Chapter One

The sun over Thanalan burned - but when didn't it? After the Calamity, it had seemingly grown harsher and harsher. However, the Hyur currently gathering in the sands close to Little Ala Mhigo was one of the few who could compare it closer. After all, it was as if she'd snapped from the falling lesser moon to the current day. (Technically, around a month ago. She was counting.)

Lightning shards and crystals... a lot needed to be gathered to be worth much Gil. But it was honest work, and if she did enough? She could hire a porter and the money to rent an inn room for around a week. Eight days in Ul'Dah should be enough to figure out what she needed to. Even as her knuckles grew bloody from her tight grip, even as the magenta crystals dripped with sweat - it would be worth it.

Time didn't matter, either. She had begun as the sun rose, and the sun was beginning to set. Perhaps it was that Ala Mhigan mindset. It was the best she could do - and what made her almost happy. Soon, she would be able to go back to...

...well. Her people, if they still were there. The Path of the Twelve. The Hyur gave a little shudder, as she felt the sun beginning to set. While the sun burned during the day, it tended to grow chillingly cold during the night. But not how it used to.

--no, that shudder was different. The Echo - the Hyur could feel something coming. Swiftly rolling to the side, she barely missed the half-rusted blade held by what looked like another Ala Mhigan. A Highlander, but their body was mostly hidden - perhaps they were Au Ra, for they had a large tail swishing behind them? The blade had gotten stuck in the rock she was mining, but it seemed to distract the attacker - levin energy crackling, and the attacker trying to... do something with the rock, hands tightening around it. Blade still stuck, but the Highlander desperate.

Eventually, the silence was broken by the miner. "Excuse me?"

The other looked at her - eyes visible under the heavy clothes. A deep green, terrifyingly so. "--crystals," is all she muttered, before turning back to the rock. Trying to dig out the crystals, perhaps. Tail swishing as her heavy claws dug into the rock-- were they gloves, or...?

Before she could ponder more, the other lady retrieved her blade - the rocks crumbling around it. "There's plenty here," the Midlander said, gently. "You don't need to get violent."

The other - the tailed one - looked her in the eyes. And then asked... "Your name?"

"It's Minfilia. Minfilia Warde," Minfilia said with a gentle gaze. This terrified other lady - there was no reason to get on her bad side. If she could talk the other down... then they wouldn't need to fight. "Do you wish for more crystals?"

The other nodded, and watched as Minfilia got some out. She took them greedily, before beginning to back away. "There's... more here?" she asked, the best she could. Minfilia nodded, and the other was gone.

...That was frightening, Minfilia thought. But it worked out fine, right? Even giving those away, she could still spend time in Ul'dah. Still, she was shaken - she would retreat to where she'd been staying.

No, she hadn't been staying in the settlement. Even if she had been accepted there, she wanted somewhere of her own. A small cavern she'd found nearby, one she'd thrown some fabric over the entrance to. Even if she trusted other Ala Mhigans, she didn't trust the Flames as much - or the adventurers who came though. She needed these crystals herself, so she could get home.

If they went missing, she would need to begin again... again. By the time the sun had set, she had sealed up her cave with a few rocks. The muscles of a miner ached, but it helped. It was small, but cozy - and that's all that Minfilia needed. The remains of a caved in mineshaft, the bed half-crushed by rocks, was where she rested - next to a safe that she had cracked and locked again. Still, it was comfortable. As Minfilia slipped into sleep, she wondered about the one who attacked her...

...she wondered if they'd meet again. But, recently, a lot of people had wished for crystals. Things had become more violent - not just with the Amalj'aa, but with the Ala Mhigan youths. She had fought by their side - in battles which felt like illusions, ones which almost seemed to happen again and again. Even if Minfilia was not much of a fighter - she still had the dagger Thancred gave her, but... well, she couldn't help but think on this as she slipped into the realm of dreams.

---

Morning, as compared to dusk, was a quiet time. Of course, the beasts did not seem to care what time it was - but at least people seemed to rest. There was no rest for Minfilia, however. She had to get some food, and then get back to work.

(Food, in this case, being gathered. Or bartered for with the Immortal Flames who had set up nearby - if she required something that wasn't foraged.)

But this morning, Minfilia noted two things. One was that there were an odd number of Amalj'aa around. The second was that there was also an odd number of Flames. A conflict, of course. She should intervene. But her place-- she couldn't stop them once they began fighting. That would be foolish. And yet - she slipped on her light clothes, and moved to listen.

--wait. She could understand the snarls of the Amalj'aa. She couldn't before - before she awoke in this future. They snarled at the Flames, protesting. They had to get past. They had to find Him - who was him? Minfilia couldn't figure it out.

And it wasn't like she'd run into the battlefield to ask - especially as the larger Spoken fell to the Immortal Flames, their blood staining the sand. Soon, they fell. And that's when Minfilia rushed out.

"What was going on?" Minfilia asked who seemed to be the commander of these Flames. An older woman, with a haunted gaze on her dark face. Ala Mhigan, if Minfilia was to guess. A mask covering most of her face - but the ways her lips moved showed she had been hurt one way or another.

The other looked over Minfilia, and gave a soft gaze. "Recently, they've been getting closer and closer to Little Ala Mhigo. I've tried to be reasonable, but--"

"I mean, why are they getting closer?"

A pause. "Well, there's been crystal shipments lately. Lots of them. So... while it sounds weird... there's rumours that they might be trying to summon a Primal. We've got our contacts looking into it, but until then, we need to make sure it doesn't happen."

These contacts-- "May they be related to Louisoix?" Minfilia asked, expression growing a little excited. The Immortal Flame gave a little smile, and a nod.

"Oh, Louisoix... his finest students have remained here, after... well, you know."

"Actually, I don't."

The Immortal Flame paused, tapping her finger against her lips. Thinking. "Did you live under a rock for the last five years or so? Because I don't think anybody wouldn't know what happened." Even as she spoke, however, the Immortal Flame commander offered out a hand. "Wanna sit down and talk about this? I mean, not in Amalj'aa corpses?"

Minfilia nodded a little, as they moved to the outside of Little Ala Mhigo - sitting on the cliffside. "Well... it's a little complex. But, no - I don't know what happened. I... have amnesia," she admitted. That was the easier explanation, right? "The last thing I recall is Dalamud falling."

The elder woman gives a soft sigh, before leaning slightly on Minfilia - she felt firm, muscled, under her clothes. Strong, powerful... just like an Ala Mhigan should be. But she was not as tall as a Highlander. They were close to the same height, actually. "Well, um. Louisoix... sacrificed himself to stop Dalamud."

Silence. Minfilia stared wide-eyed. "He's dead...?" After another moment, she felt one tear. Another tear. It felt right - he would have given everything for the world. But he was not just her friend, but her mentor. Without thinking, the Immortal Flame gave a soft hug to the other. A familiar hug. But Minfilia couldn't place it though the numbing grief that began to build. "He's dead..."

"Mhm... but nobody's going to forget him. Without him, the big dragon inside the lesser moon would have destroyed Eorzea. Still... I'm sorry, miss. He was really important to you, huh?"

Minfilia nodded, quietly. "He was... without him, I would not have chosen my path. I knew him well..."

The hug was nice, but Minfilia then quietly looked up. The other - the Immortal Flame - was biting her lip. Thinking, but then rubbing Minfilias' back. Trying to be comforting. Before... "Wanna come back to my place to clean up?"

That's right, Minfilia thought though her pain, the Immortal Flames tended to have Chocobo-drawn wagons. It was really just for their own comfort, and because it had become quite hard for them to rest with Ala Mhigans. A sniffle, and a nod.

--Minfilia did not expect to be lifted up by the Immortal Flame commander, carried in a hug-like hold. She could not protest, for she was far too shocked. It was not far, thankfully, before they passed an oddly massive Chocobo resting near a larger then normal wagon. Minfilia gave a soft confused sound, and the Immortal Flame explained.

"I've basically set up camp here - this good boy's going to be sent back soon. My mission'll likely keep me here for a few months - so I've got the supplies. Ala Mhigans listen to their own, after all."

Entering the small wagon, it was clearly set up for comfort. A single table and couch (which clearly was also used as a bed), alongside a fully stocked cupboard. It could fit a few people... and, well, there was room for a light party to sit around the table, at least. A divider seperated the kitchen area - stocked with wood and a box filled with ice crystal shards. There was also a wall - likely to the bathroom, Minfilia thought.

The Immortal Flame commander placed Minfilia on one of the seats, before pausing. "Wait a sec, you deserve to lay down. I know it's still early in the day, but you've had a big shock."

"You're mothering me," Minfilia pointed out.

"I'm older then you. Probably. Maybe. How old are you?"

That actually made Minfilia pause. Had she aged in the time she'd seemed to miss? She didn't feel older. Thus... "I am twenty-three years old, the last I checked."

The Immortal Flame chuckled. "I'm fourty-five. So I'm an old lady compared to you - so I'm allowed to mother you." As she spoke, she got out a heavy quilt, covered in Ala Mhigan symbols. "Here, this should keep you warm. Have you eaten yet?" Minfilia shook her head. "I'll get some stew going, once I hunt down some--"

"--let me hunt with you," Minfilia said. "I can fight. And... it might help me focus my thoughts."

A pause. "I'm trying to be nice to you - but sure! We're gonna hunt down a Angler or two - there's a soup my boyfriend taught me how to make from them. I've got everything else nice and preserved."

Minfilia stood - folding up the quilt - before beginning to follow the Immortal Flame commander. (She should ask for her name, but Minfilia was a bit distracted.) "You have a boyfriend? Is he in your squadron, or...?"

"Oh, no. We met elsewhere, he showed me how good people could be, and then we kiss a lot. Well, I kiss him and he gets all grumpy and it's really cute," the Immortal Flame said, as she looked backwards a little. "Maybe he'll drop by sometime? Oh, and my little sister as well! I think you two'd get along - she's just a bit older then you."

How passionate... Minfilia frowned to herself. That explained why this lady was so fussy... she was a big sister. "Am I like your sister at all?"

A pause. "Well. You're... Ala Mhigan, right?"

"It's that easy to tell?"

"Well... yeah. You didn't just wanna sit back, and you've got that look in your eyes. But I haven't seen you around here before," the Immortal Flame admitted. "Did you just escape from Garlean occupation, or...?"

"No, no."

Minfilia gave a shake of her head, as they approached the Red Labyrinth. "It's a long s-story - and quite unbelievable. But it's related to my amnesia."

The Immortal Flame gave a little nod to the other - before raising a hand. "Right. I'll take the Angler on the left, you take the one on the right, and we'll make some stew and talk over it. I might not look it, but I believe a lot of stuff."

Of course, Minfilia followed the commands. Now, while she was not the strongest, she knew her way around a dagger. The same one that Thancred had given her, well. She knew how to defend herself. Even as the fish-like creature bit at her, and she slashed. It did not take long for it to fall. Mostly because she went for the eyes and mouth. Turning, she got to see the last of the Immortal Flame taking out her Angler - a firm punch, before drawing back to a neutral pose. "Two for two, huh?"

They began to walk back, meat juices dropping a little. "You ever prepared Angler before?" the Immortal Flame asked.

Minfilia shook her head. "I tend not to hunt - it's usually others who supplied meat, before I took to this lifestyle. So, I've been eating plants and eggs and anything else I could forage for."

"Oh? Well, that makes a bit of sense-- wait, why did you take to this lifestyle? Or is that related to everything else?" A nod was all the Immortal Flame needed for confirmation, and she gave a little chuckle. "Well, meat helps you grow strong, and you need some strength to recover from... well, the news. I'll cook it like my mother used to. Meanwhile... you should wash up. You can fill the tub with water shards."

They returned to the wagon, and Minfilia moved into the bathroom. She was messy, that was true. She hadn't washed since she awoke - the abandoned mineshaft she'd moved into had no way to wash up. Not even a river. There was quite a supply of water shards - whoever this Flame was, she must have a lot of authority.

Stripping off, Minfilia placed her clothes daintily on top of the nearby strongbox. Her body had lots of tiny nicks, of course, but none which would stand out or sting too much in the water. She activated the crystals - the magic draining from them, and water began to fill the tub. Strange... it didn't quite look like Eorzean engineering. But that didn't matter. Like with many tubs, the temparature could be adjusted by a mix of ice and fire crystals... and Minfilia made it a refreshing cool tub. There was even soap - Minfilia hoped that the Immortal Flame wouldn't mind too much. But she offered this.

As she cleaned herself, Minfilia felt tears begin to fall. She felt her body begin to finally take everything in, and she felt her eyes sting with pain. Her hands seemed to split open, and she could no longer hold in her screams. Screams that echoed, and screams that seemed to make the world go white.

Wait, no. Minfilia recognized this feeling - the Echo. A vision, one she couldn't control. The very thing she'd begun to study. Wasn't it...?

---

Minfilia woke from the vision, and she was no longer in the bath. She had a towel wrapped around her, alongside the Ala Mhigan quilt. The Immortal Flame was still cooking, making sure nothing burned too much. It was a long meal to cook, but... as soon as Minfilia made a soft sound, the Immortal Flame turned around.

"Oh, thank Rhalgr--! I heard you screaming and then you weren't moving and you were sort of. Submerged. So I had to get you out and I didn't look at you too much I promise."

Minfilia could barely hear the others' rambling, as she thought backwards. Had she seen anything? If so, what had she seen, or heard, or even felt? She had smelled smoke. Heavy smog, not unlike the scent of a magitek engine. But she had not seen anything, nor heard anything. The ground had become firm, tough, metal.

...Maybe it wasn't an Echo, but it was a stress break. That would make sense. Minfilia weakly looked at the other. "I think I've just... been though a lot recently. I apologize if I frightened you."

The Immortal Flame commander shook her head. "Just, uh... try not to do it again? I don't want you to... well, drown. That'd be a horrible way to go." Even as she spoke, she went back to cooking, and Minfilia laid her head down again. Eyes closing.

"I have a question for you," Minfilia finally said. "If Louisoix has passed, what has happened to those who followed him?"

"They're still in Eorzea," the Flame Commander said, "to make a brighter tomorrow. They merged with the Path of the Twelve, because their leader vanished, and now call themselves--"

"--vanished." Minfilia knew that was... well, she was here. She knew it was wrong to interrupt, but--! "Do you know who that leader was?"

A long pause, as the stew bubbled away. "Actually, no." The Flame Commander sighed. "They're as forgotten as the Warrior of Light - you know, the one who helped save people, the hero who stopped Nael? It's weird, but they're just gone from our minds. Both the Warrior of Light and that leader. It sucks."

Minfilia went silent, her face pale. The only think which stopped her from passing out was the smell of the stew, really. "...do you think you could remember them?" she asked. The Immortal Flame shrugged, and Minfilia let out a choked sound. "Has everybody forgotten them?"

"...you're pretty invested," the Immortal Flame pointed out.

"Of course I am! I was the leader of the Path of the Twelve - Minfilia Warde!"

Chapter Two

The scene was quiet. Minfilias' voice had raised as she said her name, and the Immortal Flame had gone quiet. Dropping her wooden spoon, staring a little.

Would Minfilia be believed? Would Minfilias' truth be accepted? The Immortal Flame slowly, slowly walked away from her stew. Came closer.

And then kneeled in front of her, examining her face. The tear stains, and the marks that covered her. "I... don't know if you're telling the truth," the Immortal Flame commander began, and Minfilia almost seemed to flinch, until she continued. "But then again, you sound pretty sure of yourself.

So... I'll believe you, Minfilia. Though I don't know if that'll work with everybody - you deserve somebody on your side, right?"

Minfilia stopped again. Looked at the masked older woman. And then, began to cry again. "Are you okay--!?" Minfilia nodded, leaning into the other. "...Oh, relief, then? Well, then... cry away, Minfilia."

Minfilia cuddled deep into the Flame Commander, as she continued to talk. Softly, gently. "A lot of the Archons took Louisoixs' death hard. But... I think the disappearances-- well, they hit just as hard. Because, like... it's not just like they're missing, but everything about them's missing. Even if it still happened.

...Uh, is this making it worse?"

Minfilia shook her head. "I need to know. I-- wish to know. May I also ask... your name, at least?"

After getting some more comforting backrubs, the Immortal Flame commander nodded to herself. "My name... it's Yda--"

"--Yda?!" Minfilia suddenly said, staring - and without thinking, moved her hands to the others' hat-mask. Yda did not stop her from removing it, to see her soft but elegant face. With a few deep scars, and more wrinkles... well, only a few. But she was alive...!? "How did you-- I heard you had died?"

Yda shook her head. "I... well, um. Long story short? I was at the Carteneau Flats - Garlemald had taken me prisoner. And I managed to escape then - but Garlemald still wants me back. For, uh, reasons."

Minfilia didn't need to hear more. From her sorrow, to this joy... it was too much. "...how's the stew going?" she eventually asked. Yda paused. And then jumped up, as she went to check on it. Minfilia couldn't help but smile a little - she was how she remembered her.

But... she was forgotten. And the weight of that was beginning to hit, as was the dread. At least, for now, it was Yda who she was with. But could she handle anybody she was closer to? Could she handle...

...no, it wasn't time to consider that. Now, it was time to ask another very important question. "My clothes--"

"They're where you left them - but you should wear some of mine. They're really dirty - don't worry, I've got some shirts that should be like dresses for you."

Quietly, Minfilia stood - using the towel to cover herself. As Yda said, there were shirts that would cover her for now. "Can you really afford to take today... off?" Minfilia asked, quietly.

Yda nodded. "It's not taking the day off. It's aiding with an Ala Mhigan who has information on Primal... right? If you were part of the Path of the Twelve, and knew about the Echo and the Beast Tribes and all that, then we can say that."

Even now, Yda was being this kind... even if Minfilia could seem like a crazy woman to basically anybody else. Minfilia bundled back into her blanket burrito, letting out soft whines as she tried to process what had happened.

The stew was done, and Yda served up some for Minfilia - sitting across from her, with a warm smile. Most of her wrinkles were on her smile lines - though she had the marks of battle clear on her face, as well. "Dig in - and there's always more."

It took a little for Minfilia to take her first spoonful, as she kept freezing up. But both of them were patient, and Minfilia felt the warmth hit her stomach right away. "When did you learn to cook?"

Yda smiled, a little sadly. "From my family. I'd always do a lot of it, of course - but we all did our part."

Minfilia continued to eat, greedily, but then paused. "I don't think that slaughtering Amalj'aa will help stop a Primal summoning. But-- I heard something from them," she said - choosing her words carefully between mouthfuls. "They are searching for somebody - some male. But, as we both know, Amalj'aa tend not to use gender to refer to themselves - using rank instead. So... I think that they're on the hunt for somebody who isn't an Amalj'aa."

Yda leaned back, thinking. "You're really thinking about work after everything you've learned today, Minfilia? We'll chase it up tomorrow, okay? But I'll keep that in mind."

Minfilia felt her energy seeming to drain as she ate... felt sleepiness crawl up on her. It had been far too long since she'd had such a wonderful homemade meal... though she knew nightmares would likely plague her. She looked to Yda, quietly. "...Yda? May I ask... are all the other Archon okay? And the rest of the Path?"

Yda crossed her arms, nodding to herself. "Yeah, they're okay. We've got a comfortable new base... well, it's a bit away from the city, but that's so the Syndacite doesn't try and take control of us. You'll like it, Minfilia. After this mission, I'll take you there, okay?"

Minfilia had already bundled herself back into her blankets, and fallen asleep. Yda shrugged... this poor kid. Even if she wasn't who she claimed she was, she was clearly smart and struggling. Surely nobody'd mind if she took her in, right? Right.

And nobody'd mind if she spent today doing a bit of training and keeping an eye on the poor dear? Also right. Hopefully. Well, she could handle a lecture or two from Papalymo. (Three would be a few too many.)

---

When Minfilia woke again, it was night, and Yda was just outside, punching the cliffs.

Standing, she moved to check on the other - and Yda turned on her heels. "Oh - welcome back to being awake! Finally get some good rest?" Minfilia nodded, with a yawn, and Yda stretched more. "Wanna head out on patrol with me?"

"Actually... I wish to continue my own work. I have been gathering lightning-aspected crystals, in order to make some gil," Minfilia explained, as she stretched out. "That may explain why I was so dirty." Still, there was that pride in her gaze, and Yda couldn't help but smile.

Still, Yda crossed her arms. "What do you want the gil for? I mean, other then for buying things, I guess?"

Minfilia paused. "Originally, I wished to fund my stay in Ul'dah to figure out... well, what happened to the Path of the Twelve. But you've informed me of such." She stretched out as well, looking over herself. "Still, is it not better if I at least have some money to donate to the cause? Or to help you out? Ul'dah still runs on Gil, from what I have gathered."

Yda couldn't dismiss this. "Still! How about we secure your crystals a bit better? If there's really the risk of a Primal, we don't want them to be used for that." Minfilia could see straight though Yda, of course. She just wanted to keep an eye on her...

Minfilia gave a soft smile. "Very well. I could also use your expertees to make sure none of the Corpse Brigade have broken our contract."

They began to move, and Minfilia explained. "The Corpse Brigade... they've tried to make their own way without Ala Mhigo. They do not wish to reclaim that glory, however - why fight for something they would not get to grasp themselves? Garlemald has stolen their desire to work with the Little Ala Mhigans who have carved out a home here.

And yet... I think I understand. So, I have entrusted them to protect me, in exchange for half the gil I make. I know they have been become bandits and are a threat to many, but...

...well, I wish I could inspire them to aid us."

As they walked, Yda seemed to fall into thought, slowing. "Garlemald is horrific, and their people probably would have killed them if they had tried an uprising. But accepting your place is also not something I can agree with.

I can't agree with your choice, Minfilia, but I understand it. Won't arrest or fight any of them while I'm here, okay?

That was acceptable, Minfilia thought, and she gave a nod. "I found an abandoned mine near to where they've settled - I think that the Calamity left it prone to collapse. But it's been comfortable, at least--

--Yda, wait."

They'd gotten closer - but there was an odd feeling. The air was warm, too warm. And the cloaked Au Ra was there - facing down another. One of the proud descendants of the soldiers who fell, who became the Corpse Brigade. She had only been a child when Ala Mhigo fell, from what Minfilia had learned.

Milleuda the Slitter. She had become their leader, for her strength alone - and she was facing down the other. Minfilia placed an arm, to stop Yda from moving. "--how dare you!" Milleuda was snarling, her blade drawn - blood already dripping from it. The other, however, didn't seem to be injured... "You brought them here!"

The other watched silently, tail stilling. Before she spoke, that awkward voice. "...have a job," she said, before stepping back a little. Not in retreat. No, she was preparing to strike again. (Why didn't she use those clawed gloves?) "Not-- not personal."

"You're a Garlean - everything you do is personal," Milleuda said, slashing at the other. Blade seeming to stab right into the others' body... but the other did not flinch. That's when Minfilia felt herself begin to falter - stepping forward.

But both her and Yda were too slow. One slice from the cloaked being - now with a blade sticking though her chest - and the other was downed. It was clean, flames dripping. Minfilia rushed forward, but the cloaked being began to walk away. Minfilia barely noticed that the cloaked being was holding a large sack, nor her limp - but Yda did.

No - Yda didn't charge the cloaked being. She knew the feeling in the air, but was it even possible? She wasn't stupid, even if she seemed so. Instead, she reached a hand to her ear, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Papalymo... I think I've found it. I'm gonna need some help."

As Yda spoke over the Linkpearl, however, Minfilia moved to Milleuda. Ruffling though one of her pockets, trying to feed her Potion. Milleuda raised a hand. "Don't bother. I won't survive, Mimi." But before Minfilia could protest, Milleuda gave a frown. "I wasn't fast enough. That person - they might have the eyes of an Ala Mhigan, but don't be fooled. They're a Garlean - and their kind are trying to root us out from even here."

Minfilia let out a soft whine, putting her lips to the other. "Milleuda... you won't die from this. I promise." As she spoke, Minfilias' hands began to glow. She hadn't used it much, but a curative magic pulsed from her. The wound was clean, after all - gently, Minfilia removed one of her fabric belts to wrap around it. "I won't let you. I-- need to tell you more."

Milleuda closed her eyes, a frown on her lips. "Do you think Rhalgr accepts your distaste of fighting?" she asked, as she felt her strength returning. Not enough to move, but... "To our God, we are all the same. We all have the same rights - including to Ala Mhigo. And yet, only bloodshed will reclaim our home."

"I... thought you had given up on it," Minfilia whispered.

"No. I gave up on the idea of working with Little Ala Mhigo - those who had decided to bide their time." Milleuda explained, as she noticed the Immortal Flame. "And those who'd given themselves to those who see us no better then cattle, to use and discard."

"Yda. This is my girlfriend, Milleuda," Minfilia said. "Though we're not that serious. But she needs transport to somewhere safe - could she be transported to where the Archon and the Path of the Twelve keep their injured?" Yda gave an approving nod, before Minfilia looked back to Milleuda. "I think, Milleuda, that Rhalgr would recognize that violence isn't the only way to fight.

I pray that He would."

---

It did not take long for Yda to get her large Chocobo over, alongside another Immortal Flame. She had made sure that they would go straight to the Waking Sands - or she would be quite upset. Still, Milleuda gave a worried look to Minfilia - Minfilia gave her another soft kiss, before she was loaded onto the ambulance cart. The blankets were treated with a mix of potion and ether, used to dull the pain of whoever was to be moved. (More expensive mixes, of course, were used for people with more gil.) Minfilia watched, worried, as Yda shook her head. "You're really friends with Milleuda? Closer then friends?

...you're an amazing person, Minfilia."

Minfilia sighed a little, biting her lip. "She's a good woman, deep down. But we all fight our own way.

Anyway-- that cloaked woman, I actually saw her before. She was looking for crystals..."

...Minfilia trailed off, as she saw Ydas' expression shift. Oh. It just clicked for her as well. Quickly, she ran to the nearby mineshaft - and just as she thought, her crystals were gone. "She's aiding with the Primal summoning?!" Minfilia asked, staring at the other. And she'd told her about where crystals were - she should have been less naive. Then again, she had no idea that Primals were summonable right now... still, she looked to Yda.

Yda paused. And put a hand to the younger woman. "It's okay, Minfilia. I've got a friend heading over, and we'll figure out a way to get this Primal cornered. And then, uh...

Well, please don't be scared of our adventurer friend who has the Echo? She's a little fight-friendly." It was the most Yda could really say about their latest recruit - but her and her contact were both close, so they'd be the ones who'd take out the Primal. Probably. Hopefully. It was dangerous to fight, but to leave it here.

Minfilia then paused. "Yda? I have the Echo as well. And I may have an idea on how to lure the Primal..."

Chapter Three

The next morning, Yda had reheated some of the stew as a breakfast, and had set up the table in her wagon so that they could all sit around it. Her contacts hadn't quite arrived yet, but Minfilia was a little nervous. Who would they be? Would it be somebody she knew before? Could she explain herself?

Her fears were confirmed after the door opened, and in came Thancred Waters. His clothes loose, his movement swift... but behind him entered a massive dragon-like person. Black scales covered most of their dark body - another Au Ra. But this one was massive. Larger then a Roegadyn. Towering over Minfilia, the Au Ra then spoke gently. "Hello, new friend. My name is Bolormaa, of the Dotharl. I am a new recruit to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. It is my pleasure to meet you."

Minfilia held out her hand, trying not to seem intimidated - and then smiled back. "It is my pleasure. My name is Minfilia, and I possess the Echo." No need to complicate it, as Bolormaa shook her hand. The Au Ra sat down across from her, hollow blue eyes shining a little.

"You, too, have the Gift. It's beautiful, isn't it? To see lives which once were, and to connect the dots across lifetimes?" Pausing, Bolormaa chuckled. "Ah, my apologies. It is a long story. Perhaps, when we are not seeking an Eidolon, we shall need to discuss it."

This Au Ra must be from far away, Minfilia thought, before she noticed Thancred looking hard at her. As their gaze met, Thancred gave a soft smile. "Thancred Waters, of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. I must say... you look like a hard worker."

--He really didn't remember. Trying her hardest not to show her expression, Minfilia kept her placid smile. "I am, Thancred.

Shall we get to discussing this problem, then?" Thancred couldn't but tilt his head, but Yda sat - she'd finished serving them up food, after all.

"Right! So. Our lead is a weird Au Ra who's been stealing crystals. And according to Minfilia, she's been just looking for them in general - oh, and the Amalj'aa are looking for somebody."

"Now," Minfilia said, between polite sips, "I may have thought that they were seeking 'him', but Amalj'aa tongue isn't as easy as that. The Echo gives us the ability to understand their language, but there is still interpretation and bias.

I think that if we trap the Au Ra who's been stealing crystal, we will either find Ifrit, or..."

"Or what?" Thancred asked, though he was following this train of logic, and he didn't like it. "We know that Primal are influenced by whoever summoned them, but do you really think the Amalj'aa would summon an Au Ra?"

Minfilia shook her head. "Is it not the way of the Paragon to sew seeds of chaos and misdirection? If this is another case of their influence..."

"Excuse me," Bolormaa said, half-putting her hand up. "What do you mean, Paragon? Like the one I fought?"

Thancred nodded. "Yes, they also have been influencing the beast tribes to summon Primal." Sometimes, they forgot that they had a new Warrior of Light.

"Ah. And Ifrit is usually a large creature, yes?"

Minfilia crossed her arms. "Yes, usually. The myths of the Amalj'aa see Ifrit as a being of both fury and anger. A being who wishes to scorch the land and purify it, so that they are safe."

"What if the Amalj'aa didn't summon Ifrit?"

Everybody looked to Bolormaa, who continued to need to slump down. "I mean... sure, this is their territory. But territory might be why Ifrit is here. Ifrits' soul might have been reborn in another."

Thancred leaned a little against Bolormaa, in thought. "It's highly unlikely. Yda, do you have any information which could lead us?"

Yda sighed - she hadn't touched her food, and was now looking away. "Well. I do know the Crania Lupi have been dispatched out here. You know why."

Both Minfilia and Bolormaa seemed confused, but Thancreds' eyes narrowed. "Why didn't you tell us earlier, Yda? We'll need to get in contact with the other Grand Companies--"

"--as soon as Ifrit is dealed with. I can handle it until then," Yda said, sounding a lot more relaxed then Thancred. "But Garleans wouldn't summon a Primal - they don't believe in Gods. So that's more then out.

Anyway, that Au Ra is probably tempered. So if we follow her, we find Ifrit. Now, usually, I'd ask you, Thancred--"

"--I'll do it," Thancred said - even though he knew he didn't have the Echo. It could kill him. Or, worse... "I'll play my part, and escape as soon as I figure out what's going on."

Minfilia couldn't help but let out a little choked sound, before her gaze grew dangerous. "No. That's not the plan, Thancred.

You see, she came to me before, looking for crystal deposits. If I find her again and can corner her, I will be able to talk to her. Hopefully. If she is tempered, then we know what must be done."

One of the worst parts of the job.

"But, if she is tempered, she will not have much of a reason to hide where Ifrit is. And then, Bolormaa?"

Bolormaa gave a little smile. "I will fight Ifrit. Others with the Echo have been contacted, as well, in case more are needed. The Scions are a good bunch of friends, huh?"

They were. And yet, Minfilia felt so sick. Mostly from seeing Thancred - who shook his head. "Let me follow you, Minfilia. Everybody needs protection, hm?"

She couldn't refuse. Else, Thancred would ask why, and Minfilia could not explain it. So, instead, she gave a soft nod. "I know it is not a usual plan, but please, trust in me. And only strike if I ask you to, or if it seems I may perish."

