Chapter Text
After the signing of the Royal Peace Treaty, the Archadian military returned to their own lands. In accordance with the terms of the treaty, Archadia paid for reconstruction of historic Dalmascan cities and landmarks. Lord Larsa Ferrinas Solidor held to his word at being a fair emperor. He intended to strengthen the bond between Archadia and Dalmasca, but not the way his brother did. For that purpose, he implemented the Unity Corps., a group dedicated wholly to aiding other countries in achieving peace and tranquility.
It was a peaceful day in Rabanastre. A small group of Imperial soldiers touched down in an Atomos shuttle. Under the emperor’s orders, they were to eliminate a monster that had proven too fierce for even the bravest hunters to slay without aid. Among them was a trainee, a young woman named Margaret Lynel. Unlike most trainees, Margaret prefered two-handed swords and certainly had the frame for it thanks to taking after her father in terms of build and height. The Imperial armor often got her mistaken for a man due to these traits.
“All right, our quarry dwells within the Garamsythe Waterway.” the commanding officer ordered, and to Low Town they went.
Once at the gate leading deeper into the waterway, the commanding officer pulled Margaret aside as the other members of their unit went on ahead. This was only ever done when special orders were being given. This seldom happened to rookies, if ever.
“You are to be our door guard, rookie. You are not to leave this spot until we return, do you hear me?” he ordered.
“Door guard? I’m just as capable as any of the others.” Margaret argued.
“They’ve still a good year of experience on you, which makes them more reliable than you. Plus I’ve your insubordination from the Nam-Yensa Sandsea mission to consider. In other words, you’ve not yet learned the meaning of teamwork. So stay put. No one is permitted in the area until we return.” he scoffed before heading in closing the door behind him.
“Well excuse me for saving my commanding officer’s life.” she huffed, reluctantly leaning against the door whilst crossing her arms.
She waited and waited on that door. After a half hour had passed, she felt banging on the door. She opened it and one of her teammates flopped out, badly wounded and missing an arm. Part of his helmet was gone showing his panicked gaze.
“What happened?!” she asked.
“I-It’s a nightmare! It k-killed them… killed them all… ate the captain whole… we can’t stop it!” the member panicked as the local Rabanastrans ran for help.
Margaret balled her fists and rushed into the waterway. There she saw the mangled corpses of her fellow soldiers… but also Dalmascan soldiers. The Archadian heard fighting at the sluice control platform and rushed towards the struggle. There she saw a rugged, muscular Dalmascan soldier with platinum blonde hair wielding very large twin cleavers wriggling in the grip of a massive spider monster. Wasting no time, Margaret drew her sword to cleave off the pincers holding him.
“I’d have gotten loose on my own, Imperial.” the soldier growled.
“I clearly saw the opposite.” Margaret scoffed as rapid gunshots startled them, making the monster hiss in pain.
From above a young man with wavy black hair dressed in dark brown leather boots, black pants, a floaty red long-sleeved blouse, black fingerless gloves, and a heart necklace wielding a submachine gun swung down via grappling hook. He stuck the landing with a backflip, emptying a clip into the monster, earning a ground-shaking howl at them.
“Don’t just stand there, have at it before it has at you!” the mystery man urged them, laughing as he reloaded his weapon.
The three worked together, forcing it to divide its attention between them. When at last the beast fell, the three relaxed, gathering in front of it’s corpse. All at once the realization of the Dalmascan and Margaret’s nationality came back to them putting them on guard.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, friends, at ease, the fight is over.” the mystery man told them.
“What’s a filthy Archadian doing here?” the Dalmascan soldier growled.
“Cleaning up a problem too big for Dalmasca to handle.” Margaret scoffed.
“No one asked for your help.” he growled.
“Your queen did, actually.” Margaret growled back.
“You two had such great chemistry in that battle. Your twin cleavers worked well with her greatsword. My ranged fire also played a part I should think. Must you focus so on your nationality over the deed you have accomplished?” the mystery man asked putting a hand on their shoulders.
