Thread by @PDylorn

💠[With logistics out of the way, and Nan'ra meeting up with Pheobe with a deep, long hug, they let go, looking towards the chatter deeper in the camp.]
'We're going to Doma. To strike at Zenos from another angle...' [She looks down.] 'How is he...?'

💠Stress lingers in his voice. "He'll live, but he hasss a difficult recovery ahead of him. I hope he is not so stubborn as to refuse it when he finally wakesss up. For now, he sleeps." [He pats the pack on his back.] "I'm ready to go if you are, ssso please, lead the way."

💠[She lets out a sigh and simpers at him, taking them both to Limsa Lominsa with the speed teleporting offers. It's enough time to let her change back into armor, albeit ragged as it is, so she's not so defenseless.]
'I feel like I just bought these...'

💠[Pheobe is delighted to see Carvallain after over a year of working with the scions, happily bumping shoulders with him. As the talk of hiring a pirate to carry them across the sea gets Alisaie quite bothered, Nan'ra receives a call, pulling away from the group.]

💠[He was met with panicked crying on the other line.]"What are you -doing- with your linkpearl—Ohka, calm down. We're fine. Pheobe is fine, we're in Limsa Lominsssa—just HOLD ON, I'll get her, shhhh shh shhhh...! Jussst wait...!"

💠[He watches as Pheobe calls him and begins to look visibly distressed, talking away from him. He calls the medics at the Reach and prays they can get him some medicine.] "Gods have mercy..." [He sighs, hard.]

💠[Pheobe eventually comes back and slumps against her husband.] 'They gave him fogweed and water... I got him to stop crying. I shouldn't have left so soon...'
[He rubs her back.] "There's no helping it. He'll be alright, but we should call him again later."

💠[Alphinaud gives his orders, and Nan'ra and Lyse are sent off to Revenant's Toll to ask the Domans for their advice. He gives Pheobe a kiss. "Make use of the time with your old friend, yeah?"
'Yeah. Love you, see you.'

💠[It's a day later Nan'ra and Lyse return, ready to join them on boarding the ship. Urianger comes running, panting, thankful to not have missed them. he offers a cryptic prophecy, only to then surprise them with a beautiful rapier for Alisaie.] "A parting gift like that..."

💠[The nostalgia runs rampant in Pheobe's heart and she and the captain enjoy talk of the seas and port life, while the others try to make do with the long stretch of time ahead of them. But days pass, and trouble comes as the winds die down, seas still, the sky darkens.]

💠[Something is pulling them off course. A siren, perhaps? Pheobe looks off over the deck's edge with a cold expression. A word she wished not to hear, heard too soon. Nan'ra and her prepare themselves for anything—they will be drawn there whether they like it or not.]

💠[Sure enough, after shooting down mutated fiends, they crash into an island, masked by fog. They slide a bit before climbing over the edge. They have to find what's forcing them here. Destroy it... Whatever it is.]
'You should stay here. In case it's a siren.'
"Asss if!"

💠[As they make their way through, the ruined remains of ships litter the cold rocky flats. Deep moans and cries echo in the air, sending shivers through them. Pheobe tries to keep a song going, but it's getting hard.]

💠Eventually, they reach a bluff to see through the fog. A deep, blue beacon lights up the distance with an unworldly glow.]
'That has to be it!'
"Wait... What isss that?"
[Cannon fire strikes them on the larboard side. It's that same deep, blue. And then, the ship is gone.]

💠[Returning again further away. There's no other way to the beacon but through...]
'I never believed all the sailor ghost tales... But they speak of a shipyard like this.'
"I won't believe it until I'm taken down. Come on."

💠[The ghost ship is littered in skeletons as they walk aboard, cautious, as they were just shot at not four moments before. Soon, they here the clattering of the bones. Nan'ra presses a shield down to flatten them before Pheobe can send an arrow of slicing wind their way.]

💠[They look ahead as the sky flashes. Thunder cracks. And a dungeon before them opens up to a sky full of rain and mangy dogs. They pick the off one by one until an elegant voice reveres the sound around them, and they all but nearly buckle.]
"Can't...think."
'Keep going...!'

💠[It's like a picture out of a child's storybook. Retelling the tale of the sirens that stole their fathers away, just like the ones from the church, that siren floats angelically before them, singing, drawing them closer, into her bosom.]

💠[But they won't be taking her man from her. She screams at the top of her lungs and amplifies it with her aether until the two of them are deafened. It's fair play now, although her voice is gone. There will be no surge of courage except from their very own wills! Go!]

💠[None of the siren's attempts to woo them go anywhere near right. They cannot hear, for Pheobe continues to scream, and the scream echos the entire tower. They overpower her just before Pheobe's magick breaks.]

💠[Alphinaud and Carvallain meet them outside the tower, where they're met with sunshine and a bright, blue sky. There should be no more troubles getting to Kugane. Hopefully, in that time, their senses will have recovered. Such a strange delay...]

💠[But Kugane is worth everything it took to get there. The spark in her heart, that urge to put word to parchment, overpowers her and she runs to the edge of the ship to watch them pull into port. A new world, the far east, was before them! She was still an adventurer at heart.]

💠[Pheobe is quick to ask for a menu at the holstery, happy enough to grab a drink with the gil in her pockets that she hopes will take her far, but they're interrupted by a strange. One of Lolorito's men, it would seem. Nan'ra seems incredibly annoyed.]
"Make it worth our time."

💠[And he does, in a way. For they learn quite quickly t hat Kugane is neutral ground for Imperials, and they could be spied on in this very moment. Pheobe whines. They JUST got off the boat...]
"Very well... But no drinks."

💠[His wife quickly gets over her annoyance with Nan'ra's decision, as Hancock, their new guide, delivers them a tour of this new far off land. Pheobe's eyes are wide, and she cannot help but take it all in. Nan'ra, on the other hand, has become somewhat reserved...]

💠[Alisaie and Pheobe linger by the theatre while the rest hear of the history of the markets.]
"Perhaps we should adapt to the culture out east... When we're less estranged from our colleagues..." [Just where was Yuguri and Gosetsu?]

💠[Learning that speaking poorly of Garleans in front of the local authorities might award them swift punishment has the two warriors of light especially displeased. Neither of them had any love for the nation... But to have to meet a soldier on the streets and bow their head?]

💠[But finally, finally, they reach the offices of the infamous East Aldenard Trading Company. Nan'ra again reminds his wife not to drink anything and she sighs sadly.] 'So deeply would I like a drink...'
"Absssolutely nothing. You know what he did to the sultana.
'I know...'

💠[Hancock offers his lord's material support, but they're not so easily swayed.]
"You expect us to believe your generosity a fit apology for the banquet that ruined our lives?!'
"Calm down, Pheebs-"
[She growls as he holds her back.]
<Please, at least hear me out.>

💠[Hancock explains that their colleagues have had difficulty crossing the Ruby Sea between here and Doma. The situation is complex, as the Confederates own the waters, charge for passage, and yet, the recent Garlean elect for Doma would count any on their side as enemies.]

💠'So what? We're already enemies of Garlamald. What's more fuel to their fire?'
"I agree with Pheobe. We need to get to Doma.A strike to Zenos from either side will do, and we're willing to put ourselves at risk."
'Under -our- say. Not like last time with your banquet.'
"Yes..."

💠[Despite the wishes of the Warriors of Light, the Scions made their base of operations in Kugane in Lolorito's den. But their annoyance passed quickly, for they had more pressing matters. Just how would they get into the Ruby Sea now?]

💠"Look, Pheobe, I'm going to go with Lyse in search of our friends. Why don't you think about looking into new garbs? I expect us to be in the east a while, and I'd rather not stick out."
'You got it! Maybe I can grab us some spirits while I'm at it!'
"Just don't overdo it...!"

💠[Nan'ra picks up some rice wine out of thanks for the kind hostess's help in locating the captains who ferried their friends. Now, if they could convince them to carry them, too...]

💠[It does them well to have such wealth after all their efforts in Ishgard, for Pheobe does not shy away from a pretty new grimoire f or her beloved, along with new garbs.]
'I deserve a new hat, suited for a poet of my strength!'
[She hands over the gil and hurries back.]

💠"Again and again, no sssign of Yugiri... Where could they have gone if no one has agreed?"
[Lyse and Nan'ra sigh. There is but one left to ask, a regular of the bar by the name of Gyodo.]
"I wonder what this clan of Namazu might offer us..."

💠[But it's all he can do not to show his absolute delight on his face show. A beast man? A...fish man? He bows his head some, trying to make up for Lyse's rudeness, but they've been given a chance! A way across the sea!]
"I hope the others don't mind the cost..."

💠[It's not the cost they're worried about.]
"He's a scheming moneylender? What?" [Nan'ra can't help but sigh.] "I like not the idea of possibly entrapping ourselves..."
'Yes yes, fine, but you said he's a catfish beast man? We can cut those sort down easily if it comes to it!'

💠'Before we go, though...' [She hands him what looks like a bundle of clothing.] 'Here, you asked for something to blend in. I think the colour will suit you! And...a little extra gift.'
[Nan'ra beams at her softly, tilting his head inquisitively.] "Pheobe... What did you do."

💠'Nothing! I've been good! Just a little something. Just go and get changed! I can't wait to show you mine!' [She runs off before he can refuse her and laughs gently.]
"Alright, alright..."

💠"Pheebs... This is too kind."
[He looks over the new grimoire with adoration.]

💠'Well?' [She asks, strutting out in her new garbs, offering a wink and a pose.] 'I think this hat beats all others before it!'
[But he doesn't comment, moving accross the room to kiss her on the cheek.] "You know what I think of anything you wear. Let's get going, partner."

💠[Despite Pheobe typically taking choice in acting as bait, Nan'ra draws the lead and has her find a vantage point to shoot, should such need arise. Beast men, he reminded himself, were not all trying to do good in this world...]

💠[Nan'ra and the others follow Gyodo to the pier, where there's no boat in sight. But all too soon, Garleans come out of the woodworks.]
"Fine then, we'll do thisss the hard way."
[Just then, a soldier buckles over, having been shot in the lung by an arrow. Nan'ra smiles.]

💠[They take them out in swift fashion, but a high pitch whistle calls in the distance. Pheobe jumps down from her perch.]
'What was that?'
<The Sekiseigumi... We cannot afford to be caught here.>
[Nan'ra curses himself.] "Invisibility was never a ward I could master..."

💠[They don't mean to, but the six of them split up. All too often, they have to run away from the Sekiseigumi, almost cornering themselves when they get to the trading offices. But a Kojin calls them over and hurries them away, beneath the docks.]

💠[It's a narrow escape. He dissuades the guards away. With no other options, they follow him. He has, at least thus far, proven to be a friend.]
"Soroban, was it? Thank you."

💠[After the Kojin happily makes his business proposal with Hancock, and all goes as smoothly as one could hope, as a thank you, he offers them a boat. Nan'ra cannot help but laugh.]
"We are so far away from Ul'dah, yet, it is the same out here."
'Port towns are all the same.'

