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archivemisora · 6 years ago

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Croix Straus was a creature of habbit. Each morning, he would sit for meditation followed by a cup of coffee and a bowl of oats and honey. Each night, he would sprinkle a pinch of holy water at the doorstep and leave a cup of drinking water at his daughter's nightstand by her bed. Each time he prepared to leave for a dangerous job, he put on his favorite ornate black and white robe with its matching hat and kissed his daughter on top of her head. "You're in charge while I'm gone, Misora. Keep 'em out of trouble."

"And don't let the creepies in. Gotcha, Dad." Misora would nod or give a thumbs up and the both yelled "love you!" as he made his way out the door. Misora, his treasure. A small and spritely little girl with his own dare-to-dream bright green eyes and her late mother's spring pink hair. Illness took his wife when their daughter was only four, leaving him a single parent on top of running his second pride and joy, the Sword of Justice: a small company of reputible exorcists. As much as he would rather stay home and spend his time with Misora, the income would help set up a good life for her later. The jobs ranged from day trips to the Camp Drybone graveyard and monestary to grueling trips to Ishgard that could take up to two weeks.

Thankfully, this trip was one of the simpler ones. With two of his physically strongest teammates at his side, they would likely be home in time for dinner. "Donnely's got the ghosts again?" inquired the booming voice of Soft Elbow from beside him. His arms were so muscular that his sleeves looked ready to tear. "Seems that way," Croix replied cheerfully. From the other side of Soft Elbow, Magnolia raised a doutbful eyebrow at him. "If you keep telling Misora she's in charge, she's going to start believing it. Mag wore a scowl almost as often as she wore bold lipstick. Today, it was hot pink and applied rather generously. "Good, I hope she does!" Croix laughed. "She's six." "Natori's there, she'll be fine!" Soft Elbow said in Croix's defense. Mag just shook her head, causing Croix to laugh even harder.

Croix and his companions reached the site of a graveyard in camp drybone and greeted by an ageing man approaching eagarly to exchange a firm handshake with each of them. “Ned Donnely, always a pleasure. We came as soon as we could,” Croix said professionally yet amiably. Donnely's face contorted in distress, giving the clue that perhaps pleasantries would have to be skipped. “And would that you could have come sooner,Croix, I may not have anyone to tend to the church by the time--” The haunting screech of a female's voice sounded from inside of the church building, causing Magnolia and Soft Elbow to smirk and crack their knuckles in anticipation. Donnely threw his arms up in distress. “It is IMPOSSIBLE to find good help these days. Every other lass coming in to help ends up getting posessed!” Croix, maintaining more poise than his eagar companions, gave Ned Donnely's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before making his way in. “You two make sure not to break any property this time, please?” Soft Elbow responded to Croix's request with a loud “bawwwhh” and a firm shake of the hyurr's shoulders as he chuckled before cracking his neck. As they entered the building, three women in hooded ivory cloaks huddled in a corner behind a bench they had pulled in front of themselves for protection, cowering from a fourth woman of the same garb, surrounded by an aura of dark aether and a dulled red glow to her eyes. The possessed shrieked again, a blend of the woman's own voice with the distorted sound of a spirit's, hurling a brass candle at the frightened ladies and causing them to scream in response. The ladied turned to look at the three exorcists and screamed again in unison, pointing at their posessed friend. The posessed turned and screeched at the exorcists. Croix straightened his posture. Soft Elbow crossed his arms and smirked. Magnolia frowned and unpocketed a bottle of holy water, hurling it at the posessed clergywoman. “Oh, pipe down!” she hissed as the bottle shattered at the floor by the target's feet. Croix, trying to hide his distress over Magnolia's temper, gave Soft Elbow a gentle push in the direction of the frightened women, trusting that the large man would somehow figure out a way to find them safety and comfort. As the spirit's host writhed away from the spashback of the broken bottle of holy water, Croix stepped cautiously closer with his arms extended, gathering a purifying aetheric energy to his upheld palms. “I call upon help from Nymeia the Spinner. State your business and leave or be banished by force.” The only response he got was a shambled book thrown in his direction. Had Magnolia not clutched the small framed woman in an arm lock, it was likely she would have lunged right for Croix. “This one doesn't know how to use words, Boss.” She glared fiercely at Soft Elbow as he offered a big and goofy smile at the women, scooping all three of them up carefully in his giant arms to whisk them away from the scene. “Let's just get this over with quickly, shall we?” In his focus, Croix Straus was silent as he agreed with the hot-tempered woman. As she tightened her wrestling-style arm lock on the victim, Croix recited his prayer to the goddess Nymeia once more, pushing the aether energy to the body of the posessed and forcing the vengeful soul from from body. “Release your host and return to the life stream in peace.”

