The team wasted no time on excessive preparations; they had all they needed, with the rest being in fate's hands.
When they set out into the heart of Werlyt, everyone knew of this mission's importance, each one of them had much experience behind them, yet the lingering spirit of uncertainty would continue to plague Estinien during their travel. The time in waiting, he despised it the most. Azure Dragoon yearned for action, especially now, when he needed to distract himself from the "message."
Others certainly had concerns and fears of their own, and that is why most of the flight was spent in utter silence. Gaius and Milisandia talked with each other, but Estinien decided not to pry. Beyond all the business with the Diamond Weapon and the threat VIIth posed, this was a matter of their family; Estinien respected that and wished for them to reunite from the bottom of his heart. Perhaps there still was a part for him to play.
Estinien, Fordola, and Valdeaulin had to leave the airship well in advance; otherwise, Valens's scouts might see them and get suspicious. Their arrival has coincided with nightfall, however, which would certainly give Estinien and his companions an advantage as they approached the base.
The trio traveled under the moonlight, avoiding the few imperial soldiers that patrolled the area. The directives given to them by Raubahn and Gaius have been simple enough, even though the prospect of trudging through slums hardly seemed appealing.
Eventually, they arrived at the marked place, ready to travel into the heart of this fortress, where the Diamond Weapon had been kept in a lab. The path ahead was…Just about how Estinien expected it. As disgusting as the smell was, the dragoon couldn't help but find it far more tolerable than that of a dragon's intestine. As long as he avoided the water itself, he might even come out presentable.
"It's not that I'm complaining…" - Valdeaulin said quietly. "But wouldn't it be nice if the shortest path was, I don't know, through the armory?" - The elezen said, catching Fordola's gaze on himself. She seemed to not care how much dirt and sludge was on her way, always going straight through it. She also carried Gaius's gunblade, which he gave them before the separation, so it wouldn't be confiscated upon his arrival.
"Would be even nicer if we didn't have to deal with machines that can destroy cities and those bloody towers. But we do, so spend your energy on that." - She replied sternly.
"Can't argue with that…You know, I have to admit something." - Valdeaulin sighed. "About that promise Gaius gave me…You were right; it's not worth it."
"So you've gone back on your vengeance?" - Fordola asked with a faint smile, approving of his decision.
"There was no desire for vengeance for a long time now…I can't hate a man who is ready to sacrifice himself to fix his mistakes and to save his children."
"Heh… I'm not surprised. You were reluctant to speak too ill of him even back then."
"Wait, why did you get so agitated, then?"
"Thought this would help you realize how stupid this promise is, and it did."
"For the love of…"
"We aren't far off." - Estinien said and pointed at the door leading to the staircase. "I take this is our path to the halls."
"Finally, some relatively fresh air." - Valdeaulin sighed with relief as he followed Estinien.
"There might still be guards there, we should be careful." - Fordola remained cautious as she journeyed with them. The trio has swiftly ascended, always watching for the matter of alarm sirens or cameras. Luckily for them, this place turned out to be quite antique with only a handful of garlean technological enhancements. If they were to avoid soldiers, they would remain undetected.
But this would prove more complicated than they expected. As they approached the hall, Estinien heard faint voices ahead. After signaling for his allies to wait, the dragoon could quickly discern two soldiers talking.
"Lord Valens says he needs those halls guarded and that you're the best man for this job." - One of the soldiers said.
"Why me? I haven't even done anything to earn his attention."
"It was a direct order given to me. Are you questioning lord Valens?"
"I mean…Do you even know my name?"
"Yes, of course, it's…" - The soldier spoke awkwardly. "Doesn't matter as long as your purpose is clear."
"Just be honest. You want to look at the exchange with others."
"Well, I can't deny it, but…"
"Just go already; I'll do the damn job. I'll see enough of Gaius later anyway, not like Valens is granting him a swift death."
Soon one of the soldiers rushed away to the main plaza while the remaining one continued to patrol the halls. He went in the trio's direction, and they had to act quickly. Valdeaulin needed but a nod from Estinien to summon a light fire spell and stun the soldier. Before the garlean could even realize what had happened, the dragoon pierced his heart with a spear. As the bloodied corpse fell beside them, the path ahead was clear, as were the confirmed suspicions. Valens wasn't as foolish as to leave the halls unguarded at all. They would have to tread carefully; one wrong move and their presence will be known.
…
"Are you ready?" - This was the question Gaius asked Milisandia as they stood before the gates of the fortress. They had no weapons or backup, two absolutely defenseless prisoners who would risk their lives for a plan. Few would agree to this, and even fewer will truly be "ready" for it.
"We've come this far, haven't we? "- Milisandia let out a faint smile as she looked at Gaius. Courage and selflessness resonated within her heart, filling Gaius with pride. His girl has matured so much over the last years; her current resolve would rival that of some Imperial Legates.
They did not have to wait in the amber-colored field of Werlyt for long. Soon, the gates opened, and three imperial soldiers stepped forward.
