Minfilia had seen Merlwyb so many times. Every time she ascended to see her, however, she felt a fear in her stomach. Because each time had been regarding Primals. As her hands shook a little, Minfilia put on a brave face. What was her plan this time? They had to hunt down Leviathan to seal the beast. Perhaps, if they had a large enough boat... but then, they’d need to find the beast. And she had to make sure that the others didn’t get caught in the magic - this was not their burden, to have their body change so much. They were here to weaken Leviathan. 

As the door slid open, Minfilia looked upon Merlwyb - for once, Merlwyb looked the tiniest bit unguarded, her hair unkept. Wild. Quietly, Minfilia stepped inside. Turning to face the other, Merlwyb frowned. "Minfilia. So you’ve been apprised of the situation? 

Let us waste no time, then. According to our best intelligence, the Sahagin should not have had enough crystals to summon their God." 

"Yet, they did," Minfilia replied. Her voice was firm - barely noticing that there was a flutter behind her, before - poof - Lyse was back as a Hyur as well. She would remain more guarded, then. Not that she wasn’t going to be. 

"Even as we speak, the Maelstrom makes ready to evacuate whatever coasts we can." A pause, as Merlwyb let out a slight internal sigh. "Including the Kobold and Tonberry. They’re still helping us out, Minfilia." There was a tinge of that common racism, that common hatred of the beastmen. Even now, it dripped from Merlwybs’ mouth. If this wasn’t a case of life and death, then Minfilia would have fought back more. 

Lyse then spoke up, her voice quiet. "And you’re just gonna let the Sahagin who didn’t do anything wrong get drowned and turned into thralls?" Unlike if Minfilia said it, there was less anger and less confusion. 

Merlwyb paused. Stared at them. "You know you’re talking about the enemy, right? Even if there’s friendly Sahagin, they’re behind enemy lines. And they need the sea to live." 

Stepping back, Lyse grumbled a little - Minfilia putting a hand to her. "This is not the time to argue about what they may or may not need. However, we need to aim to not allow any casualties. Limsan, Tribe of the Land, or Tribe of the sea. 

Thus, our most important goal. I’m certain you’d agree that we need to lure Leviathan away from La Noscea." 

Merlwyb nodded quietly. "Right. I’ve got a guy tracking the beast. But then, there’s a problem. It doesn’t like listening to people or gunshots - and in the open sea, he’s in his element." 

"And we can’t just use a boat?" Lyse popped up to say, before Minfilia and Merlwyb both looked to her. 

Slightly leaning back, Merlwyb sighed. "The best way to lure it would be crystals, but there’s no boat big enough to hold that many. And if they sunk, that’d just make the beast stronger." 

As Lyse and Merlwyb began to debate, Minfilia cursed to herself. If she’d hunted down more of the Twelve, perhaps, she could call on them for help.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard the elevator shuddering, moving. More guests... more time trying to appear like she wasn’t falling apart internally. Minfilia moved away from the door, curling her tail around herself. Lyse blinked a few times, before shaking her head. "So, if we had, like... two big boats, maybe we’d have enough?"

"Even if we did--"

"Corrupted crystals," Minfilia interrupted with. "They have a similar aura from afar, but would nullify some of Leviathans’ power. I know how to get a lot." It was bravado, but she knew that she couldn’t let it slip.

Merlwyb would strike at any weakness, and Minfilia dare not give her the chance. "Simply supply the crystals, and prepare a vessel. I’ll do the rest." She would need to contact Alisaie, if she was healed. Gods, she hoped Alisaie was okay.

The door behind her opened with a loud creak.

It was Noctis.

"Hey, just came to give an update. It’s currently north of La Noscea," Noctis said quietly. A tremble in one of his hands. "Still doesn’t seem interested in striking, but we both know that won’t last." Finishing with a sigh, Noctis then looked around - his face brightening as he saw Minfilia, before freezing up for a moment.

"Thank you, your highness," Merlwyb said with a small smirk, "and you’re already familiar with her, then?"

"I am," Noctis said quietly. Suddenly a little flustered. "She didn’t know, though."

Lyse suddenly looked at the young man. "Waitwaitwait-- the highness thing isn’t just a nickname? Are you royalty??"

A shrug. "Was. Back before all of... this." Noctis ended his sentence with a bit of a wave of his hand. "Chosen by the crystal, too. But that’s in the past."

With a quick bow of her head, Minfilia internalized it. "So that’s why." She took a few steps forward. "Then you know time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with this."

Did Noctis just avert his gaze a little, Minfilia wondered. But at the same time, he didn’t disagree. "Then," Minfilia continued, "I shall go to get us the way to corrupt the crystals."

