Shame.

That was the only word that could describe G'raha's feelings after their mission failed as swiftly as it did. The hopes he had for the people were erased in an instant, and he could hardly blame them for this reluctance. They must have listened to enough propaganda and seen enough horrors to believe that whatever fate they would have to suffer here was better than what awaited in the wilderness. It was his duty to convince them that they had a chance to escape with their protection, and he failed. Now he gave away his staff and became their prisoner. But worst of all was Emet's spiteful, mocking gaze that burdened him as they had to follow their new pirate overseers to the cell.

The two were not put in the cells along with others; the pirates guided them to a special one. The small stone room on the upper levels of the Coral Tower was a place for prisoners of utmost importance, as Hades understood it. There were a few small cells, but all of them were empty before they were thrown into one of them with their hands tied. How absurd was it to have a sorcerer of the Crystal Tower and an ascian being held back by a simple root? But G'raha knew that he brought in himself.

And so they had to wait, weakened and humiliated by those who never reached the same extent of magic mastery as them, but at least they presented a case on which both G'raha and Emet could agree; both realized how monstrous those pirates were. When they found themselves locked in a cell, the two desperately avoided any eye contact, no doubt both thoughts about potential ways to escape this place. Their musings were only interrupted when a pirate guard approached the cell with a small bowl of water.

"Here." - He said carelessly and slid it under the bars.

"Ah yes, of all the things I needed now…" - The ascian sighed with annoyance.

"Are you gonna complain, wretch?"

"How sweet, a rascal that knows no other way to live than to murder and pillage calling someone a wretch, truly no self-awareness at all."

"Just take it." - G'raha joined the conversation before switching his voice to a far quieter tone. "We don't need conflicts with them, not now."

"Do you seriously expect me to listen to your advice?" - Emet spat back as the pirate guard left them to their own devices, remaining near the door. "After getting us here, do you truly think you hold any semblance of authority?"

"Listen…" - The Exarch sighed and raised his shame-filled eyes from the floor. "I understand that it did not go as planned, but…"

"Don't play this game with me; it went exactly as I told you it would! Our plan was to leave for Sharlayan tomorrow, simple and concise, and there was absolutely nothing in our way."

"None of us could've predicted what we will see in here, none."

"And what of it? These are not your people. They are a bunch of opportunistic pirates who want to turn this city into a paradise for them. It is none of our business."

"This paradise is built on the bones and fears of others; it can make the descent into chaos I saw in Ul'Dah any moment…I had to try." - G'raha regained some of his confidence.

"And do you see where that got us?" - Hades was still trying to convince him, no matter how futile those attempts were, for the Exarch had made up his mind.

"Yes, but I don't regret it; I would've done the same thing again, just with more care." - The Exarch wasn't sure whether these words were genuine or just a way to avoid agreeing with Hades, but he felt the urge o say them nonetheless. After hearing them, the ascian clutched his head as a nervous smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

"By Zodiark, your Twelve and every single primal in existence…You are a lost cause on every single front. You even surpassed my worst expectations, for which I can only salute you." - Once again, he resorted to mockery, but this was the least of the Exarch's current problems.

"And what would you have done? If you saw one of the cities in your world succumb to this, with strong preying over the weak and forcing such untold suffering…Would you stand aside?" - G'raha asked, immediately seeing Emet's expression change from pure hatred to a minuscule doubt which, however, would not take long to be wiped off his face.

"It never would have." - The ascian responded quietly. "Our people would never commit such atrocities nor allow their neighbors to commit them."

"I have a hard time believing this. To you, your world might seem perfect, but if…" - G'raha couldn't finish as he saw Emet let out a pained snide laugh, shaking his head slowly at the same time.

"You do not know what you speak of, so don't pretend to. In our world, there were no 'weak'; there were only those who needed more time and aid, all of which were luxuries that those around them were eager to provide. Our people prided themselves on being able to help each other master the powers of creation magic, to see them create their own concepts and realize the potential of their imagination to the fullest…" - The smile slowly dissipated as the ascian looked down on the floor, avoiding eye contact. The glint of regret once again sparked in his eyes. The world he described sounded truly majestic. Even G'raha could not deny it. Yet how much of it was clouded by the old man's nostalgia for the past? "Even after all the chances we gave your kind, you continued to disappoint." - This, however, immediately made G'raha feel anger spike in his heart.

"Chances?" - The Exarch asked with disbelief. "Do you call seven calamities of untold destruction and erasure of countless civilizations 'chances'?"

"Those chances were long before the first calamity, back in the day of the very first civilization. Whatever you might think of us, we ascians were not monsters; resorting to cataclysm was far from our first choice. At first, we tried to give them the guidance they needed, tried to find the souls of our brethren and see…See if there was anything of them that remained…" - His voice became quieter and slower with every word, slowed down by burden and pain.

