Some time before the incident
Having that many chores to do have made Estinien miss the encroaching nightfall. Their discussion with Gaius and Raubahn has barely provided any concrete direction to follow, just a few more days of awaiting reports of Terncliff and the installations. None have been too certain about their decision; the dragoon could see by the sheer powerlessness at the eyes of both the general and the Shadowhunter that they would want nothing less than a counter-strike, bringing the VIIth to its heel. Estinien would've gladly participated in the clash, but his mistakes have taught the elezen to avoid acting in rashness.
Still, it was impossible to avoid a sense of trepidation. Perhaps this is why Estinien did not slumber despite chambers being provided for him. Instead, he has found himself traversing the city under hypnotizing moonlight. Most people have remained in their homes, although Estinien was certain that many of them shared similar struggles regarding falling asleep during these haunting days. As Estinien slipped past the intact houses, he could hear whispers in the silence of the night, fearful and uncertain voices talking to their families and friends. Many have taken in people who lost their homes during the assault, those who had suffered most…Each time someone would try to succumb to sleep, a petrifying thought of waking up to the city-wide warning and another weapon emerging from the mists would always push them away from serenity.
The dragoon shared these concerns, though he would rather focus on other activities to distract himself from uncertainty. And so Estinien picked the house of an average height and, with a few precise hops, swiftly ascended to the top.
His acrobatic skills might have been Raubahn's saving grace in that battle; it never hurts to practice them. Estinien took pleasure from the view, as depraved as it was. He could see the Ruby Weapon towering above what was once home for those unfortunate people. It will take years to restore, but Estinien had faith in the people of Ala Mhigo. They have withstood so much that they deserve to see the end of their misfortunes. But when has fate cared for what anyone deserves?
Estinien looked at the conference building and a large balcony rising above the square. He wouldn't pay much attention if he wasn't seeing a familiar face. One-horned au ra was leaning on the balcony list, reluctantly gazing into the decimated part of the city. She was just a few houses away from him, and soon Milisandia's attention had switched to Estinien. It didn't take long for the dragoon to reach this balcony. He jumped from one roof to another, always maintaining perfect balance and landing on his feet. When he stood beside Milisandia, her eyes would follow him closely as an impressed child arose on her face. Those clearly were not the emotions she wished to display, however, as the girl looked back at the ruins and away from Estinien. The dragoon stood beside her and peered at the Ruby Weapon. Standing there, motionless and silent, yet still containing powers to annihilate civilizations within…
"Trouble falling asleep?" - Estinien asked as his eyes gradually moved in her direction once again.
"What's it to you?" - She spoke in a tired, distant voice.
"Considering the whole city has had this issue ever since you attacked, you're not alone in this."
"Have you come to mock me?" - She turned towards him with annoyance, still maintaining hope for some peace in her eyes.
"No, I'm not the one to pass pointless judgment." - The dragoon shook his head. "But I imagined you'd spend time with Gaius, not in solace."
"He…Has much better things to do now." - Milisandia said quietly and focused on the weapon, speaking again after a short pause. "I'm trying to…I don't know how to explain." - She sighed, trying to put the whirlwind of her thoughts into words. "When I try to sleep, I see the weapon before me. It's not a dream. I just can't stop imagining it. And it feels demonic…The wings, the face, all the cannons and earthquakes…" - Estinien could feel her shivering as she spoke those words. "But it's all exaggerated. When I come here, I look at it, and it's just a soulless machine. Not good, not evil, just a…Thing."
"Is it easier to watch than in your own mind?"
"Yes…The thought of it being so close is scary, but I want to try and accept at least that. And yes, if you want to make another poignant remark, I know other people here have much worse problems than I, I do not deny it, I…" - She swiftly moved to a defensive tone, standing up tall, even though Estinien did not mean to cause distress.
"Don't fret over it. Gaius told me who you are to him and why did you do what you did…" - He felt Milisandia relaxing and being able to slightly lean again.
"I did it for family."
"Many would do the same in your situation."
"Would you?" - She asked sharply and caught Estinien off-guard.