"Gaius Baelsar?" - One of them asked. He tried to forge an image of him being distant, but this would hardly hide the echoes of awe in his voice. "And that is Milisandia, I presume?"
"Aye. We have come to surrender to Valens van Varro in exchange for him releasing two prisoners." - Gaius responded.
"He told us you were coming…Search them and bring them to the square. Others have already gathered." - The soldier commanded, his peers would conduct a swift examination, but there was nothing they would find. Gaius left his weapon with the infiltration squad, so he could have it back once they reunited.
Once the search was over, they were taken into the ancient halls of this once vibrant town, now overtaken by imperials and turned into a military base. All civilians were put to good use, whether they wished to or not. Gaius would often find himself looking at Milisandia, ensuring her safety. His heart was pounding, a whirlwind of emotions that the Shadowhunter had long forgotten. He would soon see Ricon and Rex in person, as well as the garlean soldiers on the VIIth. How many of those faces would be familiar, Gaius wondered? How many of those are the outcasts from XIVth that were conscripted? Considering that even their leader was once a member of Gaius's Legion, this wouldn't surprise him. It was akin to returning to his homeland…But unlike their endeavor with Estinien, this time, Gaius will be there for all of them to see and pass judgments; he was in anticipation.
When they crossed the hall, Gaius and Milisandia found themselves amidst the town square. This place still radiated the energy of this town as it once was, with the water still streaming down the fountain in front of them and a small park emerging on the right side. Yet there were no citizens, only soldiers. Dozens of them gathered around the square, all of their eyes turned toward their prisoners. Many men and a few women, most did not even have their helmets on.
"Here he is!"
"Finally, we got the traitor!"
"Thought you could get away with your murder? The Empire never forgets!"
Their hateful voices swirled around Gaius and Milisandia as they approached the center of the square. Gaius imagined how it must have been for them to have their beloved Emperor murdered and have to witness a civil war destroying their home. Yet the louder they screamed, the more calm and serene Gaius would feel. Each myriad of voices was another corridor void of any guards, just what the trio needed. As they stood in the center for all those furious souls to see, Gaius felt Milisandia taking his hand. It was horrendous to experience, but it was for the best.
"And what do you have to say in your defense, murderer?" - One of the soldiers spouted angrily.
"I am not here to make statements, and the only one I will talk to is your leader."
"Well, today is your lucky day!" - Valens's voice echoed from behind. Most of the soldiers would go silent and move aside to let their Legatus through. The man was bursting with pride and gleefulness as he watched Gaius and Milisandia. No doubt, he wanted to see them grovel and suffer. Rex and Ricon too. Gaius expected Valens to prolong their suffering, giving someone else more time. "How wonderful is it to finally see the both of you doing the smart thing for once. One day, you will learn your place, and I will be sure to be your closest teacher along the way. Welcome home!"
No…This wasn't his home. This wasn't Garlemald Gaius wished to see.
"Greetings, Valens." - Gaius said calmly as he looked at him. "We are here to fulfill our agreement; I trust you will fulfill yours." - He said as genuinely as possible, keeping up the illusion of surrender.
"Where are Rex and Ricon? We need to know if they're alright." - Milisandia made a demand.
"Alive? Certainly. Alright? Not so much." - Valens signaled to one of his soldiers to bring the prisoner forth. Gaius saw them leading Rex into the spotlight near Valens. His son…He was still so tired after all he had to go through. He submitted Valens just to avoid further agony. Once he was in place, Rex looked at his father and sister with shock.
"Father, why? You know this is a…"
"Silence, degenerate." - Valens punched Rex, forcing the au ra into submission.
"You…" - Milisandia was about to snap but quickly controlled herself. "Stop hurting him! You have us now, and where is Ricon?"
"We had a deal, Valens." - Gaius stated.
"Yes, we did…" - He replied maliciously. "But you forgot that I, Valens van Varro would never make a deal with savages. And that is all you are now, Gaius, a savage!" - He exploded with fury and monstrous laughter. Everything Gaius expected and more, they were trapped. "That's why I take such joy in this family reunion of yours; now you will all get what you…"
He was interrupted by a dark portal emerging between Gaius and Valens, coming as a surprise to both. This presence was familiar, the one Gaius felt only recently.
"It's him." - Milisandia whispered as a robed figure emerged.
"It seems that I have arrived just in time." - Fandaniel looked over the square with a smile. The soldiers did not seem to understand what had happened. Their whispers were soon followed by some drawing out their weapons. "To witness such a heartbreaking reunion, followed by a deadly dagger in the back, so dramatic! You have all been spectacular entertainers today, and I believe that the best is still up ahead!" - He walked around while monologues with his usual dramatic demeanor, and Valens seemed to get furious at this.
"We have a lot to talk about your actions, ascian…" - He began to speak. "But now it would do you good to shut your mouth and disappear! I had enough of your antics!" - He fumed as Fandaniel tried to look upset, in reality only growing more agitated.
"Oh, you hurt me, my lord! Have you no heart at all?" - The ascian exclaimed. "I am just an observer who tries to make sure everything goes in accordance with the plan."
