Chapter Text
She couldn’t believe her body still felt like a sack of rocks. Each morning, moments after her eyes were open, would the extreme sluggishness make itself known once again. To the credit of her caretakers, it wasn’t as nearly as bad compared to when her soul was first returned, but still, the involuntary groan that escaped as she attempted to get out of bed was betwixt frustration and pain. There were a few missing from their sickbeds already, morning in full swing, but the majority were still slumbering away, including her brother and the new resident red-haired miqo'te. When they were children, she’d oft wake her brother up on the occasion he’d still be sleeping past her, sometimes with great fervor, but today was not a day to relive memories. She instead quickly (as fast as her body would allow) passed by her brother and others, exiting the Dawn’s Respite and into the Rising Stones.
“Aha, I knew it; Alisaie would rise before Alphinaud,” Thancred claimed from a nearby table. “I do believe this means you owe me a drink.”
“I neither indulged nor cared for your wager, so I owe you naught,” Y’shtola replied without looking up from her book.
“Good morning, Alisaie,” Krile greeted her properly with a slight roll of her eyes. “As you can see, boredom has quickly set in for those who decided to wake early. How are you feeling today?”
“Better, I think? I still feel fatigued, but it’s not nearly as bad as it was.”
“That’s good! I believe if the current treatment is continued all of you may be back on your feet before you know it.”
“I hope so, because you can add me to the group of bored Scions who woke up too early,” Alisaie grumbled, a quick survey of the Rising Stones revealing nothing of intrigue.
“If you are looking for Kuro,” Thancred uncannily picked up on her true objective, “he left not so long ago for the House of Splendors. Said there was some business to take care of and that he’s a linkpearl call away if there’s anything we need.”
“No rest for the Warrior of Light…” Alisaie sighed.
“On the contrary, he’s hardly left our sides lately,” Y’shtola added. “If anyone is truly bored, it may very well be him.”
“More likely worried, all things considered,” Krile guessed. “Perhaps Kuro has had more than enough adventure for quite awhile, especially with the tale you all told from the First. So, while this all is dreadfully irritating for those recovering, he is finally getting some respite.”
“Mayhap you are right. The last thing any of us would want is a repeat of our companion’s overexertion that nearly claimed him. Tis an honest relief that we are all hale and whole, and I am glad Kuro is not throwing himself immediately into the next threat, as he tends to do,” Y’shtola corrected herself.
“On that note,” Alisaie took a few steps towards the door “I’m going for a walk. Mainly because I need some exercise, but I’d also like to make sure said business isn’t roping Kuro into another ‘adventure’ during his well deserved rest.”
“A good idea. Best you get out of here before Tataru nabs you to help on fixing our new garbs. She already has Unukalhai in her grasp.”
“Thancred, I heard that!” Tataru’s muffled ire sounded from the Solar while Alisaie quickly entered into Revenant's Toll. She imagined Thancred would be fully put to work by the time she returned, but that would all depend on if her friend was still milling about the House of Splendors. Ignoring some of the stiffness in her step, Alisaie began her walk through the ever bustling settlement. She passed adventurers and merchants alike, both busy trying to make their next gil.
A few quick peeks into the ground floor shops at the House of Splendors confirmed Alisaie’s suspicions on where exactly Kuro was. He was known more than once to use the cafe on the top floor to sort his journal out or be chatting with F’lhaminn in rare moments of respite. She cringed at the several flights of stairs, knowing how much effort it would take her weary body to scale them, but scale them she did, telling herself it was beneficial to her health regardless of her condition. Alisaie stopped at the top of the final set of stairs to catch her breath, the cafe entrance in view, and a strange but not unfamiliar sound floating through the air. While she was unfamiliar with the various crafting arts that many in Eorzea were perfecting, Alisaie’s memory could at least place the sound of various tools in use. It stopped a few seconds later and as Alisaie turned the corner into the cafe, she saw the Warrior of Light putting away alchemical tools he’d been using on a shared table with F’lhaminn. The Scion caretaker was simply enjoying her morning tea whilst Kuro was now overlooking six bottles containing a cloudy liquid, which caused Alisaie to make an involuntary face of disgust.
“Finished already?” F’lhaminn looked at his work with a smile.