"Fine." Thancred spoke, as he continued to eat. Continued to look at Minfilia, for there was something bugging him about her. Not just that her and Bolormaa shared a hair colour - that was common. But... no, he couldn't seem to think of what it was.

Maybe it'd come to him later.

---

They agreed that Minfilia would set out first, and Thancred would follow a little after. As Minfilia left, however, Yda tapped Thancred on the shoulder. "So, do you think she's cute?"

Thancred looked to Yda, a bit of a deadpan look on his face. "Cute as in good to sleep with, or cute as in cute? Because, it's weird. She's the latter, but not the former."

"How's that weird?" Yda asked.

"Because she's-- I don't know if I've had this feeling before."

Yda then moved Thancred a little away from the window - Bolormaa was out there, after all, beginning to investigate the area herself. (Or just peering around, posing for some strange reason.) "She told me something weird, actually. You remember how we've all forgotten a lot?" Thancred nodded quietly. "Well, she thinks she's one of those people we forgot. Our lost leader - no, not Louisoix, but... the one who lead the Path of the Twelve?"

Thancred paused. And then frowned. "Why would I feel that way about the leader of them? I-- don't know, Yda. We'll need to find proof." And even so, it confused him. "And I think our current leader's doing just fine," he added.

Yda fell a little quiet. Her expression growing a little dark, before shaking it off. No need to tell Thancred how she felt about their leader. Instead, she perked up again. "Even so, I think that if she helps with this mission, we should let Minfilia join us. We could use a diplomat - and maybe we can get closer to the Grand Companies?"

Thancred nodded a little. "I think we'll need to get closer to them for your sake, as well. It was hard enough to get you a position in the Immortal Flames... I still don't think the Syndicate has figured it out, but it's a matter of time."

Yda slumped. "Yeah, yeah. It's gonna suck. And I still wanna help Ala Mhigans.

...I think... it's time for you to go, Thancred."

Thancred could tell - oh, he could tell he said the wrong thing, and set out with a dismissive wave of his hand. While Yda couldn't tell, Thancred was deep in thought. He had to protect this girl, at least. It'd be his duty.

---

It did not take much to find the violent cloaked lady. She had returned to the mining location, and was trying to claw desperatly at the rocks. She was screaming, she had drained much of the energy... before turning to Minfilia, eyes nearly visible under her cloak. "You--! They're gone!"

Minfilia had to stand her group. "I know where there's another cache of crystals. Without letting them rest, the aetherial charge lessens. Follow me." Even after being robbed, Minfilia could focus. She could pretend she wasn't terrified. The cloaked figure approached, looking at her. "Lead... lead me. Please."

It was almost too easy, as Minfilia began to walk. Quiet, hand on her dagger. They soon got to where Minfilia was thinking of - a small branch from the Red Labyrinth. Recently, it had been discovered, and had a cache of shards. She could have told others, but... well. There were ways to get gil. Minfilia made sure that she blocked the exit, as the cloaked figure begain to claw at the rocks. Desperate, seemingly hungry. Pity entered Minfilias' eyes, as she stood her ground.

It did not take long for the other to curl up on the rocks, seeming satisfied with the location. But before she could doze off, Minfilias' shadow loomed over her. Trying to pull her hood over her eyes, she whined. "This is about ya crystals, isn't it. Sorry, I'll get ya some more when I can think clearly."

Minfilia sat down in front of her, yanking up her hood. And she was horrified. This was no Au Ra. Her skin was clear as a Hyur, except for the horns piercing her skin, seeming to twist around. Scales seeming half-formed, seeming to clamp down on her - and hair seeming to be firey, turning from red to orange to yellow. Her eyes had changed from that brilliant green to a duller one. And now that she could see the other closer, she could see those claws were part of her flesh as well.

This person was clearly either tempered or... that theory Bolormaa had given was right. And by the way she curled around into the crystals... oh, Rhalgr. "--what happened?!" Minfilia couldn't help but say in her horror. The tired other woman simply curled back into herself, pulling her hood back over.

Mumbling, she didn't bother drawing her weapon. "...don't know. Woke up this way." Her accent was... somebody trying to hide their Ala Mhigan accent, now that there was tiredness included. Trying to be more neutral. "Need crystals to think."

Minfilia had gone from horrified... to horrified, in another way. She placed her hand to the other, before the other shifted away. "Have... I have work to do." And yet, she curled up more. Shuddering. Was it right to leave her suffering? Minfilia gulped, before brushing at the hair of this other.

"...What were you doing before you came here?"

The mashup of Ifrit and a Highlander chuckled. "You'll kill me if I tell you." After a short pause, she smiled to herself. "I'm... Garlean. I was deployed to hunt down... somebody." It was hard to think. Hard to remember names. But yet, she continued. "Me and my partner... Cecilia... we split up. And then, this black robed person grabbed me... and I passed out."

Black robed-- "One of the Paragon," Minfilia whispered. "They took you, and-- likely presented you to the Amalj'aa."

The hooded figure groaned. "Those savages won't leave me alone." Even if she was their Primal, it seemed she had her mind, if only a little. But it took crystals to keep it... Minfilia was thinking. Foolish, naive thoughts began to enter her mind, as the other continued to talk. "I don't want 'em. I want to go back..."

"You can't return to Garlemald," Minfilia began, before being interupted.

"Not Garlemald. Ala Mhigo. I-- told ya you'd wanna kill me." But instead of what she thought would happen, Minfilia began to remove the others' cloak. Underneath, spikes seemed to have pierced her armour, just like Ifrit.

"Garlean or not, you don't deserve... this," Minfilia whispered. "We may be enemies, but this has never happened before."

As the now-uncloaked figure stopped protesting - she was so tired - Minfilia continued. "Usually, Primal are how the tribe sees them - summoned instantly, out of aether. And yet, it almost seems as if Ifrit is growing... inside you." It wasn't something she'd heard of before. And if they just slayed this Ifrit, they might not get answers. Yet, Minfilia knew the truth. A Primal was not just a danger because it was violent. No, it would drain the land of aether - and it would enthrall others.

But a Garlean would not wish to do either - either a Garlean by blood or by being raised in that enviroment. This woman seemed only a little younger then her. Would she have known the Ala Mhigo of before? "I cannot let you go free," Minfilia finally asserted. "But I cannot let you die."

The Ifrit-fused woman looked up at her, with a little tsk. "Then what-- are you going to do?"

"I'm not certain yet. But... you don't feel influenced by the Amalj'aa? At all?"

A shake of her head. "I-- don't."

Minfilia had an idea. "...I think I know how to save you-- what's your name?"

"...Fordola," the half-turned woman said. "Fordola pyr Lupis." Minfilia didn't quite recall what pyr meant, but it was rather high-ranked, she assumed. Somebody to respect. Lowering her head, Minfilia continued to fuss with her - now with her armour, which had been melted by the heat. "...oi."

"Your skin's burned," Minfilia stated - before magic began to sparkle at her fingers again. More curative magic. "I won't remove more."

Fordola gave a little tsk. "Who th'hell are you? And what are you plannin'?"

"You will remain with me if I save you," Minfilia began - as Fordola didn't protest, she continued. "Primal require two things to be sustained. Influence and crystals. It seems that a Paragon-- the black-robed person-- has managed to subvert the first. And if there was a way to minimize your aether requirement, then..."

"...you're speakin' nonsense."

Minfilia sighed, leaning on the rock a little. "If I can figure out how the Paragon altered the summoning, then I can save you.

Please, let me try." She did not say that to Fordola, though, but to the figure in the background. To Thancred, who stepped into the light, towards Minfilia.

He was staring, in half-shock. "...Are you certain you have the Blessing, Minfilia?" he finally asked, looking between them. Jaw slightly open.

Minfilia stared at him. And then her expression softened. "I do. This woman has her mind, Thancred - you heard her!"

"She's a Primal, Minfilia. We can't just-- she'll end up turning."

Minfilia was quiet. Before looking right at Thancred. "Then - let us try once. If we fail, then I will kill her myself." Her expression didn't waver, and Thancred stood his ground. Before his hand raised to his ear.

"I shall contact one of my allies, to see if he believes this is possible--"

"Urianger, right?" Minfilia said, as she moved closer to Fordola. "Be careful. If there's one Imperial here, then others might be listening."

Thancred nodded, half-rolling his eyes. But Minfilia was so earnest... he owned her at least a call.

---

Yda and Bolormaa, meanwhile, had begun to try and find out more information. The two of them walked side-by-side, and they couldn't help but talk. "You see," Bolormaa said, tail wagging, "I do not have talent with magic, and that is why I use daggers. That is how it's always been. But I have repaired mine by myself.

That is what Bolormaa does. That is who Bolormaa is."

Yda stretched a little. "It's a little weird, but it must be nice to feel that connected to your past. I wonder if I'll ever..."

But as Yda trailed off, she turned. For there was somebody shadowing them - one of the Crania Lupi. One smaller then her, one with a thin blade. Ydas' expression grew dark. "Bolormaa. Go and get one of the Immortal Flames - one who isn't me.

I need to handle them alone."

Bolormaa didn't ask why, as she scurried off. Yda turned back. "Didn't know you'd be this persistant," she said, getting ready to fight.

"You have quite the audience wating for you back in Garlemald," the other said, "but this isn't about that." Yda tilted her head - before the Lupi continued. "I could care less about some noble struggle."

Before Yda could retaliate, a mask appeared on the other, their skin seeming to burn away to reveal the cloak of an Ascian - or what they had been calling a Paragon. "I cannot let you interfere in my masters' plan - even if you're wanted alive."

Oh. Yda shrugged, expression shifting to a grin. "So I don't need to hold back, right? A pity that person's dead, buuuuuut." Yda shifted forward, swiftly, punching right at the face of the other. The fight began - blade and fists dancing, both mostly dodging the other. Yda having to be careful - she didn't know much about fighting them. It wasn't her place in the Scions.

The Ascian, though, could feel the grip on this body falling. Cecilia had been their identity - it had been easy to overtake her life. All for their Master, of course. Even if this scheme seemed odd. There was no questioning them.

No, they just had to take down Yda. Or at least distract her for long enough.

Yda, however, was counting on this. Because, well... as Cecilia dodged and dodged her fists, she could not dodge the dagger in her back. Sliding down, Cecilia barely saw the adventurer, Bolormaa, looking Yda in the eyes with a smile.

They had taken down an Ascian, unaware of how Minfilia and Thancred were doing. The two of them giving a soft look to the corpse, the Ascian within seeming to fade away.

Quietly, Yda nodded. The other Immortal Flame they'd brought approached - and Yda gave a sad smile. "She was long-dead - and possessed.

Still. I think we should try and see if there's any identification - or information on why she was this far from Gyr Abania."

No need to worry them and mention it was Ascians. Everybody was already on-edge because of the ideas of Primal summoning...

...not that Yda knew just what was going on with the so-called Primal.

Chapter Four

Thancred Waters was not a mage. Nor was he really good with these sort of things. But somehow, this Minfilia figure had talked him into this - with instructions from Urianger, delivered by an oddly swift Moogle. (Almost as if Urianger had already written down the instructions? But that was impossible... unless it was another study of his. The nature of Primals had fascinated him for a long time, after all. What made a being a Primal, and that kind of thing.)

Still, Minfilia had gone off to gather more crystals - not far, of course. Just enough Lightning Shards to keep the half-Primal Fordola pyr Lupis calm and placid. The Mythril Sand was a bonus, which would help conduct the magic. It was something that Fordola would need to use - what was it meant to do? The notes were messy, incomplete. A lot of it must have been in his mind.

If Thancred did not trust Urianger, he would not be doing this. As he continued to carve the patterns into the ground with a dagger which had been supplied. It was odd to the touch - metals Thancred had never quite felt, the blade made of an odd gold. He couldn't use these as weapons, but to carve these symbols? It was fine.

Soon, Minfilia returned - with a sackful of crystal, looking exhausted. "Thank you, Thancred," she whispered as she slid down next to Fordola. Laying the crystals out, the half-Primal seemed to relax. No longer shuddering.

Now that she could, Minfilia began to scatter the dust on the symbols. It gleamed oddly, magic already seeming to surge from the influence of Ifrit. Thancred backed away, warily, as they looked at the results of their work. It sure looked impressive - lighting up the area around their subject. Minfilia looked to Thancred, gently. He knew what that look meant - get out of there, it was dangerous.

He'd need to trust in Minfilia, and that Minfilia would do what she needed to do if this didn't work. Even if they didn't know what working was. And thus, he left the two ladies - sitting just outside, feeling a dread building in his stomach. Why was he so worried about Minfilia? Damnit, he couldn't explain it!

Minfilia, meanwhile, approached Fordola. Put a hand to her, gently. Before handing her the words she had to speak. It was not in Eorzean, but a pronounciation guide had been included. Fordola snorted a little, looking to Minfilia. "You're really tryin' to help your enemy. You're fuckin' weird, you get that?"

...Quietly, Minfilia nodded, before stepping back. Fordola recited the words, the magic circle and equations beginning to light up - and a light pillar suddenly enveloped Fordola. Brighter then anything they'd seen - almost as bright as the sun above. It was cold, chilling, and all that could be heard was a horrific scream.

It felt like an eternity until the darkness vanished. Until the marks had been blown away, filled with mythril and a gold-like substance... and ice? Something cold, something colder then the air around them. Minfilia rubbed at her eyes, feeling a sickness to the pit of her stomach, but she could not explain it. She barely noticed that where Fordola had been, the figure had changed. That this strange ice had covered the crystal-filled rock - well, all the crystals had dulled. As if the very energy had been pulled though these odd lines.

But where the half-cursed being had been, there was now a tiny Ifrit. Around the size of a chocobo chick, and with those bright green eyes - not to mention the tattoo. The icy marks seemed to fade from them, as the tiny being stood. Stared around, before staring at themselves.

Fordola couldn't seem to word her thoughts - her gaze turned from herself, to Minfilia, who stared. Minfilia eventually took a step forward, then another - getting out a few lightning shards she'd kept in her backpack. Just in case. Without thinking, Fordola began to bite at them, hungry - but it was not all-consuming. In fact, she stopped after a few. "...this is really fucking weird, you understand, right?" Fordola finally managed to whisper.

Minfilia dropped to her knees, even as the ice burned at her with its cold. "Do you have your mind? Did this... work?"

Fordola nodded, and Minfilia let out a sigh of relief. "But you're... tiny. And-- you've lost your form. Oh, Twelve, I'm so sorry..."

Minfilia could feel herself shuddering again. Before she put a hand to the tiny Ifrit, and began to stroke her. Fordola tried not to relax too much, but it was sort of nice. She then, however, turned her head. Huh... "Did ya leave a crystal over there?" she asked, tail beginning to swing. It felt... warm. Firey. But she was already full. Minfilia approached it, the tiny Ifrit crawling up her...

And as she put her hand to it, all went blank.

---

Darkness consumed, but it was not frightening. Minfilia opened her eyes, barely noticing she was clinging to herself.

Hear... Feel... Think...

The voice echoed around her, and Minfilias' vision focused. Hydaelyn-- it was Hydaelyn, in front of her. Hovering, gentle, but truly there. Unable to speak, Minfilia listened.

Crystal bearer...

I am Hydaelyn. All made one.

The voice was in another tongue, but it was comforting. Calming - like the voice of a mother. It almost seemed like wisps of her touch moved towards Minfilia, kindly.

A Light there once was that shone throughout this realm... yet it hath since grown dim.

And as it hath faltered, so hath Darkness risen up in its stead, presaging an end to Life.

The touch, though, was unlike Her voice. It was still... it was stilling, Minfilia feeling herself relaxing to it. It felt strange - but that was how Hydaelyn was, wasn't it? A God would not feel like Man - however they interacted with the world. Minfilia couldn't help it, though - she moved closer to the crystal, to the soft blue aura. It called to her.

For the sake of all, I beseech thee: deliver us from this fate!

The power to banish the Darkness dwelleth in the Crystals of Light. Journey forth and lay claim to them.

By thy deeds shall the Crystals reveal themselves to thee.

That made Minfilia pause, as the voice did not waver. The Crystal she picked up... a Crystal of Light? Had it been carved by saving the woman within Ifrit?

...had this happened before, with Primal? Had they dropped these before when they fell? Something to investigate. That could be something she could do... if the Scions accepted the idea.

Only believe, for the Light liveth in thy heart.

Go now, my child, and shine thy Light on all creation.

Minfilia could not get close enough, as she felt the vision fading. No--! She had to get closer, even as she noticed others Warriors being sent away, and being pulled. She had to get closer to Hydaelyn--

---

Minfilia woke up on the ground, the tiny Ifrit standing on her stomach, growling at Thancred - who'd drawn his weapon, standing dangerously. As her eyes snapped open, she could feel the tiny claws digging into her exposed stomach.

"--didn't hurt her!" Fordola protested, tail standing right up.

Thancred was about to speak, before his eyes darted to Minfilia. "Minfilia-- are you okay? I heard you fall, and--"

"'twas a vision, Thancred," Minfilia replied softly, as she sat up. Oww... she must have fallen a bit roughly. "But it seems we have succeeded."

A little nod. "The aether levels have gone back to how they were before there was a summoning," Thancred admitted. "From all outside appearances, Ifrit is... gone.

But we have instead sealed it... like Dalamud sealed the Dreadwyrm."

Fordola tsks. "So I'm some sort of living seal for this Eikon, then. Joy. Long as it keeps me alive, though." Slowly, she laid in Minfilias' lap - curling up. "But I made an agreement. 'm alive, so 'm your captive now."

Captive... well, that was one way to put it. Minfilia put one hand to the tiny Primal - her other hand still gripping the Crystal of Light. "This appeared after we sealed Ifrit. I think... I think we need to do it to other Primal, Thancred."

Thancred didn't say anything. But his expression said everything - his flat expression which gave her pause. And yet, Minfilia slowly grabbed her knapsack - huh, had her fingernails been this long before? They seemed to trace across the canvas a bit more then she expected. Would Fordola try and eat the Crystal of Light? Hopefully not, as she put it in - before looking to Fordola. "Before we explain ourselves, you'd better stick in here."

Fordola did not struggle, slipping in and curling up again - grumbling all the while. "And Thancred - I think you'd like to know why I'm certain. Yet, that will need to wait for Yda and... Bolormaa? For them to be around as well."

Thancred offered his hand to help Minfilia up, but gave a sigh. "I think Bolormaa'll be disappointed we didn't fight Ifrit," he admitted. "She loves to fight."

"Oh?" Minfilia asked, falling in line behind Thancred. Leaving the altered shrine behind.

"Bolormaa is a Xaela, as you might have guessed - she's actually an Archon, believe it or not. After Louisoix... passed, she was one of those who came to Eorzea.

But she still follows her own traditions. And one of those is to not only not fear death, but to seek the strongest foes they can. With her Echo, she would be able to fight a Primal without the fear of enthrallment..."

Oh. Minfilia listened, interested. "And now she's a Scion of the Seventh Dawn. That is the name of your organization, correct?"

"Yes - though a lot of us just call ourselves Scions."

Ah... the Scions. They likely called themselves that because they were descended from the Archon. They were no longer rulers, but instead heirs to Louisoixs' legacy. And now they grew... well, she assumed they grew. Oh, how little Minfilia knew.

"I hope you can accept my desire to join the Scions, then."

It was the first time Minfilia said she wished to join - and Thancred lowered his head a little. Of course this confusing woman wanted to. And she'd proven herself, so...

"We'll need to ask our leader, you understand. But I'm certain you'll be accepted."

---

It felt so relaxing to return to the wagon, and Minfilia felt tiredness overtake her. Yda was back already, as was Bolormaa. Thancred gave a lazy wave of his hand, and right away, Yda perked up. "Soo... got th'Primal located?"

"Sort of," Minfilia said. "Thancred... could you explain? I don't think they'll believe it, coming from my lips."

Thancred nodded. "Using magic from Urianger, we have... ended the Primal threat without a fight," he said - looking between everybody. "However, this method may not work for every Primal. It only worked so well because we found this one...

...had the mind of a Garlean soldier." Thancred paused, giving a deep sigh. When Yda didn't speak up - he was almost surprised - he continued. "Due to that, we were able to reason with the Primal and try this magic."

"What sort of magic?" Bolormaa asked, looking a little frustrated. "Did you fight without me?"

Thancred shrugged. "No, no. You don't really know him, but Urianger is always inventing new spells. And this one... sealed the Primal away. Not like Dalamud, either. More like... well, I'm not an expert. But it's like the Primal is still around, just not draining aether."

As Thancred struggled to explain, Yda put on her portable Aetherometer, to scan around the area. Scan around them. And it was true - the levels were normal, even if there seemed to be a pocket of fire aether burning brightly in Minfilias' sachel. Slipping it down off her face, Yda nodded, as if she understood. "I don't get it!"

Thancred sighed. "We'll get Papalymo to explain it later - hopefully, Urianger explained it to him." Still, he looked to the grumpy Au Ra who was beginning to pace. "And, Bolormaa? Maybe you can still fight Ifrit."

Bolormaa perked up, tail beginning to swish again. Thancred then looked to Minfilia, softly. "We've... kept Ifrit. Not only because we have no clue about how this spell works, but because we can't just let a Garlean free."

Minfilia nodded, before she spoke up. "Her name is Fordola pyr Lupis. She was sent here to hunt down somebody in paticular - though I did not get a name at the time. We can ask later. It seems that one of the Paragon turned her into a Primal.

Has this happened before, in the years after the Calamity?"

Everybody paused, thinking. But when there was no answer, Minfilia sighed - putting a hand into her sack, petting Fordola - who was quietly watching and listening. "We shall need to keep an eye out, then, for this happening. It's quite different then the former summonings - and, yet... I cannot figure out why."

"You know..." Bolormaa began, looking to Yda, "we fought a Paragon."

Yda nodded, wringing her hands a little. "Yeah - they took a corpse? So they probably weren't a super strong one. Don't worry, they're gone now."

Minfilia nodded a little, but her focus had gone to Fordola, who was beginning to rub against her hand. How... cute. So, it was Paragon involvement. Sighing a little, she gave the others a quiet look. "In any case... I also found a Crystal afterwards, and had a vision.

Of Hydaelyn."

The group went quiet - and then Bolormaa got out a similar crystal, from one of her pockets. "Like this one? I-- had the same sort of vision. It's why I'm sticking with the Scions."

A nod.

"Did you also see Her?"

This time, Bolormaa had to pause before nodding. "It's strange. Seeing Her - it means that She's real. Which I still need to figure out - if She is real, what does that mean for the Dawn Mother and Dusk Father?"

Bolormaas' belief... Minfilia couldn't understand how that felt, to have it challenged. Still, she found herself leaning against Thancred a little. "Then we'll both find what these Crystals are used for, right? As allies."

Soon, they would set out to return home.

---

But even as the Scions got ready to set out, the arena where Ifrit had been changed into a small being was being investigated. Nero tol Scaeva slinked in, Livia standing at the entrance. His gaze was focused, beginning to take readings from the area. It was really too bad that the summon had changed - though, on the other hand, it wasn't a pity that he didn't need to report that some girl had become Ifrit. (Though he assumed Livia would report such.) He rolled his eyes, taking off his helmet. "Nothing. This ground has no aether in it - worse then the Burn."

Behind him, Livia barely reacted. "Or your device is broken. I would say the latter was more likely." Her glare was harsher then any Nero could imagine, but he seemed oddly relaxed.

"Ever the pessimist, Livia. Come, now - I'll be taking a sample of this rock back. If we can use it, then Lord Gaius will be pleased--"

"--you do not get to please Lord Gaius." Livia interrupted, as Nero felt her firey breath against his back. "You've wasted my time. You've wasted his time. If you continue to fail what my lord commands... you will know why they called me the Witch of Dalmasca."

Even with that, Nero didn't feel worried. No, he knew she was all bark, no bite. After all, she wasted more time then him. He gave a soft sound, before sighing. "Fine, fine. One bit, and we'll be going. After all, we've got work to do elsewhere. Rumours of those Elementals getting riled up, and all of that? I doubt we're going to see a repeat of Baelsars' Wall, but..."

Livia didn't like it when Nero rambled. (Nero liked it when Nero rambled, but everybody already knew that.) "Yes. We'll be travelling to collect the next readings - or Lord Gaius will not be pleased."

Chapter Five

Now, it was not uncommon that different Chocobo were shared among people. Usually, people had a flock of them. But when the same stocky Chocobo had returned to Yda after helping the ambulance, she seemed overjoyed - beginning to brush though their feathers, the happy chirps filling the air. But soon after then, she began to get the bird ready to carry her wagon home. There was no fussing - well, a little fussing. From both Yda and the bird.

She'd sit out in front of the wagon, of course. Her bird, her control. Still, it meant that Minfilia was stuck with just Thancred, Bolormaa, and Fordola. All people she felt a little awkward about, for one reason or another. So, instead, she was watching out a window. There was something that confused her, and she couldn't help but vocalizing her confusion.

"It's only five years after the Calamity, but there's so many well-maintained roads... how?"

"Oh?" Thancred said, joining her side, before looking outside. "That's even more recent. A little after the Calamity struck, representatives from Alfitaria came to offer their assistance in rebuilding. In exchange, they have dispatched many scholars to study the changes post-Calamity.

Their people have experience with calamities, or so I've heard - until recently, their land was covered in a toxic miasma. Adventurers set out in caravans to collect a liquid that could repel it - when it coated crystals. While the air here isn't toxic, it's become more and more common for adventurers here to use the same caravan system.

It's... strange, to see Eorzea evolve so quickly," Thancred admitted. "The paths are maintained by hired adventurers - to scare away monsters and the like, alongside repairs."

Minfilia looked from the roads to the skies, gently sighing. "I suppose they're not for Beast Tribes?"

Thancred paused. Before nodding a little. "Alas, you're right." The bumps of the road filled the air, as Thancred continued, frowning softly. "While there's no laws against it, nobody in Ul'dah will sell a wagon to them. And they'll be quite suspicious over those who are ferried across the sea or brought from the Twelveswood."

It wasn't as good as it sounded. And yet, it was good enough - and, besides: "It's made it a lot easier to move equipment around."

Even if there was racism involved... Minfilia frowned, before looking to Thancred. Analyzing him - he didn't look a day older then he did five years ago. It was a comfort, even if it was a small one. "Thancred... thank you." Minfilia said, her voice half-dying. Thank you for surviving, she did not say. Thank you for still being you, she did not say. No, no - she couldn't voice all of that.

A little distracted, Thancred took a moment to realise she'd just thanked him - and he frowned. "Please, don't. If Yda's telling the truth... I've forgotten you, haven't I?"

Minfilia froze. Before nodding a little. "Yes... ahem, you have. I did not know how to tell you, but..."

"...you know, if you were part of the Path, we have their old records in the Waking Sands. We could just... look them up?"

--how had Minfilia not thought of that? He gave a little smile, before Minfilia gripped to him, before pulling away. She shouldn't have hugged him, but that-- that was a genius idea!

Still, Minfilia looked back outside. "I suppose travelling by wagon has made Ishgard richer - unless their Chocobo aren't the ones being used...?"

"They are," Thancred said. "While some of them are more usable for riding, these ones were first bred to help drag supply wagons around. Though, it's strange."

"What's strange?"

"These Chocobo show traits of wild Chocobo... from far across the seas. Did you see the feather clusters that drape down? They're Sharlayan Chocobo."

That much was true, Minfilia thought. She remembered that she had seen pictures of wild Chocobo, and the males used them to show off to the females. They'd go all sorts of strange colours around when they could breed... and those feathers were valuable. Thus, Dravanian Chocobo had taken over their territory, and seemingly wiped them out.

It... was good that these traits were returning. At least, for the wellbeing of these birds. But then, Bolormaa looked backwards, interrupting. "Didn't Sharlayan try and use magic on those birds?"

Thancred shrugged. "It doesn't seem to have stuck."

The three continued to talk idly as the caravan continued to move onwards, towards the Waking Sands. Paths had been repaired, and the Chocobo seemed to know mostly where it was going. Truly, it was a lot more relaxing then having to walk... and yet, it felt so strange that it had been so accepted so quickly.

...something Minfilia would need to look into later, she thought.

---

It took a little while to return to Vesper Bay. Nights of camping outside the wagon, days of travel and light discussion. It was comfortable, and almost too easy.

But as the Chocobo - who Minfilia had learned was called Chobi - drew into town, she couldn't help but stare a little. The settlement was more developed then she remembered. There were buildings! People living around! And... a statue of Lolorito? She gave a slightly disgusted face for a moment, before her eyes continued to gaze around. Building new homes to replace those who fell - but she couldn't help but feel a slight disgust. (They were for Ul'dahn citizens, weren't they? They looked rich enough for that - not to house the many homeless who had no gil to their name, and no way to gain it.)

Also, the statue of Lolorito looked a lot worse the closer she got to it, as everybody got out of the wagon. Chobi was fussing a lot more as Yda removed his harness, before she moved to open up a treat bag. To give the bird a stroke and a treat... well, that was how it was, wasn't it? Perhaps Chobi was a personal bird. Minfilias' hand stroked against the bronze of the statue, curiously. It was maintained - that, enough, made her know.

"The Syndicate."

Thancred turned on his heels, and stopped his slow walk. "Yes... they own this land. But they don't own the Scions of the Seventh Dawn - as much as they'd like to." Dismissive, Thancred offered his hand out to Minfilia. "Come, come. Unless you'd like to have his ugly mug looming over you?" His words did not betray his heart - there was a slight vileness to his tone, even if he tried to mask it behind his movements. That's just how it went, though. Thancred seeked to put up his mask, so that nobody could disagree with him.

Minfilia wished he could drop the mask with her. But he'd forgotten her, and so he'd forgotten that trust. Still, she took his hand - if he tried to flirt with her, she would scream. Before politely correcting him. Bolormaa followed them, looming as always - it was hard not to loom when you were bigger then anybody else around. Yda, having finally calmed down Chobi, skipped behind them - pushing her way casually to the front. But, after all, she was a firm leader. She gave a soft little sound, knocking on the large wooden door to the Waking Sands.

The door opened slowly, creaking as if it'd not been oiled. A small Lalafell in pink stood there, before she lit up. "Yda! You're back--

--and you brought others?"

Yda bounced a little, half-kneeling down. "Yup! We fixed up the issues near Little Ala Mhigo - well, not the societal issues. Did an ambulance come by here?"

The Lalafell nodded. "The woman they brought here is in a stable condition. She's been moved to the infirmary - though was there a reason for her coming here and not being treated there?"

"There was," Yda said as she began to walk in, gesturing to the others, "and that has to do with what we did. After all - Primal-based injuries still need to be watched, right?" A little bit of a lie - but it was true. "Anyway - Tataru, we need to get the old records of the Path of the Twelve down. Can you get on that?"

Tataru looked to Yda. Then to the group. Then back to Yda. "I don't know... is this your idea, or is it actually a good idea?"

Thancred cleared his throat. "Don't dismiss her ideas, Tataru. While we give our report to our current leader, we need you to get those records... haven't you noticed the new person with us?"

Nodding a little, Tataru looked right at the silent Minfilia - who seemed to have a soft little frown. A heartbreak nearly visible on her face. (Tataru didn't recognize her, either. But, of course, that was to be expected.) Still, Tataru looked Minfilia up and down... before giving a firm nod. "She can come in with you all. I'll get to digging them out - try and not confuse our leader?"

It was weird. Minfilia wondered who their leader was... but she would soon learn, she supposed. Perhaps get re-introduced to old friends.

Perhaps meet new ones.

---

The Solar was lit more then Minfilia expected for an underground room. The building, actually, was a lot larger then she expected for a base - it was underground, however, and so it was easy to mask how large it had begun. The building was full of life, voices coming from all around.

