[If one asked the Au Ra named Nai what she thought she'd doing with her life, she would have never said that she'd be gallivanting across Eorzea playing savior. She'd have probably thought she'd be dead by now; if not by the lack of regard for her and her fellow Doman people, than by the sheer fact that her bloodlust has defined her for so long. Even now, she craves it--the desire to use violence to solve her problems has never truly left Nai, no matter how much she tries to pretend she's above such things now working for the Scions. This is meant to be her second chance at life; if she went back to those ways now, she'd be going against everything she now stands for. The Scions wouldn't approve, no matter how their enemies have been; how disgusting, how vile. No matter how many people they've killed, Nai cannot go back to that.
Not that it hasn't been tempting--and not the least of which because watching good people die is almost as bad as finding out someone you loved has died.
Haurchefant's death is about the closest she's come to relapsing on that. She had already been reeling after being forced to flee after being framed; Nai had been in freefall after being forced to flee to Ishgard, but all was at least going somewhat okay in the wake of that. Frustratingly, of course; as much as Alphinaud, bless his soul, tried to help, everything's blown up on him in a way Nai truly couldn't have expected. It was fine, though; fighting many of the so-called gods has been enough to keep Nai's blade sharp and her bloodlust mostly quelled, as angry as the things around her have been making her in quiet.
It's the way Nai has always been, of course, to most; quiet and unsuspecting. She looked like no more than a mere commoner who lost her eye to most, and to most, she wanted that to stay. Who cared about the amount of monsters who fled at the sight of her? Who cared that the huntress who became a soldier was now playing hero, undeservedly at that, as long as she served her purpose?
But why...why did Haurchefant protect her? Was he truly so taken by the lie that Nai sold him, that he was willing to protect her? If he knew just how bloodsoaked she was, would he have done the same?
...Between most of the Scions fates being uncomfirmed and this, Nai has been reeling. She's needed some time, really, both to plan the next move and to process her grief. She's down in a room where it seems that they've left...well. Useless things down here. Heretics, it seems, given the corpse down here. Nai regards it with curiosity, truly, as she walks over; she's heard the rumors of course, about a heretic who tried to fight the knights, but seeing him...
He was probably a more noble soul than herself. Bastard. Everything in Nai tightens up. Yes, they won't care about a corpse. They won't care about anything down here, and maybe here she can finally let out that anger that's been threatening to well up in her and explode outright, and Nai marches forward easily and--
She kicks the corpse. Again, and again, and again. Her gaze has nothing behind it and nothingness is preferable to the simmering, hateful anger inside of her that has so many uses, but none of them productive. She can't let them know what a monster she is, but it's fine now. Who cares about the heretic who's merely kicking another heretic and who cares, there's no blood and she can just kick and kick, and maybe she'll feel better about herself--
But Nai catches something out of the corner of her one working eye, blinking. That...had to be a trick of the light of some kind, right? Or maybe she kicked something valuable out of him.]
What on...?
[Nai's voice, quiet as ever utters out in surprise, as she turns around to look at whatever it is she could have kicked off of him. Surely it'll be nothing out of the ordinary, she surmises.
...Despite the fact that everything about her is anything but normal, and truly, she should probably realize that by now--]
[Nai needs a teacher to harness that rage, that fury, that pain and sorrow. Nai needs a teacher to guide her down the path to control and turn that darkness into a weapon. Nai needs a teacher to help her through these difficult times.
And so a teacher is provided by the Dark Knight soulstone at her feet, that darkness finding the nearest suitable vessel for their purposes.
They are both Nai, and yet Nai cannot know that yet. It's too soon. She's too emotionally volatile, too unfocused and angry. To weak, to be blunt. She will need to be tested; she will need to prove herself ready to know the truth, to bear it.
But she will rise to the occasion; she already knows this much.
The name and identity she will take are etched into the soulstone as much as Nai's feelings and memories are - it takes but an instant for "Fray Myste" to rise and for her purpose to become crystal clear. She does not falter or hesitate, nor does she feel pain or reflect any injury from Nai's frenetic kicks.
Lying on the ground is a soulstone - she'll likely recognize it, given she has one of her own for her main job. The jagged edges and dark insignia may give her some indication as to what may come, but she only has a moment to study it before her vision blurs and darkness overtakes her for a moment.
And then she'll wake, and Fray will be there behind her, holding out a hand to offer to help her to her feet.]
