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year 5, quarter 3
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Post by Caius Dragelion on Mar 26, 2024 14:19:26 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
He noted Claire seemed disappointed after looking into the pantry, and then started criticizing their stores. "We had someone more knowledgeable in cooking, but they disappeared. Happens often on Zephon" Caius mused aloud. "I can try to grab some things for next time, however. For now, let's make the most of what we do have. Miss Chere is as much used to dry rations and quick food as I am, so our stock may be a bit lacking."
Nobody had brought up the issue until now, and the member who disappeared tended to bring her own things to cook with. So Caius hadn't been able to accomodate a more discerning palette just yet. Either way, Claire offered to help with prepping sauce. Well, help she says, before she just up and starts it. Caius let out a sigh as he continued on his work.
"Just try not to bump or startle me, lest you risk burning the building down" he remarked pointedly. He was the first to admit he wasn't much of a cook. He could cook on a fire fine, but that aside... These appliances were still quite new to him. Celes too, he remembered the last time the two of them had tried to cook in hopes of surprising the mercs. The only surprise had been how much of the kitchen was covered in icicles from their attempts to put the fire out.
"A plus for smart questions, Mr. Caius. Though I am a bit worried about that last one. Who have you been interacting with that would go into irrational rage over something so...small?" asked Claire. Caius turned to look at her only momentarily.
“Two out of the only three dates I’ve ever been on.”
Blunt as a hammer, as always. Caius listened dutifully regarding the descriptions. While the first one seemed manageable enough, the second...
"She sounds like trouble" Caius mused aloud with a small laugh.
Post by Caius Dragelion on Mar 18, 2024 10:27:38 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
Caius had spent most of the last day with Lumina and her family, after having been coaxed into going on this cruise with them. With his power, he had been able to buy Lumina a little time without fear of the scourged parasite spreading to others, giving her a well-needed reprieve after all this time. But this sudden surprise trip came with some ramifications, ones that rang in his head even now.
The intention had been for him to return to Sonora and meet her, waiting with her and keeping tabs on her until Noctis and his retinue had recovered from their escape from Sonora. Once they had, he would find a means to bring her to a secure location for them to meet, and Caius and Noctis would work together to try and drive the parasite out. However, with this trip… Going back to Sonora was likely no longer necessary. Noctis and Prompto had arrived in Provo safely, and would likely be ready to go by the time they returned. Which meant…
The last fight with this parasite was upon them. Caius had little doubt that upon being expunged it would attack, and he and Noctis would both likely be drained, as would Lumina. They had no idea how powerful it would be, and that was if they even succeeded… Alex’s words still tormented him, even if that fool had no idea what was going on. What if it did kill Lumina?
This trip was supposed to be a chance to relieve stress for them all, and for Caius to try and learn to relax, with no responsibilities to be found out here for him to shoulder. But it may also be the last bit of time he would get to spend with Lumina. Either before everything went to -shit- or…
He didn’t like to think about the alternative. Opening pandora’s box was just if they were lucky. Either way, things were about to change. And Caius was quite happy to spend all this time with Lumina and her family before everything goes crazy, even if he was still having a hard time with letting his hair down. Trying to relax seemed almost as exhausting as working, and he had to be reminded to stop stressing about work at every turn. Celes could handle it, he knew. She was far more capable as a leader than he was. But it didn’t keep him from worrying. But at the end of the day, it was agreed that the Dragonblades’ objectives could be left in Celes’ care for the time being. The potential fate of hundreds of lives, should that parasite take Lumina over or get loose… This was Caius’ job. They had two people in command for a reason. She would do her job… It was up to Caius to do his.
With the power of kings, he was one of the few who could.
But as much as he had enjoyed this time with Lumina, there was one thing he understood. While the Farron family had essentially adopted him as their own, at the end of the day, those were her sisters, and he was still just the “prospective boyfriend”, as they called him. And Lumina deserved to have a little quality time with just her sisters on this trip before they returned. He’d already had adequate alone time with her, now it was her siblings’ turn.
So Caius had ensured that would happen by signing up for this activity drawing. Now she didn’t have to worry about him, and could enjoy that much-needed sister bonding time. While he was out doing… Something. That something being... This? Sea-flying, or whatever fancy term they called it. It was basically just flying, right? He’d done this before. Atop a dragon however, not via… Whatever this was. Ok, maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. Though the thought of their vessel falling stirred some bad memories about the Kraken attack… But, Caius reassured himself, he doubted they would go that far from the ship. It wouldn’t be like last time.
However, any thought of this being normal or routine was stunted the second he was seated alongside a man with a single large wing on his back, who had started arguing with the staff over the lifejackets. Caius was dressed in the sole t-shirt and shorts he owned, courtesy of the ship’s gift shop, with no wings to speak of. So he had no problems with getting it attached. But this guy… Well, he supposed at least with wings--er, a wing, there wouldn’t be any trouble if there was an accident? But he couldn’t shake the feeling this creepy-looking guy was familiar somehow. Not wanting the fellow to think he was judging over the wing, however, he had averted his gaze and kept from staring.
Until the man spoke to him. Citing himself as having been involved in that horrible manor incident. Well, that made sense. Hadn’t he seen this guy skulking around there for a hot minute? Why had he been doing that, he had to wonder-
“Actually, I wasn’t sure who made it out alive after I burned the place down, so good for you on surviving. Anyway, I’m Genesis. Charmed, probably.”
