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arlessia-blessed-eye · 1 year

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[Only one's nature-Grains of sand]

Main post url: https://twitter.com/DreifusMontauc/status/1598048518530543617

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The minutes crawled by. Painfully. Walking through the streets as the Sekiseigumi worked to investigate the Garlean spy's death in the Shiokaze, Lyse & I soon arrived at the offices as we ran in quickly.

Bursting into the back office of Hancock, all present turned to look at us as I caught my breath in relief. I had held it since we left the tavern-keeping alert to potential threats.

"You look harried. What happened?" Asked Akavi, walking over to greet me with a measure of worry.

"A spy tasked to kill either me or Lyse. I caught onto her before she made her move however, luring her into the Shiokaze to deal with her. But Lyse has found a lead." I replied, at which she nodded thoughtfully before gesturing to the rest of the group talking to hancock.

Walking over to join the conversation, Sama looked to me with a question upon her face. Nodding to confirm it, I cleared my throat as Alphinaud finished relaying his & Alisaie's findings.

"...We spoke with a number of merchants and captains at the southern piers. But alas..." Nodding to greet me, he continued after a moment. "Several recognized Gosetsu & confirmed that he had been searching for a vessel to deliver him to Othard. None, however-made any mention of Lady Yugiri. Arlessia & Lyse? Did your investigations bear fruit?" He asked-looking to us. Taking a beginning breath, I looked around the group.

"To begin, we did find a lead that could be promising. However, the Garleans do have agents in the streets. We crossed paths with one who seemed keen to open the ribs of one of us." I began, at which Hancock's face hardened.

"How certain are you? Did you...?" He began, at which I looked to him with a sharpened but confirming look.

"I made it quick & staged it as best as I could. She also carried a Garlean Sigil in her kimono's pocket, which I disposed of in the canal. I'm certain." I replied to him.

"But to speak of this lead...Lyse, mind explaining? You were the one to talk to him." I then said, giving her reign to step forwards.

"Arlessia & I had split up to take care of our respective leads, and before we had the altercation with that spy I was directed to a...Namazu?" As she said this, everyone's attention was firmly on her.

"He goes by the name of Gyodo. When I approached him with the sketch of Yugiri & Gosetsu, he claimed that he seen both of them & aided them across." She finished, Alphinaud musing on the possibility.

"How fortuitous."

"Not the word I would have chosen, Master Alphinaud." Hancock said, with Tataru nodding in the wings. Looking to Lyse, she sighed before speaking.

"Did you agree to his terms outright, Lyse?" She asked, at which Lyse paused to think.

"Err...I told him we had to discuss it."

"Yes...that too would've been a misstep on their part, but it is not what troubles me most. Gyodo and his brethren are not renowned for their generosity. Rather-they are disdained as scheming moneylenders, ever eager to turn a profit from others' misfortune." Hancock interjected.

"I figured as much too, Lyse described him to me as being very eager to 'assist'. But-" I said before looking back up to Hancock with a hardened look. "Everyone else we questioned stated that Gosetsu was alone. Only Gyodo claims to have met both him & Yugiri. We must make sure."

"I suppose it's just possible that Gosetsu made inquiries by himself, and only called upon Yugiri once he had found a willing captain...?" Alisaie mused as Hancock chuckled lightly.

"it is equally possible-if not more likely-that you are being deceived." He said gesturing to me.

"Do not forget that there are parties present in Kugane with agendas which may run contrary to yours. The viceroy was once a spy herself, as I recall. I should be surprised if she did not have countless agents here in her employ-all eager to prove themselves to their new master."

Opening his arms wide, he continued with purpose. "What better way to do so than by delivering her the heads of foreign insurgents?"

"You may be right about him-But if Gyodo's working for the Empire, who's to say he didn't try the same trick on Yugiri and Gosetsu?" Lyse bit back. Sighing heavily, she looked to me with imploring eyes.

"I mean, if he did, he might know where they are. And if he succeeded, they might be in trouble! We don't know IF he'll betray us. I say we take the risk...even in spite of all the facts laid out before us."

