The worst part was waiting, or so Minfilia believed. Waiting for ships to get packed, unpacked, and packed again. Waiting for transport to get organized.

There was nothing else she could do for the Sharlayan refugees. They had payment, they had temporary housing. Most of that being half of that being the very ships they’d crowded onto. Once again, Minfilia found herself listless.

The afternoon sun filtered though her window, the inn room warm and inviting. But her bed was messy, forgotten dreams having thrown blankets around. Pillows barely supporting Minfilias’ head as she found herself waking, not having realised she’d fallen asleep. The buzz of an incoming Linkpearl call roused her from her slumber, any dreams forgotten, a dull sense of comfort fading.

The voice on the other side was gentle, loving - and yet, one she still couldn’t help but bristle at. Alisaie. “…I believe you are in La Noscea right now. I need to see you at Wineport. Today, if possible.”

Alisaie may not be of this star, but she held no sorrow in her voice. Did she not mourn for Sharlayan? Was she with Alphinaud - or even Urianger? No, Urianger wouldn’t have come out that far, Minfilia reasoned. But before she could reply, before she could ask any of these questions, the linkpearl went quiet. Alisaie had hung up on her! Whatever was going on, it must be secretive.

Perhaps it was related to something Alisaie asked earlier. When she was strong enough, she could help her…

It was times like this that Minfilia wished Fordola had come with her. For the strength she had. Not just physical, but the ability she had to cut though the bullshit.

There was no use delaying it. Minfilia had nothing else to do.

And so, she found herself in Wineport quickly. A teleport and a short Porter ride, and she was in the town square. Just as she thought, Alisaie was waiting - but her clothes were heavier, covering more of her body. She was speaking to another cloaked figure - a Miqo’te, Minfilia guessed, from the stance. Both of them had gentle smiles - as Minfilia approached, however, the Miqo’te suddenly stared in her direction. She could see his face clearly.

His face looked… tired. Eyes wide, with heterochromia - one brown, one blue. If not for that, she would have almost thought that Alisaie was talking with Prastha. They looked so similar! But before she could approach and introduce herself, the Miqo’te ran off. Alisaie shrugged, before striding over to Minfilia.

“Who was that?” Minfilia asked.

Alisaie shook her head. “A friend of mine.”

That wasn’t an answer, Minfilia thought, but she knew Alisaie wouldn’t give her more. Instead, she went back to business. “You called me,” she stated. “Is this something that happened in your time?”

Alisaie nodded, still looking to the gates. “I called upon the other Warriors, not just you. I’m surprised you got here first—”

—oof! It was sudden, from the sky, as Alisaie was suddenly gripped tightly. Lifted into the air. Bolormaa was suddenly there? Without missing a beat, Bolormaa walked over to Minfilia - still gripping to Alisaie - and picked her up into the group hug as well.

Laughing, Alisaie looked up. “—were you waiting for this?”

“Yes?” Bolormaa said, looking up to the ceiling of the nearest building - a red-haired Miqo’te giving her a thumbs up. “G’raha Tia said it would make for an impressive entry. Was it?”

Minfilia couldn’t help but chuckle as she looked over to Alisaie, then back to Bolormaa. “Who’s G’raha?”

“Oh! He’s my new friend,” Bolormaa said cheerfully. “He’s one of the Students! He was sent to study the Crystal Tower!”

Ah… right. “I heard of such,” Minfilia said - still in Bolormaas’ death grip. “From Belias and the Gigas. I’m glad to know you’re there, Bolormaa.”

That kindness… Alisaie couldn’t help but smile as she saw it. They were full of love… they were perfect to help her stop Bahamut early. But she was still waiting—

Ah. Her feathered ears twitched, and Bolormaa turned. Another had arrived. Cordis— and Moenbryda? She hadn’t been invited, Alisaie thought, her expression dropping slightly. Cordis awkwardly stepped forward, before stumbling - leaning back on the unstable on her own feet Roegadyn.

