For all of Emet-Selch's activities during this era and the part he played in establishing an Empire that charted history's current course, he never explored the walls of the city of Old Sharlayan that often. The ascian respected their first for knowledge, even if those fools would never be able to achieve the heights ancients did.
Elidibus, on the other hand, was more interested in their culture. Perhaps he considered it a part of his duty as an Emissary to look into all civilizations in depth, to heed every viewpoint, and weigh all the odds. That was his duty since Amaurot. Only now Emet could appreciate the work Themis put into Sharlayan, for it was his guidance that stuck in Hades's mind as he emerged in Sharlayan docks, witnessing the glory of this city. The ascian knew what to expect, but now he could see the clear resemblance between architecture in Sharlayan and Amaurot. It was but a shade of their perfection, still, a sight only slightly less pitiful than others.
He knew of the Forum and its isolationist policies. Elidibus also learned that there was another purpose behind them. They were fulfilling a duty entrusted to them by Hydaelyn, and there was a way for them to maintain contact. Elidibus never learned what that duty was, but they considered it important. Emet hardly cared for their plans, but if what Amon said was true, then Hydaelyn had the knowledge of the cataclysm all this time; this must have been connected.
The ascian strolled to the reception, seeing a lone lalafell woman in glasses, maintaining her post while reading one of her registry books, not even able to notice his presence. Always the pacifists, hoping that their remote location and neutrality would save them from doom. With the garlean Empire, they were right, but there were few limits for an unsundered. When Emet's shadow fell over the lalafell, she looked up at him with suspicion.
"I was not expecting any arrivals…" - She said, looking over Solus. His garments were not resembling anything made in Sharlayan. It must have added to her worry.
"I will not take much of your time." - Emet said.
"Where is your application, sir?"
"I do not need one." - The ascian shrugged uncaringly, causing the woman to look at him with shock.
"With all respect, that is not a demeanor that will get you welcomed in our city! Our policies are clear and simple, and we wish our visitors to be honest and upfront with their motives, as well as willing to go through necessary procedures."
"You wish me to be upfront? Very well. I am a simple guest who wishes to make a few inquiries to the Forum, which they will answer, whether they like it or not." - Emet said with disdain. He was worn out and eager to get his hands on the truth; the thoughts of those weaklings were not his concern.
"Inquiries? There is no allowance for strangers to make their inquiries whenever they wish. The Forum has much more potent matters to discuss than listening to everyone's demands! If that is your only reason, I would demand that you lea…"
She couldn't finish, as the dark chain was formed around her neck. Emet raised his hand and pulled the woman from her seat, forcing her to the ground. Her disdain was replaced by terror and powerlessness, ready to turn to beg any moment. Hades's eyes gleamed with arrogance; she would not slow him down.
"I…Wait! Please…" - She spoke and coughed, trying to resist the ascian spell to no avail.
"I was as honest and upfront as I can be. Now is your turn." - Emet said. "Where can I find the nearest forum member to talk to? I was too,d they enjoy civilized debates, and I am here to bring something of a similar kind."
"Master…Fourchenault…Has visited the docks earlier today, his manor is…In the eastern part of the city…"
"Will I find him there?"
"I…Don't know…That's the most…I can give you…"
"Thank you for your cooperation." - Emet said. "When you wake up, return to your duties and pretend that nothing happened, will you?" - He launched another stunning spell, this time forcing the receptionist into temporary slumber. He had no taste for pointless murder, and when she wakes up, he will be long gone.
The directives Emet was given were good enough, and he began his exploration of the city. He would get noticed sooner or later, but the ascian did not care. He teleported between the most remote places in here, watching the lifer from afar. To some, this would seem similar to life in any other major city, even forget one's policies. People lived in blissful ignorance, not thinking about warfare or approaching doom. The breeze of the western oceans and the thought that they are keepers of knowledge and this world's history were good enough for them.
Unfortunately, when he approached the manor, Solus could sense a single soul inside, and he quickly realized that it was not the one mentioned by the receptionist. The ascian levitated across the stone walls, cloaking himself with protective spells so that no one would see him. He watched through the window, akin to a specter, trying to see a victim to question. There was a lone elezen woman inside, sitting on a chair and reading a book. A normal way to spend time for any citizen of Sharlayan, there was something different about the white-haired lady.
Her soul was turbulent, not making much sense in correlation with her outward appearance; she was hiding her pain. Her soul was glimmering with a sense of loss, of painful tragedy that was eating her heart out, a single touch or reminder could throw her into agonizing rage or grief, and even her loneliness could not give her a respite. One drop of despair amidst the city, and yet it shone brighter than any pleasure or reprieve others have felt.
She was not the one Emet searched for. His next step would be to go to the Forum itself and attempt to demand the answers. He had nothing to hide anymore, and there was no length the ascian would not go to find out the truth. It was relieving, in its own twisted way. This world was broken, sundered, and subjected to final days once again, but this time it would be the mortals that paid the price. This world was beyond salvation, and Emet did not even have to try.
His next finding was a fortunate one. The ascian spotted two men in white robes of the Forum walking beside the manor. They were entranced in a heated debate and made an effort to keep it away from the public eye. One of them was an elezen with tanned skin and white hair, while another was a pale-skinned hyur.
"I told you already, that would jeopardize the decisions of the Forum and cause mass panic. Did the Forum not explain why your aspirations were foolish?" - The elezen said with a tint of anger.
