The Lesser of Two Evils.

My mother and father, as perfect together as I remember them, where two very different people. The things they accomplished as Thieves of Vana’diel, the infamy that followed them around the nations, they both had different outlooks on everything they did. For my father, it was a career, it was how he provided for his family. It was a choice he made that affected how and where my brother and I grew up, and of course, because of this it was the reason he didn’t want me or Akeem following in his steps. It’s also the main reason he never understood why I made the choice I did.

Like my mother, it wasn’t a career choice for me. It was a calling. It’s true, a lot of what I do is criminal, it’s frowned upon, a lot of people suffer. But the means justify the end, or at least that’s what we hope for. Sometimes, this back fires horribly and it only proves to propel our reputation further into notoriety. However, the few, perhaps even single time that a Thieves ill deeds provide the less fortunate and innocent a better opportunity, it makes all the bounties on your head worth it. All the jail time, perhaps even executions worth it. Stealing from the rich might not be the result every time, and giving to the poor may not happen as much as it should, but it comes with the territory. The fact of the matter is, there will always, always be something willing to do the dirty work across Vana’diel. If you put a man or woman whose intentions are completely selfish and evil, then suffering is the only reward you’ll find.

I don’t condone a lot of what I’ve done in the past, but I figure that if it wasn’t me who took on a lot of the jobs I have, the pain and suffering caused could have been a lot greater. I wouldn’t classify myself, my mother or my father – or anyone of our profession a hero by any means. However, there is a form of self-awareness that exists and in the end what I think we try to accomplish is to be the lesser of two evils. Sometimes we achieve that goal with flying colors, and other times, we forget that creed and we fail, becoming exactly what it is we’re trying to save the world from.

The final door snapped down behind myself, and my father on his side. The last room was entirely too close for my taste. I actually felt the rush of air on the back of my neck as the room echoed with the single thud of stone connecting with the floor. My father smiled across the two thick panes of glass and we both approached the devices that were in front of us. I put my hand on the fist-sized dial in front of me and after my father gave me an affirmative nod, I turned it. The entire corridor became alive with the grinding and awakening of age-old gears and cogs as a small door slid open beside the dial, allowing me access to the main corridor. As I stepped out I watched as a series of portcullis’ began to open connecting the inside of the Alzadaal Depths to the outside were the rest of our company was awaiting us.

Gideon and Faction 5, as well as Tarawath approached us. Katurian was semi-concealed in his shadow-form. Like a roving mist across the steely surface of an ice-slick glacier, it revealed his Elvaan form in portions for only very brief moments. It seemed the depths had a very adverse affect on his abilities.

“I have to say…” Gideon smiled, “You two had me worried for a second there.”

Tara joined my side and put her arms around me, “I’ll second that.”

“Oh, come now. There’s plenty of stupid things I’ve dove head first into and I always come out the other side.” I grinned.

My dad gave a half-hearted smile, “It only takes one though.”

All our attention was quickly drawn to the inside of the depths by loud gasp from Stitch, she stood past the final door at the edge of a balcony which gazed out across a very large cavern of mechanical make.

“Ooooh, by the Goddess I’ve never seen…anything so huge!” she rose to the tips of her toes as she gazed out across the expansive darkness of the room before us.

As we came closer to see the spectacle ourselves, it was very apparent why these were named the Alzadaal Depths. Stairs to the sides of the balcony went around the outside of the wall and traveled down, until there was only darkness. In front of us just a few feet under the balcony were several platforms, glowing and surrounded by archaic machinery buzzing with the slightest glow of life. Several hundred yards across the great gap, the dark chasm was replaced by a large field of land surrounded by water, which poured down into the chasm. On that raised area was what, I believe, was the most impressive of the entire ordeal.

“…Beastmen?” Tarawath asked as we all stood bewildered at what we saw.

“An entire subterranean settlement of them.” Vael pondered, “The ruins have been here for so long…it’s entirely possible, that even just a few emigrated down here in some fashion and flourished away from the prying hands of war and famine.”

Among them were Trolls, Mamool Ja and Goblins – but more then all three of those combined, the predominant tribe was Qiqirn.

“We’d better get started before attention is somehow drawn to us, yes?” Gideon said and she took begin to head for the stairs.

“Whoa!” My father moved to stop her, putting an arm around her stomach just before she touched down on the first step, “Watch yourself now…”

“What?” Gideon asked a bit irritated at the sudden intrusion as she stepped back and pushed my father off.

“These stairs aren’t in the proper position.” He pointed to the wall that the stairs would normally be built against, except they weren’t. The was a slight crease between the wall and the stairs. Because the doors had opened it loosened the grim and dirt enough that it began to slowly seep down. “My guess would be that just in some over-eager trespasser did managed to get by all that we just put behind us – they wouldn’t suspect the stairs to be rigged as well, and would take an very long, unfortunate fall to the bottom of wherever these lead…”

Gideon smirked a bit, “You know Long Ears…maybe we’re paying the wrong Landis to guide us through this maze.”

“I’m not arguing there…” I muttered as I looked over the entire situation. “We need to find a way down fast, though. There is a chance that if those Beastmen spot us – it won’t be a welcome party they send.”

“There.” Katurian pointed down to the platforms, “Those are the way.”

“And how could you possibly know that?” I inquired.

“…these ruins all made possible by the very enigma that seems to cloud my access to the powers of darkness. I can sense it. To the side of me I left years ago, it’s welcoming. The stairs were, to what I am now, very inviting…and would’ve been the end of me. The powers behind this place seek to enlighten, or if one isn’t interested in such betterment…destroy. It’s like these depths have a mind of their own…or so it would seem to me.”

“Well, let’s not waste any more time then.” I said as I looked over the edge towards the platforms, “…what we jump down onto the them?”

Stitch clenched her teeth together in a bit of anxiety, “Uh, that seems super safe, yea…”

Vael began to check around the edge of the balcony, “I would assume there is some sort of device which would function to raise the platforms.” He ran his hands along the edge until he stopped at a small square which was slightly ill-colored compared to the rest. He pressed down and there was a slight buzzing. The stairs suddenly collapses out of view and the gears under the platforms whirred to life and brought each of them to either side of the balcony.

Faction 5 stepped onto one and Tarawath and I took the other, my father turned back toward the exit, “Well, Kal…” he said, “This is where I turn back. I helped you gain access – If I came with you all the way, you wouldn’t really be able to call it your accomplishment now would you?”

I grinned, “I understand…years are starting to take their toll on you.”

“That may be, but it never stopped be from completing a job. Good luck to all of you, and may the Goddess be with you.” He said as he walked away, and the platforms lit up before whizzing quickly down beside the spiraled staircase towards the bottom.

As we traveled down further into the Alzaadal Depths, we were privy to the near bottomless oceans that surrounded the ruins. The thick, clear walls gave us a mirky, dark view of the oceanic life around us. Thinking back on it, it was about right here that things probably changed for the worse. I’ve always been a bit more like my mother, even my old man thought so, the way I operated, the way things turned out most of the time – I even fell in love with someone who shared my passion for changing the world for the better, even if it meant doing something to condemn yourself. Those last words my father spoke to me, changed something, only ever so briefly, but it changed it long enough to matter. You see, doing things that most people frown upon your entire life, just to help one innocent individual makes all the hate and punishment worth it. It works the same way though, just as one good deed can help you forgive a lifetime of crime; one misstep in judgment can condemn all the good you’ve ever done.

“Gideon! Vael! This is it!” Stitch exclaimed as she hopped off the platform before it stopped moving, “Kat c’mon! The Lieutenant is this way!” she started making her way down a single walkway in the center of what seemed like an endless pool of water.

“You’ve been to this chamber before?” I asked.

“It seems so. We were in a large chamber like this which seemed to be flooded, with only a single path in the center, but we came in at a crossroad, rather then just this one solitary path.” Vael informed me. “…Gideon?”

She frowned and let out a heavy sigh, “Yea…tell them.”

“Tell us what?” Tara asked stepping forward.

“Kat!! Come on!” Stitch yelled from a few yards ahead.

“I’ll take the little one scouting ahead.” He said as his shadows crept across his Elvaan body like ink blots.

“The artifact we came across that imprisoned our Lieutenant, it’s very reminiscent of the Astral Candescence.” Vael explained, “Except, instead of the light, comforting, almost tranquil feeling the Astral Candescence instills upon those who gaze up it – this one fills you with a void. A void that is dark, foreboding and chaotic. When we first stumbled upon it…Katurian’s powers, seem to respond to it. Like the small orbs here diminish it, this one amplifies him. Overcome with such greed, he attempted to make contact with it, that’s when our Lieutenant intervened and was ensnared by the artifact and trapped.”

“So, what exactly is it, you’re saying?” Tara asked, “…that Katurian is a danger once we find the artifact and you Lieutenant?”

“It’s always a possibility – but more then that, we’re barely able to fend off the demon the artifact has been sending to stop us. We fear…that once we find the artifact, we won’t be able to stop it. More then that, if there is a way to stop it…Katurian meeting with the artifact, may be the only way.”

“Which could then bore an even worse monstrosity.” I filled in the final piece of the puzzle.

“Katurian is aware of all of us this.” Vael added, “I know to a lot he seems like a truly evil man. However, he has a very strong sense of self-awareness.”

“What’s the plan then?” I asked.

“We have none.” Gideon said, she was facing away toward the direction Katurian and Stitch had went. “We just wanted to let you know…” her voice trailed off.

“If you would like to return, Mr. Landis…” Vael began.

“I’m here until the job is finished.” I turned to Tara and took her hands into my own, “Tara…”

“Oh, please, Tiger…” she pulled a way and put one hand on my cheek, “I’d think you’d know better then to try and send me home, by now.” She smiled up me.