Before any of the others could complain, Minfilia was gone.

Darting to a dark corner of Limsa - one of many - Minfilia gently raised her hand to her Linkpearl. Thoughts racing. Heart beating. She was already betraying her words. She wasn’t saying the truth to them. But how could she? That man was another of the immortal beings, and once again, they were involved. Her legs felt weak, her stomach dropped.

Was this really who she was? Was this really the same woman who had saved the star? Her breathing was getting heavier. Everything was getting dizzy--

--and then her arm was there. A familiar grip, the slight warmth of her claws digging into her arm. Fordola. Her eyes focused, looking right into Minfilias’ very soul.

"Hey. Sit down for a moment," Fordola said, a fish in her mouth. A… raw fish. Just flopping around a little. The absurdity of it made Minfilia pause, stare, before following her instructions. "Tell me. What’s goin’ on?"

A sharp inhale. And Minfilia explained her meeting. Explained the impossibility she promised. And the involvement of those above them. By the time she finished, Minfilia both hadn’t noticed that Fordola had finished eating her fish, or that her cheeks were slightly damp.

"Sounds like bullshit, if you ask me," Fordola said, looking to the side a little. "You’re comparin’ yourself to those old guys, and you’re also actin’ like a complete idiot. Affectionately, y’know? You’re like this. Give, and give, and you keep thinkin’ it’s up to you."

With a warm smile, Fordola gave Minfilia a kiss on the cheek. "And it’s why I love you, you know. You’d do anything to help others. So… instead of just tellin’ you to calm down, let’s handle this. First, we call up your contact. Then, if he says no, I’ll go beat him up."

Quietly, Minfilia almost spoke, before Fordola continued – her scaled tail swishing gently. "While that’s goin’ on, and while you’re going and getting these tasty crystals fixed up, well. That’s all you need to focus on. Don’t worry about the rest. Don’t even worry about the stupid immortals. We can figure out Noctis later. Okay?"

Figuring him out-- well, each of them did need to be understood. Lightning… Bartz… even Belias. Was that what she was doing?

"If he’s going to help, he’s going to listen to us. You’re not going to follow him."

Minfilia nodded softly. Gently snorted. "…Right. I’ll get to work."

And once again, her hand went to her ear. Tuning in. Thoughts turning to how to ask. The voice on the other end was gentle, as always. The imperial spy turned Scion ally. From that other world, the world which the Gods had left to rot.

"This is Prastha. Uh-- what’s up?"

"Prastha," Minfilia said quietly, her voice firm in her resolve. "I know you know Alisaie, and I know you will know how to contact her. I know she was sick, but I have need of her abilities."

Minfilia continued to explain, Prastha making soft hms and purrs as she talked. Before Prastha replied. "You’re not going to like this, but – I can get you to her, but it’ll be in Mor Dhona. Your territory. But it’s also where my brother has his den."

His brother. The mysterious black cloaked Miqo’te. Minfilia did not protest. "If that is the case, I shall be there tomorrow. Pray set up a meeting in the…

…I suppose it is a palace, isn’t it? If you speak with Milleuda, then she will let you in. Or Snow."

Prastha almost protested, his voice rising, but Minfilia cut him off. "I will not take no for an answer – if Alisaie falls sicker, the palace is the best place to be."

And with that, the meeting was made. Minfilia nodded her head, looking to Fordola above her. "Pray tell the others."

Perhaps it was more comfortable to be within Mor Dhona. A place where, sure, there were problems. Stella, for one. And sure, Belias was currently not there. But Minfilia felt safe here, seeing the mix of Ala Mhigans, Sharlayan refugees, and even a few immortals. She was… she was in the place she felt most comfortable, Minfilia realised. Her home. She did not need to think on what the place was before, even if she had seen it even before the crystal. Nor did she need to think of the Scions who forgot her, even if they’d moved nearby.

She would need to talk with Papalymo about that. She was beginning to get ideas.

But Minfilia arrived, still in her travel clothes, and Milleuda rushed out. "Minfilia! There’s a visitor, and--"

"Alisaie and her guardian, correct?" Minfilia asked, and Milleuda made a face. "I invited them. For my own needs, mind you." A beat. "Fordola helped. I know you two both still…"

"Disagree?" Milleuda replied, coldly. "You could call it that, or call it what it really is. She still carries the scars of Garlemald, and I the scars of the fall of Ala Mhigo. I respect your feelings on her, and I just hope that she is not poisoning your mind as well."