"So, if it's a trap, we'll spring it and deal with the consequences-Bene. We take him prisoner and you punch him till he tells us the truth." I said to her before turning back.

"Lyse, Alisaie & I shall go as the ones needing his services. Alphinaud-follow at a discreet distance."

Looking over to Sama, I nodded to her confidently.

"Sama, you & Akavi watch the offices & make sure Tataru comes to no harm, can I trust that to your capable hands?" I asked, which she silently nodded in agreement.

"Alright. Eyes open & guard up!" I said, walking to the exit. Throwing the doors wide, I looked to the twins.

"If things go south, remember-we cannot attack the Sekiseigumi. No matter what. We run & evade capture until we can safely make it back to the office. I can give some pointers to minimizing your presence if you'd like." I stated.

Nodding to me, Alisaie sighed as we walked down the stairs out front.

"Might as well to kill time, maybe." She said, at which I broke out into a smirk. "It'll be fine, Ali! We have each other to rely on!" I replied, pulling her into a friendly side hug as I passed on my wisdom.

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This very moment, in the fringes of Gyr Abania... _~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

"Hold the line! By his Radiance, hold the bloody line! There's only two of them!" These words would be sacrosanct as blood splashed across the cold dirt & sand.

"Why won't you just die!?" Snarled a Garlean Centurion as he launched forwards in a lunging stab aimed at Hemmet's torso.

"Because you're a dogshit fighter-that's why!" He rebuked, dodging the thrust narrowly before lunging forward with his flaming fists, the impacts flaring out in small fiery bursts.

As he & the centurion fought brutally, Gerhild was struggling with the only other surviving soldier from this patrol, her arms wrapped around her foe's neck as she tried to strangle him.

"No, *ACH* Let me go! I surrender!" He coughed, scratching at her armored gauntlets futilely.

"Not you...not after what men like you have done..." Was all she breathed before taking a hold upon the man's neck with one hand & his jaw with the other, snapping his neck with a loud CRACK. She then let the man fall limp before her, his body soiling the dirt it fell upon.

At that very moment as well, Hemmet dodged a slash aimed at his knees before replying with a spinning roundhouse to the centurion's arm. Aimed to take his foe's head off, consider the Garlean's surprise when his elbow then shattered, his arm falling limp from the elbow down.

"AGGGGGHHHHHH!"

He screamed, his other hand shooting to support his shattered arm before he then took a stomp to the knee, caving it in with another crack & making him reel backwards.

"NO! NO! STOP! STOOOOO-"

The centurion screamed his last words desperately before the monk crushed his helmet with a stomp. Breathing heavily as Hemmet raged, stomping again & again, Gerhild slowed in exhaustion...blind to a garlean Hemmet had knocked out earlier rose to his feet & began to stumble towards her.

Reaching for his claws upon his beltline, the conscript breathed in to roar as his chest burst open.

His roar twisting in his throat to a garbled & mangled scream, he fell limp as the broad black blade impaling him pushed further before being ripped out. Turning, Gerhild hissed to Hemmet, finally ceasing his outburst & spun to regard the newcomers.

"There you are. We have been waiting for you."

"Who're you?" Asked Gerhild, but Hemmet spat in disgust.

"They're HER allies." He seethed, at which Harjatan chuckled whilst regarding the garlean next to him impaled upon Gerhild's spear.

"My-such NAKED distaste-You don't even know us, chum. Relax." He said, looking back to him.

"Why should I!? I care not what SHE has to say!" He replied, making Gerhild look to him in concern.

"And yet, here we are-saving the life of your companion...we seek only for you to hear us out. Preferably back at the reach."

"We're going nowhere with you." Hemmet spat instantly.

Looking to Gerhild, Harjatan flashed his winning smile.

"What say you, Lady Gerhild? Would you rather stay here & debate your situation with the coming garlean reinforcements? Or shall we help you get home after a long mission in return for a audience?" He asked-catching her ear. Sighing, she shook her head before looking to the Viera.

"You have a point...I owe you my life. We shall hear what you need to say...but only once we reach home. We cannot afford to fail our mission now...we BOTH know that." She said, her jab at her close friend making him groan.

