Alistair Phoenix and Alicia

Welcome to the archive. Many stories to be told.

[alistair-phoenix]

Miracle

A small group of Carbuncles were gathered in the room of the missing prince, sitting in a circular pattern. Standing near the center was a woman dressed in white and holding a staff. Her three tails swished behind her and her long ears twitched as she mentally prepared herself.

A moogle floated down from the ceiling and groaned. “Can we go already, kupo?”

“One moment.” A light blue Carbuncle said quietly.

Several Carbuncles in the room lifted their heads and the gems started glowing. After a moment, the glow converges to a single point in the center of the room. The space within started to distort and suddenly a rift was created.

“Truly a miracle for our time… to create a rift to another world. Imagine if we were able to downsize to continental travel.” A pale green Carbuncle wearing glasses watched in awe as everyone maintained the rift.

“Less brainstorming, more focusing.” A ruby Carbuncle scolded.

“Sorry!”

The woman in the center gazed upon the rift for a brief moment before turning to the Carbuncles.

“You have all done well, my friends. This was a challenging endeavor but with your help we have made this possible. Now, we shall proceed to the next st-”

The moogle flew toward the rift. “Finally!” The moogle would make contact with the rift and disappear.

The woman looked toward the rift and snorted, a soft laugh escaping her lips. She then looked back to her subjects. “I will set out and find my daughter and son-in-law. You all will remain here, just in case we need assistance with the rift. The Phoenix family will make sure all of your needs are met in the meantime. Shinshi will be apprised of my status if you have any concerns.”

“Best of luck, Your Highness.” An amethyst Carbuncle bid her farewell.

With a nod, the queen of the Carbuncles approached the rift. Ready to set out for the world beyond.

Just what will she find? And will she be successful in finding her missing family?

Only time will tell.

“Alicia. Alistair. Not much longer now. I am going to bring you both home.”

[alistair-phoenix]

Temper

Warning: Story contains character self-harm and self-hate

From out of the depths of the U'ghamaro Mines, a large figure emerged. His steps were unbalanced and he walked with a limp. Some of the kobolds that were around gave him a wide berth, chattering with apprehension. His gaze was fixed ahead.

He let out a grunt and a growl as he tripped lightly over a rock before he turned and kicked it forcefully into the Mines before carrying on. It was clear that his temper was reaching its limit. He made his way down the path and toward Bronze Lake.

He reached the water's edge and knelt down to wash his face and hair. He scooped up the cool water and splashed his face as well as ran his fingers through his hair. When the water settled, his eyes rested upon his reflection, visible under the moonlight. The longer he looked at his reflection, the more his expression contorted in anger.

With a growl, he drew the large sword on his back and stabbed where his reflection was, shouting with anger. He slashed at the surface, stabbed, and swiped while shouting angrily. This would last several minutes before the figure fell to his hand and knees, panting heavily.

He lifted his head and slammed his forehead into the dirt, his angry growls slowly evolving with each time he slammed his head. The growls were soon replaced with whimpers as the actions slowed and came to a stop. The figure rolled onto his side and choked back a sob, his anger now replaced by sadness and fatigue.

And there he stayed until morning. Upon awakening, he had a splitting headache as well as a hangover. 

But he carried on.

And carried on.

Because it was all he could do.

[alistair-phoenix]

Technology

Alistair held up a tomephone, studying the device. “And you said you got this where again?”

“Some guy selling them at the market. Pretty cool, huh?” Alicia confirmed before pressing a button on the side, causing the screen to light up. “It can do all sorts of things.”

Alistair raised an eyebrow as the device came to life. “What kind of things?”

Alicia smirked as she took the device from Alistair and her fingers tapped against the screen. “It can call people like linkpearls can. Don't have to keep them in your ears.”

Alistair looked over Alicia's shoulder as she fiddled with the tomephone. “Uh huh… what else?”

“Well… it has music.” Alicia said as she tapped on an app. “I think it was this one? She tilted her head and tapped a few more times before music started playing.

🎶B is for beauty both devious and sweet🎶

🎶Beware the sting of your pitiful defeat🎶

🎶Be mine forever and always play your part 🎶

🎶Before it's over, I'll capture your heart 🎶

“So a linkpearl and portable orchestrion in one? Quite a lot for such a small machine.” Alistair mused as he tapped the screen, the music now ceasing. He would then take the device from Alicia. “What other functions does this thing have?” He asked as he fiddled with the screen.

