Chapter 44

The Holy Sentinel

A solitary Valkyr chased the sun on an westerly course through the intermittently clouded sky.

Selena was by the pilots' chair, watching the displays. The Empress was sitting elegantly in the bridge's central chair, usually set for the captain. Eden's magicite glowed atop her plunging neckline, and an impassive Christophe was at her shoulder. General Zebalga was sitting near the entrance to the bridge, a distant look in his eyes as he slowly rotated Tiamat's crystal between his thumb and forefinger, the farthest away by his own choice as much as theirs.

Of the Praetorians, only Ialantha and one other were present. Eight Praetorians had died during the last visit to their destination, twelve years before. After recently losing four of them in Galbadia, the Empress did not wish to risk any more of them now. It was usually Reinhardt, the Empress' first Praetorian, who was entrusted with magicite. Although the Empress had felt that Carbuncle or a demi-GF was unbefitting of her favourite highlander.

Ialantha had been the second to be appointed Praetorian, and the Grandidi warrior was a logical choice for her ancestral home's Golden Chocobo. As if to emphasise her gift, there were golden lines criss-crossing her face paint. She had once been freely junctioned with it. Respected as a high chieftain among the forest tribes, Ialantha had once sought to challenge a young Reina, though the Golden Chocobo had been helpless against a Sorceress already in possession of Doomtrain. In defeat, Ialantha had sworn fealty rather than see her homeland and subjects burn. More in need of allies back then, a young Reina had spared her, and Ialantha still dutifully served her to this day.

The other Praetorian had just joined them. The widowed Mitsuhide Akechi, returning from a stroll around the ship, wearing his new ruby armour.

The Adel Unit had been disbanded following the Galbadia campaign, almost killed to the last. They had wholly failed to live up to Sorceress Adel's name. As if Hikaru's actions were not deemed bad enough, Mitsuhide had been in command of the Adels. Naturally, he had offered to end his own life. Selena did not believe that Hikaru – a close friend of hers – deserved the posthumous scapegoating she had received. But her opinion counted for little when she was not High Commander, even as the niece of the Empress.

Thankfully, the Empress had refused Mitsuhide. With his homeland being one of her Provinces, her word countermanded the archaic Balambi custom. The Empress knew that General Zebalga had commandeered Mitsuhide's force to bolster his vanguard, and that neither could have anticipated Tyris' ambush. Instead, the Empress had commanded Mitsuhide to live. To redeem himself, to avenge his wife, and to be there for his three children. Also, to at long accept the position of Praetorian, which the Empress had offered him long ago. Finally, to accept the late Nero's Murasame.

Mitsuhide had dutifully obeyed. He would be also a worthy bearer for the GF they now sought to enslave. That craven Holy Sentinel who had left his summoner to die twelve years before. With Eden finally back at full strength, the Empress now coveted this most powerful of the remaining free GFs, before her enemies could recruit him.

For they had anticipated the actions of the 'Allies', as western media had taken to calling their enemies. Their only hope was to rally those GFs still in the wild. The Empire had eyes on the Fire Cavern - an obvious destination for Gerra Almasy - as well as Cactuar Island and the Necropolis. Their satellites were also turned towards the Jade Passage. They had seen the Lionheart enter with Rinoa, Selphie and one other. If the Children of Fate did not emerge, then the war was already over – if it was not already.

The Empress had decided against reacquiring the Tonberry King and Jumbo Cactuar, for now. Assuming the two demi-GFs had returned to their former abodes, of which there was no guarantee. The Tonberry King would be disguised as a common tonberry within a sea of the lecherous green dwarfs, also guarded by the Wraiths of Zefer. Jumbo would be equally difficult to recapture. Esthar's power and technology would count for nothing when the cactuars would just hide deep within the dunes, as they always did. The Empress could open a path to the cactuar's lair, as she had before. Though a young Reina had been more desperate to bolster her power back then, before she had made her power play. She had much more powerful GFs now, and Alexander was mightier than the two demi-GFs combined.

