Chapter Text
“If thou wouldst champion the cause of harmony, I must have proof that thou art fit to play the role. Weather mine ire, and prove to me thereby that thou hast the strength enough to stay the Darkness which threateneth to consume thee.”
“Four against one is almost starting to seem unfair.” Himi joked. She was still in a bit of a mood from yesterday's riot shenanigans, among other things. All she wanted to do was explore the crystal tower, but no, Eorzea couldn't chill with her issues for more than five minutes. And this Primal, despite being chatty, still wasn't as willing to simply talk this issue out. Ramuh snorted, pointing his staff at her.
“Nay. I mean to test thee first. Alone. The darkness that dwelleth within thee is the strongest.”
“Annnd spoke too soon.” Himi flinched. She was going to ignore the comment about the darkness within her, and she hoped no one took that too literally.
“No!” Thancred grabbed her arm. “Although you finished off Leviathan, not even YOU can go up against a Primal alone!” Despite the purple lighting of the forest, Himi could still tell Thancred’s face had paled.
“Too bad, I need to. Apparently.” She jerked a thumb at Ramuh. “Though what happens if I lose?”
“Then thou shall be forcibly removed from these woods and the test passes on to the remaining Warriors of Light, to determine whether man perishes in the storm of my judgment.” Ramuh looked down at Resin. “However, thou’s connection to the forest may yet spare thee from such a fate.”
“Oh. I ah. Eherm.” Resin rubbed the back of their neck as the Scions turned to give them a curious stare. “So, Thancred!” They cleared their throat. “Why don’t you release Himi’s arm so that she can. Do the thing! I’m sure she’ll be fine. Darkness within her aside.”
“Well, you know what they say,” Himi pulled her arm away from Thancred and wagged a finger. “The closer you are to the light, the larger your shadow becomes!” She grinned.
“I’ve never heard anyone say that before in my life, kid.” Van flicked an ear back. Was he worried? Slightly. Was he going to do something foolish? It was tempting. But he didn’t want to risk interfering with Himi’s trial and making the situation worse – hang on, what was Urianger doing here? Tamru shuffled closer to Van as Urianger asked to watch Himi fight Ramuh. Thancred was barred on account he may cause issue if she ever seemed to be in over her head.
“Do you know what he means? Resin’s connection to the forest?”
“I thought the plant thing was a joke, I’m starting to wonder if it wasn’t.”
“Resin is obviously half hyur, half elezen. They can’t possibly be a plant.” Tamru tilted his head. “Right?”
“Well.” Van flinched as Ramuh vanished in a flash of light. Himi and Urianger quickly used the beastman’s aetheryte to teleport to the Lord of Levin. “The Slyphs have taken quite the shine to them.”
“Maybe they’re a Padjal?”
“Where’s their horns, then?”
“…Perhaps really small?”
“You know, for people with hearing as good as yours.” Resin turned their head to stare. “You two sure are awful at whispering.” Van and Tamru sputtered, cursing quietly as they shuffled a little further away, lowering their voices further.
“What were they saying?” Yda asked.
“OH I’ve no idea. I just wanted to unsettle them for a bit of levity.” Resin shrugged. Papalymo let out a loud burst of laughter before clearing his throat. Thancred crossed his arms, brooding quietly.
Urianger watched, from a safe distance, as Ramuh ‘tested’ Himi. Though he was unsure as to how well it was going – though Ramuh hadn’t yet gotten a blow on Himi due to her frequently teleporting all over the battlefield, she hadn’t landed a blow on him either.
“Thou shouldst consider taking this trial seriously!” Ramuh bellowed.
“I am! I seriously don’t want to get electrocuted!” She quipped.
“I supposeth thou was always the one to face challenges with such mirth.”
“What?” Himi didn’t teleport this time, instead looking at the towering primal, hoping he would continue. This hesitation was all he needed. The ground became charged under her feet, sending a painful burst of energy through her body, forcing her on her knees. Urianger bit on his lip; he worried much as anyone else that this trail may be her undoing. Ramuh didn’t really specify if he intended to simply defeat her or flat out try and kill her. But she pushed herself up, proclaiming his attack had only tickled before finally hitting him with one of her own, though it appeared to do little.
