The Azure Dragoon was impressed by how swiftly have the preparations for the garlean invasion gone ahead. The Alliance leaders understood that if they allowed this malicious poison to permeate the land any further, the distant tales of this world meeting its demise would not be so far-fetched anymore. The news of the talismans that can shield one from tempering has heightened their spirits, and the soldiers from all across Eorzea and the Far East have gathered in the halls of Ala Mhigo.
Naturally, Estinien would go to this operation, as well. Krile remained behind to tend to the Rising Stones and maintain their diplomatic connection with the people of Thavnair, as well as attempt to contact Sharlayan about the crisis once again. Estinien did not share her dedication to bringing the keepers of knowledge into the fold, but it wouldn't hurt to try. As for his own involvement, his life has always been on a battlefield. Since Nidhogg's end, he has almost fooled himself into thinking that this will be his retirement, but soon crises began to arise, one after another. The chase in Ala Mhigo, skirmishes in Ghimlyt, infiltrating Garlemald, fighting Ultima Weapons…It was only natural for those endeavors to culminate in a full-scale invasion, though the circumstances have far exceeded Estinien's wildest expectations. Whatever happens, he will be there to see it unfold; there was hardly a better way to stop thinking about others too much. Krile's pain of having to remember has been as much of a scourge for Estinien.
Even as he walked among the streets of Ala Mhigo, ready to present himself for the assault, Estinien would still retain some of his worries. When he journeyed with Alphinaud, Ysayle, and Edwin, he found a few people that he could share his vulnerability, but they had been left behind. Even the sights of training soldiers from all grand companies and the ever-coming shipments of the talismans could not brighten his mood. What could help were some unexpected but rather sweet reunions.
In the footsteps to the palace, Estinien saw another lone dragoon amidst an eager discussion. Alberic has once again taken his lance and was prepared to join the military force in their mission. He talked to a young au ra woman with dark red hair and one horn, who has been very familiar to Estinien.
"And when I tried to activate the oversoul function, giving in to my fears and despair…He saved me, despite all the dangers! Took me away and gave me a chance for a life I thought I could never have." - Milisandia explained with excitement and admiration, all while Alberic's face had a proud smile emerge on it.
"I knew that he would exceed me one day…He was always the one to surpass expectation, no matter how high the bar." - The old dragoon said.
"Ahem. I assume you are talking about me?" - Estinien coughed and garnered their attention. Milisandia brimmed with joy as she saw her savior once again.
"Hey there!" - She waved at Estinien. "We knew you'd come here and decided to wait for your arrival. It's so good to see you." - The woman said with affection.
"Likewise." - Estinien smiled and looked at her eager eyes. "Though, I didn't expect to see you here, in Ala Mhigo."
"I decided to go back for a while, and believe me, it wasn't easy to convince others that it's a good idea. Poor Ricon was so worried…But here I am. I think that it would be fair for me to help others here, especially with rebuilding and restoration." - She said confidently.
"And how is it going? Is it safe?"
"Better than I thought it would; the first few days were rough, but then any anger and hatred were put off for now. I even managed to gain a few…Well, not friends, but those who we could have rather nice talks with." - She seemed content with her new position, and it was all that mattered.
"It takes a lot of maturity to admit your wrongs and do what you can to fix them. You've done well, and I wish you the best of luck."
"Thank you…" - Milisandia smiled. "Though you're the one that needs luck considering where you're going. I've heard of the talismans and how helpful they are, but still, it's a deadly endeavor."
"Won't be the first time I visited Garlemald, I'll manage."
"I hope so…" - Milisandia noticed an Ala Mhigan man waving to her, calling to his side. "Oh, the break's over, and I have to go. Good luck on your journey!" - She rushed off to help her newfound associates. For Estinien, it felt like it was only yesterday that he talked with fearful and ashamed Milisandia, who prayed for her family's salvation, a distant call from the vibrant and hopeful woman she became. And she lost two of her siblings, which gave Estinien hope that perhaps even he can let go if…No, not the right time.
"She admires you, and with good reason." - Alberic told his student with pride as two dragoons walked up the stone staircase.
