Flight Permits. Of course those would be something important to have – the legal system was slow but when it caught you, it caught you, and to plead ignorance born from timetravel was hardly the best defense when it came to the gil-hungry bureaucrats of Ul’dah. Thankfully, Igey managed to pull some strings during their brief visit to the Gates. Buying the permits would’ve been too costly, taken too much time, left a trail on paper that would’ve been far too easy to follow. No, they made under the table agreement, a trade of sorts – Howler and Igey would scout out Amalj’aa after their more recent odd activity, and there would be a flight-permit written for one Howler Kore. 

Recorded somewhere, of course, but date of purchase and the required examinations would be mysteriously wiped clean from the archives. Honestly, this trade was a steal – far too favorable for the duo, on the second glance. Howler couldn’t help but to wonder if there had been a trap laid there, somewhere. An unspoken threat. 

Good for them Howler had come prepared for the unspoken threats, already aware of the Rot. 

But the Amalj’aa were not the ones Howler had their eyes on right now. You see, on the route to the Zahar’ak, there was a place Howler did not have the fondest of memories of. 

Perched on top of one of the many ruined buildings of Sunken Temple of Qarn, Howlers eyes were solely focused on the large rockformation in the North, and the path leading up to its hidden pathways. 

There was movement on the paths – guards milling about, unaware of the pinprick stare of one clone reliving some of their worst memories. Poison had a tendency to hide under honey, and the safety, the genuine effort to be pleasant… Oh how tantalizing, how alluring that had been. 

Truly, the most bitter of poisons.

Howler lowered their hand, lip quirking up on one side – revealing one of their canines as a silent growl emanated from somewhere on the back of their throat. 

Memory was another poison, one that corroded mind and soul…

Unlike the Corpse Brigade, who were walking along like there were no problems in the world. But even from here, Howler could hear the coughing, despite how the lower half of their faces were covered with basically anything they could get their hands on – a rag, bandanna, cotton scarf… only few were so lucky as to have something more hightech, like Howlers on mask that at least could filter the bigger particles out. 

They’d be scrubbing sand from underneath their skin for moons to come… 

Still, they kept going, ignoring the curious glances thrown their way from the guards and servants alike, as a lalafell was guiding them further down the path. 

“And this is where most of our newest recruits sleep before they’ve earned their keep! Though I am quite certain you won’t be sleeping on half-molded hay for long my young friend, oh no. I see a long, bright future ahead of you – just stick by ol’ Dondar, do what she says and she’ll look after you.” 

There was a wink from the lalafell that made Howler's stomach churn. And yet, they were able to tilt their head with a smile, even if half of it was covered up. “You’re too kind. I am surprised there was even bedding to begin with, I’ve grown quite accustomed to bare rock and steel by now.”

There was an angry tut of tongue from the lalafell, who shook her head in utter dismay.

“Now that’s just a shame! Honestly, what were they thinking – someone of your talent, sleeping in places of no comfort, of no appreciation. No no, this will not do. We’ll put you on good work, honest work, and by no time everyone else here will agree that you deserve something better. We must keep our top men and women at their best if we want them to give us their best!” 

Howler merely chuckled quietly, the tirade being passionate and for once, didn’t ring with false promises or manufactured outrage. She actually believed what she was saying. 

In a better life, in a better place… 

Howler's musings were cut off by a sharp cry, causing their ear to twitch before they whirled around to look at what had just happened. 

It was a child. Ten summers old, by the looks of it – maybe older, on the count of lack of food these days. Rags on their feet, dirt on their fingers, screaming and kicking now as a guard had lifted them up by the back of their tunic – which seemed to be ripping by the seams by the action. 

Swinging in the air, the child was still screaming, trying to kick the offending guard – but their little arms and legs just could not reach. Even attempts at clawing at the heavy leather bracelets did nothing – they were stuck. 

Howler froze, knowing that a single wrong move would jeopardize their main objective here.

“What’s… what’s happening?” they asked, slowly, forcing their heart-rate to go further down. First, information. Small hope bloomed, maybe the guard was heavy handed, and the kid would be fine after a scare. 

Dondar clicked her tongue in irritation, eyes on the child while patting Howler's leg. 

“A rat that snuck in for supplies no doubt. We have rules in place here, dearie. Important ones. It is the only way our operations can manage – and a single cog that turns in its own tune puts everyone else in danger.”

Howler didn’t like that answer. But Dondar completely missed it, only shrugging a little before tugging on the belts on Howler's boot, disdain for the situation rolling out in waves. 

“Come now. Worry not for a single rat – we have our ways of dealing with them. Nothing you need to concern yourself with of course dearie, you seem like you understand the necessity of following the proper order.”

Howler nodded, quietly – something in their skin prickled. 

It was only when the echoing, fading scream of the child spiked in the distance, and the sudden sensation of the rot calling for them that they understood why.

“A gil for your thoughts?” Igey’s voice cut through reality with a quiet tone. Eyes gazing up from below with a gathered snack in her hands for the clone to have something to eat that was more than a mild nibble. “You’ve sat here staring for quite some time.”

“Just some bad memories,” Howler replied – lowering their gaze finally, with a silent sigh. They were still tense, but just a little less so. “But it seems like I am sixteen years too early for a repeat.”

Without further elaboration, Howler shifted on their perch – allowing the clone to drop down, looking back up at Igey with a more easy going smile. “I guess it’s time to get a move on again? Those Amalj’aa won’t stalk themselves.”

There was a mild huff of a breath, and shake of the head, before Igey spoke. “And who else to do so, than a wolf at heart, hm? But even you need something more in you.” Those dried fruits and meat bites were handed over to Howler. Just a little bit. “For something to burn while we become the predators today.”

Howler merely gave a non-committal hum, picking up the treats before starting down on the path. Briefly, just for a split second, their fingers brushed against the stark white tattoo on their face. 

“... Howler. You need a bath, more than just a simple wipe down for hygiene.”

Those had been the words before Howler had been partially dragged by Igey towards the hot springs. Springs that most definitely had not been there in Howler's timeline – no, this place had been a swamp full of noxious gas, if Howler's memory served right. 

Now, they’d love to stop and wonder about it, but this insult would not stand! … If it could even be called that. 

“I take showers just fine when we’re at a settlement,” Howler grumbled, though they didn’t put up much of a fight as they were pushed along. “I don’t even smell.”

There was a pause then. Just the briefest moment. Before Igey huffed an almost annoyed breath out, hands once more nudging Howler along. “So you don’t, which has only just came as a realization. Which I find both fascinating, and unfair, young one.” This sparked a victorious grin out of Howler… but only for the briefest of moments, as Igey continued; “But that does not mean you shouldn’t bathe more, simply to avoid possible infection with our battles. Now along we go, you shant escape this bath.”

Howler let out a tiny, small grumble at the back of their throat, but other than that didn’t complain or resist. Well aside from suddenly leaning backwards, towards Igey. “Oh no. Gravity. It has claimed me.”

 “Wh- no it is not-” And then she grunted, shifting her hands and strength to accommodate the sudden shift of weight. “Are you…? You are.” It was almost amusement there. Almost. Before her legs shifted down, letting Howler continue their game. Just to suddenly have Igey pick them up! “This should make it easier if you truly have gravity issues, hm?”

This lil shit.

Long story short, Howler had ended up in the baths. And while they didn’t want to admit it out loud… the warm water was nice. The cold that was constantly biting at their flesh hissed and recoiled, causing a stinging Howler wasn’t exactly fond of, but the rest of their body seemed to take to the water quite well. 

Then again, Howler had requested a private area. For reasons. The prosthetic was going to catch too much attention, and Howler didn’t exactly feel comfortable taking off all of their layers and stripping naked in front of anyone. 

They did trust Igey in combat, but… well experience was a cruel teacher, especially when it came to Howler's less than usual physique. And while they had the sense Igey wouldn’t judge, there would be a lot of questions. Questions Howler really didn’t know how to fully answer, nor really cared to. They were like they were, and that was it… right? 

Letting out a quiet grumble, Howler dunked their head under water, letting their hair and face soak in the warm water. There were too many thoughts for the warm waters to really wash away, but at least it softened the sting of them. Slowly, Howler adjusted themself – almost laying down, submerged, only listening to the water around them. Focusing on the pressure that covered every ilm of their body, blanketing them.

If they kept their eyes closed, they could pretend to be much deeper than they actually were. 

That for a brief moment, they were nothing. 

The idea of rest wasn’t… unpleasant, per say. Even the idea of getting a full scrubdown wasn’t that bothersome in the grand scheme of things. It was foreign, yes, but something Howler knew they’d get used to. 

It was the uneasy feeling that came with idleness that was the problem. When they laid down and the memories and thoughts found their way from the little corner Howler desperately had pushed everything not essential for survival. Gnawing and lurking right behind the facade of calm, demanding attention. 

Reminding Howler of things they wanted to be left buried. 

And it always started the same way. 

With slightly elevated heart-rate. A sinking feeling, somewhere in their middle, oozing down between the ribs. Breathing that became shallow, barely noticeable. Sometimes making Howler wonder if they had taken a breath at all for minutes, for hours. The twitching of fingers, forcing them into a half-curled state. The tension in their shoulders. 

It always started like that, and Howler did not want to know what would happen if they did not stop it in time. Did not want to give it time to even start. Thoughts like that were dangerous, and Howler didn’t have time to start breaking apart at the seams just yet. 

Water helped. Something about it was calming, muting the world. When things got bad, either cold or hot helped to take their attention away. Mild discomfort that harmed no one, in Howlers opinion.

But water didn’t heal all wounds, and while Howler had quite the lungs they hadn’t been blessed with the ability to breathe under the water unlike some.

Breaking out of the water, Howler let out a loud gasp, before taking in a deeper breath. Right. No time for self-pity or anxiety or any of that. Shaking water out of their hair, Howler turned their gaze towards the side, where an array of colorful little bottles laid. Shampoo, soaps, oils… All things Howler needed to clean themself properly. 

There was a slow blink, before Howler took in another deep, this time grounding breath. Igey wanted them to be clean, they’d be the cleanest clone on this side of Eorzea. It did give Howler something else to do, after all – focusing on a new ‘mission’ of sorts.

Fifteen minutes later, Howler was in the process of rinsing the first round of… what-ever these hair products were supposed to be. Honestly, who needed this much? Well, fine, whatever, they’d be fully cleansed and groomed by the end of this and that was all that mattered, right?

Squeezing the excess water off, Howler ran their fingers through their hair. Fighting off idle thoughts, as always. They made a small sigh, shaking water off from their fingers, taking a look at the water-

“... Oh.” 

Their reflection stared back. The water was rippling, ever so slightly – from the waterdroplets, Howler moving about, the gentle wind – yet Howler could see a massive, glaring change that had just happened. 

“Oh that is going to be a problem.”

It was relatively quiet in the sitting area near by the private baths. Igey listening to the distant sounds of life, be is wild or of people in the pools below, now that she had finished her own washing. Distant music from some bard, laughter echoing up from the rocks. It was peaceful, but not her main point of focus. Although a welcome background noise to drown out while she waited. Tombstone in hand while she went through her accumulated data from before, to cross reference details.

… And her own notes. There had been some moments of interest in their little adventure that lined with with a few other details that had been noted in older logs that had once been shared on a data cloud between herself and her old colleagues. And still had access to. It had certainly been coming in handy, albeit maybe a little bit of a cheat.

Ah, there were some amusing memories here as well. Prompting a smile from the mild amusement she felt going through line by line.

It should only be a few minutes until Howler was done, she guessed at least, if the young clone’s assumption had been correct. Even if it had been difficult to even get a private bath, it had been worth it. The calm quiet here had made it rather easy to scroll through everything on the dim screen in hand, fading warm sunlight a welcome change against her skin as opposed to the armor worn every day.

“Igey? Igey we might have a problem-” Howler called out from the side of the building, from the little area that led to the private areas. Their voice was hesitant, but it didn’t sound exceedingly distressed at the very least.  

The hyur’s head tilted just slightly, to indicate she was listening while starting to save some of her own writings once more. Preparing to shut down the tombstone device. “A problem? Surely it is nothing too detrimental, I hope?”

“We’ll whatever it is in that shampoo they have, it demolished my hairdye. I’d hate to be a bother but we might need to do a small detour-”

“Hairdye…?” Igey finally looked up from their device in confusion. “What do you mean-” Her voice cut off immediately upon just what she was seeing, Howler already tensing at the look on the woman’s face. 

One hand had lifted to push the sunglasses up quickly, an almost horrified expression on her. Realization settling in immediately. 

“Howler?!”

“That bad?” Howler asked, moving to tug now darker fringe. They had been rather self-conscious about it for the longest time, but for even Igey to have such a reaction to what the hair actually looked like when fully fluffed and dyes washed off…

The hyur stood up immediately and marched over to stand before the young Elezen with a sudden intensity. Thankfully, the sunglasses had been dropped back into place, to make her gaze a little less sharp behind black lenses. “Bad? No. A shock? Completely. Your hair is… Quite eye catching, for those who know. What have I said before about need to know information?”

“Well… you did know. To a point? I thought I told you who I was cloned from-”

“You have, yes. But not just how much that can show. And that is certainly something to know about prior… Well… Now I do.”

Howler gave a helpless shrug. Honestly, they really didn’t see it, but then again… “Certainly explains a few things and reactions from Thenwise…. I didn’t think there was this drastic change between Thenwise and Eorzea when it comes to something as simple as strength of soap.”

“Of that I think I agree. It would be safer to avoid more harsh items, for your comfort and our collective safety… Your hair shows traces of those I have seen before. Well known individuals. Two of which are well known twins.”

