Twilight's Travels In The Multiverse

"Oh before you leave, can you help?" Monranguin asked.

Stopping as they were about to leave, "okay, what do you need help with?" Twilight asked hands on her hips.

"Such an embarrassing turn of events... I sent a recruit from the Bannock on a surveying expedition only for the craven to turn tail and flee at the first sign of trouble."

"A recruit? You expect a noobie to be able steel himself surrounded by vicious monsters?"

"This is not how we treat requests from the conjurers! And as if such a poor showing weren't bad enough, the lily-livered half-wit left behind the surveying equipment provided by Hearer Pauline herself!"

"Uegh a fetch quest?"

"While I attempt to instill some backbone into this so-called “soldier,” would you mind recovering the survey gear and returning it to Hearer Pauline at Gabineaux's Bower?"

Twilight heaved a sigh, "fine, let's go Csia."

"According to my recruit's tale of woe, there should be a set of survey records, a surveyor's rope, and two boxes of surveyor's instruments strewn about the interior of a cave to the south of here." sigh "It's a wonder the damn fool didn't lose his boots... Ahem. Matron watch over you."

Following the minimap they retrieved and headed to a small hut on the opposite side of the river and south east of the Bannock, there they met Pauline, a roegadyn sea wolf.

"Yes, may I assist you with some matter?"

Twilight gives her the notes and equipment.

"Oh? But this is the equipment I left with the soldiers of the Bannock...

"The recruit tasked with it fled from his task at the first sign of danger, really pathetic if you ask me."

"Fled at the first sign of danger, you say? I see... Well, all is not lost: it appears the recruit managed to complete the surveying assignment. The records are actually quite detailed.

"With the changes wrought by the Calamity, I thought it wise to send the Order of the Twin Adder on a number of expeditions to map the region's topography. As fortune would have it, the officers saw these tasks as an excellent opportunity to train inexperienced soldiers.

We can no longer rely on our past knowledge of the Twelveswood. If we are to survive these troubled times, we must reacquaint ourselves with our surroundings, that we may better discern the threats we face. Stay vigilant, adventurer."

They received gil, exp and new gear for their troubles.

"Will do, thanks for the advice, before we go is there anything you need?" Csia asked

"Actually yes, a growing number of anoles are venturing down from the mountains and disrupting the conjurers' communion with the elementals. Head to Naked Rock, slay six anoles, and collect four of the scalekin's eggs. Anoles are the local variety of raptors. But shouldn't pose too much of a threat to you two."

Six dead anoles and four of their eggs later they brought the eggs back to Pauline.

"Will these do?" Twilight asked holding up the eggs.

"These will do just fine. Large and rich in nutrients, anole eggs make a perfect breakfast for a soldier. Can you deliver them to Tsubh Khamazom at the Bannock."

"Sure!"

Leaving the hut and crossing the river they travel up the path towards the Bannock as lively as ever

"Tsubh Khamazom, we have a gift from Pauline anole eggs." Twilight said holding them up for him to see."

He looks at the two of them with nary a scratch on them, "you appear not to have sustained any serious injury in the course of their collection. Great work! Here a whispering maple wand for you and a bronze spear for your companion."

Galfrid came running up to Twilight and Csia, "an emergency has happened, a party of conjurers and their Wood Wailer escort were attacked by a towering shadow while performing a sacred rite inside Spirithold. Report to Alestan, who stands guard at the dungeon's entrance, and request further orders."

Wide eyed the two rush off to where their maps guide them south east of the central shroud of the forest. They came upon some old ruins, with a gate blocking the way in. This is where they meet Alestan, "Most of the party managed to evacuate but five yet remain unaccounted for, head inside and find them."

Entering through the gates they encounter a hostile trickster imp hovering over a fallen wood wailer.

Csia stabbed it, killing it instantly.

Twilight, started casting healing spells on the woodwailer

"Groan… a great shadow… towering over me… what in the twelves' good grace!"

"A-an adventurer? Please you must help the hearer!" The wood wailer worried before limping off to the entrance.

Further ahead atop a flight of stairs another wood wailer sits.

