As much as Emet disliked being pushed around by the Exarch, he was starting to get used to it to the ascian's own shame. When G'raha said that they would be going to the library to search for any clues on Sharlayan's true purpose, the ascian barely had any power in him left to even snark. All the ascian could do was carefully watch the Exarch's mood and actions, which were remarkably easier read to read than when he was still the mysterious figure that guided Edwin on the First. Losing his friends and having the end of the world rest on his shoulders must have been traumatic enough to annihilate the pretense of a wise sage G'raha hid beneath for this century.

As the two walked Sharlayan streets and had to endure cautious whispers on the part of the surrounding people every time, the ascian cared only for the Exarch. G'raha looked away, but the few moments of him daring to show his face were enough to spot the doubt. There was little enthusiasm in his eyes, the fear, and anger on the faces of those that passed by certainly did not help it.

"So, still no words for me?" - The ascian wondered as they approached the great library rising above the lush park.

"And what kind of words do you want to hear, pray tell?"

"Two answers, first and foremost. I know you are not that foolish as to believe the Forum will keep some information about their sacred duty in a public library and that you certainly have some ulterior motives for taking me with you. Is it fair to assume you did not do it because you enjoy my delightful company?"

"No, I do not enjoy it and never will." - The Exarch said bluntly, forcing the ascian to sigh and respond with his sharp sarcasm.

"Such a shame…"

"It does not mean that there is no use to your presence, however. Fourchenault is right to question m choices, and if I am to gain anything but endless chaos and destruction from you, I should begin right now."

"How boring. You're not going to still blame me for Limsa after this 'fantastic' failure of yours, are you?" - Emet smiled, seeing G'raha clench his fist and breathe out.

"I…Accept my faults if that's what you want to hear. But that's not what matters now…I will search for anything in Sharlayan history that will clue me in on the Forum's purpose. You are someone who is old enough to have seen this history unfold yourself and thus will be responsible for correcting any inaccuracies if such are present."

"Trusting a monstrous, evil ascian over the sacred books of those old fools? How uncharacteristic for a hero of light." - Emet mocked the Exarch, but G'raha did not pay much mind to it.

"I am not as naive as to trust every single word written in an old book…Besides, if the Forum pursued this duty for a long time now, it would not be beyond them to rewrite certain uncomfortable facts of our history." - G'raha spoke thoughtfully and with no appreciation for the Forum in his voice.

"Growing tired of them keeping secrets, are you? I understand how arrogant and self-centered one must be to conceal the truth of the looming apocalypse when there are so many people in dire need of salvation…Only someone from the Forum would do that." - Emet spoke with irony, noticing annoyance in G'raha's eyes as he turned back. The Exarch looked like he was about to start an argument, but eventually, he gave in.

"Let's just…Keep moving."

They found themselves in the footsteps of the library. There were hardly any visitors going in; the ascian imagined most of them would be staying at home and discussing the news. They would think of where to run, of where to hide from the coming catastrophe, naively believing that this is possible…You can't hide from yourself. The talk of Limsa will spread, the news of this plague claiming the world around them like wildfire, and then it will bring forth panic. They will become terrified of their future, terrified of a fellow man when everyone can become a blasphemy. Someone will break, sooner or later, and then this city will be forfeited. The Forum must have known this, and so the announcement of their plan could happen at any moment, yet G'raha would continue chasing any leads he could find in an attempt to unravel the mystery. The ascian was prepared for what this truly was. Somehow this search will turn into the Exarch questioning him for answers once again, the answers Emet still was not inclined to give.

"Halt!" - They were met by a lone guard in grey armor who halted their advance. "What is your purpose here?" - He said with suspicion.

"Aren't those libraries public?" - The Exarch wondered. "It has been a while since I visited Sharlayan, so if there were some changes in policy…"

"They are for the citizens of Sharlayan."

"And not for those allowed to stay by the Forum?"

"They…I know who you two are, and considering the nature of your arrival and stay, I hope you can understand my hesitance." - The guard tried to explain, and Emet spoke next.

"Drop your guard; we aren't going to harm you…Well, unless my wise jailer decides it to be the best course of action." - He smiled, watching G'raha maintain his fuming.

"It's not your jailer I'm worried about."

"What, scared of me?"

"Of a Garlean Emperor who is a thousand years old? If there is Anyang to be scared of…"

"If I remember correctly, Sharlayan was never at war with the Garlean Empire and remained committed to neutrality. If that is so, then consider this a political visit, no different than an emissary from Eorzea. I doubt I can claim a rank higher than that with the current state of the Empire." - Emet explained calmly, looking as the guard clenched his teeth with anger.

"I know people…People who went with Louisoix to Eorzea believed in his cause. Do you know what happened to them when your Empire came?! Do you…"

"That's quite enough." - Exarch stood between them. "Let's keep our visit and interactions as professional as possible, shall we? All we need is access to the library, particularly the section that contains information on the history of Sharlayan. There is no reason for you to deny us entry as guests."

"I suppose…" - The guard sighed with disappointment. "Fine, go in; just don't make a goddamn mess out of place. The eastern wing has most books about our history if that's what you care for."

