The Minstrel's Ballad: As our Hope wanes

by Angelfortruth

The road walked by the warrior of light is one of sorrow and trials, of enduring pain and despair so that hope may one day prevail. But what if, in her attempts to find an answer to the question, Hydaelyn miscalculated and the hero fell in a battle against the Angel of Truth before he fulfilled his purpose? Can someone else follow in his footsteps, or is the world fated to burn?

67. A hell of failure

Emet-Selch was given no time to even speak, so quickly the teleportation occurred. The Exarch cast a spell, forcing his soul to travel through the sea of stars to the distant aetheryte in the sky. The ascian was dragged along, a painful process that entailed Emet's soul being dragged through the portal against his will as the surrounding buildings of Old Sharlayan became an unstable picture that quickly waned.

And when the ascian opened his eyes again, they were back at Mare Lamentorum. The two emerged near the lone aetheryte in front of the Watcher's tower that rose above the pale ground.

"Very considerate of you, dragging my soul around like that." - Emet scoffed as he looked at G'raha beside him. The Exarch could easily resist the light aetheric drought, common to those who used aetheryte crystals to travel.

"No offense, but you are one of the last people from whom I'd hear any advice on being considerate." - The Exarch sighed before looking at the tower. His body and soul were full of energy, barely able to stand in one place. It was clear to Hades that G'raha desperately wanted to know the truth, to scour every corner of this moon and seek the non-existent answers. "Now, where to begin…"

It felt surreal to return to the moon after what happened in the last few weeks. This was the place where Zodiark rested, a place where souls of their brethren bravely maintained their duty, waiting for the hour of freedom, no matter how many thousands of years it would take. A place where the protector and hope of both ancient and sundered resided. It was here where Zenos and Fandaniel came to take everything from both of their worlds in their ravenous insanity. A place where the echoes of those sacrificed always rang aloud, where tired souls walked aimlessly, reaching out to the shades of their friends and families. Hythlodaeus was here, too…A tall shade speaking in a voice that echoed that of the man he once was. It was here where Emet-Selch made a promise, only to see their hopes and dreams destroyed by a fool thinking himself a hero.

And now, nothing but grave silence. No souls to save, no god to restore, no fight left to fight. Nothing but the last fading trace of Zodiark and a false promise for the people of their star. A place where one could look at the blue star beneath them shriveling and rotting due to the song of the end. And on the other side, an unending darkness, a distant edge of the universe where this creature resides. A place no living soul can reach, an expanse that cannot be traversed.

"Let's go." - The Exarch said as he stepped down to the ground, ready to make his way toward the tower. Emet followed in silence, still unable to let go of this dreadful feeling of solitude that pierced him the moment he found himself on the moon. It was painful for him to take steps, to walk the soil that no longer housed those who he failed. The Exarch remained silent, too, a switch from Sharlayan's relatively lively atmosphere to this graveyard. He waited for the opportunity to ask his questions.

And just like G'raha, Emet had questions too. During the short conversation he had with the Watcher the last time, the construct revealed to him that Elidibus had visited this tower before and talked to the Watcher. The subject of those conversations is what Emet wished to ask about; all he knew is that the two debated and that Elidibus spoke of his comrades, sharing something with the Watcher, and Emet was curious to know what it was they spoke of.

Soon, the two finally entered the lone tower as the gates opened before them. The Exarch paused for a while after seeing the spire from the inside, opening his mouth in awe. Emet-Selch could understand those emotions. He did not get a chance to look at the tower from within but what he saw now was impressive. A multi-leveled hall with scrolls and crystals, each of which contained different knowledge. It was not unlike the libraries in Amaurot, a source of knowledge that everyone must strive for. And at the heart of it all, a globe and a lone shade sitting in absolute solitude and staring into the wall as if it was an endless abyss.

A place is so reminiscent of those fountains of knowledge filled by their people, youth guided by elders, parents telling their children the tale of their city and world, opening their eyes to how much there was to explore…Emet felt those phantoms still walking around those halls. The ghostly laughter, the smiles, and eyes full of thirst for knowledge and new discoveries, the pride each of those souls took in the star they lived in. The ascian knew they weren't there, that they were but figments of his imagination, that there was no one here, for all of those souls were fractured, and people had gone. An empty hall stripped of all, even the faintest memories. Is that what Venat wanted? Did she feel any regret at all? The ascian didn't know what answer would be easier to accept.

"Ah, you've returned…" - The Watcher raised his head and spoke calmly, looking at Emet-Selch.

"Unfortunately so." - The ascian shook his head; he wasn't in the mood for Watcher even if he wanted to ask him those questions. This was but a shade, a construct that mimicked a man that once lived but naught more, too reminiscent of the shades Emet created on the First, a painful reminder.

"And you have brought a guest." - Watcher switched his gaze towards G'raha. "What brings you here?" - The construct that did not care for the coming end of days, only for the simplistic duty that Hydaelyn implanted in him.

"Greetings…" - G'raha looked up at the Watcher in a moment of awe that nevertheless quickly switched to confidence and focus. "Emet-Selch told me of the Watcher that resides over Zodiark's former prison. I assume that is you."

