Unto the Heavens
Dawn breaks upon a new day. And so it begins...the journey into the great unknown...
S'eni slowly opened her eyes, a tiny groan escaping her as the fog of sleep drifted from her mind. She looked about for a few seconds, letting her vision adjust to her waking state, then lowered her gaze to the arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close. After a moment of simply lying there and enjoying the closeness, she turned around in Y'shtola's embrace to find silvery-white eyes already watching her. She reached out and gently brushed a few locks of stray hair out of her lover's face, and smiled. Y'shtola returned it with one of her own, the tenseness of the previous night gone.
Not uttering a single word, they remained like this, simply embracing one another. Until, at long last, a knock resounded from the door. A little sigh escaped S'eni and she raised her head.
"Yes?" she called out, but there was little point in asking.
"I'm sorry for the disturbance." It was Ojika. "But Krile sent me to wake you all up. She is asking for your presence in the main hall."
"Tell her we're coming," Y'shtola told him.
"Very well," he said, soon followed by his tiny footsteps heading down the hallway.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, S'eni found herself grinning and quipped, "I think we've done enough of that during the night."
Y'shtola groaned at that and, with a muttered "Honestly", untangled herself from S'eni and got out of bed. With a chuckle, she watched her walk over to where their clothes had been unceremoniously discarded and began to dress. Sitting up, she stretched herself and got out of bed as well.
"I'll go on ahead," the other Miqo'te said, adjusting the feathers in her hair before grabbing her staff.
"Sure, I'll be along shortly." Stopping in front of the table where she had placed Tataru's box, she listened to Y'shtola leave, then began to open it. She reached inside and pulled out a cyclas of the finest quality, dyed a deep red and adorned with golden flames at the lower part. Befitting for a true disciple of the Fist of Rhalgr. She put it on and, looking at herself in the mirror, found that it fit her perfectly. She smiled. You really are the best Tataru.
After putting on a nice pair of shorts that offered maximum maneuverability, she slipped into thigh-high boots and long, fingerless gloves, followed by a pair of fitted gauntlets. Clenching and unclenching her fists, she jumped up and down a few times and nodded in satisfaction. Her eyes landed on her discarded clothes on the ground and she picked them up with a little chuckle, placing them neatly on a chair. "I'll be back for you later."
Once she had made sure she had everything in order, S'eni left her room and began to make her way to the main hall. When she arrived at the doors leading to it, she closed her eyes...and breathed.
Inhale. Exhale.
Inhale. Exhale.
Inhale. Exhale.
She opened them again and stepped through the doors. The others had already gathered, making her the last to arrive, but apart from a brief look towards her, none of them said a word. Only when S'eni took her place at the head of their group, did Y'shtola break the silence.
"How often has fate brought us together like this?" she asked. "And how many times have we deliberated on a course of action to face our enemies head first?"
"More than we can count, that much is clear," Thancred replied, his arms crossed in front of his chest. "We have come far since our times in the Waking Sands. Back then we had no idea what our journey would bring."
"'Twas not long ere our deeds lead us to the Risings Stones. Many a time its halls bore witness to much sorrow, yet, just as much, 'twas where we commemorated our greatest victories," Urianger added.
"And it was not even the only station on our long journey," Alphinaud said. "In the Falling Snows at Camp Dragonhead, we found shelter in our darkest time. Just as we did in the manor of House Fortemps. We were always fortunate to encounter people willing to lend their aid. Even in distant Kugane. Who would have thought that the East Aldenard Trading Company would one day count amongst our allies?"
"Don't forget the long days inside the Crystarium's Ocular, where we defied all danger and made the impossible possible," G'raha said.
"And now we've gathered here once more, ready to face our greatest challenge," Alisaie said.
Krile then looked at each and every one of them, and nodded. "The Forum has sent word that the preparations for the ark are finished. The Lopporits will man and fly it to the edge of the universe, Ultima Thule. You, the eight chosen from the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, will be the sole passengers, and you have one mission: find Meteion, and defeat her," she said. "Before embarking, the Forum has asked to meet you one final time within Labyrinthos. To make sure that none of you have any doubts and that you are aware of the consequences of this mission."
They all exchanged looks with one another, and it was Y'shtola who replied, "I believe that won't be necessary."
"I see. Then allow me to send you off with one final thing." Krile closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. When she opened them again, they held a look of pure steel in them. "You must win. These words might have a different meaning for each of you. For one, it might mean to stop the Final Days, while for another it's the wish to return safely. And yet another might hold motives within their hearts only they know. Nevertheless, I trust every single one of you, and I know you are ready to give it your all. The people of this world are united by the hope of your victory. That is why you must win."
S'eni's eyes met those of Krile, holding her gaze for a few long seconds, before nodding and looking at the others. "Let's go," she said and they all turned around to leave—
"Uh...a moment...if I may..."