“Boooooooooss!” Stitch’s voice came echoing down the chamber, “We’ve got a problem!”

“We’re on our way!” Gideon called.

I smiled back down at the love of my life, her lips silently formed the words, I love you. I mimicked it in return, I love you too.

As we came to the end of the chamber, it opened up onto another small balcony. There wasn’t a large chasm before us here, just another chamber, once again filled with water. There wasn’t, however a path before us. This time, the stairs on either side of the balcony led down to a pier it seemed. There was then a large dial before us that Vael theorized would bring the two large platforms on either side of the chamber together giving us a bridge to walk across. The problem that Stitch had found was that the Beastmen settlement from before, seemed to somehow migrate to this location and used this room as a water source. On the opposite side of the room, was a female Qiqirn and several smaller Qiqirn children.

“It seems, that if the dial is pressed, the two platforms on the side will slide into place…forming a bridge for us to cross. However, based on the elevation of the pier below us and the exit on the other side…when we release the platforms on the walls, they’re going to allow for a very large amount of water to spill in…likely, no higher then the platforms themselves…” Vael explained.

“But high enough that those Qiqirns over there would be drowned.” Stitch frowned.

Gideon crossed her arms in contemplation, “Unfortunately this seems to be the only way across…”

“No, there has to be another way.” Tara said as she walked forward onto the balcony, surveying the room.

The first thing that entered into my mind was those words my father spoke, “…never stopped be from completing a job,” and as I walked that fine line between being a villain and doing what I knew in my heart was right – I faltered.

I reached forward and putting my hand around the dial and I turned it. The click was deafening. Following quickly was the whir and cracking of ancient gears revving up and pushing the bridge into place.

“KALLO!” Tarawath screamed my name as she turned to see what I had done, “NO! STOP IT!” She ran to the dial, but it couldn’t be stopped. She watched on in horror as the Qiqirn’s attention was drawn to the moving gears. They had no idea what was happening and as the platforms moved into placed, they vanished into the rising foam of the rushing waters.

“…I guess that solves our problem…” Gideon muttered quietly to herself.

Tara turned to face me, “What the hell is wrong with you!”

“They were just Beastm—” I was silenced by the hard sting of her hand across my cheek.

She stared at me for a moment, everyone was completely silent. Not even Katurian seemed to dare move a single muscle. I opened my mouth to speak but she cut me off.

“Don’t even…I…can’t even speak to you right now.” She turned swiftly and descended the stairs, making her way towards the bridge.

That’s all it took. One moment, one single second of misjudgment. I felt heavy, like the very center of my gut homed a ton of Darksteel. Stitch pulled away from the balcony’s edge and descended the stairs following by Vael and Gideon. Katurian was looking right through me, those dark eyes burning a hole hotter then I’ve ever felt before.

“Come on Kat…” Stitch called back and he dismissed me quickly before following down the stairs.

I followed.

For the next few chambers and passageways no one said anything. I caught up to Tarawath and put my hand on her shoulder, but every time I tried to get her attention her, she’d shrug away move ahead of me a few steps. After awhile, we entered rooms that seemed to be unfinished, the mechanical walls started to slowly give away to rock and natural formations – the pathways were a mixture of the two as though this part of the ruins was destroyed, missing or under construction.

Eventually, after getting tired of the silence and Tara trying to ignore me, I put both hands on her shoulders and spun her around.

“Don’t touch me!” she spun around.

The others stopped I looked to Gideon, “Go, we’ll be there shortly.”

She nodded and motioned for the rest to follow her.

“Let me explain…” I started.

“No, Kallo. I will not let you try to justify what you did. I feel like I don’t even know who you are…”

“I’m a thief! Sometimes I have to do things I don’t agree with.”

“I know you, Kallo Landis. And no matter what the size of the check, the Kallo Landis I feel in love with would have never so easily dismissed a life like you did. Ever. So, you can say whatever you need to make it right in your own head…I can’t look at you right now…” she turned her eyes down and I found myself with nothing to say. She wait a few minutes, the silence was nearly painful. She turned slowly and when her back was to me she straightened back up and quickly followed after Faction 5. After only a few steps the silence was shattered by Vael’s thundering voice.

“Beastmen!” he shouted down the hall.

Tarawath and I quickly broke into a run as we rounded the corner we came into a large chamber filled with many boulders and crevices, it had seemed as though it was being carved out but construction was stopped. Vael and Katurian were both up front, Vael was holding into a large polearm using it to hold back several Mamool Ja and Trolls. Katurian was projecting a large dark wall of energy, though he seemed to be struggling to keep his composure. Gideon was only several feet away holding Stitch in her arms with a dead Qiqirn several feet away, a single bullet hole in its head. Tarawath and I ran down to Gideon.

“Help her!” Gideon said as Tarawath kneeled down next to Stitch before she stood, drawing her Greatsword and running into the fray.

“Stitch, honey?” Tarawath put an arm under her head and tried to talk to her.

Her entire body was convulsing as she gripped her stomach. Blood was spilling out from behind her as well, the Qiqirn mut’ve snuck up on her and put his blade right through her back.

“It…ugh…” blood slowly began to seep from her lips, “Hu-urts…she stuttered. I feel heavy…” she moved her hands and looked down at the wound, “Ooh, that’s bad, huh?” she looked up at Tarawath, her lips were colored crimson as they seemed to curl up into a small smile, “I could fix that…for you…” she whispered.

“No, no, Stitch…just stay quiet, I’m going to help you, ok?” Tarawath said as she put her hand over Stitch’s wound and a small, gentle light appeared around Stitch’s stomach.

“I’m going to help the others…just yell if you need anything…” I said kneeling next to Tarawath.

“I’m fine. Go.” She said coldly.

As I rushed in to help Faction 5, Stitch’s eyes went very calm and eyes closed a bit as she gasped under the touch of Tarawath’s healing magic. She shook her head slightly and moved to stand a bit hazy.

“Ooh…that was…mm, hurt a bit! Thanks Miss Tara!” she had her usual spunk back and joined us in the fight.

I quickly put many Beastman between myself and everything else, slashing and stabbing at any open target I could. As I did, I had this very strange sense of dread suddenly come over me. Like something was watching, the walls of the cavernous room were dark and dank and it seemed like nothing more then the Beastmen would crawl out of the woodwork. I did the best I could to put it out of my mind

Katurian had concentrated what power he could muster and collected a good amount of his shadows onto his hands where they solidified around his fingers into long, grotesque looking claws, resembling that of a Taurus. As he shredded foe after foe, I saw their skin where the claws has lacerated them, slowly beginning to decay just from the touch. Troll and Mamool Ja a like feel to their knees writing in agony before their life was cut even shorter by a decapitation or a disembowelment. The smaller Qiqirn thieves and rogues he grasped right by their tiny little heads and frames and after holding onto their squirming bodies for several seconds they went limp, as he dropped them their heads had been shrunk into nothing but a smoldering black lump of skull and flesh. Even without his full power, the dark influence he wielded was frightening deadly.

Vael, being as non-lethal as possible, served as quite the polar opposite to Katurian. He had disarmed a large halberd from a Mamool Ja, and used it skillfully to parry incoming attacks and disarm whatever weapons they had. He would then lunge around bashing his opponents in the side of the head with the flat part of the halberd rendering them unconscious. Not, that it matter too much – very often Katurian came swooping by slicing their throats open with a single claw from his monstrous gauntlets.

The battle was begging to go just fine, the Beastmen were starting to clear out and suddenly a shot rang out across the cavern and the wall beside my head splintered apart! The blast was more familiar then Gideon’s dark steel revolvers though. It was the sound of a Hexagun. I spun around quickly to see Akeem, a sly grin painted across his face, an unconscious Tarawath in his arms and a defiant Stitch standing before him.

“My quarrel isn’t with you, little hume.” He sneered.

“That’s ok! I was planning on gutting you like fish, anyhow unless you let Tarawath go!” Stitch smiled sweetly, her daggers drawn.

He dismissed her threats to look straight at me, “Now it’s my turn.” He pointed his Hexagun straight up and pulled the trigger. A red orb began to grow and collect in size at the end of the barrel.

“Akeem! Stop!” I pushed past the Beastmen as I finally broke free of the state of shock seeing him here had put me in. I couldn’t seem to push through the Beastmen quick enough, they kept grabbing at me, pulling me back. The Fire Shot from his Hexagun discharged as he took several feet back the explosion sent Stitching flying backwards hitting the ground as rocks began to fall and collapse baring the way back.

“Tara!” I screamed in vain, of course.

“Get a hold of yourself Long Ears!” Gideon called over to me as she carved a wide arc into the Beastmen, “We need to deal with the problem at hand – we’ll get your girl back!”

My entire body felt sluggish, like I was wading through Pashow swamplands in Thick Gear. I didn’t want to fight Beastmen, I didn’t want to find their damn Lieutenant, I had to help Tarawath, I had to get her back! I could not…I would not, fail her twice in the same day. There was no goddamn way. The reality of the situation was quickly shattered as I failed the rest of my comrades.

“Ugh! Eeh!” there was a loud shriek from behind me that only could have came from Stitch, I whirled around and no more then three feet from me Stitch stood frozen and immobilized with a Qiqirn shank buried deep into her gut. Her hands shot out quickly around it’s throat and as it drove the dagger deeper into her she took several steps back towards the wall, her grip around it’s next tighter and tighter until it went limp and she dropped it. A few more steps and her back her back hit the wall as she slumped to the ground.

“Ooh…Gid…? Vael, Kat?” she whispered reaching out for them.

