Burning Skies
When the Final Days arrived in my time, it was a slow process. Small, singular events that did not appear connected, some of which were even investigated by a certain fourteenth seat. Eventually, though, the very skies were set ablaze and our own powers turned against us, creating terrible monsters from the depths of our nightmares.
Those very same horrors now haunted Thavnair, and the beautiful blue sky you saw when you first arrived was now covered in black clouds, while fire was raining down upon it. What, I wonder, will you do? What can anyone do when faced with such calamity?
Thunder rumbled through the air, as loud as the heaviest of sea storms. But instead of rain falling down, it was fire, and instead of a cold torrent of air, there was an oppressive heat in the air. For a brief moment, she wondered: what had the Ancients felt when first laying eyes upon this sight?
Twelve forfend... It was just like what Emet-Selch had shown them in Amaurot, just like the premonitions she had ever since defeating Zodiark. And as real as those felt, they weren't. But this...this was real. The Final Days had arrived.
And much sooner than any of them had anticipated.
According to Ahewann, it had begun with a single, loud cry in the middle of the night, seemingly from within the depths of the island. Then the fire and the nightmarish beasts appeared, and that was also where the difference between the Final Days of the Ancients and now their own showed itself. Without the magic of creation going haywire, it was the very people that turned into these monsters. It was the worst possible outcome she could imagine.
Was that why you planned for us to flee? She wondered, hand going to the small bag at the back of her hip where Hydaelyn's flower rested. Because you knew it could be our own friends and families that would turn into our enemies?
For a brief moment, her mind flashed to a certain small island in the Rhotano Sea, and her hand tightened into a fist. They were safe for now, blissfully ignorant of the coming apocalypse, but how long would that last? How long until this would spread to the other corners of the world?
Tearing her gaze away from the sight, she offered a silent prayer to Azeyma to watch over them, before deeply exhaling and moving over to the pier where the others had gathered together with Ahewann by a boat. When she arrived, her eyes sought out those of Y'shtola, taking comfort in the steely resolution inside them. She gave her a silent nod and came to a stop next to her.
"Everyone has gathered, yes? Then let us review our plan," the Au Ra said. "I would have you board this boat and have you circle around to the north end of the island. There you will find a dense jungle we call Vanaspati. It is a sacred wood, home to many temples and a number of villages. Vrtra and the Radiant Host have already gone there ahead of us. Please, join them and do all in your power to destroy this Blasphemy."
The Blasphemy in question seemed to be the strongest of the creatures so far, dubbed that way for its appearance being a twisted reflection of Thavnair's gods, and had first been seen in Radz-at-Han. And as bad as the situation was, getting rid of it was the biggest priority right now. "Don't worry, we'll take care of it," she assured him.
"Thank you. I pray we are not too late to spare the settlements within Vanaspati the fate that has befallen our city..."
They got onto the boat and soon after set sail for the north of the island. Looking out into the distance, S'eni saw that it would still be some time until they arrived at their destination and looked for a spot to sit down. Once doing so, she closed her eyes and simply listened to the chatter of the others. But it was soon faded out by the rumbling from the sky and the faint roars of the creatures in the distance. Sometimes she really hated that Miqo'te ears could hear so well.
Yet they also made her aware of Y'shtola's steps coming towards her, and she immediately scooted over to wordlessly offer her a seat. "That respite turned out to be all too brief, didn't it?" she asked, opening her eyes again to look at Y'shtola.
"It certainly did."
"Good thing we managed to make some time for ourselves when we did." She smiled slightly, but couldn't get herself to keep it up for more than a second and sighed instead. Her eyes went back towards the fiery sky. "I just don't understand why it's starting here."
"Given what the Watcher told us, there might be a stagnancy of aether in the skies above Radz-at-Han that causes the celestial currents to be especially weak here. Something not even Vrtra knew about. But it's too early to make any assumptions. We can discuss things further once we've taken care of the immediate threat."
"Hm." S'eni nodded and didn't say anything further. They watched in silence as the coastline gave way to dense woods, and the unnatural sounds produced by the creatures were slowly coming closer to her ears. She tilted her head slightly to glance in the direction of the others, each busy with their own preparations.
She then closed her eyes once more...and began to breathe.
Inhale. Exhale.
Inhale. Exhale.
Inhale. Exhale.
...She was ready.
Eventually, the boat turned into a river, leading deeper into the jungle. The air became filled with embers carried by the wind and the heat grew around them even before the first fires came into sight. When they disembarked on a small pier, S'eni turned towards the others with a grim face.
"Thancred, Shtola, and Raha, you're with me. Estinien, Alphinaud, and Alisaie, you'll bring up the rear and get as many people to safety as you can—" an almost ear-piercing roar went through the air, and they all looked up to see a huge, snake-like creature make a turn in the sky, granting them a glimpse of its nightmarish visage before flying away. She narrowed her eyes. "—we'll take care of the big one!"