“That is well and good, but be sure you have actually slain the beast first!” a muffled voice barked as Judge Gabranth narrowly blocked the wounded monsters’ attack and promptly countered slashing the abdomen wide open making it let out a loud squeal curling up its legs.
“Judge Magister Gabranth?!” Margaret exclaimed, standing at attention.
“Where is the rest of your team, trainee?” Gabranth asked her.
“All but one are dead, sir. Luckily he was taken by civilians to receive medical treatment when I came to finish the job. I was then assisted by this soldier and… armed civilian.” Margaret replied.
“Oh ‘twas my pleasure to lend a hand to such a lovely lady swordsman. You see, this foul creature made it difficult to travel down here, and I simply couldn’t have it making trouble for peddlers coming through from Barheim Passage.” the mystery man chuckled.
“Is this true?” Gabranth asked the Dalmascan soldier.
“Yes. I lost my entire team to that veritable monster as well, all seasoned fighters. Weakening it like that was no small feat.” he replied.
“You are to find the infirmary in which your teammate is being cared for. I have an urgent matter to discuss with General Ronsenburg.” Gabranth ordered of Margaret before walking away.
“Why don’t we go together? We must report that the beast has been slain as it is.” the mysterious stranger suggested.
“Then introductions are in order, at the least. I am Lieutenant Aslan Laurence Angel.” the Dalmascan introduced himself with an annoyed sigh.
“Margaret Lynel. One of two surviving members of Dispatch Squad 3. Now you...” she introduced herself staring at the gunman.
“Esteban Reynardo. All you need to know about me is that I’m all for peace between the three hume nations.” he introduced himself with a bow.
“If your ally was grievously wounded, they may well be at Limyur’s clinic. She’s a viera well known for her healing abilities.” Aslan told Margaret.
The trio then made their way back into Low Town. With careful direction from Aslan, they arrived at Limyur’s clinic. She was a somewhat pale viera with black fur on her ears to match her hair. For a viera she was modestly dressed as well. Just as Aslan had guessed, her teammate was bedridden but breathing. The majority of his armor had been removed to tend to what white magicks could not.
“You’re still alive, Lynel… does that mean you killed it?” her teammate asked.
“Calm yourself. Yes, it’s slain. I had help from these two, along with Judge Gabranth.” she told him gently taking his hand.
“His Lordship was here? Bless…” he sighed with relief.
“That will be enough of that now. You need to rest.” Limyur told him soothingly stroking his jaw.
“You haven’t been overworking yourself have you? You look paler than when I saw you last.” Aslan asked her.
“Tis just the lighting in here, I assure you that I am fine.” Limyur smiled.
“You cannot fool his eyes, doctor. I trained him a little too well for that.” Basch’s voice spoke as he entered the clinic alongside Gabranth.
“General Ronsenburg and Judge Gabranth. A surprise to see the two of you here, let alone at the same time.” Limyur smiled.
“I have come to retrieve my charges now that their job is complete. They are to return to Archades immediately.” Gabranth told her.
“I have much to discuss with Aslan as well.” Basch mentioned as well.
“Splitting up our lovely trio already, eh? Oh well, I’d have had to go see an acquaintance of mine soon anyway.” Esteban snickered shrugging his shoulders.
On the shuttle back to Archadia, Margaret found herself sitting in complete silence across from Judge Gabranth. She had never been this close to him before. The most she’d seen of him was during visits to the military academy. Now he’d saved her life on her second mission.
“Was it His Excellency’s orders to come to our aide?” Margaret asked, breaking the awkward silence.
“Indeed. It was after the fact of your unit’s departure that he realized he had sent a group consisting mostly of trainees to handle a job that was better given to a Judge Magister. The fact of the matter though, is you managed to handle the situation particularly well with that Dalmascan’s aid. I would expect no less from one Basch trained personally.” Gabranth replied.