“And suddenly certain reactions from Thenwise make more sense…” Howler muttered under their breath, giving a small wince before turning more neutral. “Well, they do make up a small percentage of my genetic makeup. Had to push elezen genes more to make things stable, true pure hybrids just weren’t feasible with the technology at the time.”

“That does explain a few things.”

There is only a heaved sigh from Igey, shoulders lowering in a mock show of defeat. “Well… I will state, your hair at least looks rather lovely on you, ávrio. But mayhaps we should get you the dye you seem to prefer. For now.”

As Amon had already emptied himself of the few words – disjointed and muddled as they sounded coming out – he braced himself for what would come next. The tips of his ears still vibrated slightly as he listened, focused, and analyzed the words the woman spoke. This was an ordeal within itself as the drumming of his heart was thunderous to his senses and every instinct within him screamed that he should leave that place as quickly as he was able.

For this ancient creature had made no move to claim him, and he still had a chance to run. And yet… it was his very lack of constraints that riveted him to that spot, listening instead.

What she provided appeared to be… facts. Information about the Ascians, their Tempering, and surprisingly about herself. Facts that coincided with what little he knew of the Ascian situation. But also, information that was hardly common knowledge.

Amon’s mind began to focus and clear as the hum of fear slowly gave way to rationality once again. He cast his thoughts back to what knew of their kind, mostly information pieced together from various sources over the years.

Female Ascian. Defeated – she’d spoken of death. And her name…

“Igey…orhm?” The Allagan inquired quietly. He shouldn’t feel like laughing given the situation he was in, but he almost, almost did. “You did little to conceal your name, I see. Like me, you relied on the unknowing of the masses to protect your identity. Being right there in full sight.”

Amon mused to himself, feeling his breath and heartbeat starting to regulate as he once more held self-awareness enough to regain his composure.

“And yet, I fell for my own ruse, just as ignorant as anyone else. Well played.”

The Allagan risked a glance away for a moment. Then, he quickly returned his focus on her, as prey might watch a predator. Yet, she had not moved. She’d done nothing, in fact, but remained there with the same quiet look.

Leaving him room to work out how to respond, he knew. He recognized this because he had done the same for others in his time.

“Hypothetically speaking,” Amon ran his tongue over his lips nervously. “Should I believe what you’ve told me is true, then you and I have walked a similar path.”

This should have made it all the more difficult for him to believe. Mayhaps this woman had studied his situation and reconstructed a story that was much like his own?

To do what? Earn his trust? But why?

If she had wanted to control him, would she not have done so without parting with secrets of her own kind?

That they had both been defeated, then revived, only to come to their senses about their past – it was reality he was all too familiar with. Yet, if it had happened for him, and Amon knew it had, then why was it hard to believe that it could not happen to someone else? Even an Ascian.

The fact that Ascians were Tempered – something he’d heard from one or two other rare sources, as well – meant that perhaps they were not acting in ways that would have aligned with their true nature. Unlike himself, who chose to do what he did of his own free will.

So, who was he, Amon of Syrcus, to judge her?

“I, too, did not know how convoluted my mind had become until near-death and return washed me clean. Well… mostly.” He paused as he revised slightly at the end. When the Allagan continued, it was as if he was providing advice to himself, “And should the same have also happened to you, I would be a hypocrite to not at least allow you to speak, now wouldn’t I?”

Amon drew a calming breath through his nose and released it slowly as he ventured a step forward. This was not time for curiosity to grip him, but when faced with the vision of a truly ancient artifact of immense importance on his own table – not to mention its wearer, one of obviously vast knowledge – it was hard for him to deny the call.

“What does the glyph indicate?” He asked, taking note of the shape and design of the mask on the table. It burned his vision something fierce when he looked directly at it, and yet he reached towards it, only hesitating when he thought better of his motion.

Gold eyes flicked up, the expression of someone about to do something they really should know better than try doing. And then the words tumbled out of him like a child who wanted to pet a snake.

“Can I touch it?”

It was such a fascinating experience to see someone like Amon begin to start piecing things together. Going from utterly terrified, like a prey animal backed into a corner trying to decide what was worth it. Running, or not? Until the information began to settle in. Igey able to see rather easily the way Amon’s very eyes reflected his calculating mind, when presented with details that fit into a sort of sense. 

The woman gave a gentle nod of her head in confirmation that yes, he was correct, she is indeed Igeyorhm. Fascinating he knew exactly of whom she was, not many did. But it helped in her favor.

The context clues were far more than enough for the right minded individuals.

And he had always tended to be, just the right type of mind. Especially in this new life. 

Was reason enough to trust him with repairs before, and with these facts now. 

Still, it was amusing as he saw a similarity in their tactic. Hiding in open view, with the similar, if not direct, naming. That got the woman to give a slight quirk to the corner of her mouth, a barely there half smile. But something. “Everyone has thus far. But who would suspect anyone, especially a slain Ascian, to walk among them? The last name, Shemhazai, is another name for those under the seat of Igeyorhm. The Whisperers.” Everything of her identity had been little clues, but still not fully abandoning it. 

Memory is all she had left after all, and should never forget it. And a personal promise to make up for everything she had ever done.

Ever the clever man, and putting together just how similar they really were in some aspects. Not exact, never of course, but close enough to have been understood. And it seemed those facts helped to put Amon into some sort of ease, enough to get his voice to even out, speak more freely, and even move away from the wall after a few moments more. 

A part of her would rather not speak of the other version of him, the one that had taken to such terrible extremes. But no, Igey wouldn’t ever talk about him if she could help it. The one who she had the unfortunate time to deal with. Despite brief interest in scientific conversation- it had been short lived in favor of everything else he became once doning the mask. This Amon? Had a chance to actually live his life-

Igey had no intention of ruining that.

Oh, that had been a question she hadn’t expected. Hm… Igey gave a soft breath as she gently pushed the mask further to the center of the table between them. “The arrow? It is a reference to the star sign upon which each seat is meant to tie with. This one, belongs to the Seat Of Igeyorhm, The Martyr, and my whispers. Always to be calm, refined, and take every detail into consideration of my next move. But to be well calculated and direct in my execution, much like the arrow. The Sagittarius.” She did so enjoy teaching after all, and sharing these facts as they were, unfiltered and without bias.

The fact he wished to touch it though? That did get a brief hesitation… But, it may just lean in her favor to trust that far. “You may- but do be careful. The aether within is concentrated. Don’t overwhelm yourself.” Usually her glamour over it for the sunglasses could keep that problem hidden and no trouble for anyone else, but exposed like this? She wasn’t sure just what may happen.

Within that mask, was ancient power, original in the two sides as it was created so long ago. The great creation like energy lurking within unlost despite the death and shattering. But that line sealing the sides with its brighter color? The aether within that was bright, liken to light and soul itself. Hydaelyn’s touch, as direct as any mortal hand may have, sealed within not unlike Kintsugi of a sort. 

“The arrow,” Amon repeated as his hand hovered closer to the mask.

It had come as a bit of a surprise to him that she would agree to allowing such a thing. After all, the mask appeared to be tied more deeply into her identity than he’d realized. From his past studies, all he managed to decipher was that red masks indicated higher ranking Ascians. And even of those, there were only a few names given – he was lucky that hers was among the ones he’d taken to memory in his studies.

Yet as his fingertips drew nearer to the item’s pure aether, he hesitated. It wasn’t fear that made him pause this time.

No.

More like concern.

He knew so little of this power and… what if connecting with it, even by touch, was enough to waken… whatever it was that might still be within him? Like it had before.

Could that even happen? He didn’t know. Curiosity wasn’t worth that risk, though.

Amon withdrew his hand, conquering his desires and erring to the side of caution.

“Thank you for humoring my request. But ‘tis probably best I did not,” the Allagan said somberly as he straightened and returned his attention back to Igey.

He knew all too well his own weaknesses and vices. He knew he’d not buried it all, despite the trust this woman professed to have placed in him. There were things that even he did not trust within himself still.

“You speak of seats and names and so many things that I don’t understand.” Amon admitted, leaning back slowly. Absorbing the information she granted. “‘Twas next to no knowledge of your kind in Allag. Likely ‘twas on purpose that this information was held in deep secrecy, aye? Even the Tower databanks have very little to offer, despite my level of access. And trust me, I scoured all the records for anything I could find of Ascian involvement once I became aware of…”

He stopped at that, his brow furrowing with uncertainty.

“I have so many questions,” he told her, once again speaking in that rushed breathy tone. His voice cracked slightly under suppressed emotion. “Of who and what I was. What I might still have the potential to be… Light forbid! And why my Empire… my people were abandoned by my Other when…”

Amon stopped himself there. A pained expression passed briefly across his features, but as he was apt to do, he tucked it away for a more level-toned approach.

“But none of that is your responsibility. Forgive me.”

The Elezen took one last long and troubled breath in.

“Though I fail to understand, one question I would like answered. You did not have to reveal yourself to me, and yet you have,” Amon then quoted her words from before. “’But to be well calculated and direct’ in your execution. What part of this did you calculate was worth the risk of exposure? Especially given you’d rather your companion remain unknowing?”

Amon looked down at the mask again. Had his Other worn such in his time? If so, what had his glyph meant? What had been his original purpose? Certainly, death could not have always been his only driving force.

“Why choose me?”

It was a question with layered meaning – of both the first time he was chosen to receive the “gift” of knowledge from an Ascian… and of now.

It was with a careful movement of her arm that Igey took the mask back once Amon had decided against it. She wouldn’t let the temptation remain the moment his choice was made, and instead once more applied the magic onto it once more. Returned to the muted aether of sunglasses. Perching them onto her nose once more, as she exhaled a calm breath. Just wearing those red shades brought her some strange comfort, so used to something on her face. “Then I shall keep it worn, to only be looked at.”

Her shoulders had more ease to them now, tension slowly filtering out, and replaced by her ever proper and well controlled body language Igey was known for. An air of… Professionalism? To a degree, yes. Taking its place around her. Taking in every word Amon speaks, or curiosity that escapes, he may be holding in. Taking time to mull over just how she wanted to answer any of these. It could be quite easy, for her at the very least-

But for someone on the outside, maybe a bit more complex. At the very least, Igey could try and simplify what she could. Amon deserved that much. Answers, after everything. 

“One at a time, then…” She cleared her throat to go down the list he had presented.

“Most of this information was secret, yes. It allowed for more work to be done for the Ascian’s numbers behind the scenes… But it was also something of a test, to see if anyone naturally had a memory, or connection, to something other. That was a foolish thing to believe, but two of the Unsundered deemed it possible.” She huffed a breath, exhaling the unpleasant memory out to the air. Moving right on to the next point. “And, while tiss not my responsibility, you have a right to have answers should you wish for them. But I will not force anything upon you that you do not wish for.”

What sort of hypocrite would she be, to withhold everything without him having a choice in what he does, or does not, know? It would be absurd really. As a scientist, and once a professor, teaching life's mysteries to young learning minds, she could not in good conscious just let that be ignored.

The final, true question however, was what was harder for her to answer. “As for the why you? Well… For one, I trust you, and approve of the new life you have built, are actively building, and wish to be honest upon my existence in your outer orbit. My ward Howler, considers you a very close friend, which I certainly approve of. They care about you quite a bit you see.” Igey’s head tilted to the side then with a soft hum, thinking a few things over. How to choose her next words. “Maybe… Some buried, old part, of my soul? Wishes for the same thing. Or maybe I’m sentimental in a fraction of my ancient being. Either way, for me, I have made my choice to trust you, and wished to be honest with one whom I know would know of me, or my kind.”

As for previously… well.. “... Why the first time, the other- that is a long story. I’ll still tell you what I know of it, should you wish to know, but another time. Is this acceptable?” 

Igey was not the one to have made the choice after all, but had already been an Ascian for a long time since. She still recalled most of the main reasonings of some things. Despite not having her hand in it personally. They all did so love to talk after all…

Having once again reclaimed his calm analytical mindset, Amon focused on measuring the answers the once-Ascian provided him, looking for holes in logic or signs of fibbery. While he couldn’t claim to have never been deceived in his lifetime, having grown old in the back-biting Allagan society was only possible through much scrutiny, self-defense, and a knack for picking up on deceit.

At this moment, Amon failed to find any of these in the woman’s words. Test her statements as he tried, nothing stood out to him as a falsity. But many things furthered his curiosity and added to his questions.

His response was to paraphrase and find confirmation.

“So, I am to believe that despite knowing who I am – and possibly knowing more about me than I know of myself – you still choose to allow Howler to associate with me on a friendship basis? Even to the point of you trusting me with their wellbeing?” The Allagan motioned to the surgical tools still glinting there upon the table. His golden eyes flicked to finally meet her now be-spectacled gaze. “And mayhaps you even sought a similar acquaintanceship, hence risking telling me your truth?”

He then made a sound in the back of his throat.

“If ‘tis so, you are either more brave or honest than I,” he admitted, flashing a hint of his normal, mischievous smile. “’Twould have taken me far longer to admit my truth in turn. But then, ‘tis hard for me to know who I can trust to not bring a head hunter to my door.”

Amon then gave a thoughtful look at Igey’s final statement.

“You are correct. ‘Tis not the time and place for me to ask for full details. I will need to consider well – my mind longs for the answers, but my heart fears the consequences,” he explained, growing grimmer again. “Knowledge spoken cannot easily be taken back. Mayhaps I will defer to your council on it. Since you are far more aware of the nuances of the story and the effects they may have. But for now…”

The Allagan paused, gathering his presence and a deep breath.

“I have given Howler my word that I will see this procedure through. They deserve my best and undivided attention on the matter. I am determined to deliver.”

