For all of Quintus's positive qualities, there was one department in which he was severely lacking, that being adaptability. Solus noted it almost as soon as he began to work with garleans here. His sense of dignity would not allow him to concede even the smallest compromise, even if it was ultimately beneficial for his people. This was the reaction he had to the news of Eorzeans coming into Garlemald. Where Emet saw an opportunity of an Alliance that would grant them a safer passage into the tower, Quintus could not look past their nature as savages; he did not wish to deal with them at all. How ironic that it was Solus who worked to instill such a mindset in garleans in the first place. At least he would not dare to go against the word of his Emperor.
Still, he would be of little aid in the effort, and Solus had to form a delegation himself.
After examining the mortals and their encampment from afar, the ascian gathered Jullus and a few other soldiers before setting out to the camp Broken Glass, as the mortals called it. As the group trudged through the wasteland and snow danced on their rusty armor, Emet noticed growing tension within his squad, most of which came from the man most susceptible to it.
"I see them." - Jullus announced as he pointed at the encampment in the distance. The garlean squad stopped to go over precautions and set clear goals for a visit. "What's the plan?" - The boy looked at Solus with distrust. "To just go in and propose an Alliance?"
"Precisely." - Emet answered without any pause, only to see Jullus scoff at the suggestion.
"This is ridiculous…You can't be serious."
"You will be surprised to learn how much merit this strategy actually has." - The scions have been very susceptible to it.
"Quintus was right to remind you that those are bloody savages that slaughtered our countrymen! The only compromise we can reach is to force them into submission and make them fight for us in the tower." - Once again, disdain permeated his voice, though for Emet, hearing it already became something as common as claiming another body. The ascian sighed and looked at his guard.
"As always, steeping in your hate and ignorance, how depressing. Mind you, the picture of Eorzenas that flashes in your mind has been painted by my hand. Not to mention that there are renegade garleans; if my assumption is correct, one of them is even leading the operation."
"That's worse! Those shameless traitors who had everything handed to them and still chose to abandon the Empire for the savage land don't deserve our attention."
"Huh…"Everything", you say?" - Solus's lips curved in a pained smile. For Jullus, a militaristic and self-destructive Empire that lived off conquests and had no access to real magic has constituted "Everything". Was he supposed to pity his ignorance or be happy for Jullus, who needed so little to feel happy? "Who am I to argue with such a thorough worldview? Perhaps the fact that they managed to slay the better half of the IIIrd Legion along with its Legatus might put things in perspective?"
"Vergilia van Corculum? That bitch was a pathetic traitor to the Emperor who got tempered. There is no glory or achievement in killing her." - Jullus shook his head.
"Then how come the Ist hasn't claimed her life in the weeks that you safeguarded these lands? If it is so easy, then maybe you have attempted it before. No? Must be a coincidence." - Emet's sarcasm toyed with the boy's patience; he grunted and looked away at the grey sky.
"Fine, I won't interfere with whatever you're planning there…But if I'll see any of the garlean traitors, I won't hold my words back."
"You crave being a barking lapdog so badly? Xande would have appreciated you, no doubt." - Emet commented before giving a command for his soldiers to leave. They strolled towards the camp's main entrance, and while the attacking Emet and his escort on sight was a possibility, none of them would be a match for the ascian. If anything, this might create a demonstration of why they would need his aid in the tower.
The two guards at the front have been a skillful elezen dragoon in dark armor along with a highlander red-haired woman. The two were amidst a discussion and did not notice the approaching force immediately. When the time came, however, the woman sheathed her blade, pointing at their adversaries. The man did the same and entered a battle stance.
"Already they are preparing to fight, those bastards." - Jullus couldn't let go of his disdain.
"Quiet." - Emet responded in a commanding tone and walked towards the guards.
"Identify yourself, now!" - The woman shouted. "Are you tempered?"
"Not in a way you think." - Hades responded with a slight chuckle.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" - The dragoon added.