"I saw enough of where the ascian guidance brings us. Garlemald and Allag demonstrate that perfectly."

"That was after we gave up on them and resorted to shaping civilizations as simple tools for us to use…But there are many ways to guide a race or a nation. Me and two of my friends were the last living keepers of our people's knowledge, and we took the role seriously. We told them of Amaurot's ideals, introduced our ways of living to the sundered, and watched them flourish…" - Emet frowned at his own recount; it was clear that these memories were not pleasant for him. "At times, it even seemed like we succeeded, but all the time, there would be some selfishness, some cruelty, and arrogance that would emerge in the people. Always the same mistakes, always the same ambitions, only a few were able to resist those temptations, and even those heroes died to disease, old age, or another's blade, restarting the cycle again."

"Yet there are many nations that were able to flourish and pass their knowledge on to others. How many more would there have been if not for your calamities? I got proof, time and time again that none are beyond hope; everyone deserves a chance to live. Perhaps it was your prejudice that led you and your brethren to give up on people of the past?" - G'raha learned to stand firm over his beliefs. After all, he saw during his century as the Crystal Exarch, and nothing would convince him otherwise.

"You truly want to believe, don't you? Even if this means ignoring that which is right in front of your eyes? Look at this place; look at what it turned into! They had the Grand Admiral to maintain order and peace, developing her nation and a hero they could look up to in Edwin. Now they are gone, those good yet weak and frail mortals, and what have they become? A wretched, forsaken pit of degeneracy, selfishness, and disdain, all in a matter of weeks!" - The ascian shouted. "Are those the people you value so much? Spare me the nonsense."

"I…I won't deny that some of us are prone to such horrific acts and cruelty, and it must always be fought against. Perhaps those people needed a leader like Merlwyb, the one that would guide them to prosperity, the way Edwin did with the whole world." - G'raha only now realized that he fell into Emet's rhetorical trap, but the smile on the ascian's face said everything.

"So you admit it, then?" - Emet chuckled. "That your people need guidance?"

"To an extent, perhaps, but there are many who would take up the role and do a fantastic job at it."

"Are you listening at all? All those good leaders are just as frail and finite as all else. What happens after they die? Do we always have to restart this cycle? We came to the same conclusion when Lahabrea drew out his theory of rejoining the shards…We could either resume our desperate attempts to keep the world stable through guiding generations of corrupted, broken people, or we could restore the world to the state it once maintained and release the souls of those who can truly take care of it, unlike those…Malformed creatures. Bring those who had a compass of their own, who had lives which had meaning and length unlike those you live now." - Emet crossed his hand, still certain of his decision. G'raha was no stranger to it, as he saw the scions entertain the same discussion. There was reason and motive for what Emet-Selch wanted to achieve, but the loss of life could not be condoned by any of them, not to bring back those who were already gone.

"You blame us for needing guidance…Yet I cannot quite believe that your people did not need it. Ryne told me some things about Amaurot and…"

"Seriously, Ryne?" - Emet's bitter laugh echoed through the room. "And what does she know?"

"Her fusion with Mitron as the heart of Eden transferred some of the memories into her. She told me about the process of choosing exceptional people to decide the future of their star. You were one of them, right?"

"The convocation's duty's as to oversee, first of all. We did not enforce our way of life on those outside of the capital except in very rare cases. Do you know why? Because, unlike your leaders, we could trust their wisdom and judgment and…"

The ascian couldn't finish as the two heard the door that led to the room bust open. As the guard stood aside and welcomed their guest, G'raha and Emet had the displeasure of witnessing the pale roegadyn they had talked to before. The King himself came to see them, and judging by this wide grin, he was enjoying every single second of it.

"Who do I see…The two dimension hoppers, men who challenge space and time, build their own civilizations from scratch both at my command!" - Rhotsatz laughed with glee; he had a good reason to celebrate. G'raha did enough to incur his wrath, and now there could be no peace between them at all. At least the Exarch didn't even have to pretend to hide it. "How does it feel, eh? Ye fools thought that you would free all my servants like that and have me allow you to get away?!"

"No, we did not." - G'raha sighed and looked up at Rhotsatz. "We were well aware of the consequences, and we were ready to deal with them. We simply hoped for a slight delay in them." - He declared, much to Emet's annoyance.

"Excuse me, what is the 'we'? You and the souls of your dead friends?"

"So…" - Rhotsatz continued. "Ye're saying you were ready to go against me? Against all pirate crews of Limsa Lominsa?"

"We've seen far worse threats than pirates. Don't think that it will shake my resolve."

"But it already did, didn't it?" - Rhotsatz chuckled loudly. "The guards told me how ye got captured. Oh, that's quite a tale! Got scared that we're gonna kill one servant and couldn't even do the 'right thing' for all the others? And now ye're saying that you could go on a bloody war with me? Ye're a bloody buffoon; even the garlean bastard doesn't deserve to be in yer chains! Well, now yer staff is with me, and ye sure as hell not getting it back." - He expected G'raha to rise up, but it was the ascian who spoke.