"I never got a chance to check for myself." - He replied gravely after a brief pause; Milisandia seemed to understand his hints, as shown by immediate sympathy emerging on her face.
"I'm sorry… It's horrible to lose your family, even if temporarily." - Milisandia looked Estinien in the eyes, trying to offer some comfort even though he was not in need of any. "If I may…What happened?" - She asked cautiously.
"Parents and a brother died to dragonsfire before I even reached them."
"My parents died during the epidemic…My older brother and I were tossed to the streets."
"Did he take care of you?"
"Oh, yes, he did…We stuck together for the short time we had. He tried to earn enough gil for both of us, and this led him to partake in…Questionable business. One day he didn't return to our shelter, and later I found out that he got killed in a bar brawl…I was alone, begging for food and money until Gaius found me and offered a place by his side." - She smiled faintly and closed her eyes for a second, thinking of these majestic days. Estinien understood, when you lose those close to you, you think that no one will ever replace them…It was true, but too often, it created a fear of forging new bonds. "I met all the others under Gaius's protectorate. I was overwhelmed at first, but there were those who offered me guidance and support…Rex made me the skilled pilot I became; Ricon taught me to never give up whatever the failures; Allie was always there to cheer me up and call me her big sister…And Alfonse was just like the brother I lost. Helping through the darkest times, inspiring with his bravery, if not for him, for all of them, I wouldn't have made it this far." - With each word, it became clear that this was hard for Milisandia to talk about. Her voice quivered, and shades of tears emerged in her eyes. "I'm sorry for rambling. You must have had enough of it…"
"Not at all. I struggled with accepting new people into my life and forming true and meaningful friendships for years. I understood how wrong I was when I finally opened up, and it did not happen before becoming what I despised the most… You're lucky to have found a family. Many don't get the chance." - Estinien said with pride.
"And now I can't stop thinking about them…I can't see them, can't ask anything, can't know…"
"Uncertainty hurts." - Estinien sighed with sympathy. He thought about Alphinaud and his condition. Torn away from their world, body, and soul separated, and still, he did not return…He hadn't spoken to the young lord long since before Ala Mhigo's liberation, and this corrosion pained him from inside. When Estinien walked into the Rising stones, a hope emerged within him that the scions would be awake. That he will finally see Alphinaud smile at his return, tell him how terribly worried he was…But alas, nothing. Milisandia went through the same anxiety. "But it's better to fear for those close to you than having no one to fear for at all. You must be proud of yourself and your family, of how you left behind a dark place many drown in for the rest of their lives."
"We didn't leave it behind just yet…But thank you, it means a lot." - Milisandia smiled gently, finally able to feel at ease. She wasn't a monster. Now Estinien had no doubt at all. "And did you find your family as well?" - She spoke in a compassionate voice.
"Well…More or less. I found those who would risk their lives for me to be in a medical bay with them fawning over instead of a corpse pile. Guess that says something." - He shrugged and said with some lightheartedness; Milisandia giggled lightly due to his tone but quickly recomposed herself and became silent.
"Sorry, I'm just nervous…But that's great. I hope that it was worth all the years."
"Oh, it certainly was." - Estinien looked up at the moon with a smile. He did not know where Alphinaud and others were now, but looking at the grandiose flow of boundless stars made him feel about them… It made him remember.
"You know…Estinien, right?" - Milisandia still had something to say. "Thank you. For how you got me out of the weapon, I mean. I thought I'd…" - She wasn't going to finish her point. The boisterous roar of a powered engine has pierced Estinien's ears. He and Milisandia quickly gazed at the ruins in fear, only to realize that the weapon had been activated… Its fires have already brought light to the Ala Mhigan ruins. Before their eyes, the machine excelled and rose above the ground, charging at full speed through the breach, leaving the two in absolute shock as they processed what had just occurred.
