It was a quiet night at the Silver Bazaar… well to be honest all nights were quiet at this quaint little hamlet.
Years ago it was the centre of Thanalan's sea-trade. From fine La Noscean wines from across the Strait of Merlthor, to exotic spices and fine silks from Thavnair... but now it was just a small, nearly forgotten settlement. Many of its residents have long since moved away, whether to find their fortunes in Ul'dah or to simply leave the small waterside town. And despite Kikipu's best efforts, it seemed that sooner or later the Silver Bazaar would be no more…
So you could imagine Kikipu's surprise when Meriel had suddenly returned to the small town. The Hyur woman had left the small seaside hamlet years ago to pursue work in the city, and after some years she had attained quite the lofty position as the Sultana's lady-in-waiting… However in the end she had come home to the Silver Bazaar some few weeks after Her Grace was poisoned by the Warrior of Light(The whole situation stank of Monetarist schemes in Kikipu's opinion. Why the hell would the Warrior of Light go through all that trouble, only to poison the Sultana?)
After that it seemed that some sense of normality returned to the Bazaar, with the added effect being the occasional squad of Crystal Braves stopping in to check in on Meriel(or at least that is what she assumed)
But tonight was rather busy.
"Wait, you mean to tell us that a small group of Immortal Flames are here?" Alphinaud asked the Lalafell woman.
"Mhm, they said they were here on a follow up investigation on the poisoning of Her Grace and that they wanted to go over a few things with Meriel." Kikipu explained to the group in front of her.
"Did they perchance explain why they are doing a follow up?" The white haired Hyur asked.
Kikipu thought for a moment "Hmm… I recall them muttering that they needed to figure out what poison was used.. not sure why though?"
Alphinaud gave the others a worried look "Do you think that she is amongst them?" He asked Thancred.
"Perhaps… if so are you sure you are up for it? You had a rather close call with her the other day."
Alphinaud shuddered at the memory, his ribs still hurt from where she had struck him a week back. Hell he was lucky to be alive! If it hadn't been for Riol intervening when he did, Naruko would have assuredly done far worse than break a few ribs.
"Could you describe them?" Thancred asked the Lalafell woman.
"Of course." She said with a smile "Vice Marshal Terupin was leading them. And he was accompanied by two Hyur's, a Highlander Man and a Midlander Woman. Couldn't see their faces though, the man had a hood over his head and the woman was wearing a closed helmet."
Thancred gave Alphinaud a nod "Could you perhaps tell us where-" *Crash*
"What on earth was that?" Thancred said as he reached for his daggers. Kikipu let out a sigh "Probably just some hired thugs trashing the place… again." she muttered dejectedly.
The thugs had buggered off for months after Naruko had scared them off.. but sadly, after she had 'supposedly' poisoned the Sultana they had come back in force.
And to make things worse, the last time they turned up one of them threw Chocobo shit at her… no really, the asshole bent down, picked up a fresh pile and then threw it at her. Why? Of all things he could have tossed at her, why that?... It took her a whole week to get the stink out.. and it was her favourite shirt as well!
She would have honestly preferred if he had lobbed a rock or something.. sure it would have hurt, but she wouldn't have stunk of Chocobo shite. That stench sticks to you for ages.
Suddenly a loud scream of pain came from the direction of the crash. "T-that came from Meriel's house." Kikipu shouted as she pointed to a small house.
Without hesitation, Alphinaud and Thancred rushed to the home only for the doors to be flung open by a beaten and bloodied Hyur woman crashing through them. "Meriel!" Kikipu shouted in horror as she rushed to the woman's side… or she would have if she hadn't frozen in fear mid step.
"Y'know.. this could've all gone smoothly if you told us the truth.." an armoured woman spoke as she walked from the house. Following shortly after her was Flame Vice Marshal Terupin.
"But no. You just had to keep on-" a Ruin spell striking the ground in front of her caused her to halt.
"Stop right there!" Alphinaud shouted as he and Thancred moved between the helmed woman and Meriel. "Naruko Uzumaki, by my right as Commander of the Crystal Braves I place you under arrest for regicide. Surrender peacefully and you will not be harmed." The young Elezen said as he prepared another spell.
The helmed woman simply stared at him.
"I'm warning you. Surrender n-" Alphinaud froze when he felt the blade against his throat. "I am truly sorry for this Master Alphinaud… but my debt to the Uzumaki Clan prevents me from allowing you to continue." An all too familiar voice spoke from behind him.
"Y-yugiri?" Alphinaud whispered in shock. Shifting his eyes, the young Elezen saw that Thancred was in a similar position as another of the Doman Shinobi was poised behind him.
"Now, now Horns. We wouldn't want any unfortunate accidents." The helmed woman spoke as she removed her helmet.
"Naruko would be rather cross if that were to happen, now wouldn't she." As it turned out it wasn't Naruko. Instead, much to both Alphinaud and Thancred's shock it was a tanned Hyur woman with short lavender hair and yellow eyes.
"Heh, don't you two look shocked" the woman chuckled. "In case you were wondering, my name is Kyna Irvine. 2nd Lieutenant of the Immortal Flames and currently the acting leader of the Diamond Dogs." The now named Kyna said with a grin.
"D-diamond Dogs?"
Kyna gave a small nod "Mhmm. You've probably heard of us. Y'know, a certain search and destroy unit that is made up of Adventures, that also happened to be led by Naruko."
Alphinaud gulped. He knew exactly who they were… primarily because they had disappeared around a week ago after they had taken out a sizable portion of the unit of the Crystal Braves that Ilberd once led… Come to think of it, that just so happened to be the same day Naruko resurfaced at Halatali.. that definitely wasn't a coincidence. Those of the 1st and 3rd who escaped had either vanished or had been arrested for various crimes as well…
"Heh, I bet it pisses you off that a bunch of greedy Adventurers kicked the shit outta your precious elite force." Kyna said smugly. She still remembers when an absolutely furious Naruko came into their squad room ranting and raving about how she was going to kick the kids ass.