He then offered a pair of surgical gloves to Igey.

“And what can go wrong?” The technologist’s tone was light again, voice dappled with playful teasing. “I have Igeyorhm as my lab assistant, after all.”

Amon beamed a charming smile in her direction, hoping to make it clear that this was his way of setting aside preconceptions and leaving the door open to friendship, should she still wish for such a thing.  

It wasn’t even a second guess, no hesitation, as Igey nodded her head in confirmation. “Brave. Honest… Or maybe just experienced enough, that I have confidence in the man you are now. Not what your predecessor became.” And truth be told, she could not blame the man for his paranoia and worry. Who knows what someone may uncover? Or take a drastic choice and measure? He had very good reason to live as he did, and be wary of even her, at the least.

This conversation had… Gone far better, than she had assumed it would, and that eased her own burden of worry.

A soft breath, and the ever stoic woman gave a genuine smile, small though it may be. Whatever tension of energy she may have had or giving off was measured back down into it’s natural state, with an air of pleased calm. “A wise man you are, Amon of Gridania.” Her voice held a helpful, yet playful, tone. “Another day, a different conversation, indeed.” Allowing the man a chance to maybe one day in the future, have a list of questions or how to word them.

Those offered gloves, that determined gleam, how could she say no? Even giving a soft laugh with such a comment. It was enough for her to understand the open door he had given, without saying the exact words. Just enough. “And who would I be, to deny such a chance?” Her hands took the offered item, gently pulling them onto each hand with a swift skill that spoke of years of similar practice and knowledge.

“Would be my pleasure. Thank you.” 

An acceptance not just of this work side by side, but also of a friendship gained, well and truly now. Without any shrouded mystery. And maybe, for once… They could both have a better outcome.

Though, the banter had to wait for a moment. There was footsteps by the doors, a tad louder than was necessary – as if Howler was making sure the two heard them coming up. Though, they soon faded into Howlers more natural, quiet steps, before the clone in question peeked from the doorframe. 

Clothes changed, the warm and soft orange jacket flung partially over their shoulder – always so fond of the layers – with the now detached arm being carried under the other one. 

“Is everything alright?” were their first words, and suddenly the worried expression made far more sense. “I thought I heard something…”

A slight lie, but necessary one. Howler had felt that huge surge of panic, and how it had calmed down afterwards – but there wasn’t exactly a way for Howler to mention that without admitting to their echo-adjacent ability.

“T’was my fault. I accidentally spooked our friend Amon.” Igey spoke swiftly without missing a beat. The ease of which she could slip into naturally. “We spoke and everything is alright now.”

Howler looked over at Igey, then towards Amon – before giving a small nod. 

“Alright… sorry I took longer – I thought it would be smarter to remove as much of the prosthetic as possible. There were some protective layers, easier to get to the flesh without them.”

Amon of Gridania?

He paused momentarily at the newest name bestowed upon him. He’d had many titles throughout his life, but this one was unexpected. Or maybe, just part of a cycle. It bore similar meaning to a name he almost inherited in his youth.

Everschade.

A lifetime ago, he cast off the possibility of that identity, however. When he chose the path of science and living under the Tower’s shadow, he closed the door on his forest-home roots and his mother’s connection with the shroud elementals. Or so he’d always thought.

The Allagan pushed those thoughts from his mind as Igey accepted and donned the pair of gloves he handed to her. The motion was more than offering and taking a mere garment, he knew, and he could see by her subtle body language that she’d sensed his intent.

When she finally smiled, his own smile shifted from the performer’s grin to one that held more sincerity. Amon wasn’t sure what this path would lead to, but there was only one way to find out.

Howler then reappeared bearing a concerned look. Briefly, Amon wondered if he’d been overly loud in his earlier display of surprise – he didn’t recall it, but it was a possibility. Yet, Igey quickly covered for them both, and it seemed the other Elezen accepted the explanation without further question.

“Indeed, all is well,” Amon agreed, leaving it to that. Should he attempt to spin something more, it would only complicate a situation that was already well in hand, he knew. Instead, he smoothed the cloth across the table with his gloved hands.

“I do believe we’re ready here. Though I admit, this likely won’t be the most comfortable of reclining spots,” he said with an apologetic note to Howler. 

Carefully, he opened a small tray on his traveling surgeon’s kit, revealing a syringe and a few small bottles of clear liquid. 

“I have means of applying local anesthesia, if you desire. It should temporarily numb the incision area and allow us to work with little to no pain on your part.”

Amon then brought the bottles out for display, as to be completely transparent to Howler what he was suggesting. The Technologist was determined that Howler would be the one to choose the elements of this procedure as much as possible.   

Howler couldn’t help but to give a small smile at Amon’s words – before giving a look towards the table, faintly amused. “I could think of about a dozen worse places I’ve rested on top of within the past four moons alone, so you won’t hear a complaint from me.”

They hoped that was enough to put Amon at ease. Howler was made of the sterner stuff after all - quite literally, if their gene-pool was anything to go by - despite looking more frail and petite when compared to the other elezen. 

Silently, they removed their shoes before getting up on the table, the mechanical arm laid to rest nearby with all of its little pieces next to it. The flesh arm found its place behind Howler's head, working as a makeshift cushion as the clone settled down as well as they could. 

Though at the mention of the numbing… 

“Not a bad idea,” they admitted, after a second of thought. “The nerves might be dead on the top-layers, but that is certainly not the case closer to the bone.”

“Hm. To be expected, as there are far more nerves closer to the core bone.” Already the woman was eyeing just what those vials may contain. Seemed to be rather strong pain killers of a sort, far better than field medicine. Good. Though there was a thought which came into the forefront of her mind. “Do keep in mind, Howler does always seem to feel cold, and run on the chillier side. Maybe that could also be taken into consideration in this procedure, and any potential need for a changed dose strength. And I doubt that you yourself would want to feel even more frigid, right, ávrio?”

Howler let out a small chuckle at that. “Ah I wouldn’t worry too much about that… the moment we cut some of the infection out, the cold should ease.”

All Igey could do was sigh, then pause. “Hm… I see.” That was getting a pin in it for later!

Still. With no more words from Igey, Howler settled again, taking in a deeper breath… and then shifted their head to just take a look at the whole procedure. Sue them, they were curious! And it wasn’t like it was anything they hadn’t seen before- 

Well aside from the anesthesia but maybe they’d be better off not telling that part. The last time Howler had any numbing for pain had been with questionable methods at best, time to see how the professionals did it- 

“Ready when you are.”

Amon nodded, taking notes at their suggestions as he chose a specific bottle from the lot and began measuring out anesthesia for the procedure. He arched an eyebrow at his patient who seemed almost… curious… even eager… to watch what was about to happen. And not due to reasons of mistrust, apparently.

Though, if Igey knew his identity, would it not stand to reason that Howler did, too?

The Allagan took a deep breath through his nose and steadied his hand. This was not the time to ponder such things. His clone-body coordination was not always up to snuff, and it took immense focus on his part to work with his hands as cleanly as he did in his younger days. Still, he inspected the layers of tissue in the severed area with a close eye before bringing the needle to point.

“Quick, small pinch,” Amon warned, mostly out of habit, before inserting the syringe as closely to the central area of bone as he could. Igey’s suggestion was a logical one to act upon, and with a moment of application, the anesthetics were administered. “Do let us know should you begin to feel any pain and we can apply another dose.”

Since Howler had become an unexpected audience, Amon almost felt taken back to his days of instruction at the head of the lab. It had been a long time since he’d led others in methodology, but if the other Elezen had the strength to watch bits of themself carved away, the Allagan wouldn’t stop them.

Reminds me of myself at that age…

Amon introduced the tools of the surgery by holding them up one at a time, giving a brief description of the tool’s job, and how the Technologist intended on using it. The description was surface level, mostly so that Howler would know what to expect, and to receive any feedback that Igey might provide.

“And without further ado…” Amon lifted a scalpel to begin.

Howler gave a quick nod to the instructions – staying as a quiet, captive audience. Well, aside from a question or two about the tools used here and there. Namely other uses, upkeep, trying to keep the air light with what was certainly a tense situation otherwise. 

There were trickier parts inside the arm – the metal had been drilled in bone-deep to keep the prosthetic as stable as possible, to connect it to the nerves that still lingered properly. It made it a little more tricky to get past, but for all what it was worth, Howler didn’t seem to complain about discomfort or pain. 

The problems started when they got past the outer layers, and closer to the bone… where the flesh was stained inky black, and clung to the bone, to the prosthetic with ferocity that was not normal. At first glance, it almost looked dry, like mold grown over a large area – but the first cut revealed it was still indeed wet and fleshy, and was ready to fight.

Unnaturally cold, like a spike of ice, a breath of death against one's neck, the dread of anxiety. It was alive, yet it was not, an existence not of its own as it clung to what scraps it could drain out of the host – of Howler. 

When the scalpel made its cut, and it was being removed, it fought. 

It fought, and clung, and moved. Not fast, not strong, but it had the clear desperation of a dying animal knowing its time was now – so it tried. It tried to wrap around the more solid parts inside. It tried to burrow into the flesh that was still untainted, leaving behind hair-thin tendrils as it was being pulled away. 

With the twitching of the blackened sections, Igey felt a shot of tension move down her spine. Brows furrowed as she moved to the head of the table instead now, and her gloved hand moving out to press down firmly at Howler’s shoulder and bicep. Keep the muscles from jerking or moving away from the skilled scalpel. “I’ll freeze when you need me to preserve something, Amon.”

It was the first time Howler showed any kind of expression outside of mild curiosity – their ear flicked, with a small pinch of brow. It wasn’t as bad as they had thought but… “Stars above I forgot how gnarly that could get.”

“That’s all you have to say about it?”

“Yeap,” Howler popped the p, eyes on the dark flesh that was bloody stretching to stay attached to them. “Ew and gross.”

Deep down, Amon knew that delightfully curious was not the appropriate feeling for him to indulge in at this moment, but he couldn’t help it. This… this was something novel. Something new to him. And his jaded technologist mind instantly found a rare hit of dopamine at pondering the unknown.

He was actually engaged in what seemed to be a physical struggle as he worked to carefully remove the soft tissue from Howler’s arm. His companions had not overstated the situation – this was disgustingly alien in a wonderful way.

A few times, the tissue sought to slip his forceps, and his excitement as he entertained the situation caused the unwanted tremor in his hands to crop up. But seeing Howler watching the show unfold brought Amon back to a calm focused core.

He had to remain professional, he reminded himself. He was, after all, the one holding sharp objects.

Finally managing to remove a proper sample of unruly tissue, Amon quickly moved to place it in a sample jar. The way he held it looked as if he were expecting the tissue within to attempt to make a break for it.

“Lady Igey,” he prompted with a raspy sound as he clamped the top down on the glass container. “Your assistance with preservation would be much appreciated forthwith!”

The flesh, the infection, did try to make a break for it. A vain attempt, weak attempt. A singular movement, a twitch before it started to shiver and twitch, contorting in a way no piece of muscle should’ve – as in pain. The edges were already about to fray, one could almost imagine the dying screech- 

Igey did not hesitate once asked, especially after observing the disgusting twisted bit of flesh undulate like that. Her gloved hand reaching up to the bottom of the small jar, barely touching it as ice crystals rapidly formed inside- only to immediately latch onto the writhing chunk of rot. Freezing over it in a rapid flash of magical power. Frozen in a small chunk all the way through, leaving it to simply clink over in stillness.

Meanwhile, Howler had sat up a little – free hand going underneath the scarring, giving it a little rub. They tried their best to avoid touching the cut – the last thing they wanted was to make things worse. But the sensation of missing tissue, along with the sensation of that feeling of something cold trying to eat them alive from inside out lessening to such a degree… 

Was it any wonder a sigh escaped them, that their body trembled in clear relief?

Were they going to comment on the gnawed, corroded nature of the bone inside their arm, or how there were still hair-thin-tendrils bored into the charred and scarred portions? No. They could feel the rot still, and always would, along with its effects. 

But from the way Howler's shoulders sagged and ears drooped, from the way they had exhaled, it was clear they felt great sense of physical relief right now. 

With the preservation handled, Igey moved her colder hand away, just to softly place it once more at Howler’s shoulder and arm. Squeezing it in a comforting and reassurance way. “You are well, my friend?”

Their body was already reacting – as a good chunk of that eternal chill had been removed, their body temperature was starting to rise. Not by much, but… for someone like Igey, they could’ve easily noticed it. 

“Yeah,” Howler said, under their breath – for they had almost none to spare. “Just. Adjusting. I don’t normally complain about things that cannot be helped to a major degree, but being eaten alive inside out slowly by something that makes you feel cold all the time is not pleasant in the least. I don’t think I’ve felt this warm in a decade.”

“... So it was worse than I assumed?!” There was an inhale, before Igey spoke calm once more, “What have we said about need to know information-”

One hand clamped forcefully down on the lid of the sample jar, Amon watched as the tissue was promptly frozen and preserved, no longer able to put up a fight. Part of him let out a long breath while the other part of him practically vibrated with a sense of exuberant triumph.

<Containment is a GO!> Amon suddenly exclaimed in the Allagan language, the words wrapped in a bardic voice reserved for important announcements. As this one was.

He was unable to even begin to conceal his excitement – so many possibilities were flashing through his mind, one after another, relentlessly. This translated to a wide, somewhat unhinged grin as he emitted a deep-throated, now-predatory laugh, his scheming gaze focused entirely on what was within the jar.

Before the laugh could get too far out of hand, his golden eyes flicked to the others in the room. So caught up in his own science-fantasy, Amon had not taken notice of Howler’s response until Igey’s exchange with them was concluded.

