The Death Dealers moved out killing the soldiers who refused to lay down arms. Queen Ovelia came out apologizing causing confusion amongst the populace. Azul left her to it. He wanted to see how she brought them in. Which supringsly was easy. She pointed out everything that was going and had the evidence to prove it.
Several people of the character speaking up for her. Those such as Cidolfus Orlandeau, Lavian Lionsguard who turned out to be more important than what Azul initially thought. Her family had deep ties in Ivalice. Especially with Mages. Beowulf Cadmus and his wife Reis Duelar-Cadmus wed on Azul's insistence after everything that happened. A condition on turning her back from a Dragon. Aliste Rosenheim of the Gryphon Knights, that Azul healed to get on his side and help him atone for his hand in Reis Duelar abduction and pain.
"Good work, the people are on your side at least little Ovelia." Azul commented. "You may be upset, but this needs to finish before you lose all of your people. A few dead is better than all of them dead."
"I understand but I will keep fighting against your policy. I know pacifism is not the way in war times. But afterward, it will help me understand the people greatly." Ovelia said humbly. Earning a small smile from Azul. "What is it?"
"You have "Grown" greatly. It makes me happy to see. Keep up the good work and you will see an Ivalice that has a bright morning. I am sure of it."
"Reports are in sir!" Ladd came over-reporting. He passes a letter over. Leaning over and saying additional words for Azul to hear only. "The Church assault forces are ready. On your order, we will take out the false Holy Knights."
"Do it." Azul ordered. Ladd and a few others left. The rescue team, to pull innocents out. To keep them from getting caught in the crossfire. "Let's see here." Unlike the city here, to many, there had know idea what was going on.
Another member of the original party in Final Fantasy Tactics that Azul brought to his side. He was also a trained spy by Azul and Bi-Han. The man just wanted the people to get a fair deal. Which Azul made sure of, and so did Princess Ovelia.
"What is it?" Ovelia asked after she finished talking to a few locals. She received the letter reading it over. A frown forming on her face. "He is just a boy. What do they want with little Orinus?"
"To use as a puppet. Hmm, we did save the boy's grandmother, but she refuses to do anything with the crown for good reason." Azul pondered out loud. "Louveria Atkascha will be taken before they put her in prison. Larg has some.. issues. And I will not see her hurt more than Goltana already has."
"Do you have a relationship with my stepmother?" Ovelia asked. A few listening in more. All paying closer attention than normal.
"At one time yes." Azul was referring to his other-self. The Queen turned out to be a very interesting woman. Mostly turning tyrant due to those involved. Like her brother and the other nobles. After two of her sons getting killed before even experiencing life, they even want to end the life of her last son. "Good friend. Rapha!" Azul called to the shadows.
"Brrrp!" Rapha walked out via magic. Sky Mantra she uses, having evolved in various ways. She was dressed like a member of the Shirai Ryu. Albeit a canary yellow. Eye-catching but magic took care of that when she needed it to be.
"Grandmaster, what do you need?" Rapha asked respectfully. She was a very firm Follower of Azul. For various reasons. The biggest here besides Tietra, Tiffany and Mileuda. "Another rescue?"
"Yes." Azul said with a smile. "The information we received that the Queen is in danger. It is time for her to bow out from the central stage. Ensure the safety of her and her son. This a very dangerous mission, do you understand?"
"Yes." Rapha's eyes glowed slightly. It meant that they may have to kill. Which meant a few others needed to come with. Fortunately, she had someone in mind. "I will take Lady Aurora with me. She has grown bored of her Monster subjugations."
Azul handed her the letter that details the other forces' movement. As well as passing a stone over. Close to a Zodiac stone but made completely full of Azul's Paragon power manifested. Rapha took it and left in haste.
"Surely her brother will not let harm come to her?" Orlandeau asked. Azul just gave him a blank look. "Haaa, the times are trying." He looked behind at the Order of the Dragon members dragging some people. "Celebrant Bremondt Freitberg.. he is still alive."