"Indeed. Since time immemorial did I keep my vigil, a duty entrusted onto me by Hydaelyn herself." - The Watcher introduced himself.

"I'm afraid we have no time for idle discussions. I come from our star, the one that is being tormented by the Final Days and the beasts that it spawns."

"Aye, the time has come…When Zodiark met his end, the shield that shrouded this star was undone."

"That I know." - G'raha nodded. "I have done as much research as possible with what little I had. And so I would only ask you only one question. Do you know what caused the Final Days?"

"No, I do not." - The Watcher's mechanical voice echoed in Emet's ears. "The man I once was saw the catastrophe himself and had as much knowledge as the rest of the ancients; I can tell you the tale of your wish." - Emet saw G'raha gazing at the floor and clenching his teeth as yet another lead proved pointless.

"I heard the tale…" - G'raha sighed. "There are but a few pieces of the puzzle I still wish to connect. I have reason to believe that Hydaelyn knew more than other ancients; was it she that created this place?"

"Indeed, a source of knowledge and wisdom from before the Final Days, knowledge that is stored nowhere else on the star, records worth keeping…"

"If so, then I wish to see them." - G'raha said with a faint belief, forcing the ascian behind him to chuckle lightly. Even now, he still held on to his belief that in some remote place, there may yet be an answer which no one had noticed before, but he will find.

"You can use the archives as you wish." - Watcher nodded.

"Thank you…" - G'raha said before turning towards Emet, but the ascian quickly shook his head.

"No, I'm not joining you in this pointless search. If you don't want it to end the same way as the last one, you wouldn't want me there." - The ascian spoke crudely as his arms were crossed; the Exarch didn't seem too disappointed.

"Alright. Wait here, and I'll try to find something."

"Oh, this will be a long wait…" - The ascian scoffed before G'raha rushed to the nearest crystal. He was far too focused on his search to waste any more words. Yet Hades had much to discuss with the shade now that the Exarch granted them a moment of solitude. Emet turned towards the Watcher with a gaze of curiosity, yet he couldn't force himself to ask those questions. Hades knew that he would be opening up old wounds, but he had to know.

"I see you have something on your mind." - Watcher noted. "Speak freely, ascian."

"We did not have much time to talk last time for obvious reasons…" - Emet began. "But you mentioned Elidibus coming here and talking to you, sometimes even involving Lahabrea and me. How long has it on going for?"

"It was thousands of years ago when he first approached me, soon after the calamity of an earth ravaged the star like none else before it…It was then when we met." - Emet remembered talking to Elidibus about the moon; for Hades and Lahabrea, there was little reason to come here before their duty was complete and Zodiark was finally restored, but it was different for Elidibus. He saw the moon as a place away from the sinful world they have to toil in, a place to reflect…Among the three of them, he always was the one who longed for solitude the most, and his friends were happy to oblige. Yet it seemed that it was not always solitude Elidibus sought.

"Why did he approach you?"

"First, out of interest, or so I believe. He wondered if I was just a construct or if there was something of the man I once was left in me. The answer disappointed him…At least at first."

"And then?"

"He returned. Again and again. At first, he remained in the distance and just watched me fulfill my duty, saw me tend to Zodiark's prison." - The Watcher continued with a very faint glint of nostalgia in his voice. "I did not presume to know his motives, yet now I believe he needed company."

"Nonsense." - Emet immediately denied, though there was doubt in his voice. "He was not alone; he had us. We were his company through the ages."

"As I said, I do not know. You know him better than I, undoubtedly, and yet still he came. Eventually, he started entering my tower. We talked about Hydaelyn and Zodiark, the decisions made by the Convocation and Venat, and debated endlessly on what would have been the correct path for our star to take. That was until he began asking me questions which I could not simply answer…"

"That being?" - Hades pressed on.

"He asked how did it feel for me to lose my identity. How did it feel to see memories of the past yet perceive them as those of another man? How did it feel to forfeit my life for generations for a single duty bestowed by someone who is only in my distant memory…" - The Watcher spoke of feelings that were hauntingly familiar to all ascians, but especially Elidibus. Emet looked away in shame, cursing himself for not giving his comrade more attention and kindness he needed. He and Lahabrea had the privilege of having a single voice in their head, a voice that allowed them to remember Amaurot as it once was, but for Elidibus, it was different. He heard a myriad of voices due to his connection with Zodiark constantly; all the people who were sacrificed and still maintained a slither of consciousness spoke in his head. A dreadful loop, again and again, the one that drowned out his voice and memories, leaving nothing but that which both he and their souls shared. Their duty, their resolve when they decided to sacrifice themselves to Zodiark. "He said he envies me." - Watcher spoke gravely.

"Why?"

"As he said… It's because I have no one. And he still did." - Those words pierced Emet's heart like no blade of light would.

"Did he…Did he explain it?"