"But Fourchenault, be reasonable! We know of what happened in Garlemald, the seal was broken, and there is no time left."
"The ark is not ready yet."
"And what of the people? The catastrophe would reach them sooner or later, and what then?" - The hyur argued, but Fourchenault shook his head in disagreement. "We will need help from outside. Mistress Baldesion wishes to help us; that's what the scions always have done!"
"Need I remind you of our sacred duty, Rolandeau? Our duty is to continue undisturbed and as planned until further changes. I respect your opinion, but the time has not yet come to speak of it openly."
"And is this duty all that matters to you? Have you forgotten about the people? When I accepted the burden, I hoped that we would try to be reasonable, not like this…" - Rolandeau sighed only to further anger Fourchenault.
"Our duty and people are one and the same. It is your fault if you cannot see it." - He replied starkly. "I have made a choice to serve the Forum, and I had to compromise, to give away as much as I could for it. Time, freedom, conscience…Family." - The man clenched his fist. "Everything was put on the line, and if you are not ready to do the same, perhaps your place was never on the Forum! Now excuse me while I spend time with my wife, her need of me now is much greater than your circular sophistry." - Fourchenault was about to leave, but Emet revealed himself, emerging between the two men. They recoiled at the sight of the ascian imbued with dark magic, but it was too late for them to run.
"I think not." - Emet announced his arrival, forming dark chains around both.
"What?" - Rolandeau was shocked.
"Who are you?" - Forchenault demanded without any signs of fear. He won't be easy to break, but Hades had his methods. The place was remote enough that the other citizens would take a while to notice; they could allow themselves some privacy here.
"I simple ascian trying to make sense of the mess that is this world." - Emet said. "I assume my title is well-familiar to you. Surely it was among the secrets that your "mother" revealed to you?" - He teased them, noticing their shock to wilder with his every word.
"You are talking nonsense!" - Rolandeau exclaimed. "How are you even here? Have you bypassed our guards?"
"I can teleport to any place when soever I wish; what was there to bypass?" - Emet smiled arrogantly. "You seem to have a rather strong belief in your untouchability. Perhaps it is time to prove you wrong. Anyway, that is hardly my purpose today."
"I will not tolerate your toying, nor will you make us afraid." - Fourchenault said with a demanding tone. "Explain yourself, now."
"How brave of you. I expected Sharlayan scholars to have much less resolve when faced with a life-or-death situation. That said, let's get to the heart of the matter. I am Emet-Selch, ascian who came here for answers."
"And you will not get any from us!" - Rolandeau shouted with spite. Fourchenault, on the other hand, has frozen immediately, staring at the man before him.
"Emet-Selch…Your name is over all reports. You are Solus zos Galvus, the ascian that created the Empire?"
"Indeed. Countless civilizations were shaped and destroyed by my own hand, Garlemald being one of them. Do the news truly spread so fast? I imagine everyone must know by now if that's the case." - Emet spoke, noticing Fourchenault's expression switch from shock to anger and disdain. His soul burned with a similar to that of the lone woman Emet saw before.
"Then it was you…You killed my children." - His voice turned cold, forcing both Emet and Rolandeau into dreadful silence. The elezen's voice quivered with disdain as his body began to frantically shiver. This wasn't something Emet expected, but it made perfect sense now.
"Ah…Master Leveilleur, then?" - What an unexpected meeting; Emet began to see the resemblance. As determined and faithful as Alphinaud, as stubborn and headstrong as Alisaie, they were their father's children. The ascian felt no joy in piercing the old wounds open, but he has gone too far to turn back now. "My condolences to you and your wife. It is never easy to lose the ones we love, especially children. If only they would be willing to listen and understand…"
"You make a mockery of my loss?" - Fourchenault spouted. "How dare you…How dare you?!" - He closed his eyes, and Emet felt a powerful surge of energy emerging within the elezen, but it was hard for Emet to recognize it. Something shifting and fleeting, yet spreading its light across all nearby souls.
A destructive wave was unleashed with Fourchenault's annihilating Emet's chain and following it up with a destructive spell. The ascian was shocked at the sheer possibility. He was just a mortal; this shouldn't have been possible. Fourchenault attacked with no fear. The power of vengeance supplemented him enough to make his wish of destroying the ascian grant him strength.
Still, it was not nearly enough. When Fourchenault attempted to free his ally, Emet managed to strike him with an arrow of darkness. As the man shouted in agony, Hades got a moment to push him towards the ground yet again. This time the chains were twice as powerful, denying Fourchenault the ability to move. He was desperately clutching to remnants of his resolve, but to no avail. It was a pitiful sight to see a man who lost those closest to him and was now consumed by the hungering void inside of him. There was no need to mock him or to make the pain worse. Emet-Selch felt sympathy for his loss, but over all these years, he learned to toss his feelings aside when the mission was on the line.
"So, about my questions…I only care for Hydaelyn. Deny it all you will, but I am aware that you share a connection and that the Forum are puppets dancing to her tune. I would know how you communicate and use these methods to reach her myself." - Emet explained; Rolandeau was furious.
"We would never help you, never! Torture us all you will; the whole city will know of your intrusion sooner than we will say a word!"
"And you, Fourchenault?"
"Burn in hell." - The elezen replied disdainfully, a result Emet expected. The ascian sighed, ready to bring out something that would surely break Fourchenault.
