The Minstrel's Ballad: As our Hope wanes

by Angelfortruth

The road walked by the warrior of light is one of sorrow and trials, of enduring pain and despair so that hope may one day prevail. But what if, in her attempts to find an answer to the question, Hydaelyn miscalculated and the hero fell in a battle against the Angel of Truth before he fulfilled his purpose? Can someone else follow in his footsteps, or is the world fated to burn?

62. The Execution

Every word Emet spoke to G'raha in prison was true. There were times when the ascian did not seek to destroy humanity, but rather guide them. There were times when he believed there was hope for them, that someday they would grow beyond their vices. Those days were long gone. Few things could make him doubt his course, and even those moments were fleeting and temporary.

Yet now, there was absolutely nothing left but anger. Anger at those pirates, anger at Rhotsatz's arrogance and tyranny, anger at G'raha's kind-hearted foolishness. Spending time in this hell that stomped on all the values Hades held dear to his heart, the rationality, openness to discussion, and most importantly of all, serenity and peace were reviled by those broken vessels, even though without them they undid their own future, one time after another, never realizing their mistakes. That was the only path pirates could pave for themselves.

And then there were the likes of Exarch. Men who believed in a better future believed in a reason to fight and to better their world, but they were never brave enough to do the right thing. In the few hours they had left, G'raha desperately tried to find a solution, to find a way to save Krile and others without sacrifices, and no matter how much Emet would tell him otherwise, he would not accept it. For him, there was always another way, which only served to show that the century of the First taught him nothing at all.

When the morning came, everyone was brought to the square. The pirate guards entered their cells, beckoning the three prisoners to follow them to the aetheryte plaza. All of them did in utter silence, still not knowing what to do.

Hades sensed Fourchenault's disdainful gaze upon him, but the ascian paid it no mind. What he was concerned about was G'raha in front of him. The Exarch looked down; his steps were irregular and devoid of rhythm, and he refused to look at anyone or anything; Emet could swear that his eyes were closed half of the time. A part of the ascian wanted to mock the Exarch and remind him of his foolish actions, but he was suffering enough, rubbing the salt in his wound might cause him to go a little too far…And become the first transformation, not something Emet wanted while he kept the ascian's soul.

Hades also had another plan in mind. He wasn't sure whether he would have to go this far, but there was no choice. Fourchenault and G'raha were powerless, and he was the only power that he could utilize. The ascian looked forward to giving the Exarch yet another scolding, but hopefully, this would happen when they were free and on their ship.

And now, the trio was led to another crowd of pirates. All the rascals from each pirate crew have gathered around the podium like the vultures, cheering in their boisterous voices.

"KILL, KILL, KILL!" - Like animals, they spouted their anger and anticipation, a desire to see someone suffer and die, the most primal instinct of the sundered. A disgusting bunch that Emet could not stand, the brutes that never truly evolved from their animalistic forms. And the ascian had to watch this in chains along with G'raha and Fourchenault; Rhotsatz would not miss a single opportunity to humiliate them.

And he was there as well, standing atop the podium, taking utmost pleasure in watching those pirates laugh. Behind his back was the crystal staff he took for G'raha, no doubt a way for him to demonstrate yet another layer of his power. And these fools must have believed that he could use it…And he circled around his victim. Krile was his prey. The lone lalafell rose above the bloodthirsty crowd, looking bravely into those vultures' eyes. Emet knew she was afraid, but she didn't show any signs to pirates, and this deserved some respect. If she survives the day, he'll be sure to tell her that, if only to see her disgusted reaction.

"So, I see everyone's in great mood…" - Rhotsatz began. "Perfect, for ye, are about to witness yet another of our triumphs!" - Rhotsatz shouted into the crowd. Now would be the time he makes another speech before claiming Krile's life if only to prolong the anticipation.

As the guards got distracted by their leader, Emet noticed Fourchenault looking at G'raha with the faintest glimmer of hope.

"Do you…Know what to do?" - The elezen wondered, forcing a quiet chuckle from Emet.

"Do you think anything changed during the last hour?"

"I'm not talking to you!"

"I…" - G'raha spoke quietly, raising his head above and looking at Krile. Their sorrowful and lost eyes met, both must have prayed for the end of this nightmare by any means, yet none had any power at the moment.

"Let me tell ye a story! "- Rhotsatz began. "That staff I have on me is a gift from the Crystal Exarch, the time traveler, a 'legendary hero' who destroyed the dark god…And doomed all of us to a battle with the end of days!" - After saying those words, the plaza was overwhelmed with hateful booing and disgust, forming a cacophony of broken sounds coming out from their mouths. "And guess what…He comes to our city, asks to host him and his friends, and then on the very same day tries to steal our servants amidst the night!" - The hatred and disgust only grew stronger with each word, making Rhotsatz even more joyous. "So what do ye say we do with those conspirators?"

"Chop their heads off!"

"Make them our servants!"

"Feed "'em to the sharks!"

"Yes, that's the spirit!" - Rhotsatz responded. "The best punishment for the crystal fellow would be to serve and protect our city from monsters, don't ye think? He killed a bloody god; what problem will some beasts pose for him, right?" - Rhotsatz looked at G'raha with a smile. "Oh, the things he'll do for us, he'll become the greatest servant of Limsa Lominsa to ever have lived, I gather…But before that, we need to teach him a lesson! Here ye have his conspirator and servant, this woman from Sharlayan who turned a blind eye to what he did, pretending she didn't know!"

"Lies!"

"Kill the wench!"

"And that's exactly what was on my mind…" - Rhotsatz looked back to Krile. "Arielle! The axe." - He called out to the elezen girl who stood beside the podium, meekly looking down on the pavement. She carried a bloodied axe in her hands, and soon she began to ascend the ladder to give her master the weapon.

"Wait, Rhotsatz! "- Suddenly, G'raha's voice echoed through the crowd, attracting the pirates' attention.

"Look, the rascal wants to say something!"

"Shut your dirty mouth!"

"Quiet!" - Rhotsatz interrupted. "Let him speak. What are ye gonna do now, G'raha? Beg for forgiveness? For mercy? Nay, we're past that!"

"I only wish to say this." - The Exarch sighed and raised his head. "I have broken your law, and perhaps it is only fair for me to work and undo this damage…But she knew nothing of this plan; in fact, she advocated against taking any action at all! Our conclusions were not one, and the same, and Krile wished you no harm! If you dare to harm her, then I will not raise a single finger against any blasphemy that will arise. If you let her go, however…I promise to do my best to undo the damage." - The Exarch regained his posture, speaking firmly and confidently once again. Yet his moment of confidence did not last for long; Rhotsatz cackled in response as if he had just heard a ridiculous joke. The roegadyn man laughed for a few seconds, and a few pirates followed his example, turning this into yet another disgusting chorus. The ascian couldn't help but pity the Exarch.

"Do ye think we're idiots or what?!" - Rhotsatz continued. "I know well enough that one life in danger was enough for ye to give up! My boys even say that you kneeled and dropped your staff at sight, hah! Are we to believe that ye suddenly do not care about them anymore? Get in line and watch!"