"Galfrid sent you? I am no longer of… use here. pray help the hearer… in my stead."

The man leaves after Twilight patched him up two trickster imps attack as Syrphid swarms flit about.

Once dealt with they turn left and find a dead end but also another wood wailer in need of aid.

"Away vile fiend, away I say! I defy you! I defy yooouuu!!! ...uh? ...oh! Adventurers? W-we were ambushed—ambushed in the midst of the ritual! And then… and then… I am not sure what happened." The wood wailer said before walking back.

Traveling back and then around the corner passing the Syrphid swarm, they happened upon the fourth missing person, a conjurer.

"... You two were sent to help? I fear your too late… the ritual has failed. I must needs return to Gridania, the seedseers must know of this!"

After he rushed away, Csia took down a trickster imps ahead and the fifth victim, a conjurer sat in confusion, as Twilight aided him.

"... That thing was no elemental, but a being of darkness! The hearer languishes alone in the depths. You must help him!"

Once able the man left to safety.

They continue onwards past a portcullis gate, they come upon a bent over Hearer. He appeared to be wounded but alive.

As Twilight helped him, a voice started speaking," O mournful voice of creation! Grant thee this humble stone a soul, that it may wake to life!"

Csia and Twilight started looking on guard as the ground shook. Ahead of them a pile of odd rock started floating and became a giant golem.

"Damnit! What's that golem doing here!?" Twilight asked no one in particular. "Csia keep the Hearer safe, I'll take this construct down."

"Okay!" Csia said, and helped the Hearer up and pulled him away.

Twilight rushed the golem as it swung it's fist,
Twilight's drew back to meet its fist.

"No she'll break her arm doing that!?" The Hearer worried but Csia smirked, "you needn't worry my love won't lose to a mere golem."

"Mere golem! She's a squishy mage right she shou…" his complaint was cut off as there was a loud collision, his mouth dropped open as he saw Twilight's tiny fist and slender arm not only stop the Golem's fist but also caused a crater to form. "Thal's balls!? How is that possible her arm is supposed to be a mess after that, let alone the rest of her!"

The golem pulled back its hand returning to normal, a second punch and the same happened.

The damage done was visible on its health bar. One third damage was done to it just by her parrying.

At seventy percent health the voice from before said, " you are strong, but are you strong enough to withstand this?" And revealed himself, he wore a black hooded robe and a red mask. An orange cone appeared on the ground and the golem started shaking. Twilight casually jumped to the side to avoid it.

As she dodged the golems telegraphed attack of dusted, she laid back into the construct leaving craters. At forty percent It tried it's cone attack again only for Twilight to dodge it again. She let out a bored sighed. At thirty percent of its health a circle expanded out a short distance from it. So Twi dodged out of it.

As she left dust and debris exploded outward in the circle.

"Impossible, never has the golem been so sorely tested!" The voice said in surprise.

Twilight smirked and said, "serious series: serious Punch" and drew back one punch and punched the golem disintegrating it from existence.

"That the golem could be vanquished, that woman is no ordinary adventurer." The voice came from the door but when she turned to look there was no one there.

Papalymo and Yda ran into the room from behind them. And looked around hastily.

"Damnation! He eluded us yet again!" Papalymo complained.

"Oh, fancy meeting you here! How are things?" Yda asked cheerfully.

"Oh, hi Yda, Papalymo. Things are okay, though they could be better. What with that golem messing nooblets up." Twilight explained as Csia brought over the Hearer.

"Nophica's teats! what the hell are you?"

"Huh those sound fun, as for what I am? An adventurer for fun."

"Ahh my head hurts," Twilight said while Csia was fairing better.

Twilight's vision went dark and eventually she was watching a sepiatone scene of Yda, and Papalymo wandering the forest. Papalymo was looking around fervently.

Yda dragged Papalymo into some cover kneeling down, "Hm? What are you–"

A band of Ixal rushed past, "Shhh! More birds! This makes it how many times today? Seven?" Yda asked in a hushed voice.

"Their movements are beyond our fathoming." Papalymo replied

"Hmm? Do you think maybe... they're trying to summon a primal?" Yda asked

Primal? What's a primal? Twilight thought.