"That we are free from the charms this tower exudes and are not your enemies, or so I hope, at least." - Emet explained. "We are among the garleans that survived the chaos and have learned of your arrival recently." - He could see Jullus looking down with annoyance after hearing Solus putting himself among those who "survived the chaos," but there was no need for complications. The dragoon looked at his companion, beckoning for her to put her weapons away.
"They're not tempered; perhaps there is a discussion to be had."
"So what? Are we going to trust strangers who happened to stroll into our bloody camp?"
"Enough of this." - Hades continued in a professional manner. "We are of the Ist Legion, and there is a proposal we have that will benefit us all. I will relay it, but only when your leaders are present. Were I you, I would have fetched them without perpetuating this farce."
"You don't expect us to just let you inside our camp, do you?" - The woman retorted.
"I expect your leaders to be able to walk; I assume that talent is not yet a commodity of the past."
"Go tell Lucia, Fordola, I'll stay with them." - The dragoon advised.
"You sure? If they attack at the same time, that won't be an easy fight."
"I don't think they will."
Fordola sighed and left her post, though Emet could not imagine it being for long. He noticed the elezen man examining him closely with eyes full of suspicion and guardedness.
"What are you staring at, savage?" - Jullus spat, but Emet was quick to give him a stark glance that immediately forced the boy to go silent.
"You are an ascian." - The dragoon said.
"Pardon?"
"I saw you spying on us. You can enter dark portals just like Fandaniel." - He stated coldly. It would seem that he met Fandaniel in person; Hades found it intriguing.
"Ah, I remember you now. Estinien Wyrmblood, is it? I have heard tales of your role in the Dragonsong War. Were you not among those that fought poor Lahabrea?"
"I'm not one for small talk, much less with an ascian."
"If that makes it any easier, I am not a friend of Fandaniel. There is nothing I'd like more now than to have a "friendly conversation" with him." - He wasn't lying, although there wouldn't be that many words to share with Amon. Just like Mitron, he was a defective specimen that needed to be purged.
"So you say…" - Estinien smirked moments before Fordola returned with two companions, a tall woman with white hair and knight's armor and a familiar man with an engineer's coat and googles. Both had a garlean eye.
"I assumed there would be some survivors, but to have garleans come into our camp to negotiate so soon is nothing short of a miracle." - The woman spoke confidently as she looked over the squad. "I am Lucia Junius, formerly goe, and I lead the expedition."
"You were right." - Jullus said to Emet. "Garleans, damn them! Have you no shame, traitors to your homeland?! That's who you side with now, the savages?" - Neither Lucia nor the engineer, who Emet swiftly recognized as Cid Garlond, showed any anger, only pity.
"There were times when we would have had the same reaction." - Cid said with regret. "That was before we got to know the land we were conquering."
"I don't care what you think; your stain is not something one can simply wash away."
"Be careful who you're barking at. You are outnumbered here." - Fordola retorted.
"No need for this." - Lucia commanded and stepped forward, looking at the ascian. There was no trust in her eyes, but at least she was willing to hear him out. "You are the envoy, then? I introduced myself and shall expect the same courtesy from you."
"He looks familiar, somehow…" - Cid examined Emet closely before the ascian threw a disappointed glance at him.
"Ah, Garlond, such a shame that you were never able to live up to your father's legacy. Your mind might have brought about a calamity or two."
"Excuse me if I don't care much for berating from a man I hardly know." - Cid wasn't impressed. Emet sighed and tried to conceal a relieved smile. It was always so liberating to speak with honesty, no longer bound by his part in the Empire's story.
"As your comrade has already figured out, I am an ascian that goes by many names. The one most familiar to people in this era is "Solus zos Galvus."" - He announced, only to immediately have Cid recoil and Lucia clutch her blade.
"Bloody hell, you?!" - Cid could not believe his ears. Everyone was shocked to see him here, but there was no disbelief. He had Varis and his confessions at Ghimlyt negotiations to thank for that; the Alliance knew that an Empire was founded by an ascian.