"Much obliged." - G'raha smiled and beckoned Hades to follow him. As the two passed through the doors, they were met with an enormous hall with shelves covered in various books of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Even for the ascian seeing such storage of lore and knowledge was impressive. How many years it must have been to explore the world and its tales to such an extent that it could fill an entire library of countless levels. No wonder young sharlayans would lose themselves in its halls. "Emet, I know that your spite knows few limits…But undermining me will win no points for either of us, whether you like it or not. We are tied, after all." - The Exarch said sternly.

"For all your drivel, you fail to grasp once simple concept… I've been dragged so lowly in the last few weeks that it might seem as if I reached rock bottom, the lows many would consider impossible. After this, going just a little lower and dragging you with me… It's worth it. Every single moment." - As he emphasized every word, making G'raha understand the true extent of futility, the Exarch didn't even seem that annoyed. He was getting used to it, too, at least in the times they were alone.

"I see. Anything else to contribute?"

"Let's get to your game of search. I wonder how many of those books are lies and propaganda; what do you think? I guess around half, but that might be quite charitable…"

"Well, that's exactly what I expect of you to do."

"Lead on, then…"

From this point onward, Hades saw no reason to maintain any semblance of his demeanor and seriousness. This situation was much easier to handle when all of this fear and worry was left to the Exarch while the ascian followed him with a sly smile on his face. He didn't feel that much hatred for the Exarch, not anymore; at this point, it was a pity more than anything. He tried to remain powerful, to maintain control and influence over the world around him and time itself, a predicament that was utterly demolished in a time period so short that it pales before his century of the vigil. Was this similar to how Hythlodaeus and Apollo felt when Hades grew annoyed by their antics? Minus the animosity, of course, but now Emet could understand them far better. It was so relieving, not being the one who cares…

"Let's see…" - G'raha went over the nearby books, taking the one with the green cover. "The History of the Northern empty, maybe this one?"

"Are you going to read all of it? If that's your plan, I'm afraid the whole star will die out before you can get anything."

"I'll try to skim through it." - G'raha said with little confidence. It was clear that there was little sense or direction in him and even less belief that he would find something of use here. Yet G'raha still wanted to play this game of pretense, as if waiting for Emet to miraculously change his mind at some point and tell him everything. This life left hundreds of cracks in his exterior as the Crystal Exarch and allowed for his foolish idealism to emerge. Perhaps this was done for the sake of his sanity.

The ascian could do nothing but observe the Exarch with impatience as he looked through the pages that seemed most relevant to Sharlayan history. However, judging by the disappointment in his eyes, there was almost nothing of note.

"Anything interesting?" - Emet asked casually and witnessed G'raha shake his head.

"It talks about the isle and theories on its activity prior to the present era…Something about the discovery of bones that seemed to belong to a lalafelin tribe…"

"Ah, the ancient ancestors." - Emet remembered those folk. "During the first era, these isles were a part of a much bigger chain, and all of them were connected by underground tunnels. Those were the places where a less…An evolved portion of the sundered was forced by the others back in the old days of their lack of development. Those remained in the darkness for centuries; ironically enough living in those cavers helped them survive the first calamity. And then they began for features that would help them to survive underground, such as smaller bodies…Most of them left, but you can imagine the people they spawned." - Emet thought to this once again. How ironic was it that even the differences he saw in the sundered races were born purely out of strife? The reason lalafell took the form they had now was that the creatures that were more developed were able to force them into submission and underground. When the sundered claimed any kind of superiority based on their differences, this suffering was what they inadvertently took pride in.

"Well, this hardly covers it." - G'raha shook his head as he put the book back. Their continued search led the two into another section, this one on the more recent history of Sharlayan. The Exarch hardly seemed excited to learn more, practically begging for Emet with his eyes and soul to show some pity. The ascian was perfectly aware of it, and he would not.

"Very well, the story of the Sharlayan's founding…" - G'raha opened a blue tone, burying himself in its words. For a while, Emet stood in silence while watching the Exarch rather closely. He was so meticulous in the way he read; every word, every page, was under his scrutiny, even though this must have been a tale G'raha had read and heard many a time. Perhaps a part of him hoped for a miracle, prayed to find something inside that would save him the trouble of talking to a hated ascian.

"Reading about the Nyunkrepf's ark, are you not? A gripping tale, that one." - Emet began to speak, but G'raha would not look towards him at first. "He was an exceptional man, by the sundered standards, that is. To take as many people as he could to save them from an incoming calamity that was about to doom them all, forsaking their old homes to find a place to flourish, just like…" - As he said those words, the Exarch looked at the ascian with intrigue brimming in his eyes, showing that he was actually listening.

"Like what?"

"Like…Like you building a new home for people of the First in the form of Crystarium, of course." - Emet immediately switched the focus of the discussion so as to not reveal the Forum's plans, but G'raha did not seem to buy it. The suspicion in his eyes was slowly turning to anger, and no attempts to conceal it made it any less evident. Emet sighed as he looked at the Exarch, once someone confident and wise, always calm and controlled, being brought down by the world collapsing around him. Even the strongest minds would break with a raging burden like this on their shoulders. "Why are you looking at me like that? Weren't expecting to hear something remotely commending? Do not mistake my principles; I am ready to give credit where it is due, even to you." - Emet continued to pretend to not understand. After all, wasn't this the very same game G'raha played here? The one of pretense? He did not actually need those books and did not have any hopes for them beyond an occasion to ask his questions yet again. Manipulative and dishonest, not unlike how G'raha behaves with Edwin. The ascian was eager to see how long it would take.