"Ah, yes, while we're on the matter of trinkets…Give me back my crystal, degenerate."

"Ye're gonna bite, eh? Well, you can do it all you like. Not like it will change anything. Ye'd better buckle up because yer opportunities will be rather extensive." - Rhotsatz smiled.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" - Emet asked.

"Well, ye see…A part of me hoped ye would do something as stupid as this ever since the morning. Letting ye go would be a waste in either case, but I tried to hold on to some code, at least…Now I have no reason at all. Ye're mine!"

"And what do you need us for?" - G'raha inquired.

"Isn't it bloody obvious? Ye two are powerful sorcerers, far outmatching any magic user we have in Limsa Lominsa, and I know that the time traveler got involved in stopping the blasphemies in Ul'Dah from running rampant! If anyone turns, ye two will be my weapon of extermination when there is a need! No blasphemy will survive yer power!" - He declared with pride, giving G'raha and Emet something they could agree upon.

"How bold of you…" - Emet smirked. "I have to serve one brain-dead fool already, and I am not extending this to another!"

"We are not your servants." - G'raha continued. "If you truly want to save your people from blasphemies, end the nightmare you began here! Give your people the freedom they deserve, and they will cherish you; they will regain hope! That's exactly what they need in those times, not your deranged system."

"And what will the pirates think of me?" - Rhotsatz shook his head. "No, I have gone too far to pass on the opportunity! Ye will obey, and yer collaborators will be taught a lesson…A lesson that will make all people of Limsa Lominsa see that we do not accept treachery or weakness both within our ranks and from the outside." - Those words instilled fear in G'raha. After all, he and Emet were not alone in this endeavor. The sailors were there, as was Krile…Yes, she would be their first target.

"They are not collaborators! All I did I have done of my own volition without their knowledge." - G'raha tried to sound convincing, but judging by Rhotsatz's certain gaze, he did believe it for a single second.

"As if I have any reason to believe ye…I'll deal with yer scion accomplice as I see fit, but rest assured, she ain't leaving either." - Rhotsatz promised menacingly before shutting the door.

"No, wait…"

He was gone already, eager to bring out his punishment. Now it wasn't just about them; Krile, who did not know about G'raha's plans, was in grave danger. She was against intervention and did not deserve this. The Exarch breathed heavily, trying to recollect his thoughts and think. He could not allow her to be endangered; so many lives that he failed to save, she couldn't become next to suffer.

"Well done…Well done." - Emet spoke with his dry sarcasm, and G'raha continued to fall into the hero's pit, the place from where there was no way back.

Krile's hopes that G'raha would eventually come to the ship to check on her have been waning with every passing hour. When she left Emet-Selch in their accommodation, she knew that this wasn't the most sensible course of action, but she saw G'raha's chains and how strong they were on the ascian even if they kept some distance. Having to spend any time near that ascian was pressing enough, and Krile didn't want to look into his eyes. These yellow, mischievous, remorseless eyes of a tyrant and a monster tormented their planet for thousands of years.

Their crew has been losing their morale right before her eyes. At first, their men were interested in seeing how Limsa had changed, but after witnessing the cruelty and ruthlessness of those pirates aspired, they lost all of their will to spend any time with their hosts. Krile shared the same sentiment, but there was little any of them could do. At this point, all she wanted was to leave this wretched place and reveal all of its monstrous practices to the Forum and other Alliance leaders, and hopefully, they would not turn a blind eye towards this despite their own struggles.

The fact that she hadn't seen G'raha ever since they parted during the day very concerned for Krile, and eventually, against her better judgment, she set out to seek her friend near the accommodation. At best, he was just there, looking for a way to pass this sleepless night in a place that disgusted him. Limsa felt even more malicious after the night fell. Krile always sensed someone lurking in the shadows behind her, the pirates watching her every step, always keeping their weapons close in case they needed to attack. Without G'raha, Emet, and sailors, she was defenseless if a few of them attacked at the same time. It led to the chill in her bones, helped by the cold evening wind that danced amidst the Limsan towers.

When she finally saw the remote house, Krile's worst fears came to life; there were two pirates guarding the entrance, which immediately took notice of her the moment she approached.

"Halt." - One of them said. "Why are you going here?" - This question caught Krile off-guard; she remembered that this place was supposed to be at their disposal until the morning.

"I'm looking for my friend, G'raha Tia." - Perhaps they would be able to help her.

"Krile Baldesion?" - Another pirate fixed his intrigued gaze upon her.

"Yes, that is me, now…"

"Rhotsatz wishes to see you in his cabin."

"Now?" - Krile said with suspicion. "But we're in the middle of the night?"

