#kakero

[azure-et-aurum-blog]

Branded to Fight Branded to Suffer.

[celestial-opposition]

“You know... You could stop being so stubborn and let some moments like this one be in your mind. Having the night ocean breeze touching you while not sailing is good. I will cherish this moment on my mind even tho I won’t admit to anyone that I feel good on your arms.”

w/ @azure-et-aurum

[azure-et-aurum-blog]

Epilogue: Into the Blue, Forever.

((Concludes the Saga of The Forever Blue)) ((Soundtrack for this is: Blue Forever)) ((Featuring characters by @celestial-opposition))

It was the end of the so-called Mister Wise. And at the same time, we could understand the past of Kannitha, Master of Ceremonies. She is down on the ground, but breathing. In the end, Nanatsusaya was right and the monster was bluffing. I see Jonah running towards Anni to check her right away. She seems unharmed too, thankfully.

We get out of the room and back to the place we were before. It is very different now, we can see the light coming through the broken walls, meaning that the influence of the Void was passing.

Outside, a troop of Adders awaits us. It appears they got my message. I am ready to be taken as a prisoner when their Captain ditches the thought. He says that my squad members told the commander about what happened, but they needed to dispatch some men to check the place. When they arrived, they saw the dark clouds dissipating and destroyed some voidsent that tried to escape. In the end, Kannitha explained everything to them and they would report to the HQ, cleaning any charges against me.

Our house is destroyed, falling to pieces. We will have to rebuild from the ground. However, more than ever, we are as a family. If I am to be the leader of the Forever Blue from now on, I think that I need to understand what this will mean, but I will gladly take this from now on. I took care of Misaki when she was a lost lamb, and I made a promise that I would help in whatever I can to make Jonah become the unleashed talent that Shin says he is. So be it. I will do my best. I look at Len, by my side, and she comforts my worried eyes. She raises her head and in whispering words she tells me not to be concerned, that she will be there for me. I smile and nod to her in return, appreciating the thought. 

I took my father’s blade and went to see how Anni was. I wanted to tell her first about my plan. She is from there, as we were chatting before. She said she could help me... I believe in her. But... I don’t want to just leave them behind. I want to help. And when I told him this, Nana said that it would be fine. That Len and him would take care of everything. He is the best... almost made me cry... when he said that he understood. He told me to remember all my training, and that I should take my time... I see R’anni and smile to her. She says that we will find my family and my origins. Somehow, she makes me believe in the unbelievable.

We all gathered at the lominsan docks. The last time we did this was when I traveled to Hingashi, starting what would be one of the most important parts of my life. By that time we had Laurana, Khutula, Bralfagyr, Kiriya, Seda... it is so different now. So many new faces, new companions. Kiriya, however is still there.

Nanatsusaya promised me that he will see to the rebuilding of the house of our Free Company. Len said that she will make sure that Nanatsusaya won’t be lazying around like the big loaf he is. I laugh at the practical joke and Nanatsusaya seems really embarrassed. I put my hand in his shoulder, thanking him for his hard work and everything he did so far.

Jonah will journey to the East with R’anni. To the direction of Gyr Abania wastes, where several Seeker of the Sun tribes are settled after the Battle of Ala Mhigo. I give to him my bless and wish him all the luck on the world, because I understand what it is like to not know what happened to your parents.

Iara, the latest addition to our ranks, says she will travel through some parts of Eorzea, to understand what will be her role in this world now. Kannitha asked to go with her, now that the Circus is gone, and they agreed to be travelling companions for now. Both lost their groups, and I hope they find in each other the support they need right now.

Kakero was talking to Oceanne when I came to say my farewells to both. Oceanne tells me that she is getting closer to a breakthrough discovery that can help Kakero overcome his void illness once and for all. My dear captain don’t say much more to me than the simple words a man could say, wishing safe travels. But his look is no longer of a tired man without anything in his life. He found a meaning, a purpose, I can see that.