"Yes." - The Watcher nodded. "He said that he is tired of his pain, tired of hearing the voices in his head and tired of forgetting more and more, tired of fighting…" - As Watcher spoke those words, Emet could not look into his eyes; he couldn't allow anyone to see his shivering fists, his eyes frozen in a state of hellish shame. "He said that he did not believe he could be saved. He believed that the man he once had been, the one by the name of Themis, is long gone…But he believed his brethren still could. He believed that in the end, when all is done, and the sun rises again, they can be restored and live as they once did. He knew he was doing it for them. But most of all, he spoke of his two friends. Hades and Hephaistos. He said that he sees your suffering, sees your pain that memory brings you, even if he cannot understand…" - Even in the voice of this construct, Emet heard warmth and empathy, an empathy that Elidibus needed, yet with every passing are, the moments of him receiving it from the other Unsundered grew rarer, almost non-existent.

"Why…Did he not talk to us?"

"He said he wanted to, but he feared. Feared that trying to understand, trying to help you with this pain, would only awaken those memories once again, open your wounds once again. He feared for you…He spoke of Hephaistos's madness that grief brought to him; he spoke of Hades's pain and thoughts of his friends that tormented him…You every day. He said that there is nothing that hurts him more than seeing the two of you in such agony, yet he told me of a promise he made. A promise to remain strong in the face of adversity. 'The pain I feel is meaningless. It pales compared to that which is at stake; those were his words. As the heart of Zodiark, he sought to forget the person he once was to make way for you…I do see you smile one day once again. The two of you were everything to him, the love with which he spoke…It rivals that which the man I had for Venat, mayhap even outdoes it."

Emet was powerless as every single word brought him to the edge of tears, to the edge of falling on his knees and screaming in a blind rage. His hands shook, his eyes became wet, and the world around him went absolutely silent save for whispers of the past. All this time, their friend worked tirelessly, the friend for whom he and Hephaistos always put aside their differences, for whom they made a promise, a promise Lahabrea fulfilled and Emet broke. There were so many emotions, so much pain and humanity hidden behind the exterior Elidibus wished for the other ascians to see. Emet remembered the horrid day when Themis came to the rift, delivering the news of Lahabrea's demise. There was so much pain he hid behind his mask, so much heartbreak. It should've been obvious to Emet that Themis cared, oftentimes even more than any other of them. To see one of his friends meet such an untimely demise…It was a time for Hades to be there for him. Not as a collaborator and a schemer in the world they sought to restore but as a friend who understood his pain. Both of them lost a dear comrade and never got a chance to mourn. Not until they spoke on the First, the last time they saw each other. Emet saw his tears, his doubt, and his desire; he was not primal. He was still a man with his own dreams and pain, even if he himself did not believe this to be the case. And what did Emet repay him within their last moments together? A lie. A lie that distracted him from their course and doomed Themis to a fate none deserved.

And now the memories flooded Hades as he saw that day once again…

...

The day when the fire and brimstone that tormented their world and city were finally replaced with a flame of hope. The day when the Convocation was to enact the most painful decision they made in known history.

"We won't forget you, I promise…"

The day when half of their number would be sacrificed to bring forth a god that would pave the way for the rest and forestall the dreadful calamity. Many agreed to partake, and with tears and horror in their eyes, many joined the chorus, the only thought keeping them sane being that of their friends that will live on to see yet another day, the thought that warmed their hearts.

"You're a hero to all of us…"

But before that, there needed to be one sacrifice that would be a beacon for the others…The one who shall become the heart of Zodiark, the one to take control and transcend their mortal forms. Someone in the Convocation had to step up.

"We will live on…We will see to that…"

It was Themis, the youngest of them, the one who held the seat of Elidibus, the mediator and an emissary of the Convocation and people of Amaurot, the one clad in a white robe and red mask, the one always with a hopeful smile on his face. The one who saw the Convocation as his family and the one who loved all of them. The love culminated in him giving his all for them.

Hades remembered standing there among the others, standing near the void that Apollo must have filled. The Convocation of thirteen, soon to become of twelve…They gathered in the summoning hall with a shadowed crystal rising above them, a creation of Lahabrea, Fandaniel, and Nabriales that shall become a god born out of their boundless prayers. And a lone young man who stood in front of them, still looking at them with a smile, even if his last moments. Each of them felt their heart waver, their words and thoughts in chaos as they were about to say goodbye.

"Thank you for coming here today…" - Themis spoke quietly. His lips quivered as he looked over his friends, his family that was here until the very end. Emet sensed the fear, sensed the uncertainty in his whispers, the uncertainty that Elidibus rarely wished to show. As he finally sighed and closed his eyes for a moment, Themis was trying to be brave in the face of death. In their culture, returning to the star was celebrated when a soul has accomplished all it has set out to do, yet Themis had an entire life ahead of him, a life he looked forward to, a life he will never see. Finally, the hero opened his eyes and looked at his brethren as tears fell from his eyes. "No matter how much we fear, I do not wish this moment to be remembered as a tragedy…For I know what I am giving my soul for. For each and every one of you, all of you have taught me much and more about life; you were my guiding stars who worked tirelessly for our future…My time with you may not have been long, yet I hope my contributions can match yours in their scope. I take my leave of you with a warmed heart, for I know that those final moments are worth it. If it means that there will be as much as a single day when you will live…A day when Gaia and Artemis will continue their research, enhancing our star with the most beautiful of creations, a day when Hera and Hephaistos will once again inspire the people of Amaurot with their resolve while blessing each other's hearts, a day when Hermes will once again show this world the beauty and preciousness of every single life, a day when Dionysus will once again make our people smile with his striking performances, a day when Hades and Apollo…A day when our people shall smile once again. For this, I give my life without shame and hesitation; it is worth any sacrifice. For Elidibus is my name and my duty." - With every word, his voice grew louder, filling him with both pride and agony as the moment came closer at hand. Each moment spent with him, each memory of a wide-eyed young man who wanted nothing but joy and happiness for each of them will stay with them forever. "I am ready." - Themis said with resolve as a smile of pride and love emerged on his face; not even the tears could unmake its beauty.