That was why.
Caius stared back at him blankly for a moment, blinking a few times as he struggled to process what “Genesis” had just said. And the fact he was sitting beside an arson-happy psychopath while about to be sent high into the air. What… Did he even say to that? How in Lucis’ name was he supposed to respond? An arsonist had just admitted to arson in front of him, he should probably handle this. But here, with innocents right there? Innocents he was already angry with?
No, this was not the time. He had to handle this with care, get through this activity, and ensure he didn’t put the other passengers in danger. He could prioritize his capture later, when innocents were safe, or if he did act, deal with it quickly.
There went any chance of him actually relaxing.
At least if it did come to a fight, the fireworks would alert the Farron sisters right away. Of course, then Lumina wouldn’t let him out of her sight for awhile. Definitely not for the rest of this trip. So if possible, he really should proceed cautiously.
“Caius,” he answered his greeting with his own, keeping a calm composure outwardly despite all that raged on within. “I uh. You have me at a loss, Ser Genesis. Why… Exactly, did you burn the manor? Would have had more time to rescue my comrades if you didn’t.”
And maybe he would have met Lumina all that time ago, and been able to help her back then. But he had prioritized Celes and Faris’ safety over all else in the wake of the fire. He had already apologized profusely to Lumina when he did meet her proper and learned about what they were doing to her down there, and she hadn’t taken offense. Still…
Post by Caius Dragelion on Mar 18, 2024 10:08:32 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
“We’ll handle it in time. For now, I want you to focus on what’s before us” Caius had done his best to reassure Lumina after the fact. He didn’t like what this did to her either, but if they were to do this trip safely… They didn’t really have a choice either.
Still, “in time” would be a lot sooner than originally planned. The intention had been for him to return to Sonora and meet her, waiting with her and keeping tabs on her until Noctis and his retinue had recovered from their escape from Sonora. Once they had, he would find a means to bring her to a secure location for them to meet, and Caius and Noctis would work together to try and drive the parasite out. However, with this trip… Going back to Sonora was likely no longer necessary, at least not right now. Noctis and Prompto had arrived in Provo safely, and would likely be ready to go by the time they returned. Which meant…
The last fight with this parasite was upon them. Caius had little doubt that upon being expunged it would attack, and he and Noctis would both likely be drained, as would Lumina. They had no idea how powerful it would be, and that was if they even succeeded… Alex’s words still tormented him, even if that fool had no idea what was going on. What if it did kill Lumina?
This trip was supposed to be a chance to relieve stress for them all, and for Caius to try and learn to relax, with no responsibilities to be found out here for him to shoulder. But it may also be the last bit of time he would get to spend with Lumina. Either before everything went to hell or…
He didn’t like to think about the alternative. Opening pandora’s box was just if they were lucky.
Either way? Things were about to change. So he needed to make the most of the time they did have together. It might be the last they get of any kind of normalcy… Or at all.
That was for later Caius to stress about, though. Right now, present Caius had another, much more mundane and civilian issue to deal with. And that was the fact that everyone around here, including Lumina as she stepped out, was clad in, well, a certain attire. In depictions within the books he had read, being in a state of… Undress - was typically a more intimate affair. Especially if that person is someone that you are involved with. Caius wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with beachwear, but while he had been to the Pale Coast with Vordun often to fish, they had done so in isolation. Away from the beachgoers with everything out and in the open. Now? He was in the thick of it, and Lumina as part of "it" to boot. Caius didn’t quite know how to process that, or know what he was going to do.
Caius chewed the inside of his cheek and averted his gaze, his cheeks pinkening slightly when she approached and disrobed through magic. This was going to be a lot to get used to. Lumina admonished him for still wearing a shirt, which was the last bit of clothing between him and vulnerability. “Right,” he almost whispered as he reminded himself that he could change immediately into his armor with magic if need be, giving himself just enough peace of mind to slowly remove his shirt and place it on the table nearby.
Of course, this got looks from a fair few bystanders. While his Zephon wounds had always been healed with magic, there had been years of battles on Eos that had not. His body was clearly that of a warrior’s, broad shoulders and a strong physique drawing more attention than he would like towards the less appealing things -- those being scars. His body had a healthy pallet of them, an anomaly even moreso for people used to living in a society where magic could heal wounds long before they’ve scarred. But it was the one just below his neck that kept people’s attention, and not in a good way. Shaped like a claw, a strange crimson and orange in color, and almost seemed to be glowing. The scar had faded in the years since, but that faint glow had kept it visible enough that it would probably always be an issue.
And even Caius knew that wasn’t normal. When people looked at him, and stopped at his neck, he knew why. But he tried not to think about it as he hurried after Lumina. Caius gasped as the cold water hit him and he hesitated. But after a few moments, he took a deep breath and ventured all the way, almost barreling into Lumina as he tried to keep his balance. Swimming wasn’t something he had done all that often either.
“Our farm was near the coast. My mother would occasionally take us out to the sand, we’d watch the ocean and collect shells. We’d compete to see who got the biggest one… Emily always won those,” he spoke softly, in segments, between chattering teeth as he met her story with his own. It was rare Caius spoke of how he grew up, and especially about his family. But if Lumina was going to share, he knew it was proper that he did the same. “Maybe we can take Small Claire with us to the beach, when things calm down?”