"She might have exaggerated a story or two." - Estinien replied calmly.
"There are many who tell those stories. Hell, they even inspired me to take up my lance as eagerly as I did once again." - Alberic sounded vibrant as well as if the strength and volatility of his youth had once again taken hold in the old dragoon. "She said you helped save and reunite a family…" - He spoke with care and kindness, knowing how much it meant to Estinien. "I am proud of you."
"Thanks…But no need for praise; I only did my duty. Besides, judging by how healthy you look, I might just get a new rival for the role of this expedition's figurehead dragoon." - Estinien said lightly, prompting his teacher to respond in kind.
"Let's see whose lance strikes down more opponents in there, and then we'll decide."
"Now that's more like it."
Eventually, the dragoons reached the throne room. Estinien's impression knew no bounds when he saw how many graves gathered there. Soldiers from all nations and grand companies have worked in unison, preparing for their mission. There were Gridanian white mages led by a padjal. Limsan pirates have been as boisterous as ever, sharing their tales and past battles, yearning for another scar to brag about. Ul'Dah has sent their black mages a band of lalafells which induced mystery and unease by virtue of their appearance and black cult-like robes. Not to mention the forces of the Far East, the au ra of the Azim Steppe, have journeyed all the way to Eorzea to partake in operation. The most impressive were a mighty xaela warrior with a mallet and an even more powerful au ra woman with ebon skin and staff behind her back; the two seemed to never stop bickering.
Some warriors Estinien could hardly recognize at all.
"Glorious, ain't it?" - Alberic smiled with pride.
"More than I expected." - Estinien said, trying to spot Ishgardian forces. It couldn't have been just the two of them. "Ah, here they are." - The dragoon smiled when he noticed Stephanivien, the pioneer of machinist's art and technological progress in Ishgard. He was joined by a familiar lordling of house Fortemps, though Estinien was surprised that it was him they sent here.
"Hooray, here come the dragoons!" - Emmanellain exclaimed. "Though to have them coming last out of all people…"
"Are you sure you did not snatch this place from your brother?" - Estinien wondered.
"Excuse me, I have been preparing for such a moment for a while now! I won't deny that I haven't become a fierce warrior or anything, but if there is any need for a spectacular dance…"
"I'm sure the garleans will enjoy a show of goodwill." - Estinien smirked, seeing the young elezen sigh and stand beside Alberic and Stephanivien. Estinien would have joined them, but he noticed one more Ishgardian representative towards the center of the hall. Lucia Junius has been here, discussing something with a blonde woman wearing a crimson battle dress; the dragoon had an idea who this might be.
"Is that all we can expect from the bozjans?" - Lucia asked.
"All I could gather, aye. They have a tumultuous relationship with the Empire, and most had no interest in risking their lives for it. Some here came as a show of gratitude for my aid." - The woman explained.
"I see…Well, then I believe we are all here."
"Almost."
"Garlond already knows all of our plans; he urged for us to not wait." - Lucia looked over their newly-gathered army. "I suppose this is a time for an announcement."
Lucia walked towards the spot she would be most visible from while the blond woman noticed Estinien.
"And you are Estinien Wyrmblood, I take it?" - She was impressed with the dragoon by simply looking at him. "You've helped us in Gyr Abania, and I hear you've done much more, but we never got the chance to be properly introduced."
"Lyse, if I remember correctly? You are of the scions."
"Was before, at least…" - Lyse looked down and clenched her fist. She clearly knew of Fandaniel's words. "I was worried to hear the news about the terror that transpire here, but I couldn't leave bozjan people after giving them a promise to help fight the IVth. And then the towers, the tale about ravaging weapons, an ascian and Final Days…I rushed here as soon as I was done to see unimaginable devastation." - A smile emerged on her face as Lyse witnessed another memory. "I saw my people resilient and strong, even in the face of all this. They mourned, but they moved on, and now the telophoroi will pay…"
"They are of iron will, no doubt about that. But how are you holding up?" - Estinien asked, careful not to go into the topic too directly. Lyse expressed some anger but was overall very optimistic at the sight of it.