"He said that this can't be delayed. Come along. We'll guide you to him."

"Hold on, I don't even know what this is about. Are you not going to explain? Where is G'raha?" - This sounded worrying, Krile knew that Rhotsatz wanting to meet her was no good news, but the absence of G'raha and even Emet-Selch made her tremble. Did they do something to invoke Rhotsatz's wrath?

"The Pirate King will tell you everything." - The other pirate said in a gruff voice. "You are his guest, after all, and he has the right to call you at any time; it is your duty to oblige."

"Fine…I'll see him."

Krile knew that she would regret this decision, but she couldn't deny those pirates, and the lalafell had no doubt that they would become violent if such was their desire. All she could be to follow those guards in silence, thinking of what might have happened with G'raha and Emet. The Exarch was adamant in his desire to change Limsa Lominsa and free the prisoners from the cruel yoke of their pirate overlords, and no arguments from Krile would change his mind. Perhaps he attempted to fight Rhotsatz and his underlings or perhaps free the prisoner himself; she wouldn't put it beyond G'raha. Even a century of the patient vigil was not enough to extinguish his desire to help others in need which at times led to irrational decisions. Perhaps restraining this desire made it all the more powerful now. Either way, she needed to know what was going on.

Soon the pirates guided her to Rhotsatz's cabin on the lower level of Mizzenmast, the same room he welcomed them in during the day. The pirates opened the door before her as Krile took a deep breath. Meeting him before was intimidating enough, but G'raha and Emet could protect her if the pirates tried to attack; now, she had no one but herself to rely on. Rhotsatz was already inside, sitting at the table. The roegadyn did not notice his guest straight away. His eyes were focused on Arielle. The young elezen girl stood beside him, putting a plate with a freshly-cooked fish steak before him along with the package of forks and knives.

"Here you go, sir, the best Bismarck has to offer." - She forced a faint smile out of herself before looking towards the door. "We have guests."

"I see…Thanks for service; now get to helping the guards with their duty."

"Of course." - Arielle nodded and strolled past the nearby pirates as she looked down and avoided eye contact. Krile wished to reach out to the poor girl as she passed, but she needed to focus on their meeting.

"We've brought the one you wanted. She was looking for the Exarch near the accommodation." - The guard spoke to Rhotsatz, and the Pirate King nodded.

"Good, good…Now leave us alone; I've got to talk with her. Ye go and get another guest."

"At once." - The pirate said, and the two left, following Arielle. Krile did not know who was "another guest," but she suspected it to be G'raha, and listening to them refer to him as someone to be simply 'brought over only worsened her suspicions that they might have got their hands on him. "Now, where were we…" - Rhotsatz chuckled and took up the knife while watching Krile with a mischievous smile on his face. He kept this pose for a moment before finally getting to his meal. "The best Bismarck has to offer indeed…Tell me, did ye get the chance to visit our best restaurant? Ye must have been busy, just like ye friends, but leaving our city before having a taste of this delicious fish is a mistake one will regret over their life. I could give ye a piece or two."

"No, thank you…I'm not hungry."

"It's not about the hunger, ye know? It's all for the taste of the pure see that our pirates ravaged and ruled over so long ago. Now that those days are returning, we can rejoice together, can't we?" - Rhotsatz put a piece in his mouth; he didn't seem to push to speak on the main topic, perhaps hoping for Krile to do this. Eventually, she had to take the opportunity.

"If I could hazard a guess, I'd say discussing fish is not the reason you invited me." - She said sternly, keeping up her confidence despite the disadvantage.

"Damn right." - Rhotsatz nodded and chuckled once again. "See, yer friend G'raha Tia attempted to somethin' very naughty and rude…I gave him a house for a night, but he doesn't know how to repay in kind." - All Krile's worst suspicions proved to be true one after another, and it was almost impossible to maintain confidence on her face as she realized that she was alone, stranded amidst the city of wolves and rascals. If they wouldn't want her to leave, then she wouldn't leave.

"Where is G'raha?" - Krile asked calmly, trying to get to the truth of the matter.

"Imprisoned the Coral Tower, chained but not harmed yet." - Rhotsatz said calmly and plainly, enjoying seeing Krile fear for his life.

"Why? What did he do?" - Krile felt her heartbeat as she realized why exactly Rhotsatz wanted her here. To deliver the truth and watch her seethe at the realization, perhaps ending it with throwing her into a cell, too.

"He took his Emperor friend and tried to get into our prison. Wanted to free all the servants that weren't distributed yet, the fool! They even killed a couple of ours while on their way, and I would not accept such behavior from those I allow into my city, do ye understand?" - His tone grew harsher, and the fury emerged, and Krile had little to say in response. Oh, G'raha…She knew that he acted out of the purest kind of his heart, but this didn't make his actions any less rash. They could've brought that news to their allies who held considerable power in the world, the Elder Seedseer, Ser Aymeric, and the Sharlayan Forum, but without their protectorate, they were powerless in the face of the pirate regime.