“What will happen once we’re back in Archades, if I may ask?” she asked.
“You will likely be placed on leave until your team is reformed with new recruits. Your surviving team member is crippled, so you shall likely be promoted to captain.” he replied.
Once in the capital, both were summoned by Larsa. At the doors they were asked to wait. A few minutes later, Judge Drace joined them. Her presence made Margaret far more nervous. She’d never met either of these individuals in person and did not know what to expect.
“What does His Excellency want with her?” Gabranth asked her.
“I too am in the dark. Emperor Larsa demanded to meet her upon arrival, so I have arranged it thus.” Drace replied as the doors to the emperor’s study opened.
Behind the great oak desk sat Emperor Larsa, who looked to be quite pleased. The three soldiers kneeled once they were before their emperor. Larsa then stood and came around to greet them properly.
“Please stand. You’ve much to be proud of, Lady Margaret.” Larsa told her.
“I’m honored by your praise.” Margaret nervously spoke.
“I’ve received Gabranth’s report. You and two others managed to slay a mighty foe. He claims it was worthy of sending a Judge Magister to Dalmasca’s aid. It may not seem that big a deal given it was as Gabranth puts it, a ‘sewer monster’, but it will still put many hearts at ease.” Larsa praised her.
“I wasn’t sure whether we could truly fell the beast, Excellency.” Margaret admitted.
“There is another matter I would like to discuss with you. Recently the Unity Corps has been experiencing threats from Rozarria’s New Age Faction led by the second son of House Margrace, Luther Margrace. He doesn’t agree with Rozarria’s current state of government, whereas his older sister plans to make peace with us via the Reform Faction that wants to bury the hatchet with many of their long term enemies.” Larsa explained to them.
“What does that mean to a mere soldier such as I?” Margaret asked.
“You have proven your skills in combat. I’d like you to join a team we’re putting together between our three nations to stop the New Age Faction’s plans to cause another war. This team is to be named Unity 1 and will act under direct orders from Lady Ashe, Duke Margrace, and myself. Your actions in our countries are sanctioned in the name of peace.” Larsa replied.
“A team?” Margaret asked.
“Unity 1’s task will be to find the New Age Faction’s base of operations and sabotage whatever they’re planning. From what I hear, Lord Luther had the foresight not to make his base in Rozarria where Lord Al-Cid’s sister could find it. We have reason to believe he’s done so in the Kingdom of Dalmasca.” Esteban's voice intoned, alerting her to his presence along with Al-Cid Margrace.
“Has the Lady Ashe not chosen her representing team member?” Larsa asked.
“It is more that she is still attempting to convince him. As it turns out, ‘The Butcher of Paramina’ is hardly fond of the idea of an Archadian ally.” Al-Cid sighed.
“Butcher of Paramina? That title refers to the young man that killed the fabled Snowstorm Warg all on his own. That wasn’t just an exaggerated tale?” Margaret asked in shock.
“We fought beside him in the sewers. He was self-taught until General Ronsenburg took him under his wing. It was the feat that earned him his title that drew him to recruit Aslan for the Dalmascan Military. He felt they could use a ruthless fighter like him.” Esteban replied.
“I’m to fight alongside such a warrior?” Margaret asked.
“I shall be a member of this team as well.” Esteban replied.
“Esteban is more than just capable. You see, all of Margrace’s servants are trained to be able to defend their masters.” Al-Cid vouched.
“Where we’re going to investigate first though, I guarantee you will want lighter clothing.” Esteban suggested with a smile.
“First thing is first, Esteban. Does she accept our proposal?” Al-Cid told him.
“Indeed. We shall not force you to do this.” Larsa told Margaret.
“Your Excellency, I am honored to pledge my blade to this mission. I will not fail you.” Margaret told him.
“Then it is decided. Esteban, try not to be a burden, hmm?” Al-Cid spoke clapping his hands.
“I will give my utmost.” he nodded.
“Where is it we shall be going?” Margaret asked him.
