Well, I think we all know what's coming now, so let's just head on right in.

Those who Remain

I still remember it very clearly, like it was only yesterday when the Warrior of Light and her allies attacked the Vault on that late afternoon to rescue Ser Aymeric and bring the Archbishop to justice.

We all knew what was at stake; knew the consequences of our actions not only for ourselves but for all of Ishgard. Yet not even the Fury herself could have prepared me for the news that arrived after the battle was over.

To serve; to protect; to sacrifice. These were a knight's calling.

Haurchefant's calling. One that he upheld until the very end, giving his life to protect someone dear to him.

Even as I write these words, the pain of that day still resonates deep within me, like an old wound that would fade but never truly heal until I will breathe my last.

Blinded as I was by grief, I had not considered how she must have felt at the time.

S'eni...didn't know what to do. All the words she wanted to say were stuck inside her throat. The leather of her gloves scrunched as she balled her shaking hands into fists. Her eyes closed shut, she gritted her teeth painfully, and she could only listen while Count Edmont mourned the loss of his son.

Each sob was like a knife, wedging itself deep inside her, but instead of pain, there was only numbness left in its wake, spreading through her entire body.

After agonizing moments that felt like an eternity, she heard steps on the carpeted floor, followed by a voice.

"Father..." Somehow managing to open her eyes again, S'eni saw Artoirel kneeling next to his father on the ground, his hand placed on a shaking shoulder. The count didn't react, didn't even seem to notice the presence of his oldest son. They were soon joined by the Firmien, kneeling on the other side of the man.

Together, they managed to lift Count Edmont to his feet and walk him slowly towards the back. As they reached the double doors, hurriedly being opened by young Honoroit, Artoirel gave them all an apologetic look that belied his own sadness before walking through.

It was time for them to leave. But her legs refused to move, keeping her rooted to the spot. Her eyes were focused on the count's walking cane that he always carried around, now lying discarded on the ground.

A hand on her arm made her jump and she sharply exhaled the breath that she didn't know she was holding as she found herself able to move once more. Slowly, she turned her head to look at the owner of the hand.

It was Alphinaud.

"Let's go," he said, his eyes downcast. Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded, and, together with Tataru, they left.

The news of what had transpired inside the Vault had traveled fast, leaving the streets of the Pillars mostly empty. As the three of them gathered in front of the manor, none of them spoke. Tataru was still silently crying, and for once even Alphinaud seemed to be at a loss for what to say.

Minutes that felt like an eternity passed, with only the cold evening wind as their companion, but she didn't even register it even as her cheeks were starting to grow pink. Eventually, though, her friends managed to compose themselves and Alphinaud began to speak.

"I think we should—"

"No!" S'eni cut him off, making the young man look at her in shock. Her mouth opened and closed a few times as she looked between him and Tataru. "I—I'm sorry!"

Shaking her head, she turned around and ran.

"S'eni!" she could hear the Lalafel cry after her, but she was too fast for her two companions to catch up to. Her feet carried her past the Saint Reymanaud Cathedral and through the Jeweled Crozier, brushing past the few people that were out and about right now.

Only when she had made it down into the Foundation, did she allow herself to slow down and catch her breath. S'eni felt the drumming beat of her heart inside her chest as she looked around. She was near the Skysteel Manufactory.

She raised a shaking hand to run it through her hair, only to notice that she was still balling both of them into fists. Closing her eyes, she took a slow deep breath, holding it for a moment before exhaling again, then starting anew.

Inhale. Exhale.

Inhale. Exhale.

Just like she had been taught.

Little by little, S'eni felt a calm spread throughout her entire body, easing, if not quelling, the storm raging deep inside her.

With a final exhale passing her lips, she opened her eyes once more and uncurled her now steady hands, looking at them. There were deep marks in the leather resting against her palms and if not for the sturdy material, she was sure she would have drawn blood as her nails dug deep into her skin.

She raised her gaze up at the darkening sky, watching as the first stars started to twinkle into existence and hoping for an answer to be found there.

But there wasn't.

