“Full glad I am for they safe return. Lady Alisaie hath apprised me of thy and thine comrades’ experiences.” Urianger motioned to them the following morning. The previous night’s journey had left mostly all of them worn out and exhausted—and some with more questions than when they first started earlier that week.

Azlyn nursed the cup of tea Tataru prepared—the smell of the hibiscus and peach wafted to her nose.

Alisaie greeted each of them with a courteous nod. “Let’s go over our journal together, shall we?” She plucked the pages open reading the observations within. “It was evidence from a new primal that led us into the cavern beneath Castrum Occidens, and to explore the subterranean scars left after the fall of Dalamud. What we found was a vast, largely intact fragment of the fallen satellite. And within the depths of that structure, we discovered not the new primal we had expected, but the broken form of Bahamut himself. Yet even this great revelation would soon be overshadowed—by the appearance of my own dear grandfather.”

The bookkeeper of the Scions robed from head to his mid calves spoke fluidly in between. “As thou will doubtless be aware, Master Lousioix was my lady’s grandsire. Gravely concerned was I for her safety, but ‘twould seem I need not have been so. With all my heart, I do thank all for watching over her.” Urianger bent forward, his hand went over his heart I gratitude.

“It was no biggie! She helped us inside the compounds! Alisaie is exceptionally gifted in the arts of magicks!” Richiro pointed out how the girl handled herself under extreme duress during the node fights and the battle against Twintania.

Alisaie cleared her throat, happy for the praise but wanting to move the meeting along. “And that’s yesterday’s main events… Urianger, I understand you have a report of your own to share with us.”

Mjnt smiled over to the young Elezen as she deflected.

Urianger quickly turned his head down to face the teen sipping her tea with her ears growing a deep red. He coughed into his hand. “Aye—my lady is correct. If I can direct thine attention to me.”

Koroko Koko muffled a chuckle. Everyone eventually did as Urianger instructed.

“As thou didst emerge from the depths, an aetherial disturbance betokening primal activity was observed.” He pointed to a mobile blackboard where the Eorzean map had been taped up. “In Mor Dhona was it marked first. By comparison of time and magnitude, we have since deduced its origin: Carteneau Flats.”

Azlyn pursed her lips. The battlegrounds where the Calamity riddled the realm down to the bare passable minimum. The Au Ra wasn’t the only one deeply thinking about this new development—all of them were.

“Strange…” Alisaie murmured. She tapped her finger on the cup of her tea. “There have been no reports of primal activity in that region—It could only have been Bahamut.”

Roll examined the map with a careful eye. “That would certainly explain how we came to be in northern Thanalan.”

Richiro turned to his healing mentor. “How so?”

“The cavern took us all the way from Vylbrand to the heart of Aldenard. Given the yalms we walked and traversed, and the large chunks of Dalamud that crashed into Eorzea five years ago—It’d be a safe bet to guess many of these caverns were overtaken and adapted into the very lands it crashed into. The corrupted crystals that grow heavily in certain areas attest to that as well.” The healer explained as succinctly as she could.

Urianger nodded. “’Twould seem so, Roll.”

Alisaie leaned back in her chair, her face darkening as everything started to click into place. There were still pieces missing but given what they knew—it was something to start on. “It is all but certain, then. After Bahamut disappeared five years ago, he hid himself deep beneath Carteneau, and has since lain dormant, regenerating.”

“So when Azlyn said we jumpstarted it yesterday by all that aether mumbo-jumbo—what she really meant was we woke it up from it’s stasis.” Ozwin groaned. “Great.”

Urianger looked to his lady. “Taken together with thine own account of Bahamut’s continuous presence, the lands slowness to heal and the disorder of the aetheric currents do point to one conclusion…”

Azlyn stopped mid sip. She didn’t consider the lands ability to heal—much less the amount of aether that would be required. If the land wasn’t healing enough—it meant that the energy and flow of the aether had been circumvented or shifted to another place. She gaped in horror to Urianger.

“Bahamut stirreth. If left unchecked, the primal shall drink of Eorzea’s life force til he doth waken to rain ruin upon the land.” Urianger caught the Au Ra’s frozen stare and nodded toward her. “Thine fears art understandable—Bahamut awakening hath set a set of actions to motion.”

She lowered her teacup gently back to the saucer. “We can’t let it be. Eorzea will find itself in a worse situation than the Calamity if Bahamut continues to eat the life force. We already are seeing these effects in Vylbrand where the soil is becoming less fertile—the ocean and sea levels are descending—not to mention all the corrupted crystals that leave most areas inhabitable.”

