A Realm Reborn
Disclaimer: I do not own anything especially not the direct dialogue I take directly from the game.
Authors Note: Ok so our WoL just randomly pulls stuff out of some invisible bag or pocket that seems to be like Hermione's mokeskin pouch with and extension charm in what the 6th or 7th book. It is crazy and even referenced in some quest. Can't remember which one it was anymore but it was funny.
Lore: The incarnation of fire and fury, worshiped by the lizard-like Amalj'aa tribe. Even amongst the primals, Ifrit is highly given to savagery, his temper quick to erupt in a conflagration of death. His breath ignites the very air, his claws melt the strongest steel, and his twisted horns scorch the heavens. Those who would face him must be prepared to withstand the fires of hell.
Lord of the Inferno
After some rest and food Bryne and I started to get fidgety waiting around for news. The longer this took the less likely the victims could be saved. So we may have stayed up a bit too late as moon cats are wont to do and reveled in the thrill of a moonlit hunt. Once we had found our prey we celebrated until we had finally wore ourselves out and returned to the Waking Sands to wait and slumber. I awoke mid-morning feeling fairly rested. Once I had gotten ready for the day I headed for the solar to see if there was any news. Bryne had the same idea and met me at the entrance to the solar where we were admitted by the silent scion that stood guard there.
"Excellent timing, you two." Minfilia greeted as we entered the solar.
"Have there been any new developments?" I asked hoping all was as well as it could be.
"There has. Word has arrived from Thancred concerning our ongoing investigation. It appears he was able to extract some information from our friend Ungust, the false priest. He revealed that he is due to meet with the Amalj'aa to discuss their dealings. The Immortal Flames believe that the meeting will present an ideal opportunity to ambush and capture the Amalj'aa responsible for the abductions, and so they mean to have Ungust attend as planned. As the Amalj'aa are anticipated to offer fierce resistance, the Immortal Flames have requested our support. I would have you and Bryne provide it to them. Thancred is presently attending to another matter, but will join you as soon as he is able. Until such time as he does, you will be the Scions' sole representatives on the ground." Minfilia explained.
"We would be glad to assist in anyway." I responded hoping we were not too late for the poor captives.
"Oh, before Thancred left, he bade me tell you to "save some for him." Such is his confidence in you twoa confidence I share." Minfilia added.
"Thank you for your faith in us. We will do our best to not disappoint." I said hoping all would go well.
"When you have made ready, pray take yourself to Camp Drybone and report to the flame sergeant leading the mission. May you walk in the light of the Crystal." Minfilia said as she dismissed her newest Scions.
We went to our rooms to prepare the best we could. I grabbed my bow and also packed my chakrams which fit in my seemingly bottomless satchel and met back up with Bryne to head to Camp Drybone. We arrived shortly and went looking for the Sergeant we needed to meet up with at their barracks.
Ah, you must be Kirisin and Bryne of the Scions? My thanks for coming, friends. We're stronger for your assistance." the Flame Sergeant greeted.
We returned the greeting and waited for information on the mission we were about to embark on.
"Allow me to brief you on our mission. Our objective is to capture Amalj'aa and prise from them the whereabouts of the abductees. The lizardmen aren't aware that their man, Ungust, has been exposed. When they come to the rendezvous point to meet the traitor, we'll spring the trap. Owing to the clandestine nature of the mission, we can deploy only a small contingent. Every member must count, and so we requested the aid of the Scions. Having a field healer and a ranged combatant will be a boon to our contingent. The rendezvous will take place at the Invisible City. If there are no questions we will make our way there and lie in wait. We stand to learn much and more of the Amalj'aa plot if the mission succeeds, Scions. Let's make sure it does."
"We are ready to leave immediately sir." I replied respectfully ready to get this mission underway.
"Aye, we are ready to support your contingent to the best of our abilities." Bryne added in ready to begin as well.
We made our way to the ruins called the Invisible city and cautiously avoided the undead walking around. We hid in an alcove in the ruins and waited with the Flames.
"Is the bait in place?" the flame Sergeant asked.
"Our man is in position, sir." one of the flame privates responded as he saw Ungust approach the meeting place.
"Good. We make our move as soon as the Amalj'aa appear." the Flame Sergeant ordered.
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers responded.
They waited for the right moment and came out weapons ready to capture the Amalj'aa who had appeared.
"Uwaaah!" Ungust yelled pretending to be surprised by the arrival of the Flame soldiers.