…
Now that the excruciating part was behind him, Nero was eager to finish this quickly. The Ruby Weapon rose above the town of Terncliff, forcing all of its people to freeze in primal horror. For a moment, the garlean wondered on the matter of terrifying thoughts flowing through their minds at this moment. As the people rushed into the shadows, desperately trying to hide themselves no matter how practical this was. Some fell on their knees and prayed to unbeknownst gods, seeing no purpose in even the slightest show of resistance. Nero was not in the mood to sympathize, not after his triumph being soured by Alfonse's stubbornness…
He needed a place to make his announcement. The engineer only now thought about the voice amplifiers installed within the weapon, similarly to those in the original Ultima. This will come in handy…Nero drifted to the eastern gate, being the most massive one here and undoubtedly the place where many would flock in their attempts to escape. Gazing over the town itself, Nero noticed there were very few imperial guards, and those had gathered to guard the gates, there were not enough to maintain order in the town itself. It looks like Valens has placed a very high bet on the weapons protecting his most prized possession…Nero dreamed of seeing the look on his face when he realized his error.
There were dozens of civilians gathered at the gate as Nero approached. Through the weapon's magnified visor, he saw a young au ra woman in a black engineer uniform standing in front of most and arguing about something with the imperial soldiers stalwartly guarding the gate. There were three wounded children behind her, holding their hands and cowering in fear. The Ruby Weapon's sound receptors were able to interpret their argument clearly as the engineer came close.
"Why can't you let them out? They're children; you can't force them to fight!" - The au ra girl shouted with the soldiers drawing out their weapons.
"Lord Valens was clear with the order of evacuation. You will have to wait for your clearance."
"But we can't wait anymore. It's already here! "
"Avilina, look!" - One of the kids screamed as he pointed at the Ruby Weapon's descent. Nero landed in front of the crowd, causing their hearts to swiftly sink. He needed to deescalate before they did anything foolish. Nero activated the amplifiers, hoping that they weren't damaged during his fight with Alfonse.
"Is that thing working?" - His voice hit like another torpedo for the people of Terncliff; everyone immediately froze, looking at the weapon. So many at his mercy…Mothers embraced their children, allowing them to take cover in their clothes and not witness the last moments of their life. Men stood in front of their beloved, ready to take the brunt of his attacks. The young children kept in groups and tried to calm each other…They could not know, but they had nothing to fear. Nero was no Valens. He would never cause such a brutal massacre.
"I…Identify yourself!" - One of the Imperial soldiers exclaimed with fear in his voice. Even the best-trained military men would tremble before the sight of a machine such as this. Nero took a deep breath…He needed to make them feel relatively safe while making it clear that their only option was to surrender.
"I am Nero Scaeva, a former Tribunus of the XIVth and a regular visitor of your town…I was before it turned into the mess it is now. I have not come here to kill you, but I have come to offer you freedom." - As he said those words, he could see hopeful gazes slowly emerge on people's faces, but they were far from certain. "I am here on behalf of the Eorzean Alliance, and we are here for retribution. Yet I assure you that the target of this retribution is Valens Varro, your new "self-made" Legatus. I understand that many of you have been forced into his service against your will, but if you want it to change, the time is now. I can see it full well that what little military you have here will not be enough to hold the city, so lay down your arms, open the gates, and embrace your freedom!" - The engineer exclaimed, hoping that this had an effect on them. The people mumbled and talked between themselves as he waited for an answer.
"And how can we trust that you will treat us any better?" - An old man yelled from the crowd.
"Do you know what Valens will do to all of us if he manages to retake the city?" - An Imperial soldier added with fear.
"But the Alliance are barbarians! They'll hurt us. They'll come here to destroy our home! "- A young boy was horrified at the prospect.
However, this myriad of voices was swiftly drowned out by the one belonging to the au ra woman helping the children to leave the town, Avilina.
"We have no other choice!" - She spoke loudly, getting people's attention. Nero noticed that she wasn't quite certain about this either but decided it to be the best course of action. She looked at the boy who was fearful of Alliance's cruelty. "You speak of barbarians, but we aren't any better by the VIIth. At least now we might have a chance of fighting back with the Alliance at our side."
"That's if we don't get slaughtered beforehand!" - Another angry voice shouted.
