Previous posts in this series:
Folks, this is going to be the longest recap yet, because I wrote it while re-watching cutscenes & reading the journal entries in game. It is EIGHTEEN AND A HALF PAGES LONG. I hope you're comfortable!
Normally I write some general reactions before getting into the summary, but this time I'm leaving my reactions for afterward. Without further ado, HERE WE GO!
The story opens in Rhaelgr's Reach, where Lyse is venting because there's no obvious leader for the newly liberated Ala Mhigo. She's going to go to meetings to discuss the issue, but before you can volunteer to go with, Arenvald approaches you. He has his mind set on adventure.
Before Ala Mhigo was overtaken by Garlean forces, they were ruled by the Mad King Theodoric, who according to legends had quite a treasure. That treasure has never been found, but now Arenvald suggests searching for it. He enlists Alphinaud's assistance as well, and the three of you set off.
You start by questioning several Ala Mhigans who had served under the Mad King for information. Having gathered that info, Alphinaud suggests moving to a more appropriate location to discuss the findings -- the shore of Loch Seld. One of the people you questioned had referenced "darkness beneath the palace", which Alphinaud is convinced is the drowned ancient city of Skalla. Alphinaud goes on to posit that the Mad King had his kinsmen cursed and set about in th city to guard the treasures. Arenvald & Alphinaud search for a way into the ruins from above, while you divce into the Loch in search of an underwater entrance.
You find one! And the legends were true -- the city is indeed full of monstrous beasts. You fight your way through, and finally reach the treasure shortly before Arenvald and Alphinaud arrive, having found their own way in.
Arenvald has plans for the treasure -- to give it to the people of Ala Mhigo to quicken the nation's recovery. But before you can really discuss the plans, you're called away to a disturbance outside the Ala Mhigan quarter. An angry crows has gathered, demanding Fordola's release. Lyse tries to calm the crowd down, to no avail. It takes Raubahn speaking directly to the crowd to get them to settle down. He asks that prisoners be given a fair trial. The crowd clasps at his words and disperses.
The party then goes to visit Fordola in her cell. Fordola basically tries to talk Lyse into killing her, but Arenvald speaks and says he sees what Fordola is doing. Your Echo kicks in, and you see a scene from Fordola's past: Her parents were, hmm, sympathesizers I guess? of the Garlean empire. They held a place of status and were richly dressed. The family is walking in the Ala Mhigan Quarter and young Fordola seems happy, but then an angry mob begins to throw stones at them. Fordola's father shields her, but on stone finds his temple, killing him.
This changes everything for Fordola, who once grown becomes a soldier in the Garlean army. Her mother pleads with her not to do this, bu Fordola, who has gotten a tattoo on her face that matches her deceased father's tattoo, says that citzenship means nothing to the Garleans. She then turns too her companions and says they'll do whatever it takes to be free.
As you come out of the flashback, Arenvald is still taunting Fordola. "Whatever it takes", he tells her. Fordola then turns angrily to you and says you've been in her head. She says she swore she would do whatever to took to make the bastards who killed her father pay.
But then her eye glows red, and her artificial Echo gives her visions of your own past. Fordola sees you fighting countless battles, and when her vision ends, says that all that power and pain is too much for anyone. She questions how you've remained unbroken.
Lyse then tells Fordola that she still has time and to think of how she wants to spend it. Fordola doesn't answer, and the party leaves.
Alphinaud then informs you that the Sultana has asked to see you, so you head to Ul'dah. Nanamo is concerned about Raubahn. He has sworn to return to the Sultana's side, but Nanamo believes his heart may truly lie with Ala Mhigo, his homeland. Nanamo believes it is time she learned to rule on her own, and asks you to accompany her while she tours Ul'dah. You're treated to a series of memories as she stops at several sites around the realm. She was young when her parents died, and thus was biddable as Sultana. Now she is determined to learn to rule.
Nanamo has plans to aid the Ala Mhigan restoration, but upon seeking a trusted advisor, is informed her plans aren't good because the realm will not profit from it. So she changes her plans, and has a meeting with Lord Lolorito at the Waking Sands.
Nanamo's plans are that in exchange for helping the refugees resettle in Ala Mhigo, a portion of any profirts be given to Ul'dah. Lolorito points out a flaw in this plan: the lacck of specifics, namely which industry and where. Nanamo then turns to you for your input. You suggest the Saltery. Lolorito is amenable to this suggestion, having formerly been a patron of the Saltery's products.
All that is left is to consult the residents of the Saltery, who quickly agree.
Soon after, Raubahn asks to meet you in the Ala Mhigan quarter. When he arrives, he's accompanied by his adoptive son Pipin. It appears that two of the men captured by Arenvald were former Crystal Braves -- the faction that turned against the Scions -- and Raubahn asks for your input on what punnishment should they be given. After your answer, Raubahn says there is more he would discuss, and asks you to walk with him.
He says that there is a part of him that wants to stay in Ala Mhigo, but that he pledged his blade to Nanamo and will not betray that oath. Pipin askes if this is truly what his father wants, and bows his head when Raubahn answers yes.