The bard frowned in her seat. “There have been whispers that I hear from the Hearers—some saying that the woods are dying in parts—the elementals are unable to aid as readily as they used to.”

Roll nodded. “Aldenard’s climate temperature is rapidly rising, and water is becoming a scarce resource to find. Many of the merchants who import or export water from the Aqueducts are causing higher inflation rates due to the massive drop in securement of goods.”

“Rest assured.” Alisaie stood up at the table, looking to each of them. “I do not mean to give up. These are all valid points as to why we should take care of this problem swiftly.” She smiled. “Bahamut may still live, but so too does Grandfather. For the past five years, he has been keeping vigil over his nemesis, making certain that the primal does not escape.”

Azlyn had to wonder about this whole thing. She didn’t want to burst the teen’s expectations—like hers last night when Roll informed her that no—her parents didn’t miraculously survive and are still out there somewhere. But how does one tell a young adolescent that this is too good to be true?

“Master Louisoix…” Urianger crossed his arms over his chest, he seemed to be struggling with the idea that the Archon could be alive as well. “doth yet live? I—I durst not hope—and thou art certain ‘twas no mere manifestation of thine all too sorely felt grief?”

Alisaie nodded earnestly. “I know how desperate this may sound Urianger, but I saw him with my own two eyes—as did Azlyn—as did everyone presently here!”

The bookkeep turned his gaze to them—however it was hard to tell where he was staring given his hood over his head and the goggles.

Ozwin answered bluntly. “Surprisingly yes. I’ll vouch for the little miss. I did see him.”

Azlyn stared to the Midlander Hyur who seemed mildly interested in this conversation.

Alisaie grabbed onto Urianger’s sleeve, tugging his attention back to her. “You see? But he vanished deeper into the labyrinth before we had the chance to speak.”

“No—he said something.” Azlyn interrupted, thinking back to the older Elezen’s mouth that moved. “It was hard to discern with only a profile—but he did say something.”

Kida jumped up, she put both of her hands upon the wood of the desk. “Oh! There was also another with him! They were further away at the end of the walkway though!”

“Two more like fragments of Dalamud pierced the earth when the lesser moon fell. One we have seen. If we can but find the other two, I am certain that we will find Grandfather as well.” Alisaie proposed.

Azlyn crossed her arms. “I think we shouldn’t put our hopes and expectations high Alisaie—I think we should approach this at another angle. At least until we have more conducive evidence.”

“You’re sounding a lot like my brother Azlyn.” Alisaie rolled her blue eyes. 

She bit her tongue, deciding it best not to argue semantics.

“If thou so believest, my lady, then I too shall have faith. If it please you, I shall notify the Grand Companies of this development. All of Eorzea must stand united if we are to avert a repeat of the Calamity.” Urianger bowed once more.

The girl shook her head. “That will not be necessary Urianger. Being the great conciliator that he is, Alphinaud will seek to unite Eorzea of his own accord, if rumors are true, that endeavor is already under way.”

Azlyn looked down the hall that led to the center of the Waking Sands. She knew the lad had been busy this last week, but she wasn’t quite sure what he was working on. She wondered about the rest of the Scions as well—however only Y’shtola and Tataru spoke with her continuously.

It was also apparent Thancred disappeared the moment Azlyn arrived. She wondered what caused the man so much strife that he felt it necessary to avoid her? But that was for another day—and another time.

Alisaie perked, lifting a finger up to point upward. Her face was light with joy as she said: “So let us leave the diplomacy to the diplomat, while we continue our investigation of Bahamut!” She clenched her hand in front of her, vowing to everyone in the room. “I swear to you all, no matter what it takes, we will find my grandfather and uncover the truth of the Calamity!”

Urianger smiled down to the teen, approving of her resolute decision.

It was then that the girl turned to the group, as Alisaie called to them. “You all—you have heard me swear to do these things, but without your strength, I cannot hope to make good on my word. The danger to Eorzea is not passed. For the sake of all who abide here, I pray that you all will ever be our swords and shields in the darkness.”

Azlyn nodded.

Kida gave her a thumbs up. “Of course! You can have my strength Ali!”

“I have something I wish to speak with your old man about—so count me in.” Ozwin closed his eyes. Azlyn stared to him, wondering if his questions revolved about why no one could remember who he was—and why his original name was stricken from the realm.