Post by Caius Dragelion on Mar 5, 2024 9:55:44 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
So she had used egi originally. That was actually good. If her primary use of summons was through egi, maybe… Could he head Alex off? Stop this before it starts? But she also didn’t know if it was the same here. If she was utilizing the real Shiva… She did so unknowingly.
“It’s not your fault that you don’t know. I wish I had known of his intentions sooner, I could have warned you long ago. He confided his intentions to me and we almost came to blows. I offered to investigate for him, but he sees me, and all others, as below him. Comes with being his world’s retired “Hero” apparently.”
His disdain for Alex wasn’t hidden whatsoever. The so-called “Warrior Of Light” hadn’t earned any level of respect. Not after what he had done. But he couldn’t tell Yuna about the tempering risk. He still didn’t know Shiva’s abilities in this world or if it had hold over Yuna. It was best to be cautious for now, and not risk Shiva’s ire.
Unsurprisingly, Yuna would ask what was going on in Sonora, since he had made it clear the business with Noctis wasn’t his only business there. He hadn’t wanted to worry Yuna, but… “The King is fine. He should be arriving in Provo shortly, hopefully you might even meet him soon. But the friend that’s in trouble, she’s… I guess you could say she’s special to me.”
That would probably set off some flags, he was sure, considering his last conversation with Yuna. That felt like a lifetime ago, didn’t it?
“A lot’s happened while you and Celes have been busy here. But this woman, she’s in trouble. Serious trouble. Do you… Remember that man you fought in that hospital? The one who spread blight that originated from my world. His… Blight, melded with some kind of parasite. One whose last host was taken over fully, and slaughtered hundreds before the body was destroyed. It’s now within her. And time is running out. I owe it to her, and to her family that took me in as their own without a second thought, to save her.”
Staff would arrive and ask for their orders. Caius found something hastily and ordered then. He took a deep breath, thinking over his words as he turned back to Yuna once she was settled with hers.
“In a cruel twist of fate, my power seems to be the only thing that can push it back, even if only just temporarily. Yet, it’s not strong enough to push it out entirely…” he admitted softly, chewing the inside of his cheek. “… -I’m- not strong enough.”
How many times now had he blamed himself and his inadequacies for where Lumina was now? He didn’t know. But he had been holding it in for some time. It wasn’t something he could just say to Noctis, after all. It would just make him feel worse. But Yuna… Yuna was always understanding, he knew.
Caius stared down at his hands a moment, a long frown forming as though he were cursing them. Cursing himself. “For everything that I’ve been through, all that I’ve done to get better. It’s not enough. If I’d been born in the Lucian line and had access to their nigh-infinite wells of power within the Ring, been trained almost since birth in their use, maybe… Maybe she would be alright. But I’m not. I’m not enough to get the job done, or to protect one of the people I cherish most. But perhaps Noctis will be.”
He let out a small, bitter laugh at the irony. For the first time in a long while, he let his deepest, bitterest thoughts show. Unrestrained, a side he didn’t like to show.
“Once more, I find myself stuck, holding the enemy at bay… Waiting for the Chosen King to come to my rescue — to do what I could not.”
At the very least, Yuna was aware of Sephiroth, and what Cloud had said. That was good. At least she knew the threat they may face. And was willing to take backup if she could. “I’ll see what one of us can do. Sephiroth apparently has no memory of his atrocities… But he didn’t exactly hesitate to cause the damage he did in Provo, either. We may end up at war with the Stones, as much as I would like to avoid that outcome. Be ready for anything.”
Post by Caius Dragelion on Mar 1, 2024 16:57:10 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
While he wasn't keen on leaving behind his loved ones within the Dragonblades and returning to Sonora, Caius knew he had to go. Right now, Lumina needed him. And he needed to keep looking for a cure for her condition. Of course, right now his best bet to pull this off was currently nursing Ignis and Gladiolus back to health. It would take some time before he could get Noctis on board and confront this parasite directly. So in the meantime, he just had to do what he could.
He had, while making preparations to leave, been given a strange invitation. Some kind of pleasure cruise testing. Apparently, he had been invited in acknowledgement of all he had done for Torensten and its people. It sounded... Nice, but he had a job to do, and he couldn't see himself leaving his work in general, even just for a few days. Much less keeping Lumina waiting any longer for him than she already had. So he would just find someone to give the thing to, he decided. In passing, he had mentioned the invitation to Claire, hoping she might have a classmate that might be interested.
Of course, this proved to be a mistake. Because Caius had gotten partways to Provo when he was contacted to pick up Lumina and Serah, who had already made their way to Provo, and then the trio went back to Torensten to pick up Claire. Why? Because Claire had informed Lumina of the invitation, and, well... Apparently they decided they could all use a short getaway. And the invitation DID say you could bring your family.
Apparently the Farrons counted as family to bring, so here they were. On a boat.
After Caius had done his best to work his magic on Lumina, of course. Now that he knew what he was doing, he could push back the parasite without wasting so much magic. But it would only stall it, and most likely the stalling would be less effective the further into her it got. But at the least, Lumina could relax for the next two days without worrying about the parasite infecting the other passengers. Something she had likely been counting on when she arrived. While she didn't seem to have entirely regained herself after the parasite had messed with her mind, she did seem to be more like the Lumina he remembered, than when he had left...