---

Ten years, several clients, and dozens of exorcisms at Donnely's church later, the Sword of Justice thrived. Croix's small daughter grew to a fesity and curious teenager. He taught her the ritual of purifying houses. Upon her insistence, she had seen several exorcisms and learned how to mix purifying potions. Croix sipped his coffee until a small amount remained at the bottom of the cup, too cold for his liking, and wrote a few notes in a leatherbound journal. Misora took his breakfast plate and pointed at the mug as he nodded to note that he was not going to finish the last few sips. He watched her make her way back to the kitchen, fighting with the crooked hinge on a door that was damaged some years ago by the horseplay of Soft Elbow and Marvelous Magnolia. He felt a tug at his heart as he noticed how grown up she had become. Far more mature than he and his best friend Blaublau Lablau were at her age. With shaking hands, he closed the journal and wound a strap of leather around it to keep it securely closed. “Can't you take someone with you to your job?” Misora asked, standing in the doorway. Croix was startled, but hid it well with a soft smile as he extended his hand for her to come close to him. He stood up and wrapped her in a tight embrace, taking a moment to appreciate that the color of her hair matched that of her late mother's. “They're all on jobs, Sora. I have taken plenty of jobs on my own. Don't worry.” He smiled as Misora looked up at him with one eye squinted in doubt. “Where are you going, anyway?” Croix dismissed her question by kissing her on the forehead and took a brief moment to look at her face. “To an exorcism.” Misora rolled her eyes, trying and failing to hold back a grin. He picked up his travel bag and gave his daughter's shoulder a tight squeeze. “You're in charge while I”m gone.” She offered a lazy wave as he made his way out the door. “See you soon, Dad.”

That was the last time Misora ever saw her father.

#stories about Sword of Justice #the founder #croix straus #long post

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archivemisora · 8 years ago

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The Exorcism of Croix Straus

After three years of having very few clues as to the whereabouts of her missing father, Misora encounters a letter addressed to Croix Straus from an unnerved man in Ishgard who wishes to have a haunted property in the Western Highlands looked over by an exorcist. Misora assembles a group from the Sword of Justice team to accompany her to Ishgard in hopes of finding her father, or at least the answers behind the question of his disappearance.

Misora pulls a case of luggage behind her, taking great care not to step on Gaspard, who refuses to leave her side. "You are not coming! No you are not. You gonna be a good boy while I'm gone?" She bends down and places her hands on her knees, putting her face in front of the obese puk's face. "Are you?" she repeats, her voice raising an octave. After doting on her disgruntled pet, Misora leans against her luggage and holds her breath as she looks around at her companions.

"I've made arrangements for us to take an airship to Ishgard. I want you all to know that I appreciate you coming with me... and I don't want you to feel like you have to go. I will not be at all resentful if you chose to stay behind.

Sosukhatu has a suitcase at his side and a worn, stuffed backpack on one shoulder. The other shoulder has a fuzzy coat slung over it. "Me mind's made up, ye know I"m going' with ye."

Galzurkh slaps some dust off his travel clothes. "I cannot speak for everyone here, but I'm more than ready to make the trip. On a different note, the prototype we talked about is operational and tested properly, though it only works in bursts currently."

Tsukiko's expression seems vaguely strained, but it vanishes as she looks over at Misora. "Myself as well. It's not the most welcoming of places, for a number of reasons. I would not feel right staying behind."

Sosukhatu: "Prototype..?" He squints at Galz.

Galzurkh: "It's a thing... It's a science thing. It hurts voidsent. Don't worry about it."

Tsukiko quirks a brow at Gal's explanation, but doesn't comment.

Misora nods to Tsukiko, the appreciation apparent on her face. She turns to Galzurkh and beams. "Great! I know you have been hard at work. I hope Kai Tok has been at least somewhat accommodating while you worked."

Galzurkh: "Just so. His attitude towards me was almost warm when I delivered half a room full of tech from Occidens." He bursts out laughing at Misora.

Raikou enters and takes a post against one of the supports that frames the headquarters. He almost seems his usual stoic self, but something seemed to give him an unease.

Misora looks over to Raikou, putting her hand up to her heart as she psyches herself to regain her composure. She frowns a bit, noticing that his demeanor is a little off. "Raikou, I.. wanted to talk to you about something that's been on my mind after this is all over. You're still good to come with me, right?"

Raikou looks over at Misora and nods. "Aye. It is a journey that must be done. Are you ready to face whatever may lie ahead?" Misora nods.

Misora: "I need answers. Good or bad. It's better than being left in the dark."

Sosukhatu: "Well, we headin' t'the airship dock in Ul'Dah?" Sosu adjusts the pack on his shoulder.