"He slipped away when we confronted him. I had forces searching for him." Azul said calmly. He turned to Ovelia. "I told you we did not kill him. So, I want an apology or the head of the person who said so."
Azul crossed his arms staring at the young Queen. The populace still staring in abject attention. Waiting to see if she would give someone up or apologize.
"My honest apologies Lord Azul. I should have heeded your counsel more. But I will check to make sure that the squire who reported was honest or trying to sow discord." Ovelia bowed her head before looking up. She was honest in everything she did, which she learned went a long way with Azul and his forces. "But what are you going to do?"
"Hehe, we are going to do nothing." Lettie came over smiling. She was dressed like a member of Street Fighter. Particularly Chun-Li. A black leotard with crimson red sheer pantyhose and black thong underneath. A white qipao shortened. Her qipao has light blue accents. Homage to Azul in all of her clothing. Both sides of his psyche. "Me and my monks bought them over for judgment by the queen."
Behind her were a few others in disguse. Dress the same but all black for them. A scarf hiding most of their faces. Still, more clothing than the actual monks wear in the World!
"Kill the vile man!" A villager said. It was a woman with a badly damaged face. Several other young women screaming about the same. "The monster deserves to pay for what he did to us."
"He kidnapped my youngest daughter!" A man yelled with a bandaged arm. He has given up on hope for his family long ago. Celebrant, Bremondt Freitberg had the habit of taking any beautiful women he could get his hands on. "Justice your grace!"
"Justice! Justice! Justice!" The crowd started chanting. Azul took in the Biotic strands and couldn't help a small smile. They came out as good vibes. The people were honestly fed up with the man.
"What will you do your grace?" Agrias her knight asked. She was suprised Azul did nothing. Considering how heavy-handed he was earlier. 'Is he still testing her majesty?' Her thoughts were absolutely right.
Beowulf and Reis said nothing. They wanted his head first and foremost. Orlandeau held his tongue until the young Queen asks anything of him. Which she did after seeing the crowd.
"What do you think? Surely he has some merit? He has to have done some good for the people?" Ovelia asked. Her tone neutral as she weighed things.
"The acts of kindness he did.." Orlandeau started to say tersely. ".. is completely invalid against all the wrong he has done. The late King even tried to find out more. But the Church protected the Celebrant because of his station."
"I see." Ovelia turned with a grim countenance on her face. She raised her hands signaling the crowd to stop. Which they did. Magic coursing through her as she spoke. "You are stripped of your title of Celebrandt by myself at the will of the people. Reduce to less than the dirt on the ground." Her voices causing a few to wonder if she was sparring him. "Remove his clothing save his underwear. He is to be castrated and will spend the rest of his days in chained in the mines."
"Yes your grace!" Agrias followed the order and got to work.
"Make sure he does not take his own life. Feed him bugs and worms to sustain him. And the minimal of water." Ovelia said walking forward. She grabbed Bremondt Freitberg by the face. "You will pay for what you have done to our people. I swear it."
As he was dragged away, Ovelia walked away with the rest of her Honor Guard. Wondering if she did the right thing or not. She didn't get more than 20 feet when the crowd erupted in cheers.
"Long live the Young Queen!" The females yelled first. Followed by the young. The old took a bit but joined finally. "May she always remain true!"
Azul kept his hold on the Biotic Strands making sure to understand everything that the people were feeling. Some wanted him dead but sparing him had a very weird feeling to them. The punishment however was more than enough, however.
The next few weeks were somewhat bloody. The Duke's paying ample gold to stop the Order of the Dragon. Afterword spread enough, the people dropped their weapons and flocked to Ovelia's side. Where food, water, and no mistreat resided.
To govern, the young Queen fell back from the frontlines. But had Azul promises to keep the bloodshed to the minimum. Which he did. By leaving the Death Dealers in the new Capitol Zeklas Desert. Which was no longer a desert after Azuul and several mages made it rain for several days. Homes and roads built like Venice.