Rhotsatz turned away as the mocking voices finally quieted down, once again switching their attention to the coming execution.

"Damn it…" - G'raha clenched his teeth and crystal fist, looking at the floor with eyes full of shame.

"And this was your plan?" - Emet looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"There must be something else; he has my staff. I can…"

Any last words?" - Rhotsatz asked as he looked down at Krile.

"Yes…"

They had no time anymore, and there was only one option left. Emet looked away from G'raha and Fourchenault and thought of the dreadful past. Of how beautiful it once was, of how it fell to dreadful beasts and Venat's psychotic games that robbed them of their paradise. How much pain he had to go through with Lahabrea and Elidibus, all the constant disappointment at mortals while the calamity loomed ahead. All of this hurt, yet all of this has grown so familiar, so…Normal to Hades, that none of it could invoke the true pain…Yet even among those, there were memories that made his heart ache at the single thought of them. The memory of a moment that Hades regretted for thousands of years, the moment he prayed he could someday avert, to apologize and have his friend hear it…The ascian closed his eyes. If such was the price of freedom, he would peer into the past.

…

And so the memories swirled around Hades, taking the ascian back into the hellish days. Days when their paradise was taken away by the unknown horror, were the Final days. Even though Emet-Selch knew what was causing it, it did not make the memories any lighter. He had to think, to watch himself trudge through the chaos, see his friends and colleagues succumb, and perish to the horrific beasts that consumed them one after another. The screams of his peers that echoed through burning Amaurot were agonizing for Emet.

But no agony could compare to that of the decision Convocation had to make when the situation spurred out of control when too many fell to despair. A decision that would take half of mankind from this world, leaving those who live to pick up the pieces of a scarred civilization amidst a scorched planet. The Convocation would oversee the process and bring any soul into the fold that wished to do so. As the leaders whose duty was to stay with their people and guide them, they would be exempt from sacrifice, but every member knew that one of them had to go. To become the heart of the newly formed god and set an example for others to follow. A hero inspires hope in the hearts of others so they can rise against endless despair. Loghrif was the first candidate, right until another volunteer took her place. The youngest of them, the one that was undyingly loyal to his duty and the Convocation, which he considered a family. It was with a heavy heart that the rest of them made this decision, but this was the only way, and no matter one's personal feelings, for each of their duty was above all else.

Or so most of them believed.

"If that is the path you shall take, then I will not take part in this slaughter."

Those were the words Apollo spoke as he stood at the center of the Capitol, with the whole Convocation looking at him with disappointment, though all of them could foresee such an outcome, for Azem has always been the one to defy rules and do things his way, even if he met no consensus among other members. Yet to decry the majority with such determination and vigor was a grave offense against the laws of the star itself. Not to mention abandoning one's seat so abruptly and throwing away their responsibilities.

Yet the sacrifice and averting the cataclysm has been far more important, and if the Convocation had an opportunity to get rid of the one that slowed them down, then so be it. However, there was one among them who must have anticipated such decision the most, yet he was the one most shocked and hurt by this turn of events.

Hades remembered searching the borders of Amaurot, desperately trying to find Apollo before he left the city. He knew that his friend resolved to travel the world and help everyone in need, trying to avert the Final Days without having to see their people sacrificed for it. A heroic if naive undertaking, as many of Apollo's were.

Emet remembered the moment he spotted his friend near one of the gates. Alone and stranded, pushing his people away and answering no questions. Hades heard that Apollo made a decision to leave hastily and look for another way, whatever that was. Others have decried him, saying that this is the decision of a traitor and a coward, the one who is far too afraid to do that which is necessary. But Hades refused to accept that; he knew his friend well, a brave and heroic man who cared most deeply for every living soul of this star. Yet he was not someone to blindly follow the decisions and guidance of others, either, a man who always looked to himself and his own values, which rarely aligned with the Convocation's philosophy.

"Azem! "- Emet-Selch exclaimed as he saw his friend come close to the border. His black robes were still on him, and the cape covered his face. Hades did not know if he was ready to face his after the declaration he made in the Capitol. Upon hearing his name called out, Azem turned around and looked at Hades. His face was covered by a black mask, and his eyes could not be seen, yet Hades felt the disturbance in Apollo's soul. The brave soul that always burned so bright in its orange color, like the sun itself, had its resolve weakened and shaken now. They looked at each other through their masks, knowing the pain both went through. "Where are you going?" - Emet asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"To the towns and cities beyond Amaurot, to the places that will need my help…" - His voice wavered. "I will do what I have always done, I will gain perspective while aiding them, I will learn anything there is to learn…And I promise I will return with a solution.

"And what point is there?" - Emet spoke with annoyance, trying to reason with Azem. "We already have a method. Fandaniel told us all of the currents and their instability; if we bring a dark god to life, those currents will be restored. The cataclysm will end, and there will be no more beasts, no more destruction!"

"And at what cost?" - Azem looked away and clenched his fist. "Do you even realize how much aether, how many souls it will take to bring the concept to reality?! I spoke to Lahabrea, and he told me that the amount would be enormous…Thousands will have to die to give up their souls for this dark god. How can you truly say that this is a price that is worth paying?" - He raised his tone, speaking in utter disbelief at his own friend. This rage, this anger that Azem rarely displayed before, it made it almost impossible for Emet to answer the question truthfully.

"There is always a price to pay…" - The Amaurotine took a deep breath. "But we have to pay it because there is no time! How many more would die if we did not act? How many more waves of this nightmare will there be? Everyone understands the necessity, Halmarut, Deudalaphon…And even Fandaniel. You know him, you know how much he cares for each and every soul, and yet we all understand, all but you!"

"I understand, truly." - Apollo's anger was quenched as he spoke. His voice grew quieter and brimmed with shame as if there was still something he didn't want to speak of, something that ate Apollo from the inside. After a few moments of silence, he took his mask off, showing his blue eyes beneath the hood's shadow. Hades followed his example, exposing his face as well. They spoke to each other not as colleagues from the Convocation but as two men who were friends long before either took office. "But I do not believe that there is no other way. There will be, someone must know the truth, something that can be done…And whatever that shall be, I will find it."

"All you are doing is chasing phantom dreams without meaning! Have you thought about what people would say if they knew that the Convocation's decision was not unanimous? That one of our own rejected it and abandoned our cause and all of Amaurot?"

"Then let them know the truth. They have their own path, and I have mine. I can only pray that there is light at the end of either."

"How can you be so selfish?" - Now it was Emet's time to let his anger emerge. "How can you stand aside, abandon your people…Abandon us when we are at the brink?!"

"And how can you stand aside while Themis and Hythlodaeus are becoming lambs to the slaughter?" - Those words made Emet freeze in shock as he felt Apollo's stark gaze upon him. Everyone was aware of Themis becoming the first sacrifice, but hearing Hythlodaeus's name was not something Emet expected.

"W…What?"