"It has been a while." - Emet told Cid. "Having faced blunder after blunder almost makes me nostalgic for how smoothly the meteor project and the previous calamity went."
"Do you know how many people died because of it? Do you have no respect for them at all?"
"What's death for you is a simple reincarnation for me."
"So that's the bloody Emperor?" - Fordola asked, shocked. "And you all believe this?" - She looked at the garlean soldiers behind him.
"Aye, we do." - Jullus said reluctantly. "He didn't leave us any room for doubt."
"The one that subjugated Ala Mhigo?" - Fordola was overtaken by disdain. "Gaius and Zenos were pawns in your mad game of rejoinings and calamities, have they not? This tower and the chaos it wrought was brought about by an ascian! And you want us to believe that you're not in the league?"
"She raises…Valid points." - Lucia said quietly, trying to remain stoic and calm despite the shock and realization of the man she's been looking at. "Perhaps the garleans you joined might have a different opinion, but we have no reason to trust an ascian at all."
"Perhaps we do." - Estinien joined the conversation. "When Fandaniel made his entrance, he was open in telling that he worked against other ascians and the unsundered, which I assume our guest here is of."
"Correct." - Hades confirmed before focusing on Lucia. "My purpose here is neither about your expedition nor the Ist Legion and most certainly not to aid Fandaniel in whatever maniacal schemes he is forging." - He reassured them. "I assume it is in your interests to stop him."
"I see where this is going, and I would rather skip the pretense. What do you want, Solus?" - Lucia asked, trying to take charge of the situation.
"An alliance of convenience. The Ist Legion is sparse in numbers, but its soldiers are eager and hard-working. You have the strongest warriors of the world at your side, and even so, I know you faced considerable losses in your last battle. I am willing to lend the full might of an unsudered ascian when we storm the tower. Not to mention that I have knowledge of Fandaniel's past and nature while you are better informed on his most recent exploits, together we will discern his motives, this creature has never been an overly complicated one." - Emet laid out the benefits, clearly stirring some doubt and thought in Eorzeans. Jullus spoke up after a few moments of silence.
"Lest any of you misunderstand, this is not a truce, merely pragmatism. We are never going to ally with…"
"Yes, I got that point quite clearly." - Lucia shook her head. "Though you might wish to consider the company you bring to negotiations, Solus."
"Would you deny children their game of blame? How crude." - Solus said with sarcasm. "So, what is your answer?" - He asked to be promptly interrupted by Cid.
"Don't trust any of his words; he will betray us at the first opportunity."
"I know, but what options do we have?" - Lucia admitted before looking at the snow with grief in her eyes. "I already had to write a letter to a father who will never see his son again…If we have an ascian slaughtering our enemies instead of them, this will be a blessing to all who wait for them at home."
"So you see reason, then?" - Emet interjected
"I do, though, don't assume it to be a gesture of goodwill." - She stated. "I am ready to welcome you at our camp for discussion of tactics and merits of this alliance, as well as the exchange of the information we share. But I expect cooperation from the Ist. I will send envoys to your base of operations to see how sincere your intentions are."
"I foresaw this outcome." - Emet nodded. "We agreed to welcome envoys, though Jullus only agreed on three."
"That would do…" - Lucia looked at her companions; Cid was the first to volunteer.
"It's my homeland, after all, might as well see what has become of it after all those years. If they are able to afford some charity to the supposed traitors, then I'm in."
"Anyone else?" - Lucia added.
"I'll go as his escort." - Fordola said. "I have experience with garleans, and anything is better than being stuck here."
"I'll go, too." - Estinien nodded, still examining Emet. The ascian was not oblivious to it, the elezen clearly had a burning question on his mind, but he could not allow himself to ask it just yet.
"Then it is decided." - Hades announced. "Jullus, take others and guide those to Tertium. I will join you later, and I expect you to treat them with a semblance of hospitality while I'm here."