The Exarch was not ready to give up just yet. He scoffed at the ascian's words and delved deeper into the library with Emet's shadow at his back. They must have spent almost an hour, an hour as pathetic as it was entertaining. The Exarch would go through dozens of tomes telling the history of Sharlayan in immaculate detail, describing almost every Forum decision and policy over the years, every notable change that occurred in this society of knowledge. Nothing was left out, yet the more G'raha tried to find some hidden meaning, some explanation as to what the Forum was doing, the more irritated he grew.

He must have expected some help from the ascian, but Emet stood aside, only rarely making snide comments on the contents of those books. After all, the Exarch rarely asked him questions, always pushing the ascian away due to his own ego; there was no reason to throw him a single bone. It must have been exhausting, having to desperately look through books and tomes trying to look for something that wasn't even there, meanwhile having someone who knew the truth standing beside him, unwilling to tell it. Perhaps there was some reason for G'raha's disdain; for a few moments, Hades even wished he had more pity for his companion.

After reading about the Dravanian colony and the Seventh calamity once again, G'raha's resolve grew faint and weak. His tired, worn-out eyes were enough of an indication. As he put yet another book away, there was no energy left in his hands, nothing at all. For a moment, he looked at the ascian who silently stood at the nearby shelf, utterly uncaring and unaffected, at least on the outside. Hades looked at the Exarch's eyes, wondering if he should continue this farce. G'raha seemed to doubt too, but before he could say anything, he turned to the bookshelf once again, searching for something he could never find.

"I pity you, I do…" - Emet sighed, causing the Exarch to turn around yet again.

"What now?"

"It's appalling, is it not? To have to go through myriads of books knowing full well that there will be nothing you do not know already, nothing that you actually need for averting the catastrophe. I want to say to you as plainly as I can-there is nothing, not a single word in those books that will help you…But you know that already, don't you? So what's the true meaning of this? Is this supposed to be a pity party that will make me change my mind? I think you are above that. Did you want an opportunity to ask me about the 'truth' once again but can't force yourself due to the crushing doubt? Yes, that is far more likely. Either way, you should not waste our time by this disgraceful search." - Emet crossed his arms, watching the remnants of G'raha's calm fade away, replaced by uncompromising turbulence and pain.

"Fine…Fine." - G'raha took a deep breath before looking at Emet, all while desperately trying to ease himself. "I suppose I should thank you for speaking plainly. It would be only fair were I to do the same…Do you understand malicious, cruel, and frankly speaking-petty is that which you are doing now?!" - G'raha raised his tone in anger. "What have you been doing ever since we fought in Mor Dhona?"

"Did my complaints hurt your feelings? Well, that happens when you chain one's soul to that staff of yours…"

"Do not pretend like you don't understand!" - The Exarch shouted, his furious echo spreading through the halls of the library. "I can't yet say what it is, you know exactly, but there is something, something very important. You definitely know about the Forum's plans, and who knows what it was that Hydaelyn told you when you spoke? For all your vices, for all your disdain, cruelty, and apathy, you never lied, you never withheld something, always answered our questions…Now you don't, which only tells me that there is something important." - Emet's mocking smile changed to a faint frown; the Exarch was right. The knowledge that could save the star was in Hades's hand, the knowledge that the Amaurotines desperately searched for ever since ancient times, the knowledge that puts him to shame. "You may have your reasons to hate me, and I will not claim them invalid. But the people that I'm trying to help…They did nothing to you. You saw all those that Rhotsatz persecuted, saw how broken they were; look no further than Arielle! Did you not see how happy she was when she witnessed this city, a city that, for her, was a new hope? A beginning of new life? You know, something that may help save these innocents. Do you truly, honestly, not care about their suffering at all? You may despise our kind, but there must be some humanity left in you."

"And why do you think so?" - Emet asked quietly. His voice was devoid of his usual arrogance, and even G'raha was shaken by how genuine this question was.

"Because…Because of Amaurot." - This response made Emet immediately raise his eyes. "Because of the chance, you gave Edwin and, by extension, all of us…There is no other explanation except that, on some level, you care. You may consider our lives less valuable than those of your brethren, but now that your brethren are gone, the choice is between us and oblivion…I know you would not choose the latter just to spite us. I believe it."

"You're right." - Emet responded casually enough for G'raha to be taken aback. The ascian moved away from the bookshelf he leaned on and strolled to the platform's edge, getting a better look at the endless depths of this library. Looking at something so deep, so majestic, calmed the ascian, even if it was but a shade of what their world once was. "I have no ill will for any of them except you. These people have done nothing to me, and I can acknowledge that their suffering is wrong and undeserved. But you are also right in saying that I find our lives more valuable than yours, and you know that while they may be gone here…There is a way to peer into the past after your transgressions. A way that your hypocritical self will allow me to have, thus leaving me precious few options here. If it is to be a foolish game of who breaks first, then so be it."

"Listen…We can figure it out once there is no danger of the Final Days present."

"Oh, no, no. It is bold of you to assume that you will win this fight. I am not staying to find it out."