💠[They eat dinner, listening to the sound of officers shouting out in the night. They're comforted by their new allies, despite all prior thoughts.]
"I can hear Lyse going hard on him over there..."
'As she should! Can't believe she kneed him like that...]
"I can, hahaha!"

💠[But their laughter is cut short. Gosetsu was fooled by Gyodo and killed the Garleans that sought him out, only to be arrested by the Sekiseigumi. Nan'ra sighs.]
"So we're bailing him out, huh..."
'Well, at least we bought our clothes before this?'
[He snickers.] "Yeah."

💠[Fate would have it that Gosetsu would return to them at the offices, and the two Warriors of Light greet him politely. They learn of the prince of Doma, who Yugiri and he are so desperately trying to find. They properly join forces—A strike against Zenos will aid them all!]

💠[At dawn, they meet Soroban at the pier. It was time...]
'I wonder if these confederates are more like pirates or port side men?'

💠[The ruby Sea prooves to be as wide as one could imagine. Pheobe looks off to the volcano with wonder as the lot of them discuss the pirate's toll.]

💠[Nan'ra scoffs as Lyse suggests they swim for the next isle.]
"You won't catch me doing ssso, right, Pheebs?"
But she's taking off her jacket.]
'You can keep this dry for me!'
[He guffaws.]

💠[Lyse and Pheobe are highfiving each other by the time they reach the Confederate's isle by boat. Nan'ra steps off with a sigh, offering out her clothing and bow. She grins, putting on one sleeve at a time.]
'You missed out~'
[He slaps her hat in her face.]
"I sure did."

💠[Triple the tithe has the lot of them quite alarmed, but after trouble rushes to their men, the captain Tansui lets them off the hook: on one condition. They help with the coming threat. Pheobe and Nan'ra need no encouragement, hurrying away to face whatever new foe.]

💠"Were there...volcanoesss on your port?" [Nan'ra asks his wife as they run along the edge of Hell's Lid.]
'Nay,' [she answers,] 'Just sailors and their exotic interests.'

💠[They make it there before the others, spying on the edge of a rock as the captain attempts to reason with...the Imperial and his kojin associates. He puts his hand out, as if to stop anyone else from approaching. He can do nothing but let the soldier go.]

💠'This Viceroy woman... She reminds me of the lady in white, from so long ago...'
"She soundsss worse to me, Pheebs."
'We're not confederates, so we can risk picking a fight. Let's get going.'

💠[Nan'ra doesn't take well to being on the ocean and lies down for most of the journey. When they finally reach south of the fishing village, Pheobe has to hold him up as he tries to get off.]
'Easy...'
"I don't know how... Ugh. How Nan'a and Nan'to did it."
[She smiles gently.]

💠[As soon as he's regained his wits, they rush up north. The villagers are being surrounded in the middle of their town. Pheobe's ready to rush in, but Alisae holds her back. It's too late to intervene now. Pushing their hand will kill all of the innocents. She curses.]

💠[But Gosetsu would give himself up as a diversion. To end the current suffering of the villagers. He bids them to the heavenly tower. It's their only hope, now.]

💠[It's just a bit of easy wildlife trouble before they find Tansui again. He seems slightly amused to see them a second time, but after they explain what happened, he sighs, beckoning them to meet captain Rasho.]

💠'Gosetsu is a man fooled by ideals and justice. Of course the Confederates would not sway just because he asked.' [She spits.]
"Not necessarily. Lyse is right, he must have had his reasons..."
'Yeah, of grandeur.'
[Nan'ra huffs.] "Jussst need a bit of convincing and hard work."

💠[It's the adventurer's way to go looking for freelance work, and Pheobe and Nan'ra are no strangers to it. After the first job, she sheds her annoyance and falls right back into the familiarity of it all. This was what their lives were like before the Scions...]

💠[Nan'ra's having a bite to eat when Pheobe comes back to Onokoro looking cross.]
"What's the matter?"
'That last one I saved... He told me the kojin trying for his throat asked him if he was Doman.'
Nan'ra puts down his chopsticks. "That bodes ill."
'Mm.'

💠[The four of them go to speak with the captain again. They cannot deny the Garleans are coming, and Rasho admits their Doman men have been being kidnapped. But he will not sway his hand. It is better to survive. So Alisaie proposes a dangerous wager.]

💠[They will give them the sign that their time to fight back is now. She, the warriors of light, and Lyse, would rid them of their Kojin menace. Now the question that remained now, was, how to do so.]
"The Kojin Blue... Let us meet with them, I sssay."

💠—On the Isle of Bekko...—
[Eventually, they find it—the opening to the cave that might lead them to the Blue. Pheobe seems eager to enter, but Nan'ra is a little less inclined.]
'Oh it's fine. I went caving all the time growing up! This one's safe, I can tell.'
"Mm... Alright."

💠[He quickly changes his tune once they discover the town—it's under the ocean, in a giant bubble!]
"Gasp... Oh... I'm about ready to run."
'Go on, then.'
[Nan'ra bolts down to the aetheryte while Soroban speaks with the rest. She laughs gently. They found them.]

💠[The elder seems amenable to help them...For the right price, of course. It would be mutually beneficial to knock the Red down. When Soroban mentions water breathing magics, however, Pheobe squees in delight.]
'Yes yes, a thousand times yes!'
"Hang on-! What's the catch?"

💠[It's just a matter of gathering ritual ingredients, which they gladly do with all due haste. The ability to breathe underwater... Beyond here, in the Ruby Sea, would suit their adventuring souls to a higher degree!]

💠'Now we can meet the Sea Raen!'
"Sea Raen, huh... I can't imagine how peaceful it must be to live un
der the ocean. Away from war... Primals... Salespeople..."
'Hahaha, you put salespeople up with primals?'
"...Yeah."

💠[Stuffing her hat in her bag, Pheobe rushes in through the worlpool as soon as the ritual is complete. She takes a deep breath... And giggles.]
'It works! I'll be the best clammer this side of the sea, now!'
[Nan'ra takes a gulp of air from Tamamizu before rushing after her.]

💠[He's shocked to find he's breathing aright before swimming over to her and taking her hands.]
"New sights!"
'New wonders!'
The Warriors of Light are delighted. Now to keep their end of the bargain...as treasure hunters!]

💠[Sui-no-sato is not very kind to them. The head preistest, for fear of disturbing their peace, quicklhy sends them away. But two elders approach them just as they're leaving, and they discover...]
'Yugiri's parents!'

💠[They're quick to make friends. Her father gives them special lanterns, that which illuminate the stone the treasure they seek is made of. Just their luck!]

💠'I've got it!' [She cries out, picking up a blue nine-shaped piece.]
"What, really? Already?"
'Like hunting clams! Let's hurry back to the elder!'

💠[The elder tells them a plan...of infiltrating the Red's vault and forcing a retreat from aiding the Garleans. Nan'ra crosses his arms, thoughtful.]
"We have the firepower to handle that, I think... Thank you, Soroban." [He bows as the Kojin rushes off to the Confederates.]

💠'All I need are a few potions and I'm ready... Ra?'
"Mm... No, I think I'm set."
[She presses her hat back onto her head, lifting her gloved hand high. Her husband slaps it.]
'Alright, let's give 'em hell!'

💠[Two of them will act as chaos decoys—Pheobe and Lyse, while Alisaie and Nan'ra break open the vault and deliver the magatama. It's a simple enough plan and bound to be disastrous. The two warriors kiss gently before swimming off in different directions. It's time.]

💠[The Red are now red for more than one reason, their bodies lying before Lyse and Pheobe as they move in and weave through to slice down as many kojin as they can. Sound the alarum as quickly as possible.]

💠"Alisaie, I have a bad feeling," [Nan'ra mumbles, just as soon as she finishes calling the others to their location. She simpers.]
<We just hold off until they get here. Everything's going to—>
[But they hear footsteps. More than just their friends, who have just arrived.]

💠[It's Red backup, accusing them of thievery. Pheobe's about ready to retort when the magatama slips out from her bag, along with two other treasures, twirling in the air before coming together with a deep, unworldly voice. It's amused, and wants to challenge them.]

💠[Their forms combine and the light blinds them for but a moment... But there's no mistaking it. Be it kami or no, that before them is a primal.]
'Gods damn it. I didn't think—I didn't mean to—'
"Shhhh. Prepare your ssstance. We need to take care of this."
'...Right.'

💠[Lightning crackles in the air as Susano looks over them with what they can only assume is glee. Lightning jumps and frolics around them in the low water they stand. Kelp hair blows in the stormy winds that follow. Nothing for it, then.]

💠[Were they not Warriors of Light, this would be suicide. Alas, they are burdened by the title... Pheobe feels her skin prickle as Nan'ra casts sweet succor over her before pulling the first arrow. Aether, this time, will be her weapon of choice.]

💠[Clatter after clang after crash of steel, Pheobe's bow takes scrap after scratch, bending gently to the pressure of Susano's blows. She wishes Ohka was here. Poor, poor Ohka. It's enough to almost distract her as the primal retreats into the waters around them.]

💠[She just stares up as Susano, much large, draws a giant sword from the ocean floor against them. Oh.]
"PHEEBS!" [Nan'ra bolts infront of her, shielding them both as the weight of the blade drops before them, sparking with his strength.]

💠[His legs tremble. She gasps, her voice twisting into violent song. Snap the metal two...! They hear a crack as he lifts the sword up, only to throw it down a second time. Sweat drips from Nan'ra's forehead.]

💠[She draws her string, all but screaming now, before letting her arrow go. The sword shatters, scattering about them into pieces as he falls back into the ocean. He collapses, his legs failing him.]
"Don't lose your guard!" [He cries, and Pheobe turns. Susano's not done yet!]

💠[Lightning attempts to catch her at every corner. It would seem he's grown bored of Nan'ra, because he tosses him to the side like a ragdoll. Pheobe picks up a shard of metal from the ground and brandishes it, fighting now, sword for sword.]

💠[This isn't her forte. She knows she's ill practiced with the blade. But anything to keep him away. Keep away from him and everyone else in this damn ocean. Everyone would pay for what was done to those innocents...! Susano would pay!]
[And so she stuck it right through him.]

💠[Carrying Nan'ra on her back, he holds her bow before her as they run out. He's completely dry of aether, and too ill to walk. Thankfully, they see a flare from Isari. A good sign! Alisaie stays back to buy them some time to escape with Lyse.]

💠[But Lyse is adament about going back for her. Even Pheobe begs to go with her, for fear of losing her, too. But Alisaie scoffs at them as she crawls her way onshore. Pheobe gasps as Lyse picks her up and squeezes. Just a little further, now!]

💠[When they make it to Isari, it's empty of soldiers. Quiet. Strange after the horrors they watched not all that long ago, maybe just a few days past. Pheobe carefully sets Nan'ra down.]
'I'm going to go help the villagers. Stay with Alisaie, alright?'

💠"I'm not...going anywhere for a while. Don't forget me here."
[She whispers something in his ear and heads off. He's left blushing and biting his lip. Stupid woman after his heart -and- flesh...]