Misaki finishes her own farewells and we board our ship. It is time to see how my homeland is after so long. This was my idea, after what I dreamed when I was under Inunaki’s spell. I would visit my old estate, Musume... and to show Misaki how it is there. She never went to my estate, so it would be something interesting. As the ship sets sail from Limsa Lominsa, we watch the people we met in our journeys down there. So many memories and so many adventures. We will be back, that’s for sure. 

But until then, like my old Captain Kakero would say: “Into the Blue, Forever”.

(Ruins of Gelmorra site, the next day)

The wind sounded harsh followed by leaves and dust at the only surface ruins of the predominant underground civilization of Gelmorra. Usually a deserted place, sounds of patient steps come one after another, cautiously trailing the stonework remains. The steps belonged to a man, a midlander, walking in a fancy armor and a giant sword on his back.

“I know you are here, monster.” His voice was cold and deep. Sure of his own statement. “I followed your stench from the castle to here, metaphorically speaking, of course. You leave a very bright trail for someone that is known for deception and treachery.”

There was no answer. However, the knight continued walking, slowly and steady. Letting out a sigh, he tries again, now drawing his sword.

“Dog. Please... you are already dead. What good will come from you now? I know about your clan, I know that you serve under the House of Juno. That your Regnatrix is afraid of a Blue Lightning... I know that you are the answer for... my problem.”

He pierces the stonework with his sword, and the sound that it makes is not only of steel clashing the stone, but also skin being ripped apart. A black cloud rises. He lowers his body, whispering to the invisible monster in front of him.

“Trying to escape? You can’t.” He laughs a bit. “You see, this sword is linked to an artifact that collects void essence. Yes, Inunaki... I know who you are and what you are. Your name was the key. Now you will be trapped and I will use your essence to save my sister from your miserable kind. And then I will go after your precious House of Juno, and make you all pay for what you did.... what? Did you say something?”

“It doesn’t matter anymore. Your essence is mine, and I am closer to save my sister from her curse.”

[azure-et-aurum-blog]

Prelude to Endgame

((Continues from Into the Future )) ((Soundtrack for this is Prelude in Moonlight )) ((Featuring characters by @celestial-opposition ))

“W-Well... I... I am waiting for your answer.” I said looking in her eyes in shock and giving a nervous chuckle. Probably wrong time? Perhaps I should have waited for her to give a hint? I just hope that this won’t come out as desperate too... why am I thinking so much?! I should... breathe... calm myself...

"Of....of course I want to marry you Shin. Without you... Without you I wouldn't be here, happy with you and with everyone around us. Without you I wouldn't have a meaning to keep going. I... I want to be with you forever." She answers recovering from the initial surprise. I can see her turning red, like she never was. I am at a loss for words. I just get up and hold her tight in my arms, almost crying of happiness.

I can hear Len screaming and squealing from the door. Something about “Praise be the Kami, finally!!” and then the sound is suppressed, I believe someone covered her mouth. But it was too late.

“You can come in Len... and... probably Nanatsusaya too.” I yell to the eavesdroppers and Len busts the door open showing her tongue to the tall Xaela in defiance. I smile to them and see the Malaguld nodding his head and smiling to me, in approval. I nod back to him. They congratulate us, Len hugging Misaki and jumping around. Nanatsusaya pats Misaki’s head. As they settle, I speak again. “I am sorry, I was about to tell you all anyway. There was no need... but since you are here, I wanted to say another thing. To you Nanatsusaya.”

“I am not going to marry you too, Raen.” He makes a snarky comment. Typical.

“Not that! I’ve... made some big mistakes recently. And you were the one that held our horses here with Misaki. I was thinking... before all of this, but... now it seems the appropriate time.”

“Hm? What is it, Shintaro? You seem serious about this.” Len watches me closely, reading my face.

“Yes, Quite. There is no other man that I know that would be better fit for a position of leadership in our institution. I want you, Nanatsusaya, to be the new leader of the Forever Blue Inc.”

“Are you thinking about helping them again?” Oceanne gave me a stern look. I let out a groan reacting the bluntness of that woman. I know what it will come out of her mouth from there. She will lecture me, like she always does. “You know very well that I cannot accompany you in this madness. If you... if you damage our treatment, there will be no coming back. It will all go down to the drain.”

