Morning came, along with a knock on the door. The Handsome sleeping Ascian awoke instantly. "WHAT?!" Lahabrea fumed to whoever was so bold as to disturb him. He looked around the room, something feeling off. Quickly there was an internal power struggle. The Ascian grew beyond furious, forced to be confined once again. Thancred sighed. Pinching the bridge of his nose and squeezing his eyes shut, hearing the horrific things shouted in his head.
"Supreme Ruler, Gaius van Baelsar requires your presence immediately."
"I'll be there shortly!" He heard the messengers footsteps fade down the hall. Thancred reached his arm over to the other side of the bed to rub Farrah's belly, but the space was empty and his hand fell upon the sheets. The white haired man's eyes shot open and stood up terrified. He began looking around the room frantically. "Farrah? Farrah where are you?!" He checked the closet. When he came back to the room, the bathroom door opened and she came out completely undressed.
"I'm right here, sweetheart." she said warmly while wringing out her wet hair with a towel.
He stared in awe at her naked, pregnant body for a moment before concern came back to him. "What are you doing up?! Are you okay?!"
Farrah sighed and held her belly. "We're fine, I promise. I would have stayed in bed but I woke up before you and... well I know how hard it is for you to keep Lahabrea away and I was afraid that if you were to wake up as him... and I next to him. Well, I just wanted to help prevent any further regret... So I decided to wait and take a warm bath to get the old blood off of me."
Thancred slowly walked towards Farrah. "You're an amazing woman. That was very smart, and thank you for your concern. I should have been more careful. I can see why your Thancred adores you." He put his hands gently on either side of her stomach and looked down at their unborn baby. "But you really should lay back down. I worry about both of you."
"Okay, just let me grab your shirt and I'll go lay down." the beautiful, pregnant Hyur turned around and went to grab her lover's shirt out of the bathroom to put on.
Thancred, stunned silent, stared at her perfectly round, naked bottom as she walked away. Following the real Thancred's instincts, he walked up behind her and grabbed her hips, carefully pulling her body against his.
Farrah jumped in shock at the touch and sank against him. Feeling his large, hardened crotch press against her backside. Her lover moved his hands from her hips up to her large breasts and began kissing her neck. Both panting in passion, Farrah moaned at his sensual touch.
Just then, Thancred snapped out of it and pulled away. "I'm so sorry... We shouldn't. I want to. I really want to... but I won't do anything that could hurt you or our baby."
Farrah turned around to face him. "I understand. I want to, too. But you're right. I wouldn't want to risk causing further harm. Hopefully someday soon I'll have you back home, the world saved, and we can finally be a family."
Thancred sighed. "That sounds perfect, but with what Gaius has planned..." Just at that moment he remembered he was summoned. "Farrah. I have to go. Don't leave this room for any reason. If anyone comes in, hide." He quickly got dressed back into his Ascian Overlord clothes while Farrah put on the shirt. He helped her into bed and gave her a kiss. Then, putting his red mask on, he left.
In the morning, All of the Scions gathered back together in the Solar of the Waking Sands. Eager and determined.
"All present? Then let us begin." Minfilia started.
"We have received the details of our impending operation." Alphinaud explained. "In what promises to be the largest single counteroffensive in the realm's troubled history, the Alliance will strike at every imperial stronghold standing upon Eorzean soil." The young Scion pulled out a map and laid it upon Minfilia's desk for all to see. "As might be expected, the operation will be complex, but you need not commit its intricacies to memory. It is enough that each man understand his part and plays it to the best of his ability."
Everyone gathered around the map while Alphinaud continued. "To begin, there have been heard rumors of a woman being taken captive by the Empire and is indeed being held prisoner at Castrum Meridianum. Over the last 24 hours, an increase of security has been noted by our eyes and ears on the field. So we know Farrah is there and their bordering compounds are weaker for it. Now let us review the distribution of our forces.
"From west to east -Maelstrom of Limsa Lominsa, the Immortal Flames of Ul'dah, and the Twin Adder of Gradania."