"If he was to simply destroy our city, he would have done so already." - Avilina responded. "There is nothing for us if we refuse, so don't make it hard."
"A smart move…" - Nero commended her. "You may not believe me, but I would point out that the pilot who has wrecked almost a half of Ala Mhigo is still alive, well cared for, and unscathed…Relatively speaking. "- This immediately attracted Avilina's undivided attention as her eyes gleamed.
"Wait, the pilot…You mean Milisandia?" - Her voice grew more hopeful with every word as she looked up at the weapon's cockpit.
"Exactly." - The answer caused Avilina to stumble for a moment, remaining frozen and unable to utter any words. When she regained her composure, the girl slowly turned around to Terncliff's people, shouting with twice as many emotions, almost pouring her heart's agony out.
"See, we have a much better chance with the Alliance!" - She spoke. "There is nothing to fear, not if we comply this one time…" - She looked at the soldiers, who still held their weapons, ready to fight. "I know you gave your oaths to the VIIth, but they'll treat you fairly…I hope."
"If any of you remember me from the days this place belonged to the XIVth, then I am still the same Nero you all knew…And as everyone knows, I only have precious few flaws, with lying not being one of them. And no matter the stories you've been told by the Emperor, Gaius and I still care for our people." - Nero helped Avilina, and it seemed that people finally confronted their fears and allowed their senses to take control. One of the soldiers dropped his blade, and another one followed. In an instant, all of them have given up the fight, giving citizens a powerful signal.
As the garlean examined their faces, he saw acceptance and resignation as they moved aside…With any luck, their hope in the Alliance will be ignited soon enough. For now, Nero had Avilina to thank for her courageous input. From there on, the city was now under his control.
…
Present moment
As much as Gaius hoped that an opportunity to act would arise soon enough, he did not expect it to happen this rapidly. When Milisandia and Estinien told him and Raubahn about the weapon, everyone in the city knew. There was work to be done for the sake of quelling mass panic in case it escalates, but it was much more important to figure out who took the weapon.
After contacting Cid and realizing that Nero is missing, the answer became obvious. Gaius foolishly hoped that the proud engineer would heed their warnings and wait before unleashing the weapon's might, but him being one of the most stubborn people Gaius ever knew, this was to be expected. They immediately contacted the scouts that were sent to Terncliff, warning them about the coming onslaught and that a battle might erupt near the city. These were a long few hours…However, when there was finally news to report, it came as a welcome surprise.
Now Gaius would see Terncliff for himself.
The Black wolf witnessed the town's eastern gate as the sunrise revealed its first rays of light. The journey took its time, but Gaius decided to embark on it nonetheless. The calming breeze and echoing rhythms of singing birds have made him remember the old days. How he marched across these roads with the soldiers of XIVth. How he was both a protector and a ruthless master for the people of this town, leaving hundreds of memories, be they ones of sorrow or happiness. Yet the towering giant that tarnished the sense of serenity was still there. The Ruby weapon remained at the gates, unmanned. It had some minor signs of damage but was still clearly operational.
"Our friend certainly hasn't wasted any time…" - Valdeaulin was impressed as he looked at the sunlight's reflections on the machine's armor. Estinien was also there, following Gaius into a place he had never visited before.
"Is that your city? Not a bad place to live, I have to say." - Estinien asked as he turned towards Milisandia, the most "unexpected" member of their group. When she heard of Terncliff's liberation, she immediately asked for allowance go. Raubahn was against the idea, but Gaius and Estinien vouched for the girl and eventually had him agreeing. She deserved to see it as much as Gaius did.
"No, my home is far further into Werlyt, but I've spent much time here during service." - Milisandia said as she looked over the town. She felt tremendous relief at the realization that it was not damaged, though another thought plagued her, as it did Gaius. The reports mentioned the Sapphire Weapon and its destruction at the hands of Nero, though there was no indication of who piloted it.
The four were met by two Alliance soldiers at the gates.
"Gaius Baelsar?" - One of them asked.
"Aye, we're here on behalf of general Aldynn."