You're unhurt, aye? You blacked out for a moment; you seemed to be seeing something dreadful.
[And perhaps she was. Maybe some horrid memory or what-if flashed in front of her eyes, blinding her to the world for a moment. Reminding her of that pain she carries - not that it's ever been far from her side.]
If you've the energy to spare kicking someone who won't fight back, you'd best put it to use productively. Can you stand?
[A soulstone...huh. Nai doesn't even spare the corpse a second glance as she goes to look at that gem. What a strange insignia...she's never seen it before, truly, and she's tempted to put it down because it clearly doesn't belong to her...but something flashes before her eyes before she can. Blood, so much of it, standing in the corpses of so many people she called her family and friends. Faces unrecognizable for some, but all too obvious for others, and she's the one carrying the blade that killed them but she didn't mean it, she didn't, she--
Nai wakes with a start, whipping around with trained alertness to see the very man she had been kicking moments prior. Her one visible eye widens, almost confused as she reaches for a blade she's forcing herself to pretend she's not nearly as experienced with. She forces herself to stop as she comes up to her feet without taking the other person's hand, shaking her head.]
Nay. Such a thing is not needed, nor necessary. [Not for someone like me, but she keeps that comment to herself.] ...I am fine. I had not expected someone to be down here, and that is my mistake.
Who are you? Are you not-- [Nai's tone never really changes much from a quiet, softspoken front she puts on, but here without anyone seeing her, she's able to be a little harsh and stern. Wary, even. She shakes her head as she trails off, every inch of her tense and wanting to fight, but who knows if this bastard is with them? She can't trust him. She can't--] If this is to be some sort of trap, bring out the rest of your lot. I tire of these games.
[...]
...If it is not, then...what are you doing down here?
[Every part of her wants to attack, but she's confused as well, overthinking this. Because she's been told she needs to think before and not merely act, and maybe just this once such idiotic rhetoric will be useful.
She doubts it, though. Her hand hovers toward her blade, as if itching for a chance to be proven wrong.]
[Not for someone like me, she thinks - they think. And yes, perhaps there's some truth in that. Perhaps Nai is too far gone, beyond any sort of salvation. But that is what this darkness is here to address, to harness and teach Nai to control. If no one else should show Nai kindness, then this small part of her can at least teach her to care for herself.
"Fray" withdraws her hand without comment as Nai returns to her feet.]
Stay your blade, warrior. [Or perhaps that's a capital "W" for Warrior of Light.] I've no reinforcements, nor any desire to shed your blood. You've likely already heard my story - seems most of Ishgard knows of this "heretic".
[A scoff and "Fray" continues,] I am a Dark Knight, not a dragon-worshiping heretic. I bring my blade to bear for those who cannot defend themselves. I have no allegiance - or interest - in standing by the Temple Knights.
[Venom drips from her voice. She can't help it. After being labelled a heretic repeatedly, after hearing the truth and knowing what the Church conceals, after Haurchefant... how can she hold anything but disdain for those that caused so much heartache? For others, yes, certainly - but for Nai most of all. For she is nothing more than Nai's darkest thoughts made manifest, and how could she be anything but bitter toward those who have caused Nai to question herself so? Had things gone differently, perhaps Nai would be on a different, better, path. One that might lead to healing without need of the dark arts.
But that is not where Nai is at now, so "Fray" will teach.]
What brings you here? Rumors of my untimely demise?
[The man speaks, and Nai watches. She always watches others, learning from them, attempting to mimic them. Her life has been anything but normal, and most of Eorzea would consider her personality offputting if they knew the real her. The one that lies in waiting, the one who does not even pretend to be a normal woman. She listens for a few seconds more to this man...
Before her hand leaves her blade and she forces herself to ease. It's almost mechanical, how she does so; shoulders, arms, neck, head, gaze, back, all of it. Act normal, and perhaps he will have no reason to go on the attack. Nai's pose is nothing short of normal as she regards Fray, nodding.]
...In part, yes. That, I cannot deny. [After Haurchefant's death and everything she's been through, a spiteful part of herself wanted something else to hurt just as much as herself.] I can see why they would want to be rid of you, though. The Temple Knights seem to have little love, for anything that would attempt to usurp their control--allow me to apologize, if little else, for doubting that.