But the Solar was quiet. And at the table - sitting on a rather fancy chair - was Papalymo. So he had stepped up to lead them... it made sense, Minfilia thought, as she looked him over.

She didn't get long to do so, however, as Yda bounded though the room and picked him up. Ignoring his protests. Ignoring the little whines as he slumped in her arms, getting peppered in kisses. And finally shifted a little as he was dramatically flopped back into his chair, paper on his desk now messed up from Yda laying on it, love in her eyes. Kicking back a little, Yda grinned. "Sooo... expect me back this early, Papalymo~?"

Papalymo finally found his voice, after having to calm himself. "No, I didn't." His slight smile was visible, as Yda stretched more - booping him on the nose, chuckling. "It was actually quiet around here, for once."

"Aw, come on. Lyse couldn't have been that quiet, right?"

As the two fussed about each other, it was Bolormaa who looked at Minfilia and Thancred, confused. Her obsidian black tail lashed, one of her hands gripping to her dark skin. "Are they always like this?"

Thancred nodded - and after a moment, Minfilia nodded as well. Seemed that things hadn't changed - even if, well, Yda was actually alive.

Papalymo let out a loud cough - clearing his throat - looking to the group. "Well. Yes. I'm glad to see you back as well, Thancred - Bolormaa. And--

--who are you?"

Again, Minfilia felt her heart sank. But before she could speak, Yda spoke - still in Papalymos' face. "Oh, her? She's the one who took out Ifrit! Her name is Minfilia, and she's joining us."

"Don't I get a say in it...?" Papalymo wondered, before pushing Yda slightly away. "So there was an Amalj'aa summoning of the Primal Ifrit. And, due to the aid of Minfilia, it has been ended. The Brass Blades will control crystal imports more closely, I suppose?"

Yda let out a whistle. "You're good. But, uh... actually... it's a bit of a weird situation. I think we need to get Uri in here - he actually helped. Unless he told you about it?"

Papalymo shrugged. "He didn't tell me anything - is he doing shady things again?"

"You know that's half of what he does," Thancred joked, his expression warm. "For the good of us all - though I wish he would tell us a bit more. Shall I go get him, while you and Minfilia get to know each other?"

Papalymo gave an affermative nod, and Thancred left. Bolormaa sat down to watch, as Minfilia gave a soft wave. "Yes - hello. My name is Minfilia Warde, and I have what is known as the Echo." Though she hated this, she hated that she was having to reintroduce herself over and over, it was not her right to get angry. After all, she was a diplomat. If a diplomat could not do what she did, then they'd be a bad diplomat. She had to weave her words carefully, however.

Papalymo bowed his head, even as Yda finally got off his desk, beginning to pick up his papers. "It is my pleasure to introduce you to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, Minfilia. Since you already have an, ahem, glowing review from Yda... well, I cannot see a reason to refuse you membership. And we can always use more with the Echo to aid us."

His smile relaxed her, and Minfilia relaxed - her hand slipping into her sachel-- right. The silent Primal, cuddled up and half-listening. Fordola hadn't spoken much since they left Little Ala Mhigo... but why would she? This was a lot to take in. "Thank you."

Papalymo continued, smiling at her. "Take a seat - I imagine that it'll be a lot to take in, if we need to talk with Urianger."

But, before Thancred could return with Urianger, Tataru entered. Yda nodded, skipping over again. "Oh, right. I asked for some old records, Papalymo - we miiiight have something weird going on with Mimi."

...Mimi? Yda was giving her a nickname? How... cute. She put the papers down, and gave a little nod. "The old Path of the Twelve records. Just need to find...

...where the leader is listed..."

Yda trailed off, wiping her forehead - but making sure to brush her hair down afterwards. Her dark skin had gone slightly pale, and she covered her mouth. "It's true... uh, Papalymo? I'm reading this right, right?"

Papalymo peered over the desk, pulling the paper down slightly. He, too, went a little pale. "Is that her..."

"Her name, yes. Uh, I didn't wanna lead with it, but... Minfilia claims she used to be with us but we forgot her because she went though time or something?"

Minfilia approached them both. And there it was, in slightly faded ink. Her name - as the leader of the Path of the Twelve.

Proof that she existed. Proof that she wasn't just making it up. Minfilia couldn't help it - she let out a soft squeak, and slid to her knees. Tears began to slip out, the softest imaginable. Without thinking, Bolormaa moved over to give her a soft embrace, the Dotharl wrapping around her. Not just because it could comfort her, but-- well, Fordola slipped out of her bag as well, to put her tiny claws on Minfilia.

Minfilia Warde existed. Minfilia Warde existed, and this was proof. Even if they didn't remember... who would forge such a thing? A hand went to her head - Yda was comforting her as well, as she looked to Papalymo. "I don't know why we've forgotten her either. I thought you would."

Papalymo closed his eyes. "No, no. I'm baffled. And this hasn't cleared anything up - but I'm willing to accept it. After all, Tataru held onto these records with her life."

Chapter Six

Urianger Augurelt was not a touchy-feely man. Even as Thancred leaned on him, as they now sat in a meeting room in the Waking Sands. One of the rooms that had been added over the past year or so - the building almost seemed not to fit under the cliffs, Minfilia noticed, but the warm lights made it feel... good. Nice. Meetings in the Solar were nice, but it was also nice to sit together. (Though, right now, Minfilia wondered if they needed bigger seats. After all, Thancred was basically sitting with Urianger on his lap.)

Still, Minfilia placed Fordola not on a seat, but a cushion on the table in front of her. The tiny Primal let out a tiny little huff of flames, before cuddling up to herself - giving Minfilia a tiny look. "This is a bad idea," she mumbled. "These people will just kill me, Minfilia."

Minfilia sighed, looking to the others who had gathered. All the Archon - not just Papalymo and Yda and Thancred and Urianger, but Y'shtola and Lyse as well - had gathered, with her at the end of the table. It should feel crowded, Minfilia thought, but it didn't. Perhaps because they'd set it up so it had a lot of free space - in case they needed more experts.

Bolormaa, meanwhile, was sitting in the seat Thancred should have been. Because, again, him and Urianger were sharing one. It was almost comical how large she was, barely fitting on the seat. If the Au Ra was going to be here for more meetings, they needed to get more chairs...

...but that wasn't the point. The point was that they needed to discuss the tiny Ifrit that had been placed before them.

Yda was still resisting petting the little creature, but she looked to Papalymo, as he cleared his throat. "Ahem, well. That looks a lot like what the Goldsmiths' Guild made - are we certain there's a Spoken inside there?"

Fordola hissed, looking to him. "I dunno, are we sure you're a Spoken?"

Rolling his eyes, Papalymo nodded. "Well, you're clearly as firey as Ifrit." He wasn't hurt by her comments - no, it just confirmed that she was some sort of Garlean. Still, he continued. "And somehow, you're not enthralling us. Urianger, could you explain?"

Urianger looked over from his position, adjusting himself and managing to look serious even as he was sitting on Thancreds' lap. "When I was called upon with this issue, I thought back to tales recently uncovered close to Mor Dhona. Tales of those who had found a way to trap the very essense of Primal, so that they could not be summoned again. Using the power of the gems known as Auracite."

"Auracite?" Bolormaa asked, looking to him with gentle eyes.

"There are many different forms of it. It is simply the term used in a long-dead kingdom for stones that hold massive power - at least, that is what I hath read. The kind these heroes used was able to use these Primal as their weapons."

Everybody was listening intently, as Urianger continued, calm as ever. "And thus, I adapted. We did not wish for this Primal to be trapped in its' own mind, for there was a chance we could save somebody - is that not correct?"

Fordola nodded. "To save me. Uh, thanks for not trapping me in a fancy rock?"

Urianger continued, not listening to her. "Plus, we did not have Auracite. However, an... ally of mine from far away knows of magics which can bind. Those are the patterns I had Thancred and Minfilia use.

A similar princible, with differing magic. And thus, it did not compact thee into Auracite, to never be freed again - instead, it compacted that presence into this form. Perhaps the magic pulled from the designs of what had been crafted before - magic is wild and unpredictable, after all~"

By this point, Fordola had crawled over to look right up as Urianger. Curiously. The Elezen seemed to passionate, gushing all about this - but he kept his body hidden. Thancred gave a little smile, leaning on Urianger more. "So... basically... we've stopped a Primal by placing it within a form where it cannot cause damage."

Urianger paused. "Nay, not exactly. If this shell broke, the Primal would be unleashed again - and I doubt that they hath lost their ability to fight."

Minfilia had been listening this whole time, a small frown on her lips. And then, she looked to everybody else.

"If that is the case... could this not be done for other Primal?"

A way to stop them without bloodshed. Sure, Minfilia could think of flaws - it would result in some tribes growing afraid, more dangerous. For if they did not have their ace in the hole, they may grow desperate in other ways. And if the Paragon caught onto it...

Still. It was their first method to fight back. And besides that - Minfilia gave a little nod to herself. It could assist in working together, beast and man.

Urianger nodded, his expression a little excited. "The glyphs used for each Primal would need to differ - I gifted thee the glyph for Fire. I am so glad it worked."

"The land where the Glyph was carved turned... strange," Thancred said quietly. "Cold and still."

"...ah. To use such magic," Urianger said, choosing his words carefully, "uses a lot of aether. Scars would remain in the land."

"Wait a second--!" Papalymo interrupted. "By scars, do you mean we're draining aether from the land--!?"

"Compared to what a Primal does, we are not."

Papalymo stood in his chair, expression growing darker. "So you'd scar Eorzea for a respite?" Urianger nodded, and the elder Lalafell did not shift his gaze. That is, until Y'shtola spoke up.

She'd been listening, trying to understand. But now, she did. "Well... if these shells are not easily broken - like the auracite of stories, then it's not just a respite, is it?" As eyes focused on her, she continued to speak, authority in her voice. Tail swishing."Papalymo, you're right to worry. But also, it's better then beating one down, and another rising within the same week. Primal summonings have become more and more common - if they can be stemmed, then we can use this as a staring point."

Y'shtola was known to remain quiet until she had a point - and as Yda chuckled, looking at Papalymo, he sat back down. "...you have a good point, Y'shtola," he mumbled. "But not all Primal would be willing, correct? What about then?"

Y'shtolas' tail swished. "That, Papalymo, is obvious. They would need to be weakened first - but not ended. Luckily, we have Bolormaa."

Bolormaa began to wiggle as she was mentioned, looking to Y'shtola with a smile. "I can hold back in battle. Can Eidolon handle broken limbs?"

As her and Y'shtola began to debate if Primal could even have their limbs broken, it was Lyse who gave a little awkward sound. She didn't think anybody was listening, but. "...not all Primal are made from people, though. Right?"

Urianger looked to her, and gave a soft frown. But it was Papalymo who spoke to her, gently. "That's true. Not all of them will be like Fordola. But perhaps you'll finally get that pet you've always wanted."

It was clearly a joke, but Lyses' eyes lit up. "Maybe I will!

Also, uh. Who's the new girl? The one who brought in Ifrit?"

The mood in the room changed, as Papalymo adjusted his robes a little. "Right, you missed that. Lyse, Y'shtola, Urianger. We have wondered what happened to the former leader of the Path of the Twelve, and why we'd forgotten them.

We do not have all the answers, but this is Minfilia - their former leader. She has proven that she, at least, has our best interests at heart."

A flick of her tail, as Y'shtola looked to Minfilia. "And you have made sure she is not a spy?"

Thancred scoffed. "If she was a spy, why would she have jumped to doing something so dangerous?"

Now having gone back to her pillow, Fordola looked right at the Miqo'te. "That, and I worked with Garlemald. Never heard of a Minfilia before."

Her mention of her past... well, the mood in the room grew darker. More worried. Until Fordola continued. "I might have been sent out to hunt a missing Garlean - some sort of missin' royal? But part of Minfilia trying this on me means I can't go back."

"You... didn't know who you were looking for?" Yda asked, voice quiet.

"Nah. Ceci-- Cecilia oen Aelius was th'one who had the information," Fordola admitted. "Even if she was lower down on th'pecking order, she was going to inform me when we got out there. Too dangerous to let a non-native know, I guess."

Even now, blood outranked effort. Fordola tsked, laying back down. "If Minfilia was working with Garlemald, she'd likely not be dispatched that far from my base. I was only chosen because Ceci was my partner. And y'don't go anywhere without your partner."

She felt she'd said her piece - after all, Minfilia had helped her out. Still, how little did these Archon - no, Scion - know about Garlemald? Would she need to teach them more? She hoped not.

"Well..."

Lyse stood, and held a hand out to Minfilia. "I don't know if we knew each other before. But my name is Lyse Hext - and I trust you. Especially if Yda trusts you." She gave a happy little bounce, hand shaking a little. "And, well - it's nice to meet another Ala Mhigan!"

Meet again, she meant, but Minfilia took Lyses' hand. She seemed so happy, compared to five years ago... not having to hide her face, her identity. Lyse gave a happy little squeak, as Minfilia shook her hand. "I hope that I live up to your expectations, Lyse."

Y'shtola watched amused, the two ladies smiling so warmly. The scene was so warm, so kind... until Papalymo raised his hand to his ear. "Ah, Tataru--

I'll send her right out." Papalymo looked to Bolormaa, a little frown on his lips. "It seems we have some company. Let's head out there. Everybody else - somebody, show Minfilia to her room. And maybe to that other Ala Mhigan brought here recently."

"Oh! Right!" Yda said, leaping up as well. As Bolormaa and Papalymo left, Yda smiled. "Milleuda got brought here, right? She's recovering well. Uh, maybe don't tell her that the person who stabbed her was a Primal, though?"

Minfilia agreed, as Yda bounced over next to Lyse. Both of them - well, they both looked so happy! Together, as they had been before... well, before everything. The three of them - well, four, as Fordola scrambled to follow. Pausing, Minfilia put her in her sack again.

---

As soon as Minfilia saw Milleuda, she rushed into the infirmary, to look over her. Yda leaned on the doorframe, Lyse peeking in. Leaning down, Minfilia hugged her dear friend. Checking her over, before Milleuda gave a little laugh.

"Minfilia - calm yourself. These Scions of the Seventh Dawn care not for my reputation - they've cared for my injuries well. Soon, I will be able to return to my usual patrols." Milleuda stated, as she kissed Minfilia on the cheek. "But will you be returning?"

It was obvious to Milleuda that Minfilia had found what she was seeking - from the gentle shine in her eyes, to the way she moved. "Do not feel you need to worry for me, Minfilia. I am stronger then you'd imagine."

Minfilia sighed a little, one of her fingers rubbing down the others' body. "Then... I am sorry, Milleuda. My name has been found here - this is where I was looking for.

This is the future Path of the Twelve. And my place is with them.

Still... Milleuda, may I ask something of you?"

Milleuda quietly looked at Minfilia, as Minfilia slightly pulled away. Her cheeks softly reddening. "I wish to continue paying for your services."

"What--? But you know I'll be far away - I won't be able to defend you." Milleuda said, her expression growing a little upset. "I wish to work for my gil, Minfilia."

Minfilia nodded. "Instead of me, I wish for you to defend another friend of mine. His name is Wilred. He's a passionate man... but I'm worried he'll do something rash, and get in over his head."

Milleuda listened. Closing her eyes. Before smiling a little. "So I'll defend one of the Little Ala Mhigans? I can't refuse you, Minfilia."

Though Milleuda knew that the one Minfilia chose could defend himself, she understood the sentiment. Still, she leaned up, and her and Minfilia shared a kiss. "Are we going to break up with each other?" Milleuda joked - she knew the answer already.

"We both knew it'd end someday," Minfilia replied, as she continued to kiss the other. "We'll still love each other, but we have our places. So... let's not think of it as a break-up, Milleuda.

Let us think of it... as it being better as friends."

The two couldn't help but cuddle each other, though, as the Hext siblings still watched over them. A soft moment, between two who loved each other so deeply... how romantic.

Love was love, it seemed, even if they knew this was basically goodbye. Minfilia gave Milleuda a soft little smile, before turning to leave. "Pray, let me know when you leave. So that I can bid you goodbye."

---

"Your ally," Thancred said quietly to Urianger - they'd moved to Uriangers' usual corner of the Waking Sands. Urianger looked up at him - he'd say down. "I don't mean to pry, but you know I worry."

Urianger leaned back, looking to Thancred with the softest of smiles. "I... know what thee speak of, aye. And I cannot tell you much - please, believe me."

Thancred kneeled, right in front of Urianger. "Not even if I solve one of your riddles?"

That made Urianger curious, looking down at Thancred. Golden eyes gleaming behind his goggles. "You would risk that, hm? You know what I do to those who cannot do so."

Confidently, Thancred nodded. "I know you, Urianger. I know you won't do that to me." And even if he tried to, Thancred wouldn't let Urianger hurt him. He'd give him a little bap on the head. Perhaps a little more, depending on it.

Urianger leaned close to Thancred, and whispered. "I am hard and cold, people love me I am told, but once I flow I am wanted no more . What am I?"

Ah. He was making it easy - Thancred gave a shake of his head. "Ice. In paticular, ice in the summer months - when it melts, it's not going to cool anybody down."

Urianger blunk.

Urianger blunk again.

Had he... gone soft with these riddles? Thancred didn't even ask for any clarification! Darn. And he'd made a promise.

"Faeries."

It was Thancreds' time to blink, this time a little confused. "Faeries?" he asked, tilting his head - still keeping his voice quiet. Now, Thancred did believe in faeries a little. In his dreams, he often saw them. But those were just dreams, not... reality. He began to examine Uriangers' face - the way his lips did not part after he spoke, the seriousness built into his face...

...and sighed a little. "Faeries. Really, Urianger? I know you've gotten some more books from Moenbryda recently, but this is serious. If we need to bind a stronger Primal - what then? A larger one..."

Gently, Urianger lowered his hidden gaze. "Doth thee think the size of the glyph matters? What matters is trapping the being within. If thee carved it into a stone tablet, even that could be used.

...but that would be dangerous, for the sands could activate and trap thee within."

Thancred froze. "You could trap a person in them?"

"Aye. I did not wish to tell this to others, for it would give them undue stress. It is also why this technique must remain quiet - else my ally will be upset with me.

If it was employed over a large area, it could trap a large amount of aether and compact it into a single source. That could be used as a dangerous weapon...

...tell me, Thancred. Hath thee heard of nethicite? That is what could be crafted from such."

Ah, yes. Nethicite. It was a weapon used in the ancient Ivalice, Thancred recalled. The myths spoke of a King who united the land using it, or using auracite. The stories were lost, still being re-translated. The King, however, united the lands before vanishing - the lands turning to ruin as they did. That was the fall of Ivalice, or so the stories went.

Urianger knew how to craft that stone - Thancred couldn't help but worry. Even if Urianger seemed to be in control - well, what if he gifted it to the wrong person?

"Your secrets are safe with me, Urianger."

It was an unspoken promise that Urianger could trust Thancred more, even if he was filled with worry.

---

"As you might be able to guess," Yda said as they walked along the underground corridor, "we don't have enough rooms for everybody to have their own. Well, usually - but we have a spare one for you and Ifrit."

"I prefer my name. Fordola." Fordola stated, snorting as she poked her head out. "Please?" It was Lyse who opened the door to Minfilias' new room, though. It was... quite empty, with just a bed in it. Well, and a dresser. There was a fine layer of dust over everything.

"Thank you," Minfilia stated - not fussy, as she entered quietly.

Yda smiled, as Lyse bounced beside her. "It's pretty empty," Lyse said, "but that's just because recruitment's been down. Lots of people don't wanna live and work in the same place, you know? But people like me and Yda, well - we don't have another home."

Giving a chuckle, Yda nodded to herself. "If you need anything else, please let us know. We should be able to find it, or get it sent over... second-hand... probably."

Even as the two sisters talked, Minfilia collapsed into an actual bed. The wagon - caravan - whatever had been a little cramped, and she'd not gotten to sleep in a real bed that wasn't half-rotted for ages.

Fordola gave a little laugh, as she watched Minfilia fall asleep... but it was soft. Comfortable. And she felt herself curling up next to her, slipping off.

It was time to rest. They could get to work tomorrow.

Chapter Seven

"And, thus, I would have you go with Bolormaa to the remembarance services," Papalymo finished - looking up from his desk. From the papers he'd been given. Minfilia stood on the other side, looking to the [rank here] who'd come to try and recruit the awkward Xaela. Minfilia had not had a chance to mourn - or even to realise who had died. Quietly, she nodded, gulping back questions. What would she hear? What would she listen to?

Papalymo sighed. "And after that, Minfilia, I would like to send you on a diplomacy mission - your skills with the Echo may be untested, but you're the best person we have."

Once they left the solar, Minfilia looked to her bag - and Fordola popped out, the mammet-sized Ifrit huffing. "You know it's probably gonna be political puff pieces, right? Propaganda. They probably don't even care about everybody who died.

Only their people."

Minfilia sighed. "And you only care about the Garlean cost of life.

But... you know... I don't know how Garleans witnessed Dalamud. Especially those not on the battlefield."

A pause. Fordola blunk at her, before giving a swish of her tail. Oh. She had to do it, didn't she? Tell her. "Well. As ya know, I wasn't part of the VIIth. No, I'm part of the XIIth. I was still behind Baelsars' Wall when it happened.

But like hells I could forget the fires. It was like the Shroud was on fire, trying to tear though to find some safety. It was fucked up, that's for sure.

It-- I'd never seen anything like Bahamut. If I was a religious woman, I would have said that Rhalgr Himself had torn up the skies, ready to finally claim us all. But then, it just... everything turned white, and Bahamut was gone, but everything was different and the forest was still screaming."

As Fordola spoke, she didn't seem to realise she was beginning to tear up, beginning to tremble. Memories flooded her, but she tried to speak in her own way.

Minfilia stroked her side, as she began to walk again - Bolormaa had just left the solar as well. "We're going to Gridiana first! Because they're meant to be the ones who are going first."

---

Airship travel was quite relaxing, in all honesty - though Minfilia couldn't help but keep quiet as they moved. Her mind, when she heard of airships, turned to Cid. Oh, she hoped he was okay, somewhere out there.

But the travel was uneventful, and now they had made their way to Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre, crowded in there. Boloraav sat wiggling, tapping her tail against the wooden benches, while Minfilia sat still.

Out stepped Kan-e-Senna, the leader of the Twin Adder - and speaker to the Elementals. Her gaze was gentle, even if Minfilia knew that there was hardness within there. After all, the elementals were cruel beings.

Honestly, Minfilia could understand, in one way. They were as strong as Primal, and as frightening. If one ever disobeyed them, they would be plagued by darkness... or worse. They could not be fought off - though she wondered... what, exactly, were the elemental?

The speech began, Minfilia focusing on it - as Kan-e-Senna remained as firm as always. "Our forebears were once strangers in the Twelveswood.

Fearful of the greenwrath, they hid themselves in the dark recesses of the earth. Yet they dreamed of basking in the dappled sunlight of the forest.

Through great effort, they proved their worth to the elementals, and were granted a place beneath the boughs. So it was that Gridania was born, some five centuries ago.

Working hand in hand, the Hyur and the Elezen settlers sowed the seeds of our civilization. And soon they were joined by folk of all races."

All races, Minfilia thought, which are classified as man. If a friendly Ixal tried to enter, they would be rejected - by man and elemental both.

"So nourished by the waters of unity and blessed by the light of the Matron, Gridania flourished into the great nation it is today."

Minfilia turned - she could hear two others talking. Twins, it seemed, but not identical. One of them - the darker-skinned one - seemed to be more kept then the wild-haired one. As the darker-skinned one talked, she swore he sounded like Louisoix, if only a little. He was pointing for the other one, to the standard behind the Seedseer. "Do you see the Gridanian standard? There, hanging behind the Elder Seedseer. The entwined serpents represent the unity between Hyur and Elezen. An elegant symbol, do you not agree?"

The unkept one gave a roll of their eyes, before looking back to said Elder Seedseer. "In accordance with the will of the elementals, we have embraced a life of peace. Alas, our neighbors have not always sought the same for themselves - nor for us.

Though we Gridanians have no love for war, we have still less for those who would threaten our way of life. Ever have we fought to protect the sanctity of the Twelveswood."

Had they fought, Minfilia wondered, while Baelsars' Wall was built? They had fought the Ala Mhigans, of course, but the Ala Mhigans had begun it first. The scars of war lingered in every city-state, however.

"When the Garlean Empire brought its war of conquest to Eorzea, we rallied under the noble standard of the Twin Adder, that we might push back the encroaching darkness.

And it was we who prepared the ground for the reformation of the Eorzean Alliance, that all the peoples of this realm might stand united against the common threat."

--It was not them who did such, and Minfilia frowned. "Have they truly neglected to remember the role Urianger played? Planting the seeds of an idea in their mind..."

As she spoke, the two youths seemed to look to her - one curious, the other glaring. Bolormaa, though, was leaning forward in confusion.

"Five years ago, the Alliance met the armies of the Empire upon the fields of Carteneau. It would prove the bloodiest battle in recent memory. Countless Gridanian lives were lost.

As supreme commander of the Order of the Twin Adder, ever shall I bear the weight of our people's sacrifice."

Even as she spoke, Kan-e-Senna remained as dignified as always. Even as her words slipped out, she carried her own truth. "Alas, their loss was not the only tragedy to befall us that day, for soon came the Calamity. The scars borne by our forest are a constant reminder of its violence. Our lives have been irrevocably changed, each waking hour a struggle to survive.

Driven to desperation, some among us have strayed from the path of righteousness, resorting to banditry, poaching, and other unconscionable deeds.

To compound our woes, the Ixal have returned in force, emboldened by our suffering. They test our defenses nigh without cease, and prey upon the vulnerable.

So beleaguered from within and without, it is of little wonder that our unity now falters. Dark times are upon us."

She would use this remembarance to rally her people, as well. Against the beast tribes. Of course. Kan-e-Senna lowered her head.

"On this day, five years ago, countless Eorzeans laid down their lives that we might behold another dawn. Please join with me in honoring their memory."

Everybody grew quiet - except for the more pale girl, who now met Minfilias' gaze - the two of them almost sharing the same thought. "And how do they propose to honor the memory of those you cannot remember, pray tell?"

Minfilia gave a soft nod. How few of them would recall if their families had perished there? Or if they walked like her, forgotten but not?

"The destruction wrought by the Calamity was indiscriminate - it dealt death to Eorzean and Garlean alike. Yet while we have labored to rebuild our homes - to rebuild our lives - the Empire has set about raising steel fortresses here in the Twelveswood.

Let none be mistaken - the Garleans remain the greatest threat to our survival. If we are to stand against them, we must remember what it is to be united.

Our many troubles blind us to the woes of our fellow man. Thence is harmony lost. Yet harmony is the founding principle of Gridania."

Harmony between Hyur, Elezen... and Elemental. By the way she spoke, it truly did feel like the Elementals had weakened, they were sickly. And yet, that did not mean that those rejected by the Elementals would be given any way to fight to enter. A queer system, and one that Minfilia disliked.

Kan-e-Senna nodded to herself, seriously. "We are gathered here to honor the fallen. Let them be honored not only in word and thought, but through concerted action! I bid you join hands with me once more beneath the Twin Adder standard!

And together, let us heal the forest's wounds, that our progeny might live in harmony beneath these ancient boughs. For serenity, purity, and sanctity!"

As she finally finished, and as people disperced, the darker-looking twin approached Minfilia and Bolormaa. "If you'll permit me. Alphinaud - and my sister Alisaie, at your service."

"Alphinaud-- the grandchild of Louisoix?" Minfilia asked, trying not to raise her voice too much. His grandchild... hm.

Alphinaud nodded, proudly. "The very same. I'm glad to know some people know about me."

Bolormaa looked between them. "Do you know him, Minfilia?" Minfilia shook her head, and Alphinaud froze.

"I was a friend of Louisoixs'," Minfilia explained. "He wrote a lot about his beloved grandchild, Alphinaud. I... did not know you had a twin. Perhaps he did not write of her."

"Actually," Alphinaud said, "she was one of those who was forgotten due to the Calamity - or so she has told me. We have come to Eorzea in pursuit of... enlightenment, in a way."

He looked to the standard again, giving a little frown. "The Gridanians are unfortunate enough to have to contend with two beast tribes--"

"I know, Alphinaud," Minfilia said.

"I don't!" Bolormaa said. "Could you tell me more?"

Alphinaud looked to the Au Ra, and began to speak. As the two discussed the beast tribes, Minfilia looked to Alisaie. "I was forgotten as well," Minfilia said softly. "I am the former leader of the Path of the Twelve - those who seeked to understand the Echo. Your grandfather was the reason I began this."

Alisaie almost seemed to light up as Minfilia spoke. "His legacy," she whispered, "was in good hands. And then Dalamud fell, and erased so much. And so much is forgotten."

Sighing a little, Minfilia nodded. "I have rejoined the new organization... but I worry. You can hear how the beast tribes are spoken about. It seems that not only my memory was forgotten." She would just need to work harder.

Giving a little nod back, Alisaie closed her eyes. "If anything worse had happened, I believe that they wouldn't be able to put their fears of the beasts aside. Even if it was their only way." Bitterness filled her tongue - as Alphinaud continued to speak with Bolormaa.

Minfilia nodded in agreement - before her Linkpearl went off. They had their airship to go to the next rememberance. She looked to the two - before bowing her head. "You're coming to the other two, yes? We can continue our conversations on the airship."

---

It had not been too long for an Ascian. Of course, days were like moments to an immortal - Lahabrea included. He'd grown comfortable in this body - but whispers had gotten to him. People looking for them. Those... Scions of the Seventh Dawn, yes? He could take a break from aiding the other side to poke into their business. Discourage them or use them for their deeds.

Even if he was feeling the weight on him. No, it wouldn't pull him down. Days had gone by, with him wondering who he'd investigate.

Until he saw one of them. Thancred Waters. But to him, he saw somebody else - somebody long-gone. If he could get close, perhaps this would become even easier. And that was made easy by seeing how many bars Thancred went to.

This was one of those days, him entering a little after he saw Thancred enter. There was no sense seeming like he was stalking the fellow, even if he totally was. Thanalan - the name of this region - was far too warm right now. But Lahabrea didn't care.

Lahabrea approached, quietly. Sitting next to the bard - oh, how the others' eyes had dulled. But this long would do it to anybody. They had browned, and likely did not see--

"Do I know you?" Thancred said, looking over the other Hyur. A soldier, he assumed, or an adventurer. Under his rusted but firm helm, soft brown hair surrounded a soft face. Oh... he was likely in his early 20s. Or younger - perhaps an elder teen. He smelled of blood and injury.

But that was odd. He swore he'd seen this one before, but no name came to mind. Perhaps he was like Minfilia. Or perhaps not. Thancred focused a bit more, as he nursed a drink.

Lahabrea closed his eyes. "I think I would remember somebody like you," he said - steeling his heart as he always did. A hand moving to his side-bag - no. There were too many people around. Perhaps later, perhaps when they... hm. Could he get him alone, he wondered. He had seen that this man tended to sleep with many women. Would he sleep with a man.

"And I think I'd remember somebody as flustered as you," Thancred replied, hands around his drink. "I'll shout you a drink."

Lahabrea gave a shy smile. (It was so easy to fake it.) "Thank you. But won't this stop you from remembering me later?"

That made Thancred chuckle a little. "I'm not a lightweight-- ah, my name's Thancred. And yours?"

"Ligart."

It was easier to use a name that belonged to a body, after all. Especially a corpse, freshly dead. Lahabrea ordered his own drink, and smiled at Thancred. "I'm an adventurer - just taking a break. Had a nasty run in with some voidsent."