And when they asked what was wrong, hooo boy did it get them riled. The smug little cunt in front of her was completely fine with throwing Adventurers into the meat grinder for Operation Archon. But when it came to helping Ishgard? Oh no, can't trust those greedy glory hounds. No sir… fucking prick. It's almost like he forgot that Naruko was sitting right fucking next to him when he said it as well.
"Now then," she said as she walked towards Meriel "Seeing as you are being oh so stubborn, it's time to resort to Plan B." Kyna said menacingly.
Kyna bent down and grabbed the struggling woman by the back of her shirt and began to drag her towards the entrance of the Bazaar "Y'see Meriel, originally Naruko just wanted snatch you up and then ruthlessly torture you until you spilled the beans." She said nonchalantly causing Meriel to struggle even more and beg to be let go. "And I'm talking full on torture. Thumb screws, waterboarding, this old Doman technique that involves bamboo being forced under your fingernails. The works." Kyna said in a disturbingly cheery voice.
"W-what!?" Meriel whimpered.
"But then the big boss said it would be wiser to leave her out of it… so that's why we came here. Damn shame you decided to play the smug bitch and keep ya mouth shut.. because well.." Kyna stopped to readjust her grip "I wouldn't be taking you down to Nophica's Wells for Naruko to do things her way if you just talked now wouldn't I?" She finished with a vicious grin.
"Boy oh boy… is the boss lady gonna have fun with you." Kyna grinned wolfishly.
"N-no wait! Please I'll tell you what you-" Meriel was cut off by a gauntleted fist to her face "Too late bitch."
Shortly after Kyna had dragged the struggling woman off, Raubahn exited the home.
"Come Pipin. After Naruko is through with the traitor we will need to meet up with our comrades." He said as he walked past the two members of the Scions and the stunned Kikipu.
"Yes Father. I'll inform Ser Jenlyns that we are nearly ready." Pipin said as they left the settlement.
"W-wait!" Alphinaud called out "What in the seven hells is going on? Why are you helping Naruko? She killed-"
"Enough boy!" Raubahn said looking at teen "For someone who claims to be so intelligent you seem to have failed to see the truth of the matter."
"What do you mean? Naruko clearly killed Lady Nanamo!" Alphinaud argued only to be pulled back by Yugiri.
"You are being played, boy. The pieces are in motion, and the true mastermind behind Her Grace's poisoning has used the Scions and Crystal Braves as his pawns." With that, Raubahn left and shortly after he was followed by both Pipin and the Domans leaving only the two members of the Scions and a shocked Kikipu.
"We… we have to follow them. This is madness!" With that Alphinaud took off after the group.
-Shortly after-
"Tell me what poison you used." Naruko growled at the Hyur woman who she was holding by the throat.
Meriel was looking worse than before. Her left eye was swollen shut, her nose bloodied and bent slightly out of shape.. her right arm twisted and broken.
This was the scene Alphinaud came upon as he descended the ramp. Gods, Naruko worked fast it seems.
"Naruko! Cease this madness at once!"
Naruko looked over at Alphinaud with a snarl as he and the other two approached. "Kyna, if he takes one step closer you have my permission to kill him." She said before throwing Meriel into the water.
"Got it Captain." The tanned woman said with a grin as she stood between Naruko and the others. Her hand resting on the hilt of her long sword.
"Now then Meriel, I already know that the main poison was Rhalgr's Bile.. so tell me, what was the second one." Naruko growled out as she stepped into the stream.
"W-wha dush it madder? Shesh dead." Meriel spat.
Naruko stopped for a moment before letting out a small laugh.
"Oh you poor deluded fool." She said almost smugly.
Off in the corner of her sight she spied a Hyur man just within earshot of what was happening. A small smirk appeared on her face. 'Perfect.'
"Do you wanna know a fun fact Meriel?" Naruko asked, "Actually, don't answer that. I'll just say it anyway."
Naruko cleared her throat before reaching for a pouch around her neck "Know what's in here?" She asked as she dangled the pouch in front of Meriel.
The older woman shook her head negatively.
"This right here is where I keep my Soul Crystals. And let me tell ya, I have a fair few… Warrior, Dragoon, Summoner, Paladin, White Mage, Bard.. I have a few more but I doubt you want me to list all of them." The red headed Warrior of Light said matter of factly.
"Now ya see, these things are somewhat sentient. Seeing as they hold a reflection of prior bearers and all… a small echo of their souls if you would. And on the odd occasion they activate all on their own, usually as a subconscious thing by its current bearer.. but you get the gist of it." Though, there have been a few times she had to forcibly reign in the power of a few of her Soul Crystals.. namely the Dark Knight one, but that's neither here nor there.
"Now then," Naruko leaned forward and grabbed Meriel by her jaw "Recently I have noticed I am missing one of these Soul Crystals. The White Mage one in particular, perhaps you've seen it?"
Meriel shook her head. Why would she have? She doesn't even know what a bloody White Mage is.
"Oh? Really?" Naruko said in faux surprise as she walked around the battered woman and moved her mouth behind her ear "It's about this big, white, looks kinda like an egg.. Ya sure you haven't seen it?" Naruko held her hand in front of Meriel, her pointer finger and thumb held an ilm and a half apart.
Again Meriel shook her head.
"C'mon now, use that brain. A small white egg shaped crystal. Pretty unique looking, kinda like an egg shaped pearl with a little symbol etched into it… perhaps a certain someone was examining it.."
Meriel went to shake her head again but froze.