Emet remembered the two figures in black coming forth, those wearing the masks of Lahabrea and Igeyorhm. They were his closest friends among the Convocation, and they would bless him with this 'honor,' though, of course, it was agonizing for each of them. Emet remembered seeing their faces as they looked upon Elidibus, unable to hide their tears. Each of them wanted to be strong for the others and yet couldn't accept that they were saying goodbye forever.

"Before you go…" - Hephaistos spoke. "Let it be known to you that your contributions to the convocation and this star do not only match ours; they exceed them by far."

"We are all immensely proud of you…" - Hera said, wiping away her tears. "And we will not forget, never. Make no mistake, the decision you made is that of a true hero, and it is an honor for us to stand by your side at this moment…Our names will fade into obscurity one day, drowned out by the actions we have done under titles…But yours, Themis, will live on for eons to come."

"I…" - Themis stuttered while desperately trying to maintain his smile. "Thank you…I will not fail on this path, that I promise."

Emet remembered watching as the ritual began, as Lahabrea and Igeyorhm raised their hands, supported by others in the Convocation, ready to tear a soul of a dear friend from his body. Emet remembered the burning chains, painless yet deadly, remembered the spell all of them conjured, surrounding Themis in an aura of darkness. He did not scream; he simply closed his eyes and accepted his demise, meeting his last seconds with a smile. Emet watched him become one with the crystal, become one with Zodiark for an eternity to come. Emet remembered him fading into darkness, consumed by the newly formed primal, a primal that shared his soul at its core, a being that would be a testament to Themis's desire to save this star and forever protect it. Hades didn't want to think about it, did not want to think about his failure…Yet now, it surrounded him, forcing him to face the agonizing reality.

A tale of a family that lost one of their own that day. Of a family that faded in the arches of history, leaving only the hero and the fool that failed him.

...

Emet couldn't remember when he ran. The ascian sensed his warm presence, a close friend existing by his side, whispering in his ears once again. This was no longer a dream. The line between his mind and reality was tarnished by Emet-Selch's sins coming to haunt him. Sins that reminded him of a hero that deserved to see the light of day far more than Hades ever did, and yet now he was gone. Trapped and tormented by two demons, one Emet's spawn, another a shade of someone Themis considered a friend. They made him suffer, stripped him of his identity, and used the remnants of his soul to destroy those he swore to protect. All the while, his last living friend was chasing hollow dreams and empty promises in a world beyond our own instead of being by his side. All those ranting memories of what could've been, of how it could've gone…Nothing could be done now. His soul was erased without a possibility of rebirth, completely used up and annihilated, a fate far worse than a simple death. And Hades could've prevented it.

The ascian ran outside, not looking back for a second as tears streamed down his face. He could not take it anymore, could not go on. This agony, those memories etching at his soul like sharp fangs, draining him of resolve and strength. Something that no escape, no alternative timeline will fix…Elidibus cannot be brought back. He died believing that he had failed his mission. Emet knew that someone as noble as him would never put the blame on anyone else, even at times when this was well-deserved.

Hades went beyond the tower; for the first time in years, he couldn't teleport, and so he ran like any foolish mortal in his place would. He ran to the crater of Martyrs, a gaping void of aether left where Zodiark perished. A god with which the memory of Elidibus died, as did all of the sacrificed souls that lost their chance to live again, sent to the broken aethereal stream to be sundered one after another, just like Lahabrea was. And even as sundered, none of them would get another chance at life, for their world was on the brink of destruction once again. Perhaps it was easier to end this here and now, to perish among them all and be finally free, to have his soul sundered and stripped of everything that made Hades himself. This would be what Hades deserved. Then will the tale of their people be finally brought to an end in a parade of misery and suffering? They were not able to restore their world, only take the sundered into oblivion with them.

And then Hades froze on the edge of his demise. The ascian stood there, looking down into the crimson fissure, the resting place of their memories. One single leap stood between Hades and the end of their people, a tragic finale without any hope or retribution. None deserved this, and Emet would no longer deny it. Sundered, Unsundered, it didn't matter; none deserved to perish from this monstrous rot that erased everything that made them individuals, that made them alive. At least there was some dignity in meeting such an end…Hades chuckled. He rarely imagined how his moment of returning to the star would look like, yet now this picture was as clear as the brightest day.

"A beautiful night, is it not? The sea of stars has always been majestic…" - Emet heard an achingly familiar voice by his side, forcing him to freeze and turn around. There was a white-robed man standing beside him and looking at the sky above them, a fainting memory wearing a red mask. The one Emet shouldn't have left has returned to haunt him.