Even now, he was planting seeds of curiousity into Thancreds' head - and he could see it. Thancred continued to palm his drink. "Voidsent? This place isn't often known for having weaknesses in the veil."

Lahabrea nodded to himself. "Yes... but... there were some people trying to steal something, and then they summoned a Voidsent. They spoke of Paragon? It's pretty confusing, if you ask me."

Thancreds' eyes narrowed more, looking so deeply into his drink. "It isn't wise to talk about those men out here. What, with what name they decided to use. But...

how about we continue this in my inn room?"

That was just what Lahabrea wanted.

---

It was a few days later that Ul'dah was gathered, just as Gridiana had been before. Except, of course, in a different location. And Bolormaa, Minfilia, Alphinaud and Alisaie stood ready to listen.

And listen they would, as Raubahn entered - Nanamo riding him, as always. (Sometimes, Minfilia wished she could be carried around by a Highlander. It looked comfortable.)

"Hark you, souls of flame, drawn to the bosom of the desert, where the fire burns brightest and shall rage forevermore!"

Raubahns speech was always loud and bombastic, the roar of a bull. "Where since antiquity, under the sage and judicious rule of the Ul Dynasty, we have wrought sand into gold! Where by the Grace and Glory of Nald'thal have our brave sons and daughters flourished and prospered - I speak of Ul'dah!"

But Alphinaud gave a tilt of his head. "There, at the Flame General's back flies the Grand Company's standard. Note the sigil. The golden scales of order balance the jewel of prosperity with the flame of might.

And yet..."

"And yet," Alisaie snarled, "they hold neither. Not after the Calamity. They carry lies - as you might hear from his speech."

And Alisaie was right. "In Eorzea's darkest hour, on the killing fields of Carteneau, none spent more in blood and gold than we.

Thus was the VIIth Imperial Legion laid low!"

Minfilia listened, and her own lips curved into a frown. "How soon the people forget. Almost as soon as they forget how many they've left to rot, as they cover themselves in gold."

Minfilia, of course, talked of those who truly ruled Ul'dah. She was more then familiar with their deeds, and what they'd do. Rebellions and the losses that came with them. She could not stand to listen any more, and walked out - Bolormaa looking a little confused. Bolormaa wished to continue listening.

She did not expect Alisaie to follow her, gripping to Minfilia a little. Fordola huffed as well, looking between the two women. Alisaie gave a little sigh. "...Ul'dah is a sinners' paradise, isn't it."

Minfilia gave a soft nod. "Yes-- forgive me for asking, but you seemed to already know about it?"

Alisaie shook her head a little. "I read about it - about Eorzea. Sharlayan may be up their own ass, but they don't lie too much in their books."

The two began to move towards the airship docks. "I don't wish to go to the Limsan rememberance, but I'm certain Bolormaa will wish to." As they walked together, though, Minfilia began to speak. "While Ul'dah is a land where money speaks, that is not all there is to it. Even if one had the gil, they could not change the deep-rooted issues."

Alisaie looked up a little, frowning. Before nodding. Minfilia continued, however. "They are the ones who outlawed most which they now call beast tribes, after all. If it was possible, they would likely have done what Garlemald had done - seen us with the Echo as little more then beasts in the skin of people." Minfilia didn't mean to grow so passionate, as her hands began to tremble. "If I had the power, I would change it. But I do not - and cannot stand against them. For one, the Waking Sands is in their territory. While I've only recently rejoined, it seems that Papalymo understands what I mean.

They put pressure on us to work for Ul'dah, when the Scions must work outside any government. Even outside Ala Mhigo, even if I would give my life to liberate my home."

"...why?" Alisaie then asked, looking at her. "If what I've read is correct, liberation would only be the first step on a long and bloody path. I-- I don't know if it is viable, while Primal remain an issue. While people forget even five years ago."

Her steps slowing on the airship dock, Minfilia turned to Alisaie, who remained frowning. "I wonder if people remember that it was not Garlemald who declared most races beasts - they began it, yes. But Ul'dah used it to their advantage. If I didn't know better, I'd think that Ul'dahns would welcome the selfsame world that Garlemald seeks - if it did not mean their own deaths."

Alisaie nodded in agreement, as they both waited for Alphinaud and Bolormaa to reunite with them...

---

Thancred had rented a small room - all he needed for an overnight stay. And Lahabrea knew it, as the two had stumbled into sitting on his hard bed. Lahabrea slightly leaned on the other, pretending to be drunk. "...so, you witnessed the Paragon," Thancred said.

"Why do you call them that?" Lahabrea replied, honestly curious. "Is that their name? I didn't think that those who'd summon Voidsent would be called Paragon."

Thancred couldn't help but chuckle. "Haven't you heard of not insulting those more powerful then you? Like it or not, these Paragon are dangerous. So, we call them that in case it helps." How much could Thancred tell this stranger? He was certain, now, that this man was marked for death. Not just because he witnessed an Ascian and lived. But because he remembered him now - he was one of those who'd been close to death near the Sil'dah ruins.

Odd. He thought there was no hope for this one. And there wouldn't be for much longer. He needed information on what he witnessed. "Did you happen to see a mark on their face?"

Lahabrea nodded a little, playing his part. Gently rubbing his arm against the other. "Yes, I did... though I can't quite describe it. Perhaps I should trace it on your face?"

Right. Thancred could tell the other was flirting with him. But he'd go along with it, moving to lay down. "Trace it, then."

Lahabrea leaned over him - his armour still heavy on the other, pressing into him. Now that Thancred was laying there... he could see those eyes, those little wrinkles at the side of his mouth, the sligtht crookedness to his nose. All things he remembered. His fingers began to tremble, but he continued to trace his glyph onto the other. Not noticing he was tracing another, one he hadn't seen in a long damn time.

As he finished, he hadn't noticed he'd begun to cry. That a few soft tears had fallen on Thancred. But Thancred put a hand to the others' cheek. "...I haven't seen that one before," he whispered, "but it's okay. The whole thing's a little traumatic."

Lahabrea stilled. "...Thancred, was it?"

Thancred nodded.

Lahabrea then got out a small crystal, marked with a few star-like patterns - before placing it to Thancreds' skin. Holding it there, gently, praying silently. It had been so long since he'd tried this.

But... nothing. Thancred simply looked at him confused. Lips curving into a small frown. Confusion. Lahabrea then looked to him, his lips curving into a deeper frown.

"...I shouldn't have expected more from you. That was what he would do - and unlike him, I'm--

I must say, I respect your respect for the enemy." As he spoke, his glyph appeared - Thancred trying to struggle away. But dark magic pinned his limbs. "To call us Paragon... it's charming, really."

He put the crystal away.

He got out a darkened necklace, a dark crystal on it. "Charm gets you nowhere, however. It didn't give him back.

This was not my plan. Believe me, Thancred. But you'll make a good body."

Before Thancred could scream, he felt the necklace around his neck, his body swiftly not becoming his own.

Lahabrea sighed, as the armoured corpse fell limp. Retrieving the crystal, he paused... and adjusted the necklace, clipping it on. Not in a way to damage it. Perhaps more exposure will... perhaps it'll awaken his dear friend, one of his dear loves.

His fellow Sundered.

Chapter Eight

Ascian plans were unknown to the group of adventurers - Alphinaud looked to how Minfilia and Alisaie were holding hands - was he jealous? Was he a little upset at how close his sister was to this stranger? But the two of them had both been forgotten by the Calamity, and thus, they had their reasons to be close.

However, he still was a little jealous, frowning, lips bitten as he followed them. Now it was time to listen to Merlwyb. As always, the Roegadyn was loud and booming - inspiring passion. The selfsame history lession, speaking of how the Grand Company had fought off Garlemald.

But, it was clear Minfilia was losing her temper. And after calling for silence, for rememberance, he could tell why. Oh, her passions were visible.

"But when I stand atop the Mizzenmast, and gaze out upon our battered and broken vessel, I see an undying spirit. Did we not build all this from the wreck of the Galadion all those centuries ago? Shall we not do so again!?

Yet there are those who would see this ship of ours sink beneath the waves of the restless Rhotano," Merlwyp said, taking a deep breath in, "as the Sahagin creep ashore seeking blood for their accursed god."

Minfilia shook her head. No - they simply needed more land, for they had lost it too.

"While the mines of O'Ghomoro spew forth kobolds who push ever south, despoiling our lands as they go.

These savage beast tribes will be the first waves to crash against our creaking hull."

The kobold-- Alphinaud had never seen his sister look so angry, her eyes almost seeming to gleam golden. "Perhaps they would not push south if they were not being encroached on." Alisaie hissed, gripping Minfilias' hand tightly. Quiet enough so none of the pirates would hear them, Alisaie looked up to Minfilia. "They're monsters."

Merlwyb continued, but the two ladies did not listen. Bolormaa did, however - and had a question, as the crowd disperced.

"Why did these happen? Why do they mourn?"

Minfilia turned - her anger gone, replaced by looking up at the large lady. "Those who died in the Calamity had a wonderful death. They'll be back."

Ah-- a Dotharl custom. They believed in reincarnation, did they not? Minfilia would not be rude, but... "Even if they're reborn, people mourn the lost memories. Even if they have the same soul, they might not be the same person. And... not many people here can tell which soul is where."

Bolormaa nodded, satisfied. "Only Sadu sees souls, really. Sadu's really nice." For those who knew Sadu - those from the Steppe, or those who traveled - that might seem like a strange statement. But Bolormaa was a strange Au Ra, and she found Sadu agreeable. "Still. Even if the soul is different, the person is still similar. Like... I think I'll always be friends with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, no matter how I'm born. But I understand." As if to show that she understood, Bolormaas' tail began to wave like a Miqo'tes.

The group returned to the airship landing, before pausing. Alphinaud cleared his throat. "It's been nice meeting you, but our destinations now differ. May you ever walk in the light of the crystal," he said - giving Alisaie a look. Alisaie let go of Minfilias' hand...

...but before she followed her brother, she looked right at Minfilia. "Continue to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. I believe in you, Minfilia."

They all parted. That is, until Minfilia heard Alisaie one last time.

"Do not trust Hydaelyn, Minfilia."

But before she could ask what Alisaie meant-- what Alisaie was implying-- she was gone. As was Alphinaud. What--?

---

Bolormaa, of course, had been courted to join one of the Grand Companies - heading out soon after she returned. She had left alongside a dark Roegadyn ally, one who she claimed was another dear friend - hopefully, Minfilia would get a chance to meet her sometime. But Minfilia, meanwhile, stood firmly in front of Papalymo.

"Minfilia, are you familiar with the Sylph?" he asked, as he looked over the papers in front of him. "In recent moons, they've become more and more... agressive, in a way."

Minfilia nodded to herself. "Before, I've met and worked with them. But their language was not easily understood." It was a struggle, as she played her role, as she recalled. But the Warrior of Light and their Path Companion had helped so much... hm. It was strange, Minfilia thought, that she had not heard that system continuing. After all, it was important to work in pairs. Many empires had risen due to their pairings. And many had fallen due to pairs taking them down. Even Garlemald saw the strength of pairing people together - after all, Fordola had spoken of such.

One of her hands moved to pet Fordola. Perhaps they were a pair now? That would be rather interesting, wouldn't it?

Papalymo nodded. "Well, then. You'll not be surprised to hear I wish to send you to deliver a missive from Gridiana, to figure out what they're planning. Gridiana has their hands full with the Ixal, and cannot endure a two-pronged battle."

To be a good diplomat, you had to bury your true feelings. But before Minfilia could answer, Lyse burst in. "I wanna go too, Papalymo!"

Papalymo barely looked up. "You know why we keep you away from there, Lyse. After last time--"

"--Last time wasn't my fault, though? And besides, Minfilia needs somebody who's good with the forest!" Lyse retorted, moving right over to Minfilias' side. Not that Minfilia knew what either of them were talking about - it was nice, as Lyse gripped her free hand.

Papalymo thought.

And he thought more, crossing his arms. "Only if you do not leave Minfilias' side, Lyse. For any reason." With his approval, Lyse beamed more - giving a half-salute. "Anyway. Minfilia, you are to recieve both the missive and gifts for the Sylph from the Twin Adders. You two-- three are then to head into the East Shroud, to their colony. And no further, unless you absolutely need to."

"Colony?" Minfilia asked.

"Oh, it's the cutest little village!" Lyse said, before frowning. "Even if it really shouldn't be that small. It's overcrowded and the Sylph there tend to not bloom at all, due to the stress. You know, between the Garleans and those of them who're purple and tempered."

Minfilia shook her head. "Of course. But-- if you don't mind, I thought that only those taken by Ifrit were called tempered. I thought it depended on who did it--"

Fordola popped her head out, letting out a huff, and Minfilia shook her head again. "My apologies, Fordola. But still--"

"You have the right of it," Papalymo said, "most of the time. We use the element of the Primal to name the term. For example, Leviathans' are drowned, while Ramuhs' are touched - short for levin-touched."

Huffing, Lyse crossed her arms. "Does it matter if we know what we're talking about? Same diff."

Her tail lashing, Fordola nearly fell out of her bag. "Language has meanin', ya know. Like... think about it. Doesn't it piss ya off when people call Ala Mhigans nothin' but warmongers?"

Lyse tensed, as Fordola continued. "But there's people out there who love that title. Even some Ala Mhigans. But it's better t'use the proper terms for things. People or not. It just fucks people up less!" Nodding slightly, Lyse tried to untense her arms and fists. "Also, I don't see ya as a warmonger. My blood is Ala Mhigan."

That made Lyse suddenly smile, softly. "Then-- us three Ala Mhigans, headin' though the Shroud. Won't that be fun?"

Suddenly, Papalymo felt glad that he rarely left the office. Still, he looked between the three of them. "Remember. This is a mission - and failure could end with the reign of Ramuh."

Of course, that was known by all three of them. They all left, to get prepared - and get a carriage hired to take them to the East Shroud.

---

The trip wouldn't be too long, but Lyse still leaned a little as she watched Minfilia and Fordola. Fordola poked her head out the front window, watching the Chocobo run. She smelled a little of smoke, as she stretched out happily. "You know," Fordola said, "that's one thing I'll give this place compared to places Garlemalds' taken. The smell. You don't smell cars, or new magitek, or... well, any of that."

"Cars?" Minfilia asked, as she looked over to the other. Compared to Ydas' caravan, this rental one was bare and plain. (Perhaps she would need to save up for her own.)

Fordola turned back, nodding. "Yeah, cars. They're sort of like this, but without a Chocobo. I don't know how they work, but rich bastards-- well, people who've earned their rank in the Capital-- they tend to drive around in 'em. They're super fast, as well. If one hit ya, well. It's killed before."

Lyse looked over. "So why don't they bring them out here?"

"Because they're fragile as shit, compared to war machines."

Satisfied, Lyse laid back a bit more. Closing her eyes, letting out a content sigh. "Garlemald's not just building war machines, then? From what I've heard about them, you'd swear that was all they did."

Tottling back into the caravan, the wind-up Ifrit-sized creature now known as Fordola climbed onto the basic table. "Unlike you, Mhigan, I'm very familiar with Garlemald. Seen what they do for myself."

Lyse looked down at her, without moving her head. "Oh yeah? And what do they do, hm? Other then fucking over Ala Mhigans, I mean."

"If Ala Mhigans didn't fight 'em, they'd be a lot more well off," Fordola retorted, "but I bet you wouldn't understand. Garlemald gave me an education. They gave me power. And Doma seems pretty well-off, ya know?"

Lyse snarled. "Garlemald likely fed ya lies. And besides - what kind of life could you have? If anything, you're not better then a slave!"

Again, Fordola hissed. "And what would you know about that, huh? Have you ever had t'fight for your life, because you didn't have th'means to choose otherwise?" The tiny lizard was nearly breathing fire, the flames building in her mouth. "Or didn't ya need to choose which side ya chose."

Her own voice loud, Lyse shook her head - feeling something building in her throat. "You have no idea-- sure, I didn't choose which side I fought for--"

"Who chose, then!"

Minfilia listened to them both. She didn't feel she had to step in, not yet, as Lyse looked right into Fordolas' eyes, her voice growing deadly serious. "My elder sister. Yda. She knows more about Garlemald then you ever will."

"--how." Fordola did not believe Lyse. Really, it sounded like a big-ass lie.

"Well, for one, she got taken back to the capital six years ago," Lyse said, suddenly looking away. "Though, uh. Trust me?"

Fordola did not. Still, she put a claw to her face. Where her deep purple tattooes remained - she was so thankful. "...Tell me, then. If your sister had chosen Garlemald, because she saw it as a better future, would you have chosen them? And don't give me any bullshit over it being against your morals."

Lyse went oddly quiet. Looking a little pained, as she considered it. "If I did that, then I probably wouldn't have found the Scions. And I'd be a lot different." It seemed that the entire mood in the caravan had changed, as Lyse wrung her hands. As she looked at herself, gripping her hands together. "But... I can't say I wouldn't be workin' with Garlemald. Even if, y'know, that'd probably mean I'd be a different person.

--Still. We can't change the past, can we?" Lyse finished, gulping a little. "Somebody important to you chose Garlemald, right?"

Fordola nodded, as she curled up on the table. "They chose Garlemald. And for that, I was nearly bloody stoned to death."

"--wait, what?" Lyse said, snapping out of her mood. "That's babaric-- even for our enemies-- how old were you!?"

"A child," Fordola huffed, "young enough to have not seen any of the bloodshed."

Lyse looked from Minfilia, to Fordola, mouth wide. "I-- I can sort of see why you'd choose Garlemald, then. If Ala Mhigans tried to kill a child..."

"Doesn't matter now." Fordola stretched more, looking up at Lyse with a serious gaze. "Now I'm a conscript for you Scions. Or-- whatever my role is. Garlemald would kill me."

"Not true," Lyse said, "I think that If they had a Primal who was loyal to them, Garlemald would instead use you to create new weapons. Probably hiding the source, though. So, not death. A lot of torture, though."

"...I don't know if you really know bullshit or you're making up bullshit," Fordola admitted. But it sounded right, and that's what made Fordola a little concerned. Maybe this odd other Ala Mhigan was telling the truth.

Fordola then froze a little, feeling a hand on her back-- oh. It was Minfilia, beginning to stroke her as she spoke to Lyse. "Lyse, please. Tone down the horror, please. If you speak that way to the Sylph, we're liable to get turned into mulch. Or worse."

Lyse shrugged. "Fine, fine. But I'm right."

---

Minfilia was swift in Gridiana, for she didn't wish to linger long. Fordola kept her head popped out of her bag - but Lyse couldn't help but move over towards the markets. She had gil to spare, after all. And she felt a little guilty, honestly, for going off at the... Garlean lizard. Okay, so she might have been in the right, but she had a duty to do.

But meanwhile, Minfilia gave a firm salute to Vorsaile Heuloix. While her gaze did not waver, Minfilia took a firm step forward, towards the Elezen. "Good evening, Commander. I have been sent from the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, to aid with your current issues."

The commander looked down at her - likely seeing her like some form of adventurer - and gave a grim nod. "Aye, your little bird sings true. No doubt you've heard that we're investigating the sylphs - that curious beast tribe that calls the depths of the Twelveswood home. The sylphs are, for the most part, a peaceable bunch - much to the delight of the Elder Seedseer, who has no desire to see her people embroiled in yet another fruitless war.

The Twin Adder is of the same mind, and 'tis precisely for this reason that the sylphs' relation to the primal Ramuh has raised a flag of warning amongst our ranks."

Minfilia tapped her fingers, as he continued. "Friendly as they may appear, beastmen will be beastmen." Of course. Of course, Minfilia thought. That is just how people saw the Sylph - like any other beast. Like they saw the Ixal, or even the Amalj'aa. But she would not protest, even if her dislike was painted firmly on her face. Seemingly ignoring the expression, the Twin Adder Commander continued.

"Do we strike at Ramuh, or leave the sylphs to their own ways? That is the question, yet I find myself lacking ample knowledge to arrive at an answer.

Opinions abound within Gridania, but to listen only to one's own is among the greatest mistakes a commander can make.

I would hear from the other side - the sylphs themselves - and seek an impartial party to serve as my liaison. That is where you Scions come in."

Minfilia put a hand to herself. "Of course. Due to my abilities, I am able to speak with them clearly."

Vorsaile shook his head, with a smile. "The sylphs of Little Solace remain untempered, and have held many a productive dialogue with our people. I would hear their candid thoughts on their tempered brethren.

That said, I urge you to exercise due caution. Sylphic tradition and etiquette bear little resemblance to our own. It would not do to have any cross-cultural faux pas get in the way of a productive parley. Pray, are you familiar with the Hawthorne Hut? I would have you meet with my fellow officer there, in order to--"

That's when Lyse returned, bouncing a little, holding a box. "Oh, don't worry! I can help her - but I guess we'll wanna talk to others!" Vorsaile raised an eyebrow at Lyse, before Lyse raised her own hand. "Been a while, huh? Since... you know. The incident. I've pretty much healed up!"

"Physically or mentally?" Vorsaile asked, looking over the young woman. Lyse let out a chuckle, and Minfilia tilted her head. "In any case, I would have you meet with Amelain, just in case."

And with that, the three ladies set out. They went to the ferry docks, getting into the boat. Minfilia had to ask, though. "Lyse...

...what happened?"

Lyse raised a hand. "Wait a second. Fordola, I have a gift for you and Minfilia. That sack... no offense, but it looks thrown together," she said, as she offered out the box.

Gently, Minfilia opened it - and couldn't help but smile. A small sling-style bag, the sort used for a smaller animal. It was in the royal Ala Mhigan colours - a deep purple with yellow trim. And had see though windows, so that Fordola could see out of it...

It'd look a little weird for a mammet, but Fordola climbed in. "...it's soft." Fordola said, quietly. And that was true - there were cushions sewn into the bottom. She looked over at Lyse, and chuckled. "Guess I should thank ya."

Lyse stretched out. "Think nothing of it. Really, it's more for Minfilia then you."

Minfilia smiled to herself. Thank the Twelve that their argument got out their anger... and yet... "This won't stop me from asking what happened here, Lyse."

Lyse raised a hand. "Can it wait until afterwards? Don't worry, the Sylph forgave me.

...no? Okay. Fiiine. A few years back, me and Papalymo were here trying to smuggle out some people, a Sylphic artifact sort of got given to me, it ended up changing me. But after a lot of therapy I'm back to normal."

Minfilia couldn't help but stare, blankly. Why was Lyse like this...?

--And then Minfilia felt the pain of an Echo coming on. Ripping into her soul, as Lyse reached out for her...!

Chapter Nine

The skies were filled with a dark soot - a dark familiar smell. This was a Garlean settlement, to be certain. The skies were black, though - but though the black, one moon glowed. Dalamud had fallen.

...and from the yelling, it had fallen recently. Guards were running around, trying to get the settlement dirty. There were no civilians - or so it seemed. And an airship was landing. An oddly small one, barely armoured. As it opened, high ranking imperials calmly exited...

...alongside Emperor Solus, following them as he leaned on his cane. "...Take me to her," is all he said, to the head commander of the settlement. They nodded, and began to lead the other. (Odd. Minfilia didn't think a Miqo'te would be given the responsibility to lead the Emperor. Perhaps it was because of how many had perished... but the Miqo'te, with a white-and-gold tail, moved swiftly. Armour covered most of their body, but Minfilia could see odd spots on his skin. Some Miqo'te did have skin markings, but not as bold and black, from what she knew.)

It seemed she was following the scene in her Echo, thankfully. There was silence, except for the sounds of walking, until they got to a jail cell. In there was a heavily covered being, in full armour, kept tied up.

"...Prastha. To the door," Solus commanded, and the Miqo'te moved there. His ears seemed plastered to the wall, though, listening.

The armoured figure did not move. "You are such a handful, _____." Wait, what? Minfilia couldn't make out their name. Still, Solus continued to talk, standing tall over the cell. "You know that you are only allowed here provisionally. If you were anybody else, you would have been executed for your deeds."

He continued, leaning down a little. "This was your last chance, _____. I have already contacted somebody who is in need of a test subject. I believe he is well known to my grandchild."

And yet, there was sorrow in his voice. A soft sorrow, but not one that Minfilia would expect from the Emperor of Garlemald. For a moment, he hesitated. "My dear daughter. Could you not have complied?"

The masked figure let out a snarl - she was gagged, after all. But footsteps entered the room, but it was not the man that Solus expected. Instead, it was... Papalymo? His staff was raised, wordlessly. Solus turned, and looked back at him.

But neither of them talked. Or, if they did, Minfilia could not hear it. Because Sylph were entering - ones tinted with winter hues. Brown and snowy, they were unlike the ones Minfilia was familiar with. Solus stepped backwards - before calling for guards. Chaos began, chaos began, but the Emperor escaped. The white-tailed Miqo'te nodded to Papalymo, giving him a few clicks - before throwing him the key, making sure nobody else saw him.

An ally of the Scions, then...?

The vision shifted. The armoured figure was barely able to move, but she had escaped. But the imperials were following them - shooting, striking, attacking. Many sylph had fallen - and that was when the armour was pierced.

The armoured figure fell. Unmoving. But that is when Lyse entered the scene, seemingly out of nowhere, moving to pick her up. "Papalymo! We've nearly made it...!"

"Nearly isn't close enough!"

"Right, but-- there!"

More of the winter-touched sylph moved to create some form of... glamour portal? The three rushed though, imperials following them--!

The three landed. The three landed, and Lyse passed out. She was bleeding and bloodied, more then the other two. One of the winter-touched Sylph gave a little sound, looking to Papalymo. Papalymo got out bandages, but stook his head. "...she can't-- come on. Lyse, wake up."

One of the Sylph then offered him an odd seed. Papalymo bit his lip - even he knew that it wasn't wise to either freely take or refuse any Sylph... but this could hurt Lyse. Their eyes met, and he gave it to Lyse - putting it on her.

Within a moment, Lyse glowed. And her body shifted, her body shrank, until-- there was another Sylph there. Looking at Papalymo and the heavily armoured figure, the blinded figure.

"...Papalymo-- This One feels funny," Lyse said, her wings fluttering swiftly. "But This One isn't hurting anymore. Nope, This One feels as fresh as a cool breeze!

...Papalymo? Why are you staring?"

---

Minfilia awoke with a start, Lyse sitting at the end of a bed. She'd been taken into the Hawthorne Hut, and placed into a bed to rest. The sun had gone down, and Lyse seemed barely perky - not as much as under the sun.

But-- that Echo-- Lyse was a glamoured Sylph? And that armoured figure-- why had they done so much to fight and save that person...? The first question out of her lips, however, was not either of those. "Prastha...?"

Fordola spoke up - the tiny Ifrit had dug under the blankets with her. "D'ya mean sas Aelius? He's a well-known spy f'Garlemald," Fordola whispered. "Though I always suspected he was a double agent. But he's a good guy - worked his way up from... somewhere."

Lyse nodded to herself. "Yeah, he's a double agent."

"...seriously." Fordola would roll her eyes harder, but she didn't wish to hurt herself. "So, somehow, he got promoted while feedin' y'guys information?"

"Yup!

He actually is a contact of the Scions - not technically a member - and helps us rescue Ala Mhigans and other people who could help us. Though he's a bit of a weird one - I've never heard his accent anywhere before!"

Fordola scoffed. "That's because he claims he's from the far north. One of those wild Miqo'te who bred with Hrothgar. Or-- whatever he called 'em. He's a weirdo, but I trust 'im. Well, before now.

Now I know he's a traitor." Her tiny tail was slamming into Minfilia, over and over. "How dare he get ranked above me! I'm more loyal then he would ever be, if he's feedin' you guys information--"

"--Fordola, please," Minfilia said softly - her hand still on her head. "We can argue over his rank later.

Lyse. I had a vision, as you're likely aware. I-- saw what happened to you."

Lyse suddenly stopped moving, turning slightly to look at Minfilia. "...oh. So you know, huh?

But I'm still Lyse. I'm still myself," she said, putting a hand to her chest quietly. "If that makes sense?"

"I accept you, Lyse," Minfilia said - a hand going to pet Fordola. "If I can see Fordola as a person, I can see you as you. But then, why did everybody wish for you not to return...?"

Now pacing, Lyse began to bounce again. "Oh, that's easy. People don't get that there's two different sorts of Sylph. Oh, and the fact that a person could be turned into one sort of changes everything. I mean... if a person becomes a beast, do they deserve to be treated like a person still? A lot of people here don't think so. Soooo... it's sort of a semi-secret? But once Papalymo got me back to Gridiana, the Twin Adders found out, and the Seedseers also know about it."

Minfilia felt Fordola beginning to let out soft huffs, but Minfilia raised a hand a little. "My apologies - there are different sorts of Sylph? I had imagined that would be true - after all, there are different kinds of Hyur - but they have come to live in the same forest?"

Shaking her head, Lyse looked out the window. "No... not really. The Sylph here and the other Sylph only meet sometimes, on the longest and shortest days. After the Calamity, the other Sylph came here to help stop the fires, but then went back home. I don't know where that home is, though.

Even if I'm one of them. Sylph aren't meant to change colours with the seasons." As if to show it, a little, Lyse untied her hair - brown leaves falling from it as it draped across her dark skin. "Glamours can get you a long way, though.

I guess everybody thinks the two Sylph types are gonna fight. But I don't think Sylph are like Walking Ones," Lyse said, not realising what slipped out of her mouth. "I think that Sylph know that we're all part of nature, and really shouldn't be fighting. I mean, that's why Lord Ramuh isn't passing His Levin Judgement on everybody."

"Uh."

Fordola had now popped up at the bottom of the sheets, tail lashing. "Not to make ya sound like a monster, but isn't that how touched ones talk?" (Fordola had taken the lessions to heart.) "How their lord should be beatin' up everybody?"

Lyse turned, and laughed. "No, no. Otherwise, wouldn't Garlemald be the product of a Primal? Talkin' about how they're wantin' their biggest and best machines to beat up everybody who's different?"

"That's totally different."

Oh, those two... Minfilia wanted to ask more of Lyse, but she still felt sore. Sore... and hungry. And itchy, especially around her shoulders. But her fingernails had grown so much over the last little while. "Might we continue this over dinner? I should be able to gather some crystals for you, Fordola."

---

Just as Minfilia had predicted, there were wind crystals and shards for gathering. The three decided to eat outside, on the cliffs overlooking Baelsars' Wall. Just past there was their home - was the path to Ala Mhigo. To their home - but, to all of them, it meant something different.

Still, Minfilia looked wistfully into the distance - she was the only one really eating. Fordola was nibbling on crystals, and Lyse had brought a lot of water with her. There weren't people around, but Lyse remained a person.

But of course she did. Fordola gave a jealous huff. "So, how do your glamours work?" she asked, as she bit into a larger hunk of rock.

Lyse blinked, before looking towards Ala Mhigo. "It's merely an illusion weaved by magic inside me. A gift from the land. I can't keep it up if I'm not close to the ground. Or if the magic got interupted."

"Could it be, though?" Fordola asked, as she lifted up a tiny bit of crystal, using it to point towards Ala Mhigo. They were all staring at it, after all. "Isn't magic just magic? Aether can't just stop - well, I mean, it can be interrupted, but--"

"Uh, I don't know. Papalymo's the bigger expert," Lyse admitted, laying back a little. "He's tried to teach me - kirin this, elementals that, courts whatever - but I don't get it. Not that I really need to, y'know?" Lyse sighed, looking at the solo moon. "I haven't lived even half as long as Yda has - but I've got plenty of memories up here. And I'm strong enough to fight alongside her."