"Oho, I think she's got it folks. C'mon girl, you can do it." Naruko jeered.
"N-nanamo… it wush Nanamo."
Naruko grinned widely and let out a laugh "Exactly! But there's more~"
Meriel frowned in confusion. More? What more..and then it hit her.
And on the odd occasion they activate all on their own.
"It..it activated…" she muttered
"Yep." Naruko said, "It activated and seeing as it wasn't in my possession the faint echoes within detected Nanamo was in need of aid so it sunk into her aether aaaaaand?"
Upon hearing that Alphinaud's eyes widened in shock as he slowly started putting things together.
Meriel shakily looked up at Naruko "S-shesh alive?"
Naruko let out a raucous bout of laughter "That's right! She's alive, I'll save you the details as I highly doubt someone like you would even understand how White Magic works and all. But she's alive… and I want answers." Naruko said with a mad glint in her eye as she roughly shoved Meriel.
"Kyna." Naruko looked over at the tanned woman.
"Yeah boss?"
"Head on back to Ul'dah and tell Jenlyns and the others to be expecting trouble… our little pest just booked it and you can bet that Adeledji will know soon."
Kyna saluted Naruko "Got it... Lethal force?" She asked, almost giddily.
"Oh most definitely. Anyone tries to enter the Heart of the Sworn without our knowledge or Jenlyns' specific permission, you fucking gut them." Naruko confirmed. A moment later Kyna teleported to Ul'dah.
"Now then," Naruko sat at the edge of the stream, "You can either tell me what the second poison was or we can keep on doing this."
"And while I would love to use you as my personal punching bag, I've literally got a million better things I could be doing. So talk..who knows, maybe Nanamo will let you off lightly when she recovers." Naruko said truthfully. Afterall, Nanamo was a kind and merciful woman.. hell, for all they knew Meriel could have been blackmailed into it. Doesn't excuse what she did of course, but Nanamo would likely show leniency.
Looking to her side, Naruko noticed that Thancred had seemingly vanished. No doubt to confirm that Nanamo was indeed alive or some such.. yeah, good luck with that. She wasn't even in Ul'dah.. not that Teledji Adeledji knew this of course… however this left Alphinaud and to her surprise Kikipu from the Silver Bazaar still gawking in shock.
'Hmm.. I'm surprised she followed.' Naruko mused. Though in all honesty she should have expected as much, seeing as Kikipu deeply cared for the well being of all residents of the Silver Bazaar.
"Hilumi," Naruko looked towards a hooded Lalafell a few fulms to the left of Alphinaud and Kikipu.
"Yes boss?" The hooded woman answered as she approached the small ledge with a poorly hidden limp.
"Be a dear and escort Mistress Kikipu back to the Silver Bazaar. It's getting quite late and I'm certain this has been all very tiring…. And I doubt she will wish to see what comes next."
Hilumi shifted slightly "O-oh… are you certain?... I.. I mean I guess I could. I'll join you as soon as I-"
"No. You will be sitting put at the Silver Bazaar." Hilumi recoiled in shock "W-what! Boss I can fight. I'm-"
"Still injured from that skirmish with the rogue Crystal Braves two days ago." Naruko chided.
"It's nothing!" Hilumi argued back.
Naruko sighed before poking the Lalafell girl gently in the ribs, causing her to let out a small pained gasp, "You are favouring your right leg over your left, and seeing as you are walking with a slight but still noticeable limp I'd say it hasn't healed fully, your left arm is still healing from that fire spell and finally, I damn well know you have two maybe three cracked ribs." She listed off. "You are nowhere near fit for prolonged combat, let alone what we will be likely facing a few hours from now."
Hilumi went to argue back, but stopped when Naruko gently put her hands on her shoulders. "Besides," Naruko grinned softly, "What kind of leader would I be if I let one of my dear friends throw themselves into needless harm?"
"But.. but I can still…"
Naruko gently pressed her forehead against Hilumi's "I know that you would give them hell Lumi…" She said softly before pulling back "But please, leave the needless heroics to the one with pseudo-immortality." Naruko finished softly.
However it was still loud enough for Alphinaud to overhear it 'What?' he thought in shock at that revelation.
Hilumi stood silently for a few moments before looking over to Kikipu. Letting out a sigh, she looked back to Naruko and smiled softly "Ok… just.. just be safe, boss."
Naruko returned her smile with her usual grin "Me? Putting myself in needless danger? Never."
After their exchange, Hilumi made her way over to Kikipu to inform her that she would be escorting her home.
Looking over at the two Lalafells, Naruko's grin slowly turned into a small frown. Looking over to her left, She signalled a Roegadyn man over to her.
"Problem ma'am?"
Naruko gave a small nod, "Hastaloeya. I want you, Cicily, E'ptolmi, Kelmomo and Pagneul to go with her."
Hastaloeya's eyes widened briefly before he discreetly scanned the cliff above them "Are you expecting trouble?" He asked.
Naruko nodded "I wouldn't be surprised if Teledji Adeledji tries to clean house so to speak…"
"And you want me and the others to watch Hilumi's back and to protect the Silver Bazaar if need be. " Hastaloeya summarized, getting another nod from Naruko.
"Alright then. Crack some skulls for us boss." The Roegadyn man said with a salute before he signalled the others to follow him over to Hilumi.
However as he passed, Naruko muttered something softly with him only nodding as a response.
Watching the small group make their way up the ramp, Naruko let out a small sigh before stretching her arms. Looking back at Meriel, she saw the Hyur woman still in shock at what she had learned.
"Well then.. are you going to talk?"
-The next day(midday)-
Ul'dah was a mess. The sounds of battle rang loudly throughout the jewel of the desert, while the bodies of those who had fallen littered the streets.