An immediate lump formed in the Technologist’s throat as ancient memories surfaced, and he at first mistook Howler’s response as one of anguish. That was, in his past experience, what Amon’s hands were good at creating on the surgery table – horror and pain in others.

But then, he realized – no – this body language spoke of relief. That patient response was new to Amon, and all of his ambitions of glory drained from his limbs as he struggled to decipher the proper reaction on his part. None came to mind.

Well, aside from.

“If it makes your situation improved, I could attempt to remove some more?” Amon suggested.

Not… because the idea of wrangling with more self-aware tissue was thoroughly enticing… even though it was.  But, more so, as Igey had stated, if something was having that detrimental an effect on Howler’s health, it should be addressed.

Of course, Amon reminded himself, that was the original purpose for securing a sample to begin with. It just so happened the task of doing so was one of the more fascinating things he’d put his mind to in a while.

Howler didn’t respond to Igey – how could they, when the unbridled joy was radiating from Amon on the side. There really was no other word Howler could put to it… well that was a lie. There were several. Excitement. Curiosity. Jubilance. 

So instead of turning towards the lady who was by all rights justifiably frustrated and weathering that storm, they decided to look over at Amon – who let out a laugh that many would most likely describe deranged. 

Good thing Howler was used to such laughs, considering their own. 

At least Igey turned her attention also away from Howler, back onto Amon. One brow slowly lifting above her sunglasses in almost amusement… But she said nothing, despite the mild temptation to do so. Her frustration melting away for the time being. Let the man bask in his collection.

Meanwhile, the younger Elezen couldn’t help but to flash a tiny smile at Amon after noticing the man looking at them – fangs showing up just for a brief moment. But then, came the question… 

“Not a bad wish to do,” Igey spoke with a contemplative look. Then her brows furrowed. Getting a more sharp look as she brought sunglasses covered gaze back down, seeing the base… The marks, the connection zones… Head turning towards where the arm had been detached. One could easily see the math being done in her mind. “Although on second thought? We would have to adjust the entire prosthetic… Howler, opinion?” In the end, it was their choice.

Howler looked over their arm, humming under their breath thoughtfully. Tempted as they were… “As much as I’d love to get it all out… I really can’t afford a long recovery period and complete overhaul of the arm. Time can only be so generous with her gifts.”

They’d suffer for the sake of the mission, if they’d have to. Then again, judging from their state it was most likely something Howler was used to doing, sacrificing pieces of themself for the greater good. 

However, they lifted their gaze back to Amon, smiling that serene, thankful smile. “Maybe once we’ve managed to get mostly everything under control and I am not as hard pressed to be on the field?”

Thankfully, Amon’s overexcited outburst had garnered little more than some passing attention – during what may have been a rather prickly conversation for Howler – and a bit of amusement from Igey. Working as intended, the Technologist decided.

He even caught a quick flash of a smile from the other Elezen – was it his imagination or was that a hint of fang there? Well. If Howler did not judge Amon’s strange laughing outbursts spoken in another language, then he would say nothing of the youth’s pointed teeth. Fair was fair.

Instead, he listened to the exchange between the two on his offer to remove more of such flesh from Howler’s arm, and nodded along quietly at the conclusion.

“Aye,” Amon replied, now seeming back to what passed for his normal level-headedness. He made the motion of tipping the brim of an invisible hat with one hand, as he’d removed his plume for the procedure earlier. “’Tis logical. The prosthetic and the recovery time taken into account. I understand.”

Now, it was his turn to big-brother Howler a spot.

“However, Lady Igey has the right of it. Should the burden of this get too heavy to bear, don’t keep it to yourself, friend.” Amon offered a gentle nod as he began cleaning his instruments, seeing there would be no further surgery that day. “Please reach out to someone, be it her or me. As you can see, ‘tis something that can be done to help alleviate things, if only a little.”

The Allagan paused, inspecting a scalpel and deeming it worthy to return to his surgical kit. Gold eyes flicked up as he continued his train of thought.

“You know where to find me. ‘Tis no trouble. You merely have to ask.”

Amon then picked up his Tomepad and began jotting down the results of the procedure, glancing now and again at the frozen sample.

“The anesthetics should wear off in short time. If you require more numbing agent, I can provide it. You don’t appear to have responded poorly to them, so if you deem you need some for the road, say the word.”

Another thought then crossed his mind. Since he was now involved in this plight, he felt it fair to ask and see what answers he got. From the both of them.

“I know you’ve probably stayed here longer than intended already and that you must head out again anon. But where are you heading to next? What’s your plan of action?”

Lean on to others… Right. Howler really should start doing that more, even if it wasn’t exactly easy even on the best of days. Not here, at least. Still, a faint red rose on to their cheeks, as they cleared their throat. “I’ll keep that in mind. I admit it's not easy, but… I’ll try.”

An attempt shall be made! Still, medical talks were better left for Igey. 

Igey of course could only nod in response to Amon, thankful someone could see her logic here. “If you have some painkillers to take along with us on your journey, that may be preferable. I am willing to put the gil into such a supply, to reimburse you of course.” Ever the practical one, that woman.

Ah, but where to next, hm… Her head turned towards Howler with a nod of trust, while she began to gently remove the surgical gloves from her hands. 

Howler, meanwhile, had been poking the sides of the cut – apparently already itchy, but trying really hard not to irritate the operation zone too much. Aside from gentle pokes, instead of full scratching. Wasn’t the best way of dealing with an itch like that with pats? Erh, wait, questions had been asked- 

“La Noscea. One night in the Roost, check the supplies, and catch the earliest possible flight.” they said without hesitation as soon as they realized Igey had intended for Howler to answer this one.

This pleased the woman, getting the barest hint of a smile out of her once more. “We’ll be ensuring those supplies are kept well and safe on your feral chocobo of yours, Howler.”

“Cy’s not feral, just… eccentric-” Howler, your chocobo absolutely was feral. 

The woman couldn’t help but give a sigh. “Ah, so you are also, merely, eccentric?”

“I am completely normal thank you very much,” Howler’s reply came in a flat monotone, poker-face in full effect. “In this company at the very least.”

No, Howler, you were not.

“...”

Igey made not a sound. But her barely contained expression trying to pull into an amused expression spoke volumes. Enough she had to look away and clear her throat. Nearly got this woman laughing. A miracle.

Howler, however, during that brief glance away gave a look towards Amon, their eyes asking for him to finish it – Igey deserved a good laugh, after all. 

Amon gave a partial chuckle under his breath as he turned and began to dole out doses of the requested painkillers. Once that was complete, the bard gave a semi-dramatic glance back over his shoulder.

“Aye, well, ‘tis a theory that all Elezen have a natural wild streak,” he stated with the sound of a grin on his lips. Then he followed up with a statement he often said to Scylla, wondering what sort of response it would earn from Igey. “’Tis why you love us, ‘tisn’t it?”

A mirthful sparkle lit his golden eyes while he bagged up the medicines with overexaggerated hand motions, as if he were some magician performing parlor tricks. He wasn’t so certain of his ability to entertain an once-Ascian, but she already appeared to be bemused by her chosen companion, and Amon was ever the opportunist.

With a flourish, he presented Igey the neatly packaged painkillers, only too aware that she knew – had always known – of his true performance at the heart of Syrcus Tower. It was a weird feeling. Not many people he interacted with approached him as both Allagan and Technologist. And yet, he still persisted in his playful charade – perhaps because it’d become the default.

Not to mention, Amon wasn’t sure if Howler knew of his identity or not. Igey had never specified, and the Allagan didn’t want to ruin the moment by asking.

None of this leaked into his showman’s stance or smile, however.

“I’ll hear nothing of repayment for the painkiller, my friend. ‘Tis simple enough to make more, and your assistance with getting the tea shop ready for opening was more than enough payment,” Amon told them. “I have more work to do, but most of the heavy lifting is complete. Hence, I shall be open far sooner than I expected.”

He glanced around the room, a once-dusty structure, cleaned and transformed into a temporary clinic, wondering what else the future might bring.

“Next time you stop by, I promise the shop shall impress,” he grinned, then gave Howler a pointed, more serious look. “And there will be a next time. I have data to glean from this sample, and I expect you to take proper care of yourself so I can deliver it to you, aye?”

Well Amon at the very least got Howler to snort and stifle a giggle, before they managed to pull completely innocent eyes to look towards the older woman. Yes Igey, you clearly loved these two goobers!

And woe be upon her, because she did care about these two absolutely ridiculous elezens. Only able to tilt her head back with a defeated sigh and shoulders slumping down. “I do, indeed, care, and yet, whether you are Elezen or chaotic as a Miqo’te, I find myself questioning a few things. About myself that is.” And is that… A quiet chuckle? A barely there sound she tried to swallow. But there! Lo! A chuckle!

The woman looked forwards once more as she was offered the painkillers, giving a gentle yet small smile in return. “Thank you, my friend.” She said nothing of some familiar moves, and never would really pry. It was how Amon chose to live, in this lifetime, and who was she to judge whatever facade or public mask he wore? She was no different after all. The wrapped package carefully slipped into her supply bag with her armor as she moved aside to begin putting her gear back on once more.

Howler, meanwhile during the exchange of the painkillers and some gentler words, was busy putting their arm back together. A click here, twist there, and one silent hiss of mechanics coming back alive – maybe Howler should’ve been more worried about how good they were taking this thing apart and back together in such short notice. Then again the amount of times they had juryrigged the mechanisms inside during emergencies- 

But then Amon’s comment caught their ears, which twitched in response before Howler looked up from their arm they had been busy twisting back in place. A look of surprise, that soon melted into a kinder, gentler smile, soft in ways that was far more befitting of Howler we had to come to know. 

“Understood. I doubt I’ll be getting into too much danger anyhow, with Igey around.”

Oh foreshadowing, why did you come to us so late?

And poor Igey will be there for the entire thing. For now however, she does give a bemused smile, armor back on with her coat adjusted. “I’ll certainly try. The habits we have learned you have leave much to think about.” Why, was that playfulness? 

“Funny, I thought the general consensus was that I don’t think when danger rises,” Howler snorted, knowing fully well their instincts were often far more powerful than rational thought.

“For a moment, I thought you were going to stop that sentence at ‘Don’t Think’.”

“I mean that seems also rather accurate for most of the days,” Howler managed to grin, before turning back towards Amon. “... Thank you, again. I’ll try and bring a souvenir from the travels!” 

Amon looked upon the situation with a hint of pride as he saw his audience on the fringe of banter – his teasing had landed as he hoped it would, lightening the mood on all sides. His response to their subdued and near-hidden chuckles was an unapologetic and shamelessly musical laugh of his own. As if offering to show them how it was done.

“Well, then, Lady Igey has admitted her affection,” he pointed out, awkwardly aware that she’d included him in her statement. 

Something he wasn’t expecting. That was his fault for having phrased his own banter in such a way. He didn’t know what he thought about the concept of being cared about by a once-Ascian. 

He turned his next comment towards Howler. “I think you’ll both be just fine. Especially if you make an effort to take a few less risks. Though, us Elezen have wild intuition for a reason. May it serve you well when in need, my friend.”

It felt like their time together was coming to a close, and he found himself wrapping up some tea in travel satchels – specifically, the blend that Igey had requested earlier – ensuring they would be well stocked for drink as they took to the road. Amon stated in his showman’s voice as he handed the small package to Howler.

“You were my first customers for this new location. I’d say, ‘tis a good start for this new Tea and Tomes. May that fortune carry over into your travels.”

“Better put that memory under lock and key, not sure how often we’ll get her to admit such,” Howler let out a chuckle, light and still kept at bay, with a flash of teeth a bit too sharp. The awkwardness was felt, and Howler, being the soft bean they were, looked over to Amon. “I echo her sentiments too. You’ve become a rather important part of our lives – and I am not just talking about fixing my arm here.”

And that was enough of that, before the clone would cause too much of a malfunction – or for Amon to snatch the package of tea away from them, which was swiftly hidden somewhere underneath their hooded jacket. Safe-keeping. Theirs now. No take-backs! 

There could only be exasperation from Igey, arms lifting into the air with a shake of the head. These two were going to truly cause her to gain white hairs one day. “I’ll never admit such ever again, and no one will believe you.” A miracle really she met them each comment for comment. 

There went the tea- snatched and tucked away. Getting a huff of breath, before looking back towards the bar himself. “You may count me to slowly become a regular face to visit, Amon. Thank you, for your hospitality, assistance, and lovely teas.” A nod of her head, as the woman moved back towards the front doors. Grabbing her massive great sword of ice to carefully attach to her back once more. Leather clipping into place. “Seems we will need to get more paper for letters, hm, Howler?”

“A stop by the stores before you manage to wrangle me to the Roost,” Howler snickered, before looking somewhere towards the shadowed corners. “Pips! Time to go!”

There was a chattering noise in return, that only caused Howler to let out a quiet, amused huff. “You can play with Cadu later, you silly beast.”

With that, the baby-bat seemed to materialize out of nowhere, landing on to Howler's shoulder before finding his way into Howler's hood to nestle in. The clone however merely chuckled quietly, before looking back at Amon – giving a cheeky two-finger salute and a wink. 

“We’ll return with more stories in tow, of that you may be sure!” 

With that, the duo finally left the teashop – minds lighter, and in Howlers case, body warmer. Promises of returning felt a lot more manageable, like something Howler could actually keep for once – promises were precious things in Thenwise, always hard to hold up when the very world conspired against you. 

