They were surrounded. That was the best and worst case situation given they were right in front of the aetheryte with their Sahagin Priests staring down to them. Several of Sahagin guards jumped out from the waters below, blocking their exit and closing in toward them. 

Azlyn thought of her Allagan grimoire, summoning forth her Garuda-Egi. She was about to command her egi to blast them far into the sky, only for gunshots to echo overhead. The two Sahagin’s next to Y’shtola dropped, followed by the one in front of Azlyn. 

“You’ll forgive me my lateness.” A familiar voice of the Admiral called from up above. 

Azlyn looked up to the seaside coast, where they had once stood. Only to see another two Sahagin jump up from the ocean. The Admiral did not seem alarmed in any way, as she looked up. She pulled out her second gun and started firing both at the same time. 

A third and fourth Sahagin appeared, trying to attack Minfillia standing next to her. But that attack had been short lived as both Thancred and Lady Yugiri sprinted and sailed up to slash through them. 

When Thancred landed, he dusted off his clothes before speaking loudly. “I’ve been something of a liability of late, I know. ‘Tis high time I set about making amends.” 

Minfillia turned to him, Azlyn thought she had caught a spry smile upon the Antecedent’s face in the distance, but given her position it was hard to tell. A hissing sound drew her over to the main threat in front of them—and the beastmen tribes crystal. 

“Pssssh! Long have you shriveled shhhorewalkers tormented our kind!” The Priest of the Sahagin’s hissed, anger evident in his tone. “But no more! Your time is at an end!” 

The other Sahagin priests with him started to growl and hiss with him—the gurgling sound from deep within their throats echoed as the head priest lifted up his arms to the sky. “You shall perish with sssalt in your wounds and sssea in your lungs!” 

“Stop! You can’t!” Azlyn widened her eyes, taking a step forward—only for two Sahagin guards to jump in front of her. She had to jump back to avoid the attack while the others started to pray. 

“Lord of the Whorl, hearken to ur plea! Lord of the Whorl, deliver us from our misery!” 

“What is that?” Y’shtola grimaced, looking ahead. “The aether is...” 

“The summoning...!” Azlyn commanded her egi to blast the two Sahagin blocking her path, and watched as the pair lifted up and were sailed into the sea. “What...” She stopped before wincing in pain. Her head pounded as if a vision would take over, only nothing appeared before her. “...The echo? But how?” 

Y’shtola gave her an alarmed look, and then turned back to the priest. 

A darkened hue of aether surrounded the head priest, as he hissed in pleasure. 

“Pshhhh! Sssuch power! It is—transcendent!”

Another gunshot echoed—as Azlyn watched the head priest slump to the ground. Azlyn turned over to the coast once more to see Admiral Merlwyb’s gun smoking from just being fired. 

Only what should have been a fatal shot to the priest wasn’t fatal at all. Azlyn watched as the glow surrounding the head priest manifested once more—and changed his physical appearance to that of a watery orb of aetheric energy. The remaining Sahagin’s scratched their heads, looking at the spherical object. Only for it to soar into one of their casters. 

The caster Sahagin screeched in pain, as they gripped their chest. Then their aether shifted and changed—their form which had been a regular Sahagin caster shifted and altered into the same visage of the Head Priest... that had been shot dead. 

Azlyn gasped, her eyes widening. 

“Seven hells!” The Admiral’s voice echoed from up above. 

The Head Priest chuckled darkly. His aether still a dark purple hue. “Psshhahahaahaaa! Ssstrike me down if you will! It is futile! I have massstered the gift! I am—eternal!” He moved in front of their aetheryte, raising both of his arms and his staff high in the sky. The others behind him started to offer their own energies to fulfill the summoning rites. “O mighty Leviathan, ruler of the ssseas, born of waters primordial! I offer unto You this frail fleshhh, that You might grant Your faithful servants deliverance! I beseech You! Come forth!”

The waters started to stir, as it rocked the coastline. Azlyn and Y’shtola rocked with the tremor as the aether started to pour into the aetheryte and into the summoning rite itself. 

“Die, damn you!” Admiral’s voice echoed loudly—and gunshots shortly followed. Again they watched the head priest fall down dead—only for his physical form to shapeshift into that aetherial ball of energy. Merlwyb continued to fire, shooting all the remaining Sahagin standing. 

All that remained had been the spectral ball of water aspected energy. “Foolishhh shore walker! You cannot kill that which is eternal!”

Y’shtola put on her aetheric goggles, watching the scene and the aetherial ball with keen interest.  Only to take a step backward. Azlyn’s eye had been trained out beyond the aetheryte, only to see a large serpentine creature emerge. Blue scaly colored, large wings, the primordial roar that pierced the heavens—Azlyn gaped at the sight. 

