Vescrutia: Legacy

Khei Noh trudged through the bustling streets of Dabih'r, the vibrant city a stark contrast to the desolation of the hell hole she had just recently escaped. The place was alive with energy—vendors shouting their wares, the clatter of steed-drawn carts, the hum of magical innovations, and the chatter of people going about their day.

It was midday when she made it here, but her eyes were still burning with the residual energy of her battle. The trail of the strange energy signature she had picked up was faint but unmistakable weaving through the crowded city. She was keeping up modest pace, but the fatigue building in her arms and legs conveyed that it wouldn't last long. The girl was exhausted, her body aching, her mind barely able to focus. She needed to rest—or at least a small time to recover her strength before she could continue the hunt.

As she walked, she caught glimpses of herself in passing shop windows—a gaunt figure in tattered rags, dirt-smudged skin, and wild hair. Her reflection seemed foreign to her, a reminder of how far she had pushed herself. She pulled the scraps of fabric tighter around her, trying to fend off curious stares.

"Keep your eyes to yourself." she muttered under her breath, her voice was weary, edged with irritation. But she kept moving, pushing her way through the throngs of people.

After a few more blocks, she found what she was looking for—a small, nondescript shop nestled between two larger buildings. The sign above the door was faded, but the interior looked quiet and unassuming. She stepped inside, the soft jingle of a bell announcing her arrival.

The shopkeeper, a thin, elderly man with spectacles perched on the end of his nose, looked up from behind the counter. He gave Khei a quick once-over, his expression a mix of curiosity and caution. "Help you find something, miss?" he asked, his voice raspy with age.

"Clothes..”

Khei replied curtly.

“Something cheap..”

The shopkeeper nodded, unfazed by her appearance or demeanor. He fixed his glasses before gesturing to a corner of the shop toward a rack of simple garments. “Just over there. The changing curtain is in the back. Let me know if you need any help.”

Khei moved to the corner, quickly rifling through the garments. She picked out a set of plain clothes—dark trousers, a loose shirt, and a hooded cloak to cover her face. She paused for a moment, feeling the fabric between her fingers, and then nodded in approval. As she brought the clothes to the counter, the shopkeeper rang up the purchase, his hands moving deftly across the abacus.

"That’ll be two silver coins," he said, looking up at her with a raised eyebrow. Khei reached into a small pouch tied to what remained of her belt and placed the coins on the counter. As she did, her eyes caught a glimpse of something in the corner of the shop—a glint of metal drawing her toward the far end of the store. A weapon cache.

Her thoughts drifted back to the ambush by the Niyotomi Clan. The memory of those trained children, and how they had nearly succeeded in subduing her, sent a chill down her spine. It exposed just how much she relied on her transformation.And for the first time, it had almost failed her.

She turned to the shopkeeper as she gathered her new clothes. “..looking for weapons too." she said, her voice low, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Preferably, something I can use in a pinch."

The shopkeeper’s expression shifted subtly, recognizing the seriousness in her tone. He nodded and motioned her to follow him to the back of the shop, where a variety of weapons were displayed—swords, daggers, and even a few enchanted pieces. Khei inspected them carefully, her fingers brushing over the hilts of the swords, the edges of the blades. She needed something that wouldn’t draw too much attention but could still be effective if she was caught off guard again. Something simple—a weapon that could be easily concealed beneath her cloak.

She then noticed a small case tucked away in a corner, hidden by the parger weapons on display. Inside, she could see several firearms—sleek, deadly, and efficient. One of them stood out, a compact yet sturdy-looking gun with intricate designs etched into its surface. The design was unlike anything she’d seen before—elegant and practical, with a hint of something more arcane. “That one.” Khei said, her accent slipping into a sharper tone as she pointed to the gun.

The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment, then nodded, stepping forward to retrieve the firearm. “Ah, a fine choice,” he murmured as he handed it to her. “This is not just any weapon. It can fire rounds of ammunition or even draw from the Naten of the user. It has the capability of evolving as well. Truly a rare find indeed.” Khei took the gun in her hands, feeling its weight. It was heavier than it looked, and the metal felt cool against her skin.

“This uses Naten?” she asked, her voice calm but with a note of curiosity. The shopkeeper nodded. “Yes, but not exclusively. It's one of the more unique items in my collection. It’s powerful but costly, as you might imagine. Not just anyone can use it.”