"I'm sorry that it had to end this way…But let's not jump to conclusions. Let me assure you that it had nothing to do with anyone else from our expedition. If there is a way I could compensate the damage in exchange for you freeing G'raha and Emet, I promise to try my best to…" - Trying to find a consensus was the best course here, but Rhotsatz immediately denied it.

"No, no, we are past that already. Do ye know how much nobility it requires for one to allow those two to leave when their powers are so unlimited? To give up a weapon against blasphemies?"

"G'raha is not a weapon for you to use."

"I thought the same until he defied my rules, killed my men, and tried to 'free' my servants, the sheer audacity of this bastard!" - Rhotsatz hit the table with his fist, and an echo of the hit pierced Krile's ears. "Tell me, sharlayan…G'raha thinks that my rules are oppressive and cruel, that I enslave those people for my own profit and make them suffer when they don't deserve it. Do you agree with him?"

"I believe that's past the topic of…"

"DO YOU AGREE OR NOT?!" - Rhotsatz shouted in anger and demand, causing Krile to inadvertently shiver at the rage he exhibited. Moments after, he switched back to his calmer state. With each such change and outburst, Rhotsatz turned all the more unhinged in Krile's eyes. "A simple question, ain't it. Yes or no?"

"Very well…" - Krile sighed. "I prefer to put my personal feelings aside when it comes to matters like this, but yes, I agree with his opinion even if I don't support his actions. The regime you created here is inhumane and monstrous; I saw how the people you deem as weaker have to suffer for others' pleasure. This goes against the creed I follow, the same one that scions followed…The creed of using your strength to the best of those around you, protecting those who cannot protect themselves. I do not believe it to be cultural differences either. I knew enough noble and heroic men and women from La Noscea that I knew they would never have allowed such atrocities. Does that answer the question?"

"Aye, more than enough…" - Rhotsatz nodded. "But I would expect better from ye than to lie!"

"Pardon?"

"Ye want me to believe that you agree with G'raha's disdain for us, and yet ye don't support his actions? No, no, don't even try to pretend…Ye just feel trapped and are desperately trying to find a way out." - Perhaps he was right, but Krile did not lie even if she tried to find a way to end the situation peacefully.

"I'm afraid there is nothing I can offer you but my word."

"Yer word means nothing." - Rhotsatz denied. "Ye will not be leaving this place either way."

"On what grounds?"

"Because I said so, and this is my city. I thought you Sharlayans had a creed of not putting your noses where they don't belong, but all I'm seeing is the opposite! The real reason I brought ye here is to show you that fate that awaits ye and see what happens to those who defy me." - Rhotsatz spoke commandingly. "See, before your crew, there was another guest. An elezen man from Sharlayan, one of the Forum…" - This came as a surprise for Krile; what would someone from the Forum do here?

"There must be a mistake…"

"Nay, there wasn't…He was very interested in how we run the place, almost too interested, all while complaining that his precious children would not allow such 'atrocities' to come to pass. He was an exile among them, yet someone who still knew all their secrets. It's an opportunity I decided…Oh, here they are." - Rhotsatz announced as both he and Krile heard the door open behind them. What Krile witnessed came as a shock, the guards forced a bruised, beaten, and chained man to walk beside them, but this was not G'raha. He was an elezen with messy white hair and azure eyes, dressed in torn grey robes.

"By the gods!" - Krile exclaimed and stood up from her table, but so did Rhotsatz. He stood in between the lalafell and his prisoner, whose hands were tied by both shackles and two pirates that held him. His face looked vaguely familiar, although Krile could not quite piece it together, she knew some members of the Forum, but none were among her closest friends.

"See?" - Rhotsatz smiled. "This man complained as well; he didn't like our 'monstrous regime,' too. I do not care for giving rascals like him and ye chances; it wouldn't be long before yer bloody friends are brought here! If our pirate commune is to survive, the harshest measures are taken, and they will! And no Sharlayan pest will stand against us; I've got enough of them." - When he paused with his rant, the elezen man looked at lalafell woman with surprise, the first sign of emotion that emerged in his tired eyes.

"Krile Baldesion…Is that you?" - After getting a better glimpse at his eyes and hearing his voice, Krile finally realized who was before her.

"F…Fourchenault Leveilleur? What are you doing here?" - If he was the exile, Rhotsatz mentioned earlier, then Krile was at a loss. From what Alphinaud told her, he was a strict loyalist of the Forum and one of their most respected members; there was nothing that would make him fall into the eyes of his peers so swiftly.

"I…" - Fourchenault began to speak with shame, but Rhotsatz interrupted him.

"Maybe she'll make ye tell the truth? Go on, tell her how you ended up here!" - Rhotsatz demanded, causing anger and disdain to brew in Fourchenault's eyes.