"What is the meaning of this!?" one of the Amalj'aa asked in false confusion.
"Wait. Something's amiss..." one of the flame privates said hearing the false tone of one who was supposed to be surprised.
I looked at Bryne with a grim look. We recognized the false tone as well. We just walked right into a trap. We nodded deciding we wouldn't go down without a fight and readied ourselves.
"Hee hee hee..." Ungust started laughing as more Amalj'aa came out in front and behind. The small group was completely surrounded by hostile enemies.
"Ahahahahaha! I'm afraid your little ambush ends here!" the traitorous Flame soldier exclaimed smirking at his once comrades predicament.
"I eluded the Immortal Flames' clutches for moons before finally being caught. Did you not wonder how I managed it?" Ungust explained very pleased with himself especially pleased that the adventurer who had lost him a potential servant was also there. She would pay for interfering in his affairs.
"'Twas almost as if someone was feedin' him information from the inside! Gahahaha!" the Flame traitor bragged.
"Aye, your every movement was known to me ahead of time! Hee hee hee! Now, as much as I'd love to chat awhile, I have appointments to keep." Ungust said as he stepped out of the way.
"They're all yours!" the traitorous Flame soldier said excitedly.
The traitor and Ungust disappeared somewhere in the ruins while the Amalj'aa attacked our small crew.
Bryne tried to keep us up and healed while I attacked with my bow. Regular arrows just were not cutting it with the Amaljaa's thick hides and trying to get head shots was near impossible while we were being swarmed by so many of them. We would defeat one and another would just appear. One of the flame privates was unconscious and another was being held at sword point. We were surrounded and outnumbered.
"Put up your weapon, or your comrade's a dead man!" The traitorous Flame soldier yelled as he and Ungust reappeared from behind us.
I turned at the sound of his voice and didn't see the attack coming from behind. Bryne yelled a warning but it was too late. I was hit by some spell and knew no more.
"Bring her." Ungust said which were the last words I heard before losing consciousness.
"The rest of you, march!" The Flame traitor ordered to those who were still conscious.
"Traitorous scum..." the Flame sergeant muttered under his breath while walking in defeat.
After an indeterminate amount of time, I awoke to find myself and the others bound and imprisoned within what looked like an Amalj'aa stronghold. "Where are we? What is going on?" I asked quietly while struggling trying to loosen the binds on my wrists.
"They marched us here to some stronghold of theirs." Bryne answered just as quietly taking in her surroundings which appeared to be some sort of cave with a small pond at one end and only one exit in the middle guarded by hulking Amalj'aa warriors.
"They're preparing for something...and I for one do not want to be around when they finish." one of the Flame Privates added nervously.
"Damn it all... A traitor in the Flames! What has become of us...? I fear the Amalj'aa mean to give us to their god as an offering. I'm sorry you were dragged into this. Were I a better judge of character, we wouldn't be in this mess..." The Flame Sergeant explained morosely.
"You couldn't have known. Do not lose hope." I said trying to sound convincing. There was no denying that we were in trouble but a subtle noise caught my sensitive ears and renewed that spark of hope. Water moving from a still pond? I looked over and scanned the area and noticed two very wet and smirking "captives". How the Amalj'aa had not noticed two very wet additions to the group of captives was beyond me but that pond must lead to the outside because the impossible had just happened. Maerec winked and indicated now was not the time to make a move just yet. I nodded and relaxed the best I could and hoped they had a plan to get us out of here alive.
Suddenly one of the Amalj'aa spoke up as he and another had us stand and begin moving through a windy pathway. "Rejoice, heathens, for your worthless lives shall soon have meaning!"
The path took us into a bowl shaped land-form that had limited points of entry it seemed. I saw no way to escape the many Amalj'aa that surrounded us and the guards that were posted at what looked like a way out of this area.
"They're going to kill us, aren't they!? Gods, I don't want to die! I want to go home! " the youngest looking flame private cried out.
Suddenly the Amalj'aa stilled and rose up in a chorus of what sounded like a prayer or chant.
"Lord of the Inferno, hearken to our plea! Lord of the Inferno, deliver us from our misery!" the Amalj'aa chanted from all around us. Then the one at the head of the group began to chant. This really didn't bode well. Bryne and I were about to be face to face with a primal. I had to remind myself that Maerec and Pepe were there with us. They had a plan and were most likely armed under their illusion.
"O mighty Ifrit, Lord of the Inferno! Your humble servants beseech You! Grace us with Your divine presence!" Temugg Zoh chanted.