“Oh, Goddamnit…” Gideon saw the blood spewing forth from Stitchs wound once again, “Katurian! You need to save her! The Summoner is gone!”

“I’m a little pre-occupied at the moment!” he growled back as he was beginning to become overwhelmed as a new wave of Beastmen seemed to appear.

The entire situation was becoming more and more chaotic. I didn’t know what else to do, my instincts of course, drove me into battle helping to dispatch as many Trolls, Mamool Ja and Qiqirn as I could – but even doing so I felt so completely and utterly helpless. I could only watch on.

“Its…it’s, fine…I’ll be a-alight!” Stitch smiled as a deep crimson began to trickle down her lips. “I’m…” she hushed her voice to a whisper, “I’m the, the mage…” with trembling hands she placed her hand against the wound. “I…can heal me…” she held her hands there, her eyes alive and glowing with hope. “…heal me…” she whispered smiling down at her wound through blood-stained teeth and blood-soaked lips, she started to tremble more, “…Heal!” she shouted as she slowly started to push her fingers into her wound, “Aaah!” she cried out loudly in pain as dark crimson flowed forth.

“STITCH! Stop it!!” Gideon called as a Troll planted his fist into her back, grabbed her by the shoulder and threw her hard against the wall.

Katurian’s eyes were starting to glow that ominous yellow they always did when he was in full Shadowform, but he was still overwhelmed being the closest to where the new wave of Beastmen had entered. “Vael!” he shouted, “I need help getting to the little one!”

Vael’s concentration was broke as he noticed Stitch for the first time. His face went pale and flushed as white as the Beaucidine snow.

We all watched on helpless in horror as Stitch coughed up more blood, digging deeper and deeper into her stomach, her hands from the fingers to the elbow covered in blood. She wasn’t even looking at what she was doing anymore, her eyes were glazed over, her face pale, and still she smiled whispering, “I’ll heal…I’ll save us…” her voice puttered out softly as her body came to a complete stop and she stared back at us, a white angel perched on the floor – mouth and hands covered with blood and the mark of violence on her stomach.

“No! No! Stitch!” Gideon was nearly crying as she gripped her Greatsword with both hands and cleaved through the enemies before her. She was driven by anger and rage – but Vael, he was driven by something unknown to me even now.

He said nothing, no tears, no grunts, no howls or cries of sadness. His pale face faded back to it’s full color and as a Mamool Ja halberd struck towards his size, he snatched it out of midair and yanked it towards him pulling the Mamool Ja forward into his other waiting hand. He palmed the entire skull of the Mamool Ja and crushed it between his fingers. His fist went flying target after target, with such deadly accuracy and such brute force even amongst the rest of the violence and chaos I could hear bones snapping and breaking. Two trolls, just barely larger than Vael grappled him, both holding onto an arm as a Mamool Ja swooped in with a scimitar and lunged towards Vael – the reptilian warrior made it’s mark driving the blade deep into Vael’s stomach. The behemoth of a Monk didn’t even flinch. He thrust his arms forward with such ferocity, that he brought both trolls together like symbols in a band, crushing the Mamool Ja. Then he grabbed one Troll by the head and the wrist and pulling both ways, split it’s upper torso open with one swift tear. As the second troll stood up Vael grabbed it by it’s throat and put his fist into it’s face one time – as it dropped dead to the floor, I could see Vael’s punch had caved in the front of it’s skull. Upon killing Stitch these poor Beastmen had evoked a Galkan Retribution, not even Raogrimm himself could have ever anticipated. This was the ancient Rage of the Galka in all it’s horrible, deformed glory.

Katurian and Gideon dispatched a few more Beastmen along with myself – but none of our tallies even came close to Vael as he turned this seemingly normal cavern into his own personal blood gallery. As the last Beastmen fell breathless and limp to the floor Vael kneeled beside Stitch’s body, he gripped the scimitar still impaled inside of himself and slowly pulled the long, jagged blade out tossing it to the side. He scooped Stitch up in his arms and pulled her close to his body. Gideon walked up slowly and put her hand on his shoulder.

“Vael…” she said, awaiting a response. “…Vael…?”

Katurian approached her side, “He’s gone…”

There was a slight silence, then Gideon turned swifly, shoving Katurian away, “This is your fault!” she screamed at him.

He looked confused, but said nothing.

“Why didn’t you just heal Stitch?!” she shoved him again, “Why? You use to do that! What the hell is wrong with you that all you can do is bring more death?” She went to shove him again, but he grabbed her by the wrists.

“…my oath to that girl, was to follow her until she dismissed me. To quell my hatred for life until she decided my time with her was done…” shadows slowly started to seep across his body, “She’s gone. My oath is void.”

From all around Katurian there was a very quick explosion of dark mist – like an engine letting off steam. It propelled Gideon backwards into the rubble blocking the way we came. She writhed around gripping the side of her face as he skin seemed to bubble and burn from the heat. I started to move but she put a hand up forcing me to halt, as she stood back up there was a very apparent change in her. She was hunched lower then normal, her eyes were dark green and glowed with a feral instinct.

“You will follow her to the grave then…” Gideon growled, baring fangs I had never seen before. She pounced toward Katurian who pulsed with another burst of dark steam. This time, however, other then scalding her skin further it seemed to have no effect on Gideon. She pinned him to the ground and raised her hand high into the air, her nails were more like Gnole claws as she swiped down shredding his chest, one after another. Katurian vanished for a brief moment in a cloud of smoke, but his dampened powers wouldn’t allow him to move very far in that gaseous form. He reappeared standing, hunched over, blood running from the wound in his chest. Gideon pounced toward him again, he put up one hand and a blast of dark energy erupted propelling her into the rubble behind her with such force that she crashed through it, opening a passage just big enough to crawl through. Katurian could sense life and death – he knew she wasn’t down yet. He took a few weary steps forward and Gideon once again, teeth bared, leapt toward him pinning him to the ground against and with such speed and viciousness begin to tear the Elvaan apart limb by limb.

My attention was suddenly taken away, however, by the only thing that could pull me from such a situation. Through the hole in the rubble, hanging on a broken rock in the wall was a small ruby necklace. The path was open, I could purse Tarawath and Akeem. I didn’t even hesitate, I crawled through the rubble and made my way back into the ruins of the Alzaadal Depths, leaving the sound of animalistic slaughter behind me.

Spitting Image.

“Alright! So, I have a question for you!” Stitch exclaimed suddenly as we were finally advancing toward where the ‘main’ entrance to the Depths is considered to be. “Mr. Thief, you have a device you got from Naja to get us into the Depths, ya?”

“That’s right.” I answered her.

“So…how’d we get in before then without a device?” she questioned Gideon.

Vael answered her, “It’s my assumption that because the Alzaadal Ruins are so vast, there is still quite a bit of them left unexplored and as such there may very well be other entrances into the depths not yet discovered. We got in through one such entrance.”

“Aaah! That big door that shut behind and took Kat’s arm off, eh?” Stitch giggled.

“Wouldn’t be the first time.” Katurian whispered, “Probably won’t be the last.”

“In theory, ” I began to explain, “We very well could find a way to infiltrate the Depths without the use of this trinket, but I don’t think we’d be as lucky as you all were when you found that entrance. Could take us weeks, even months.”

“Alright, hold up a moment.” Drevan put his hand back towards us, “The entrance is just up a head. But, being the main point of the Depths there are a couple Immortals guarding it.”

“How many is a couple?” I asked.

“Last I knew, probably 6 or 7 and…where’d that Kat fellow go?” my Father asked looking around.

Katurian had in fact, vanished suddenly without any of us noticing. Before anyone had any chance to offer an explanation, one was given to us. There was a very brief scream in the direction of the Depths entrance and then Katurian suddenly materialized in Shadow Form behind my father.

“Our problem is solved.”

Quickly hurrying to the entrance we were greeted by Katurian’s redecoration. There were several spots around the entrance that were simply large area’s of ground, rock, foliage and the depth walls itself covered in blood and gore.

Tarawath gently laid her hand on my shoulder and looked away as though she was going to be sick. My fathers mouth was nearly hanging on the floor, but he said nothing.

The doors to the depths themselves were massive pieces of architecture. An enormous archway with various runes and etchings made from top to bottom, and in the very center of the door down near the bottom, no high then a Hume would stand was white glowing orb. I left Tara’s side for a moment and took out the device I had taken from Naja.

“OH!” Stitch exclaimed suddenly and I think everyone jumped a little bit, “I have another question!”

“Heh…what is it Stitch?” Gideon asked arms crossed and a look of amusement on her lips.

“So, if the Empire has ways of opening this door and getting inside, why is it so special? Why isn’t just part of the other ruins? You know? Those don’t need some super, secret special device to be accessed.”

I put the device near the orb, “You’ll find out shortly.” There was a single red button on the device and upon pressing it the doors emitted a loud crack and long, ancient roar. The glowing orb lit up and hummed as the massive plates slowly began to slide back into the rocks which surrounded them. Immediately I was hit with a mixture of dead air and mildew coming from inside the depths, as well as fresh air rushing into the doorway from behind me. I peered into the opened gateway as the rest of the group gathered around me.

My father chuckled, “Well, I guess that would be your reason.” He smiled as he pointed to another set of smaller doors several yards in front of us.

“Well, this is exactly why we hired your son Mr. Landis.” Gideon smirked

“And exactly why I brought the old timer.” I patted my father’s shoulder, “Shall we?”

“For some reason it doesn’t surprise me you need me to do your all your work for you.” He snorted, “…your mom had to do all mine.” We walked into the large opening just inside the door, “So what do we have here?”