"I…Yes, as you command."
"Now, let's proceed to the next stage. I am sure we will find much that we have to discuss."
His manipulations have gone smoothly, and the ascian is getting close to having an army at his side when the time comes to face Fandaniel and Zenos. This wasn't a chance he would ever let go to waste.
…
Of all the unexpected turns their expedition could have taken, the one Estinien expected the least was the Emperor himself joining the game, and now he realized that this should have been obvious to him. The ascian that oversaw this Empire's creation would return to see its end, even if Solus saw this cataclysm as more means to an end. His words did not ring untrue, especially considering what Estinien had heard from Fandaniel before. The seeds of discord have been sawn in the ascian ranks, and both Solus and Fandaniel have been gathering mortal pawns for this conflict. The other matter the dragoon picked up on was the ascian claiming that the mortals would have better knowledge of Fandaniel's recent actions. Has he not been watching the chaos unfold? Where was he?
Perhaps garleans knew something, though the young man that was assigned to guide them has been far from receptive. Estinien, Fordola, and Cid have been following the imperial squad, avoiding the most dangerous roads near the city. There have been few animals except some wild animals, which were easily slaughtered by the warriors. Their guide proved fierce and talented despite his youth; each strike seemed to bring more anger and hatred into his being, which he yearned to unleash. Those clashes became a regular occurrence until they eventually got closer to the ruined tram station buried among the ocean of snow.
"How did Solus find you?" - Estinien asked Jullus. "What does he want from all this?"
"And what makes you think that I am here to answer your questions?" - He scoffed in return.
"How is it not clear for you yet?" - Fordola shook her head as she looked at the dragoon. "He'll keep that bloody stoic demeanor just to spite us."
"Watch your mouth, savage. You know nothing about us, nothing." - Jullus responded.
"As if you know anything about me. I toiled under the watch of both Gaius and Zenos, trying to prove my worth. Ain't stopping imperials from treating us all like dogs." - Fordola recounted bitterly.
"If that's how they treated you, then that's what you deserved."
"So you see it this way? What kind of treatment do you expect for yourself with that attitude?"
"Come on, don't bicker now of all times." - Cid urged Fordola and Jullus to cease their verbal fight and focus on what mattered. Estinien found himself in agreement with his approach. "How did your people avoid tempering?" - The engineer wondered.
"You are the genius Cid Garlond, can't guess yourself?" - Jullus sounded disappointed.
"I have my theories, but I was hoping to hear it from someone who had gone through the process himself. Was it the radio that helped you? The technologies used for them are similar to the ones in the anti-eikon weapons." - Cid explained, and the group immediately noticed Jullus looking down with shame as his fist quivered.
"That's…Let's just go."
"Am I right?"
"Yes, you are! Is that what you want to hear? Better prepare for work; if Solus wants an alliance of convenience, then you will offer us as much aid as he will offer you." - Jullus said in a commanding tone moments before they began their descent through the ebon halls made of metal.
"Wait until we see the others." - Fordola advised Cid. "We might find a sensible man or two."
"And who is your commander? A non-ascian commander, that is." - Estinien wondered as the group found themselves amidst an abandoned tram station; its advanced technologies impressed Estinien. Even Skysteel Manufactory could not have reached such heights. Stephanivien would have been overjoyed to explore this place himself; the dragoon would make sure to come back with news.
"You'll meet him soon enough." - Jullus turned towards his guests. "This is Tertium, our last bastion and hiding place. As per our agreement, you are allowed to move freely, but I would have lord Quintus meet you in person once he is ready. He will put your skills to good use, and if you dare to try anything…Our agreement will be very short-lived." - He announced, trying to quench disdain in his tone. Estinien felt no pleasure in allowing him to treat them in such an arrogant manner, but he also realized that the man had gone through trauma that would break most. He wouldn't be surprised if Jullus lost some family members during this nightmare.