Bolormaa had her simple-minded smile on her face, as she bounded over - still carrying Minfilia and Alisaie both. Wiggling violently, her tail suddenly lashed out, wrapping around the newcomers. “We’ve quite the friend group! You’re… the Warrior of Light and a friend, right?”

Cordis nodded quietly, and Moenbryda chuckled. “Yeah. I’m… Moenbryda. I came here from Sharlayan because… because of. Well.”

“Well what?” Bolormaa asked, utterly ignorant to what was going on. G’raha approached cautiously as well.

“…It’s gone.”

Without hesitating, G’raha stopped right in front of Moenbryda, right next to Bolormaa. “What—? You’re serious?”

Moenbryda nodded quietly. “Yeah. I… it’s gone…”

“But,” Minfilia said quietly, “a lot of the people of Sharlayan - and a lot of their knowledge - has been saved. It’s far too little, of course, but…”

G’raha went quiet, looking to the dirt. Alisaie, too, was quiet. She whispered, thinking none would hear it - not even the Miqo’te, as she tried to hold back a sniffle. “It was meant to be Val…”

Moenbryda heard it, however. She was listening far too intensely to anything - it was part of her Ascian abilities. Hm. Just one of the reasons she’d come along. Instead, she spoke so gently. “That’s why I came along with Cordis. I needed a distraction - and Uri isn’t the best at keeping secrets from me.”

An easy way to explain it. Moenbryda didn’t want them to know the truth. Alisaie sighed. Tried to shrug, but she was still in Bolormaas’ arms. “I can’t stop you, can I… within where we’re going, there are threats of enthrallment.

If any of you become thralls, I won’t hesitate to put you down.” Alisaie lied. She would hesitate and cry and beg for a better way. Even if they weren’t hers. “But before we can get in, we need to get though the nearby Castrum.”

Struggling out of Bolormaas’ grasp, Moenbryda gave a little smile. “You know, I don’t think they’re going to be much trouble. What, with Gaius gone.” While the group didn’t realise it, at that moment, Moenbryda - well, Mitron - was using her powers. A simple removal of any water in the air… choking them, weakening them, as everything became unstable if only for a few moments. It’d be disoriantating.

As the group set out, however - finally free from Bolormaa - G’raha trailed behind. Quietly, Bolormaa moved to walk next to him. “…are you okay?”

His tail flicking quietly, G’raha looked to the ground. “Sharlayan’s gone.” He repeated it, a little louder.

It took Bolormaa a few moments. She was Dotharl. She had no home - if her home was gone, they would simply move to another. And still… “I’m sorry.”

Still, she thought she understood. G’raha looked to her, trying to smile a little. “It’s the second time I’ve lost my home,” he admitted. “I’m an orphan. When I was young, my family… my people were invaded by Garlemald. And I was sent away.” There were words left unsaid, but Bolormaa didn’t need to hear them.

Instead, she gave her usual smile, her tail trailing behind her. “Then… how about, when we’re done investigating the Crystal Tower, we find the truth behind what’s happening with Sharlayan? Places are not simply gone.”

His eyes did not sparkle. Yet, he forced a smile. “…I guess not,” he mumbled, tail flicking even more. “It does sound a little strange, now you put it that way. They were prepared for anything - they’re the ones who moved everybody out of a city in mere days.”

“Exactly,” Bolormaa nodded. “And they are the ones who would have found a way to fight back. Without excessive violence, I mean. They… dislike violence.

They feared I was too violent while I was studying there.”

G’raha stopped. Stared, before his eyes turned gentle. “They’re cruel, aren’t they? To people who’re different. Why, they thought my red eye was a bad omen. But yet, I’m the survivor, and they’re gone.”

Her tail now curling around G’rahas’, gently as she could, Bolormaa looked up to the bright sun. “Even those who didn’t get to run away are probably still alive. And if they’re not - well, they are likely going to be reborn. Staying when all else is doomed is strong. Not as strong as fighting, but.” Ah, yes. Her beliefs. Bolormaa knew they were not a comfort to many non-Dotharl, but G’raha cracked a tiny smile.

