It did not take long for the new report to arrive.
Since arriving in Terncliff, Raubahn's spies have kept a close eye on VIIth's operations in Eorzea and Werlyt. They were not able to set their foot in the headquarters, but if Valens was as much as sneeze in any direction, they would be swift to know. All have been brought to Gaius, and despite some soldiers' indecisiveness in sharing their intel with him, Raubahn was adamant on making giving Gaius relatively unrestricted reins.
Their new intel has been clear, VIIth's troops have entered Eorzea, reclaiming former XIVth's outposts such as Castrum Occidens or Castrum Marinum. Valens attempted to make this operation as cloaked as possible, but this ended in failure. Or at least it would, were Gaius and others swift in their action.
The former Legatus has called upon Estinien, Valdeaulin, and Nero to the newly established command outpost in the town. Gaius wished to inform his companion and the Azure dragoon of further plans; the situation with Nero had been more complicated. He demonstrated his skills in piloting the Ruby Weapon and has been the only ironworks representative in Terncliff, but Gaius was hoping to inform him of the lines he would not be allowed to cross.
"So, the wounded hound decides to make a risky move?" - Valdeaulin looked at the map placed atop the command table after Gaius recounted the findings. "He's getting desperate."
"I would hardly call it a good thing." - Estinien shook his head, only to have Nero cross his hands and frown in annoyance. "Judging from what I saw of Valens, he will be deadly when desperate, especially for his own underlings."
"Then we must be deadlier, obviously." - Nero interjected with confidence. "A show of force has made him shake in his boots already. Think of how much our counterattack will accomplish!" - Gaius has always admired his persistence and determination, but those characteristics have often been Nero's weakness. Gaius decided to get directly to the point.
"Valens is not going to launch a frontal assault; he does not have enough men. Considering preparations of those outposts…A weapon is likely involved." - Gaius spoke gravely.
"An attack from the Alliance's rear. Could be more devastating than what happened in Ala Mhigo." - Estinien added, highlighting the seriousness of their situation.
"If it's a weapon that Valens brings, then we can give him a taste of his own medicine." - Nero smiled, alluding to their Ultima. "It's not even a city this time, so why not unleash magitek's best?" - He bragged, only to be met with Valdeaulin's response.
"Haven't you listened to the girl? The Sapphire one was the weakest; what makes you think you'll stand any chance against the other ones?" - The elezen said angrily, sick of Nero's reckless antics. Gaius wasn't going to allow his Allies to bicker, however.
"Valdeaulin is right, and besides, if a weapon is brought there, one of my orphans will be too…And they will be forced to fight for the sake of others, just like Alfonse." - Gaius pondered for a moment, imagining their course of action.
"Then how about an infiltration?" - Estinien proposed. "From what I've seen in the capital, imperial installations provide more than enough place to hide by virtue of their design."
"Yes, that has been on my mind too. Rex, Ricon, and Allie will all be devoted to each other, even if this means dying to reduce the suffering of those who survive…But we cannot allow that to happen. If we manage to get to the weapon before it is deployed and sabotage it, this would render VIIth almost powerless and give us a chance to save my child." - He had doubts about this proposition. After all, he did it primarily for his own, those who others might hardly care about, but this time Gaius hoped that this decision would be beneficial for everybody.
"That's a nice sentiment, but what if the weapon is piloted? "- Nero was swift to point out the flaws he could see in the plan. "Do you expect to simply defeat it in combat? I know only of one man capable of such acts, and he isn't here."
"That's why we will need your aid." - Gaius noted, to Nero's surprise. "I am not a fool, and not using a functional Ultima weapon when we have is as foolish as it can get. We will bring it there and keep it at a safe distance."
"That's still not using it…"
"If we are engaged with the Emerald Weapon and if our attempts to rescue the pilot go…Sour, we will call you. From there on, the weapon's destruction is the priority, and you know what to do." - Gaius saw Nero beaming with his sly smile. Those were the words he wanted to hear.