💠[They meet with the captain and his right hand, bringing out Getsetsu, who is very much still alive. It would seem all debts are paid, and they are free to depart. But Rasho urges them to have care in who they place their trust... For the fear of the imperials changes people.]

💠[After much-needed rest and personal time, the lot of them head south into Yanxia. Immediately, that deep feeling of suffering washes over Pheobe, and she furrows her brow.]
"I'm surprised the Imperials don't feel the need to stay and torment them further," Nan'ra remarks.

💠[But the people are clearly broken. Upon seeing Gosetsu, they're trembling and quiet panic. Was he such an important figure that the Imperials might punish their humble village? Pheobe tries to urge him to leave all up until a young man in orange hurries them away.]

💠[He's quite furious with them for daring to appear in their village. Risking what safety and peace had finally befallen them, knowing full well the ire of the empire and the bloodshed over their soil. He runs off after yelling at them, and Pheobe sighs.]
'What now?'

💠[One thing left for it; the secret entrance to the rebellion's headquarters, the House of the Fierce. Pheobe has to wonder what could possibly be left as Nan'ra steps slowly before the edge of the pool.]
"Well, no way but forward."

💠[After the embarrassment of yesterday, Nan'ra takes the lead. With their blessing, it's quite easy to make it through, but Gosetsu seems rather winded. Pheobe pats him on the shoulder as Nan'ra pulls back in alarm. The guard seems to have been expecting them.]

💠[The song in here is a weak but courageous and stubborn beat, held together by the few remaining. Yugiri welcomes them with restrained joy, and Nan'ra's face cannot help but soften as he remembers just how far and back she has taken her people for safety.]

💠[Pheobe and Nan'ra look at each other with a pained look in their eyes as they tell her of the horrors of Rhalgr's Reach.]
'There's no other way, we have to stab them from the east to get at them in the west. Zenos has to be stopped, even if it takes us ages.'

💠[Nan'ra crosses his arms. Lord Hien?] "You have a successor, then? The Imperials no doubt are going to want to get a hold of him before we do."
[Yugiri nods with a furrowed brow. Such was the reason he now lived in the Azim Steppe.]

💠'So that's it, then?' Pheobe asks, biting into a persimmon. 'We're just going to march into the Steppe and make him come back with us?'
"It's not going to be that easy, I think... You heard what Zenos was like, right? That one soldier?"

💠[She finishes off the fruit, licking her fingers.] 'Sure, I listened. But he's the same monster he was 25 years ago, Ra. People are just his playthings. I don't know if he has any shred of his mortality's humility left.'
[Nan'ra lets out a pensive noise.]"Likely not..."

💠[After a hearty dinner, the two Warriors of Light approach Yugiri to discuss plans. Of course, they'll fight for the rebellion, but she would have them see of the land's plights first. Lord Hien will suffer nothing less.]

💠'Wh-but I don't want to wear rags again! I did that once and look what happened to me!'
[Nan'ra tosses the bundle at her.] "Ssstop whining. Do you want the people of Namai to freak out again?"
'No, but I just -got- this coat!'
"It won't be that bad..."
[Pheobe GROANS.]

💠[Pheobe, with all the charisma of a proper bard, puts on a show so convincing that the people of Namai are convinced she is a merchant true. She even trades with goods in her bag, listening all the while to the complaining and gossip. This village was so poor off...]

💠'I'm going to continue 'peddling' what meats I've got and get more information here. You go on ahead, Ra.'
"You sure?"
'Yeah, I think I've got them all convinced I'm clueless to matters here.' [She puts her hands on her hips. He scoffs.]
"Alright. See you, my love."

💠[A child gathering flowers for their parent's graves gets caught by the rhino beetles. After melting their carapaces into submission, Nan'ra simpers as she laments there being no yellow flowers... He has to find some.]

💠[Mourning rituals were strange to Nan'ra. In his home, the dead were eaten by the Ancients, and that offered people much relief, as their memories would be saved forever. But this was a world and a half away. He gently kneels and offers her the carnations.]

💠[Quietly, he follows her up the slopes as she invites him to meet her parents. It's a solemn sight of two stones over a great, great view of the southlands. Would a story of Dravania really appease the dead? He takes a deep breath to speak...]

💠"Once upon a time, there was...me. Never quite sure what to do with myssself. I had natural talents but no interest in using them. Every day and night, I waited to be older. And then I was older, and it wasn't everything I imagined."

💠[Just as he's about to go on, someone calls out for her. It's that same young man in orange, suddenly furious to see him again. He snaps at her to go home, and she curls up in fear before Nan'ra offers her a soft gaze.] "Go on, then. Don't trip."

💠[He then faces him again, now naming himself. But his thanks is not enough for him.]
"Is that really what you want? Us to leave?"
[Isse scowls, speaking of his parents' foolish faith in the rebellion. All they lost, for nothing.]
<Once more, please, go.>

💠[Nan'ra doesn't know how to feel as Isse runs off, turning back to the grave. Rain starts to drip from the sky, and he kneels over the rocks to rearrange the order and frame the flowers more elegantly. Dwelling on his thoughts.]
"He is so without hope he cannot imagine better."

💠[His head hangs low and he walks down the terraces back to Pheobe and the others. Yugiri is astonished when he finally speaks up to the horrors Isse admitted to suffering when their parents were returned by the Imperial soldiers. And then, sad.]
<Could Lord Hien have known..?>

💠[Pheobe's head whips to the south. Yugiri freezes.]
'We need to move. Now.'
"What? What is it?"
'The song changed. They're coming.' She dashes off, hurrying to the small cart they borrowed and rummaging through for her bow. 'Bad time, bad time..!'
"Shhh."

💠[The imperial commander lies. There was no charity in Isari from the viceroy menace. But it's a warning all the same, that disobedience would suffer retribution. And so, the command; work as maintenance attendants and go home safe. It sounds reasonable, at the surface.]

💠[But only on the surface. This is intimidation. Nan'ra scowls as Isse assured his sister all will be well. That is what they told his sister before she died that winter. It was all white lies. Before he can realise, it's Pheobe who's holding him back.]
'What are you doing?!'

💠[He's alarmed to find he moved without thinking.]
'We can't intervene. Not yet.'
[It's not until the Garleans have taken them all away that he slams his fist into the side of the house, his voice, low.
"Yugiri, I swear, you will have my everything to hunt them down."

💠[Pheobe picks up his hand.] 'I know I'm not all that sneaky, but please don't be reckless. You're not like this.'
[He squeezes back.] "I'm fine. Just a moment's rage. Can you blame me?"
[She kisses his forehead.] 'No... I will follow up the rear as soon as you call.'

💠[On the road, Yugiri hands over a rod and sleep darts. It's the first he's had a look at such technology, but it seems simple enough. Now to pray his aim is true...]

💠[Thankfully, he manages to catch the soldier off the bluff on his second try. With this, he hurries away to send the other five to sleep so the two of them can slip through. He hesitates for a moment as they enter the water, searching behind him. Pheobe had to be on her way...]

💠[He sends a ping on his pearl before hurrying behind Yugiri. The base is within site, she knocks out the remaining two guards with her blowdart. Pheobe rushes up behind them, her breath heavy. Now, they plan.]

💠Pheobe takes the roofs. Yugiri will scout out ahead and take out those who might interrupt their plan. Nan'ra, on the other hand...]
"What do you mean wait here?"
<Wait for my signal. Then, run to me.>
[He's baffled by it all until the moment he stands before her again. Oh.]

💠"...Well, Menphina, please bless me some of my wife's charisma..." [He mutters, stripping the hyur of his uniform. He folds his robes and hands them to Yuguri to hide and he straightens his back... And performs that horrible salute. Perfect.]

💠[King of the world. Or at least the ground before him, as Nan'ra tries dearly to pretend. The guards seem amiable to his lies and leave, but not before remarking of their sentiments. Nan'ra watches the woman go with a furrowed brow. Time to go!]

💠[With the small fry sound asleep, he rips off his helmet and throws it to the ground, pulling his robes back on. Pheobe calls on her pearl.]
'I'm in position. Are you two ready?'
"We're coming. You'll know when to strike."
[The two nod and get moving. Time to be bold.]

💠[Nan'ra stands stunned as the villagers refuse to flee at first. To go against the empire is to die, and they would not risk all they have left. it takes a great deal of convincing to give them reason to run. Both Pheobe and Nan'ra are given utter pause. What just happened?]

💠[Yugiri leaves him with befuddling medicine as Pheobe slips off the roof and to his side. He quickly pushes half into her hands.]
'What happened, what is this?'
"Give it to the soldiers, and we'll talk later. I don't know. I don't know the extent of breaking." [He runs off.]

💠[They meet up again out on the shore. Pheobe hears it from Nan'ra and spits.] 'I don't get it! Not even...not even I was that broken.'
<We must not measure their pain with our own.> [Yuguri speaks up. She kneels at the shore, sitting. It's all they can do to listen.]

💠[Just as they are leaving, they hear the hum of an imperial airship headed for Doma Castle. Not good... Did that mean Yotsuyu was back?]

💠[The news back at the base is much worse.]
'Oh for fucks sake—Zenos is here? Already?'
[Nan'ra rubs the bridge of his nose as Yugiri begs for a chance to strike and kill him from the shadows. He grips his wife's hand, holding back. They both watch her storm off.]

💠'Fine then,' Pheobe huffs, pulling a katana off the wall. She looks it over before unsheathing it, testing the weight in her hand before giving a swipe. She fits it back in its sheath and ties it at her waist.] 'We stop her before she reaches him, or join her. Deal?'

💠"This is madnessss... Your brother will kill me!"
'Not if we're dead first. Come on.'
[Nan'ra bawks at her.] "Wh-Pheebs! Pheobe Dylorn, you get back here!"
'Nope. Come along or not.'
[He stands there a moment, looking both ways in helplessness before running. Damn it!]

💠[They find her just outside of Namai, sending her hawk out again in the rain. She is fierce, ready to kill Zenos no matter the cost.] 'Not without me you're not.'
[There's a hard sigh from Nan'ra before lifting his hand in admission.] "I can't have either of you dying on me."

💠"You realise Ohka could have died, right?" [Nan'ra questions her, following along.] "He's in rehab because of that monster of a man. What if that happensss to you?"
'I won't.'
[He takes a deep breath.]
"You are driving me crazy, love. But I'll follow you to the end."

💠[They take their places on the roof, quiet and watching. Pheobe shoots off the back soldiers as Yuguri rushes to strike at him, but Zenos is all too aware. He strikes back just in time, and she skids off to the side. It's now or never. Pheobe drops from the roof, beckoning.]

💠[Nan'ra keeps his position up top until he cannot. It's all he can do to make sure these two knuckleheads live. He strikes fury when he can from afar. Zenos does not so much as flinch as Pheobe strikes at him with her katana, matching his blade and dodging his blows.]

💠[It's not enough. He drives them back with his force, over and over, until the two of them are both kneeling, unable to get back up again. Spent. T'would seem the monster was just about to send his blade into Pheobe's side as he stood above her, smiling. Telling her to live.]