“I think there was a camera function?” Alicia said as she reached over and tapped another application.

“We should take a picture then.” Alistair smiled as the camera activated and now showed him and Alicia on the screen. “Oh, I think I found the mirror function.” He said as he tried to change that.

“Did you? Are you sure?” Alicia frowned as she looked at the screen before reaching over and tried to tap it but would notice it didn't reflect things like a mirror should. “No, I think you got the camera working. I think that red button will do something?”

Alistair hummed with delight. “Well alright then. Shall we take a picture?”

Alicia hooked her arm around Alistair's and struck a pose. “Heck yeah! Ready!”

Alistair then smiled and held up the tomephone before he would press the button but…

[alistair-phoenix]

Enchanted

-Alistair’s notes-

“A Malm In Their Shoes” by Roaring Laughter

An intriguing book enchanted with an odd spell. Found during an excursion into the Great Gubal Library.

It is a leatherbound book with no title on the spine or the cover and secured by a clasp.

Undoing the clasp and opening the book for the first time reveals the title and the supposed author. A brief flash of light would envelop the one who opened it, seemingly having no effect.

Flipping through the book would reveal only blank pages until about midway through, where the words "You can't understand someone until you've walked a malm in their shoes.” is written.

The rest of the book is blank.

The true purpose of the book would reveal itself only by the next living being who opens it.

The next living being who opens the book will be enveloped in a flash of light and a batch of smoke. When everything settles, the person who opened the book will take on the visage of the species or race of the one who opened it.

For example, a male Hyur would open the book first. Then a female Miqo'te would open it next. The book would change the appearance of the female Miqo'te into that of a female Hyur.

Certain visual traits get carried over into the glamour, such as hair color, length, and style, eye color, and general blemishes or imperfections that would translate to the new form.

I became the first unwitting victim of this book in the modern age when Alicia first opened the book. I opened it after and suddenly became a male Carbuncle. It was quite the shock. Everything was taller and walking was its own challenge.

How this odd enchantment is able to assess and apply what is considered the male or female variant or equivalent of certain races still eludes me.

Here is what else I had discovered.

The enchantment, glamour, spell, curse, whichever one might call it, is temporary. Lasting for up to roughly 3 hours at a time before it wears off and the afflicted one turns back to normal.

It can be dispelled early by closing and opening the book once more.

The spell only seems to affect living beings. Machines without life or magical constructs are not affected by the book. Their appearance cannot be applied or any other appearance cannot be applied to them.

One needs to be physically touching the book in order to be affected by it. Opening it with an instrument, tool, or magic will not activate the spell.

Taking on a form with extra appendages or differing skeletal structures requires one to learn how to move or operate them. It is as if you truly became the type of being that you were transformed into. It is truly a weird feeling for those who are not used to having a tail or wings or lack thereof.

Any clothing you were wearing remains in some shape or form attached to the body.

Your magical capabilities do not change. It remains the same even if one becomes a being who is naturally better at it or less so.

This is truly a fascinating book. I want to learn more about its capabilities and experiment with different approaches.

I wonder if this was what led to the creation of that potion that changes appearances permanently?

[alistair-phoenix]

Eerie

When I was told that on my first day back to aid in Garlemald's recovery, I was upset.

Could you blame me?

That nation was responsible for everything that's gone wrong.

They took my home, they took my blood relatives, they took my squad, and they took my adoptive younger sister.

That's all the personal reasons why I didn't want to help. I may not be as angry or as eager to rip a Garlean apart as I was when I first enlisted. But I still was not too keen on helping them.

At least, that was my thoughts before we set out for the frozen north.

It was eerie seeing that ruined city in the distance. Even more so when I saw that large tower. It was almost voidsent in feeling.

The long trek to Garlemald and what I saw really got me to reconsider. Seeing the people suffering, that lost look in their eyes.

Hatred. Distrust. Despair.

I no longer saw an enemy. I couldn't bring myself to hate them. I saw a bit of myself in them. It was like the roles had been reversed in a way. Besides, I was getting tired of having to hate all the time.