"This compromise is…Acceptable, for now. Not that I'm hoping it would go sour, of course…" - Nero said, causing Valdeaulin to visibly cringe, which only fed the engineer's ego.
"We are getting ahead of ourselves." - Estinien said. "We don't know where the weapon would be placed."
"It's either Occidens or Marinum." - Gaius responded. "The former is already circled by Alliance agents, the latter… I'm afraid there wasn't enough with all the operations they perform."
"I can scout the place myself. Is that not near Scions' old headquarters?" - Estinien was eager to help, making Gaius smile.
"I would not turn your aid down. You won't be the only one, I discussed this matter with Raubahn, and he told me that Fordola displayed a "remarkably high distaste for the idea of returning to her cell" and would like to take part."
"I will go too." - Valdeaulin volunteered. "If those two charge into a fight, someone will have to cover them from behind."
"Then it's decided." - Gaius closed the meeting off. "Once we know for certain, we will launch the operation."
"I'll take care of Ruby for such occasion, then… It's still got some cracks." - Nero said and was swift to disappear, followed by Valdeaulin, who wanted to begin their hunt as soon as possible. Estinien was about to leave, as well, but he was stopped by Gaius.
"Thank you, Estinien." - He said with respect and admiration, to the dragoon's surprise.
"You're welcome, I suppose, but what's that for?"
"Is that not obvious? You helped me discover the truth about the Empire along with the weapons project; you have saved countless lives in Ala Mhigo…And you saved my daughter." - Gaius saw Estinien smile faintly. He appreciated it from the bottom of his heart.
"Just want to see a family get the reunion they deserve." - The dragoon said. "I know how important they are to you, and I will not allow any more deaths."
…
A reunion they deserve…
Yes, Estinien spoke from the heart, but not that the dragoon gained a much better understanding of himself and his emotions. He realized that he longed for a different reunion. No news from the Rising Stones had arrived, and at times he still wondered what was it that Krile understood that he and Tataru did not. Perhaps tending to their comatose selves has taken a toll…Estinien would never forget the dread when he saw lifeless Alphinaud in the headquarters.
Alas, his current life did not give him many opportunities to ponder. As soon as the decision was made, Estinien and Valdeaulin left for the Vesper Bay, where they reunited with Fordola. From there on, they would have to investigate VIIth's activity in Cape Westwind and discern whether this was a site for the war machine to be moved to. At first, there was little of note. The trio has made their way up the rocky pathway until their view has been clear.
Hiding behind scattered boulders, they would observe imperial soldiers working on a new encampment in the distance. These consisted of mostly men, but there have been a number of magitek colossi roaming the area, likely to protect it from intruders. Sometimes they passed close to the trio's position, but they remained undetected. The view over Castrum Marinum has been open, the installation XIVth placed among the sea, making the direct frontal assault impossible. Now this made matters complicated for them, considering that there was no way to get inside. They hoped to get closer and overhear come conversations, but the moment has not been quite right yet.
"Look, there's…No, too soon." - Fordola was about to call upon others, but it seemed that the magitek colossus changed its patrol route at the last second.
"First Gaius builds the castle in the water and now has to send us as errands to see if it's worth getting inside…" - Valdeaulin said in a mocking tone, piquing Estinien's curiosity once again. Perhaps while they were in wait, this would've been a fitting time to ask a question.
"You do not seem to be too fond of Gaius or XIVth, but you followed him since before we met. Why?" - Estinien wondered.
"I lost my family and friends to the Empire when they massacred my village, and many survivors were used as test subjects…" - The duskwight recounted with pain. "Soon after Gaius's defeat, I encountered him and wanted to end this monster's life once and for all…But he had another proposal. He told me of the ascians, including the one that tricked him and orchestrated the Ultima's outbreak. He wanted to have his revenge, and so did I…He said that if I wanted to claim his life, I should do so after the ascian threat was eliminated. Don't know what I was thinking that day, but I agreed." - Valdeaulin shrugged, almost as if doubting his own decision. "Now I follow him in attempts to clear out the mess ascians have brought…And it is not a simple task."