Khei ran her fingers along the etchings on the gun, feeling a connection with the weapon. It wasn’t just another tool; it was something that could give her an edge in situations where her transformation might be compromised or when stealth was necessary. The idea of relying on something other than her powers appealed to her—something that would give her a fighting chance without tapping into the destructive force within her.

“How much?” she asked, her tone almost indifferent, though she was already calculating how much she had left after the nightmarish ordeal in the Lost Wastes. The shopkeeper named a price, one that would have made a lesser customer balk. Khei didn’t flinch. She reached into her pouch and counted out the coins. She slid them across the counter without a word, keeping her gaze on the shopkeeper, who quickly swept them into his hands.

He nodded, seemingly satisfied with the exchange.

“A wise purchase. But be careful—this weapon, like any that draws from the users Naten, requires a steady hand and a strong will.” Khei looked at him, her expression unreadable, and gave a small nod. “I’ll manage. I might end up losing it anyway.” she said quietly. She secured the gun in a holster at her side, feeling its weight comforting her in a way that steel alone never could. She gathered the rest of her belongings and left the shop, her steps purposeful but heavy. The weight of exhaustion still pulled at her, but there was a new resolve in her movements.

After leaving the shop, Khei slipped into her new clothes in a nearby alley. The hood cast her face in shadow, making her less conspicuous as she continued her search for an inn. Fortunately, it didn’t take long to find one—a modest establishment tucked away on a side street. The inn was small, but it was clean and quiet, exactly what she needed.

The innkeeper, a stout woman with a kind face, handed her a key without any questions. Khei appreciated the lack of conversation, her mind too fogged with exhaustion to manage more than a few words.

—Her room was modest, with a single bed, a restroom, and a narrow window that overlooked the city’s maze of alleyways. Khei barely registered any of it as she collapsed onto the bed, her body finally giving in to the fatigue that had been clawing at her since she left the Lost Wastes. She didn’t even bother to remove her new clothes, too tired to care as she let herself drift into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Hours passed, or maybe it was days—Khei couldn’t tell when she finally woke up. The city outside was quieter now, the sounds of the day replaced by the softer hum of the night. She lay still for a moment, feeling the stiffness in her muscles, the dull ache in her bones. But she also felt something else—clarity. The rest had done her good, clearing her mind and refocusing her purpose.. but she could use some more rest. So she took a well deserved shower and drifted back to sleep.

——---——— ——---———
Current Energy Level: 70%
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Khei woke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the thin curtains of her small room. The city beyond was beginning to stir, the sounds of early morning activities faint but steady. She stretched, feeling the lingering soreness in her muscles, and sat up, the events of the previous day already distant memories. Her body had recovered slightly, the sleep doing wonders to restore her strength, though she was still not at full capacity.

She stood, moving to the small basin by the window to splash water on her face. The cold liquid jolted her fully awake, sharpening her senses. Khei's thoughts drifted to her plans for the morning—she needed food, something to replenish the energy she had expended in the Lost Wastes and in her battle against the Niyotomi Clan’s warriors. Her stomach growled in agreement, urging her to leave the room and seek out breakfast in the bustling market below.

But as she approached the window, her hand pausing on the curtain, something caught her eye. Her instincts, honed from years of survival, tingled with unease. She carefully pulled the curtain back just enough to see what was happening outside.

A caravan of warriors was making its way through the city streets, their presence impossible to ignore. Khei's eyes narrowed as she took in the sight: there were a dozen of them, seasoned fighters, all clad in armor and moving with the quiet confidence of those who had seen many battles. But what truly captured her attention was the group of younger warriors among them. And there, at the head of the group, was a familiar face—the boy who had led the team of Niyotomi warriors that had ambushed her.

Her breath caught in her throat as she recognized him. The same determined expression, the same resolve. They had somehow tracked her down, even here to this city. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched them from her vantage point, her mind racing with the implications.

The boy was speaking with a merchant, holding up a piece of parchment—a poster, from what she could tell. The townspeople were gathered around, listening intently to what the warriors had to say, their eyes darting toward the inn where Khei was staying. Though she couldn’t hear the words exchanged, the body language was clear enough. The Niyotomi Clan was on her trail, and they were leaving no stone unturned in their search.

Fuck..

Khei cursed under her breath. "They just won't give up, will they?" she muttered, the words laced with a mix of frustration and dark amusement. "Stubborn little brats.. you're gonna’ get yourselves killed.”