N’thuzu Tia grinned. “It seems wherever you go, there will be stronger enemies to fight. You’ll have my axe.”

“Heh.” Roll bobbed her head. “I penciled my week out for this investigation.”

Koroko Koko agreed with a chuckle into her hand. While Richiro Wichiro smiled widely.

“I have been granted a full leave of absence from Coerthas, under the conditions that I said reports of our findings in meaningful times.” The Viera brought out a box of items. “Also, my lord has requested me to deliver these to you all.”

Placed on the table in front of her were small patches with the insignia of House Fortemps.

“What is this for?” Azlyn asked, picking up the fabric.

“Lord Haurchefont said that if a need arises in which you need help, you may use that patch to ask him a favor.” The red-haired dragoon glanced between each of them. “However, if it is something that is beyond his capabilities, he will have to refuse. Be wise with your request.” It seemed like a one favor per patch.

Azlyn accepted one of the patches gratefully. “I’ll be careful.”

Alisaie looked to the seven patches being delivered to the rest of the group. “I see you made friends in the winterlands.”

“Now—how do we go about assisting in Alisaie’s pledge. It is one thing to say it—another to follow through. Urianger, do you have any ideas?”

The bookkeeper reached a hand up to his chin in thought. “A crystal-choked abyss lieth beneath the Carteneau Flats—the unholy cradle of an elder primal. And by thine hands were truths great and terrible wrested from those once-celestial depths. Yet, as is oft the case, an answer doth breed a profusion of questions, and the unknown doth beckon with irresistible allure. Ne’er have the mysteries of the red moon lain so neatly within our grasp.”

Azlyn blinked several times, trying to make sense of what he was speaking. “Urianger—your words are as eloquent as they are confusing.”

He smiled to her. “Tis time to brave the precipice, and leap unflinching into the jagged wound that doth gape beneath the land.”

Kida excitedly bounced. “Are we going to jump through those portals again!?”

Azlyn paled remembering that hellish nightmare. “I hope not.” She stammered slowly, trying to hold down her breakfast tea.

“Late last night from my lady regaling me of what thou hath encountered, I since shared these sundry findings with Rammbroes. A preeminent scholar of the Sons of Saint Coinach, and he, in turn, did kindly furnish me with his theory to the elder primal’s Allagan prison.” Urianger turned the mobile blackboard around gesturing to everyone to peer at the illustration.

The Au Ra recognized the writing and the drawings right away—those were done by Archon Rammbroes.

“’Twould seem that Dalamud was constructed to gather unto itself the rays of the sun, and thence channel this radiant bounty unto the Crystal Tower. The ancients saw great potential in Bahamut’s capacity to manipulate energies of otherwise unmanageable magnitudes—‘twas for this reason that they did bind him within the red moon to serve as its living core.”

Kida whistled slow and loud. “Like a battery pack. No wonder ‘mutty was pissed.”

Alisaie thought back. “Do you remember the sight that greeted us ay the culmination of our journey—the colossal devices that surrounded and seemed to cradle the incomplete form of the elder primal?”

Azlyn nodded. “Yeah. They looked like hulks of some kind.”

The Scion smiled. “The Sons of Saint Coinach have informed us that these contraptions were termed ‘Internment hulks’, and that each bore the designation ‘Ragnarok-class.’”

“Then these hulks had a purpose. Probably meant to act as binding coils to render Bahamut incapable of escape.” Azlyn mused aloud, thinking back to the damages done to the coils when they first passed through. “It would explain why the energy was flowing through the facility at the very least.” 

Urianger pointed to the diagram with his hand. “It had two purposes entwined. The first doth been explained—the second purpose were meant to feed him.”

Richiro gasped. “Feed him?! What were the Allagans thinking!?”

Ozwin shrugged to the Lalafellin with blonde hair. “It’s not surprising, coming from the same civilization that brought the Ultima Weapon into existence. At this point, I’d be surprised if they didn’t have anymore dangerous secrets lying in wait.”

Alisaie tapped her chin once more. “Perversely the selfsame energy which prevented him from moving also served to sustain his corporeal manifestation. Bahamut is permitted neither to die, nor to truly live—he merely is allowed to be.”

“That seems crueler that enslaving an entire race of Giants.” Roll crossed her arms. “At least the Ul’dahn’s tried to kill them—except that didn’t work out too well recently. The Allagans on the other hand were basically like: Yeah, he’s useful. He’s our checks and balance system for when our enemies step out of line.”

