Well, I've left all my companions behind as they did a farming commission by the guild. I, on the other hand, have been asked to destroy and capture a Garlean outpost. Which is interesting yet strange as well because the guild staff who gave me the commission. Let's just say they didn't keep their small reaction and behavioral ticks in check. So I'm extremely weary of this all and haven't yet approached the outpost.
As that staff member could be a spy who's been ordered to get me here, someone else besides the Garlean Empire also could've made them move, or some other reason that I can think up. Watching the outpost, I've slowly been taking note of everything down to how they each behaved, breathed, interacted, and more. That, honestly, I'm putting into effect my Ranger training with my sniper. I've not moved from the bush I have hidden in on a ridge in for the past twenty-one hours. All so that I can study them in such detailed ways. Especially this one they called Nero, who dressed extremely differently than the rest.
Adjusting my scope by six twists due to seeing a chance, I sighted in on Nero. Watching him carefully with a finger on the trigger ready to put the Garlian down. My eyes tracked his movements with ever so slight adjustments to my rifle. Readying to pull the trigger, a foot soldier brought him a captured Elezen child who he used as a hostage. While looking right towards me somehow.
"Come out now you Eorzean bu-"
I didn't let him speak further, I let my sociopathic nature dictate my emotions, killing them off. Squeezing the trigger, mouthing in silence for what was about to happen.
"No hard feelings kid, I'll bury you later for now, rest…"
BANG! A shot ripped through the child's stomach and Nero's stunning everyone. They looked on in abject horror, seeing no hesitation on my part. Some are screaming for medics and healers, but they'll never get the chance to heal. Ejecting the spent casing that turns to dust upon being ejected, *chk-chck* I cycled the chamber. Aiming a little higher, I blew the child's head and Nero's lower chest cavity out. Nero looked down numbly, dropping the corpse.
BANG! The shot sending him stumbling backwards with a hole through his chest. Healer's trying to heal the dying man, I eject the casing, cycle the next in *chk-chck* and aim once more. BANG! One final shot and his head and helmet turn to bloody scrap mist. Cycling the casing for a fresh round, *chk-chck*I stood up from my bush.
Swinging my sniper over my shoulder, I pulled my M16 off and ran at the Garlean troops, sliding down the ridge line a bit. Boots digging into the soil, casings hitting the ground and turning to dust with bullets biting through flesh. The confusion and terror from my execution shots have them in shambles, letting the ones outside be easier to pick off. Ducking under a fire lance, a bullet tags a soldier in the thigh, disrupting their healing attempts.
Closing the distance, my muscles screamed at the excessive force being used. Stowing my M16 over my shoulder, I focused on darker memories. Darkness exploded from my hands as my Shotgun Guillotine scythe materialized in my hands. Lacron shrieking to life, scythe ready as the ghostly reaper shot at the fearful Garlians. Focusing on my throat with darkness swirling around me into a reaper cloak, I actually screamed out a mental attack. Yet blood would fill my mouth shortly afterward from not regulating its output.
"I AM XANDER THE BLOODIED RIPPER! CALL SIGN CERBERUS OF THE UNITED STATES CRIMINAL BATTALION! FEAR ME YOU FUCKING CUNT MUFFINS BECAUSE I'M COMING TO FUCK YOU UP!"
The mental attack boomed throughout the area, those who didn't resist it even good enough fell into a suicidal state. Demoralized and now suicidal, the soldiers looked at me in more prominent fear. Lacron danced through a company, his scythe gleaming with fresh blood as the Reaper cackled. A soldier tripped as I ran into the fray, swinging my weapon with a spin.
I bisect them, cackling as blood flies from my mouth. A shotgun blast barking off as a soldier behind me has their chest sporting a gaping hole. Pivoting ever so slightly, I started going into the motions of a waltz, scythe ripping and blasting chunks out of Garlean Empire troops. Lacron shrieking at a mechanical soldier, scythe glowing dangerously, before the Reaper lunges. Swiping in an upwards swing, the mech and pilot are shredded by crimson blood blades shooting out from the very air.
Stomping down onto a soldier's chest who had lost a leg, I jam my scythe's handle through her skull. Ripping it out with a spin that ripped her head and spine from her body and launching them into a mage. With the mage distracted, I suddenly pulled my 1911 out and started unloading into a medical officer. Blocking a great sword with my scythe handle, using its momentum to slide it along harmlessly. Repositioning my pistol, I shot the offending user in the stomach repeatedly.