"You must've seen something in him that day." - Fordola noted. "Immediate vengeance doesn't get quenched so easily without reason."
"It's…Unclear. I believe I saw honor which I did not expect from a garlean. He accepted his mistakes and foolishness in believing Lahabrea's words, and he genuinely wanted to make things right. Killing him at that moment…It would've been a disservice to my homeland." - Valdeaulin declared.
"And do you still intend to fulfill your plans? "- Estinien asked.
"I…" - The duskwight stuttered. "An oath is an oath. I didn't forget his crimes just because of what he is doing now." - This response caused Fordola to smirk with an undertone of disapproval and even disgust.
"You have no guts to kill the man while he was at your mercy, but you are willing to do it after all the work he has done to atone? Might as well make that au ra girl watch, all for that sweet sense of justice, you know?" - Fordola spoke with anger, catching Valdeaulin off-guard.
"What…Why are you even defending him like this? He enslaved your people and oppressed them for years!"
"Because I'm next in the bloody line! I don't have to like Gaius, but if he has to pay for his sins, then so do I…And I'm not letting any vengeance-bringer come close without having their skull crushed!"
"Enough, both of you." - Estinien commanded, but it was already too late. A shocked imperial soldier stood behind them, looking at the trio with shock.
"Seven hells…" - Fordola sighed and swiftly sheathed her blade. The soldier ran to warn his allies, and he could not be allowed to do that.
Estinien swiftly jumped over the nearest rock, meeting the soldier at the other side.
"Going somewhere?"
"Get away, Eorzean scum!" - He yelled before feeling Estinien's spear in his shoulder. As Fordola and Valdeaulin arrived, he was about to let out a piercing scream that would have alerted the whole base. Estinien continued to fight, piercing the soldier's throat. After a few unintelligible moans, he collapsed before the trio, showing no signs of life at all.
"We could've questioned him, you know…" - Valdeaulin noted
"Sorry, sometimes I have to improvise." - Estinien said calmly, looking over the area. Luckily, they still weren't noticed by anyone else despite leaving one of their best covers. "And don't argue on the battlefield; you see what it leads to."
"Yes, yes, I know…" - Fordola sighed before seeing that Valdeaulin caught something in the distance.
"Look, over there." - He pointed at the Castrum. After taking a closer look, Estinien noticed a large magitek submarine emerging from the waters near the installation.
"That one's big enough to hold a weapon." - The dragoon noted grimly as he saw imperial soldiers in the distance being just as occupied with gazing at the barge.
"Ah…" - Fordola moaned quietly, putting a hand on her head. Estinien and Valdeaulin have both caught this, and the dragoon was aware of what this power was. Echo, a gift possessed by the Warrior of Light and a few blessed ones.
"What have you seen?" - Estinien wondered after noticing worry on Fordola's face.
"I saw them preparing it inside the barge… That's it. The Emerald Weapon."
…
One of the more intriguing aspects of listening about Avilina's life after they separated from Milisandia was that of the care she took for Terncliff orphans. Milisandia knew how kind and caring her friend was, as well as eager to assume responsibility when the time called for it. She knew how worried Avilina was when first seeing Nero and the Ruby Weapon, and yet she would still argue with imperial soldiers for the sake of saving those children.
There was something, however, that they would hardly believe even from Avilina's words, but the young engineer believed that Milisandia could help her with it.
"Why do you think they'll listen? We don't even know each other, so…" - Milisandia expressed her doubts as she and Avilina walked towards the small orphanage.
"You are the weapon's pilot. Everyone in the military holds you all in high regard." - Avilina encouraged. "You're one who had the most contact with Eorzeans, and if you tell them the truth, they'll believe it."
"We can try."
"And that's all I ask."
