#the riskbreakers

[rasenkaikyo]

Into The Magic Land (♪) (feat. @onwesterlywinds)

[greenmagic-oilspill]

Bitten Bullets

Edge understood Ashe's feelings about being back in the desert well.

For her, it had been even longer since she had been separated from the dry sands and baking sun — she had been spending much of her time in Ala Mhigo. While Gyr Abania was no stranger to dusty desert climes, it was nothing like Thanalan. Edge even found Dalmasca to be similar; he didn't feel quite as connected to it as his wife did, but it had a comforting familiarity to it all the same. Shaaloani, they both knew, felt most like their adolescence in Thanalan.

As many deserts as he had seen — as many as he had bled on — none felt as dear to his heart as Thanalan, though. Despite Ala Mhigo's liberation, part of him always knew he would consider the Goblet his home. That was where the Riskbreakers were, after all.

Edge shook his head as he entered the boundaries of Sheshenewazi Springs. The sky was alight with brilliant crimson as the sun descended behind the distant peaks and the unnatural dome of dark lightning — but that did little to divert the sky's natural beauty. Even the ceruleum flames spewing into the air from the exhaust of the settlement's mining and engineering added a splash of color to the sky. After everything he had experienced with Garleans, he wasn't sure he would ever become accustomed to ceruleum, no matter how pretty it looked.

He found who he was looking for in the corner of the saloon: a pair of Hhetsharro (he had to keep repeating it in his head to avoid saying Miqo'te and possibly offending someone) with glasses of dark beverages he assumed to be whiskey.

"Hey, there," he said, putting on his warmest smile. "Mind if I join you? I'm a big fan of your show!"

The man, gruff and muscular enough that Edge suspected he had some Hrothgar (X'braax? Was that what they were called here?) ancestry like Nive, gave Edge a grunt. Based on what Edge had learned of their traveling troupe, he was the strongman. "We're not working right now," he said, swirling his drink in his glass.

The woman swatted him on the arm. "Nonsense!" In the show, she wore a frilly dress and performed a dance with other women that involved high kicks and showing off their legs. Now, however, her clothing was much more subdued. "Based on this dear's accent, he's from across the salt! We can't turn away fans who came so far to see us. Come and sit, darling."

The dancer scooted aside to allow Edge a seat at their table, and after he ordered a drink from a server, he joined her. "Thank you! I've got to say, your dances are nothing like anything we have in Eorzea — or beyond. I'm really amazed."

She swatted Edge's arm in the same way she did to the strongman. "Oh, you! I appreciate it."

"And you," Edge said, eyeing the strongman's muscles bared by his sleeveless shirt. "I thought I was pretty strong, but the way you lifted all those barrels was incredible." Of course, Edge suspected some trick to it, but he had to pile on the flattery a bit first. The man grunted and knocked back his drink, just as the server arrived with Edge's and the strongman's replacement glass. "One act we were hoping to see, though, was the sharpshooter. My wife thinks he's pretty dreamy," he said, exaggeratedly rolling his eyes. "We were sad to see he wasn't part of your last performance."

The dancer giggled, but waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, that Talon Oakes. Loves to boast, but in the two years he's been part of our troupe, he's never missed a show. I'm sure he'll turn up." Despite her lighthearted tone, Edge caught a flash of worry behind her eyes. "Your wife's not wrong, though — he's a total dreamboat, and his fans all know it!"

The strongman's face twisted into a scowl as he swished the whiskey around in his mouth. "Yeah, yeah."

"Though the boasting is all part of his on-stage persona, you know," the dancer said with a wink to Edge. "Just like his name. Think of it as a little behind-the-scenes secret. He's always been a little cagey, if you ask me. But I think that just adds to his flair. Everyone loves a bit of mystery, no?"

"Cagey?" Edge asked. "How so?" He gestured to the barman to send over another drink.

"He ain't native to Shaaloani," the strongman said. "Don't know where he came from, but it's somewhere north. Doesn't talk about his family, but lives with a sister. Big on antique trading, too — dunno where he gets the pel for it, since we make crumbs. Guess big sis holds all the money and he's just a mooch. Still makes more than me, though, for some reason."

"I sense some rivalry there," Edge said with a wink to the strongman, which made the dancer guffaw.

"Talon's always had more of a stage presence," the dancer whispered to Edge, loud enough for the strongman to hear and roll his eyes.