Releasing a sigh, she looked away and began to walk down the street leading past the manufactory towards the Holy Stables. Upon arriving, she saw that the yard usually filled with Chocobos being trained was lying empty. The birds had no doubt been put inside during the unrest Hilda and her people had started hours earlier, to serve as a distraction for their attack on the Vault.

It didn't take long for her to find what she was looking for, having been here rather recently, and soon enough she was standing in front of the stables reserved for the Chocobos of House Fortemps. Warmth flooded from the inside as she pushed the doors open, and a chorus of curious chirps echoed in her direction as multiple fluffy feathered heads peeked out from their stalls to see who was making noise.

They looked at her as she passed them, a few of them clicking their tongues in a friendly manner to get her attention, and while she would have otherwise loved to shower them with it, she was here for a very specific one. A black Chocobo that was nestled in the back, that started to chatter in excitement at the sight of her; Zack.

While others would give their steeds exotic and powerful sounding names, she had opted for something simple and easy to remember. Besides, he seemed to like it.

"Hey, big guy," she said, reaching her hand out as he lowered his head to pet him. A little smile formed on her lips at the cooing sound he made. "I'm sorry that I couldn't take you with me. Next time you're coming too, I promise."

"Wark!" was his excited response.

"That's what I like to hear." S'eni chuckled, giving him one last pat before reaching into the bag at her hip, pulling out a handful of his favorite greens. "Attention!"

Zack immediately straightened up, his wings resting against his side and raising his head like a disciplined soldier. Waiting for a moment to see if he would grow impatient, she eventually tossed the vegetable into the air where it was swiftly caught by his beak.

"Good boy." She took a step closer and started to stroke his neck while he ate. Despite not having been trained by her, he was as obedient as they came. All thanks to his original trainer.

Her expression darkened once again as her thoughts returned to Haurchefant, how eager he had been when he presented Zack to her only minutes after her victory in trial by combat. Not even the scolding he received by the knight on guard duty, for bringing a Chocobo to the Sacred Tribunal, could deter his high spirits.

And now he was dead.

A soft bump against the side of her head pulled her out of her reverie and made her look up into Zack's round, dark eyes.

"Kweh..." he lowered his head to gently brush it against hers.

The corners of her lips curled into a sad smile, before circling her arms around his long neck and burying her face into the plumage at its nape. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth he was radiating wash over and comfort her.

"I must be such a sorry sight," she murmured. His only response was to coo once more, causing the feathers against her face to tickle her. Despite herself, she released a little laugh and she could feel her spirits being lifted a tiny bit.

Bless this Chocobo.

She remained like this for a while longer before letting go, looking at him with a grateful smile dancing on her lips.

"Thank you," S'eni said as she took a step back. Her hand reached back into her bag and produced another vegetable that he eagerly ate up. With a sigh, she turned her eyes back to the stable doors. "I have to go. There's something I need to do, but I'll promise to be back soon, and then we're going on a ride."

"Wark!"

"Good." She gave him one final pat goodbye, then left the stables. As soon as she was outside, her eyes turned eastward.

Like the Pillars above, there were hardly any people about as this very eventful day was coming to an end, most of them opting to stay at home if they could, though even with the commotion earlier there were still a few brave ones about that wouldn't be deterred out of having a drink at the Forgotten Knight; or perhaps they just didn't have any other place to turn to.

S'eni stopped when she arrived at the Congregation of the Knights Most Heavenly. Her ears twitched a little as she picked up the hustle and bustle from the inside, the Temple Knights still loyal to Ser Aymeric no doubt being busy now that their commander was back with them.

As she entered, she spotted a group of them huddled around a large table, Lucia at the head and giving out instructions. The tall woman had just given two knights an order when she looked up to see who had just entered. Their eyes met for a moment and she gave S'eni a respectful nod.

Deciding not to bother Lucia in her duties until she absolutely needed to, S'eni started to look around. It didn't take long for her to find what she was looking for, as the two Fortemps knights standing guard stood out in their houses' colors amongst the white and blue of the Temple Knights.

"I wish to see him," she said after she came to a stop in front of them.