"I hope not, for all our sakes. Yet we must be prepared for the worst." Papalymo responded

Whatever it is must be powerful if they're worried about it.

The scene suddenly distorted and shifted to see a bent down Papalymo looking over a river, before straightening up.

"Withered. The same fate has befallen emerald moss." Papalymo said to himself.

Papalymo looks up and the scene pans to view the red moon enflamed.

"It is as we feared: Dalamud's anomaly is affecting the Twelveswood."
The scene panned behind Papalymo and revealed Yda.

Standing on the opposite side of the river.

"You mean the disturbance in the aetheric flow?" Yda asked.

"The very same. The Garleans have much to answer for." Papalymo replied

"The imbalance they have created has plunged the land into chaos, just as Louisoix has forewarned." Papalymo said while gesticulating.

"It's no wonder that the Primals have begun appearing." Yda added gesticulating with her right arm.

"Time is against us, but there is still hope for the land. We must hold fast to that hope and fight to the very last." Papalymo stated.

Giving a thumbs up Yda said,"Agreed"

The screen distorted again, "wah!" Yda cried out in surprise, the scene fades in to see Yda on her knees.

Standing up she grabs her goggles she was wearing, "Ack! Stupid things…"

"These stupid things happen to be the very latest in Sharlayan innovation! Show some respect!" Papalymo rebuked Yda.

"But they're so uncomfortable and… and… ugly!" Yda responded waving her hand.

"If you ask me, they're an improvement over that mask of yours."

Ooh dude, you don't dis a ladies threads.

Yda sighed, "Hard to believe it's been five whole years, isn't it?" As they resume walking.

"Already? Five years is but a heartbeat in the life of the planet."

He's right but he doesn't have to be a dick about it.

"I suppose your right, now that I think about it the Twelveswood barely recovered at all, and the Gridanians still have the same old problems." Yda lamented.

"Aye, along with some new ones. Just in case the Ixal and Garuda wasn't troublesome enough, the Sylphs had to go and invite Ramuh didn't they?" Papalymo lamented

Wait wasn't Ramuh a staple final fantasy summon does this mean Primals are summons? Well they did mention them being summoned. That is troublesome.

"Do you remember those adventurers who fought alongside us? I do and then five years seems like ages… I wonder what became of them." Yda asked as they continued.

*Ah…" Yda suddenly exclaimed looking up, a bird's wings flap and the leaves from the trees fell enmass. Papalymo put on his goggles and turned them on.

"Yda, look." Papalymo instructed so she turned on her goggles.

"Golly!"

Hello Yda the seventies want their lingo back

"... And that is what exactly?" Yda asked, seeming less impressed.

"Yet another disturbance in the aether, and freshly manifested at that."

"It seems to be emanating from lifemend stump we must hurry!" Papalymo said the two start running as the scene blurs and fades back to reality and that damned headache.

"Are you alright? Your eyes glazed over for a while there." Yda said walking up to Twilight.

"Aye, just a headache." Twilight responded.

"The good news is the Hearer is unharmed. Somewhat dazed yes, but whole of mind and body. ...the bad news concerns everything else." Yda added turning around.

"Lest you forget, the Twelveswood is the domain of the elementals. It is by their leave that man abides in the forest and avails himself of its bounty. The ground which the dungeon occupies is no different." Papalymo explained looking at Twilight. While the Hearer sat bear him.

"Having no more use for the dungeon,the Gridanians sent a Hearer to offer the place back to the elementals by way of performing the rite of returning. Which is essentially an expression of gratitude.

Alas, he failed to complete the ritual for obvious reasons.

While the poor soul cannot be blamed for this, the fact remains that unless the elementals are given their due, they may well see it as a slight. And the very last thing the Gridanians can afford to do in these uncertain times is risk alienating the Twelveswood's eternal guardians. But you Twilight and Csia have more than done your part. We shall see the Hearer to safety, and send for his peers to finish the rite." Papalymo continued.

"In the meantime please make your way outside, and report to Alestan. Ah but where are my manners? I am Papalymo and this tactless woman beside me is..."

"Yda!" She said patting the top of her chest.