"Listen here…" - Cid sighed with tiredness and offered the boy a stern look that hid some compassion in his eyes. "Do you truly believe that we have come here to hurt you and your people? That we would take any pleasure in making you suffer? When I was still in the Empire, I believed many lies that our government espoused, but even know…Whatever in the seven hells you believe, it shouldn't matter anymore. It certainly doesn't matter to us. The man behind this chaos wants to see the entire world in flames, and we have no choice but to ally." - Cid attempted to speak of reason, yet Estinien sensed grief in his voice. Those were still his people; it must have been wrenching to see them endure this fate. It would have been much the same for Gaius; perhaps it was better for him to stay in Werlyt.
"At least…" - Jullus's lips quivered as he tried to evade Cid's gaze. "If Garlemald is no more, then the world will fall with it!"
"You do not truly want that, do you?"
"You don't know me! What you call "lies" is our creed, our way of life. It is worth fighting and dying for!"
"Creed that was imposed on you by an ascian?"
Those words made Jullus recoil and close his eyes. It was as if the realization of their Empire's nature had been plaguing him, but his heart refused to accept the truth. He said nothing and rushed to the train, leaving the trio with the few other soldiers.
"Give him time." - Estinien reassured. "Many in Ishgard still struggle to accept the truth of the Dragonsong war."
"I can only hope that it won't lead to them backstabbing us." - Cid sighed.
The trio had time to examine Tertium in detail, and the findings piqued their curiosity. The sheer contrast between the ruined halls of a long-abandoned station and the cheery mood of its people exuded hope and radiance. Few remained to lie near the bloodied walls; most had gathered in groups and were embroiled in eager discussions of the news. The warm air was quick to permeate Estinien's skin, causing his body to relax after the chilling outskirts.
"They surely haven't wasted their time…" - Fordola added as she looked over the place. They got less attention than they expected; perhaps Solus made an announcement to expect guests from outside. Even after learning his secrets, they would still clutch to the image of their savior and protector. Perhaps this is how many people in Eorzea saw Edwin. When one is a hero, it is easy to forget just how strikingly different an everyday person's perception is.
"Look, here they come." - They heard a young garlean soldier speak beside them. A young man was sharing a sparse meal with a woman of similar age, a sister or girlfriend, most likely. She was intrigued by their appearance, and her eyes had been just as vile as that of the soldier.
"Fine, you win." - She shook her head with disappointment. "They came to beg us for help almost immediately!"
"Beg for help?" - Fordola turned towards them, agitated. "It was your "Emperor" who proposed an Alliance, not us."
"Lord Solus came to your camp simply because you'd never find our station yourselves." - The soldier said with mockery and crossed his hands. "The likes of you wouldn't survive a single day here."
"Be careful with your words. My hands are getting itchy."
"Fordola." - Cid said with a serious tone, reminding the woman that they are not to stir up trouble.
"Fine, fine, it's just…"
"Let them drown in their venom." - Estinien added. "There is more here." - His attention was attracted by something different. A large and stained garlean flag has been put up on the nearby wall, with many small sound devices surrounding it, likely the "radios" Cid mentioned before. Estinien went closer to hear their sound for himself. They all played an old and distorted song on a loop, with its ominous echoes forcing Estinien to feel unease.
"A savage!" - Estinien looked to his side and saw a young garlean girl rushing towards him with excitement and glee.
"Hello…"
"I really wanted to see a savage for myself! I like how you look; we'd love to have animals like this in Garlemald!" - Her calling Estinien an animal with the purity and innocence of a small child has put the dragoon into a bizarre position.
"Find another one." - He shook his head.
"But I like you! I won't have time to look at many others because you will all die very soon." - She continued to speak as if it was some game of hide and seek.
"And why is that?"
"Mother told me Emperor Solus will kill you all!" - Those words made Estinien turn towards this girl with some worry for the first time.
"Did Solus say that?"