Their chat was interrupted by a loud cracking sound. The very metal of the Castrum was beginning to grow thin, crumble. Alisaie - the one leading the pack - held her arms out. Not letting anybody past, as the entire area began to rumble. Cordis dropped to his knees, and Moenbryda suddenly wrapped Minfilia up protectively.

Moenbryda knew this would happen, but had to act the part of worried guardian. She looked to the others. “—are you sure it’s safe to go down there—?”

Alisaie whipped around. While she sounded confident, her eyes were wide. (Did they look blacker then they’d been before? Less Spoken? Minfilia was surely just seeing things.) “It has to be. Why wouldn’t it be? That was just Garlean stuff that collapsed.”

She was kidding herself, but Minfilia shakily moved out of Moenbrydas’ arms. “…I believe that if… if more collapses, I can summon Belias to save us.” If things truly were urgent, as Alisaie said, then… they couldn’t just wait for things to calm down, right?

…right?

Alisaie nodded in agreement. “And I can call ‘An— an ally.”

Minfilia quietly began to walk behind her again. “Was that who I saw you talking to?”

…Ah. Alisaie nodded. “He’s from the same place as me. But… he’s shy.”

The follow-up question Minfilia asked - it was a little hard for her to get out. She didn’t want Alisaie to get too scared of her - of any of this. “He looked like Prastha.”

Sigh. Alisaie looked to the ground. “They’re brothers. Prastha is the second-born - my friend’s the first-born, and they had a third-born. But he was in Garlemald when…”

This was the second time Alisaie had witnessed the end of so many, Minfilia realised, and shook her head. “You don’t need to say more.”

“You might, later,” Moenbryda said, poking her head between the two. “Like, who’s Prastha, Minfilia? And what’s going on?”

She was so cheerful. Recovered from the fear she’d shown earlier. “Prastha was an imperial spy who now works for the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. You’ll probably meet him soon.”

“He’s a nice guy,” Cordis mumbled, speaking more then he usually did. “But he’s very scared. I… don’t blame him. I don’t like the Empire much…”

That’s right. Cordis had been fighting five years ago. The group now gathered and calmed again, Alisaie began to lead them once more. “If I recall my history right,” Alisaie said confidently, “this Castrum was only newly-built. Maybe that’s why it fell so easily.

It was the one that Rhitahtyn and his Cohort were stationed at. But—” Alisaie said, her steps slowing, “they chose here for one reason.

To examine the shard of Dalamud under here.”

Alisaie had stopped, as she began to prepare her bow. There was an entrance, stairs that led into the inky blackness. Looking between everybody, Alisaie nodded firmly. “We’ll be fighting Allagan machines, and dragons. G’raha - I believe you’ll be able to pass though the safest, so you’ll lead.”

G’raha tilted his head, baffled. “After him - Cordis, Moenbryda. You’re good at fighting, at getting enemies to target you. So you’ll be next. Bolormaa, stick close to those three.

Minfilia and I will take the rear.”

There were few protests, as they went underground. Garlean infastructure soon faded to Allagan, and both G’raha and Bolormaa were chatting between each other - excited, far too excited for what they were doing. Comparing what they saw here to the Labyrinth of the Ancients, contrasting it with stories they’d read or seen in their travels, depending on the person. It was as if they’d forgotten where they were and what they were to do. To be fair, they were mostly standing on an elavator. Sometimes, monsters would drop onto the platform - Allagan creations. Beautiful, but terrifying. Each one of them dangerous - Bolormaa having to protect her allies, and yet looking so excited.

That is, until the elavator stopped. Alisaie stopped for a moment, before she flew out - rushing out without waiting for the others. (Something was wrong.) The others rushed to follow—

G’rahas’ eyes lit up, in both excitement and horror. “These are Allagan Defense Systems - and they’re still working! After all this time!” He was almost chirping, as Alisaie bit at one - latching on with her teeth, having forgotten her bow. (Something was horribly wrong.) The others followed - Cordis and Moenbryda chopping at it with their axes, Bolormaa healing them, and Minfilia standing back. Feeling a dread build in her stomach.