Smiling broadly, Harjatan laughed happily & looked to his sister.

"Sister, shall you take the van? We leave in the direction of Vira Nilya. The Ananta shall see us home." Nodding to him, Yelle silently took to the side paths that led to the Ananta settlement.

"Shall we?"

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Back in Kugane...

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"Well, I'm extremely bored...and this catfish still hasn't arrived. How long did he say he'd be, Lyse?"

"He didn't say...stay the course, right?"

"...aye. Gods, I don't like this." As Alisaie & Lyse talked idly, I looked around.

"Stay calm. Readiness is paramount." I sighed before hearing an approaching squeaking sound. Looking over, I tapped Lyse & Alisaie.

"That's him." Lyse said upon seeing the fish-like being.

"Endless & most sincere apologies to you & yours-yes, yes. This way, this way-Quickly now!"

Exchanging a few glances, Alisaie shrugged as Lyse took the first few steps to follow the Namazu. I hesitated a moment as I looked at the target of our focus.

I did not trust him...but I trusted that he had information. So, after a moment I began to follow my friends loosely.

As I took after them however, suddenly I heard the whistling of a blade slicing the air before it thudded heavily into the bridge. Looking down at it, I scanned the area. Nothing across the nearby rooftops from what I could see. Sighing heavily, I knelt down & pulled the kunai free.

It was a large blade...unwieldly & rather blunt. Flipping it around, however I came to realize what was it's purpose.

TRAP

The message was carved into the face of the kunai, the styling rough & to the point. Looking at the hilt, there was a stamp of a Sparrow made in the forging.

I had been wondering about the presence of the House of Sparrows in Kugane...but it would seem they already knew I had arrived in their home & were watching me. Tucking the blade into my belt, I ran to meet my allies quickly, hoping to pass along the news before it was sprung.

Reaching them as the group entered the boat launch at the base of the Airship jetty, I pulled the blade free & placed my hand upon Alisaie's shoulder-looking to me, I gathered her attention to the message. Nodding to me after a moment, she set her jaw as I did the same with Lyse.

She sighed heavily as she looked to it, nodding to me with a look of dull disappointment as I hid the blade once more right as Gyodo turned.

"So...what makes you for Doma, strangers?" He asked, at which the three of us ignored, looking for the waiting ambush. Shrugging, he turned back.

Leading us onto the boat launch, I cracked my neck & knuckles as my eyes maintained their cold glow-my aether ready to be channeled for combat. Looking to my allies, Alisaie sighed.

"Oh, would you look at that...your ship was stolen, I take it?" She asked as Gyodo came to a stop.

"The ship, the ship...So very sorry to inform you, yes, yes. Long before was it pledged to another." He said, confirming the warning we had received. Turning to face us, he suddenly breathed in sharply.

"To me, to me! These ones are for Doma!" He yelled.

The trap then slammed shut.

Turning to look up the ramp, we found us looking at a Garlean squad walking out from within the building. Glancing to Lyse, I shrugged with a smirk as she closed her eyes.

"I knew it couldn't be this simple..." Opening them again, she then turned to Gyodo-her intent clear.

"Nothing personal, yes, yes? Just business." He said, looking up as she walked up to him, a dead look on her face as she gazed down on the betrayer.

"Then business is about to take a turn for the worse..." She answered, quickly hauling off with a kick to the Namazu's ribcage. Rising into the air as his Garlean masters watched in stupefaction & he thrashed unconscious, the catfish then fell back to earth, thudding heavily upon Lyse's shoulder as she groaned at the smell.

"Ugh...Come on, let's find a way out of here!" She said, turning me & Alisaie.

"Oh, we shall. Dare to compete, Alisaie?" I said, laughing heartily as the Garleans flew into formation-a firing squad lining us up in their sights.

"I doubt they want to." Retorted Alisaie, drawing her rapier.

"You have one chance to surrender, filthy savages!" The captain said.

"You garleans really need to work on your pitch!" I yelled, drawing my fangs in a flourish. Laughing sickly, the Captain gripped his blade strongly.