Misora: "Yes. As far as they know, the purpose of the trip is strictly business... which isn't exactly a lie."

Galzurkh: "Ul'Dah? Oh, bother. I'll need a second to change."

Tsukiko chuckles faintly. "From fire into ice... not an easy trip to dress for."

Misora smiles apologetically. "I'm afraid not, Galzurkh."

Sosukhatu: "I bet it wasn't easy convincin'em t' let us get a ride t'Ishgard. Ain't they still funny 'bout visitors?"

Galzurkh: "Already changed, boss. We Xaela are nomads, after all. Life on the move!"

Misora: "Alright, let's get moving." She gently pats Gaspard on the head. The puk hides under the chair, obviously having a bit of a critter tantrum about his Hyur leaving.

Sosukhatu looks around the room. "Aye, s'only for a lil' while, but I'm gonna miss this place. And how warm it is."

Tsukiko laughs. "I believe we all will before long."

The Dragoon thrashed against the dragon in which he rode sky high, there was no commitment in his blows as they soared higher and higher above Western Coerthas. This Dragoon's commitment to slay this dragon was swayed because of a history that lead to this very struggle.

During the journey, Misora passed around the letter addressed to her father that has caused her such grief over the course of the past few weeks.

To Croix Straus:

I have searched for your business for quite some time. Upon doing business in Gorgane Mills outside of Ishgard, I heard ghastly cries of your last name coming from the building. The locals refuse to go near it and I'm afraid it has become a public nuisance. Please, if you see fit to answer my calling, remove the spirits which haunt this residence.

Sincerely,

Aurent Rufair.

The party finds themselves at the Forgotten Knight tavern in Ishgard.

Sosukhatu grumbles. "I hate it here already. S'too damn cold."

Galzurkh: "It's not so bad indoors."

Misora rubs her hands together, then against her cheeks as she tries to shake off the cold. She looks around nervously, her eyes catching the frame of a blonde Elezen man with dark circles under his eyes. The Elezen stares at the group taking a long gulp from his pitcher of ale.

Tsukiko seems to endeavor to keep to herself off to the side as much as she can, seeming not to want to be noticed for one reason or another. "You do get used to it after a time," she remarks idly in response to Sosu.

Sosukhatu huffs. "M'hopin' I never do."

Raikou looks around. Ishgard had changed, the last time he was here there wasn't this much light. People felt the encroaching storm and they endured it. It gave him a brief moment of clarity before his own inner storm took hold again.

The tired Elezen man sighs as he notices Misora staring him down. "Miss. You look a little young and bright to be in a place like this. Are you lost?"

Misora looks around at her companions, then back to the man. "I'm looking for someone named Aurent Rufair. Are you by chance him?" She holds up the letter, causing the man to put down his pint and stand up slowly.

Aurent: "Beg your pardon, but I intended to meet with Croix," he responds, his gaze scrolling through the company.

Sosukhatu tries to shake off the chill that still clings to his body and straightens up. He narrows his eyes at the Elezen.

Jutah leans up against the bar, rubbing her hands together. She looks at the Elezen with a sigh. She already knows what the people around here a like.

Tsukiko gives the Elezen a steady, appraising look, but doesn't seem bothered by his demeanor.

The Dragoon thrashed ever more as the dragon took much more aerial efforts to shake its foe. The Dragoon asked in repeat "why?" several times, the cadence in his voice ever rising in firey anger. The dragon responded in kind with the physical manifestation of her rage, a breath of fire which sent the Dragoon reeling, his armor peeling and wounds never to be sealing...

Aurent sighs. "So none of you are Croix? Please don't waste my time."

Misora steps forward. "I am not Croix, but I am a Straus nonetheless."

Jutah sighs and frowns, mumbling under her breath about how help is help and people should accept it.

Sosukhatu: "The'lass wants some answers, and th' only one who's gonna waste anyone's time is you if ye don't cooperate."

Aurent, very tired, stares at Jutah and Sosukhatu, then sighs. "Usually, the priests and holy men take care of any cases of possessed individuals, but they seemed to think me crazy when I brought it up to them. Are any of you familiar with the area? There are some really unsettling things going on out in the northwest. I heard someone looking for a Straus, so I searched down Croix." He holds out a map, waiting for someone to take it from him.

Sosukhaut walks over and takes the map from the Elezen and opens it up so they can all look at it.

Tsukiko gives a brief look around the room before stepping closer to have a look at the map.

Sosukhatu: "Looks like th' middle a nowhere t'me, but that's th' best place for weird shite t' happen."

Jutah nods. "I know the area." She stands next to Sosu and looks at the map.

Galzurkh offers a chuckle. "Well at least one of us does."