Shortly after this, a group of Qalyana arrive. They are of the ones who summoned Lakshmi, but they ask to be included in the council meetings to discuss the future of Ala Mhigo's government. Although all are wary, Lyse accepts their involvement. Raubahn asks to bolster sercurity, though, and enlists the aid of Alphinaud, Y'Shtola, and Thancred.
During the council meeting, the Qalyana manage to summon Sri Lakshmi! You and Arenvald, being the only two in possession of the Echo, and tasks with keeping her busy while the Scions handle the other Qalyana and the enthralled guards.
During the fight, Lyses says she has an idea, and runs off. It's a tough fight, and yu and Arenvald barely manage. Things are looking grim when Lyse arrives back, in the company of Fordola. With Fordola's help, you manage to vanquish Sri Lakshmi. Fordola returns to her cell after a tense moment. The council proceeds again, and you retir4e to the rooftop gardens.
After a time, Raubahn arrives to inform you the focuncil has decided on an elected government. He's now ready to return to Ul'dah, his work here done. But you pass the Sultana on your way out, who's about to throw a wrinle in Raubahn's plans. Nanamo dismisses him qas leader of the Immortal Flames and sstrips him of his seat on the Syndicate, allowing him the freedom to follow his heart and stay in Ala Mhigo. Pipin will now watch over the Sultana in Raubahn's stead.
Lyse returns to Rhalgr's Reach after this, and you follow her. She has decided to step down as commander of the Resistance and let Raubahn take her place. Nanamo's resettlement project is also going well.
As you're talking with Lyse, the twins arrive with news from Tataru: Hancok, your contact with the East Aldenard Trading Company in Kugane, has important info for you. You have no choice but to head to Kugane to find out what it is.
Once in Kugana, you're told that individuals resembling Gosetsu and Yotsuyu were spotted in Kugane. You're amazed they could be alive, but alarmed when you find out the Garleans also heard this news and has dispatched a contingent to hunt them down. You agree to help Yugiri to find out the truth.
Hancock has a lead, so you go to meet his informant who turns out to be Gyado, the Namazu who betrayed you to the Empire in the past. He promises to behave this time, and tells you that an elderly Roegadyn samurai recently sold a katana to a pawnbroker.
You question the pawnbroker. During the proceedings, Alphnaud buys back the katana using Scion funds, without a thought to price. Indeed, he doesn't even look at the bill of sale! The pawnbroker says that Gosetsu and Yotsuyu were headed to Doma.
You head to the pier, where you meant Alisaie who was off getting more information from Gyado. She informs you that the Garlens are preparing to send a contingent to the Ruby Sea in search of Yotsuyu. While at the pier, Tataru dismays at the price of the katana but doesn't say anything, merely sighing when handed the bill of sale.
Your party heads to the Ruby Price in search of Gosetsu and Yotsuyu. But once you arrive, you discover the Empire has launched an attack on Sakazuki. You help subdue the soldiers on the beach, and are told the pair you're looking for is upstairs. You rush up the stairs to find Gosetsu and a cowering Yotsuyu surrounded.
You make work of the empire's forces, and are reunited with your friend. He then tells the story of how they survived: when the ceiling of the keep collapsed, so did the floor, and they were plunged into the river and swept out t sea, finally coming to rest on a deserted island. It appears Yotsuyu haws lost her memories.
You head back to the nearby pier where Alphinaud had forced Alisaie to wait, as he felt she still wasn't up to fighting after her recent injuries. Alisaie is suspicious of Yotsuyu, but ALphinaud takes charge and says the party should set sail without delay. Your old Kojin friend Soroban, who had ferried you so far, sails you to Isari so you can make your way back to Doma. Before you can leave, Soroban asks you to speak with him later about a potential business opportunity, which should help offset the price of the katana. It's here that Alphinaud finally learns just how much it costs -- "as much as a house", according to Alisaie. Having been put in his place, Alphinaud sheepishly encourages you to take Soroban up on his offer.
You go to the House of the Fierce and meet up with Hien. A joyful reunion occurs between samurai and master, but it's soured somewhat by Yotsuya's presence. Gosetsu explains that she has lost her memories. Hien says that they will hold her here for she cannot roam free -- the people, who still remember what she did to them, would be a danger to her. She is to be placed in Jifuya's care, but Jifuya is not to be found.
You search for Jifuya, and find him some distance away. He explains why he ran away: he was Yotsuya's master when she was a courtesan, having been sold to Jifuya by her father. Jifuya says he joined the Liberation Front in atonement for his involvement in the monster that Yotsuyu became.
Gosetsu promises Jifuya that he will recommend Jifuya be moved to another post, and the party makes it way back to the House of the Fierce. On ce there, you discover the Empire is on the move again.
You make your way to Castrum Fluminis, where a single ship from the Empire approaches with a smoke signal emanating from it. Hien asks Yugiri's opinion, who says in former times a smoke signal announced the coming of an emissary of peace. Hien wishes to meet the ship in the open.