“Our first venture takes us to Rabanastre’s northern side, where The Bahamut landed. According to our informants, men in black armor have been sighted there. Whether or not they’re Rozarrian is another matter altogether.” Esteban replied.
“I’ve heard of the lands north of Rabanastre. Wouldn’t warm clothing be better suited?” Margaret asked.
“The Mist from the crash has drastically changed the climate. What was once a cold, dying landscape is now an eternal springland.” Esteban told her leading her from the emperor’s study.
She demanded they stop at her home before leaving. There Margaret looked through her wardrobe for appropriate travel garb. She eventually settled on her armor’s boots which were built for all terrain, a pair of dark blue pants that weren’t too loose but not too tight either, a long-sleeved white shirt, her armor’s gloves to maintain her preferred grip on her sword, and a black breastplate bearing a neck guard. The outfit was light and still functional as protection.
“Ah, so you’ve hair the color of caramel.” Esteban chuckled.
“Why should my hair color matter?” she asked him.
“Your voice paints a picture under that armor. You certainly did not disappoint, my lady.” Esteban smiled.
“My looks hardly factor in combat.” Margaret told him.
“Ah, but is love not a battlefield?” he asked, which got him punched in the face.
“No.” she sternly growled.
“No flirting with teammates… understood.” Esteban groaned, holding his nose.
“No flirting period. Women aren’t objects to be won.” Margaret scolded.
“Ah, how rude of me. I forgot that that’s a persisting problem in Archadia. My sincerest apologies for acting without thinking.” Esteban apologized while bowing.
“Now do we go on foot?” Margaret asked.
“Heavens no. We’ll be taking a vessel that Master Al-Cid has graciously donated to our team’s travel needs. She is smaller than most airships, but nearly twice as fast, we fly The Siren . She awaits us at the airship docks. From there we go to the newly christened Dalmasca Crossing Fields, where The Bahamut has changed the ecosystem of a dying landscape...” Esteban replied.
The allies then made for the docks. The Siren was indeed small, but was still a great deal larger than an Atomos shuttle. It bore gold and ice blue colors and seemed armed with pretty advanced weaponry. Rozarrian ships seemed to have quite the edge on Archadian ships. The inside was spacious as well bearing enough seats to house eight people in the cockpit. Esteban started up the engines and a Moogle in blue overalls and a red short-sleeved shirt rushed in.
“Who’s this?” Margaret asked.
“Our pilot. I’d like you to meet Sora, the best moogle pilot in all of Rozarria. She’s bested the best hume, viera, seeq, and bangaa pilots you’ll find in Rozarria fair and square. Needless to say it cost Master Al-Cid a hefty sum of gil to hire her.” Esteban introduced her.
“Leave the piloting to me. Kupo-po.” Sora smiled puffing her chest out confidently.
After taking their seats Sora mounted the specialized pilot seat installed just for her. She performed a few system checks and when the signal was given by the Aerodrome staff she initiated liftoff. Just as Esteban had said, The Siren was incredibly fast. In as little as thirty minutes they arrived over Rabanastre. A flare went up as they began flying near the north side.
“Isn’t that nice? Her Majesty has come to greet us personally. Set her down, Sora.” Esteban laughed.
After landing the ship, the three of them knelt as Queen Ashe approached with General Basch and Aslan behind her. Aslan looked to be somewhat annoyed. Her Majesty seemed to be smiling though.
“Members of Unity 1, allow me to personally thank you for undertaking the task of securing the future.” Ashe addressed them.
“It is our pleasure to do so.” Esteban told her.
“Joining you will be one of my elite soldiers. I know your Archadian ally and our soldier have bitter feelings toward one another because of the past, but I ask that you set these grudges aside for the good of both Dalmasca and Archadia.” she pleaded.
“Do you understand? There is to be no fighting among your ranks. See to it you represent Dalmasca well.” Basch told Aslan.