"I'm alright, of course…Oh, you mean in regards to what the ascian said." - She sighed; this wasn't easy for her to say, but Lyse maintained her confidence. "I don't believe a single word of that drivel. Fandaniel just wants to sow chaos among us. I'll make sure to force the truth out of him after giving a thorough beating!" - She was just eager enough for this operation, a good sight. Lyse noticed that Lucia had called her to her side. "Later, then." - She said and rushed to the commander.
Estinien found himself in a crowd, preparing for an announcement. The dragoon saw a familiar face amidst the crowd, that of a red-haired woman with a collar on her neck. She had to endure some disdainful glances from others, but Fordola took them with pride and paid little attention. Her grim mood has been lightened up slightly when she saw Estinien nearby.
"Got too bored of living?" - The dragoon joked, seeing Fordola sigh annoyingly and shake her head.
"Always have been, now that I think of it…"
"If I may have your attention!" - Lucia announced, gathering everyone's gaze. Lyse stood beside her. "Now that everyone is here, I would like to announce the formation of Ilsabard Contingent and state our goals. It is of great shame that the Warrior of Light and the Scions cannot join us on this day, for I have no doubts that they would have taken the opportunity. Alas, wherever they are now, it falls to us to protect this world, and I am grateful to each and every one of you who answered the call. The tower is at the heart of Garlemald, and flying too closely would no doubt elicit a swift and powerful response from the Telophoroi. Our operation shall start at Magna Glacies, from where we will make our way to the city proper. Speaking of our enemies…" - Lucia spoke with a heavy heart. "There is not much we can do for the tempered, much less in conditions like this. I am afraid there is no reason to be had with them, and so they must fall from our blades…However, we must not exclude the possibility of encountering those who have escaped this fate." - Lucia looked to Lyse to continue; Estinien could only guess why.
"I would like to reiterate that our aim is not to conquer Garlemald but to help its people against the Telophoroi and Fandaniel's schemes. I understand that many of our nations have suffered from the Empire, but the civilians are not to blame. Besides, I am sure we all know garleans, without which our Alliance wouldn't have been the same. Cid Garlond has provided us with numerous technologies that have aided our cause. Nero Scaeva's heroic sacrifice has saved Ala Mhigo and possibly even more nations from utter annihilation. Gaius bloody Baelsar is helping rebuild Werlyt, the nation he once conquered. They have their share of liars and murderers, aye, but so do we…So do we all." - Now Estinien realized why this had to be said by Lyse. To hear such emotional speech of garlean struggles an aid not only from non-Imperial, but also one of the nations that have suffered the most from Galemald's damning influence would certainly rouse the spirit of any skeptic.
Before anything else could be said, a powerful roar spread through the room. Something gigantic was outside, emerging at their doorstep. Many looked towards the entrance with worry. Many soldiers were on the brink of drawing their weapons.
"Hold it!" - Lucia commanded. "That's our reinforcements, in case something goes wrong during our assault." - After those words, the doors opened, and everyone got the pleasure of witnessing the white-haired garlean engineer.
"Am I too late to the party?" - He announced his entrance.
"Just in time, my friend, just in time." - Lucia said with a smile.
"Come and have a look at our new toy to venture into the frozen lands. I'll make sure to cover you." - Cid beckoned for the Contingent to follow him. Estinien walked among other warriors towards the entrance and witnessed a magnificent creation.
A mechanical warrior towered near the palace; this must have been the new project Cid mentioned before Estinien left. It was a powerful yet mobile machine empowered by aethereal strength and had an Allagan design. It was colored in red with its head shaped in the form of a familiar helmet to Estinien.
"May I present to you the N-Warrior, named and designed in honor of a friend!" - Cid said with pride, presenting his new weapon. With this at their side, the battle against Telophoroi would become much simpler. The best warriors and engineers have been gathered in a single place, ready to fight for their world.
All they needed now was to begin.
…
Beq Lugg has proved as hard-working and knowledgeable as G'raha expected them to be, bringing hope into the Exarch's soul that there might be yet fruition that will come to their plan. The reclusive sorcerer did not question the aspects or difficulty of the task G'raha set before them, instead taking every failure as simply another step on the road to perfection.
