Gulool Ja Ja's Legacy: A FFXIV DT Rewrite + Expansion Concepts [Fanfiction]

Ch9 Searching for Answers

The party fought through Vanguard, encountering a man named Zander that transformed himself with the soul of a serpent.

After dispatching their foes, Estinien seemed downhearted.

The Warrior of Light only noticed Estinien's off demeanor due to their many adventures together, and thus questioned the dragoon.

"Zoraal Ja initially thought that only by conquering the world would he be recognized beside his father. I informed him of the Dragonsong War to dissuade him from such foolish action. Perhaps it is I who have caused the man to seek the combination of beast and man," so Estinien muttered.

"His actions are his alone," the Warrior of Light simply replied, to which Estinien nodded.

They entered the zone of Heritage Found, and began exploring the area. The whole zone was strangely filled with lightning aether.

They passed through a settlement named Yyasulani Station, and after queries, continued heading northward towards a settlement referred to by the locals as The Outskirts.

Most unsettled along the way was Erenville, who's mother originally lived in this region prior to the appearance of this purple dome.

When they entered The Outskirts, their eyes were drawn to a tower to the north that rose to the sky, of black metal and neon purple.

"How wondrous," Alphinaud said.

"The whole zone is primarily lightning aether," Y'shtola noted. "They rely on various appliances to transform this lightning aether for use. I need closer examination to fully discern their methods."

They would soon be shaken by an approaching figure.

"I saw her wandering form during the attack on Tuliyollal!" Wuk Lamat was in disbelief that this woman dared to approach in such an open manner. It was incomprehensible for this woman associated with Zoraal Ja to not immediately alert their army.

"Welcome to my domain, royal guests," the woman spoke. She was of a kind and gentle disposition, in a lovely dress of soft yellow, white frills and bluish glow. "I have been expecting you."

"You have?!" Wuk Lamat was visibly shaken. The Warrior of Light felt rather unnerved as well, and a tension filled the air.

"Indeed. I am Queen Sphene. Long have I waited."

"What for?" Wuk Lamat was filled with agitation.

"For... I..." Queen Sphene's appearance suddenly flickered. The party took a half step back, startled.

Her appearance quickly stabilized.

"What was I saying again...? Hmm..." Queen Sphene softly smiled with a tinge of confusion. "Oh yes! I came here to ensure that my subjects are living well. Would you like to accompany me? You must be guests that I must welcome!"

The original tension that filled the hair transformed into that of uncertainty and bewilderment.

The Warrior of Light locked eyes with each companion and they nodded silently. Something was certainly off here.

"Her existence..." Y'shtola's eyes glowed as she scrutinized Queen Sphene's form. "She is but an automaton with the appearance of this... Queen Sphene."

Queen Sphene giggled, not minding Y'shtola's words. When another pink screened automaton walked past, Queen Sphene 'jumped' and the other automaton became her.

"When we first arrived, many here thought so too! I am certain that once you learn more of our way of life, you will understand that my existence is very real!"