"He hasn't told you yet? He will soon…" - Apollo sighed. "I spoke with Hytlodaeus shortly before leaving; I told him of the Convocation's decision. He said that he would gladly sacrifice himself for this cause and for us. He said that he will give his life for us, fulfill his duty and purpose so that there is a future for us to see…" - Azem's voice broke as he spoke of their friend, Hythlodaeus. He was the only one of their trio who didn't serve on the Convocation and greatly admired both of his friends, even going as far as considering his duty to the star in making Hades and Apollo achieve their own goals in the Convocation. "Are we going to simply accept this, then? Shall one half stand aside and do nothing while the other gives their souls? With so many other potential options we have not explored? If there is the slimmest choice to save Themis and Hythlodaeus, then I will find it!" - He spoke with confidence even if tears swelled up in his eyes.

"I…" - Hades stuttered. "The sacrifices will be voluntary; Convocation has no right to force anyone to give their lives…But…But we cannot deny this opportunity, either. If such is Hythlodaeus's decision, then…I will honor it." - Emet knew this was a lie, Apollo knew. Emet-Selch will honor the decision, but Hades will never accept it. Hades will try to convince his friend to stay with him, just like he did now.

"And I will try to save us all, then. I don't do it for me. I do it for them…Themis and Hythlodaeus are my friends; I am not allowing them to die!"

"And I am not?" - Hades asked quietly, causing Azem to recoil for a moment and stand in silence. "Apollo…Please. We should face this nightmare together. The Convocation will find a solution; I promise we'll do anything we can! Just…Stay, that's all I ask of you." - A tear fell down from Emet's eyes, and no matter how painful it was for his friend, he did not give up.

"I'm sorry, Hades, but I cannot trust the Convocation anymore." - He threw his black mask at Hades's feet. "Goodbye, my friend…I promise we will meet one day again…I believe it."

Before Hades could speak, Apollo turned away and walked towards the gate; there was no stopping him. Hades watched his friend leave him behind and go on a perilous quest while his people suffered in flames of despair. He didn't even look back at those he abandoned for his own purposes and goals. Emet knew that Apollo had the purest intentions in his heart, but he couldn't accept them or agree. The Convocation would always encourage healthy debate both among themselves and their people, but this time, it hurt. Hurt harder than any beast.

"Then go! "- Hades shouted with disdain and vigor, forcing Apollo to halt. "So many years have I spent defending you in the eyes of our Convocation, so many chances did Elidibus give you out his principles and kindness of his heart, but no more! I believed that despite your methods, despite your constant disobedience, you had the best interest of our people at heart…All a lie! You don't truly care for us; you do not care about accepting reality and facing it with a semblance of dignity! You run away like a coward…A coward you are! Pashtarot and Lahabrea were right about you. You are not one of us…And we will face doom without you! Go, then, traitor, and don't dare to come back!"

His body shivered, and his heart burned, the disdain Hades felt at this moment was breaking his soul, yet none of it was true disdain. Seeing Apollo walk once again, not looking back at his friend in utter silence, each of his steps pushed Emet towards the ground, draining his energy and hope and forcing tears out of his eyes. Emet wanted this world to disappear, wanted to stop the apocalypse, a part of him wanted to stop those sacrifices, to run to Hythlodaeus and beg him to change his mind and stay…But most of all, he wanted his friend to be with him. A friend he never saw again until an armored hero emerged in the First, with a soul that still shone brighter than any sun.

A hero he killed.

…

It was time for Krile to say her final words, although Emet hardly listened to them.

"I suppose…This is it. If you will grant me the chance, all I want to say is… I'm sorry to see what the city has become."

The hero abandoned his people and left his friends behind. The man who wasn't there when Emet said goodbye to Hythlodaeus, seeing him give his life to become one with Zodiark. Azem never saw their pained smiles as they looked at each other for the last time and the tears that they shed after looking away.

"I remember Limsa Lominsa as a city of those with free yet honorable spirits, a city of opportunities and wonders…Of great warriors that would do everything to protect their home and allies…"

The 'friend' that was not where when their world was barren, a hero who cut off all his connection to Amaurot and never returned despite his promise. Perhaps he was dead by then…Emet certainly wished it to be so. Otherwise, his soul would feel the very brunt of the sundering. Imagining his friend becoming a formless, pale abomination…It made Hades's resolve shake.

"I truly believed that people here sought something better than the old ways of murder and pillaging, and I know I was right… It's a shame that your gangs murdered many of those with noble souls and driven the rest to insanity and submission."

A hero that the rest of the Convocation decried; even Elidibus called Azem a traitor after separating from Zodiark. All but Emet-Selch, who could not forget his friend. He knew where Hythlodaeus was, waiting inside Zodiark to be finally set free, but there was nothing left of Azem…Nothing but the crystal Emet made in secret from Lahabrea and Elidibus. The crystal that he looked at during the long nights, dreaming that one day, he would meet Apollo and Hythlodaeus again. Alive and whole, shall they smile at each other.

"You all should be ashamed of your actions, and I hope that there is some among you that understand that what you are doing is wrong…You twisted this state beyond belief, making this a cruel, unjust place where no one cares for his fellow man. You are monsters, and I feel no doubt admitting it…"

And he did. Emet heard many tales of the hero that arose in Eorzea, the Warrior of Light, they called him, but it was not until seeing him on the First that he realized. This tired yet powerful warrior, clad in silver armor, was alone and stranded amidst Lakeland. He joined forces with the Exarch, and he fought and fought, bringing hope back to people's minds and putting smiles back on their faces. And then there was Hades, who finally recognized the soul that burned bright inside him. It was his friend, sundered yet reborn, another man with but a slither of his old self. The man that looked at him with disgust, judging everything Emet has done, all the lives he claimed…The very man he sacrificed everything to bring back…

"My hope is simple…I pray that your reign will not be the end of Limsa Lominsa. That one day, people with nobler hearts and souls will rise up and steer the ship at the bright course it once pursued…Even if I am never going to see it, I believe this will be true someday. And this thought makes me smile."

The hero rejected Hades's offer and challenged him. The hero who found new friends, forgetting Hades, Hythlodaeus, and Themis. It was not his fault, but it still hurt. Looking into his eyes and seeing the friend Hades once lost, he sees nothing but a monster who threatens his people…They were not friends anymore. They would never become friends again. A hero who writes the tale and the vanquished that was destined to become its villain. Yet Hades did not want him to be a villain; he wanted him to be Apollo once again…

"Aargh!" - Emet fell on his knees and screamed as the dark aura emerged around him, coupled with the azure waves of creation magic. The pirates took out the muskets they had, but it was already too late, the monster was forming as the darkness gathered at the heart of the plaza, and the sky began turning crimson.

"What are you…" - G'raha looked at Emet with horror, but it was too late to stop the ascian.

"By the…" - One of the pirates shouted as a monstrous terminus hound, a beast with pale skin, blood-stained eyes, and sharp claws and teeth, formed at the center, letting out a monstrous howl. One of the pirates, the one closest to it, recoiled in horror and lost his musket.