On the sprawling plains below, a mass of travelling nomads could be seen. Descendants of Centra's Lost Kingdom. These were the ones who travelled the southern subcontinent from west to east, from the Kakashbald to Lenown and back again. They lived off the land, passing down their old lore a century removed from the Mother of all Lunar Cries, referred to their people as 'the Calamity'. Selena noted that it was the largest caravan she had ever seen; they numbered tens of thousands.

Two decades before saw the union of the Houses Christophe and von Heiligeberg, the only two to survive the Calamity, who for almost two millennia had wrestled for the crown in unnumerable civil wars and rebellions. The firstborn of Steiner and Beatrix, Noctis, was understood to be serving with White SeeD. Noctis had two younger sisters, and his cousin was also reportedly among White SeeD. Thus, the Uncrowned King had four heirs.

'I think you should witness this, Your Grace,' Selena said.

The Empress rose from the chair for a better look, and Christophe followed her to the side of the bridge. Selena was now used to the change in her aunt's appearance, feeling that the bestial features only served to underscore her beauty. Despite the relation, Selena had always thought of the Empress as just that. Now that her aunt was referring to herself by another name mattered little to most of her subjects. 'Her Grace' or 'the Empress' she remained to the masses.

'Look at them,' the Empress said. 'They never travel in such numbers! As the trueborn heir of Emperor Axtius, they should answer to me! Their counterparts in North Centra did so, albeit reluctantly.'

'Rest assured, Your Grace,' Christophe responded, 'Steiner bends the knee when you lay the foundations for your castle, on the Cape of Good Hope.'

'Steiner of House Christophe,' Ultimecia said. 'Adelbert's heir. The Uncrowned King. Your ancestor.'

'The Kingdom was destroyed three centuries before my birth, Your Grace,' was all Christophe said.

Ultimecia murmured, then said, 'The Uncrowned King has long been a friend to Edea's rats; his son and niece are among them. When the time comes, I will give Steiner but one chance to swear fealty, and any of his heirs among White SeeD must agree to depart them. I appreciate that his people have bled greatly across the generations. Perhaps I shall offer his line Almaj as a Province; that is where House Christophe originated from, if I am not mistaken.'

Christophe nodded. The Almaj mountain range was alternatively known as the Knuckles of Gargantua, and the humans from that region were of a genetically larger breed. Much like the Trabian highlanders, of whom Selena was partially descended. All of those aboard now knew who Ultimecia's Knight really was, and about the future he had come from. The Empress had told them the truth.

Selena had accepted Christophe into her auxiliary when he had posed as a wandering mercenary, indirectly leading him to this very spot. He had killed the Blue Mage, likely ensuring the Empress' total conquest. Additionally, he had struck down Edea's Bloodhound, avenging millions of Lunar Cry victims. Word had spread like wildfire across the Empire of his deeds, if not his true origins, and the Sorceress Slayer was spoken of as a hero. Now, he was the new bearer of the Solomon Ring. In terms of power this was a demotion, yet for a warrior of his skill, it would matter little. Selena herself had been bested by Christophe in sparring during their Trabian march, and honestly believed he could cut swathes through them all with just one half of Harbinger. All except for Mitsuhide.

The others had been told to conceal their magicite, yet the Solomon Ring was on Christophe's right hand. His wedding band was on his left, despite it being known he was intimate with the Empress. It was likely he could never return to his family in the future. Perhaps he retained the wedding band as a reminder of his infidelity.

The Cape of Good Hope came into view within the hour. The city of Lenown lay in ruins at the edge of a large forest, several miles from the old orphanage. That forest had been the theatre of the Battle of the Gardens, where Edea had unknowingly transferred her power.

Edea's Succession had always bothered a younger Empress, as there had never been a documented case of a Sorceress living on after a Transference. Traditionally, they had only done so when defeated in battle, or murdered. Adel had divided her power very reluctantly, to delay the mutation of her human body. She had been the first to do so, something only made possible by science. Reina had longed to see if Edea had retained any sorcery.