"Whose plan?"
"Ours, of course! You haven't forgotten the agreement we had, have you?" - Fandaniel smiled slyly at Valens, continuing to irritate the Legatus. Gaius stepped in, for this situation has been a familiar one to him.
"Never trust a paragon's words…You have made the same mistake I have, Valens, and it will be your downfall."
"You'll regret that!" - Valens could barely maintain his anger anymore, causing the soldiers to look at him in the moment of utmost weakness. They must have had questions; they were just too afraid to ask them. Fandaniel noticed this and turned around to the public.
"Ah, forgive us for this awkward scene. I promise that I won't interfere more than it is required."
"Who are you?" - One of the soldiers asked suspiciously.
"Haven't Valens told you that he has been dealing with an ascian? Was he acting behind your back? I can't be surprised…" - The ascian said, further infuriating Valens. He then looked at Gaius with intrigue, almost as if trying to discern something in him. The Shadowhunter remained confident throughout the "exchange," but feeling his gaze was bone-chilling. "And you…I think I know. I won't distract you any longer, my most esteemed friends." - Fandaniel bowed before disappearing once again.
…
Their path has been simple and straightforward, almost suspiciously so. It would seem Valens was so gullible as to let the majority of his soldiers gather at the square to make a show out of Gaius's surrender. There were only a few guards the trio encountered on their way; most of them conducted their duties in solitude, making themselves vulnerable.
So far, the infiltration has gone without hindrance. Estinien and others traversed hall after hall. Even the garlean sections filled with magitek and surveillance were left unguarded. The Diamond Weapon must have been close in the lab; Estinien felt it. As soon as it was destroyed, they could find Gaius and help him deal with Valens and his servants. For a moment, it seemed like their plan was moving towards a resounding success.
But as soon as the trio entered another metal hall, a dark portal appeared on their way.
"Look out!" - Valdeaulin exclaimed, still trying to keep his tone down so as to not get detected. It was obvious who this was, and Estinien felt his heart sinking for a moment before recomposing himself. The ascian should not have been here.
"It's him." - The dragoon took his lance, preparing for a battle, as Fandaniel emerged with a maniacal smile. The only reason he hasn't attacked just yet was because of the attention this would attract.
"Why so dull, Azure Dragoon? Are you unhappy to see me? Why could this be…I know, you must have grown weary of running errands for others while your heart longs for something distant…" - He knew what buttons to push, but agitating Estinien was way harder than that.
"So that's "Fandaniel"?" - Fordola asked. "Looks like some crazed sod picked up on the streets." - The woman scoffed at the ascian.
"I would have you know that my role here is absolutely vital for the negotiations to advance!" - He declared with pride.
"We are not fools, and we know you don't care about Valens in the slightest." - Estinien said. "Yet you helped him spy on us, and now you still aid him in here. Why?"
"Who's to say I aid him…" - Fandaniel chuckled. "See, there are myriads of reasons for me to be here on this majestic day. As someone who walked this earth for centuries as both mortal and ascian, it is my guilty pleasure to see the history repeat, for it has a tendency to do so." - He recounted. "Back in my Allagan days, I bore witness to the creation of the very first Ultima Weapon, and the prospect of seeing how far the progress has gone is an intriguing one."
An Allagan, then? It would seem that this ascian has seen his share of civilizations rising and falling, having more than one lifetime to ponder on it. Is that what happened to the one living so long? Descent into futility and a ravaging desire to end it all?
"You want us to believe you have been around since Allag? Haven't we told you that we are no fools?" - Valdeaulin seemed to disbelieve his claim, but considering what they knew of the ascians, it wasn't that hard to believe for Estinien.
"Just because the secrets of immortality are out of your frail soul's reach does not mean I cannot master it."
"And are you saying you here to simply watch and wait for the last Weapon to fly? I doubt that." - Estinien said, causing Fandaniel to giggle.
"I am glad you asked…Because now is exactly the time to find out!"
The ascian unleashed two arrows of darkness toward his opponents; Estinien quickly evaded it, as did Fordola and Valdeaulin. Before they could recuperate, Fandaniel created a dark sphere behind them, taking only seconds to explode. They were stuck between destructive magic and ascian himself, and the choice was obvious. Estinien was the first to dash at Fandaniel, but the ascian disappeared inside the dark portal to avoid his spear.
"Not bad, but…" - Fandaniel reappeared from behind and began his mockery. Before he could finish, however, he felt a powerful hit from Fordola. The woman swiftly identified the place of his emergence and prepared to strike. The ascian recoiled swiftly, not expecting a quick retaliation. "Oh, so you're the one with echo! How exhilarating. One thing the garleans were ever good for was creating resonant, but it seems that this wasted most of their talent."
Valdeaulin unleashed more flame spells in an attempt to stun Fandaniel while Estinien tried to strike. The ascian was prepared. He summoned the powerful spell of wind to his side, creating an aura that forced the flames in the other direction, most of them going back to the sender. Valdeaulin had no choice but to end the attack, leaving only Estinien. The dragoon's fury was halted by the magical shield Fandaniel put up.
