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D I A N T H E S A R R I S			Palace of Ivalice
Aside from her excitement when Nero had found the secret passageway, Dianthe had fallen silent for a majority of the walk. Flora's own Palace had secret passageways, but nothing like this. The whole path was odd, and even though she hadn't replied to her Commanders comment, it did feel like they were walking on a downhill slope. Curiosity and anticipation peaking as the seemingly endless hallway came to an end at an old door, she fought past her impatient urge to open the door herself as she watched Nero grab and turn the rusty knob. Before the fluorescent lights turned on above, an eager grin had stretched across the woman's face as they entered the mysterious room, but once the entire room was lit Dianthe's grin fell flat. She had no words for what was before her, and in the heat of the moment she had to remind herself to breathe. Eyes wide and body tense, she stood beside Nero in silence as she took in the kneeling form of a massive Behemoth. 

As a historian she was very well read up on The Great War, and years worth of stories from her grandfather were still fresh in her mind. Always fascinated by the tales that involved the Behemoths of the old world as a child, Dianthe found all her interest and fascination on the massive beasts fall flat as she stared at one up close. Aware of the destruction the giants were capable of, a churning, unsettling feeling began to form in her gut. 

Turning her gaze away from the Behemoth and answering Gideon's question, Dianthe spoke in a firm, yet shaky tone, "We need to warn the President. Right?" At her words, Dianthe turned to her Commander with a look that seemed to ask for his reassurance. She didn't know how to tackle such a situation, and it made her uneasy knowing the President was vulnerable to this knowledge. Eyebrows knitting together in worry and concern, Dianthe threw a glance back at the kneeling giant behind her. Such a beast could swat a plane out of the sky with ease, and she didn't even want to think about what it could do a city. She awaited Nero's reply now, gut still churning as she began to grow uncomfortable standing next to the tank with the slumbering Behemoth. 

K I N A B A L U  S U M M I T     ◆     Subira Arendse     ◆     A Dark FigureThe sulfur smell that drifted from the top of the mountain had only clarified Subira's suspicion and Roxelana's comment, and it seemed that the same tension in the air that made her stomach churn and flip was being felt by the rest of the group. While she'd usually brush off Selene's dark remarks, Subira had felt the other girl's words hit her to the core. She knew only rumors of Selene's mentality, hearing about it from others gossiping in the locker room of the gym or in the classes they shared. It was a conversation Subira never joined only because she didn't care, and not only did she not care for gossiping, she didn't care about how Selene felt. Besides seeing her in the gym they had no relationship, but if Selene was really going to bring that kind of attitude into such a crucial mission, Subira was going to make sure it wouldn't effect the team or the outcome of their assignment.

Following behind Thael, as the team crept through the crack, the same tension they had felt coming up the mountain seemed to increase exponentially as they came to the clearing. Despite the wind, the air felt thick, and as Subira took in the massive structure before her and the rest of the Guardians, her eyes widened as she caught sight of the dark figure at the entrance of the mine. Selene was quick to question the stranger, while Thael laid out a plan and warned of danger that lay within the mountain. As he called upon his spirits and sprang forth a shield of light, Subira raised her fists to her side as she waited for the figure to reply or even move. Seconds seemed to move like hours, and as soon as the stranger spoke, a chill ran down her spine. 

This person held no fear or tension in her tone, and even as she began to move Subira could not see any hesitation in her steps. Her aura was almost suffocating to be around, but once the bruiser stared into the woman's eyes she felt her stomach flip and her arms grow weak. Behind her large dark sunglasses, Subira's features were perfectly hidden. Lips tightened into her typical frown, while her dark eyes were wide with fear and uncertainty. Who, or what were they about to go up against? Was this the Eidolon, or was this another Guardian? All of this hesitation and overthinking was quickly going to her head but in the heat of the moment another sensation filled her. 

With a chill down her spine, and a soothing rush of confidence at the pit of her stomach, all of her fear and hesitation she felt was taken with the wind. Internally, she began to rethink Xander's inquiry. 'Then your Spirits are uneasy.' She knew these feelings were not her own, but with little interaction with the beings dwelling within her, she could only assume these feelings were the encouragement of her Spirits.

Fist clenching and raising to her sides with her newfound courage, Subira's stance widened as she carefully watched the woman step close to the barrier of light. Her lack of caution made the bruiser tense, but a steady breath kept her from losing her cool. Eyes narrowing behind her sunglasses, Subira's lip tightened as the rest of the team had yet to reply to the woman's question. Not one to beat around the bush, a slow breath of confidence ran through her nostrils and chest before she finally spoke up on behalf of the other Guardians. 

"We were sent here to investigate the claims of an Eidolon. We mean no harm," Her fists raised in warning as she said this, her hard gaze turning into a glare as she continued. "Unless harm is brought onto us." Standing at the edge of the group with her full focus laying on the mysterious woman, Subira had yet to notice the shadow reaching around the barrier growing closer to her ankle and the Guardians positions.