"Alas, so predictable. Well, I did not want it to come to this, but you leave me no other choice. I know that your wife is in that manor, she is grieving as much as you do, but in each other, there is still some comfort you can find in each other. If you do not tell me, I will kill her. Simple as that."
"You…You are a monster." - Fourchenault said with utter disgust. In many other cases, Emet was willing to go on entire tirades to explain his point of view and his side, but for some reason, he had no appetite for it today. Truth be told, he felt a shade of that disdain too.
"I am, but that is beside the point. I will not lay a hand on you or your wife if you cooperate. I believe it is a simple choice."
"What you want me to do is to forsake my duty!" - Fourchenault said, and Emet understood the weight of those words. He saw his duty and purpose being turned to dust. After losing his loved ones, this was his only source of hope, a way to distance himself from this tragedy, convince himself that he could still avert it, that he can still do what is right for his people. Taking this duty away would be akin to corrupting the last part of his soul.
"This, or your wife. You choose."
"Wait!" - Rolandeau interrupted. "He can't, even if he wanted to!"
"No, what are you doing?" - Fourchenault tried to interrupt him.
"We are bound by a spell. We're sworn to silence and cannot disclose the details of our duty to anyone outside of the Forum; whatever you are planning, you are not giving him a choice!"
"I see…" - An impressive feat to perform, but if any kind of mortals could do it, those were the Sharlayans. Yet the naive fool thought that this somehow absolved Fourchenault of responsibility, that it was more than a minor technicality that could easily be fixed by an ascian.
In the next instant, the body of Solus zos Galvus dropped dead and motionless as Hades left it. The Forum members were horrified, but they had little time to realize what had happened. Rolandeau shouted as he felt the spirit of darkness merging with his own. Solus festered on the pain; the truth was that it had been a while since he possessed a living body instead of a corpse or a clone; the last time was with Solus himself. The surge of memories flowed into the ascian's essence, an awakening more powerful than any echo.
And then he saw a world through Rolandeau's eyes. A young man of the Forum, who desperately wanted to bring some change into Sharlayan's policies on non-intervention, wished to do the best he could but was met with hostility and disagreement. He witnessed one of his most recent memories, that in the azure hall of the Forum, the last council meeting.
"And now the floor goes to master Rolandeau; let us hear out his proposal."
At those words, a young man stood up from his seat, having the attention of all councilors. Emet felt his worry and doubt, but those were overshadowed by his resolve and desire to express his truth.
"Thank you. I will begin by saying that I swear to respect the Forum's decision on the matter, whatever it may be. However, I must also vehemently disagree with our current course of action. Many spoke against offering help and guidance to Krile Baldesion and the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, despite the numerous inquiries made on their part. I believe that we are rejecting those who could be our allies in those dark times. I understand the importance of our mission, truly, but we cannot hide the truth any longer. Mistress Baldesion is one of our own, and we cannot turn our backs on her desire to help! The seal is broken, and the cataclysm will return in days. It is long past the time for us to open up about our mission and enlist the Eorzean Alliance for mutual aid. This is the only way to honor what the fallen heroes would have wanted, many of whom were archons." - He spoke with confidence and pride, but his words were not received well by others in the Forum, especially by Fourchenault Leveilleur, who was the next one to speak.
"Do not try to appeal to the "fallen heroes." Their demise is…Unfortunate, but we cannot abandon our cause because of this." - Fourchenault spoke, desperately trying to remain professional despite being on the verge of breaking from thinking of his children dying. "Taking part in their wars and conflicts will only serve to divert us from the true cause. Hydaelyn's knowledge is our guide, and our instructions are clear. To falter now when we are facing a threat would be to betray everything we stand for!" - He rejected Rolandeau's claim, leading them into a heated debate. Emet-Selch would listen, but the fleeting memory began spot dissipate the moment the fusion of their souls was complete.
The ascian opened his eyes; he was in full control of Rolandeau's body, and the chaos around him and Fourchenault dissipated. The elezen watched in horror as he noticed the arrogant glint in his ally's eyes. The ascian walked over his old body and looked Fourchenault in the eyes.
"Don't recognize me?" - He said in a voice identical to Rolandeau before once again reverting to his own. "The body is mine, and his soul is still within him, slumbering. Once I leave, he will be free to regain control. For all intents and purposes, I am a man of the Forum now. Can you tell the truth now?" - These words were followed by a broken expression on the elezen's face as realization struck him.
"I…I can." - He admitted with shame. "Do you know what is it you ask of me? Do you know how much I have given for this?"
"I know it far better than you can even imagine." - Emet claimed and looked down on Fourchenault; the man was on his knees. "I had a duty, too. Long before you were born. And now it is all gone, erased in an instant, leaving me with nothing but wasted time and lost lives. So let me tell you, as one failure to another…Be grateful that there is as much as one person you still treasure in this world, one woman to keep you from going insane. Accept this, then, and live with the consequences because I know that you would not sacrifice her." - The ascian peered into Fourchenault's eyes of shame.
"We contacted Hydaelyn, yes…The duty she entrusted us with was in preparation for Final Days, to take the people of the world to the moon, where they can escape the cataclysm."
"And how do you contact her in the depths of the aethereal sea?"