Beq would spend the next few days barely leaving the tower, conducting entire arrays of risky experiments. The only downside was that, at times, they doubled down with their isolationist nature, not even allowing G'raha to watch the process. The Exarch made an agreement, granting Beq permission to study both the tower and Eden, along with their newly established connection.
What provided much more reason for intrigue were experiments with G'raha's own transportation. The Exarch recounted his tale to Beq, and they listened attentively to every word, admitting to the sheer magnificence of the tale. The problems have become just as evident, however, with G'raha's essence being tied to the tower, which will eventually consume him. Beq said they had a few thoughts on the matter but needed time to ponder on them.
When the two met again in the Crystal Tower's ocular, it seemed like the nu mou had something to tell.
"How goes the research?" - The Exarch wondered, trying not to sound too impatient.
"Steadily, more or less…" - Beq Lugg responded, still unable to let go of his many musings. "I've been thinking about the ways to separate your soul from the tower, but it doesn't seem entirely possible."
"I imagined it would be so…I have become an extension of this tower, and I will not survive without it, I'm afraid. Mayhap there is a way to move the tower itself once again?"
"Too much waste and I don't think there is a need." - Beq stated. "How did you create this staff, Exarch?"
"By imbuing it with a small piece of the tower, as to channel its energy."
"I see… It's just a theory for now, but while exploring the tower, I believe I managed to see fragments of your essence ins its walls, flowing amidst its aether."
"Would it not be consumed by the tower in its entirety?"
"Doesn't seem that way; it is more of a symbiotic relationship. What I'm saying is that while your aether will not survive without a vessel akin to the tower, it might be able to change them."
"Something that's easier to carry along, I presume?"
"Yes, though I'm not quite sure on the specifics…About the jump itself, I believe you said that it was possible due to technologies from the Source?"
"Yes, the remnants of Alexander and Omega. I would have turned to them, too, but I am no engineer, my understanding of such technologies is rather basic. Besides, there have been reports of malfunctions in the complex beneath the tower."
"I have a habit of quickly adapting to new toys, especially with what guidance you can give me. At the least, I can try to use its elements to create another way for you to pierce the fabric of reality. Maybe Eden will be of use…" - Yes, this was a reasonable concern on their part. The technologies used to bring G'raha here have been damaged, but it didn't mean they were entirely unsalvageable.
"That still leaves the matter of subduing the machine, but I know just the team to help me with that."
"I would be grateful for any scrap of that creation you leave." - Beq was adamant about their needs; it was the Exarch's duty to satisfy them for the sake of their mission.
Not feeling a need for an extended conversation, Beq withdrew to their chambers to continue experiments, and G'raha was left with a pressing matter to solve.
The Exarch set out to find a band of adventurers that freed him from Eden's prison along with Ryne. Those young mercenaries have reminded him of both the scions and the fallen warriors of light in Norvrandt, both through their friendship and eagerness to fight against all odds.
Thankfully, he did not have to search for too long. As soon as Exarch wandered the plaza, he witnessed two youngsters experimenting with magical powers near one of the houses. One of them was an elezen boy, following in the footsteps of his old friend that he was separated from generations ago. Ryne was with his, watching the fiery spells Taynor sent into the sky. This time the girl tried to maintain an appearance as authentic as possible despite how costly it was for her; there were still occasional fissures of light gleaming on her body. Taynor launched a spell of black magic, mixing fire and ice together. When it reached the skyline, it exploded into a cloud of steam.
"Wow, that one is new!" - The boy spoke with excitement before turning to Ryne. "You like it?"
"Yes, I do…" - She said quietly, trying to express what faint energy she had. "Maybe another one?"
"Or you could show what you can do."
"I'm afraid that might destroy a home or two…"
"Hey, don't be so scared of your powers. I'm sure you would be careful in using them."
"Maybe next time."
"Sure…" - Taynor shrugged. "I'll go check on the others, see if anyone else is here to talk with you." - The boy suggested and, after getting a nod from Ryne, had to run off. This was the moment Ryne turned towards the tower and noticed G'raha. She waved to him with faint energy and joy.