"What you told us in Ala Mhigo…Is it true? Are they gone?" - Estinien spoke with fury as he tried to push past this defense.
"As if you'd expect any other answer. I told you only that which I felt myself; would you rather me prolong your uncertainty?"
As Estinien thought he started to break through Fandaniel's defenses, the ascian disappeared once again, this time without return. The trio was left in the hall, pondering on the ascian presence. His goal remained unclear, but Estinien knew that it did not alight with neither them nor Valens. They had to go on before…
"By the…" - An unfamiliar voice rang behind them. As the trio turned around, they saw a lone imperial soldier staring at them in awe.
"Bloody hell…" - Fordola said quietly, moments before the soldier rushed out into the corridor. So this was what Fandaniel wanted.
"After him!" - Estinien commanded, realizing how minuscule their chances at remaining unseen were now.
…
Fandaniel's appearance was a surprise even for Gaius. After he played his part in establishing those mysterious towers, the Shadowhunter expected him to retreat back to wherever his headquarters were, perhaps even to Zenos in Garlemald. But his visit showed that his interest was not yet lost on this and their conflict with VIIth. His antics could serve to prolong the time Estinien and others needed, but what if Fandaniel suspected something…
Valens seemed to be just as shook by the ascian. He pretended like nothing out of the ordinary had happened, but his swift change of demeanor from gleeful and confident to quiet and full of anger has shown otherwise. He didn't even mock Gaius, Rex, and Milisandia; Valens took them and a few more soldiers and led them into the heart of this facility. He did not speak at all, but the plan he had originally seemed to still be in full force. Rex and Milisandia walked behind Gaius, occasionally looking at each other with grief. All the girl could do now without exposing their plan was to give Rex a warm smile, trying to plant faint seeds of hope within him that it would all be okay, that their suffering was coming to an end.
This artificial trance was abruptly cut by the sound of an alarm. Even Gaius couldn't help but shiver at the mechanical echo piercing his ears. Have they been found? Was the mission exposed? They still haven't even found Ricon…This was not going according to the plan, but he had to remain powerful and courageous, both for his children and in the face of Valens. The Legatus swiftly turned around in an utter frenzy.
"What is this?!" - He drew his sword immediately and looked at Gaius. "Is that your doing?"
"You have an ascian walking amidst you and still blame me for the unraveling chaos?" - Gaius said with mockery.
"If you dare trick me…" - Valens walked towards Rex and Milisandia, only to have the Shadowhunter stand between them. Gaius saw it in his eyes; Valens was about to lose control over his rage and strike them down where they stood. It was his sadistic nature that couldn't allow him to end this quickly, for he wanted to hear the sweet sound of their agony. Losing but one toy prematurely was already a tragedy for him.
"My lord, we're under attack!" - A petrified soldier screamed from behind, causing Valens to turn around. Before he could say anything else, the dragoon running behind him finally reached his prey and pierced the garlean. Fordola and Valdeaulin remained behind him.
Valens's shock gave a moment for Gaius to act. He leaped towards the nearby soldier, tripping him over, and in the time he was down, snatching his sword from him. As the man tried to get up, Gaius pierced him with the blade before turning to Valens. Absolute chaos followed, with the infiltration trio engaging with those at the front. Gaius himself wanted to take on Valens, but the other two soldiers quickly surrounded him.
"Die, traitor!"
They attacked, clearly underestimating Gaius's prowess and skill. The Shadowhunter jumped to the side before wounding one of the soldiers. As the imperial growled in pain and fell to the floor, Gaius prepared to finish him off, only for someone else to do it faster. Rex snatched another fallen sword and cut the soldier's throat. His liveliness and eager heart have burned within the au ra once again. Seeing his father fight and understanding the plan that was in progress gave Rex confidence and hope.
"Great move." - Gaius congratulated his son with a smile.
"Learning from the best."
A few more soldiers surrounded them, but Gaius didn't pay much attention to them. He looked for Milisandia among the brawl and, finally seeing her, prettified the Shadowhunter. She attempted to run towards Estinien and others after being cut off from her family, but Valens himself stood in her way. He pushed her to the ground, and all resistance was made futile.
"I knew you were planning something, you freaks!" - He spouted with disgust before drawing his sword. Gaius plunged his blade into the nearby soldier to create an opening, soon beginning to run. A few more seconds and his daughter would die…No, he would not lose another child. He would battle through thousand of soldiers before he abandons his fight. Yet Gaius's heart sank as he realized that he was still too far…
"It's our fight; leave her out of it! "- He shouted, trying to distract the Legatus, but this time Valens had learned the trick. He did not turn away from the au ra girl. Her eyes were closed as she sat before him as if she was accepting her fate…No, no, it couldn't be!
"If you are so eager to die, then I will gladly…"
"HERE!" - Fordola's scream interrupted Milisandia's dream-like state as she opened her eyes. When she had the au ra's attention, she threw Gaius's gunblade toward her.
What occurred next had gone so quickly that Gaius could barely believe his eyes. Milisandia was holding his gunblade, blocking Valens's strike. The Legatus was in absolute horror at this realization.