💠[Pheobe is nothing but an exciting game for Zenos to play, and she has fallen for it deeply.]

💠[Just when all hope seems lost, and Yugiri has keeled over from a terrible last strike, the villagers of Namai stand before them armed against the empire. No more of this suffering with clenched teeth. No more!]

💠[Alisaie hurries to her side, mending her wounds, as Gostesu rushes in with smoke bombs to hurry Yuguri away. It's all she can do not to curse the Twelve and whatever kami have allowed this man to become what he is.
An unstoppable monster.]

💠[Zenos leaves them, must to everyone's shock and relief. Even as they are tending their hurts, however, Pheobe trembles with rage. He is worse every time they meet. Nan'ra holds her arm carefully.]
"I'm impressed you didn't so much as be struck once..."
'I told you.'
"You did."

💠[Nan'ra bumps arms with Isse with an encouraging smile, their encounter, for now, finished. While the others, Alphinaud now included, discuss where to go next, he looks over to see his wife sitting quietly on the bluff, alone.]

💠"Hey. Looks like we're going to drag Hien back by the throat like you said."
'Ha... Do you think he'll believe us?'
"We'll just have to prove it to him if not, won't we?"
[She smiles slightly, reaching for his hand.] 'Yeah...'

💠[Isse wishes them well on their way, and the lot of them start their journey to this place of Reunion. And the sight takes their breath away.]
"The home of the black scaled ones... Are you out here, sssomewhere, Nan'to...?"

💠[Pheobe's tune rises in pleasure as she goes looking around the wares. With the blessing of the Echo, she begins asking endless questions. Nan'ra smiles and shakes his head.]
"I will help search. Leave my wife to her joy, please."

💠[Chomping on some sausage, she speaks with a number of people by the time the others return to them. She's busy talking to a woman in pink by the name of Cirina.]
'So you adhere to the will of the gods every single day? I remember days like that, before I took to the road...'

💠[Nan'ra sighs.] "No luck on my end."
'What a funny surprise to hear you say that, my dear! Cirina here knows our man.'
"...What?"
[A fight across the markets interrupts their news. They watch interestedly as Cirina explains each tribe's perspective in the argument.]

💠<Nevermind that! You seek Hien, yes?>
[Apparently, when he left Doma gravely injured, the Mol were the ones to nurse him back to health. Pheobe looks excitedly at Nan'ra who is still shocked she found this lead by accident.]

💠[Quietly does Lord Hien gaze upon the bluff above Reunion. It is no sooner that they find him that he speaks out for answers. Like a true prince, he does not allow himself to become over excited by the news... But he is so young.]

#GPOSERS #NenekoColorS

💠[The grand Naadam is their best hope at defeating the imperials. With the strength of the Xaela tribes behind them, surely to take back their home was surely only a matter of time.]
'Count me in!'
"For once of late, I am of full agreement. We are at your disposal, my Lord."

💠[So they would fight for the Mol... A fitting repayment after all they had done for the lord. The path to their current camp is one filled with wonder, as the lot of them are forced to face the utter emptiness of the plains. Nan'to can be heard muttering to himself...]

💠[Meeting an elder is never a certain experience for the WoLs. Especially here, in these strange lands, just what was considered respectful? They attempt their eastern bows nonetheless, but are surprised to learn the gods have spoken of their coming.]

💠[Hien asks for permission to fight on behalf of the Mol in the Naadam. The gods have willed them to participate, and their new friend, Cirina, is wary. But the elder Khatan agrees. She drags the others off to be shown around, but just as Pheobe turns, Temulun stops them.

💠[Her words offered to them are as cryptic as prophecy ever is.]
<A singular radiance. Shimmering. Like a jewel of the Dusk Mother, blinding in its brilliance. Stars flicker and flock to you. Before such gathered light, even the secrets of the gods may be laid bare.>

💠[Nightfall. The lot of them share their feasting before a great cookfire, warm and full. Pheobe looks into the fire, still crackling with vigor.]
"They have a rite of passage here, just like we do," Nan'ra says, peering into his bottle.
'Right, that weird Bardam's Challenge...'

💠[She takes a deep breath before leaning against him. He sets her head carefully on his lap.]
'Not for me. You grow up and realise being an adult isn't fun. Just work and struggle.'
[Nan'ra snorts, setting his hand atop her head to pet her hair.] "Yeah."

💠[Pheobe comes back to bed late in the night.]
"Mmph... Why are you out of bed?"
[She scoffs, stripping her clothing.] 'Got up, sparred Hien with the katana, and lost.'
[Nan'ra just blinks at her.]
"No you didn't..."
[She covers his eyes with her hand.]
'Sleep. I did.'

💠[Morning comes. The two of them gear up and wave off the Mol tribe, eager to get this rite over with, reasons different for the both of them. Pheobe looks on with a stony expression as they approach the entrance...]

💠[It's not unlike most dungeons, fraught with animals and beasts, but strange, stone gates face them here and there... Until a giant one booms in Xaelic. Put down your weapons, warriors, and avoid the starlight.]

💠'This is more like it!' Shouts Pheobe as she runs from the incoming boulders, dodging lasers and rubble. Nan'ra is a bit less enthused but seemed focused for the most part. His wife pulls him in closer, just an ilm away from a scorching blow.
"Thanksss..." He huffs, looking up.

💠The great golem approves of their display and points them down a grand stairway on the edge of the cliffs, thin and unforgiving. Down to a tunnel where they would face off against the mother Yol, and convince her of their worthiness. Nan'ra grows quiet as they walk.]

💠"Ssso funny that even out here, the birds are valued so highly."
'I haven't heard about that. You should tell me later.'
"Maybe. I've tried to get away from it all..."

💠[A flock surrounds the stage, watching. Mother Yol expects them to fend her off, and they try dearly not to kill her, so worried after their hands killed primals before. Finally, she seems satisfied, perching down and letting them pet her giant head. The trial is complete.]

💠[It's a while of waiting out by the entrance for Lyse to come back. She finds them eating packed lunch, shocked that they didn't wait for her. Nan'ra offers out a sausage in apology.]
"Sorry! The whole thing was a bit...much."
'He didn't eat breakfast.'
"Hey!" He snaps at her.

💠[She laughs and takes the piece, scarfing it down. Then she digs out of her bag some whistles.]
<Oh yeah! Cirina gave me these to try after we finished. Give it a go!>
[To all of their delight, birds answer their call, children of Mother Yol. They were recognised.]

💠[It seems like hours, but eventually Hien and Gotsetsu make their way out. With that, the Naadam was all but theirs! ...So Pheobe thought, until she heard the footsteps of large party. The garbs of yellow, Oronir, she recalled, but the green and...revealing, she knew not.]

💠[Nan'ra pushes her bow down as their group whispers. They've been summoned here, and a fight before the Naadam would be frowned upon. Was it so bad to look over the competition?
Pheobe scoffs, holding her bow close.] 'Fine. Have it your way. Let's meet this Khan of yours.'

💠[It's a less than kind escort full of the threat of blades down their necks at every step. But when the two Warriors of Light realise that their home was this grand fortress... They move closer to each other. At any moment, they would lash out if neccesary.]

💠[Magnai holds a heavy presence, his tone foreboding and larger than himself, but the moment he says it... She snorts.] 'Oh. You just need tribute? Sure! What kinds of things do we offer to the leading tribe?'
[Nan'ra glances at her. Easier than Lyse's refusal, but...]

💠[The two Warriors of Light step forward while Lyse argues that she doesn't want to. Hien suggests they have no idea what to offer as tribute, and Magnai finds this offensive. The others are not eager, but she is, and she goes up to him and kneels.]

💠<...I know better than to dismiss a woman outright. You demonstrate boldness...or recklessness. Time will tell.>
[She smiles at the compliment, waiting. Only after Nan'ra has joined her on the ground does he send them to Baatu for work.]

💠[They split up the work. Pheobe heads into the lake below to hunt for swordsgrass, while Nan'to stays behind to assist in whatever else Baatu would have of them. It's all he can do to keep her from jumping off the edge, pushing her to the stairwell again.]
"Absssolutely not!"

💠'No faith in me whatsoever...' [She argues, taking the long way down. Diving was an old hobby of hers for... A bit more money, so this was nothing difficult, especially after their blessing. But she wonders under the water what the others were burdened with.]

💠[Pheobe returns triumphantly, stuffing much of the herb into her bag and only offering out what was asked of her, waiting to hear of its medicinal use. When told, she stiffened, realising what she'd done. This would paralyse the others on the field... No glancing down.]

💠[Try as she might to go back to the others, drenched in water, Baatu grabs her arm and shakes his head.]
<To approach the most radiant still sullied by the depths is an insult.>
[She blinks. She doesn't have any other clothes. Sighing hard, he fetches her some robes.]

💠Wet clothes shoved into her bag, she kneels before Magnai again and reports of her task, Hien already there, reporting his work. Their tributes were accepted. ...And yet. The others were not yet finished. They could not leave with an unfinished tribute. ]

💠[They're given leave to speak to the elders and learn while the others complete their tasks. Pheobe's somewhat interested, but it's Hien who hurries away more quickly, leaving her to jog behind him. She finds dusk is beginning to fall...]

💠[It's harder to see at night, and the elder's sheep have gone missing. But Hien and Pheobe manage together to find the four and corral them back to the elder, pushing them back into their pen.]

// relevant footage: 🥺💛😭

//still relevant: 🐑

💠[With the elder sated, the two can listen to 'the truth' of the Oronir. Nan'ra joins them by as the old Xaela begins. Pheobe absently grabs for his hand, but he winces and pulls away. She looks down and finds that his hands look raw. He jerks his face back to the elder. Focus.]

💠[It would seem the Oronir held the belief of being the shepherds of the Steppe. Perhaps Hien was right... That they could be steadfast allies if they could win. When they won. Of course, they would. But as the elder finishes, she turns quickly to pick up her husband's hands.]

💠'What did they do to you?'
"Nothing! Honest-ow!" [He winces as she pokes the raw flesh.] "Haven't gotten to treat myssself yet. I wasss twisting rop-OW!" [He shouts that time.] "Ssstop! I'll fix it!"
[She pulls away, annoyed.]
'Should have done it before coming here, dumbass.'

💠[With magick he mends his hands, even putting on salve at his wife's insistence. Only then does her face soften.]
'Sorry for getting cross.'
"It's fine. You were right. I'm a healer and neglected myself." He kisses her cheek. "Hien's probably waiting."
'Hope the rest are done.'

💠[Pheobe puts her hands behind her head as they walk. The others are indeed all waiting, as the final task to complete their tribute lie before them. Two would go and investigate the opposing force that was the Dotharl. The two Warriors of Light look to each other to decide...]

💠[But Magnai interrupts. They may not decide on their own. After the Buduga chooses, he points to Lyse and Pheobe.] <The two of you have proven yourselves very useful. I would keep you here as collatoral.>
"Wh-you can't just--"
'That seems fine to me,' [she says suddenly.']