These two knew Talon for a while, apparently, so if the dome had only appeared recently, that indicated to Edge that the Shetona had not come from the world inside it. He was still a little suspicious of the man who came out of nowhere to approach Ashe and tell her about people who might be after electrope, so tracking down the rest of Talon's troupe was their only lead since Talon himself didn't show up to the meeting he made with Ashe.

"Did he ever show an interest in that electrope stuff?" Edge asked.

The strongman gave him an odd look. Maybe the question came too soon — he looked closed off again just as he was about to relax his guard. "Why would he? I told ya, he trades in antiques. Old things. Not weird stones from another world."

"Right, right," Edge said. Clumsy and stupid. He doubted he would get anything worthwhile from them now, if they even knew more.

"What, are ya writing some kind of exposé on him or something?" the dancer asked, flicking open a hand fan. "Honestly, I'm a much more fascinating subject, darling."

Edge grinned at her. "I believe it. But no, I was curious to see guns in Tural and all that they can do." Maybe he'd try to find Talon's sister, or one of his contacts in the antique trade. He did mention something of the sort to Ashe, if he remembered correctly. "I better get going, though. Thanks for letting me sit with you. My wife's going to be so jealous!"

As they said their farewells, Edge left the saloon and found his gaze drawn to the dome, as usual. Maybe Talon wasn't involved in any of this at all.

Or maybe he was in trouble from digging into something he shouldn't have, on behalf of the Riskbreakers.

Shaking that unpleasant thought away, he went to go rent a rroneek and make his way back to the others.

[scales-claws-and-thorns]

Held within the pages of the journal of one Akhutai, written in the script of the Urit tribe:

I imagine there are those who know me well enough who would ask why I bothered answering the call of the Grand Steward. The easy answer is I wanted an excuse to explore the West and this was as good as any. However, in truth, despite how much I've changed, and how much time has passed, I do still feel obligated, in a way, to contribute to the efforts of the Riskbreakers. Let us hope that they do not ever become aware of my various dealings or they may very well decline my aid. As it stands, I have done my due diligence in gathering information that may be of use, if not to this case we have decided to follow, than to me and my own interests. For instance, it seems that electrope is practically considered a miracle material by those who have, apparently, been to a 'Solution 9'. Technological advancements abound through its use, including deadly weapons, and thus it is no wonder that the Landsguard aren't exactly thrilled with the knowledge that a sample of it has gone missing. I will be most fascinated to see these marvels of technology myself and I feel that I very well may through the course of this chase. If not, I know now where to go to sate my own curiosities. For the moment, however, I shall remain patient and behave. It wouldn't do to cause too much trouble just yet. But the more I hear about this 'dome', the more I wish to see it. There is, however, another matter. A troubling one. And not one I am likely to discuss with the others. The signs of death are everywhere, as it is with the sort of battles that I have heard took place in this city, so I am hardly surprised, but the issue is... that the traces of souls left behind by the dead are... It is a strange thing to feel that there is a possibility that souls have simply gone missing but, currently, I have no explanation for this. As I doubt these misgivings of mine have anything to do with our missing electrope sample, this will be a private investigation, though I also doubt I will be able to devote the time I wish to it before the primary mission is over.

[varae-ver-you-are]

IT HER, Suraja Solveig of the First! :D

For Sylvain Rain, @sylvan-rain

[dat-paw]

The Victor’s Laurels

[In which travel arrangements are discussed and plans are made...]

Ingvald Bloodhound: You've got friends in high places, miss Alaq'it. Ingvald Bloodhound realizes he made a pun, and coughs. Alaq'it Moks looks at Ingvald Bloodhound in shock! Alaq'it Moks: I-What now? Who? Ingvald Bloodhound: The Majestic Theater Company. They've offered to lend us passage to the Far East. Linini Mooglesworn almost lets out a groan at Ingvald Bloodhound's words.