The Valkyr lowered onto the vary prairie that had been the scene of the Saviour of the West's demise. A white tombstone gleamed brilliantly in the afternoon sun. Selena had heard that Steiner's people buried the former Sorceress and Knight after finding their bodies, months after their deaths. She had been in officer training at the time and had played no part in their massacre, though she had heard the tale from Ialantha and Cullyn.

When the Esthari had come, Edea had summoned Alexander to buy Cid and the orphans time to escape. The former Sorceress still seemed to be capable of greater feats than para-magic. Even several years after parting with her power, it was as though Edea's body had learned from the experience, or that some memory of sorcery had been retained. She had aptly summoned protective barriers in the absence of an Esthari shield and fashioned stark javelins of ice, drawing first blood against the Praetorians. Yet Cid and the children were found on the plains, and despite an admirable stand, the former Knight was cut down by Zebalga.

Cid's unrecognisable body had been thrown at Alexander's base. The Holy Sentinel fought stalwartly, but ultimately lost a war of attrition against the combined might of Reina and her magicite holders. When Edea had accepted she could not win, she had commanded the Holy Sentinel to flee, lest he become enslaved himself. As Edea lay dying, Reina had tried to draw any remaining Sorceress power from her, but had found Edea's womb to be empty. That Edea had been able to cast anything other than para-magic had been a marvel.

The Empress turned to Mitsuhide. 'You can wait here.'

Mitsuhide shook his head. 'Pray forgive me, Your Grace, but if I am to be the puppeteer of the Holy Sentinel, I would see his enslavement for myself.'

'You will stay on the bridge, Akechi!' Zebalga snarled. 'As commanded!'

Mitsuhide said nothing.

Christophe looked to the Empress. 'Akechi is a man of honour, Your Grace. If he wishes to witness the Holy Sentinel's capture, I see no issue with this.'

Zebalga laughed. 'They say you lost your stomach for fighting after cutting the Blue Mage in half, King Leonidas. And Akechi would have gutted himself like a fastitocalon had the Empress not stayed his hand! Why not stay here with him and trade tales of inflated valour?'

'Would that be a challenge, Zebalgan?' Christophe said evenly.

Selena knew the Lost Kingdom had despised the barbarous Zebalga Clan, repeatedly beating them back into the Kakashbald across the centuries. Though they had stopped short of continuing the old Centran empire's slavery policies, opting instead for containment. Selena did not think House Christophe's disdain for the Zebalgans had waned in the centuries since the Kingdom's destruction, and it was likely the General wished to avenge the generations of restraint. Zebalga placed Tiamat's crystal within a pouch on his sword belt, his hand going to the hilt of his weapon as he stood.

Ultimecia's stern voice cut across the bridge. 'The two of you can fight for dominance after my war is won! Akechi, you may accompany us if you wish.'

Akechi gave his thanks with a Balambi bow; off hand by his side, sword hand on Murasame's handle. The Empress gestured for her High Commander to lead the way from the Valkyr, walking between him and her Knight.

Selena, Ialantha and Mitsuhide all descended the ramp onto the overgrown prairie, leaving the crew behind. Ialantha looked longingly toward the large forest on the northern horizon, and the round one across the prairie. Then she regarded the stone house.

'I did not realise it that night, but this whole place is beautiful,' she remarked, the only thing she had said until now.

The Empress was more intrigued by the white tomb. She walked slowly toward it, her feline feet not feeling the thick, slanted grass and flowers trodden beneath them. The white stone must have been restored with magic to be in such pristine condition. She read the epitaph.

'Tyris?' the Empress gasped. 'The Stormbringer is Edea's daughter!'

Selena read the epitaph, too. She had been shocked more than anyone by Tyris' betrayal, and almost blamed for it, having long nurtured the young western woman. Zebalga had Selena taken into custody until the Empress could interrogate her. Later, the Colonel had been subjected to a highly intrusive mind contact from her aunt, playing back every memory she had of Tyris, some of them long forgotten. Ascertaining her relationship with the western girl from the day she had first laid eyes upon her as a hardened child in the mines, to when they had first lain together, until her betrayal.