When the ship lands, out comes a lavishly dressed young man in white, along with two men in black uniforms -- a Garlean and an Elezen. This young man is Asahi sas Brutus, and declares himself ambassador plenipotentiary of Garlemald. Yugiri quietly tells Hien that Asahi is heir to the Naeuri clan.. and Yotsuyu's step-brother. Asahi acknowledges this, but says he and his sister are for different, and he comes not to sow strife, but end it.
Asahi claims to be of the Populares, a collective in Garlemald which represents the interest of the common man. He says the emperor personally sanctioned his mission: to negotiate peace with Doma.
The party retreats back to the Doman Enclave with the emissary's party in tow. In the talks, Asahi says the empire wishes to form an alliance to combat the threat posed by eikons. Asahi says that the emperor is willing to extend the hand of friendship should Doma renounce summoning and pledge to police the Kojin to make sure the Kojin don't embark in summoning themselves.
Hien points out that the Kojin only partake in summoning when threatened, and the recent military forays are not helping in that. Asahi admits that in seeking to eliminate eikons, the Empire creates them. He says that the Populares seek harmony in an attempt to change things, but are thwarted by a collection of pure-blooded Garleans known as the Optimates. He blames the Optimates for the recent attack on the Confederacy in search of Yotsuyu.
Hien says that if the Empire is not of one mind, how can they be sure any peace brokered will be accepted? to which Asahi suggests a prisoner exchange to build trust -- including that of the former viceroy, YOtsuyu.
Hien asks for time to consider the proposal, and leaves Asahi's party in Yugiri's care.
Outside the hall, Alisaie suggests you meet the people of Doma when Yugiri approaches with Asahi in tow. Asahi would like to take a trip around Yanxia.
During the tour, Asahi asks to be taken to the village of Namai. You travel there by boat, and it's as you're disembarking that a voice cries out in alarm. Asahi immediately rushes off to the commotion, followed by the rest of the party: Isse and Azami, the young brother and sister from Namai, are surround by a group of Red Kojin. With Asahi's help, you subdue the Kojin. Asahi says that the Empire is the cause of the Kojin attack, to which Yugiri points out that he has sworn allegiance to that Empire. Asahi then makes a speech about working to change the Empire from within.
You return to the Doman Enclave. The party, minus the emissary and his retinue, then visit Gosetsu and Yotsuyu, the latter who is happily and obliviously eating dango.
Hien draws his katana on Yotsuyu, saying that she represents his failure, and that he must now make amends. Yotsuyu, though, asks what she did as she doesn't remember.
Gosetsu then speaks up, about sins and whose feet they lie at: those who committed the crimes, or those who ordered them? He thinks both, but asks what sin remains to be cleansed now that she has no memory of what she's done.
Hien questions Gosetsu, asking why he wants him to show Yotsuyu mercy. Gosetsu's answer leads Hien to say that Gosetsu believes they lived due to the will of the kami.... and if so, her life is not Hien's to take, but Gosetsu's to safeguard. Hien then declares that if her memoreis have not returned by the time of the prisoner exchange, she may remain in Doma and live there as Tsuyu.
Asahi consents to this, and the terms are struck, though he asks to see Yotsuyu before he departs. Hien allows this, and the party waits tensely while Asahi converses with his sister in private.
Asahi is all smiles and politeness when it comes time for him to leave on his airship -- until he turns to you, that is. Upon speaking to you out of earshot of the others, his face contorts in a horrible scowl. As he speaks, you're treated to a vision of his past: he was about to be killed by the Liberation Front when he was saved by Lord Zenos. He's been a fanatical devotee of Zenos ever since.
After seeing the vision, Asahi taunts you into lashing out at him, but you hold your ground. Once Asahi leaves, you tell the others what just occurred. Alisaie and Yugiri are aghast but Hien is determined to go through with the prisoner exchange, believing it the best chance for peace.
Later, you're at the enclave at the summons of Hien, and while there visit an ailing Gosetsu, tended by the childlike Tsuyu. It is clear to all that Tsuyu is not putting on an act, that she really seems to have lost her memory. Now all that's left is to convince Asahi to let her stay in Doma....
...but Tsuyu goes missing. A search is conducted, and you eventually find her in a nearby village, where she had gone in search of a persimmon for the recovering Gosetsu.
Having found Tsuyu, the party goes to meet Asahi and his retinue at Castrum Fluminis. Tsuyu is with the party, so that Asahi can see her mind remains unchanged. It's then that Asahi says he took the liberty of inviting some special guests -- his parents, who are Yotsuyu's step parents.
Seeing them triggers memories in Tsuyu, and she bends down, weeping. As she falls to her knees, the persimmon rolls out of her robe, along with an ornate circular mirror.
Yotsuyu picks up the persimmon and says she has to take it to Gosetsu. Asahi bemoans that his little surprise wasn't sufficient, but agrees to leave Tsuyu in Hien's care, asking that she be treated like any daughter of Doma. Yotsuyu staggers off then, followed by Yugiri, and Asahi agrees to go forward with the prisoner exchange, suggesting use of the structure across the river.