💠[She looks at him with a confident smile. With the faith of a loyal wife.]
'You'll do a good job ! Maybe they'll find something else for me to do here while I wait.'
[He lets out a sad sigh, coming to her and brushing down her arms.] "Alright. Be good, okay?"
'No promises.'

💠[Nan'ra looks back at his wife being escorted away into the fortress with unease. It reminded him of something but he couldn't put his finger on it. Gosetsu snaps him out of it with a hearty laugh. Magnai would be disapointed when they returned.]
"Haha... Yeah, you're right."

💠[They travel through night, and as Gosetsu stops to drink from his water, Nan'ra realises none of them have slept in almost a day. They would have to finish this quickly... Lest Gosetsu tire.
...And yet. He thinks he's jinxed everything. A cry in anguish echos from nearby.]

💠[He hurries to cast a fairy as he runs to meet the wounded Dotharl. The sands threaten to blind him, but Nan'ra casts a strong shield strikes out as soon as he's hit. It's a short time until the three monsters fall.]

💠[He tries hard to use Xaelic proper instead of forcing the echo in his mind, but the man seems confused at his attempt. Nan'ra sighs and tries again, but just as the warrior is lamenting his friend's death, his Khatan arrives. She's displeased to see this result.]

💠[Khatun Sadu seems high and mighty, of yet what proof, Nan'ra has yet to see. But a warrior would not be so cocky in these lands without proof behind her. She welcomes them to their camp for this deed and walks away, commanding the other to 'rid of the corpse'.]

💠"It'sss just like back home… Once they die, they…" [He presses his lips together. Would they feed this one to some horrible creature? Was it really just a corpse now? Gosetsu seems equally bothered, but instead of stilling, he rushes to face the affront.]
"W-wait!!" [Oh no.]

💠[Thankfully, by the time he catches up with him, it's only confusion on his face. Khatun Sadu scolds him, and explains that they are reborn in death. Nan'ra can feel his stomach filling with rocks. And then, to make matters worse, the old man calls it madness.]

💠[To say the tension was thick enough to cut with butter knife would be an understatement. He waves his hands before him, stammering.] "N-no, I underssstand! Gosssetsu doesn't mean it the way you think! He'sss... He'sss... Enlightened! Thank you!"

💠[He bows deeply, praying the bold soul will do the same. Too much like Pheobe. Too outspoken. Too quick to act. All the things he loves about her but sweats over now. But Khatun Sadu walks away, and when Nan'ra looks up, all the staring glares have left them. He sighs hard.]

💠[After a moment to gather his wits, he bids Gosetsu not to speak another word, speaking to the local warriors himself. The more they speak, the more he misses him dearly.]
"You crazy man would fit right in out here… Was this what you meant by black scales, abhi? Did you know?"

💠[With his head low, he returns... Only to anxiously find Khatun Sadu and Gosetsu speaking yet again. But this time, he finds he is offering to pay respect to her dead. Nan'ra watches him bow before following him to the sands. He's worried he'll find entrails...again.]

💠"I don't know if we have enough to convince Magnai to give them back, Gosetsu..." [He admits quietly, blinking sand out of his eyes. Dawn will come soon, and his steps are weary. They will need to rest before they even dare to return.]

💠[The two of them cut down some animals feasting on his remains. Nan'ra feels sick looking at the slightly chewed-up leg of a man still in his clothes. But he swallows his bile and stands tall. The old man sits right next to the corpse, and he forces himself to join him.]

💠[After they pray, he looks up at the stars tiredly as Gosetsu speaks on about everything they've learned in the Steppe. Of a samurai's honour in death. Of the soul's higher purpose. He breaths in cold desert air singed with copper.]
"But there's honour in living, even more."

💠[At the Dawn Throne. All three of them are locked in a cage within the fortress. Not exactly what Pheobe had in mind, but she lies on the floor and rests. Lyse keeps looking for a way out, but there's none, she's sure. She fades in and out of sleep as Hien and her talk.]

💠[She can make out Hien's explanation. Hear it resonate in her heart as she fades off. How men are content to accept their lot instead of dream for better. She remembers those days... They were easier than this. And yet. . .]

💠[Tired as they are, Nan'ra and Gosetsu treck back to the Dawn Throne in the middle of the night. All but ready to collapse after telling what they learned.]
[The cage is opened. Pheobe rubs sleep out of her eyes at the noise.]
'Huh?'
<Move. You've been freed.>

💠The two look at eachother gratefully. But before they can leave, Magnai bids them swear to uphold the law of the Steppe. The five of them look at each other and reply back to him with loud courage, regardless of their weary hearts. Of course, they would! Of course...]

💠[Nan'ra stumbles forward in his wife's arms, the adrenaline waking him up again just as she catches him. She huffs, picking him up to put on her back, much to his distaste. At first. He's quiet again after a moment. But there's cheer on her face.]
'So be it. Let's go!'

💠[It's not until they make it there that dawn rises on the horizon. Gosetsu lies down to rest, unmoving aside from his breath. Hien and Lyse huff, speaking with Cirina before they two, turn in. And then it was just them again. Ra and Pheebs.]

💠'Does it not feel like we have countless homes?' [She asks softly, settling Nan'ra down into a bed. He doesn't answer.] 'For all the road we travel, perhaps that is our reward. The Mol, a home. The Fortemps, a home. Revenant's Toll, a home.'

💠[She pulls off her boots and gloves so she can get into bed.] 'I would like Doma to be one, too,' [She admits, petting his head before closing her eyes to rest. Tomorrow, the day after this one, would be the Naadam. She had better not waste her strength...]

💠[The next evening. Preparations are made before dawn even rises, starting as the stars meet their midpoint in the sky. Everyone is roused, fed, and ready. Waiting. Not Pheobe, though. In that time of rest, she has come up with rallying words, worthy of a bard of her malms.]

💠[The Mol are enflamed. Courage and faith resound like an elegant gong, struck by metal. They watch the ovoo announce itself on the soil, between all tribes and ride out on Yolback. Until there is no choice but to hop off and battle.]

💠[Pheobe tumbles gracefully, pulling a shot as soon as she's kneeled proper. Nan'ra strikes from above and shielding the others until his bird's own shield is struck. He pets it before jumping off from a high distance, rolling in a bubble before popping it, and running forward.]

💠"Come on! While they're distracted!"
[Pheobe takes to shooting down limbs at every opportunity, and Nan'ra the same—they wish for as many men to join them afterward as they can. It's chaos at the center—but still, she weaves through the masses to reach the centre.]

💠[There's no way they can take the ovoo now. Even with her husband at her back, shielding whenever he can, there're too many of them at their necks. It's all he can do it keep her from being struck at a vital point, let alone himself.]

💠[Unable to fend the others off at this distance, Pheobe puts her bow on her back and picks up a sword from a fallen warrior to brandish it, leaving Nan'ra's close-by protection. She goads the Oronir openly and wins their ire, only for Magnai to pull her in with magic chains.]

💠[She grins at him before throwing aether into her voice to scream and break what binds her. He laughs as his men recoil for a sound in her wake before rushing her, the two clashing blades. Time to show this peon his right to rule!]

💠[Nan'ra tries to take the ovoo again, but this time is struck by fire, which burns through his shield like nothing. He has to reinforce to survive the next strike, seeing Khatun Sadu on the hilltop. Oh no. Widening his stance, he prepares to strike back at her...]

💠[It's enough to throw her off guard, but she smiles, summoning two Chuluu to power her—is that… For a limit break beyond her limits…?! By this time, Pheobe and Magnai are still dueling, and the others have begun to take down the blue slates, Nan'ra joining them.] "Hurry…!"

💠[Ultimately, the Sun breaks her sword in two, leaving her seemingly helpless on the ground. But she puts her hands together and pulls back... Shooting an arrow of light with nothing but her soul and aether backing her up. He staggers, kneeling as it pierces his very being.]

💠[Sadu's spell breaks, but she's not done yet. Pheobe scrambles to crash into the ground to dodge what remained of her spellwork, pulling herself up and forward in a dash as she began yet another, quicker, crossing… She pushes another into its way as it scorches the ground.]

💠[Just when she turns, her hat nearly falling, Nan'ra slams a shield down on Sadu and presses her into the ground. He looks to her frantically.]
"Go go go!"
She makes a mad dash for the ovoo, pressing her aether into the ground…
And the sigil disappears. That's it. It's over.]

💠[They're all left panting, shocked at the results. They really did it. The Mol, the pipsqueaks of the competition, won the Naadam. All put away their weapons to take in this new truth... But not for long.
Men in metal from the east march toward them.]

💠[Rolanberry—whatever his name is—guild them forward with a party of men and a new toy behind him. Pheobe takes a deep breath, drawing her bow again. Nan'ra joins Hien's side, nodding, as he rallies their new allies to battle against them. And in a show of honour, they do.]

💠[The two Warriors of Light exchange a look before Pheobe jerks her head toward the new toy—a large spider-like automaton before rushing it. Nan'ra keeps going as she stops, drawing energy for a large arrow of aether to blow a leg joint to pieces.]

💠[As it kneels, Nan'ra hops on top and casts a Ruin spell point-blank at the driver's seat. The movements become erratic, and he strikes again, twice, three times, until the movement stops. He hits the side of it before hopping off, rushing to help the others...]

💠[Meanwhile, Pheobe is playing games with Rolanberry. He is far too slow to hit her, and he continues to miss as she dodges his blows. Just as he thinks he's about to strike this time... Hien slices through an opening in his joints.]

💠[Rolanberry cries out and buckles. Then Pheobe shoots while he's in pain on the floor. He crumples even further. The Garleans are outnumbered. They never stood a chance. In no time at all, everyone has fallen but him, and they look upon him with pity.]

💠[As Pheobe moves to pick up a blade to finish him off, Nan'ra shakes his head. Hien nods.]
<Let him send his people a message.>
'Hmph.' [She kicks him in the stomach before walking away, joining the mass of Steppe warriors eager to see the despair on his face as he rose.]

💠[They agree to continue to aid them to destroy the metal menace. For it is to uphold the law of the Steppe. And support the will of the gods. For now, they must tend to their wounds and regroup later.
Doma was waiting for them.]

💠[While there is much mending to be done, the smell of cookfire wafts in the breeze, spurring the party not to lay down their bodies just yet. Cheer fills their hearts as the day falls to dusk. Full bellies and pride blanket them all. It is a good day.]

💠[But as night falls, Cirina comes to the two of them with a gift. Their traditional instrument, the morin kyuur, in all its buzzing glory. The two are moved.]
"We'll cherish it."
'I'll find somewhere it can stay safe. Thank you.'
<No, thank you!>

💠[A new dawn lies before them, and they are eager to meet it, traveling to the Dawn Throne itself to meet with Magnai on war arrangements before returning to Doma. The two Warriors of Light speak between themselves quietly, pleasantly, until Magnai shouts out for his Nhaama.]