Minfilia spoke. "Next let us examine the locations of the imperial strongholds. "Near Ul'dah, we have Castrum Meridianum to the north, the location of our Sister Scion, and the coastal outpost at Cape Westwind which connects Castrum Marinum to the mainland. By means of a magitek transporter. Near Gradania, we have Castrum Oriens, which lies upon the eastern edge of the Twelveswood. And finally, in Mor Dhona... stands Castrum Centri. A thorn in the heart of Eorzea."
It was Alphinaud's turn again. "The forthcoming operation will see allied forces assault each of the aforementioned locations, with the ultimate objective of destroying the Empire's new weapon, housed within Castrum Meridianum. As one might expect of the Black Wolf's seat of power, Castrum Meridianum boasts all but impenetrable defenses. If we are to breach it, we must needs isolate it from its sister strongholds."
"To do otherwise would be to risk being caught 'twixt hammer and anvil." Y'shtola commented.
"The operation will comprise of four distinct phases, all told." The white haired Elezen began again. "The first shall see us eliminate one of the Black Wolf's most trusted lieutenants, Rhitahtyn sas Arvina. According to our intelligence, the Praefectus is due to visit the imperial outpost at Cape Westwind for an inspection. When he arrives, we shall dispatch an elite adventurer unit to eliminate him. Yda, Papalymo, Y'shtola, we would have you lead this assault."
"Rhitahtyn is a peerless field tactician. Shorn of leadership, the garrison at Castrum Occidens will be a snake without its head." Papalymo said.
"Phase two will see us sever Castrum Meridianum's primary lines of supply." Alphinaud spoke. "As soon as Rhitahtyn's presence is confirmed at the coastal outpost, the Maelstrom will lay siege to Castrum Occidens. At that very hour, the Lominsan Armada, helmed by the Admiral herself, shall move to blockade Castrum Marinum."
Minfilia spoke again. "Meanwhile, in the Twelveswood, the Order of the Twin Adder will surround Castrum Oriens."
Yda added, "And they'll have the Sylphs to help them! Frixio's been waiting for a chance to avenge these ones!"
The young Scion continued furthermore. "Phase three shall see us neutralize Castrum Meridianum's defenses. Forming our main thrust, the Immortal Flames will march against the stronghold with all their strength. While the enemy's eyes are thus drawn outwards, another elite adventurer unit shall infiltrate the Castrum. It's mission: to disable the magitek field generator which protects the Praetorium, a fortress within a fortress
Wherein the Ultima Weapon is believed to be housed. Cid, we would have you take command here. Biggs, Wedge, you will unfortunately have to do the work of three men, standing by from the Enterprise. Garlond, once inside you should be able to make contact with Farrah. Find out where she is and lead your unit to her safe retrieval. From there she will join you."
"Meanwhile the Order of the Twin Adder will blockade the railway which connects Centri and Meridianum, preventing the timely arrival of reinforcements from Mor Dhona." Minfillia added.
Papalymo came forward again. "A wise precaution. The monstrous locomotive which runs back and forth between the two castra is capacious enough to transport a small army, by all accounts."
"It is well the Garleans did not think to give it wings." Y'shtola added.
The beautiful Scion leader started speaking more. "Once Meridianum's defenses have been compromised, the operation will enter its fourth and final phase."
"This will see the Immortal Flames enter the stronghold and suppress the remnants of the enemy garrison... Allowing Farah, taking over Cid's unit, to pass unopposed into the Praetorium, where they will locate and destroy the Ultima Weapon. By this feat shall the operation be deemed a success." Alphinaud finished.
Stepping away from the map and addressing everyone, he spoke up again. "In addition to the Grand Companies, we can count upon the support of a variety of other parties, from the pirates of Limsa Lominsa to the Monetarists of Ul'dah. In all, the operation will involve no fewer than twelve major factions.
"Legend holds that the Archons were twelve in one, and one in twelve... It is for this reason that our grand endeavor has been dubbed 'Operation Archon'."
"Countless free companies have also pledged their swords, and more join us by the day. At long last, all of Eorzea is rising as one." Minfilia said with great joy.