“I know, woman. You don’t need to tell me this every time, damn.” I turn my back to her, I can hear her shoes knocking on the floor, she is impatient. “He is my friend. My companion. Part of my crew.”

“Here you are again, talking captain nonsense gibberish” She turns her back to me this time. I come close to her and put my hands on her shoulder. She shivers a bit. “W-what are you d-doing?” She asks tumbling on her words.

“Why don’t you say that you worry about me already, Oceanne?”

“T-The hells are you talking about?” She denies but I feel her body getting warm, her cheeks getting red. “You... are just a patient... aren’t you?”

I grab her arms and turn her around to see her in her eyes. She is proud, she wouldn’t let me see her fragile, or vulnerable. She frowns her brows and pushes me lightly. I grab her tighter, pressing her back against the wall. She widened her eyes behind those glasses and her breathing became irregular.

“Y-You are a fool...” She whispers approaching to my face.

“And this is why I will come back...” I kiss her soft lips for a brief moment.

I am back to my studio in Limsa Lominsa. I left the Forever Blue house an hour ago, after discussing the payment with the Xaela. Their friend, a man called Shintaro, is now saved. And I have the essence used to make him fall asleep in the void dream.

I take my time analyzing the sample. Probably 2 or 3 hours. I came with some interesting conclusions. There is an old Othardian legend, about a Man-Dog, a monster that could make his victims fall in a deep slumber to drain their spirit and make them become soulless slaves to their wishes. Inunaki was the name. This word slipped a few times from different mouths in that house but I thought it was some sort of enemy summoner, or a conjurer of sorts.

This finding is of utmost importance. If those people... the Forever Blue... they are after a powerful voidsent, then they are the missing key to my mission.

“I will save you, Aisha. No matter what this will cost, or what I need to do. I will save you, my sister.”

We sat at the kitchen hall to relax a bit after all we went through. I gave them both news, of my marriage with Misaki, and the fact that Nanatsusaya would be in charge of the Forever Blue Inc. from now on. They were quite happy, from what I can see, since they started to drain our stock of wines and food. I could see Jonah eating cake with the new lady, Anni. Nanatsusaya was talking with Iara and Kakero, while Len was chatting with Misaki and Oceanne.

We were all taken by surprise when an explosion came from the upper floor. Misaki held my arm tightly and we all went up to see that our front door was blasted. Outside we could see a woman, with red hair. I couldn’t recognize her, but Nanatsusaya and Jonah yelled at the same time, telling that she was one of the members of the Circus, the one that told about Anni. The miqo’te screamed her name in surprise ‘Valentia’, but her voice was not of this world, and it was quite familiar.

“What a charming and warm reunion. It is a shame that I will have to spoil it.”

“Inunaki!” I said. “What a surprise appearing here. It will save my effort to find you and put you down forever!”

“Nah-ah, Shintaro. I am not here to fight you. I am here to take her!” Inunaki points to Anni, making her float fast towards his direction. I couldn’t reach her and while the voidsent grabbed her, it laughs maniacally, conjuring some sort of portal.

“No, you won’t!” From behind me, Jonah leaped as fast as he could to the portal and didn’t listen to my plead to stop. He manages to grab Inunaki and pushes both to the portal, that closes as soon as they get through.

“No!” Nanatsusaya punches the column of our house in frustration. “Damn you, Jonah! I should have gone with you!”

“The boy... he is quite reckless.” Kakero adds. “But he is not fully dumb, it seems.” He picked something from the floor. Faintly glowing in yellow on his hand, a Red Mage medium floats. “I believe we can... find him with this. We have no time to waste.”

I look behind and see our house, the work of several lives and moons crumbling, and I can’t help but to feel sad. But looking at this small hope, at how Jonah could give us this chance, I take a deep breath and look to all of my companions. I look to Misaki. “Yes. Let’s do this, together. Jonah... Anni. They need us now.”