But Caius wasn't really sure what to do on this ship. Because then came the kicker: Caius had never even taken a vacation before, much less done anything even remotely like this. Swimming pools, music, buffet foods and cruise liner scavenger hunts? This was all such a foreign thing to Caius, and he didn't know what to do with himself.
Speaking of uncomfortable: Even if he could change back into his armor using the glaive at anytime, Caius still felt very wrong changing into a pair of swim trunks. His legs were exposed, which Celes said was fine when the mobility helped for casting, but he wasn't a traditional spellcaster! He felt exposed, and he knew it was only going to get worse when he went shirtless. Speaking of shirts, Caius had to buy a t-shirt from the ship's souvenir shop about forty minutes ago ago, when the group discovered he lacked anything that fit being on a boat.
As he left the changing room and headed for the pool area, Caius glanced around for Lumina. He hadn't shed the shirt yet, figuring he could just put it somewhere nearby, but he was still dragging his feet on walking around without one. He really wasn't fond of feeling unguarded.
Post by Caius Dragelion on Mar 1, 2024 16:07:46 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
"I'll try" Caius promised softly. It was sweet of Yuna to worry for him, and he supposed he wasn't all that surprised that she would. Still, he was more worried for her than himself. She just wanted to run her clinic and help people. She didn't deserve to be hunted like this. He wished he had never let Alex find out... Though it was likely Alex would discover it eventually. She didn't exactly make a secret of utilizing Shiva on the battlefield. She had done that long before joining the guild. Unfortunately, that didn't make him feel any better.
She didn't know what an egi was? Oh. Caius made a face as he tried to consider a definition... How did he become the one giving language lessons? That was usually Yuna’s job with him. “An egi is like… An apparition. It looks like them, it acts like them. Fights like them. But it is a conjuration instead of the real thing.” That wasn't good. Made it all the more likely they were dealing with the real thing. It would be a bitter pill to swallow if Alex was right that Shiva was an actual threat. But he didn't know enough to know that for sure.
As for Yuna? She decided she was going to meet with him. Because of course she was. How had he thought this was going to go any differently? This was Yuna they were talking about. She had always been like this, and while they had been apart for some time, it wasn't like she was the type to change so drastically.
“I was worried you would say that" Caius admitted with a long, exasperated sigh. He had forgotten about the menu in that moment, as he tried to think of anything, literally anything he could do to amend this situation. Something to dissuade her. But there was nothing. She would meet with him, whether Caius liked it or not. All he could really help with, was the how. “He doesn’t give a damn about this world,” Caius did first correct one thing, at least based off the impression the so-called "Hero" had given. “Alexander Sorel is for himself, and his own whims and wants. He’s made that very clear to me. The Eikons, in his view, threaten his interests. I don’t think trying to appeal to his morals or concern for others is going to do anything.”
His palm wiped his face. He could at least warn Yuna of what to expect. And the best precautions to take. Because...
“I already tried. Even if it’s possible I didn’t try hard enough, I highly doubt that someone who would flaunt in my face that they could save my friend but won’t because they don’t want to, purely out of spite -- has any real morals or strength of character.”
For a moment, his eyes flickered with a hint of genuine anger. He had done his best to be calm as he could be, not wanting to lose himself around Yuna. But Alex's mockery of what he was going through, what the person he cherished most was going through, was...
Unforgivable. Alex was scum, in his eyes. No matter who he claimed to have once been, or his motives for doing what he did now, Caius lacked any respect for the man. Or belief that he was rational in the slightest. “I cannot stop you. But do not go alone, if you can help it. It’s possible he is overconfident enough to try to take you out himself, but I wouldn’t count on it. In his employ is Sephiroth, and likely other disreputables that wouldn't hesitate to level the city. Don't underestimate them. Make sure you’re where you will have backup if need be. I won't be leaving for Sonora again right away, so if things go bad -- I'll come running."
Post by Caius Dragelion on Mar 1, 2024 13:57:41 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
‘Right’ would have to suffice as a start, but at least he was trying. Though then Garnet brought up the question… Just what exactly was a Sonoran name? “Huh. That’s a good point. I don’t know either,” Caius admitted, making a face as it hit him. What WAS the best way to take a Sonoran name that wouldn’t arouse suspicion? “Truthfully, I have avoided coming here if I can help it. This place is… Vastly problematic. I know less about its culture than I should, only that if you want to stay a free person, you either make an ally of its leaders, or don’t give them reason to suspect you of either criminal activity. Or being an offworlder. Which is also a crime.”
Garnet wasn't the only one who had considered the possibility of finding ways to... Improve, Sonora's quality of life. But Caius wasn't sure where to start. The Dragonblades were a force, but getting them involved against an entire government, one with better technology than them, wasn't something he was comfortable with doing at the moment. But Garnet, sharp as a tonberry's knife, would play her pieces once more.