A huge ball of pure flame erupted in the sky and out of the flames came a monstrous horned creature.
"O mighty Ifrit! We bring before You ignorant savages who know not Your godhead!
If it please You, Lord, scorch their heathen souls with Your cleansing flame, and mark them as Your own!" Temugg Zoh said as he offered up the captives.
"B-Bloody hells..." the Flame Sergeant said in terror as the monstrosity put its attention on us.
"Bring those two as well!" one of the warriors said from behind me. I turned to look and saw Ungust and the traitorous flame soldier bound as well.
"Unnngh..." Ungust groaned as he woke from whatever spell the Amalj'aa had put him under.
"Wh-What's going on!? Th-This ain't what we agreed!" the traitorous flame soldier said alarmed at his current situation.
"None but servants of Lord Ifrit may behold the rite of summoning. The souls of unbelievers are forfeit!" an Amalj'aa warrior answered.
"Nooo! Spare me, I beg you!" Ungust begged our captors.
"Pitiful children of man! By my breath I claim you! Arise once more as my loyal minions! Feed my flames with your faith, and all who stand against us shall burn!" Ifrit said as blue fire began to form in his giant maw.
There was no escaping the flames! I turned away the best I could expecting pain but it was like something, some kind of shield was between me and the flames. I felt more than saw Maerec behind me releasing my wrists and slipping my chakrams into my hand. When the flames stopped I could hear shouts from the Flame soldiers.
"O mighty Ifrit...My one true god... Your words are my bread..."
Bryne, Maerec, Pepe, and I were the only ones unaffected by the blue flames. We looked around and saw the others, hands raised high, praising Ifrit.
"Impossible! By what sorcery do you resist my master's will!?" Temugg Zoe exclaimed. Could it be...?" Temugg Zoe contemplated as he looked at the four before him. "Your souls already belong to another!? Yes, that is the only explanation!" Temugg Zoe rationalized.
"Forsooth, thy frail mortal frames can serve as vessel to the blessing of but One. Yet I smell not the taint of another upon thee mortals... The truth of thine allegiance waxeth clear, thou art of the godless blessed's number. The Paragons warned of thine abhorrent kind. Thine existence is not to be suffered." Ifrit said as he stamped his foot once and a huge ring of fire surrounded the four godless ones.
We prepared ourselves for his attack but nothing could have prepared me for the fight we endured. We were constantly dodging flames while trying to weaken this aether made god until he dissipated. It felt like forever but finally Ifrit fell and became aether once more.
Some Amalj'aa ran and some stayed. Maerec and the others began clearing a path while I was distracted by a red glint on the ground. When I approached I saw a red crystal that began floating towards me. Once I held it in my hands it sent my mind back to the Aetherial Sea where I once again stood on that strange platform where the crystal took its place and shot a pillar of red upwards. I had another crystal but what was it for? I came back to myself slightly in shock but thankful I had not been attacked while I was elsewhere. Suddenly I heard a familiar voice behind me.
"Pray forgive my lateness!" Thancred said as he ran up to me with quite a few Flame soldiers following behind him. "I was delayed by a congregation of Amalj'aa zealots. I swear, each seemed more evangelical than the last." he said as he stood before me.
Suddenly I heard running behind me. I turned as an Amalj'aa was almost upon me but before I could even react, Thancred had his many daggers out and flipped over me and his aim was true.
"Hmph! Persistent lot! Phew..." he said as he landed and faced me once again as I stared at him in awe at his acrobatic skills.
I quickly thanked him as we turned our attention to what the Flames were doing.
"I see the Bloodsworn wasted no time extracting the captives. No less than I'd expect from the Flame General's handpicked men. As for those two...it is fair to say their hardships have only just begun. They have much to answer for." Thancred stated darkly.
"I feel I owe you an apology, Kirisin. Had I known this mission would prove so dangerous, I would never have left you and Bryne to face it alone. You two have been given a veritable baptism of fire.
"You needn't apologize. You could not have predicted the flame soldier betraying everyone." I responded trying to ease his guilt that was plain to see.
"Regardless I should have had your back. But let us continue this conversation in more agreeable surrounds. Camp Drybone, shall we say?" Thancred suggested. To which I readily agreed.
"This way, sir!" A Flame soldier yelled as we turned to see if the path was clear.
We caught up with Bryne, Maerec, and Pepe and headed back to Camp Drybone for a well-deserved meal and some rest.