Azlyn turned to her cousin, agreeing with her. “No—no, you’re right. I wouldn’t put it past Emperor Xande to have countermeasures for countermeasures. There was a reason why the Third Astral Era was considered the most prominent era to have prospered.”

“Bah—that’s bias if I heard any.” Kida scoffed. “If they truly prospered, why did they come to a cataclysmic end? Hmmm?”

Azlyn shrugged. “Your guess is as good as anyone else’s on this planet. No one really has an idea why. We’d have to have documents and research detailing it—and most of that stuff was probably locked away deep in some vault or tower.”

“Like…a crystal tower?” Ozwin veered a guess.

“Uh—sure, yeah. But a crystal tower hasn’t shown up—”

Urianger cleared his throat. “For century upon century was the elder primal thus imprisoned.” He wrangled them back on track with that statement. “Bound about in fetters so subtle in their working, and yet so adamant, that thought his cell be destroyed, Bahamut lieth yet at the mercy of his long-departed captors.”

Alisaie offered her own insight on this development. “It has long been held that the primals require the power of their faithful followers to exist, yet none alive worship Bahamut. Could it be, then, that the Allagans found a way to stimulate prayer itself?”

“Gods above!” Richiro gasped. “I am having a newfound respect and abject terror growing about the Allagans and their resources! What a time to be alive!”

Azlyn postulated, ignoring the lalafellin’s conjecture. “It would seem logical to hazard a guess that it’s the coils. The regenerative mechanism in question could also supply something akin to the power of prayer.”

“Consequently, if all of the internment hulks were to be rendered inactive, Bahamut should dissolve into aether.” Alisaie concluded, piecing bit by bit of what they discussed.

Once more, the bookkeeper of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn turned his mobile blackboard around to the Eorzean map. He tapped the Blackshroud with the back of his hand. “Upon the evidence of thy previous foray, we determined that the elder primal is sustained by three such binding coils. Thus did we commence to scour the realm, and found in the Twelveswood an as yet unexplored fragment of the lesser moon bearing a most familiar aetheric signature.”

“My scouts from last night reported their preliminary investigation. We believe we have discovered a point from which this North Shroud fragment—and the second of the internment hulks—can be entered.” Alisaie offered, smiling wide.

Roll leaned back in her chair, her tea long forgotten. “Are we talking about the clusters of crystals and mines north of Fallgourd Float…? It’s in Alder Springs if I recall.”

Alisaie nodded.

“That’s something new.” The Au Ra said in surprise.

“What are we waiting for!” Kida gave everyone a toothy grin. “Let’s go explore some more caverns!”

Alisaie determinately clenched her fists—her resolution to resolving this fueled her. Everyone started to head outside, one by one trickling. Azlyn was one of the last ones to remain—as she heard the young Scion speak softly. “I will break these Allagan fetters. For they bind my grandfather as surely as they bind Bahamut…”

Her friends had already teleported over to Fallgourd Float ahead of her—as the young Auri joined them and Alisaie. Roll pointed over to Alder Springs. “You can see the fragment clusters all the way from here. The structure shares many common features with the ones we explored in La Noscea.” 

Mjnt nodded. “It shall likely play host to a similar compliment of guardians within.” 

Ozwin nudged Azlyn by his side. “Nothing like Thuzu and Az can’t handle.” 

“Why do I feel like you’re teasing me more than usual?” Azlyn eyed the Hyur from the corner of her eye. 

“Not sure what you’re talking about.” Ozwin whistled, looking over to the clusters Roll gestured toward. 

“Don’t worry, Ozwin will probably take point like he always does.” The Miqo’te gave a wry grin over to Azlyn. “If he looks ready to drop, I’ll buzz you in sister.” 

At this she chuckled. “Fair deal.”

They walked down the paths leading westward, following the paths and avoiding the wandering stone golems on the way. There were giant yellow pelican birds that reminded four of them of their time to Brayflox’s Longstop. Other monsters such as giant scorpion like spiders ventured in the canyons, while floating grenade bombs floated aimlessly. 

One point they all stopped as Alisaie pointed to a set of fragments ahead. “Look—it’s one of the fallen shards of Dalamud.” They looked to the scarred lands, the broken bits of earthen soil that struggled to regain life after the Calamity. The clusters of corrupted crystals had grown abundant over the years in Alder Springs. 

“According to initial reports from Twin Adder,” Alisaie continued. “Their survey uncovered no evidence of the Empire’s presence—which while fortunate in itself, meant that the approach to the fragment had yet to be cleared.” 