The idea of going out for breakfast suddenly seemed foolish. She couldn't risk being seen, not now. Her stomach protested, but Khei silenced it with a firm resolve. There would be time to eat later—if she managed to evade these hunters.

Her mind quickly shifted gears, thinking of the best way out of the city. She could catch the first ferry or ship heading out, but she would need to move fast and avoid detection until she was safely on her way. Packing up the few belongings she had, Khei made sure her new weapon was secure at her side, the runes along its barrel faintly glowing as if sensing the tension in the air.

She took one last glance out the window, watching the warriors disperse into the city. Khei knew she was outnumbered, and while she usually wouldn't doubt her ability to take all of them, a prolonged fight would be disastrous, especially considering what artifacts they carried with them, particularly tailored to counter her transformation. She had to escape before they could corner her.

And so, with a deep breath, she slipped out of her room, careful not to make a sound as she navigated the hallway. The inn was quiet at this hour, most guests still asleep, but she moved with the caution of a hunted animal, every creak of the floorboards setting her nerves on edge.

As she reached the back exit, Khei paused, listening for any signs of pursuit. The city was waking up, the sounds of life growing louder, but the inn remained silent. She pushed the door open, stepping into the cool morning air. The narrow alley behind the inn offered some cover, and she quickly melded into the morning shadows, her mind focused on getting out of the city before the Niyotomi Clan could close in on her.

——---——— ——---———
Current Energy Level: 75%
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Khei moved through the crowded city streets with a practiced ease, her senses alert as she navigated the bustling market district. She kept her head low, blending into the blanket of merchants, travelers, and townsfolk. The narrow alleys and side streets provided ample cover as she made her way toward the shuttle station. During her stay at the Inn, Khei heard whispers of a shuttle near the edge of the city capable of transporting her from this place, to Solara—where she could put more than a hundred miles of desert sand between herself and the relentless pursuit of the Niyotomi Clan.

Her footsteps were swift, purposeful, and cautious as she maneuvered through the maze of the city. She had been successful in avoiding any unwanted attention so far. But as she turned down a quieter alley, her heart skipped a beat—a sudden, eerie silence descended over the street, a silence broken by the distant sound of a guttural growl. She turned her head slightly, catching sight of three massive beasts emerging from the shadows, their noses to the ground, tracking her scent with terrifying accuracy. The hounds were monstrous, the size of bears, with sleek, dark fur that rippled over their powerful frames. Their glowing yellow eyes fixed on her, and Khei knew that her advantage had just vanished.

“..things just keep getting better.” she muttered under her breath. She quickened her pace into a full on sprint, weaving through the alleyways, her mind racing as she calculated her next move. She had to reach the shuttle before these beasts caught up to her. But the hounds were relentless—and far too fast for her to shake them. Their growls grew louder as they closed in on her, their massive forms thrashing through the narrow streets with terrifying speed. The city's residents began to take notice, their eyes widening in fear and curiosity as they caught sight of the beasts and the woman they were chasing.

Khei darted through the crowd, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps as she tried to outpace the hounds. The shuttle station was close—so close—but just as she rounded the corner, a group of armored warriors blocked her path. They stood tall and imposing, their expressions grim and resolute. Among them, she recognized the boy she had encountered before. She remembered his allies called him Marcel, but her attention was drawn to the man standing at the forefront—a man with an air of authority and menace about him. He was older, more experienced, with the same sharp features as the boy but with a hardened edge that spoke of years of battle and leadership. His eyes were cold, calculating, and filled with a vindictive gleam as they locked onto Khei. He was clearly the leader of this group, and he was not here to make any mistakes.

"No further." the man called out, his voice carrying across the crowd that had begun to gather around them. "No more. You have done nothing but dishonor our tribe and leave death in your wake. And that nightmare will end today.”

His tone was smooth, almost charismatic, but laced with a deep-seated anger that simmered just beneath the surface.

Khei's eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation. She could feel the tension in the air, the crowd's growing curiosity and unease. The Niyotomi warriors were positioning themselves around her, preparing for a confrontation. They were skilled, disciplined, and outnumbered her significantly. Her fingers twitched at her side, itching to draw the pistol she had recently purchased. But even with its deadly power, it wouldn’t be enough against all of them.