A fair step up technology-wise. As well as close to several ruins to operate in. Bi-Han's adventuring revealed a lot. The most secure place was the new capital and the surrounding area. No stealing since each home was stocked with food and ample water.
The people were given the chance at education. All manners of class able to attend. The older folks were happy to tell the history they rembered that was written down and checked against other things. Authority kept in place by the Corpse Brigade that built up long before Azul made his new move.
Aliste and Beowolf made sure the Gryphon Knights made themself known. Helping out hunting parties in the area. The love of the people was growing steadily. But a little unrest from a few that scream usurper and cast the Queen down for her acts. All met peacefully by her as she talked it out with them.
A few assination attempts foiled by Agrias and others. It was time to finish everything off to set the World in a completely new direction.
.
-Assault on the remaining "Holy" Knights-
.
Folmarv, leader of the temple knights was standing out front to meet the other opposition. Cursing that he was unable to locate appropriate vessel to revive Ultima a.k.a. Ajora to Ivalice. With the war having almost ended, not enough blood had spilled to do the other ritual he found. One that would let Ultima arrive without a host.
'They are here!' A voice thought to him. The Zodiac stone he held pulsing as it took over completely again. Folmarv was just a lackey in the end. "To arms! The heretics must be stopped!" He mostly yelled to the senior knights.
Which Folmarv's actually human children consisted of. Izlude Tingel and Meliadoul Tingel. Both having second thoughts about what had been going on. Especially since receiving information from someone. The two searched records and found all sorts of things.
"Father.." Izlude called. He was trying to talk a peaceful method but his father smacked them. "Ugh!" He grunted. The blow way stronger than he ever felt before. His sister helping him up.
"What is wrong with you?!" Meliadoul yelled. A few other knights looking worried. They kept a lot from the two, but this would be the breaking point. "You are in.." She was cut off as power enveloped her father. The others transforming as well.
"Ahhhh! I do not want to become a puppet!" A knight resist as best he could. But still became possessed.
The others failing one by one. Izlude and Melialdoul looking on in horror. A voice not at all like their father speaking to them.
"Join me, my children." Hashmal said with a grin. It was easy to tell despite his mouth turning into that of a Muzzle. Pale blond hair with two short braids and the face of a lion. A dark blue toga with matching wristbands. His claws sharp as most swords. "Suprised, this is the true form of your father."
"Oh dear, enough of that." Azul said. He was in black armor looking very malevolent himself. His constellation armor as a Dark Cosmos wielder. The black surplice glowing taking in power from the World. To the side, Lettie was with him. "No need to continue lying. Mental Cleansing level 6."
"Woooom!" The spell hit the possessed knights freeing the ones who resist from the Lucavi hold. Not all of them were forced into it.
"Freedom!" A knight yelled. It was short-lived as he was cut down by another. "Kuuk!" Blood sprayed out like a geyser. The other freed going on guard immediately.
"Leave them to us." Mileuda and Tietra caught up. "Hasmal is all yours."
"Aww, but I wanted him." Lettie pouted just a bit. But seeing how Izlude and Melialdoul were staring like fools, she found new fun. "I am gonna get those two to show whats inside." In a dash, she grabbed them both disappearing.
"Get back here we.." An attack kept him from finishing his words.
"Boom!" Azul fired a Concussive shot directly at his face. He would not let him bad mouth Lettie in his presence. Hasmal staggered back slightly. Face scorched and a tooth falling out.
"You will fight me." Azul announced. His eyes catching attention towards a quest that appeared. 'Really now?'
System: Defeat Hashmal using Cosmos armor to pacify the Auracite he wields. Rewards: Serpentarius Auracite, Leo Auracite, and remaining fragments of other Auracite. Failure: Lost of Auracite to the World.
"Bzz!" A slight buzzing sound as Azul switched over. The silver-white of regular Cosmos armor shining. It was less complete than his other one. Arms exposed as well as his thighs.
"A change of your armor will not save you!" Hasmal charged over. Claws bared out. Azul used Flame Fist. The white fire circling his entire body. He dodges the strike and delivered a kick towards Hasmal's right leg. "Uggh!"