From the Arrzaneth Ossuary to The Quicksand, and from The Sapphire Road Exchange all the way up to The Royal Promenade, battle had been waging for well over three hours now. The Immortal Flames and Sultansworn along with the various martial guilds of Ul'dah and several Adventures clashed against the Crystal Braves and a portion of the Brass Blades(those of the Order of Balsam particularly) who were on Teledji Adeledji's coin.
"Push her back! Push her back damn you-" The Crystal Brave was silenced by an orb of dark magick tearing through his chest. Showering his fellows in a gout of blood and viscera.
"Bloody hell! She's killed the sergeant… pull back! Pull ba..urk." Another of the Braves shouted only to be silenced by a large blade tearing through his torso.
The others stared in horror as the woman wielding the large sword hefted the Highlander man up with her sword and flung him into the wall. They watched on as their comrade's lifeless body smashed into the stonework. "Now then," Naruko grinned viciously as a dark aura flowed around her "Who else wants to die?"
The group of Crystal Braves and Brass Blades looked between each other nervously before turning tail and fleeing. It would be folly to stand against the Warrior of Light after all… but they would return, and in greater numbers… probably.
Naruko scoffed at their cowardice as she reached for her Linkpearl and contacted Raubahn.
"Naruko checking in. Is everything fine on your end, General?"
"Aye, it's all quiet on our end lass. Did the plan work?"
"Perfectly. Idiots don't realise we had Nanamo moved out of the city before we moved on Meriel last night.. they still assume she is within The Heart of the Sworn." She said as she eyed her surroundings.
"Good. The longer we can go before Teledji Adeledji figures out where she is, the better.
"Right...any word from-" a small klack made Naruko's halt "One moment, I'll get back to you shortly." She said before ending communication.
Taking a deep breath, Naruko cracked her neck before turning.
"Well well well…" she began as she sneered at the group before her
"If it isn't my dear comrades." She said with no small amount of venom in her voice. For before her stood the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, her former comrades… her former friends.
Minfilia was the first to speak up "Naruko.. I.. we-"
"BOSS!"
Naruko and the others turned to where the shout came from and saw Kyna sprinting towards them.
"Kyna? What's the matter?" Naruko asked as the young woman came to a halt "A.. a large..*gasp*.. a large group of Crystal Braves and Brass Blades are headed for the Arrzaneth Ossuary." Kyna gasped out.
Naruko frowned. Why would they be headed for the Ossuary? It was full of civilians at the moment and not exactly a prime.. target...
Naruko's eyes widened "Fuck.. Adeledji sent a kill squad after Dewlala. How many?"
"Between thirty to forty…" Kyna responded
"Alright then, Kyna I'm gonna go ahead. Once you catch your breath join up with-"
*Puff* "Naruko-sama.. we have a problem." Yugiri said urgently as she appeared from a puff of smoke.
Naruko rolled her eyes "I already know about the Ossuary, Yugiri."
However Yugiri shook her head "No. I bring far worse tidings I'm afraid."
Worse? What could be worse? Luckily, they didn't have to wait long for an answer.
"One of my Shinobi spied Teledji Adeledji leaving the city from The Gate of The Sultana roughly ten minutes ago.. and with a sizable escort no less. Naruko-sama.. we believe he is headed for Vesper Bay." The Auri woman finished grimly.
Naruko and Kyna looked shocked at the news, while Minfilia and the others didn't know how important it was. "Is this not a good thing? With their commander gone, the rogue Crystal Braves and Brass Blades should crumble." Thancred pointed out.
"Indeed. He is obviously fleeing to Vesper Bay to take to the sea and escape." Alphinaud surmised.
However Naruko didn't share the sentiment "Gods fucking damn it!" Naruko roared as she punched a nearby wall, making it crack and crumble around her fist. Causing Minfilia and the other Scions to misinterpret her anger.
"Naruko, calm yourself. While I understand that you no doubt seek justice for what happened.. enough blood has been shed." Minfilia admonished the younger woman. Getting nods from her fellow Scions.
"Holy fuck, you just don't get it do you." Kyna scoffed while Naruko desperately tried to get in contact with Raubahn "The Boss ain't flipping out because Teledji is retreating, fuck that'd be the best outcome really.. she isn't pissed because of that though, it's because Her Grace is currently within the halls of your old HQ." She explained, getting looks of shock from them. "And if he's headed for Vesper Bay… then he somehow found out... or hell, maybe he knew the entire time and this was just to get you all in one place.. whatever the case, this means Her Grace's life is in imminent danger." Kyna finished as Naruko finally got through to Raubahn.
"The Jackal is approaching the coup, I repeat the Jackal is approaching the coup. Begin preparing Plan Juggernaut." is all she said before cutting off communication.
With that Naruko let out a trembling breath as she pushed past Minfilia and the others "Kyna, I need you to inform the others to gather together what forces they can and make for Horizon. I'll join them when I can… shit, I'll also tell Hastaloeya to cross the waterway from the Silver Bazaar to Crescent Cove to cut off sea access at the Footfalls." She said as she walked away from the group. Her hand clutching the handle of her Greatsword tightly as she hefted it onto her shoulder and walked towards the Aetheryte Shard.
Kyna saluted her and began informing their fellow Flames via Linkpearl.
"W-wait! Where are you going?" Alphinaud shouted as Naruko reached out to the shard "If Her Grace is truly in danger we must make haste to her aid and-"
"And what, leave those poor souls in the Ossuary to be put to the blade?" Naruko growled as the shard didn't respond.
Alphinaud spluttered for a moment "Well.. no I.. but the Sultana.."
Naruko shook her head "Typical of you. Always looking at the big picture while forgetting the smaller details… just like with your precious Grand Company of Eorzea." She spat.