Splitting off from their friends, the four of them hurried down the nearby pathway, following the screams and sounds of battle. People passed by them, stumbling and looking over their shoulders in a panic, some even calling after them not to head that way. When they rushed up the hill where the worst of the fighting seemed to take place, they came to a sudden halt when they saw Vrtra's giant form, standing protectively in front of a group of villagers and wounded Host members while a whole pack of creatures were mauling him.
"Vrtra!" she shouted.
"My friends, heed me!" he called back. "These are children of Thavnair!"
"Thancred!"
"On it!" Gunblade in hand, he jumped into the group and dispersed it with an explosive strike, creating enough space for the rest of them to place themselves in front of the dragon.
"Forgive me...I could do them no harm..."
"I understand," S'eni said, kicking out her leg to catch one of the beasts mid-air and sending it hurling into a nearby tree. "We'll take care of them."
For a mercy, at least these creatures seemed to be no more a threat than any other beast they had faced and were swiftly taken care of, their bodies dissolving into a black mist almost as soon as they collapsed on the ground. She lowered her arms and turned towards Vrtra. "Are you alright?"
"'Tis but scratches," he assured her.
She then looked towards the group of people. "Can you walk?" she asked the wounded among them, who nodded shakily. Seemed like the shock was the worst of it. She pointed to the way they had come from. "Follow that path. Our companions will get you to safety!"
Not needing to be told that twice, the group ran away. When they were gone, Vrtra lowered his head, resignation reflected in his single eye. She reached out a comforting hand and placed it upon one of his legs.
"If this is the only way..."
"I'm sorry," she said.
He closed his eye, something akin to a sigh escaping him. When he opened it again, the resignation was replaced with determination. "...I shall silence the beasts of the air. Pray continue onward!"
She nodded, stepping backwards, and he took to the sky. As soon as he was gone, she turned to the others, only to find that Y'shtola was standing a good distance away, staring at the spot where one of the creatures had dissolved just mere moments ago. Frowning, S'eni called out her name, making Y'shtola jump a little and whirl back towards them.
"What's wrong?" S'eni asked.
"I—" Y'shtola began, but swiftly shook her head. "No, no. There's no time for that now. We should hurry."
With raised brows, she watched her lover step away from the spot and walk ahead. She looked at G'raha and Thancred, who were just as confused as she was. What was that about?
With a cry, S'eni foot collided with the Blasphemy's head, snapping its horn and making its serpentine form reel back. Seeing his opening, Thancred slashed his Gunblade across its exposed stomach, pulling the trigger and cutting a large gash into scaled skin. A stream of blood began to pour out of the, but almost as soon as it hit the ground, it began to evaporate the same way the smaller creatures did.
"Shtola, now!" she shouted and jumped back together with Thancred. Immediately, the air around the Blasphemy began to ripple and turn, spinning inwards like a coil before expanding in an explosion of pure destructive energy. The creature roared out in pain as the magic burned away its mane and the multiple maws and half-faces within it. It flapped its leathery wings in an attempt to get away, but to no avail, and, a few seconds later, collapsed on the stony ground.
Releasing a breath, S'eni dropped her arms and looked around what was left of the temple. It had already been in a bad shape when they arrived, but their battle hadn't done the place any favours. She just hoped that the gods of Thavnair would overlook it this once, given the circumstances.
Footsteps then echoed through the air, followed by Alphinaud's voice calling out to them. She turned around to see him, Alisaie and Estinien making their way towards them. When they arrived, she asked, "How is it looking?"
"We met up with part of the Radiant Host and brought as many people to safety as we could," Alisaie replied, then turned her gaze towards the large beast lying in front of the group. "...so that's the Blasphemy. It looks even more fearsome up close."
S'eni nodded and looked towards it as well. Like with the other beasts, it was beginning to evaporate into a black mist. Then, all of a sudden, its main maw began to move.
"The..cccccon...sortium...must...prrrrr...otect it..." S'eni could only stare at it, heartbeat thrumming in her ears as it uttered those words. They felt so...familiar. With a last, agonizing wail, it exploded into a black cloud that, upon dissolving, left nothing but the destruction it had caused in its wake.
"I was right, then," Y'shtola exclaimed suddenly. "By the gods..."
"What do you mean?" Alphinaud asked.
"The Blasphemy...it was lying right there." She pointed over to the space it had occupied until just this moment. "And now it's gone, correct?"
"Didn't you—are you saying you couldn't see it?" Thancred frowned.
"This beast, and all the others that were turned, I see them because I can't see them. They possess no aether. To my eyes, they appear as a blind spot."
"So that's why you were staring at the spot where we slew the first of them," S'eni said, jaw dropping slightly. No aether. How was that even possible?
"But...what does that mean?" Alphinaud wondered.
"Remember what the Watcher told us...the Ancients realized that the destruction of the star began in places where the celestial currents had grown weak," Y'shtola said. "And now my suspicions are confirmed. When someone turns into one of these beasts, their aether withers away. Their body and soul, nothing remains. Absolutely nothing."
"But many of the creatures we fought, and even the Blasphemy just now, they talked!" Alisaie countered. "Somewhere inside of them there has to be something of their old selves!"