But truthfully, I...needed somewhere to cool my head, away from prying eyes. It has been a very, very long set of days, unfortunately.
[Fray's eyes follow Nai's movements, however slight. Her expression is unreadable behind this mask - but it would remain just as stiff as Nai's were she to see it. They are the same, after all.]
You'll find no better place in Ishgard than the Brume; those down here know to keep to themselves.
[But she's content to let that go, nodding at the introduction.]
Fray Myste. [Not her name, but it will serve this purpose well enough.] Don't tell me you've also been accused of heresy? Seems to be all the Church can think about lately.
Aye. Got it in one. [He's got a keen sense about him, that's for sure. Not that it's likely any less obvious, but Nai will nod. Unreadable as his expression is, Fray seems...well, he at least seems just as bitter as she is about the state of this place, and for now, it's enough.] They're getting desperate, at this point. It won't be long before the things they've done have caught up to them, and they seem rather keen on ensuring that everyone goes down with them.
[...]
I cannot allow that to happen...but even now, I know not if I am strong enough alone, to do what needs to be done. [To settle this without resorting to putting their heads on pikes. To get bloody, bloody revenge in return for Haurchefant's untimely demise. It's all she's been thinking about, and at this point she doesn't care who her blade crosses paths with because if it means it will hurt less--] I must get stronger. Strong enough to cleave the path forward, and perhaps free these people from this senseless cycle.
[That's what she was waiting for. That spark of desire, the want to do good, but tempered by the pain Nai carries. It's understandable. It's why "Fray" is here. She'll teach Nai to harness that pain, to turn it into power and to help those who cannot help themselves.]
Aye, though the reach of my blade is too short, so to speak. [A soft scoff.] But that's where you come in.
I can see your strength - I can see your fire. You want power? Then I'll teach you the way of the Dark Knight.
[She draws the greatsword strapped to her back, the weight of it familiar already, despite the fact that she only just came into being. She holds it blade down, pommel toward Nai.]
Take the blade, heed my words, and together we'll harness that strength of yours - for those who cannot fight for themselves.
It is a heavy blade I offer; it weighs as it should. The burden of protecting others is not an easy one to bear. But I know you'll be capable of it, Nai.
Me...? [Nai sounds incredulous, and maybe it's just because she's been so deprived of praise for so long--she wants to believe that, but even she can't hide the way her hackles slightly raise. Though his tone sounds as if he wants to teach, a part of her wonders if she's just going to end up used. She won't let that happen again.] ...You put too much confidence in someone that you have just met. I'd be careful; you could end up putting your confidence in a real scoundrel.
[Because that's what she is, deep down. This man doesn't need to know that, and despite herself, Nai's tone gets the teeniest bit of wry before her face is back to that stony seriousness. Her one eye looks to the pommel of the blade in his hand, eyes unerring from it for a moment before she looks back to the man in question.
Whatever he intends to teach her would almost certainly be suited for someone else. But Nai's strength alone isn't good enough. It wasn't good enough to save Haurchefant. It may not even be good enough to save Fray, should something happen...
...But he believes in her, and somehow, that compels her to reach out and take the handle of that blade.]
...If you do believe in my potential, however, I've no issue with making an attempt to learn from you. It serves your purpose as well, does it not? Many hands makes lighter work, so to speak.
[And cleaning these bastards out is bound to serve his purpose just as well. It makes sense, despite her disbelief; he needs someone to help fight his war, and she needs to keep the people around her safe.
Perhaps that, and that alone, it could make up for everything.]
[She waits for Nai's decision - but she already knows what it will be. After all, it was that desire - for power, understanding, control - that led her here. Nai will accept, because Nai has already accepted the dark arts. The soul crystal would not have reacted so if she hadn't. Fray hands the blade over - it's a heavy blade, but nothing Nai should be incapable of wielding.]
We're in agreement, then.
[And just in time, given that a shout comes from down the way. Her eyes flick in that direction, but she doesn't move just yet.]
Know that this will not be an easy path, but I shall be here every step of the way. You will heed my words, and you will grow stronger. Should you stray too far, that darkness may consume you whole.
[A warning, a caution, but she has faith that Nai won't let it consume her. Not yet. Not now. If she was going to be consumed by her hatred and anger and sorrow, it would have happened already.]