When the girls opened the doors of a remote building near Terncliff's edge, Milisandia was met with a rather cozy place. Seeing the sea in a majestic view immediately made her feel the breeze on his skin and scales. In the dining room, there were five orphans, three au ra and two hyur. They shared words that Milisandia did not hear, but she caught worry and uncertainty in their tone.
As they noticed their guests, the children's expressions changed to those much more benign. Their gazes have pined upon Avilina.
"You're back!" - One of the boys exclaimed with joy.
"Have they said anything about us? Will they…Will they hurt us?" - Another girl spoke in a quivering voice, almost as if she did not want to hear the answer.
"Oh, I haven't talked to anyone." - Avilina shook her head before swiftly switching to a happier tone. "But I know that the Alliance members don't have any desire to hurt you."
"But…How can you know?"
"I brought my friend, Milisandia, here. She's been in the Alliance custody for some time, and she can dispel all of those silly myths Valens planted." - Avilina looked at Milisandia with hope. She desperately wanted children to stop fearing, and Milisandia did not know whether she wanted the truth as it was.
"Wait, I heard about her… She's the pilot of the Ruby Weapon!" - A boy spoke with excitement that Milisandia couldn't quite share. He was just a child and did not understand the price one has to pay when taking up the controls, but it was good that he didn't know. Milisandia hoped he would never know.
"Is it true that they are cannibals? That they eat their prisoners…" - A girl asked in fear.
"Do they torture their own people for fun? I heard they could kill a friend just because they're bored!" - A boy wondered.
"Do they want to kill all of us in revenge for what the Empire has done?"
Now Milisandia saw Avilina's point. Their young minds have been poisoned by Valens's propaganda, and the picture they had of Eorzenas was horribly skewed. She would help dispel these preconceptions, but she also would tell the truth.
"I'm standing here, alive and not eaten, luckily…The people of the Alliance are…Well, they're people. They are not that different from us; they fight to defend their homeland with astounding ferocity and never back down. But they also know justice. Many hate me for what I've done; some have even tried to hurt me…But their leader gave me a chance, for which I am immensely grateful. If they truly hated us, then I would already be dead…You would, too." - Milisandia finished her speech, leaving the children in utter silence. They did not deny it, but there was still a lingering doubt in their eyes. Avilina smiled, showing her friend that she did well in convincing them. The children had nothing to fear. They have not annihilated houses and killed civilians, destroyed families in the name of her own. She felt no anger towards those people, even those guards who wanted to bear her up. Only shame.
"Miss Milisandia…" - A girl spoke up. "If you say that they haven't tortured you much…What happened to your horn?" - She asked with worry. "We were told that they like to cut off horns from au ra kids and listen to them scream…" - She believed all that she said. Didn't want to believe, but still believed. There was nothing but time and more positive interactions with Eorzeans to change their opinion of those people, but someday it will change. Milisandia knew that it would get better.
"No, I lost my horn because I was very stubborn when I shouldn't have been…An Eorzean actually saved my life that time."
"Really? But they don't know mercy; they only know how to murder and torture and rape…" - Another boy said with agitation as Milisandia shuddered as the realization of him knowing the last word at such a young age crept up her spine. Her hatred for Valens made Milisandia's blood boil. The time will come when he will pay for his crimes. It will…
"It isn't true. If they didn't know mercy, I wouldn't be here, and you know it…"
Children did not have anything to respond to it. Milisandia heard their whispers as they averted their gaze from her.
"It will take time…" - The pilot said as she looked at Avilina, who kept up her warm smile.
"I know, but thank you for giving them something to think about. I will help them get through it, I promise."
As would Milisandia. Before they could carry on with their conversation, however, they heard a decisive knock on the door. Avilina opened it and, to her surprise, witnessed Gaius himself. The Shadowhunter had his blade behind his back, his eyes once a rain burning with eagerness.
"Oh, hello." - Avilina said shyly, still unsure how to talk to a figure of such former importance. "Did you want something?"
"I wanted to talk to Milisandia if she isn't too busy."