The party goes to see Gosetsu after this. It's during this meeting that Alphinaud points out the rather suspect crates he saw at the Castrum. Hien thinks that while the crates were suspicious, an assassination attempt was unlikely; however, they all should be alert for other acts of treachery.
Just then a maid interrupts, telling the party that Tsuyu has gone missing again. While searching for her in the Enclave, you hear a voice asking for help, and come across Asahi's father laying on the ground with blood dribbling from his mouth. Your Echo kicks in and you see a vision of Yotsuyu stabbing both her parents, her memory fully returned. After stabbing them, someone claps. It's Asahi, standing off to the side. He tells her that she yearns for a deeper vengeance and the power to see it through... and holds out the ornate mirror to her. The vision ends.
It's now time for the prisoner exchange. You enter Castrum Fluminis, where Asahi is all pleasantries... until Yotsuyu appears. She holds aloft the mirror, which is a Kojin relic, and boxes in the hold spring open to reveal a large cache of crystals. Soon Yotsuyu has transformed into Tsukuyomi, a primal.
Asahi declares the peace treaty broken, as a major stipend of it was the prevention of summoning rites, but now a daughter of Doma has summoned a primal. Hien tasks himself with evacuating the Doma prisoners while you face the primal.
You vanquish the primal, and now Yotsuyu lays at your feet. Asahi appears and shoots her, but she summons the last of her strength to run him through, striking a fatal blow. While Asahi lays dying, your Echo kicks in once more and you see Asahi talking to Zenos, injured but very much alive.
Soon after, once of Asahi's retinue, Maxima, approaches Hien. A member of the Populares, he still intends to go through with the prisoner exchange... and he confirms that Lord Zenos yet lives. Alphinaud and the others suspect that Zenos must be actually an Ascian, and Alphinaud volunteers to go to Garlemald with Maxima to investigate this Ascian threat. Maxima accepts.
There's a scene showing the reunited Doman conscripts and their families, and during this a shaven-headed Gosetsu approaches. He has decided to spend his remaining days in pilgrimmage. You say your farewells.
You next travel to Rhalgr's Reach to tell Lyse the news about Zenos. Lyse doesn't want to believe it, but Thancred suggests checking Zenos' grave to see if his body is still there. So you do, and it is indeed missing. Thancred goes off in search of the grave workers, which you and Alisaie head back to the Rising Stones to inform the other Scions of the news.
When you arrive, Alisaie has already informed Urianger by linkpearl. Y'shtola listens to your tale, and agrees that Ascian possession is likely. Alisaie can't help but worry over Alphinaud, but as there is nothing she can do but wait for word from him, she suggests having tea.
Thancred soon joins you. His investigation only strengthen the potential of Ascian involvement, and he suggests that he infiltrate the Empire's western provinces to seek out further information. Y'Shtola is headed to Doma on a scholarly expedition, leaving Alisaie to reluctantly hold the fort at the Rising Stones.
You return to the Rising Stones at a later date, and while there, a messenger arrives from the Eorzean Alliance: a council is to be held at Ala Mhigo to discuss the Ascian threat, and the Scion's presence is requested. Moments later, Riol receives a message from Thancred, who has completed his infiltration and has important news. You agree to meet Thancred in the Ala Mhigan Quarter.
Thancred tells you varuous things: the resistance movements abroad fight on, and Zenos' imposter walks around openly. But most importantly, Thancred received a distorted message from Alphinaud in which Thancred could only make out two words: "The Burn". This is a barren wasteland on the edge of Othard. Alisaie immediately wants to go there in search of her brother, and you agree.
Alisaie first proposes visiting Doma to inform Hien of the situation as Alphinaud had been acting as an emissary for Doma. Alisaie also wants to ask Hien about transportation to the Burn. Once you arrive in Doma, you meet Y'Shtola, who is talking to a local miner. The miner is complaining about only unearthing deaspected crystals lately, and Y'Shtola says this is happening around Eorzea too.
Once the miner leaves, Y'Shtola tells you of her research: apparently, sacred relics allow for a primal to be called forth even in the absence of faith on the summoner's part. Once Y'Shtola is told about Alphinaud's message, she agrees to help in the search.
You then meet with Hien, who also will assist in the search, although he has misgivings about entering the Burn. He suggests taking birds to the area.
Once in flight, you make your way to the Burn but are soon forced to scatter due to a terrible sandstorm. You land and fight your way through hordes of desert creatures and machima in what appear to be Allagan ruins. Once you make your way back to your party, you spy the remains of Alphinaud's airship in the distance. There is evidence of a battle, but noi sign of any survivors. Y'Shtola suggests spreading out to look for clues.
In your search, you find something: an insignia on a fallen soldier's uniform, which indicates that Alphinaud's party came under attack from the Emperor's personal guard. While this news is alarming, there is nothing more that can be done at the crash site, so Yugiri suggests returning to the Doman Enclave to plan your next move.
Back at the Enclave, you meet up with Lyse who has come to Doma on official Alliance business. She first asks about the search for Alphinaud, and when told the news, says he might have still escaped and the search should continue. Hien agrees, saying that Alphinaud went on this journey as an emissary of Doma.