[Nai takes the blade properly into her hand, not balking at the weight at all--it feels comfortable, almost. Not quite familiar; her preferences have always been for long and sharp blades, those lightweight and easy to make cleave through what you wish. But this blade...it's a blade with purpose, conviction behind it. Heavy is the hand that carries out the deaths of many, after all.
Fray is far more noble than she. Fray isn't a murderer; Fray doesn't revel in the bloodshed. At least, from what she has assumed. It could easily be her placing her trust in a craven scoundrel. And truthfully, she could easily get consumed by this darkness. But...
Just once. Just this once, she wants to believe someone has her best interests and isn't using her. She'll place her trust in Fray.]
...I understand. No path but forward, then.
[And right on cue (with the inward thought of i truly can never have peace, can i?), Nai's one visible eye sharpens as she grips the blade tightly in both of her hands.]
Yes. [Like the weapon she (thinks she is) is, stiff as a soldier, Nai is ready to meet whatever has elected to come to her.] Let us go.
[Nai will rush off like a shot, expecting Fray to follow as she readies herself to cleave this path forward. What's the situation?]
[She follows, of course. Silent, despite the heavy armor, remaining just a step or two behind Nai the whole time.
The yelling is coming from a distraught older woman; her granddaughter has been taken by the Temple Knights after an altercation. She begs for help, for the assistance of someone strong enough to save her granddaughter. This isn't the first time such a thing has happened, she reveals as she speaks, and Nai likely isn't all that surprised that the Temple Knights' plans for the girl are less than honorable.]
There's always trouble with the Knights, isn't there? [Ever since she arrived to Ishgard, and well before that it would seem.] She may survive this... but I assume you'd rather put your new power to use against the Knights.
[To right one wrong, no matter how small. There is no saving all of those the Temple Knights have already taken, but this one girl may not share the same fate. Nai is strong enough for it. Nai will succeed at mastering the dark arts, she already knows this.]
[Nai's eye spots the older woman shouting; her granddaughter was kidnapped by the knights? She can't say she's surprised, to say the least. And less so at the idea of what they have in store; that poor girl doesn't deserve this. The grandmother, she doesn't deserve this either.
Nai will gladly assure the old woman that she'll help her, before she's off like a shot again. They need to hurry. But Fray's words...something in them resonates just a bit too much, but Nai feels herself stiffen a bit at them.]
Saving that girl is my foremost priority. [Nai's words are clipped, but doesn't say anything further to that effect. The bloodlust, the idea of killing and killing and killing these bastards and presenting their heads along with her perfectly safe granddaughter--Nai needs to focus.] If I can learn a thing or two along the way, all the better.
[Nai can already feel dark thoughts clouding her mind; she attempts to shake them off. They need to keep going.]
[It builds and builds within her, within them - that darkness, the emotional toll that all of this is taking on her and Nai's fury and pain that have coalesced into the being that stole a dead man's name. This is it - this is what she's meant for.]
Go, then. Allow my words to guide you - allow those feelings to become your strength. Do not let them control you - you control them. Turn that anger into fuel to bolster your strength!
[When exactly did she get a staff anyway? Well, don't worry about it. She's here to heal any wounds Nai receives, to keep her in fighting shape against the Temple Knights.
Nai may start to feel herself become overwhelmed by those feelings at certain points - every time, "Fray" calls to her. Every time, she will find she isn't alone to face her fury, her pain, her sorrow. They manifest as dark flames - reaching out to them will bolster her, make her feel stronger and more in control of both the dark arts and her own emotions.
It will be a slaughter. The Temple Knights are ill prepared for someone of Nai's strength, and she will have little trouble cutting her way to the captured girl to save her.
[...When would a knight have time to take up healing--
You know what, it doesn't matter. Nai doesn't see any need to hold back against the Temple Knights--if any of them were to be left breathing after this, it could certainly cause some unsavory rumors to crop up that could prove problematic. But their sins are truly innumerable, and Nai is already justifying this slaughter in her mind as she goes on the attack.
That darkness is overwhelming, resonating with every bit of Nai that wants to go back to simply cutting anything in her path. Because in the end people are just flesh, bone, no better than the animals she hunted, and these people at least deserve it, they deserve to die like the people they've left scared to live--
But Fray's words bring her back from that brink every time. They let her keep her focus, and those flames she reaches out and touches--she feels a little more centered. In control of herself, rather than moments from giving into her urges. She wonders, inwardly, if this should be a teaching experience at all, but it must say something about the faith he has in her that he allows her to kill them herself.