The large man continued, his voice rising as he addressed the onlookers.

“Hear me citizens of Dabih'r. My name is Karasu Niyotomi, and I have come to finish what my brother has begun.. and what our Elders were unable to do." The crowd now had amassed into a growing collection of confused faces, all drawn to the men and women adorning armor--particularly the men speaking.

"This woman," he pointed at Khei, his eyes flashing with righteous fury, "is responsible for the obliteration of our clan, for the deaths of countless innocents, and she has no intention of stopping. We are here to bring her to justice and keep her wrath from reaching your homes as well.”

The crowd murmured, their eyes shifting between Khei and Karasu's caravan. The tension was palpable, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. Khei knew that the longer this standoff continued, the worse it would be for her. She had to act quickly, decisively.

“Listen..” She pleaded, “I was a child.. I didn't understand. I didn't want to–” She paused, taking a calming breath to steady the storm of emotions. “I don't want to fight you, okay? I'm not whatever they've made you believe I am.”

Karasu’s expression didn’t change, his eyes narrowing slightly as he gauged her sincerity. “And yet, here you are. A monster hiding in human skin, trying to slink away from the consequences of your actions.”

The word monster cut through Khei like a blade, but she kept her composure. She looked at the faces of the warriors surrounding her—many of them young, their eyes filled with fiery conviction, ready to draw their blades in the name of justice. She couldn’t fault them; they had every right to hate her.

Karasu stepped closer, his voice a low growl. “If you mean your words, then surrender and return with us willingly. Spare these people, and my men the fate you’ve condemned so many to.” His words resonated with the squad of warriors and the chattering crowd surrounding them all.

Khei’s eyes swam across the many faces, all staring at her as she weighed her options. If she surrendered, there was a chance she could figure out a way to escape later. She could play for time, let them think they had her, and then slip away when the opportunity presented itself. But more than that, surrendering meant protecting the people of this city from the disaster that would follow if she unleashed her full power.

She closed her eyes for a moment, steeling herself against the decision she was about to make. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, she raised her hands, palms open, signaling her surrender. A collective murmur spread through the crowd, the tension breaking just a little as the people watched in disbelief. Karasu’s eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly masked it, gesturing for his men to move in.

“Bind her,” he ordered, his voice cold, but there was a hint of satisfaction in it. "Carefully! We’ll take her back to face justice.”

The younger warriors moved forward, their eyes still burning with anger and resentment as they pulled out ropes and shackles to bind her wrists. Khei didn’t resist, allowing them to secure her hands and lead her through the streets. The crowd parted before them, murmuring in awe and fear as they watched the scene unfold. But as they walked, Khei could feel the hostility radiating from the warriors around her, their gazes burning holes in the back of her head. Especially from one young man in particular.

Marcel’s eyes were filled with a deep, seething hatred, his grip on the hilt of his saber white-knuckled. As they turned a corner into a quieter street, away from the prying eyes of the crowd, the young warrior suddenly snapped. “You think this is enough?” he spat into Khei's ear, his voice trembling with emotion. “You think surrendering will make up for what you’ve done?”

Khei glanced at him, seeing the pain and anger in his eyes. “..yeah, kind of.” she said softly, her lips sliding into a smile. “Did you want me to fight back?” Marcel gritted his teeth, unamused with her taunts. “Do so and die, monster.." He said, tightening the bonds along her wrists. “You will not escape us this time. My brother will make certain of this.” Marcel’s fury was kept to a hush, as it became clear that he didn't want to irritate his commanding officer.

“Well you and your brother can relax. I'm not in the business of killing children.. Like I told you, I'm not what you think I am–”

“Liar!” The warrior’s voice cracked with rage as he lunged at her, striking her in the back of the head with the hilt of his sword. The blow was fueled by years of pent-up anger and grief, and sent Khei stumbling onto her face unconscious, blood gushing from her wound.

“You fool!!” Karasu barked, stepping forward to intervene, but it was too late. “What have you done?!”


——---——— ——---———
Current Energy Level: 65%
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Karasu’s eyes widened as he watched Khei’s body begin to convulse, her form expanding and distorting as the transformation took hold. Marcel took a step back, his heart pounding in his chest, realizing the grave mistake he had made.