Suraja Solveig gazes upon Ingvald Bloodhound in deep reflection. Orella Steelhand DOES let out a groan at the sound of the Majestic. Alaq'it Moks: The... oh! The air-ship! Yes, I would say... OH! HIGH! Alaq'it Moks bursts out laughing at Ingvald Bloodhound, and continues laughing a bit longer than is reasonable. Linini Mooglesworn: A miracle that they'd deign to offer us passage again. Nivelth Ajuyn: ...Even after all the trouble we caused? Nivelth Ajuyn remembers the mess she made of disintegrating that poor Garlean's heart. Priscilla Scaevola smiles; she would take any chance to get back on that airship. Suraja Solveig takes note of the amount of people here she hadn't met yet. A bit stress-inducing, but she'd do her best all the same. Alaq'it Moks: Well, really, do they not meet much trouble on their own? I think it should be fine, except... Alaq'it Moks groans, remembering her friend. Ingvald Bloodhound looks at the two others, whose faces he does not recognize. Jude Paw raises a hand in greeting. Jude Paw: Oh, don't mind us. Linini Mooglesworn fails to understand Jude Paw. Ingvald Bloodhound is unconvinced. Ingvald Bloodhound: You're... Riskbreakers? Jenesis Labariel rises from her chair languidly, surprising for such a tall woman with a lance strapped to her back. She extends her hand toward Ingvald Bloodhound. Jenesis Labariel: Of a sort. My name is Jenesis, I'm a friend. Jude Paw: A Riskbreaker and a friend of the Riskbreakers, yes. I'm Jude. This is my associate, Jenesis Labariel. We received a communication from A'zaela Linh. Linini Mooglesworn gazes upon Jenesis Labariel in deep reflection. Alaq'it Moks perks up at A'zaela's name. Ingvald Bloodhound takes her hand firmly, looking between the two - and deciding it's better not to question them. Linini Mooglesworn: Ah. I recognize those names. I've heard of exploits from both of you. Jude Paw: We're here to help - any way we can. Jenesis Labariel: I have extended my lance a time or two when Ashelia has requested it. A'zaela Linh and I are also.... Jenesis Labariel searches for a word for a moment. Jenesis Labariel: Close. Jude Paw: Yes. Close. Jude Paw sips a mug of something and side-eyes. Ingvald Bloodhound: ...Welcome, then. Nivelth Ajuyn looks to Alaq'it Moks, wondering if she knows anything about that, but says nothing. Priscilla Scaevola makes a note of that in her notebook. She wonders about the availability of the spunky Miqo'te. Jude Paw: We did not mean to interrupt. Please, continue. Ingvald Bloodhound scans the rest of the bar. Ingvald Bloodhound: ...I think it best to make our way to Kugane. Suraja Solveig shrugs at Lif Silverlode. Lif Silverlode nods to Ingvald Bloodhound. Ingvald Bloodhound: It will be a quick stop, but we should all take the necessary precautions - to avoid unwanted suspicion by the Sekiseigumi. Jude Paw: I am known to the city guard in Kugane. My work with the HBA takes me there often. My presence will draw no suspicious eyes. Jude Paw smiles crookedly. Jude Paw: As for you lot, I could always just say you're tourists I'm showing around... Ingvald Bloodhound: That... may be helpful. Priscilla Scaevola nods. Priscilla Scaevola: Kugane is a good starting point. While the Sekiseigumi is a pain, so does it hinder our enemies as well. Nivelth Ajuyn: That might be preferable, given our last misadventures in Kugane. Kiri Kha: I've been to Kugane a fair amount myself. I'm not sure I'd pass for a tourist. Ingvald Bloodhound: In that case, you could be a guide yourself. Perhaps you can lead those who have yet to visit the city. Linini Mooglesworn: Just take care not to draw your weapons for any reason. Suraja Solveig once again enlists Lif Silverlode's help and whispers. Suraja Solveig: What's a Kugane? A'zaela Linh remembers vividly the sounds of the Bokairo Inn burning. Maybe she should get a haircut. Jude Paw: In my experience, the Sekiseigumi only answer force with force. So long as we maintain a low profile, I think we should be alright... Kiri Kha nods to Ingvald Bloodhound. Nivelth Ajuyn offers A'zaela Linh a humble greeting. Jude Paw waves a hand toward A'zaela. It's a very hi, mom kind of gesture. Lif Silverlode whispers to Suraja Solveig. Lif Silverlode: It's a port city in the eastern island of Shishu. It's one of the few that is open to outsiders like us. Suraja Solveig gazes upon Lif Silverlode in deep reflection. Ingvald Bloodhound: Very well. Airships to the Far East leave on the hour, meaning the next departs in... twenty-five minutes. I'll see you all there. Ingvald Bloodhound leaves without so much as another word. Ivan Amov seems lost in thought. Jude Paw: ... Chatty fellow, isn't he? Linini Mooglesworn follows him without any fanfare. Orella Steelhand shrugs, and follows after him without a word. Lif Silverlode: That's not a lot of time. I'd better grab my things. Kiri Kha shrugs. Not everyone is good with words. Nivelth Ajuyn: So we're going just like that? I thought-- Damn it, I need to pack too. Suraja Solveig: I'm pretty much ready t'go. Jude Paw: True enough... Jude shrugs. He kicks a small bag he'd brought with him. It's almost definitely full of snacks. Good thing I came prepared. Kiri Kha: I've had a bag ready since this was all mentioned. A'zaela Linh: Hope you're packed, Jen. Jenesis Labariel smiles at Jude Paw. Suraja Solveig nods to Kiri Kha. Jenesis Labariel moves over to A'zaela and touches her arm in a gesture that's meant to be affectionate, reassuring. Jenesis Labariel: I'm ready to go. Alaq'it Moks knocks elbows with A'zaela Linh.