"All I ask is that you tell…"

"Tell you what, exactly?" - Emet raised his voice. "You know this story; it is the same one I told the scions, the same one I told those who invaded Garlemald. That is the very reason why your emotional appeals do not work on me. I know exactly how it feels. I remember the day when the Final Days came to Amaurot…I remember the rising sun, I remember meeting the dawn with a friend of mine, grasping for some time of freedom before we tend to our jobs. It was then that we heard…A child's creation magic ran unchecked and created a malformed beast, not an impossible occurrence among the young, but this was different…" - Emet thought back to his peers, torn apart and mauled by those monsters arising out of every corner. The first few days were the most horrifying ones, when everyone was terrified to leave their homes and speak to others, fears which made it all the more possible that a monster would emerge. "We heard of this calamity; cities across the pond were affected before it reached our home. The Convocation debated whether to intervene and offer aid, but we could not have imagined how destructive it would truly be. Beasts ravaged our city and those nearby, leaving naught but ash in their wake. The star was rotting and atrophied, shriveled of any aether, nothing for us to manipulate. No more had we had any control over our creations. For the first time in an eternity, we were powerless." - Emet spoke in a pained voice as his body felt the sharp chill emerging from those memories. Memories that he accepted but could never let go of the pain. "This was when we learned a lesson, a lesson you are desperately trying to avoid. That which lives is destined to die. Love leads to loss. Every beginning has an end. Even we saw ours, the pain that we would never recover from…"

"And yet you survived." - G'raha spoke with hope. "Through tremendous loss, suffering, and sacrifice, your people persevered and found a way. Imagine having someone who knew the truth of the Final Days back in the ancient times stand beside you and just keep their mouth shut, content to see your world annihilated."

"Oh, you have no idea…" - The sweet irony of his words, the ascian couldn't help but chuckle as he looked back at G'raha.

"Are you that kind of monster?"

"Well, that remains to be seen."

"You…" - G'raha breathed calmly; Emet could only imagine how many thoughts ran through his head. "You said the star was devoid of aether during the Final Days, right?"

"Indeed."

"If so, that means there must be something else that causes those transformations, some other influence if that is even possible." - After hearing those words, the ascian smiled. He loved it when people could come to logical conclusions without them being spelled out.

"Clever man…Yes, there was a different source of power unrelated to the aether. Before the catastrophe, only a few scholars across the world studied it. Many didn't even know it existed. But it is there, always was, and as I've recently seen, is as strong as ever…"

"Wait…" - Realization sparked in G'raha's eyes. "The power I channeled in Limsa in the cellar when that beast attacked, it was distinctly different from any kind of magic I used, is that it."

"Yes." - Emet sighed, realizing that he was conceding something, even if minor. Perhaps this would calm the Exarch down for now. "We called it dynamis, and it was introduced to us during the Final Days by one in the convocation, a seat I once respected but, alas, can hardly think of it without…" - Emet clenched his fist for a moment before taking a deep breath and calming himself down. "Fandaniel."

"The rogue ascian?" - G'raha continued to ask questions with curiosity, and while Hades would not speak the truth without information of equal worth from the Exarch, there was something he could give out.

"Amon being his last reincarnation, yes. At the time, his knowledge proved invaluable to us when he discovered that the corruption took place where aether currents were rotting and decaying the most; he also told us what dynamis was. A power based on one's emotions, farm weaker than aether and usually balanced out by its abundance, but not anymore. Combining this information with some of our projects brought forth Zodiark after countless sacrifices, and it was his grace that restored the balance. From there on, all returned to how it always was, and dynamis remained buried under Zodiark's shield, only appearing when an individual as powerful as Edwin unleashed it in the most crucial of the moment. Like you did in Limsa."

"I see…" - G'raha pondered for another moment. "That means there was something that weakened the aether currents."

"Yes, there was. Something we never discovered."

"But what about Fandaniel? What if he knew something?" - He hit the nail perfectly with those questions, yet answering them in earnest would be to concede the truth; Hades, Hades would not allow that. Perhaps this theoretical conversation could be somewhat entertaining even if the ascian grew tired.

"Fandaniel knew about dynamis, and that is it. He always shared his knowledge with the Convocation, right until the sundering killed him."

"And what of his reincarnation, Amon? He had his memories; perhaps they opened something to him?"

"He knew about dynamis and the way Zodiark shielded our star from this corruption. Due to his own disdain for mankind, which has grown ever since the Allagan days, he decided to destroy Zodiark in an attempt to doom the world. Thanks to you, he succeeded."

"And that… That's it?" - G'raha asked quietly.

"What did you expect? Some revelation? Just because Amon knows how to resume the Final Days does not mean he knows what caused it; someone as unhinged would gladly take an external cataclysm to his advantage." - Emet looked at the Exarch with pity. "Our people may have been able to forestall the calamity, but we never found out the true cause. Why are you so fervently focused on the presumption that I know anything more than what the Convocation knew back then?"

"I…I assumed that because you spoke to Hydaelyn…"

"She is one us, as well, if she knew…" - Emet felt the anger in his heart as he thought of this question. It was the most genuine one, the one Hades did not want to ever be remotely valid, but it was their bitter truth, their reality. "Why would she not tell us, then?"

"I don't know…"

"Exactly."

"But it has been a long time ever since the sundering; she might have learned the truth during that time!" - The Exarch didn't give up.

"Then why doesn't the Forum know? They are, but her lapdogs who obey her instructions without knowing the true purpose, and most seem quite content with it." - Emet watched G'raha go silent as doubt permeated his face. Those were the broken eyes of a hero who, for the first time in a long while, was faced with the possibility that there was no salvation, no answer to his questions. And this was a terrifying thought, Hades understood it like no other, and even after all that happened, he could feel sympathy for G'raha. Showing it would be to betray the deception, but Emet-Selch knew his feelings well enough.