Selena had known that she was innocent. Therefore, the Empress had known too. Yet she had expected to be executed, or at least discharged, for her 'part' in Tyris' deception. She had always known Tyris had desired Zebalga's death, as did many, and had taken her professed hatred of Seifer and Fujin at face value. She had even dared to believe Tyris had warmed to Esthar as her adoptive homeland, never expected her to deal the crippling blows she had on the army. Selena guessed that only the name Vlahos had saved her; she and the Empress were the last of that line. Like Mitsuhide, Selena been given the chance to redeem herself, and at long last, had been gifted a full GF in Carbuncle.

She had often wondered since if the on-off relationship had merely been amusement for Tyris. Liaising with her superior, to further cement her cover within the army. They had always held off making things official, though Selena had hoped that would have changed with the war's end. She had never felt the same way about another woman, despite their age gap.

'She must not have known,' the Empress remarked, then looked at Selena. 'She never spoke of this?'

'No, Your Grace!' Selena replied. 'She always said Seifer and Fujin were her parents! Never once did she say otherwise! You would have known if she had!'

'That whore,' Zebalga grumbled. 'She will not be so fortunate when we next meet!'

'If you had just killed her that night,' Selena said, 'she never would have become the threat she poses today! Yet it was I who gave her the means to betray us. I must be the one to correct that mistake, and I will do so,' she resolved.

'Vlahos, the whole Empire knows you were in love with Lieutenant Pandemona,' he riposted. 'You could never deal the final blow.'

Selena did not respond.

Akechi spoke next. 'I shall be the one to confront the Stormbringer! We all know it was she who led Hikaru into that holocaust! It will be the only chance I have to redeem my family's honour!'

'I am equally to blame,' the Empress professed. 'I met her after her expedition to the Thunder Plains and did not recognise her. Although I only saw her for a few seconds upon this prairie, and it was nightfall. I assumed that her force wore Ramuh down enough so that she was able to draw his essence into magicite, and did not find her success suspicious. Nonetheless,' she continued, 'it is best if I destroy the Stormbringer myself. As Edea's daughter, she no doubt has the affinity to inherit the power of Rinoa or Selphie if they fall. And if that happens, she will pose an even greater threat to me. Fear not, the Stormbringer will meet her end by my hand!'

The words of the Sorceress put an end to the discussion.

With Eden's power, the Empress would be able to trap Alexander's essence, then cast one of her own spells to force him to show himself. She would overpower the Holy Sentinel with ease, and there would be no escape. As it happened, Ultimecia did not need to go to much extremity to force him to reveal himself. His enormous form materialised between them and the Valkyr, resembling a giant suit of three-quarter armour that even her iron giants would not fill, planted on the prairie with cannon-like arms.

Alexander made no move or preluding sound as off-white rays shot from openings on its body. They arched up and behind it, unimpeded by the Valkyr's shields as it blew the airship apart. It was a good job Mitsuhide had left the Valkyr, after all. The crew were not so fortunate. Then Alexander spoke to their minds in unison.

Reina, Agamemnon, Ialantha. You have returned.

'You know why we are here, Holy One!' Ultimecia called out, walking a few steps toward the GF. 'I possess the powers of Eden and Quistis, in addition to my own! You were no match for us twelve years ago, and it will not be a different outcome now!'

Quistis, Alexander spoke the name with reverence. Edea lent my power to that gallant SeeD before she journeyed to confront you in the future, for she lacked a powerful enough Guardian Force of her own. Quistis did not bear Hyne's power then, but she had all but mastered the Centran art of Blue Magic.

'And now Quistis has fallen beneath the blades of my Knight!' Ultimecia gloated. 'You cannot triumph over us, Alexander! I will give one chance to swear fealty and join me willingly, although you must reside within my magicite until my conquest is complete!'