"Never too busy for you, father." - Milisandia smiled and looked at Avilina one more time. Her friend nodded, showing that she could take care of the children from there. Milisandia followed Gaius in the outer corridor, noticing that her father's gaze was one of seriousness and uncertainty. Something has been going on.
"Did you want to talk?"
"Wanted to see you before I leave." - Gaius responded.
"Leave?"
"Yes…Another weapon has been discovered in Thanalaan. I'm going with others to destroy it." - Gaius said, unraveling his intentions to Milisandia. Many questions emerged in her mind, but there was one to outshine any others.
"One of them will be there…"
"Yes, and I wanted you to know." - Gaius said with warmth and sympathy, preparing his daughter for whatever result of this voyage would be.
"I see…I didn't expect it to happen so quickly, but Valens won't stop, will he?" - She asked, knowing the answer full well, and Gaius nodded in response.
"Do you know anything about the Emerald weapon and its capabilities?"
"No, I've never been trained with that one…Sorry." - Milisandia shook her head.
"Don't be. We have enough intel to conduct the operation as is."
"And what of the pilot?" - Milisandia felt horrified. "Rex would fight until the end, and if it's Rickon, he might hold back but knowing that others will get hurt, and…" - She felt it once again, the terror of realizing that one of her siblings may not survive. Losing Alfonse has already been horrifically painful, to go through this once again and so soon…
"You know what we discussed." - Gaius said as he put his hand on Milisandia's shoulder. "We will do everything to save them. Everything."
She knew they would, knew that this was a battle they would not give up on.
"Good luck, father. I know you'll win, and I know you'll save them…I know."
…
Allie despised feeling so helpless, but sometimes one simply could not change anything.
She was a slave to her master, who desperately wanted to break free. The humiliation, the hatred, and disgust they faced from Valens and his lackeys were becoming unbearable, all while expecting obedience from them. Alfonse always took charge and did his best to shield Allie and others from most of it. Her heart always ached for him, knowing that her brother had to suffer for all of them, even when he was the most skilled and loyal out of them all. Now he was gone, and Rex had taken his place.
He was managing it surprisingly well but, once again, had to endure most of their pain. Allie saw how much he cared for her and Ricon and how unwilling he was to enlighten them of his plans in an attempt to defend their lives. Allie was not a child and did not want to be treated like one, but there was no choice left for her. All she could do was wait and allow others to suffer for her sake…This was revolting.
Rex barely even visited their dormitories anymore, too busy helping imperials out so they would at least show some approval to him and, by extension, his siblings. She and Ricon were often alone, just like now, among the ebon night, both unable to relax even for a second.
"Ricon, are you asleep?" - Allie whispered, looking at the bed nearby, only to have her brother shake his head.
"I'm trying, but I don't think it will go anywhere…" - A worried voice responded to her.
"Me too." - Allie expected this answer. "Do you think father still tries to find us?"
"I hope, but I'm not sure…Maybe, after all that happened…"
"Don't say that. He'll never abandon us! I know father thinks of us every day; I'm sure he and Milisandia are already thinking on the way to take us out." - Allie said with cheeriness. It was hard to believe her own words, but the girl learned the art of persuading herself just to make it bearable.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course! You know, father, he'd crush entire armies for us." - Allie smiled as Ricon turned towards her. The girl could see a smile emerge on his face as well. There's nothing Allie loved more than cheering up her siblings during dark times. She knew a way for each one. "He'll find us with his allied, and then we will avenge Alfonse and everyone who had to suffer."
"I wish I had your confidence."
"You can! Just…Try to believe."
"This isn't very helpful."
"Hey, it's better than nothing."
After a few more moments of silence, Ricon spoke once again.
"You know, I'm worried about Rex…Really worried. It's past midnight already, and he didn't come back. Where do you think he is? "- Ricon wondered.
"Helping the soldiers or other children, I think…" - Still, it was a worrying sign; Allie knew that had Rex been here, both of them would have a much easier time sleeping. "I'll go find him."
"Are you sure? What if the guards think you're suspicious?"