“According to what Miss Salaheem told me…these here.” I pointed to a set of vials shaped like hour glasses in the wall, affixed in such a way they could be rotated, “Will start the trial.”

“The trial, huh?” my father inspected closely without actually touching them, he looked to the other side of the room on the side of the door opposite to us. “Same fixtures over there.”

“Yea. The theory is, that behind this big door is the way into the Depths, the main way. Sort of like, what a Grand Hall might be.” I pointed to the two doors on the side, “These doorways lead to two passages that run parallel to the Grand Hall. Unlike the Grand Hall, however, at the end of these passage ways are two terminals. Both of which must be activated simultaneously in order to open the door to the Grand Hall.”

“Well, that doesn’t seem to hard!” Stitch appeared suddenly between the two of us, “Why’s it such a big secret then?”

“The terminal paths are rigged with fatal booby traps, perilous death pits and other such unsavory obstacles.” I grinned.

“Ooooh, K! This is definitely not my area of expertise!” she turned on her heals and walked away, Katurian was near as well over hearing the explanation of the situation.

“The problem, however, is even worse then that. Not only do the terminals need to be pressed at the same time…but we’re timed on how quickly we get there and we must arrive at the same time. At key points throughout the side halls large flood gates drop down blocking the return. These will fall if either, (a) the time limit for each section expires, or, (b) someone completes the section – there are, they think, pressure plates the end of a section so if the two participants don’t complete each section at the same time…”

“Game over.” Katurian says, coming closer. “So that’s why you brought your father?”

“Just as all the great Alchemists familiarize themselves with the works of each other; just as all the famous Goldsmiths are aware of each others talents; so to, are the most notorious and inventive of Rogue’s and Thieves aware of how the underground art works.” I said looking first at Katurian, then over to Drevan.

“Except for one.”

“It was never proven, however,” I smirked and my father returned the smile full of pride, “If any of them were linked or how many actually pulled off the heists. But, there was a pair of thieves who are infamous throughout Vana’diel not for their reputation, or their names – as those are still unknown – but only for the unsolved burglaries and thefts that remain unsolved and to this day still baffle authorities.”

“And I suppose this is where I’m suppose to believe it was your father?” Katurian hissed.

“Of course not.” I said, “They were unsolved. Who knows who it could be.”

“Mmm.” Katurian shrugged, “Regardless, I see one…two fatal flaws in your plan.”

“And that would be?”

“In this case? Elvaan error. You’re both only human beings after all. No matter how well practiced or physically engineered you believed yourself to be – there’s still room for error. Even though you’re linked by blood – timing is still a very critical issue on the other side of these walls.”

“And I suppose you have a better solution?” Drevan asked crossing his arms.

“Shadows move without restraint or rules to govern them…” Katurian said as he slowly began to dissipate from his shadow form into pure dark energy – like a mist he began to swirl and thin out. As this was happening several small orbs on the walls, which I believed to be only decorations at this point, started to glow a soft white color before faint beams of light shot from each into Katurian and quickly reverted him back to his Elvaan form. He looked just as confused as we did, before we could say anything and I silently instructed my father that we shouldn’t say anything, Katurian went up to one of the Orbs.

“What is it Kat?” Gideon came in, she had also witnessed the event.

“These orbs…they look very similar to the Astral Candescence.” He said, “They aren’t…but, there are rumors of other Astral Candescence being hidden away inside the ruins. Perhaps these are somehow linked to them? They work as a…security device, for…unwanted magic.” He turned back to us, “I can be of no use here.” He quickly left the room to the outside where the others were waiting.

“…and no got turned into a pile of burning flesh. I say that’s a good omen.” I grinned at Gideon.

“Just get us inside, Long-ears.” She returned to the others, leaving me and my father alone in front of the massive gates and two small doors.

“Shall we then?” Drevan asked walking over and taking his place in front of the left door. “…how do we get them to open?”

“Oh…um…” I inspected the door and then turned my attention to the small hourglass like item embedded in the wall. As I took a closer look, it seemed it was affixed to some type of swiveling device. The moment I touched it, it began to glow and hum similar to the orbs on the wall that sapped Katurian’s powers. The doors then shot open.

“Not bad, Kid.” My father smiled, “I’d be impressed if I thought you’d done that on purpose. Now…show me you following in my footsteps wasn’t a complete waste!” my fathered and I both stepped through the threshold, the doors shutting down tight behind us.

Once in the hallway, I could see that it was indeed one long gauntlet of death. Small holes in the sides of the wall foretold of darts or arrows. Further ahead I heard the scythe wisp of terrible pendulums and the echoing sloshes of deep pits homing a watery tomb. To my right was a solid wall, but to my left, was a clear glass and a view into the middle corridor that led into the depths. Just behind that was another clear wall were I could see my father also taking in his surroundings which from what little I could see was just like mine. The sight line must’ve been put in place so that the two attempting to override the fail safe could time their movements more precisely. My fathered nodded to me. We began.

I took a step forward and as soon as I did, I felt the slight pressure and click of a trap plate. The walls began to shift and I noticed the tiny holes in the wall began to swivel and shift slightly. My eyes went wide as I heard a distinguishable click, the sounding of bolts being loaded. In the tiny cramped space it was impossible to know exactly where they were being loaded into. Though it could cost me a bit of time, I had no choice but to recklessly throw my body weight backwards towards the door as quick and hard as possible. I hit the door hard, knocking the wind out of my lungs as a spray of needle-like darts puffed out of the floor and the wall in a pattern so precise, it left no room for error…or even breathing from my judgment. I glanced over to my father, great minds must think a like, he had done the same as me. As I watched the apparatus, it seemed it had three phases; the first sprayed mostly floor darts straight up, with a few wall darts forward, there was just enough room for me to shimmy along the wall. The second phase, which came three seconds after the first, sprayed mostly wall darts, straight across the hallway, and a few floor darts towards the glass wall, giving me a split second to put myself on the floor against the solid wall. The last phase was a mirror reflection of the first, coming two seconds after the second phase, which meant I’d need to make distance to get ahead of the angle of the wall darts as they shifted back. By the time I had my timing down, my father had already gone, one phase ahead of me. I caught him flash a competitive grin towards me, either he had a lot of faith or…yea, I’ll stick with that one. My father must’ve had a lot of faith in me.

I hit the ground hard against the corner of the solid wall as I heard the darts loading up. The good thing about this phase, is with the angle of the floor darts, there was a constant opening all down the path, so though it was a short time I was able to crawl a few feet before I had to shot back up and bound across the way and line up correctly that the third phase barrage didn’t pin me to what I was sure was a venomous death. I’m pretty sure I saw Drevan misjudge a timing at one point, and though he was lucky not to take any darts to his persons, he did lose time, which worked out better for us because we both ended up stepping on the next set of pressure plates at the exact same time – giant slabs of concrete fell down behind us blocking off any point of return at this point.

Before us now stood a different type of obstacle, one not of wits and calculations as before, but of balance and agility. The sloshing sound of watery grave stood before me. A long pit that went so far down it was almost impossible to make out the array of pikes and other tools of impalement at the bottom with several skeletal forms. Above all of this was several shifting platforms and rotating beams. This might have been a bit more easy if it wasn’t for the dripping condensation on the ceiling splattering them with a slick and slippery coat of sea slime. I peered over quickly to my father, and there was no sight of him. Panic began to quickly set in, when he suddenly appeared from below the platforms and beams, landing on one on of the large platforms and wiping his hands clean. He must’ve been using the bars and supports on the platforms to swing across, rather then take the risk of slipping off the platforms as he stepped from one to the other. He was making very quick headway as I still stood stupefied on my own end at what I thought to be his near demise. I had the dexterity to mimic him, but again, his false start was more of a challenge then it was of ignorance. At that moment the solid wall caught my eye, I hadn’t noticed it in the room before, but the fact that this room was victim to the elemental of the sea the wall had begun to erode slightly. An idea began to spawn in my mind as I took out my dagger and gripped it hard in my hand. I braced myself, hunkered down as I tensed my muscles and in a burst of speed as I thrust my dagger into the wall as a hold I focused all my energy into quickening my movement, the speed of my body, everything seemed to slow around me as I scaled forward across the wall, the dagger in the concrete giving just enough support to keep me from falling to fast. I made it just far enough that as I lost my grip and fell I was able to reach a hand out and grab the support of a platform moving away. I’d have to be fast to pull myself up before the platform shot back and cut off my grip. I sheathed the dagger and swung myself forward, backwards then as I came forward again lifted my legs, wrapping them around the beam in front of me, letting go of the support on my hands just as the platform shot back around. I quickly sat up and grabbed the beam my legs were on pulled myself up. My father was grinning across at me, hopping back and forth carefully from the last two platforms – he had technically beat me, but I could tell he was still a bit impressed. Even though he’d never admit it. I hopped a few more and was right even with him.

We stepped on the next pressure plate at the same time as the doors slammed down behind us again…

The Tale of Iron Will Izman, Part 1

Deep within the heart of San d’Oria a small war council has convened in order to discuss a recent occurrence that could rock the very foundation of the mighty Kingdom. Amongst them are not figures of public power in San d’Oria, but rather hidden faces that control incidents and matters unseen to even the most authoritative individuals. The room is dark, masked entirely with shadows so that no one persons face can be seen. Seven men are gathered around a large table and the only object that can be seen is a single candle in the center glowing with a very weak flame at the end of the wick. Among this group of seven, very few speak and those that do speak do so very specifically.

The first man, “This country may be dictated by a crown, but it’s supported by the market. This situation needs to be of our utmost concern.”

The second man responds, “And so we are unanimous in that view. The problem is not with how we’d like to deal with the situation, but rather in what way it shall be dealt with.”