"Gods, no, no, it's them, it's…" - The dark aura appeared around him as well, consuming his body in a wave of darkness, quenching his helpless screams. Terminus vulture emerged the bird that flew high above the city, searching for its prey from above. The chain reaction had been started, and the horrified looks on the pirates' and G'raha's eyes were utterly meaningless now. One after another, smaller blasphemies began to emerge, and most pirates were not resolved enough to fight them. As the monsters spread through the nearby bridges, searching for their prey, so did the pirate's retreat. Even Rhotsatz, who stood atop the podium, had fear emerge in his eyes as he looked at his people with disdain.

"Where are ye…Cowards, fools!"

The hound jumped at the podium, looking at Rhotsatz with its hungering eyes. The roegadyn took out the crystal staff in a vain attempt to do something, but the monster pierced his hand with its sharpened tail, forcing the staff to fall below them.

"N…No…GET AWAY!" - Rhotsatz shouted as blood-drenched his hand and an axe fell to the floor. The few pirates that remained tried to hide and run along with Arielle, but none answered Rhotsatz's cries for help. "TRAITORS!" - This was the only word the pirate could say as he ran towards the Mizzenmast, his last refuge.

G'raha was about to run toward his staff, but the remaining pirate guards quickly pushed him to the floor.

"Don't move; we're leaving now!"

"Fools, you can't run, let me go!" - G'raha tried to shout, but the pirates were far too terrified to release him. Suddenly, the trio saw Krile jumping off the podium as the hound battled the few remaining pirates. Some of them transformed in the middle of this battle, becoming twisted worms and ravens, and one of them turned into a formless beast with a dozen of faces.

"G'raha, over here! "- Krile grabbed the crystal staff and rushed towards the Exarch. Emet noticed her utterly frozen and shocked eyes, yet she acted swiftly and without a single moment of hesitation. The lalafell rushed towards the Exarch, kicking one of the guards with as much power as she could. It must have been more painful than it seemed. Even mortals could be capable of much in a state of panic. This gave G'raha a moment to claim his staff and finally regain control over his magic.

Before the guards could do anything, the chains were broken, and G'raha was set free. His guard tried to attack only to be met with a blast of azure aether that burned out a hole in his body, forcing the man to collapse. This was when Emet felt his strength returning as well. The darkness swelled inside the ascian's essence, filling him enough to break free as well.

"Finally!" - The ascian shouted before creating an aethereal arrow in his hand, swiftly slicing off the neck of his guard and summoning the darkness to his aid. Now all of them were free but Fourchenault, whose guard kept a knife at elezen's throat.

"Don't come close… I'LL CUT THE BASTARD DOWN!" - The man screeched as the dark aura began to emerge around him as well; Emet had to act quickly. When the guard wavered, and a small opening appeared, he launched another aetheric blast, killing the last pirate that had any power over them. The four of them found themselves amidst a chaotic city that would soon be consumed by flames.

"By the…By the gods…" - Fourchenault breathed heavily, still unable to realize that he was free.

"That's not how you say thank you, but it'll do." - Emet shrugged.

"What have you done?!" - G'raha clenched his fist. "Do you even understand how many…"

"I did the only thing possible, and as you can see, it worked impeccably so far!"

"Not now!" - Krile interrupted them. "We will discuss this later. Now let's get to the ship before the monsters spread too far…"

"I can't, not yet." - G'raha said quietly in a pained voice.

"Why?" - Fourchenault wondered, yet he would be left without an answer. A girl's scream interrupted them as they looked at the plaza yet again.

"Please, help! Please, no, no, no, stop…" - Ariel was forced to the ground by one of the flying monsters who was preparing to tear her apart. G'raha could not stand aside; the Exarch empowered his staff with light, sending a powerful wave at the beast. It let out a screech before releasing its prey and turning towards a more powerful for. This was when Emet joined in. He formed explosive spheres, and G'raha empowered them with his light, an explosion that was powerful enough to annihilate the monster. When they were done, Arielle still lay on the floor shaking and clutching her head, unable to look up.

"Nophica save me, Nophica…Gods, gods, gods, please…" - She sobbed and shook, and if Emet's senses were worth anything, she was just moments away from turning.

"It's okay…" - Krile approached her carefully, but as her shadow loomed over Arielle, the girl recoiled and screamed in horror as she noticed the crimson skies above her. Tears fell down from her eyes as she realized that her master had abandoned her to those monsters.

"Please don't hurt me!" - She begged her while slowly moving away.

"Please, it's okay…" - Krile spoke with a soft voice as she landed her hand. "We won't hurt you, I promise. It's not your fault; you had to serve him, we understand."

"I…I don't want to die…Please… Don't…" - Her tears and horror were too much as the girl began shivering again.

"Come with us. We will sail away to a safe place; no one will hurt you there, I swear!" - Krile tried to convince her while the flames began to rage around the city.

"I…I…" - As Arielle whimpered, Krile grabbed her hand and helped the girl to get up.

"Can you walk?"

"Y…Yes…"

"We need to go, now!" - Fourchenault called out to others. "Why can't we?" - He repeated his question to G'raha.

"Don't you see?" - The Exarch pointed at Arielle, forcing Emet-Selch to roll his eyes in annoyance.

"You can't still seriously be on about…"

"I am. I know where the prisoners are held; I can help them get to our ship."

"All alone?"

"I have my magic and staff. This should be enough…I am not dying just yet." - The Exarch sighed, almost in acceptance of the insanity that has been unraveling around him. "Emet, I've restored your power again…Can you get them to safety? I will join you as fast as I can."

"You goddamn fool…As if I have a choice. But if you dare to lose my soul…"

"I won't, I promise."

Once again, the ascian had to obey, but Emet was intent on leaving either, despite what he showed. There was something of Rhotsatz's that he wished to reclaim. And soon, he would.

…

Perhaps it truly was for the better that it was not G'raha's choice, or perhaps this was the most horrific outcome they would have reached. He would've asked this question had him any time. Everything happened incredibly quickly, the chaos arose, and the beasts began to swarm the city, consuming and tearing apart every soul unfortunate enough to stand in their way. The fire consumed the towers and homes as the monsters decimated their walls in search of prey. A horrific twist of fate that Emet unleashed, saving Krile and dooming an entire city. The Exarch would have been angry, furious even…But all he could do now was to continue the fight. He could not leave those people; he couldn't doom them.

G'raha remembered what Emet told him very well, but his heart ached at the thought of them suffering…In their cells, they listen to the chaos that erupts outside and then bests find their defenseless prey and slaughter them in a hellish bloodbath. No, this couldn't be allowed to happen.

And so G'raha found himself running towards the backdoor entrance, the same route C'irena showed him to get to the Coral Tower through the lower levels. He had no time to waste on helping any pirates to battle the beasts, even though not all of them were monstrous people, he had no doubt. Emet created this chaos with one purpose, to sow chaos and give them an opportunity to slip away, and G'raha was not going to waste such an opportunity.

He passed through two plazas; the first one had pirates rounded up by a few smaller hounds and terminus vultures. They fought bravely to defend their positions and slaughter the monsters, but even in the passing seconds of running near them, G'raha noticed a few of those pirates getting mauled by the beast. It was always the weakest ones that fell first, one of them was taken up by a giant humanoid monster and forced into its jaws. The layers upon layers of agonizing screams made G'raha's soul shiver. Even though he knew that these people owned slaves and possibly forced them to suffer without shame, no one deserved such a horrific fate to befall them.