—only to stop at Tataru's words. The Lalafel stepped forward, hands folded in front of her chest and eyes filled with worry. She briefly licked her lips nervously before speaking.
"Krile has actually said everything already, but as the Scions' receptionist I have one last request." A smile then formed on her lips. "Please, everyone, come back safe."
Taken aback at first, S'eni then stepped forward with a smile of her own and knelt down next to Tataru. "Ever since I first set foot into the Waking Sands all those years ago, you have always greeted everyone with a smile. Even after my return, despite having forgotten one another, you were the first to welcome me. You, too, have come so far. I mean, some of us are wearing literal proof of it right now." Reaching out her hand, she placed it on top of Tataru's folded ones. "You are far more than just our receptionist. You are our friend, no, family, and we promise to come back safe and sound. So be sure to welcome us back with that same smile."
After giving her friend's hands a gentle squeeze, she rose back up and turned to face the others. The serious expressions each of them had held on their face were replaced by warm smiles. Now everything that needed to be said had been said.
They were ready.
Thaumazein was abuzz as they stepped inside. Friends and members of the project alike had come here together to see them off. Fourchenault, as overseer of the construction and representative of the Forum, stood in front of the ark and turned around upon their arrival. He waited until they came to a stop, eyes briefly going over to his kids, before speaking up.
"That is everyone. Very good," he said. "All preparations are complete. The coordinates have been entered and the ark is ready for flight."
"It certainly was another race against time. And we all worked ourselves to the bone..." another voice said, accompanied by footsteps. Glancing over her shoulder, S'eni saw Cid coming towards them with Biggs, Wedge, and Nero in tow. Raising his gaze to the ark, a smirk that belied his complaints formed on his lips though. "But it was worth it. What you're seeing here is nothing less than a flying marvel. Form, function, and, above all, safety in one perfect package. No doubt about it, this deserves the Garlond Ironworks' seal of approval!"
G'raha chuckled. "You truly have outdone yourself, Cid. We cannot thank you enough for what you have done."
"Don't mention it. Ever since the whole Omega fiasco, I couldn't get the thought of traveling the stars out of my head." Cid looked over to Alpha and the tiny toy Omega Weapon. Noticing that they were suddenly the center of attention, they turned towards them. "Sure, I would have liked to build the ship under better circumstances, but it was still an educational experience, let me tell you. As for the payment: when you've finally saved the world, you owe me a nice cold ale and a great story. Seems fair?"
S'eni shot him a grin. "More than fair!"
"That reminds me..." Cid turned his attention to Fourchenault. "Have you given it a name yet?"
"A name?" Alisaie asked, eyebrows rising.
"Yes. Since its purpose has changed. And it ought to be one that fits."
"Well, this ship was created by the cooperation of many. One that would have never come to pass without the Scions. But there is another important factor that made all of this possible in the first place..." Fourchenault said and turned around to look at the ark. "Let us remember Dalamud, whose fragments provided us not only with the necessary refined adamantite, but also the knowledge to travel the sea of stars. One of these fragments fell into the sea not far from here shortly after my father laid down his life protecting the world at Carteneau. And now that I look upon our finished work, I cannot help but wonder if it was more than mere happenstance...that perhaps it was one last guiding nudge of my brave father."
Looking up at the ship as well, S'eni smiled. The testament to man's ingenuity, created by people from all over the world. Used not to flee, but to fight for the future of all. Yes, she liked the thought that, perhaps, Louisoix had his own part in all of this.
Fourchenault turned around. "In honor of his deeds, and in the hopes that his guidance will see you all safely home, I would name them after the very same fragment he delivered to us. From this day forth, the symbol of our hope shall bear the name Ragnarok."
A round of smiles and nods followed, and the man looked over to his children with warmth in his eyes. The moment, though, was swiftly broken by Sicard's voice booming through Thaumazein. "Sorry for the wait! I got everyone you asked for, and not one less."
Turning around, S'eni's eyes widened when she saw not only the pirate walking in together with Soroban, but representatives of all other tribes as well. From Amalj'aa, Sahagin, Kobolds and Sylphs, to even Moogles. Everyone was present. Alphinaud, too, had a similar reaction.
"W-What are you all doing here?!" he asked.
"I took the liberty of inviting them," Livingway replied. "While you've all done a fine job preparing the Ragnarok, and it's quite a splendid carrot if I do say so myself, we still need the power of the Mothercrystal for it to take flight. However, its size is immense, and we hardly have the time to shatter it into tiny pieces to shovel into the aetherburner. So I suggested converting its energies into forms that can transport themselves!"
Urianger furrowed his brows in thought for a short moment, before realization struck him. "A primal summoning...or should I say, its precursor: creation magicks!"