The third man chimes in, “We have always been careful and precise in our actions. To stay small and undetected in everything we do was, is the only way to continue our agenda.”

The first man talks again, “I understand. Our problem then lies in the fact that the size of the force we need to fix this fault is too large. It would draw unnecessary attention to our cause. However, it’s not something we can ignore. A decision, a plan must be made now and it must be put into action immediately.”

A fourth figure speaks, this time a woman, “Perhaps, my peers, our course lies not with simply rendering this fault right, but engineering it to work towards our goals. A force of many would, indeed, accomplish what we need – even if we could take it unnoticed – however, smaller numbers could deliver the same results the only difference being results with diminished returns.”

The second man speaks, “Making a martyr for our cause.”

The first man responds, “I believe we’re all on the same page.”

“No, no, no…I’m sorry, could you repeat yourself? You want me to do what?!” the blonde Hume Paladin stared up at his superior in disbelief.

The commanding officer rolled his eyed and crossed his arms, “…a caravan was attacked by an Orcish host on the outskirts of Ronfaure. Amongst the ruins of the carts several bodies were missing. We believe the Orcs of Ghelsba took them prisoner.”

“Oh, no, yea. I get all that. It’s what Orcs do. Attack caravans, take stuff, eat furry woodland creatures. Yea, I got it. It was the second part I don’t think I heard right. The ‘Izman we want you to go and rescue’ part.”

“We need you to go and rescue them.” The commanding officer said, sounding very fed up.

“Oh, now it’s ‘need’. First it’s ‘want’, now you ‘need’ me to do it. Well, here, let me tell you something. A little Orcish 101, if you will, along with attacking caravans, taking prisoners and the devouring of woodland creatures? Orcs are also into things like torture, and making dental instruments out bones – preferably human bones.” Izman explained, layered with at least several dozen forms of sarcasm.

“Ah! It seems you know your enemy better then we thought. You’ve now freed me of any doubt I had that you should be sent on this mission alone.” His commanding officer patted him on the shoulder and turned to walk away.

“Ahh! Gah!” Izman pointed after him trying to form some type of retort, but hit tongue failed him as he was left alone in his quarters, “Ahh! I…hate you!” he slammed his fist down on the table as then scooped up the report that was left with him.

He skimmed over the details, recognizing a lot of the names as very wealthy, very powerful contributors to the economy and continental power of San d’Oria. Nearly all of which were marked with a red ‘deceased’ next to their name. His heart began to sink as he finished reading over those believed to be captured, several of which were all heirs to the legacies of trade who were killed in the attack and all of which…

“…they’re all kids.” He whispered aloud to himself as he dropped the papers to the table.

The doors to the superior officers quarters in the Chateau d’Orguille burst open and crashed against the walls as Izman emerged from them. All attention was drawn immediately to him.

“Izman! What the in Altana’s name is the matter with you?” the commanding officer from before stood up as Izman came within arms reach.

“Sit down.” Izman put one palm on the man’s chest and shoved him back down on his chair and then slapped the sheaf of papers down onto his lap. “You want to explain this a little more in-depth to me?”

“There’s nothing to explain. You have your orders. Follow them.”

“Oh? Oh! Follow them!” Izman cracked a smile, “Just march on up there into Ghelsba. Ask the nice, friendly, blood thirsty Orcs to ‘kindly hand over the prisoners’ and walk on out?”

His commanding officer was not moved by the Paladin’s sarcasm, “I would think you would be able to exercise a bit of caution and stealth tactics.”

“Well, I guess that would be the problem with you then, wouldn’t it? Thinking when you’re paid to solider.”

“Excuse me?”

Izman repeated his words back in a mocking tone, “Excuse me?!” Izman turned and walked back toward the door his armor and weapons making heavy sounds of metal on metal, or metal on the stone floor. He stopped at the door and walked back. “Did that sound even the least bit stealthy to you? And no!” Izman put his hand up to stop the man from talking, “Lets just say! For the sake of argument, alright? Let’s just give you the benefit of the doubt! And I rescue those children…you except frightened children who are scared out of their goddamn wits to ‘sneak stealthily’ back here without raising some alarm among the Orcish host and getting every last one of us slaughtered in the process?”

The entire room had gone deathly silent. Up until this point, the handful of other men in the room were unaware of the exact contents of the file. All they could assume was that Izman had been given a mission he wasn’t particularly fond of.

The Paladin broke the silence. “Oh. No one else knew about this one, huh? Yea. The one about Orcs kidnapping a bunch of little kids? No. Well, ain’t that a kick in the head.”

It was silent for a few more seconds and a few of the officers in the room left, a hint if urgency and intent in their eyes and their walk. Izman’s confronted superior stood up, straightened his jacket and stared Izman down.

“Look. I don’t like situation anymore then you do. But it’s not my call. They hand me the orders, I hand them to you. You follow them. That’s how it works. That’s how it’s always worked. So, sit here and spew at the mouth all your want and toss around your weight all you want but when you walk out those doors the file is still going to say the same thing it says.”

Izman grimaced a bit and his frustration and anger was seething through in the slight twitches he gave off. No matter how he wanted to spin this – the guy was correct. The Paladin very well could’ve refused the order all together, but that would mean a trip straight to the gallows. Izman knew he wouldn’t be there long as some friend higher up or with some form of influence would get him out. But there would be plenty of backlash in the some form or another. His commanding officer was right…no matter how you looked at it the bottom line was still, and would always be the same…

“I’m going to go up there.” Izman said with his finger pointing right at the mans face, “I’m going to rescue those kids, but you had better pray to Altana that I die a Hero’s death because when I get back…someone is getting one hell of a Valiant Boot up their ass and I’m starting with you Mister!”

And with that he snatched up the document and left the room, he was to leave immediately.

After Izman had prepared for his mission and made his way from the Chateau through the city it was very apparent the situation which was suppose to be kept very well under wraps was not in the slightest bit so. His outburst in the Captain’s room had, of course, sent a number of high ranking officers off in many directions clamoring on to everyone they could, some trying to get things changed, others perhaps not. By this time, however, it was all over San d’Oria and the general consensus was that Izman, had been sent on a suicide mission.

The unknown council’s plans thus far have been perfectly executed.

Of course, no one was allowed to aid him or help him in way, shape or form. As much as many wanted to, those who had the final say so, needed him to go alone. They had their own agenda to look after. The penalty for those who decided to interfere regardless of the proclamations made from the San d’Orian officials was very clear; life in the Oubliette.

As Izman trekked very begrudgingly through the forests of West Ronfaure Forest, he happened upon one such soul whose vocabulary was missing words just as ‘official proclamation’ or ‘penalty’.

A voice reached out with a bitter jest, “So, this is how San d’Orian heroes are treated nowadays? A solitary march to a certain doom by an Orcish Host?” Izman sensed a hushed chuckle in the brief pause, “I’ve always been more partial to the gallows myself. Something about an audience’s…involvement in a death just, oh, I don’t know…it’s more appealing?”

Izman, of course, recognized the voice straight away, the humor, the choice of words – everything cried out his name, “Kallo.” He said and the Thief revealed him thus, stepping out from behind a tree, “It never fails does it?”

“Oh, come off it!” Kallo grinned as he grabbed Izman’s shoulder and pulled him forward from his firm stance and guided the Paladin back into a walk toward Ghelsba as they chatted, “You know very well that as much as I’d love to take credit for this one…I only steal what’s worth it in the end.”

“Yea, and that’s what frightens me. At least if you tallied this one up to the ‘curse’ I’d know I’d have some chance of coming back.” He paused, “Be missing a limb, or a lot of blood…”

“Or a lot of both.” Kallo tacked on the end.

“But this…damn, this is just something else.” Izman sighed heavily.

“Which!” the Thief gave the Paladin’s armor an appropriate tap to punctuate his diction, “Is why I decided to tag along and make sure you’re well out of harms way!”

“Oh, you must’ve been late into town?” Izman asked, “Maybe not heard much about this ‘proclamation’ and the ‘penalties’ of ignoring it?”

The Thief responded in turn, “Heard about the ‘what’ that has a ‘huh’ for ignoring it?”

“I figured as much.” There was a slight silence for a moment, as they passed a tree Kallo reached up into and pulled down some type of fruit and Izman picked the conversation back up, “You have a plan?”

Kallo laughed.

“No plan. Of course. I forgot who I was talking to for a minute there. You never have a plan.”

The Thief smiled as he bit into his fruit, “And therein, is the plan itself, am I right?”

“…no. No you’re not. Not having a plan is not a plan.”

Kallo smiled and pointed to his own nose, then pointed to Izman’s nose.

The day passed slowly for Izman. He traversed the less populated paths of Ghelsba as he made his way deeper into the Orcish Stronghold, making sure to stay well out of sight as his temporary cohort did some deep reconnaissance work. Time seemed to play a very slow role while Izman lay in wait, the Sun hung overhead for twice as long as usually seemed to do. It was only a few hours after Kallo had left without saying many words that Izman wondered how long he should wait before he got worried. And how much longer after worried should he wait before he decided to go after Kallo. He decided to wait a few hours past worried. Time was up just as night fall began to set in.

As a young warrior of San d’Oria, Ghelsba was actually pretty common grounds for skirmishes between Orcish Patrol scouts and up and comings like what Izman use to be. It was during this time that he found a rare, rocky path that led to a small cavern. Through this small, cramped space you would enter Yughott Grotto. It was, of course, infested with just as many Orcs as Ghelsba itself, however, it was a lot darker and if you could sneak your way through undetected it was the backdoor into Fort Ghelsba. Izman made his way through the tight crevices and into the Grotto – anything bigger than a Hume wouldn’t be able to fit which is likely why it’s never been found out by the Orcs and sealed up. As Izman made his way in, the tunnel slowly became larger and more easy to navigate as he was finally able to stand up he came into a small room.