D A R K  Z O N E     ◆     Ophelia Ferrero	◆	In Etro's WillFor years the rim of the Dark Zone had been a silent threat, growing slowly and consuming Libra into its depths. Many were quick to flee and those that didn't soon witnessed their cities, towns, and villages grow into havens for crime and bandits. Some towns held on for years, retaining their peace and pride, but eventually they all fell crumbling back into the earth, or becoming nests for those who planned to use the worlds current situation to their own advantage. As criminals and bandits grew cocky in this new power, others knew to wait and listen. Those among the latter had taken notice of the growing silence within the Dark Zone. The lack of Army surveillance and Guardian sightings over the past two years had declined greatly, and eventually a swell of rumors had swept through the wasteland that many were quick to brush off.

Among the ignorant, it was only on the final day of May that Ophelia had been contacted by the All Father and her eyes had been opened. In his magnificent voice, Etro warned her of an approaching threat from the West. Warriors and Soldiers would rise and his great wrath would be unjustly quelled. This was an outcome she had to prevent, and with his holy words leading her way, the harbinger travelled west.

This was the closest she had travelled to the rim of the Dark Zone in years, and at its edges was just as prophesied. In the midst of a massive storm, Soldiers of the Army and Guardians from Oakridge were moving in a massive assault, stampeding through the wasteland as Mordrem swarmed the front lines. Keeping her distance, she scouted the field and took in the situation at hand. It was far too dangerous for her to move in any closer, but leaving the area without gaining any knowledge of why the Army was there would be a complete waste of effort. It was only then that the woman spotted two singled out armored vehicles. Broken down a ways from the rest of calvary, six remaining soldiers were fighting for their lives as Mordrem surrounded them. Cut off from the rest, the falling infantry was like a sheep who had lost its way from the flock, and Ophelia was the wolf who had finally found its prey.

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"Keep firing!" Wind and rain whipped at the backs of the remaining Army unit. Their Sergeant and other comrades were already dead, and with the armored vehicle out of commission, the only thing they could do was shoot desperately at the approaching threat. They had downed two Mordrem by themselves, but three massive beasts were still surrounding the unit and they were running low on ammo. It seemed like all hope was lost, but in the midst of rain and wind a lone figure rose from the cliffside. Arm and body reeling back with a long slender lance in hand, electricity ran along the weapon lighting up the feminine figure of their savior, if only for a second. In a swift motion, the woman arched forward with great speed and strength as the lance was thrown precisely at the largest beast.

Spiraling through the air and cutting through the wind, steel met the hard shell of the insectoid as the lance pierced through the Mordrems first layer of defense. Sinking deep into its flesh and gaining the attention of the remaining two beasts, the figure on the cliffside raised a slender hand towards the sky. In awe, the Soldiers watched as the clouds rolled and in a brilliant flash lightening reigned from the sky, striking the impaled Mordrem in one fierce assault. A roar of pain and anguish rumbled from its chest as the impaled weapon allowed the electricity to go right into its tissue. With a guttural groan, the insectoid bloated grotesquely before popping in a spray of purple organs and blood. 

"It's a Guardian!"

Jumping from her perch, the cloaked woman landed between the two Mordrem in the mess of purple guts and blood. Taking the weapon into hand, it hummed softly as the lance end collapsed into the handle while a long, equally thin blade grew out from the other end. The beasts roared and twisted around to attack as the woman was knelt between them, but in quick bursts of wind her body blurred and each swift swing of her blade sliced through the dense husks of each beast with ease. Sword in hand and face still hidden beneath the cloak's hood, the stranger now stood at the center of the halved and defeated beasts as they fell to the ground in heavy, wet thumps. 

Hesitation was clear on the Soldier's faces as a tense silence followed the display of power. Some kept their aim on the armed woman, few lowered their weapons. Sword still drawn, and figure unmoving, she watched the small unit quietly and carefully. Interested to see their reactions now that she had played hero, the woman finally got her response from the most vulnerable of the group. With a weary smile on his face, the Soldier that had assumed she was a Guardian stepped forward with his gun lowered. "Thank you! Things were looking grim there. I don't know what we would have done had you not shown up." His words would have made the soft feel guilt, or the heroic feel gratitude, but Ophelia was not soft and she was not a Guardian. The Aggressor's display of heroism was all but an act, and her true, malicious intentions were now seething from her body in the form of magic. 

Another tense pause followed the boy's reply, as his assumed savior stood in silence, but in a roll of thunder and a flash of lighting from above his eyes began to widen as he caught sight of her shadow. Morphing and bubbling behind her like hot black oil, misty limbs and hands began to reach out, clawing at the ground as multiple figures fought to free themselves from their dark prison. "No need for thanks," Ophelia said, as she removed the hood of her cloak, black hair whipping wildly from the wind and rain as menacing dark eyes defeated the soft smile on her face. "I just wanted to have all of you to myself."

Stumbling back as the misty clones crawled out of her shadow and began rushing the small unit, the Soldier raised his weapon in panic as he finally realized the woman's true intentions. "S-She's an Aggressor! Fire!" Upon fire, the clones took every bullet, protecting their keeper and exploding into a thick black smoke on impact. Swarmed by the black mist despite the wind and rain whipping through the wastes, the Soldiers were caught in her web and Ophelia could smell their fear as they cried out in confusion and terror, "Where'd she go?!"