Lyse points out a question: why would the emperor's guards attack the airship, thereby sabotaging the emperor's own mission as the emperor would have had to give his approval for the peace negotiations?
Yugiri points out that the guards answer not only to the emperor but his entire family. Hien says that the story of Yotsuyu's summoning in now being spread throughout Garlemald, with no word of the prisoner exchange. Clearly, someone is manipulating things from the shadows. All bow their heads when Hien says the peace treaty is likely in tatters.
It's Hien who speaks up first, asking Lyse why she has come. Lyse says that the big news is that Ala Mhigo has agreed to join the Eorzean Alliance. She asks if Hien would come to the upcoming Alliance leaders' meeting, and Hien agrees, but asks for time to shore up Doma's defenses first.
Lyse leaves and the rest huddle to discuss how in fact to handle the defenses. Hien has an idea: forming an alliance of his own with the neighboring states. He would reach out to Hingashi, Sui-no-Sato, and the peoples of Nagxia and Dalmasca.
Alisaie points out that the Garleans have lots of airships, and should they catch wind of this plan, could overwhelm Doma before the alliance even begins to take shape. It's Y'Shtola who says "Not if we deny them access to the skies."
All turn to look at her, an d she speaks on: During the time in the Burn, she and the Warrior of Light had happened upon some Allagan Ruins -- which had an aetherial residue uncannily similar to that of Azys Lla. She believes that the Allagans created the floating continent with land taken from the Burn. Since Azys Lla had an energy field impenetrable by a battleship, and similar generators were spotted in the Burn, they could possibly set up an energy field of their own.
Alisaie asks what's to stop the Garleans from simply flying around it. Hien says: fuel. The empire's destruction of Dalmasca obliterated their refueling stations, and they would have little choice but to approach Doma as the crow flies: directly over the Burn. Y'Shtola then points out one possible problem with the plan: they would need a tremendous amount of energy. Hien may have a solution: to find out for sure, they would need to visit the Azim Steppe.
So you go to the Stepps, but before visiting the Mol tribe Hien takes you to his favorite vista, where he tells you of a myth of the Xaela tribes:
"In the distant past, when all seemed doomed, a wayfaring soul came unto the Steppe. Venturing into the northern crag, he received of Nhaama a sliver of her essence - a shard of the shining moon - and with it clove the tainted land from the earth.
The end thus averted, to these fields did the wayfaring soul return. And venturing once more into the northern crag, he buried the shard, and made unto the heavens an offering of blood."
Y'Shtola then speaks up: the tainted earth sure sounds like Azys Lla, and the offering of blood, the moon Dalamud. The northern crag might just hold an artifact of sufficient power for their needs... time for a closer look.
So you make your way to the House of the Crooked Coin, which holds a structure made up of several pillars. Y'Shtola declares that the pillars have enough aether for their purposes... but will the Xaela tribes let them use the pillars? You consult Cirina at Mol Iloh. Sine the myth speaks of Nhaama, it's the tribes that worship the moon you must convince, and none are more fervent in their devotion than the Dotharl.
So you speak with Sadu, head of that tribe, who agrees to support the cause provided the Warrior of Light faces her in single combat. It's a long fight: each time you think you beat her she recharges her life force and you're forced to battle her again. During the fight, Magnai appears, apparently displeased that a battle to determine the fate of the Steppe should be waged without his blessing.
Hien and Y'Shtola fight Magnai while you continue your fight with Sadu. You all come out victorious, and win the support of both the Dothral and Oronir.
There's a funny moment then: Magnai, who's still on the lookout for his Nhaama, thinks it may be Y'Shtola and propositions her. She puts him down, calling him "little sun" which Sadu finds hilarious and repeats in a mocking tone.
You go back to Mol Iloh, where Cirina is pleased to hear of the outcome of your battles. She then declares the Mol will join Hien's alliance, but the other tribes must decide for themselves. She will send word to Hien once she has their answers.
Next yu return to the House of the Crooked Coin, where Y'Shtola uses her powers to restore the aether flow to the Burn. Having secured Doma's defenses, it's time for the Alliance meeting to go ahead.
During the talks, the conversation soon makes its way to the Ascians. Raubahn talks of infiltrating Garlemald to strike down the imposter Zenos, but Thancred says an assassination attempt on Garlean soil would do little to aid their cause. He then suggests they use their enemy's preferred tactic: subterfuge.
Thancred proposes dispatching the shinobi to Imperial territory to sow the rumor that the corwn prince perished in the battle for Ala Mhigo, and that the man parading around is in fact a corpse inhabited by a servant of darkness. Thancred says their true objective is not what the masses in Garlemald believe, but to create an opening for rival factions within Garlemald to exploit. Thancred points out that not all were happy with Zenos being named heir to the throne, and that a second war of succession might thus emerge.
The Admiral is all for this plan, and Thancred looks at you, smiling. You smile back, but are soon grimacing as a voice sounds in your head. This is not the Echo, but something else. The voice says "History must be changed." and "Ahead looms a Calamity." The voice speaks of Light obliterating all.