We were going to be here a while. But I'm already starting to change my thoughts about them.

Because beneath it all, we are all the same.

Greyson Stone

Flame Sergeant Second Class, Immortal Flames

[alistair-phoenix]

Dance

[Before Arrival] It was a clear, moonlit night across the kingdom. A large number of people had gathered at the castle overlooking the sea. For there was a party held within the halls of the royal family. A celebration on the eve of the vernal equinox. A new year. It was here that many would discuss their plans for the upcoming season or for the entire year. As to be expected of them by the gathering of leaders and top-ranking officials as well as nobility. The many spoken races that were present were close allies and confidants in some shape or form to the hosts of this year’s party. From humans to dragons, the congregation had people from all walks of life. They socialized, got into discussions, and even danced with one another. It truly was a delightful evening. While most of the gathering was indoors, the scenery of the outdoors was breathtaking. A full moon hung overhead with many bright stars flickering in the distance on this clear night. One could even take in such a sight while overlooking the ocean. And some certainly have on that night. Even one of the hosts, a young man with long raven locks tied back into a lengthy ponytail and warm ochre eyes, was quite taken by the sight. He stood there on the balcony, leaning against the balustrade, gazing out toward the ocean. The breeze that played upon the vast expanse was gently brushing past the young man, tickling his cheek and causing his hair to sway behind him. While he could hear the many people and the music from the party behind him, he seemed to be content with the peace he felt. He would then be approached by two women in splendorous attire that matched their hair. One of the women was his height, if a bit taller than him, while the other only came up to his chest. The tallest had hair as white as fresh fallen snow while the shortest had hair as blue as the tropic waters. Both had long pointed ears atop their heads and three tails trailing behind them with each step. Both had a gemstone embedded in their foreheads, the tallest being a diamond and the shortest being a ruby. “Sorry to keep you waiting, dear.” The tallest would curtsy before raising her head, an ever present smile on her face. “There was much we needed to discuss. I hoped you would not mind if I had kept my daughter for a bit.” The daughter’s shoulders sagged and a sigh escaped her lips. “I am just glad we are done. It was so boring.” The comment elicited a giggle from the mother and her purple eyes twinkled with amusement. “Yes, I am aware. As much as I agree with you, it is all part of our role as a leader of our people. It is something you will have to grow accustomed to.” The young man turned to and smiled at the duo that approached him. “‘tis fine. I am simply grateful that you even found time to meet with me. Outside of the initial greeting, of course.” The taller woman sighed. “A pity that it took so long. Still, there is plenty of time before I must depart. Which is why I ask…” She offered her hand to Alistair. Her eyes once again twinkled with mischief. “Will you honor me with a dance, kind sir?”

[alistair-phoenix]

Terminal

Blue Bandit's Log ---

I had to be quick. The news of my escape was sure to spread like wildfire. And as much as I would have loved to exact my vengeance right now, I needed to prepare for what’s to come. No doubt my gear in Ul’dah had already been compromised in the years I spent behind bars. I needed to swap out my rags for refugee clothes. Once inside the walls, pilfer some gil. I just need to avoid staying in one place for too long. Hopefully the Brass Blades are as terminally stupid as they were years ago. Should be able to slip right by them. Should. Then I make my way to the airship terminal and take the next ride to the Shroud. I wonder if she was still there? We'll one step at a time. First, I prepare. Then I can see about toppling the “King” of thieves.

[alistair-phoenix]

Voice

[Before Arrival]

“Young Phoenix. An inquiry for you.” A man with greying hair and piercing blue eyes interrupted the meditation of an adolescent Alistair. “What is the only way to completely disarm a spellcaster? What would prevent them from casting spells?”

The young mage hummed, his brow furrowed in thought. “I know a spellcaster could still cast magic even without a catalyst like a wand or staff.”

The older mage nodded. “True, anyone could simply use magic without a typical tool. Keep going.” He said as he paced around.

Alistair looked up at the clear blue sky, collecting his thoughts. “Keeping them silent? Without a voice to recite incantations, no magic should be able to be used.”

The old mage smirked and shook his head. “Wrong, lad. Just because you have silenced the mage doesn't mean they are without their spells. One could cast spells even with their tongue removed. Silent and wordless casting exists.”

Alistair frowned and scratched his head. “Then what could prevent a mage from casting spells?”