Kida punched her hand into her expecting palm. “Which leaves it up to us to clear it.”

The Sharlayan nodded. “They succeeded in carving out a semblance of a path which should grant us access to the entrance.”

Roll smiled softly. “Which means less digging on our part.” 

Richiro looked down to his hands, examining the soft palms. “Oh goodie—my hands aren’t made for hard physical labor like that.” 

Koroko Koko chuckled into her hands. “I agree Master Richiro. Our hands are our livelihoods.” 

“If it’s anything like the first then the master controls should be in the furthest most chamber...” Azlyn tapped her chin. “Past all the igenious and deadly defenses of which the Ancient Allagans seemed so indecently fond of.”

Kida pulled out some special arrows that Roll made her when they met back up at the house. “With these new puppies, I’ll be able to short-wire those nodes from far away. No more messing around!” 

Mjnt chuckled. “The materia that Roll attached to our weapons and gear have also given us quite a boost in strength and defense. I doubt we will struggle as much as we had before.” 

“Nothing more from it than to brave the depths of the fragment ourselves.” Koroko Koko hummed between them. 

“And here we are...” Roll announced, as they came up to the entrance of the cavern.

The dark of the cavern greeted them, with bits of clustered crystals that glowed. There seemed to be a bit of lowlight further inside. 

“Are we ready? There’s probably going to be several things we’ll need to tackle.” N’thuzu Tia asked once more. “Last chance to prepare.” 

Alisaie shook her head. “I’m ready—if you all are.” 

They all started to head in, save for Azlyn who’s Linkpearl buzzed. She paused in walking in. “Uh—go on ahead you guys! I’ll be right behind you!” 

Kida pointed a finger to her. “You better! Come on guys! Let’s scope the area!” 

Azlyn waved before darting back outside the cavern to turn on the linkpearl. “Azlyn speaking.” 

“Ahh—good, I caught you before you went into the depths of the second coils.” 

The male who greeted her was none other than the Sharlayan twin, Alphinaud. “Good morning, you caught me in the nick of time. Alisaie and the others went on ahead.” 

There was a small pause before she heard Alphinaud speak up. He sounded tentative—or worried. “Azlyn—though I would strenuously deny it were she present, my sister’s admiration and affection for our grand sire exceeds even mine own. Upon the matter of his legacy, therefore, Alisaie is wont to go above and beyond the call of duty. In our grandfather’s absence, she has made the salvation of Eorzea her personal crusade.” 

The Au Ra crossed her arm over her chest, while the other was glued on the link pearl. She forgot how long spoken the boy was. 

“‘Twas that which prompted her to brave the perils of the first coil. Yet the fact that she risks her life in this manner is not the greatest of my concerns. No, it is her subsequent fixation upon my grandfather’s shade that worries me most. This quest to rid the world of Bahamut must not become a quest to ‘save’ a man long dead.” 

Azlyn could tell he was worried about his sister—even if he said he wasn’t as worried, he still sounded as such. “I’ll keep an eye on her. I have my doubts about Archon Louisoix, but I don’t have enough evidence.” 

Alphinaud sighed into the linkpearl. “Thanks. My sister must needs a better reason to fight. A time will come when the fate of the realm rests upon our shoulders, and when it does, we must be strong in our resolve—and certain of the stakes for which we risk all.” 

“I don’t think her resolve is the issue—I think Alisaie will do what she has to in regards to Bahamut’s destruction...” 

“Yes, but there is a wide difference between fighting for the good of Eorzea, and fighting for the love of a man who died for the good of Eorzea. Alisaie must choose her own path. She cannot rely on Grandfather to choose it for her, for he is gone.” 

“Isn’t that the solution in what you said though?” Azlyn pointed out. “Alisaie must choose her own path. This is her decision—her choice to make. We can’t control that.” 

Alphinaud took several moments before he replied back to her—this time she could hear the relief in his voice. “I am glad that it is you with whom she makes this journey. With everyone at her side—If Alisaie is to discover a deeper purpose, then where better to find one than at the side of Eorzea’s greatest of champions? ‘Twas there that I found mine, after all.”

Azlyn smiled, chuckling to the connection. “You give us too much credit Alphinaud.” 

“Tis past time I let you go before they start to wonder where you went. Fair fortune in your endeavors Azlyn.” 

The linkpearl call ended.

The girl smiled to herself, and then darted into the cavern to catch up to the group that went ahead. She hoped they didn’t get too far ahead.