"Then…Is that it?"

"I am asking you." - Emet shrugged. "What reason do you have to believe that I truly know the cause of the Final Days if none that ever existed in this world did? I think I know. You want it to be true. You want to save your world and friends no matter the cost; you want there to be some solution that we never found but will emerge in your era." - Emet spoke these words with disdain, he didn't want to admit how much of this was true because two people in the ancient society went against the others, but it was.

"I thought there would be more to this story…"

"You hoped there would be, but what if there simply isn't? Perhaps it is time for your people to learn the lesson that mine did. Who knows…Perhaps one day, you will be the last of your kind, too, looking at your inferior descendants. Perhaps then you will truly understand." - Emet felt no regret over those words; the Exarch needed a reality check after his pursuit of non-existent salvation. It was cruel to conceal the truth, as cruel as it was when Venat did it…Yet Emet did not believe that even should they know about Meteion, there would be any way for them to succeed. Not without the ancients, not without heroes like Edwin. This civilization was doomed to oblivion. "Ponder on this, Exarch, and understand that sometimes there is no satisfactory answer. It gets easier when you accept this truth."

The Exarch didn't respond. He simply looked away in shock, clenching his crystal fist and breathing heavily as disbelief emerged in his eyes. Perhaps now he will feel what the ascian felt, deservedly or not.

"I hope you give this a thought, truly. Perhaps, if you truly are as mature as your physical body, you will actually understand that you cannot escape despair." - Emet finished his speech before turning away and walking towards the exit. "We've wasted enough time here, and I'd rather spend mine outside. I advise you to do the same."

The Exarch didn't stop him, and the ascian didn't look back. He felt bitter for reasons he couldn't quite explain; Venat and Hermes were the sources of most of it, but there was something. Some shame Hades couldn't yet admit, a quiet voice in his head that told him that he should've told more. That there was no point in continuing their struggle. All he got out of this conversation was that the Exarch was naive, yet his intentions were pure. As to where those intentions would lead…

They shall see.

…

There was no point in waiting when there was a chance to act. Fourchenault understood how little time they had in the face of the evacuation and the coming Final Days; if there was any opportunity to bring Emet-Selch to justice, it must have been now. For this, Fourchenault headed to Baldesion Annex in the hopes of finding Krile and asking her some questions about the manner of ascian's imprisonment, while Rolandeau would focus on finding a method to destroy the ascian's soul. Ameliance did not know about the undertaking yet, and perhaps it was for the better. Arielle would keep his wife company while the husband would bring all of them justice.

When Fourchenault reached the place itself, it was not as crowded as he expected it to be. Most refugees preferred to spend their time outside and be awed by the sheer beauty of their city. The ones inside were mostly asleep or tending to their friends, leaving enough space to breathe across a number of rooms. Thankfully, it did not take long to find Krile. The lalafell was in the reception area, talking to the miqo'te woman they met in Limsa.

"…Last Stand, you say?" - C'irena spoke with interest. "That's a bit too dramatic of a name for a simple restaurant, don't you think? I am not in the mood to have my last anything just yet."

"Well, the point is, if you have experience working in the inn, that would be the best place for you. I'm sure a new pair of hands will be appreciated, and they will pay a hefty sum for it." - Krile explained in response. "So, what do you say? I think it would be a good place for you."

"Well… I'll check it out!" - C'irena said enthusiastically. "I'm curious to see how it differs from inns in Limsa. If there are no drunk roegadyn trying to kill each other, then I'd be disappointed…"

"I believe that would be far too 'exciting' for our tastes, but who knows how things changed in those months."

"Thanks for the lead; I'll see it for myself." - C'irena smiled and strolled towards the door, noticing Fourchenault's presence. "Oh, look who's here, the grumpy secret keeper." - She spoke with sarcasm, yet those words annoyed Fourchenault enough for him to cross his hands. "Hey, just joking." - C'irena shrugged and walked past the elezen, leaving Fourchenault with Krile and a few others in the room who were busy talking to each other.

"Greetings, master Fourchenault. I'm afraid I didn't expect you to visit, but you are more than welcome to come here." - Krile welcomed him, and all the while, Fourchenault smiled. It was in part because he tried to seem warm to Krile before asking her those questions, but her kindness and receptiveness were enough to ease him up a little. "Would you like a drink?"

"Please, no need for 'master'. We have been through hell together; there's no point in being so formal. As for the drink… I'd say a simple glass of water will suffice."

"Say no more." - Krile smiled, rushing towards the reception stand and getting a glass of water from her allies. When the lalafell returned, she beckoned for Fourchenault to sit at one of the few tables by the wall. "Let's sit down, my schedule is tight, but I have some time if you would like to."

"I won't take too much." - Fourchenault sat down and tried to make himself comfortable after taking a sip from the glass. "Unfortunately, the Forum is too busy to pay any attention to your people and check in with them, so I suppose the one without an occupation will have to do." - This was partially true as well. Fourchenault was interested to see how Limsan refugees were adapting to their new life, as short as it might be, even if this wasn't the real reason for his visit. "How are they? Does Sharlayan provide enough opportunities for them? "

"It's been better than I expected so far." - Krile responded with relief. "I was rather worried that trying to look after so many at the same time would prove disastrous, but I managed it just fine. Not to mention how many generous people were willing to provide a place for them there, and I'm truly grateful for those opportunities. I know not everyone would give them a chance…Speaking of which, how is Arielle? Did you get along?"

