spoke, Lying their head down on their forearms on the counter. They lifted their head up to face the bartender, Which revealed the bags under their eyes and a dried scar going diagonally across their right eye. They then sighed and looked at Cyprus to their right.
"You're looking at me out of either pity or curiosity. Whatever the case, I'm not interested in a conversation."
"But you're the one who spoke to me first."
"I was proving a point, Dragon boy."
The Lalafell scoffed and paid a fee for his drinks, Downing what seemed to be an entire bottle of Ala Mhigan wine. Once dranken, The Lalafell dropped off the seat to the ground. However, Cyprus caught something.
"...Hmm?"
Cyprus saw the right wrist of the Lalafell, Raising an eyebrow at the sight. They wore two black wristbands which seemed to hide something underneath, And Cyprus recognized what it was immediately. The Lalafell walked off to the door, Opening it slightly until stopping at a call from Cyprus.
"Dutiful Sister's, Huh?"
"Tch.."
The Lalafell closed the door and hid their tattooed wrist, Gritting their teeth and sighing in frustration.
"Dutiful Sister's this, Dutiful Sister's that. I'm sick and tired of being compared to those traitors."
"...What'd they do to you?"
"Asking that question makes it obvious you don't know who I am."
The Lalafell pulled down their hoodie, Revealing their face fully to the Au Ran man. They had white pale skin with dark blue eyes and that scar over their eye. Their hair was black and slightly spiky, Slanted to the left side and covering most of his left eye and the scar.
"My name is Eniro. Well, It was Eniro. Not until I lost everything...Now I'm N. The Shadow Of Ishgard."
12th Sun
Second Astral Moon
2:41 PM
The Umbral Isles
Walking up a flight of stairs that lead to the top of the clocktower, Admes flipped a switch to his left that activated the power on a metal door. Behind this door was a workshop, covered in tools and blueprints for inventions being worked on by Admes himself. And in the middle of this room being held captive was Kan-E-Senna. As a "package" being verified by rogue Maelstrom soldiers, Admes was lucky to have certain connections on the inside. He pulled up a wooden chair to Kan-E-Senna and sat down on it, Facing her with a grin making her sick to her stomach immediately. Her wrists were tied behind a chair and her ankles were tied to its legs, So she couldn't move whatsoever and Admes had full control over the situation.
"You're even more beautiful just like that, Kan-E. However, I'm not here to take a good look at you as much as I wish I was. I can't help but feel this urge of impatience beating itself up inside my heart...And if you were there three days ago, which you were, you would know that impatience is one thing I hate having to feel. So let's make this quick, shall we love?"
Admes put a hand on Kan-E-Senna's right cheek, the woman gasping in fear as she couldn't take her eyes off of the man in front of her. Admes grinned ear to ear towards the Elder Seedseer, and she was paralyzed by fear at his presence. She had never felt an energy like one that came off of Admes, but despite this, he was right in the fact that she was in no position to look so angry.
"I'm going to ask you this question many, many times….But every time you refuse to answer, the worst your condition will get. If you care at all about your own well being or the City-state of Gridania, then you'll answer this question for me without hesitation. And besides, I wouldn't dare dream of ravishing this beautiful face of yours. Am I clear, Kan-E?"
He leaned closer to her and could see her pupils shaking. He could feel her breath, Cold and fearful, And her body was trembling in a feeling of weakened captivity. Admes couldn't ask for a better prisoner.
"...Now then, let's cut to the chase. Where is the Crystal Tower?"
Kan-E-Senna's look of fear would slowly change into one of anger, showing that she wouldn't give out the tower's location so easily. It was a sacred spot for the Alliance and one filled to the brim with history, so revealing where it was to a man like this...It could put the entire alliance in danger.
"I shall warn you boy, I am tougher than I look. Getting information like that out of me simply will not happen."
When she said this, Admes chuckled. He took it as a challenge, an excuse to break the Elder
Seedseer. An excuse to finally not hold anything back to get exactly what he wanted.
"Well then, If that's the case...Then this is going to be fun."
12th Sun
Second Astral Moon
2:43 PM
Ishgard
"If you don't know who I am, either you're not from Ishgard or you live under a rock."
Eniro slipped the wristbands covering his tattoo off and sat down besides Cyprus, ordering another drink.
"I never thought anyone would know about this tattoo, even less Its name. I've been stuck in this hell-hole of a city state without any hope of getting out, So someone with history on some familiar faces is always appreciated."
As he spoke, Cyprus raised an eyebrow in mild confusion. Hope? What was he talking about? The Au Ra turned to face Eniro and sat a little closer to the edge of his seat, tilting his head to indicate that Eniro should speak more.
"Huff...Fine. But let me give you a warning. If you say anything about this to anyone, then.."
Eniro reached into his jacket and pulled out a dagger, flipping it around and stabbing the bartender right in the throat. The man stumbled back and bled out, knocking over some glasses on the shelf behind him before falling to the ground, dead in cold blood.
"What I'm gonna do to you will be ten times worse than what I just did to him. Now where do I start?"
Eniro closed his eyes, Beginning to think before finding a starting point for his story.
Ah, Here we are….