I met your future self in that cataclysmic battle. As well as Eden, and your false image of Griever. I recognised you immediately when I first saw you on this prairie; Ultimecia, the trueborn heir of Adel. I know first-hand that you can be defeated. Your power has grown exponentially, but I do not fear you.

Off-white light surrounded Alexander.

I have but one opportunity to absolve my shame for my decision twelve orbits prior. I failed to protect Edea, whom I had watched over since she was a child. I failed to protect Cid and Tyris. I failed to protect the orphans. Worst of all, I failed Eden and Griever.

Ultimecia's brow raised at the mention of the fantastical Winged Lion. 'Griever! Where is he?'

You will not learn where he slumbers, for I do not know myself. I was not entrusted with the location. Eden may be your slave, but he will never share it with you. And when the Winged Lion finally awakens to what you have done with my brethren, not even the Great Hyne will be able to save you.

'If Hyne ever returns to this realm, I will be more than His match!' Ultimecia derided. 'This is your last chance, Holy One! Join with me!'

In response, Alexander's chest plates slid aside to reveal a circular hole, and there was a sudden crescendo of charging energy. White light rapidly formed a large sphere of raw holy power in front of his massive form. When this sphere stopped expanding, a broad beam shot from its centre at Ultimecia's chest. She was ready for it, using Eden to place an indomitable barrier before her party. Alexander must have been pouring his august power into this aura cannon, as it gradually became broader in intensity, threatening to envelope them all. Yet it could not break Eden's barrier.

The Empress calmly waited for Alexander to break off the attack as the others shifted behind her. Christophe remained by her side. Mitsuhide drew Murasame and held it before him, even though he could not hope to make a difference. Eventually, as Alexander's vast reserves of energy ran dry, the ray dissipated. As soon as this happened, Alexander began to lumber on his huge arms toward them.

Ultimecia summoned Eden. A single energy beam came from the angelic figure at Eden's base, mirroring Alexander's in intensity but silver in colour. Alexander's fortress-body rapidly transformed to form a huge kite shield at its apex. Though he could not withstand the concentrated beam from his Elder in such a depleted state, and staggered. After a few seconds, the shield shattered, and his chest plate was struck full on. Alexander made no audible sound as Eden's attack passed through his centre mass. His whole form shattered, replaced by a pale mist that Ultimecia wasted no time in drawing into magicite.

'Pitiful!' she said as she did so. 'Mitsuhide, the Holy Sentinel is yours to command! Do not disappoint me!'

'I will not fail you, Your Grace,' Mitsuhide replied, as he took the offered crystal.

Before departing Esthar City, Mitsuhide had visited the renowned Don Juan for a gauntlet he had requested. He wore this black gauntlet on his left arm, and it was somewhat larger than his other, ruby one. On the outer side was an indentation where he placed the crystal containing Alexander. Slavery had been forbidden within his ancestral Albatross Archipelago, before the strategically placed islands had been continually passed between Esthar and the Holy Dollet Empire. If he were going to be the puppeteer of a GF against its will, he would wear the magicite outwardly as a badge of shame. Despite the Empress now advising them not to have them in sight.

'Don't bother calling the Airstation,' Ultimecia said. 'We will just have to travel back the unglamorous way. If you will summon Doomtrain, Christophe.'

'As soon as you're ready, Your Grace,' the Knight answered.

The Empress now looked down at beach. 'Christophe, is this truly where I have my castle built?'

'It is, Your Grace,' he confirmed. 'It's an impressive fortress. Gothic, not to my tastes, but built in your own image. It extends from this very prairie to the lighthouse over yonder, which you toppled yourself.'

'Then it shall be so,' the Empress resolved. 'Centra is one of the most beautiful backdrops of this realm, crying out for the descendants of my grandsire's empire to repopulate it. Edea chose her abode well, as shall I.'

(A/N: Those of you from my generation may have got it, but Mitsuhide's gauntlet is a reference to the Onimusha games. The series protagonist Samanosuke was based on the real-life Mitsuhide of the Akechi clan. I used to love Onimusha, and considering the popularity of Ghost of Tsushima, I hope it gets a reboot someday.)