"Absolutely." - Fourchenault reassured her. "She is a bright-minded child who always tries her best; Ameliance and I would do everything in our power to be as welcoming to her as we can. I'm sure she likes the manor, too."

"I'm sure she does; it must be quite a shift from the towers of Limsa Lominsa. Well, I'm glad it all goes well, for now, anything else to tell?" - Krile had time, and thus an opportunity presented itself before Fourchenault.

"I met up with…Some of my former colleagues in the Forum." - It would be unwise to give away Rolandeau's name just yet; it would be for the best if Krile believes it to be a general observation on the part of many. "They voiced some concerns which I would like to address, but admittedly I do not know nearly enough on the matter…"

"It's about Emet-Selch, is it?" - Krile changed her tone to a one of doubt, though there was no surprise in her voice. "I knew they would ask those questions sooner or later."

"Then you must also understand the reason they have to do so." - Fourchenault spoke with seriousness, hoping that Krile would prove cooperative.

"Well, of course…I have many queries for G'raha myself. Even if I chose to place my faith in his decision, I don't blame anyone who would not. Especially you after…"

"I'm trying my best to put my personal feelings aside, and I'm sure you can do the same. My Forum colleagues know exactly how the catastrophe in Limsa Lominsa was brought about, and many of them worry that should the ascian wish to escape, he would repeat this trick yet again…"

"I don't think there is any benefit in him doing so…" - Krile spoke. "We had to escape Limsa; meanwhile, here, there would be nowhere to run. If summoning blasphemies helped him to get free of G'raha's chains, he would have no doubt freed himself back in La Noscea."

"Fair enough…" - She spoke of chains, bringing them to the topic Fourchenault wished to clarify. "But what if he breaks free by other methods and regains his opportunity to teleport? Do you think it beyond him to summon blasphemy in Sharlayan before escaping?"

"No…I don't." - Krile admitted. "But I trust that G'raha's chains will hold him for long enough."

"And how reliable are those chains?" - Fourchenault inquired. "If they are able to keep the ascian at bay, it must be a powerful spell."

"I asked G'raha about it during the first days of Emet's imprisonment. He reassured me that it would work for a long while and explained some of its nature to me."

"And what is its nature?" - Fourchenault asked, seeing Krile hesitate for a moment. "All I want is a guarantee that the ascian will not escape. It will calm down many in the Forum, something you'd need before the hearing."

"I suppose you're right. Well…This isn't as much of a single spell as it is a function of the soul's vessel. G'raha said that on the world of the First, he made himself one with the Crystal Tower for a century and needed to separate from it to travel to our star. With the help of some allies, a new mechanism was created…It came from merging the core of the machine that helped him travel back in time and one of the Allagan vessels, adding this onto his stuff. The part of his soul that he kept in the tower is not bound to the staff. He said that due to how many places there were, he was able to lure Emet-Selch into a trap, forcing him into the same predicament."

"So both of their souls are chained by this magic?"

"Yes, in a way. Those aren't physical chains but the ones that lay claim to a part of the soul. G'raha, being the first soul within it, has complete control over the processes of the crystal staff. He can limit Emet's power or physically chain him at his will. The ascian said something about restoring his powers eventually…" - Krile stuttered before getting herself back on track. "But so far, it has proven very slow."

"And what if either of them separates from the staff at a long distance? Why can't Emet simply leave?" - Fourchenault knew that there must have been some answer to that question, and he wished to confirm it.

"Well, can't leave when part of your soul is chained… G'raha said that on the First if he traveled far enough from the Crystal Tower, he would get weakened, he would feel withered, and if a certain threshold is crossed, he would be dead…He said it is the same here, though a single staff is far less powerful than the tower was, he would have to keep close at all times."

"So…" - Fourchenault was about to ask more but decided to refrain from it at the last moment; this was enough. If they were to separate Emet from G'raha somehow, then the ascian's soul would be severely weakened and stripped of its powers, thus putting him at the mercy of Fourchenault and Rolandeau. If his colleague would find a way to destroy this soul…This meant that they finally had a chance to bring this monster to justice. The monster his family fought day and night, sacrificing their own lives in the process. This will be a testament to all of them. To Alphinaud, to Alisaie, to Louisoix…Fourchenault could barely contain his smile. "I see. I suppose we all have to trust the Exarch's judgments for now."

"It means a lot to us." - Krile smiled. "It's hard to trust decisions like these, even for me, but you can tell your colleagues from the Forum that I am immensely grateful for their kindness and for allowing us to stay despite all our questionable actions and company."

"I will be sure to convey this to them."

"Thank you, now…" - Krile looked behind her; a refugee man from one of the nearby rooms called for her. He clearly had something to show. "Oh, it seems like I'm being asked to come over. You don't mind waiting for a bit?"

"Have no worries." - Fourchenault reassured her. "I have a lot to attend to as well, so I won't linger. I got what I came here for; it's good to know that these people are getting by. I wish them all the best."

"And I wish the same for you. Say hello to Arielle and Ameliance for me, will you?"

"Certainly."