Raubahn then asks what is happening, and you come to enough to see the other Scions also writhing in pain. Eventually the voice stops, and as Y'shtola asks if it is over, Thancred falsl off his chair, slumping to the ground unconcious.
Thancred is examined by a healer, who says his vital signs are stable but he remains in slumber. Alisaie thanks Kan-E-Senna for coming with to the healers, and says knowing Thancred, he would be apologizing for being otherwise engaged at so crucial a juncture. Kan-E-Senna shakes her head and says that Thancred gifted them with a course of action, that now the Alliance will see it through and Thancred can rest. She then asks about the voice you all heard. You say that it felt as though you were somewhere else entirely while it was speaking.
Kan-E-Senna then says you experienced your soul being plucked from your flesh. Called. She then says she examined Thancred herself and could not sense his soul. You're all taken aback by this.
Y'Shtola is determined to find answers, and asks if they can leave Thancred in Lyse's care. It's time to go back to the Rising Stones. Once you arrive, you find Urianger waiting. He experienced the voice as well. Urianger declares his intend to travel to Ala Mhigo to examine Thancred in person, but before you depart, Y'Shtola speaks of a strange phenomenon she observed in the Far East: the localized aetheric thinning, which Urianger confirms is happening all across Eorzea.
Just then, the voice speaks in your minds again. When you come out of it, Alisaie is desparetly trying to rouse Y'Shtola and Urianger, who both have collapsed.
Alisaie takes charge and orders that Thancred be moved to the Rising Stones so the three can be observed together, but she's obviously distraught at what's happening. She has a person matter to attend to in Limsa Lominsa, and suggests you go with her.
She came to Limsa Lominsa to visit Ga Bu, the koboldling child who lost his parents and once summoned Titan in his grief. Ga Bu is still in a stupor and refuses to speak. Alisaie speaks to him though, telling him he's still fighting and she's proud of him.
Alisaie then confides in you about how she's feeling. She says she cannot bear having the people she holds most dear struck down, and admits to feeling lost without the others. But you remind her she's not alone, and she thanks you, saying she doesn't know what she'd do without you. Speaking her peace has renewed her resolve.
A scene then takes place at the imperial capital. The Zenos imposter speaks to Varis. Zenos is ready to attack Ala Mhigo and needs the permission of Varis, but Varis remains silent. Zenos eventually leaves, and a new person emerges from the shadows. He speaks of the Ascians as if he has personal experience with them. He calls Varis "grandson" and tells Varis his role: "You do not make judgements -- you administer them. Swiftly and to the letter." He goes on to say, "If aught threatens the balance 'twixt Light and Dark, it falls to you to remove it." Soon after, the speech dialogue reveals the speaker's name: Solus zos Galvus, founder of the Empire. He says that the father of the Empire was an Ascian, who created the Empire solely for the purpose of sowing the seeds of chaos.
Soon after, Varis shoots Solus as Solus is pontificating on, and Varis finally speaks, saying man is the maker of his own destiny. But another Solus soon appear sitting on the steps nearby. Solus speaks on: his goal is to restore both mankind and the world to their rightful state.
Another scene then occurs: Alphinaud along with an unnamed man who only refers to himself as a Shadowhunter, come upon a resistance camp in Garlemald. Everyone in the camp is dead, but there are no signs of struggle. The Shadowhunter says they were killed by "Black Rose", a gas that was developed by the Empire in Gyr Abania. The Shadowhunter says that the Ascians were behind this, that their objective was never to rule but to sow strife and discored. Alphinaud sayus that Black Rose must not be allowed to kill again, that they must stop the Ascians.
The next scene takes place some time later at the Rising Stones. Nothing has changed in the sleeping Scions' states, and Alisaie is feeling pressured. She asks why it had to be Y'Shtola and Urianger, who could have solved this puzzle, and not her. She's just wondering where to start facing their problems when Krile enters.
Alisaie hadn't thought to call about Krile as she believed Krile had been busy studying Eureka, but Krile gently admonishes her, telling her of course she had to come when she heard about her fellow Scions' plight. She then asks after Alphinaud, saying, "That boy always did have some funny ideas. Do you remember the speech he gave when he was accepted to the Studium?" Alisaie then does an uncanny impression of her brother: "My life's goal is naught less than the salvation of this star!" and they break into giggles.
Krile then goes to look at the slumbering Scions. Like Kan-E-Senna, she too cannot sense their souls. She proposes that it may be possible to follow their aether trail, like they did in the search for Thancred. She will need to borrow Master Matoya's Crystal Eye again.
So you head to Matoya's cave. Upon hearing that Y'shtola is one of the afflicted, Matoya agrees to lend Krile her Eye. Krile uses the Eye and follows their aether trail, but says it comes to an an abrupt end, as if it had been cut.
Alisaie responds in a panic, fearing their aether had dissipated and that their bodies are now husks like the broodmother's daughter, but Krile assures her this is different, that the Qalyana girl was already dead body and soul when Lakshmi resurrected her. Matoya then says that if their bodies breathe and aren't wasting, then it follows that their souls must still be intact somewhere.