"Take atleast one of them alive. We need to pry their secrets away for the viceroy." He said to his men, the command on his lips.

"FRY, IJIN SCUM!"

Stopping my charge to look to the source of the cry, a shower of violet lightning arced through the rain, the conductivity of the Garlean's armor sealing their doom. Their screams & cries drowned in the crackle of energy & searing of flesh, the light then faded.

Looking up to the overhead bridge, I was surprised to see Ryouta Kyōgoku up above, his arm crackling still with the potential energy of his Raiton.

"BLESSED-EYE! GET OUT OF THERE! THE SEKISEIGUMI SHALL COME!" He yelled before running off in a flash of smoke.

"MY THANKS!"

Sheathing my daggers, I walked over to the smoking bodies to look them over as the others relaxed...Alphinaud sprinting over in a hurry.

"Arlessia! Whoever that was spoke true-the Sekiseigumi barracks' alarm has rung!" He reported, the ringing in the distance finally reaching us. After turning to him & nodding, I sighed.

"We expected this. We'll split up, make them spread thin. Remember what I've taught you...and if you get caught..." I reached into my pack, producing what smoke pellets I had left. "Throw one of these to the ground & run for cover."

As the twins took seven, the remaining seven I held onto.

"Aye. Be safe, my friend." He said, taking his sister & running through the launch next to us. Looking to Lyse, I smirked & extended a fist.

"Ready to run how we do in Limsa, Lyse? You'll catch on quickly."

"Aye-Let's go!"

Running off beneath the docks, the Sekiseigumi would arrive but minutes late, finding only charred scoring upon the cobbles & cold bodies.

"Fan out! They can't have gone far!"

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In a quiet corner of Rhalgr's Reach...

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Listening to the tale from the twin Viera, Hemmet's foot tapped restlessly as Gerhild processed what had happened in their absence, her hand drifting to his shoulder idly.

"By Rhalgr..." Gerhild mused as Yelle paused.

"Aye...it's a lot to take in." The dark knight agreed, solemn.

"The attack was only stopped after Zenos retreated...having skewered Arlessia to the ground, leaving her bloody & tattered body as a message...of the price of defiance." Harjatan finished, Gerhild shaking her head in disbelief.

"The reach would have fallen if not for her..."

Hemmet growled as Gerhild mused. Looking up, the dragoon looked remorseful.

"Where is...?"

She began, which Yelle smiled warmly.

"She's recovered. It was touch & go for the first few hours, but no sooner she was awake, she proposed a plan to Commander Kemp & General Aldynn." Nodding at his sister's assessment he looked to the two.

"She's bound for Doma, in the far east with the rest of our order. She believes if the region were to be roused into rebellion once more the XIIth will be forced to divide their attention...by proxy dividing that of Zenos."

"She's abandoned the fight once again." Hemmet said, finally looking up for the first time since this started. Harjatan shook his head as Yelle spoke.

"Hardly. Conrad was ready to surrender before she brought up this plan. She restored his hope. You give her too little credit."

Sighing at his look of hatred, she kneaded her temple.

"Arlessia would ask that you assist us in keeping the people beyond the reach safe until the time comes that we turn the tide. Including her aunt, who lives in Ala Ghanna." She said, Gerhild's eyes lowering as she processed. Gripping his chair, Hemmet's jaw tightened as she spoke.

"There is only so much Resistance regulars can do in the face of the oppression these people face...but they trust you. And we would make them see tomorrow. They've suffered enough."

"You insult me."

"What?" Yelled replied.

As he spoke, Gerhild's gaze moved to her friend.

"You don't know. You don't know what WE have suffered because of her & her family. I humored this because you saved Gerhild...but I will not entertain this farce any longer. Ala Mhigo will be freed...but she will NEVER be welcome."

"Actually...we have an idea." Harjatan replied, which made Hemmet snarl in response.

"Do you?! See this scar?! This was carved at the ripe old age of nine! Because I had been HER FRIEND! They accused me of aiding in her disappearance...& I only survived because of my parents...They were then killed in a riot two days later...because HER MOTHER said that the garleans gunned her daughter down-She told her deception to none. Not even us as she watched me get thrown into the gutter by the Imperial resettlement initiative."