With those wishes, Krile rushed off to the living room. She truly had a lot to attend to. Fourchenault smiled at her before she disappeared and walked towards the exit. It was time to speak to Rolandeau about his findings, as it seemed that their preconceptions turned out correct. The ascian was vulnerable like never before; now was their only opportunity to strike.

And they will bring him to justice.

…

What if there were truly no answers?

The story Hades told to G'raha in the library made sense, as much as the Exarch hated to admit it. It was consistent and plausible…Emet truly did not know the truth of the Final Days; the Forum could tell him only as much as they knew themselves. The same could be said for Hydaelyn. Someone as benevolent and protective of their own star would never keep such information from her closest allies, be it in the past or the present. The same was true for Amon. G'raha studied him as an important figure in the history of Allag and knew the motives that drove both him and Emperor Xande. They were disappointed in life and the world around them, a disdain which led them to attempt to consign it to oblivion. If Amon was bestowed with memories of the world unsundered after the fall of Allag, he would do everything in his power to annihilate this world by any means necessary. And what better means are there than the cataclysm that nearly destroyed this world once already?

Yet, for some reason, the Exarch refused to believe this was the truth, at least not its entirety. Even as he continued to search the library, those unruly thoughts permeated his head. G'raha felt paralyzed by the mere suggestion that what he faced was truly the end. The end that almost destroyed the civilization of the ancients, the end that could only be forestalled by countless sacrifices, a solution which G'raha undid in a single day, dooming the star to oblivion. To accept this…No, he would never accept this outcome, never in his life. The centuries of vigil would not be for this; they wouldn't. There was something more, something Hades did not wish to tell yet.

With no other findings and a mind full of doubt and theories, G'raha finds himself sitting at the last stand and gazing at the azure sea. There were few visitors, fewer than most times, rumors and panic had been slowly spreading around the people of Sharlayan, and everyone knew that the Final Days were coming closer. First, Ul'Dah, a faraway city on the continent, then Limsa Lominsa, an isle closer to Sharlayan than the rest. Not to mention the untold destruction wrought upon Garlemald and Ala Mhigo before Zodiark's death. The world was in flames, and no place, no nation will be safe from the pain, from the claws of those beasts, from dynamis…And meanwhile, all of those that could, that wanted to do anything, were keeping secrets from each other and playing their own games. He prayed that at least when Forum invited him for a hearing and procession, something would become clear.

"Oh, here you are!" - He noticed Krile descending ascending the nearby steps to his table. The lalafell seemed tired and overworked; she truly did the best she could. They met up on G'raha's way back from the library and decided to discuss the news in the Last Stand when both would be free. With her watch over refugees and G'raha's research into the Final Days and the Forum, there was little time for the two friends to spend together. "I've just shown C'irena around. I think she likes the place." - Krile sat in front of his and breathed with relief; the Exarch responded with a kind smile.

"You have a talent for finding a perfect place for everyone." - G'raha commended her.

"It was nothing, just getting to know them a little and then thinking of places in Sharlayan that would need some spare hands…It goes well so far."

"It does…" - G'raha looked away and spoke quietly, gaining Krile's attention.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's simply…" - G'raha looked back at his friend and sighed. "Whether we like it or not, right now, we live in a world ablaze…A world where coin does not matter anymore, where one cannot be safe even in their own home, a world where entire nations are being reduced to ash…I wonder how long they will last in their new homes before another calamity comes or before the Forum reveals their plans…"

"I understand, G'raha, there is nothing stable, there is little hope in all that happens now…" - Krile spoke with sympathy, trying to mask her pain. "That is all we can do in this situation, right? To help those in need, those around us. Those were the words you spoke back in Mor Dhona, remember? That during the darkest hour, it is by helping those that are near us, being a shoulder for them to lean on, a sword to protect the powerless…Will we find our future."

"Indeed." - G'raha nodded. "I still stand by those words, and I'll do everything in my power to abide by this creed and not lose my faith…I wish it wasn't so…Excruciatingly hard."

"And that's why we are in this together." - Krile reassured him. G'raha appreciated her words, though he had little appetite left for them. In the face of their star burning, they were meaningless. "Would you order something?"

"No, I can't say I'm hungry."

"Same. I shared a meal with the refugees at the annex not so long ago."

"How are things going?" - G'raha decided to switch to a slightly lighter topic. "Is it all good?"

"So far, yes. I found places for most of them…You should've seen Arielle's eyes when she walked into the Leveilleur manor and realized that she could stay; it was truly a wonder to behold." - Krile smiled with genuine warmth, spreading some of her joy to the Exarch, even if it was just a small portion of it. "Honestly, with all, that's happened…I think it's moments these that keep me sane."

"Perhaps I should spend more time with them as well. I would've, if not for my task…How are the Leveilleurs?"

"They welcomed Arielle with utmost pleasure, and I can see that they rejoice in their ability to finally reunite with each other." - Krile began with warmth, but her voice soon changed to a more serious tone. "Fourchenault visited me at the annex earlier today. He relayed some concerns from the Forum over you-know-who." - Of course G'raha did, the Exarch did not blame the Forum for a moment, yet still he sighed with annoyance at remembering that this was yet another issue he had to deal with.

"What are they saying about Emet, then? Is it that he is too dangerous to be kept here?"

"Yes, pretty much. They also doubt your ability to hold him with those magical chains, thinking that it's only a matter of time before he breaks free." - Krile relayed, forcing G'raha to shake his head with doubt.