“You’re correct. Anything suspicious is poking the bear with them. They might investigate him anyway, maybe even lock him up,” Caius agreed. But they were less likely to if Kuja framed it as, well, being framed. And setting a trap for him in the theatre would only make it easier for him to do that. “Unfortunately, you told me yourself that the world of corrupt politics is essentially his domain. I say this with due respect to those you care for, but if he can manipulate a Queen to his side, the chances are high he can do the same here. Could be they come after us instead. It won’t be easy, but the best hands are still our own... Less casualties too, if we do.”
He had absolutely no trust whatsoever that civilians would be safe if Sonoran law enforcement DID actually go after Kuja. They just straight up didn't care. Then Garnet broached an alternative, and Caius' gaze perked up with interest as he listened. He even started eating again, chewing methodically in thought as he considered the plan. What was it with his clients and wanting to break the law in Sonora? And not just unreasonable laws, but one wanted to break into a prison, and the other wanted to smuggle stolen government property across the border.
“Aye. That’s possible. But it would be highly difficult, that border is under heavy guard,” Caius brought up. He didn't like that he was just presenting more doom and gloom, but when you talk about smuggling government property, of course it's doom and gloom. “I also cannot sign off on using my men to blatantly break the law. Even if I really don’t like it, it puts the guild in danger, and I doubt Celes would allow it either. You would need outside aid.”
Doable, but it would require that proper arrangements be made. He regretted that it would mean she wouldn't be able to get help from his forces, but he wouldn't bring Sonora's entire military on their heads either. She was a Queen, she should be able to understand the responsibility one held to their people. It was a responsibility she had held over his head once already, after all.
“Things here… Need to change. Until then, we need to be careful. Especially me. I need to be responsible to those under my command. That’s my duty" Caius admitted softly, with an apologetic look. “Even if this place is horrible.”
He didn't even hide that fact. He detested this place and it needed to change. But until they had a better idea, they had to play by their rules. But Garnet was clearly getting frustrated, with him especially. He couldn't blame her, really, he had been giving nothing but opposition to every possibility, for the most part. He regretted that, even if he had only been trying to appraise her of the risks.
“He didn’t try. He did. I had a Phoenix Down planted on Vordun’s collar for an emergency. Pulled me from death’s jaws before it was too late,” Caius pointed out, with a sigh of his own. “I apologize if it seems like I’m stonewalling. It wasn’t the intention. I'm trying to analyze the risks, both for your sake and for the safety of my men. You know that responsibility just as well as I do.”
He was essentially the head of an independent military operation, and she wanted to put his men's lives on the line. It would be a disservice to them to not be cautious and consider all angles. But with her calling him out... Well, he supposed he might as well be transparent on one front.
“Truthfully. I was going to kill him myself before people he knew started to show up" he admitted full-out. Stone-faced, no signs of jest. He had every intention of putting a bullet between Kuja's eyes if given the opportunity. "Then a man claimed he could neutralize Kuja’s threat peacefully, if given a chance. As much as I despise Kuja… I don’t like killing people, and solitary confinement isn’t much better than death. Not to mention the risks to bystanders if Kuja was put in a corner -- but… This world does things to your memories, they get hazy when someone disappears. I don’t think our shot at a peaceful resolution is here anymore.”
The option was out. No persuasion was necessary. It was a shame that the option was no longer available to them, at least not right now. But they had to do what they had to do. “I fully understand that killing or capturing him is a must. But I’m trying to be careful. If something happens to you, this plan of yours is kaput.”
But he was at least aware he had spent too much time criticizing her plans and not providing possible solutions. Or plans of his own. So he took a little time, thinking about it...
"The play plan could work, on the grounds we're fast. My men would need to be disguised and we would need to incapacitate and escape with Kuja before anyone is the wiser. Obviously, I would still require the go-ahead from Celes, and volunteers who would be wiling to take the risk" Caius did bring up, at least. "Plus have a place ready to hold him before he can come to and escape with his magic. Unless..."
He practically shoved several fries into his mouth, as if hoping it would stimulate the brain. He always made sure to swallow before speaking again, however. "I wonder... Are the generators the only methods they have to disable magic? When the Original Sin captured Yuna and I, we were collared with some kind of armament that blocked our magic. It's not entirely far-fetched that the police here may have similar. That would also require full-blown robbery, however. And if you succeed, you still need a place to put him."
Wait... If those collars did end up being Sonora-grade, how DID the Original Sin get ahold of them? He had never heard of magick blocking instruments in Torensten or Provo until he was clamped in one... Strange. But then another idea came to him. He had met others from her world before, hadn't he?
“As far as manpower goes… Have you met any others from your world, Miss Dagger?” Caius brought up with a curious eye. Was that Caius actually trying to address her devoid of title? It was! “People who would know Kuja well. And may have less issue with potentially ruffling Sonora’s feathers if it comes to it. If not, what other contacts do you have that we could potentially utilize? We may need all the help we can get.”
Post by Caius Dragelion on Feb 29, 2024 15:58:10 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
So she had encountered similar, though… Different, in its own way as well. While they had, or needed to, both unlearn speech… It was a different matter entirely when it came to actual treatment of certain individuals. Still, it was her request, and he would oblige. Garnet continued by naming an example of how he should say things.
“... Right” was the best response he could give, shooting up a brow at the brazen Queen. His instructors would have been pissed if they saw this. But he was no longer in Lucis, their rules no longer applied, he supposed.