"No…My mother is really sure of it, though." - This was turning into a game of betrayal rather swiftly.
"I see…" - Estinien said quietly and looked back at the flag. "Why to bring all your radios here, in one place, do you know?"
"Oh, we just put them there because we don't need them anymore. Many were listening to it before, trying to hear Emperor Varis's voice…But we know whose voice this was now! Lord Solus returned, and he will save us!"
Before Estinien could reply, he saw a fearful woman in the distance call out to the child.
"Don't talk to them; it's dangerous! Lord Quintus will deal with all of them."
"Sorry, mom!"
The girl rushed back into her mother's embrace as Estinien was left to examine the revered flag, soon to be joined by his companions. The painting symbolized victory and triumph, and most garleans tried to maintain their hope in the face of the apocalypse. There were still a few lone ones, the man that caught Estinien's eye had his entire face charred and disfigured, yet even he seemed to cling on to the living. They did not have the luxury of watching garleans for long as they heard Jullus's voice loudly ring across the hall.
"Lord Quintus is ready to lay out his terms."
"Lay out his terms…Hardly humble." - Cid smirked before leading Estinien and Fordola towards the train.
"Solus's return must have ignited their fire, so to speak." - Estinien noted. "I wonder how bleaker the place would have been without it."
"Would've been easier for us, that's for sure." - Fordola spoke, still annoyed at the hatred they had been receiving, even though she knew to expect it. Soon, the trio found themselves in the broken train with an old man with a grim face meeting them. The garlean commander was severely wounded and could hardly even stand, but his resolve was clearly radiated by his distrustful gaze.
"Lord Quintus, I presume?" - Cid asked when Jullus left them alone. Neither Fordola nor Estinien was good at negotiating; perhaps a fellow garlean would be able to build even the smallest of bridges.
"Aye. Quintus van Cinna, Legatus of the Ist. And you are no less than the wayward inventor himself. You disgrace your father's name, Cid Garlond." - Estinien's hopes have been immediately proven to be premature.
"We're not here to talk about the past, I made my choices, and I do not regret them." - Cid stated confidently. "We have been sent there as envoys, as a show of goodwill, and we are willing to help your people out with any problems they might have."
"How generous…" - Quintus shook his head. "Do you take me for a fool? What is there you can do that Solus cannot? There is nothing he might need you for except fodder, same as us. That is why I was against negotiations, but if he sees the benefit…"
"If you want us to leave, then we won't shed any tears." - Estinien said.
"To leave or to stay is your choice; I am only doing what the Emperor ordered. He believes that your presence here will spark the sense of "camaraderie" that will help us in the battle. I see no real purpose.
"I see." - This time, Cid was the one to respond. "The aid of an ascian is a very unstable one. Solus will turn against you the second he sees the smallest benefit in it. However, the Alliance is not here to fight or conquer; we only want to mend the wound that has long divided. That's what I want, what our people want…Unity and peace." - Garlond explained sincerely, trying to get Quintus to see their point of view.
"Unity…Do not toy with me. Your leaders would never offer help were it not for something they would want in return, perhaps our utter submission, our acceptance for the marks of shame." - The man replied with disdain. "You are no different from Solus, but at least he was with us all those years, creating an Empire that would bring us glory for generations to come. If you truly yearned for unity, then tell me this: why reject the prosperity of Garlemald? Is it because we do not share your values? Your customs? Our people have made a choice. It was our survival or that of our enemies. That is what Solus gave us for all his faults. What can you give?"
After those words, the room was consumed by silence. Quintus has stuck with his beliefs, and there seemed to be nothing that could make him trust Eorzeans; he would backstab them as quickly as Solus after Fandaniel is gone. The quiet was broken by Fordola's nervous laugh. Quintus looked at her with suspicion and distaste but allowed her to speak freely. Estinien sensed the fury in her gaze; no taunt could ever bring Fordola to such a brink.