“More or less,” the jet-black hrothgar answered, though his face was fashioned in deep thought as his speckled tail flicked back and forth with irritation. “The taste was not well received, almost everyone was practically choking them back yesterday, so I was wondering if I could tweak the flavor somehow.”
F’lhaminn giggled. “The worse the medicine tastes, the better it works, yes? Complaints or no, everyone will take their dosage regardless. However, I can guess a few of the Scions who would take it with no complaint if they knew it was brewed by you.”
“Hilarious,” Kuro grunted at F’lhaminn’s smile hidden behind her teacup. “Some of my life can still be private, no one needs to know that I moonlight as an alchemist-” His eyes met Alisaie’s and his train of thought crashed spectacularly. Kuro managed to sputter out a few noises, but soon gave up with a deep sigh. “Good morning, Alisaie,” he said with a slightly defeated tone.
“I can keep a secret, you know…” She reassured as she approached the table, feeling sheepish over how much of a reaction she made over the medicine the previous evening.
“It’s fine,” Kuro quickly answered, “it’s really only a matter of time until Tataru finds out anyhow. She has a nose for anything that involves a steady flow of gil.”
“You must feel exhausted coming all the way here, sit down and rest awhile,” F’lhaminn offered Alisaie a seat and she reluctantly took it.
“I won’t deny that, the stairs were a bit of a challenge.”
“You’ve probably gotten more exercise than you needed,” Kuro mulled while mindlessly tilting one of the bottles back and forth under his index finger. “We’ll go back together once you feel ready.”
“I’m not sure to be frustrated or relieved at that statement,” Alisaie crossed her arms and the stoic Warrior of Light finally smiled with a puff of laughter.
“In that case, I’ll head on back first,” F’lhaminn rose from her seat. “I’m sure everyone will soon be awake and in need of breakfast. Don’t tarry too long.” She waved as she left the cafe. They both answered in kind and then let the silence dwell for a moment before Alisaie broke it.
“So, Alchemy, how long have you been practicing it?”
“Since before joining the Scions.”
“Really?” Her eyes widened and Kuro nodded.
“And it's never really been a secret persay, it just never came up in our journeys. F’lhaminn and I crossed paths during my studies, so she’s really the only one who knew at length. She mentioned to Krile that she knew an alchemist who could brew this-” he held up one of the vials “-Sharlayan potion that is known to gradually improve blood and aether flow to subjects who need a boost. It’s usually used on people with specific diseases, but Krile believed it would be beneficial to add it to the Scion’s current routine until everyone is back to normal. And here we are.”
“Ugh,” Alisaie cringed again at the potion. “Of course it’s from home. In fact, I think I even recognize the flavor…”
Kuro chuckled. “G’raha drank it down like a flask of water. He seemed overly excited about the Archon Loaf too. Must be a nostalgic thing seeing as they both taste dreadful.”
“He has his youth back, and with it his access to everything the current age can offer. I doubt he’ll swig it back as happily today now that his memory has been fully refreshed.”
“Probably not, but I do have a feeling that G’raha might be viewing things with extreme optimism for a little while. Don’t be surprised if he’s no longer doing his stoic ‘Crystal Exarch’ act in a week or so.”
“Well, I can’t really blame him, can I? Even I’m feeling full of optimism, especially towards the fact that we may finally have a way to cure tempering. As soon as we’re back tip-top shape, I’m going to give Ga Bu a visit. Light poisoning and tempering are not all that different, I know it.”
“I’ll be with you all the way, and everyone else, of course. There's a way to cure tempering, and we’ll find it. I know that I won't be returning to Bozja until we do. It’s… a mess over there.”
“Right, you’ve mentioned now and then your current struggle to liberate your homeland. I’m sorry we haven’t been able to aid you.”
“Don’t apologize,” Kuro shook his head, “It’s my responsibility as the Warrior of Light to be there, so I don’t want you feeling any guilt over being stuck on another planet while I had free range to go between the Source and the First.”
“Your responsibility, yes, but-” Alisaie couldn’t help but note a smidge of rare resentment in Kuro’s tone. “You’ve helped liberate some of our friend’s homelands, it seems a bit unfair that you’re practically having to do this on your own.”