Sighing heavily, he leaned back.

"I still smell the scent of the pies mother made for me & my sister that morning...We were about to dig in when our father was thrown through the window, bloodied & dying. He was walking home from working in the palace as a custodian. Then a firebomb came through the window." His eyes closed for some time, then he sighed once more before opening them again & looking to the twins.

"From what she took from me...I will reprise." Turning with a look of concern, Gerhild hesitantly spoke.

"Hem-you know that loss doesn't define you...but it's been twenty years."

...

"You're thinking of killing her aunt, aren't you?" She finally asked, which Harjatan & Yelle tensed up at.

"You know we can't let you do that." Harjatan said, at which Gerhild looked surprised someone shared her denial. Buoyed by this, she spoke again.

"You mustn't. Please, Hem."

"DON'T YOU DARE!" He then suddenly screamed, his ears flying back as he spun to her.

"SHE...SHE MUST PAY! SHE TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU!? YOUR PARENTS SHARED THE SAME FATE AS MINE!!" Surprised, Gerhild took three steps back slowly, her face falling sharply.

Stammering, she shook her head in the face of his fury. Then...the tears began to flow.

"I-I..." She stuttered, but he rolled his eyes.

"'I-I!' Ever since that day in the peaks, you've been distant & hesitant! What happened to the commitment we swore to each other?!"

Silence.

After he said it, it could be seen on his face. He knew he had fucked up.

"Wait...Hild...wait..."

He breathed heavily as her mask fell away. It was clear she had been working up to forgiving Arlessia- & the man closest to her just kicked her over the edge. Because he couldn't let it go.

She plunged a hand in a pouch as the twins watched in shock as she threw an object at him, which he caught.

"FUCKING ASSHOLE! I found PEACE alongside YOU! I hoped...maybe we could fix what was between us & her-BUT YOU CAN'T LET GO OF YOUR FUCKING HATE! WELL, I'M DONE!" She cried.

"SHE'S ALL YOU FUCKING TALK ABOUT WHEN YOU'RE NOT BEATING IMPERIALS INTO A BLOODY PULP!" She screamed, turning away from everyone as her mascara ran. Her hands quaked...shook her head-then began to run.

"YOUR HATE, YOUR POISON...I CANNOT TAKE IT ANYMORE!" She spat with finality. As the woman ran, her sobs echoing in the distance, Hemmet's tail dropped listlessly as he watched her leave.

"Don't...go..." He breathed, eliciting a groan from Yelle who looked solemn still.

"I'll talk to her, Harjatan. Say your piece with the fuckup here." She said, departing. As Yelle walked to catch up to Gerhild, Hemmet brought up his hand holding what she had thrown.

His eyes widened even more when he saw that it was a betrothal ring. A token she had from her mother...discarded in the face of...

"What...have I done..." He said, his lip quivering.

"So-How does your crusade feel now? I was very similar to you when my sister & I were exiled from our tribe in the shadow of the Skatay mountains...angry...feeling robbed. I pushed Yelle away...nearly walked alone into the wilderness & most likely would have died in the process."

"But as I stomped away from my sickly sister who had yet to come into her own, a garlean came across our camp whilst running from the tribe's wood warders. He'd only one thing on his mind...when I heard her scream, I sprinted back & unleashed what I had been cursed with on him." Tilting his head as he paused, he sucked from air between his teeth.

"I know it's not exactly like what you're suffering now...but my point stands. I hurt her. You were hurt. But instead of healing, you kept that wound fresh & let it fuel you because you didn't KNOW what to do."

"You made your choices-now you must live with them & learn to move past this petty bullshit. Nobody can do that for you. You can forget about the offer made. You're unfit...and from the looks of it, about to break completely.”

“Good luck with your breakdown." He said with finality.

However, on the other side of the reach, Gerhild fell to the earth heavily, wailing in despair at the missed chance of reconciliation...and her love being used as fuel for Hemmet's hatred. She clawed at her head, the feeling that her head was about to explode consuming her.