The evening sank in with the relative ease of a work site could be considered. Distant sounds of workers going off shift for the night, while the graveyard workers swapped their places. Miners and tool clinking in quiet evening rest. While the skies remained ever blue and fogged over, it was noticeably darker to at least indicate the lowering of the sun beyond its blanketed barrier.

Both Igey and Howler sat upon a pipe to rest, people watching one could call it. Or rather just lost in thought while recovering from their harrowing encounter. It hadn’t been nearly as bad as that day in the Shroud, thank the stars, but it still had been stressful.

Igey opened her mouth to speak, but a sound caught her attention. Howler’s tombstone was buzzing, going off. Again.

Did she dare?

“... Your haunted device is once more demanding attention, Howler.”

“It always does,” Howler commented, gently poking at one of the thin, white lines that now snaked its way over Howlers collarbone. Bloody voidsent… Still, Howler let their newly acquired scars alone, and pulled out the tomestone – only to squeak a little. 

“Oh that is- That’s a lot.”

The woman almost grimaced, as she crossed her arms. “Dare I even ask?”

“Well…” Howler started, before turning the tome over to let her see. “It’s not all bad?”

[ I WANNA HUG HOWLER OKAY, THEY SEEM LIKE A REALLY GOOD HUGGER AND CUDDLE BUDDY ]

[ I WANT TO HUG HOWLER SO MUCH. LOOKIT THIS ELEZEN. A CUTIE PATOOTIE. ]

“Huh, so you are right… Maybe we should pay more attention to these more often. At least from time to time. Whoever these two are, seem to be quite taken with you.” Igey spoke in a playful tone.

“I think it’s one and the same person, really,” Howler said, before looking towards Igey with an unamused look. “And you won’t be saying that for long. Behold.”

[ can igey step on me pleas ]

“Oh come on-” Igey’s arms threw up into the air in her frustration. That ever collected cool, and calm, self broken for the brief moment. Clearly, these things were ridiculous enough to get her to crack. “-What is with mortals these days?! Certainly not! Have some self preservation!”

“What can I say, you’re an attractive lady.” Howler grinned with all fangs out.

The woman huffed as her hands lowered back to crossing over her chest. Grumbling out, “Maybe I should punish them in not so fun ways…”

“Careful, they might take that as permission,” Howler snorted, and then started going through the messages again. “There is quite a few questions though… Let’s see what we can answer.”

[ so Howler, if timeline differences are so vast, are there different foods, like recipe's, that change? ]

[ what does howler like the most of solid foods? ]

“Oh, these should be easy enough?” Howler let Igey see the questions briefly before starting to think how to reply. “... Well, we didn’t exactly… have foods on the latter half of Thenwise. But I like the taste most. Texture second.”

“This aligns with how you spoke of… Your diet and lack there of.” Igey’s voice was displeased but not with the Elezen. Just the situation that they had come from. “It was more vitamin blocks of a sort, yes? Or strips? You only hinted to a degree. Were these flavored or no?”

“Pills,” Howler corrected, without a thought. “Soldier pills, namely. Hyper-condensed to have all the vitamins, minerals and calories a body needs in a daily intake. With occasional bar for fibre and mass for the stomach, but we had to start rationing those out after we moved to Garlemald base.”

The woman hummed in understanding, one hand now resting at her chin with a thumb and forefinger. “I see. While the pills sound incredibly useful, even for now, I can see the issues that lay within and need the bars. With Garlemald, well… It’s so frozen over, and in a situation like that, supplies would be scarce. That makes sense to me. Both a good defensive position, yet also life threatening. Hm. In that case, we need get you more food in you. For your further opinions.”

“I don’t know what to do with all of these calories you’re pumping in me…” Howler snorted, but then tapped on the screen again. 

[ Howler, would you consider Gridania a home location, or Thanalan? ]

“... Neither,” Howler replied, softly, before looking away. “Thenwise was my home. The base in Garlemald was my home. This timeline has… it has not provided a ground where I dare to grow roots yet. Not yet.”

“... So instead, you let your roots become wings to soar the clouds instead of swim the earth?” Igey commented back softly. Did she just use poetics? 

Howler only smiled a bit in return at first. “Mayhaps. I’ve always been a wanderer at heart, perhaps wings over roots was always meant for me. At least now my roots may have a movable pot.”

“Heh.” A smile graced the shorter woman’s features in return, arms lowered to her lap. “You’ve never sounded more like your family than that moment. Well done. Always needing the wind under your wings.”

“A Kore is a Kore,” Howler agreed, before looking down. “Speaking of the airship….”

[ local basement ̸͎̖̙̿█̶̻͇͂█̸̘͔̪͋͛̾█̷̼̠͛̎̇█̵̞̈̊͐ͅ█̷͚̽͋͝█̶̬̫̩͊ found, everyone prepare your howler treats to make them run around at high speed, and deny sleep for █̸͎͉̉̆̅█̷̗͛█̸͖̺̓█̷̯̈́̕█̸̺̓͊͛█̵̜͓̭̂͒̚█̵̨̈́ ]

“Huh… That keeps happening. Wonder what keeps getting censored.”

“Hm… Odd… Could be a restriction of fonts, or text types, that your tomestone lacks? Might need a system update.” Her eyes narrowed behind those sunglasses. Huffing harshly as if the very word, or lack of word, offended her. “But you will certainly not be keeping me awake, Howler. I may be the local tank, but I enjoy a good sleep.”

“I am more surprised they knew I was going to make your room in downstairs.” Howler mused, not commenting on anything else.

“Wait, that wasn’t just a joke?! You are putting me in the bloody basement?!”

“Downstairs, not a basement!” 

Igey could only lift her hand and pinch at her brow. Heaving a long, suffering sigh. Acceptance.

With a giggle, Howler scrolled and… froze.

[ hold up, wait a minute, estinien?! ]

“We aren’t going to talk about him.”

A shift of body, and Igey glanced at the message as well. “The azure dragoon?”

Howler very slowly turned their head towards Igey, face neutral for the most part – aside from slightly widened eyes. An unnatural smile came up on their face – small, toothless, one that did not reach their eyes. “We. Are not. Talking. About him.”

Igey knew trauma and uncomfortable body language when she saw it. And here it was like a god damn beacon. Igey didn’t flinch, lean, show difference. She immediately nodded instead. “Very well. Understood. We move on.”

Head tilted down, finger reached out to scroll further on the Tomestone herself. “Ah, this one seems rather apt, considering our quest.”

[ I GOTTA KNOW WHERE THE ROT CAME FROM, DOES ANYONE KNOW?!? ]

“Hm.” The woman sat straighter now, head tilting back to stare at the darkened skies above. “If I were to answer, I couldn’t give you a positive answer. Just theories.” One hand lifted with a finger pointed upwards, in that same, almost professor like way, she sometimes gets.

“Which is more than what we had. Rot came completely out of nowhere for us, and it took ages to track down where the first seeds were planted. Even now, I only know it came for the Voidsent first….” Howler commented, making a small sigh. It had been about survival then… Their parents had tried to stop it at the source, and failed.

That hand and finger lifted twirled a bit, as if she danced her thoughts around the finger itself. “That would make some sense. Especially given the hunger it has, lines up with Voidsent quite easily. A similar niche to infect… But seeds, hmm… Yes, I can see the comparison. But in this case, it is already dead before harvest.” Head lowered once more, instead staring at the ground below the pipe they sat on. “Every time we have come across these, something… Prickles, at the back of my mind. But when it is particularly strong, like in La Noscea, it’s a familiarity I can not ignore. Not just from encountering it previously.”

Igey’s head turned then, just enough to look towards Howler. But her eyes were peeking from beyond red sunglasses, purple eyes intense in their gaze, almost aglow. “My soul recognized it. That thing, that rot, originates from something far, far older. I can not give you a confirmation, but it certainly has the weight of ages. It is beyond even the time we have here and now. And has been fermenting in rage and rotten decay.”

“Is that a fact, or just your professional opinion?” Howler asked, trying to lighten the mood even a little – suddenly, the idea of facing something far older than the Star they currently were walking on sounded… something far beyond their paygrade. They were no Warrior of Light, or even a Scion – despite being trained by their remnants.

“Professional opinion spiced with experience. Making it an unpleasant plate to eat. Again, only theory. Could also be something far more simple of just a very angry Voidsent. Anyway, we move on.”

[ So tell me little young Elezen, what do you know of ancients? Of the old world before even this new one? ]

“I… know precious little, and even less of the second part?” oh, oh Howler- “They didn’t have time to explain any of that, between fighting and surviving and trying to figure out why the world was rotting-”

Instead, they turned towards Igey.  

Igey blinked a moment behind the sunglasses. And slightly leaned away. “... I can only teach to a degree of the ancient civilizations. However, that is a lesson for another time, hm? When it comes up, then it comes up in the world. Like bronze lake. Yes?”

Howler let out a small, disappointed sound from the back of their throat before looking the tomestone again. “Sorry, I really don’t know all that much… Kind of wish I did. I was told something about Sundering, but none of the details…”

“Now that is a subject for something much later. Much, much, later.” Igey’s voice was a lot more firm than she intended it to be.

“Noted,” Howler nodded quickly, before looking for the last newest message.

[ howler how do you feel about dragons? ] “Uh… I’ve never met one, so I wouldn’t be able to make a comment. They uh. They’re all dead in Thenwise.”

“All of them…?”

Howler let out a quiet, sad laugh. “All of them. If any survived, they never appeared anywhere near us. Isghards fall took out over three quarters of their numbers if boss was correct, you don’t… really bounce back from that. Especially if you’re being actively hunted right after.”

“By Sol.” Igey whispered with a heavy weight, grimacing. Even saying an old world expletive. “... Well… When, not if, when we manage to get north… There will be plenty of Dragons. Not all friendly. Best stay on your guard just in case.”

“So what you’re saying is, we need to get guns for the airship?”

“Absolutely not!” Immediately Igey sat straighter, one arm reaching out and placing on Howler’s shoulder quickly and giving a light shake. The other hand pointing at them. “We’re not mounting any weapons on it unless absolutely neccesary!”

“I don’t know, you’re making it sound like it might be necessary-”

The woman groaned, her arms lifting back into the air in exasperation. “Impossible, you are. Sometimes so bloody impossible.”

“I wouldn’t claim to be so altruistic,” Howler admitted, honestly and bashfully, before their gaze fell on the table. Shameful, almost. “... I lost much and more to the rot. I’ll not suffer for that to happen to anyone else, but if I can settle even a small personal score while at it, I won’t object.”

Howler's debts were both deep and old, gaping and aching wounds that they covered up with polite smiles and eagerness to aid. Anything to ignore it. Then again, maybe Howler was just being a little too humble here, with how easily they stepped in to help whenever possible. 

The hyur however was more contemplative, a low hum starting before the woman spoke. “Myself has a more… I suppose, complicated reasoning. While yes, I do wish to help, and will give my all to ensure Howler’s safety while our foes become fallen, there is several more levels under that.” Of which would not be elaborated upon, instead squaring her shoulders with head held high. “Currently? There is not an immediate emergency to be called, it is quite capable of being handled at present. Without anything to stop it however? That would cause a build up of tainted life, and a slow twisted death. It’s been slowly forced back as it is.”

Listening to Igeys words, Howler nodded – it was still not an emergency. Not yet. Dangerous yes, and yet Howler had already caused two blows to this cancer's growth, giving them more time to find the rest. And yet Howler wasn’t comfortable with how close it was getting – if only they had been sent further back! Even a few moons worth would’ve made a difference. Ah. No. Focus, Howler. 

They turned back in right on time – having almost missed the first part. In fact, for a moment they thought they misheard Amon – but he repeated himself. 

Howler's eyes widened just for a moment, slightly taken aback – in a good way! – of Amon's offer, as the man started listing off what skills he was willing to lend to aid their cause. Jaw almost dropped open, before the clone managed to snap it shut – they’d have to actually say something before Amon thought they’d refuse! 

Granted, this all was supposed to be Howlers duty but… Well. No. That was pride talking. Old and wounded pride. This went beyond just one person, it made sense to offer the chance for more people to throw their hat in on the metaphorical ring – and this particular hat came with a rather eyecatching plume. 

To get Amons attention, Howler made a quick motion with their hand - a relieved smile slowly growing on the clones face. 

“I… I do appreciate the offer. And I am not in position - or even mind, honestly - to decline either.”

They had to get that part out first. To let their friend know how relieved Howler was, even if asking help hadn’t been easy in the slightest. Hells, they hadn’t even asked, merely presented the problem!

Taking a look towards Igey, they waited for a moment for a nod – something to show her approval of what was happening.

Igey nodded back in recognition, before turning full attention upon Amon once more. Her confidence so much larger than what should be in the shorter hyur. “Your skills in restoring Technology, especially that of Allagan design, would be greatly appreciated. Such items can be useful in defenses against our foes, as well as the world around us. An excellent example of your work is right there in Howler’s arm.” Her hand motions then, almost playfully, towards the cloned Elezen at her side. But did not hesitate to continue speaking. “Should we come across anything of the technology sort on our own travels, we shall bring it to you, or lacking that, have them delivered.”

“As for the aetherochemicalbiology of yours… I would not recommend going for samples. However, it can make for an assist in medicines, as well as potential pain numbing agents should desperation become demand. If you have a capability of that, I would be willing to pay in supplies.” And Igey certainly did have her strange and mysterious ways of acquiring certain items.

She did seem to contemplate the next idea however. It had her looking almost pleased with the idea. “Hmm… Scouting would be wise. Especially with letters becoming such a commonality. Keeping eyes and ears on the world would be wise, yes. However, aethersight… That is a rather rare trait, not easy to train. I can describe what to watch for, it will become obvious, should you wish.”