She tried to continue the conversation, but Ramuh wasn’t giving anything else up. He tagged her again with a bolt of lightning, and Himi promptly found her face in the dirt. Ramuh took this opportunity to unleash a wave of attacks, and for a brief moment, Himi felt like she was back at the Castrum, facing Lahabrea alone. Which was, a foolish thing to have done, and she recalled how upset Tamru -… was he testing her on her ability to ask for help? She spat out a mouthful of dirt. Could it be that easy? It wasn’t as though she NEVER did… and sometimes she did things by herself because the task was so easy for her to take care of. But what if that wasn’t the test? Could she risk failing by asking for… hell, how would she even ask for help without leaving the battle and forfeiting it? Her Oh, duh, her link pearl, if she could have a moment to use it - Her hesitation once again, came at a cost as Ramuh poured thunder spell after thunder spell into her. He challenged her, taunted her, and for a moment, Urianger thought it seemed like Ramuh was literally trying to draw something out, or perhaps… someone? The Lord of Levin made it sound as though he knew her prior. Did he mean to reawaken lost memories? Whatever the case, a burst of light with the warmth of the sun emitted from the battlefield, washing over Urianger. He immediately felt tired, drained. He heard Ramuh exclaim something along the lines of “there you are!”, and wondered if those words referred to him or Himi. But just as he worried he was about to be tempered, or already had been…
“Did I bore you so badly, you fell asleep watching?” Himi was tugging on his robes, peering under his hood. “You’re quiet, but you’re never this quiet.”
“Oh, I. Ah.” Urianger scratched his head. “Nay… I… hmn.” He wanted to ask her what happened, but he blinked once, and her finger was suddenly to her lips, hushing him. He blinked again, and her hand was once again tugging his robes. “Fuck he didn’t temper you, did he? I’ll have to kill you.”
“Nay!” Urianger gently removed her hand. “For a mercy, I am not tempered. If thou has finished thine trial, then let us be off.” He wondered how she'd beaten him, last he could recall, Ramuh was clearly winning. This made two Primals defeated by her hand that only she was privy to her victory. Curious.
“Yeah, I finally caught him off guard for a change and defeated him and got his blessing to be the proctor, yadda yadda. I am. Very sore and would like to get back to Tamru and also would you mind carrying me?” She let herself fall forward, expecting him to catch her.
“I would mind.” Urianger hummed, stepping to one side. She yelped as she fell face first onto the ground with a loud thump. Urianger left without another word.
“...Well poo.” She grunted, pushing herself onto her feet. Himi returned to just outside the purple aetheryte, stiffly hobbling towards the others. Thancred rushed to her, catching her before she fell again.Tamru and Y’shtola didn’t hesitate to cast their healing magic onto her. Normally it’d be risky to pause in hostile territory like this, but the Tempered Slyphs had taken off once Ramuh had been defeated and left the protection of the forest in their capable hands. It’d be more dangerous to cart her around in her current condition. Once she could stand on her own, the Scions quickly departed the Black Shroud for the Rising Stones; there was much and more to discuss with Minfilia.
The back of Himi’s mind itched when Urianger joined them to discuss his research into properly defeating Ascians. Now she knew why he wanted to observe her fight with Ramuh. He must have still gotten something despite falling asleep.She remained mostly quiet as he spoke, eager to get out of there and there and spend some time with Gatsby. Assuming there wasn’t another Primal waiting for her. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand when Lahabrea was mentioned and his possession of Thancred.
“I had hoped everyone had forgotten about that.” Thancred mumbled, wilting a little. At first, she thought it foolish for him to hope no one would remember that, but… honestly she wished she could forget. She silently hugged him from behind, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and resting her forehead on his shoulder. He tensed at first. He shut his eyes, exhaling slowly and relaxing in her arms. Minfilia frowned, apologizing to the both of them as Thancred gently placed his arms on top of Himi’s. They remained that way for the rest of the conversation, until Minfilia dismissed them all to bid them, especially Himi, a bit of rest. Though not before sharing with them the letter from the Alliance leaders, commending the Scions and the Warriors of Light. Alphinaud entered the solar just as Minfilia had finished reading the letter, and tossed an amused smile at Himi.