She didn't even notice when Yelle stopped behind her cautiously.

"I'm sorry to disturb you...are you okay?" The viera asked, taking a position next to the dragoon as she tried to rise to her feet, only to fall back to the earth again, her lance falling to the ground as Yelle sat.

"I...I don't know what to do. I he's all I had...for so, so long. But one of my dearest friends reappears...ALIVE...before me! And finally I can envision a life for us when we're free...I can't..." She breathed, a feeling Yelle knew well.

"You feel like you're drowning. I know."

As Gerhild's sniffles & sobs lessened somewhat, Yelle looked to her blade.

"I recently lost my only love due to the machinations of an Ishgardian noble. If I could cry...I would be. But the body cannot maintain feelings like hate & despair forever before course correcting."

"What did you do?" Gerhild asked quietly, earning a chuckle from Yelle.

"I mourned. I honor him with every swing of my blade. But what really helped me was Arlessia & our mutual friends. Their support kept me above the waterline until the tide drew back." Yelle said with a smile.

"One day I'll die...and I'll see him again. I'm happy with that. It was a reality I knew a long time ago, being us Viera are extremely long lived. But...your love isn't dead...as much as it feels like it is. Don't writ him off yet, but he needs time to understand he MUST change."

"In short: would you rather burn bridges...or build a home where your dearest could be at peace? If you seek the latter, then we are allies. We but seek to return Arlessia's home to her."

Gerhild was silent for minutes as she looked upon her spear-the shaft coated in dried vitae.

"How goes things?" Harjatan asked, walked up slowly.

"I've said my piece...what comes next, it's up to our friend here." Yelle answered, at which they both looked to her as Gerhild rose quietly. Taking a few steps away, Gerhild sighed before turning back, drawing her spear.

"I will not have it said that the Fang of Onyx shied away from her debts. When do we begin?"

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Kugane, some few minutes later...

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"Come out while you can! The longer you hide, the more severe your punishment will be!"

As the Sekiseigumi blade walked from the alleyway, I sighed, relaxing from pressing myself to the shadows.

"He's moving off. We should be clear to get back to the Ruby Bazaar...if we keep quiet. How're you doing, carrying the package?" I asked, the 'package' referring to Gyodo. Rubbing her shoulder for a moment, she sighed.

"The Namazu is heavier than he looks...and smells horrendous." She answered-dropping back down as another Sekiseigumi appeared at the mouth of the alley before turning back in a hurry.

"You've been in a situation like this before?" Looking over to her, I sighed lightly as the first that came to mind was the Bloody Banquet.

"Aye...there was one time I infiltrated a castrum to rescue some friends of mine-truly was a tight exit for that particular mission." I said, her laughing at my reference to our history.

"I was thinking of something from your time as a rogue, not Castrum Centri!" She jabbed back at me.

"Fine, fine. I've had more than my fair share being hunted whilst on the job...but that's enough for now. We have an opening. Follow me!" I said, jumping onto the outcropping.

Sprinting over the small rooftop, we cut through the gap between the buildings & over the back of the fence to the Thavnairian embassy. Landing quietly, I spun as Lyse landed next to me, the two of us cutting towards the Ruby Bazaar.

As we approached however, I heard voices.

"Wait!" I whispered, stopping Lyse as we approached the steps. Gesturing to my ears, I pointed up the stairs & gestured for her to stay.

"Voices?" She asked quietly as I quickly climbed up the ramp. Peeking over the top of it, I spotted over fifteen Sekiseigumi Blades outside.

"Shit." I mused, pushing down quietly & quickly. Standing upon reaching the bottom of the ramp, I sighed. "The Sekiseigumi is outside."

"What?! What now?"

"We need find somewhere to hold out...but where..." I explained to Lyse, the open question answered by a set of heavy steps. Drawing my fangs, Lyse cracked her knuckles alongside me as we spun to face the source.

"Wait!" the thick voice said, the source being a being that looked like a walking tortoise.