“It’s fine,” He quickly dismissed, “Cid and a handful of the Ironworks are there, plus all of the Resistance, so it’s not like I’m solely fighting the Empire. Besides,” Kuro stood up from the table, the sheen of his vocation changing sounded, his appearance back to his usual garbs. He offered his hand to Alisaie and she took it, lifting herself up. “Bozja is my birthplace, but certainly not my home. It’s another step towards ending the Empire’s reign, but nothing beyond that for me.” Alisaie hardly had a moment to search his face before Kuro began taking purposeful steps towards the cafe’s exit. She opened her mouth to say something, but then quickly shut it, too many thoughts swirling around to fully grasp a purposeful statement. “What’s wrong?” Kuro stopped and looked back to his friend seemingly stuck in place. “Do you need me to carry you?” His jest brought her back and she huffed.
“Absolutely not!”
******
“Goodness, I don’t remember the last time I had a meal so flavorful!” G’raha gushed over his now empty plate.
F’lhaminn giggled as she cleared the table “You’re far too kind. Were I a bit younger, I may have been taken in by your flattery!”
“Tis anything but!” He fussed, but only received another giggle in reply.
“You’re not going to win against that one,” Thancred assured with a knowing smile, “but truly, it was delicious, F’lhaminn. Thank you for going to the trouble of feeding all of us.”
“No trouble at all!” She replied with her own smile.
“May I help you with the dishes?” Alphinaud asked only to be denied by F’lhaminn dismissively waving her hand.
“No, no. All of you sit and relax. You’re all recovering and I’m no stranger to a small pile of housework.”
“Speaking of your recovery,” Krile steered the conversation away from the working miqo’te. “How is everyone feeling today?”
“A bit stiff...?” Y’shtola said tentatively and all seated at the table gave small nods or other gestures of agreement.
“But otherwise whole and sound,” Urianger finished her thought. “Tis remarkable, our progress thus far.”
“Very good!” Krile replied in both relief and elation. “I believe if we keep the current treatment up you’ll all be right as rain in no time! But-!” She crossed her arms tilted her head, “bedrest and medicine will only do so much at this point. I feel we should begin adding some exercise to your treatment. Daily walks are good and all, but something more should be done. I know most of you have your own regimes, but as they often involve putting yourselves in harm’s way, I’m of the opinion that you shelve those for now.”
“Of course…” The stir crazy Alisaie sighed as her brother held back snicker.
“I’m sure we can figure something out among ourselves,” said Thancred.
“Indeed, though it would be wise to consider each and every one of our limits in conducting said activities,” Urianger added.
“Hmmmmm,” Tataru swung her legs too and fro on the chair as she picked away at her knowledgeable brain. “Oooh, I think I have an idea! Though it might be a bit on the silly side…”
“Silly?” G’raha echoed.
“Well, don’t keep us in suspense,” Thancred egged on.
“I was thinking perhaps that you all could get some exercise in while also having some fun! You’ve all been cooped up here since you got back and I can tell more than a few of you are rather restless. So, why not take a trip to the Gold Saucer? It’s got a lot of very involved attractions that are as rigorous as they are safe!”
The reaction was fairly mixed around the table, but none outright denied the idea. “You’re right, it is a silly suggestion,” Y’shtola affirmed. “One that I’d normally completely refuse, but if we are in majority agreement, I’ll not complain about the occasional ‘silly’ activity among friends.”
“Oddly well said,” Thancred jabbed to which Y’shtola slightly shrugged her shoulders.
“I’ve never been despite wanting to,” Alphinaud admitted.
“I don’t have any objections. Sounds fun,” Alisaie added.
“That's the majority then!” Tataru gleefully exclaimed. “Now I’ll just have to see about getting everyone tickets. I wonder if they have discounts for larger groups or maybe if we flex our reputation they’ll let us in for free~”
“Actually,” Kuro finally spoke, “I may be able to help with that.”
“Oh?” Tataru genuinely questioned as did everyone else’s gaze now on the hrothgar.
“I have some connections to the owner. I feel like if I lay out the situation, he’ll let us all in with no questions. Give me an hour or two to sort it out and-”
“I’m sorry, wait a moment,” Thancred interrupted. “Did I hear you incorrectly or did you just say that you have connections to Godbert Manderville?”
“I… do,” Kuro replied tentatively. All in the room eye’s widened, some in confusion whilst most in questioning awe.