“Gatsby awaits your company in the Seventh Heaven. He certainly seems eager to see you.” He teased. She perked up, practically skipping out of the Solar. Minfilia smiled, overjoyed to see her friend so happy. She tossed a glance at Thancred, who was pouting again – she went to address him, but he waved a hand dismissively and shuffled out of the Solar. She and Alphinaud exchanged head shakes and shrugs.
Cid and Nero had spent the morning bickering over Cid’s “lackluster” workshop. Nero was unimpressed, Cid repeatedly reminded him he simply hadn’t the time to properly build it up. Nero waved a hand flippantly as he turned on a heel to leave. He dramatically flung the door open and stepped outside, only to immediately do an about-face right back into the workshop, shutting the door behind him as quickly as possible.
“What the bloody hell was tha-” Cid grumbled.
“Shhhshshshshh! Hush, Garlond!” Nero put a finger to his lips, then beckoned Cid closer. He slowly, quietly, opened the door a crack. “Do you see what I see? Look at the merchant-man who currently has his arm around Una, er, Himi.”
“A merchant? Then it’s probably Gatsby. I haven’t met him but I hear he’s a good chap – OH. SEVEN HELLS.” He hissed, throwing the door open; but it was too late. Himi had already teleported the pair to parts unknown.
“Foolish woman! If anyone ever had any doubt her memories were gone, this would surely prove she’s telling the truth!” Nero grabbed Cid’s shoulder. “Nothing good will come of this! She’s a dead woman!”
“I know, I know!” Cid snapped. He immediately tried contacting her link-pearl, but was met with nothing but static. He cursed, rushing out with Nero on his heels as they bee-lined for the Rising Stones.
“CHIEF!” Wedge called out as he and Biggs joined them at the entrance. “That! That was! That was!” He squeaked and flailed.
“We saw!” Cid grumbled as the four quickly cut through the Tavern and entered the Rising Stones proper. Their sudden entrance startled the relaxing Scions.
“Does anyone know where Himi went? Her link pearl isn’t working.” Cid called out, unable to hide the frantic worry in his voice. Everyone calmly shook their heads and shrugged; they weren’t entirely sure why the four looked so panicked, she was just here so she couldn’t possibly be in any danger.
“She’s fine, she just left.” Y’shtola hummed. “Pray, do you need assistance with the tower? We still have three free Warriors of life and plenty of Scions here to assist you in her stead, if need be.”
Thancred rolled his eyes as he nursed his second bottle – he genuinely didn’t feel like being in the tower again for any reason.
“No, she’s not fine! She is very very very very not fine!” Wedge squealed, flailing. “Is there no one who knows aught of her plans for today?” Several hushed conversations picked up at once, the Scions still didn’t seem completely convinced, and not one knew where she’d gone to with Gatsby. Not even Thancred, who’d been so focused earlier on wrangling his guilt over Lahabrea, hadn’t thought to ask her. He chewed on his fingernail, Gatsby wasn’t a fighter – he apparently packed a decent punch, but how well could he protect her? Papalymo quizzed Yda over and over, but she knew nothing. Y’sthola rapped her fingers along her cheek, silently admitting to herself that perhaps she should… pay a little more attention. Tamru, Resin and Van felt a little foolish for also not pestering her for details. Of all the times for Himi to not announce where she was going!
“My friends, is aught amiss?” Minfilia called out as she and Alphinaud exited the Solar. Alphinaud eyed Nero suspiciously, but held his tongue as he awaited to see what was going on.
“Minfilia...” Cid spoke, stepping forward. “That Merchant who left with Himi just now… do you know him?”
“Of course!” She tilted her head to one side. “That man is none other than Gatsby; have you not been introduced? I was so sure Himi would have by now -”
“Did either of them say where they were going?” Cid interrupted.