A cold glance back at Milleuda, as Minfilia kept walking. "You think too little of me, Milleuda. I care, but I also listen."

Milleuda followed, her footsteps heavy. "And you listen too deeply, words cutting into your very soul. Our guests are waiting – shall I lead them to a meeting room?"

"I am aware, Milleuda – my heart may be hardened, yet I need to harden it further – but I still wish to let those who follow the same path as me in.

And yes, please. I shall get changed and meet them anon."

And so it was. One of the meeting rooms – still carved out of stone, with statues of Lucavi around. Minfilia had not been here before, but she could name the statues. Beings of Ivalician myth. Demons. Yet, Belias had not left a statue of himself. Minfilia slipped in, now wearing a simple purple dress. Something befitting an emissary. On the other side of the table were the two of them – Alisaie looking healthier, but closer to a monster. Her scales had continued to consume her flesh, and her eyes were more unfocused. Feathers draped over her face, her hair now fully changed. By her side was the other, the mysterious man she cared for. He kept his face hidden, even though she’d seen it before. He wore fabric to hide so much of his body. Quite different then Alisaie, Minfilia would comment, but she had to be polite.

"I know I have called you here without much notice. But I do not think Alisaie is in a state where she can move alone," Minfilia said, getting straight down to business. "I wish to make an offer."

The man was quiet, before he spoke. Gruff, his voice sounding unused. "And that offer is?"

"I require a large quantity of corrupted crystals. From what I have observed, Alisaie has the ability to create what we need if I am to supply her with crystals.

These are needed to prevent Leviathan from drowning many innocent people. If we can lure it…"

Again, the man was quiet. Leaning back. His hood hid any movement of his Miqo’te ears, and he had no tail to judge any emotion from. "And what do we get? I have been feeding her without needing the help of people here."

"Other then food without burden," Minfilia said, "I am willing to offer you the aid of the Sharlayan medical staff here, alongside the Tonberry. You may visit freely, and I will allow you to remain living in Belias’ nation without any further questioning. Clearly, you wish not to be questioned on much.

While I do not know much about you, I know Alisaie has come from hardship. As has Prastha, and any others from your land." At the mention of Prastha, the man prickled – biting his lip slightly. "So… allow me to feed her for my own purposes – as well as requesting such at later dates – and I shall let you stay without question."

This is when he spoke up. "…her corruption only goes one way, you understand. And if it is not correct, what then? Will you simply give up?"

The voice was so familiar. It tore though Minfilia, triggering her anger at being forgotten, but she couldn’t put a finger on it. "No," she said firmly. "I would find another way. And I would find a use for the crystals – perhaps Garlond Ironworks has a use for them?"

There was a weak groan from Alisaie, focusing for a tiny bit, looking over the hooded mysterious man. "…I think it’s a good idea, dad…" she mumbled, before going back into her trance. Both the hooded man and Minfilia paused.

"--I am not her father," the hooded man said quietly. "While I help her and the people of… you’re aware. Perhaps in her fever, she is mistaken." But in that moment, Minfilia had that pain in her chest again. It felt like an Echo vision trying to manifest, yet nothing came forth. "But as for your offer… very well. You have resolve to protect your people."

He stood. "Lead me to the crystals, and I shall bring Alisaie." Alisaie weakly got up behind him, slightly biting onto his arm. A black ichor dripped out – similar to the white liquid that dripped from Alisaie. Minfilia would remember that, as well.

Right-- crystals. They had a store of them in another of the chambers. Not for a summoning or anything, but any which had been extracted as they cleared paths and made homes. It was guarded both by people and by their loyal dragon knight, Chlodebaimt. As Minfilia passed him, he held out a fluffy paw. Minfilia smiled, and gave it a soft pat.

"Lady Minfilia, I have news," Chlodebaimt said, before frowning a little. "It’s-- it’s likely not much, but,"

"Tell me," Minfilia replied, as she looked away from the cloaked man and her friend Alisaie. "If it is truly not much, you would not report it."

"…I can hear the Song. If only a little," Chlodebaimt admitted. "I hear His tones, his hatred and anger. It’s not enough to control me, but you know that if I can feel it…"

"Which one?" Minfilia asked. There were a few different possibilities. All of them were dangerous.

"Bahamut."

In her head, Minfilia began to run the calculations. If the Song was beginning to reach her friend, then Bahamut was beginning to stir, thus she would need to get the group together after Leviathan was tended to. "Chlodebaimt. If it becomes too strong, please tell Snow. I’m certain he can stop you."

"Why trust him?" A familiar voice said, ringing out. Minfilia turned with a bright smile.

"Lightning--!!"