"Yes, he told us that you'll be coming." - The second soldier responded.
"What's the situation here?" - Estinien asked. "Has the violence broken out?"
"Not bad, surprisingly enough." - The soldier said. "There aren't that many of us here so far, but citizens proved cooperative if only…A little afraid, given the weapon and all."
"We'll show them that we do not seek bloodshed, then." - Gaius said confidently and led the group inside. There were only a handful of people outside despite the majestic weather. Many stayed home either out of fear of escalation or any other kinds of unpleasant encounters.
Still, the place looked much more peaceful compared to how Gaius remembered it. The small and cozy houses built of stone have formed a remote place around the glowing fount and the central square. This was a place many soldiers hoped to be assigned if only to take a break from the horrors of warfare and garlean military.
"Are you from the Alliance?" - An elderly hyuran woman stood in front of them with her eyes full of both anxiety and longing. "We've been told that you won't harm us…Is that true? We are peaceful people. There is no need for any more, please…" - She was almost begging before them, and while some could consider this sight pathetic, Gaius understood its reasons. She was old enough to see the first conquest of Terncliff and everything the XIVth has done here. The subjugation, the oppression, while Gaius made sure his legion followed some code of honor, they were far from clean.
"We won't harm you, I promise." - Estinien was the first one to denounce these claims. It was then when the woman looked at Gaius's third eye, recognizing the face of the Legatus.
"You… You're Gaius van Baelsar! We've been told you work with the Alliance, but…" - She could scarcely contain her animosity, eventually leading to a deep breath. "I remember you. You forced my son into your Legion…And he never returned from Eorzea." - Despite him being able to form one family, there were many more that Gaius has separated. "Why was it, then? Did your conquest even bring something except pain to anyone? Why did my son have to die? What for?" - There could be no answer. Not after his failures, not after discovering the true nature of their "great nation."
"I did what I believed was right, and many had to pay for it. I do not deny it…But perhaps some things can still be made right." - Gaius sighed and replied with honesty.
"Is that all you have to say for yourself? Is that…"
"Now that seems like it's getting a little out of hand." - She got interrupted by a proud engineer's voice. Nero, clad in his armor except for the helm, has strolled towards the group. "You can say whatever you want to our dear Gaius, but you'll have to get in line for that." - Nero crossed his hands, beckoning the woman to leave. She didn't resist, throwing one last hateful gaze at the Black Wolf.
"We haven't forgotten. We may not be able to do anything, but we haven't forgotten."
"I do not expect you to."
They were left alone, with Nero standing before the group one night after disobeying an order and attacking the city, endangering both its citizens' lives and the weapon. And yet Scaeva remained as smug and arrogant as ever…Although there was some worry that Gaius read in his eyes. During his time as a Legatus, he learned to read one's emotions by their voice or movements, especially people he knew well, like Nero.
"So, I know I might have acted slightly naughty, but I believe anyone will appreciate my handiwork here." - Nero smiled at Gaius, looking over Terncliff
"Were all of your subordinates this annoying?" - Valdeaulin whispered to Gaius and did not get a response.
"You can be sure that your actions will be monitored with great precision after this." - Gaius wasn't impressed. "Tell me of what happened here."
"Don't you see? I liberated a city in one night! The people have been remarkably cooperative. None of them have been killed or even hurt. Even Raubahn's soldiers were impressed when they arrived. How is that not a celebratory cause?" - Nero wondered.
"You're still holding out on one very important detail…" - Estinien gave a hint.
"We've been told you fought the Sapphire weapon." - Milisandia said impatiently. "Who piloted it?" - It was clear that Scaeva was not eager to answer the question.
"Nero." - Gaius spoke in a commanding tone as he crossed his hands, immediately garnering the engineer's attention. "What happened?"