Sosukhatu looks over at Jutah, shocked. "Ye do? Ye've been here b'fore?"

Misora folds her arms as she examines it. "Usually I take half of the payment for a job request up front. I had hoped you already knew my father, but it seems that's not the case."

Aurent shrugs and offers some gil to Misora. "Make it happen. I don't care how," he says nonchalantly.

Jutah: "The only place weird "shite" happens."

Sosukhatu: "Seems like th' whole place is weird t' me." He lowers the map slightly and mutters something about 'weird Elezen politics' and the like.

The party makes their journey to the Western Hinterlands, approaching a wood building by the Gorgane Mills.

Sosukhatu: "Ohh. An abandoned farm. Ain't that cozy."

Galzurkh: "It'd be much cozier ablaze."

Sosukhatu: "Mm, where's Rageki when ye need'em for things like that?"

Tsukiko seems considerably more at ease outside the city, looking slowly over the rundown building.

Misora gazes up at the building before her. "You can feel it from outside. This place is definitely haunted." She looks over her shoulder at her team. "Before we go in, I want to make sure you are all armed."

Sosukhatu: "A'course!" He takes out his fancy new gun and looks it over with pride.

Jutah shivers, felling the energy. She shakes her head a bit , getting rid of that feeling. She looks at Misora and nods. "I'm good."

The Dragoon's rage finally injured the dragon so much that she could no longer keep flight. She fell with a large impact to the snow below before a clearly abandoned mill. The Dragoon fell close with similar impact. He coughed up blood, unclear if that was from the battle or the impact itself.

The Dragoon got to his feet, his rage still encouraging him to move. He stood before the dragon, nay, the woman... who could no longer keep a form she magicked upon herself. She took the form of the woman he once loved. Now everything changed. Everything was so wrong. She had done something so unforgivable. "Answer me, Maria. WHY?!" the Dragoon begged as he raised his lance. She just smirked and mouthed words only the Dragoon heard.

The Dragoon screamed out in pain and his lance struck true and fatal. Maria gasped as blood and the flow of her long pink hair fell into the snow as the moment lasted an eternity for the Dragoon. To be brought to this moment, his lowest, to slay his one true love because she had... slayed another.

Galzurkh taps his flickering axe. "Anything in there is about to have a much worse day, Boss." Misora smiles at him.

Misora pulls a bottle of holy water from her pocket and moves towards the door fearlessly as the dark, shadowy forms of vengeful spirits move towards them. She looks over her shoulder again, trusting her team to take care of the spirits in case she needs her strength for something bigger.

Raikou turns for a moment and stares out into the snow. Something clearly occupies his mind.

Sosukhatu moves his coat, taking out a few bullets and pops them into his gun. The lines on the gun shift to glow a light honey color.

Misora dashes some of the holy water in her gloved palm and tosses it before her. The ghost forms shriek from contact with the water and even more so from the impact of the Sword of Justice's weapons.

Jutah takes a quick glance over at Raikou, then over at Misora.

Misora feels her heart skip a beat. "...Do you hear that?"

Sosukhatu: "Aye, hard not 'ta. S'chillin'... That those things are jus' out an' brave enough t' not hide."

Misora crosses her arms in an x form in front of her as the ghost forms seem to be swarming to her. The sound of a strained voice can be heard coming from downstairs. "...ra. Strau..."

Misora freezes for a moment, forcing a brave smirk. "Asking them to leave probably isn't in the cards, is it?"

Sosukhatu chuckles a little. "Aye, don't seem so."

Galzurkh laughs. Especially not when you're on a first name basis!"

Lilas looks surprised as the party finds her downstairs. "I thought you lot were ghosts or another bear!"

Misora clenches her fists tightly, examining the surroundings. "...The ghosts are definitely in here, but I promise you we are not of them. And you... are you a ghost or are you of your own mind?"

Tsukiko blinks, then just stares at the strange Au Ra, seeming at a loss for words.

Sosukhatu: "An' here I thought ye were th' ghost. Ye ain't controllin' these things, are ye?" He waves the tip of his gun to point to all the fiendish shadows.

Lilas pinches her arm. "I assure you I am as real as the dawn of day."

The surroundings include lit candles, various ice dwelling critters with glowing red eyes, and a partially frost-bitten Elezen man sitting by the alter. As disturbed as she is by the look of of the building's inhabitants, Misora approaches the Raen first, offering a bottle of holy water to her.

Misora: "Please, take one of these. This is a very dangerous place you've come to..." She hands the bottle to Lilas.

Lilas consoles Misora. "Thank you."

Jutah tilts her head at the Au Ra.

Misora smiles. "Holy water doesn't harm you. Good." She nods to her team. "She is not possessed." The forms of the dark shadowed ghosts begin to approach once more.