"...Yda was captured by Garlemald, wasn't she?" Minfilia asked, carefully. She didn't know just how much she should try and figure out. Especially with Fordola here. Fordola had been sent to find some Garlean. And that vision--

--it couldn't be. Could it? Could Yda be related to the Galvus family...?

Lyse, too, seemed wary to speak suddenly. Her voice curt. "Yeah. She's free from them now, though. And nobody'll capture her again.

Do you think there's any Ala Mhigans who watch over the Wall like this?" Lyse said, quickly changing the subject. Minfilia allowed it, as she stretched up to look over it.

"Do you see those cliffs there?" Minfilia said, gently. "When I was young, my father spoke of them to me. A lot of people would hide in them, and eventually they'd send out firey arrows to signal to others that they existed. But not over the wall, no.

They'd make them into fireworks, and mask them as explosions from the Wall. It was always uplifting, or so he told me."

As she listened, Fordola crawled closer. "Oh, right - I remember the stories about up there. Like... it was thought t'be impossible to climb up there, and Magitek couldn't fly up there. 'ventually, we saw some Griffin flyin' there, and realised what was goin' on.

Still never went after it. But soldiers were set up 'round it, so they'd never get a free chance to fly...

...but supplies kept bein' dropped in. Probably because of the griffins. Those buggers are durable. And stubborn. Even if ya shoot a cannon ball into 'em, they'll probably survive."

"Usually," Lyse said. "Well, actually, griffin tend to get internal bleeding from that. Which is odd, because inside is where the blood is meant to be. But anyway, they'd probably die a few hours later. And, if you're talking about where I think you are, a lot of griffin-based accessories were made there and smuggled down by other escorts. Uh, not the sexy sort of escort, the smuggler sort. Unless you find smugglers sexy. I'm not gonna kinkshame."

Both Minfilia and Fordola looked to Lyse, as she cleared her throat. "Anyway! The point is... it's something different to all of us, huh?

And I don't just mean that one cave."

Yes... Ala Mhigo was different to all of them. Each of them had different experiences - and Minfilia couldn't help but smile to herself. "And yet, we all wish to make it the best it can be - even if we disagree with how. A compromise could be found, and we could all get a better homeland.

And, no, Fordola," Minfilia said quietly, "that does not mean allowing Garlemald to get all that it desires. That isn't compromise."

She had finished eating, and looked out softly. Her gaze turned to the single moon above them. It illuminated them perfectly, the stars gleaming. "Do you think," she began, "that the Sylph will be receptive to us? We have Lyse on our side, and, yet..."

Lyse gulped, also gazing upwards. "I'm not like the other Sylph. I'm not really a Sylph. But... at the same time, I want to make up for all the scares I caused. Though I can fight, if we need do."

"Of course ya can," Fordola said, tail flicking. "But I think I might end up just watchin' a lot. I mean... are Primal territorial? Even if they're not, uh. I'm a being of fire?" She pounded a tiny claw down - flames coming from it - as if to show off said alignment. "And these Sylph are flying plants.

Though they have a Levin god. Shouldn't Ramuh set 'em on fire?"

Lyse shook her head. "Nope. Lord Ramuh-- I mean, Ramuhs' lightning doesn't set fires, from what the stories say. Of course, that sounds weird, huh?"

As the two discussed the Gods, though, Minfilia felt herself being driven to tiredness. Standing quietly, she offered a hand. They had a place to stay, after all.

---

The night was still hanging over them as Minfilia, Fordola, and Lyse snuggled into one bed. Lyse had tied her hair up again - but she had stripped down to comfortable underwear. Her skin under her monk-like clothes was dark, but had leaf-like implants all over - which looked like scars from a distance. Delicately, she'd snuggled into bed and fallen right asleep. But Minfilia was still awake, back to Lyse. She, too, had stripped down - but she had paused, and felt her strange itchiness.

And, thus, she stood from bed - moving to examine herself in a mirror in the Hawthorne Hut. Stretching from head to tail, Minfilia used a small candle to examine her body. She, at least, had noticed her fingernails had truly gotten longer then they should, moving to a sharp point. Placing the candle on a side table, Minfilia turned so she could examine her back - and froze, as she saw Fordola there.

"Lyse snores," Fordola explained as she crawled closer. "You're cute, but you don't need t'check yourself out."

Minfilia felt an odd heat to her cheeks for a second, before she shook her head. "I've been feeling strange ever since sealing you in that form, Fordola. And-- well. I think something's happened to me, as well."

"Oh, boo-hoo. I'm th'one who's a tiny lizard." Even as Fordola spoke, though, Minfilia stroked a claw down her body. Claws like a Viera, she thought - as she got to her own hips, she stopped. Just like the odd scratchiness and dryness on her shoulders, as well... huh. Even as she rubbed it a little, she couldn't help but shake the feeling it wasn't just a dryness. She almost lost herself in the touch - fingers slipping beneath her underwear to touch her hips firmer - before Fordola cleared her throat.

Oh, right. She was watching. "Do you see anything abnormal, Fordola?" Minfilia asked, a little flustered.

Fordola tottled up, putting one claw to Minfilias' foot. Looking upwards. "Well, you have those nasty claws. If ya punched people, that'd be bloody useful. But, not really? You look like any other Hyur t'me."

Perhaps she was imagining the scales, then. The odd sensation in her mouth, the fear built in. "Then I'll show you how to sleep around Lyse, okay? We used to room together, after all. Back when she remembered me..."

Chapter Ten

It was hard to work alongside any of the Scions, for Minfilia, but she would never admit it. As the morning sun broke though the window, and she saw Lyse stretch and wake and yawn, she could not help but think back to a past forgotten. To how her and Lyse had become fast friends, and how her and Lyse would often joke they were too young. And now, Lyse was getting dressed, and there was nothing left. Why had everybody forgotten?

It was a little easier with Fordola, who was giving herself a wash up in a sink. Fordola hadn't known her before. Fordola didn't have any of those expectations. They had work to do, though. They had to get to Little Solace, and begin their work.

The skies were heavy with gloom. The skies almost felt toxic. But Minfilia had to move forward. She spoke gently and kindly, as she said goodbye to those in the Hut. She'd hopefully return soon, but for now? She was ready to parlay.

But at the entrance, she could feel Lyse growing quieter, growing less agile. "...something's wrong, Minfilia," Lyse whispered - before the buzzing entered their ears. Gnats. They loved to feed on Sylph - and their home, as well. The poison from them corrupted the land, and hurt both the elementals and any who lived within. Lyse nodded to herself, before getting into a battle stance - as did Minfilia. While Minfilia did not like to fight sapient beings... well, these beings were not sapient. She could fight this. Her daggers were ready - and, she also felt a snort from her new bag. Fordola jumped out.

Even if she'd agreed to remain in there, well. She couldn't help herself - the tiny sealed Primal biting onto a gnat, pulling at the wings - liquid spilling from it. It was almost cute, in a sort of bloody violent way. The smallest little creature being able to take down something three times her size.

Meanwhile, Lyse punched at them - and Minfilia wished she could ask her if it was different, now she was a Sylph. After all, Sylph are fragile. But she was also in combat, using daggers. Thancred had taught her well. Still, the gnat fell easily, and even before stepping into Little Solace, some of the Sylph were watching.

Whispering.

Shyly fluttering from tree to tree, giggling. Pointing at Lyse, and then Minfilia. Lyse pouted, looking upwards. "What is it, Little Ones?"

One of them fluttered down. "Icky Walking Ones are covered in bug guts. It's so silly!"

"Well," Minfilia said, dusting herself off a little, "it'd be sillier if they had breached the gates. Then you might be the ones covered in said guts."

The Sylph shook their head. "This One doesn't think so. This One would have been eaten. That's not silly.

Don't make bad jokes, Walking One."

Right, right. Minfilia sighed to herself, shrugging, offering a hand out - before pausing, and beginning to shuffle her feet in an awkward dance. That, after all, was the polite greeting for a Sylph - Lyse watched and blunk, while Fordola continued to eat at the deseased gnat.

Thankfully, her dance was accepted, and the Sylph in front of her began to dance back. "Um, This One thinks the term is... thank you? For helping? Even if it's silly, you helped These Ones.

...why did Silly One help These Ones?"

Minfilia let out a sigh. "My apologies, but we have come to see the elder of the Sylph. There is a matter I wish to discuss, and--"

"--We've got a missive from Gridiana," Lyse added, and she could feel the atmosphere grow darker. The Sylph in front of them looked at her. Floated towards her. And frowned.

Lyse felt her blood grow cold at the expression. "And what does Winter One have to say to Elder One? Are going to come and freeze Elder One? Are going to steal Elder One away? This One thought that Winter One would not come until Winter."

Lyse sighed. "This One-- I came with a friend. Silly One is called Minfilia, and she is really good at talking. She won't even punch the Elder One!"

That wasn't good reassurance. At least, Minfilia didn't think it was. But the Sylph giggled. "Hmm... This One isn't sure. But maybe, very maybe, could get some trust.

But need help, before This One will see if Elder One is also Trusting One."

Minfilia let out a breath she had no clue she was holding, before the Sylph spoke again. "Recently, Giant One has been scaring These Ones. Well, Giant One... and lots of scary elements! Giant meteors, blizzards, and even heavy winds! A lot of These Ones have needed to plant ourselves!

Worse still, the Giant One is laughing at this! This One does not think Walking Ones believe there is a Giant One, and think it is a new Calamity. Elementals are refusing to speak about it, as well.

Can Silly One help?"

This sounded... strange. But Minfilia gave a nod to herself. "I shall find the root of these issues - and solve it, if I can. Alongside my companions, that is." Lyse and Fordola both looked to her - expressions unreadable. "Though... might I ask where such has been seen?"

"Actually, is nearby. In Bramble Patch. Alongside Big Ones."

Big ones? Minfilia tilted her head. The Sylph continued. "Um... Spriggan? Is that what Tall Ones call them?"

"Mhm. Spriggans are Cuddly Ones who carry rocks around. Or other things. One even carries around a friend of mine sometimes!" Lyse replied, bouncing a little. "I wish I was carried around by one."

Right, Lyse could likely translate better from Sylph then she could-- ah. Minfilia looked down to Fordola, who was utterly not following the conversation. "Ah - we're going to be hunting unusually-sized Spriggan, in order to win the trust of the Sylph."

Fordola swallows a bit of Gnat. "Are Spriggan tasty?"

---

Day, once again, passed to night - and there was no sign of any abnormally-sized creatures - Spriggan or otherwise. And as they waited, Lyse and Minfilia could talk more. Fordola? Well, she was chasing down wild boars to let out her anger.

"...I used to know you, Lyse," Minfilia said quietly. "We were both young, and both seemed out of place with the Archon. It was after-- after Yda had... vanished, I guess, the time I'm thinking about."

Lyse leaned against a tree, seeming to relax against the bark. She listened, as Minfilia continued. "We got along right away - though we spent a lot of time talking about home. Like last night, except less... looking over it.

Papalymo told me about you and Yda. If only so I didn't feel odd being friends with somebody who could be my mother--"

"Papalymo told--?" Lyse begain, quietly, before shaking her head. "Of course he told, if you were a leader. I-- still feel like punching him, though."

"Oh, you did. Think back, Lyse, to five years ago. Do you remember punching him for some reason?"

Lyse crossed her arms, thinking and tapping her feet against the fertile ground. Before her eyes seemed to light up. "Oh! Right! It was in Gridiana, and we were yelling, and he said he had to tell somebody about me. That we couldn't let... somebody... think that her sister had vanished. You were somebody?"

Minfilia chuckled, looking back to Lyse, moving to lean next to her - looking out across the mess of vines and fallen trees and a tiny little Ifrit nibbling at the wild animals. Was this what it meant to be an adventurer, she wondered? "I was somebody. But I'm still somebody."

Their relaxed conversation was interupted, though, when Fordola yelled back at them. A Spriggan had appeared... but it wasn't a massive one. No, it was tiny. So very tiny. Like, tiny enough for a soft kick to knock it out - like Lyse demonstrated.

"Do you think the Sylph tricked us?" Fordola asked - before another Spriggan appeared. Twice as big as the other one - about half the size of a regular one. Oh. They thought they realised what was going on - Lyse nodded to Minfilia, and they drew their weapons. Fordola looked back at them, and understood that look.

It was time to fight Spriggan. But as others gathered, one made of rock lumbered forward - the Spriggan on top stretching and letting out pleased sounds. But why wouldn't it be pleased?

A voice boomed, though - one which seemed to cut though Minfilia, as familiar and yet not. "Much to your chagrin, the experiment shall now begin! O~hohohohoho!!" Minfilia looked around - no, she couldn't see anybody. But with her daggers ready, she looked to Lyse and Fordola.

"I'll handle the large one - make sure the other Spriggan don't over-run the area!"

And just as she said, Minfilia began to strike at the larger Spriggan-golem. But she did not strike it simply with her dagger - no, she moved to dig her dagger under rocks. As if she was mining them away. She was a skilled miner, after all. It just took effort, and she could mine away one of the legs... and, thus, the Spriggan couldn't move. And when it couldn't move, it couldn't attack as well - all she had to do was dodge the flailing, and she could cut it free of the rocks.

As she did, Lyse and Fordola kept the area clear - but Lyse could feel dread in her very bones. (Did Sylph have bones?) And as the Spriggan cleared out, the voice boomed out again - sounding more like a command from a God then... well, whatever it could be. "My minion has fallen? Consider me floored. Oh well," the voice said, seeming to grow a little more scary, "back to the drawing board.

I've collected valuable data from all this fighting. Armed with this knowledge, I shall begin my smiting."

As the voice spoke, the creature it came from appeared. Well, creature was the wrong word - for it looked a lot like a Lalafell, but... giant. And different. For one, Lalafell didn't have noses like that. Nor did their eyes look that odd. It was... some form of monstrous Sorceress, but they could handle it. Right? Right. The Spriggan corpses began to raise, began to move to act like a barrier - but Fordola was on it, biting off their legs herself. Searing them away with the flames of Ifrit.

But Lyse and Minfilia had to move quickly. The otherworldly being wouldn't stop to let them do this. But even as they stabbed at her legs, the large being seemed to laugh - sending out wind magic that did not feel Eorzean, wind magic that did not feel right. Lyse had to dash behind her, as Minfilia took attention. But as she punched, and as Minfilia stabbed, the monster seemed to fall.

That is, until they felt the coldest Blizzard they had ever felt. It felt otherworldly as well, mind you - but Minfilia shook it off, jumping up and slashing at the chest of the beast.

And the large Lalafell-like being fell. Limp. And shrunk to the size of a doll. Minfilia caught her breath, before moving to heal Lyse - who was shivering - and Fordola, who was trying to stand from the wind lacerations.

As they all caught their breath, though, the magic seemed to shiver again. Minfilia turned - and from the doll, a living breathing being who looked exactly the same appeared.

"O~hohohohohoho! Caught unawares by my stunning arrival? Such heedlessness is ill conducive to your continued survival," she said - pointing her staff towards the group. Even if she was intimidating, Minfilia swore she saw a little smirk on the lips of the other. "Certainly a guest of my repute deserves a more befitting salute?"

Minfilia shook her head. "I-- my apologies, my lady. I just-- I mean--"

"I expect to see more than mouths agape, if my wrath you wish to escape. As a matter of foremost urgency, you might begin by groveling for mercy."

Minfilia looked to Lyse - and Lyse closed her mouth, looking away.

"My companion is simply-- a little surprised. We were sent because the Sylph were worried about certain events. May I ask you to explain?"

Another of those piercing laughs, as the smaller lady looked up at Minfilia. "What a funny woman. Do you not see your fate rests in the palm of my hand? But - your judgment is quite wise - you may yet stave off an untimely demise.

Now heed me well, lest you come to woe - you stand before the illustrious Shantotto!"

Now, Minfilia knew she'd never heard that name. But, on the other hand, it felt... familiar. She held her head. Thankfully, an Echo vision wasn't coming on - but, instead, she thought back. Hadn't Thancred mentioned that name once? Somebody he'd once known... one of his conquests? No, he wasn't into Lalafell. "The Federation of Windurst in Vana'diel is my demesne, where I preside as supreme mistress of all matters arcane."

Ah. That-- explained a lot. Except that Minfilia had no idea where that was. Lyse, though, perked up. "So you're a magical sort of lady? Wow... so! Why are you here?"

Was that a flicker of... sadness under her arrogance? Probably not, but Shantotto shook her head. "A full answer would cause your meager minds to unravel. Let us just say that my powers allow for interdimensional travel. Sadly, I had to seal away this most marvelous spell, for reasons upon which I'd rather not dwell."

Interdimentional travel? Minfilia bit her lip. Could that be similar to what Louisoux did? Continuing, Shantotto smirked upwards.

"Anyhow, I recently revisited the incantation, for the purpose of making some ameliorations.

You know how the saying goes: the mind of a genius is never at repose."

"...You seem like a genius," Lyse said. "I can't follow you."

Ignoring Lyse, Shantotto put her staff right to Minfilia. Minfilia felt the headache building, but dared not push the staff away - because, well. She was a little frightened, to be honest.

"Anyhow, testing the spell, I found myself by chance in your land - and quickly observed that things have gotten out of hand. Beast tribes run amok, imperial plotting - the very core of your...Eorzea?...is rotting.

Fortunately, I was at once inspired, with a plan to deliver you from the fate in which you are mired."

All three of the ladies dreaded her answer, and they had a reason to. "Raze your realm to the ground, leaving nary a shred, then erect an empire of my own in its stead. Yes, the only way to save this dimension...is to bring about a true Shantotto ascension!

My golem was assessing the feasibility of this plan, until it came to a grinding halt at you tutelar hand." As she said that, she looked right at Minfilia - almost a soft smile on her lips. Or perhaps Minfilia was seeing things. Shantotto moved over, to pick up her doll creation. And she tossed it at Minfilia, who caught it swiftly. "Fortunately for you, I can forgive and forget. Besides, you've afforded me data that may prove useful yet. In return for your - albeit unwitting - aid, I'd offer you this creation of mine in trade. But be warned..."

The scene seemed to grow dark, as Shantotto pointed again. "Should you fail to treat her right, I shall set your pants alight!"

--Minfilia already knew she'd likely get the doll to stay with Urianger. He'd know how to treat her right. He, uh. Liked collecting mammets.

Shantotto tapped her staff on the ground. "...But I've dallied long enough in this dimension. Matters of actual import demand my attention. Fear not - should your realm remain in disarray, the esteemed Shantotto shall return to rescue the day. Meanwhile, worry not about my wayward creation. In its current state, it could at best overthrow a single nation!"

Those words seemed to echo though Minfilias' mind - and she bit her lip again. "I shall endeavor to prepare a better greeting for you next time, Lady Shantotto."

But in a flash of light, Shantotto was gone. Her laugh echoing though the night air...

Well. They could go back to Little Solace and explain this. Or, well. Take the Spriggan guts and explain a more logical version of events.

That... sounded better.

Chapter Eleven

"And, so," Minfilia said gently, "it turned out the Spriggan had been spooked by one who found a golem. We broke the golem, and the Spriggan have left - which will also stop the elemental changes."

The same Sylph who had asked for them to deal with events fluttered around them, curious. Seeming to calm, flowers seeming to bloom on their body. "Walking Ones did well! Well, okay. Come in to town. And, This One will tell Walking Ones what Walking Ones want to know."

Fordola had slipped back into her bag by this point, and Lyse was tired. But the two ladies walked in, to sit by the fireplace. "So. Why do Walking Ones want to see Elder One, again?"

Minfilia took a deep breath inwards. "Recently, other tribes have been summoning their Primals. It is not only of concern for us, but for you as well - because if Ramuh is summoned, this land could die as well."

The Sylph let out a long hmmm, looking at the group of Ala Mhigans. Seemingly in thought. "Well. Sorry, Walking Ones. Elder One is gone."

Are we too late, Minfilia wondered, before the Sylph continued. "Flew off far, far away. Those Walking Ones in black and red came, and Elder One was chased away. So, is gone."

"Then we must find them," Minfilia said, "before the imperials can bring harm to them. Thank you, my friend...?"

The Sylph giggled a little. "Tall Ones like names, yes? This Ones' name is Noraxia."

---

The group had begun to track the leylines of the Shroud - Lyse following them, with her abilities. They could track where one had been, where one could linger. They moved to the South Shroud, and Fordola grew more and more nervous. "Imperials don't tend to come down here," she explained, "unless they've got an in. Some sort of traitor. But we both know that Garlemald would chew up any traitor once they've finished usin' em."

Fordola spoke from experience, as she looked between Minfilia and Lyse. "I'm thinking we split up. One of us goes and finds the elder, and the others root out the traitor."

Lyse nodded. "We'll go after the traitor. Because, uh. I don't know if the Elder One wants to see one like me? You know, because of the differences. The path seems to lead towards that old scary abandoned jail. Though that's weird. It's scary. And abandoned."

Minfilia crossed her arms. "I believe it was built to imprison whoever the Elementals and Gridiana saw as the worst of the worst. I imagine, then, that it may be haunted." Honestly, Minfilia wouldn't put it past the Elementals to have worked alongside Gridiana - she knew how they were. The only reason they'd moved everybody was because a new jail had been built... somewhere more secure, somewhere less cursed. Mordion, she believed it was called.

Though, even she had heard the rumours before the Calamity. Strange beasts, strange monsters, and odd sounds. Adventurers had explored it... but she couldn't remember exactly how it went. Oh well. She gripped to her dagger, as she approached the door... and then turned back to Lyse. Quietly, she grabbed the strap of Fordolas' bag, and gave her over to Lyse.

"Be careful with her," Minfilia said firmly. "She's still a Primal, even if she's our friend."

Lyse gave a firm nod back - before giggling a little. "Hunting down traitors isn't being careful, and you know that. But we'll work just as hard as you.

...good luck, Minfilia."

Minfilia took those words, and pushed the door open. It slammed behind her, loud and echoing. There was barely any light down here - but it was a natural cave, after all. A few beasts lingered, a few plant-like beasts who barely moved. The only light came from bioluminsecent plants, which stunk slightly of magic.

Every footstep, Minfilia tried to mask it. Tried to sneak, like Thancred would. She had to observe the plants, to make sure they weren't moving... and then she saw one in paticular. It had one long tendril, webbing wrapped around the base of it - but the tendril reached out, over and over. Trying to break the webbing...?

She couldn't help it. Minfilia moved and swiftly cut the webbing. The tendril paused, before seeming to sigh in relief... before gripping a nearby green glowing orb, and offering it to Minfilia. Minfilia took it, of course. She barely noticed the enemies behind her - with a swift dagger movement, they were spooked off.

She continued to walk - well, to sneak. The bugs let out loud sounds, and the plants likewise. But then, she found a water-stained notice. Something about these glowing orbs - they powered Garlean devices?

...Of course. Garleans would have found it quite easy to sneak in here and make a base. But would they have known how to work with the land, or would they have tried to force it? Likely the latter. While Minfilia did not hold much respect for the Elementals, she knew how dangerous they were.

There was something wet under her foot, Minfilia realised, and lifted it. It was not quite a sludge, it was far too thin. But, on the other hand, it was not water - water was not that deep a hue of green. It pulsed, and seemed to bubble up where she had stepped. Minfilia put a hand to it - and was surprised when she-- well, she did not hear a voice. But she could hear feelings. Mostly the feeling of being sore because it had been stepped on.

She closed her eyes. "I am sorry." The feelings subsided, and the puddle seemed to calm at the apology. But, then, Minfilia got an idea. "Has anybody else stepped on you recently?"

...It was not sentient, only sapient, and thus she would not get her answer. It was worth a try, however, as she continued to move. She'd already grabbed some of the orbs, after all, and now she found a magitek device.

But... wait. This did not seem Garlean. It was golden and rusted, but it did not seem Garlean. For one, it had an older script on it - not one Minfilia knew, mind you. If she had time, she'd take an imprint of it for Urianger. For two, the chambers were crafted for the cells - and these cells were more biological then something Garlemald would crave. Probably. Hopefully.

As she placed them in, she felt a strange feeling. Plants around it tried to reach up, like the tendril earlier - webbing spread to hold them down.

And then, with a moment of realisation, Minfilia could see it. These weren't tendrils. They were arms, but made of plant matter. She also noticed, in this moment, that they seemed to have heads - oval-like growths that had mouths crafted out of them. But-- was this a punishment from the Elementals...? Minfilia stood back as she activated the machine. With a soft glow, a false wall vanished. The plant-people bubbled like the ooze, and they grew limp.

Minfilia covered her mouth, but she had to continue. The Sylph Elder - she hadn't seen them yet. Heavier webbing seemed to cover the walls now, but plant life had ended. Instead, more of that ooze had congealed - thickening, trying to grip to the sneaking Ala Mhigan. It had feelings, as well. But they seemed dulled, calmed. Even as she slipped and stepped in it. Cocoons began to line the walls - sometimes, Minfilia swore she saw a face in one, a twitch from another.

A heavy door stood between her and another chamber. The ooze seemed to be flowing out of there - and the webbing also seemed to come out of there. Catching her breath - Minfilia hadn't noticed how much she'd held her breath, for the air was rancid - and it continued to smell like decay and death. But she had to push onwards.

And the door opened oddly easily.

The room seemed to be covered in cocoons, the walls not visible from under them. Ooze covered a small platform, parting only because some of it has been lifted up - using devices similar to the one earlier. Restored, gleaming. The light from before had vanished - though Minfilia could see something gleaming.

Her eyes adjusted, and she realised that there was a sleeping... creature. Perhaps two of them? On the ceiling. A scorpion was wrapped around what seemed to be a man - no, an Ascian. Cloaked, comfortable, but supported by the webbing.

There was no sign of the Sylph Elder. But Minfilia couldn't leave - not with an Ascian here. She stepped forward - and the whole webbing seemed to vibrate.

The Ascian woke up. At least, Minfilia thought they did - for their head moved, not like any person should, mask pinned to their face. The eyes gleamed, a golden-brown. And then, their mouth opened into a shark-like grin.

"Ah... and here comes the hero, coming after the lost fair maiden. I'm surprised you're alone."

His voice was almost familiar, but Minfilia couldn't place it - she remained firm. "My allies shall come anon," Minfilia lied, though she felt bad about it. "Please, we do not need to fight."

That made the other being laugh, the whole arena seeming to wobble like jelly. There was a tinge of sorrow in the laugh. "You act as if there's anything else to do. I know what your kind are like. You claim to wish to speak, but will discard what we say. Is that not what the Warrior of Light is like?"

His words were switching between the common tongue and a tongue Minfilia swore she didn't know, but she could understand due to the Echo. "Ah... but I suppose I'll indulge you. At least, for now.

You... remind me of somebody," the Ascian admitted, not moving from cuddling his scorpion, "and I must admit I am a little... sentimental."

She had-- a chance to speak with one. But she also had to seek the Sylph Elder. She couldn't discard either, even if she really should. "Are you the Paragon who aided in the fall of Bahamut?"

The Ascian barked back another laugh, seeming to glare at her. "No, I'm not. But will you believe me? I don't manipulate summons like that. No - I believe in the Ivalician summoning method."

--Ivalician. Ivalice. Minfilia realised quickly that the writing she'd read was also such - but she didn't think-- "I thought your kind did not carry on from older era."

Everything seemed to grow quiet, and the Ascian stretched - crawling out of his webbed container. Floating down. "Tell me-- what use is life, if you do not carry your past? If you do not attempt to care for it? Did you truly think us heartless agents of chaos?

Perhaps that's why we can't work together." As he continued to speak, his glyph appeared. Nabriales. His expression was dark, any joy gone. "You may not understand it, Warrior of Light. But Ivalice and me... well. You could say I have a passion for what once was."

Minfilia tensed up, as Nabriales hovered closer and closer to her. His smug-- if not hurt-- expression trembled. "But... for now, I'll let you live.

My pet is hungry, and cabbage doesn't nourish it much."

Before Minfilia could realise his meaning, the scorpion was dropped from the webbing - and Nabriales was gone, in a dark flash. The creature let out a gurgled roar, and the fight was on.

---

"So."

Fordola sat hidden in her bag, as Lyse adjusted her new veil. It hid her mouth well, though kept her eyes visible.

"So?"

Lyse let out a soft sigh. "You really think this'll work. Is this some sort of Garlean thingie?"

"No, not really. It's more a me thing," Fordola replied. "But if we've really got th'guy? He probably doesn't know who's actually a leader."

The setting sunlight of the Shroud warmed the two of them, as Lyse sat down on a rock. Shaking her head a little. "You... really don't think highly of this guy, do you?"

Fordola nodded to herself, as she curled up. "Let me put it this way. If somebody can be bribed to join Garlemald, they likely don't have strong convictions. Like... not like me or my Skulls. We believed in Garlemald, even if we didn't get anything we didn't earn. So-- hell yeah, I don't respect whoever this traitor is.

You finished sensin' Garlean... leylines? Or whatever?"

Lyse blunk a few times. Before putting her feet to the dirt. "Not quite yet. Unlike most Spoken, I can't just follow aether trails. Like - with the Sylph elder? There's not much Sylph here. But because Garleans can't use magic, they also don't leak magic as much. So it's more of a lack of magic. Of course, we're not looking for a pure-blooded Garlean, but we gotta still--

--wait." Lyse stood up, her eyes seeming to light up. "There's an absense leading that way, over and over. I think we know the meeting point now, Dola."

"Fordola," Fordola corrected. "And remember - I do the talkin', you act like you're doin' it, and don't question me!"

They ran swiftly, and saw it. A Hyur... a Wood Warden? Wailer? What was their title again? Of course corruption spread though their ranks, Lyse thought. Corruption was so easy. And the Elementals were dumb. Not that she'd ever say that - but she'd think it very loudly.

The two of them watched from the shadows. The Hyur was meeting with Garleans, yup. In loose uniforms, barely torn or scratched - Lyse wishes she could go punch them, but that wouldn't be the right thing, and Papalymo would lecture her for, like, hours. So, instead, they watched. Patrol routes, hours, rations. And even uniforms. She wondered if they could at least trip them - but she looked down at Fordola, and Fordola gave her a firm little grump.

The Garleans left. Lyse closed her eyes, and her glamours shimmered - she was now in the Garlean uniform. It felt so icky and gross and horrible, but she knew it wasn't real. That's why she'd put on a real veil - well, it was more of a half-mask. But the person who'd sold it to her had called it a veil.

Well, whatever. She stood firm, and began to walk firmly. In formation.

"...My apologies, but I am a little late," Fordola said, though Lyse. The Hyur - Laurentius - turned from the gil he was counting. He didn't expect another Garlean - but before he could say anything, Fordola continued. "Those soldiers did not have full commands. As you know, it's common to not give everybody the full story."

Laurentius stared, before his eyes narrowed. "What's all this, then? I've been giving you all you've wanted."

Fordola gave Lyse a look, and Lyse shook her head, before Fordola continued. "And for that, we thank you. However, orders have come down from Lord van Baelsar. You are to go back to your masters and deliver your goods in-person. With the recent Eikon summonings, there are fears that you - and many others - may become compromised."

Laurentius did not quite believe her, and took a half-step forward. "And so you'd put me at risk? You know how dangerous this is already--"

Lyse put a single finger up. "Do you doubt Lord Gaius? He is currently working on a way to end the Eikon threat - but he needs full loyalty."

"I'm not loyal to that bastard - I'm just trying to make Gridiana better--"

Lyse felt Fordola heating up a little. "What. Did you say. About Lord Gaius?"

Before Lyse could stop her, Fordola suddenly jumped out of the bag - and leaped at Laurentius, fangs bared. While he tried to hit her with his lance, she melted it - before going for his arm. "What in the--" Laurentius screamed, as Lyse shrugged - having to dismiss her glamour. It seemed their plan didn't work. Plan B - knock him out.