Karasu, ever the leader, barked orders at the others, his voice sharp and commanding despite the dread creeping into his tone. "Form a perimeter! We need to contain it before—”His words were cut off as Khei’s shackles exploded, sending shards of metal flying. The monstrous roar of Ul’duin drowned out all other sound, and the ground trembled beneath the beast’s weight as it fully emerged. The air became heavy with its presence, oppressive and suffocating, as if the very essence of the beast was pressing down on everyone around it. The crowd that amassed only a few moments ago to watch spectate in a fear driven curiosity, scattered in reeling horror.

Marcel, his face pale, managed to stammer out, “It’s…it’s too late, Karasu. We can’t…we can’t stop it.” He fumbled for his weapon, his hands shaking as the reality of what they had unleashed sank in. Karasu glared at him, determination etched on his face despite the terror gnawing at his heart. “We don’t have a choice! Fight, damn it! We’ve trained for this moment!” He raised his sword, the blade glinting with a faint magical aura, and charged at Ul’duin, leading his men behind a roar of courage and desperation.

The other warriors followed, their battle cries echoing through the narrow streets of Dabih’r. “For the Niyotomi!” one shouted, his voice cracking with fear as he hurled a binding spell at the beast– a bolt of golden energy that thundered toward its target. But the 9” titan simply swatted it away. Undeterred, Karasu used the opportunity to reposition himself and swung his enchanted blade with all his might, aiming for the beast’s flank. It felt as if he struck a mountain. He grimaced in pain as his blade bounded from the creature's hide with a resounding “clang.” Ul’duin’s massive arm swung out in retaliation, bashing Karasu in the face and sending him flying through the air

He crashed into a nearby wall with a sickening thud, blood spilling from his lips as he struggled to stand. “We can’t let it escape!” he cried, his voice hoarse and filled with pain.

But Ul’duin had already begun its rampage. With a single, thunderous roar, it lunged at the warriors, its claws tearing through them with brutal efficiency. Spells and artifacts were of no use against the beast; despite their Elder’s predictions of the contrary, Ul’duin was unstoppable. One by one, the warriors fell, their cries for help drowned out by the thunderous sound of the blows that slayed them.

Marcel, seeing his comrades torn apart, shouted out in desperation, “We need to retreat! We can’t beat this—this is madness!” His eyes darted around, looking for an escape route as the beast tore through their ranks. But Karasu, his pride and sense of duty overwhelming his fear, refused to back down. “No! No retreat! We fight!! It is our duty!!” His voice was filled with both resolve and a tinge of resignation as he charged forward again, his sword dragging through the ground until he raised it above his head.

Ul’duin, its eyes gleaming with murderous intent, snapped its attention to Karasu. And with a speed that belied its massive size, it lunged toward its prey.

Karasu tried to dodge, but the monster was too fast. Ul’duin’s forearm impaled him through chest and lifted him off the ground before a subtle flick tossed him aside like a ragdoll. As Karasu’s body hit the ground, blood pooling beneath him, he reached out toward his brother and managed to choke out his final words. “Protect…the clan..” His voice was faint, barely audible over the roaring of the beast and the chaos of the battle.

Marcel, seeing his leader fall, felt his courage leave him. “Karasu!!!” He screamed, prepared to rush to his side, but he stopped tracks– Ul’duin loomed over him, its monstrous form casting a shadow that swallowed the entire street.

The beast roared again, louder this time, shaking the very foundations of the city. Marcel, drenched in sweat and blood, turned and fled, his last thought being that this was a battle they were never meant to win. Leaving behind sounds of the comrades' desperate cries and the destruction wrought by the Primordial echoing through the streets, marking the downfall of another place caught in the path of the Devourer.

The city of Dabih’r, once a bustling hub of life, was now a scene of utter devastation. Buildings crumbled as Ul’duin’s immense form barreled through them, the ground shaking with each of its steps. Fires broke out, their flames licking at the sky as the beast brought death to everything it touched. The cries of the wounded and the dying filled the air, mixing with the roar of the beast as it laid waste to everything in its path.

The people of Dabih’r, caught in the crossfire, fled in all directions, their screams of terror echoing through the streets. Ul’duin showed no mercy. The city was reduced to rubble in a matter of moments, its once-proud buildings now nothing more than smoldering ruins.

Finally, as the last of the resistance was crushed beneath its tightened fists, Ul’duin turned its gaze to the horizon. With a powerful leap, the beast bounded out of the city, leaving behind a trail of destruction and death. The city of Dabih’r, now nothing more than a smoking ruin, was left in its wake. As the beast disappeared into the distance, the remaining survivors of the city could only watch in horror and disbelief, their lives forever changed by the devastation that had been wrought upon them.