The Sahagin’s had completed their ritual to summon Leviathan. 

This primal was humongous. It could easily tower over all the other primals that she’d faced before, and still keep going. The Twelve would need to be on their side if they wished to defeat it—but how did one defeat a seafaring Eikon? 

They watched as the aetherial orb of the Head Priests’ essence float up—probably to inspect his Primal God that they successfully brought into fruition. Only to weaken. 

“Psshhh? My being... ebbs away... B-but it should be rightsss be infinite!”

Leviathan’s maw opened wide, as it began to suck in the energy before it. Azlyn watched as the crimson red eyes, and stood transfixed. 

“Am I not—immortal? Curse you, Emissary! You promised me—everlasssting—pssshhhh!” The aether orb didn’t stand a chance as Leviathan snapped it’s jaw over it. The absorption of the energy completed, the Primal God looked down upon the pair on the dock. It’s roar pierced the skies once more, shaking the very foundation they stood upon. The seas churned, and the clouds that were once clear started to darken and turn into an impeding storm. 

It was in that moment Leviathan disappeared, slithering down into the sea. Azlyn waited, expecting an attack from below—only nothing came. Silence accompanied them as they anxiously waited. 

“Where did he go...?” Azlyn scanned the horizon, and could not see any sign of the newly summoned primal. Y’shtola tapped her shoulder suddenly, even with her goggles on, she gestured for her to head back up to the coast with the others. They ran back up the dock, through the gates where Minfillia, Thancred, Lady Yugiri, and Admiral Merlwyb stood. 

Azlyn arrived only to catch the tail end of the Admiral’s conversation over the Linkpearl. “Nary a single ship? Hells take that sea demon!” 

It seemed like Leviathan had other plans—and it was further out into the sea. 

“Gather the survivors and get to shore. Leave the wrecks for the pirates.” The Admiral ended the call with a shake of her head, and turned to explain to the Scions. “Leviathan waste no time. The diversionary squadron is lost. For a mercy, ‘twould seem the primal now makes for open sea. But why does he not press his advantage? Unless...” Locked in thought, it took only a moment for her to widen her eyes in shock. “Gods save us. He means to unleash a tidal wave!” 

This was cause for great alarm. Azlyn ran over to the edge of the coast to peer down below. She could already see the ocean slowly rescinding backward. Thancred had joined her, also seeing what she saw. 

“Vylbrand won’t stand a chance...” Azlyn murmured, thinking about the sole continent barely struggling after the Calamity. If they got hit with a huge Tidal Wave during this time—there’d be no saving this part. 

“You understand it well Azlyn. This is no normal wall of water. That which Leviathan makes ready to conjure carries more destructive power than aught seen in nature.” 

Thancred looked to the Admiral, his concern evident in his tone. “Enough to raze entire coastal settlements. If his attempt is any guide. We cannot suffer history to be repeated, what must needs be done to prevent it?” 

Azlyn scowled, thinking back to Ozwin’s earlier question of if she liked to swim. This would be a tough fight—and one that would require all of her friends blessed by Hydaelyn. The other thing that concerned her was the priests last words... and the Emissary. She could only think of one man who self proclaimed himself as such. And that was the white cloaked Ascian known as Elidibus. 

“Admiral—please leave Leviathan’s demise to us.” Azlyn spoke resolutely. 

“Though our plight cries out for action Azlyn, we must take thought on how.” The Admiral looked to the ocean, her concerned expression told all of their grim situation. “So long as Leviathan remains in the open sea, he is effectively beyond our reach. Our fleet is second to none, of that you may be sure—but Llymlaen Herself would struggle to best the Lord of the Whorl in his element. In a straight fight, he would make meat and matchwood of us and you all.” 

“Might I suggest we quit this place?” Y’shtola offered, looking to the storm that started to pour upon them. “It is true we need another plan, but getting sick prior to that would be ill advised.” 

The Admiral and the others were in agreement. 

“That much is plain to see.” The Admiral raised her gloved hand up to catch the falling droplets of water. “Let us return to Limsa and see if we cannot think of one. I shall await you in the command room.” 

It was then that the Admiral activated her teleport, disappearing with a slight pop. Shortly after, the other Scions and Lady Yugiri joined in that teleport disappearing. Azlyn decided to rejoin her friends first before they would teleport together. 

She lifted her hand to her linkpearl. “Roll.” 

“That roar from before was not pleasing to hear. What happened?” Roll’s voice was crisp and cool, despite the severity of the situation. 