The other plaza was covered in flames as the vultures flew above, waiting for the few remaining fighters to fall to the floor with their legs and eyes burned, utterly weak and broken, easy prey for those monsters. More and more would arise in the distance on other platforms and towers, and the terrified people became far more susceptible to the transformation. At first, they screamed for help, then they screamed while begging for this nightmare to stop, and in the end, they would simply scream before going silent. There was no way to help those consumed by the flames amidst the broken platform, but the Coral Tower was in sight now, just a few more bridges…

But when the Exarch found himself ready to step on the final bridge, a formless beast blocked his way from the other side. A monster created of rotten flesh with its skeletal hands sticking out, the monster pulsed with dark energy that consumed all aether within it. He was so close, but it would seem G'raha would not get to the tower without a fight.

"Very well…" - The Exarch created his crystal blade and shield, ready to face the creature head-on. After all, he remembered those monsters from Ul'Dah. They were rabid and fearless but also foolish and guided by nothing but their instincts. This monster might believe G'raha easy and obvious prey, but he shall soon prove to be far stronger than that.

The monster rushed at the Exarch, but before it reached the man, a gunshot echoed from behind the nearby house. A bullet pierced the air before G'raha's eyes, wounding the beast. The monster slowed down for a few seconds, giving the Exarch a moment to attack it. Soon the crystal blade was drenched in black, rotten blood as it was buried into the beast's skin. When the monster dissipated, G'raha could finally afford to look at the shadow.

"It's… It's you…" - He heard a familiar voice in between heavy and terrified breaths. C'irena was behind him with a musket, her hands shook, and tears fell from her eyes.

"C'irena? You're alive!" - Seeing a familiar face, even when it was only a few fleeting moments they spent together, forced a sigh of relief for G'raha.

"What's going on?! I tried to run and hide in the tower, but they, they…" - She could barely talk; seeing their city reduced to rubble and ash would be horrifying to anyone, but she could help G'raha.

"It's alright…I can protect you." - The Exarch spoke in a soothing voice, doing his best to keep his own fears in check.

"W… What's the bloody point! We can't run, we can't…"

"We can still escape. My allies are waiting near the ship. But I need to get to the prison first and free those who are inside."

"Are you…Are you serious?! The whole place is coming down, and that's what you do?"

"But do you have the keys?"

"I…I do."

"Then it won't be long." - G'raha reassured her. "I can't leave them here. Otherwise, they have no chance at all!"

"I…" - C'irena sighed. "Fine! But only if you take me with you and guide me to the ship!"

"Of course."

There was no time to waste. G'raha and C'irena rushed across the bridge as the remaining few pirates were doomed to burn in the hellish fire and the claws of those beasts. Many lives would be lost today, but it was the Exarch's duty to see that many life to see another day, as well.

"I heard you got captured and about the execution…What went wrong?" - C'irena asked as they approached the tower, reaching the platform that so far was devoid of the beasts' presence.

"It's a long story… Let's just get this over with." - G'raha could not discuss anything now; all he thought of was the opportunity to save the innocents that were trapped inside. C'irena took out her key and opened the door.

"There might be some inside…" - Her voice wavered.

"We'll find out soon, stay behind me." - G'raha commanded. The two slowly walked into the hall which housed the passage towards the prison, so far it seemed surprisingly calm…

"Look up! "- C'irena shouted to G'raha, and the three flying black beasts, reminiscent of monstrous twisted bats, piqued downwards towards G'raha. The Exarch tried to prepare a spell, but it was too late. The Exarch felt the monsters' claws piercing his elbow. As G'raha let out a pained grunt, he dropped his staff on the floor as blood clotted from his body. He only had the blade to push the beast away.

Another bat attacked C'irena; the woman had no other option but to run away to the opposite wall, deflecting the monster's attention. The bat attempted to claw out G'raha's eyes, but this time the Exarch was prepared. He sliced off the monster's wing before plunging, cutting off the monster's head, leaving nothing but a trace of rotten aether.

Next, he had to save C'irena. G'raha noticed the woman cornered near the wall as another bat was ready to tear her apart.

"Get away, get away!" - C'irena tried to shoot from her weapon, but her panic and shaking hands made her bullets miss. G'raha rushed swiftly to her rescue, piercing the beast with his crystal blade. When the monster dissipated, C'irena could finally sigh in relief.

"Gods, this can't get any worse…"

The final beast dropped from above and attempted to fly toward G'raha, clutching his neck and squeezing out his blood. The Exarch blocked this strike with his blade, pushing the monster aside. He expected another attack, but a dark arrow from behind was its end. When the monster dissipated, Emet-Selch's silhouette arose from behind. The ascian looked at his enemy and levied a smile full of pride and enjoyment.

"Looks like you needed some help there."

"What are you doing here?" - G'raha looked at Emet in shock. "You were supposed to protect them!"

"Have no worries, I did. I guided them to the ship while annihilating any pirate that was in my way. Now all they are waiting for is us, and I would advise you to be quick; it won't be long before the beasts reach that part of the city. I have to do as well when you're done here."

"What in the world would you need here?"

"Rhotsatz still has the crystal."

"A single crystal is all you care about?"

"It has memories of a life longer than all of those prisoners combined, and I am not losing it."

"Fine, fine, as long as you're quick…I need you to guard the entrance while I deal with the prisoners below."

"You 'need' me to do it? Such a lucky coincidence that you didn't need to ask…Go on, do your thing."

"Let's go, C'irena."

C'irena remained silent and followed G'raha. The Exarch would not say it out loud, but he felt much safer now that the ascian protected the entrance; who knows how many more beasts would crawl inside. The two descended into the halls where G'raha was once caught, bearing witness to horrified prisoners. They kept near each other, shivering and praying as their guards had abandoned them; when they heard the steps, G'raha felt a myriad of eyes peering at him from all sides. Horrified people recoiled towards the walls, and some of them couldn't help but scream in fear.

"No, they're coming for us!"

"No, wait, that's the Crystal Exarch; he's free!"

G'raha and C'irena stood at the bottom, looking at those doubtful horrified people. G'raha prayed to the Twelve that they would be easier to convince this time; this was their final chance to run.

"Why have you come? Why did you bring this witch?!" - An old man shouted.

"Please, I'm here to help you! C'irena, unlock the doors. We're taking them."

"Are you out of your mind?" - Another voice rang from the crowd. "We know what's going on up there; the demons are let loose, and we will all die if we go up!"

"You will all die if you stay here!" - G'raha shouted as C'irena unlocked the doors one after another. "I can protect you, and I will, all we need is to get to the ship!"

"Like you protected us last time?!" - A woman shouted in disdain.

"Those monsters do not take hostages…They do not care who to devour, all who stand in their way are in danger." - G'raha approached one of the opened cells, trying to convince people to go out.

"You saw it, then…" - An old man asked with a wavering voice. "Have the demons broken out? Do they…Do they seek to murder us all?"