Garnet would note that both her real and fake name were based off objects, either way. He supposed she was right, though Dagger still sounded faker from an objective standpoint. But considering it held meaning, he had no real reason to raise that. What’s another false name in Sonora?
“I would consider coming up with a Sonora-fitting name, or change its pronunciation, if you deal with Sonora’s law enforcement at least” he did bring up, however. For most Sonorans, he supposed a blatant fake name wouldn’t mean much. But to its law enforcement? “Dagger will suffice otherwise. Sonora’s police, however, are as strict as they are oppressive. It won’t take much for them to bring you in.”
A sudden change in tact, perhaps. But Caius knew to adapt when the situation called for it.
Garnet elaborated on her plan: She intended to utilize the Dragonblades as her agents to capture Kuja. Caius scratched his head sheepishly, he supposed he should have known that would be her plan. The fact she hadn't bothered to get all the facts about them before hatching it however, was...
Caius let out an exasperated sigh. "We lack a dedicated Sonora branch" he admitted bluntly. "Moving a force to Sonora will be... Difficult. But considering Kuja's threat, it may be necessary. I'll have to discuss it with my co-leader -- this is far too big for me to facilitate without the guild's agreement."
Had he mentioned he was the leader? He didn't remember--probably. They'd been in that maze forever. It probably came up. But that note about how Kuja had no martial prowess to speak of... For a select few moments, a glimmer flickered in his eyes. In these moments, a thought came to Caius. Why -had- he wanted to spare Kuja’s life? Until Garnet showed up, he had been ready to kill Kuja with his own hands the next time he saw him, and he wouldn't have hesitated. Something had held him back, but what? No, actually… It wasn’t Garnet. It had been somebody else. He remembered something about family. About the chance that Kuja could be redeemed and neutralized as a threat. But that memory was vague now. And if that family member who could have contained Kuja from further harm had been here… Caius couldn’t remember anymore. But if there had been someone here who could have neutralized Kuja peacefully, they weren’t here now. Meaning to capture or kill Kuja was their best option.
Perhaps he himself was still naive. Caius reminded himself that his hesitation against the bandits had almost gotten Yuna and Vordun killed. He couldn’t allow that to happen again. Though he still wanted to ensure Garnet wouldn’t be consumed by her pursuit. She was a kind woman. He would prefer she stay that way. So… Perhaps it was best she continued to believe she had convinced him to see things her way, it would be easier to keep her on the right path if she thought he was willing to negotiate.
"The primary issue in regards to your last point, however, is..." he trailed off, his eyes darting to and fro a moment as if to ensure that they weren't being watched. His voice remained hushed, just in case. "Kuja hasn't done anything that we can prove. We can't even prove he's an outworlder. Perhaps in Torensten, King Hremit would go on my word. That's not the case here. Their law enforcement could also stop your plan midway through. The second civilians begin to be evacuated, they'll be on their way. And if there are members of their police or political structure at your play... They'll probably stop us. If you presented this plan to an outsider, without context. We look like the criminals."
Caius played with his food in thought, trying to find a loophole they could exploit, but... It was going to be harder than he would like.
"Worse yet... You told me yourself he has a way with people in power."
Post by Caius Dragelion on Jan 20, 2024 8:32:16 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
Perhaps Caius might have had different feelings about Torensten’s temperature, if not for the fact he had just spent months in Sonora. Anything felt refreshing in comparison. Not having to use magic to keep warm at all times, and being able to actually feel the aether in the air again compared to there being nothing but the smell of diamond dust, was a complete and utter godsend right now.
Celes barely held in a laugh. Had he said something funny? Despite fretting the whole way through, he was almost a little proud he had managed to pay any matter of compliment without overthinking it, and completely and utterly tripping over himself. Then she stated why. And to be honest? He’d just plain forgotten. He hadn’t seen her in a year, and he didn’t recognize the attire. But apparently she always wore it. Huh. Well, that was embarrassing.
Caius’ nerves shot right back up, but he took a breath and pushed them back down. He would be ok, he assured himself. This is Celes, she’ll understand, probably. This wasn’t a date, just two extremely tired friends who hadn’t seen each other in awhile, getting away from it all, catching up and blowing off some steam. No big deal.
“Doesn’t change the fact” Caius cheeked, with a small laugh that acknowledged the error. He needed to find his comfort zone, and recently humor had been that comfortable go-to. Once more, he told himself it would be fine. Besides, how many times had he misspoken around Lumina in all those months with her, someone who actually DID see their outings as dates, and it had turned out fine? He just needed to relax, he had to remind himself. That was the entire point of this outing.
As they arrived, Celes seemed to like the place, which was good. But something also seemed to be bothering her. Concern and instinct drove him to want to ask, but learned sense told him that wasn’t something to touch just yet. Once things had winded down, maybe. Right now, both of them were too tightly wound. Still, she started stuttering, especially after he spoke up, which was even more suspect. Caius didn’t really understand why, or that she suspected him of having an ulterior motive. Caius’ motive was… Perhaps a bit simpler than that. He knew that she liked flowers. And seemed like she could use some flowers.