"Stay your arms! I can lead you to your friends!" He said, holding his hand out warily. Exchanging a glance with Lyse, I conceded we had no other options. Looking back to the Kojin, I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Fine. But if you betray us, I'll use your shell as a shield." I said, my promise not hampering his nod of support.

"We must cross the market! Quickly now!"

Helping Lyse heft the Namazu back unto her shoulder, we sprinted behind our shelled guide quickly, the lucky that the Sekiseigumi was preoccupied whilst we crossed in open view. Running into the alleyway, he waved for us to get in front of him.

"Take the stairs down to the left!"

Following his directions, we quickly ran down, our footsteps clicking against the cobbles. Upon reaching the halfway point, he caught up.

"I found your friends not far from here & they told me of your troubles. They should be just behind these steps." He said, his tone friendly.

"Why help us?" I asked, dubious about his motives.

"I can explain all later...but for now, let us get to safety!" He responded, a sentiment that I couldn't disagree with. But as we neared the bottom, Alisaie poked her head around the bannister.

"Arlessia! Lyse! Back here!"

Quickly running into the hideaway, Lyse dropped the Namazu heavily as I pulled Alisaie into a friendly handshake & Alphinaud into a hug.

"There you are! I knew you'd get away!" I said happily.

"Thank the Twelve you made it! I feared our Kojin friend might not find you in time." As Alphinaud said this, I noticed the Kojin look up the stairs. Turning back, he got everyone's attention.

"Everything is going to be alright, trust me." He began, a shout making him look back up. "For now, stay hidden & quiet. Understood?" He said resolutely before leaving. Watching him walk up the stairs, I watched on as he walked boldly out into the open, right into a rushing Sekiseigumi patrol.

"Clear the road! Clear the road!" They demanded. "You there, Kojin! We seek four ijin-one a brutish woman carrying an unconscious Namazu. Have you seen them?"

Everyone held their breath as silence reigned, save Lyse. She stepped forwards at the 'Brutish Woman' comment, Alphinaud stopping her quietly with his arm as Gyodo twitched, his bell ringing. As if he heard it, the Kojin immediately spoke to cover it.

"Four foreigners, you say? Ah, yes! Very rude they were, making no apology as they barged past. They went that way, I think." He continued, pointing the Sekiseigumi away from us.

"Many thank, good sir!" The squad leader replied. Turning to his men, his face twisted. "With me! They cannot have gone far!"

Watching as they ran off, our new ally smirked to himself before descending back down the stairs where he came.

He led them off...why?" Alphinaud mused, at which I suddenly recognized him.

"Wait, he was in the Shiokaze when we arrived. He must want something in return."

"You're not far off, my good lady. But for now, all is well. The Sekiseigumi will not return this way for sometime, I should think. You are of the East Aldenard Trading Company, yes? Come with me. I know a safer way." Looking to my friends, them shrugging in acceptance, I nodded.

"Very well. Lead the way....I'm sorry, I don't think you've given your name." I said, realizing this mid sentence. Laughing to himself a moment, he nodded.

"Ah, how remiss of me. I am known as Soroban. Now, follow." He said, leading us once Lyse had Gyodo back upon her shoulder.

And it was indeed a quick & efficient way back to the office. We would be walking through the doors in a few minutes. Nodding to Akavi & Sama, who were up in spots that afforded them visibility of the Bazaar's approach, we quickly beelined for the entrance, Hancock meeting us.

"You are returned-and with guests, I see." The merchant said. Throwing Gyodo down to the floor roughly, Lyse shrugged.

"Our meeting went about as well as expected-we've brought the Namazu who thought to betray us. When he wakes up, we'll see what he knows about Yugiri & Gosetsu." Almost as if in reply, the target of our conversation twitched.

"You sure you haven't given him brain damage?" I teased, Lyse shooting me a glance as I chuckled.

"Well done you. When I saw the Sekiseigumi out in force, I did begin to worry, but I see my fears were misplaced." As Hancock said this with a small round of applause, Lyse shyly shrunk back with a scoff.

"Actually, if it weren't for Soroban, we might not have gotten away..." She replied our focus turning to our new friend.