"They…Yes, they have, but we can escape. Come with me while there is still time; otherwise…"

"I…No, no, this is all wrong! It can't be. It's wrong, wrong, wrong! We don't deserve this, we…"

Before G'raha could react, a black aura emerged around the man. The transformation occurred so swiftly that the nearby people did not even have time to recoil. The emerging beast was yet another fierce hound, it charged toward G'raha, and he couldn't escape in such a short time.

He didn't see the rest. The Exarch felt the beast's teeth plunging into his flesh as the monster forced him to the floor, stripping the Exarch of his weapons. The sounds around him became a blur, and his eyes were covered by darkness. This was such a swift strike that the Exarch could barely breathe. A monster weighed on him, not allowing him to rise and walk again. The blood-drenched his skin as the burning pain crawled through his body like yet another rabid beast.

The Exarch was about to let go and lose his conscience; so great was his pain, so monstrous were the claws that tore his flesh apart, and with this, he might be finally gone…It was a shame to admit, but some part of G'raha would be relieved if all of this was to end. A coward's part. That he will not have to face his failures and responsibility, not have to see his world broken into pieces and burned in hellish flames, not have to live with the knowledge of how he failed his friends…

But this couldn't be the end of it. G'raha could only wonder what Edwin would do in his situation. How much would he have in the face of this cataclysmic threat? More than him…If only he could be here, if only…

"G'raha Tia…"

He heard Edwin's voice echoing in his mind, just like atop Mount Gulg, where the hero called him by his name. Oh, the tears G'raha shed upon the realization that after so many adventures, so many foes defeated, and so many lives saved, he remembered an opportunistic scholar that was there in the Crystal Tower with him…Fate was always cruel. Yet, in finding the strength to challenge this fate, Edwin found his resolve, his power, and joy. Those were G'raha's desires, too, the role of a hero that he refused so Edwin could take the stage. Now, the stage was his. G'raha felt something burn inside of him, something powerful and unbound, a force that could not be explained.

He wanted to live. To break free of those shackles and rise, again and again, carrying on. There were people he swore to protect, to save from the beast's claws and bring unto a better future. It was always the people for whom Edwin gave his everything, and G'raha wished to do the same. He wanted to see them smile, see their joy and salvation; no matter how perilous and dark their path was, there was only one way to go toward life. His will to live burned like a star and even the pain became meaningless in its face. G'raha's eyes were filled with life again.

And then he broke free.

…

The moment Emet-Selch heard the noise reminiscent of the beast's roar coming from the prison, the ascian didn't wait to descend. It didn't take long to guess that a monster had formed among those terrified people and that G'raha might need some assistance. There were many moments where the ascian thought about leaving the Exarch to his fate, but every time he would face the reality of being tied to his staff and once again be forced to cooperate. Hades could not wait for the day he would finally be able to break this bond, but this day was not today.

When he saw the scene, Emet witnessed something unexpected; his help was not needed anymore. A burst of light exploded through the room, leaving the prisoners in shock and awe at the mystery that had just occurred. The shade of the beast that spawned was annihilated and turned to ash as the Crystal Exarch arose. His wounds were healing, and his body regained strength from the very same power that helped him annihilate the monster. The energy that Emet saw yet could not sense like with any other type of magic. Something that came to him in the most pressing moment when G'raha's life was on edge. Could it be the same source of energy Hermes spoke of, dynamis? The song of Oblivion made people more susceptible to it; perhaps not all feelings were dangerous, but some could save your life in such a situation.

"How…How did you do that?" - Someone from the cell asked in awe."

"I…I don't know." - G'raha replied awkwardly, once again causing the ascian to shake his head in disappointment. He could have told them that this is the power he can control, which would help in convincing them to go.

"He can do many things, don't you see!" - The miqo'te woman, who accompanied G'raha, spoke to others. "He saved me from a beast on our way here; he's a powerful mage who crossed the expanses of time and killed gods! If there is anyone who can protect us outside, it's him, so this is your last chance. Stop whining and follow us to your freedom!"

This one was clever, at least. One after another, the people started getting up. While doubt and fear still permeated their eyes, at least they began to realize that this was the best chance they would ever get to get out. Finally, at least someone would make the right choice and stop being a fool.

"Impressive, I was almost ready to rescue you once again…And then give another scolding." - Emet crossed his hands and looked at G'raha. While others got up and convinced others to leave, the two were afforded a moment.

"I don't know how I did that; it just…Felt right. Felt like I couldn't give up like I could bend aether to my will, but even so, it felt…Different." - G'raha tried to make sense of what happened, unable to hide genuine, almost childish relief in his voice.

"Because that was not aether…"

"How do you know?"

"I didn't sense it."

"What was it, then?"

"I have some theories, but I'd rather dwell on them when we are not in danger of being eaten."

"Do you…" - G'raha sighed and looked at ascian with pleading eyes. "Do you need that crystal that much?"

"Yes, and I am not wasting time negotiating that. Either you let me go there with my powers, or I will make the life hell that you cannot even imagine, and I don't care if my soul has to suffer." - Emet said with malicious disdain, and after noticing G'raha's defeated expression, allowed himself a smirk. "Is that clear?"

"Very much so…Go, just be quick."

"Of course, no need to stay in here for too long."

The Exarch wouldn't hold the ascian back, and so it was time to leave. Finally, Emet could feel a taste of freedom once again, not restricted by magical powers or having to protect frail mortals. Just a sorcerer of eld against the nightmare that doomed his world, and nothing made him feel both alive and pained at the same time more than the thoughts of Apollo that still plagued his mind. If only he could change this pain, those moments in the past…But most Hades could do now is to not allow them to be desecrated by a pirate.

The ascian ascended the tower and found himself amidst the upper decks of Limsa. The plazas were already on fire, with half of the bridges being cracked and a few decimated. Hundreds of terminus vultures circled around the city, searching for their prey, taking any unlucky pirate who dared to appear under the crimson sky. The people screamed in pain as the monsters' claws pierced their skin and pulled their powerless bodies away from the ground. The ascian was relieved that there was some left who still fought; they would prove a good enough distraction from those beasts while he will go for the Mizzenmast.

For the few beasts that were in the ascian's way, a more direct approach would be suitable. Emet manifested a dark claymore in his hands, a crude weapon that was useful when his magic's potential was limited, as rare as those cases were. The ascian rushed towards the tower. He had only a few platforms to pass. His first encounter was a worm-like creature that still festered over a man whose hands and legs were torn off, drowning what remained in a puddle of blood. He was still alive, and his animalistic screech continued for a moment as the worm's teeth sunk into his neck, slowly transforming into an agonizing, unnatural cough until finally going silent. This distracted the beast just enough for Emet to pierce it with his claymore from behind. This wasn't enough to slay the monster. However, it turned around and roared, pushing the ascian aside. Hades tried to hold his claymore tightly and avoid any wounds. The shadow of these beasts loomed over Emet, forcing him to evade one strike after another as his breaths got heavier. When the moment was finally at hand, the ascian cut off the monster's lower jaw by slashing it with a bloodied claymore. As agonizing as it was for the monster, it couldn't fight any longer. Emet got up and finished the beast off, ready to continue his journey.