"What…How? You aren't even a fighter!" - After blocking a few more hits, Milisandia has fired the weapon, hitting Valens's shoulder in the process. The garlean recoiled in horror as he could barely hold his sword. He was about to strike back, but Gaius and Rex were quick to come to Milisandia's rescue, all while the trio had dealt with almost all of the soldiers. "WHY WON'T YOU DIE?!" - Valens shouted as he realized that he was outnumbered. His surge of panic forced Valens to swiftly retreat to the corridor behind him, which led further into the facility. The remaining soldiers have been dealt with, and the hall has been cleared.
"I…" - Milisandia looked at her family in disbelief. "I did it! Have you seen it? I just…"
"Are you alright?" - Gaius helped her get up; the girl seemed shook not so much from any wounds but the sheer perfection with which she managed to execute the defensive moves.
"Gods, I thought I was too late, be more careful next time!" - Fordola sighed, but it was clear in her voice that she was just as relieved.
"That was one impressive display…" - Rex said with a faint yet prideful smile emerging on his face. "Did father give you lessons in the last weeks?"
"No, we didn't have time…I just remembered what Alfonse had shown me." - Milisandia pondered to herself. In his relief, Gaius thought of his eldest son and what he had taught the others. Of how even now, his lessons and the time he spent with them even when Gaius himself was away has saved their lives. None of this time would be forgotten, as wouldn't Alfonse. For his sake, they must all get out of here alive. Estinien approached Gaius from behind, eager to get the mission back on track before this hall got swarmed with soldiers.
"We were on our way to Diamond Weapon but got distracted due to interference." - Estinien recounted their path as briefly as possible.
"Fandaniel?" - Gaius immediately discerned who would seek the most chaos in here.
"Yes…" - Estinien nodded. "Where is your other son?"
"We haven't seen him. Valens must have kept him deeper within the facility to still have a bargaining chip."
"Well, it's too late for that." - As Estinien spoke, Rex interfered in their conversation; he seemed to realize something.
"I know where he might be. Valens sent more guards to the eastern wing shortly before you arrived." - Rex said and pointed at another corridor stemming from the further part of this hall.
Valens went in the opposite direction, the one which must have led to the Diamond Weapon. He realized the trickery now and could have resorted to the deadliest weapons in his arsenal; they had nothing to fight it with.
"We need to finish Valens off before he activates the weapon." - Estinien voiced Gaius's thoughts, soon to be picked up by Milisandia.
"We can split up, father and Rex will go for Valens, and I'll look for Ricon!" - It seemed counter-intuitive to split up now, but they could not waste any time.
"I'll go with Milisandia." - Valdeaulin stated. "She'll need some magical backup."
"So will I." - Fordola added quietly. Gaius looked at Estinien, whose nod was just enough to say all that was needed. Before rushing off to the corridor, Gaius saw Milisandia approaching him and putting the gunblade forward.
"Here, this one's yours; I'll take a sword from dead soldiers." - She was ready to return Gaius's weapon, but he had another idea.
"I think you would make a much better use of it." - Gaius shook his head and smiled, surprising Milisandia, but only for a moment. She looked at him with pride before returning to Fordola and Valdeaulin. The trio ran towards the corridor Rex pointed at, leaving Gaius alone with Estinien and his son, who had a goal just as clear. Gaius looked at Rex, who stood proudly beside him with the widest grin of anticipation. Finally, he could be himself and fight back with all his eagerness, and Gaius was just as elated.
"Let's hunt the bastard down." - Shadowhunter said, much to Rex's pleasure.
"Thought you'd never ask."
…
"Not again!"
"Hey, don't be ashamed; that one was almost perfect."
"How can you be so good at it? You're just like father."
"I don't think I'm that good…It took some learning, that's all."
"But you've always been the strongest, and I'm just…Not."
"Hey, don't put yourself down. Anyone can achieve any heights when they try. All you need now is to change the way you hold it a little; It'll be easier like that. Try to use the gun a few seconds earlier, and…"
Her lessons with Alfonse have circulated in Milisandia's head like an endless loop. She never truly believed in herself back then, hating her every misstep and wrong move, feeling ashamed when she attacked too early or too late. Alfonse's faith in her far outweighed her own, and now Milisandia knew that it was worth it. Every failure was worth this moment of triumph.
She would be sure to tell Avilina of this when they return, but now all that mattered was saving Ricon. Milisandia followed through the corridor along with Fordola and Valdeaulin, fighting any imperials they encountered in their way. Her companions quickly showed themselves to be skilled warriors as they were swift to eliminate those soldiers. The same ones Milisandia and her siblings feared when they were serving Valens, now they fell like cards before Fordola's might and Valdeaulin's magical powers.
Milisandia was sure to aid them as much as she could. Though her skills with a gunblade were average at best, she did not shy away from the fighting, not this time. The au ra managed to wound some of the soldiers so that her allies could finish them swiftly. She was growing tired with every shot fired, but Milisandia could not allow herself to show as much as a slither of weakness before they saved her family.