[azure-et-aurum-blog]

Endgame: Band of Brothers and Sisters

((Continues from For Our Hearts)) ((Soundtrack for this is Domain of the Dragon and The Dreams)) ((Featuring characters by @celestial-opposition))

I opened my eyes and saw that there was a room surrounding me now. In front, I see Nanatsusaya and Jonah also waking up. It seems that we weren’t dazzled for too long. The last thing I remember was Shintaro trying to reach us, but he couldn’t. We were too far away.

The room itself looks quite creepy. There are 2 gargoyles, a bed, a fireplace. Some shelters and tables spread out. Lots of flowers and plants. Even the floor is made to pretend that it is a grassy field. 

And sitting in an armchair, we see the Master of Ceremonies. She smiles to us, crossing her legs and putting her index finger on her chin. I ready my weapons just in case. The boys do it too. The girl doesn’t move, though. Her presence is much more peaceful than before.

“You... you came for her, right?” Her voice is different. It is soft, calm. She also speaks with an accent, different from the Eorzeans, different from the Xaelic tribes that I know... but still, different from the one before. This isn’t the same person. “I am sorry you had to go through all of this... even, not being my fault.”

“Who are you, in fact, miss?” Nanatsusaya is the first to talk, lowering his weapon. He is still on guard, however, as I can see, and Jonah is also ready to strike if she tries anything.

“My name is... Kannitha.” She holds her head, lowering her posture. “Sometimes I am able to take control of myself again. This is why I could bring you all here. I need you to save her, to save Anni. Only then you would be able to save me too.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask her. “And where are Shintaro and the others?”

“Your friend... is in another realm. For the benefit of... Mister Wise. Mister Wise was the one that trapped me inside my own body. He was the one that tried to destroy you, to prevent a prophecy to happen.” She is on the verge of tearing. She wipes them out, and then gets up, walking to the direction of a bed, shaped like Tonberry’s knives. I can see the miqo’te girl there. Jonah also notices and tries to rush to her, only to be reflected by a barrier.

“Ow! What is this... thing?” He asks, in surprise.

“Mister Wise created a barrier around her. It will also drain her energy and soul to a reliquary in another place. The same one that your friend is now.” She explains. “There is only one way to free her. You need to build a bridge.”

“Where are we?” I open my eyes.

Misaki lights her astroglobe and looks around searching for clues about our whereabouts. She sees Kakero on the floor, still alive, not harmed at all. She checks on me too and I smile to her. I have no wounds or whatever.

“This seems to be...” Kakero tries to explain. “I’ve seen this before. This is some sort of pocket dimension. Used to hide objects that are not meant to be found.”

“You say that, but considering what the Master of Ceremonies did and said, it is almost that we were invited here...” Misaki smartly remarks. I agree with her. The voidsent wanted us here. This is a prison for us now. But there is only one way to go.

“Down. I can see some stairs. But be prepared. I don’t know what we will face here.”

“A bridge?” I question the xaela woman. “You mean... a connection?”

“Yes, a connection. When you connect your souls to those of your friends, they will be back. And since Mister Wise used the reliquary to draw them, it will also break the spirit of Anni free.”

“And how are we supposed to trust you, after everything you did?” I ask her, bluntly. I am not buying this. This is probably a trap. No, I am certain that it is a trap.

“You can’t tell. I know. But isn’t it your only chance...?” She looks at us and then climbs one of the gargoyles of the room. “This is Mister Wise. He embraced me. And the other one is Juno, his master. In order to awake the true power of his master, he needs to draw upon the souls of kind people, full of life. Like a circus. He killed our old Ringmaster first, then he made me... torture every one of them, until there was nothing but empty shells. Like Marisa, the girl that used the glamour prism to become Mona Rees, and Valentia, the woman that destroyed your home.”

“And how are we going to build a bridge?” Nanatsusaya asks her, giving a vote of confidence.

“You will use my body as catalyst and as a portal. But beware. As soon as Mister Wise feels the connection, he will try to destroy your friends souls.”

“Then we are on.” Nanatsusaya grabbed my hand, making me blulsh a bit with sudden touch, and then took Jonah’s. We touch the Master of Ceremonies and start to focus on our lost companions.