No… wait. This was that magic - Blue Magic, was it? She could feel it though her veins. But she couldn’t quite reach for it yet. She had to rely on her fists - beginning to punch at the orb-shaped node.

As it fell, however, a larger one appeared. Patrolling, it seemed. But as Minfilia locked eyes with it, she felt the power within surge.

Everything went black. Minfilia felt herself falling unconcious - not in the Echo kind of way, but in the very tired and injured way. Had her Blue Magic just combusted within her? But as she slipped away, she could hear… celebration?

It was not long until Minfilia awoke, back on the elavator, moving downwards. Alisaie was looking her over, as Bolormaa pumped her full of healing magic. “If only she could have done that on what’s coming up,” Alisaie mused. (Her skin was even more pale. A slight amount of white liquid dripped from her mouth - not quite blood, but similar.) “—Minfilia? Awake?”

Minfilia weakly nodded. Bolormaa perked up. “That was so cool! You stung like a bee! Your tail went straight though it!” So that’s what it was. Minfilia let out a little groan. She still felt like her insides had gotten re-arranged.

“I doubt I can continue fighting,” she said gently.

“Then don’t.” It was Cordis who spoke, leaning against the wall. “Watch. Remember. And then, we can fight better next time, with your notes.”

And yet, Minfilia wanted to protest. She wanted to fight - that was what made a hero, right? What could make her shine like the Warrior of Light who now overshadowed her - both figuratively and literally? He was the hero they wanted. She was not as naturally skilled as him.

Alisaie coughed slightly. Minfilia looked at her with concern. Quietly, Alisaie shook her head. Cordis continued, quietly. “I don’t want you to die. Not like the others…”

…That’s right. Minfilia hadn’t heard anything about the other Warriors of Light, the crew that followed Cordis around. Everybody went quiet, the only sound the clunking of the elavator. Alisaie didn’t even continue to give advice on how to fight next.

Until, again, the elavator stopped. Alisaie turned, and rushed out - once again, a feral mind taking over. The others had to rush and follow - this time, Bolormaa helping Minfilia stand and move. Metal turned to crystal - dragonblood frozen in aether.

Alisaie had not told them of the dragon down here, neurolinks chained around the beast. Power radiated from her very soul - but Minfilia could feel something under the power. A mix of rage and sorrow. But the neurolinks still radiated, the power pushed them back.

Except for Alisaie, who ran forward without a care, a brightness coming from her body. Wordless roars as the two suddenly began to fight. The dragon soaring upwards, twirling around to try and knock the maddened Elezen off of her. The others scrambled into the arena as flames and burning light surrounded it. G’raha let out a chirp at the group!

“It’s a— we’re on Bahamuts’ claw!“

The very claw of the Dreadwyrm, having chained up one of his thralls. As G’raha chirped, he fired an arrow at the dragon. It clashed off scales, the beast screaming as both him and Alisaie.

Violently, Cordis then threw his axe - knocking Alisaie off of Twintania. Knocking the dragon to the ground.

Breaking the Neurolinks. Lightning aether sparking around everybody. There was silence for a few moments. The first to stand again was Minfilia - quickly taking stock of the group. Moenbryda seemed the most hurt by the sparks. Cordis had collapsed, his legs giving out. Bolormaa and G’raha both were now shielding each other. Alisaie was out cold.

But the dragon looked to Minfilia. No— looked though her. Venom in her voice, the dragon spoke. “Man returns,” the dragon said, a vicious streak in their language. Only understood due to the Echo, Minfilia believed. “Bahamut is a beast caused by Man. Blood forever stains you and yours.”

The power of the dragon made Minfilia hesitate, as she talked. As flames bubbled in her mouth. “Man enslaves. Allag must burn—”

“Allag is gone,” Minfilia stated.