"We use Aitiascope, a device located at the heart of Labyrinthos beneath the city. It allowed us to peer into the sea, where Hydaelyn resides. It has been a long time since we spoke with her, but that is the only way." - Each word that Fourchenault shared was burdened with grief and shame, forcing the man to look down as if he was going to puke, so strong was his disgust. "Are you happy now, bastard…You got all you needed, now release Rolandeau and leave my wife alone!"
"Very well." - Emet said and left Rolandeau's body. In a moment, Solus rose again, ready to follow the lead he was human. "He will awake in a few hours, and I will be off now."
"There will be retribution. You killed Alisaie and Alphinaud…And you will pay for it. Even if I have to make you pay myself, I will."
"Were I you, I would not bother trying. But what point is there when arguing with mortals?" - Emet said before dispersing and leaving the heartbroken father alone with his shame and the realization of failure.
...
As soon as the place was chosen, Estinien set out along with Aymeric to Ul'Dah as an escort. Sultana was willing to welcome the leaders of all nations in an important if hastily organized conference. Everyone was eager to respond, as the report received from Garlemald would leave none unworried. Estinien would play no part in the conference itself, but he wished to do his best in guarding the esteemed leaders, not to mention that he had never visited the city of Ul'Dah before. While it did not sound like a place that would appeal to him, being crowded with noisy and manipulative merchants, after spending time with Edwin and Alphinaud, Estinien found some reprieve in discovering new places for himself.
When Aymeric and Estinien arrived in the city, it has not been exactly as they expected. There have been few signs of panic, with life continuing its "peaceful" flow. While walking on the steps of Nald, Estinien could hear dozens of people discussing their lives, largely focusing on their recent exploits or travels. There were few mentions of the garlean invasion, and even so, most appeared happy that the towers were no more, not concerned with the greater threat at hand.
Something that came as another surprise was the fact that few people paid any attention to their arrival. Estinien was expecting more reaction from highly esteemed officials from another city-state. The only case that he noticed was a passing couple, a young man with blonde hair and a light mustache and a woman with fair skin and reddish hair, a tint similar to that of Fordola. The man pointed at the passing elezen, whispering something to his companion, but she was much more concerned with buying foreign jewelry sold by a hooded merchant nearby, and so their attention proved just as short.
"A familiar picture, that one." - Aymeric said as he looked over the city streets. "Though after the last time I visited, it feels rather…"
"Peaceful?" - Estinien suggested.
"Yes, and that is not to any detriment. The last banquet quickly got too exciting for my tastes, I am afraid."
"It's not about that. I imagined that after hearing the news, people would become a little more…On guard."
"And would that be a benefit considering the nature of the threat? I think not. Nanamo must have done a great deal to keep the populace calm and collected, the most necessary quality in the coming days." - Aymeric said with pride as the two approached the ascending steps, guarded by men of the Immortal Flames. Estinien was not so optimistic.
"Or they are simply burying their fears. Right until the moment, they won't be able to anymore."
"Give them some credit, it's often easy to fall into the trap of underestimating mankind." - Aymeric was about to continue, but Ishgardians saw familiar faces on their path. Those were general Raubahn and Lyse, likely the representatives of Ala Mhigo. The former was still weakened from his wounds inflicted by the Ruby Weapon and had to use a cane on occasion. Lyse still remained distant since her outburst in Garlemald, but she learned to keep her emotions in check.
"And here I thought my eyes deceived me!" - Aymeric smiled. "It's a pleasure to see the bull of Ala Mhigo yet again. Pray accept my condolences for the tragedy that occurred in your city. If Ishgard can do aught to help, we will not hesitate."
"Hello, Aymeric. No need for help, we have done a fine job rebuilding, and there are problems far greater than fixing what is already broken." - Raubahn sighed, looking at his cane. "If only those bloody wounds could have absolved me from the pain, I would toil day and night without a moment of respite instead of being so…Humiliated."
"We all bear our scars, one day, our bodies and minds will make peace with them." - Aymeric reassured him. "I assume the Sultana is ready to welcome us?"
"Hell, if I know. We have only just arrived, as did you, I assume. Let's find out in the chamber of rule." - Raubahn beckoned for Aymeric to follow, and the knight obliged. Estinien and Lyse followed them through the steps of Thal, but they remained behind the two leaders.
"How are you dealing with their loss?" - Estinien wondered; Lyse sighed and shook her head, looking to the floor.
"Let's…Not talk about this. The last thing I want is the hall to become a floor for my reservations and bloody grief." - She said with shame. "It's like a trance of sorts…You just walk among the streets and can't hear anything at all, no matter how loud the people are. It's just that hellish echo…It's…" - She had trouble explaining without unleashing her pain.
"I get it. Truly."
"I know…How is Aymeric? I assume he knows." - Lyse sacked carefully. She had Estinien realize that they have not discussed the scions' demise. A man like Aymeric had many responsibilities, remaining strong in the eyes of his people, being one of them. There was no doubt that he suffered over the loss of Edwin and Alphinaud, but he wouldn't express it.
Eventually, the group reached the upper section of the city, getting close to the chamber of rule, and immediately recognized more of their allies, that being the Grand Admiral of Limsa Lominsa and the Elder Seedseer of Gridania. They were waiting, meaning that there were preparations to be made on Nanamo's part.
"Speak of the devil, you're right on time!" - Merlwyb exclaimed, looking away from Kan-E-Senna, welcoming others. The seedseer woman felt the same, although she was much calmer and seemingly relaxed in her disposition.