💠[The two of them try very hard not to laugh...too loudly. Cirina rejects him outright and the lot of them make their way to visit Sadu next. To ensure her tribe's aid and to break down the barrier that blocks their way. It's a beautiful shimmering shatter of pieces...]

💠[Cirina shares heartfelt inspiration Pheobe feels is worthy of singing about. To stay crimson, for it is life. The two of them beam at each other before giving her both a hug. This is not goodbye forever.]
"See you soon!"
'We'll make you proud!'

💠[The rain that pours down on the other side of the long tunnel is so refreshing. After days and days of sun and bitter wind, the two relish in the chance to feel mother Hydaelyn's boon of water. They are, of course, getting soaked. But it's worth the chill!]

💠[At the House of the Fierce, Yugiri is overjoyed at her master's return. Hien plays as cool as a young man can among the other, fervent souls, ready to fight for their homeland. The twins introduce themselves, but before they can discuss war plans...]

💠[Pheobe feels a chill run down her back as Alphinaud reports that Zenos left for Gyr Abania not long after they traveled to the Steppe.]
"Hasss... Has Ohka called? Y'shtola?"
[Thankfully, it would seem Tataru reported all was well. Pheobe sighs in relief.]

💠[Still, this left the Viceroy to deal with. With Zenos out of the picture, for now, perhaps they stood a chance... To take down the Imperial's attempt at total control here in Doma forever.]

💠[Days of preparation fly by in a blur. A trip to Kugane for a lost parcel, scouting out troops in secret... The two Warriors split up constantly, working diligently.]

💠[It's not until the third day of scouting that Pheobe and Alisaie find suspicious folk, out near their base of operation. Just as Pheobe is catching up with the elder in question, who has run away... A vision strikes her and he catches her by surprise.]

💠[She shakes out her head as the showing fades. A small girl, the viceroy in question, as this man recalled it. But she opens her eyes and finds the man dead before her. Alisaie stabbed him in the back before he could assault her further.]
'I... Thank you.'

💠[Pheobe lingers before heading back after her comrade in arms. Was it a rape arrangement with the sickly girl? Just how did such an arrangement let her rise up into power as viceroy? She rubs at the sore spot on her jaw as they head back inside, pondering.]

💠[Alisaie bothers her on her silence, but Pheobe shakes her head, holding back her emotions. She felt sickened. Conflicted. This was the work she was familiar with. That she had turned her back on. Not everyone had that choice...]

💠[In Namai. Nan'ra and Lyse have ventured out in search of alternative suppliers for armour. He crosses his arms, thoughtful as Isse suggests a man who had since fled the village. With the right motivation...]

💠[If only it were that simple. While the elder agrees to help them, he laughs in their faces in dreams of a free Doma. Nan'ra scowls they leave to hunt the man the steel he required, boiling it down in his mind. There had to be some way to cut away the jadedness in his heart.]

[The look of shock on the elder's face was satisfying as no other when the three of them dumped four times as much steel as he had requested. Word of Lord Hein shocks him further, shaking his stupor of laughter. Slowly a fire within him ignites. Perhaps this was hope after all.]

💠[Nan'ra returns to base in a cheerish sort, only to slow as he watched Pheobe. She moved from one soldier to the next, inquiring, and not stopping. After a while, he rushes over to her, a hand on her arm.]
"Ssslow down a bit?"

💠[The stern look over his wife's face surprised him.] "Did something happen?" [She gave a long pause.]
'...No, nothing. It would seem no one needs our help.'
[Nan'ra's doubtful gaze shifted to their left...]
"Then perhaps Hien will have something for you?"

💠[It's raining when she gets out there. Hien is looking over the rubble before the castle. There's a quiet voice she's unfamiliar with. Then he gives her a brave smile. They have hope, now. Things are different.]

💠[The two split up, scanning for anything of value. Pheobe finds a sword covered in dirt and...cleans it up a bit, kneeling. Water drips from her hat as Hien calls out to her from afar. He speaks warmly of the past... Until genius strikes him.]

💠'WAIT!' [She calls out to him as he runs back to the House of the Fierce like lightning had struck him. She catches her breath when they get there and Nan'ra is baffled as Hien starts calling for meeting.]
"What happened?"
'Don't know. The master plan got better, I think.'

💠[It's just a short wait on Soroban before they begin. Pheobe can't help but smirk as Hien explains...how they will destroy Doma Castle. There's much dissent. Nan'ra shakes his head, looking up.]
"It'sss... Heartbreaking, but it would be the perfect storm."

💠[As Lyse runs off to check on the progress of the smith, Gosetsu stops the two of them from following. He offers a soft plea... To rest and cherish their peace before they go off to war. For even heroes can die.]

💠[Try as he might, though, Nan'ra can't sleep. It's too early to sleep. He wanders out of bed, where his wife is looking up at the stars.]
"What happened to meeting in bed?"
[She smiles, guilty.] 'Sorry. Lot on my mind. Not to mention those two can't shut up over there.'
"Eh?"

💠[They wander past, slowly, so as not to wake the teenage twins, on until the source of the rumbling chatter. It's Gosetsu and Hien, drinking sake by candle light. Immediately they're beckoned over. The elder of the two is speaking of his failures.]

💠'I don't think those things are your failings. You fought as we did in Rhalgr's reach. It wasn't enough, but not by your failing alone.'
[Nan'ra nods.] "The world is more complicated than the strength of one man." [The two of them likely knew that better than most.]

💠[Pheobe sighs as he becomes even more emotional, offering a hand onto to large man's arm to rub soothingly. Her husband shakes his head and picks up a cup, which Hien sees fit to fill.]
'Let us cry tomorrow, when it is all over. For now, have one more drink, and go to bed.'

💠[Pheobe gives Gosetsu an arm hug before looking up with a snicker as Yogiri is called out of hiding. Nan'ra raises his cup.]
"Join us. A drink will help you sssleep better."

💠[Dawn brings with them a rich stirring of hearts. The two of them have been ready days ago for this moment, but waiting for it as the others attack makes time go so slow. But the call comes. And the charge comes! Today is the beginning of the beginning.]

💠 [The Warriors of Light watch as the Xaela take down the magitek turrets from the skies. They watch as the barrier shatters, opening the gate of west and east. They brace themselves, as from the waters come explosions and cannon fire. And just like that, the castle floods.]

💠[They hop aboard the boat and are sped away to the western gate. Inside is chaos. Magitek and imperial soldiers alike come rushing at them the moment they are spotted with blades and gunfire. Nan'ra holds a shield before them as they rush forward.]

💠[Pheobe gathers up her aether to strike clean through the machinery, but even so, the larger of them takes so many without stopping. The power of the empire is formidable, indeed...]

💠[If she was not so used to it, watching Nan'ra climb the golem mecha to rip into the pilot door would frighten her. But it waves around wildly, trying to shake him off, to no avail. Their combined efforts leaves before them a grave of metal and blood.]

💠[They take a moment to gather their breath, looking up at the crossfire above them. This is only the beginning, they realise. For as long as the scions drew breath... They would help those who suffer from the empire. It settles over them... And only tightens their fists.]

💠[The inside has more men than anything. A few times, normal men get too close to her and she cuts them down with the shortsword at her side. Indiscriminate. They've no time for gentle goodnights...]

💠[As the streetways turn to castle walls, to elegant tiled floors and carpeted paths, they almost take pause before a large explosion shakes the foundation, sending giant chunks of rubble over them. It's a near thing, but Nan'ra barely catches a shield above them in time.]

💠[The labored breaths of someone down the hall echos against the tall ceilings, even as holes and pieces continue to crumble down. A taunting call bellows out, metal scraping against a floor that made their ears ring. Rolanberry head was here. And he was...unhinged.]

💠[It's not easy. Even as their Echo helps them see ahead, gunfire is faster than normal means. The two of them spend much of the fight keeping their distance, egging him on to crash into walls. Pheobe sings a song of reclamation only to have to draw her sword in quick fashion.]

💠[The chainsaw quickly eats up the metal, but she pushes back against his armour and sends aether coursing through the inside of it until it sputters. He slams her with the spikes and throws her flying, but she skids, posture somewhat intact. It's enough to distract him.]

💠[While he's not looking, with the great flood waters, Nan'ra's eyes glow with power. He draws the water near them and floods the battery pack of the machine, mixing the gasoline and coolant and bursting through wires. It starts to smell of fire.]

💠[It's not a pretty end. Pheobe pulls her bow taut and fires against the smoldering magitek case on his back. His body breaks to pieces. They huff, adrenaline flaring... Before running away from it to catch up with the others. Yosetsu remained at large...!]

💠[The Warriors of Light find her at blade point on the ground, ruing her childhood. Pheobe can't look, bowing her head some, but Nan'ra looks on horrified. From one terrible fate to the next, even as she grasped any semblance of control, it was through pain.]

💠[But she twists into madness. Embracing the
cruelty that poisoned hers. Pheobe slowly raises her bow, eyeing Hien. This person... This person was a reminder she didn't want.]
'Lord Hien, end this!'

💠[He looks away as the building trembles again, threatening collapse. It is enough moment for her to grab at her gun and shoot. In a wild show of wit, he slices the bullet in half before cutting her down. She withers to the floor, bleeding.]

💠[But her plan to stall was enough. The ceiling falls above them, and the two are caught unawares and brace themselves. Nan'ra can't hold the weight of the roof all on his own and just barely slows it down before his shield breaks. And beneath it, Gosetsu stands, holding it up.]

💠[Sacrifice of self. Something Pheobe had seen in Ohka's eyes. Something she could never argue him out of. Something that refusing would be thievery of honour. But the tales of such haunted her. Her breath shudders.]

💠[Gosetsu will not take no for an answer. And as they argue, in a last fit of revenge, Yotsuyu shoots Gosetsu in the lung. He coughs up blood, buckling slightly. Nan'ra shouts out at them, rousing the lot of them.]
"We have to go, or this will all be for naught! Now!"

💠[Tears well up in her eyes. Her father's stories flash as she looks him in the eyes. She never considered it. Oh, Gosetsu.]
'Thank you...!' [She manages to get out before they crawl their way out of the rubble.]

💠[Cirina and her flock manage to find their balcony before it can break apart into the river. When she realises Gosetsu is not there, she makes for the castle again... Only for them all to watch in horror as the entire thing explodes and collapses on itself, drowned forever.]

💠[It's a cold feeling for all of them. They were just talking last night. Over spirits and good company. They agreed to save the tears for later.
Well, they were here. Later was here. And so was victory, well fought and deserved.
Safety never felt so unwarm.]

💠[Soroban promises to look for him in the rubble, leaving immediately. But Hien is so distant now, even as message of assembly runs away from them to the people. They wait as long as can before for good news, but no such luck. They can do nothing now but try to let him go.]

💠[It was time to look forward, for that was his wish. For a new Doma was on the horizon, and it was up to them to meet it. Pheobe takes a deep breath and gives Nan'ra her biggest smile.]
'Let's start a celebration tonight. In his honour. For Doma.'
[He nods back with a smile.]