"I have told you many a time before…" - The elezen clenched his teeth. "I cannot tell you or anyone here the 'truth,' but even if I could, you have nothing that will let me say it!"

"I see." - Rhotsatz nodded and approached Fourchenault. This was followed by a punch loaded at the man's chin. Fourchenault grunted and coughed, having to spit blood at the nearby wall.

"No, stop!" - Krile shouted. "There is no need for this! Fourchenault…He said you were an exile. Why?"

"I broke the Forum's decree…The one I swore not to break. By saying something, telling the…" - He didn't want to continue, or perhaps couldn't. Fourchenault took a deep breath before speaking again; it was as if some supernatural force held him back. "For this, I was imprisoned and eventually exiled from Sharlayan, stripped of all my rights as a member of the Forum…With this, I came to the only place I knew where I could do some good, Mor Dhona."

"You wanted to join our efforts?"

"Perhaps…I wanted to do something that would…That would honor their memory." - Fourchenault's voice broke for a moment, going far quieter and heavier before returning to the usual pitch. "But I had to go through Limsa Lominsa on my way; I saw everything this monster did here, how people have suffered. I knew I had to leave, but I imagined Alphinaud and Alisaie seeing this all and what they would do…" - The elezen sighed with regret before looking at Rhotsatz. "I made a mistake of striking up a rather heated argument with him, and this is where it brought us…"

"Even since this fool has been my prisoner." - Rhotsatz said with pride, which swiftly turned to anger. "I managed to learn something about the Forum, that they are not entirely the men and women they make themselves out to be; they have an agenda…They know something about the bloody end of days and have some sort of plan. At least he could deny that much. But no matter how I torture him, how much I try to get him to bulge, he doesn't falter somehow! Such resolve or foolishness, I don't yet know…"

"I am bound by a spell, haven't you realized? Whatever you're trying to learn from me is folly attempts and nothing more!"

"Lies! Ye can use this excuse however much ye want, but no magic can resist the true, natural pain, and you will submit sooner or later. Ye still have your hands intact; after all, there is much work to be done…"

"Enough!" - Krile said confidently. "What is the meaning of this? Is that all you wanted me to see, to see how horribly you treat your guests and prisoners? Master Fourchenault did not even try to act against you. He does not deserve this!"

"He does, oh he does so much…I had Fourchenault as a message, someone I considered showing to ye during our meeting to explain why ye should not act against me! But that would only motivate the likes of you and G'raha, wouldn't it? I assumed ye might be close friends with him as well…"

"We rarely talked to each other; all I knew about Fourchenault was from Alphinaud's tales…"

"Then there is no use for ye at all, Krile." - Rhotsatz shook his head. "I thought that maybe seeing ye suffer will make him speak the truth, but if ye aren't close at all…Well, there will be another message to send. Seize her! l

One of the pirates rushed towards Krile, grabbing her hands and forcing the lalafell on her knees. She knew that there was no point in resisting and took it gracefully, looking at Rhotsatz with disappointment and disgust all this time.

"And this is what you will do to us? Lock us all in cells?" - She wondered. "You cannot do that to your every guest, and I assure you, there will be much more soon."

"I keep only those for whom I have the use. Fourchenault still hasn't told me the truth while yer friends are perfect for defense and labor, and ye…Ye will be used to send the main message." - A malicious smile emerged on Rhotsatz's face, such primal desire that even left Krile unnerved. "Ye'll be executed at dawn."

...

There were times when G'raha's naivety and determination to save every random soul he encountered were amusing for Emet-Selch, but this was not one of them. The rage and anger still seethed inside him as the ascian remembered this humiliating moment of the Exarch forcing chains upon him right when he was preparing to obliterate those arrogant pirates. All because he couldn't bear to see someone die because of him as if countless lives in Ul'Dah that were lost to the Final Days were not enough to make him accept this reality.

Because of this, Emet lost his crystal, a source of his memories and a symbol of the work he did to restore Amaurot. To lose it after thousands of years to some uncivilized swine made the ascian want to punch G'raha with all his remaining force, even if there was no magic in his left. However, there was little need for it when fate had been cruel enough to him. Seeing his eyes crystallized in horror and an open mouth when he realized that Krile was in danger because of his actions was a delight to see, even if it was pathetic. Every single piece of advice and critique Emet-Selch gave to him, every word of warning G'raha utterly ignored, was proven correct and precise when it came to the Exarch.

"Damn it…" - G'raha continued to mumble to himself, looking at the bars before them. "They might bring her here if we're lucky; we could find a way to escape this; Rhotsatz must keep the staff in the Coral Tower somewhere. If only we could contact our sailors…"

"Just take a deep breath and realize that you cannot do anything." - Emet sighed angrily, beckoning for the Exarch to shut up. "Until they allow us some degree of freedom for whatever they need, there is nothing we can do." - The ascian admitted.