"You're good." - Valdeaulin smiled at her. "Must have been a damn good brother." - The elezen spoke with a shade of grief.
"Thank you…And yes, he was. The best brother I could ask for." - Milisandia responded with pride.
Eventually, they reached a prison block where Ricon must have been held. The alarms continued to ring chaotically, and more soldiers would certainly arrive.
"That'll be one easy place to corner us on the way back." - Valdeaulin noted as they realized that the prison block only had one entrance. At least it did not seem like anyone was inside now.
"I won't let them get close." - Fordola declared confidently. "I'll guard the entrance, and you free the boy; we'll see what to do from there."
"Will you be able to hold them back?" - Milisandia asked with care.
"Bah, let them come. Not like they can match the echo's power."
Fordola seemed as confident as ever, and there was no point nor time in arguing. Valdeaulin and Milisandia entered the prison wing, with Fordola remaining behind. They immediately found themselves in a forsaken, gloomy place. The empty cells have been filled with spider webs, and dust didn't seem like this wing had been used very recently. It was much colder here than in the rest of the fortress; Milisandia felt the chills dancing on her spine, and not just because of the cold.
"There are some more cells here." - Valdeaulin pointed. "Maybe he's there." - He walked further into the hall, but Milisandia was unable to shake off the unease.
"I don't think we are alone here…" - The au ra noted before they entered one of the furthest cells. It was open, and a familiar silhouette emerged at its center. It was her brother, Ricon. She wouldn't confuse blue skin and green hair with anyone else's. Milisandia was about to rush into his embrace, but something stopped her. It was the image of terror on her brother's face that immediately overshadowed the momentary joy.
"Ricon!"
"No, it's a…"
Another man emerged from the darkness, this time a garlean soldier. He held his blade right up Ricon's throat. Before Milisandia and Valdeaulin could react, three more appeared; one of them was hiding behind the door, and the others near the prisoner's bed. They have surrounded the two, and this wasn't the worst of it. The three of them had a firearm, while the last one still continued to push his blade against her brother's throat.
"Now, now…" - The elezen tried to settle things down while two of the soldiers pointed their weapons at him. "Killing you isn't our goal here."
"Let my brother go, and we won't harm you, I swear!" - Milisandia promised, trying to keep her desire to run towards Ricon in check.
"Do you take us for sellouts?" - One of the garleans said with disdain. "We gave an oath, and we will keep it. Now drop your weapons and get your hands behind your heads, or we will kill that boy. On the count of three!"
"Do as they say; I can't lose you, please!" - Ricon spoke in panic.
Milisandia frantically looked around and tried to find a viable route, but no possibilities seemed to emerge. One wrong move and they would kill Ricon; Milisandia didn't have it in her to risk his life…Perhaps she didn't have to.
The au ra noticed Valdeaulin staring into her eyes with a stern gaze as if signaling her to prepare for something. She could not ask any questions, or the soldiers would kill them all. The only option was to accept fate and react swiftly to whatever approached.
Before soldiers realized it, Valdeaulin unleashed a minor yet swift spell of fire on the opposite side of the room. This was enough to burn and stun two soldiers, one of whom was pointing his firearm at Milisandia and the other at Ricon. Her brother groaned as the fire wave burnt him as well, but it was nothing permanent. Milisandia was swift to react and shot the nearby guard before rushing to Ricon. The second garlean did not have time to make a move before the au ra pierced him.
Moments before she looked back, she heard the guns firing. The other two garleans have shot at the same time, both hitting Valdeaulin. The elezen let out a pained grunt as the blood streamed down from his body. Milisandia couldn't have processed it while she was still in danger. She targeted the guard that had stood closest, offing the man with a shot at the neck. The last garlean attempted to shoot Milisandia, though his aim was far from perfect. Perhaps the counterattack shocked him enough to muddle his sight.
The au ra aimed at him but immediately felt a stinging pain in her shoulder. The blood streamed to the floor as the gunblade fell out of her hands. She couldn't move while in agony, after coming so close…
But the soldier was soon pierced from behind. Ricon managed to pick up one of the blades and kill their last enemy. They have been left alone once again…Valdeaulin was still crouching on the floor, coughing with crimson blood as it formed a puddle beneath them. Two direct shots, both have gone deep into his body. Milisandia watched in horror for a few seconds before running towards him and trying to help. She held his head as he coughed and tried to speak, watching as the elezen's eyes had gone red.
"T…That…Worked…" - He said and forced a pained smile out of himself.
"Don't talk; it will make it worse! We can…" - Milisandia couldn't force herself to lie. These wounds have been too deep, and they were in no place for immediate medical care. She closed her eyes, she did not know Valdeaulin for long, but he was a loyal follower of her father, who gave him company during his travels. He fought for Allie in Castrum Marinum, and he fought for Rex and Ricon here. The girl opened her eyes as she felt his warm, bloodied hand touching hers.