And kill them she does. The heavier blade does at least mean that it's less messy than her usual when she gets like this, but for a moment, there's peace, quiet, and many dead bodies littering the ground. It's peaceful. For a long while, this silence was the only peace she got, and she simply breathes for a moment. They need to find that girl, but...]
...My thanks, for the assistance.
[...Nai's going to pull out a cloth to at least try to clean herself up a little bit before they go see that little girl. No need to scare her by looking more frightening than the knights, right?]
You were not wrong, about such power being overwhelming.
[Nai's wounds are patched - the healing magic feeling much like any she's experienced before... but then, of course it is. It's based on the healers who have healed her in the past, drawn on her memories and woven through her aether and inner darkness with ease. She doesn't have to think about it; she simply knows what must be done, and does it.
Perhaps the same can be said of Nai, who has taken well to the dark arts.]
It is not a power that anyone can wield. You've done well.
["Fray"'s golden eyes squint behind the mask - a smile. Nai may not smile easily, but who else could be so proud of her but herself?]
Should you wish to keep pursuing this power, I will be here to guide you. But first, you've a woman in distress to tend to.
[The Church's doors yawn open, and a frightened young woman makes her way towards them, eyes wide. She looks around at the slain knights - not with fear, but with curiosity.
She'll thank Nai, whenever Nai is ready to approach her and explains the situation; all the knights that were guarding her exited the Church to fight Nai, so she's been spared any injury or harm thanks to the timely interference. Her thanks are heartfelt and genuine, and once she's been reassured (by Nai, of course, as "Fray" simply watches silently) that Nai's uninjured, she takes her leave back to her grandmother in the Brume.]
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no subject
Not that it hasn't been tempting--and not the least of which because watching good people die is almost as bad as finding out someone you loved has died.
Haurchefant's death is about the closest she's come to relapsing on that. She had already been reeling after being forced to flee after being framed; Nai had been in freefall after being forced to flee to Ishgard, but all was at least going somewhat okay in the wake of that. Frustratingly, of course; as much as Alphinaud, bless his soul, tried to help, everything's blown up on him in a way Nai truly couldn't have expected. It was fine, though; fighting many of the so-called gods has been enough to keep Nai's blade sharp and her bloodlust mostly quelled, as angry as the things around her have been making her in quiet.
It's the way Nai has always been, of course, to most; quiet and unsuspecting. She looked like no more than a mere commoner who lost her eye to most, and to most, she wanted that to stay. Who cared about the amount of monsters who fled at the sight of her? Who cared that the huntress who became a soldier was now playing hero, undeservedly at that, as long as she served her purpose?
But why...why did Haurchefant protect her? Was he truly so taken by the lie that Nai sold him, that he was willing to protect her? If he knew just how bloodsoaked she was, would he have done the same?
...Between most of the Scions fates being uncomfirmed and this, Nai has been reeling. She's needed some time, really, both to plan the next move and to process her grief. She's down in a room where it seems that they've left...well. Useless things down here. Heretics, it seems, given the corpse down here. Nai regards it with curiosity, truly, as she walks over; she's heard the rumors of course, about a heretic who tried to fight the knights, but seeing him...
He was probably a more noble soul than herself. Bastard. Everything in Nai tightens up. Yes, they won't care about a corpse. They won't care about anything down here, and maybe here she can finally let out that anger that's been threatening to well up in her and explode outright, and Nai marches forward easily and--
She kicks the corpse. Again, and again, and again. Her gaze has nothing behind it and nothingness is preferable to the simmering, hateful anger inside of her that has so many uses, but none of them productive. She can't let them know what a monster she is, but it's fine now. Who cares about the heretic who's merely kicking another heretic and who cares, there's no blood and she can just kick and kick, and maybe she'll feel better about herself--
But Nai catches something out of the corner of her one working eye, blinking. That...had to be a trick of the light of some kind, right? Or maybe she kicked something valuable out of him.]
What on...?
[Nai's voice, quiet as ever utters out in surprise, as she turns around to look at whatever it is she could have kicked off of him. Surely it'll be nothing out of the ordinary, she surmises.
...Despite the fact that everything about her is anything but normal, and truly, she should probably realize that by now--]
no subject
And so a teacher is provided by the Dark Knight soulstone at her feet, that darkness finding the nearest suitable vessel for their purposes.