At least, that's what Lyse thought they'd do. But as the Hyur bled, Lyse realised-- "Fordola! Don't kill him!"

She looked up at Lyse, snarling like a wild beast. For a moment, she did not have the look of a Spoken - no, she looked as wild as Ifrit. But she managed to shake it off, and put a claw to Laurentius' neck. "I am Fordola pyr Lupis. This current form is due to the experiments of Aulus nan Asina. If you dare speak of this, Hyur? You'll wish you'd died."

And she left a burn on the neck of the other - Laurentius beginning to cough horribly, gripping to his throat. Lyse stared in horror, before... she ran. Fordola following after her. As soon as they were a good distance away, Lyse stopped.

"Fordola--? You... that was a bit too far," Lyse whispered, trying to hide her absolute disgust. That guy was still a person, right?

Fordola snarled, curling up on the ground, the grass seeming to die under her. "I-- don't know why I went that far, Lyse. It's just-- I heard him insult Lord Gaius, and I-- I lost control."

Lyse remained a little away, as she crossed her arms. "I'll need to report this to Papalymo, y'know. Maybe not all you did, but we need to make sure that you're not leaking out Ifrit energy."

The scene was quiet. But it grew quieter as they heard footsteps approaching, and smelled the stentch of poison covering the area. Turning, Minfilia was shuffing towards them, holding something close.

Minfilia did not need to speak. For in her arms was the pale white body... of Frixio. Not moving, not reacting to the final slivers of sunlight.

The Sylphic Elder was dead, poison having seeped into him from Nabriales' toxins.

Chapter Twelve

The burial of a Sylph was far different then that of any other Spoken - except, perhaps, the Viera. Each of them were taken to a paticular space, spoken to them though the trees, and they were buried there.

And, thus, Minfilia felt it would be best to take the... body... of the Elder back to Little Solace, for the Sylph would know what to do. She dared not place the tiny body down, and so Fordola and Lyse remained together.

"...how did it happen?" Lyse asked, for the fifth time. For Minfilia had not spoken - and she did not, this time, either. Minfilia was lost in her mind, the ground feeling crunchier under her feet. Perhaps she had upset the land, perhaps the Elementals were angry because she carried such. They had not seen the Ascian. They had not seen Nabriales... her head hurt, thinking about him and his oddly charming tone of voice. Her hands continued to tremble, as she finally looked to Lyse and Fordola.

"I was too late. A Paragon had infuriated a scorpion, and it had... poisoned the Elder. Even though I took down the scorpion, and tried to aid - I could not cure his ills, and Frixio passed in my arms." Even if her mind was consumed by turmoil, Minfilia spoke calmly. "Before he passed, he asked if the Imperial Ones were finally scared away. I... had to lie, and told him yes - for I didn't know if they were or not.

...are they?"

Fordola popped up out of her bag, looking right at Minfilia. "We didn't learn much about the imperial threat here, but they won't be sneakin' around anymore. A Wood Wailer was feedin' 'em info."

"And, ahem, Fordola lost control and attacked him and scared him," Lyse added, bouncing a little. "So I don't think he'll be able to do his job."

Minfilia couldn't help but smile at Lyses' optimism - and how direct Fordola had worked. She did not know the details, but she bowed her head - her eyes closing. "Thank you, Lyse. Thank you, Fordola. Now... we should be close to the East..."

Minfilias' eyes opened again.

This wasn't the East Shroud. Lyse and Fordola were gone.

It almost seemed like walls had appeared, thick trees. Was it an illusion? Was it the Elementals? She continued to move, her steps now more wary. Eyes watched, though she could not see them. Giggles filled the air, though she could not hear them. But soon, she was face to face with the reason why the land had changed around her.

Ramuh. Their Lord, their Primal. He stood in front of her - but something was different about Him. His face was masked, covered in a gentle featureless white mask. His levin staff was more of a cane, as he seemed to stand on the ground.

But his presense was choking, the air alive with levin. Minfilia could not help but bow, kneeling - not dropping the Sylphs' body.

Ramuh did not stop focusing on Frixio - before using one of his massive hands - gloved in soft silks - to pick him up. "...this was not natural. Was it Man who tainted the children of the land?" he mused, as he stroked the corpse gently - before taking a step away from Minfilia. "Or was it the taint of those who came before?"

His voice was almost familiar, an accent Minfilia swore she had heard before. It took her a moment to realise Ramuh was asking her - and Minfilia looked up, trying to look as truthful as she could. "--It was a simple accident, Ramuh - lord of the Sylph."

"That was not my question," he boomed, and the land seemed to crackle - almost burn. "Who was the one who killed this child of the land?"

"Nabriales-- a Paragon, an Ascian. They are agents of chaos, and--"

Ramuh spoke again - but this time, he surprised Minfilia. "Nabriales lives, then." The giant primal let out a long, tired sigh - the storms seeming to calm slowly. "This is his toxin, that is true. One of my little ones got in his path... what a sorry state of affairs."

Confused, Minfilia was moreso when Ramuh looked right at her - seeming to stare though her with that mask of his. "You are a Warrior of Light." Minfilia weakly nodded, and Ramuh continued. "You have come to stop me from harming your Star."

How did Ramuh know--? Minfilia nodded again, and Ramuh almost seemed to smile. "It has been so long since one like you has come for me... one with a mind like yours. You may defeat me - but I ask, first, for one simple request.

I wish to know more of the state of the Ascians. Of what you call Primal. And how you plan on defeating me."

Minfilia wasn't going to lose this chance. "--Very well. I shall begin with what I know about Ascian."

---

Hours passed, as Ramuh listened to Minfilia - rarely interupting her. Only doing such when she left an opening - mostly asking her to continue.

But as she finished explaining her knowledge over Primal and Ascian, Ramuh gave a soft ween woon of a chuckle. "Your people have such a curious imaginination," Ramuh then said, "but there is so little you know. I wonder... could you handle the truth? It would change every little thing you know about the very Star you live on.

...but I don't know if my truth is the same as your truth."

Taking a breath, Minfilia looked up at Ramuh - before standing. "I want to learn about whatever you can teach me, Ramuh. Even if you are a Primal, your knowledge can be researched. But... may I prepare my method of defeating you? It is a technique taught to me by a dear friend, which will seal you within a smaller form."

Ramuh raised a hand - and banged his cane down. "Then that is what will happen... very well. I accept. As you act, I shall explain... though, as you say, my mind is muddled.

Before the Sylph, before anything, there were Fourteen, who ruled over many. But... there was a grand disaster coming." Ramuh seemed to be thinking, though he was struggling. Minfilia was listening so intently, though. "It had already caused many to go out of control and perish. But the Fourteen - most of them - had an idea.

For these Fourteen could create. They could summon beings similar to Primal - small or large. If they could create one big enough, could it not end the destruction?"

Ramuh almost seemed pained, as he continued. "One of them disagreed, and abandoned them on the eve of the summoning. For to create this Primal, it would take the sacrifice of half of their people.

And yet, they went forward with it. The destruction halted, and their God could watch over them. But, something had gone wrong. The realm splintered, and the God fell into a deep slumber."

Minfilia had stopped her carving, now listening. "Some of the Fourteen remained unsplintered. But they argued. They could put things back together, if they caused the disasters to return.

Some call that God Hydaelyn. Others call that God Zodiark. I... cannot say which is true."

As Ramuh had explained, he had also buried Frixio gently. Minfilia, though, was stunned silent. She shook her head. "As... as I stated, I cannot-- simply believe you. Still, your tale brings up theories I have overheard before - the sundered world theory, for example. I shall need to share this with--

--ah, Ramuh, might I ask a favour?"

Minfilia started to carve again, getting out the special sand. "I have a... friend, who does not have many others. But he's an amazing scholar, and I am certain he would love your insights. If you remain in a form able to... would you write to him? It is a pity, but he would not be able to come visit you. If not for the levintouched Sylph, and the wrath of the Elementals--"

Ramuh tapped his cane again. "The Elementals are still a bother? How annoying. But I agree. If I am able to, I shall write to your ally. What is his name?"

Minfilia had finished the carvings, and began to pour the sand in - the magic beginning. "His name is Urianger Augurelt. I shall tell him of this arragement when I return to the Waking Sands."

There was a kind look on Ramuhs' face, as the magic sparked. As the whole area seemed to spark and glow, and as the Primal vanished...

...and what seemed like a sapling and a tiny Sylph remained. Well, a tiny sylph in tiny black robes and a white mask. Minfilia felt herself collapse to the ground, suddenly tired - such magic had taken it out of her. But the trees around them seemed to vanish, illusions fading, as violet-coloured Sylph let out little odd sounds. Ramuh looked up at them, and let out soft chirps. They moved away, listening to their God.

She had done it. Minfilia had done it. Another Primal was sealed, and thus, she had brought peace. Even if she expected a lecture from Papalymo. Laying down, Minfilia looked upwards, the warm sunlight beginning to make her relax more.

And then, Lyse tacklehugged her. Grinned. "You went missing, Minfy, and saved us? Thank you! Thank you so much!"

"Yeah," Fordola said, not bothering to poke out of her bag. "We got cornered by those levintouched ones, ya know? Because of their damn illusions and glamours. But... two eikon down, right?"

...right. Minfilia let out the softest of sighs, letting their praise rush over her like a soft river. She let herself begin to slip off into sleep. For she suddenly felt so tired.

Chapter Thirteen

Now, usually, it would be a simple trip between Thanalan and the Shroud - and so, the group would return to the Waking Sands. But the paths were disrupted, and the three - Lyse, Fordola, and Minfilia - found their caravan coming to a stop outside Quarrymill. Their shared Chocobo let out a soft kweh, as Minfilia stepped down to give the bird a soft pet - before she felt herself twitch, as she noticed a commotion. Highlanders and Midlanders-- no, Ala Mhigans and Gridianans. Oh dear... she felt her heard ache, just as she heard swears she'd not dare repeat.

"Wait here," Minfilia said to Lyse and Fordola. "Pray, let me handle this."

She stepped quietly - and saw the scene. Highlander men who had turned away, anger filling their bodies, as they sat by the river. One had bandages covering him, the others washing his wounds and re-applying them. Muttering about how their pleas had been ignored.

But as Minfilia got too close, one of them - one of them suddenly looked at her, inspecting her face. "--what do you want, adventurer?"

She put a hand to her pocket - almost reaching for her weapon, but decided not to. She could channel it without. "While I do not have the blessing of the elementals - pray, let me heal your ally."

Minfilia didn't realise how her accent sounded, until the darker and older man gave a soft smile. "Another Ala Mhigan, huh? 'course you can help - 'course you would help. Not like them," he said, giving a glance over at other people. "Their bloody elementals--"

"--As I said, my magic does not come from them," Minfilia whispered. "I do not know quite where it comes from." She hadn't actually thought about it for a while, as her fingers - her claws - tingled with curative magic. Wounds festered, but they began to still. To calm. The injured man let out a soft whine.

"...thank you," he whispered - and Minfilia bowed her head. "Got poisoned... on the way here."

Perhaps it was an accident, but with the man who seemed to crave poison having been here, Minfilia couldn't be sure. "I do not know if my magic will fully cure you. Me and my friends-- we're adventurers, you could say. Is there anything else we can do...?"

The leader of the group focused on Minfilia. "Antelope horns. When prepared properly, they ease the pain. About four of them should do it."

Minfilia stood - and walked to the entrance, where Lyse and Fordola had been peering in. Lyse shuffled her feet a little. "I know him. He's part of the Ala Mhigan Resistance. I think... I think his name is Meffrid. I'm glad they got out of Ala Mhigo."

Fordola snorted. "'m guessin' that it's gotten a bit more lax. What, with me being... wait, no. Maybe they deployed some of those things."

As Minfilia and Lyse began to fight some Antelopes, Minfilia gave a little nod to herself. "What things, Fordola?"

Even if Fordola wasn't fighting, she was having trouble focusing. Her tail lashed a few times. "New methods of training. Lord Gaius was arguin' about 'em, or so the rumours said. Something about it bein' inhumane? Then again, us Lupi were effective as fuck."

"...you're not gonna fight them, are you?" Lyse asked, stopping mid-punch.

"Nah. Where would I send 'em - would any of my former friends listen t'me now? 'm an Eikon."

They seemed satisfied, and Minfilia grabbed the horns. They were still a bit bloody, of course... but it'd be fine. Imagine her surprise, however, when she noticed another familiar face looking between the Ala Mhigan allies and the Aetheryte...

"...Bolormaa?"

The large Xaela turned around at the voice, and looked down - and grinned softly. "Minfilia! It's been a bit - did you take down Ramuh?" Minfilia nodded - before she felt the tight grip of a hug. "I'm so proud of you! Really, I am! You're strong and good and did I say strong?"

Minfilia chuckled, suddenly feeling awkward. "Bolormaa... please. We'll talk in a moment, okay?"

She turned back to Meffrid and his companions, offering up the horns. The group began to ground them down - Minfilia helping. But she had a question at the tip of her tongue, and thus she needed to ask it. "Excuse me... a friend of mine said your name was Meffrid, correct?" He nodded, with a grunt, and Minfilia continued. "Might you have known Warburton?"

At the mention of his name, Meffrids' eyes grew soft. "Aye. He was a fine man. I still wish I'd been there when he died - though any of us would want to go out protecting our family."

--wait. Minfilias' eyes suddenly shot up to meet his. "You recall he had family? I-- pardon me for asking, but do you remember much about them?"

This girl was quite the curious one, Meffrid thought, but he leaned back - still working hard. "Ascilla was a bright young woman. She would have made a fine member of the Resistance, if she'd not vanished soon after his death."

"She had to vanish," Minfilia said sharply. "Warburton was still wanted by Garlemald, for his actions. And if they could get to her, they could get their revenge." Another deep breath - she had not spoken with such vigor about the past for so long. "But she lives. I... I am Ascilla. I changed my name, and got wrapped up in my own goals."

There was a long pause. Meffrid looked into her eyes, trying to see if she was speaking the truth. But he then nodded softly. "I don't think anybody would lie about being Ascilla - if they lied, they'd try and be somebody more important.

You've grown well, Ascilla."

She wouldn't cry, but Minfilia would give a soft smile to herself. "Thank you. But... I'm sorry. I cannot join the resistance - not yet. I believe that if we make alliances with the other Spoken - even those such as the Ananta - we have a better chance at not just reclaiming Ala Mhigo, but saving everybody. But know that I still wish to aid Ala Mhigo... when the time is right. Currently, I work with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn--"

"--with Yda and Lyse, then." Meffrid finished, a warm smile on his lips. "They're good people, too. Never thought I'd say that about somebody like Yda, but her heart is in the right place."

Minfilia would ask more, but she didn't wish to pry. She had some idea of what he might be on about, but it didn't matter. Yda was Yda.

"Actually, it was Yda who recruited me," Minfilia chuckled. "Before then, I was in Little Ala Mhigo."

"We aim to make it there, once our friend has recovered from his injuries. These damned Gridianans wouldn't help us - wanted us to wither up and die. But now we'll be able to make it."

Minfilia bowed her head a little, as she felt the paste in her hands. She hadn't noticed the soft tears dripping from her, mixing in with it. "I hope to see you there. I... may live with the Scions now, but I still have people I visit in Little Ala Mhigo." She wouldn't mention that she was speaking of one of the Corpse Brigade. Still, she offered over the paste.

Before standing, and giving a warm smile. "My apologies, but I must continue on my way. But... please. If there is aught you need, contact the Scions of the Seventh Dawn."

With that, she turned back to Bolormaa... who had begun to wander off. She began to follow the taller woman, and Bolormaa paused.

"Minfilia. Ascilla. Which is your true name?"

--huh? Minfilia paused at the question. Urianger had once rambled to her about true names - that it was the name you believed in for yourself. That it was the name the Star would give to you. He had implied that Urianger was not his, but he would not speak of it. (For it was dangerous to know True Names, or so he had said. That True Names could be used to control somebody, to change them however you wanted.

Of course, it could have been Urianger being Urianger. That was a posibility. But he had grown so serious... he was a true believer in faerie tales. And now, with the talk of the two kinds of Sylph, Minfilia had questions for him.)

Still. Which name did she identify with more? It did not take her long to reply. "Minfilia. What of you - have you ever had another name, Bolormaa?"

Bolormaa let out a soft laugh, as she stopped at the edge of Quarrymill. "A Dotharl has lived for a long time, reborn again and again. Sometimes, our lives are not seen straight away. But... after that, we are given our name. Mine has been Bolormaa for as long as I can remember. But..."

But? Bolormaa seemed to think hard, tail beginning to swish as hard as a grumpy cat. "I cannot remember. Sometimes, I think I had an older name. But it was lost. I am okay, though."

Minfilia put a hand to the back of the large Xaela - and Bolormaa calmed. "I think your name is beautiful, Bolormaa.

But may I ask why you were here...?"

Nodding to herself, Bolormaa smiled. "Some people are being cruel to Duskwights. But I also heard there's a strange area around here, and I want to explore. I... while Bolormaa has always been a weaponsmith, I find myself drawn to historic sites and relics. It's interesting to see how history played out."

As Bolormaa spoke, she gestured outwards - towards Issom-Har. As Bolormaa had said, there were Duskwight being yelled at by Wood Wailers - Minfilia sighed a little. "Do you mind if I try and speak them down?" Bolormaa nodded, and Minfilia stepped forward.

"Our excavation of the ruins has been at a standstill ever since that accursed gateway appeared. Not long after, the Wood Wailers swooped in, who then proceeded to force us out. I do not care how dangerous they say it is - our work must continue!" One of them said, as Minfilia approached.

"We were removed from the ruins with barely any explanation. My life's work is down there, and they are likely stamping it into the dirt even as we speak! What in the seven hells is going on?" the other said - and Minfilia frowned.

"Excuse me. Ser?" Minfilia said, catching the attention of the Wood Wailer.

They turned - looking quite tired. "I'm sorry, but I must insist that you--"
As soon as they saw she was not Elezen, however, they almost seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "Oh, an adventurer, and a rather seasoned-looking one besides. On the off chance you're not simply here to gawp, perhaps you can lend us a hand? You see, despite the fervent protestations of those Duskwights over there, we cannot permit civilians within the ruins at this time."

"And why not? They look like rather skilled adventurers, as well." Minfilia said. "And these ruins are Gelmorran - are they not? Their skills are far more suited to exploring it then one like me."

The Wood Wailer tsked. "This isn't a regular Gelmorran ruin. It's... well... it's hard to explain. We crossed the threshold into a set of corridors we'd never seen before, and then suddenly, each and every one of us was filled with an inexplicable sense of dread. It drains the aether and spirit of those within - and the beasts within are unlike any we've ever seen."

Minfilia was thinking. "Then... you wish to throw adventurers at the problem until it goes away?" It was a common thing, really. But before the Wailer could answer, she looked right at him. "If it were cleared and found to be safe - or at least a way was found to keep it safe - would you allow these explorers and scholars to resume their work? Or would you use this as an excuse to try and shun their kind again?"

There was a long, tense pause.

And then Bolormaa stepped between them, towering over the Wood Wailer. "My friend is right. We will make it safe. Understood?" Even if Minfilia knew that Bolormaa was a soft sweetie, the Wood Wailer didn't. To him, he saw a savage terrifying Xaela who was too damned tall. He stammered to himself, before giving a little mumble of approval.

But before the two ladies left, he grew a bit of a backbone. "Your weapons won't work in there. You need to craft aether-based weapons - and only E-Una-Kotor can d-do that. So you'll need to--"

"--aether-based weapons? Ah, like the sorts used slightly before the War of the Magi," Bolormaa smiled. "Shall we make a party, Minfilia?"

---

The group had never seen Bolormaa craft, especially not like this - under the cover of the cave entrance, Bolormaa was seemingly pulling threads from the air. "You see," Bolormaa said, "the truth is that aetherical weaponry is more like... pouring magic into regular weapons. But the regular weapons need to fit the person.

For example - Minfilia." Bolormaa nodded at Minfilia, and she tilted her head. "You are small. But you have a lot of muscle. Your daggers are strong, but they do not quite fit your fighting style - your mix of healing and diversion. I am still not quite sure what weapon will suit you, but these daggers will work for you in the meanwhile."

Soft blue daggers were placed in front of Minfilia, and Minfilia gently touched them. They sparked with the magic coating. Bolormaa had already moved on, eying Lyse over harshly. "You are... you like punching, even if your form would be easily hurt if you were hit. Thus, your weapons must leave their mark without needing to linger." Lyse was surprised that Bolormaa could put that together so... quickly. But she bounced a little, as soft red weapons were placed in front of her. They had claws on the end - perfect for her.

Bolormaa paused, her tail wagging heavily. "As for you, little Fordola--"

"Don't call me little." Fordola replied, giving a soft hiss.

"My apologies. But you need a weapon you can use and channel flame into - but you do not seem to be the sort who'd stick back. No, you seem to be the sort who wants to take all the attention?"

Fordola curled up a little. "If I get hurt, my allies don't. That's all it is."

"A noble goal," Bolormaa said gently, as she handed over what she had made for the tiny Primal. It seemed like a dagger, but it was simply a tiny sword. It had a hollowness to it - which could be filled with flames. Fordola tottled over, and gave a soft smile.

"What about you?" Lyse asked, as she continued to inspect her new fists.

Bolormaa leaned back. "I... am Bolormaa, and I am a weaponsmith," she began, getting to work. "But when I fight, I like to stay back - only rushing in to attack. I use blades, for it is what it easiest for me. I do not know what your people would classify my style asas - it is not based in schools from Eorzea.

Though I am also a hunter, and that is what I am making a weapon for," Bolormaa said - the greatbow beginning to come together. "The art comes from when some Au Ra had wings - or so it's said in history. It doesn't help those who believe that we are just dragons in mortal flesh, does it?"

"...are ya?" Fordola asked, and Bolormaa giggled.

Still, Bolormaa held up her bow, proud of herself. "If we were dragons, we'd be bad dragons. We don't have wings, nor the breath of a dragon. No, that's what Bangaa are for. I believe we have these scales, like dragons, as gifts from the Gods.

For Nhaama left us a mark of our dear Mother."

As Bolormaa saw the others staring, she gave a soft smile, awkwardly. "Ah... us Au Ra believe we are the children of Nhaama and Azim - soldiers made to fight their eternal war. Nhaama is the moon, and thus gave Her children the darkness of the night sky." While her beliefs were different, Minfilia and Lyse both nodded. There was no reason to argue, after all, right? Belief was important.

Fordola, however, rolled her eyes. But Minfilia covered her mouth, so she couldn't insult the Xaela. Bolormaa noticed, and gave a soft look. "I know it sounds silly. But it's nice. And besides - it's better then being void of belief."

As Bolormaa stood, she looked towards the gate which led down. "Though, I think I know what you can believe in, Lady Fordola."

Fordola looked up. "And what's that?"

"That we're going to have to work together to figure out what's down there. So let's do our best!"

Chapter Fourteen

This was not what the group expected when they traveled down into the caverns.

Now, the first few floors were what was expected. Deep caverns, with ruins from those who came before. Monsters who were riled up, including a few maddened Goblins. (Minfilia had hoped they could have calmed them, but they couldn't.) Odd crystal deposits, which seemed to shimmer in all the colours of the rainbow - deposited into the walls, they had discovered, when Minfilia tried to mine into them.

It was hard, too hard to break though. If not for the stairs, they would have never gotten down further. But other then that, this seemed like a regular abandoned ruin.

But as they climbed down to the next floor, the stairs seemed to become lighter and lighter... and then vanished, into the sky. The group began to look around at the odd daytime, which seemed to be brighter then even the sun they knew.

For somehow, underneath this strange cavern, there was a town. With a sky, and a sun. A chill winter wind seemed to blow past them, as they landed on the soft grass. The first thing that any of them could notice that large walls surrounded the town, with no visible exit. Grass existed, but it seemed to be struggling to grow - near-white dirt covered the ground instead, a layer of dust over everything.

It was Bolormaa who spoke first - said what everybody was thinking. "Is this a real town? Or... is it part of the dungeon?" Her tail swished - knocking off some of the dirt that'd gotten on it from the floors above.

"We cannot say without seeing anybody..." Minfilia began, before something caught her eyes. A cloaked figure, in robes like the White Mages she had read about. But their face seemed shielded, hidden. The White Mage seemed to notice them, too - and raised a cane in defense.

Minfilia, however, approached - Lyse and Fordola following her. (Bolormaa knew she was frightening, deep down.) "Excuse me-- excuse me?"

The White Mage froze, and then smiled. "Oh, thank-- you're not a monster! They often break in here. ...you're not a monster, are you?"

Nodding to herself, Minfilia gave a smile. "I'm no monster. Um, excuse me - where are we? We were descending down a queer dungeon, and..."

"...descending? That sounds... off. This is the city of Earthgift - though if you descended here, it'd make sense that the walls have not been broken."

"Yeah," Lyse said, putting her hands behind her head, "those walls ARE pretty tall. Keepin' something out?"

The White Mage seemed to be in thought. "You're truly clueless... pray, follow me, and I can guide you to somebody who can educate you. Ah-- be careful safe."

Lyse and Minfilia exchanged looks, but they began to follow the White Mage. Lyse spoke up, however. "What's with the robes?"

A chuckle, and the White Mage looked back at them - still hiding their face. "Why, it's a choice of the Queen. She believes that if we don't show our faces, they can't be stolen by our enemies. So, if the walls fall... we'll be safe."

"Ya know," Fordola said, poking her head out, "we could be ya enemies."

"No, you're not."

"And how are you so sure?"

The White Mage stopped, going silent. "You don't smell of spring and summer, you don't smell of the bloom of new life."

"Wait--!" Lyse said, rushing forward a little. "Are your enemies the Seelie?" The White Mage nodded, and Lyse gasped - letting her form falter. "So you're an Unseelie town? Oh my gosh... I'm an Unseelie as well!"

The small Sylph hovered, and the White Mage began to examine her autumn hues. Reaching out a heavily gloved hand, they touched her - and then smiled, their voice sounding softer. "Ah - it seems you are. I wonder where you came from? We don't have the spare energy to grow new plants - the defenses take a lot from us."

"Then how do you eat?" Minfilia asked - and they continued to walk past the stone buildings, sturdy but uniform. The White Mage grew a little quiet, shaking their head, and they continued onwards.

Seeming to need to find the words, they eventually spoke up - stopping on a half-rotted wooden bridge. "Our Queen has her ways - she currently has agents across the Rifts, taking what little we need.

...not many of us survive."

This town, in a cave... Minfilia was beginning to think it wasn't quite what it seemed. She looked upwards, to a palace - though it was not large. Half of it was crumbling away, and more of it was covered in both dust and snow. The walls still towered over it, as well. Not that magnificent - but if this town of Earthgift was falling apart, little wonder they weren't going to keep it fully repaired.

"If you came down here from a cave, the Queen will be able to get you home. Or if not her, her Magician."

The White Mage extended an arm. "We'll go to the guard together, okay? He's a little scary, but he's a good man. He helps look after the children." And the White Mage continued to walk, up the dusty stairs. They could see everybody who'd walked up and down them - and yet, dust still settled.

The palace door was closed, and a heavily armoured knight stood there. Their armour was cracked, but the cracks were filled with an odd ice-coloured gold - it stood out compared to the deep blue the armour was forged in. Other then the armour, they wore a deep black cape.

But unlike many knights - any at all - he seemed to stumble as he saw Minfilia and Lyse. Bolormaa stood behind them, her tail swishing gently - but defensive. The White Mage bowed their head. "High Knight Selale. These people have appeared from parts unknown - but they are no Seelie. May they enter the palace?"

Selale was quiet - regaining his composure, he gave a soft grunt. "They may. Thank you for bringing them here. You may return to your defenses." The White Mage gave a thankful bow, before finally running away. Bolormaa tried to speak up, to calm them, but she then looked back to Selale. He opened the door, and gave a nod. "Come. I have questions - as do you, I imagine?"

---

Inside the palace was no better then outside - while torches lined the inside, most of them remained unlit. However, the knight - Selale - moved swiftly to a well-preserved meeting room. His steps slowed as he moved from stone brick to carpet. "I shall call for some food anon," Selale said, voice calm under his armour - before letting out a whistle. An oddly owl-like beind sweeped in - landing on him. He gave his orders in a whisper, and the owl flew off.

"Please, share your story. And do not worry - I will not steal any of your sense of self," he said with a soft, awkward smile. But before any of the others could speak up, Lyse floated up to him.

She hadn't bothered putting her glamour back on. "Is this the only place Unseelie live? Or are there others?"

Selale sat down at the table - gesturing the others to do the same. Of course, he had the more commanding chair - draped in dark blues and icy blues. Leaning forward, he looked to Lyse. "I'm afraid I can't answer that - I've never met any others." As he spoke, he moved to remove his helmet. "But I'm certain they exist. After all, you do, do you not?"

Under his helmet was a Hyur - but his face was scarred with the same icy-gold marks as his armour. They covered his eyes, but he could still seemingly see. But something felt familiar about him, a familiar feeling that Minfilia couldn't quite parse. Lyse, meanwhile, wasn't as confused - she began to play with his long white-blonde hair, out of habit. She was lucky he didn't slap her away. "I did. But, um, I wasn't born one?"

Selale gave a little chuckle. "Neither was I, my new friend. Though, if I might say so, you make a beautiful Sylph. That is what your kind are called, yes?" Lyse nodded, giving a little twirl - leaves falling off. But before she could introduce herself, Selale continued. "Be careful. Do not give me more then you're ready to lose - while the Queen is kind, she is still one of us. I gifted her my name as a young child - and, well, look at me."

Minfilia raised a hand to her chest. "I suppose that is why that person outside did not gift us their name."

Selale nodded, hesitating as he looked to her. "Selale... I don't recall if it was my birth name, or one she gave me. But it's not the name I use elsewhere."

Food arrived, carried by the owl-like beings - while it wasn't much, the group began to eat - even Fordola, who was remaining quiet. Selale continued. "I don't know if you heard this, but we get many of our supplies from... ah... other realities. How to explain..." Selale leaned back, giving a little chuckle.

And that's when Lyse noticed it, on his neck. "Why do you have an Archon mark?" she asked, a little too loud. Selale grew deathly quiet, looking away. Minfilia stood, to investigate - but then... stood back a little.

"I shall not ask."

Lyse, Fordola, and Selale all stared at her. Minfilia gave Selale a strong look. "Not only did you just say we should keep all we can close to our chests, but... I imagine that you have your reasons. It could be simply a similar mark, or perhaps you are one of us.

I shall not ask, for I believe it is not befitting me."

Selale gave her a thankful smile, before letting himself relax once more - Minfilia returning to her seat. "However, I do not know of these... other realities. What do you mean by such?"

"...It is a theory I believe is a fringe one where you come from," Selale said, "that the Star is not just one, but many. One for each of the Twelve, alongside the Mothercrystal. Is that true?" Not waiting for a reply, he continued quietly, "It's not quite right. There's more like... hundreds of them."

"Like the splintering Ramuh mentioned..." Minfilina muttered - before turning to the others. "Oh, right. When I sealed Ramuh, he told me a story - and since he's an Elder Primal, one from many era passed, I wish to believe him."

Selale seemed to smile to himself, amused at something. "I've seen... a little of it. We recently moved into this palace, this warzone. Because the Queens' old home ended up... dying. It happens a lot, I've heard. But not to this extent."

Silence - except for the sound of eating - filled the halls. Selale continued, quietly. "I was only recruited after we came to Earthgift. I don't know if that was its' original name. It's what the Queen named it.