[yuri-cocaine]

we’re here to take you home

with @onwesterlywinds​ and @rasenkaikyo​

The magitek bit beeps. “Alert. Incoming allied presence. B8 should escape immediately.”

“Escape recommended.”

“Escape recommended.”

Ashelia Riot glances at the woman to her right. There’s something familiar about her, she thinks—but she doesn’t have time to ponder it now.

Kharaa jumps down from her yol. “Ai!”

Ai gasps for breath. Her leg gave out shortly after scaling the cliff. Someone is calling her. She tries to remember who it is.

“Targets at the Peaks, Radiata, X 28, Y 28.” The magitek bit is insistent.

Ai Deahli: “Guh….a-approaching…”

Vision One gets a little closer. Her brow furrows from behind her visor. “Ai.”

Ai staggers.

Ashelia Riot doesn’t know what’s happening, but readies her gun all the same.

Ai Deahli: “Miss…One? Grand St-stssss—”

Ai Deahli: “T-targets confirmed. Readying a-attack pro-protocol.”

Vision One glances towards Ashelia and back. “Ai, we’re here to take you home. Back to the Sandsea…Please don’t do this.”

Ai Deahli: “F-for the glory of—the glory of the emp—Ahhh!!”

Ai rushes forward, slashing wildly. She readies Terminus Est, but it fires in the wrong direction.

Vision One: “Gh!” Kharaa jumps back, nicked by the sudden outburst. “Stop!”

Ai Deahli: “Activation long-ranged tur—turrets.”

Ashelia Riot fires.

Ai drops to her knee, winded. Ashelia Riot: “That’s enough.”

Ai Deahli: “Grand Steward…Th-rhank you for the r-room…Someday I’ll…”

Ai staggers to her feet.

Vision One: “You don’t have to do this, Ai…”

Ai Deahli: “Do yyyou have the lissst—A—Arae’sae Evvv----forgot to return a—to the library—”

Ai continues to wildly attack while uttering nonsense.

Ai Deahli: “Akeet made buuz the oth—other—”

Vision One rushes in, using a non-lethal Armor Crush to knock her down. Ashelia Riot shoots the magitek bit down.

Ai Deahli: “No…Finish the mission…For the glory of the—of—”

Ashelia Riot: “Enough. Two dead in Ul’dah? An attack on Rhalgr’s Reach? What did you hope to gain?”

Ai Deahli: “Must report to—protocols engaged—I must!” She attempts another attack, but misses and falls to her knees.

Vision One kneels at Ai’s side. “She’s a clone. Part of an imperial project. One that entered a terminal stage.”

Ashelia Riot’s blood goes cold. “A clone?”

Ai Deahli: “Argh! I’m so—sorry—Pl—go away..”

Ai Deahli: “Sssorry sorry sorryyyy…”

Vision One is undaunted, and she shakes her head. “I can’t do that. You’re not an imperial tool. You’re a Riskbreaker, and you need to return home.”

Ashelia Riot: “…Terminal. What does that mean.”

Ai Deahli: “H-home…? All personnel slated for elimination…going h-home…”

Vision One: “She’s been chosen to wipe out the whole project. Everyone involved in it, even any surviving clones. That’s what I hazard those deaths were.”

Vision One pulls out the tomestone she had been given. “Imperial intelligence is not as water-tight as they think it is.”

Ai Deahli: “Surviving—oh. I remember…”

Ai tears her visor off and throws it away before collapsing. Her eyes are strangely glowing red.

Ai Deahli: “Grand Steward. I should have said something but I thought I—I wish I had more time. You have been so good to me and I—”

Ai Deahli drops a crystal at Vision One’s feet. “My memories. I don’t know why she needs them.”