The shaky voice of another Soldier called out through the smoke as he attempted to back up against the armored vehicle, "Tighten the perimeter--Aaah!" Triggering a hail of gunfire and panic upon the cry, the sound of metal slicing through flesh and bone filled the air as pained screams and dull thuds surrounded the soldier who had thanked her. He was young, maybe even a recent graduate, either way it was certain the young man was not ready for such a threat. Tears were already streaking down his cheeks as he whirled around on his heels pointing his gun at every little noise. Soon there was nothing but the distant sounds of gunfire and explosions, the Soldier was alone, and as the mist faded he caught sight of his fallen team.

Blood stained the dirt around him and the armored vehicle from severed limbs and bodies which laid dead on the ground. Amid the horrific mess the soldier did not see the Aggressor, and as his head whipped about in attempt to find her, a soft voice came from behind him on the armored vehicle. "Behind you." Snapping around at the sound of her voice, she rushed down at the soldier before he could fire, and in a clean swipe Eleuterio severed the soldier's hands at the wrists.

Knee digging into his chest, Ophelia slammed his back into the ground as she pinned him under her weight. His face had turned bright red while an ugly, horrified look sat on his face. His eyes were squinting in fear and pain, face streaked with tears while his lips were pulled at the edges in a wide, open mouthed frown. Snot leaked from his nostrils while he cried and groaned, body obviously in shock, as he began to lose a copious amount of blood. She could feel him shaking beneath her weight, trembling in terror as he awaited his liberating end. 

"Please--don't! Please, please, please--"

Her sword was pressed delicately against the skin of his throat, while her dark eyes held malice and enthusiasm as she watched the poor boy struggle and beg. "Hush, don't fret," She cooed, caressing his tear stained cheek gently as a soft smile returned to her face. "Your suffering is for not, young one. I am here to bring you true freedom, and in return you will tell me why you are here and your purpose." Despite her words the boy continued to sob. Incoherent begging spouted from his lips as his skin began to lose it's glow. She didn't have time to waste and with little hesitation or warning, Ophelia shoved Elueterio through the boys left shoulder. His body arched beneath her in a breathless cry, and as a heavy sob rumbled through his chest he finally spat out something coherent, "Please--" He panted.

Irritation growing, Ophelia kneeled in close as her soft smile fell flat and a stern look came over her face. Hand grasping the boy's chin, she forced him to look her in the eye as she spoke softly and slowly, "Then tell me, boy. I promise you, once you give me this information I will bring your suffering to an end." Instead of the reply she was looking for he only continued to sob and in return Ophelia only brought him pain. With her grip on the hilt of the blade, she began to twist and move Eleuterio around in his shoulder. Tearing at his muscles and skin, and causing his body to arch again, another sob wracked through his chest before he finally broke, "C-Calamity's Gate! We're--we're heading to Calamity's Gate to shut it down!" He cried, teeth gritting and chest heaving in mind numbing pain. 

Sitting up and head leaning back, a wide grin had stretched across the woman's face as everything suddenly became clear. This meeting had been the will of Etro. From the very beginning he had lead her to the west, and if it had not been for his holy directions she would have never come across the fallen Army Unit. Her eyes closed slowly as contentment and gratitude welled within her chest, "Thank you, my lord."

Head lolling forward at a slow pace, Ophelia grinned down at the dying Soldier as she pulled her blade from his gutted shoulder and stood above him. "Rejoice, young one. The All Father has blessed us today with our meeting, and in return I will grant you the greatest gift of all just as I had promised." Wrapping both hands around the handle of her weapon, Ophelia raised Eleuterio and aimed the tip of her sword at the center of his chest.

Before she drove her blade into his heart, the Soldier's dulling green eyes met hers once more as he spoke his final words, "There.. is nothing you can do to stop us. We will.. win."

Instead of instilling hesitation, or fear, the boys words had caused a soft giggle to rumble from Ophelia's chest as her grin grew ear to ear, "Sweet boy. There's nothing you can do to stop me."

S U B I R A - Growing irritated with Selene's dark comment, Subira follows the group through the volcanic crack where she soon spots the dark figure waiting at the entrance. Experiencing a wave of uncertainty, unfamiliar feelings that she can only assume to be her Spirits, grace her with a second wind. Speaking up for the sake of the group as the mysterious woman questions them, Subira has yet to notice Empathy reaching around the barrier.

O P H E L I A - Contacted by the All Father, Ophelia is warned of an oncoming assault that would bring Etro's justly wrath to an end. Traveling west in his will, Ophelia witnesses a massive move of Army Soldiers and Oakridge Guardians. Singling out a falling army unit and playing wolf in sheep's clothing, Ophelia kills the rest of the infantry while leaving one to interrogate and torture. Learning of the Army and Oakridges motive, Ophelia kills the remaining soldier before leaving the front lines with a plan in mind.

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