Turning her head she looked Alphinaud in the eyes "If your grandfather were still with us, he'd back hand you into next week you glory seeking brat." Naruko said venomously as she approached the Elezen teen.
Minfilia and the others could only stare as Naruko gave Alphinaud a quite literal verbal beating. They could only stand and watch as she tore into him over his arrogance and pride and how his actions led to this happening.
"Should… should we do something?" Yda whispered to her comrades. Only to receive no answer.
The verbal decimation continued for another few minutes.. by this point Alphinaud had fallen to his knees in what could only be shame and horror.
"And that Alphinaud, is why you. Yes you are partially, if not mainly responsible for this… this bloodshed." Naruko said.
Letting out a deep breath the crimson haired woman turned tail and walked away. No admonishing remarks. No final word. She simply… walked away.
"She.. she's wrong.. I'm not..I didn't.." Alphinaud tried to whisper. She was wrong! She was wrong damn it!
He only wanted to help. To.. to help people like his grandfather did nearly six years ago. She was wrong damn it… he was doing the right thing.. he was…. he was.
And yet even though she was wrong… her words burned him.. every accusation, every remark of his arrogance.. they felt true. He wanted to deny them.. gods he did, and yet.. and yet he couldn't muster the strength..
She was wrong… he couldn't have…..
He couldn't have caused this…..
Right?...
.
.
.
.
Sadly, he was not afforded the time to ponder as he was roughly pulled to the side and behind one of the various benches just as an arrow struck where he just was.
"Alphinaud… Alphinaud! Snap out of it." A muffled voice urged him.
"W-what?" Looking up he saw Yda and Papalymo fending off a group of Crystal Braves.
"Kill'em all! Master Adeledji wants them dead!"
What? Peering again out of cover he spied the very group of Braves from the 3rd that had been their escort, now trying to kill them.. soldiers that had sworn that they didn't know of Ilberd's scheming.. Twelve how could he be so blind?
"You lot need to get the hell out of here!" Kyna shouted as she skewered one of the Braves with her sword.
This… this couldn't be happening… right?
"We must needs make an exit.." Y'shtola murmured as she surveyed their surroundings.
There were far too many of them to try to out run.. but perhaps... letting out a sigh, the Miqo'te woman looked towards Yugiri..
"Yugiri.. pray, take the others and quit this place. I shall buy you the time you need." Y'shtola said softly.
"Are you mad?" Kyna shouted as she felled yet another Brave. "There are more of these bastards on the way."
"I have a plan." The white haired woman said firmly as she started gathering Aether "And unless you wish to be caught in it, I suggest you run."
"You mean to cast…"Papalymo said wide eyed.
"Yes."
"Surely there is another-" Minfilia tried to argue.
"This is really our only option Minfilia… pray do not worry, I will be fine." Y'shtola reaffirmed.
When the last of the Braves fell that was their chance. Acting swiftly, Yugiri grabbed Alphinaud and slung him over her shoulder.
"Come! We must quit this place." She shouted as she led the others away.
"I suppose this is karma.." Y'shtola said softly as another group of Crystal Braves rapidly approached while Kyna surged forward to buy her time.
Maybe if she survived this, she would be able to make things right with Naruko… heh.. twelve willing.
-Meanwhile-
'Thal damn it! Of course that power hungry cunt would send people after civilians.' Naruko yelled internally as she sprinted down yet another hall. She had just passed the Miners Guild and was swiftly approaching the Gladiators Guild.
Suddenly she felt a massive surge of Aether
"What the hell was-"
*FWOOSH* "Holy shit!"
A fierce buffet of wind flung Naruko off her feet and several fulms forward.
And as swiftly as the wind had come, it vanished.
"What… what in the name of the Twelve was that!?"
No… no she didn't have time to ponder. Picking herself up, Naruko broke out into another sprint.
Gods willing, she'd get there in time.
As she passed the Gladiators guild, the sound of fighting grew more intense.
Within moments she was back outside and moving towards the Arrzaneth Ossuary. The sound of battle still raging on from the direction of the Hall of Flames. Slowing to a jog, Naruko rounded the last corner and was met with a massacre.
"Twelve have mercy.."
Scattered about the entry and before the stairs were numerous charred corpses… please.. please let her not be too late.
"Who goes there!?" A familiar voice called out from behind the impromptu barricade "I swear to Thal, if you don't answer me I'll incinerate like those gods damn fools before you!"
Naruko let out a breath of relief "It's good to hear you are alright, Mistress Dewlala." She shouted back.
Murmurs broke out behind the barricades
"Oi, was that Naruko?"
"Sounded like her… who's checking?"
"Not it!"
"I'm not risking an arrow in the eye."
"Yeah! Besides, Momodi was certain that the last person was that Kyna girl and look what happened."
"I'm pretty sure I have a concussion you old bastard. Cut me some slack."
"Old!? Ha! That's rich coming from you!"
"Hamon, I swear to Nald I will ban you from the Quicksand."
"Prove you really are the Warrior of Light!"
Naruko rolled her eyes "Is this really..!" Naruko yelped as a fireball sailed past her head "Oi! You nearly hit me!"
"The next one won't miss!"
Naruko let out a groan "Oh for fucks sake! There isn't time for this!"
"Of course you'd say that!"
"Last one said it as well."
"Yeah! Besides, you sound fat. Naruko isn't fat, she's hot!"
Naruko's eye twitched "Cocobezi, I swear to Thal I will punt your tiny ass across the gods damn bloodsands if you don't listen! And don't you think I've forgotten about how you made me take the rap for you and your brother's drinking all that Ether!" Naruko yelled angrily.
"Waaah! You promised you wouldn't tell anyone!"
"I suppose that proves it… clear the entry."
After a moment part of the barricade shifted, and after a short moment Dewlala and Cocobuki walked out.