"Greetings, Raubahn, Aymeric. We've been hoping that you would show up before her grace opens the gates." - Senna smiled.
"A pleasure to meet again." - Aymeric said. "I was hoping that the situation would not be as dire as that in Ghimlyt, but I am not holding out." - The elezen said; Raubahn sighed and shook his head.
"This will be far worse if the report is anything to go by. We know next to bloody nothing about this but some symptoms…" - He held himself together, thought it was clear that the general was plagued with doubts. Before he could continue, other allies entered the hall. This time, it was lord Hien with his bodyguards. He seemed serious and set on solving this problem but also enjoying a moment to meet up with his new partners.
"Warmest greetings from Doma, my friends." - He said. "I see that you are already prepared."
"More or less." - Merlwyb responded. "Honestly, I've almost been willing to bet that you would not show up. Doma is to the Far East, after all."
"Were it any other matters, you could have been right. However, now the situation calls for a solution where everyone plays a part." - He spoke grimly before looking back. Another silhouette emerged from behind, following the Doman delegation. This was Estinien's new acquaintance from beyond the rift, clutching to his staff with a vessel inside, looking at the leaders, somewhat intimidated. "We met him near the gate and quickly recognized him as the time-traveler from Lucia's report."
"So it is true…" - Senna sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. "We are very interested in hearing your account."
"I promise, I will not disappoint." - The crystal traveler reassured her. "My name is G'raha tia, but I assume that is something you already know. I heard many epic tales about each of you, but to see you here, gathered to steer Eorzea and the lands beyond on a rightful course…It is an honor." - He spoke with infatuation. At times it was hard for Estinien to believe that this man was older than a century, not when his behavior was so naive and jubilant at times. After speaking, G'raha threw a concerned glance, looking like he wanted to say something. This uncertain moment was interrupted by the general.
"Suffice it to say, we've all got a hell of a lot to go through." - Raubahn said, eager to get down to business. Moments after, the gates to the hall opened, and a lalafell woman in royal garments came out, guarded by an escort of two sentinels. She smiled warmly while looking at her guest, especially at Raubahn.
"Welcome, my friends; I thank every one of you for coming here as quick as you did. The matters we have to discuss are truly urgent, and I believe that the council should get underway as soon as possible. I am ready to begin." - She said with confidence, receiving nods and smiles of approval from other leaders. She walked into the banquet hall, and others followed, including G'raha and Lyse.
"Are you sure you will not come?" - Aymeric asked his friend before following the others.
"No, I am not brave enough for politics." - The dragoon smirked. "I will see to the city if anything arises; I promise you can count on me."
"Thank you, Estinien."
"Always, my friend. Always."
After seeing that the leaders entered their respective chambers, Estinien set out to explore Ul'Dah, as he planned. Perhaps there was something more to this city, something to make him appreciate it more than he has as of now. The architecture was certainly unique in its own way, reflecting the nation's worship of Nald'Thal, shown by statues and symbols dedicated to twin gods.
As much as he was ashamed to admit it, it did not take long for Estinien to get lost in an unfamiliar city. The elezen found himself on the outskirts of the steps of Thal, standing in the very heart of the market, not a place he would enjoy at any time. The loud and energetic voices drowned each other in Estinien's ears, forming a cacophony consisting of sweet nothings and short, abrupt phrases and words. Noises like this would make it harder to focus. It made Estinien think too much of his life beyond slaying beasts and defending the realm. Even the rising winds and dark clouds that began covering the sky were not enough to force these people to come home and take a break.
"…Have you heard about Arina's…"
"…For 500 bloody Gil? Surely you…
"…That ain't it, now tell me where…"
However, there was someone familiar Estinien noticed in the crowd. It was the very man that pointed at him while traveling with his female companion, be it relative or lover. However, that woman was no longer with him, and the man's face was filled with nervous worry as he avoided eye contact with the numerous people surrounding him. He was not alone. However, another man stood beside him and talked, the same hooded merchant that called them closer.
The young blonde man's anger was clear by the expression on his face, but Estinien could not hear the subject of their talk from afar. The dragoon slowly moved towards them, trying to get as much as a glimpse of the subject of their talks. He tried to be careful with pushing people around. It was hard to move without hitting something or, in some cases, stepping on them.
This didn't seem right, Estinien could not quite gather why he even cared for what those two strangers were talking about, but something drew him to them. The closer he approached, the more tension he could feel in the air. Moments before he reached them, the two moved away from the crowd towards the nearby ark. The man followed the merchant, and in the spur of the moment, Estinien got a glimpse of the latter's face, the malicious glint of a youthful body and eyes luring another victim into the dark abyss.
…
Even as the leaders sat down at the large table guarded by the best warriors in Ul'Dah, G'raha still felt out of place here. He knew this was an irrational feeling after all he had been through; many would say that after governing a city for a whole century, he had much more experience than any of them. Still, that was in a distant world, and he was back to the time when his journey began. At certain moments he felt like seeing the people from his past made him revert to his past self, as well. He never felt this desire to be a youthful, adventurous, and carefree man quite as much as now. Perhaps after the Final Days were settled, he might still get the chance.
The leaders did not begin to discuss the issue immediately; their first point of talking was the current situation in Garlemald.