Just above the Bowl of Embers:
"So that was the mighty Ifrit... And what a disappointment he was. The readings are nowhere near what I had anticipated, even taking Ul'dahn interference into account." Nero tol Scaeva said looking utterly disappointed.
"You should know better than to rely upon five-year-old data left by the VIIth Legion. Nor can we expect any form of support from the motherland, given the troubles at court. We have only ourselves to rely upon." Livia sas Junius
"Ever the pessimist, my dear Livia. Promise me you'll never change." Nero responded as only he could.
"We've wasted enough time here. That meter of yours is too old to give any reading worth a damn." Livia sas Junius responded shortly.
"Not that there was aught worth a damn for it to read...but I take your point. I suppose we must content ourselves with the knowledge that we've achieved our primary objective. Yet I find that I am troubled by those adventurers' unexpected show of strength. Could such a foe prove a hindrance to our plans?" Nero pondered aloud.
"Perhaps, but that is a consideration for another time. You have been given a task. That is your priority. I suggest you treat it as such. Fail to do as my lord commands... ...And I will spare him the trouble of punishing you." Livia threatened.
"With allies like that... Beware a woman in love. I shall need to be on my best behavior." Nero said as he followed Livia.
Camp Drybone
When we arrived back at Camp Drybone, Thancred sent us on our way to grab a meal while he spoke with the Flames. After I had finished eating I excused myself and went looking for Thancred with the intention of convincing him to eat as well.
"Ah, there you are, Kirisin. I trust you were given a hearty meal. You and the others should get some rest. You will have no better opportunity. After witnessing their god's ignominious defeat, the Amalj'aa will be less inclined to risk our wrath, for a time, at least." Thancred said as I walked up to him.
"You need to eat as well, Thancred. Come rest." I pleaded with the man.
"Yes of course. I will rest soon. First however…I do hope you can forgive me. I arrived too late to be of any use...to you or the abductees. They may be whole of body, but the same cannot be said of their minds. For once a man is tempered..." Thancred said apologetically bowing his head in shame.
"Thancred stop. As I said before you needn't apologize. It was not your fault. You cannot be everywhere at once. It is impossible to save everyone. Maerec and Pepe were there, and we survived." I said trying to ease his overwhelming guilt.
"Thank you for your graciousness. I will be by your side next time. Ah but you are right, it ill suits me to dwell on the negatives. Amidst all our misfortunes, there is still reason to rejoice. Ifrit is slain, by you and your gifted friends', no less! That is the deed of no ordinary individuals, Kirisin. Not that I ever thought you were ordinary. On the contrary, I have long suspected that you have the potential to shape the fate of this realm. What can I say? My fine eye for talent remains undimmed." Thancred said smiling at me.
"Oh, stop with your flattery. It was a group effort and Maerec and Pepe are the real heroes of the hour. What matters is Ifrit is no more. Thankfully we were able to bring that creature down." I said with a smile.
"Minfilia will be proud beyond all reckoning when she hears of your deeds. I trust you shan't object to my bearing the tidings to her. That way I can claim to have contributed something to this mission. You, meanwhile, have earned yourself a rest. Take some time to relax with your newfound comrades and return to the Waking Sands when you and Bryne are good and ready. We can discuss matters in more detail then. Just don't take too long, will you? The realm's problems won't solve themselves." Thancred said as he shooed me back towards the inn where the others were relaxing.
Bryne and I decided to not make Minfilia wait for our report for too long, so we said our goodbyes to the others and returned to Horizon to make the now familiar trek to the Waking Sands.
Waking Sands
"Ah, the triumphant heroes return! Thancred told us the news upon his arrival. He is presently in the solar, giving a full report to Lady Minfilia. You both should join them at once. Lady Minfilia is most eager to see you ladies." The Scion guard greeted.
We quietly entered the solar and picked up the tail end of a conversation between Thancred and Minfilia.
"...My late arrival nearly cost Kirisin and Bryne their lives. I wasn't there when the Amalj'aa took the girls prisoner... And I wasn't there when they served them to Ifrit... Yet, by some miracle, they survived but that does not excuse the fact that neither of them should never have had to face such dangers. I failed the girls utterly. Just as I'm failing you all..." Thancred said in a low voice, guilt overwhelming him for his recent failures.
"What's done is done, Thancred. You can ill blame yourself for every Kirisin! Bryne! It is so good to see you both again!" Minfilia exclaimed cutting herself off.
"Impeccable timing, my friends. I had just finished regaling Minfilia with your heroic exploits." Thancred said as he turned to greet us.