“You’ve more than made that clear, General.” Aslan nodded.
“You’re a grown man now, not the reckless lad I found throwing himself at every monster that came the way of Bur-Omisace. You’ve become a match for many a fierce beast.” Basch told him placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Your words are too kind.” Aslan smiled.
“The bridge to the Crossing Fields is behind us. Granted we had to spend a while repairing some of the bridges in preparation for this mission. All should be in perfect shape now.” Ashe told them.
“Then by your leave, Majesty, we shall go.” Esteban nodded standing up.
The trio then set forth into the area across a bridge of stone. The landscape was indeed not what one would expect of a region known for its bluffs and trenches. It was cool and there were flourishing plants and fauna as far as the eye could see. Some of the monsters seemed mutant of those found in the Westersand. The Mist in the area seemed to be dense as well.
- The Dalmasca Crossing Fields -
“What exactly are we looking for?” Aslan asked.
“A base of some kind. Either way, we’ll know it when we find it. For now let us begin our investigation of the area.” Esteban replied shrugging his shoulders.
“Not getting anywhere standing here.” Margaret sighed beginning to walk in a direction.
The area seemed to be peaceful, except for the wargs that were in the area. They seemed to be an exotic breed of wolf with red coats that faded to white the closer it got to their tail. Their size made them threats to any normal traveler. Their pelts were very soft and fluffy too, despite their looks.
While exploring they also came across an entirely new breed of mandragora. Its body was a golden brown and had a long palm stem on its head that had small orange fruit dangling from it. None of them knew if it had a name, so they lovingly named it Fruitragora. It was a friendly little fellow giving them some of its fruit if they looked the slightest bit tired when searching too long.
Eventually they arrived in an area that looked altogether different from those before. There was no grass, no plants, no monsters… it was entirely devoid of life. Upon examination there was more wreckage there than previous areas, and the Mist seemed thicker. No doubt they were near the Lake Vayne, named after the dictator who commanded The Bahamut .
“I don’t recall expecting visitors.” a man’s voice spoke alerting them to someone above them.
The man had shoulder length brown hair, glasses over an eyepatch, a lab coat, white gloves, and scholarly red and black clothing. Margaret noticed that Esteban looked ready to take aim. Who was he?
“Professor Samwise Neris Drake… I should have known you’d throw yourself in with the madness of Lord Margrace.” Esteban growled.
“Care to fill us in?” Aslan asked.
“I am a scientist whose sole goal in life is to test the boundaries of science. The Lord Margrace has been more than interested in seeing how far I will go with such aspirations.” Samwise chuckled pulling out a piece of white nethicite, looking it over.
“Nethicite?!” Esteban exclaimed.
“Allow me to demonstrate my brilliance. It will no doubt be of use to Lord Margrace in establishing a new order.” Samwise laughed snapping his fingers, a chained black and purple ring wyrm falling from above with a roar.
“A wyrm?!” Aslan exclaimed as Samwise leapt down, landing on top of it as it writhed in the chains, roaring once more with feeling.
“A beauty, is she not? Still quite young too. By the by, this is no ordinary nethicite. It holds power close to that of the gods… watch as it drinks the Mist! Watch as a pitiful existence will now be reborn into a greater role!” Samwise laughed holding the nethicite into the air.
The Mist in the area began to flow into the stone as it shone brightly. He then drew a knife and cut open the nape of the wyrm’s neck making it howl as he forced the nethicite into the wound with the Mist still raging into it. The beast roared and howled as the Mist fused the stone to its body. It then all at once stopped cold… as if the stone had drained it dry of its life force. The wyrm was then turned into an eerie mist that entered the nethicite as it turned from white to blood red. Samwise stuck the landing when the beast had faded, chuckling as he stared at the stone he’d created.
“You… what did you do to it…?” Margaret asked, stepping back in fear.
“He’s a madman!” Esteban barked.