As someone who arrived at the very end of their planned operation, G'raha was eager to know full details and learn of the current state. From what Nanamo and others discussed, their efforts have reached a stalemate. Quintus did not attack Alliance forces, but any contact they shared prior to the battle has been cut off with the Ist enclosing themselves in Tertium. Some in the contingent suggested leaving, but Lucia was eager to mend the broken bridges. Many were still mindful of Solus and Fandaniel, yet neither ascian has shown himself.
As he took in the information, G'raha barely noticed how Lyse looked at him with eyes filled with sincere regret. When he took notice, the Exarch looked at the woman sitting next to him.
"Ah, my apologies, you wished to say something?" - He wondered.
"Yeah, about what happened in Garlemald…I'm sorry for how I acted. It's been very immature of me." - She apologized.
"No need to apologize; you reacted like anyone would after hearing the news I brought." - G'raha reassured her with sympathy, though he knew that words would do little to heal her wounds so early into this realization. Many weeks have passed since it happened for G'raha, and he still couldn't admit to fully getting over it. At times the painful memories would grip him, and the Exarch would just focus on other matters until those thoughts were buried once again.
"Thank you for understanding, but please accept them. I know that pain might cause us to react in the most violent ways; it doesn't excuse it…I've read your story in a report, thank you." - She sighed to G'raha's surprise.
"Me? What for?"
"For taking care of them in their final days. You might have taken them away from this world, but I am not going to lie to myself…" - Lyse smiled, likely remembering her fallen friends. "This is where they would've chosen to be. At the place most consumed by despair and pain, exactly where they could bring the light of dawn unto its people. I wish I'd been there, too…" - She said with regret, but the two did not have a chance to continue their dialogue. A voice of a lalafell man, a trusted advisor of Nanamo, rang out through the room, louder than others. Lord Lolorito joined the table.
"I believe we should turn attention to matters more pressing than the squabble in Garlemald." - He said. "As much as I am skeptical in believing the claims of our guest, I will not dismiss them outright." - He said, giving the floor to Sultana.
"As you all know, we find ourselves in the face of another crisis if the words of Solus zos Galvus and G'raha Tia are to be believed." - She announced while compiling G'raha with Emet making the Exarch tense up slightly; he understood the reasons for it were not malicious. "You know how this crisis played out? The skies turned red and unimaginable beasts were created, taking power from the star's souls." - She said with seriousness and a glint of worry in her voice, but Nanamo did not lose confidence. Lord Lolorito seemed quite skeptical.
"Let us not get ahead of ourselves. There have been no signs that correlate with the report in Ul'Dah or anywhere in Thanalaan, and I doubt any of our other guests have experienced anything similar in their lands." - He said, looking at the others. Raubahn shook his head with distaste.
"I am not surprised that it is you who makes light out of that struggle. At least you could show some concern."
"Potential struggle, if I may."
"No need for conflict." - Sultana interrupted them. "Lord Lolorito raises a valid point. I can safely assume that none of us have yet encountered any signs of the "Final Days."" - Judging by the silence among the participants, this was correct. "Still, we must decide on how to deal with this problem and, most importantly, what to tell the public, for it is their power that will be spent. I have kept this information private for now, though it pains me to do so; we cannot afford another panic after the last few months." - She concluded, and Raubahn continued.
"They deserve to know the truth. These are their homes, their world, and aren't we their bloody representatives? We would be doing a poor job if we hide the truth." - He pointed out; Merlwyb nodded.
"I agree with Raubahn. If this cataclysm is as described, we will need to put all of our resolves into overcoming it, as would they." - She said, but the seedseer sitting beside her was not so enthusiastic.
"Yet can we be certain that telling them the truth will not result in a panic that will far outweigh any benefits? The effect described by Solus was largely based on one's emotional state, on one's fears being unbound through creation." - She suggested with caution.
"And what if it shall become too late?" - Hien said. "When the hour comes, they would be faced with horror beyond their understanding and control, and they will look upon us for answers. When they find out the truth, what trust will there be between us?" - He said, supported by Aymeric.
"It is tempting to keep them in blissful ignorance, but that is a path Ishgard has walked already, and it brought us nothing but pain and suffering over centuries. The truth is the way forward." - The knight stated.
"It's never easy, isn't it…To decide whether to give those people a respite after all they have been through." - Lyse joined. "But we all have a duty, don't we? If I may speak on behalf of the scions, I believe they would have been honest, and upfront with them, and they wouldn't have stood aside. Whatever arises, any horrors and beasts that emerge, we must face on their behalf." - She spoke with resolve.
"Indeed, it is not just our home we are protecting, but it is their legacy that we carry forward." - Aymeric supported her. Lolorito looked to G'raha Tia with intrigue.
"You have remained quiet so far, yet your warning is practically the reason this council was formed in the first place." - He noted. "You claim to have been at the other side and seen the consequences of this cataclysm. What can we expect?" - He pushed G'raha to speak, although there was little the Exarch would add. The leaders looked to him for guidance, and he wished to provide it where he could.
"Let's say that if as much as a single beast emerges somewhere, this will not go unnoticed, and it might create a chain reaction among others." - He recounted.
"What type of beasts?" - Hien wondered. "Has there been any pattern to their look or behavior? Any weak spots?"
"Not that I know of. They looked as grotesque manifestations of one's most horrid fears and sought to corrupt and ravage everything around them." - G'raha thought back to Amaurot, he might not have been with Edwin as he traveled through the recreation, but Emet-Selch made sure to show him its scale.