"Hah…Do you truly ask that question? You wonder why we reject your unity? Well, I'll tell you why!" - She clenched her fists and teeth, barely maintaining her calm and not taking up arms. Estinien was ready to intervene if aught went wrong. "I know it better than anyone because I didn't reject it. In fact, I was one of the most eager Ala Mhigans to embrace it, despite your oppression, despite the destruction Gaius brought, despite soldiers that stood aside while bastards murdered my father on the streets. I would beat up my own countrymen, I would slaughter those that dared to rebel without mercy, I would obey every order from my superiors, even if they came from an insane maniac like Zenos; I agreed to become a test subject; for resonant…And for what? To always hear your bloody soldiers tell me to know my place, always reminding me of my "savage" nature. Perhaps it was when they claimed my skulls' successes to themselves, how they did not allow us to show our devotion and granted us nothing when we finally did. Or maybe the reward I deserved was the disbelief of others that I was able to impress Zenos at all? So much that they would spread false rumors about me getting my promotion by getting fucked by the bastard! That's what your unity and prosperity bring, and I had enough of it. You imperials have no shame in committing all of those atrocities, but when you lose your power for once, you begin to blame others for your crimes. At least have the honor to admit to it!" - Fordola shouted and breathed heavily, her face turned red because of her primal fury. The woman did not get a response, causing her to turn around and walk toward the exit. "I was hoping I would find something here to change my perception…That's what you get for being open-minded. If Lucia wants to play nice with you and your overlord for saving our world, then let her, but I had enough." - She said before storming off. Cid and Estinien were left quite shocked at her outburst, though neither could blame her for it. Quintus looked down in silence, avoiding their gaze. It was clear that he pondered on those words, though his reluctance to accept help and truth would rival that of Jullus.
"Go." - He said quietly. "Help Jullus or others around if you wish, but there is nothing for us to talk about."
…
There were few words that could accurately describe just how relieved G'raha felt after talking to Ryne on the matter of their future. For all the pain he and his friends endured, it was bliss to see a soul as young as her glimmer with hope. The Exarch knew the path she walked, he had been the same way for a century now, and a fate of eternal vigil was not something he would wish upon anyone.
But as life has taught him, every duty, no matter how long, will eventually come to an end, and his was getting closer. Ryne always wondered about G'raha's plans after he returned to the Source, while the Exarch continued to avoid this topic. Perhaps once the ascian threat has been dealt with, he will be more open to what life has to offer. As it stood, however, any moment of levity seemed hollow in the face of a cataclysmic threat they faced.
Beq Lugg's performance, however, outshined G'raha's expectations, as the plan was prepared much quicker than expected. The Exarch was fully prepared to stay in Crystarium for a while and retain his strength, but the moment was fleeting before his eyes. When Beq called G'raha to explain the process in full, the Exarch decided to take Lyna with him. As the future keeper of Crystarium and possibly the First, she was one of the first people to receive news. When the two arrived, they took notice of Beq's cheery mood.
"Here you are!" - They exclaimed after turning away from the miniature portal in the ocular that Edwin could once use. The nu mou kept the relic G'raha and others retrieved from Tycoon, a key part of this procedure.
"G'raha tells me you have already designed a scheme to teleport him to another world." - Lyna said sternly and without enthusiasm. "Is that true?"
"Beq has proven themselves most resourceful in the last few days, no reason for doubt." - G'raha was quick to reassure her before giving the sorcerer room to speak.
"I will be able to transport your soul, but with a few precautions. I have found all traces of your aether within the tower and put a magical ward near all of them; they can be easily found once the time's right."
"Wards and aether…" - Lyna shook her head.
"I can explain in simpler terms if you'd like."
"No need; it's G'raha who needs to know the details of the plan. I'm just…The talk of magic always gets me a little lost." - The guard admitted.
"As you wish. First, we need to find a suitable vessel for the core." - Luqq continued.