"Already going your own ways? As far as I remember, your meetings took all the time before." - G'raha asked the girl.
"It's nothing too special…Aaargh!" - As Ryne approached the Exarch, her legs shivered, and she fell to her knees; the girl's body was covered in the cracks of aetheric light, which had weakened the vessel. G'raha immediately caught her and helped the girl get one.
"That's a close one. How are you feeling?"
"The time is almost up…" - Ryne smiled with regret. "You asked why we don't spend much time anymore? Well, I imagine talking to me has become a bit of a chore."
"That's not true in the slightest. The energy and engagement you two shared when spending time together before couldn't have just dissipated, could it?" - The Exarch stated, seeing that Ryne was troubled by something. It was a choice of hers to decide whether to tell him this or not, but G'raha wanted to offer any aid he could.
"See… It's Eden. With every visit, I get all the more…Distant, I guess? What would have made me excited and intrigued before now simply feels hollow." - Ryne sighed quietly.
"Perhaps you need to try something new."
"No, that's not it. I am becoming closer to Eden and further away from others if it makes sense. The light fills me, as do Artemis's memories…He was a man of a different time and age, and perhaps my current perception was influenced by his. I want to smile, I want to feel the joy of the little moments, but with each time, I feel them drifting further away. Add onto that the energy it takes to even manifest, and you can see the picture." - Her voice was drained of most of Ryne's usual happiness and joy, leaving a very subdued and fleeting manifestation of hope. G'raha would love to help her get through it in whatever way he could, but words would mean little. He had already tried, and Ryne did not want others to "waste" their energy on her turmoil.
"Perhaps the tower can imbue Eden with some more of its energy? It won't help with the memories, but at least it could give you more time."
"Please, not now. We need that power for your transportation, don't you remember? Better tell me if there is any progress made." - Ryne said with curiosity. It was better to indulge her.
"Beq requested to see the technologies that brought me here from the source. A simple task had they not gone haywire and restricted the access to the halls beneath this tower. But I doubt there is anything that I can't find a method with."
"Don't go there alone."
"I wasn't planning to. I wanted to talk with Granson and others if they accept this job, it's not easy, but I have faith in their abilities."
"Oh, they will gladly accept." - Ryne nodded. "I heard Reeq was yearning for another adventure; I wish I could've…"
She didn't finish; Ryne fell to her knees as her body beamed with pure light. G'raha was about to help her get up once again, but the girl gestured for him to stop.
"No need, it's just…The time is up. I have to return…" - She spoke with a tormented voice.
"Are you sure?" - G'raha would have loved to talk for a little more with her, but he knew that her capabilities were very limited. The best he could do was to offer a blissful if momentary farewell. "Good luck…And don't forget, you are not alone." - G'raha said with a reassuring gaze and a smile eliciting comfort and pride.
"Thank you…But you're the one who'll need luck soon enough."
"Luck and I don't have the best of relationships, but I believe I'll find a way to manage."
Ryne's eyes beamed with confidence and admiration. This was the last reflection her G'raha saw before a portal of light emerged, consuming Ryne's avatar as it broke into pure light, carried away to Eden.
…
Emet's path was spent in utter silence, with Jullus only occasionally looking at him to check whether the ascian wasn't planning anything. Each of those times, Solus would see his eyes filled with hatred and dread, an explosive combination. There was no need to make this situation worse, the boy still had to process much, and this process would exceed the process of a single day.
Eventually, Jullus brought Emet to their base, which turned out to be the ruins of an underground railway, Tertium. Solus remembered giving approval to the railway project back in the days when garlean engineers worked tirelessly in their attempts to make the nation as technologically advanced as possible. They succeeded in the endeavor, but for all those efforts, there was one flaw they could not undo. Build a thousand magitek reapers and dozens of Ultima Weapons and claim countless lands, and none of this will compensate for an inability to use magic. Had the garleans such an ability, they could've come close to Allag, but this was never their fate.