They are both Nai, and yet Nai cannot know that yet. It's too soon. She's too emotionally volatile, too unfocused and angry. To weak, to be blunt. She will need to be tested; she will need to prove herself ready to know the truth, to bear it.
But she will rise to the occasion; she already knows this much.
The name and identity she will take are etched into the soulstone as much as Nai's feelings and memories are - it takes but an instant for "Fray Myste" to rise and for her purpose to become crystal clear. She does not falter or hesitate, nor does she feel pain or reflect any injury from Nai's frenetic kicks.
Lying on the ground is a soulstone - she'll likely recognize it, given she has one of her own for her main job. The jagged edges and dark insignia may give her some indication as to what may come, but she only has a moment to study it before her vision blurs and darkness overtakes her for a moment.
And then she'll wake, and Fray will be there behind her, holding out a hand to offer to help her to her feet.]
You're unhurt, aye? You blacked out for a moment; you seemed to be seeing something dreadful.
[And perhaps she was. Maybe some horrid memory or what-if flashed in front of her eyes, blinding her to the world for a moment. Reminding her of that pain she carries - not that it's ever been far from her side.]
If you've the energy to spare kicking someone who won't fight back, you'd best put it to use productively. Can you stand?
no subject
Nai wakes with a start, whipping around with trained alertness to see the very man she had been kicking moments prior. Her one visible eye widens, almost confused as she reaches for a blade she's forcing herself to pretend she's not nearly as experienced with. She forces herself to stop as she comes up to her feet without taking the other person's hand, shaking her head.]
Nay. Such a thing is not needed, nor necessary. [Not for someone like me, but she keeps that comment to herself.] ...I am fine. I had not expected someone to be down here, and that is my mistake.
Who are you? Are you not-- [Nai's tone never really changes much from a quiet, softspoken front she puts on, but here without anyone seeing her, she's able to be a little harsh and stern. Wary, even. She shakes her head as she trails off, every inch of her tense and wanting to fight, but who knows if this bastard is with them? She can't trust him. She can't--] If this is to be some sort of trap, bring out the rest of your lot. I tire of these games.
[...]
...If it is not, then...what are you doing down here?
[Every part of her wants to attack, but she's confused as well, overthinking this. Because she's been told she needs to think before and not merely act, and maybe just this once such idiotic rhetoric will be useful.
She doubts it, though. Her hand hovers toward her blade, as if itching for a chance to be proven wrong.]
no subject
"Fray" withdraws her hand without comment as Nai returns to her feet.]
Stay your blade, warrior. [Or perhaps that's a capital "W" for Warrior of Light.] I've no reinforcements, nor any desire to shed your blood. You've likely already heard my story - seems most of Ishgard knows of this "heretic".
[A scoff and "Fray" continues,] I am a Dark Knight, not a dragon-worshiping heretic. I bring my blade to bear for those who cannot defend themselves. I have no allegiance - or interest - in standing by the Temple Knights.
[Venom drips from her voice. She can't help it. After being labelled a heretic repeatedly, after hearing the truth and knowing what the Church conceals, after Haurchefant... how can she hold anything but disdain for those that caused so much heartache? For others, yes, certainly - but for Nai most of all. For she is nothing more than Nai's darkest thoughts made manifest, and how could she be anything but bitter toward those who have caused Nai to question herself so? Had things gone differently, perhaps Nai would be on a different, better, path. One that might lead to healing without need of the dark arts.
But that is not where Nai is at now, so "Fray" will teach.]
What brings you here? Rumors of my untimely demise?
no subject
Before her hand leaves her blade and she forces herself to ease. It's almost mechanical, how she does so; shoulders, arms, neck, head, gaze, back, all of it. Act normal, and perhaps he will have no reason to go on the attack. Nai's pose is nothing short of normal as she regards Fray, nodding.]
...In part, yes. That, I cannot deny. [After Haurchefant's death and everything she's been through, a spiteful part of herself wanted something else to hurt just as much as herself.] I can see why they would want to be rid of you, though. The Temple Knights seem to have little love, for anything that would attempt to usurp their control--allow me to apologize, if little else, for doubting that.
But truthfully, I...needed somewhere to cool my head, away from prying eyes. It has been a very, very long set of days, unfortunately.
[...]