"It was Alfonse." - Nero said, invoking horror in Milisandia's eyes. "We managed to establish contact, and I tried to make him surrender with all the reason I possibly could." - He spoke in anger, having to admit his failure but not understanding why it had to go down this route. Gaius knew where this was going, and while he heard Nero's pain and regret, the anger at his son's death was boiling in his blood. "I told him about your involvement, that no one will get hurt, even that Milisandia is alive. But he kept talking about dying to prevent other recruits from suffering, giving out a "performance" to satisfy Valens's bloodlust, so to say. He said this was the only weapon that didn't have time to be taken to headquarters and that he had to fight."
"You…You killed him?" - Milisandia's voice quivered, almost on the verge of breaking down.
"Depends on how you look at it…He activated oversoul of Regula van Hydrus, fusing himself with the core. From there on, there could be no way back, so I finished the job." - He concluded. "You two have my sympathy, but… It's a success, isn't it? The Sapphire weapon is no more, and Valens lost another toy!"
"It is not worth it." - Gaius clenched his fist as his gaze fell down to the ground. "Alfonse…I should have been there. I should've returned…I failed you!" - The Legatus unleashed his anger, which wasn't directed at Nero as much as it was at his own abandonment of his children. He left them alone among monsters like Valens, and this was the result…And now his eldest, one of the bravest and most honorable people he knows, was gone. Milisandia stood with him, silent and barely able to speak. She loved all of her siblings, but Gaius knew she shared a special bond with Alfonse.
"Listen, he made his choice, and…"
"Stop it. You've done enough already." - Valdeaulin said dismissively, only fueling Nero's anger.
"And what would you have me do? To forego all of the progress we achieved in one night when your plan was to spend weeks on it? I know Gaius understands that no matter the sacrifices, we march onwards to victory! That's what the XIVth taught us, what Gaius taught me."
"You say the weapon was the last one to be taken away, correct?" - Estinien interjected, much to Nero's surprise.
"Well, yes. And does it matter?"
"Raubahn promised that the scouts were to be there by the next day's morning when he sent them. Were you to wait until they delivered their findings, we might have avoided the battle with the Sapphire weapon. Perhaps, if we were lucky enough, we would even be able to take this city while Gaius's children were here and the weapons were already taken away. All you had to do was to wait for one night." - Estinien did not sound judgmental, but pointing out Nero's mistakes made the engineer even angrier, perhaps because he realized that the dragoon was right.
"I… Can't believe it! Even after all I did tonight, the efforts spent on being as careful as damn possible, and still…" - Nero was about to burst with fury and misunderstanding. Gaius knew that he sought approval, sought to come out of Garlond's shadow and impress him ever since he joined XIVth. But Gaius could not give him the reaction he wanted, not when his son had to die due to Nero's recklessness.
Before they could argue any further, however, an au ra girl with purple braids came along.
"Nero, you said you wanted to see the scientists, now they're…" - She stopped when she saw a familiar figure, and her surprised gaze was not directed at Gaius. "Milisandia? Is that you?"
…
The flight to the headquarters in Werlyt has been spent in a creeping silence. The three siblings gathered at the magitek ship's inner deck, looking down at the metal floor and pondering. Rex clutched the communication device in his hands, forcing his grip onto it. He could barely control it, even knowing that he might accidentally break the radio. This was the last memory Alfonse left to them before his daring sacrifice. Despite their words of encouragement, the three of them knew that he couldn't win this battle. The weapon was too weak. And yet not having the answer has been daunting…Rex despised the uncertainty, despised having his mind declare Alfonse dead while his heart threw embers to the faint fire of his hope.
And if it was so horrific for him, Rex struggled to imagine how painful it must have been for Allie. The girl remained unnaturally silent, leaning onto Ricon, who put his hand around the girl's shoulders. They were all a family here, but Alfonse was her blood brother, someone she had known ever since being born…She would do anything to see his dream come true, as would Rex.
But when they arrived at the VIIth headquarters, a crippling sense of doubt emerged. The fortress is stationed at the heart of Werlyt and the root of evil that has been pressing them. It was surrounded by a small town, which was once a peaceful provincial place, now subjugated and forcefully industrialized by Valens. One wrong move on behalf of its citizens, and they would be punished for disobedience.