When he finally managed to see the station, Solus was surrounded by people whose spirits had crumbled under the devastating circumstances they had to endure. To see one's home annihilated, whole families enthralled under the spell of tempering, many of those men and women had nothing to live for. Emet witnessed remnants of a broken nation, people shivering in the cold and huddling with each other, desperately sharing warmth. There was but a handful of soldiers walking around the station, most of them young and inexperienced, just as terrified as civilians they were supposed to protect. Some had lost their limbs, having nothing but charred remnants in their place, others had their eyes plucked and fresh wounds still drowning in rivers of blood. One of them had no face…Nose and mouth crushed beneath the weight of a magitek reaper, one socket closed with only occasional dark fissures emerging, and barely any hair…His only lifeless eye radiated emptiness and resignation. Had Solus not been graced with the gift of soul sight, he might have thought this was a corpse. For inexplicable reasons, Emet was swayed with nostalgia.
Jullus led Emet towards an entrance to the train, which was guarded by two more soldiers.
"Terius and Caius will look after you while I inform our lord. Try anything, and you are dead." - Jullus reiterated as he looked at the ascian.
"Be wary; should you take too much time, I imagine some people with any knowledge of our history might have their interest sparked…" - Solus warned, only for the boy to scoff and enter the train. Hades looked behind and noticed an old man pointing at him with an expression of shock in disbelief as if he was amidst a chaotic dream.
He began to limp, fighting his old age and wounds, only to get a peek at Solus's face. The ascian couldn't help but let out a smile; this one recognized him. A young woman followed from behind with worry and fear.
"Father, please don't waste your energy. You must rest!"
"But Claudia, look…" - He pointed at Solus and said something quietly that only his daughter could hear. She looked at Emet with similar shock but would only shake her head.
"No, it can't be him; I'm sorry…Please go back. I want to…"
Solus would have watched them for longer, but the suspicious voice of a guard interrupted his joy of returning to his homeland.
"Haven't I seen you before somewhere?" - He said, looking at the ascian.
"I wonder where…" - The ascian shrugged, and the second soldier continued.
"No, you must have confused him with someone. The robes don't seem military. Maybe he's of the Populares?" - The soldier wondered, only to have Solus sigh in utter disappointment.
"How quickly is history forgotten…"
The people were gathering around one after another, but they would not get an opportunity to talk with Emet. Jullus left the train and gestured for Solus to go inside.
"Lord van Cinna has agreed to hear you out. But you better have a damn good explanation…" - Jullus stood aside. Finally, the moment of truth.
Solus paraded inside a cramp and decimated train only to find an old and wounded man in a rusty armor of an old Legatus. He looked at the floor, avoiding eye contact, but his white hair and facial features were enough for Hades to recognize Quintus. There were two bodyguards as well, though they did not utter a word and barely moved.
"Ah, Quintus, you tormented soul…" - Emet said with an ounce of sympathy. "It saddens me to see you in such a state, as inevitable as this outcome was."
"How dare you…" - Quintus looked up with eyes raging with fury and disdain, and upon seeing Solus's face and body, the fire of his soul was unbound, though his voice remained just as weak and tired. "How dare you? Whoever you are…To come here, to people that have nothing but dignity left, making a mockery of our founding father and all of us who revere him by wearing his face as a puppet…You truly are beyond reason, demon." - His spiteful voice echoed in Emet's ears.
"So you are of the disbelieving bunch, as well…"
"What is there to believe? You are a phantom, a monster that can take on others' faces. You came here to use us as your puppets for whatever vile schemes you have planned, thinking us naive enough to believe that you are truly our Emperor Solus reborn. Perhaps you had something to do with the towers? I would not be surprised." - Quintus's disdain prompted the man to stand up as tall as he could without crumbling to the agonizing wounds on his body.
"I am not responsible for the towers in any way except leaving a certain unstable individual unattended for too long…In other ways, however, you are right." - Solus admitted, seeing utter disbelief taking over Quintus as if he was trying to understand the ascian's logic and goals, only to find himself puzzled even more.
"So you admit it? You admit that everything you told Jullus was a lie?"