"Don't…Grieve…" - He spoke faintly as his final strength was extinguished and his eyes turned crimson. "Go to…Your family…I…Will…Join…Mine…" - He let out a final breath before falling into silence. His head has weighed on Milisandia's hand much more, for he did not try to hold it anymore. On Valdeaulin's petrified face, there was, but one final smile left…
Milisandia rose and looked at her brother, who looked at her with sympathy in a pained gaze. She felt her brother's warm and loving embrace, giving what little relief she could force herself to feel…
It was time to go.
…
This was their chance, and Gaius was not going to waste it. Valens was wounded and cornered, desperately retreating to the last resort he had, knowing that vengeance was at his doorstep.
The Shadowhunter led the charge against VIIth, Estinien, and Rex followed him closely. Across the next few corridors, they have encountered dozens of garlean soldiers, each of the answering Valens's summons. Gaius could see the wounded Legatus frantically clutching his shoulder, pushing his soldiers aside, and if any dared to question him, his orders were loud and clear.
"KILL THEM ALL!" - He screeched like a dying beast before retreating to the next room. Rex seemed to know where exactly he was heading.
"I've been here; that's the lab! They keep the Weapon there." - The au ra said anxiously, thinking of what Valens will do once he has his hands on the controls.
"Then go and stop him!" - Estinien shouted as he blocked the incoming hit from a garlean soldier and pierced his neck. "I'll hold the line here. Those aren't any match for dravanians! "- The dragoon said proudly, opening a pathway for Gaius and Rex to chase Valens. Were it anyone else, the Shadowhunter should have had his doubts about their abilities, but after the battles, they endured with the Azure Dragoon, Gaius knew how masterful he was in battle.
"Come on, Rex!" - Gaius beckoned his son to follow; they bypassed the remaining soldiers who had no choice but to continue their battle with Estinien.
In the next moment, they found themselves in the lab. A large hall sprinkled with magitek enhancements and forge of metal walls. The podium to their right had a number of computers and terminals, but this was far from the most pressing concern. All of them had thick wires connected to them, each leading to one end. The Diamond Weapon towered above them at the center of this room. Its size exceeded that of Ruby and Emerald, and even from a first glance, Gaius noticed the deadly arsenal it was equipped with. Rocket launchers, lasers, and unbreakable armor were all components of this monstrous creation. At its heart, the Weapon housed a cannon for annihilating laser beams, just like Ruby Weapon did, but it must have been even more powerful.
"Come out and fight like a man!" - The one-horned au ra was looking around the room as he said those words with disdain and manic anticipation. "Don't you remember what I told you? Our family will kill you, and even more so, you have invited your own downfall here!"
Valens was somewhere close, hiding and waiting to strike. Rex's behavior would only serve to make him vulnerable; Gaius tried to be careful in his search. Soon he noticed a silhouette in the shadows, a lone man with a firearm pointing directly at Rex.
Gaius rushed to his son, pushing Rex away moments after the shot was fired. They remained unscathed, if a little surprised, but at least now they knew where their enemy was. Valens walked out of the shadows; he looked deranged by his own fury and hate.
"You have been the biggest thorn in my side ever since XIVth, but no more…I will get my revenge! I will make you see your children suffer, Gaius, one after another. I'll see you beg for mercy, and I'll, I'll…"
"Shut up already, lunatic!" - Rex charged at Valens, and their blades were swift to cross. Valens blocked his strikes despite his wounds, but he could not hold against two opponents. Gaius attacked the Legatus from the other side, piercing a weak spot in his armor and further wounding Valens. Their opponent recoiled. Gaius could see his hands shaking in terror as Valens realized that victory was impossible.
"No, no, DAMN YOU!" - He ran towards Gaius, trying to cut off the Shadowhunter's head, but all his attempts were met with perfect parries. Each Valens's attack was painfully predictable, he fought as hard as he could, yet his chaotic actions would serve to make him more vulnerable with every hit.
Rex joined his father from behind, stabbing Valens's leg. Before his blade could go too deep, the Legatus moved aside and began to retreat. Gaius and Rex have surrounded the bleeding man, who has run out of options.
"Surrender, and you might yet get a trial." - Gaius stated. "But do not expect mercy after all you've done."
"No… It's you who will beg!" - With all his strength, he rushed towards Gaius only to be cut off by a swift arrival. Estinien jumped in between them and parred Valens's attack before the Legatus even had a chance to understand what was going on around him.
"Am I late?" - The dragoon smiled and stood beside his companions. The three of them looked at groveling Valens, who was too afraid to strike again. His legs were shaking, and every step had left a trail of blood behind him. Gaius had been approaching him together with Rex and Estinien, and Valens was terrified.
Before any more words could be said, Valens dropped both his blade and a firearm, running towards the Diamond Weapon. Gaius could hardly expect a man so wounded to dash this quickly, but he was surprised. Valens grappled the latter moments before others rushed to stop him. Before anyone reached him, however, the Legatus was already in the cockpit. The Diamon Weapon was activated when its orange heart burned, and limbs began to move. It was still connected to the system but could be operated.