They were greeted by two children, a boy and a girl, sent on behalf of their Legatus. Rex peered into their eyes, expecting to see some relief that the siblings returned safely or fear of Valens or anything that would make them look alive. He failed. Utter resignation and acceptance of their fate reigned in the children's gaze as they directed them to Valens's chambers. Living beside this monster, Rex couldn't imagine how much pain these children had to endure to be forced into this broken state.
"Welcome. Lord Valens awaits your arrival in the correction chamber." - The boy uttered in a soulless tone. Correction chamber…Valens bragged about the existence of such a place in his base, and now he was waiting for them there. Rex felt icy shivers going up against his spine as he dared to imagine what Varro had planned for them.
"I'll go and report for all of us." - Rex looked at Ricon and Allie. "You stay out of…"
"Lord Valens wishes to see all of you." - The girl added, forcing Rex's heart to sink.
"It's alright, brother. We'll face him together." - Ricon said courageously. Rex couldn't stand imagining either of the two getting hurt; he gave Alfonse a promise…But they were not children anymore, either. It was their initiative.
"And you, Allie?"
"I'm with you." - She said distantly, still consumed by thoughts of her lost brother.
Rex nodded and followed the kids who led them through the prison corridors. Those were full of remote and dark cells, with prisoners laying on the floor tarnished with scars and sometimes even open wounds. Some grabbed the cell door with their few remaining fingers, while others were indistinguishable from mutilated corpses. Ricon and Allie scarcely contained their disgust and horror while Rex strolled onwards, trying to keep his stoicism. He attempted to avoid looking, but it wasn't always possible…And even if one doesn't look, they'd still hear the screams. Eventually, the trio was brought to a half-open door of an empty square room. Well, almost empty.
Valens rose near the raging furnace as he gazed down on the au ra boy standing silently beneath him.
"Now, I have no desire to go over this again…But surely you understand that this is for your own good, so I must make sure you understand." - Valens said in a methodical voice, attempting to emulate sympathy and care, but it didn't look like he even tried. "Okay?" - He kneeled down to the boy after taking his helmet off with a maniacal smile on his face.
"Yes, milord."
"Good…So remind me, why did Arren have to get executed?" - He asked menacingly.
"The evil has overtaken him, and he tried to escape, tried to abandon our glorious cause. He could not be saved after that."
"Yes, exactly. As tragic as that is, some become simply corrupted to save…You did very well by telling me the truth about his plans." - Valens said with a faint sense of congratulations. "But tell me, young one, why do you have to be punished as well?"
"Because…Because I was close to him and could not prevent his corruption. It might have spread to me…And it must be burnt out."
"Yes, yes, wonderful!" - Valens clapped as he rose once again. "You're such a quick learner; if only all of your kind was just as sensible…" - He looked at the door, where the three returning pilots had been expecting him. "But now I can see to that myself…" - He whispered before reaching the door. "Ah, come in, my loyal servants. I have been told that you are coming. Rex, Allie, and…Rich, Ray? No matter."
"We proceeded with evacuation as you commanded milord, and Alfonse…" - Ricon began only to be interrupted by Valens.
"Ah, that "brother" of yours. He did his job just as I commanded. The reports are due in soon…If he succeeds, he will be rewarded. If he fails, then we're better off without him." - Valens spoke with disgust, stirring fury in Rex's heart. He couldn't lash out…He couldn't…How did Alfonse gain such a demeanor that would allow him to go through such humiliation and remain calm?
"If Emerald and Diamond weapons have been safely transported…I assume we can retire to dormitories." - Rex said, eager to find out the truth about Alfonse.
"Yes, but not before you do me a little favor." - Valens smiled and looked at the child near them. "I assume you heard our little exchange? You what has gone on them." - He turned towards Rex with glee. "As the future pilot of the Emerald weapon, I want your unquestionable loyalty demonstrated. And what better display of loyalty could there be than stirring someone on the righteous path? After all, that's what family members do…They keep each other away from harm." - As Rex watched, horrified, Valens took out the burning rod and handed it to the au ra. Ricon and Allie watched in silence, afraid to make as much as a single move.
