Chapter Text
Hasty footsteps can be heard making their way down the hallway. Her lungs burn from the lack of air and the muscles in her legs feel like heavy lead. It does not stop her from barging into the room, disrupting the meeting.
Lyse takes a few more moments, gasping for air as she apologizes. "I have received words from the Resistance. They accepted our assistance but refuse to go any further into the reclaiming plan."
The others have a heavy sigh as Alphinaud contemplates on their next step. "Unless we prove our capabilities, the people will not stand up and join together to go against the Empire." There was a long silence before the Warrior of Light speaks up to attract the attention of everyone in the room.
"I would like to involve in this, I shall offer you help. Who knows? I may be able to find worthy opponents to fight and hunt down the unworthy preys." The Scions roll their eyes at his statement as Lyse chuckles. How typical.
"Of course, Zenos." Lyse pulls up a warm smile as her eyes lit up with hope. Even after the truth of her identity, Zenos gives her no different treatment. Even now, he is here for them. "Let us head to Rhalgr's Reach. Raubahn and his troops have set up camps."
Roaring with laughter, Raubahn holds up his sword in the air. Zenos finishes up his work as he cuts down the last Magitek Automaton in the troop. The ambush is a success. He watches Grynewaht flee from the scene and stop Raubahn from pursuing him.
"Leave him be. Let the foolish coward escape to return and report this to his superior." Raubahn nods in agreement as Zenos sheathes his blade, inspecting the Magitek Automatons.
"Speaking of which, you are one of them as well, no?" Raubahn asks, wondering if it's fine to ask for the Warrior of Light's help. Even if he is the hero of Eorzea, it would pain anyone to kill their own kind of the same race.
"It will not hinder us in the least." Sensing his disturbance, Zenos assures him. "I have little to no fond memories of the Empire." He shakes his head absent-mindedly as he pushes his past memories to the back of his head. Zenos picks up the Imperial blade, impressed by its handicraft and technologies implemented. This must be a new model. Zenos keeps it for himself as he stands up, ready to head back for the next plan.
Outside the Ala Mihgo castle, the troops sing the Empire anthem as they receive their Lord. She marches down the path with her soldiers marching behind her. Upon her arrival at the castle, her subjects bring terrible news. The young Lord sighs as she heads to the throne room.
"I have but arrived in Ala Mihgo a few moments ago. And this is how you welcome me? Giving me issues that you could have handled with ease?" Throughout the room was but an awkward silence. She destroys it by pulling out her greatsword, stabbing the floor with a heavy thud.
An Imperial steps up after gathering his courage, giving a rundown of the report.
"My Lord. According to my subordinate's report, they were ambushed by a contingent of Eorzean alliance, abetted by Resistance insurgents."
Greeted by her frown and a sigh of despair, they quiver in fear. "Father hates incompetent people, much less if they are made of cowardice. Even more so they return in one piece and offers no redemption for their lack of competence."
The Imperial looks up, trembling as he takes in his Lord's appearance. She looks nothing like a Garlean royalty. Instead, she possesses traits of a miqo'te. She has a pair of cat ears and a long bushy tail. Her black long hair tied in a high ponytail, showing off the red highlights on her side bangs. She appears to wear a loose kimono, exposing her lean shoulders and her bandaged chest. Her skirt parts easily as she raises one of her legs on the throne, exposing her pale thighs. She has one of her hand on her raised knee, and the other on her sword. She is the fearsome child of the current Emperor, Varis Zos Galvus.
"My subordinate has received his divine judgment, my Lord. He shall be demoted and sent to serve Lady Yotsuyu until he has fully redeemed his mistakes."
The young Miqo'te narrows her eyes at him.
"And who are you to pass on punishments if this issue was brought to me in the first place?" She sits up from her throne as she steps closer to him. The young Lord whispers a few words in his ear, and immediately drop dead. The others jump in surprise as she returns to her throne, sighing as she rubs her head.
"Father will be upset when he finds his presents broke before I can even receive them. How should I deal with these foolish wild dogs who dare to bring a frown on His face?"
Noticing how no one has any suggestions, Fordola steps out among the others and gives an Imperial bow. "My Lord, I have a proposal."
"Silence, you Ala Mi-" Their Lord glares daggers at him, whispering a few more words as he cries out in pain. His mouth dripping blood as his tongue was sliced halfway.
"There will be no unfair treatments under my supervising." She leans back, nodding her head to give approval. "You have my permission to speak, Commander." Fordola bows again.
"Based on the reports, they were last seen in Gyr Abania. I have a fair assumption that they are being assisted by the Resistance. We shall return a favor for such imprudence to you."
"Are you saying 'An eye for an eye, a fang for a fang'?" Fordola nods, taking the chance she still has her Lord's attention.
"Yes, my Lord. We may also use this opportunity to bring out our prototypes to test them on the field. Death is only fitting for those who dare to make you upset." Fordola looks up to find a lack of enthusiasm on her face. She tenses as she kneels down, afraid to have angered her.
"What an excellent plan." Fordola looks up when she hears her Lord's chirping voice. "You shall gather your army and lead the invasion. I shall come along and see your deliverance of punishment upon your people."
As Pipin is about to report his findings to Raubahn, the others jolt when they heard explosions going off in the distance. "Where did that come from?" "That sounds like..." They turn around to see smoke coming from their home base.
Alphinaud attempts to call Lyse, only to find disruptions in the connection.
"It's no use. I cannot reach anyone in Rhalgr's Reach. We have to notify Raubahn as we ourselves save the people there." Agreed with Alphinaud's plan, they hastily make their way. Zenos grits his teeth.
'That is no ordinary sound. That sounded like a cannon that only they can use.'