"I'm…I am sorry…" - Emet stuttered as he looked at the silhouette before him. The ascian knew that this was but a figment of his twisted imagination, yet still, it felt so real. There were no words that could undo Hades's sin, no words to correct this horrific mistake. "Forgive me…I should've known, I should've talked to you, I…"

The figure turned towards Emet, taking his red mask and cape off. A face as youthful and pure as the one that looked at them on the day of the sacrifice, full of life, love, and hope, the state Emet wished to remember him in.

"No need for tears." - Themis said with a warm smile emerging on his face. "Is that now what I fought for, what I died for? The past stings, oh it does…But you must accept it, no matter how much it hurts. All I ask of you, my friend…Find a way for all of them. Whatever it takes, whatever they need…I believe in you. I never stopped believing. Please, Hades…Save our star."

"I can't, I don't want to…I want to end this all. I…I can't take this anymore! I'm sorry, I'm sorry…"

"Please. I gave the Convocation a promise eons ago, and I want you to make one now. We are amidst a storm, yet I believe…I know that even if I do not see it, the rains will cease, and you will be graced with another beautiful day." - Themis looked to the skies once more. "Many have given their lives to see this tale to a triumphant conclusion, and you have the power to witness it yourself. And I want you to see it. One way or another…"

"I…I promise. I promise." - Emet finally forced himself to say it. After those words, Themis looked at him with pride and the warmest love.

"Goodbye, Hades, and thank you for everything."

As his silhouette faded, Hades fell to the ground, tears uncontrollably streaming down from his face and his entire body shaking. A lone soul amidst a graveyard, a soul that cried out in despair as it envied those who were lost, for he had no one left to save.

…

Even if the way for mankind was already paved forward, the game Fourchenault decided to play was still in full force. Let Ameliance have the comfort of knowing that they will survive by leaving this world soon; all the while, Fourchenault could perfect a scheme that would bring him justice for the children lost. This hate and disdain have waned only for a moment, for yet, at dawn, they were already replenished, depriving him of sleep and respite, clouding all of his senses in a desire for vengeance.

Eventually, Fourchenault stopped trying to fall asleep. Any time he would come close to finally entering his slumber, something would immediately pull him out of it with an agonizing force. It was the mission that loomed ahead, both that of the Forum and his personal one. He called Rolandeau via linkpearl only to know that his friend had trouble sleeping too, not before they had a plan on their hands. The two decided to go out and meet at the Last Stand to discuss their findings and the next step.

As soon as the sun began to rise and its first rays showered the city of Sharlayan, as the day when the Forum would make their announcement approached, so did Fourchenault leave his manor to venture to the shore.

As expected, there were but a few people there, and most tables were notably empty. The chilly morning wind and the echoing songs of seagulls were coming from the boundless sea that reflected the golden rays of sunshine upon it. There was much beauty in their world, their star…Abandoning it would break many hearts, but having a chance at life, even in a new home, was far better than staying and being destroyed.

"As impeccable of a timing as always." - Rolandeau's voice echoed from the nearby table for two with a view of the sea. When Fourchenault looked at him, Rolandeau forced a faint smile, but it did not feel real even for a single moment. "Take a seat, my friend."

"Good morning." - Fourchenault greeted him before sitting in front of his collaborator. "Trouble sleeping, I take it?" - The elezen said with a tone of light sarcasm, as both were well aware of each other's problems.

"I suppose it couldn't be any other way in a time like this. I got used to it. Overworking, constant planning, anxiety…But it should all come to an end soon, once we leave for the moon." - Rolandeau's voice brimmed with hope, a hope that was beaten down by constant work and fight against the time itself as their world crumbled. "As relieving as it is to speak of our mission freely, the truth is…I do not look good."

"Why so?"

"The Forum might not say this outright, and we won't…But the vessel needs a lot of work before it is operational. I'm not sure where to gather enough hands for this, considering that about every single talented individual in Eorzea is either dead or extremely busy trying to survive." - Rolandeau sighed nervously as the faith that was present in his voice dissipated.

"I promised Ameliance you would find a way." - Fourchenault said sternly. "And despite all the complications, I believe so myself, as well. You are many and will find a way; send messages to Eorzea if needs be. I am sure the Alliance leaders will send their best for the sake of our survival."

"I imagine those that aren't dead yet have other priorities…"

Their conversation was interrupted by an approaching waitress, yet another face familiar to Fourchenault. A miqo'te woman that escaped from Limsa Lominsa on their ship, just as energetic and happy in her new occupation as she was in the old one.

"Hello there!" - C'irena smiled playfully. "Esteemed members of the Forum gracing our humble place with their presence…Well, one member, I suppose. No offense, Fourchenault. Any orders?"

"A glass of grape juice will do." - Fourchenault responded distantly.

"Same for me." - Rolandeau echoed the sentiment.

"Of course, I'll bring them to you." - C'irena wrote the order down before rushing off to the main building, leaving Fourchenault and Rolandeau alone once again.

"We will do our best to prepare the vessel…" - The hyur spoke, yet the uncertainty in his voice hinted at something else. "But let's get to the topic at hand."

"Very well." - Fourchenault nodded. "I spoke with Krile about the Exarch and the ascian and how exactly the staff operates."

"Was her knowledge limited?"