A leather bound palm fell down on his left shoulder from behind him as he straightened his armor, “Quicker then anticipated!”

The Paladin jerked away and his hand went to his hilt instinctively.

Kallo smiled, “You’re way to jumpy for this early in the mission.”

“Where the hell have you been?” Izman asked.

“Waiting. Where the hell have you been?”

“Oh, where the hell have I been?” Izman repeated, “I don’t know, waiting for Mr. reconnaissance to come back with the recon?”

“Waiting? Well, we can’t both be sitting around waiting. That’s counter productive.” Kallo rolled his eyes and walked past Izman giving him a tug, “I don’t know what they’re teaching you behind those piles of brick, but it’s about just as useful.”

“Alright, not prove to me you’re not completely useless. Did you find anything out?”

“Orcs smell.”

“Useful.”

“Well of course. Wouldn’t be much of a recon man if I didn’t would I?”

“It’s things like this that make me not want to return your letters.”

“Yea, yea. I found where they’re holding the hostages.”

“All of ‘em?”

“Yea…”

“And they…”

“…yea…all of ‘em. Five total.”

“Son of a…so we have to escort an entire day care out of Fort Ghelsba.”

“Don’t worry, it’s going to be all smoke and mirrors.”

“Oh, you’ve got a plan now?”

“I’ve had a plan. The first part of the plan was not to make a plan until I get something to plan with. I got something to plan with, so that makes Plan A, Part One a success. And now we initiate Plan A, Part Two.”

“…which is?”

“The Orcs were preparing for some type of ritual or festival…or some celebration? I don’t care, whatever, they have this huge vat of…”

“Stuff.”

“Right, stuff. Huge vat of stuff, Curse Makers and Hex Spinners and Grave Diggers dancing all around it – perfect for a distraction. So, I’ll do that, you grab the kids and make for the exit the same way we entered.”

“I like this plan too much.”

“Because I’m the distraction?” Kallo grinned.

“Are you going to be alright?”

“Yea, you know.”

“That must be Plan A, Part Three?”

“No, actually, getting out is usually Plan B.”

“You got that planned yet?”

“No, that’s Part One. Part Two is the planning.”

“Of course.”

Kallo came to a stop, “Ok, right here is where we part ways. You keep going straight up this corridor…”

“It’s a cave.”

“What?”

“It’s not a corridor. It’s a cave. A corridor is something you make. This is just like this.”

“Iz, why…? …You go up this cave…and the kids are just outside. You can’t miss ‘em. I

I’m going to go down this way.”

“What’s the signal?”

“You’ll know it when it goes.”

“That excites and scares me all in one big fuzzy way.”

They grin at each other and quickly part ways.

Family Affairs

After gathering up the rest of Faction 5 and Tarawath, we rented out some Chocobo’s from the Al Zahbi stables and headed toward the southern tip of the Wajaom Woodlands. Most people don’t know it, but if you head down far enough and know where to look there’s a small cave entrance were an old Elvaan hermit lives. Or at least that what’s people will tell you if you don’t know about it yourself. The only truth to that is that there is an old Elvaan who lives deep inside the cave.

“So, we’re going to seek out the help of some old Elvaan fella?” Stitch asked as her Chocobo came up along side Kallo, “Aren’t you old enough as is?”

I looked down at her and raised an eyebrow, “Not as old as this guy.”

“So, what’s his deal then? How come he lives way out here?” she asked.

“He’s retired.”

“Oh! Retired, what did he use to do? Swashbuckling? Assassination? Grand Theft!?” the excitement was beginning to rise in her voice, “I’d only assume it’s the good stuff since he lives like a hermit.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, “That’s a correct assumption.”

Tara piped in next, “So which is it then, Tiger?”

“All of the above.” I answered the both of them.

“And how is he suppose to be able to help us? I thought you were the best the Tenshodo has to offer?” Stitch asked. “And you want to go ask some crusty old Elvaan for help?”

“I am the best.” I smiled down at her, “And I get it from him.”

I didn’t explain much more beyond that to the group as we got down near the edge of the Woodlands over looking the waters of the oceans. It didn’t take Vael long to locate the cove that the cave was on. It was very reminiscence of the Norg port, but for smaller boats. We trekked down through the wet cave, it was extremely straight forward, no light source though.

“Ugh, who would want to live in a place like this…” Stitch shuddered as we went deeper in.

“Someone who has a high debt to society.” Vael answered her.

I was in the lead with Tara, Katurian and Gideon were behind us and Vael and Stitch were bringing up the back of our party. After a few more minutes Katurian came to an abrupt halt. “We’re not alone anymore.” He whispered as shadows converged on him.

“Easy there Tall, Dark and…Shadowy..” I whispered back, “They’re just his company. They don’t mean us any harm.”

“Doesn’t mean I’ll return the favor…” he hissed.

“You will if you want to save your Lieutenant.” I shot back, his eyes narrowed and then the shadow aura dispersed around him and snaked back into the darkness.

“Hey Tiger…what do you mean by company?”

Just as Tarawath finished her sentenced there was a twang sound further down the tunnel, following by a whistling sound. My hand shot upward and snagged an arrow out of the air as it was inches from her chest.

“Hey!” Stitch piped up, “Nice catch!” she snatched the arrow from my hand and sniffed it, “Oh! Venom tipped!”

I yelled down the hallway, “I hear Moogles are out in flocks this time of year!” I could hear the sound of another arrow being strung into a bow, then silence.

After a few more seconds a Mithran Ranger appeared out of the darkness. “…who are you and what reason do you have with the boss?” she spat!

“…you must be…Lura?” Kallo asked.

Her eyes went wide with anger, “…Lura?!” she growled, “Lura?! He said I was his favorite! Why would he talk about HER!” she turned, her hair sticking up on ends as she turned tailed and stomped off down the way.

I smiled back at my companions and followed the down way. After several long seconds we came to a large oak door, it was swung wide open and standing in the doorway facing away from us was a female Hume White Mage scratching her head in confusion, she had a southern dialect as she spoke “Why in the world…” she went to attention suddenly and spun around, “Well, well…we seem to have some visitors.” She put her hand on her hip, “Can we help ya’all?”

“As a matter of fact,” I began, “You can let the boss we know we’re here to see him.”

“And who just might you be?” she asked very matter of fact, “Because nowadays we only let through close friends –”

“And next of kin.” I finished for her.

Her eyes narrowed a bit, “…the boss ain’t got no living kin.”

“I might’ve been a bit disowned.” I smiled, “…a little.”

“…Kal?” Tarawath turned toward, confused and wanting to know exactly what was going on.

“Wait a gul’durn minute!” the White Mage interrupted, “Kallo…Kallo Landis? The boss ain’t going to believe this!” she turned and took off further into the room, “BOSS!”

Everyone turned and I could feel their eyes on me, it was Gideon who broke the silence, “And we’re suppose to be putting our faith in whoever lives in this hole in the ground?”

Smiling I nodded, “Yep.”

We walked forward through the threshold and everything changed, it went from dank, dusty cave walls to wooden planks and boards on all four sides of us. We continued down the long wooden corridor away from the cave and into the more cabin-like interior. The way was lighted with lanterns and adorned with various paintings and decorations. We passed few doors, three of which were labeled; Luradaku, Sonja and Yunie. After a few more steps we came to a large open area with a high ceiling. The room still followed the cabin-like theme but there was also visible parts of the natural rock face. It was very apparent this was were the main living area was. In the far back was a natural underground pond and ascending around the edges and upwards were stairs to another door at the top. In the very center of this room stood three figures, the first was the Mithra we encountered when entering the cave. The second was the White Mage from moments earlier and the third was an elderly Elvaan man. You could tell he had seen a very long life time, but as with most Elvaan’s living outside any stone walls for most of their lives there was still a very distinguished strength about him. The Mithra’s voice was filling the entire room in anger

“You told me I was the best watch cat you’ve ever had!” she stamped.

“Calm down, Sonja!” he couldn’t help but laughed, “Of course you are.”

“Then why did your visitors know about Lura’s name and not mine, huh? I bet you talk about her all the time!” she pouted.

“Lura’s been around a lot longer then we have, darlin’.” The White Mage rolled her eyes, “Of course more people are going to know her name over yours. Your still a baby.”

“Wha!? I am not a baby!” She turned around in one full spin pointing at the White Mage as her tail and hair stood on end.

“Girls!” the Elvaan took both their attention, “None of this is important – you know I have each of you around here for your own reasons…now what about these visitors? Who are they?”

I took one step forward and immediately all three of their eyes were upon me, “Your ears are getting soft.” I said to him, “We’ve been standing here at least 15 seconds.”

His eyes narrowed at the sight of me, “Or your feet are getting lighter.” I took a step down toward the main room, but his words stopped me, “What do you want?”

“Excuse me?” I smiled a bit, “Is that anyway to greet me?”

“I told you before. So long as you walk the path you chose, you don’t exist to me.”

Vael put his hand on Stitch’s shoulder, “We should wait outside. This isn’t for our eyes or ears. Gideon?”

She nodded, “Let’s go Stitch, Kat you too.”

Tarawath also turned to leave but Vael put his hand forward to stop her, “You should stay.” She looked at him confused as Faction 5 exited the room.

“Sonja, Yunie.” He looked to the two women before him, “Show this thief the way out.”

“…but Boss.” Yunie spoke.

He ignored her and walked up the steps to the door above the pool of water and slammed it behind him. I turned to Tarawath at my side, “Can you wait here for me?”