"I believe my staff will do. I'm used to it as a weapon, and keeping it in the Source is quite a boon." - The Exarch said.
"That's what I thought. I can help you with that, it shouldn't take too long. Once you're ready to go, we'll need to charge the tower, first of all. Ryne will see to it."
"Before the soul transfer?" - G'raha asked with surprise and saw Beq nod.
"Your aether is immobile; even I can't do anything with it in this state. If the tower is charged, I will be able to "steal" the energy from one of its many currents and imbue your new staff with it."
"Remember-this will take a toll on her." - The Exarch reminded them. "I discussed it with her not long ago, and whatever Ryne might have said before, she needs some time among her peers in Crystarium." - For both entertainment and sanity.
"I promise to be as quick as possible."
"That's all I can ask. What then?"
"That's the hard part done. I think you know what comes. Next, she will imbue you with powers of both Eden and the tower; you will become an avatar of sorts."
"I had been in a situation like this before when fighting Emet-Selch inside of Eden; I assume that is something similar."
"Except this time, you will be able to pierce the fabric of reality. You leave this world the same way you entered it, and when you find yourself on the moon, you will still have much of this power for some time…"
"Just enough to deal a killing blow to Zodiark." - G'raha tried to picture the moment in his mind. Thousands of years, their history has been guided by forces unknown, by the likes of Emet-Selch and Elidibus. If this plan works as intended, this is the end of their dream that will allow thousands of others to flourish.
"Don't know about that, but it is worth a try." - Beq concluded. "Here you go."
"Thank you, Beq." - G'raha's voice brimmed with gratitude. "We wouldn't have gone this far without you."
"You'll thank me once you are on the Source. I'll make some alterations to your staff, and then…Well, that's it. Just say a word, call Ryne, and we can begin." - The moment has been approaching indeed, and there was no way to prolong it anymore. Hope for the sundered world to finally be free of the ascian grasp and a chance for a man who failed to save a true hero and finding redemption. Before G'raha could give any commands, Lyna interjected.
"And what will happen with him on the Source?" - Lyna said with worry.
"The powers of Eden will wear off, but I don't see a reason why he won't be able to continue his existence. The soul will be tied to Tycoon's core, of course, but he can carry it in his staff."
"And will he be able to return?" - Lyna must have known an answer to this question, and still, she held on to hope.
"Lyna…" - G'raha looked at her with compassion. "I know it's hard, but the technology that made me traverse the rift does not yet exist. I will look for ways, but we have to assume that this is a one-way journey." - He spoke quietly.
"I see…Don't worry, I will take care of Crystarium, I promise." - She looked down, still struggling to accept that a symbol of her hope would be leaving First forever. She was a woman of honor and duty, and she must have understood the necessity of this, but this didn't make the separation any easier for either of them.
"G'raha is right; I am not expecting him to return." - Beq added. "Do you two…Need a moment?" - The nu mou suggested.
"I imagine so, and not just us." - The Exarch said. "I cannot leave those people without offering words of closure and thanks, especially when there is finally nothing to hide." - The suggestion of him staying at least for one more day seemed to bring Lyna some relief as she looked at her lord with eagerness.
"Should I announce that you will be making a speech?"
"Perhaps…" - G'raha thought to himself. "I need to make a decision on the matter of that speech, however. There is so much I want to say, but I'm not sure if words can do justice to all we have gone through together."
"I'm sure you will have time to think." - Lyna encouraged him. G'raha remembered the last time he made a speech, and while it was liberating in a way, it was also still grasping his identity as the Crystal Exarch. As the "Lord" and ruler, the roles that G'raha never cared for despite taking on them in the hour of need. This led to another idea emerging in his mind.
"Actually, forget the speech." - He said to Lyna.
"Why?"
"Announce that I shall host a feast near the markets on the eve before my departure. Everyone from the city is welcome to join, and I will gladly share the tales of my past and "future" with them."
Finally, this felt like something G'raha truly wanted.