"Correct. Until everything has rotted away. But even that is but a fleeting shadow of their former selves."
"That..." the young woman's eyes widened. "Then there's no cure...?"
Y'shtola averted her eyes. "At least not with the methods in our possession. Though...no...there can't be any. One cannot heal what is entirely gone."
"Not even a soul left that could return to the Aetherial Sea..." G'raha said and a heavy silence draped itself over their group.
No soul left... Not even a chance of being reborn into a new life. S'eni shuddered at the thought. She couldn't think of a worse fate.
The sound of large wings filled the silence, and soon after the temple ground underneath their feet shook as Vrtra landed next to them.
"These beasts march on without end still..." he said. "Even with this false god slain, there is no end to them."
Indeed. Even now the skies were swarmed by flying creatures. Thankfully, they didn't seem to pay any attention to them.
The dragon lowered his head. "They were once children of Thavnair! And now mine fangs and claws are stained by their blood..."
"Vrtra! My friends, you are safe!" She heard Ahewann call out as he rushed over, flanked by two officers of the Radiant Host.
"Is it safe for Vrtra to be seen like this?" Estinien immediately asked upon seeing the two soldiers.
"Do not worry. They are trusted friends, and know the truth. But this long-held secret must now be unveiled," the Au Ra replied, before facing Vrtra and lowering himself to his knee in respect. "Great Vrtra! Screams of fear and anguish are echoing through the streets of Radz-at-Han. Our fair city needs a strong leader now more than ever. I beg you...please reveal your true self to the people for our salvation."
"What foolishness, Ahewann...'tis fear speaking through you," Vrtra responded after a brief silence. "Revealing that their Satrap is a beast would do naught but foster confusion and chaos. Nay, I shall remain the Satrap's loyal ally and do battle with the beasts. Easing hearts and leading people is your task. And yours alone."
The Great Wyrm looked towards them.
"I ask that you remain at Ahewann's side, and render to him what aid you may. I know not what lies ahead, but without you, Radz-at-Han will not survive."
He turned around and lowered his body a little to take flight once more, only to be stopped by Estinien's words. "...Take me with you. Fighting in the air is one of my specialities."
"Didst you not listen? You are to stay at Ahewann's side. I require no assistance in slaying these beasts."
"Estinien! Catch!" Thancred said and tossed something over to the Dragoon, who caught it with a curious look. "One of our linkpearls you've been dodging all this time. It's best if we stay in contact with Vrtra, and the easiest way is for you to stay with him. Besides, it'll keep you from getting lonely. We all know how much you loathe that."
Estinien chuckled and looked back towards Vrtra.
"There you have it. Resistance is futile, honorable Satrap," he said and pocketed the Linkpearl.
"Then I hope your grip is strong. Be it on your head dost you chance to fall."
"Fair enough—" Estinien shrugged. "—shall we then?"
They watched their friend jump onto Vrtra's back before taking to the sky together. After a few seconds, Ahewann spoke up again, clearly not pleased with Vrtra's decision to keep their secret. "Apologies...as the great Vrtra was saying, we will not be able to survive this on our own. I hope I can count on your continued support."
"Of course," Alphinaud said. "That is why we are here."
"Once again, I owe you my gratitude. Let us return to Radz-at-Han and plan our next course of action."
They left the temple. For now, that was all they could do here. The entire journey back to the boat, and from there to Radz-at-Han, was spent in silence, and S'eni spent most of it just staring at the flames as they passed by. How many people had lost their lives today, she couldn't tell, but she knew—
Her face darkened.
—it would be more before this was over.
Only when they had stepped into the city proper, did she speak again, taking a long look around the vicinity and releasing a deep sigh before doing so. "Maybe it was never meant to be..."
"What was never meant to be?" Y'shtola, who had noticed her dark mood and had stayed by her side since getting off the boat, asked.
"Seeing Radz-at-Han the way my father did. All lustrous and buzzing with activity. First the tower, now this." She looked up at the burning sky. "Perhaps I really am cursed."
A hand placed itself on her shoulder and she lowered her gaze to meet Y'shtola's eyes. She reached up to give her lover's hand a squeeze, then asked, "How are you feeling? You seemed quite shaken there yourself."
"I'd be lying if I said my discovery didn't disturb me," Y'shtola replied with a sigh of her own. "But as it stands, we have little time to dwell on it. Right now, figuring out what exactly causes it is of the utmost importance. And I believe the best way to do that is to find out more about where this Blasphemy came from."
Despite herself, S'eni found a smile creeping onto her lips, and the tension in her shoulders subsided, if only a little. Y'shtola mirrored her expression, giving her arm an affectionate squeeze as she lowered her hand, then nodded in the direction of Alphinaud, who had just finished talking with Ahewann. "Come. It seems like our young friend already has something in mind."
She gave an affirmative hum and began following the other Miqo'te. As they made their way over, her thoughts drifted back to the Blasphemy. Or rather, its last words.
It had mentioned a consortium. Something in the back of her mind tingled at that. It was familiar, but she couldn't put a finger on it.
Just who were you...?