"No, that is true as well. See, I am indeed a being that has transcended the limits of mortality and body; I can take up the faces of others only if in the way of possession. But I am Solus and always was, or, as would be more correct, he has always been me." - The Emperor explained to Quintus, who still refused to listen.
"Blasphemy, utter blasphemy." - The Legatus scoffed and looked away. "If you attempt to take away what little sanity we still have left, then I shall not grant you the satisfaction." - He was as stubborn as in his youth; it made Solus remember the criteria he had for picking out his legati. The ascian sighed and crossed his hands.
"Perhaps I should remind you of the battle that occurred in southern Ilsabard?" - This was certain to shatter Quintus's mind, but better sooner than later.
"W…What?" - The Legatus said, barely containing his surprise.
"The one where you have saved three members of my royal guard with your heroism, slaughtering dozens of opponents. It was the clash that made me notice your achievements and eventually grant you the honor of being Legatus of the Ist."
"I…Many garleans talked about this, and your kind is known for meddling in other's affairs."
"Very well. What about your friendship with my grandson? You have become brothers in arms, often coordinating your conquests together, at times even in spite of my commands."
"This was always common knowledge."
"Even that you and Varis were the first two to recommend Regula van Hydrus for his position as a Legatus, citing his loyalty, eagerness, and strategic prowess?"
"He…Regula could've told some of his own friends." - With each detail mentioned, with each desperate attempt to deny that which was before him, Solus could see Quintus's eyes being drained of life and force.
"Or what about your fallout with Gaius and the XIVth on the course of action with Eorzea?"
"The soldiers must have heard…Spread the rumors."
"Fine, then. The oath you swore to me in the throne room before being made who you are now."
"But…There was no one there but Solus and me."
"Exactly." - The ascian smiled. "You expressed your gratitude for my deeds that brought garlean race out of the misery they have been in, as well as for the honor I bestowed upon you. What was it…" No matter the challenges our nation faces, no matter how many wars and conquest we shall endure, I will always stand by your side, my Emperor, bringing glory to our nation". What happened with keeping oaths?"
The ascian saw Quintus clench his fist as the Legatus looked to the metal floor once again. He wasn't prone to anger or violent outbursts, but the shock was getting the best of him. Quintus stood absolutely frozen, only occasionally shaking his hands so as to recoil from a surge of pain.
"But how? And…Why? Who are you?" - Quintus uttered in a broken voice.
"Finally, some civilized questions. When I came here with Jullus, I decided that for all misfortunes garleans had to face, you deserve to know the truth, at least." - Solus sighed; he could only wonder how garleans would react to it. "I am Hades, and I am one of the few beings that survived the sundering of this world who you might know as ascians. When I first found your nation, groveling before stronger rivals and forced to hide and the icy wasteland, I found you a perfect fit for another of my projects."
"Projects? What for?" - Quintus tried to battle his disbelief.
"To usher in the great rejoining, of course, that has ever been the ascian goal. Having an entire nation as a pawn, especially one driven by hate and vengeance as much as yours was, is a powerful boon in having control over the balance. Just point the spot to place an ivory standard, and they will flock in thousands. Not to mention the cataclysms that will emerge after its downfall."
"And Solus? Was he…"
"A body of a single soldier that I claimed and began to scheme, bringing the Garlean Empire to the state they have been until recently. A tale of an ingenious man who rose in ranks and turned the whole nation towards greatness…It is a little too perfect, don't you think?" - Emet suggested, seeing a shade of understanding in Quintus's eyes. The old Legatus began to see the picture, even if he could not accept it. "But it is a tale to rally people's hearts and minds in a magnificent unison, and for that, it has worked wonders. You know full well what happened afterward; each and every conquest has been beneficial to the ascian goal, as we have carefully laid the foundation."
"The glorious dream we shared…Of a world united beneath garlean rule…It was just a convenient lie?"
"A dream to spark a fire in people's souls, and the one used as a ruse by the rulers. A tale as old as life. The ascians do yearn for a world united, but there is no Empire in it, no garlean rule. Truth be told, there isn't as much as a place for you in this world." - His every word must have hit like a blade piercing a beating heart, but there was nothing to hide anymore. After decades of scheming and utilizing the Empire to the best of its abilities, it was cathartic to come clean about every single step.