"It gave me enough to gain some understanding. Both of their souls are tied to the crystal staff; the further one goes from it, the weaker they become. Emet-Selch's strength is wholly in G'raha's hands, and the Exarch deliberately keeps him chained." - After recounting this, Fourchenault noticed a faint smile emerge on Rolandeau's face.

"Well, well, we might be in luck because the matter of separating souls is exactly what I was looking into." - Rolandeau seemed eager to share his findings, and a glint appeared in his eyes. "I talked to my colleagues that are knowledgeable in the way aetheryte crystals work and how they can transfer souls from one place to another. They told me that if the functions of those crystals may be manipulated in some way, we can use it to trap a soul and forcibly separate it."

"Are you proposing we tear Emet-Selch away from G'raha to weaken him?" - Fourchenault inquired.

"Precisely. He will not even realize it until it is far too late." - Rolandeau sounded confident.

"And what about the soul's destruction?"

"We can use similar methods for that…A friend of mine agreed to place an aetheryte shard in Labyrinthos. But this one will be imbued with some elements pertaining to particular research that was conducted not so long ago. Moenbryda Wilfsunnwyn was the one in charge of it, and eventually, this research brought the fourth white auracite, the one that can entrap and weaken ascians. This crystal is done with the same properties in mind." - Rolandeau certainly did his job well; even Fourchenault was impressed at how well he worked on his plan. There were but a few questions left, yet the elezen had no doubt that his colleague considered the answers to those as well.

"And how do we destroy the soul?"

"Once it's weakened as much as it can be? We use all of our magic on in and hope that this time it does not return…I think it should be possible if the first stages of the plan go right."

"And how do we convince G'raha and Emet to use an aetheryte? I assume that it is necessary to sling this trap."

"Yes, it would be… I'm afraid we will have to wait for this moment to come, but I think we are in luck. It would seem that ever since yesterday's proceedings, no one has seen G'raha or Emet; I'm wondering if they have gone outside the city and if so, they might want to use an aetheryte to return…Only to be thrown into our scheme."

"I applaud you." - Fourchenault said with admiration. "I had my doubts about whether this would work, but now most of them have little substance anymore."

"It wasn't just my work." - Rolandeau responded with emerging humility. "Truth be told, there are enough of those among the Forum who agree with us, even if they would not declare so publicly. They realize that the ascian is a menace, and they would gladly see him gone forever. They helped me with connections and places."

"Seems that even in a task as…Personal as this is, I am still bound to the Forum's wishes. The irony of fate is as merciless as ever." - Fourchenault was about to muse, yet he was interrupted by C'irena. The miqo'te strolled back towards their table, carrying two glasses of purple juice made from Labyrinthian grapes.

"Here's your order. Should you need anything else, you need only ask." - She smiled and placed those on the table.

"Thank you, C'irena." - Fourchenault feigned a smile as he watched her move to another table before turning back at Rolandeau. The hyur's face had an expression that surprised Fourchenault, for there were clear signs of doubt and uncertainty. His eyes avoided contact while his mouth was stuck in a nervous smile he had displayed earlier. "Is something wrong? Have you found any problems with the plan?"

"Not really, no, just…" - Rolandeau sighed. "It's two of us versus one of the mightiest beings in history. He might be chained and beaten down, but he's still incredibly powerful. Even after all those preparations, I doubt any of them truly mean much. Do you have this feeling too, occasionally at least?" - Rolandeau reached out in a doubtful voice; perhaps he hoped for understanding from Fourchenault. "That it will only make things worse if we try." - It was a poignant question, the one that weighed on Fourchenault's mind, and yet the answer to it was decided long before he even knew it.

"It doesn't matter anymore." - Fourchenault responded as his voice quivered. "The life I had before this nightmare, my duty, my grandfather, my children…All have been stolen by him. By Emet-Selch's hand, I have lost almost everyone I loved, killed by this monster without a shade of remorse. And after all of this, he still dares to mock me, to smile at my suffering with arrogance…" - Fourchenault clenched his fist. "Ever since I saw him in the Limsan cell, I knew it back then. I knew that I would not let him escape this time, won't let his crimes go unpunished. G'raha may be too indecisive about lending a killing blow, yet we have this chance now, and not using it will be a failure not just before my family but the entirety of mankind. We must use all resources at our disposal, all magic and strength we have…But we must end him, whatever the cost. Only then would our people be able to rest and begin their lives anew. Let's not squander this chance while we have it." - Fourchenault had no room in his mind left for reasoning, only the rawest of emotions. The murderer must pay for his actions, and he will pay very soon. It was a sheer delight to watch Rolandeau's face light up with resolve after hearing those words.

There was no going back for them.

…

So many times opened, so much knowledge absorbed.

The Exarch tried everything in his power, closely following every word, every piece of knowledge while trying to derive something, anything that would clue him on the nature of the Final Days. And yet nothing in those archives was something G'raha did not already know, had not already discovered from Emet's tales. Once again, was he reading the tale of a mysterious calamity that depleted the star of aether, damaging the ancients' creation magic, forcing them to create monsters out of their own broken imagination. A calamity that could only be forestalled by shrouding the star in Zodiark's aether. All the rest were dead ends, no research that the ancients conducted ever discovered the root cause. It seemed inexplicable and monstrous, a rot that spread through the star back then and now, slowly claiming its life. The same end, again and again, without a single answer.