"Wow.. you look like shit." Naruko said bluntly.
And true to her words, Dewlala was a mess. Gone were her fine robes and in their place was a set of more combat suited attire that was dirty and torn in places. Her hair was in a hastily done bun and her face had patches of soot and dirt marring it.
"Hmm, yes well I couldn't just let these brutes befoul this sanctuary now could I?" The Lalafell woman said as she leaned on her staff for support "Though it has been… quite some time since I have had to weave such fierce magicks.." she finished with a tired huff.
Naruko nodded her head "Never thought you'd-"
"What, be a skilled Thaumaturge? They didn't call me Dewlala of the White Flame in my younger days for nothing my dear." Dewlala said almost smugly. However, Naruko caught a glimpse of a very familiar crystal embedded in her staff and couldn't help but give her a small grin "Yes, a truly skilled Thaumaturge indeed."
"Of course. It runs in the family after all. My dearest Lalai can attest to that." She responded with her own grin.
Well that was an interesting tidbit.. well the more you know and all.
"Now then," Dewlala straightened herself "What's the situation my dear."
-An hour later-
They had just gotten word that Teledji Adeledji and his traitorous ilk had reached the halfway point within the Footfalls.
"Are we ready?" Naruko asked the group before her.
Said group consisted of no less than six people, herself included. A small strike force that will hit Adeledji's force in the rear, whilst Hastaloeya and his group charge them from their left flank, and then finally, while they were distracted Raubahn would lead another group from Vesper Bay.
It was a hastily thrown together group, but by Thal were they skilled.
Owyne of the Sultansworn. His role was to cover the rear and to ensure that Teledji didn't escape back through Horizon.
Yugiri Mistwalker. She would be in the thick of things with Naruko.
Mylla Swordsong. She too, would be fighting on the front.
Chuchuto Brightstar. She would break off with the main group to meet up with Hastaloeya and commence their three pronged pincer attack.
Dewlala of the White Flame.. Her's was an interesting role. She would try to talk Teledji down and convince him to surrender. Would he go for it? No. But as she was the sole neutral member of the Syndicate, it fell to her to do so...
Though that being said, as the only neutral member of the Syndicate it would be a blatant sign of her siding with the Royalists in this fight(which wasn't exactly wrong.)... However, since Teledji Adeledji had sent people to kill her, this would be largely seen as an act of justified vengeance.
"Ready and waiting, my friend." Mylla said with her hand resting on her sword.
The others gave similar confirmations.
Naruko nodded her head. "Alright then." Turning to the Flames that had gathered she continued "I want a group of fifteen to advance with us, and another ten after us and cover the Sunset Gate with Owyne. The rest of you shall hold Horizon."
"Yes Captain!" The Flames saluted.
Taking a breath, Naruko surveyed the small force that had amassed at Horizon.
"Now… any of you that know me, knows I'm not exactly good with speeches." Naruko began, "I'll keep it simple and brief. We have Teledji Adeledji on the back foot and up against the wall… we must strike while the iron is hot. No escape for the traitor and his ilk." Naruko shouted. Getting roars and yells of agreement.
"So… tell me this my dear comrades… FOR WHAT DO WE FIGHT FOR!?"
"FOR COIN AND COUNTRY! FOR UL'DAH!"
"AND FOR WHOM DO WE FIGHT FOR!?"
"FOR THE SULTANA! FOR THE PEOPLE OF THANALAN!"
Naruko smirked, "That's what I like to hear!" She shouted before turning towards the Sunset Gate "Company! Forward!"
And with that, the final battle for Ul'dah commenced.
-later-
They had done it.. the battle had been won… but not without some losses.
Naruko stared down at the bloodied Chocobo feather charm in her hands 'It shouldn't've been you..'
She let out an exhausted sigh as she leaned back in her chair while pocketing the charm. She was currently within the halls of The Waking Sands, along with the leaders of the Alliance and the Scions… though the Alliance leaders were in Naruko's old room where Nanamo was being treated.
'Not all of them though..'
When the Scions had arrived after the battle, she immediately noticed they were down two. When Yugiri told her that Y'shtola and Kyna had stayed behind to grant them the time they needed to escape, she honestly believed that they all would have found their way to safety.
When she saw Kyna wasn't with them she felt a deep fear for her friend, and yet upon seeing that Y'shtola wasn't with them Naruko felt.. sad. Honestly she didn't know why. She was still furious at them… but upon hearing of what happened…. Her heart clenched…
"So this spell she used.. Flow, was it? What exactly does it do?" Naruko asked softly.
The Scions looked at her like she had sprouted a second head… or maybe it was because she was still filthy from the fighting… after this she would definitely need to go have a wash.
"Twelve above, is it so wrong for me to be curious?" She snapped.
"I.. Well to put it simply, it is an old and powerful teleportation magic that sends the user to another place in the form of aether along the Lifestream." Papalymo explained.
"That… is an extremely reckless thing to do. Why would she use it in that scenario though?"
Papalymo pondered for a moment "From what I remember, the spell causes a fierce buffet of wind when cast. Perhaps she meant to use that to make it seem like she was casting a more combat suitable spell." He deduced.
"What are the chances that it didn't scatter her aether?"
Papalymo's face became grim. "Low… nobody has ever successfully cast the spell and lived to tell the tale."
"Well shit.." Was all Naruko could say.
Yda however, seemed to take umbrage with Naruko's rather.. lackluster reaction.
"Is that really all you have to say!?" Yda shouted as she marched over to the seated Warrior of Light "Shtola may very well be dead and that's all you have to say!?"
"Yep." Naruko said dismissively.
Naruko's laid back answer made Yda see red. And as the young Ala Mhigan woman drew her arm back, Naruko spoke once more.
