Summary: Chose to redo the story and really liked how it turned out. Part 2 will be out in a little bit. Do not own FFxiv: well, I bought the game, so technically I do. But I don't, get it? Also, some spoilers and while some is canon, it is also my own ideas and thoughts.

Hades Remembrance: Their Soul, His Promise

Laying eyes on the Warrior of Light for the first time, Hades recognizes the soul of his best friend from their days in Amaurot. He also notices a discrepancy with the soul, other than the sundering of course and remembers his friend's decision to remain neutral with the summoning. And makes a promise he intends to keep.

Hades wanted to reject what he was seeing. He really, really did. He tried convincing himself that he was hallucinating it. That thousands of years of yearning for the way things once were, was to blame. He tried, but he couldn't. Why? Because he had seen the Life Stream since the beginning. He saw the souls and instinctively recognized or identified the soul, It was his way. His duty, as over seer of the Life Stream. So he knew it wasn't a hallucination or a fantasy. That unique, golden soul was real. It was real and 8/14ths of the way complete. A ninth of itself following it around. He knew this soul, as bright as it was with Her blessing. Her curse.

It had been 12,000 years since he last laid eyes on it. But he was laying eyes on it now. Now of all times. The one before him, of all people. To think She would be this cruel, even to a follower of Her other half. He shook his head, heart heavy as the tainted aether blocked some of their soul after the first Light Warden of the First was defeated. How long had he wished to see this soul once more? Only for it to belong to the Warrior of Light. The Eikon and Ascian Slayer? His enemy, for all intents and purposes considering the two were on opposite sides now. And why? Why were they saturated in Her blessing? They had been against summoning Zodiark. But even when he did help summon the Eikon, his friend had still been with him. And they had been against summoning Hydalyn as well. He remembered the day his friend told him their thoughts on the matter.

'Hades- Emet-Selch his title- overlooked the remains of Amaurot from his tall perch. Since Zodiark's summoning, there had been a peace settling over Amaurot. Yes their world was utterly wrecked, but they had a plan for that. They still needed a little bit of time to get their plan in order, but Hades had faith that they would succeed. Although, the word around was that a second faction was planning on summoning another Eikon to fight Zodiark. Hades lips pursed. They couldn't have that.

He didn't want to think about it, but Lahabrea had mentioned something to Emet-Selch after their meeting earlier that day. 'Emet-Selch. A moment please.' Lahabrea told him as he made to leave the meeting room.

"What is it Lahabrea?" Emet-Selch asked with a sigh. He wasn't a big fan of the older amaurotine. Then again, there were only two amaurotines he really liked. One of which was his best friend. And apparently the one Lahabrea wished to speak with him about.

"There is word of a second faction that wishes to summon Lord Zodiark's opposite. They wish to destroy our leader and ruin our chances to bring back our fallen brethren."

"That is upsetting." Emet-Selch conceded. His brow furrowed. "Why are you telling just me this?"

"Your...friend. They were against summoning Zodiark." Lahabrea began. "I was wondering...is there a possibility that they are apart of this faction?" He asked carefully, knowing Emet-Selch was not one to cross. And the quickest way to do that, was by involving the amaurotine's best friend in something you shouldn't. The narrowing of the other's golden eyes was evidence that Lahabrea was already too close to the line.

"I doubt they would be. But I'll be sure to consider other options." Emet-Selch drawled opening the door to leave. He halted and looked back. "Have a good day Lahabrea." Emet-Selch's steely voice floated to the other. The door slammed shut behind Emet-Selch.

Now though, Hades couldn't help but wonder. His friend had been upset with him when he joined in summoning the first Eikon. They had truly believed they could have found another way. Hades wished he had his friend's optimism. But he had felt the complete opposite. After a lecture full of disappointment, they had reconciled though. But could his friend have joined the faction? "So this is where you were. What's going on Hades?" His friend asked.

'Here goes nothing.' Hades thought. "Are you part of the faction that means to summon Hydalyn?" Hades asked, not looking his friend in the eyes. Silence reigned between them for a long moment. "Gah!" Hades almost fell forward at the slap to the back of his head. "What the-?"

"I didn't support the summoning if the first Eikon. Do you really think I'll go and summon another one?" His friend asked in disbelief. They scoffed as they plopped down. "Who on this star put that thought into your head?" Hades sighed in relief.

'Thank Zodiark.' Hades gave his friend an apologetic look. "Sorry." He replied, rather than answer. "So, what are your thoughts on the summoning?"

"All of you seem to lack faith in our people. You all think summoning opposing Eikons is the way to go?" They shook their head. "All that's going to result in is our destruction." His friend told Hades. The older amaurotine sighed.

He knew that was how his friend thought. He just wanted to assure himself that his friend had no intention of joining on any summoning. "Where are you going?" He asked when his friend stood up a few minutes later.

"Everyone has their minds set on something. So do I. I'm going to the Akademia. Maybe something can help me figure out a way to stop everyone from going crazy." His friend said and with a wave, they headed off. Hades shook his head at his friend's optimism. With a sigh, Hades went to observing the Life Stream as a favorite pass time of his. Relieved now that he knew his friend's stance. And if there was one thing about his friend...they stood behind their decisions.'

Hades shook himself out of the memory. And yet, here they were baring Her mark. Baring Her blessing of Light. He knew his friend didn't choose that willingly. After all, even in the sundering, his friend was steadfast in made up decisions. Which meant Hydalyn claimed his friend when they were vulnerable to Her influence. After the second Light Warden was defeated and the corrupted light hid more of his friend's soul, Hades decided it was time to reveal himself . "Emet-Selch. Ascian." He introduced with a flourish in his bow. His eyes locked with his sundered friend. 'By the time this is over, you will question your vaunted crystal.' Hades thought. 'And you will know the truth behind the two crystals. So help me.' Hades thought. He internally scowled at the corrupted aether. He'd make sure his friend survived this time.

A/N: Please read and review