“Always, Kal.” She smiled.

I walked down the couple stairs and across the room but the Mithra blocked my path, “Boss said no! You have to leave!” she had both hands straight out barring my path.

“Sorry little one, but this is family business.” I put my hand on her forehead and pushed her aside.

“Bah!” she wobbled to and fro before losing her balance and landing flat on her butt on the ground hissing back at me.

Walking up the stairs I knocked a few times on the door, there was no answer so I entered. The inside of the room was simple enough, a bed, a desk, a dresser a few chests and plenty of memorabilia. None of it was treasure or loot from days past, it all looked to be personal the most prominent of course was a small painting of an Elvaan woman in the lands of Ronfaure. The Elvaan man was sitting at the desk, doing nothing, he was completely still.

I spoke first, “I don’t remember a thing about her, but I never have any trouble remembering that picture.” I motioned to the painting.

He let out a long sigh drawn out sigh as he hung his head, “…that Mithra out there ain’t like the other girls.” He dropped the disownment act slightly, “And I saw a ring on her finger.” I smiled and nodded even though he couldn’t see it. “You went and got engaged and couldn’t even tell your old man?”

“You’ll be invited to the wedding.” I smiled, “Besides, last time I saw you I was told never to come around. Being sworn off as your son and all.”

“Not that it stopped you.” He turned around in his chair, “You never did listen.”

“If I had, the family business wouldn’t be as successful as it is today.”

“Don’t say that.” He sneered a bit, “You know damn well I never wanted you or your brother to become thieves. At least he made out alright.”

“Sorry.” I shrugged, “Can’t help what’s in the blood though.”

“You should’ve been a Knight.” He mumbled, “Or something, that makes a difference, that helps people. Not…what we were.”

I took a seat on the bed, “And who says I don’t help people?”

“You’re a thief, Kal.” He turned to me, “Same as me and your mother.”

“I can’t help myself while I help others?” he was silent for a few seconds before I spoke again, “The title determines nothing about the individual. It only says a few words about how the person does what he does. A knight isn’t always full of noble ambitions and well-wishing, nor is a rogue the center of malcontent and malicious acts. Now, I know Windurst may not be indebt to me like they are to the War Warlocks or the Mithran Mercenaries, and the establishment very well isn’t going commend the way I work or give me a spot next to Semih Lafihna. But, too a lot of those people I’m as much a hero as you and mom are to me. Even if no one knows it.”

He sighed heavily, “Damnit.” He reached over and picked up the picture of the Elvaan woman, “No doubt you took after her.” He smiled, “I guess that means Akeem must have more of my blood.” He chuckled a bit, he was still admiring the picture so he missed my grimaced face.

“So, you want to bring her up here and formally introduce me?” he put the picture down and turned to me.

“Oh, Tara? Ha! No, I don’t think so.” I smiled.

“And why not? She looks perfectly fine. Albeit, probably a bit on the slow side if she fell for you.”

“I guess that means I have more of your blood then I thought.” I smiled as I headed toward the door.

“Watch it there, now! I ain’t so old I can’t put stars in your eyes, kid.” He followed me.

Once out the door, I came to the sight of Tarawath sitting at a table with two Humes and the Mithra who reside along with my father. Tarawath was prattling on about something or other and the rest of them were listening very intently. As we descended the stairs they all turned their attention to us.

“Well, you’re both still in one piece.” Tara smiled, “I guess we’re off to a happy start?”

“Tara, I’d like to introduce you to my father, Drevan Landis.” I introduced them as he brushed past me and took her hand kissing it. “Oh, please…” I mumbled.

“A pleasure to meet you.”

She blushed lightly, “Well, we know were he gets it from.”

“Boss!” the Mithra tugged on Drevan’s sleeve, “Don’t we get an introduction?”

“Of course, Kitten.” He stood back up, “Tara, Kallo…these are my companions, Sonja…” he motioned to the Mithra, “Yunie…” he pointed to the Hume we met earlier with the southern accent, “And lastly, Lura.” He introduced us to the newest of the three we hadn’t yet met, another White Mage.

Upon a more formal introduction the Mithra, Sonja was already upon me, tugging down on my shirt as her eyes grew wide with excitement, “Wow! The bosses son! I never thought I’d get to meet you, Kallo~! Oh! Oh! Is it true you once fought off a whole squad of Yagudo to give Tara a bouquet of roses!”

She almost knocked me over as she crashed into me, “Uh! Well, yea, sort of. It wasn’t quite a squad though.” I chuckled.

Yunie came up behind Sonja and pulled her back shoving her to the side, “Stop embarrassin’ us sugar. You’re clinging to him tighter then white on rice.” She smiled, “So, from the stories Tara’s told us, I reckon you got a bit of thing for Mages?”

Tara piped up, smiling at me as she watched me squirm, “You’re very perceptive. Kallo’s got quite a thing for White Mages, especially.”

I chimed in quickly to follow, “I don’t suppose she also told you we’re engaged.”

I heard Sonja let out a displeased huff of air and Lura walked past giving Yunie a shove, “You’re embarrassing yourself as much as the furball.”

“Hey! Boss said you can’t call me that anymore!” Sonja hissed!

Lura laughed as she disappeared into one of the rooms, giving me a sly wink as she passed.

Tarawath caught it too of course, “I think you’re dads companions have taken quite a liking to you, Tiger.”

My dad chuckled, “They’re more for my protection and of course so I don’t get too dreadfully lonely.”

Sonja spoke, “Yea! We’re no companions like in the way the barmaids in Whitegate are!” she giggled a bit, “Boss has been completely faithful to Mrs. Landis since the she, err…sorry, Boss.” Her ears and tail dropped low as her voice dropped.

“It’s fine little one.” He smiled, “Could you and Yunie leave us to talk about business?”

“Absolutely! C’mon Yunie! We’re going to make it after all!” Sonja spat those last words like there was some kind of hidden meaning behind it. Yunie most assuredly caught the meaning as her eyes slanted in anger.

“We won’t be callin’ you furball much longer…” she clenched her fist.

“Really?!” Sonja yipped excitedly.

“Cause you ain’t gunna no fur on ya when I’m through with ya!” she chased the Mithra meowing into one of the back rooms.

Tarawath smiled at me as me and my dad took a seat, “Faithful since day one, Mr. Landis?”

“Please, call me Drevan.” He grinned, “And yes, I’ve been as much in love with my wife as the day I met her.”

“Well, I suppose on that note I should be grateful you and Kallo share the same blood.”

The two of them laughed and my father spoke next, “Ah ha, of course, but rest assured he wasn’t blessed with all my greatest features.”

“But you can be sure it’s were my ego came from.” I added in with a sneer.

“Enough of that though…you two didn’t come here for a social business. What is it you need Kal?” Drevan asked.

“Those other four people we were with are my clients.” I said, “I’ve been hired to get them into the Alzadaal Ruins.”

“Well, that shouldn’t be too hard. Certain areas are open to the public. What would you need me for?” he asked.

“I recently met with the President of Salaheem’s Sentinels and attained a certain key from her…” I paused.

“I don’t even want to know how you pulled that off.” My father laughed.

“Neither do I.” Tarawath smiled, hers wasn’t as giddy as my dads was.

“Regardless…from what I learned prior to high tailing it out of there, the key isn’t going to be enough. It’s just what we need to enter the inner chambers of the Alzadaal Depths.”

“The Depths?” my fathers eyes went a bit wider, “What in Altana’s name could you possibly want with the Depths? You know what kinds of horrors lay within those?”

“…Beastmen?” I guessed with no thought.

“Beastmen!” he laughed, “We’ll be lucky if that’s all we run into! If we even get inside. Try Soulflayers as a worse case scenario. Or the Abominations of the lost civilizations, living machinery…ah, pfft! Beastmen…”

“Can I continue?” he nodded, “You won’t even have to come into the actual Depths. Once through the doors that the key open there’s two halls, that are more like…locks? From what I understand each is lined with a series of traps and panels and gears that if you can get past on the far side is a switch. Each hall of traps and such is identical but both switches need to be flipped at the same time. So, of course, a professional trained in the subtle acrobatics and skilled finesse of thieves and bandits such as ourselves would be the safest bet. But, as I said, it’s not just two good thieves we need. We need the best, because it has to be done simultaneously.”

“So why not two of the best.” Drevan added.

“We’re blood. Can’t get much more in sync then that, can we?”

My dad smiled, “I think I have enough in me for one more go at a good time. I’ll need the night to get ready.” He stood up and walked past, putting his hand on his shoulder. “And you better not embarrass me tomorrow in front of your lovely fiancé.”

I rolled my eyes, “I’d just be returning the favor.”

One Step Closer

Our mission at this point was pretty clear; gain access to the Alzadaal Depths and find the artifact that has Faction 5’s Lieutenant trapped and free him. That, however, was easier said then done. The Alzadaal Depths are basically the dangerous parts of the ruins that the Empire has sealed off. Very few are even allowed access into those parts of the ruins, if the Empire themselves even has access at this point. Our best lead at this juncture was Naja Salaheem, President of Salaheem’s Sentinels, mercenaries employed by the empire to do whatever needing doing really. We were led to believe that she might have some type of key that could help us to infiltrate certain areas of the Alzadaal depths. Qultada had taken Tara and myself back towards the mainland as far as they could an dropped us off. We trekked on foot back to Whitegate.

“So, Tiger.” Tara smiled hanging loosely off my arm, “What kind of plan you got hatching in that cute little head of yours?” she reached up and tapped my forehead.

“Oh, the usual.” I smiled.

“Do I get to slap you now, or would you prefer the after?”