The old man stopped pacing. “Death, of course.” He chuckled. “The only way a mage is truly disarmed or harmless is death.”

The young mage raised one eyebrow and frowned. “But what about anti-magic fields… or sleep. Or-”

“Lad, we as mages are still dangerous even in our sleep. Sleep casting exists.”

“Sleep casting?”

“Ever heard of ‘sleep walking’?”

[alistair-phoenix]

Split Second

Hold

Hooooold

The fish remained in the same spot as I hovered over it with my spear raised. A decent catch for sure. Have a bit for breakfast and then save some for lunch.

With a swift stab, my spear pierced the surface in a flash, sending water every which way in the shallows. When I lifted my spear, I had my catch. Such a large fish speared on the end. Fat and full of meat. Also slow.

The fish here were very slow. Back home I only had a split second to drive my spear through them or they would get away. Here, it is so easy to lure and much easier to catch. It is no wonder my kin left the wood.

It is much easier to fish here! That must be why they left! Of course!

[alistair-phoenix]

Surprise

“Really? This again?” An Onyx Carbuncle wearing glasses droned out as he sat beside an open book that was once glowing.

A woman with cyan hair and a familiar gemstone on her forehead giggled impishly. She then approached the Carbuncle and scooped him up into her arms. “Yup yup! I think it's time for some fun. It's teatime tonight and I wanna surprise everyone.” Her excitement was palpable with how much her tails were swaying to and fro.

The Onyx Carbuncle frowned and looked up at the beaming mischief maker with his amber eyes. “And you couldn't just ask me?” He fidgeted in her arms.

“You wouldn't have let me.”

“For good reason.”

“Come on~” She patted the Carbuncle on the head. “Just for the next two hours? It'll be funny! They're gonna look so shocked. I can imagine their faces.” She giggled mischievously as she imagined Faye's expression first.

The Carbuncle sighed with exasperation. “People are going to draw a lot of conclusions and make a lot of assumptions about this. You know this, right? It would not surprise me if someone would come to believe you could curse others into looking like this.”

“Pfft, nah. It's just the book that did it. Not me. Besides, what's the worst people could think? Now come on! We're gotta be there early or we won't get to surprise them before the customers show up.”

[alistair-phoenix]

Scamper

[Before joining the Shroudrose]

The kobolds of U'Ghamaro Mines worked tirelessly to move ore and various other earthly deposits to expand their tunnels. They were in need of more crystals. With very few crystals, their strength would wane in the face of the overdwellers if it continued for too long.

One day, a kobold scampered through the mine past several miners.

“The violent overdweller is returned!” It shouted as it pushed past several others in a desperate attempt to escape.

The miners looked in the direct from where their fellow kobold ran from and would see another one of their own being flung into the wall of the tunnel, the kobold collapsing when it slid to the ground.

“Bring him out…”

A gruff and slurred voice echoed from the tunnel. The sound of dragging feet and annoyed grunts only got louder as the kobolds waited. A kobold with an axe rushed into the tunnel only to be violently thrown out and into the side of a forge, the metal clanging and denting from the force of the armored kobold hitting it.

“Bring him out…”

The voice demanded again but louder. The owner of the voice finally stepped into the chamber after ducking under the door. A large Highlander carrying a large sword on his back and dragging another kobold behind him, standing imposing. He tossed the kobold he had aside and glared at the kobold miners. His face was flush and he smelled of booze.

“Bring him out…” He growled as he approached the scampering miners.

“Bring out Titan.”

[alistair-phoenix]

Construct

[3 years ago]

“Wow, what an intricate construct!”

“Never seen a complex construct like yours.”

“What formula did you use to make this construct?”

“Could I make a construct like yours?”

I've heard these words or something similar for years now. Mostly when I'm working at the teahouse and serving guests. I know that these people don't know any better and my coworkers know the truth…

But it made me feel like I am seen as a thing rather than a living being. I've had it happen three times now when I reasserted that I was a living being. Only to be called a construct again, right to my face.

I'm not an Arcanist’s creation. I'm not a result of some magical formula or woven magic. I'm an honest to goddess Carbuncle. I live, I breathe, I eat, I sleep. I have a biological mom for goodness sake!