"Any pattern to their appearances? Were they simply created at all times?" - Merlwyb inquired.
"As far as I know, the dooms came in three waves, each of them bringing many beasts and untold destruction. In between that, there might have been other spawns, but considerably weaker."
"So we are in for an all-out bloodbath in days…Seven hells." - The Admiral said quietly, understanding the dangers of their current situation. Raubahn spoke next.
"And was there any end to them?"
"Not without interference from Zodiark…"
"And have the ancients discovered any way to stall them? Anything that would not require countless sacrifices?" - Senna wondered.
"No, there was not." - The Exarch said with a heavy heart, forcing everyone in the room into a period of silence. They all realized the horror that was approaching them. G'raha was pained to be the bearer, to be the one that has destroyed Zodiark in his hasty attempt to save everyone from the ascians. His final hope, one last resort for praying, has been that Emet was wrong or miscalculated and that the laws of reality have been rewritten permanently. But then there was Fandaniel, an ascian who was so certain that forcing this wound onto the world would end it.
Was there truly any doubt left?
…
Estinien hoped that the face he had just seen was but a figment of his tired and bizarre imagination, but he would not count on it. The dragoon was never one to imagine. The hooded merchant that led the man to the nearest arc, further away from the public, bore a resemblance to the ascian they fought before. Fandaniel, or his lookalike at the least.
Estinien followed the suspicious pair as they divulged from the crowd and disappeared beneath the shadow of ascending staircase. If memory served Estinien well, they were heading towards the alchemists' guild; there were but a handful of houses before in the street before that. He wouldn't have lost sight of them if it was not for another man touching and patting Estinien's shoulder with surprising eagerness.
"Oi, you! Would you like to see my wares?" - A merchant behind him beckoned for the dragoon to pay attention. Estinien turned around with annoyance on his face, seeing a hyur in a commoner's tunic. "Finest swords and plates armor just for you, o, proud ser of Ishgard!"
"Not now." - Estinien declined sharply and pushed the merchant aside. However, as soon as he looked back towards the arc, the pair was already lost from his view. The dragoon lamented this wasted moment; he could have gone closer to them if it wasn't for the crowd. Moments like these made him miss Ishgard, especially.
Still, he knew the direction they wanted. Estinien walked swiftly, at times even slightly pushing people to the side. He could hear a few aggressive shouts towards him, calling the dragoon an oaf and complaining that the guests from other city-states barely have any etiquette and manners.
When he finally got away from the heart of this crowd, finding himself overshadowed by the city's roof, Estinien breathed in relief. The middle of the day must have been the perfect time for all of those people to go out and spend time in the markets. When he followed the trail, Estinien finally saw the pair. The man was fuming with anger as he pushed the hooded merchant to the nearby floor.
"Where in the seven hells is she? I'm not playing any more of your bloody games!" - He said relatively quietly, yet his anger made it distinct enough for Estinien to hear.
"Haven't I told you…She is home, waiting for you." - The hooded stranger replied. "Why don't you go and pay her a visit?"
"Don't you dare to fool around with me! She said she would be waiting, she…"
"We have company."
Those words made the lone man turn around and release the merchant as Estinien stood before them. He could glimpse the merchant's face once again, and this time the features left no doubt at all. Pale skin with short black trim and eyes full of mischief and maniacal joy.
This time Estinien did not wait to repeat the mistakes of the past; he attacked immediately. Launching a spear so quickly caught Fandaniel off-guard and managed to wound his shoulder as the ascian evaded the shot as quickly as he could. He let out a pained shout before retreating into the shadows. The man that was in his company was shocked.
"What the…Are you mad or what?"
"Stand aside. This man is not the one you think he is." - Estinien stood in front of him, still following the ascian.
"Always here to ruin all the fun…" - Fandaniel sighed with disappointment. "Well, remember what I told you, my dear Wilfred, for there was not a single lie…"
"Enough!" - Estinien attempted to attack him, but this time Fandaniel was prepared and teleported away moments before the spear could reach him.
"Bloody…How'd he do that?" - The man by the name of Wilfred spoke with shock; he was clearly unaware of Fandaniel's nature.
"I know this one very well. An agent of chaos and the bringer of mischief, I do not know what he wanted here, but do not listen to anything he pours into your ears." - Estinien spoke in a commanding tone, but Wilfred was not ready to let go just yet.
"Hold on, he still didn't tell me what happened to Hannah!"
"And what did happen?"
"Me and Hannah, my wife…We were shopping in the markets when we saw that man."
"I remember I saw you when passing down with Aymeric."
"He had some rare jewelry with him, claimed it to be from the Far East or so. Hannah enjoyed the wares, but he was clearly trying to charm her…She wanted to try it on and surprise me, went behind the damn house along with him, never returned!"
"You let your wife alone with a stranger?"
"It was only for a moment! He returned alone, without her in a few minutes. Kept spouting nonsense about her running all the way back to our home!" - Wilfred spoke with disgust.
"I heard that…Where is your home?"
"Not far…Wait, you don't actually believe she just returned, do you?"
"I think your "friend" made that choice for her." - Estinien said coldly, causing Wilfred's terror to emerge. Estinien saw his hands shaking and felt a peculiar disturbance in the air. He was used to seeing people suffer and not having this affect him emotionally, but this fear felt different from anything that Estinien had encountered before; it was incredibly vivid. "Focus, now, we have only one lead, so let's go and see for ourselves."