"They have their reasons…I imagine they will have a lot of questions to ask during the hearing itself." - G'raha sighed. "The chains are a powerful tool made with the effort of numerous people across the timelines, all of whom I trust. They were able to hold my soul, and they will hold Emet's…For a while, at least."

"Speaking of Emet, how is your investigation going?" - Krile wondered, only to be met with disappointment in G'raha's eyes.

"Not good, not nearly as good as it needs to go if we are to discover the truth of this nightmare and finally act." - G'raha shook his head. "I searched the libraries and found very little of note, the restricted shelves pointed at a turning point in Sharlayan policy-making since their discovery in Dravanian Hinterlands, but we already knew that they are in contact with Hydaelyn. Nevertheless, I did learn something new."

"And that is?"

"Emet told me about dynamis, a source of energy separate from aether that is shaped by one's powerful feelings and emotions. I channeled it in Limsa during our escape, so I don't have any reason to doubt his words."

"An entirely separate energy?" - Krile sounded interested. "How come it was never discovered?"

"It is usually drowned out by an abundance of aether, as was the case before the coming of the Final Days. Zodiark's presence maintained the balance in the currents, and with his destruction, the plague has returned…It transforms us into beasts."

"Yet there was a time when this planet didn't need Zodiark to survive. It means there is something that causes it, something that didn't always exist."

"Indeed, though if Emet-Selch knows anything about it, he remains silent about it." - G'raha could not let go of the feeling that the ascian knew the truth, somehow, someway, even if it defied all logic and reasoning. "He also told me more about Fandaniel's role in all of this."

"That madman? Amon, was it?" - Krile wondered.

"Yes, the very same sorcerer I once studied as a figure of a past long gone…Times change, don't they?"

"I've never met Fandaniel, but I heard enough stories from Emet and Estinien to paint enough of a picture." - Krile spoke with distaste, the only emotion someone like Amon could evoke short of hatred.

"He is a sundered version of a man who lived in the ancient age. Back then, he was the one that discovered dynamis before others and made the connection with the aether currents, which led to other ancients summoning Zodiark to restore them. After reincarnation, he was granted those memories and, fueled by his nihilism and disdain for the known world, created a scheme to destroy Zodiark…A scheme in which I foolishly participated." - G'raha's voice once again was full of shame and regret. This horrible, nightmarish day of him taking the hope away from his people and dooming them all to die was something that the Exarch tried to purge from his memory altogether. But no matter how much he avoided those thoughts, once in a while, they would emerge again and force him to clench his teeth in agony and desperately try not to imagine how many lives could be saved if only he had arrived at a different time…

"We talked about this, and it's not your fault." - Krile attempted to reassure the Exarch, but G'raha didn't care to hear those words anymore.

"I wonder…" - G'raha breathed. "I know I shouldn't think of this, but…What if there is truly no answer? What if Emet-Selch, Amon, and even Hydaelyn truly know not of the root cause and are simply doing that which they can with the memories of the ancient world. What if I am chasing something that's not even there." - G'raha's pain and doubt must have been clear enough as Krile looked at him with utmost sympathy.

"But… Didn't Emet hint at knowing something?"

"He might as well have done it to provoke me." - G'raha wanted to believe that he was wrong, but time and time again, his belief in anything brought him only pain and agony. At a point, the Exarch was simply willing to forget. "The ancients never discovered the truth…Not even the Forum knows as Montichaigne said. At this point, I simply do not know if there is any reason… If there is anything I can do to keep Emet-Selch around. We will need nothing short of a miracle that even the ancients didn't have!" - G'raha raised his voice and quickened his breath as the pain emerged once again. This hatred, this disappointment, this desire to live a life free of this sorrow, the dream was eluding G'raha every single day, and whatever he was doing, he only pushed himself further into the pit. What if he was making things worse by keeping Emet-Selch around? What if this was a sure way for yet another catastrophe?

"Listen, G'raha, I'm sure…"

"Krile." - G'raha sighed with pain. "May I ask you one question? And I want you to reply honestly."

"Of course."

"Do you support my decision to keep Emet-Selch around to question him for truth, or do you consider it a mistake and a waste of time." - He spoke as Krile sat in silence and doubt. She didn't respond, and this was enough of an indication of where her mind lay. The Exarch did not blame her, truly, but when even his closest friend saw this as insanity, even he began questioning this course. What if he truly was a mad fool who was responsible for the demise of Limsa Lominsa. Maybe that's all he ever way. "Well, I can't say I blame you."

"G'raha…"

"There you are." - A third voice interrupted the two as they looked to their sides. A tall roegadyn man dressed in white robes of the Forum approached them. "G'raha Tia and Krile Baldesion, correct?"

"Yes, that's us." - Krile nodded.

"I am here to deliver a swift message. The Forum is prepared to have a…Conversation with you. You are expected to come to the hall in three hours. Are you able to do that." - After the man said those words, G'raha glanced at Krile for a moment before nodding.

"That we can."

"Good." - The roegadyn nodded. "I assure you, you will be welcomed and heard before the Forum makes its final decision." - With those words, he walked away, leaving G'raha and Krile alone.

"Maybe this will be our chance." - The lalafell said with some hope, hope which G'raha could barely maintain. Perhaps it was, and yet…

He was tired of believing.