You shouldn't be here," he said to the group. "I do believe you slipped though reality, however. And I can send you back. But--"

"But--?" Minfilia asked - as she felt herself stand, as she felt herself get closer to the scarred knight. She watched his expression, before holding him.

Minfilia didn't know why she wanted to hold him. Why she wanted to comfort him. But it felt familiar, the sort of familiar that was a comfort. Selale gave a little whine, a little comforted sound as he looked at her from his position. "I--"

"...I'm sorry that her world died," Minfilia whispered, "though I cannot spare any of my efforts, currently. Would that I could."

Selale smiled. "You are too kind. May I give you some advice, before we seek your way to, ahem... what were you doing?"

"Clearing out these strange caverns so that some Elezen Duskwights could continue to examine close-by ruins. I promise that they will not fall into Earthgift - it was hard enough to get here."

Crossing his arms, Selale then seemed to fall into thought. "First of all, you should be a little more careful. You four seem capable, but..."

Bolormaa finally spoke up, food still in her mouth. "You're fussing over her like family. It's cute."

Both Minfilia and Selale looked to each other, before giving a soft laugh. Selale was soft, though, as he looked right at Minfilia. "If you don't listen to anything else I say, then, please. Listen to this.

Keep an eye on those you cherish. If they're acting odd, then-- please do not assume it's normal. Please, do what you must to aid them. While I cannot claim to know much about your reality, I know that there is danger from possession."

---

Soon, they had moved to an intact basement - a cat-like being curled around a... set of stairs. It stood, and it was clearly no cat. No, it had the face of a Hrothgar, and small bird-like wings tucked away. A Sphinx...? Well, this was not their reality. Selale gave the sphinx a little head scratch, and a little kiss on the forehead. "Wake up, love. We've got an answer to the stairs."

The sphinx stretched, giving a little purr. "You know how much I love answers, dear. So what is it?"

Selale chuckled. "Oh, Nabal. It seems we got caught up in a Mystery Dungeon. With some rather good ladies." As he gestured to them, Nabel seemed to curl up a little more, defensive.

Nabel, as he was called, looked between Lyse, Minfilia, and their bag. Oh, and Bolormaa - his gaze focusing on the last of them, before he began to push into his dear friends' hand. "These four... they carry the soul of those who'd cause trouble, don't you think?" Nabel gave a chuckle, before looking up to the gentle Selale. "Are we certain they should leave so soon?"

Nodding, Selale looked serious - even as his hand moved, to stroke the cat-like man. "You of all people should know it's not good to be trapped here, in this dreamland..."

"I was making a joke, love." Even as Nabel talked, he stood up - his body tall and intimidating. A little taller then Bolormaa, he shook a little - and grasped a grimoire that was covered in a familiar gold dust. It looked just like Minfilias' daggers - and the dust she used to...

"Pardon me - Nabel, was it?" Minfilia asked, as he began to flip though his book. "That dust-- where did you get it?"

Nabel looked back to her, smiling at her with his golden eyes, under blue-silver fur. "A gift from Queen Mishiva. It is one of the few things we gather from outside the walls - while it is dangerous, it is also a potent source of magic." Queen Mishiva, hm... a title similar to Saint Shiva of Ishgard. Perhaps, these different realities did not differ too much. Still, Nabel was beginning to enchant the staircase. "...I can allow some of you to leave the caverns you were in, it seems. Or you can continue--"

"I wanna go back up."

The group turned to Lyse, who had put her glamour back on. "Somebody has to keep an eye on the caravan, right? And besides - I'm feeling sleepy from the lack of real sunlight. Because, I dunno if you noticed? But the sun here isn't good."

Minfilia put a soft hand to Lyse, and nodded - noticing that Fordola had climbed onto Lyse quietly. She didn't want to talk, though - and she understood. Fordola didn't need to give a reason. "Very well. Nabel, please do not risk my friend."

The sphinx gave a chuckle, as the magic illuminated them both. First, Lyse and Fordola went... up, it seemed? And then, the magic flickered and changed. Minfilia looked to the two, and gave a soft smile. "I hope you and your... Queen remain safe. We shall meet again."

Minfilia stepped though, and descended into the dungeon. The room was silent, as the magic faded... and Selale slumped, sitting on the ground. "How did she end up here?"

Nabel purred, curling around Selale. "Come now, we know her path is one that is full of chaos. That is the burden of the Warrior of Light. Still - does it calm thee? Knowing that she is still safe, even though what happened to your flesh on that realm?"

Selale shook his head. "I want to wake up. I-- I'm scared, Urianger." His voice dropped to the quietest he could. So that Mishiva would not hear them. His eyes closed, and he hugged the sphinx close.

The sphinx gave a soft sigh. "Oh, Thancred... I'm working on it, when I wake. And you know this. Until then, we must continue to fight the Seelie. Besides. Do you not cherish Mishiva as you would your dear daughter? ...your sister, sometimes?"

Selale - no, Thancred - gave a soft nod. "I hope she takes my advice. We need to find out who or what has taken my body... in a way that doesn't hurt any of us.

I trust you."

The two sat in the cold room, cuddled up close. Thancred now believed in faerie tales. He had dreamed of it for so long - since he was a child, who gave his true name to what seemed like a sweet child who asked if he wished for a family. Perhaps this now protected him from whatever had stolen his flesh. Protected his soul from whatever wished to control his life...

Chapter Fifteen

The cavern was back to how it was before. It was darker, sure. And the ground was becoming smoother and smoother.

The monsters, though, were changing as well. Becoming more and more humanoid... but somehow, acting more and more erratic. They made sounds like clashing swords, and oftened seemed to wander confused.

"Do you have any clue why this is happening?" Minfilia asked, after she knocked one of the humanoid crystal people down - as they collapsed and turned into rubble, tiny crystal shards. Bolormaa kneeled down, picking one up...

...and then tasting it, licking it curiously. Bolormaa gave a little shrug. "It does not taste like a soulkin. No soul. I don't think so, anyway?" Still, Bolormaa began to crunch on the crystal, as they continued to move.

Minfilia couldn't help but stare at the larger Au Ra - did they all eat rocks? "I wonder if the colour means anything, though." Bolormaa added, tail swishing. That was true... they all seemed to have different colours, depending on the battle style they used. The brown-yellow one that Bolormaa had sampled seemed to carry many weapons, made of the same crystal as everything else.

Still, they continued. But this floor was massive. Corridors which seemed to lead into each other, and rooms that the two swore they'd seen again. Eventually, Minfilia looked to Bolormaa. "I'm switching to Miner, my friend - so we can mark the walls. I know this place is not ours to desecrate, but we must need mark our way."

Bolormaa gave a nod, and she then paused. "Pardon me for a moment. I'll modify your pick so it's like our weapons."

As Bolormaa crafted, though, Minfilia saw more of the crystal people. This one was staring - their turqoise skin shimmering. It did not strike right away - it watched, quietly. Minfilia stepped forward - her weapon put away. She got closer, and closer - and the strange person mimicked her, stepping just as she did.

They were face to face, and Minfilia could see how humanoid they were. There were little imperfections, little scars. But as she watched it, the creature seemed to shimmer and change. And it changed into a copy of her, from turquoise to aquamarine - letting out soft sounds at her. They were able to copy people... and this one almost seemed docile. And so, Minfilia gave a soft little smile. "You're quite amazing."

The crystal being, however, continued to stare. Even as Minfilia tried speaking to it. She was quite concerned, mind you, that this being would strike. Or that Bolormaa might fight it. "What are you? Are you... aware?"

The creature stared. It did not speak, nor did it seem to be thinking. But it then drew its' daggers. Darn it. It was going to fight, and it began to flail around the daggers. It didn't know how to use them - Minfilia drew her own, and struck it a few times - watching as the crystal crumbled.

Bolormaa walked up behind her, and picked up some of the crystal - tasting it as well. "...This is going to sound strange either way, Minfilia, but this tastes like you. Not like your flesh would, but it still tastes like you," Bolormaa rambled, as she handed over the pickaxe - continuing to suckle on the new bit of crystal.

It was only a bit creepy. But Minfilia sighed. "I thought they may have had minds, Bolormaa," she explained. "But it seems all they know is fighting."

"I think Sadu would like them," Bolormaa replied, as she watched Minfilia prepare. "Well, if they were more of a challenge, that is. Perhaps a hundred versus one?"

Bolormaa continued to ramble on, as they walked - as Minfilia began to trace across the left wall. This way, she hoped, they'd not get any more lost...

---

"It wasn't the sun, was it."

Fordola and Lyse sat outside, in the moonlight. They had not remained inside Quarrymill - no, they had returned to their caravan. Quarrymill wasn't their place, and both of them knew it.

Lyse looked to Fordola, her gaze so very tired. "...What do you mean?" she asked, before letting out a soft sad yawn - a few tears dropping as she yawned. Fordola didn't even need to talk - her gaze broke Lyses' resolve. "Yeah. Even if the sun was weird, that wasn't it.

...I wasn't one of them, Fordola."

Sitting up a little, Lyse wiped at her eyes. "I wasn't one of those Unseelie. I wasn't born one. Just like... just like I'm not really an Ala Mhigan." Taking a deep breath in, Lyse tried to hold back her tears. "Even if I have Ala Mhigan blood, I'm not really one - otherwise I'd know what it meant to be one. I spent most of my life in Sharlayan - I don't remember much about home. I remember some of the food, and how my dad cared for me, and-- and how we're meant to fight, we're meant to bring Ala Mhigo back from the Empire, but I don't even know what Ala Mhigo is."

Sitting up a little more, Fordola scrambled onto Lyses' lap. "...In order to rise up in the ranks, I had to abandon whatever I knew about Ala Mhigo. I-- I don't really know what the old place was like, either. I want Ala Mhigo, but I want it to be better.

And my dad thought that the Garleans would bring that. And so, I followed th'path given to me." Fordola wasn't making excuses - at least, she didn't think she was. Still, she looked right up at Lyse. "But it's like-- there's a difference between living it and only hearin' about it? And you-- you have people you can ask. Those Little Ala Mhigans."

Lyse shook her head, biting her lip. "Not really. They-- they know Yda. And that's a problem.

...Yda's Garlean, Fordola. Full blooded Garlean."

Both of them went silent, and then there was a soft slapping sound - Fordola had facepalmed, which was weird for the tiny Ifrit. "Fuck. So she's the one I was hunting? Yulia--"

"--yeah. Yeah, she was. Uh, sorry?" Lyse said, actually managing to smile a little. "But she's Yda now. Plus - you don't know, imperials might be listening." Her voice had dropped to a whisper, a little hurt mixed with the amusement.

While Fordola had not been told her target, she'd put it together. And a lot of the Ala Mhigans had heard the story of Yulia - a deserter who gave it all away for Ala Mhigo, even being captured again and given to experiments, only to escape again. She'd been seen as a traitor, though and though. But Yda seemed like a kind woman - gods. This was so confusing. "...does Minfilia know?" Fordola then asked, her tail flicking. Lyse shook her head, and Fordola looked back towards the strange caverns.

"...ya know. Yda seemed fully Ala Mhigan to me. Not... y'know. Garlean. She had that feel t'me. I think she proves it. Even if you're not naturally one of 'em, you can become Ala Mhigan."

"...and even if you are born like them, you can become... not Ala Mhigan," Lyse finished - trying to hide her sorrow behind a sad chuckle. That wasn't where Fordola was going, but Fordola flopped backwards into her lap.

Before getting an idea. "How about we take a trip t'Little Ala Mhigo after this? You, me, and maybe Minfilia. Unless we've gotta hunt down a Primal, that is."

That... sounded nice. Lyse laid backwards, looking up at the trees above them. "They accepted Yda pretty easily... well, not really. She had to fight to be accepted by the Resistance, and they still don't trust her as much as me. But she's done a lot more then me.

...all because of her forehead. She actually decided to try and remove it once, but uh.

It didn't go well," Lyse said, touching her own forehead. "But there was no lasting damage."

It was almost warm, the two of them sharing stories - as Lyse spoke of Yda, Fordola spoke of her allies. Her Lupi - though she also called them her Skulls. They were finally bonding. Even if it took a secret to begin it...

---

Minfilia and Bolormaa did not expect to see anything except crystal - but there was a dull grey ahead of them. Stone - bricks? No, there was steel as well, warped and curled around. Bolormaa was leading by this point, and suddenly put an arm out to stop Minfilia. "There. Up the top." Bolormaas' voice was firm, as the two gazed up there.

A dragon...? The creature sitting up there had large dragon-esque wings, at least. Minfilia nodded to Bolormaa - as they stopped. "I know, Minfilia. We try to talk first, right?"

Bolormaa knew Minfilias' methods. She needed somebody who'd protect her when they went wrong, that was all. And, thus, she let the Midlander step forward. Minfilia stepped forward, one foot in front of the other. As she got closer, though, she could feel rubble under her feet - it was a little odd, moving from crystal to broken paths.

But as she approached, she could see the other figure better. He was no dragon - he looked like a mix of man and dragon, his body covered in broken Ishgardian armour--

--ah. He may be a heretic. One of those who laid with dragons. Minfilia kept her hand on her dagger, as she approached - stopping as soon as she was close enough to hear the others' snarls. Now she could see him clearer, their eyes met - his were narrowed, more like a Miqo'te then an Elezen. Spikes stuck out of his face, blackened horns at the top of his hair. But instead of scales, he seemed to have brown fur sprouting over him - even his wings were slightly fluffy. Pink marks broke up the fur - patterns, of course. All the man did was snarl, warning her.

Minfilia spoke up. "I am not Ishgardian, nor shall I slay you. Please-- how did you end up down here?"

The other snapped to stare at her, gaze narrowing, wings moving to try and cover him. Perhaps he hadn't noticed them? But his voice was deep, as he shouted at them from behind his wings. "Stay back! The Steel Vigil is mine...!"

The Steel Vigil? Hmm... Minfilia thought back, but she-- oh. It had fallen before the Calamity, hadn't it? Perhaps fragments of it had been pulled into this dungeon, like Earthgift had been. She wished she knew more about Ishgard at this moment. Still, Minfilias' voice was as kind as it could be as she yelled up at the half-dragon. "I do not mean to harm the Steel Vigil, Ser! I simply wish to talk!"

"Don't look at m-me..." the other then whined - and Minfilia complied. She knew that Bolormaa would protect her, if he struck. "You're not one of them...? The crystals...?"

Shaking her head, Minfilia put her hands up. "No - I am not. Me and my ally are simply lost here, Ser--" she began, her voice interrupted by a gust of wind. Soon, she saw the source of it - while Minfilia did not look up, like she promised, she could see the feet and legs of the changed man. He was muscled, that was for sure - even if he no longer wore boots.

A warm snort of firey smoke brushed over Minfilias' head - and the other spoke, voice almost hoarse. "...It's been a long time since I sent my men away," he said, softly, in his own way - fangs snapping shut. "I did not think any-- any would come here. Are you truly not sent by Ishgard, to put down one of their own?"

Bolormaa spoke up this time. "I do not like Ishgard. They are cruel to other Au Ra - I have heard stories of them killing entire tribes. Not out of a thrill and desire to fight, but because they mistake us for being dragons.

But, um, you're..."

The half-dragon looked to Bolormaa. "I'm aware. It's-- it's why they'll take me down. I hope that my family has not suffered..."

Minfilia looked up, gently, and met the eyes of the other. "Please. Tell me your story, Ser. We are not Ishgardian - nor are we crystal. Perhaps I can help?"

"Pah." The half-dragon shook his head. "Come in, then."

---

They were close to the stairs. They could rush down there... but Minfilia now sat across from the other. His name was Chlodebaimt, he said, and he began to become a dragon as he fought Svara. But he didn't think... he didn't think that was how it worked.

"I'm a holy man - or, at least, I was. I followed every rule. Even when I thought it was unfair. I cared for my family, and treated them all with respect. But that day, my body began to change under my armour.

I've been holding it back, since then," Chlodebaimt said, bowing his head - his teeth still gnashing together, hands gripping to the long-rotted table he sat at. "I thought I'd simply fallen into the shallow ruins, when the Vigil began to fall beneath me."

Minfilia was now thinking. "Forgive me. I don't know much - may I ask how you thought Ishgardians became dragons?"

Chlodebaimt sat back, leaning onto the wall - his wings still hiding much of himself. "When one sides against their fellow man, and they ingest the blood of a dragon, their body and mind are changed - and they become our enemy."

"Is it instant?" Minfilia then asked, as she began to narrow her gaze. As she noticed the other shaking his head, about to speak, she continued. "Then perhaps-- it's just dragon blood, right? There are some foods which may include such."

Chlodebaimt paused. And then, he gave a long sigh. "There are some items that could include such, but... hm. We had been given new supplies from the Holy See before then--

--but they wouldn't do such. The Holy See would never... perhaps they were intercepted?" Chlodebaimt gave a soft groan as he spoke, more smoke pouring out of his mouth.

It was years ago. Over five, at least. Perhaps he was right. "I can imagine that it happens a lot," Minfilia said quietly, "that some attempt such. If that's the case...

Come with us." That caught Bolormaas' attention, and she looked at Minfilia with a confused look. "We do not know if those crystal people are going to strike us again, Chlodebaimt. And if you were truly targetted - either by heretic or... well... we need to find the truth. It has been quite some time, but still - you have family, do you not? They might be in danger."

Chlodebaimt gave the first little smile he'd given in quite some time. "I'd like to. Those stairs - I think they lead down to... well, the way out of here. Sometimes, some of those crystal people come out of there."

The three moved down the stairs...

...and they all froze. There did seem to be a teleporter out, yes. But instead of crystal, the place around them was... well. Hellish. The teleporter laid on a giant throne - a large statue shattered and crublbed around a circular area. The walls were painted with images of meteor showers, with silvered scales mixed in.

But that was not what made the three freeze. In the center of the arena was a massive skeleton - one which seemed to cover the platform. It was no Spoken - though it had similar bones to one. But the skull had massive horns, which were pointed like a demon. Arched above them were the bones of wings - some of those crystal people pierced and twitching on them. If they were paying attention, they'd notice the four hands scattered as well - shifted, turned into makeshift tents. Whatever this being was, it was dangerous.

Bolormaa spoke up first, in a whisper. "...maybe it made the crystal people," she said - sounding a tiny bit afraid. She placed a hand on one of the massive horns - before tapping it. "Minfilia... we should take a tiny bit."

"...So we can try and figure out what this was? I think it was a Voidsent," she said - but, still, she picked up her pickaxe and got to work chipping away the horn. Chlodebaimt, meanwhile, moved towards the exit - making sure they had an exit. And yet, he couldn't help but stare at the walls. At the walls that seemed to be alive, the fires and meteors seemed to be alive.

None of them could dismiss the fact it could be a Voidsent. Bolormaas' gaze turned to the walls as well - before she suddenly seemed to zone out. Minfilia could recognize what that expression meant, though, what that slight hiss she gave before collapsing was...

Bolormaa was having a vision. "Chlodebaimt. We can go now - if we carry Bolormaa. Shall we?"

Chapter Sixteen

The gentle bumping of the carriage kept Bolormaa from truly feeling like she was relaxed as she woke up. Her mouth tasted like ash, and her eyes were full of tears. She looked around - they must have left while she was elsewhere. Her eyes were unfocused as she gave out soft whines - until she looked at Minfilia, and she frowned.

Bolormaa knew what would be asked, and thus, she looked to the group. "It was very vague. I couldn't see much. But I saw meteors falling towards a large city - and I was being led by a lot of big people.

...I felt comfortable in that moment, even if I knew I was going to be dying," Bolormaa said, her lips curving into a soft smile. "As it should be. For I've always been Bolormaa, haven't I? And I always will be."

"You were out for a while," Minfilia said, her expression worried. "Though - we're nearly back to the Waking Sands." Minfilia had to catch herself. She nearly said they were back home. Bolormaa looked around, now she was a little more aware - Chlodebaimt was half-hidden under a blanket, Fordola was nesting up next to Minfilia again, and Lyse... well, Lyse seemed distracted.

Eventually, Lyse expressed her feelings. "Papalymo is going to kill us. Papalymo is going to, like, double kill us. We've got a dragon with us, for Rhalgr's sake!"

"I'm still an Ishgardian, though and though," Chlodebaimt corrected. But Minfilia crossed her arms.

She seemed to be thinking. "If he does not accept your request for asylum, Chlodebaimt, I shall find a place for you. I promise."

The dragon-man snorted, burying his head more. "I hope so. I cannot return to my family. I-I can't warn them - if they're still around." As he spoke, Lyse looked to Fordola, and gave a small nod. Seemed that some of them would need to go and check, and they were likely still free. Their trip to Little Ala Mhigo would need to wait.

The caravan pulled in, quietly, and the five got out. Minfilia then paused - and looked to the others. "We've got a long report to give. This has been quite the adventure, my friends. Thank you."

---

Papalymos' blank stare was the most frightening thing of all. Minfilia had led the report - spoken of how Ramuh was now sealed, and the Sylphic relationships had been mended. But then, speaking of how the group had moved to help out both some Ala Mhigans and then some Duskwights, and the strange cavern they'd tended to. That they'd proven was safe, as long as you didn't go down too far. Oh, and they'd found what they found out was an actually declared dead Ishgardian who was perhaps caught in a heretic plot.

A lot of it was unbelievable. But eventually, Papalymo found his voice. "...you're not telling any lies, are you?"

"Of course not!" Minfilia said, her voice raising a tiny bit - Papalymo raised a hand, to stop her.

He gave a little tired look to her - but deep down, there was pride in his eyes. "I'm used to strangeness when it comes to Yda. And it seems you've been though a lot of strangeness. Still-- Minfilia, we cannot keep this refugee here."

That term. Refugee. It struck though Minfilias' core, as she frowned to herself. "Then I shall find somewhere else for him."

Papalymo did not move from his desk, his arms now crossed. "You know that even if Ishgard is not part of any Grand Companies, and is closed off, they would send their armies to take down any nation that sheltered one of theirs - especially one from a high house. Especially if he'd been declared dead!"

A Papalymo lecture was not something anybody wished for. And then, Minfilia got an idea - her lips curving into a smile. "...then I shall take him to the territory none own - unless the area around Silvertear Lake has been claimed?" She recalled that it was... barely developed, ages ago. Minfilia, however, was not going to appeal to any people who lived there.

She recalled the tales of the large giants and gigants who settled the land, who lived above the Lake. They were thought as brutish and frightening, who in stories had enslaved each other until around a hundred years ago, when their society had gone though a strange reorganization, and had taken up residence near to Silvertear Lake. None knew why they had changed, and none seemed to care.

For they were beasts, they were not one of the Spoken races. And thus, they fought. She wondered how such had changed over the last few years, after the fall of Dalamud...?

Minfilia shook her head. No. This wasn't for her own sake, for her curiousity and desire to ally with the many tribes. Still, two birds with one stone. Papalymo kept his eyes focused on her. "...Minfilia Warde. You are a strange, strange woman."

Before he could continue, Lyse spoke up. "She's got a point, though. Even if Mor Dhona is right next to the snows, well, it'd also prove that this Ishgardian wasn't a threat to us, right? If he could live close and not burn them down then we could move him back here!!" She sounded so very emotional - even if Chlodebaimt did not like the idea of being called just the Ishgardian. He let out a little grumble, but Lyse looked back and smiled at him - her little toothy grin.

Papalymo was now tapping his fingers, before letting out a groan. Again, before he could speak, the door opened - and Thancred entered, looking a little tired. "You called for me, Papalymo...

...oh, what's all this?"

"Minfilia has stopped Ramuh, but has given us dire news. Thancred, I know you haven't given your report on the movement of the Paragons, but may I ask you to help?" Thancred nodded, and Papalymo continued. "Good. We need you to investigate the claims that both Minfilia and Chlodebaimt have made - that there are heretic movements that risk House Haillenarte. If we can prove such and stop it, perhaps they will repay us with aid."

Lahabrea couldn't help but smile internally, at the command. Of course he'd love to. He could use Thancreds' body to continue aiding Igeyorhm in her schemes. They always had to have schemes moving. He always had to be moving. But he did not show his excitement, and instead nodded as Thancred. "As long as I get to rest for the night - and, of course, get to give my report, hm?"

---

That night, Minfilia couldn't help it. She had to go see Thancred, even if he seemed to exhausted. She'd also be setting out that night, after all. Thancred was quietly sitting at a desk, barely paying attention to the crowds around them. So many Scions and others - were those some visitors from Sharlayan? A lot of them were a haze, however, in Minfilias' mind - and it hurt so much. Could she try and make them remember? No - not even Thancred remembered.

And yet, she wished he did. And thus, she sat across from him - warm tea in her hands, slid over to him. She was unaware of Lahabrea - but Lahabrea raised his head, making sure to keep his expression unimpressed. It seemed tired to these people. His eyes looked to Minfilia, though, and that tone in her eyes--

--oh, crap. There was only one person he knew before with those tones. And he had seen them before in earlier eras, when Nabriales had nearly given up on the Rejoinings - his dear friend. Damnit. Double damn it. Of course those two had found a way to reunite. And still, Lahabrea knew he had to bide his time. "A treat, for me?" he asked, giving Minfilia a soft smile.

Minfilia didn't move her hands for a few moments, looking down at the tea. "Yes. It's a bit bitter - it's an Ala Mhigan blend. But... it's the kind we used to share, before I was sent forward in time.

...I learned that some remembered me a little, Thancred. With my old name."

Thancred stared. Only for a moment - only confused for a moment. It wasn't like she'd know... nevermind. Still, he put a hand to his necklace, gently. "I believe that people can't truly forget somebody. That somewhere deep down, they hold some fragment that could be stoked to awaken - and could remember. So of course people remembered you, Minfilia."

His words were a comfort, and Minfilia slid over the tea. "Perhaps someday, I'll be remembered. And we can be a family again."

How little Minfilia knew. How little she knew that every word she said was like a dagger to Lahabrea, thinking of a past that had long faded away. Still, Minfilia continued, gently. "Though - Thancred, I wonder. Do you know if F'lhaminn...?"

Who? Lahabrea thought to himself, probing at the others' mind. Trying to steal the knowledge from the one he possessed - even if he couldn't feel what he really wanted to, within. Ah. One who Minfilia cared for. Even if Lahabrea was trying to calm his thoughts, he knew what he could do. "I'm sorry, but there's been no word of her. And we all know what that means," Thancred said, his face tilting downwards, at the tea. Faking sadness, he reached a hand out. Minfilia gripped to it with a soft whine, and Thancred squeezed. (Fake sympathy.) "I'll keep an eye out, but..."

Minfilia let out a soft little squeak to herself, putting her arms around herself a little. She should have thought of that. She should have considered that not everybody survived the Calamity - but, still, she kept her composure. "Thank you, Thancred," she whispered - moving to a stand. She barely noticed how hoarse her voice had become. "Please, make sure to drink all your tea." It'll make him feel better as well. He'll be able to catch his breath and take a rest. He looked so tired.

As she moved to leave, though, she could feel Uriangers' half-glare on her - and she turned to face the Elezen, who had not shifted from his place in the corner of the room. Judging them beneath his goggles? It wasn't easy to tell. Urianger had that sort of resting look where he was judging everybody, even if he was kind inside. Urianger took a step forward towards Minfilia, before hesitating. "My lady Minfilia..."

Minfilia bowed her head.

Urianger gave an awkward smile. "Words can hold lies and deception. Perhaps you should ponder such - and words thy hath heard in recent moons."

That was all Urianger wished to say - Minfilia could tell by his stance. Oh, dear Urianger - he was such a shy boy, the way his hands twitched as he talked - the way his legs bounced as he moved back to sitting. She wished she could say more to him, but all she could do to hold back the tears at the news she'd gotten was turn to leave.

She hoped that Urianger understood-- before Minfilia remembered, and turned back. "Ah, Urianger-- I actually sort of made a deal with the Primal we recently sealed."

That got Uriangers' attention, as he looked at her, hands still twitching and flapping slightly. Minfilia continued. "Ramuh-- Ramuh agreed to share knowledge with us. Well - with you."

"Truly?" Urianger asked, sounding curious but not too hopeful.

Minfilia nodded. "Though letters, so that he does not enthrall anybody. I-- did Kurin survive the Calamity...?" Minfilia then asked, hope leaving her voice.

Kurin was a queer one. A Moogle with the Echo - who used his abilities to live to deliver mail to super dangerous places. Even if he had once gotten shot in the head, and another time had caused some form of disaster close to Thanalan that resulted in a nigh-unlivable hellscape. (A lot of Gigants lived there. But more horrifying... things... did as well.) He was also quite adorable - with a tuff of black hair, and a massive scar which would seem bad-ass to a lot of people. You know. If he wasn't a moogle. He tended to be nicknamed Six by those who met him, for reasons Minfilia wasn't quite sure of.

He would be a perfect courier for the task. "Aye, Six lives. Him and his... companions... have set up their own camp in Mor Dhona, but we are able to reach them," Urianger said. Ah, yes. He had a few companions of his own. Including one who was rumoured to know of the Fists of Rhalgr. Not that Minfilia would ask - she knew she wasn't worthy of knowing such. (Though, the fact that the one she'd heard whispers of wasn't even Ala Mhigan by blood was stranger still.)

"Then I shall visit him when I seek a shelter for Chlodebaimt," Minfilia said with a nod. She had her goals, then. And her sorrow.

---

Later that night, as she tried to sleep, Fordola crawled up onto her pillow - giving a little grunt, forcing her way onto the fluffy pillows. Minfilia put an arm around her - kissing her forehead without thinking.

Neither of them had to admit that it was nice to be together, that they understood each other. But in trying to distract herself, Minfilias' thoughts turned to the Ala Mhigan nesting in her arms.

And she realised, with a quiet sound to herself, that she was getting-- perhaps a crush? It couldn't be love. Could it? This other Ala Mhigan was still indoctrinated to the Garlean ways. She was rough, but she cared so much. And she didn't take crap like others did. They were two lost young adults, thrust out of their comfort zone and without their support networks.

For now, Minfilia would call it just a crush, for that was easier. Was Fordola thinking the same things? Was Fordola crushing on her as well? Perhaps the way she'd flirted with the half-naked Minfilia in the Shroud was proof. Or perhaps she was just acting like any Ala Mhigan would - they tended to wear little.

Fordola let out a soft snore, though, and a single word. "Yulia..."

Ah. So Fordola had learned Ydas' birth name...? Had she learned all of it? No, she couldn't have - or things would have been a lot different when they returned. There would have been - well, if not bloodshed, at least a lot of yelling. The only loud sounds she heard were the sounds of Lyse and Yda squeeing over each other, gushing about everything - though Minfilia wondered if Lyse was truly happy. Tomorrow, before she set off, she'd need to meet this postmoogle... and enact her plan.

It was one of her old goals to unite what had been called Beast Tribes.

And Minfilia would still do such, for it would bring a brighter tomorrow. And Fordola would come with her, to see what could be seen. What could be done, when you worked with those who did not look like you.

Chapter Seventeen

The road to Mor Dhona was a bit of a long one. And it meant going though the snow. But Chlodebaimt was hidden under hay and blankets, and none would inspect him. Still, Minfilia wished to speak with him as they approached.

"...We're both out of time, aren't we?"

Chlodebaimt gave a soft sigh, as he listened to the Highlander. (Minfilia was a Highlander, even if she appeared smaller then most.) She was right. Both of them had not witnessed the fall of Dalamud, for seperate reasons. He was trapped in the rubble of the Vigil, mixed with strange crystal people and their magic and their hellish Voidsent. And she...

"What happened to you?"