“I’m going to see if I can accomplish this one without any palms. Or backhands actually.”

She giggled as we made our way through the crowds, “Setting the bar high, I like that.”

Before I actually went to meet Naja I wanted to find out as much about her as I possibly could. I figured the best place to start would be amongst those who know her best, her employees. Tara and I stopped by the Teahouse looking for some of my earlier and more well known acquaintances.

“Gah! That hurts!” a Galka bellowed.

We had found them.

The Red Mage attempting to tend his wounds batted his arm away, “It’s going to hurt a lot more you don’t shut your mouth.”

“I just don’t get you sometimes.” Krilldog was in the corner drinking from some large container. “You take on Trolls, Lamia, Orcs, Mamool, Demons, Zombies…”

“What is your point?” the Paladin asked as the Red Mage administered treatment to the nasty bump on the back of his head.

“My point…is when did Mithra induced pain surpass all the others?”

“…it’s a big mace, Ok?”

“Well, well!” Tara let go of my arm as I stepped forward, hands in the air, “If it isn’t my good friends—”

Neelia interrupted me, “Think I should slap him now?” she smiled.

“Save you some time.” Veloxe said.

“Give us some laughs.” Krilldog added.

I heard Tarawath laugh behind me as well, “Actually!” I put my hands up as Neelia snaked her way towards me with a wicked grin, “I’m going for a no-hitter today.” That got a laugh from all of them.

“What do you want, junior?” Neelia asked as she say back down and tossed a pack of ice to Veloxe.

“As usual, information.” I took a seat and Tarawath sat down beside me, “President Salaheem.” From the corner of my eye I could see Veloxe grimace as the mere mention of her name. “I need a bit on her.”

Krilldog came over to the table and took a seat as well, “You done with the Alzadaal job already?”

“No, actually it’s related.” I smiled.

“Ah!” Veloxe pointed directly at me, “I know that look! I know that smile! No way!” he stood up, “You are not going to…” he caught himself and sat back down hushing his voice to a whisper, “…he’s planning on stealing from Naja…!”

“I like to refer to it as extended borrowing…” I grinned.

Tarawath rolled her eyes, “Or accidental misplacement, protective relocation…for various reasons be it scholarly or preservation for future generations, oh! And of course, my favorite…uninformed state of loan, without of course any form of collateral.”

I reached over and put my arm around her shoulder pulling her closer, “Isn’t she just the cutest thing?” she smiled and put an elbow into my ribs as she pushed away.

“I’m going to go get a drink Tiger. You be good.” She kissed my cheek and got up.

Veloxe piped back in, “I don’t want nothing to do with this. If Naja found out we were accessories to robbery, I don’t even want to think what would happen to me.”

“…when did he become such a wimp?” I asked Krilldog.

Krilldog put his arms up in confusion and finished off his drink.

“Alright, look…you haven’t ever met Present Salaheem, so…you just…yea!” the Paladin shot back.

“Oh, ouch…where’d you get that nasty bump on the back of your head?” I asked.

“That would be her Spikey Friend…far worse than any Bomb Toss I’ve had to soak up.”

“Look, I’m not interested in any information that could get any of you in trouble. I just need…character reference. Nee, babe?”

“Yea, Junior?”

“You know how I work.”

“Uh-huh.” She gave me a evilly playful eye. “You want to know how to get under skin. Among other things.”

“Well…hey, now.” I glanced back over at Tarawath, “Not exactly…but, yes. Sort of.”

“Gil is the key, kid.” She said sitting back. “They say it runs the world. But, to Naja it is the world. You have enough gil and she’ll invite you right into her covers.”

“That’s it? Just pretend I’m rich and I’m in?”

“But!” The Red Mage added, “She isn’t a fool. And neither are you, so play it cool. Big Cry Baby over here has a reason for his aches and pains, remember that.”

Veloxe just grunted in response.

“Alright, thanks guys.” I stood up, “Tara?”

“Mm?” she hadn’t gotten her drink yet.

“C’mon, Miss Jayles, we haven’t got time for a drink.”

“Right away Mister Landis.” She stuck out her tongue and joined me at the exit.

I turned to look back at the three sitting at the table, “Thanks again, Grandma!” I pulled Tarawath through the door as a cup clattered into the hall.

“You little shit!” I could hear Neelia cussing behind us as I laughed and Tara shook her head with a smile.

As we made our way out of the Teahouse we were back into the bustling streets of Whitegate, I could feel Tara’s grip on my arm increase a bit as she looked up at me with a smile.

“What is it, dear?” I asked squeezing her back.

“Oh, nothing…I’m just wonder what exactly that ‘genius’ little brain of yours is hatching as far as plans go.”

“You can bet it’s genius level, that’s for sure.”

“Oh, why of course!” she humored me as she lay her head on my arm. “And I don’t suppose you’re going to let me in on the big secret plan are you?”

“Aw, now you know I’d love nothing better…but divulging my master plan – even to my trusted, sexy sidekick.”

“Pfft…Sidekick.” She nudged me with her elbow.

“Partner in crime! Even then, it would jinx the entire operation.” I laughed, “And we just can’t have that.”

“You don’t have a clue what you’re going to do.” She interjected, very matter of fact.

“Nope, was planning on playing it by ear.” I admitted as we rounded the corner towards Salaheem’s Sentinels.

However, it wasn’t just the door to the President’s Office that was there to meet us. Coming toward us in a very hurried manner was none other then the Hume Dark Knight we had left in Arrapago Reef, Gideon.

“Just the Mithra I was looking for!” she completely ignored me and went right to Tarawath, “I need you to come with me right away, Tara.”

Of course, both Tara and myself were overcome with confusion, “What? Why, what happened? What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Is everyone ok?” I added, “You made it out of the Reef?”

“Yes, we did, unfortunately, Stitch suffered great wounds. We can’t go to the Whitegate infirmary because of the warrants out for us and Katurian is doing the best he can to stabilize her…but his magic only goes so far and she’s beginning to resist it.”

“Resist it?” Tara asked, “I don’t understand.”

“Stitch is…she’s special. Her body contains absolutely no magic essence. No destructive or healing properties. That, of course, didn’t stop her from wanting to be a mage…with the help and training of various mages in her home town, she was able to come up with a process that allows her to use magic from another being’s body in order to cast spells.” Gideon explained.

“Which is why she has to touch the wound in order to heal it.” Tarawath connected the dots.

“Exactly…it also explains why she cannot heal herself. And when others use magic on her, her body knowing it as a completely foreign thing starts to resist it after awhile. We need your help, please.” Gideon was nearly in a complete panic.

“Of course, lead the way.” Tarawath said, “Tiger, you do your thing with Naja. We’ll meet up later, ok?”

I nodded and pulled her into my arms, giving her a kiss on the forehead, “Hurry back, I might be in need of some intensive care too…”

She smiled up at me and gave me another kiss before she ran off with Gideon toward Al Zahbi. I turned my attention to the door in front of me, Salaheem’s Sentinels. I placed my hand on the door, took a deep breath and walked through the threshold.

I suppose as I look back on it, Veloxe had all the right reasons to worry. Naja was, hot tempered, she was quick to act without any thought before or after of consequences and when you were in that office there was an overwhelming, all encompassing feeling of superiority and power coming from her. The mace didn’t help anything. However, she is still very human, and just like any race; Galka, Hume, Elvaan, Tarutaru, Mithra or even Beastmen, she had her faults and flaws and draws and quarrels. Now, I’m not one to brag…but I’ve always been good at finding out exactly what those were. For Naja? Nothing seemed to pique her curiosity more then the mere mention of a piece of gil.

It wasn’t as quick of a job as I hoped it would be. She was, indeed, very sharp and her assistant proved to be another obstacle to overcome. However, with a thick enough web of lies and a charming smile that could put a raging Marid into a docile state of slumber — I got the two of them separated. It wasn’t very hard to get the information out of Naja at that point. It was also a pretty easy decision that as long as the entire thing went as planned with no snags I’d never be stepping foot into these offices again for fear I permanently become fashioned as part of her spiky friend. Regardless of all that, since it did go perfectly as planned, I found out that in order to get into the depths a special device was going to be needed. Unfortunately, only high ranking officials of the Empire have such devices. Fortunately, Naja Salaheem was one of them. A few more carefully worded and well executed social interactions with Miss Salaheem and I was out the front door with the information I needed and the device in hand. To my surprised, Gideon was waiting outside for me.

“What’s that I see in those sticky little hands of yours, Long Ears?” she asked.

“This would be the number one reason we should move our legs out of the vicinity of Naja’s mace-hurling!” I said as we began walking back towards Al Zahbi, “How’s Stitch?”

“Better. A lot better. That cat of yours sure is gifted.”

I smiled, “Yea. I know she is.”

“So…” Gideon moved away from that topic and back towards more business related information, “I take it you got what you needed from Naja?”

“And then some.” I said, “Not only do we now have the device we need in order to enter the Depths – but I’ve gotten more then enough information from her about what to expect from the Depths…and, frankly…we’re a bit undermanned.”

Gideon stopped and grabbed my arm, turning me around, “What do you mean undermanned?”

“I mean, we don’t have…” I paused and though it pained me to admit it, reworded my statement, “I, don’t have what it takes to get is inside…”

“So, you don’t mean manpower, necessarily?”

“No, I’m sure whatever awaits us on the other side we have more then enough firepower to take down. It’s actually getting inside. The device we got will allow us access, but we still have to overcome the trial.”

“So what’s the problem then?”

“…we’re going to need one more person.”

“And you have someone in mind?”

“Yea. I do.” I grimaced a bit and continued toward Al Zahbi.

Drevan Landis. My father.