"Damn it, we almost had him!" - Rex shouted and took a defensive stance, ready for Valens to make a move. Gaius has swiftly scoured for safe places in case their opponent fires, but he has not found that many.
"Now you will listen to me! "- Valens's furious voice was filled with relief and victory as it spread through the Diamond Weapon's amplifiers. "You make one more step, and I will blast you all to pieces! I don't care if it destroys this room or any other; I will bury you!"
One suspicious move, and he will pull the trigger, annihilating the lab along with them. Perhaps they could hide behind the podium and then retreat to the nearest hall, though that seemed too risky. Estinien and Rex have been just as concerned and focused. They stood beside Gaius without making a move.
"What now, savages? Too scared to face me?"
Before this could continue, a dark portal emerged between them. No, not now…Fandaniel walked out of it with a face full of glee and pride.
"And here I was beginning to think this clamorous show has gotten a little too long-winded…The pieces have fallen into place."
"And you die too!" - Valens shouted before the Diamond Weapon's cannons fired a powerful laser blast. Fandaniel was swift to teleport to the podium, while Gaius and his companions had no choice but to jump aside. The floor's shards have cut Gaius's skin, but he paid no attention to them as long he could walk, and his son was safe. The average blast left an entire section of the floor annihilated, and it could be much worse. At least now, his attention was wholly claimed by the ascian.
"After all, I have done for you, that's how you greet me? Perhaps Emet-Selch was right about sundered…" - Fandaniel shrugged as he looked at the Weapon.
"All you have done for me? You tricked me into following your advice all while you tried to create those damn towers and end the world! You discredit me in front of my soldiers; you mock me and dare interrupt the proceedings! You promised me conquest. Where is it?!"
"Everything in due time…"
"I am sick of waiting; when is that time?"
"Right now." - Fandaniel grinned before teleporting to the control panel. Gaius immediately had a rising suspicion in his mind, but he was powerless to stop it. The ascian pushed a few buttons and sent a powerful electrical shock to the Diamond Weapon's core, temporarily deactivating its defense systems and forcing it to the ground.
"What are you…Stop, now!" - Valens spoke in utter panic.
"You see, I took the liberty of studying the testing grounds you have so courteously set up for me." - Fandaniel smiled. "You have connected this Weapon to the terminals as to activate its true nature while maintaining distance…But the results have not been to your liking, alas." - Even Gaius could imagine the horrified grimace on Valens's face, he was trying to get out of the cockpit, but the electrical shock had locked the door tight.
"No, no, please, I beg of you!"
"What was it you said…That you need a loyal servant, not a ravenous beast? Alas, I would much prefer the latter." - With those words, Fandaniel activated the function, which could only be oversoul. The surge of energy has gone through the Weapon, forcing it to beam in a pale light. Its systems have gone back on, though Valens had no control anymore. The Legatus would beat the cockpit's glass and screech dreadfully.
"No, stop! STOP, STOP….AAAAARGH!" - He could no longer speak as the core tore his essence apart, consuming Valens's soul. The white light has overtaken him, forcing a transformation akin to a demonic rebirth of him. Rex watched in horror as they were unable to stop it. Estinien tried to survey the doors, but all of them were shut tight with another command issued by Fandaniel. The ascian continued to enjoy this moment.
"I gave you a promise, lord Valens, and now shall it come to fruition! Now your conquest begins!" - He raised his hands up in joy and anticipation. "Take pride, for you shall play a part in a plan much grander than you have ever been, and your essence shall serve as the harbinger of the end!"
"Ar…Gh…Ra…I…Pa…Ay…" - The Weapon would continue to let out monotonous sounds, sounding less like Valens and more like an emotionless machine with each one. Soon, the voice began to form, the one Gaius remembered very from their visit to the palace. "Ru…Ke…Ill…Pe…Pr…Prey."
"Unleash Ultima!" - Fandaniel shouted in awe. "And you, my friends, will be the first to witness this marvelous creation. I bid you adieu, and perhaps our souls shall meet again at the other side!" - He bowed and disappeared into one of his portals, leaving the trio alone with the Weapon.
They did not have to wait for the first blast. The Diamond Weapon unleashed a destructive shockwave not unlike that of the original Ultima Weapon. The rest of Gaius's memory has been muddled. The Shadowhunter found himself pushed aside along with debris that once constituted the floor and ceiling. The podium was annihilated momentarily; all of its computers and wires were turned to ash. Gaius has found himself forced to the ground by the metal that has fallen upon him. Rex was beside him, just as shook by the blast but remaining much more unscathed.
The Diamond Weapon did not stop there. It activated its rockets, forcing dozens of them into the air at the same time. All of them have targeted different corners of the base, and the echoes of those explosions have pierced Gaius's ears. He could feel it already; the whole place was in flames…His thoughts as he looked at the monstrous machine were of Milisandia and Ricon. They were in prison. They must have survived; they…
Gaius remembered the Weapon activating its engines; the prey here was not enough; the predator yearned for something stronger. Gaius watched as it rose into the air, powerless to stop it…All while Estinien has grappled on its back, arising to the sky with lightning's speed.