Alisaie then gets a call on her linkpearl: a group of Populares, including Maxima, have defected to Ala Mhigo. As you turn to leave, one of Matoya's enchanted brooomsticks falls to the ground. Alisaie comments that Y'Shtola and Urianger had been sharing notes on a "thinning" of the aether, which Matoya finds interesting.
You then hurry to Ala Mhigo, where Lyse and Raubahn are talking with Maxima. He tells them of how they were forced to make an emergency landing while crossing the Burn. They would have perished after emerging from the wreckage as their attacks fell upon them again, but for a third party who came to their help: a band of mercenaries whose leader claimed to be pursuing the Ascians. The "Shadowhunter", as he called himself, led them back to safety, and Maxima and his Populares friends prepared to flee the Empire. Alphinaud, however, decided to continue his investigation into the Ascian threat. Maxima believes Alphinaud is still with the Shadow Hunters.
Maxima then turns to Raubahn and thanks him for the warm welcome. Raubahn says he is not inclined to turn away refugees, especially one that can tell them about the state of Garlemald. Maxima has news about Garlemald: they heard tales that an entire rebel army had been slaughtered in the space of a single night. He has also heard that several of the Empire's companies have begun marching westward. Lyse is alarmed at this, as Ala Mhigo lies to the west of Garlemald.
Raubahn gives orders: contact the other Alliance leaders requesting reinforcements, and hasten completion of the border fortifications. He then suggest they open negotiations with the commander of the Empire's army, to buy time to strengthen their defenses.
Lyse then asks you and Alisaie to go to Doma and let Hien know about the news. Alisaie is just responding in the affirmative when the voice interferes again: "Untold sorrow must be changed," it says. Thankfully, both you and Alisaie come out unscathed, and head to see Lord Hien.
Your travels to Doma take you to the Burn, where Hien is about to test the energy barrier. he commands the generator be started, and the barrier forms, going 5000 yalms in altitude. Just as they're celebrating, an Imperial airship flies in. It hits the barrier, sparking, and lands. Soon the Shadow Hunter emerges carrying an unconcious Alphinaud.
Hien orders the barrier lowered, and Alisaie rushes to them. The Shadowhunter says they could identify no cause for Alphinaud's predicament and thus decided to return him to Doma. The Shadowhunter then says, "It is a day for fated reunions. Would you not agree, Warrior of Light?" You take notice of the mask on his hip and know him for who he really is: Gaius van Baelsar, the Black World. He says that was the title he was given, but that he has relinquished it. He declares himself to be a man without rank or allegiance. He speaks on when Alisaie says there's no way he could have survived: he was deceived by Lahabrea, convinced that reviving the Ultima Weapon would allow him to bring peace to Eorzea. But the Warrior of Light bested him. He was content to die in the Praetorium, but only for a moment. He says: "To surrender my life thus would have been to betray all who died for my cause. It was for them that I dragged myself free of the rubble, and swore vengeance on the Ascians." He says he would put down each and every Ascian, and asks "Are the Scions not of like mind?" When Alisaie agrees, he promises to share what knowledge he has.
The Black-robed Ascians are subordinate to the Red-robed, but a hierarchy exists among the Red. Those set adrift with the shards stand below those still joined to the Source. He speaks of several Ascians: Lahabrea, who is no more by the hand of the Warrior of Light. The White-robed Elidibus, the emissary. And then he mentions the elusive Emet-Selch, about whom little is known.
This name is new to the Scions. Alisaie then asks Gaius if he knows which Ascian inhabits Zenos' body. Gaius believes it may be Elidibus, as his role of Emissary is to maintain the equilibrium between Darkness and Light.
Gaius then goes on to tell them about the village he and Alphinaud had found dead by Black Rose. Alisaie is afraid they will use it on Ala Mhigo, but Gaius says they infiltrated the production facility and destroyed it, so they will not soon manufacture another batch. But they found a directive in the plant's records: orders by Zenos. And within the same facility was cloning technology, each pod containing a young Emperor Solus.
Gaius is ready to return to hunting shadows, and says they should put past quarrels behind them. Alisaie says she is willing to let sleeping dogs lie since he saved her brother's life, but it's not her decision to make. She then turns to you. I chose the option to say there are more important matters at hand right now. After saying, "We shall meet again, Warrior of Light", Gaius takes his leave.
You then return to Doma, but there is a scene of the Black Rose plant first. Varis stands in the plant. A scientist approaches and says the stocks were destroyed but the new plant is already working and will have a batch ready by the offensive.
After the scientist leaves, the camera pans over Varis' shoulder to show Solus leaning against the wall. Solus says Varis is capable of making decisions worthy of his bloodline.
Solus then says: "Slowly but surely, the deluge of Light has worked upon the aether here in the Source, and the gas should be most susceptible to its influence...". He would leave Varis to his war, and moves to leave the area physically, but Varis asks what Solus will be doing. Solus then says he will be doing what all Ascians do. Varis takes anger at this, saying that because Solus didn't name a successor before his mortal demise the Empire that Solus worked so hard on almost collapsed. Varis gets even angrier when Solus admits this was by design. Solus then says throwing the world into disarray was what this nation was so carefully constructed for.