“Leviathan was summoned. Where is everyone?” 

“We’re together at the South Tide Gate. Richiro is healing Ozwin and Mjnt. The Sahagin and their tempered were thrilled when the piercing roars echoed in the valley. They all but relished in the sound, before retreating.” Roll replied, only to speak aloud to someone else. Azlyn assumed it was someone in their group. “It’s Azlyn. And yes, that was Leviathan’s roar.” 

“Roll can you tell everyone to teleport to Limsa? I’ll see you guys at the lift to the command center. There we’ll coordinate a plan with the Admiral on how to defeat Leviathan.” 

“Done, and done.” Roll replied, and the call dropped off. 

Azlyn pondered then on her friends. Roll did mention that Ozwin and Mjnt required healing. Perhaps the Sahagin took them by surprise. She’d have to wait on her assumptions until she saw them, and activated a teleport straight to Limsa Lominsa. Time was of the essence, given the water of the ocean started to rescind more. 

The storm burst alive the moment she arrived in Limsa. The rainwater plummeted down from above in rapid, torrent streams. Many of the adventurers, officers, and tourists sought cover in Hawkers Alley and the Mast waiting for the rains to die down. 

She sprinted through the water logged paths, running to the Bulwark to the lift operator for the command center. Even with her sprinting, she still found herself soaking wet from head to toe. 

“That storm came in rather quickly.” 

“Ugh—the waters in my socks.” 

“It was such a clear day a moment ago too.” 

Azlyn heard the disgruntled murmurs of the Lominsan citizenry who stared outside of the open archway. It was pouring hard enough to make visibility difficult. It was then that she saw the crowds push apart as seven familiar faces—soaked as she was—maneuvered through. 

“Hope the Admiral won’t mind us soaking wet.” Kida grinned, as she and Koroko Koko started to twist the sides of their clothes. The water that had been wrung streamed off them easily. 

The Au Ra with white hair looked to Mjnt and Ozwin. “You two alright?” 

Ozwin rolled his eyes, while Mjnt smiled warmly down to her. “Just fine Az. The Sahagin took us by surprise.” 

“Richi took care of us.” The black haired Hyur replied sourly, crossing his arms. “But you dropped the ball letting that return.” 

She sighed, shaking her head. “I’ll tell you everything when we’re not being pressed into by a mob trying to keep dry. Come on.” Azlyn turned to the lift operator. “We’re here to see the Admiral.” 

The man nodded, pressing the button to call the elevator back down. “She’s expecting you up above with the others.” 

When the eight of them entered into the command center, they could already tell the Scions and the Lominsan officers were deep within their discussion. Silent as they could manage, they listened to the Admiral who explained about Halfstone. Or what once was Halfstone.

“There used to be a hamlet beyond South Tidegate in western La Noscea. Halfstone, ‘twas called. Some years prior to the Maelstrom’s founding, Leviathan rose from the briny depths, and set about unleashing watery hell upon us. On that occasion, the Company of Heroes put him down before he could do too much damage.” Admiral Merlwyb crossed her arms over her chest. Thinking back of what transpired next. “But when the bastard came next, this time in the wake of the Calamity, we were not so fortunate. Weary of ravaging our shoreline, he summoned a tidal wave which fair leveled Halfstone, and washed the soil away for good measure.”

Azlyn remembered the giant slabs of coral, the ocean-like fauna, the strange colored materials upon the ground. It made sense now that was probably the ocean level given the Admiral’s description.

Y’shtola tacked on with good measure. “The area was subsequently occupied by the Sahagin.”

The Admiral nodded. “Aye. The thrice-damned creatures transformed it into a spawning ground for their brood. Given the quantity of crystals stolen to feed him and his legion of thralls, we can be fairly sure that Leviathan is stronger than in his previous incarnations.”

Koroko Koko looked up to Ozwin. She gave him a piercing stare and proceeded to tug on his clothing to get his attention without interrupting the conversation going on. She whispered, “Have you fought this primal before?”

He nodded once, before frowning. “Yeah, Company of Heroes.” He remarked, before turning back to the primary discussion.

Azlyn returned her gaze to the Admiral who continued—she probably hadn’t heard the short exchange between the pair.

“If that sea demon is left to wreak havoc, what befell Halfstone may well befall a larger settlement—even Limsa.”

That was something that must be prevented. Everyone in the room tensed up as they thought of the countless people who resided within these protected walls of the City-State. Richiro tensed, given his own family lived there.

“This cannot happen. The primal must be stopped.”

Thancred spoke up for them. His tone spoke volumes at the present danger before them. “That was ever our objective, but how are we to achieve it?”