Trudging through flames and rivers of blood, the Mizzenmast was in sight. Hades could already see the entrance to the upper level, which was locked tight and not yet ravaged by the beasts. Perhaps this was where Rhotsatz hid and kept the crystal with him.

As Emet sighed with relief, realizing that the beasts remained behind to deal with the remaining pirates, his ears were pierced by a horrified scream, and he felt a pair of right arms clutching his leg.

"H…HELP…AAARGH….I….AAAAAAARGH!"

The ascian looked behind him to see a picture even the strongest minds would consider gruesome. A woman crawled on the floor with scarred and shaking hands, grabbing Emet. Both of her eyes were plucked, and there was nothing left in the sockets but blood and small white pieces drenched in them. Her legs were mauled by the monster's teeth, and most of the bones were broken as they lost form; there was nothing there but a trace of blood with a few places where the dirty bone stuck out.

"HE….A…" - The echoes of her voice grew disjointed due to pain. They hardly sounded human anymore. Emet wasn't sure whether to feel pity or disdain, but he knew what to do. In the next moment, the ascian ended her suffering by swiftly cutting off the woman's head. It was relieving to hear those screams finally stop, but it must have been even more relieving for her.

Emet carried on to the Mizzenmast, unleashing his explosive spheres of darkness to annihilate the door. When he entered the inner hall of the Mizzenmast, his sight was immediately focused on the door on the opposite side; it was shut and guarded by two hyuran pirates, still relatively safe and not transformed. When they sighted the ascian, however, the terror on their faces became imminent.

"Not a step further!" - One of them screamed at Emet, only for the ascian to laugh in response.

"And who are you to stop me? I assume Rhotsatz is behind that door? Let him come out. I have a few words with your pirate king. Otherwise, I'll have to resort to a more direct approach…"

"Die, fiend!" - The braver pirate charged at the ascian with a blade in his hand, but all his attempts at strikes were parred perfectly by Emet-Selch, who sliced his throat with a precise hit. The other pirate had his legs shiver at the sight, and a dark aura emerged around his essence. Emet was quick to reach him and plunge the blade into his skull. After his body fell to the ground, the ascian was ready to claim the prize.

He opened the door before, melting the lock with the power of creation magic, and entered the room. It was an armory stacked with pirate weapons and armor those warriors wore during their conquest. Many materials, be it steel or iron taken from different parts of the world; Rhotsatz certainly enjoyed having such a collection.

Speaking of the pirate king himself, he was amidst the room, fearful and reclusive, while trying to stop the blood from his hand and clutching something in his fist.

"What the hell, I said… It's ye…" - The pirate said with anger, and this was the moment when Emet noticed his crystal in his hand. "It was ye that started it, bastard, freak!"

"Do you like my masterpiece, then? I'm sure it will leave anyone speechless." - Emet smiled while preparing his claymore for yet another clash. "Why do you hold on to my crystal? Do you truly believe that had any kind of magic that would save you? What a fool you are…It has nothing but memories, memories that would mean nothing to a rascal like you, so how about you just give it to me and accept your miserable fate? If not, be warned, I am not defenseless this time." - The ascian was prepared to battle without a shade of fear in his eyes; even a strong mortal like Rhotsatz could do nothing to the ascian without any magic.

"Ye monster…Ye think you can simply take away my trophies, freak?!" - He took the nearby blade and rose in a battle pose, uncaring for his wounds and blood. "Ye came to MY CITY and think ye can just get away with destroying it? Ye and yer crystal friend, the bastards, all of ye! I'm going to kill ye all, I'll have my revenge, and I'll start with ye! Come, then, let's see who's stronger, the pirate king or the Emperor. Let's settle this in a duel of our fates; let's…"

Rhotsatz did not finish as the dark arrow pierced his neck, causing Rhotsatz to collapse on the ground and shiver like a wounded animal as he tried to catch a breath in desperation. The purple crystal feel of his hand as the roegadyn's eyes turned pale and red, while his movements became slower and slower.

"Too much talking, too little essence." - Emet scoffed and picked up his crystal as Rhotsatz finally stopped moving. The crystal was unharmed; at least, Emet still felt the energy coming from it…This harmonious echo reminded him of these memories as Emet-Selch before the endless nightmare began. Oh, how much would he give to see those times once again…The blowing and the rising sun, the beauty of their world, the purity and freedom they once had, a place of harmony, hope, and love…And Apollo was there as well. Him, Hythlodaeus, Themis…All untouched by the horrors that were forced on them.

While his words were true and the crystal could not afford its user power, the echoes of the past always affected the ascian in a way that could scarcely be explained…It was the same calling sundered souls felt when being near their crystals, something they used to raise them to their seats. Now, this crystal gave Emet resolve and allowed him to feel his soul, bound to G'raha's staff. The soul who called to him called out to be free…He saw through its eyes. Saw the Crystal Exarch running through plazas with dozens of people following him, trying to evade the monsters and reach the docks as quickly as possible. Not all left the tower, and not all were able to escape the beasts, yet those who did desperately fought for their freedom, and they were getting close. Hades closed his eyes and concentrated all of his power on one action, and the dark portal opened behind his back. The ascian sighed with relief as the darkness took him, even if he could not choose the destination but the one where his soul was. It was time to leave.

Emet emerged on the other side of the bridge that led to the docks where their ship remained; G'raha was leading the survivors while two hounds were blocking their way. The Exarch tried his best to fight them off, unleashing one fire spell after another. The blasphemies screeched, but the fire hardly stalled them. Even after his 'renewal,' G'raha was getting tired after slaughtering so many blasphemies on the way here.

"Can't you do anything without me?" - Emet mocked him and rushed into the battle. His claymore pierced the skin of the nearby blasphemy, turning it into ashes. G'raha looked at the ascian with surprise.

"Where did you…"

"It seems that my powers are returning. I teleported the moment I reclaimed the crystal and killed that bastard Rhotsatz." - Emet said with pride. This would certainly become a problem for Exarch, as his chains will never be enough to hold back Hades after he restores all of his powers.

"Then I need them here and now!" - G'raha said while continuing to fend off the vulture.

"Ah, very well…"

A few blasts of aether distracted the monster, allowing G'raha to manifest a sword and cut a deep wound in the beast's skin, turning the last of their attackers to ashes.

"The path is clear! Come on, C'irena, bring everyone here!" - He beckoned for others to go to the ship where others waited. The miqo'te woman rushed first, followed by former servants, whose horror was finally replaced with hope as they realized that their path to salvation was here. Emet and G'raha guarded the pathway, waiting for all others to cross. For a moment, Emet felt relieved that their battle was nearing its end…

But it was too early to celebrate. The ascian heard a roar from the water below; something horrific approached them… G'raha looked at others in primal fear that burned in his eyes.

Moments later, the bridge collapsed. A dragon-like blasphemy with feathered wings pierced the skies, destroying the bridge that prevented it from ascending. The few people that were trying to cross it became victims of the beast, either being mauled in its jaw or pierced by its tail.