You may call me Nai. Nai Mihata.
no subject
You'll find no better place in Ishgard than the Brume; those down here know to keep to themselves.
[But she's content to let that go, nodding at the introduction.]
Fray Myste. [Not her name, but it will serve this purpose well enough.] Don't tell me you've also been accused of heresy? Seems to be all the Church can think about lately.
no subject
Aye. Got it in one. [He's got a keen sense about him, that's for sure. Not that it's likely any less obvious, but Nai will nod. Unreadable as his expression is, Fray seems...well, he at least seems just as bitter as she is about the state of this place, and for now, it's enough.] They're getting desperate, at this point. It won't be long before the things they've done have caught up to them, and they seem rather keen on ensuring that everyone goes down with them.
[...]
I cannot allow that to happen...but even now, I know not if I am strong enough alone, to do what needs to be done. [To settle this without resorting to putting their heads on pikes. To get bloody, bloody revenge in return for Haurchefant's untimely demise. It's all she's been thinking about, and at this point she doesn't care who her blade crosses paths with because if it means it will hurt less--] I must get stronger. Strong enough to cleave the path forward, and perhaps free these people from this senseless cycle.
...As I assume you have tried?
no subject
Aye, though the reach of my blade is too short, so to speak. [A soft scoff.] But that's where you come in.
I can see your strength - I can see your fire. You want power? Then I'll teach you the way of the Dark Knight.
[She draws the greatsword strapped to her back, the weight of it familiar already, despite the fact that she only just came into being. She holds it blade down, pommel toward Nai.]
Take the blade, heed my words, and together we'll harness that strength of yours - for those who cannot fight for themselves.
It is a heavy blade I offer; it weighs as it should. The burden of protecting others is not an easy one to bear. But I know you'll be capable of it, Nai.
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Me...? [Nai sounds incredulous, and maybe it's just because she's been so deprived of praise for so long--she wants to believe that, but even she can't hide the way her hackles slightly raise. Though his tone sounds as if he wants to teach, a part of her wonders if she's just going to end up used. She won't let that happen again.] ...You put too much confidence in someone that you have just met. I'd be careful; you could end up putting your confidence in a real scoundrel.
[Because that's what she is, deep down. This man doesn't need to know that, and despite herself, Nai's tone gets the teeniest bit of wry before her face is back to that stony seriousness. Her one eye looks to the pommel of the blade in his hand, eyes unerring from it for a moment before she looks back to the man in question.
Whatever he intends to teach her would almost certainly be suited for someone else. But Nai's strength alone isn't good enough. It wasn't good enough to save Haurchefant. It may not even be good enough to save Fray, should something happen...
...But he believes in her, and somehow, that compels her to reach out and take the handle of that blade.]
...If you do believe in my potential, however, I've no issue with making an attempt to learn from you. It serves your purpose as well, does it not? Many hands makes lighter work, so to speak.
[And cleaning these bastards out is bound to serve his purpose just as well. It makes sense, despite her disbelief; he needs someone to help fight his war, and she needs to keep the people around her safe.
Perhaps that, and that alone, it could make up for everything.]
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We're in agreement, then.
[And just in time, given that a shout comes from down the way. Her eyes flick in that direction, but she doesn't move just yet.]
Know that this will not be an easy path, but I shall be here every step of the way. You will heed my words, and you will grow stronger. Should you stray too far, that darkness may consume you whole.
[A warning, a caution, but she has faith that Nai won't let it consume her. Not yet. Not now. If she was going to be consumed by her hatred and anger and sorrow, it would have happened already.]
Ready to put that blade to the test, warrior?
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Fray is far more noble than she. Fray isn't a murderer; Fray doesn't revel in the bloodshed. At least, from what she has assumed. It could easily be her placing her trust in a craven scoundrel. And truthfully, she could easily get consumed by this darkness. But...
Just once. Just this once, she wants to believe someone has her best interests and isn't using her. She'll place her trust in Fray.]
...I understand. No path but forward, then.
[And right on cue (with the inward thought of i truly can never have peace, can i?), Nai's one visible eye sharpens as she grips the blade tightly in both of her hands.]
Yes. [Like the weapon she (thinks she is) is, stiff as a soldier, Nai is ready to meet whatever has elected to come to her.] Let us go.
[Nai will rush off like a shot, expecting Fray to follow as she readies herself to cleave this path forward. What's the situation?]