"I'll be quick, just to make sure he is okay and…Well, I think he will appreciate some help." - Allie smiled and got up from her bed, consumed by her new idea.
"Be careful."
"Of course."
Allie rushed out of the room, thinking about where the big brother could be. Maybe he is watching over Valens's children? They needed supervision at the time so as to not go hysterical. Or he might help train the junior soldiers. There were many refugees from the north of Ilsabard as the civil war raged on. Garleans tried to find shelter in any Legion they would reach.
Another thought crossed Allie's head as she strolled through corridors, although she prayed for Rex not to be so careless. He might have been spying on Valens and his advisors, trying to get as much information as possible, maybe even find out where the remaining two weapons were located.
"Now, look how it is…" - A menacing voice rang out from behind Allie, causing the girl to shiver and turn around as a tall shadow towered over her. Valens van Varro stood before her with his helmet, hiding his expression. Yet he was watching Allie, not looking away even for a second.
"L…Lord Varro." - She said, resisting the frantic shaking of her legs. Valens took notice of her fear.
"Why so worried? Surely you don't expect me to hurt you, my dear?" - Valens spoke methodically and calmly. Something else, however, echoed in his voice. Was this his attempt at…Kindness? Gentleness? Care? This was a million times more terrifying than his usual cruelty. "Come with me, Allie; there is something very important I want to discuss with you." - He took her hand without any excessive force, but she followed helplessly nonetheless. His sheer aura of the monstrous serenity has been enough to make Allie panic.
She didn't even notice how they reached Valens's office. She had never visited this place before, but somehow it felt to Allie much more demonic than it looked. A wooden table and a fireplace surrounded by stone walls. Valens certainly did not care for aesthetics, but there wasn't anything malicious in this room by itself…And Allie hoped there would be.
"Sit down, Allie. I'll try not to take too long." - Valens pointed at the nearby couch before taking his helmet off. As the Legatus's face turned towards Allie, she saw a man seemingly unplagued by hatred and disgust. He looked at her like he wanted some advice, some help…She didn't know Valens was able to put on such a convincing mask.
Soon he sat near her, carefully watching Allie's every move. She noticed a smile emerging on his face at the moment Valens tried to look away.
"I am a very busy man, and alas, this leaves little room to get to know you and your brethren…" - Valens began as he put his armored hand over Allie's shoulder. She closed her eyes, trying to imagine a fainting image of her brother, whatever was possible to make her forget about this horrific situation, even for a moment. "And I really should correct this error…You are my family, after all." - Valens smiled, slightly strengthening his grip upon Allie. "Don't you think so, my dear?"
"Y…Yes, sir."
"So, is there anything that bothers you? Perhaps, something wrong with the place or someone's attitude? "- Valens asked with curiosity; Allie shuddered to imagine his goal. As she shook, the girl turned towards Valens.
"No, sir, everything is just fine."
"How kind of you… I'll remember it." - Valens smiled at her. "Well, truth is, I haven't gotten you here just for that. I wanted some advice about your brother, Rex." - Those words pierced Allie as thousands of scattered thoughts followed. Was he trying to put a wedge between them? Was he manipulating them against each other?
"What…Seems to be the problem?"
"You see, I'm worrying for Rex. He is so angry, so hateful and ungrateful, so feisty! I'm afraid the evil has taken over this poor boy, and this time it can't be simply burned out." - He looked Allie in the eyes, mimicking care and desire to help. "I need your help. I want to stop him from going down this horrendous path. You are his sister, even if not by blood, so tell me, what can we do to save Rex from corruption…If anything at all." - The concern and worry in his voice sounded so fake that Allie felt so disgusted, she could collapse here and then. But he needed an answer. And whatever answer she gives, he will turn it against her brother. But she needed to try. What would be best for Rex in this situation? What would give him the most opportunity to help their family out?
"I…Believe it is because he deserves something more."
"For example?"