Ozwin grabbed his chin, before sighing. “It’s not as if the snake is going to willing approach the shore—given that’s how we defeated him previously.”

The rogue of the Scions nodded. “That, and the sea is Leviathan’s uncontested domain. The ships of the Third Squadron could not close to within a hundred yalms of the primal, nor could their cannons pierce his defenses.”

The Admiral sighed. “I have read the reports Master Thancred. Our warships may as well have been bloody pleasure barges for all the good they did. Seven hells—is there nothing that we might do to strike back?”

Azlyn furrowed her brow at the mention of barges. Something struck her, as an idea came to mind—however it seemed like a suicidal idea. She shook her head, trying to think of another idea. It’s not like they could just create a large platform from them and just drop them off at Leviathan’s front doorstep, per say.

“Ozwin, were you with the Company of Heroes?” Y’shtola asked, curiously watching the Midlander Hyur. Given his reluctance to answer at first, she took that as a yes. “I see. Well what we know is the Company of Heroes defeated Leviathan having lured him into an inlet, but we must needs contend with him upon open sea. It will avail us little to consult previous experience.”

“Sorry I can’t help much.” The male shook his head. “We just got damned lucky is all. But that’s a story for another time.”

The Admiral’s second in command, a white haired Roegabyn male with googles and decorated medals, spoke up softly. “Admiral, if I may?”

“Speak freely Marshal.”

He nodded, before approaching the side of the Admiral’s desk to speak openly. “By all accounts, Leviathan’s most formidable weapon is the very sea itself. Waves, whirlpools, tides, and currents—all these things are his to command. The key to victory, I believe, lies in disarming our foe.”

The Marshall, also known on record as Eynzahr Slafyrsyn, looked to the window where the rain heavily pelted and obscured the view. A loud crack and rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. “This in affect is what the Company of Heroes achieved with their ruse. We cannot lure Leviathan from the sea a second time, but what if we could weaken his hold upon the element of water? I have heard of devices capable of such wonders. They draw upon the power of corrupted crystals I am told.”

Azlyn jumped, as she snapped her fingers in excitement. The marshal was correct. “Corrupted crystals! It’d be exactly like what we procured before we fought against Garuda’s tempests and her wind barrier!”

Roll thought deeply on what her cousin said, nodding. “—Yes, that was only plausible given Cid’s and Alphinaud’s theory. But it worked to say the least. We emerged from her nest unscathed.”

The Marshal smiled to the pair, before explaining further. “If mounted to a ship, such a device might be used to prevent Leviathan from bringing the full force of the sea to bear against us, rendering him no more dangerous than any other sea serpent.”

Minfillia smiled, nodding her approval. “The Enterprise did indeed have safe passage through Garuda’s tempest. I couldn’t believe mine own ears when Alphinaud regaled me the tale.”

“I feel I must give some credit where it’s due, my lady, but this was something I heard from an old arcanist friend of mine.” The Marshall raised his arm back, using his hand to scratch the back of his neck nervously.

Admiral Merlwyb stared ahead, not seeming to care who came up with the idea first. To her, it seemed like the optimal course of action given their time frame. “It makes little difference who thought of it first, so long as it works. Beg the specifications of this device from your friend, or Master Cid and Master Alphinaud, and I shall pass them on to our people at Naldiq & Vylmelli’s.” She then turned to Azlyn giving her some cause of concern. “But before we proceed any further, I would voice one concern: piercing Garuda’s defenses is one thing, suppressing Leviathan’s attacks are quite another.”

“Well… we could… maybe have a device similar… on another vessel or platform?” Azlyn struggled to think of something. Only to be met with quizzical glances. She figured she would be on the receiving end of those questioning stares.

“How many corrupted crystals would that require?” Koroko Koko asked.

“Not to mention how to mount it without Leviathan just breaking it.” Mjnt added with concern.

“I’m a linguist, not an aetheric engineer well studied in the sciences—okay?” Azlyn defended her position before handing the floor back to the Admiral.

Roll scoffed. “Heh.”

Admiral Merlwyb closed her eyes, sighing once more. “In matters of science, I am as a babbling babe, but I cannot well imagine that such a feat would be plausible without a veritable mountain of corrupted crystals. The question being: do we have a ship big enough to bear such a burden?” This question had been directed to her Marshal who shook his head in answer.

“Mayhap not Admiral. But two might. Recall you the tale of Mistbeard’s greatest haul? It is said that he lashed two ships together, side by side, the better to bear his plunder. By your leave, we might attempt to repeat the trick. The gods know, it would be quicker than building a new vessel.”