“N-no… I don’t recall either divulging their plans for today.” Minfilia frowned. Thancred grabbed another bottle, trying to distract himself from the worry budding in his stomach.
“Cut to the chase, Garlond! No need to continue to draw this out dramatically, we want for time!” Nero spat. “Gazbee, or whatever silly name he gave you is no merchant!” He waved a finger. “That man is none other that Cassian fae Sulla, proud member of the Optimates, and need I remind you, Optimates do not play nicely with Populares, regardless of whom they are.” He huffed. “Even among the Optimates, the Sulla’s family members are eccentric; and to top it all off his family has had a long standing rivalry between the one she hails from. And unless the Royal Family swoops in to protect or vouch for her, if the Emperor is dead like the rumors say, she has completely lost her bubble of protection.”
The silence was deafening.
Even Alphinaud couldn’t find the words; his mind dared to entertain the idea Himi knew exactly who Gatsby was and had played them all the fool. But he knew, deep down she would never… right? No, she clearly had no memory of Gat-Cassian’s face and he was using that to his advantage. His eyes darted around the room; he wasn’t the only one stunned into silence as the other Scions tried to process what was happening. The silence was broken by the shattering of Thancred’s bottle as it slipped from his grasp. Fear, anger, worry, all gripped his chest so painfully he thought his heart might explode. He’d never teleported to Limsa Lominsa so fast in his life. Alphinaud looked to Minfilia, who had lost all the colour in her face and had a hand over her mouth. He gently placed a hand on her arm.
“Seven hells!” Tamru shouted, wondering out loud what they were all thinking; how the hell did they not figure that out? No wonder he so boldly claimed he knew her! But how did they not make the connection? How did no one recognize him? “...TWELVE DAMN IT.” Tamru snapped his fingers and stomped his foot as it all came together in his mind. “HE MUST BE THE REASON FOR THE RUMORS!” He exclaimed.
“Of course!” Alphinaud furrowed his brow. “Who else would benefit from such claims? Who else would have known her connection to the Empire? All of it? How did none of us even SUSPECT him when the rumors became more specific?” He growled.
“He played the part well; lashing out in anger, defending Himi whenever someone dared speak ill of her around him.” Y’shtola wrinkled her nose. “Himi seemed happy, she trusted him. We let our guard down.” She flicked her tail. “But never again.” She thought to herself.
“Damnation!” Papalymo cried out. “Yda, come! We must inform the Elder-Seed-Seer at once!” And with that, the pair were gone. Resin insisted on going to Camp Dragonhead, Tamru left for Ul’dah, and Van to Lady Yugiri. The remaining Scions scrambled out into the Toll to see if, somehow, anyone knew anything. Biggs and Wedge made haste to the digsite – in case G’raha knew something. Y’shtola remained behind with Minfilia and Alphinaud, the former pulling them all into the Solar so that they could learn everything Nero and Cid knew about Cassian. Minfilia prayed that Himi would be safe.
Himi thought she was, at least. Enjoying Costa de Sol with Gatsby, none the wiser for what was going on back at the Toll and across Eorzea. She was simply having a good afternoon, proud of Gatsby for ‘finally’ being comfortable with her teleporting them somewhere. He’d always made the excuse that he didn’t like how it felt; if only she knew the true reason why.
Jacke nearly jumped from his skin when Thancred burst into the dutiful sisters.
“Love ye look like ye’ve broken th’code an’ got a shadow chasin’ ye.” Jacke raised an eyebrow.
“G-Gatsby!” Thancred gasped for air. “Himi is with him. We don’t know where. He’s not from Ishgard, he’s an Imperial!” His voice cracked, courtesy of the lump in his throat. A shadow loomed over Jacke’s face as he grew calm – burying his own anger deep, deep down as to not lash out at anyone who didn’t deserve his ire. His rogues silently looked to him for orders. Jacke tilted his head downwards, ever so slightly, speaking with a monotone voice;
“String. Th’bastard. Up.”