The Garlians seeing the rather disastrous scene tried hiding within their outpost. A sea of blood, guts, corpses, and scraps littering the outside area. Escapee's and those surrendering, were put down without mercy by me and Lacron. Looking towards the nearest wall, which still had troops on and behind it, I holstered my pistol and prepped my scythe. Lacron readying his as well, with us approaching it slowly and menacingly in plain view.
"M-men! Be prepared to kill the dastard if he attempts to scale the wall using his tricks!"
Looking at the one who screamed that order, I cackled silently, scythe raising slightly. With blood visibly soaking my lower face mask even though it's black. My Reaper assistant and I didn't scale the wall, no, we made a door as the dead aroused around us. Groans echoing out before with a simple scythe gesture with a section of wall cut apart. The dead soldiers released shrill screams before charging the hole. Lacron chuckled as he spoke to me happily.
"Ah it's good to use one of the more dangerous skills, Undying Legion, always a joy to watch. Yet, a costly ability, as it used up your soul and blood charges for the Hell Gate Engraving. Luckily, you have the Heavenly Gate Engraving still for some medical treatment or psychological healing if needed. After all, we may be Reaper's, but we are also the guides of souls towards their deserved ending. Healing them a bit before judgment is a small mercy we can grant, no?"
Tilting my head at the last bit, I nodded, cutting a fleeing soldier in half. Blood splashing against my body with my boots crushing his spilling out organs. Lacron humming rather pleased with the massacre we committed. As the last soldier died, the dead once more returned to being lifeless corpses. Our first stop as we began to leave was Nero and the child whose souls still lingered. Approaching them, I pulled my mask down, smiling regretfully at the child. The Elezen child, who should be about thirteen, looked at me and sighed with a tired look.
Swinging my scythe as a gentle crimson and white light flowed from it. The blade touched the child's soul, sending them on their way in peace. Nero, however, he stood there numbly before his soul talked, the chains of sins forming behind his soul.
"You… you didn't hesitate an ounce, you allowed me no quarter to do anything. You disregarded the child's life and took the plunge to end mine. It's surprising, disgusting, dishonorable, cowardly, and horrid, yet I cannot complain. No, I've been beaten and the time to repent for my crimes has come, in a way, I must thank you. For those Scions and Warrior of Light wouldn't do what must be done against me, I'd live and keep my ways until the bitter end. So thank you for not hesitating and being decisive, this time maybe, potentially, the End Times can be avoided."
Lacron, hearing the soul of Nero thank me, waved his scythe, halting the chains of sins. The Reaper looked at Nero and with a low clack of his skeletal jaws he spoke, doing something intriguing.
"This world is not bound by the influence of the outside forces any longer, thus Sinners Soul, I offer you a deal. For your rather intriguing behavior and thanking my Lord for being so decisive in ending your mortal coil. I offer you the Death Knight's oath, servitude as a Reaper's aide to atone and be redeemed. Will you pledge or be damned?"
Nero looked stupefied, but slowly the soul of the man moved to kneel. His soul radiating a crimson light with a scythe forming over his head, a heavily armored ghostly Reaper holding it.
"I, Nero Scaeva, accept this chance at redemption for my crimes. Blood I've spilled can no longer be ignored, my jealousy and resentment for Cid Garlond also cannot be allowed to continue to cloud my mind. I acknowledge I am not rightfully a good man, for thirty-one years I've sought to make things to help my homeland. Yet, I've only helped increase its bloodshed and conquest. For as long as you shall have me, I pledge to be by your side till I am redeemed in your eyes!"
The heavily armored Reaper raised their scythe and swung downwards. Impaling the blade through Nero's back and chest, causing the two figures to glow and be replaced by a new one. Dressed as the former Nero with a little heavier armor, the Death Knight physically picks up Nero's weapon. Looking towards me while holding the handle with the hammer head on the ground. The knight spoke with a shallower version of Nero's voice.
"Death Champion, Nero Scaeva, at your service, my Lord. I hope you'll help me redeem myself and make me a better man before I pass onto the next life."
Smiling at the man, I nodded, resting my scythe on my shoulder. Seeing that we've picked up a Redeemer, the three of us dug the kid and former Nero a grave. Using our weapons and abilities to rip up concrete and soil before laying the corpses to rest. After that was done, Nero guided us to what captives remained. What we saw was alright, but some cells were wide open, their inhabitants dead and violated. Nero, seeing these cases, clenched his weapon's handle and growled.