"NO! "- G'raha shouted as there were many left on the other side. "Emet, help them!"

"As if I can."

"You can teleport, you…DAMN IT!" - G'raha rushed to the bridge while trying to find another way, but it was too late. The hounds and faceless monsters gathered on the opposite plaza, rounding the horrified people. They screamed and wept as the dark auras began burning around them. One after another, many turned into other beasts that immediately turned on those near them. Some jumped into the water of sheer desperation, even if they knew they would drown. Some simply froze as the monsters who became the faces of their friends attempted to pierce their way through their skin, tore off their limbs, and broke their bones in a savage array of disdain and rabid instincts. How horrifying those last moments must have been…To feel that you are so close to escaping while being forced into the grim reality. The nightmare caught up to them, and those who survived were too terrified to even look back. Only G'raha looked…Looked at this bloodbath until there were no survivors left at all until he collapsed to his knees and let his staff fall. His shaking hands and frozen eyes watched every single moment as the survivors got on the ship.

"G'raha, we need to go!" - Emet shouted as he approached the Exarch; a thought crossed his mind to take the staff from him, but he had no control over it without the Exarch. "Come on, they are all aboard already. We have to leave, for Zodiark's sake!"

"I…They…"

"Get yourself together and go if you don't want the rest of them to die!" - Emet lost his temper. "Be grateful that you still have someone to lose…And do not make it worse!"

Those words caused G'raha to stand up and grab his staff. It was still hard for him to maintain his balance, but at least he tried his best. After Emet made sure that the Exarch followed, both of them rushed to the ship where others awaited. Sailors, survivors, Krile, Fourchenault, and Arielle all looked with hope and fear as they saw the two approach the ship. At least there were some G'raha could save; Emet wished he had that luxury before…

When everyone was aboard, their ship finally sailed off. All of them stood in silence, many still shivering from the shock as they watched the city behind them burn in flames. How the towers collapsed, how bridges burned, and the gates were wide open for the blasphemies to take their prize. They would no doubt spread across other parts of Vylbrand and terrorize the people outside the city…Emet-Selch couldn't lie to himself. He felt his soul ache a little. A shed of remorse for what he started, even if he truly believed that, at this point, this was the only way to escape. Seeing such suffering, such loss of life…Even to an ascian, the sights of those people would be enough to remain with them until the very end of their existence.

But eventually, the fires ceased, and the darkened clouds hid the ruined city that they left behind…And there was nothing left but their own pain and regrets.

"What have you done…" - Finally, G'raha forced himself to speak. His fist was clenched as the Exarch looked at Emet with disdain. He approached the ascian, barely able to contain his anger. "Do you know…How many people just died because of you? All of those innocents I saw burn and get torn apart; they did not deserve it! No one did, even the goddamn pirates! Do you have any shame at all?!" - His voice broke as G'raha got louder with every word, unable to control the fury in his reddened, blood-filled eyes anymore. As for Hades, he only heard a man whose life and friend he had just saved spouting his moralistic nonsense at him.

"I gave you until the very last moment…I hoped that that idiotic brain of yours would actually be capable of spawning a useful idea if given enough time, considering how resourceful you were when it came to killing my people! I suppose your guilt and shame finally killed any sensibility in you and made you a buffoon? I wonder if my presence helped your breakdown…I certainly hope that it did. I have to follow your orders while you force humiliating and restrictive chains on me, and even so, I do everything in my power to save your friend. If not for me, her head would've been chopped off and rolling in its own blood on the floor with these pirates laughing at her demise! Would you have been happier? Answer me, you self-righteous idiot, would you be happier for it?!" - The ascian shouted, allowing his fury to run rampant for the very first time since being caught by G'raha. He tried to remain calm, but this nuisance was getting to him. The two were ready to attack each other when they heard a pleading voice.

"Please, stop!" - Arielle cried out from the crowd. "We can't do this anymore…Someone will turn and kill everyone else, please, don't be so angry!" - She breathed heavily as tears streamed down her eyes. "I don't want to die! We all want to live; we just…"

She was right, and both understood this. This plea made G'raha and Emet pause, trying to stay in silence for a few moments while gathering their thoughts. If the Exarch becomes a blasphemy here, Emet might lose his own soul. It was better not to risk it. Besides, the people will need him.

"She's right, you know." - The blue-haired miqo'te spoke, immediately finding support from Krile.

"We…All need to calm down for now, and if there is something to discuss, that can be left for later. Alright?" - She trod carefully, trying to calm both down. "I am thankful that…That…You saved me. Let's just…"

C'irena was the one that eyed Emet with interest; something was on her mind.

"I've been meaning to ask…People all around Limsa spoke of it, but I didn't quite believe it… You're Solus, right?"

"Yes." - Emet sighed.

"Solus zos Galvus? The garlean Emperor that conquered Doma, Ala Mhigo, and brought a whole moon down on Eorzea?"

"None of those I did directly, but I orchestrated all of those, indeed." - Emet replied calmly, watching C'irena recoil in shock.

"Seven hells… You're… You're the most dangerous man in the world as far as I'm concerned!" - She uttered, and Fourchenault was the next to talk.

"That's exactly what I've been telling G'raha. Emet-Selch is a menace to all those around him, and we have all just witnessed a perfect example! That monster will bring us all to our graves if we do not find a way to kill him once and for all!" - The elezen pointed at Hades, spouting more hatred with every word.

"Thanks for nothing, I suppose! I saved you, too. At least I bring value to this deranged company and the fool I have to follow; what did you bring into the fold except your spectacular ability to lose debates and knowing information which you cannot even share, unlike yours truly…"

"I…" - Fourchenault looked away and clenched his fist. "I am not murdering people for my own twisted goals, do not even dare to speak of value here! You are a self-destructive beast, and you deserve to be put down like one! You need to suffer like my children suffered!"

"Please!" - Krile stood between them. "I beg of you, not now! We will have a few days before we reach Sharlayan, and you all need to wait before you speak of it! This ship is big enough for all of us. We can…"

"Sharlayan?" - Fourchenault's voice switched to shock. "But I cannot go there, not yet. You know I am exiled from there…"

"I know." - G'raha spoke with regret. "But neither are we an official visit sanctioned by the Forum and the admiral of Limsa Lominsa… It's a gamble for all of us." - He said, hearing Emet smirk in the background.

"I wonder whose fault that is…"

"I cannot return without being imprisoned again by the Forum." - Fourchenault shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but we are not going back." - G'raha declared. "Too much has been given already, and we can waste no more time…The time for politics and secrets has passed, and the carnage has gone too far. All we can do now is to plead our case, and if Forum has any semblance of care for this world, they allow us in…They will help us stop the Final Days."

There was nothing Fourchenault could reply to this. Once again, they have found themselves amidst the sea and the silence of their pain. Too many lives were lost today, far too many. Even Emet realized this.

"Very well, then…" - Fourchenault said with scorn before turning away and going to the lower decks, leaving others to stand and ponder on the horror they witnessed.

With every life lost, with every time they felt this pain, their hope began to wane. Now there was only one course, one last hope.

They were bound for Sharlayan.