“Really?!” Tataru’s eyes were practically sparkling.
“Yes, really.”
“How and when?!” Thancred could hardly mask the disbelief in his voice. “While I know it’s not unusual for all of us to rub shoulders with the many of the leaders of Eorzea, but to have connections with one of the richest men in Ul’dah, to say it so casually…!”
“It’s a long story.”
“How long?” Thancred couldn’t seem to let the new known fact go.
“Like, before I went Crystal Tower climbing with G’raha and Cid to after the liberation of Ala Mhigo, long.” Kuro was met with inquisitive stares and he leaned back in his chair with a raise of his brow. “Is this really all that fascinating to hear?”
“I’d wager to say ‘yes’,” Alphinaud nodded. “Honestly, you don’t often tell us of your adventures. We know the Kuro of the Scions, but not much outside of that. Not that I’m pushing you to do so!”
“But thusly, we do have an abundance of time to consume. Mayhap, if thou are inclined to share, spin us a tale that led you to one of Ul’dah’s renown Syndicate,” Urianger (to Kuro’s surprise) pushed.
“Hrm, well,” he wavered, “again, it’s a long tale and honestly, it’s a bit… fantastical.”
“In what way?” Krile asked in almost a giggle.
“As in I don’t expect any of you to believe a word of it.”
“Oh, now I have to know,” Thancred leaned forward on the table.
“As one who led a rather fantastical journey himself, why don't you try us?” G’raha encouraged.
******
"...What?" Alisaie was the first to speak after Kuro’s finishing of his various happenings with the entire Manderville family. Kuro inhaled deeply and let out a long sigh through his nose as the questions began.
“Hold a moment,” Y’shtola held up her hand while the other was pinching between her eyes. “I need to process this tale. Tis not that I don’t believe you, I am just merely trying to figure how such things came to pass.”
“Can Godbert Manderville really throw chimeras and run at blinding speeds?” G’raha asked and Kuro nodded. “Fascinating…!”
“And his son, Hildibrand, sounds nigh indestructible. I frankly don’t believe it,” Thancred snorted a laugh.
“I don’t blame you.”
“But you said he can command legions of the living dead?” Krile shivered.
“Uh, sort of, it’s complicated.”
“And this Gilgamesh, he not only was companion to a primal, but summoned it as well?” Urianger continued.
“Yes. He’s honestly the biggest mystery to me.”
“No wonder! Considering he opened some odd rift and disappeared through it with both Hildibrand and his assistant!” Alphinaud seemed to be both enthused and skeptical.
“And I haven’t seen any of them since. I’d be worried if I didn’t know them to boldly and stupidly solve all their problems. I’m sure they’re fine.”
“You sound tired, Kuro,” Alisaie pointed out in an attempt to stop the questions.
“I am tired. Recounting this entire tale has reminded me how exhausting and terrifying the Manderville family is. Every time I saw Nashu, my entire being screamed at me to run in the other direction, and yet I couldn’t in my right mind let whatever havoc they’d inevitably bring upon themselves happen without supervision.”
“Gods… what a tale though!” Tataru genuinely clapped. “I wonder if they all have some kind of divine protection or something?”
“I’ve thought the same thing myself more than once, but as often as I encountered them, I just stopped asking questions. Anyways,” Kuro pushed away from the table and began a teleport spell “Gold Saucer tickets. Give me a little time and I’ll be back.”
“Ah,” He disappeared with the spell’s whir “He ran away! I had more questions!” Tataru grumbled.
“Let us not badger him any further,” Y’shtola chided. “Kuro was hesitant to share this tale in the first place, and while it was indeed beyond understanding at points, he has no reason to lie to us.”
“Agreed,” Thancred chimed in. “I got my answers, even if they leave me with more questions. That being said, I feel like we’re all no stranger to happenings beyond our understanding, Kuro has just experienced a wider array of them.”
“I’m just glad we got to hear one of his adventures beyond what the books have recorded. It was always a thought in the back of my mind!” G’raha admitted.
“Well, don’t go writing this one down, he’s upset enough as is,” Alisaie warned.
“If anything, let’s all agree to not speak of this again unless prompted?” Alphinaud proposed and all were in agreement to keep the tale to themselves.