"Care to explain it in a way regular people can understand?" Thancred asked with visible amusement.
"As we have witnessed in Bestways Burrow, the Lopporits shape the moon with the selfsame art the Ancients mastered," Urianger explained. "'Tis a highly advanced art. To perform it correctly requireth that the wielder holdeth the object in his mind's eye in clearest detail."
"So that explains the myriads of archives filled with concepts. They served the Ancients as a visual framework!"
"Indeed. And from this art, the Ascians conceived summoning as we know it. With but one, crucial difference: it replaceth the complexity of concepts with the simplicity of zealotry to bring forth a primal."
"I see...so the Lopporits will harness the Mothercrystal to give form to each of the tribes' gods," Y'shtola said. "No mere summoning, but a creation of primals instead."
"Indeed!" Livingway said. "While Hydaelyn bestowed the powers of creation to us, we were not allowed to just use them nilly-willy. She must have feared we would turn the moon into a carrot field otherwise...but it should be no problem to use the Mothercrystal's energies to create our friends' deities and send them towards the Ragnarok!"
Putting a hand on her hip, Alisaie looked quite skeptical at the notion. "Won't we run the danger of becoming tempered minions then?"
"Ah, yes. While I was reading about the summoning ritual, I came across hints that the Ascians incorporated an additional nasty element. Summoned forth that way, the gods' abilities to assimilate others to their faith is far stronger than it would be otherwise." The Lopporit then smiled. "But no need to worry, we don't need that element at all. Besides, it's not like we are summoning another Zodiark here, right? So relax. We'll be safe enough."
Maybe we should check the warding scales...just in case, S'eni thought with the look Alisaie was giving her, and was just about to voice that selfsame notion, when Soroban spoke up.
"Hm, to be honest, I do not understand the intricacies of this plan. But we Kojin will stand by our allies. Where others vilified and suppressed us out of ignorance, you offered us understanding and friendship." A round of agreements from the other tribes' representatives followed. "Today, we shall show you that our faith, our gods, can also do good."
"Alright then, you lot, we're headin' to the Aetherial Sea!" Sicard practically shouted, raising his fist with a grin. "And stay together. Wouldn't want anyone gettin' lost!"
"Lead the way!" Soroban replied, pumping his arms in excitement, and, with one last look towards S'eni and the others, turned around to follow the pirate.
S'eni couldn't help but smile at the sight and she closed her eyes, a hand going to her heart. Can you see this, Minfilia? It wouldn't have been possible without you.
Sensing someone approaching her, she opened her eyes to see Wilfsunn stopping next to her. "May we have a moment?" he asked.
She nodded.
"We have long waited for the day the sea of stars would be within reach and, in anticipation of it, created these." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small device. Its shape was not unlike the many Allagan tomestones she had gathered in the past, but the material was clearly different. What stood out the most, though, was the large, crystal-shaped button that took up most of it.
"Portable teleportation devices," Bloewyda explained as she handed Urianger one, then proceeded to do so with the others. "One for each of you, designed to work in tandem. You just need to press the button on one and in a matter of seconds all eight will activate and transport you back to the Ragnarok. There is no telling what hazards you may encounter. If you find yourselves separated or lost, please do not hesitate to use them. Be safe, all of you. And come back."
Urianger smiled and put the device away. "You as well. I pray you take care."
"Well, I'll take my leave and head on board, then," Livingway said. "A few of my fellows will remain here to assist with the summonings. The rest of the paw-picked Lopporits are all manning their stations and are ready for flight."
The small woman walked away and Fourchenault turned his gaze towards S'eni. She could see the conflict within his eyes, the barely restrained desire to keep his children from going. She nodded at his silent plea and his shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. "If you are ready, then you should go as well. May Thaliak's wisdom guide your way."
"Thank you. And may the Warden watch over you while we are gone," she said in return and looked over to her friends. They all signaled their readiness and began to head after Livingway. Making to follow as well, she stopped at the last second and walked over to Coultenet and Hoary Boulder. "You guys will have to hold down the fort until our return."
"And we will, for as long as it takes," Coultenet said. "But we won't have to do so alone. The times when we were branded as traitors and had to flee the Rising Stones are long gone. We have allies in abundance, so you don't need to worry about us. Go forth in the knowledge that the Scions will labor without rest in your absence."
Her lips quirked upwards and she gently bumped her fist against Houry's chestpiece, before moving on to Emmanellain, who seemed a little bit annoyed. "So that was the covert operation Sicard was assigned? Hmpf! No doubt he thinks we were all impressed by the way he barged in here, like the hero of the hour," he said, but as his eyes fell on her, his scowl was replaced by the jovial grin she had so gotten used to. "Well, I suppose that he leaves me no choice but the most spectacular of farewells. Yes, a display of such jubilance my arms may very well fall to pieces."