Sosukhatu looks around at the various beasties and shadows, eyes coming to rest on the Elezen man. He points his gun in his direction. "He doesn't look th' best."

Lilas: "In my travels, I have caught word of stirrings here and thought to check it out. It would seem you're here for something very important?"

"...Sora..." The calling of her name from the nearby Elezen sends a chill down Misora's spine.

Sosukhatu takes note of the approaching shadows and shoots near the edge of them. The bullet explodes into golden light, causing the shadows to screech and retreat from it. The glow lingers on the ground. "Hmm."

Misora looks horrified. The nickname 'Sora' is not one that she has been called in a very long time. "Announce yourself."

Tsukiko glances over at the Elezen, finally drawing her sword free, watching cautiously.

Raikou closes his eyes, casting his helmeted gaze downward. What came next...

Misora steps forward, her brave face beginning to falter. The partially frostbitten Elezen stands, taking a few careful steps near her. The red-eyed creatures rush with intent to attack Misora. "Answer me! Who are you and why have you taken the body of this man?"

Jutah looks around and slashes a shadow as it comes closer only for it to back up.

Galzurkh remains stoic. Between seeing a Raen in a frozen wasteland and chatty ghosts, he readies his axe. Axes are decidedly simpler.

Lilas senses something amiss.

Raikou rushes forward, withdrawing his blades, intercepting what manner of the red eyed creatures he can from Misora, trusting the rest to do the same for the other numbers.

Tsukiko surges forward rather suddenly, raising the greatsword and bringing it down with a ground-shaking clang on several of the creatures to the right.

Misora reaches out and puts her hand against the chest of the possessed man as her companions keep her safe. The voice of the man alters as she seems to become more deeply possessed. "Misora... so you picked up the trade after all..."

Jutah: "Misora." She runs around and attacks the red-eyed creatures. "You are not getting to her."

Galzurkh saunters forth, moving his axe out of syncopation with the rest of his body in an inelegant dance that made it difficult to tell from whence he'd strike.

Misora freezes completely as a horrified look crosses her face. The creatures, felled by the team, rise up in a pile of aetheric dusts as they are struck.

Sosukhatu fires a few bullets at the creatures, watching as a splotch of gold sticks to their forms, and small bubbles form on the golden patches. The creatures cried out, desperately trying to scratch off the shimmering patches.

Lilas rushes towards the front whilst watching any newly spawned enemies. "Can't let you guys have all the fun!"

Sosukhatu smiles despite the situation. "I wouldn't dream of denyin' ye some action."

Misora: "Dad?!" The form of the Elezen smiles, looking around to each individual in the room.

Croix: "Sora. I did not want you to find me this way." Misora doubles over, clasping her hand over her mouth, looking as though she is about to vomit.

Raikou finishes the last of his foe and rejoins Misora's side. What he sees... he believes not, yet at the same time...

Galzurkh cleaves on spirit with his axe, following up with a quick headbutt before realizing his mistake. "Oh."

Tsukiko looks more than a little shocked, staring over at the man even as the dust from a felled monster spirals up from the floor in front of her.

Raikou looks down at Misora, and immediately wants to knee-jerk to assist her, but he decides it was not for the best at this moment.

Jutah looks between Misora and the Elezen. Her eyes grow wide at this. "Her dad?" she mumbles to herself.

Misora looks up, tears streaming down her face. "Where is your body, what have you done to this man?"

The host of Croix reaches out, stroking Misora's hair briefly as he looks around. The monsters spawning slows significantly. "I would ask who I am in the presence of. This is not my form... but I am indeed Croix Straus."

Lilas side-eyes at Misora as she watches the emotion displayed all over her face, but remains composed and silent.

Sosukhatu tenses his jaw and looks sadly between the man and Misora. What terrible answers she found...

Galzurkh nearly drops his axe upon hearing 'Croix Straus', instead tumbling and striking down another spectre, this time with little flourish.

Misora shakes her head vigorously. "You're an exorcist!! What are you doing?! This is the new Sword of Justice. I've kept the company going! Where have you BEEN?!"

Jutah's ears twitch as she looks back to the creatures. She slashes some more of them.

Croix flexes the limbs of his host body, moving to Raikou, staring silently at him as he avoids Misora's question.

Tsukiko raises her arms, blade held straight down, and slams it into the top of one of the stragglers before looking on at the scene in concern.

Raikou closes his eyes yet again, the truth was a hard on to bear, a weight upon one's shoulders. He wants to avoid the gaze of Croix Straus but instead he looks into the eyes in which embodies the spirit of the man. "Hello, Croix... I... have failed you. For that, I am sorry..."

Misora: "Raikou..." Misora tries to catch her breath, feeling it stuck in her chest as she looks around frantically.