Ul'duin was indifferent. It bore nor remorse or guilt for the lives it had taken. It was driven by its instincts. Even now, it raced across barren plains pursuing the energy trail that had brought Khei to this place, apathetic to whatever it destroyed in its path.

——---——— ——---———
Current Energy Level: 50%
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As Aerys soared through the darkened skies, he relished in the familiar thrill of unfettered flight. With a mere thought, flames enveloped his body, propelling him through the air with blazing speed. The streaks of fire left a purple trail in the dark expanse, a brilliant, fiery ribbon against the black canvas of space.

He left immediately from his room in Solara to the city of Dabih’r, which grew rapidly from a distant speck into a formidable vision of ruin. As Aerys approached, the devastation came into sharper focus. The once-thriving metropolis now lay shrouded in dark smoke and scattered debris, a grim testament to the recent catastrophe.

His fiery aura shifted in hue, adapting to the atmospheric pressure as he descended. Aerys cut through the thickening air with ease, his control over the flames allowing him to glide effortlessly. The heat from his body created a shimmering halo around him, distorting the view below.

Landing with a controlled burst of fire, Aerys touched down amidst the ruins of the city with a thunderous crackle. The ground sizzled under his feet, the flames fading to reveal the extent of the destruction. He surveyed the landscape, the once-grand city now a sprawling wasteland of broken buildings and smoldering debris.

The air was heavy with the rancid scent of burnt metal and charred wood, and the ground beneath him was littered with remnants of the city's former life. The sounds of distant fires crackling and the occasional echo of collapsing structures filled the silence.

Aerys moved swiftly through the wreckage, his powerful strides sending small clouds of dust and ash into the air. His eyes, sharp and focused, scanned the ruins for any signs of life or clues about the attack. His mastery over fire allowed him to create light in the gloom, casting a bright, flickering illumination over the devastated streets.

As he advanced through the rubble, he encountered small pockets of survivors, their faces etched with shock and fear. They looked up at him with a mixture of hope and trepidation, recognizing the Tyre Crown in their midst.

Aerys approached them, his fiery aura dimming to a warm, reassuring glow. “It's alright, love.. you’re safe now.” he said, his voice carrying an earnest tone despite the fierce accents of his inflection. “Tell me what happened here. Who did this?”

The survivors, though shaken, began to recount the chaos they had witnessed. Their stories were fragmented and filled with confusion, but they painted a picture of a sudden and overwhelming assault. Aerys listened intently, his mind racing with the implications of their accounts.

Once he had gathered what information he could, he turned his attention to the heart of the devastation—the central plaza, now a shattered expanse of ruin. It was here that the destruction seemed most complete, and Aerys was determined to find any clues that might explain the attack.

As he navigated through the wreckage, his mind worked through the possibilities. The scale of the attack suggested a powerful adversary, and the suddenness of the destruction pointed to a deliberate and calculated strike. Aerys’s resolve hardened. This didn't feel like no random act of violence; it was a message.

While his team was still en route, Aerys took it upon himself to begin the search. He began to clear large debris with his strength, and use his flames to illuminate hidden areas, hoping to uncover any survivors or hints left behind by the attackers.

The enormity of the task ahead was daunting, but Aerys was driven by a fierce determination. The destruction of Dabih’r was a personal affront to his people, and he was resolute in his mission to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.

As the first hints of his team’s arrival became evident in the distance, Aerys took one last sweeping glance over the ruins. The city might have been reduced to ashes, but the fire within him burned brighter than ever. He was ready to confront whatever lay behind this devastation and to ensure that such a tragedy would never befall his people again.

Responding to Aerys’ call, a fleet of soldiers arrived in swift, disciplined formation, their arrival marked by the rhythmic thrum of powerful engines and the hum of advanced transport crafts. The ruins of Dabih’r were soon filled with the organized chaos of a military operation—medics attending to the wounded, soldiers securing the perimeter, and engineers assessing the structural damage.

Aerys watched from a distance as his people swiftly took control of the situation, coordinating efforts to bring order to the shattered city. He had already done much of the groundwork–pulling survivors from the wreckage, calming their fears, and directing them to safety. He didn't know how many of them could have survived, but once the professionals were on the scene, he focused on the next part of his mission—finding the cause of this destruction.