"As before, we Scions shall work in concert with the grand companies. Yda, Papalymo, Y'shtola -pray accompany your respective organizations on their missions whilst not leading any other planned attacks." The Elezen boy told them
Minfilia turned to their less battle ready Scions. "Urianger, I would have you represent us in Ul'dah. Reassure the financiers that they have made a sound investment. When that is done, pray return here and aid in the coordination of our forces. Tataru, please assist Urianger in any way you are able, and ensure everyone is kept abreast of the latest developments." Urianger and Tataru both gestured in accordance.
Alphinaud stated, "Minfilia, Cid, and I shall accompany the main host in an advisory capacity. It will be our task to analyze intelligence as it comes into our possessions, and make the necessary recommendations to command. The battle for the future of the realm is about to begin. Together, let us show the Black Wolf the power of a united Eorzea! We must be ready for we begin at dawn tomorrow."
"You summoned me?"
Gaius turned around to look at the Ascian. "So how was she?"
"Excuse me, my Lord?"
"Your pet. Did you really think nobody would notice?" Gaius questioned sternly.
Thancred stayed calm on the surface but terrified that the Garlean leader might know about the baby.
Van Baelsar continued. "This morning when the guards went to deliver the prisoner her breakfast, they found the cell left open. Two dead Garlean soldiers were all that was found. Care to explain why my men we're killed, the prisoner missing, and she is to receive three meals a day, Ascian?"
"Supreme ruler-"
"I know she's in your room." He said matter of factly.
Just then there was an evil, sickening laugh, but not from Gaius.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! You're a fool! Did you forget that this body belonged to a Scion?! One that just so happened to be the lover of Farrah Vilentris. I've been using it as her weakness, gaining her trust so she will give us what we want. It's only a matter of time."
"Is that so?.. Very well... Do what you must. but if you fail me, Lahabrea-"
"I won't."
"Good. It would be a shame to have to rip that baby out of her should you do so. Now go and make haste with it. We begin tomorrow."
Thancred left and made for his room, stopping by the infirmary to collect the old doctor. He opened the door and saw the bed empty. "Farrah?!"
Farrah carefully walked out of The closet wearing one of his shirts and a pair of pants. Once she saw who it was, the cautious woman relaxed. "I'm sorry, we never discussed a way for me to know it's you and not someone else coming in, so I hid." Thancred walked over to the beautiful woman wearing his clothes and helped her into bed.
"I'm so sorry, you're right. I wasn't thinking." Thancred said rubbing her cheek.
Just then Farrah saw the older man in the room and was terrified, clinging to her mentally exhausted lover.
Looking to see what has her so terrified, Thancred then assured her comfortingly, "It's okay. That's Castrum Meridianum's doctor and healer. I understand your worry, both times he helped you, you were unconscious."
"Good morning, Miss. how are you feeling today?" The elderly healer asked walking towards the bed.
Farrah relaxed and smiled kindly, holding Thancred's hand. "Oh, hello. I can't thank you enough for saving mine and my baby's life. Umm, I'm feeling much better. A little sore, but not bad."
"would it be alright if I look you over, make sure the tearing is healed?" He asked gently.
The Scion adventurer nodded. The graying old man walked to the side of the bed and carefully lifted her shirt. He began feeling around her belly for any out of place stiffness or lumps. "From the surface I don't feel any scar tissue or blood pockets, which is fantastic news. However, in order to check the healing progress of the tear, I'll need to check vaginally. Will that be alright, Miss?"
Farrah looked to Thancred, nervous and a little embarrassed. He squeezed her dainty hand and nodded reassuringly. She looked back to the elder gentleman and nodded.
"Okay, if possible could you please scoot to the end of the bed? And, my Lord, could you please help her by sitting behind her and holding her legs?"
Farrah took off her pants and laid with her bottom half on the end of the bed, head in her lover's lap. Thancred, looking down at her between his knees, helped pull back her legs. The doctor inched closer and looked in the young woman's eyes. "Don't worry, Child. I won't hurt you. I just want to make sure your pregnancy is healthy." The soon to be mother visually relaxed, feeling more trusting. "Alright, you might feel a tiny bit of pressure okay? I'm just going to feel for any scar tissue." The old doctor carefully inserted a gloved finger and felt around.