"And your death? Was that planned, too? And the war that followed…" - Quintus could barely speak, so agonizing was the truth, but somehow the old man still found resilience within himself.
"It was. As you understand, the war of succession was a perfect way to bring more chaos to the world. As were the Eikons, who the ascians summoned and the Empire had to put down. All have worked perfectly, to a point…"
"I see…" - Quintus had no strength left in him to be angry; this must have been far more tiring than battling hordes of tempered. Solus pitied them, he truly did, but such was the way forward chosen thousands of years ago by the unsundered trio, and garleans, one small step on this perilous path. "You lied to all of us." - He said in a lifeless voice.
'Don't take it personally...I merely do my duty."
"Lied to your people, your soldiers, your legati…And your family?"
"Varis never knew the full extent of my plans, but he knew of my nature and the true purpose of Galvus bloodline, which I revealed when he was ready to hear it."
"All this time…".
"Yes. I'm sure you can remember a moment when Varis grew more distant, stopped speaking to you about politics, stopped speaking of me in particularly high regard, neither as Emperor nor father. I'm sure he wanted to share it with you and Regula but be it due to his loyalty to me or the fact that he didn't want to shatter your dreams like I shattered his, he never revealed the truth."
"I do…" - Quintus looked into Solus's eyes, exerting pure despair. "It is you, isn't it? Solus zos Galvus, the founding father…It is you…"
"I'm glad you can accept that much. We are back to where it all began. A small nation, stripped of its powers and brutally oppressed by those around them until a lone ascian joins the fold…History truly rhymes, don't you think? But this time, there will be nothing to hide, neither my nature nor intention. I know those are responsible for this chaos, my obsessed great-grandson, and one of my ascians that has gone rogue." - Emet stated; he needed their aid, as they needed his.
"Is that why you came? Not because of your Empire in peril…But to correct something that goes against your grand scheme?"
"I promised you honesty, after all." - The ascian shrugged. "I come here to destroy this tower and whatever Eikon is resting inside, as well as punish those who disobeyed. They took my comrade hostage…And considering that both Zenos and Fandaniel's existence in this form is a result of my actions, you could say I have come to correct my mistakes. But I cannot do it alone. What happens to you and your men during or after the battle does not concern me, but I am ready to aid those in need and share knowledge of our enemies. As painful as it is…I need you to stand by the oath you gave to me once more." - Solus said with a hint of compassion and humanity. To know that your entire existence was a part of someone's scheme…It must be petrifying.
"You abandoned our people in the time of need…While we suffered loss after loss. Doma, Ala Mhigo, Bozja, Ghimlyt…We had nothing to hold on to but our dream. And then you come to tell us that this was all a lie only to ask for our aid again? You truly are a demon, Solus, of the most wretched kind." - His emotions came back to him as spite took over Quintus.
"Well…" - Solus could feel the souls gathering at the entrance. Dozens of garleans begged for the guards to understand what was going on, to explain the nature of this mysterious stranger. All because some have actually read their history. "Hear that? Our people plead for answers, for explanations, but just like you…They know it all. They know who I am, and it doesn't matter why I came here. Only my actions do. And once they see my actions, they will follow." - Emet turned towards the door, ready to greet his new followers. Quintus did not say anything; he just gazed at the ascian before collapsing to his knees in silence. The Legatus would not fight back and would not try to maintain his authority. This talk has drained all of his vitality, it could not get any worse, but it could get better. "Sooner or later, you will understand that this meeting is a bliss for garlean nation." - Solus stated coldly before opening the gates.
He saw the crowd gathered around them, constantly talking and asking questions with absolute impatience. But Solus witnessed a fire in their hearts that was absent before this realization struck them. Now they had a future, their hopeful voices carrying the feeling they believed to be completely forsaken. And all as one, they gazed at the ascian in disbelief and reverence, waiting for him to tell what transpired in the train.
"To make a long story short…" - Emet sighed before allowing himself to smile with glee. "My name is Solus zos Galvus. And I'm in command now."