“You don’t get it?! I have single handedly proven the gods are not the only ones capable of shaping new life from the Mist! This one’s birthplace shall be its new name… we are on the very doorstep of the great airship, thus I christen you… BAHAMUT!” Samwise exclaimed laughing hysterically as he threw the nethicite high into the air.
The nethicite shimmered with a blinding light, and when it began to subside a ground shaking roar startled the party. A sickeningly thick Mist fell over the area as the flapping of wings sounded around them. When they could finally see, the nightmare before them was so frightening they could not speak or hardly move. The ring wyrm had completely changed in shape.
It now held a ferocious humanoid visage with eight horns. It suspended its slender yet masculine body with two immense wings. Its tail became elongated, splitting into three in the middle and bearing fins for tight turns while flying on each tip. This new creature strongly resembled the dragons told of in old story books.
“Ahahahahahahahaha!” Samwise laughed as Bahamut roared at the party, beating her wings almost knocking them over.
“What do we do…?” Aslan asked.
“We send this man and his abomination to Hell.” Esteban ordered, opening fire on Bahamut making her blast black fire at them.
Margaret grabbed him, pulling him behind some of the wreckage with Aslan close behind to evade the flames. Bahamut let out another ground shaking roar as it landed, standing on two legs. It rammed its arm through their cover, trying to get at them and forcing them to run further into the wreckage. Bahamut’s rage trying to get them closed off the way they had boarded. Once they were sure they were safe they stopped to rest.
“Where are we…?” Margaret asked.
“Inside some of the Bahamut Wreckage from the looks of it.” Esteban replied looking around the vast area.
“We’re not getting back through here, I suggest we search for another exit.” Aslan sighed.
“Let’s be careful. The Mist is pretty dense in here, so who knows what machinations of Hell may lie in wait.” Esteban warned.
- THE BAHAMUT RUINS [A] -
The metal interior was sickeningly quiet aside from their footsteps. The only way they could find to go was down and even further down into the dark below. It seemed to go on further until they came across some hallways going into the sides of the area. With little choice they began to search them.
“Aslan, Esteban, I think I found a power mechanism of some sort.” Margaret spoke, calling them over.
“Seems it is still somewhat operational. Once we flip this switch, we may stir the residents of this wreck. Are you two prepared for a fight?” Aslan asked, putting his hand on the lever.
“Do we have a choice is the true question.” Margaret sighed.
“I’d rather see who we’re fighting, thank you.” Esteban told her.
Aslan then pulled the lever down, causing sparks to fly as the lights flickered on, but the lighting remained slightly dim. They didn’t have to force doors open now, but they were damaged and understandably took a few seconds to work. Once back in the main area, to Margaret’s horror… undead Imperial soldiers were wandering about ready for a fight. They could only be the lost souls of those who died in the battle and resulting crash.
“They’re the undead, Margaret, even if they wear the Empire’s armor. We have to take them down to move forward.” Esteban told her while shaking her from her trance.
“Y-You’re right.” she groaned, gathering her resolve to swing her sword.
They cut down those they had to and pressed onward. Once near the bottom they finally found their way back up toward the surface. The cave system itself seemed to have been infused with wreckage from the fortress. Undead Imperials wandered the passages therein as well. A very large variety of steeling known as Blood Stalkers also frequently attacked the party. Eventually the crash of water on rock could be heard ahead.
“I do believe we’ve found our way out, if I’m not mistaken as to what that is…” Esteban spoke leading them onward.
They came to what seemed to be a man made slide, but the water was flowing up instead of down. Esteban carefully touched the water, then ran his hand through it to see how strong the flow truly was.
“I knew it. A Reservoir Channel, one that refills the pool to be exact. This is the end to where a reservoir drain and refill cycle would be. We can ride this back to the surface, if we can hold our breaths long enough that is.” Esteban told them shaking the water off his hand.
“What if the reservoir is underground and we drown?” Aslan asked.
“Would you rather stay with the undead?” Margaret asked back.
“She makes a fair point.” Esteban shrugged.