Eventually, the Exarch had to admit that he was once again wasting his time; there were no answers to be found. Perhaps his only option truly was having Emet-Selch tell him the truth, but there was yet much unexplored that remained on the moon, this lone Watcher would never prepare a vessel to transport people of the star away, and there were multiple servants the Forum mentioned back in Sharlayan. There must have been more to the place.

As the Exarch descended to the bottom floor, he immediately noticed that Emet-Selch was gone. This immediately brought some worry to Exarch's heart. While the ascian still was limited in what he could do, in the last few days, his powers have increased exponentially, and there was no telling of what the ascian could do. The Watcher, however, did not seem bothered; he sat in silence and gazed down at the floor, just like when they entered.

"Where is Emet-Selch?" - The Exarch asked.

"We talked about his dear friend." - The Watcher replied. "He did not know everything about him, and now he left to have some time to himself." - G'raha knew that Emet did not go that far; otherwise, their bond would have weakened. Perhaps this was truly all there was to it, and if some time of solitude would help Emet become more accepting of rational dialogue, so be it.

"I see."

"How goes your search going?"

"Unfruitful, unfortunately." - The Exarch sighed in shame. "There is a lot to be found in those archives, but nothing I haven't already grasped before…"

"Alas, that which you seek is not here, for our people have never found out the true cause of the Final Days." - Watcher shook his head, preparing to return to his meditative slumber, yet G'raha was not ready to let go.

"A moment, if I may." - His voice stopped the Watcher, forcing the shade to turn back towards him. "You are a construct created by Hydaelyn, correct? Yet you speak of the man you once were, the one that lived in the ancient world."

"I am breathed in his image, yet I am not him and never have been."

"But what do you know of him?"

"The man I was in times of the Final Days was a dear friend and colleague to Venat." - The Watcher answered.

"Venat? Who is that?"

"The woman who was the first to go against the Convocation's decision to sacrifice newly-sown life in order to bring back those who gave themselves to Zodiark."

"Hydaelyn's summoner…"

"Indeed, that was her. As she left Amaurot, Venat took her colleagues, friends, and followers with her to partake in a mission of vital importance. The man I was was one of them, her closest associate."

"And what was that mission?"

"To chain Zodiark. Venat believed that his protection would make mankind weak and would make them give everything that makes them resilient for a promise of a false paradise. She resolved to end this cycle, to become Hydaelyn and chain the shadow that was both their salvation and their undoing. Those closest to her gave their souls for this summoning, gave their all." - Now G'raha got his confirmation that behind the mask of a primal, there was a face and a soul of a living woman, the last of their kind along with Emet-Selch. It seemed that there were souls that were sacrificed to summon Hydaelyn, yet there were far fewer of them than those utilized to bring forth Zodiark.

"Do you know how the sundering actually happened and what caused it? Was it the clash between two primals?"

"I do not know, for his soul was absorbed beforehand…After the sundering, Hydaelyn imprisoned sundered Zodiark on the moon created by her grace. "

"I see…So she made this vessel. Did she always intend for us to use it to traverse the sea of stars?"

"You know of the moon's purpose?"

"I do. I have talked to the Sharlayan Forum, a council that resides on the star and maintains contact with servants of Hydaelyn that reside on the moon, according to their own words." - G'raha explained.

"I have not maintained contact with anyone on the star, but others have." - Watcher responded, piquing G'raha's interest.

"Where are the others?"

"Tending to the vessel on the opposite side of the crater…" - The shade spoke before giggling faintly, the first time G'raha saw him displaying any emotion at all. "The loporrits. They, too, are her creation. They are a species Hydaelyn put on the moon to prepare this vessel for the people of Eitheyris. Many years have they worked on a place that will become home for your people, and now everything is in order."

"I would very much like to speak with them." - G'raha spoke with confidence. If those loporrits were to become shepherds to their people, it would stand to reason that Hydaelyn would entrust them with her most precious secrets. "Where can I find them? I was there on the other side of the crater; I'm going to need more directions than that."

"Find the fissure across the chasm where Zodiark has fallen. There lies the entrance to their abode and the work of their lifetime." - Watcher responded in his calm manner. It seemed that this was as much as he could tell G'raha.

"Thank you for your help." - The Exarch nodded before turning away.

"May her blessing ever guide you?"

There was no time to waste, and his search for answers led him to a place that was supposed to become a beacon of hope and home for mankind; it was time to witness what it truly entailed.

But first, he needed to find Emet-Selch. The connection established in the staff allowed G'raha to sense the direction in which the ascian went, though he could not get a clear picture. The Exarch followed the guidance of his magic, which led him beyond the tower of the Watcher. It took him to a place that he had already visited, yet he was too shocked by the revelation and realization of him being back in his world. So many thoughts and aspirations were on his mind back then, but now, when G'raha knew exactly what must be done and accepted his fate, he felt the emptiness of this place. A gigantic crater is full of Zodiark's aethereal remnants, which slowly dissipated with every day. It will take months before the stain is gone forever, but eventually, everything that remains of the primal will perish. Perhaps the world will die sooner…No, G'raha couldn't allow himself to even consider it.