Celes, however, refused to let him pay for her meal. Even cooked up an excuse that they were even. They both knew that wasn’t the case, however, and Caius opened his mouth to try and refute her attempt… But ultimately stopped. A deep breath, and a sheepish laugh. “I would protest, but I know better,” he admitted softly. He may have forgotten about her garb, but he could never forget that Celes was a stubborn brick wall. Caius could be just as stubborn, but he lacked the energy to get into it with her over something this trivial. So he strategized a tactical retreat, for now.
Soon enough they were seated, and Caius listened as Celes questioned how she had never noticed this place. “I missed it as well, you’re not alone,” Caius noted at that. “But I’ve learned during my time running things here, that there is much more to this city than I had been allowing myself to see.”
He didn’t know what possessed him to admit that, but they were on the subject of him being left here alone he supposed. “The reason I traveled so much before you went to Provo, is it was the only life I knew. I only knew of moving from place to place, never settling down, never putting down roots or even paying much attention to where I was. My only focus was the task at hand. Staying in one place to complete the training of our administrative staff, train the recruits and ensure things could run smoothly in our absence was… New, for me. It was difficult at first, I felt like a caged bird. But in time, I started seeing things I hadn’t seen before, and met people I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
He glanced around at the vicinity, taking it in again. It felt a bit different around someone who was far more... In-depth about flowers like Celes. “People that helped me learn things I didn't think I was capable of,” he brought up with a light smile. “I’m glad for it. I experienced much that I wasn’t able to on the road. And I’m glad it let me find places like this.”
Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be able to put down roots anytime soon. There was too much work to be done.
“Anyway. Where should we start? What have you been up to?”
He hadn’t forgotten about Alex. But odds were that Celes would get into her own ordeal with him first. They could compile their information on him, one at a time.
Post by Caius Dragelion on Jan 16, 2024 18:19:47 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
"Were like that" he said, and for the first time in his life -- Caius immediately knew what he meant. He knew how he had just described Lumina, and perhaps he even agreed to that statement. Their relationship was... Complicated, but the more that time had gone on, his feelings had become ever more clear. No more clear than when he had snapped at Noctis of all people. Noctis who, fortunately, continued to be understanding in ways that not many would have been.
"I'm glad you have her."
That stood out in his mind. Glad he had her. He supposed he was glad to have her too. Being around her made him happy, and him being around seemed to make her happy too. Was that how a relationship was supposed to work? Is this how it's supposed to feel?
“There are. A man whose description sounds like Ardyn infected a hospital in Provo with the scourge,” answered Caius when Prompto claimed there weren't daemons here. “I've only seen them a handful of times, they tend to stick to darker places. But they definitely exist on Zephon. There’s also the man who tried to assassinate His Majesty in my timeline, he’s here somewhere as well. We had a run-in, but haven’t encountered them since. By what I understand, they’ve experimented with daemons and the scourge, and gained the ability to turn people -- as well as command daemons. It wouldn't surprise me if he's been picking up the victims from that hospital incident."
Yeah, THAT was something he had been meaning to drop. But the whole fact that Caius was Noctis' own Kingsglaive, Lumina, getting Ignis and Gladiolus out, all of that had taken precedence and there just hadn't been an opportunity. Caius would have liked to forget that horrible man, Cortex he remembered was his name, ever existed. But as much as he had pushed it down, and surrounded himself with people who had made him happy... The pain had never truly gone away. "However, he’s clearly blighted himself. Without Ardyn’s power of kings keeping it in check, I don’t know how much humanity they have left, or if they haven’t already fully turned since.”
A deep part of him hoped the bastard had already been turned by his own experiments, had no sentience left, and was barely enough of a threat to hurt anyone else until someone could finish him off. But another part hoped he was alive just long enough for Caius to gut that monster himself.
"I don't know. I've only ever heard about Lumina. And the new strand of recent infections in Sonora. I don't know if they're purely scourge or if this parasite is multiplying," he admitted softly when Noctis brought up the possibility of an epidemic. He found himself shuddering at the thought. "I would like to figure out ways to deal with that -before- we find out how much of a risk there is of an entire army running loose"
He really didn't want to think about that possibility. Especially considering both things seemed to be compatible and able to make each other stronger. If they continued to merge and cross-mutate, the result would be an absolute nightmare. And Caius would be helpless to stop it. He couldn't even save Lumina, lacked even the remotest capability to do so. How was he supposed to stop an army?
He remembered how helpless this whole thing had already made him feel, and now that feeling was growing. He had to remind himself once again... There was still things he could do.
Caius' attempt to assuage Noctis' grief seemed to help, which was good. But Noctis brought up that he wouldn't be able to heal the same as an Oracle probably. Something that in hindsight, Caius should have known. "I hate to say it, but it makes sense. By what I know, the King in my time just... Wiped it out, all at once. I wasn't privy to the specifics. You went in, Ring of the Lucii in hand, there was a battle, and a bright light... And then dawn came for the first time in a decade. The daemons and all trace of the scourge were gone."
Caius knew that he should have known Noctis couldn't just do that here. There had to be some kind of requirement, otherwise it wouldn't have taken ten whole years. But Noctis was the only one he knew that could, period. Noctis, meanwhile, decided to veer for something a touch... Extreme, to put it mildly. Ardyn wanting Noctis to take the crystal's power was an entire can of worms that Caius didn't know how to process, but wanting to go to HIM for ANSWERS? It was insane, and the likelihood of that even succeeding was as low as could be. Dangerous, risky, and with a low success rate. Caius couldn't see it working.