"Thancred has told me everything. You have done well to return to us." Minfilia informed us.
"The perils you faced were undeniably great, yet a part of me believes that I had no cause to fear. And now we can put paid to our long investigation. As we suspected, the Amalj'aa undertook both the robbery and the abductions with the aim of summoning their primal, Ifrit." Thancred reported.
"Nor is this tale limited to Ul'dah. Similar incidents have been rife in both Limsa Lominsa and Gridania of late." Minfilia added.
"I daresay you've been curious as to how these crimes are linked to the primals. Permit me to explain. Having manifested in the physical realm, primals must consume aether if they are to maintain their presence here. And the stronger they become, the more aether they require. Now, aether exists throughout creation. It flows through all life, and permeates the very air that we breathe. Alas, this alone will not suffice to sustain the likes of Ifrit. Nay, he and his kind require a more concentrated source of aether crystals." Thancred explained.
"It is for this reason that incidents involving crystals can often be traced back to a primal." Minfilia said.
"Which leaves us with the why of the abductions. To understand this, you must first understand how primals are born. When all is well with the world, primals possess no physical form. Their essence is dispersed across the great river of aether." Thancred continued.
"However, when the world is plunged into chaos, those who worship the primals cry out to their gods for deliverance from suffering. These cries serve as a beacon toward which a primal's essence is irresistibly drawn. It is this coming together or "aetheric coalescence"which grants the beings physical form. Once born, a primal gains strength from its followers' worship. The more numerous and fervent they are, the more powerful their god becomes." Minfilia continued the explanation.
"But the primals are seldom satisfied with such reverence as their adherents freely give, and in order to gain more power, they do not scruple to create followers. They do this by "tempering" mortals...a process to which you yourselves were subjected." Thancred explained.
"Yet even as Ifrit took your comrades in his thrall, you two and your gifted allies remained unaffected. This is thanks to the power you all possess the Echo. We know not the why of it, but those blessed with the Echo are immune to primal influence. It is as though a greater power protects us... Kirisin, when first you came to us, I told you that the Echo would be instrumental in dealing with the primal threat. I trust you now begin to see why. To see why you, Bryne, and your friends from the Fatewalkers are needed to protect our star." Minfilia said trying to emphasize how important their help and cooperation truly was.
"The recent incidents all share a common trait: meticulous planning. Such elaborate designs are a new development, and one which fills me with an unshakable sense of foreboding." Thancred said as he felt a bit overwhelmed at what that could mean and the danger it posed.
"While I share your concern, my presiding feeling is one of relief at your safe return. Ah, the Immortal Flames assured me that they will deal with the aftermath, so you need not concern yourselves with that. We may rest easy for a time. I suggest you take full advantage of the respite, ladies. You may be sure it won't last long. Once the people learn the identity of the heroes who felled Ifrit, I fear you will have nary a moment to yourself!" Minfilia announced proudly to us.
Both of us shuddered a bit really not wanting the attention that would come if people found out that they had killed Ifrit. We took our leave slightly shell shocked at all the information the two scions had imparted. As we were almost back to our rooms Thancred caught up to us and seemed to wish to say more.
"Ladies, pray forgive me. I know you need some rest but I would be remiss if I neglected to tell you the truth. Whether she intended to or no, Minfilia neglected to tell you something...something I think it would be best you heard from one of us. It concerns the tempered abductees that were rescued... I am sorry to report that all are to be put to death, the Flames with whom you were imprisoned included. Needless to say, this information must not be made known to the public."
"What? No…" I exclaimed shocked and saddened by this revelation.
"I swear to you that we would not do this if there were any other recourse...but once a man is tempered, he is tempered for life. His very existence lends strength to the primal whom he cannot choose but worship. And so we Scions continue our fight, that no more innocents need be sacrificed. I hope that you two will continue to stand with us. But I should be going. I must offer my apologies to the Flame General for the losses his people suffered. Till next time!" Thancred said as he began to walk away.
Bryne and I stood there a moment in utter silence digesting what we had just been told and heard Thancred mumble to himself as he walked away.
"Gods forgive me... How many more lives...? Louisoix would never have allowed this to happen. I have to do better... I have to be stronger..." Thancred said to himself forgetting Miqo'te have excellent hearing.
We looked at one another with grim determination. We would fight to prevent the deaths of more innocents alongside the other Scions. Primals had to go. A permanent solution needed to be found. Not just for the benefit of one single nation but for the benefit of the entire star.