Solus then thanks Varis for his clones and gives a little speech, but the important bit is at the end: "And together, we will give the lie to this star's fraudulent existence!"
The time has now come for the Parley on the front lines. To the Alliance's surprise, it's Varis himself who is representing the Empire, on the condition that the Warrior of Light and a Scion representative attend. Alisaie hates politics, but as she's one of the few remaining Scions, she has little choice but to attend.
The talks do not go well. Varis dismantles every argument the Alliance leaders bring against him. Things are looking grim when Alisaie speaks up and begs Varis to consider alternatives to war. Varis agrees to a short recess.
You speak with each of the leaders in turn during the recess. I chose options that sought to have Varis reveal his true motive. When the talks resume, the Alliance leaders are successful in getting Varis to speak: the Ascians goal is to return the world to how it used to be, with one master race.
The Alliance leaders are aghast at this, and the talks quickly dissolve. But the Parley succeeded in buying enough time to shore up defenses and for the vanguard from Doma to arrive.
Battle soon occurs. You succeed in striking down the Empire's forces. The Empire withdraws -- a strategic withdrawal, perhaps? Alisaie wants to give chase and finish them off while you can, but just then the voice speaks again: "The Light will expunge all life." The pain is unbearable, and Alisaie reaches her hand out to you, only to collapse when the voice stops.
A scene then occurs at the border of Ala Mhigo. Zenos arrives. Back at the encampment, a messenger arrives to say the imperials have broken through defenses to the east. It's just as Raubahn asks if you still have the strength to fight that the voice speaks again, asking why the gates won't open. It quickly dissipates, but not before driving you to your knees, causing Raubahn to ask if you're okay. You stand and nod.
When you arrive at the border where Zenos is, it's to find your friends laying senseless on the ground. Zenos had used magic to through them all back, leading the crumbled Hien, now struggling to stand, to mutter it's hardly fair that a Garlean body can use magic.
You fight Zenos, and it's a tough fight. Then the voice speaks to you again, driving you once again to your knees. Zenos looms over you, prepared to land a killing blow, and the world goes dark.
You find yourself in Kingdom Hearts standing on a circular plane int he Aetherial realm. The voice speaks clearly now. You turn to see an enigmatic figure, dressed in robes of black, white, and red, and holding an ornate staff. He says there is no cause for alarm, and that this was not where he expected to meet but "the place of our meeting is no consequence -- like the war you wage. Win or lose, the path you walk leads only to oblivion." He tells you to go to the Crystal Tower, that he has left something for you near its base: a beacon. He says, "Soon we will throw wide the gates, and the path to the First will be yours to walk at last.:
You awake to find yourself in a room I immediately recognized as the one Estinien recuperated in. It turns out the Dragoon was your savior - he whisked you away before Zenos' blow could land.
Aymeric tells you that the battle with Zenos took its toll on the Ascian, and he retreated, followed by the remaining imperial forces. There is now renewed unrest in the provinces, and intelligence suggesting unrest within the imperial courst as well.
You then ask after Alisaie and the other Scions, and are informed they have yet to awake, but are told you should rest yourself and focus on your own recovery.
Once you recover, you head back to the Rising Stones where Tataru is overjoyed to see you. She listens as you explain about the voice, and thinks perhaps the others are somewhere with the enigmatic figure. She goes on to say if Zenos comes back, you'll need the others' help to defeat him. She forbids you to face Zenos alone, and says if you must leave, go and find the others. You nod, and Tataru says they'll find that beacon for you.
Meanwhile, at the Imperial palace, Varis meets with Zenos. Zenos asks why Varis abandoned the front, and Varis responds that it's because of the rumor that Zenos is possessed by a demon. Varis says he will not be made to fight for the throne a second time. Varis then taunts Zenos for not dispatching of the Warrior of Light. Zenos wants to see Solus, but Varis says he doesn't know where Solus is, leading Zenos to ponder that Solus found ways to take advantage of the situation. Varis responds angrily, saying men are not pawns to be played with. Varis says he will do all in his power to see Garlemald victorious in the war, and Zenos simply turns and leaves.
A scientist enters, and says they are ready to begin production of Black Rose upon Varis' order. Varis doesn't respond, but his face contorts into an evil visage.
The scene shifts to an unknown soldier in Resistance garb, standing on the battlefield looking at the fallen Resistance memebers. His eyes glow red. He speaks: "My enemy. My friend. Had I been but a step faster..."
An imperial centurion approaches and rushes him, but he easily strikes the centurion down. He then speaks again: "A pity your hunt leads you elsewhere... Not that I am surprised. May you find joy in it. Grow stronger, more savage, and savor every triumph...." He turns and looks at an imperial banner, and says: "In the meantime... I will reclaim that which is rightfully mine."
A final scene: The Warrior of Light stands on the cliffs overlooking the Crystal Tower, face set in determination. Text appears:
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