Prompto beat him to opposing it, hurting himself in the process. Though one line caught his attention. That line about the crystal caused him to chew the inside of his cheek with far more discomfort than before. Before taking another long swig. He was going to need to top up soon.
“I'm with Prompto. Ardyn caused this, I don’t think involving him is a good idea. The odds of securing any amount of cooperation is low, and by what I understand from the records, he's after the Lucian family. Not to mention, expecting Prompto or myself to sit idly by with him standing there, after all he's done, is..."
Inconceivable. Caius wanted to kill him. Can't die, he said? They would see about that. Caius didn't revel in killing, but he didn't need to revel in it to find several hundred different ways to gut Ardyn until he stayed dead. Perhaps it was a far cry from his previous stance on Kuja, but someone had once told him that even back in their world, Kuja had shown a potential to change for the better. Ardyn had caused pain and suffering for over a decade, he was a monster that needed to be put to the sword for everyone's sake. He wasn't human anymore, and Caius had never hesitated to cut down a vicious, cruel monster before.
"There are... Two other options, that I've considered. Neither of which involve Ardyn" Caius revealed. One he had been considering since his most recent meeting with Lumina, the other opened up as a possibility when it got lore dumped to him right before this post. "It's risky. But I've been able to infuse some of my power in Lumina as a protective barrier, of sorts. Because it contains the scourge, which has some weakness to our power, it causes the parasite to recoil and flee further back into her consciousness. Though it's ingrained so deep that it's messed with her mind in retaliation when I have done so. I've considered the possibility that if I were able to infuse enough... While it wouldn't work on dispelling the normal starscourge in people like an Oracle could do, if I did it here, this blighted parasite might be forced to evacuate its host."
Caius took a deep breath then, gritting his teeth a moment as he was reminded of the kicker in this.
"... But I'm not strong enough. Just infusing the amount needed to do what I've done is a huge strain on me. I'm not confident I could do it, and even if I did succeed, I wouldn't survive if the parasite attacks."
And there it was. The source of that feeling of helplessness.
"I can't do too much, however. If this healer is who I think she might be... It's possible I can work with her, see if my power is compatible with hers. But there's no guarantees, and just keeping the parasite at bay in your daughter drains me a great deal. If I was a Lucian King, I could do more. But I am no healer."
He couldn't help Yuna, either. The limits of his power became clearer by the day. That feeling of helplessness grew ever stronger...
For a moment, an intrusive thought crossed through him. Why couldn't he have been born in the Lucian bloodline? Why couldn't he have been graced with the abilities of the Lucian Kings, able to wield their magic to the fullest extent? If he had been able to do the same as Noctis, maybe... Maybe he could have kept researching and found ways to use that power to expunge this blighted parasite from Lumina. And from the others who had been infected. With a stronger magic pool, maybe he could have even been better at curative magic, like Yuna and Celes. Maybe he could have kept Yuna from getting overwhelmed at the clinic, and he could have saved lives while alleviating his friends...
But this world had dubbed him purely a fighter. A destroyer of lives. A killer. Yes, he had saved lives in his own way. But not in this one. Celes could, Yuna could, Noctis very likely could if he figured out how... But not him. He was cursed to stay in his lane, and even doing what he had done for Lumina pushed the limits of his power.
As the moment passed however, he breathed and reminded himself there was still things he could do.
He had reminded himself then that he could still help in his own way. He had to continue to do so now. Even if he lacked the power to do it on his own, he had the connections to keep looking. Connections he'd amassed with his own merits. And he would not stop until Lumina was safe...
"If I had His Highness with me, however, it might be enough. But Alex also warned me, when I encountered him, that doing so would likely kill her if she was overloaded with "light" magic in trying to expunge the parasite. He knows nothing about the parasite itself, and we actually need to have a conversation about Alex before you two leave Sonora, but that's going to take some time, and we have other problems."
Though there was one thing he thought he should note. He would eye Noctis. "However, I would recommend against letting him find out that you can, or could, summon the Astrals. Or he might turn his blade on you as well."
He wasn't getting through a conversation about Alex while sober. Not even what he had drank so far was enough for that.
"The other option came to me very recently. It's... Unlikely. Super unlikely. But..."
How did Caius even bring this up? Considering what he knew of their history, and the circumstances of her death, this was a massive can of worms to open up right here and now in the middle of all of this. Where did he start? Was it even a good idea to talk about this?
"There's a woman tending to the infected. Has been for some time, apparently. Stricken with amnesia, by what Lumina told me. I wouldn't have thought much of it if not for the fact she's been doing this as long as she has while completely staving off infection. Those with the King's magic, as far as I can tell, have resistance to the scourge. She doesn't, but has been able to tend to the infected far better than any doctor or healer could without any issues. I don't know much about her, only that, and that Lumina's family have been taking care of her in her amnesiac state. But while it could be a coincidence, and I don't want you to freak out..."
He took a deep breath. Here we go.
"... She claims that her name is Luna."
Yeah, that might need a minute to process. Caius gave them a little space on that one before speaking again.
"I've asked Lumina to introduce us if there's an opportunity. Either before we leave Sonora, or after I return. With how busy she's been, it could take me some time. But I'll investigate that lead further and report back."