And amidst this silent grave, only one lone soul, the ascian, was not hard to find. Emet sat on the edge, hunched over with his legs hanging above the crimson abyss. In complete silence, not unlike the Watcher before him, Emet gazed down without moving his eyes away for a second. Even when G'raha approached him, the ascian did not notice him until the very last moment. Hades swiftly turned towards G'raha the moment he heard his steps.

"Did I not tell you to…" - G'raha began but stopped immediately the moment he got a better look at Emet's face. The ascian's eyes were reddened and still wet from tears. He breathed in a regular manner yet with some clear signs of tiredness, as if something incredibly heavy and taxing was pushing him to the ground, something the ascian could barely resist.

"Yes, yes, I heard you well enough." - The ascian responded with loud spite before turning away towards the crater once again. "Not like I will care for any of it." - Once again, his voice sounded bitter and full of disdain. G'raha thought back to the Watcher's words about Emet talking about a "dear friend" and his memories, a friend he lost during all the horrendous cataclysms…The ascian didn't seek pity; G'raha knew that, nor did he think he deserved it. Yet seeing a soul suffering from the such immense pain of loss, the pain that made him shake and seethe at the horrific memories of the past, wasn't a matter of justice or vengeance but a matter of common humanity.

"Emet…Are you alright?" - G'raha asked cautiously as he approached closer. Moments after, he heard the ascian chuckle before turning around again. His tired, hateful face had a faint snide smile emerge on his face.

"Ha-ha…You never change, do you?" - Hades stood up.

"Whether we like it or not, we are working together now; we need…"

"Spare me the pity. I can see what this "working together" truly is. It's as much of a cooperation as when I forced you to help me with the core of Eden. As to answer your question, no, I am not alright. After seeing your friends and world die, you can never be 'alright'…I don't think you have been either." - Emet knew the truth as it was and understood exactly what G'raha felt. The sheer confidence that glinted in his eyes put the Exarch to shame, yet he had to admit that the ascian saw through him.

"Not once since…Since I slumbered in the Crystal Tower. Yet I had people around me who would ask this question nonetheless, and they were what made this life bearable." - The Exarch responded honestly, looking as the ascian shook his head.

"You assume I want you to become one of 'those' people?"

"No, but I believe this question is worth asking…Always."

"Well, you got your answer. Now, back to the situation at hand…What humiliating feat do you want me to perform now? Don't keep me waiting." - The ascian asked calmly as if submitting to his unfortunate fate. G'raha knew better than to believe the ascian had given up, but for now, they were on the same page.

The Exarch looked over the crimson crater, trying to grasp what was on the opposite side. As Watcher described, there was a fissure that led deeper into the moon's surface; this must have been the pathway to the lair of the loporrits. There were unique structures emerging on the other side, one of which was a vessel of Allagan design that crashed onto the moon, while the other tower-like structure which emerged from above the fissure was created in a style that G'raha could not quite recognize. All the more indication that this was where those servants resided.

"See the crack over there?" - G'raha pointed. "The Watcher said to me that loporrits, those who prepared a haven for the people of our star, reside there. They are my next target."

"Wonderful. Now make your way there while fighting whatever guarding constructs Hydaelyn placed around there; that would be an entertaining watch."

"Can you finally stop playing the fool?" - The Exarch sighed. "It got old back in Sharlayan; you know very well what I ask of you."

"I do, but I can't do that without any…" - Before Emet could finish, G'raha eased the chains on his soul, much to the ascian's surprise. Not enough to transform or unleash powerful spells, but light enough to teleport.

"And now?"

The ascian chuckled yet again.

"You do understand that nothing is stopping me from dropping you into this very pit?"

"Just like nothing is stopping me from empowering my chains. Your soul is still tied to mine, and if I die, so do you." - The Exarch retorted, only for the ascian's eyes to look away with annoyance. After a few moments of reflection, Emet opened a dark portal between them. The dark energy pulled both of their souls into the rift for a few split seconds. G'raha felt the reality around him breaking down and restoring itself so quickly that for anyone else, such changes would be impossible to grasp. Yet while he was in the process of teleportation, everything happened incredibly swiftly and seamlessly. When he opened his eyes, both he and Emet found themselves in front of the metal door hidden beneath the rocky fissure on the other side of the crater, a gateway to their shepherds, to the saviors of their star.

"Is that how you wanted it?" - Emet spoke with annoyance, reminding G'raha of his presence.

"Thank you." - The Exarch replied before restoring the powerful chains on Emet's soul once again. This time, however, the spell was remarkably harder to perform. G'raha sensed Emet's spirit resisting as the powerful darkness was restored over it. He needed more power, even more chains to bring him to his heel once again. It wouldn't be long before Emet would overpower those chains, once again reminding G'raha of how little time he had remaining.

"Such wonderful gratitude, as always…"

G'raha ignored the ascian's words, for now, he was focused on the door and what lay beneath it. This was his last option short of Emet-Selch or Hydaelyn herself, the last chance to learn what was truly causing the Final Days for all those generations. G'raha prayed in silence to all gods; he knew that this would not prove yet another dead end. Alas, it was time to find out.