At least Ali has stepped up for me each time and it does make me feel better knowing he still has my back like I do his. Plus, he spoils me after each time, so that's a plus.

Still…

Maybe I should start showing up in my human form? Maybe I'll stay quiet for a bit and see if anyone figures me out. Grey's holding an All Saints’ Wake party at the Teahouse later this month. Maybe I can put on a costume and show up. Be all mysterious and stuff. Test the waters with everyone.

Then, start showing up more often until someone can guess who I am without me saying anything. Maybe I can turn this into a game?

I wonder who will catch on first?

[alistair-phoenix]

Question

Greyson was seated in a wooden chair behind a simple table where a vacant chair sat across from him. The room was more or less empty and only had one barred window and one door. His hands rested in his lap, handcuffed. His arms had a bruise or two and his face was also sporting one as well. Some time would pass before the door would open and in walked a petite woman with red eyes and shoulder length white hair. Her fox-like ears were folded back and her large fluffy tail swished behind her with minor irritation. “Back here again, Greyson?”

The woman's eyes pierced the Roelander’s silver ones as she walked over with a stack of paper in her arms. “What part of ‘stay out of trouble’ didn’t you understand?” She slapped the paper down onto the table and roughly pulled her chair out before carefully sitting in it.

“Look… Ayame-”

“Look at this! ‘Flame Sergeant Second Class Greyson Stone reported to have started a brawl at the Coffer and Coffin’” The Immortal Flames officer was angry.

“Bullshit. They started it.” Greyson retorted with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“I don’t care who started it. Do you know how bad this looks?” Ayame sifted through the pages. “Lots of property damage, several people injured, one still recovering from their injuries…”

“Hope it was that bastard who poured their drink on me and hit me with a bottle…” Greyson uttered, not really caring for how bad all of this was.

Ayame narrowed her eyes at Greyson, she was not at all amused. “I can and will discipline you if I have to.”

“Come on, sis-”

Ayame slammed her hands on the table. “Grey, you can’t keep doing this! This doesn’t affect just you, you know. What happened to the little brother I-” She sighed before settling down in her chair. “I’m going to have to withhold some of your coin to help pay for the damages you caused. You are also going to be held in a cell for a few days. You will also be banned from entering the Coffer and Coffin for as long as the owner wishes.”

“Fine.” Greyson huffed before scratching his head, his handcuffs clinking, looking away from his older sister.

“Questions or comments before I leave?”

“...if that Roegadyn lives. Tell '‘im... bah, forget it.” Greyson wisely kept his mouth shut. “See you in a few days, Greyson.” Ayame frowned sadly before gathering the papers. She stood to leave and gave her family member one more look before turning to leave the room, the door closing behind her once she left.

[alistair-phoenix]

Blessing in Disguise

Finally keeping a journal. Been a long time. So much has happened. I left the wood for many moon phases. I wanted to discover why my kin was leaving the wood and report back. It was a risk. Those who leave can never return. Such is the way of the wood. In my travels, I had witnessed the world beyond. It was very different. Curious. There were so many wonders. Sights. Smells. I did not want it to distract me from my mission but I became captivated by it all. I floated across the vast expanse to another land that had its own large forest. There was a presence here. All around. It reminded me of home. Here I have remained as I learned of various others of our kind that dwelled or travelled through here. I was surprised to learn that there were any of our kin that were born outside of the wood. It was rare that I found anyone that had left the wood previously. In the end, I have learned nothing. But mayhaps I was not supposed to. It has been enjoyable being exposed to new experiences. Maybe leaving the wood was a good thing afterall.

[alistair-phoenix]

Aftermath

Greyson had a lot of patience. He also had a lot of determination. But the problem with him is that he doesn't know when to give up. He was too stubborn.

He liked having a motorcycle. He built it with his own two hands. It was something he was proud of. It was his hobby.

Unfortunately, there was one who didn't appreciate his hobby or what resulted from it.

A pure white chocobo who had gold tipped feathers, who was larger than Garlean Magitek Armor. Going by the name of “Featherfoot”.

She wasn't a fan of the loud machine. For more than one reason. Or at least one could assume there was more than one reason. Every time the engine roared, her feathers would stand on end and she would click her beak threateningly at the machine. She would get even more fussy when Greyson drove it around.