"I'm not going to sit and do nothing while those wolves will try to harm Krile, I…"

"And when was the last time you tried to do something, and it did not end up being an utter disaster? Since you've escaped Eden, I cannot remember anything. What hope can you have of stopping the Final Days with such a track record?"

Suddenly, an idea emerged in Hades's mind as the ascian spoke of the Final Days. After talking with Venat, he knew that the Final Days were caused due to dynamis, not aether, and it wasn't something one could easily chain. Despite Emet being weakened during his last battle with the Exarch, he was able to summon blasphemy when at the height of his anger and despair despite being totally unable to create something of such magnitude willingly at that moment.

"Well…" - The ascian continued. "There might be something."

"If you have something useful to say, then do it."

"I am not accounting for consequences, but we could sow enough chaos for us to escape. I was wondering if I fall into despair once again, will another blasphemy be summoned…"

"Are you serious?" - G'raha's shocked voice echoed in his ears.

"Going through the process is painful enough, I can tell you that, but it is still better than having to spend time in a cell with you.

"And do you realize how many lives would be lost?"

"Of course, I'm trying to save myself, and considering that you have my soul, that unfortunately means saving you, too. Are you going to pretend that you have better ideas?"

"No, not yet…What I am not going to pretend is that your life of megalomaniacal madman matters more than those of the innocents."

"Can these innocents tell you how to stop the Final Days or lend you their power? I thought not…"

Their argument was interrupted by a loud pirate voice outside.

"Bring him in; Rhotsatz wants the bastard back in the cell!"

"Sure, give him to me." - The guard answered, and moments later, Emet heard someone's steps. Two silhouettes approached from the corridor, they were bringing a new prisoner to the fold, and this was definitely not a lalafell. When Emet finally realized who this was, the ascian silently stared in shock as the situation became surreal.

The man before him had changed much since they last met. He wore No Sharlayan robes; his eyes looked down in defeat and tiredness, and the hair had so much dirt in it that it was enough to tarnish the white color. The guard guided Fourchenault to the center of the room, pointing at the nearby cell.

"That's where you're staying." - He commanded as both G'raha and Emet watched closely.

"Zodiark curse me, fate couldn't get more ironic today…" - Emet said quietly, yet Fourchenault still heard him. The elezen turned towards their cell, and his eyes immediately gleamed with shock. Fourchenault stood upright and recoiled in horror as his emotionless expression turned into a hateful frown.

"What are you doing?" - The pirate guard asked in a commanding tone. "Get to your bloody cell."

"I…" - Fourchenault's hands shook, and the depth of his breaths increased. Emet could swear he saw his eyes reddening slightly before the man rushed towards their cell so quickly that even the pirate could not react in time. Fourchenault grabbed the bars and attempted to reach for Hades with his hand, but the ascian was out of reach. "You…Damn you! Damn…"

"Enough!" - The Pirate grabbed Fourchenault by his shoulder and pulled him away. The elezen tried to fight, but a swift kick to his groin was enough to pacify Fourchenault. In the next few moments, he was forced into the nearing cell; it did not seem like Fourchenault even resisted. He simply looked at Emet-Selch while maintaining his primal disdain.

"Do you know him?" - G'raha wondered moments after the pirate left back to the door.

"Well, that's the second time we meet, but I assure you, we share quite a history…" - Emet chuckled, once again prompting Fourchenault to burst.

"You laugh at me, monster?!" - He clenched his teeth in a fury. "Be grateful that there are bars between us, otherwise I, I…" - His voice broke before going silent; what a pathetic display.

"You what? Go on, I'm dying to hear it."

"I would make you suffer and not think a single second!" - Fourchenault retorted. "If you managed to somehow become a prisoner for those brutes, then I'll surely…I'll find a way!"

"A small correction, I'm not their prisoner. This Crystal fool is their prisoner, and I am his…That does sound even more humiliating, doesn't it?" - Emet shook his head in disappointment.

"Wait…" - Fourchenault looked at G'raha as his eyes gleamed with clarity. Apparently, Hades's presence made him so hateful that he didn't even notice they weren't alone in the room. "You are the Crystal Exarch? The time traveler? What are you doing with this bastard?"

"I…Yes, the name's G'raha Tia." - He answered reluctantly. "You two clearly know each other. Can someone explain to me what is going on?"

"He killed…He killed…" - Fourchenault attempted to speak, yet his voice constantly grew quieter as tears formed in his eyes. "He killed my children! He killed them and then disgraced me before the whole Forum after threatening to kill my wife…And still, still, he dares to laugh!"

"Yes, yes, I did all that…" - Emet sighed as he noticed G'raha's concerned gaze. "If you somehow haven't pieced it together, this is Fourchenault Leveilleur of the Sharlayan Forum. Well, formerly of the Sharlayan Forum, I take it."