Sosukhatu empties the few bullets left in his gun at the creatures before loading it again with a heavy hand. The exchange made him look up and narrow his eyes at Raikou. He has a terrible feeling about this, and points his gun at Raikou's back.

Croix smiles sadly. "You did not tell her, though it seems you have kept her safe. What a strong young woman my daughter has grown to be. And you all... the new Sword of Justice, I take it?"

Sosukhatu slowly pointed the gun away, and nodded to the shell of an Elezen.

Jutah looks over and nods. "We are."

Tsukiko frowns in the direction of the possessed man and watches for a time, finally nodding in response.

Galzurkh does his best to put on a winning smile. "Just so, my desiccated friend."

The Dragoon wandered into the mill, with some haste, his injuries great but it stopped him not. He reached the cellar in which the man lay in a heap. This man's wounds were grave, yet he called for him.

"Dragoon... come closer. I will entrust upon you... my last wish... Take her from this place. The Sword of Justice is no more... I want her to live a life of peace... this... this is not what I want for my daughter. Promise me."

The Dragoon removed his helmet and set it aside, his face masked with blood but it was no mistake, this man was Raikou. He sighed deeply. "Croix, this is nonsense. You are not leaving this place... no.."

Croix shook his head. "enough of your prattling. Answer me." The weak man placed his hand upon Raikou's shoulder. Raikou, overcome by so much in so little time, simply nodded... and dreaded the complete silence that came afterwards.

Misora stifles a sob as she grasps at her chest. "Dad..."

Croix forces a sad smile on his host body. "Sword of Justice is no more. Or so I thought. I disbanded the team almost four years ago. I was unable to do my job. I was unable to keep my team safe. Blau. Soft Elbow. Magnolia. I trust they all live. I sent them away. I did not wish for you to bear the weight of this burden, Sora, but this is your team, that much is clear.

Misora looks at each of her members of Sword of Justice, then at Raikou last. Her expression becomes angry as she turns to face him. "Why didn't you tell me?!" she shrieks, losing her composure.

Raikou: "...Misora... I." No. It didn't matter. Nothing he could say right now could change the emotion that flowed through her heart. It was best she let it all out.

Tsukiko flinches a bit, despite it not being directed her way.

Jutah nods. "We are a tea--" she jumps at Misora's voice. "Misora..."

Lilas withdraws her weapon as the ghosts seem to dissipate. She glances over at the crew, listening and gathering details of the situation at hand.

Misora closes her eyes as tight as she can, though it does not stop the tears. She closes her fist and hits Raikou on the chest. "WHY. Why did you let me keep up this chase?!" She falls to her knees. "For almost four years..."

Sosukhatu feels absolutely torn. He lowers his weapon and quietly looks off to the side.

Croix looks at his daughter sadly. "And the rest of you... I cannot dismiss you from the Sword of Justice because you are not of the team I assembled. You are of hers. What will you do now that this dark secret has been brought to light?"

Raikou looks at Croix, part of him wanted to curse the man, but he knew better. He agreed to one thing. His last wish. Misora defied that wish on her own, but there was no stopping that. Misora was the offspring of Croix after all. The Sword was in their blood.

Sosukhatu looks back at the Elezen, and looks at everyone, and finally looks at Misora. "M'stayin'," he says plainly. "Dark secret 'er no, I think it'd take more t' shake me away from these folks."

Tsukiko looks on sorrowfully, gaze shifting from Misora to her father's ghost. "For me, little changes," she says quietly.

Jutah looks at Croix. "Help her. She put our rag tag family together and this is where I will stay." She narrows her eyes at Croix. "Why would anything change now?"

Misora stands, pulling herself together as she hears the words of her companions... the people that have become her family.

Sosukhatus sighs and put his hands together. "Ye'd be proud ov' 'er, all that she's done. Went from advertisin' th' Sword in th' streets o' Ul'Dah, jus' t' settle wit' a house there an' assemble a team like us."

Jutah: "She saved us. We are here for her." She winks.

Lilas whispers to herself, "Sword of Justice must be their free company. There is so much growth, pain, and love they will go through, but they seem like they are supportive of one another. How ideal..." She grins softly to herself.

Galzurkh sighs and slings his axe before speaking softly. "We'll be a beacon, then. Even if it's the lone light shining in darkness."

Sosukhatu smiles sadly and looks to the Auri lady. "Seems new folks've been havin' some real introductions t' our lil family lately, this one takes th' cake, though."

Lilas: "It is of no worry. We all come from different paths and have our own stories to tell. I consider this to be another story I can share with my sisters when I find them."

Sosukhatu: "Yer sisters are in fer one hell of a tale."