Ashelia Riot: “Who?” Her voice is softer now than it is when she is normally in battle.

Vision One reaches and grabs the crystal. “It’s not over, Ai. Believe me.”

Vision One smiles weakly at Ai. “You have been dear to me. I won’t let you go away so easily.”

Ashelia Riot looks now at Vision One, unsure for the first time.

Ai Deahli: “…Okay. I’ll treat you to tea. Next week. Both of you.”

Vision One: That sounds great. I’ll hold you to it.”

Ai wants to say something, but her breath catches in her throat. She looks up at the pale sky, and closes her eyes against the sunlight. She’s so tired.

Vision One looks away.

Ashelia Riot checks to see if Ai is showing any signs of life. She sees nothing, nothing at all that might indicate she is still alive. And in fact, she even sees, for the first time—sparks?

Vision One: “We stopped her rampage and brought her to her senses…but the inevitable end of this protocol was thereby triggered.”

Ashelia Riot stows her gun, no longer sensing any threats. “…I know you. You’ve been at the manse.”

Vision One: “It’s Kharaa. Kharaa Khatayin. I wish we could have met under brighter circumstances.”

Ai starts fading into hazy orange light, like the clouds around Azys Lla. Aetherochemical constructs breaking down.

Ashelia Riot: “What—”

Ashelia Riot can’t help but stare at the light, what it’s doing to the body that recently seemed so…organic.

Vision One: “…She was beautiful in spite of her—in spite of the imperial ‘masters’ who dare mock science. And the project had cursed her to a limited lifespan that she nonetheless lived to the fullest.”

Ashelia Riot: “But what happened?”

Ashelia Riot looks to Vision One. “Why all this? And why now, after so long?”

Vision One: “I’m not sure. It seemed someone wanted to erase all evidence the project happened in the first place.”

Ashelia Riot: “She said someone—‘she’—needs her memories. Could that be the person who did this?”

Vision One shakes her head and holds up the crystal in one hand, the tomestone in another. “I was approached by one Yun, who foresaw this eventuality and took measures to ensure her continued survival in another way. I admit, I myself struggled to accept it, as I wanted to find a way to extend the life of her given form…but I had to trust in Yun’s gift.”

Ashelia Riot does know of Yun Khatayin; she’s a contact of a few Riskbreakers.

Ashelia Riot: “But why would the Garleans have created a clone made to…expire? Why now? Why not have her betray us during the fall of Ala Mhigo?”

Vision One: “I’m not sure it was their intention to give them a deliberate expiry, for even their records could give just an approximation. No more than a flawed attempt at recreating Allagan technology.”

Ashelia Riot can’t help but grit her teeth and clench her fist; still, she has nothing more to say.

Vision One: “They have nothing on her time with your group. They wouldn’t have even known how to betray you. Until recently, Ai’s thoughts have been hers and hers alone. I doubt they will know anything other than the fact Ai has completed her mission.”

Ashelia Riot grits her teeth again—at the unfairness of it. Ashelia Riot: “Completed her mission. And they’ll simply keep doing…this.”

Vision One: “I hold no love for Garlemald. They learn from the past to commit a growing list of atrocities. I work for every opportunity to dismantle their efforts. Even as they brought Ai into this world, they dealt her a cruel hand.”

Vision One’s grip tightens around the crystal. “She was suffering so much because of their twisted science…at least now, no matter what, she’s free.”

Ashelia Riot: “Will she still be free even if—”

Ashelia Riot says no more, but looks at the crystal in Vision One’s hand.

Vision One: “Yun’s gambit relied on this crystal. Once I transfer Ai’s memories to the tomestone, I can upload the data into an artificial body.”

Ashelia Riot: “And they won’t be able to reach her again? They won’t be able to control her?”

Vision One nods to Ashelia Riot. “There won’t be anything to control. Whatever trigger they used to start the terminal protocol, is no longer part of her.”

Vision One: “It may not be all the same, but I can hope you can accept her again when the time comes. If nothing else, it would certainly assure the Empire can truly never touch her again.”

Ashelia Riot hesitates, then nods. “Good. Do what you must.”

Ashelia Riot looks back at where Ai once was, and speaks softly in Ala Mhigan: “You deserved better.”

[ivaan-ffxiv]

"She is making that face again, is she not?”

-Stares into the camera, ala The Office.-

[thecat-inthehat]

The Sandsea got a slight remodel, and Nive isn’t sure how she feels about it. 

Bonus: 

The stools are as tall as she is.