The dragon let out a dark laugh, gurgling and deep - eyes turning to G’raha. “You lie. That one is Allag.” G’raha tried to protest, but another spark from the broken neurolink made him shudder - he understood? Minfilia noted that. The dragon continued. “I am Twintania - I do not belong to Allag.”

With that, Minfilia saw what Twintania was doing. Her flesh was beginning to glow, warm and firey. An almost appetizing smell filled the air. “And I do not belong to the Ascian.”

Twintania collapsed. Body cooking, life fading. A moment passed - the neurolinks sparked again, before finally fading. As the light faded on it, the entire room grew dark. Except for the white liquid dripping from Alisaie - now not just her mouth, but from a wound from Twintania. Before anybody could stop her, she’d begun to feast hungrily on the dragon corpse - her body contorting, her jaw unhinging like a snake. While Minfilia had seen this before, the others hadn’t.

Bolormaa, however, was not focused on the horrifying scene in front of her. No, she was healing everybody the best she could. Her tail brushing against everybody to help them up. Moenbryda, once again, letting Cordis lean on her - looking him over curiously. G’raha shaken, clearly, but silent.

There was an exit nearby. An Allagan teleporter. As the group went though, Minfilia lingered behind - waiting for Alisaie. It was quite horrific what she was doing, but— Minfilia had to make sure she was okay. That she wasn’t going to just stay here. As she finished swallowing Twintanias’ corpse, Alisaie did not get up from the ground. She looked bloated, but oh-so-pale. Minfilia reached out a hand - Alisaie seemed to not be paying attention. Her skin seemed to be crawling, similar to how Fordolas’ did when she—

—fuck. In a rush, even though her own pain, Minfilia forced Alisaie up. Dragged her though the teleporter.

On the other side, the group had stopped. They were in some form of Allagan control center - G’raha was already at the panel, poking at it. Bahamuts’ heart - crystaline and still-beating - lay in front of them, suspended as flesh, bone, and muscle were half-constructed.

So that’s what Alisaie was trying to stop. Minfilia looked around in a panic, her voice suddenly gone, when her ears twitched.

The cloaked man was there, alongside the horse-like Carbuncle which Alisaie had been so close to. The creature now had saddles filled with a deep black liquid. The Miqo’te - Prasthas’ brother - took a step forward. Another.

His voice was so quiet, she barely heard him. But he held out a hand - his arms were covered in long sleeves, thick fabric hiding any sign of the skin underneath. “…Let me save her.”

There were so many questions Minfilia had, but she managed to choke out one. “Do you know why she’s turning—?”

The mysterious man nodded. Still whispered, in a way far too familiar to be a coincidence to Minfilia. “She hasn’t been eating properly.”

Alisaie trembled again, her clothes barely hiding something shifting underneath, her face locked in a look of pure horror and pain. The cloaked Miqo’te held out his hand again. Quickly, Minfilia stepped aside - and he shoved some of the blackened liquid down her throat.

The twitching calmed, and Alisaie was out. Harshly, the Miqo’te placed her on the beast of burden, and turned to leave. Ears twitching far too much under his hood - if he was trying to hide his race, it wasn’t working. He knew his way around, however - stepping though the teleporter out of there.

“—There. That should slow the process, but we’ll need to find other panels,” G’raha stated, proud - having missed the entire thing. Moenbryda was staring up at the slowly building Bahamut - and for a moment, she saw him.

For a moment, Mitron saw Loghrif, in the shell Loghrif had taken this lifetime. Moenbrydas’ eyes widened. So it was true - Igeyorhm hadn’t decieved her to calm her terrified heart. She reached a hand out for a moment, before again looking to Cordis. Of course he’d not seen it. But there was something too damn familiar about Cordis as well. Mitron would need to bring that up next meeting.

For now, the group was exhausted. They had to return somewhere. And Moenbryda had the perfect idea.

“Hey… let’s go back to the Waking Sands.”