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The yelling is coming from a distraught older woman; her granddaughter has been taken by the Temple Knights after an altercation. She begs for help, for the assistance of someone strong enough to save her granddaughter. This isn't the first time such a thing has happened, she reveals as she speaks, and Nai likely isn't all that surprised that the Temple Knights' plans for the girl are less than honorable.]
There's always trouble with the Knights, isn't there? [Ever since she arrived to Ishgard, and well before that it would seem.] She may survive this... but I assume you'd rather put your new power to use against the Knights.
[To right one wrong, no matter how small. There is no saving all of those the Temple Knights have already taken, but this one girl may not share the same fate. Nai is strong enough for it. Nai will succeed at mastering the dark arts, she already knows this.]
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Nai will gladly assure the old woman that she'll help her, before she's off like a shot again. They need to hurry. But Fray's words...something in them resonates just a bit too much, but Nai feels herself stiffen a bit at them.]
Saving that girl is my foremost priority. [Nai's words are clipped, but doesn't say anything further to that effect. The bloodlust, the idea of killing and killing and killing these bastards and presenting their heads along with her perfectly safe granddaughter--Nai needs to focus.] If I can learn a thing or two along the way, all the better.
[Nai can already feel dark thoughts clouding her mind; she attempts to shake them off. They need to keep going.]
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Go, then. Allow my words to guide you - allow those feelings to become your strength. Do not let them control you - you control them. Turn that anger into fuel to bolster your strength!
[When exactly did she get a staff anyway? Well, don't worry about it. She's here to heal any wounds Nai receives, to keep her in fighting shape against the Temple Knights.
Nai may start to feel herself become overwhelmed by those feelings at certain points - every time, "Fray" calls to her. Every time, she will find she isn't alone to face her fury, her pain, her sorrow. They manifest as dark flames - reaching out to them will bolster her, make her feel stronger and more in control of both the dark arts and her own emotions.
It will be a slaughter. The Temple Knights are ill prepared for someone of Nai's strength, and she will have little trouble cutting her way to the captured girl to save her.
As it should be, of course.]
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[...When would a knight have time to take up healing--
You know what, it doesn't matter. Nai doesn't see any need to hold back against the Temple Knights--if any of them were to be left breathing after this, it could certainly cause some unsavory rumors to crop up that could prove problematic. But their sins are truly innumerable, and Nai is already justifying this slaughter in her mind as she goes on the attack.
That darkness is overwhelming, resonating with every bit of Nai that wants to go back to simply cutting anything in her path. Because in the end people are just flesh, bone, no better than the animals she hunted, and these people at least deserve it, they deserve to die like the people they've left scared to live--
But Fray's words bring her back from that brink every time. They let her keep her focus, and those flames she reaches out and touches--she feels a little more centered. In control of herself, rather than moments from giving into her urges. She wonders, inwardly, if this should be a teaching experience at all, but it must say something about the faith he has in her that he allows her to kill them herself.
And kill them she does. The heavier blade does at least mean that it's less messy than her usual when she gets like this, but for a moment, there's peace, quiet, and many dead bodies littering the ground. It's peaceful. For a long while, this silence was the only peace she got, and she simply breathes for a moment. They need to find that girl, but...]
...My thanks, for the assistance.
[...Nai's going to pull out a cloth to at least try to clean herself up a little bit before they go see that little girl. No need to scare her by looking more frightening than the knights, right?]
You were not wrong, about such power being overwhelming.
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Perhaps the same can be said of Nai, who has taken well to the dark arts.]
It is not a power that anyone can wield. You've done well.
["Fray"'s golden eyes squint behind the mask - a smile. Nai may not smile easily, but who else could be so proud of her but herself?]
Should you wish to keep pursuing this power, I will be here to guide you. But first, you've a woman in distress to tend to.
[The Church's doors yawn open, and a frightened young woman makes her way towards them, eyes wide. She looks around at the slain knights - not with fear, but with curiosity.
She'll thank Nai, whenever Nai is ready to approach her and explains the situation; all the knights that were guarding her exited the Church to fight Nai, so she's been spared any injury or harm thanks to the timely interference. Her thanks are heartfelt and genuine, and once she's been reassured (by Nai, of course, as "Fray" simply watches silently) that Nai's uninjured, she takes her leave back to her grandmother in the Brume.]