"Crack!" The bone broke from the blow. Azul was not holding back in the least. Flames burning into the break purifying while he attacked.
"Fwip!" A punched delivered to Hasmal's kidney, sent a shock through the Lucavi's body. Hasmal turned around slashing across Azul's chest. Sparks flying everywhere.
Health -23
Three scratches were left for a moment but closed up immediately after. Azul jumped forward grabbing the large head in a hold. His knees immediately thrusting up repeatedly as he battered Hasmal's bottom jaw.
"Ugghh!" Hasmal swallowed blood that came up. Grabbing Azul he slammed he attempted to slam Azul into the ground. "Huh?!" Azul disappeared from his grip. He appeared from the side and delivered a jab straight to the jaw.
"Crunch!" Hashmal's jaw turned slightly. More teeth are broken but his defense was strong. He sent a stab directly towards Azul's stomach. Azul intercepts with his free hand.
"Pat!" The blow pushed to the side as Azul maneuvered behind. Before he could attack the exposed area, Hashmal did a horse kick.
"Shit!" Azul cursed. The claws on the lucavi's feet doing more damage than he thought. He was pushed back a good bit.
Health -37
Health -37
"You are strong." Hashmal fixed his jaw. Magic pulsing as he mouth restored. "But to think you could be me alone, foolish." He looked at his forces getting decimated by Mileuda and Tietra. A sneer forming on his face. "After I crush you, they will make good hosts for others of my kind. Especially the one who left with my "children." I can feel her blood. I think I will make her my spouse as we rebuild.
"Fwoosh!" Azul's Cosmos power shot up. His Dragon refused to let that even remotely happen. The final pieces of his armor filled in. Rage barely contained he used Lift to pick Hashmal up.
"Know your place!" Azul roared.
"Thump!" Hashmal body raised up then slammed down.
"Woosh!" Teleporting above, Azul kicked Hashmal in the back of the head. A strong enough blow to force him down onto his knees. Landing next to him, he delivered a full axe kick to the spine.
"Fwwooosh!" Channeling the power of the flames, his leg burned with power.
"Dragon... Stomp!" An image of Bahamut floated behind for an instant. Hashmal pushed himself up but not fast enough.
"Bang!" Azul heel rang out in the area. Hashmal was forced back down. Azul already lifted his leg to deliver another kick.
"Bang!" The surface of the ground broke. Another kick came down.
"Bang!" Hashmal's arms bent back along with his legs. He was still moving and the quest didn't go off. So Azul kept going. Venting his anger out.
"Fwish!" Flames constantly pouring out in every kick. The area started to heat up as Hashmal's fur and flesh burned away. The World Shard inside Hashmal started to give him some power. But Azul just kicked up his own power.
"All Buff!" Infused with the magic, his flames burned brighter. His leg muscles intensifying as he focused them. In three more kicks, it was over.
System: Defeat Hashmal using Cosmos armor to pacify the Auracite he wields. Cleared. Rewards: Serpentarius Auracite fused with soul. All other pieces given to Mileuda, under the condition Sagittarius is handed over to Lettie.
Azul turned to see the others finish up. His attention on Lettie with the others as well. A World Shard then entered him. But he placed it in his inventory for later. Just in case, Hashmal had tried anything at the last minute.
"Whew, we have gotten a little rusty." Mileuda said. She was joking really. Coming over to Azul she passed the auracite over. "It has already gone through the process. The last piece was the only part needed."
"Wooom!" Azul purified all the pieces right then and there. Mileuda took one for herself and passed one to Tietra. Zodiac symbols changed to look more human floated behind them.
"All that is left is to acquire the remaing World Shards." Tietra said. Azul nodded agreeing. It would be a long process considering a few were actually in Ordallia. A place that is completely left alone in the games. "Te forces are making great strides securing the border."