Thancred could feel the woman between his legs stiffen uncomfortably. "Shh, It's okay." He let go of one of her legs (Farrah keeping it up by herself) and put a hand gently on her tummy and rubbed it soothingly.
After a couple of minutes the healer stopped. "Well everything looks and feels great. I have no concerns. There is little to no scar tissue at risk of reopening. And with the powerful healing magic, the hemorrhaging would seem nearly healed." Farrah put her legs down and Thancred covered her bottom half up with the bedding, still rubbing her growing belly.
"I'm still going to do one last healing spell just to be safe." He softly put his hands on her stomach and she began to feel a warm energy pass over her body. Only this was much different than any other healing spell she's felt. This one penetrated every ounce of her body making her feel as though her bones were vibrating. "There we go. You and your child should be in near perfect health."
"Thank you... I'm so sorry, I never got your name." Farrah began.
With a smile The man answered "Ilbrium".
"Thank you, Ilbrium, for everything you have done for us. I am indebted to you for your kindness."
He shook his head kindly, readjusting his glasses afterwards. "No, my Lady. You must needn't thank me. I became a doctor because It brings me joy to help others. Twas my job and privilege to help you." And with that, he left the room.
Farrah sighed in relief at the news, knowing their unborn baby will be okay. While on the other hand, The Ascian man stiffened, fists clenching in fear and rage. Unable to contain it any further. The adventurer sat up, greatly confused and concerned. "Than... what's wrong?!"
The robed man quickly got off the bed and began pacing. furious and terrified. "He knows... Gaius knows... about the baby." Farrah gasped in fearful shock. He looked at her, scared. "If I fail in learning everything you know about the power of the echo... He said he'll have the baby ripped out of you. We can't let that happen. I won't let that happen. Farrah, please. You have to tell me." He looked desperate and was concentrating extra hard.
"Than... I... I-I can't" Farrah stuttered sadly.
Thancred walked over to her, holding her shoulders. "Farrah, please!.. You have to. Please!"
"I won't betray our brothers and sisters in arms. I won't betray Eorzea." She said sternly. Thancred dropped his hold on her and stared at her, distraught and shocked. "This is hard on me too... but a while ago I already made the decision that if it came to it, I have to put the betterment of all of Eorzea first."
The Overlord adorned man in front of her grew furious. "So that's it... You're just going to let our baby die?!" He raised his voice at her. "After everything Ilbrium did... everything I did..." She just looked at him sadly, holding her ground.
"DAMN IT!" He shouted, turning away and throwing everything off one of the tables in one swift arm movement.
Farrah stood up, holding her round abdomen. "I'm thankful for everything everyone has done for me. Especially you. But if you were the real Thancred, my Thancred... You would understand. And I won't let them take our baby from us without a fight.
"Well then you better be ready to fight. Tomorrow is the day of Ultima." He held his head, barely able to keep Lahabrea from taking control in this emotionally weakened state. Then he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him, not once looking back.
Farrah broke down and sobbed, feeling like she lost the one she loves all over again. "I should have known better. To not get my hopes up. However, after two long months, and seeing him again... I know that wasn't my real Thancred but I couldn't stop my heart from wanting and needing him, in any condition." She thought.
Thancred never came back the rest of the day so she just curled up in his bed, smelling him and crying. "Minfilia, Alphinaud, yda, papalymo, Y'shtola, Cid, everyone... Where are you? Did you get my note? Please... help Eorzea... Help, me." She whispered to herself, looking down at her baby bump. Not knowing how much time she has left with her child, she rubbed and talked to her belly until she fell asleep.
Not long after Farrah closed her eyes, she was awoken to the loud sound of the door being kicked open. Fumbling to get out of bed and fight back, Livia stepped into the room, accompanied by several Garlean soldiers. Once the defenseless mother was in their grasp, Livia walked up to her. She took in the sight of the pregnant woman before her.
"So it's true. The great and powerful 'Eikon slayer' is indeed with child. Oh, you look tired. Did we wake you up? How about we take you somewhere a little...less comfortable."
The guards who had hold of her, dragged Farrah out of the room while she kicked and screamed.