"Why don't you save your energies for when we return instead?" S'eni offered with a chuckle.
"Hmm, yes, I suppose you are right, old girl."
She looked at him for a moment, dressed all in the armor of House Fortemps. Back when she had first met him, he had been quite a fop. Vainglorious and mostly just enjoying the fruits of his ancestors' labor. Of course, that part hadn't fully disappeared, but he had nevertheless grown up quite a bit; worthy of the unicorn that adorned his shield.
"Haurchefant would be proud to see you like this," she said and watched as his expression grew serious.
"...Do you really think so?" he asked.
"I know so." With a deep breath, she then turned to the rest of their friends and, giving them a final nod, jogged after the others.
As they stepped into the bridge, S'eni felt her jaw drop at the sight that greeted them. In the past, her forays into Allagan ruins and Garlean facilities had made her see many marvels of technology, but most of them paled in comparison to what she was seeing now. Beeps and boops, accompanied by tiny voices, filled the large chamber while the designated Lopporits were working at their stations, their hands moving over holographic displays at an almost impossibly fast pace.
"Welcome to the bridge of the Ragnarok!" Livingway announced, turning around and placing her hands on her hips. "I hope you have not forgotten anything. Luggage? Carrots, perhaps?"
"I think we're pretty much as ready as can be," S'eni replied after giving the others an amused look at Livingway's attempt at levity.
"Great! Then we can begin our journey to Ultima Thule. Get yourself comfortable, we're setting off in just a moment." She issued a few commands and another, far larger hologram appeared over the console her fellows were manning, holding numbers and graphs of which S'eni could understand only precious few from her time in Werlyt. Coordinates and the state of the system, she suspected.
"This technology..." Alphinaud breathed out. "It's...incredible..."
The Ragnarok suddenly jolted beneath their feet, and Alisaie took hold of her brother before he stumbled to the ground. A loudspeaker embedded in the wall began to chime and Fourchenault's voice echoed through the bridge. "Fourchenault speaking. Can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear!" Livingway called back.
"Good. I just received word from the Aetherial Sea that the preparations for the ritual are complete" he explained. "We have just initiated the fourteenth phase of the starting sequence and moved the Ragnarok to the launch site. The gates are opened. You may depart when ready."
"Well, you heard the man. Ready for take-off," Livingway.
"As are we," Alisaie said, then pursed her lip with a blink of her eyes. "...so are we going to take flight?"
"No, no, no! We can't just take off like that!" Mappingway suddenly protested and spun around in his seat. "This is a momentous moment. Come on, once more with feeling!"
Crossing her arms in front of her chest, S'eni tapped her foot while waiting for one of the others to oblige his request. When nobody said anything, she looked over to her friends only to see them all staring at her expectantly. She glanced over to the Lopporits, only to find them doing the same. Except for Sleepingway; he was giving honor to his name instead.
Fine then. If they deigned to pick her, she might as well give it her all. Raising her hand in a dramatic manner, she shouted, "To the very edge of the universe. Ragnarok, engage!"
It was enough to cause Sleepingway to awake from his slumber and look around in a slight panic. "E-Engage!" he called out and slapped his hand on the controls.
"Engage!" the other Loporrits joined in and the Ragnarok began to shake once more. In a matter of seconds, the large displays in front of them came to life and revealed to them the clear, blue sky. Feeling a hand place itself against her upper back, she turned her head to meet Y'shtola's eyes. They exchanged a little smile, then watched the air pass by them until a beep came from one of the consoles.
"Summoning ritual complete," one of the Loporrits said and pressed a holographic button, changing one of the displays to a rear view. A giant pillar of light was rising from the island, followed by multiple smaller streams shooting out from within and towards the Ragnarok.
"Can't say I've ever expected them to come to our aid," she murmured when the all too familiar form of Ifrit and many others appeared on the screen.
"Strange bedfellows, indeed," Y'shtola said and they both chuckled.
One by one, the summoned primals' aetheric forms flew into the Ragnarok's aetherburner, and S'eni noticed one of the graphs on the hologram rising. "Charge complete!" Sleepingway called over his shoulder.
"Deploy the hyperhopper!" Livingway commanded.
"Aye aye!" his hand smashed down on another one of the controls and a beam of concentrated aether launched from the ship's front, opening a portal in the sky. As they flew towards it, S'eni reached out to grasp Y'shtola's hand and give it a squeeze.
And with one last pull, they entered.
Sorry, slightly late. Fell asleep.
So anyway, these next few chapters will follow a certain pattern that I'm sure you're all familiar with (but I won't mention because I know I actually have at least one reader who is not really familiar with XIV bar the characters, so sssshhhh), so the chapter lengths will probably vary.
Well, until next week.