"As the moon fell and a dragon came out--" Minfilia began, before realising perhaps she shouldn't have said that - she could feel Chlodebaimt tense up. Minfilia continued swiftly. "--Our mentor, Louisoix, destroyed the wyrm by calling upon the Twelve. However, as a side effect, I was sent forward though time - and seemingly, those who knew me have forgotten me. And I still am quite clueless about the time we live in - everywhere has changed so much.

In my time, for example, male Miqo'te were... unknown. You wouldn't see them out in the open like you do now. It is the same with Au Ra, or Viera, or Hrothgar. They were just... unknown. Viera were a myth, in fact - and some thought they were classified as Beast Tribes, just like Bangaa and Seeq still are."

Chlodebaimt let out a little snort at that, but remained hidden. "If you asked those of my country, it was strange to see any who were not Elezen. But-- well, I see that Chocobo are being freely exported again."

Minfilia was quiet, as she looked out at the land. Still, her heart ached. "If we're fast enough, we'll make it to the camp where Kurin lives tonight."

Chlodebaimt settled in - before he stared out across Mor Dhona - Minfilia staring as well, as her Chocobo continued to trek onwards. The two of them had not been out this way before, after all - even if it was close to Chlodebaimts' station, it was not close enough to have visited.

But the two of them could see a massive crystal spiral sticking up from the land. Now, they knew what the crystal on the ground meant - it was crystalized aether, from vile and violent battles. But that looked more like a building, a massive spire sticking up over the gates of the settlement they seemed to be passing though. Neither of them thought to stop their Chocobo, to ask somebody what it was - for wouldn't they find out when they asked their Moogle... ally? Friend?

---

The Moogle campsite was small, close to Silvertear Lake - built into ruins of the fallen airships from the Battle of Silvertear Lake. It was a little odd to see the fabric and wood built into the building, as Minfilia left her caravan. Unlike what she expected, it was only the Moogle floating there, seemingly playing a card game by himself. Or, at least, messing with Triple Triad cards. The Moogle turned, when the horsebird chirped loudly.

"Oh! Uh. I'm on break, kupo?" he said - sounding older then a Moogle should, in Minfilias' mind. They were always children, in her mind - or at least childish. "Come back later."

Shaking her head, Minfilia frowned - Fordola ready to hiss at the Moogle. "Please-- I've come as a Scion of the Seventh Dawn--"

Kurin floated closer, giving a little chirp. "Oh - one of 'em. Should have said so, what's up?"

Minfilia chuckled a little to herself. "Not just one of them... I, um, helped stop two Primals. But that's where you come in, Kurin - was it?"

Kurin fluttered a little, tucking his cards away in his neck fluff. "That's me. Need some clean-up done? Need some weird thing investigated?"

Again, Minfilia shook her head. "Actually, I have two requests. One is related to your work - you are a courier, are you not? I need mail delivered."

That got Kurin to grin a little. "Oh, kupo? That's no problem. Let me guess, it's related to Primal business? That's what the Scions deal with, and why we met. Why, I was nearly eaten by a Primal before they met me--" Kurin began rambling, before stopping himself with a saddened laugh. "--anyway, what do you need delivered?"

"I have negotiated peace with Ramuh," Minfilia explained, "but I have also negotiated information from him. But I need help doing such - since Urianger is the one who figures out such, we require a way for him to learn such without becoming enthralled.

...do you understand what I'm asking?"

"Of course, of course," Kurin said - oddly not kupo-ing as much as Minfilia expected from a Moogle. "Go between a mini-god and a creepy Elezen."

"Urianger is not creepy."

"I think he is a little too," Fordola said, finally piping up.

Kurin looked down. And then laughed a little to himself. "You're a mad bugger, Scion. I like ya. So - what's the other thing?"

Minfilia could feel a chuckle growing in her throat, as she looked at the pouting tiny Ifrit who moved to nest again. But then, her gaze turned down to the cavavan.

"I need to meet with the leader of the Gigas," Minfilia said strongly. "To aid one who's been harmed by both Ishgardian politics and the Calamity. I cannot expect any person here to give him sympathy!" Her voice was filled with passion, though she could not give a reason why.

Kurin watched. Kurin smiled. "You're even more of a mad bugger then I thought. But you're lucky, Scion - I know a way."

---

There was no light in the room, except for the soft glow from the fur of their King. But their King stared down at Minfilia, who felt smaller and smaller. Kurin had a way, that was for sure - hiding them with invisibility dust, and then fleeing as soon as the warmth of the King appeared. The Gigas, you see, lived underground. They didn't seem to smell them out, they didn't notice. Was this how Perrin delivered mail?

Then their King fell to all fours, approaching curiously - seeming less angry, and more interested. The sound of hooves filled the air - seeing his tail curl around his legs, Minfilia could see hooves.

The King kept his distance. If she was not listening, she would not have heard his disbelieving, slightly gravelly whisper. A hope that faded, even as he spoke.

"Princess...?"

Minfilia did not speak, as the monster gave a soft sound. His face was hidden by a mask, but a painful expression seemed to cover his body. With a stomp of one of his hooves, the being appeared visible - the entire room lighting up. The walls were covered in carvings - long forgotten letters. The King had left his golden throne, standing more like a sheep then a Gigas. Massive scars were on his shoulders, stitched shut crudely with golden thread.

"I am Belias, the Gigas. The first of the Gigas, and the Guardian of the final Dynast-King. My mistake... it has been long since Man has come without carrying blade nor bow."

Every word he said sounded forced - sounded as if he'd not spoken in so long that he'd nearly forgotten it. Minfilia barely recognized that she was using her Echo to understand it. Still, he stood to his full height as he finished speaking. Unlike those who roamed outside, he was massive.

Minfilia had come here for another purpose, but she had to ask. "The Dynast-King...? Is their grave here? I would have thought--"

The Dynast-King was a term used in a long-gone era, for one who would unite the world. It was a legend more commonly told to Garleans, and thus Minfilia knew little. But she knew that their point of origin was...

"...Many stories of Ivalice have been lost to the sands of time." Mournfully, Belias the Gigas took his seat on the throne. "I promised to be there until my final breath. And thus, I am."

So that was why the Gigas had come here? Minfilia continued to bow her head. "Is that why the Gigas came here?"

Belias let out a soft laugh. "I woke. They were without leadership. They saw me. They chose me as their leader. My... ideals seeped though, from strength and heart." A large claw reached out a little, before hesitating. "Man is distrustful. Many fall. But many also clash with Man.

I imagine you did not sneak here to meet me," Belias whispered quietly, clawed hand retracting. Sorrow filling his voice - this large king was just a lonely man, deep down, Minfilia thought. Why else would he speak so openly? For a moment, Minfilia felt bad - but she had to ask - she had to get the aid she desired.

Still, her hand raised to her chest. "My name is Minfilia Warde - of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. I seek refuge for one I found elsewhere, who would be slaughtered by Man if he was seen by them. But I also have a desire to ally with the Gigas. My apologies for not entering in a more conventional way..."

"Ally? You are a strange one," Belias said softly. "What would Man have to do with Gigas?"

Minfilia shook her head. "Would it not be better for us to no longer clash - and instead work together? With your strength, and my desires, we could not only work together - but we could end the Garlean Empire."

At the mention of the Empire, Belias snarled. His warm fluffy mane almost seemed to set alight, and his hands tightened into fists. "They have survived," he stated, before looking away. "My apologies. My rage almost overcame me. But you wish to end them, burn them to cinders? Or do you wish to reform them, with all that entails?"

Minfilia couldn't help but put her other hand to Fordola, in her bag. It was time. "The Empire has done many unforgivable things, Belias. But even so, the people have been indoctrinated to do such. I am certain there are some who are not as cruel as those who invade. No - I even know a few. Still - the Empire must crumble or have its leadership fall, in order to be reborn.

...I do not wish for them to all die. Ala Mhigo, for example, was in a terrible place when the Empire overtook it. Would I want it to return to before? No. I want a brighter dawn, Belias."

She didn't know how much Belias listened, and lightly gasped. She didn't know who Belias was seeing in her, but he did not consider for long. Before he spoke again. "Tell me of this refugee."

Minfilia took a deep breath in - shaking her head. "How much do you know of Ishgard and the Dragonsong War?"

As Minfilia explained, Belias listened - noticing the no longer invisible dragon-man fusion. And he raised a hand.

"Enough," he said with a soft snarl. Minfilia stood back, but Belias had a softness in that snarl. "You did not tell me he was Man and Beast.

...that is all you had to say. He will be safe here, Child of Man. Come, my new ally."

Chlodebaimt gave a soft gulp, as he stood - before kneeling in front of the Gigas. "Yes, sir," he mumbled to himself - feeling a bit of awe at the King before him.

Belias kneeled down gently. "You shall be safe. I... will not lose more knights. Your armour looked painful, however. I shall get you new armour tailored - I promise."

Minfilia couldn't help but watch - and neither could Fordola, the two of them staring focused at Belias. Just what was he...? He wasn't a Primal, that was for sure, even if he was aligned to fire.

As if predicting her question, Belias turned. "Minfilia... dear little Minfilia... I do not think you'll come down here often." No, that wasn't her question, but she listened to him as his voice rumbled - a claw going to her back. "Let me give you a mark of our partnership. A glyph, so that you can summon me to your side. As has happened before...

...as will happen again. It is how me and my others are - beings similar to, but not as draining, as Primal. We were once called Esper... or Scions."

Perhaps that's why Belias felt so easy to recruit. They were both Scions in a way, weren't they? Minfilia nodded, agreeing to the mark.

And then she felt it. A burning sensation on her back, and she let out a scream. Falling to the ground, curling around herself, as the firey glyph joined her flesh. She did not notice Belias slipping a necklace over her neck as well - but Fordola did.

"Oi. What's that for?" Fordola asked, ready to throw hands with the Gigas.

Belias closed his eyes under his mask, letting out a soft sigh. "A sign for the other Gigas. That she is safe from them, for she is with me. No, she is with us.

The pain shall subside swiftly. And she... she will be safe."

...Was Belias crying as he said that last part? Fordola didn't know (or really care.) But they all stood, waiting, as Minfilia gained a glyph on her back.

---

The pain of burning had not gone away as Minfilia woke, but it was also oddly like a hug. She had let out a soft sigh, as she tried to stand - aided by Chlodebaimt - and looked up at the Gigas. She felt the necklace around her neck, and thanked him - before she left. Chlodebaimt had soon left the room, as well, to explore. Before the two parted, though, the two had given each other linkpearls. What a queer device.

And, thus, Belias was alone. He looked upwards, to the ceiling. Had he been pulled back into their eternal desires? Had his soul, that of a Man, been weakened by seeing one who was long dead? He did not know. Nor did he want to know, at this moment. A slight joy had entered his life, and for that, he was... happy.

Still, it made him wonder. He knew that one would be alive - the one who broke his heart, that Ascian who had caused the fall of all he clung to. Did others live? Were others reborn?

Belias gently touched his mask. Unlike the simple wooden one he had been gifted from Raithwall, the first Dynast-King, this one was made of metal. It had rusted, and was unfit to be worn as armour. But it had fallen at the fall of Ivalice, and he wished only to remember those who had been there. Perhaps it was a sign, as he removed it - finally wiping at his tears. His voice was low, as he closed his eyes and let out a little sigh. One of his hands went to the scars on his stomach - the Man, removed from the Gigas. Just one thing he had to do to move on from the past - but he never had.

"...I wonder, Noah. Have you gotten to live a happier life? I hope you have."

Chapter Eighteen

Minfilia Warde did not wish to return to the Waking Sands right away - especially not with Fordola. And especially since she had heard of her mothers' - adopting mother, that was - passing. She would go and leave flowers, she thought. And then, perhaps, she would drop by Little Ala Mhigo.

But her Chocobo was settled, and she was pleased with her walk up to the church. Fordola remained nesting, as she liked to do. Perhaps it was because she was still a Primal, and still trying to conserve her strength. She hoped that someday she could help Fordola more - but her footsteps slowed up the path to the Church of Saint Adama Landama. They were allies, Minfilia recalled, though she knew they would not remember her.

Minfilia stood in front of the church, trying to tame her fears. She did not want to show her fear that F'lhamiin was truly dead. And yet, Minfilia shook her head, and walked in. The building was quiet, as she expected. Not many were around - but she recognized Father Iliud. How could she forget? He was the one who had been there to help her father pass into Thals' realm, even if his body had not been buried. Her expression spoke of her question, and Father Iliud offered her a seat silently.

"We... still have many who come here to seek people who died in the Calamity - and those who have fallen to Primal threats. Come, my child - please do not hesitate," Iliud said - sitting next to her, as Minfilia felt herself oddly relax next to him.

She took a few deep breaths. "I am one of those who walks among the wild roses, Father," she began - and his expression twitched, but he did not speak. "I have... only recently come to learn of the likely passing of F'lhamiin, and wish to give her well wishes in Thals' realm."

Father Iliud was quiet, and listening, before giving her a soft smile. "Then you can do so. My dear child, my dear Scion - she may have perished in the flames, but she will forever be with you." His words were calm and kind, as he offered an arm for her - and Minfilia curled into his arms, finally letting out a little sob. And then another. Not just for her mother, though. But for the pain she finally felt, her finally realising she'd missed so much life. Even if she had been remembered, people had changed.

She hadn't, though, and that was the worst pain of all. Minfilia could not explain to him why she truly cried. But did it matter? She trembled in his arms, and let out one final sob, before looking to him - wiping her tears. "Do you have flowers? She-- would appreciate such."

But instead of showing her flowers... Iliud gave her a firm hold. And Minfilia felt herself relax more. "Ssh... take your time... let it all out." Minfilia barely noticed him raise one of his arms to footsteps - to let somebody else know that this was important.

Minfilia lost track of time. Even as she felt the tiny little claw of Fordola join the comfort, she had cried so many tears she did not know that the sun had shifted across the skies. That is, until she finally looked up, silently. "...thank you. I haven't gotten to sit still in quite some time - I haven't thought about it."

Father Iliud stood, and got her a glass of water. "The path you've chosen is a harsh one, my child. My Scion. Do not feel like you need to rush forward - reflecting is just as important." As Minfilia drank, he finally grabbed flowers for her. "Many were not identified in the Calamity. She would have been buried in our yards - and I am certain she will feel your love."

Nodding slightly as she sipped the water, Minfilia held back a hiccup and smiled. "She was a wonderful mother to me. I'm certain she-- she'll watch over me," Minfilia said - more to reassure herself. She stood, and dusted herself off.

Adjusting his soft gaze, Father Iliud gestured slightly outside. "The Marquis should be able to aid you in finding where to lay them. He's another who was left traumatised by the Calamity... a kind man, really, if not a little afraid of other people. Please, do not mind his fears."

With a silent thank you, Minfilia stood - with the off-white flowers - and left the church, to the world outside.

The Marques, she could see, was a man in a dark brown cloak. He slumped ever-so-slightly, and his fingers would not stop trembling. He did not seem to react to Minfilia approaching - until his gaze suddenly snapped to her, his gaze suddenly focused on her. "The clicking...?" he said, looking right at her.

"Pardon me, sir--" Minfilia began, before he repeated himself. The clicking. Minfilia heard no clicking, but his eyes widened.

And the thing he said next made Minfilias' blood grow cold. For she had just accepted her lot in life. "Minfilia-- Minfilia?"

Minfilia dare not drop the flowers, but her hands tightened around them - choking any last life out of them. "You know my name...?" Minfilia near-shouted, trying to keep herself calm.

The man before her stared for a few moments more, before flinching - a delayed reaction. "I-- the clicking told me-- I don't know myself." Every word he said seemed to be said as if somebody else was listening in - he almost seemed to be asking permission to speak. His head bowed, but Minfilia then smiled at him.

Minfilia could feel a tiny bit of hope, fading away. But, just like before, she knew what to say. "I will not ask about the clicking," she said gently. For just like with the strange knight, Selale, it was not her place to pry. This man was hurt by the Calamity. Perhaps he was hearing things - or perhaps something had happened to him. Either was fine. All she knew was that he knew her name, and she could pry, but that might scare the poor dear off. "Instead... may you point me to where tributes to those who fell in the Calamity are to be left?"

The Marques gave a little grunt, gesturing to a larger grave. "There... there's the place. So many burned... so many in there, Minfilia." He repeated the name to himself - before closing his eyes. "It's so loud... p-please, leave me be."

This clicking... Minfilia gave him a little nod. "Thank you, sir. I hope you may find peace in the future."

Minfilia sat up with the grave for hours, even as the moon rose. The flowers sat unmoving, as did Minfilia. Fordola finally crawled out of her bag, and curled up on her lap. Both of them mourned the Calamity in their own ways. Both of them saw it in their own ways. Minfilia barely noticed herself curling up by the tomestone, mumbling about her mother.

---

The next morning, Minfilia awoke to the Marques looming over her - still trembling. He'd just placed a blanket on her, awkwardly - well, more of a ripped-up robe. Quietly, Minfilia thanked him with a smile. She left quickly after that, and returned to their caravan. As they moved towards Little Ala Mhigo, Minfilia decided she needed to clean up. In her caravan, there was a tub - and, so, she stripped down. Fordola looked up, before Minfilia placed her on a shelf. "How big is the glyph?" Minfilia asked, as she began to fill the tub by activating water shards.

Fordola gave a little snort, as she gestured. "Takes up about half of ya back? So, pretty big," Fordola said, sitting and watching the other. "But I'm more worried about, uh, ya thighs. They're looking... dirty but not?"

It was true, Minfilia realised, as she felt them. But she could tell what that feeling was - and she was beginning to realise why, if only internally. "I think they're scales, Fordola," Minfilia mumbled. "They're strange, I know. But I can keep them hidden under some tights - or my baggy pants." She'd also hide her other scales under her sleeves - it was fine. Really. Though she turned, and bent over to continue setting up the bath.

Fordola looked away for a moment before shrugging to herself. "Mind if I clean up with you?" she asked - Minfilia startling a little.

But, of course, Minfilia turned back and picked up the tiny lizard. "Of course you can." It was a little strange, how comfortable she was with her nudity around another. Then again, the two of them didn't have anything the other hadn't seen. Except for little scars, of course, little marks on their body.

Minfilia settled into the tub, now that the crystals had used their energy. Fordola floated on the top, padding a little, before settling down near Minfilias' breasts. Did Fordola notice the blush beginning to creep on Minfilias' cheeks? Who knew. But Minfilia stretched a little - before shifting. "I'm going to sit up, Fordola. This isn't just to relax... though, it is nice to relax." Minfilia felt warm, even in the cooled water. Was it from the glyph? Probably. Yes, most likely. That Belias was a fire-based being... though, as she did sit up, she realised something with a start.

"--I know somebody who could tell me more of Belias," she whispered to herself. Fordola tilted her head a little, and Minfilia gave a soft smile - grabbing the soap. "My ex-girlfriend. Though she wouldn't admit it to many people, she was into the stories of the Esper.

They were also known as the Zodiac Brave - heroes who stopped a Calamity. Though I still don't know much." Minfilia continued to talk quietly, as she washed up. Mud and blood soaked into the water, caked on from her recent adventures. She bled, she fell, but Minfilia always got up. Fordola grabbed a second bar of soap, beginning to help Minfilia wash her back - pausing as she touched the blackened glyph.

"...It's sort of like branding you, isn't it?"

Minfilia paused, confused, before realising what Fordola meant. But Minfilia didn't think so. "It was my choice. It's closer to a tattoo - is it warm?"

Minfilia nodded to herself, again, confident. Still, Fordola scrubbed a little warily. Both of them were quiet, but Minfilia gave a little awkward cough. She sighed, and was about to say what was on her mind, until Fordola spoke up.

Fordola, of course, had her mind on something else. "You wanted to ask that guy more, didn't ya," she said - her tail lashing and splashing. "But that's your problem. You're more concerned with their comfort then ya own. Happened with th'faerie knight, too."

"...you're very astute," Minfilia said, "but... it's not just about comfort." Pausing, Minfilia decided to explain. "It's far easier to become allies then finding out what you need, then making enemies by pressing onwards. If people see you as a friend, they trust you more - with deeper and deeper secrets.

Though I know we may not meet with Selale again, I know that we've left a good impression on him. And that'll be important, if we meet again."

"So, you're smoozin'," Fordola stared, as she began to climb up Minfilias' back to get the top of it.

That got Minfilia to chuckle a little. "I suppose you could say that, yes."

The two continued to bathe, as the chocobo leading Ydas' old carriage - now Minfilias, it seemed - towards Little Ala Mhigo - stopping just outside of the territory, as it had been trained to do. It was wonderful, for Minfilia, to finally get to simply relax with one she had a massive crush on.

Though, it was a little awkward, considering that her new crush had attacked her old ex-girlfriend. She'd need to figure out what to do with all of this... but, for now, she could relax after her tears. She could relax and feel happy with herself, if only for a moment...

Chapter Nineteen

"You want to know about Belias?"

Minfilia and Fordola had taken the trek from Little Ala Mhigo out to the Corpse Brigade. They had not raised her weapon at her, for she had become allies with them - even if they were filled with hatred for Ala Mhigo. Minfilia walked that fine line - even if she had positions of authority now, they had seen her work up from nothing. Minfilia Warde was respected by them.

And, thus, it was easy for her to reunite with Milleuda the Slitter. They greeted each other with a fistbump, a playful punch to each other. Fordola watched, quietly, curiously. Minfilia had such a warm smile directed at the other. She nodded, gently, before turning to show her ex-girlfriend the bottom of her glyph.

Milleuda touched the glyph, with a soft gasp. "...I'll tell you what I-- what I know. But it's nothing compared to learning that he's true."

The two sat across from each other. And Milleuda began to tell a story, one which she had been told by one who had now perished...

---

Long, long ago, the land of Ivalice stood in the far east - or did it stand where Ala Mhigo does now? It was not clear, because relics from the kingdom had been found in both. But this story came from the far east. In that region, Ivalice had grown to be the strongest power - but it had also just been at war with the other Ivalice. One had vanished, however, in a flash of light.

The nobles would not pay those who fought for them, for they did not have the money to do such. For they did not care for the commoner. (A common theme, Milleuda mused, as Minfilia frowned.) But commoners could not fight back - could they?

What did this have to do with Belias? He was a curious being - known as a blade of the Dynast-King - one who had united the old lands. But he had been found by commoners, once the light had ended one Ivalice. His body gave way to a stone.

This stone was known as auracite. The blood of the Gods - but Belias was no god. He acted like a man, for he was once a man - a captain, they had been told, of the commoners. The light had corrupted him, and turned him into a beast - and he had been rejected.

But the auracite was used to fight nobles. It had been used, and used, until it faded into nothingless. And, with that, the hope of commoners to hold a place.

That is, until the same light ended the Ivalice of the Far East.

---

"...it was a story my brother told me," Milleuda admitted, as she leaned back a little. "It's a little silly, but it's been passed down though my family. Even if my brother has passed, I still remember him - and it."

Minfilia had lost herself in the story, feeling the warm glyph on her back shifting. "Thank you," she said. "Though I've never truly considered the idea that there were two Ivalice - I don't really know much about such."

Milleuda gave the softest smile, before looking back down at her table. "Of course not. It's not something many Ala Mhigans care about - they talk about their history, but only the bits that matter to them. They don't even know what they want from a reclaimed Ala Mhigo!"

Minfilia tilted her head, but let Milleuda go on her rant. "Would they allow us there? No! Would they try and reclaim a king? Of course they bloody would!" Slamming her hands on the table, Milleuda snarled. "If I didn't know better, I'd say Garlemald was better for them - because at least Garlemald won't let them kill each other over paranoid delusions!"

Right. That was it. Fordola popped out of her bag - and Milleuda froze. "Not to correct ya - actually, yes, t'correct ya - but Garlemald sort of encourages Ala Mhigans to kill each other. I mean, they encouraged me to kill 'em."

Minfilia looked between them. Sighed. And began to explain. The mad woman who tried to kill Milleuda was actually due to an Ascian scheme - ah, the Ascian are chaos-causing beasts - and now she's stuck as an oddly-marketable minion. But she also doesn't want to murder anymore. Just needs crystals.

And Milleuda gave a little smile to herself, before nodding a tiny bit. "So she's like an Esper. Like Belias."

Neither of them had considered this. But Minfilia nodded... before her gaze was distracted by seeing a deep pink garmet, that seemed to shimmer in the box it'd been shoved into. "What's that?" Minfilia asked, curiously.

"Oh, that? Something we stole. Some old clothes from the Fists of Rhalgr. But I haven't seen it glow like that before." At that, Minfilia stood to examine it - her hands curling around the fabric. It seemed to almost feel like soft electricity in her hands, the soft silks curling around her hands. Many monks, from what Minfilia had learned, made their own outfits as part of their training. But these almost seemed to be her size. These almost seemed to fit perfectly on her - Minfilia barely noticed that she was checking such. Holding the clothes in front of her. "You can have them if you want - I just didn't want any of those Little Ala Mhigans takin' it."

Minfilia grasped it - but as she did, she then heard a voice from the entrance of the cavern - all three of the people in the cavern turned.

There was an Ascian standing at the door. Well, they had the same sort of mask, but they had Elezen ears built into their robe. That was something Minfilia hadn't seen before. She stared, wide-eyed, before her gaze focused. The Ascian spoke, with an excited voice.

"Finally! One out of four!" the Ascian spoke, bouncing a little - unable to keep themselves still. "But you're gonna need to find the others before you're all ready, Warrior of Light!"

Her voice was perky, but she was still an Ascian. Minfilia swiftly packed the top and Fordola into her bag, rushing after the other-- but instead of teleporting, the Ascian ran, bounced, seemed swifter then the usual Elezen. Minfilia took chase.

Neither of them seemed to be slowing down, as they approached Amalj'aa territory. But there were so few milling around - Fordola couldn't help but poke her head out. What happened...? A lot of those here would have had to be enthralled, but that would mean-- oh. Oh, she had a devious plan to help Minfilia. But the Ascian had leaped onto a rock, looking down at them. From this angle, Minfilia could see purple hair poking out from the others' robes - messy and unkept.

"You don't get it, do you? But of course you don't," the Ascian said with a sly smirk. Was she-- having fun? That's what it sounded like. "Why the clothes are reacting to you, I mean. You don't get any of this in general, but that's just one thing."

The Ascian then stood again, landing in front of Minfilia - huh, she seemed about the size of the twins. But, no, she wasn't one of the twins. "I'll leave that to you, though. I've buried the others around here - but you'll never know where, unless you beat me."

--What sort of Ascian raised their hands to fight with fists? Minfilia had never heard of such, but this one had. Minfilia felt a tightness in her throat, and she shook her head. "Please-- please, I want to understand. Can't we simply talk?"

"Hmm..." the Ascian pondered - or pretended to ponder, before shaking her head. "Nope. Even if you had half as long as I did, you'd never get it." And with that, she punched at Minfilia - Minfilia barely dodging the fist, before a leg slammed across her side.

Minfilia was weaker then she put on - trying to muffle a scream, as she finally drew her daggers. Magic flickered, and she cured herself - the Ascian looking at her with a mock disgust. Minfilia barely registered it, as she flung one dagger to direct, grabbing the other to cut.

It was no use - the monk-like Ascian simply jumping up. Seeming to fly in combat, the Ascian headbutted Minfilia from behind, seeming to focus on the half-visible glyph--

--before she was suddenly gripped. Not by Minfilia, nor by Fordola. But by an Amalj'aa. A strong one - towering over both of them. "Lord Ifrit. This is the one?"

Minfilia dashed to grab her dagger, as she glanced down at Fordola. Fordola nodded, with a smirk. "It is. Hold her - 'm not sure if we should bathe her in... er, cleansing flames? Fuck, that's right, isn't it?" Fordola mumbled the last bit, trying to figure it out.

Managing to catch her breath, Minfilia looked around. And heard Fordola barking another command. "Listen up! This intruder buried some Hyur-sized clothes, for my companion here! Find it, and bring it to us!" What the heck...? Fordola had been fighting this, hadn't she? But now, she commanded the Amalj'aa - who began to surround them. One or two sniffed at Minfilia, but Fordola glared at them. "She's mine, you overgrown lizardmen!"

Normally, that would insult the Amalj'aa. But they were heavily enthralled, so that any words from their God would be seen as praise. And that seemed to make the Ascian chuckle - not afraid she was caught, it seemed. Minfilia - after Fordola gave her permission in a gaze - approached the other. "What... do you want?"

The Ascian looked up at her, with a soft smile. The group could feel not just magic building, but a sense of dread.

"Oh, you wouldn't believe me. You'd just want us all to fuck off, wouldn't you? And let your little Mothercrystal save you all?"

Minfilia bit her lip. "I wouldn't say..."

"That's why your people fight us. But think about it - you're the heroes of your own story, right?

I'm working to help the heroes of my story."

And with a cruel laugh, the Ascian vanished - dropping a crystal. The same that appeared so long ago, the sort that Hydaelyn gave her a vision from. But this one gave nothing - Minfilia trembling a little. Something about that Elezen Ascian scared her. Something primal. The Amalj'aa let out a snort, before joining the search - the other temple clothes being found quickly.

Minfilia looked to Fordola. Fordola shrugged. "I'm going to be leaving with my companion. Until I return, do not take more people in my name. We must save our strength for when the flames burn all of this land to the ground, got it?"

Now, Minfilia knew that that wasn't how it worked. But she would let Fordola believe, at least until they returned to their caravan.

---

Far, far away, the smaller Ascian returned to their base. Under a large tree, one which had grown for era. This was the most fun part, she thought, as she began to climb. She could have teleported up, but, eh. That was boring. Plus, she had news for the Ascian who slumbered on those branches.

Nabriales slumbered there, looking across the ruins around them. It had become his favorite place - an airship graveyard. After all, where else would he be reminded of his passions, his loves from before? He barely looked up as he felt the branch sway, as he felt weight under him shifting. "Prishe. It's been a while. Found your partner, then?" he asked so casually - not even bothering to face her. That is, until she sat on him.

"Well, it's a little harder when he's not a tree," Prishe said - flicking at Nabriales' mask. "Not all of us killed our partners in cold blood."

Nabriales snarled to himself. "It was the will of Lord Zodiark, and I-- I did not kill her. It was the calamity which ended..."

Prishe dusted herself off, removing her mask, ignoring the grumbles of the other. "Anyway, this isn't about him. He's probably still asleep on the moon. No... I have some news that relates to you and your inability to move on."

Tsking again, Nabriales tried to shove her off - and succeeded, him slightly shifting to watch Prishe fall the massive height of the tree. A thud, but not a minute later, she'd made her way back up to him. "Ow. Anyway, a certain Esper's chosen a new champion. And we both know he's a sentimental old coot, just like you."

Okay, that got Nabriales to sit up. Adjusting his mask, his expression shifted to a frown. "...then the Blessed one I saw really was-- oh, this will be interesting."

Prishe didn't get all that Nabriales rambled about. She hadn't been here for as long as him, after all - she hadn't been able to come here for quite some time. But she gave a little sigh to herself, moving to another branch - about to break off a smaller one, before Nabriales knocked her down again.

This time, he had stood. (None hurt this tree. He will not allow it.) "I suppose that I can't trust Lahabrea to bring upon Ultima Weapon alone. Not with Belias active."

Prishe didn't bother climbing back up, but she yelled up. "This isn't about an ex-lovers quarrel, you idiot! This is about fixing what happened!"

Nabriales ignored her. It seemed like, for now, he had motivation. And such motivation could draw him back to Eorzea after finding out a Warrior of Light - well, a few - were active. He placed a hand to the tree, gave it a soft kiss. "Hope you don't mind a bit of time apart. I'll be back next Calamity."