"Master Leveilleur?" - G'raha looked at the elezen with eyes that were gleaming with surprise and brimming questions, yet looking at his tormented self, all those emotions changed to empathy. "Are you…The father of Alphinaud and Alisaie?"

"I am…" - He responded quietly. "My kind, brave, heroic children…" - His voice creaked once again as memories began flooding G'raha's mind. He remembered working alongside the twins on the First; they always did their best to give hope to the people of Eulmore and Ahm Araeng. Despite their youth, their resolve was unshakable. He remembered seeing Alphinaud over his sister's fading soul, trying to heal her despite knowing that she was no more. How he lashed out bravely against Hades to avenge her and bring justice to the monster who took her life. "I was told you were there when they died…How? How did it happen?"

"They fought until the bitter end and perished like true heroes." - G'raha spoke earnestly, even though he realized that words were hollow when one suffers such loss.

"And yet you stand by their murderer's side…" - Fourchenault switched his tone to spite, catching G'raha off-guard.

"He is not my ally, and I will never forgive him for what he did…But he knows something about the Final Days, he has the knowledge which he refuses to tell, and I'm going to find the truth.

"I concur." - Emet added. "There is nothing I would want more now than being away from him, but this bastard is very eager in his pursuits, alas."

"What did you do in the stream, bastard?" - Fourchenault demanded.

"The stream?" - G'raha wondered.

"He didn't tell you, of course…" - Fourchenault sighed. "He came to Sharlayan in search of a way to find Hydaelyn, and he needed someone to interrogate. Apparently, this freak was not satisfied with murdering my children and decided to rub my wounds even deeper, so he found me…"

"You were the one I encountered first; no hard feelings." - Emet interjected.

"Shut up! He demanded I to tell him the secrets of the Forum, to break an oath that one swears upon joining their ranks. He threatened to kill Ameliance, my dear wife, the only family I have left…I told him some…Truths that were never meant to leave the Forum's chambers. And for that, I was exiled."

"Well, I'm sure you can tell those truths yourself now that you are no longer burdened by their magic unless…" - Emet began to speak, but Fourchenault interrupted him.

"They would not risk freeing me from the spell."

"I see…" - Emet chuckled once again; this time, the ascian could not hold it and let out a malicious laugh.

"How did he tell you, then?" - G'raha asked.

"I possessed a body of his living comrade of the Forum, and they are allowed to talk of it to each other. A simple trick which worked flawlessly."

"I cannot tell him or anyone but you…You can." - Fourchenault admitted while clenching his fist in anger.

"And I won't. Not until G'raha gives me what I want." - The ascian turned to the Exarch, preparing for another round of mockery. "Poor you, trying so desperately to find out the secret of the Final Days, all the while sitting in a cell with two men who could tell you much, yet neither of them will."

"By the Twelve…" - Fourchenault could not let go of his disdain. "You truly are a monster…The purest, vilest form."

"I am only asking for some information; is that too much?"

"You saw Hydaelyn, did you not? I know that's why you came…What did she tell you? Answer me!"

"So it is true!" - Exarch exclaimed. "I see why you were so weakened when I met you in Mor Dhona. What did she tell you?"

"Well, we talked about our Amaurotian topics…No interest to you, I wager." - Once again, a sly smile emerged on Emet's face. "Did you not say that you mortals did not need the ancients' guidance? I'm sure you'll figure it out on your own, then."

"Still, you won't budge…At least she knows, too." - G'raha let out a sigh of relief, looking back to Fourchenault. "Listen, I know it may look wrong, but…"

"Wrong? You are standing side by side with this murderer. Do you truly expect him to tell you anything?"

"Let's say I am looking at all options, few as there are…" - G'raha seemed eager to switch the topic. "Either way, before we can discuss that, we should get out of here. Fourchenault, how did you end up in Limsa?"

"Had to stay there on my way to Aldenard…They didn't want me to leave, and after I was foolish enough to strike up an argument, Rhotsatz threw me in his cell immediately. He wanted me to tell him all the secrets of the Forum, and he would not believe that there is even a spell…I see now why we needed it; at least I know I wouldn't break into someone like him. That was until he told me about Krile Baldesion…"

"Krile? Have you seen her? Is she alright?" - G'raha jumped in.

"I was brought to her while Rhotsatz apprehended her…"

"So he took her, then…" - G'raha looked away for a moment, probably trying to hide his shame. "But why not here? Where is she?"

"I imagine they took her to a special cell…Rhotsatz said he shall execute her by morning to send a message for all of Limsa to witness."

Emet immediately witnessed G'raha's eyes glow with horror; even the ascian did not expect such a turn of events. He had little power left to even mock the Exarch yet again. All they knew now was that there was almost no time left.

And they had precious few options.