"Milord, I…"
"Burn out the bad from this child, and we'll be done for today." - Valens commanded. "If you don't, there must be some bad within you and your two friends here…"
Rex despised Valens for doing this. He despised himself for going along with it. He wanted to scream and kill this maniac right where he stood, even if it meant giving his own life away, even if this meant bringing the whole place down. But then he remembered Ricon and Allie…Remembered the promise he gave to Alfonse.
And here he was, accepting Valens's "gift," as the Legatus commanded the boy to take off his shirt. Now nothing stood between Rex and his victim. The child just accepted his fate, accepted that his pain was for the greater good.
And yet he still screamed.
…
Rex could barely come to his senses before the trio was shown their dormitories. The children would explain something to them, and Ricon and Allie would throw around a word or two, but Rex heard none of that. The screams still echoed in his mind, the pain he chose to inflict to spare his siblings. The gruesome torturer bound by a demon's chain continues to walk down the wretched path.
"Rex…" - Allie grabbed his hand gently as she joined him on the new bed. "This wasn't your choice, don't blame yourself for it." - She tried to bring some peace to his mind, though it would hardly help.
"It doesn't matter. I did it." - He said emotionlessly, not unlike the children they met. Its acts like these that made them who they are now.
"He would've done it himself if you'd refused…And then that and worse to us." - Ricon noted, and he was right. Only two choices, and both end in violence…
That bastard!" - He screamed, but only for a moment. Soldiers and brainwashed children might have still been outside; they could not be too loud. Rex clenched his fist as his eyes burned with rage. "I will kill him one day, I'll…"
"Don't get too much ahead. We can't afford to be careless." - Ricon calmed him down.
"There are still messages we need to hear…" - Allie hinted, causing Rex to remember his radio. The battle must have been over by now, and if they were going to hear anything from Alfonse, the time was now.
And so the trio listened to his message, letting every word sink in. They listened to Alfonse's sheer surprise at the reveal of his opponent's identity. They listened as they learned of Nero's ambitions and new loyalties, that he would not back down at any cost. They listened as Alfonse struggled to make this fateful decision as he tried to persuade the engineer to live. They were there to listen to him, activating oversoul and ending communication.
But they also listened to words that felt to them like pure magic and coming from Nero, no less. Their sister was alive…Milisandia was still alive. Taken prisoner after losing her horn which the spies got back to Varro. Rex could not believe to be hearing some good news finally, but when the realization struck him, he admitted that this made sense. Valens would do anything to turn them towards him…And lying about her death was on par for the course. Listening to just how relieved and delighted Alfonse's voice was after realization…It gave Rex hope.
"He is dead, then…" - Allie whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks. "He was the best pilot. I thought he…"
"But…Milisandia is alive!" - Ricon wiped away his tears, forcing a smile on his face. He was going through realization too, and with each moment, this smile grew more genuine. "She is helping father out; this means he still cares about us. That he hasn't forgotten!" - Ricon spoke with glee.
"We could have been with him had we stayed behind…" - Allie said as her heart ached. The bet was made, and Alfonse didn't want them to stay in case their opponent wanted annihilation…But this might have become an opportunity they missed. And an opportunity to stay with their father and Milisandia, ending their nightmare once and for all.
"We could've…" - Rex clenched his fist before remembering what Alfonse taught him. Do not succumb to rage and anger, don't let petty emotions get better of you…The past was in the past, and there was no point in thinking of other fates. "But we shouldn't think about this anymore. It won't do us any good." - Rex said wisely as he turned to his siblings. He was their big brother now, and his was the responsibility. "If father is out to help us, there's still hope."
"Then what are we going to do now?" - Allie said with uncertainty.
"I am not sure…There are many that can be helped here; all we need to remember is not to make any rash decisions. I believe in you on this one." - Rex said after smiling faintly, allowing his siblings a brief respite. To find out that their brother has perished while their supposedly dead sister is alive…This whirlwind of emotions has been taxing on their consciousness.
They had to take a break until tomorrow and then…Rex had no strength to think about what awaited them then.