"'Twas my pleasure." He replied with a friendly wave. But as he said this, Alphinaud looked to the Kojin.

"Yet I must ask, Soroban:why would you deceive the Sekiseigumi to help us-foreigners of whom you know naught."

"Why out of the kindness of my heart...is what I would like to say, but my motives are not so pure." Soroban replied. Tilting his head towards Hancock, he spoke.

"I chanced to witness your meeting with Hancock at the Shiokaze, and saw a opportunity."

"An opportunity?" Asked Hancock, eliciting a nod from Soroban.

"Like many, I came to Kugane as a trader to make my fortune. Familiar, is it not?" Once Hancock nodded in understanding, Soroban continued.

"Kojin of the Red may serve the Empire as mercenaries, but Kojin of the Blue walk a different path. Regretfully, most here would rather not meet our gaze-much less do business."

"Strange, considering the port's reputation." Nodding at my sentiment, he the continued his pitch.

"So I seek the custom of those less predisposed to dismiss us outright. Namely, the East Aldenard Trading Company." He finished.

"Quid pro quo, is it? Well, there is no denying that we owe you a debt. What say you, Hancock?" Alphinaud asked. Chuckling to himself, Hancock flashed a warm smile.

"Rest assured, Master Soroban, in matters of trade the company does not discriminate. We would be honored to hear your proposal."

"I promise you will not regret this, good sir!" Soroban responded, gesturing respectfully to him. Turning to the rest of us, Soroban looked to Alphinaud.

"Ah, yes-you sought passage across the Ruby Sea, did you not? I have a ship you can use."

"You do? Well, then! Far be it from us to refuse! You have our deepest thanks." Alphinaud replied, surprised.

"And you mine!"

Taking a deep breath as everyone began to talk amongst themselves, I stepped forward to talk with Hancock.

"Hancock...we received early confirmation of the deception, I would ask you something."

"Ask away, my dear!" He replied, his dark purple eyes moving to the kunai as I drew it. Pointing to the stamp, I looked hard into his eyes behind his Pince-nez. "The House of Sparrows. I would like to ask of them." I said, at which he looked to me.

"Let us move to the back. What I know isn't meant for the open." He replied. As we all filtered inside, the wait began. The wait for our Namazu charge to awaken from the blunt force trauma he'd endured, so we could pry what HE knew from his oily hide.

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I hope you enjoyed this transcription of yesterday’s post if you’re still reading this far, this is how I’ll do things from now on on here (even though my wrist is killing me now from moving the screenshots down after adding them T^T lmao)

I hope your day is grand ^-^

As a final note, for those who are unfamiliar with the OCs Hemmet Tatch & Gerhild Steele that featured prominently in this post, they are vigilante specialists of the Ala Mhigan Resistance forces-

The Last Fist (Hemmet-’Fist’ Referring to the ‘Fists of Rhalgr’...I wonder what Widargelt would think of that.)

And

The Fang of Onyx (Gerhild-she was trained in the arts of Ishgard’s Order of the Knights Dragoon by a travelling former member, who gave her his own soul crystal.).

They are also Arlessia’s childhood friends from before her mother smuggled her from the capitol. As it was said, once she disappeared & the lie told to cover the tracks of her daughter’s escape, they lost everything & were thrown unto the gutter in/after the clash between the populace & the Imperials.

In the wake of the riot & the loss of their parents, Gerhild & Hemmet would come to rely on only each other for many years. It would only be natural for them to garner feelings for each other...even if for one of them it always took a backseat to his pain. His wounded spirit.

When I started writing their characters long ago, I wanted them being introduced to be as to Arlessia & the main story as two different paths converging in the middle of their stories. We don’t know what they’ve done unless they tell or show us. I look forward to unveiling what is to come for these two in the future.

#FFXIV #FFXIVscreenshots #ffxiv gpose #OC #Longform Writing #Stormblood #Arlessia Sharpe #Arlessia Blessed-Eye #Sama Kaisuri #Akavi Greystone #Harjatan & Yelle Arda #Hemmet Tatch #Gerhild Steele #My wrists AAAAAAAA

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