Raikou looks up to Croix. "I tried very hard to honor your wish. You underestimated her determination. Our ruse was perhaps a mistake, but perhaps a necessary one... cruelly so. She has found strength. She has found steel. She is our Sword... Then, it is us who are her Shield."

Misora cannot keep the tears from streaming down her face. "I love you all so much." She looks up at the shell of the man who hosts her father. "...This body. You can't keep it and come home with us?" she asks, allowing herself one futile childish question.

Croix offers a tired, fond smile at the team that stands before him. Tsukiko, Galzurkh, Sosukhatu, Jutah, and even the newcomer Lilas. He looks to Raikou. "I suppose you are right about one thing... I conditioned her to lead one day."

Jutah smiles. "The best boss ever."

Croix's host offers a proud smile that is true from the man himself. "Walk on your destiny, Misora Straus. I am so tired..."

Misora shakes her head. "Dad, please don't make me do this..."

Raikou places his hand on Misora's shoulder as she looks at him in distress. "You are not doing this alone..."

Jutah nods at Raikou's words.

Croix: "Your mother is waiting for me..." he says, standing still.

Tsukiko looks on with a strained expression, gripping the hilt of her sword tightly. "We are all behind you," she murmurs, forcing a smile.

Sosukhatu: "Ye can say g'bye, at least..." he mumbled, more to himself than to Misora.

Galzurkh forces a smile. "You do him honor by being the one to banish him."

Misora reaches her hands out, gathering aetheric energy into her palms as they stretch out to the host of Croix Straus. "In the name of Nymeia the spinner..." Misora breaks into a cold sweat, dropping her coat as it seems to be stifling her ability to do what she must. Her hands begin to shake as she hesitates. "I must free this host as well as your spirit."

Lilas watches Misora as she anxiously starts the sending. She says "as a well spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well used brings a happy death."

Croix closes his eyes. "Maria... yet lives... keep yourselves safe."

Raikou's eyes widen. He looks horrified.

Sosukhatu tilts his head slightly, looking over at Raikou's face to see if it changes at the mention of the name—he isn't disappointed.

Raikou draws back, he clutches his chest as something just pierced him. An old wound, reopening.

Misora watches the host of her father carefully, her expression strained. "Put to rest your regrets and allow this man to be free... allow yourself to be free." She looks to Raikou, trying not to panic.

Jutah shivers at that and looks at Raikou. Ohh yeah, this is going to be bad. "Raikou?"

Tsukiko's eyes snap to Raikou as he moves back, frowning deeply.

Raikou desperately tries to regain his composure. It was perhaps one of the hardest things he had to do, but he did, for Misora's sake. He stands up firmly, shakes his head and nods to reaffirm everyone he is alright.

Misora falls to her knees, keeping her hands outstretched as the aetheric energy transfers to Croix, his soul slowly beginning to peel away from this host. He reaches back, gently taking one of her hands. Though the body is not that of her father's, she grasps his hand and sobs as she recites the prayer to Nymeia once more.

Misora: "Be free from the realm and responsibilities which bind you to this world," she speaks, completing the exorcism. The Elezen host falls back, but Croix's voice can be heard.

Croix: "I love you, Sora. Thank you." The light fades from Misora's hands and she breaks down, her hands against the floor as the presence of her father leaves, as well as the last lingering spirits and red eyed creatures.

Sosukhatu can't do much more than watch, feeling terrible at witnessing Misora sob and try to be strong in the face of all that's happening. What a bleeding heart he was.

Galzurkh places a hand lightly on Misora's shoulder before withdrawing. "I'll... go stand watch outside. Take as much time as you need."

Jutah looks away. She can't think of anything to do or say at this moment.

Sosukhatu carefully steps forward and stands beside her. He stays there, watching the place where the Elezen once stood, and glances down to Misora, ready to offer a hand if she needs it.

Lilas walks over to the table where she had been studying a map. She thinks of where she will travel to next and gives the Hyur in her presence some privacy.

Tsukiko looks on, her face a stony mask, only her eyes betraying the barely-suppressed emotion she's feeling.

Misora shivers, partially as a result of the cold sweat brought upon by the exorcism, and reaches for her coat. "...It's done. He's a peace now," she manages to say after a long period of silence.

After seeing Misora in good hands, Raikou makes for the outside. He has to confirm something.

Sosukhatu: "Aye, he is." He offers his hand to her. "An' you helped 'em be at peace. I.. well..." He is at a loss for words. Misora accepts Sosu's hand and stands, looking around at her team with tear-stained eyes. "Ye were brave, Misora." He looks back at Tsuki, thinking maybe she was better at consoling people.

Jutah walks up to Misora. "He said he was with your mother. I bet he is happy right now." She looks down. "He is proud of you."