Kida nodded enthusiastically to this. “As if the torrential rain isn’t sign enough, we don’t have time to create anything, much less a new vessel. I’d rather just have you all dump us out on a floating platform so we can deal with this bastard head on!” She punched her fist into her other palm.

And Azlyn became glad she wasn’t the only one who taught up such a suicidal notion.

The Admiral chuckled, mostly to Kida’s off commentary and her Marshal’s observation. “Mistbeard did this? Truly, Marshal, upon the subject of the pirate king, you are as a scholar. And as for you Master Kida—your bravery is welcome, but the realm would like to see its warriors alive and well. Time permitting or not.”

Azlyn watched the interaction between the two officers with an odd sense of… understanding. It appeared the Marshal was shocked by the Admiral’s words—and attempted to brush it off to continue in his point.

“Now, from what I have gleaned of these matters, the device will need to be in close and constant proximity to the target. To wit, we must lash our twin vessel to Leviathan. This in itself will be no small feat. Ramming speed will be required, but given the weight of the cargo, that will only be attainable with the aid of a towing vessel.” The Marshal looked to Kida, giving her a smirk.

Kida squealed in delight picking up the tone of his implication. “You’re going to drop us off on a platform in the middle of the sea! This is exciting!”

“And highly dangerous.” N’thuzu Tia spoke up. “Kida, one of these days I must needs make you a fierce spirit totem—for all your rambunctious ideas.”

Richiro Wichiro nervously bobbed his head. “B-but if it’s for the sake of Limsa and her people—I’ll do it. Leviathan be damned!”

The Marshal looked to all of them, gathering their approval before tapping his chest expectantly. “Suffice it to say, the task of piloting said vessel will entail considerable danger, and I would not ask it of another. I volunteer myself.”

“’Twould be dangerous for all involved as Master N’thuzu Tia mentioned. But we have no better recourse. Very well.” She smirked, giving a stern nod. She lifted a hand to her link pearl and called out to a third party. “Commodore. Assemble the remanent of the fleet at Moraby Bay. Give priorities to our soundest vessels. The repairs can wait.”

She hung up the pearl shortly after and turned to her Marshal. She gave out her commands.

“Storm Marshal Slafyrsyn, command of the operation is yours. I want that twin vessel ready to sail posthaste. This storm be damned.”

He saluted crisply. “At once, Admiral!”

Azlyn watched the Marshal leave, he exited the room leaving over the Scions, the Warriors of Light, and Admiral Merlwyb to enjoy the thunderous and rainstorm outside the window. After a few moments of silence, the sound of pelting rain lashed against the frame.

The Admiral looked to their whole group. “And then there is the small matter of slaying the beast—The fate of Limsa Lominsa rests upon your shoulders once again. Go well, Warriors of Light.”

Kida had been giddy, while Roll, Richiro, Ozwin, and N’thuzu Tia nodded curtly. Azlyn smiled over to Mjnt and Koroko Koko who gazed beyond the Admiral to the raging storm outside.

Lady Yugiri walked over to Azlyn’s side, pulling her away as the others started to strategize. “What a shocking turn of events Master Azlyn.”

The girl shook her head, wondering if it truly was a shock. She recalled the Far East had gods they worshipped, but she hadn’t heard any reports of them being summoned like they were in Eorzea. At least not brought to her attention yet. “It isn’t any different from Othard. Eorzea tribes and the people that live here all believe in some deity. Just as I believe in the Dawn Father, and Kida who believes in the Dusk Mother.”

“Legends tell us that they walked among us in days of yore, but I confess that I never truly believed them. That I should live to behold one is—humbling and horrifying in equal measure.” The woman paused, looking over her shoulder to Azlyn’s friends. “Now that I have come face-to-face with a primal, I do begin to understand why the Garleans fear them so.”

Azlyn agreed, but even if that fear were justified, it was inexcusable the course of action they took to try and stop it. She shook her head, letting her hair sprinkle as she did so. “It doesn’t excuse them. Nor make what they’re doing alright. We’ll have to come to a head on that dilemma—but one thing at a time—I suppose.”

The door to the commanding center slammed open with a force Azlyn didn’t think possible. A Roegabyn male officer of the Maelstrom stopped shy of their group, and saluted to the Admiral.

“What is it?” She asked, her voice razor thin as she expected the worst given his entrance.

“A message, Admiral! I judged it best that it be delivered at once!” He proceeded to walk up to the desk, pulling out the sealed envelope. She took it with ease, slicing the top open to reveal the note inside. She scanned the letter before shaking her head.

“According to the Yellowjackets, a man has appeared who claims to have defeated Leviathan.”