Wilfred nodded.
"I'll show you."
He rushed to the nearby street, and Estinien followed. He felt the air of tensions spreading through the entire city, still unsure whether this was real or a product of his own perception. Estinien did not think of what Fandaniel could do to that poor woman or why. He just knew it was nothing good.
Soon, Estinien found himself in Wilfred's house, a place for a commoner to live made of wood and brick. Just comfortable enough to get by and not feel restricted, a dream some strived for and others wished to surpass. There were no signs of any change or distortion in the house; everything was in its place, tidy and neat.
"Hannah!" - Wilfred shouted. "Hannah, where are you?" - He continued to traverse the rooms, but Estinien found something else. A trail of blood near one of the doors leads deeper into the basement.
"Look." - He pointed at the trail with a heavy heart. Wilfred was horrified the moment he saw it.
"By the Twelve, no, no, no…" - He rushed through the hall into the basement. Estinien would have warned him that this could be a trap, but the heartbroken man was already inside by that point. Dragoon followed him cautiously, descending into the basement.
When he was halfway through, a piercing scream of horror and despair echoed through the entire house; even the dragoon found himself unnerved slightly. He walked towards the room shrouded in darkness only to see Wilfred, mesmerized and frozen in horror as he watched the grotesque picture that unfolded before him.
The woman Estinien saw earlier was tied to a bloodied chair before them. Her throat was slit, and the grimace of fear permeated her face. The rest of her body was unscathed. The single wound was deep enough to snuff her life off her. In the single moment the dragoon saw her, she seemed so lively, so carefree, but now her life was cut short by a monster, without any reason.
"Hannah, no…Please…No…Please talk to me! No, no…" - Wilfred collapsed on his knees before her, consumed by shock. He could not scream or shout; he entered a stasis with on occasional shivering of pure terror. The feeling of seeing the ones you love die before you, even from outside it, made Estinien's blood boil. In the next instant, he heard a dark portal opening behind and Fandaniel's voice echoing in his ears.
"Finally, found her. See, this young lady has reminded me of someone from my past, of a soul I held dear to my heart back in the fleeting days of joy…"
"And that is why you murdered her?!" - Estinien charged at the ascian, but Fandaniel swiftly teleported behind his back.
"I have given her a clean death, that is all." - Fandaniel said calmly. "Cleaner than all of yours will now be." - A malicious grin appeared on his face as he threw a glance at Wilfred. "Just one soul burdened by grief can cause much chaos, especially these 'days.' Don't you sense it, Estinien? Do you not hear her song?" - He smirked and disappeared once again before Estinien could attack, this time for good. The dragoon tried to focus, although it was hard to do so in the face of such horrors and injustice. Every time he got close to driving a spear through Fandaniel's chest and him teleporting away made Estinien feel powerless, probably the exact reaction the ascian sought from him.
The dragoon walked towards Wilfred, thinking of how he could approach him at such a moment. Perhaps he should have been left alone with his pain, but what if Fandaniel returns?
"Listen…" - He began to speak, but Wilfred turned towards him. His empty eyes gazed into Estinien's soul, and his body grew pale as the sheer hopelessness reigned in his mind.
"She's…She's gone…" - He whimpered. "She's gone!" - Another cry of despair followed; this time, Estinien felt the vivid disturbance again. Wilfred's body was surrounded by the dark fog, particles materializing amidst thin air and swirling around the man in a mischievous dance. Estinien was oblivious to how he should react or what was happening at all.
Moments later, Wilfred's entire body was gone behind an emerging cloud of darkness; Estinien heard the loud push and saw cracks emerge on the basement's roof. The house around him was shaking, ready to collapse at any moment. And amidst all this, a creature that was once a man but now lost any sights of humanity that he once retained.
A monstrous beast emerged from the darkest pit of the seventh hell.
...
A devastating surge of darkness pierced the heart of Labyrinthos; only corpses remained. The guards were tasked with an important mission, to keep the secrets of the Forum in safety and never allow a single soul inside. They would fight against any intruder, sparing no might or determination, but this time there was no chance for them. The might of the raging ascian could not be defiled. Hades showed no mercy to those who tried to fight, only letting a few cowards escape. Their fates were irrelevant. Nothing was relevant in the face of him staring into her eyes once again.
Venat was there, waiting, and nothing else mattered. For generations, Emet believed her to be primal that had completely lost her identity before the sundering. A soul that gave in to the hunger and to the greed, becoming the very monster she swore to destroy. He thought Venat and Hydaelyn were two different deities, perhaps because it was easier than viewing the woman he once admired and the parasite he was trying to burn out as one and same. But could she have truly known her fate all along? The fate of this? The question remained unanswered, and Hades knew better than to take Amon's word for it. The ascian realized that there were many instances when he tried to convince himself that he did not believe a single word of Fandaniel's tale, but then he realized that if that was true, he would not have been in Sharlayan now.
When he entered the deepest hall of Labyrinthos, Emet was enamored by the image before him. The way Fourchenault described the Aitiascope did not do it justice. This was not a simple "device"; this was a window into a world beyond this one, to an endless azure stream of souls that maintained memories of generations in them. It had been a while since he peered in there and now was as perfect of a time as ever.
Emet felt her soul deep within this stream, and a path was lying open before him.
"See you soon, Venat." - The ascian closed his eyes and jumped into the pit, surrendering to the flow of the sea.