"Besides, why should I feel anything about this? You lot turned on me remember… or are you truly as stupid as you act Yda?" Naruko growled as she stood up.
"Go ahead, punch me. Just don't be expecting pity when I put you on the ground."
Yda, ever the one to not one to back down indeed readied herself however in the end the conflict was halted.
"Yda! Control yourself." Papalymo scolded b as he pushed between the two women. "And you." He said looking up at Naruko "While I can understand why you are being so flippant about Y'shtola's possible… death, I believe now is not the time for such pettiness."
"You all act like Y'shtola was the only one caught in the spell. Fuck, you act like she's gone, hell she could still be alive unlike some people!" Naruko said angrily before sighing "Look, I'm… sorry. It has been a long two months. Hell, today was a fucking nightmare as is.." Naruko murmured quietly as she sat back down.
At that moment the doors opened revealing Tataru "I came as fast as I could." The young Lalafell woman as she entered.
"Tataru!...Gods what happened to your arm?" Minfilia exclaimed as the former(?) receptionist of the Scions approached.
"Hmm? Oh this?" Tataru motioned to her left arm. Said arm was bound in a thick cast and currently resting in a sling
Tataru glanced at Naruko slightly who in turn looked away before looking back at Minfilia with a shrug. "I took a nasty tumble a week ago." She said before sitting next to Naruko "Don't worry, it looks worse than it actually is."
Minfilia let out a sigh of relief "I see… regardless, it is good to see you are-"
"Alive? What, did you think Naruko killed me or something?" Tataru joked.
The other Scions stayed silent causing Tataru's jaw to drop "You.. you didn't actually think that?
"Well…" Thancred tried to start, but his words escaped him.
Minfilia sighed and explained why they had turned on Naruko.. along with why they suspected the worst. During the conversation, Tataru slowly sipped on a fresh cup of tea, nodding her head on occasion.
Until finally "So instead of doing any form of investigation, you immediately believed a source of information that supposedly came from a known Garlean spy?" Tataru asked as she sat her cup down.
Minfilia gave a nod of confirmation "Yes. From what we-" Tataru held her good hand up "Minfilia. I've known you for what, nearly seven years now? And in that period I have seen you make some debatable decisions… but this? This is by far the stupidest one yet."
"Now hold on-" Thancred shouted as she stood from his seat, only to be greeted by a rather out of place glare from Tataru "Was I talking to you? No? Then shut up and sit down!"
"Now then as I was-" Tataru began, only to be cut off by the door creaking open.
"C-captain.." looking towards the door, they saw a young, brown haired Miqo'te woman. Naruko got up from her seat and made her way over to her. As she approached it became clear the other woman had been crying recently.
"E'ptolmi.. I take it you and the others…" Naruko asked as she put her hand on the Miqo'te's shoulder. E'ptolmi nodded "Y-yeah.." she sniffed. "We.. we gathered up the fallen and had them taken back to Ul'dah to be laid to rest.. all that remains.. all.. all that remains is.." The Miqo'te woman burst into tears, unable to finish her sentence.
After a few moments E'ptolmi collected herself "I.. what are we…"
Naruko looked back at the Scions for a moment, watching as Tataru ripped them a new one before looking back at the Miqo'te "He'd want to be home.. he'd want to be with his family."
E'ptolmi nodded "A-alright I'll.. I'll tell the others.. you'll.. you'll come to right?"
Naruko nodded "We'll see him home E'ptolmi.. we'll see him home."
With that, Naruko sent E'ptolmi to inform the others.
"Tataru.." Naruko called out as she looked back towards the Scions.
"Yes Naruko?"
"Keep me updated on Nanamo's condition.. I've.. I've got something that needs seeing to." Naruko asked.
Tataru nodded "Oh? Well.. I guess I can."
"N-now hold a moment!"
Naruko let out a low growl as Alphinaud approached her.
"You can't just up and leave. Not until we have confirmation that-"
"Pagneul Alcus.." Naruko said softly.
Alphinaud stopped, confused. "What?"
"Pagneul Alcus.. Flame Private 1st class... A good fighter and a good friend.. as well as him being the youngest member of the Diamond Dogs.. heh, just a few years older than you in fact…" Naruko said, thumbing the charm in her pocket softly.
"Sounds like a skilled man. Why does this matter?" Alphinaud asked.
"It's funny.. y'know I didn't actually name the unit? They just mixed words together until someone stuck… Thought it sounded cool, they did." Naruko murmured.
"I fail to see-"
"He died protecting Dewlala from one of your Crystal Braves." Naruko spat.
-Two hours earlier-
"You've lost. Lay down your arms and you will not be harmed." Naruko said calmly to the remaining Crystal Braves.
The battle was over, and everyone knew it.
"What are you just standing there for?! Kill her!" Teledji ordered from behind the remaining men.
The Crystal Brave Captain looks hesitant. All around them were similar situations, they had been routed and his men had a choice.
Fight on and die… or surrender and pray the Twelve are merciful.
"O-oi.. Warrior of Light!" The Captain shouted.
"Hmm?" Naruko turned her attention to the Captain.
"If.. if we surrender.. you promise me that my men won't be harmed. They're good soldiers and they're only following orders." He pleaded.
However a certain individual was furious over the demand "Captain! I am paying you good money! Kill her-" Teledji was silenced by the Captain knocking him out. "Annoying bastard."
Looking back towards Naruko he saw she was conversing with Raubahn. After a few short moments the Flame General nodded.
"Captain Beckson.. enough blood has been shed today. Tell your men to surrender and I swear that they will not be harmed." Naruko said as she approached the Ala Mhigan man.
Beckson let out the breath he didn't realise he was holding "You heard the lady!" He exclaimed as she threw his sword aside. Across the Footfalls, the rest of the Crystal Braves followed suit.