They were full of horror when they find the place utterly destroyed. The Imperials cut down whomever they see in the area and capture survivors who are deemed worthy. Fires were set everywhere. Alphinaud distracts Fordola as Krile attends to Lyse and Y'shtola, who seems to he gravely injured.
"What took you so long?" Lyse is grateful that her comrades made it back in time.
"There were people in our way." Zenos pulls out his blade as he readies his stance.
"My Lord, the prisoners..."
"It's of no major issue. Our main concern is not those weaklings." The source of the voice comes from the top of a pillar. Zenos looks up as their eyes met. "Oh? A Garlean among the rebels? How amusing."
The young Miqo'te jumps down surrounded herself by Zenos, Pipin and Alisaie.
"A Miqo'te? No, she's no ordinary foe." Alisaie speaks to herself.
"And who might you be?" Zenos point his blade at her, questioning. The fact that she has permissions to use the Royalties' weapons means she has connections to the Royal family. Zenos can smell a heavy scent of blood on her as if she wears death like a perfume.
"How dare you, you are in the presence of Her Royal.." Fordola yells in anger. How dare this Garlean show disrespect to her Lord? Her Lord pulls out her sword, demanding in silence to have no interruptions.
"Allow me to introduce myself." She beams with delight. "I am the Viceroy of Ala Mihgo. As well as the heir to the throne of our current Wise Emperor, Varis Zos Galvus. You may refer me as Tianika Yae Vien'Se."
"The Viceroy?" Pipin wonders if this person speaks of rationality. The Empire never accept an outsider into their nation. Much less a Royalty. "But you are not a Garlean."
Tianika tilts her head, continuing to smile. "I am adopted. But I serve my Father whole-hearted. My Father is proud of having me as his child."
"She speaks the truth," Zenos speaks up, confirming her statements. "That was no ordinary cannon. You may only execute it by the personal authorization of the Royal family."
"You know your roots, Garlean."
"Although, I do have my doubts. Varis has been going on and on about having a pureblood heir. Much less, a female? Females are not allowed to rule the Empire."
Tianika starts leaking out dark aether, appearing to be angered by his words. Shivers run down the others' spines as her aether threaten to consume their existence.
"Do not speak about Him as if he is an insensible dull old man. Know your place, you insolent fool. For every decision the Emperor makes, it's based on his wisdom." Tianika takes in his features.
For a Garlean, he sure has a big mouth. Like any Garleans, he has a pearl on his forehead. Although, he does have perpendicular features. Blond hair. Azure eyes. Tall features. It's almost as if...Realization hits her. Of course. Only specific blacksmiths and armorers can make his gears. And only the Royalties have the access to commission them such.
"You are Zenos Wir Galvus, aren't you?" Tianika watches his facial expression drop, confirming her doubts. She laughs with excitement. "You are him!! Father has always told me about you! About his one and only son!!" His comrades are startled.
"Zenos is the Garlean Prince?" Lyse never question Zenos's identity despite knowing he is a Garlean. But to think he is of the Royal blood of the Empire...Zenos aims at Tianika with his sword.
"How ill-mannered." Tianika blocks his incoming attack with but a few words. She pouts at him. "Where have your manners as a Royalty go? Father would be sad to know his son lacks etiquette."
If only he knew...
Tianika chuckles as Zenos pants for air, tire from swinging his blade. It's enough games. Tianika readies her stance.
"Your friends were a disappointment. But you..." With but a few seconds, she closes the distance between them. Alisaie blocks her attack but staggers from the sheer force of it. "You will entertain me, will you not?" Her eyes glow brightly of an almond yellow as her face depicts one of madness. "Big brother!!"
"This is boring, you can't even dodge my magic. You are unworthy of my weapon." Tianika sighs as she frowns at him. Such a one-sided fight. With but one swing, she renders him motionless. Tianika mumbles her spell again, ready to strike him. For sure, she killed him. Zenos struggles to get up, earning her hum.
"I was sure I landed the hit." Tianika's eyes lit up in excitement as his sword breaks into two. "But it appears your sword protected you from that hit."
"Zenos!!" There was a loud cry from the entrance. Tianika turns around to face Raubahn, she notices how he flinch at her. Tianika chuckles.
"It appears you have held up long enough for the backups to arrive." Tianika reaches out, stroking his hair. "Well done, Big Brother. Get stronger, for our Father!! I won't show any mercy next time if you don't hold up to our Father's expectations." Tianika turns around as she passes her sword to Fordola. Fordola is surprised how heavy it is.
"Are you not capturing the Warrior of Light, my Lord?"
"Father will not be pleased knowing his son is weak." Humming the Imperial anthem, she continues walking. "Besides, we are here to teach them a lesson. It will put a smile on Father's face. And that's all I ask." With that, they take their leave as Raubahn and the others attend to the wounded.
"That's no ordinary foe if she has bested the likes of you." Raubahn bites his lips. How are they going to face the Empire if she herself can kill three hundred or even more single-handedly?
"Next time, I will get her." Zenos coughs in pain as he staggers standing up. "Just you wait, little beast."
Tianika sits back on the throne as she laughs with pride. "Fordola, I applaud you for your excellence. Father will be pleased with your commitment to the Empire. I must ask him to give you a reward."
"Your happiness is my reward." Fordola bows, grinning to herself. "Yet, what troubles you, my Lord?"
"Oh?" Tianika tilts her head in curiosity. "What do you mean?" Feeling braver to speak, Fordola replies in earnest.
"You seemed to have something on your mind when you faced Prince Zenos." Tianika chuckles as she pats Fordola on the back
"You are the second to notice my worries." Tianika sighs heavily. She watches her subject confused at her words. "It's nothing. Attend to your duties per usual until I call for you." Tianika smiles to herself, anticipating her next encounter with Zenos.