Because of this, every time Featherfoot saw Greyson's motorcycle, she would kick it hard and knock it over; the treatment getting worse each and every time. When Greyson would try to fix it, she would scatter his tools or toss parts away.

Greyson had to hide his project in a different spot every time. But Featherfoot always managed to find it. He would hide it indoors but the owner of the apartment complex wouldn't allow it.

But Greyson thought he found a very good hiding place this time. His motorcycle remained untouched for a whole week now, and he was able to rebuild it fully. But that changed when he went out to find it that day.

He noticed handlebars and part of the gas tank on the ground before he saw a trail of broken and damaged parts leading to a bush. On the bush was the cover he used to shield his ride from the weather. When he pushed past the bush, he finally saw the aftermath of what happened to his motorcycle. Tires ripped to shreds, chassis bent in several places, and the muffler hanging in a tree. Seeing it in such a destroyed state caused Greyson to sigh.

The culprit of this destruction would approach him from behind and click her beak before letting out a proud "Kweh!".

“...this isn't going to stop, is it?” Greyson uttered.

Featherfoot would let out another "Kweh!" before nuzzling into Greyson's face.

[alistair-phoenix]

Savage

Ivar was not well versed in table manners. Not because the former wood-warder refused to learn but rather he had yet to learn the societal norms outside the woods. He often ate with his hands, never using a modern utensil. In a lot of cases, this would be fine, but he was receiving odd looks from others when using an eating utensil was typical for most. Savage, a word he picked up from some but had no idea what it meant.

Soup? He would just drink from the bowl.

Salad? A fistful of greens shoveled into his mouth.

Meat dishes? Either he used his hands or stabbed it with a stick before eating.

But the stares were starting to unnerve the sheltered Viera. He wondered what was so odd about him. No one would even tell him why. Or rather, could.

So, he set his sights on the place that was spoken of by many. A place with a lot of patience for many types of visitors. He picked up on a few words from these conversations that would give him the idea that this place could help him acclimate to this country, this society. To learn proper table manners.

The Shroudrose Teahouse.

Little did he know that even this place was not as normal as most of society in these lands.

[alistair-phoenix]

Moss

[Before Arrival]

“Twinkle shinies! Gots the glitter pretties!” A small bipedal purple scaled reptilian called out to the people roaming the markets.

“Don't forget the moss, hatchling.” A larger green scaled reptilian whispered to the smaller one.

“But wanna keep moss. Moss pretty…” The smaller one pouted.

“Plenty of moss back home, hatchling.” He said before seeing someone approach his small stand. “Customer?” 

The man tilted his head as he gazed upon them and their stand. “A couple of kobolds. Interesting.” His amber eyes studied the small reptilians.

“We have shiny for sale. Moss not for sale.” The smaller kobold insisted.

“Ignore hatchling. Picked up odd fixation for moss, she has. Moss is for sale.” The larger kobold reassured the customer as he moved about his stand, his claws clicking across the stone floor. “Have a look. Ores, raw gemstones, pretty jewelry, and moss are all for sale if you have the coin.” 

As the human looked over the merchandise, a cyan-furred carbuncle with purple eyes perched on his shoulder, studying the items with him.

The purple scaled kobold noticed how the sun shone off of the gemstone on the carbuncle's head, and her eyes twinkled with awe. “Shiny rat~”

The carbuncle winced at being called a rat by the smaller kobold. The larger kobold then gave a scolding expression toward their younger kin. “Carbuncle, hatchling. Not a rat.” He turned to the human and carbuncle pair. “Forgive the hatchling. She is sheltered.”

The carbuncle nodded with understanding, “Young and doesn't know any better, I understand.” She gave the kobold merchant a reassuring smile as she settled down from the initial unexpected label. 

“As a token of small apology, we give a little bit of moss with first purchase.” The merchant offered while the younger kobold looked on with panic. 

“But moss…”

“Hatchling understand consequences? Hatchling must think before speaking.”

The man and the carbuncle shared a glance before the man cleared his throat.

“Keep the moss. Though, we would like to peruse the jewelry.”

Upon hearing that the moss collection would remain untouched for now, the young kobold couldn't help but bounce in place with joy.

The kobold merchant snorted with amusement. “Very well, stranger. What are you buyin’?”