"Rex might feel inadequate because after all the work he has done for this Legion, he still remains unnoticed and does not get the promotion he deserves. Maybe he should become one of your lieutenants? I think his new position will soothe his anger and make…Make him…I mean…" - Allie stopped because if she was to speak any longer, she would break down in panic. Gods, when will this nightmare finally end? Valens seemed thoughtful and pondering…
"It's…An interesting point you make." - He noted.
"Was it your liking, milord?"
"More or less…I got everything I needed to hear." - Valens said before smiling once again. "But I believe there is another reason."
"Huh?" - Allie noticed anticipation in Valens's eyes as he said those words.
"I believe it is because he thinks his family has turned their backs on him!" - The Legatus said with glee, shocking Allie.
"But…Why?"
"His sister chose Alliance over him, a brother died and shoved all of his responsibility to him…And the remaining two siblings are of no help, only stare with their scared faces and do nothing at all." - He spoke with disgust towards their family. Finally, his true self was showing.
"That's not true!" - Allie fell into his trap and became agitated. "Both Ricon and I would do anything for my brother!"
"Anything at all?"
"Yes!"
"Even if it requires a sacrifice?"
"Yes… There's nothing I'd shy away from if this means helping my brother!"
"Even betraying the Empire?"
A malicious silence befell the room, as Allie could not grace herself to give an honest answer, and she had gone too far to lie.
"Thought so." - Valens smiled once again. In the next instant, he punched Allie with all of his force and pushed her to the ground. She didn't expect this, and the adrenaline rush consumed Allie's mind and body. As she tried to stand up, Valens kicked her, and soon she felt the heavy iron boot stepping on her, keeping the girl to the ground.
"Now, you will listen very carefully, vermin bitch, and not interrupt a single word. Understood?" - He said with maniacal pleasure.
"Let me go!" - She felt too brave for her own good; Valens kicked Allie again and then grabbed her by the neck, slowly pushing out the life of the child as she could barely breathe.
"Shut your dirty mouth!"
"P…Please…"
"No, you had your chance already. Now heed, as I have told you…You made a promise to sacrifice anything for your brother. Now…His honor is yours."
…
As Gaius felt the turbulent winds raging on his skin, he was reminded of the land above which they reigned. Since leaving Terncliff on a small airship from Ul'Dah, Gaius has paid close attention to the surrounding sky and its forces. Eorzea…The land he tried to conquer thrice. Thrice he threw all of his power and resources to bring savages under his heel and bring enlightenment into their realms. Each time he was met with a resounding failure until there was no choice but to give it up. Over this time, the Black Wolf learned to respect them. Despite their lack of garlean technology, they compensated for it with other skills, such as knowledge of magic. Perhaps now, they could work in tandem against the corruption that has spread over the Empire Gaius believed to be his guiding light.
But as he gazed over those clouds, a creeping fear still plagued the former Legatus. With each passing second, they were approaching Castrum Marinum, where the weapon was located…And his child. His reunion with Milisandia sparked hope in Gaius, but after Alfonse's demise, he was reminded of the grave danger they were in. But he had a hopeful feeling within him. That whatever happens in Castrum Marinum, there is another reunion waiting for him. A desperately-fought clash for his family, the reason Alfonse had to die, the moment at hand.
Before Gaius could focus on the azure sky and the graceful clouds, he heard footsteps from behind. Out of the few men on the upper deck, the airship's overseer from the immortal flames, a young hyur with a concerned look in his eyes.
"I understand that you think highly of this plan of yours…But I have some concerns. Even her grace's allowance was reluctant." - The man seemed distrustful.
"Concerns?" - Gaius turned to the other side of the deck; he couldn't help but smile proudly. A glorious Ruby Weapon, flying beside the airship with its fiery wings unleashed and its grim gaze encircling the vast last beneath it. Nero would not miss out on an opportunity to show off his skills as a pilot. It wasn't long before they reached waking sands, where Biggs and Wedge had prepared a submarine. From there on, the endgame will be in Gaius's hands. "There is no reason whatsoever."