“Gods protect us…” Aslan sighed glancing at the raging water.
“Shall we?” Esteban nervously chuckled gesturing to the chute.
“Ladies first then, since neither of you are moving.” Margaret sighed before rolling her eyes, then plugged her nose and hopped into the water, immediately being carried up with the stream at high velocity.
“I like a woman that takes charge. Mustn’t keep her waiting.” Esteban spoke clearing his throat and took a deep breath diving in after her.
“Gods… please don’t fail me now…” Aslan squeaked before taking a breath leaping in.
A short ten seconds later Aslan found himself not in water, but in the air! He opened his eyes and saw he was flying over a great lake toward where his teammates were swimming. He landed a tad hard, but was still able to recover and begin swimming to dry land. Once he’d gotten his bearings he could see that they were on the base of the Bahamut. Fresh air had never been so sweet…
“So, where do we go from here?” Margaret asked pouring the water from her boots.
“We must report what transpired here to Queen Ashe. I’ve a good idea as to what Lord Luther Margrace’s intentions are now.” Esteban replied getting the water out of his ears.
“Don’t look now, but I believe that Bahamut is back to finish what she started.” Aslan warned them directing their attention to the sky where the dragon was indeed glaring at them.
“We can’t escape a confrontation here. We’ve no choice but to stand our ground and fight.” Margaret told them as Bahamut swooped down for a sliding landing before unleashing a loud roar.
Bahamut cast Haste on herself before casting Protect . Their attacks seemed to hardly be doing anything to her scales due to its effects. She moved quickly, dodging attacks while casting Fire on them. When her buffs at last fell she began sweeping her tails at them and breathing her flames.
“We have to find a weak spot, an achilles heel, something… we aren’t going to last at this rate!” Esteban told the others catching his breath behind cover as flames bathed the other side.
“There, on the nape of its neck!” Margaret spoke alerting them to the glowing Nethicite where its wound was made.
“Think that’ll take her down?!” Aslan asked rolling out of the way of a claw swipe.
“If not, it might at least cripple her!” Esteban replied taking a few shots at her to draw her attention letting out a loud roar.
“Then let us try!” Margaret roared charging, attempting to stab her blade into Bahamut’s leg making her roar loud enough to shake the ground as Aslan leapt upon her back.
Aslan moved quickly but carefully up her back as Bahamut raged chasing Margaret. Margaret slid into a hole in the ship’s interior, quickly rolling to the side of the room as Bahamut rammed her arm in clawing around for her. Aslan made his move as Bahamut pulled Margaret out by the leg and struck the Nethicite with his blade. The resulting damage caused the stone to unleash a blast of Mist into the air as Bahamut roared loudly, dropping Margaret.
Bahamut’s body began to glow bright red, the ground trembling as if the earth was being torn asunder. With another loud roar Bahamut turned to energy returning to stone form. Aslan fell to the ground as the stone flung itself at Margaret making her catch it sliding back due to its momentum. The heavy Mist that Bahamut had produced then thinned before fading entirely. Inside the stone an odd marking appeared. What did it mean…?
“My back…” Aslan groaned.
“We win… thank goodness.” Esteban sighed heavily jogging to Margaret, who seemed entranced by the stone.
“This is the enemy’s… but I think we should keep it, on the off chance that psychopath has more waiting for us. It’ll be proof of what happened in this place as well.” Margaret suggested.
“You hold onto it then. I want nothing to do with what that madman has made.” Esteban told her.
[ Bahamut, The False Lord - Quelled & Captured ]
The trio then made the swim back to the mainland. They could worry about changing their still-soggy clothing upon returning to Rabanastre. The entire way Margaret couldn’t stop staring at the nethicite. It was warm in her palm no matter how long she left it in her pouch. There was an allure to it as well, one that called out to Margaret’s very soul. She couldn’t help but feel… that the wyrm was happy that this cruel, savage, and inhuman thing had happened to it...