"I'm sorry, but we were strictly told—" he was cut off by a hand being placed on his shoulder, making him turn to look at his fellow knight. The other man simply shook his head before nodding towards the door. A frown formed on the first one's face and lowered his gaze to the ground for a moment, before nodding and opening the door for her. "Very well. But please, don't disturb him."

"I won't," she promised and stepped inside. After the door closed behind her, she looked around. It was a regular-sized chamber reserved for officers, with a table, a chair, and a bed. On any other day, the room would have a warm feel to it, she was sure, but the sight of what was lying on top of the bed made the entire room feel freezing cold even by Ishgard standards.

A blanket was placed on top of him, respectfully covering him from head to toe, but even with his face obscured, S'eni could tell the expression on it; serene, almost as if he was sleeping. Just like when he had slipped away as she held his hand.

Pulling over the chair, she sat down next to the bed. After a while of simply looking at his form, she released a shuddering breath and spoke.

"What should I do now?" She asked him, her fingers digging into the blue fabric of her cuirass. "I don't know what to do! Some kind of hero I turned out to be!"

Again, someone had to sacrifice themselves because she wasn't strong enough.

She grit her teeth, slamming her eyes shut to suppress the burning feeling inside them.

Everyone was leaving her. Like an avalanche, memories of her friends crashed down upon her, forcing themselves into her mind.

Thancred with two easy to impress ladies on each of his arms listening to his every word.

Papalymo and Yda bickering as they did so often.

Minfilia's eager expression as she passionately talked with her.

Y'shtola with a cup of tea giving her one of those rare, genuine smiles.

Shtola… if only she was here with her. But she wasn't; maybe she was already dead too...

No, no, she can't—

A feeling suddenly came over her, like a hand placing itself onto her shoulder. Her eyes shooting open, she looked behind her. Nothing, yet the feeling remained, wrapping itself around her like a warm blanket on a bitter, cold night.

"A smile better suits a hero," it echoed deep inside her mind. His last words to her, before the light, had forever left his eyes.

Ever since they had become friends, Haurchefant had never stopped believing in her, supporting her whenever he could, even going so far as to give her shelter when she was wanted for a crime she hadn't committed.

Even in his last moments, he encouraged her to never stop looking forward; to never give up.

And...that was what she would do. She owed him that much.

She wouldn't let his sacrifice be in vain.

Just as suddenly as it had come, the feeling dispersed once again, taking with it that weight that had threatened to crush her.

Slowly, she started to rise back to her feet and looked at Haurchefant. Closing her eyes, she raised her hand and uttered a silent prayer. Upon opening them again, she turned around and walked over to the door.

"For those we have lost..." S'eni found herself saying as her hand came to rest on the door handle. "For those we can yet save."

Sending Haurchefant one final look, she left the room. Once outside, she looked at each of the two knights, only now recognising them from her stay at Camp Dragonhead. "Thank you," she said to them.

They nodded, then, just as she was leaving, the one that had remained silent the entire time spoke up.

"Make them pay for what they've done!"

Glancing over her shoulder, she looked him in the eyes and gave him a resolute nod, her jaw set. "I will."

After saying those words, she headed back to the main hall where she ran into Alphinaud.

"S'eni!" he called out to her, eyes lighting up upon seeing her, but swiftly averted his gaze. "I'm sorry. Haurchefant was a dear friend to you. I should have realized you needed a moment to yourself."

"Don't worry. I'm al—" she shook her head. "No, that's a lie. I'm not alright, but we have more important things to do. What brings you here?"

"I wanted to see how Ser Aymeric is doing and speak to him should his wounds permit it." The young Elezen looked at her with searching eyes. "Since you're already here, would you like to join me?"

"Yes, I do."

"Very well, then let's go."

Giving him a nod, S'eni fell in step next to him as they headed towards the Lord Commander's chambers.

It was time to learn what the Archbishop was planning.

Haurchefant's death is probably one of the most important moments from the game, so it was only natural to feature a chapter on that as well.

So long my friend, dead but never forgotten.

Anyway, that's it for this week. Next week...well I suppose we can look forward to next week.

See ya!