💠'Otou-san, it's me. I know I don't call much and I prefer pen to paper but please forgive me--I hope you aren't asleep! We've done it. Doma is free! I can take you home! Otou-san, I'm on your soil and I'm at your home and I just know it's going to be beautiful.'

💠[There are tears of all kinds. And while they want for a bigger feast, what they have is enough. It is the beginning of their beginning. Their home will be reclaimed. Their home will be rebuilt. It was not for naught.]

💠[As soon as the cheer is picked up and sake spread abound, the Scions quietly slip away. They have won Doma her freedom, but another country weeped for succor. Looking over the waters, Nan'ra and Pheobe wonder just how they are doing now in Rhalgr's Reach...]

💠[Kugane port, as they arrive at dawn, is less exciting than the day they arrived. But it's another place that welcomes them, they know. Pheobe hits arms with Carvallain at the port on her way to market, leaving Nan'ra to his thoughts as the others speak final business.]

💠[So she thought. A man in a red uniform comes up to him as he leans against the bridge wall.
‹How did it go?›
"...Doma is free. With it, you ought to see new trade in the coming moons." [He looks up at him a tall miqo'te with dark skin. The fur's hue matches his own.]

💠‹Hm.› Nan'a looks pensive, removing his gaze and turning out to sea. ‹And what will you do now?›
"Follow this path of change, of course. This is what I am, now. Along with the curse I bare. Did you forget?"
‹...No. I didn't.› [But the disapproving silence remains.]

💠‹This rite of yours...› [He starts to say, only to be cut off.]
"Proves to our clan nothing, but everything to the world and myssself." [A pause.] "I am dead, brother. I am not going home."
[Nan'a looks over him, and for a long time, neither of them say anything at all.]

💠‹Then you are dead. Our people will know. And lucky for you... Our reach is not far enough to meet you.›
[Nan'ra smiles.] "Thank you, ahbi."
[He bows his head.] ‹...I have to go. I am on patrol and I am not doing my job.›

💠[The younger man huffs, amused. He punches Nan'a in the arm. He makes a noise before he punches him back.]
[These brothers were born a decade apart. They had nothing in common. But they had blood. That was enough.]
[The two part ways, and Nan'ra speaks not a word of it.]

💠[Hien and Yugiri manage to nab them before they can board, Yugiri herself, joining them as word of Doma's newfound alliance with Eorzea. Hien urges them to forge the path he knows they can, and finish what they started.]

💠[The rest they took over the seas was a warm reward after the campaign, especially as they knew more struggle was on the horizon, just a few days away. But their arrival to Limsa Lominsa is not without bad news.]
"Krile... No." [Taken prisoner...?]

💠[They hurry to Castrum Oriens, where Ohka is waiting for them, arms crossed and scowling as if he had never been impaled at all. His expression softens as they draw near, and he puts his hands out for Pheobe to take and squeeze.]
«You're well, I see.»
'And you.' [She simpers.]

💠[Arenvald is endlessly critical of their failure, but it would seem this was a very recent development. Nan'ra lets out a sigh of relief. There's time, then, to bring her back from the claws.]
"Wherever you need us, we'll go."

💠"Ssso with all our attention on the Castrum, they'll have less security, aye?"
«Aye. And I am of the rrright mind to give them hells for what they've done.»
[Nan'ra smiles.] "You are the same as ever, Ohka."
[He huffs.] «Neither of us are the same… But it's good to have you.»

💠[Ohka has a grim look on his face as the day comes for the operation. He won't talk about it, won't as he will anything else on his mind. Pheobe sighs.]
'Don't be like that. We've done thisbefore, we'll do this, no problem.'
«Lowering your guard like that is folly, sister…»

💠[Plenty are fallen on both sides, but they've done it. They've taken the bridge. And the garleans have fled! The flag looks majestic upon the Imperial post… And Ohka sighs, wiping sweat from his brow. Not today, perhaps…? He looks over the bridge to the river below…]

💠[Pheobe and Ohka are sent out to clear the land of any stragglers, leaving Nan'ra to help take down any left inside the bridge fort. The cries for mercy make him hesitate for a moment, but he proceeds all the same.]

💠[Pheobe finds Ohka waiting for him, impatiently. The Peering Stones is up ahead, and M'naago is waiting.]
«It's time. The origin of who we are…»
[He looks up at her.] «Either you fall in love with it or you don't, but I've been waiting a long time for this.»
[He…smiles?]

💠[Ohka soaks in everything, speaks with the Nunh first with hesitance, then long, involved dialogue. He would hear of everything, their stance on the resistance, M'naago, all. And when he's done, he feels his heart is stronger than before. That purpose glows…]

💠[But the Ananta report a great threat after recent tragedy among the Qalyana's child taken hostage, and killed. And with it, the ever-familiar threat of a primal now lie on their horizon… Nan'ra shakes his head.]

💠"Thisss won't do. If she loses her people to the fervour, the armies will never cross into the Peaks."
'It's already too late. We need to address this as soon as possible. Ohka, we're leaving!'
[He nods, hurrying over. Alphinaud protests, but the three do not dally.]

💠[Lakshmi tries to bend them to her will, but she is weak. Nowhere near as powerful to be a true problem to content with. Just as they finish putting her down, Nan'ra looks up in confusion. Was it really that easy…? Or would they try to summon her again…]

💠[Ohka leads them back to the Viran settlement, then back to the Stones, where the other scions explain what happened. They're all rather huffed up about it and the implications.]

💠[Their ears flick up. Pheobe pouts as she hears them talking behind their backs while eating by the fire. ]
«…Looks like we're staying the night. Don't expect me to bed with you.»
[She pulls Nan'ra over in a sudden jerking movement.]
'I have a husband.'
[He laughs.]

💠[Slowly, they're offered more food and more drink. It's enough to tempt even Ohka, reluctant as he is to accept. It's such a bitter taste, and they all laugh as he gags on spirits. Eventually, everyone goes their ways… Leaving Lyse and Ohka sit by the edge of the cliffside.]

💠[It was different to hear it from Lyse. She was his long-time friend, from the very start. Back when her name was still her sister's, Yda… Such a name came up that night too, and her father, whom he'd never heard of. In this country that used to be so whole…]

💠<If the Twelve are watching us, what are they thinking?>
[Ohka is taken off guard by this. He looks down, not sure what to tell her. They would have to ask Them, he offers with a simper. She laughs sheepishly…before the two of them decide to turn in. Nothing to do but walk.]

💠[Playful banter wakes the two lovebirds from tehir slumber, come morning. Ohka is already up, talking over the fire as he helps with breakfast. (He's never talked this much,) she thinks. (Like he's lowered his guard…)]

💠[She catches a smile on him before he meets her gaze. Then he crosses his arms, holding a wooden spoon.]
«Get out of bed, we're leaving soon.»
[She shakes Nan'ra, but he won't budge. Off to grab breakfast for him, then.]

💠[A bell passes and Nan'ra is fed and ready, if albeit still incredibly sleepy. Pheobe kisses him on the cheek and looks out at the road under the cliffs.]
"Might be nasssty on the other side..." [He remarks.]
«Perhaps. But they have called the Warriors of Light worse things.»

💠[Utterly enthralled by his comment, Pheobe almost skips as they move into Ala Ghiri, newly reclaimed and thriving. Ohka trails his hand on the stone wall. Nan'ra, on the other hand, has a look of alarm on his ace. The Alliance made this the base of operations in only a day?!]

💠[Pheobe and Nan'ra head off to go to the planning meeting, to which Ohka vehemently ditches the lot of them to get more information. The town was taken without a fight? Why would the imperials give up so easily? He has a bad feeling about it.]

💠'Tsk… Holding us back for reserve?'
"Strategically, it's the best idea… After all, we have no idea what Zenos is planning with all this."
[Pheobe grumbles anyway. Waiting was her least favourite activity. Especially with Lyse and Alphinaud going without them!]

💠[Ohka watches with rocks in his stomach as Lyse and the others move out. He wants to go with them... But he will be responsible and carry out the plan. Even if, he…]
«No. No… It will be better if I'm…»
[He mumbles, turning to go back to market. Time was of the essence.]

💠[Pheobe and Alisaie trek ahead to take care of any remaining soldiers on patrol while the onslaught goes down, leaving Ohka and Nan'ra to catch up at a steady pace. Nan'ra can tell he's stressed, but…]
"What isss it?" He finally asks.
«…You don't want to know.»

💠[Nan'ra turns fast.] "Wait, no. I do! I mean, if it's medical from being stabbed, I can underssstand, but–"
«Not that.» [He sighs hard.] «…Someone is going to die in there. Someone Lyse cares very much about. I saw it. I saw it…»
[Nan'ra slows his pace, forcing Ohka to turn.]

💠"…Do we know who?"
«I don't know. But I know it's going to happen over sheet metal. So it's either today or the next or... The next of the next. I don't know. /She/ showed me. That's all I know.» [He turns his head.] «Just be prepared.»

💠[Just then, the main tower is shook by a large explosion, beginning to crumble. Canonfire, from the east? Nan'ra and Ohka look at each other. The latter bolts.
"Wait, it need to fall first–"
«No time! If we run now, we'll make it! Use your legs!»

💠[They rejoin the others on the way, but it's utter chaos at the gates. No telling who is stuck under rubble and who has escaped. The look of panic on Alisaie's eyes is…indescribable. And the inside is almost just as so. Dead lie all around, of all flags.]

💠[Ohka shoves potions in the other's hands.
«Take this—Go now; they need you!»
'Wh-Where did you even get these?'
"Oi, don't run off!!"
[But he just leaves them flabbergasted, hurrying away to join the search team.]

💠[Nan'ra's voice breaks as he hears the name over all the shouting.] "Gods, no."
[They both hurry to meet him at the entrance of the tower, carrying the limp body of Conrad out with a cold expression on his face. Lyse is dead silent amidst M'naago's sobbing.]

💠"What happened?!"
'No… Not like this.'
«It was always going to be like this.» [He says quietly.] «I'm sorry.»
[The others are shell-shocked, and Pheobe and Nan'ra can do nothing but corral them away. Away from this hellscape. And return the two siblings to each-other's sides.]

💠[While Lyse understands the importance of her new role as the commander of the Resistance, she can't turn her back on the front lines. Even with the pain fresh in her heart, she would press on. Ohka hurries after her before the others can think to follow.]

💠[Oh, to be a Warrior of Light, and Lyse's favourite besides. Ohka can't help but smile... She was always the one to help raise his spirits, even now. But as they look up atop the cliffs, the theories were true. Castrum Abania is plagued by smoke, and the canon is damaged.]

💠«Ohka here. Our luck is looking up,» [He says over linkpearl.] «The canon from earlier is on fire. We can take revenge immediately.»
[Pheobe looks over to Nan'ra with her eyebrows raised. But Nan'ra nods vehemently.]
"We'll pass on the message. See you soon."

💠[By the time they return, the scions are ready and prepared for travel. Pheobe tosses Ohka a wrapped sandwich, which he catches.]
'Sorry to turn you right around but we're leaving!'
[He lets out an amused huff.]
«Let's break through their metal again.»