Howler meanwhile had taken a more thoughtful pose. Hand on their chin, eyes narrowing ever so slightly, as Howler rubbed thumb against the side of their jaw. “Samples would be difficult… Most Corrupted get stripped of their flesh upon death, and those who don’t get burnt to avoid surprise attacks from the rot.”

Their voice was quiet, contemplative even. “Capturing a Corrupted is also not exactly advisable, I’ve seen how that goes too many times. Not saying it isn’t impossible, just…” 

Suddenly, Howlers eyes started to wander. Down to the mechanical wrist, and up the arm. 

Up where a small nest of eternal cold kept pressing against the bone, trapped by the unfamiliar, burning aether. 

“... I know where we can get one sample safely. Small one, but…”

Igey paused, and slowly looked back at Howler. At their arm. Then back up.

“... Howler-”

Amon tilted his head, taking a moment to absorb what all had just happened. Not only were his offer and impromptu resume welcomed and accepted, but it sounded as if Howler had taken it a step further, suggesting a path that the Allagan really had not foreseen in any way.

There were things – warnings – Amon knew he had to put into place if he were to move forward in this direction. But then, he didn’t know if it was merely passing talk, or if the other Elezen was serious on the issue.

First, though.

“Not altruistic, you say,” his golden eyes absorbed them both for a moment, not in a judging way, just observational. “Mayhaps you started down a path with your own purpose in mind. Mayhaps that reason felt selfish, and mayhaps it was. But actions and outcomes speak volumes in the end.”

He paused, thinking about his own crimes and the things he’d done since to dig himself out of the suffocating pit he’d buried himself in during his past life. Indeed, his own intentions had been self-serving at first – to ease the weight of his guilt. But maybe, if he was generous to admit, some good had come from those efforts.

“What starts as selfish desire can transform into something different. Something better,” Amon confided, flicking a glance between Howler and Igey. “Mayhaps something even good.”

Now, with that said…

“Though you know me as your friend, I must admit, I have not always been someone… something… good,” he murmured. “In fact, the jury is out on whether I am now. Or if I’m even on the proper path. Such things are hard to judge from the internal view, I suppose. I’ve learned that my hopeful intentions often fool me into believing I’m in the right of things, while my actions can result in...”

A lowering of his gaze. His ears signaled an uncertainty that his normal mask of self confidence did not let show. But if Howler was to pursue this path, they had all rights to be informed of what kind of person held the knife.

“I grasp what you are suggesting, Howler,” another head tilt, this time away from the other Elezen. “While it makes perfect sense, please consider the fact that you hardly know me, truly.  I doubt that ‘twould be any true risk to your person for me to perform removal of said tissue samples, but…”

For me, Amon of Allag, to put someone on a lab table again. Now. After everything I’ve done.

Amon appeared to be having trouble finding words at this point. So, he took a collected breath and simply gave Howler a plaintive look.

“Just… take care in whom you put your trust, my friend.”

Howler’s eyes flicked over to Igey upon that little call of their name – she might’ve suspected, but Howler had never really voiced it. How could they? Still… Coeurl was now out of the bag so to speak. 

And yet that wasn’t what was keeping Howlers attention – it was Amon. Amon and his confession of not having been the best of people before. Of not knowing still. That uncertainty was one Howler was far too familiar with, though in a different context – it was something that occasionally crept up on Igey, when she thought Howler wasn’t paying attention.

Not that Howler knew why. 

What they did know however-

The cloned Elezen took a few steps – closing the distance between themself and Amon. Without hesitation, and yet with gentle, visible movements, they reached out to take hold of Amon's sleeve with both hands – near the wrist. A hold that meant a lot for Howler, meant to reassure both others and oneself.

They were here and unless Amon told Howler to leave, they were going to put their trust in the older Elezen. Now to just vocalize it, properly. 

“I know not what you’ve done in your past, but so far, with us, you’ve helped a total stranger to fight again-” Howler started, motioning towards the arm. “- indulged in silly letters of a lonely wanderer, and opened your tea-shop for a visit despite not knowing much of us. And upon hearing what was coming, you offered to help, with little to no hesitation.”

Howler let out a small sigh, as their shoulders relaxed and head tilted, with a small smile forming up. Understanding, empathetic even – and just a bit touched on the worry Amon showed a moment ago when it came to Howlers trust. 

“I find pride in myself being able to tell who means me or mine harm, even if I am not the best at talking to people. And not once have I felt any of the sort from you. Curiosity, yes, but that is hardly a sin. Your past is yours and it clearly weighs you heavily, but for me? You’re not a bad person. Not anymore at least.”

The hyur stayed right where she was, observing the two with marked interest… And then, the barest hint of a smile managed to make its way onto her usually strict features. Igey nodding softly in Amon and Howler’s direction. “When they say that they can tell, it is not said with jest. It is quite literal. As one whom has witnessed their capability and talent, as well as had it turned upon myself? I’m inclined to agree. You’ve shown no ill will towards either of us. Despite even approaching you with little to know preamble. You willingly assisted.”

Her figure shifted more weight onto one leg, a subtle stance motion when one may be pondering words or a follow up. She was no different. Or maybe she was, and merely wished to articulate her body language in how at ease it felt to be here. “Your actions speak volumes of your character in the here and now, Amon. While your words hold weight, your warnings earnest, this is entirely your own actions. Not anyone else. Not anywhere else. It is your own choices that have given us insight to your person… I think for this moment, you can be trusted with it. And I am not a woman that trusts lightly…”

Howler let out a small laugh at that. “I can attest. She was sent to help me and yet she felt like she had to do a round of twenty questions just to make sure I was of the decent sort.”

There was an amused snort right after from the clone, as they took a look at the woman. “Barely answered any of mine own while at it… But the point stands. So far you’ve been nothing but kind, welcoming, and just a touch mischievous. I see no harm in trusting you.”

… And right after saying that, Howler made a grin of their own – for once showing those longer canines just for a brief moment. “And it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been operated on - at least this time it’d be somewhere with sterile equipment and someone who knows how to hold the knife without trembling.” 

Igey sighed in exasperation, pinching her brow right after.

Amon wasn’t fully certain what to expect in the coming moments. He’d voiced his disclaimer, as he thought best, but it was up to the others what they chose to do with the information. Mayhaps he shouldn’t have been so surprised that Howler responded with acceptance, but the fact that it was mirrored by Igey as well, left him in a momentary state that he could only describe as emotionally numb.

It’s was all he could do when he was unsure of how to properly respond to something.

The other Elezen reached out to him with a sincere motion, grasping his sleeve at the wrist. This wasn’t the first time Howler had done so, and the mindfulness of the motion was enough to speak volumes of meaning behind it. Even if Amon wasn’t aware of what that meaning was.

It was almost tender. Reassuring. And enough to cause Amon to pause, head tiling once again as he listened to the case presented. Words that spoke in his favor, of all things.

While this was much within itself, it was Igey’s additions that left a shiver running through his body. What she said. The way she said it.

-…this is entirely your own actions. Not anyone else. Not anywhere else…-

Almost as if she was aware of the dark secrets that haunted him. Of being a puppet on someone else’s string, merely an actor on the stage for a play he didn’t write. His deep, internal fear questioning what he was, what he could have become, and whether he was really ever himself to begin with.

They were right, however. His choices and interactions with them had been his own, and intentionally so. Mayhaps brought about initially by curiosity. But now, concern was meddling amongst the emotions.

“Hm,” Amon made a soft sound in the back of his throat as he measured what to say next. A glance at Howler who had clearly touched him with their open sincerity, and then to Igey who had shaken him by hitting far to close to the mark.

“Well now, I would not dare question Howler’s professional judge of character, nor would I deem to turn down Lady Igey’s hard-earned trust,” he responded carefully, clearing his throat to hide the emotional lump that was now forming. “I understand all too well the trials of truth and trust. And I am more than honored to have earned your favor for having done but a trifle, to be honest.”

Maybe Amon was worried that the cracks in his mask – as small as they were – might give away the extent of his relief and gratitude at their reply. That’s why he quickly cast about, turning towards a diversion, as was his way.

“That being said, did I sense some amount of surprise about something… on your suggestion of taking a sample from your arm?” The Allagan now turned to Howler. While Igey’s reaction had been somewhat curtailed by Amon’s confessions, he had not overlooked the exchange.

Something about Howler had been uncovered there, which had ignited such a response. Of course, not fully knowing all there was to tell of the story, Amon wasn’t sure what it was about.

But inquiring minds wanted to know…

“It might’ve been trifle matter for you, but for me it meant the world.”

And saving the said world, but that hardly needed to be said. No need to stress the older man out with doom and gloom and possible end of the world. Still, Howler had to emphasize the effect Amon had had so far. The flood of relief and gratitude gave the clone the impression Amon didn’t get encouraged nearly enough in his life – but maybe it was best not to push it right now. 

Regret and pain were not undone with just pretty words, as Howler was too keenly aware – the people they had grown around had been a stellar example of that. 

Still, Amon was quickly changing the topic, and Howler let go of the sleeve – deeming that this topic, while important, would have to be left for a later date. Perhaps with someone a bit more trusted than a timetraveler from the ruined future who carried far too many secrets for their own good.

Speaking of those secrets… 

“I do believe it is time to tell the whole truth of just why you have that Allagan prosthetic, Howler. Considering Amon is our mechanic, no?” Igey having already shown her hand of trust, as pointed as it may have been, had turned that same coin around on Howler.

Howler let out an awkward chuckle, before putting their now freed hand on top of the old wound. One where the aether was completely alien compared to Howlers ‘normal’, so to speak – even if the always fluctuating aether wasn’t exactly normal by today's standards. 

“I didn’t lose my arm just because of an attack from a strong enemy. It had to be removed.” they started, eyes now going back to the cut-off point. It wasn’t a pleasant memory, never had been – but it was the best example of what kind of danger they would be in if this wasn’t dealt with. 

“... After my arm was impaled, it tried to turn me. Had my godfather hesitated for even a heartbeat, it would’ve been too late… The problem is, when the corruption starts, it wraps itself around the bones, and then goes for the flesh.”

A firm nod came from the blue haired woman. Her mind going back to having witnessed this first hand, in the advanced staged of infection, and remains, alongside fresh infestation on living bodies. “I’ve seen this first hand. The encounter which had broken that arm before, the Ahriman. It had been infected all the way down to it’s core, the bones, and its aether. Eaten away. When it died, all the flesh seemingly burnt away… Or withered, rather, into dust. Leaving behind practically fossilized remains covered with dead pulsing vines. Like kudzu, or dead rose bush. Then not even that remained… As for the flesh? With Amaljaa recently having crossed previously infected source, it had taken root. Discoloration, madness, hunger. It looks not unlike frostbite, but twists even the very aether.”

Howler gave a firm nod for Igey, before turning back to Amon with a bit of an awkward smile. “It starts with the bones when it takes hold… or root, so to speak. In any case, we didn’t exactly have a surgeon to remove all of the infected tissue so close to the bone. Boss tried, but he was never good with a scalpel… nicked an artery at least twice if the stories are to be believed. Good news is my own aether combined with my godfathers was enough to keep what remained contained, though-”

There was a vague motion towards Howlers face, at the darker eyelids, the darkened lips. “- It did leave its mark. Igey thought it was makeup at first.”

Discoloration where the skin was thinnest. It really had been a close call. 

“Mmm….” A deep-throated and grim sound was the only response the Allagan offered to Howler’s tale at first.

Amon’s mind was whirring, however, working to process the new information he’d been afforded. This pieced together so many elements that had been missing, and explained what his aether sight had instantly noted, but he could not fully discern.

Eventually, he leaned back, now very much in Technologist Mode™. Not thinking to filter his words, he simply spoke a rapid recap in order to receive confirmation that what he thought he heard was accurate.

“So, am I to understand you are in some way a carrier of this foreign infection, though it remains mostly contained -- for now?” Amon’s eyebrow quirked upwards as he leveled a burning golden gaze at the other Elezen. “Fended off by aether alone, do you feel ‘twill be enough to keep this from manifesting further in the future? Aether is strong, but not infallible, as we all know.”

He reached for what appeared to be a Tomephone of a larger form factor – a refurbished Tomepad – and quickly flicked a finger across the screen with a compressed intensity. Finally finding the object of his search, he began to scribble on the device’s surface with a makeshift stylus, creating a new document for these findings.

And his newest potential patient.  

Perhaps he could be of more use to them than he’d realized.

“If ‘tis so, I suggest immediate extraction of as much infected tissue as possible, and a thorough investigation of the culture,” Amon nodded, as if speaking to himself as he wrote. “I can’t promise that I can determine the nature of said infection, or offer a true cure, but I can promise that I will put my full focus on uncovering as much as I can about your situation.”

For the first time in the middle of this spirited monologue, the Allagan paused and considered how he might be interpreted by those who watched. And how insensitive his words may have sounded to others.

“Forgive me, friends,” he cleared his throat, blinking a few times as if shaking off an unexpected fervor. With an apologetic smile, his expression softened, and he glanced again at Howler. “This is, of course, all your decision to make. I will abide by your choice.”

Amon really did not waste any moment there, and for a moment, Howler was rather surprised to see such a quick change in their friend. But then again, science was this mans passion, and Howler had just handed over a metaphorical puzzle to be solved – so it wasn’t exactly all that odd come to think of it. 

The questions, clean and precise, paired with that intense glare – it was all too familiar, in a different sense. Old habits almost crept back up, answers already rattling in their brain with as much clinical clarity as they could give. 

As if giving a report. 

Yet before they could open their mouth, Amon paused with his monologue, and Howler managed to get in a small breath for themself – before giving a smile in return. “All good. As I said, I trust you with this – you just surprised me for a second there.”