However, things could never go this well. Suddenly, a small spike of aether surged from several fulms to Naruko's left.
Turning Naruko saw that one of the Braves Conjurer's had ignored the surrender order and was in the midst of casting something with Dewlala being the intended target.
"Shit!" Naruko broke into a sprint.. sadly, the Conjurer had managed to finish casting her spell, unleashing a cluster of jagged stone spears at the shocked Lalafell.
Time seemed to slow as the jagged stones shot towards Dewlala. An arrogant smirk on the Conjurer's face as her spell almost certainly spelt the end for the Lalafell woman.
As she sprinted towards Dewlala, Naruko unleashed a sphere of dark aether at the cluster of stones… however sadly, while it did strike true, two of them remained wholly intact and continued on their course.
Dewlala could only watch as the jagged stones soared towards her.
"Move!"A voice cried out from her side as she was roughly pushed. As she fell she glimpsed the young Elezen you had pushed her before-
*Squelch*
The young man was impaled by the stone spears.
He stumbled for a moment.. as if the blow hadn't yet registered. Only to fall to his knees as his spear fell from his grasp.
Naruko slowly came to a halt as Pagneul fell to his knees. The young Elezen's hand sluggishly moved up to where one of the stones had impaled him..
Pagneul slowly looked towards Dewlala and then towards Naruko with a small but relieved smile on his face before finally, he collapsed.. never to rise again.
Off to the side the woman who had cast the spell threw her staff aside and raised her hands in surrender as the two soldiers approached her.. an arrogant smirk on her lips.
-Present-
"He was killed by one of your Crystal Braves…" Naruko spat.
"B-but their actions after their defection are hardly-" Alphinaud tried to start.
"Oh how fucking typical. 'It's not my fault, they defected.' Ha! Save me your excuses." Naruko snarled "Maybe if you actually did background checks instead of letting in fucking anyone this wouldn't have happened. But no, when I suggested that you laughed it off. You are always right afterall… especially because I'm just an adventurer. I'm nothing but a petty sellsword." She finished as she shoved the Elezen teen away.
Leaving a glare at the others (minus Tataru) Naruko shook her head and turned to walk out "Unlike you Alphinaud, I know when to own up to my mistakes. I'd be a piss poor leader otherwise." She said before exiting the room.
"W-wait!" Alphinaud called out "The woman who.. who killed your friend. I'll personally see to it that she is-"
"Don't bother."
Alphinaud recoiled slightly. Why? Did she not want justice? "I.. I don't understand.. why?"
Naruko let out a tired sigh "I already handled it."
"What? But.. but if she surrendered then she should be…!" Alphinaud's eyes widened. She couldn't of.. right?
"Naruko… where is the woman?" Alphinaud asked cautiously, only for Naruko to clench her fist tightly.
-Flashback-
"YOU FUCKING WHORE!" Naruko roared as she charged the Highlander woman that had killed Pagneul.
The expression on the tanned woman's face turned from arrogance to fear as Naruko roughly shoved the Immortal Flame soldiers out of her way.
"W-w-wait! I.. I surrender!" She screamed only for Naruko to tackle her into the shallows.
"Gods damn it! Stop her!" Raubahn ordered as he and some of the others rushed to the two of them.
As they approached they saw that Naruko was holding the woman's head underwater as she thrashed in an attempt to break the Warrior of Light's grip.
"Naruko! Damn it lass, stop!" Raubahn shouted as he and the others tried to pull the Hyur woman of her victim. However as they tried, a pulse of black and red aether shot out, launching them back several fulms.
The others of Naruko's group desperately called out to her. Begging her to stop before it was to late.
'Kill her! Kill the bitch!' A dark voice roared from within her.
'She murdered Pagneul! She murdered him and then had the gall to try and surrender!?'
'This is our justice! Justice for him! Justice for Nanamo!'
Serve...Save...Slave...Slay…
Slowly, the splashing began to cease. The once fierce resistance the Crystal Brave put up was ebbing away.. until finally, stillness.
Naruko slowly released her grip. Her eyes locked with the dull, dead yellow eyes of the woman below her.
"Lass…" Naruko didn't answer "What have you done…"
-Flashback end-
"Naruko… what have you done.." Naruko didn't answer. But her lack of words said everything.
Turning heel once more, the Warrior of Light walked out of the chamber. Leaving the Scions in a stunned silence.. and a saddened Tataru.
.
.
.
.
.
.
-Unkown-
A small figure layed on a bed in a dark room that was illuminated by a handful of candles. She laid unmoving, breathing only very softly.
Hear.
The young woman stirred slightly.
Feel.
She let out a small gasp as sweat slowly dripped down her forehead.
Think.
*Gasp*
The young woman shot up. Her pupilless green eyes shining softly in the candlelight
"W-what was… who..?" She muttered as her eyes rolled up as she passed into unconsciousness once again.
Across the room another sat in a chair, watching over the other woman.
Faintly her features could be made out in the candlelight.
Her long, messy crimson and white-blonde streaked hair and her calm blue eyes stuck out in the low light as she stared sadly at the smaller woman.
"I'm so sorry Nanamo…" Naruko whispered as she leaned back in her chair.
'Damn you Hydaelyn...damn you for forcing this fate upon her.'
With some answers came more questions. A bloody battle, and a sorrowful death. Regrets and sacrifice, a blessing bequeathed.
What further trials await the Warrior of Light… what further loss and sacrifice will push her deeper, and deeper down the path of the abyss.
And done!
8.7k words baby!
Hope you all enjoyed it. Feel free to leave a review and the me what ya think.
And I'm sorry I didn't go into detail about the actual fight… I really, REALLY suck at extended battle scenes.
See you all after I finish Endwalker's MSQ…