💠"With our luck, we'll find Krile in there," [Nan'ra says, looking vexed.] "But I can't imagine where. I have to hope and pray it's an obvious gaol..."
[Pheobe scoffs.] 'And if we don't, they'll move her... Chhh, this is going to be a tight one.'

💠[The three split up into groups, one to aim for the fire tower, another to make a distraction, and the other for the weapons hall. Alisaie and Pheobe take for destroying their resources, taking great pleasure in it. Until the creations appear...]

💠[They're both horrified. This was almost as bad as the things they saw in Azys Lla. But these were... People of the current day. Modified and mutilated and mutated beyond recognition. Putting them down was sickening.]

💠[But Nan'ra and Alphinaud soon come running, happy to say their side of things have gone well enough.]
"Haven't heard from Lyssse or Ohka. I hope they're alright."
'We'll see for ourselves.'

💠[They find them just about to break through when Ohka takes a step back at their steps. He looks over his shoulder...nods, and the four of them join Lyse's squad to rush the entrance, halting as the Imperials immediately bring their blades up and Lyse lifts her arm to pause.]

💠[This woman by the name of Fordola was the one. The one to kill her people. Lyse would have her know her wrath before they strike. Pheobe finds it...poetic. Ohka can't agree.]

💠He's staring her down with frightening sharpness... Before he's had enough, and tears through her soldiers with his greatsword, sparking the conflict. Fordola, on the other hand, is supernaturally quick. Before they can even blink, Alisaie is on the ground, bleeding.]

💠The Warriors of Light and Lyse have the traitor cornered, and she knows to call it quits. Smoke and light blind them—in the chaos, they hear glass shatter. From outside, over the roar of propellers, an invitation to the palace is given. For Lord Zenos' is having a royal hunt.]

💠[Thankfully, Alphinaud's quick healing is enough to stabalise her until she can rest back at Ala Ghiri. Ohka and her are off, but General Raubahn, sending Lyse's dismay, drags her, Pheobe and Nan'ra off to see his hometown of Coldhearth. To see the roots of desire for freedom.]

💠[If but a glance, they see the words Lyse's father once told Raubahn himself. Liberty or Death. Did she believe in his creed...? Of course. But so much more than just that. Liberty for all, not just the ones who want it. Filled with newfound conviction, they turn to go back.]

💠"Sssomething's not right." [Nan'ra says all of a sudden as they walk. They look about, alarmed at the feeling prickling at the back of their necks. Someone is watching them. Pheobe scowls, turning quickly as she listens to the whisper on the wind… Desperation.]
'That way.'

💠[It was an ambush in waiting. Several, actually, that they have to down instead of dispelling as the locals refuse to relent. It's as if their very lives depend on this murder attempt, but they're left on the ground bleeding instead.]
'The hells…?'

💠<Oh no. These people… I've seen them before.> [Lyse remarks, a cold look on her face.] <They're from Radiata. We have to hurry back! The others, they—>
'Get to running then.' [Pheobe barks, Nan'ra and Lyse following at her heels.]

💠[Everyone is fine, but the reality of living under Imperial control is given to them by miss Stark. These young men and women knew nothing else. Of course, they would…]
"Aughh, I just want everything to change!" [Nan'ra says suddenly.] "It's not fair. It's jussst not…!"

💠[The lot of them decide to move Alisaie somewhere safer. Ohka offers to carry her, but is denied. He'll follow the cart and keep her safe if nothing else, sending the others to prepare for her arrival. On the way, the two are quiet in thought.]

💠[The day before has finally come. There's quite a bit of clatter from up atop the hand of Destroyer in the Reach. Lyse and Ohka are sparring hard, sharpening their senses. Nan'ra sits at the infirmary, speaking with the chirurgeon on hand—they needed to be ready.]

💠[Surprisingly, Pheobe is not at the range. No, she's clashing swords against others training for the front lines.] (This time will be different.) [But when the two lively ala mhigans return from their jaunt, they look happy enough to outshine the sun. She has to smile at that.]

💠«Next time, when this is all over, we'll make it three out of five instead.»
〈Ha, you're on!〉

#GPOSERS #NenekoColorS #ffxivsnaps #FFXIV

💠[Soon enough, they're out on the tred out to their newly claimed Castrum Abania to tred out to the salt lochs. Pipin's there to meet them, giving a full report of the current situation. It's only been a few days, but they've established a proper base of operations!]

💠[After a proper war-meeting, the stage is set--and the scions are left planning how they will find Krile the overtaken city. Thancred, unfortunate, come with equal parts good and bad news. But, he's found her. Now they just need a better way in.]

💠«So your grandfather has a key?» [Ohka asks Wiscar, who nods, explaining how the route underneath the salt lochs connected to the city—only, a gate had been brought up. "I say this is a better idea than trying to blow the metal to pieces." 'Aye.'

💠[And yet… The Saltery lies empty. Soulless—with only faint traces of a presence perhaps a week ago.]
«…What is this?» [Carefully, Ohka picked up what appears to be some kind of Garlean device… Only for it to start wildly sirening. He drops it in a hurry.]

💠[Thancred yells.] <Alright, who touched the blatently obvious trap?!>
Ohka runs out as metal constructs pour from the south. Damn it, that was his fault. «Sorry!»
'What? It was you?'
«Shut up! I didn't know it did that!»
'So you touched it to find out? Just how daft are you?'

💠[Nan'ra sighs hard and weaves a shielding spell from the roof tops, casting it on their comrade before smacking the two of them with a rather weak Ruin spell on their back. Ohka and Pheobe both get startled.]
"ENOUGH! Focus, both of you! I've got Wiscar, so break 'em down!"

💠[Despite the surprise, the only real trouble is keeping the massive metal beasts off Wiscar's ass--a trouble Nan'ra handles elegantly. Once all is destroyed, he hops off the roof and stomps over to the two where they look... Very guilty.]
"This. Is. War. Remember that. Okay?"

💠[He heads forward with the others to hurry to the monastery in the journal he found. Pheobe looks to Ohka and sighs.]
'Sorry. I was being a jerk.'
«It's... It's alright. It was stupid of me and I know that.»
'If it makes you feel better, I'm stupid sometimes too. Let's go.'

💠[Their luck is, somehow, going their way. Wiscar's grandfather is safe and hands over the key. Now the only matter is...]
"Jussst how deep do we need to swim? I don't think Ohka got the blessing."
'He didn't.'
[The most confused look blossoms on this older miqo'te face.]

💠«...Right, well. Maybe someone can fill me in later. Come on, we'll keep busy. Pheobe?»
[She looks away from Nan'ra to him. 'Yes?'
«Be careful.»
[Now, it's up to her, Nan'ra, Lyse, and Thancred to find the gate and get inside.]

💠'...Can you -really- hold your breath for ten minutes?'
[Thancred looks playfully offended for a moment.]
〈It's true. Don't believe me now, but you will very soon!〉
Nan'ra looks over the waters, scouting for any constructs, but spots nothing. "Coast isss clear, I think."

💠'The salt burns my eyes…'
"Chin, up Pheebs! I think I see the gate! Look, there's Thancred!"
[The two squeeze the salt water out of their clothes before hurrying up the stairs—this really was a route to the city… How had it not been breached before now?]

💠〈Once we enter those gates, we have patrols to account for. Stay stealthy, and be vigilant.〉
[The others nod. Pheobe finds a good place to climb to the rooftops to follow along. It's strange to see a city under Garlean rule... Not a single civilian in sight.]

💠[But once Nan'ra opens wide the gates... Ohka and the others are outside. The Resistance charges. Suddenly, he's forced to catch something thrown at him. A staff?]
"What is this?!"
«Urianger's trump card. For Fordola!»
[Nan'ra looks utterly baffled but Ohka's stormed past.]

💠[Pheobe shoots down soldiers while running, keeping an eye below. Chaos has burst into figurative flames, and the Resistance clearly had the advantage. She hops from one roof to the next and slides down an awning pole before meeting them at the ground.] 'She in there?'
〈Aye.〉

💠[Fordola's waiting for them when they move into the research facility—most others have left to defend their control of the city, leaving just her and a few men. She's as overpowered as before... Ohka gives her no time to gloat about it, throwing his sword at her relentlessly.]

💠[She throws him back hard, far across the tile. He skids with great balance, swiping his sword once more in Provokation. Eyes. On. Me.
Nan'ra looks at this staff… Time to see what he can do with it!]
'Watch out!'
[The warning is just soon enough for Ohka to jump out the way.]

💠[Turret lasers, and powerful ones at that. He strafes, guiding them his way as Fordola makes to recover… And Pheobe slams her with aetheric arrows in the back. They crackle and make her muscles shudder before disappearing. The staff can only hold her for so long…!]

💠[Nan'ra does what he can, but it's hard to multitask with both his hands full like this. He throws up a shield on Ohka before watching his wife storm after Fordola—wait, what was she doing?! Quickly, the siphon, he had to—]

💠[Ohka feigns ignorance to his sister's plan at first, drawing Fordola away, completely unguarded and soon, destabilised—just long enough for this final strike. Pheobe pulls a blade from her side and slices open the woman's back up the spine as Ohka pulls his blade upward.]

💠[From both sides, the siblings strike—and the woman has taken enough, staggering hard before collapsing on the tile. As cold as Ohka's eyes are, when Lyse commands them to stop… He does.
Let her see their victory with her own eyes.]

💠[Nan'ra hurries to Alphinaud's side to help him open the cylinders with Thancred—Krile was really in here the whole time?! He looks furious, then relieved—maybe she was weak, but she was alive.
Fordola still damns them to the fate of the hunt. Just what was this hunt…]

💠'The power of the eikons lies within Zenos…?'
[Pheobe and Ohka discuss as they walk out to the Quarter retaken by the resistance. It is a glorious day, yes, but there were still many concerns yet at play.]
«…Would make more sense. Our blessing and curse wasn't enough then.»

💠[Pheobe looks at him hard. Zenos had impaled him, through several vital organs, she recalled… And still, he came back from near death.]
'I think it was. Just not in the way you wanted…'
[He looks back and lets out a huff.]
«Nevertheless. We kill eikons. His days dwindle…»

💠[Thancred and Lyse leave their numbers, both in support of the resistance and in the imprisonment of Fordola, who killed so many. The Warriors of Light gather at the aetheryrte and attune, listening over the new plans.]

💠[The meeting continues at Porta, where the deliberations reveal some unsettling revelations. Had the Garleans really developed -an artificial Echo-? Pheobe and Nan'ra find this…utterly unsettling, whereas Ohka just crosses his arms. «So we need a bigger version of the staff.»

💠[A day of rest passes, and the Warriors of Light gather up what strength they have for the coming assault. It was time to take back the city proper, and not just the living quarters. Ohka stares out over the Lochs in the early dawn, squinting at the troops lined up far away.]

💠[Pheobe come up beside him and sets down a plate of breakfast.]
'Eat. We retake our heritage today.'
[For once, he smiles.]
«I'm not letting him best me this time...»

@threadreaderapp unroll