And considering the questions asked, Howler had a feeling they had made the right choice there. 

“As for your questions… Yes. Right now I do carry a small part of the infection, and it has been under containment for roughly a decade by now. However I know the risks – if my own aether becomes too unbalanced or I become too drained, there is a chance it might break free so I do agree with removing as much as we can. I cannot safely do any major spell-casting with it lurking right there, especially elemental kind.”

“That explains a few things, Ávrio…” The shorter woman muttered, giving a side-long look at Howler. She recalled just how that certain encounter had ended, and how they had become friends with Amon there after. 

Igey cleared her throat then, looking back towards the older Elezen with a much calmer expression in her features. “On the contrary, I respect and appreciate the straightforward scientific thought process you begin. I myself was once very similar with discoveries, then became a professor that taught students long ago at an Akademia. Your professional assistance would be much appreciated in this endeavour, my friend.”

Howler nodded after Igeys words, free hand going over the cut-off point while filing away that Igey had been a professor at one point. She did enjoy teaching quite a bit… 

Though it did feel weird to be the closest thing to an expert on the topic at hand – or, well, arm in this case – when standing next to two actually academically inclined people. Still, best to keep the ball rolling so to speak.

“Do you have any way to keep the removed tissue in stasis? The infected tissue has a tendency to dissipate without a host to cling to, and I do not know if this will do the same – but from the research I do remember it could be held in stasis for a little while at the very least. That or frozen.”

One hand lifted into the air next to the clone then, the blunette wiggling her gauntlet clad digits as frost danced between each one. Frozen crystals forming mid air, before it dissipated. “Not a problem between either of us, I would think.”

Well at least that was covered. Howler dared to nod a little, before turning back to Amon. “I won’t hold it against you if you can’t find a cure, people back at Thenwise worked hard on finding solutions and came up short. Then again, there were a lot of things working against us… Time and resources being one. Still. I thank you, this means… a lot. A lot more than I can express.” 

Amon swallowed down a sudden lump in his throat as Howler doused him in a wave of thanks. The Allagan wasn’t used to other people’s willingness, much less gratitude, when it came to participating in his once-occupation. But then, he’d only been fooling himself to believe he was using his talents for the betterment of his people and empire in his previous lifetime - wasn’t he?

Howler’s unexpected thanksgiving struck a sensitive spot that Amon didn’t realize he’d been harboring. But it also told him that this was the right thing to do.

“Ah, yes. Well,” Amon blinked away the emotion, gathering his composure with a slightly crooked grin. “I suppose ‘tis some part left for me to play in this world still yet, aye?”

Hoping to shift attention off of himself, he turned with an air of approval towards Igey.

“A lady of academics, then? I should not be surprised to hear this,” the Elezen touched the brim of his hat in a motion of respect. “Given your knowledge and experience, I’d very much like your input on this process, naturally. Especially since you know first-hand what we’re dealing with.”

He then turned to glance about the room.

“Freezing the samples is idea for the short term. I do have some long-term bio-containers which I was able to salvage from Syrc-“ Amon stopped himself quickly and rerouted with a similar-sounding word, “Cir-cumstantial situations.”

Though it didn’t show on his face, he was internally jittery about his near slip, and continued in a conversational tone. As if talking more would erase what he almost said.  

“People do so discard old technology before they think to ask what it even does!”

A slight laugh and a dramatic shrug.

“Thankfully, ‘tis my job to restore such.”

A long breath, hoping the danger had passed. He chided himself for getting sloppy under pressure and emotion.

“Time is of the essence, I know,” Amon continued, getting back on track. “We have a couple of options. My make-shift lab is located in one of the rooms in my Free Company house. Unfortunately, ‘tis in Shirogane, which is quite a distance away.

“Alternatively, we could also clean this location to the best of our ability, and use this space. I do have the tools I need for the process on hand – please do not ask me why,” he added a soft chuckle to that. “This would not make for the most sterile lab environment I’ve ever worked in, but ‘twould save time. I could then transport the frozen samples back to my lab in Shirogane for study.”

Amon glanced between them.

“Or, if ‘tisn’t something you have time to see to now, we can schedule it for a later date. ‘Tis all up to you.”

Howler gave a rather confused look at Amons words – of course he had a role to play! But instead of voicing that, they allowed Igey and Amon to continue their conversation, sensing that this, too, was not something to be probed at just yet. 

“My knowledge and experience is to be shared, as knowledge should be. Passed on and learned. You have my word on this.” Igey’s voice was calm in her response, a soft nod in return towards Amon at his hat tip. But that slip up? Did not get past her. The nod was slower, with a brief glimpse of the purple eye behind red lenses. And there was an eerie knowing in that gaze, before she moved on with a relaxed breath.

That same slipup also caused Howler’s ears to perk ever so slightly. Sorry, Amon, but it seems they both noticed it. Howler even made an inquisitive head-tilt, openly expressing their interest - before pulling back a bit. Curiosity turned into an understanding smile, signaling that the clone had heard the slip-up, but was not going to push for answers. 

At your own pace friend. 

Amon had been gracious enough not to do the same for them when vulnerable, and Howler was more than happy to return the favor. 

“Tiss a shame, so many willingly ignore, or toss aside, useful tools. Technology was not the problem, but rather those that used it. Much like a blade. Itself is not evil, or trouble, but the intent of the wielder is.” Igey’s words spoken from a place of experience, wisdom ringing through, as her hand rested on her hip.

And yet it was that talk that finally got Howler to talk – discarded tools was hitting a bit too close to old wounds, so instead they cleared their throat. “Best we do the operation here. I don’t have an easy way to get to Shirogane-” actually, Howler had never even been to the place “- and we need to head out again soon.”

Igey probably wasn’t going to be too happy about that part, Howler needed rest after everything and yet here they were… ready to cut out pieces of themselves and head out to the fray again with less rest than was probably recommended in today's standards. 

That assumption was proven right, the moment her head snapped to the side and stared him down with a displeased glower, but said nothing… No matter how tempting.

That look however was ignored, as Howler stretched their arms above their head. “So with that in mind… let’s get to cleaning!” 

Howler lost the track of time between dusting, moving objects, Igey’s icy breeze clearing the air, and the scent of cleaning supplies – routine bringing comfort they hadn’t expected. And yet… Many hands made quick work, and soon enough the place was about as good as they were going to get it. 

Howler shook their hands a little bit. It had been… well it had been a while since they last were on an operating table like this. And there really wasn’t even a table here, not really. Still. 

“Mind if I have a quick change of clothes?” they managed to ask, before making a hand-wave towards their jacket and shirt, that were of thicker material. Great for traveling and cleaning, not so much for comfort. “This is not exactly cozy for surgeries, and I do need to remove my arm for easier access besides.” 

Already, the shortest of their trio had removed her coat layer and gauntlets, leaving her in the short sleeve under shirt, her things tucked to a chair in the far corner. Her free hand motioned towards their bags nearby. “We do go everywhere with your outfits tucked away in the storage stones.”

“Still don’t know where you got those…” Howler mused under their breath – those stones had been a real blessing when it came to storage space. Not the point though. Their eyes turned back to Amon, apologetic. “I would need a space though – don’t suppose you got a broom closet I can borrow for a minute or two?”

“Incredible work with cleaning, if I may say so,” Amon complemented warmly, his tone full of approval. This had certainly expedited his own plans to launch his new place of business. Though, hopefully, word won’t get out that it was temporarily used as a surgical facility before it became a tea house.

Like the others, he was also working through a change of garments, having hung his coat and his feathered hat near to the entryway. The Allagan hummed slightly to himself as he rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt, pulled out his surgical tools, and ensured his medical gloves were in good order, snapping them on snuggly one finger at a time.

Amon had already pulled a couple of the most steady tables together to serve as a makeshift lab surface. Covered with what was once a dining tablecloth, it would do well enough in a pinch.

He glanced over at Howler as the other Elezen asked for a place of privacy for their own change of clothes. If they felt any anxiousness about what was about to happen, they did not show it. If there was one thing Amon was familiar with, it was fear in the eyes of one soon to be strapped to his specimen table – something he did not see here.

That had been a lifetime ago, Amon quickly reminded himself. A lifetime he’d made promises to never repeat.

The Elezen cleared his throat thoughtfully and motioned to one corner of the room. “I’m not sure of a broom closet, but should you push past some of the rubble over there, I thought I saw a set of stairs leading to the lower level. Uncertain if ‘tis functional all the way down, but the stairwell can work if ‘tis no way to reach the basement.”

“Downstairs, got it – I’ll try not to cause a mess down there.” Howler gave a quick, two-finger salute before heading for the bags. After a second of ruffling, they tossed a dull orange stone in the air, snatching it mid-fall between their fingers, satisfied how quickly they’d found it. 

“I’ll be back as soon as I can!” they promised, before heading off – nimble as ever, easily managing to squeeze past any and all objects that were in their way. Within seconds, their footsteps vanished down below… 

 “Don’t trip.” Igey gave a simple call out, as Howler vanished into the unknown down stairs, and whatever else might be down there in the old storage. Hopefully they wouldn’t get distracted with anything down there, she certainly didn’t want to go looking for them…

Besides, the blue haired woman had a far more different interest at the moment, as she turned her head to look towards Amon as he set the work station. Unsure of just how to gently broach the subject in her mind, maybe never would be. So maybe a slightly more direct route would be the wiser option. Even if she would rather not panic the poor man.

Slow footsteps brought her closer, to be standing at the other side of the table, watching with an almost… Gentle expression? Hard to tell with those impossible red sunglasses. The woman’s voice lowered when she spoke, “I’ve been wanting to speak with you privately, even brief, for some time now. And your earlier slip made this more clear it should happen sooner, rather than later… I assure you, I mean you no troubles with the following conversation, wishing to speak candidly.”

“Only an Allagan could properly loot Syrcus Tower, let alone without tripping anything, Amon of Syrcus.”

Amon had been aligning his surgical instruments in the perfect order that he always preferred when Igey’s words reached his ears. This procedure instantly stopped, his hand lingering over one of the sharp utensils almost subconsciously as he heard his true name spoken.

Tension spread through his limbs visibly, as a bit of a shadow fell beneath his white bangs, dripping into his eyes. He didn’t look at the woman as his voice took on that deeper, more somber timbre.

“Mayhaps.”

Though it was he who was on the spot, his mind churned with many questions about her. His eyes didn’t lift as he quietly cast the ball back in her court.

“’Tis most interesting that you are familiar enough with Allagans, much less my name, to draw such a correlation from a mere slip of words.” He was now cursing himself for having been so careless in his earlier conversation. “I’ve lived amongst the Eorzeans for many years now, and can attest that their general history has lost most knowledge of my time and people, until as of recently. Few know a Technologist of the Tower even existed, much less know his name.”

Amon successfully suppressed the desire to glance her way. However, the slight tremble of the tips of his ears belied the pressure of emotion brewing inside. Namely, the overwhelming paranoia that he thought he’d overcome… until it now gripped him again.

Had all of this time spent between them been merely a ruse to get him to let his guard down? Only for him to be uncovered? But now what? What was their game?

“I have to wonder, what astute institute of learning provided you the information to draw such an accurate conclusion?” A hollow chuckle parted his lips as he continued, “Especially when I have practically paraded before the fore-most Allagan scholars of this age garnering nary a glance of interest.”  

Okay, so that last bit was an exaggeration. But only slightly.

The reaction was to be expected, Igey was quite prepared for it as she allowed Amon to run his course of paranoia and tension. She was not going to fight it, for it was a very well placed worry, considering the history of the original… Both original and otherwise- she greatly disliked what became of that one in particular. But this one? This Amon? He has forged his own life, his own history, and paved a way for a new future, free of the corrupt involvement of a dying empire around him. 

And thusly was he free of any torment.

Any preconceptions.

Any demands of twisted means.

Just… A man, with a skillset, and a few different passions.

It was refreshing in ways that Igey hadn’t really taken into account for herself until the first few letters she had read. And maybe just a dash of hope, for a better future of this world alongside those in it. And maybe, just maybe, her own as well.

“I’d heard rumor of a skilled technologist in the region, and kept my ears out for descriptions. I’d known immediately of course… Tiss how I knew where to bring Howler, if you must know the truth, for when they needed the arm worked on.” Igey began as she placed her hands, palm down, on the edge cloth of the makeshift surgical table. Intending to have them in full view, and pressed flat. If he would not look at her directly, then at least him able to see she would do nothing with said hands may help put some of his fears at ease. Alongside each slow breath.

There was a brief moment of double thinking this, should it be a pursuit continued? Does she dare open up about some of her identity here? Maybe it would be the only way to get him to trust her further. “No, none may recognize you on such a personal level. Most might just assume you were quite enamored of certain details of Allag and took these upon your person… It was not an institute that gave me my unique insight. The answer is rather quite simple; I was there. In the empire of Allag, now and then, and witnessed many a year.”

Another slow movement, as the woman lifted her hand back up, to her face. Sunglasses pulled off to let vibrant purple eyes gaze freely. Those shades are put down onto the table now, and pushed forwards- only to be dispelled. A magic flickering over them. It was a glamour- For they then became a mask. A red mask, long, with an arrow down the center of it. But the mask itself was cracked diagonally, and held together with a soft white and blue seal that almost faintly glowed. “You are not the only one escaping a past out of your control, and given a second chance, Amon.”

Amon’s eyes did flick to guardedly watch the pair of hands that appeared on the table as tension boiled through his veins. The woman’s words were distant as he grappled with his internal turmoil. But then. Then, his attention darted to the pair of common glasses Igey usually wore as they were placed between them… watching as enchantment was peeled back, exposing a very telltale red mask.