Unlocking and opening the remaining ones, we checked the captives. Seeing our rather strange group and recognizing Nero but seeing him so different. Some were confused, others hid in the corner, most hit the man screaming and cursing. The Death Champion made no motion to retaliate as he stood tall and accepted it all. This had greatly surprised his former captives, who looked at him questioningly. Nero bowed slightly, and his words made them freeze and although resentful, they gave him a chance.
"I apologize for your imprisonment and what was done to you all. I have fallen in an attempt to capture this man for his weaponry and anything useful. Although I stand here before you now, I no longer live among those who draw breath. I have been granted a chance to make up for my crimes and face my actions, while I should rightfully be in the depths of Hell. So please allow me to assist you in getting home and making sure you are well."
Smiling at Nero, I chuckled, focusing on my throat with darkness. I used a feeble mental attack to speak one last time, before needing to heal naturally, as I feel magic won't work.
"This is but the first step of many my Redeemer, redemption is not an easy road to tread. I, however, will be walking it alongside you as I have plenty to make up for."
Although dazed, those who heard me shook it off quickly. Motioning with my head, we guided everyone to freedom and took time to tend to them. They looked disturbed at the sight of all the gore and corpses, but were cooperative until the end. Sending them on their way with any supplies available and simple transportation. Letting my Reaper abilities fade, Nero nodded as he faded with Lacron.
Sighing, I walked away from the place, fire consuming everything with a snap of my fingers. A napalm styled fireball bomb being the cause as it dropped from the sky. Heading towards my destination, I cracked my neck thinking about that staff member. I wonder how they'll react, knowing I'm just peachy while an entire outpost base is dead. My goggles gleamed in the dying light of the sun as darkness set in. Blood dripped off my uniform and from my hair with every step I took.
[1:21:45 AM, Limsa Lominsa Capital Guild Hall]
Walking right into the guild hall, dripping blood, I approached the counter. A Lalafell male paling seeing me drenched in blood as I just smiled. Putting a bag of numerous dog tags and a piece of Nero's old helmet on the counter before him. I eyed the staff member as blood dropped onto the counter. The Lalafell stuttered as he took the bag, his breathing increasing and eyes darting around looking for an escape.
"Y-y-you're back, mister Lockhart! I'm g-g-g-glad that it seems to have gone so well, is this all the proof of completion?"
Nodding, the Lalafell sighed, seeming relieved, until he tried casting a blinding light spell. Reacting from instinct, I grabbed his moving wrist and snapped it, dragging him out from behind the counter and onto the floor. No one else is around, so this will be quick to deal with. Breaking his arm, I crushed his windpipe with my fingers reaching around his neck. His screams that would sound as his daze wore off were silenced.
The little man gasping for air but gets none, digging my fingers into his neck, I choked the life from his body. With the Lalafell spy dead, I erased all evidence and carried the body away using my pack. Walking for a good while, I found a decent area and tied a nearby rope to a rock I had picked up along the way to the capital. Using a cropping to hide me from sight, I dug the body from my pack, tied the rope around the neck as I healed the damages to it.
Then, licking the rock into one of many deep waterways, I disposed of the corpse. Pulling my mask up, I vanished into the night and erased I was ever here. Heading out to check on my bestial companions finally, the Au Ra girl is just an unintended visit.
(Closing phone song - Can't Go To Hell by Sin Shake Sin)
{Walk right in all you sinners and saints
Tonight's the night we're gonna take off these chains
Some wounds will never mend
It came with a warning, now we're all out of time
This romance with ignorance has left us behind
Sit back, relax, begin
It's too early for surrender
Too late for a prayer
We can't go to hell if we're already there
They say the end is coming
And I need to prepare
We can't go to hell if we're already there
It's no mystery, what can I say, we're blind by design
And history keeps getting paid to change it's mind
Some wounds will never mend
Divided by deception, but together we must rise
Deafened by the naive while we silence the wise
So sit back, relax, begin
It's too early for surrender
Too late for a prayer
We can't go to hell if we're already there
They say the end is coming
And I need to prepare
We can't go to hell if we're already there
Turn that fear into a souvenir
The world is waiting and the hour's near
So if you need a reason
If you need a sign
Open up your eyes
You'll see they stole your water
Turned it into wine
Sit back, relax, begin
It's too early for surrender
Too late for a prayer
We can't go to hell if we're already there
They say the end is coming
And I need to prepare
We can't go to hell if we're already there
It's too early for surrender
Too late for a prayer
We can't go to hell if we're already there
They say the end is coming
And I need to prepare
We can't go to hell if we're already there}