“There are too many, Shin!” Kakero yells from afar, with Misaki in the middle of the way. There are lots of Voidsent trying to kill us now, but still I am sure they are preventing us to getting lower and lower. It was obviously a trap, but we had nowhere else to go. Maybe the Master of Ceremonies was down there. Maybe something else.

“I am drawing them to me, Captain! But it seems that we are on our limit!” I answer the Elezen. I can hear him battlecrying and coming like a meteor from above. He makes an explosion against the voidsent. The first wave is gone, but there are more.

“You will perish today, fools.” This voice! It is the Master of Ceremonies! But it is nothing but a big blob of darkness. Its nature seems revealed now, and if it is, we just need to dispatch it to end this. From somewhere, I hear a voice coming... it looks like...

“Len!”

“I found them.” I say it out loud and Nanatsusaya scolds me, to focus. We need to make sure this bridge will last.

“Mister... Wise... is battling them.” Kannitha warns about the fact that the monster won’t take long to notice the connection.

More of them. We are holding our grounds the best as we can, but I can see Misaki and Kakero getting tired. I swear I heard Len’s voice just now, but I lost her. I need to focus.

“You can’t get out of here. You can’t save anyone! I will be the victor! I will be my master’s consort! I am stronger as never before!” The monster yells and boasts confidence while delivering bolts of dark energy that I deflect away from Misaki and Kakero. I can now feel Len again...

“I can… feel them.” I tell my companions. “It is flowing through my body, their energies are filling me with hope, love, caring, kindness. We’ve reached the endgame. And we are not alone, my friends.”

Kakero and Misaki nods to me, agreeing. They can also feel our friends now, we have made the connection. It is time to get back.

“No... NOOOO... It is coming back!!! MISTER WISE, PLEASE, NOOO!!” Kannitha screams in pain, fear and suffering. We also can feel our friends coming back for us. Nanatsusaya breaks the chain just after Shin and the others arrive. But it was too late. ‘Mister Wise’ was back. “Hah...hahah...hihihahahah... you can’t... you... you can’t defeat me...”

“Now, Jonah! End of the line!” Nanatsusaya rallies Jonah that focus as many energy as they can on their magic crystals. Nanatsusaya points to Kannitha and didn’t listen to me when I ask to stop, because it would kill the girl. “Verflare!! Extinguishing flames!” And Jonah follows his master, also delivering a huge blow of energy.

“Verholy!! This is the Light of Justice!”

“W-what? No! You will kill her! Stop!! You will kill her!!” The monster speaks through the vessel, but the concerning tone is delivering a faulty bluff. This... this combination of purifying flames and healing light... it is really working!

“Hold a little bit more, Jonah! She is faltering!” Nanatsusaya asks his disciple.

“I...I don’t know how much longer I can... keep this up!” Jonah answers. Behind him, I can see a tall silhouette shinning in blue. It is Shintaro. He puts his hand on the shoulder of his young ex-pupil.

“Don’t ever give up, my son. As we are a band of brothers and sisters. We are always together.” And I see the holy aether of my Lord filling the whole room, a sight to behold indeed. And I see the light fading away the darkness inside the body of the girl. Breaking the barrier like it was glass. I swear I could hear the monster scream, but it was so silent, so... deafening... that only one thing remained there: the body of a young xaela woman. Breathing. I see Jonah rushing to R’anni’s side. Misaki and Shintaro holding each other in relief. And I see Nanatsusaya smiling to me, patting my head, making my heart race like never did. Kakero walks towards Kannitha to check if she is okay. But most of all...

We’ve ended this. And we survived.

[azure-et-aurum-blog]

[azure-et-aurum-blog]

“In the night, when I'm wounded and tired, I want to meet you In the arms of love, I wish I could sleep And all these hard battles Are what I don't want to think about

Ah, I look up to the blue sky I pledged to never get rid of my burning desires  Ah, I can't forget this Blue And its forever brilliance...”

((The IC Forever Blue members w/ @celestial-opposition))

[azure-et-aurum-blog]

“What if I told you...

that now I give a damn...?”

(( @celestial-opposition​ ))