"Papalymo and I are surveying the Twelveswood together." She happily explained.

With a wave she added, "pleased to meet you!"

"I am Twilight and this beautiful girl beside me is my girlfriend and future wife Csia." Twilight explained wrapping her left arm around Csia and puffing up her chest with pride.

"Yda, would you give me a hand?" Papalymo interrupted.

Yda walked over and Papalymo bent down facing the Hearer's side before standing up as the hearer stood.

The hearer walked off. Papalymo suddenly turned to the girls.

"Wait, there is something... familiar about you could it be that you are…?"

Papalymo shakes his head, " N-never mind. Doubtless my eyes are playing tricks. Till we meet again!"

He runs off as they watched their backs as they left.

"Do you think he knows?" Csia asked with a frown

"Doubtful, the man has never seen this form." Twilight reassured, "even if he knew what would he do. Praise me? Vilify me? All it would do is make saving this world more complicated. I don't want to fight the people I'm trying to save."

The two left and followed the path through and exited the dungeon and talked to Alestan.

After explaining what happened leaving out the strange vision, "All this happened in the spirithold? Twelve preserve us."

"Who was the masked mage and by what dark ambition is he driven? So many things shrouded in mystery..."

"Well I shan't find any answers on my own. I must needs discuss this with Galfrid. The matter warrants a full investigation, if am any judge, and that shall certainly be my recommendation."

"Well you do that then, I hope you're successful."
Twilight replied.

"Your courage has saved many lives this day, adventurers. For this you have my deepest gratitude." Alestan said with a bow.

"Pray return to Gridania and seek out Miounne, I understand that she wishes to thank you for your efforts on our behalf."

Twilight nodded and picked up Csia and closed her eyes as she concentrated she didn't ignore the chance to grope Csia's butt. As Csia squeaked in surprise the two teleported directly to Mother Miounne causing the woman to be startled.

"What!? Oh Twilight Csia it's just you! Gods you scared me half to death!" Miounne complained with a pout.

"Putting that aside, I heard from a little birdie that the Hearer and his party owe you their lives. A tale for the tavern if ever there were one!
'Tis only a shame that I Must ask you not to tell it — for the time being, at least. Do I make myself clear?"

"You don't want panic to spread? Understood." Twilight inquired.

"Aye, Until the Hearers have made their will on the matter known, t'would be best to avoid upsetting people with stories waking statues."

"Now then, you two must have suitable recompense for your valiant service. For the first half normally this is where I'd other you permanent accommodation, but you two are already at liberty to that for the second half of your reward, I offer you another path to fame and fortune: Guildleves.

Guildieves are records of the various requests we receive from the citizenry. They outline all manner of tasks which ambitious young adventures like you two can elect to undertake. Gontrant is our guldeve official, or "levemete," here at the Carline Canopy. I have spoken with him regarding your knack for solving challenging problems. and he is eager to make your acquaintance."

"I am sure we can both help out Gontrant."

"By the way, have you perchance heard about the coming festival it is truly a splendid occasion, looked forward to by young and old ake, and one I heartily recommend that you take the time to enjoy."

"A festival you say, it could be nice we haven't had time for a date in a long while," Twilight nuzzled Csia's cheek.

"Ah young love, Don't be too disappointed the recent troubles cast a shadow over proceedings, however, I Fear nothing short of the mysterious interlopers apprehension can prevent that…"

"Wow, that'd be vexing indeed." Twilight said with a pout.

"But we were talking all about you, Twilight, Csia. You have made Mother proud. I expect great things from the two of you, young ladies!" Miounne said her arms crossed.

"Of course Miounne, we shan't let you down." Csia said as Twilight recovered herself from the brief meltdown. That they missed the system message and just took the gear rewards.

"So what do you want to do next love, do a few guildleves then see what Miounne wants. But before that we eat and sleep and then do something other than sleep."

Csia blushed deeply, Twilight leant in and whispered, "I'll even let you be on top this time," she then gently nibbled on Csia's cat ear.

This turned the girl in question and the sharp ear Elezen and Mi'qote a deep red, even Mother Miounne who was actively trying to ignore the two girls by busying herself.