"That is good. After taking care of everything here, we will move onto there. But all quests to unify this part of Ivalice must be completed." Azul wrapped the entire area in his Pather power. The information was abundant. The psychic impressions of people that died in the past revealing stuff that he immediately passed to the others. "We will be here a long time."
Separating into two, the other Azul went to Lettie to make sure things were well. Which was him just over worrying. Lettie had all the remaining forces completely beaten and broken.
Izlude Tingel and Meliadoul Tingel floated above watching everything. Lettie had a habit of having witnesses to her fighting. A bit of an attention whore it seemed at first. But she just wanted people to see her fight. it made things more real to her. Azul watched from a distance as she finished up. None of the people were killed but she did cripple them. As well as seal their magic and take the souls into her Millenium Items.
"Lord Brother!" Lettie dashed over attaching herself to Azul. Handing over the Auracite to hear had her jumping happilt. "Yes! Now we need to get you one."
"Haha, I have one." Azul grabbed her hand showing the fight. "What do you think?"
"It fits since you were born in the year of the snake." Lettie beamed. She started to amorous and made it very known. "Want to have sex hear in front of the two?"
"Haha, yes but we will not." Azul's answer disappointed her. "I have something special I want you to due for me. It is dangerous and something only I know you can do. Along with a sealed me."
"Eh, what is it?" Lettie started perking up immediately.
.
-Aftermath-
.
It took six months just to get everything in order. The church was deconstructed and turn into a second headquarters for Azul's forces. The Orbonne Monastery was completely theirs. An age of Peace the young Queen called it. Azul pulled the Death Dealers out and moved them to the border.
The Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Sky were under his control. All members under indoctrination. Sleeper agents until Azul needed them. The Duke's were dealt with terrible punishments as well as a few Counts that caused trouble.
Ovelia proved a capable ruler. Outing justice to all and a chance of redemption. Heading the advice of her council but also keeping a strong Honor Guard kept her ahead.
"So, doing better?" Azul asked. Ovelia sat on her throne looking out with a smile. Her Honor Guard and her most new steadfast advisor Louveria Atkascha. Who smiled at Azul.
"I am. A lot to learn. Especially if I am to turn this into the Empire of Ivalice." Ovelia stated. "The other countries' citizens are flocking to us in droves. Glad you are on the border. For various reasons."
"No war like you said so far." Azul said with a sigh. "The people are checked, identified and allowed in to areas that fit them. Several agriculture projects are underway to fix the poison swamps. It will take at least 30 years before an inkling of a famine appears. The stored food is enough for a few years. Enough time for the people to harvest enough."
"Approach Azul." Ovelia said. Azul walked up and received a sword she extended. "This is Oathkeeper, perfect for a man such as yourself. Despite our differences."
"Thank you." Azul said humbly. He removed from his pocket two gems. Made from his Paragon power. and two others made from his Renegade. Mileuda insisted on him making it with her. "Treasure to give to the new Order Commanders. Or to Houses that will make sure the people are safe."
Ovelia took them and sat them on her lap. Seeing Azul back away, she felt a sense of loss for some reason.
"If.. I need you. You will return yes?"
"Of course. The border just will require my attention for awhile. I give my word." Azul bowed and left. Teleporting to the border instantly to meet the others. He missed something occurring in the castle.
"Your majesty, she is here." An attendant announced.
A group of women came in. Led by a woman who looked the spitting image of Agrias. Save for a stern expression.
"What are you doing here?" Agrias asked.
"My knight asked you a question." Ovelia asked with a little attitude.
"Since when did you act this way?" Agrias stepped down and moved forward.
"My apologies. It has been trying times." The woman in charged moved her cowl revealing a very burned face. "Romanda has been very trying."
"Rest then, we welcome you back Lady Oaks." Queen Ovelia said kindly. The room was filled with enough protection spells she was not worried. As well as the World Shard inside her revealing the woman could be trusted. Even more so than most. 'Why does the Louveria looked bothered.'
'If she is here, why isn't she at Azul's side?' Louveria thought. 'I swear that is his wife. Maybe just a look alike.'