Despite the fact that several reputable sources informed Amon that his soul had been tied to one of a number of ancient beings, stories were as close as he’d ever come to meeting any of them. At least, to his memory.

The Tower told him that this whole mess began when his Other had a brush with one such individual – identified as Emet Selch. This meeting had apparently been wiped from his knowledge. That had been the only way to make him a non-biased participant in Amon of Allag’s last and greatest social experiment.

In life, ever had he fearlessly tested his theories upon his own flesh, twisted though he became. That final time, he’d tested his theories upon his own fragmented soul. And this broken reflection of what he had once been was the result.

“Ascian?” he breathed the word, his own hands withdrawing from the sharp utensils he’d been handling but a moment before.

Amon knew very little about these beings, but he was aware enough to sense that nothing in that room would save him if one had finally come to claim him again. He internally cursed himself and his lack of perception – his aether sense had known something wasn’t quite right, but again, had failed to warn him of the danger he was stepping into.

He wouldn’t make that mistake again. Granted, he had to survive this first.

All semblance of restraint melted as he took a step backwards. Then another. And another. Until his back met with a cupboard, affording him no more means of putting distance between himself and the Ascian.

His golden eyes were fixed on the woman he thought he’d known. Someone he thought he almost trusted. Almost liked.

Fear was not a common expression he allowed himself, and even now, he wore it awkwardly, though openly. Something as close to horror as Amon of Syrcus could manage.

Every sentence he spoke came with a rush of breath, making it hardly more than a swift whisper. He didn’t even try to filter the words that breathed from him.

“Have you come for me?”

His ear twitched, signaling that his thoughts had leapt on another, disjointed train of thought.

“What of Howler? Surely you aren’t…”

Ear twitch in sudden protest.

“Howler’s but a youth!”

Ear twitch.

“If you must take someone for your machinations, let it be me.”

Ear twitch.

“I have already lived my life. They have much yet to experience.”

Ear twitch.

“However, if you think I will easily give into the temptations as my Other once did, I shall have to disappoint you.”

Both ears twitched. A gathering of courage and steel will, the golden eyes finally narrowed in stark denial.

“I will not be used again.”

That reaction was to be expected. The shock, horror, panic, backing away step by step while a rush of emotions traveled across Amon’s very aether. And yet the blue haired Hyur- now identified as Ascian- maintained her air of calm with the gentle expression. And there she stayed, just… Watching. Not making a movement to move any closer, there was no magic to be cast or moved about. Staying right where she had essentially opened the floor for the truth. No matter the consequence.

Igey didn’t need him to like her, as much as the woman would certainly miss the easy banter the man had prior to this. But she did need him to know the truth in this, someone did. And right now, Howler had far too much on their plate. It would be dangerous to tell them as of right now.

Later, yes, but not now.

For Amon however, with his unique knowledge, stance, and freedom options? That was entirely different. 

This one was no longer tied to the other one, had chosen a new life without any influence from her ex-coworker. Which was already a bonus opinion in his corner. And meant he can draw his own conclusions. 

But for now, answer the questions quietly. “Not so loud, please… Your first inquiry: No, I have not come for you. As I have said, the needs were required for Howler’s arm. The speaking here, and continued letters, were entirely on them.” And thus this friendship had simply happened on its own- well. Maybe not so much now.

Igey breathed out softly, looking back down towards the mask that had been patched. Not even by her own power had it been. That was due to the one whom had revived her, right back into this world of the living. “Secondly, no, I am not here to harm or interfere with them. Howler is not aware of what I am either and I’d rather keep it such. I am but an asset to help them, and keep that young soul safe.”

Machinations though, that got a dry quiet laugh. “Haven’t had any of those in quite some time.” The voice was nearly bitter, but not directed at any one thing so to speak. That sort of guilt was already a heavy weight she had been trying to live with, or overcome. It wasn’t anyone else’s faults except those of the- oh. Oh he may not be aware, is he? Of the truth that had caused the Ascian’s choices?

Purple eyed gaze flicked back up to Amon. Observing every detail with a far sharper look than she had previously. Determination sparking away in the depths of too old of a soul reflecting in the surface. “You are safe, for I am no longer of their number. No one is here for you, to use you, or harm you. Nor anyone else, ever again. My death had been a freedom, a mercy, upon me… But revival had been out of my hands.”

“The Ascians as you know or have heard of, that caused such troubles, are Tempered. Zodiark is a Primal, you see… And my death? Removed that issue entirely. Hydaelyn however decided she had other plans for me, and fished my shattered soul from the aethereal sea.” One hand lifted, just to allow a single index finger to tap at the cracked section of her mask, sealed up with the bright shades between. “She put me back upon Eorzea. If you doubt me, examine this seal. It should be proof enough of my honesty.”

Even being this truthful to the Elezen had been difficult for her, so used to keeping everything close to the chest. But it had to be spoken of…

“That was… deceptively easy,” Howler commented, as they were checking the knots on the ropes – for the third time in the past two minutes. “Did we catch them on a bad day?”

Deceptively easy, Howler had said. In truth, they had used the fog to cover for their advance. Not to mention that between Howlers natural stealth and Igey’s uncanny strategic mind, the duo easily took out the stragglers… before diving into the mainforce. 

Which wasn’t much of a challenge after the loners on the edges had been knocked out and tied up. 

“Hm… Too easy, actually.” Igey enunciated, putting more emphasis on the previous comment. Her head on a swivel. “This feels as if they are missing some numbers, or prepared for something else. Stragglers or no…”

Howler let out a thoughtful hum in response, before lifting their head up – and then tensing up. That was half a second warning for Igey before the shout from the yard. The blue haired woman’s head snapping towards Howler, wide eyed-

“Dalamud! My liege! Save me! My blood and soul, I give unto thee!”

It was a woman. Soft red hair and modestly dressed. Had Howler walked past her on a normal street, they wouldn’t had batted an eye. But here, with the eternal blue fog, surrounded by ruins and aether that tasted all kinds of wrong, with air tainted with the taste of copper? It gave Howler a good pause.

The air crackled, and Howler suddenly felt a lurch in their stomach – eyes flicking over to Igey briefly. She felt something that Howler had not felt from her before-

Worry. And shocked panic. 

Igey knew that energy in the air intimately, exactly what was about to pull through the aether like a blade rending through its victim. The woman’s hand holding her great sword in an instant. “Howler! Move…!” Her voice was a harsh shout. This was not something that had to do with corruption, was dragged down, or mindless. Igey knew… This was a Voidsent, pure to the core, with the cunning and hunger that went with it.

And then… the eyes locked on to her target. Not Igey, who was connected to the Voidsent by more ways than one. Igey, who had the skill and ability to demand the attention of every enemy in the room. Igey, who had been sent to help, and who had become a wall to block hurts and pains. 

It locked on to Howler. 

“You!”

Howler jolted back, ears flicking back ever so slightly – the malice, hatred, sour and sharp taste of fear. It was a veritable wave of powerful, negative emotions, a surge they had not expected. 

Even with the conditioning and training they had done, it caused the young Elezen to jolt backwards in shock. One half-step backwards. 

That might’ve saved Howler's hide, as the claws suddenly struck mere ilm away from where their eyes had just been. 

“MOVE!” Igey’s voice repeated, almost like a roar now. Her figure lunging forward with all the speed and might of a forward fighting combatant. Great sword taking a mighty swing at the Voidsent in an attempt to force it back, and draw the ire.

But it was locked on target.

It, she, wanted them.

“What the- I’m trying!!” Howler hollered, barely avoiding another swipe – the claws nicking at the bridge of Howler's nose, where an old jagged scar rested. A quiet hiss escaped from the clone, as they quickly dashed backwards, hoping to get more distance – as curious as this behaviour was, up-close and personal investigation was deemed too unhealthy of a choice right now. 

Too bad the Voidsent did not seem to agree with Howler's decision. 

“She’s not lettin-”

Howler's words were cut, as they hopped backwards – and suddenly felt their ankle roll. A loose piece of rubble had found its way underneath at the worst time, and Howler let out a small yelp as gravity did what gravity does – pull one down once balance had been lost.

Or at least, that was what Howler expected, harsh ground and grit on their skin. Instead, something yanked them up with a violent whiplash, their neck already aching. Howler managed one look – the claws under the belt that went over their torso, that had ripped into the shirt and skin beneath – before their vision blurred again in a flurry of motion. 

Gravity finally claimed its prize, as Howler suddenly found themself airborne, thrown away from the Voidsent and towards more rubble. Closing their eyes, bracing for impact- 

- there was a loud crash of rotten wood and unstable stone meeting with flesh, as Howler's body disappeared inside the ruins. 

A shout of their name, full of desperation and rage, echoed into the crags of stone and desolate ruins surrounding them. It had been a grand total of 2, maybe 3, seconds. Fast and immediate. This was a creature that had been ready for a fight, but sparked far worse just by presence alone. It was targeted. And… Survival.

No time to analyze the why for now.

Igey’s gaze snapped back to the female voidsent with a low rumbling noise in the back of her throat. The air immediately changing several degrees in temperature, and dropping. That great sword crackling with an ominous sound.

That ice blade lifted in one hand with ease, pointing towards the foe upon this battle field. That would soon become a grave. “No void sown pocket shall save you from the fate you have wrought.” Every word spoken with a slow, calm, venom. Consonants sharper than any broken glass, every vowel sparking like flint and steel.

With the combination between the words, chilling air, and strange aether bubbling up, it finally drew the Voidsent’s attention away from the Elezen she had just sent flying. Now sending her full focus onto Igey. Giving that almost cocky laugh of hers. “And what could you-”

It didn’t get to finish.

Igey suddenly vanished in a swirl of shadow, of void itself. Making the creature sputter in surprise, jerking forward at the unexpected spike of power. But that split second was all that Igey needed as her figure rematerialized behind this target. Bringing her great sword down in a curving arc. Not a sound leaving her mouth, just the hiss of ice through warm flesh and vitae as the voidsent screeched in pain. Rounding upon her with a newfound confused fury.

Swift spins, claws trying to swipe, but missing every attempt. Igey didn’t so much as blink, each sword blocking a hit, parrying a spin here. Even a spell flung her way was defended against like it was chaff alone. All the while her aether was becoming thicker, heavier. Enough to dull sounds that would have once echoed here, now no longer carried. 

“I need.. More…!” It was becoming abundantly clear this was not just a mortal. This was something else. Someone closer to their own. Something… But it couldn’t be. No! 

With hunger, desperation, a demand for more, the Voidsent spun upon the other cultists still bound. It wanted to devour them for more strength, lunging for the closest one with a starving hiss. 

Only to suddenly be met with Igey herself, in the Voidsent’s face. Inches away-

And a spike buried into the chest made of ice.

It gurgled and choked, coughing upon aether thick air, and frozen blood that was rapidly slowing within its veins. Sliding down the edges of that sharp stake. As ice began to spread across it, enveloping every inch like a cocoon of death. “You shall become an example… And no, your death? Shall not return you to the thirteenth.” Igey leaned closer to the voidsent’s ear, whispering low in her throat. “I’ll ensure your soul is ripped asunder to the sea before you can escape me… There are fates worse than death.”

“You… You are… The Ascian, your hand, our world-”

“I was your beginning. Now, I am your end.”

It was now a scream. Full of terror. That final sound escaping the voidsent who tried to claw out of the ice, escape death. With one final breath, arm reaching for the cloud covered skies. And then, blissful, silence. Leaving a figure of ice and death behind. As aether bled right out of it, anything left of energy, of soul- ejected with force. 

Igey ended it. Utterly.

The silence that fell over the area was dense and suffocating, the temperature still sharply cold, a fog flowing across the grounds. You could’ve heard a pin drop – but instead of pins, there was the sound of rock shifting, and a young soul softly groaning.

A hand appeared on the edge of the stone that had once been a doorframe, before Howler pulled themself up right – blood staining the side of their head, and chest. There was a sway on their step, their balance a debt they couldn’t afford to pay right now. 

Free hand on the side of their head, Howler let out a low moan, trying to keep themself steady. Illogically, their thoughts went on to their goggles – thankful for the thicker pair, as their old pair was demolished all that time ago in the Shroud. Small mercies disguised as clever planning and thinking ahead. 

Footsteps brought Igey to Howler’s figure, offering her hand and arm to help them balance until the center of gravity could re-establish for the injured young elezen. “Easy. You have a concussion. How are you feeling? Anything broken?” Her voice was tense. Firm. Concerned yes, there was relief as well, but still a simmering anger acted as a background spice. It wasn’t covered up so to speak, more so it was already expelled and just fading away the dregs.

Howler let out a small groan in response, hand looking for Igeys before their eyes scanned for the results of the fight. “What happened-”

Right, wait, first status update. “I… think I’m fine. Some bleeding, but I don’t think I broke anything…. Vital…”

Howlers eyes focused on the frozen, impaled figure. 

“... Igey. What happened?”

“I handled it. Come, we need to go before another decides to try a trick again, and you need to be checked over.”

“Wha- what you mean handled it-” -the pitch in Howlers voice rose just an octave or two, as their eyes kept going back to the frozen statue, and Igey who was clearly not giving the full story. “Igey, that-”

The woman tugged Howler forward gently, helping to guide them and manage walking normally again. “-is no longer a threat. That is what it is. Before anything else, your injuries need tended, and these cultists need hauled off. Or do you want a second encounter?”

There was a click of teeth, as Howler promptly shut their jaw. SIlently, they mulled that over as they were being escorted… and then just as quietly, muttered under their breath; “We will have words later.”