Tsukiko slowly secures her sword to her back as she steps forward, offering Misora a sad smile. "You did something few would have the courage to do. He is grateful to you, of that I am certain.

Misora folds her hands together and nods, her gaze cast down. The host did not survive. It was hard to say how long Croix's spirit kept the body alive. That spirit is now at peace, too. "I didn't know what I was going to find today... I shouldn't have come..."

Sosukhatu frowns. "Misora... ye couldn't've known. I... I knew ye probably wanted t' find 'em cozied up in a house, by a fire... but isn't knowin' better than not knowin'?"

Misora closes her eyes as she draws her hand to cover her mouth, nodding slowly.

Outside, Raikou stumbles upon the rough terrain, to the cold wastelands briefly outside of the abandoned mill. He comes upon a reminder of what once was. A spear stuck into the ground, now weary by the effects of the weather. Solid in ice was the spear, perhaps symbolically. He reaches out to touch it, but recants. He looks down, the mound below the spear. The grave of Maria. It had not been disturbed, but Croix would not lie in his last moments... As strong as he was, this was too much. Raikou collapses.

Misora: "..Raikou. Where is he?"

Sosukhatu smiles sadly. "He went outside, why?"

Misora: "...I need to know who Maria is."

Tsukiko takes a moment to compose herself, looking back over her shoulder. "...Yes, that is a question I would like to hear the answer to as well..."

Jutah nods at that. "Raikou's reaction... I've never seen him like that."

Tsukiko: "...But, never regret your decision. You made the right choice, no matter how hard they may have been. Do not let the sorrow keep hold of you or it will never let go."

Misora nods to Tsukiko. "Thank you..."

Sosukhatu: "Let's go find th' bastard, ye got some words fer 'em. Maybe less, if... yer reconsiderin'.. Ye know."

Jutah nods at Sosu. "I think we all have a few choice words." She thinks back. She knew Misora's father was dead. Speaking with Raikou and Adeliiz put the puzzle together.

Misora makes her way to Lilas. "I... am sorry for what you just saw."

Lilas stands up. "There is no need for apologies, Hyur. I can only imagine the pain that you have been suffering over the years. Loss never becomes easier. You just are able to deal with it as time goes on."

Misora: "I'm Misora Straus... the leader of Sword of Justice." The word 'leader' catches in her throat. This was no longer temporary.

Lilas grins and holds out her hand. "My name is Lilas Realta'wing. It is with much respect and honor to meet you upon this path that has come our way."

Misora offers Lilas a firm handshake despite her physically and emotionally weakened state. "Something tells me we were meant to meet. I need to find Raikou... if any of you wish to come with me.

The team follows Misora outside. Misora sees Raikou's motionless figure and musters her strength to run to him, kneeling before him. Rakiou's breathing seems shallow, but he doesn't appear to be in immediate danger.

Tsukiko frowns. "Is he alright?"

Galzurk whispers. "Not in the slightest."

Misora takes Raikou's shoulders and pulls his head to her lap. "He's breathing... but this is not normal..."

Raikou would definitely not like this later, being a man who always strives to look like a wall and succeeded quite well. It was perhaps the first time he appeared so weak.

Sosukhatu sighs lightly. "We should get 'em outta th' snow, regardless." Sosu digs around in his pocket and gets out a cracked and beat-up looking whistle. "If ye don't mind him ridin' on me 'Bo..."

Misora gently pushes a strand of hair from Raikou's face. So many things run through her head, yet she can't bring herself to say anything. She looks up and nods at Sosu.

Jutah kneels down and looks him over. "I wish I could do something." She looks up at Sosu and nods. "Yeah, that is for the best."

Galzurkh: "It might be a good idea for us all to get out of the snow, at least for a little while." Jutah nods at him.

Tsukiko looks down at the two balefully, nodding as Gal speaks. "This has been an... eventful day, to be sure."

Galzurkh gestures to Lilas. "And perhaps our latecomer would like to accompany us, barring some other business she may have in an abandoned shack?"

Sosukhatus hesitated before blowing the whistle. When its shrill sound faded into echoes, a rather mean 'wark' sounded out. An unruly chocobo came running towards him and barreled into Sosu, nearly knocking him over. "This crazy bird, hmph." He climbed on top of it, even though it fussed.

Jutah pulls out a whistle. A dragon flies by and lands next to her. "Hey bud, let's go."

The night fell upon the abandoned mill once again, the moonlight barely illuminating the surroundings. Fire shadows appear before the mill, their forms indecipherable aside from one. The head of the pack, a wicked grin, a helmet that did not hide the pink hair with the blood red strands.

#sword of justice fc #archived RP #final fantasy xiv

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