As the last of the immediate rescue efforts were handled, Aerys began his search for clues. He moved with purpose through the ruins, his eyes sharp and his senses attuned to anything that might hint at the identity of the assailants. His invincible feet crunched over broken glass and charred debris as he scanned the remnants of what had once been a thriving city.

His search led him to a corner of the central plaza, where a section of wall remained relatively intact amid the surrounding devastation. There, half-buried under rubble and scorched by the fires that had ravaged the city, Aerys spotted something unusual.

He knelt and cleared the debris with a sweep of his hand, the flames flickering at his fingertips helping to illuminate the darkened area. What he uncovered was a torn, weather-beaten poster clinging stubbornly to the wall. The edges were frayed, and the paper was singed, but the image and words were still visible.

"What's this, then?" Aerys narrowed his eyes, studying the face on the poster. It was a woman, strikingly beautiful yet emanating an air of danger that made his instincts flare. Her features were sharp and distinctive—eyes that seemed to pierce through the paper, and an expression that carried both defiance and a haunting sorrow. Below her image was a name: Khei Noh Niyotomi

His gaze shifted to the bottom of the poster, where a substantial bounty was printed in bold, unforgiving letters. The amount was staggering, far more than any common criminal or renegade would warrant. This was someone of significant importance—or significant threat.

Aerys stood, the poster clutched in his hand as he scanned the ruins around him with renewed focus. The destruction, the suddenness of the attack, and now this—everything seemed to point to this woman. But who was she, and why had she unleashed such devastation upon Dabih’r?

He turned back to his soldiers, who were busy securing the area and tending to the injured. One of the medics noticed the poster in his hand and approached, her eyes widening as she recognized the face. "That's her, isn't it? The one they''ve been talking about?"

Aerys quirked his brow. "They?" He asked.

"The survivors– they say all of this was caused by the woman on a poster." The medic replied. Aerys took a moment to absorb this.

"Hmm. It would seem so, then." he replied, his voice thoughtful. "Would they happenen to know her reason, as well?"

The medic hesitated, then spoke softly, “They say she’s dangerous, my lord. Some form of monster. They claim she was being hunted by a large caravan that marched into the central plaza– soldiers, steads, practically a warbound from foreign waters."

Aerys absorbed her words, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. Khei Noh Niyotomi wasn’t just a wanted woman; she was a mystery, a riddle wrapped in the wreckage of Dabih’r. And now, she was his responsibility.

"Who was this caravan? Did they bear any sigils or crests?" Aerys asked, his mind spinning with ideas.

"They are unsure— things happened too quickly to track.. or perhaps, the memories are to still too raw to reflect upon. The medic responded solemnly, their head lowered in reflection before she returned to her work.

Aerys turned his gaze back to the poster, the portrait of the woman’s face staring back at him with an almost accusatory glare. He had no choice now. Whatever her reasons, whatever her motives, Aerys knew he had to find her—before more cities fell, before more lives were lost.

He rolled up the poster and, with a determined stride, he approached Tal’m, who had just arrived on the scene, his expression as serious as ever.

"Tal’m!" Aerys called out, his voice carrying authority and resolve. "We have a name. Khei Noh Niyotomi. She’s a beauty, but the lass is also our number one suspect. A shame, really."

Aerys said as he handed him the poster. After a thorough glance, Tal'm nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Very well. Shall I prepare a team to–"

"Don't bother." Aerys interjected, an arrogant smile widening his face. "I'm willing to bet she couldn't have gotten too far, and the lot of them would just slow me down. "

Aerys met his advisor’s gaze, his expression unyielding. "..She’s not going to stop until she gets whatever it is she’s after. Not unless someone stops her, of course."

Aerys turned his gaze to the horizon, where the smoke from Dabih’r’s ruins still lingered in the sky. Tal'm's face contorted with worry, "Young Crown, I implore you.. We know nothing of this enemy. This hazards recklessness, when prudence is in abundance!" He pleaded, hoping his words would ignite a cathartic epiphany from within Aerys, one strong enough to conquer the years of overconfidence and impulsiveness baked into his mind. But alas..

"Do not worry, old one.." Aerys said as he began to float from the charred remains of Dabih’r, "I plan to return within the week, with our perpetrator in tow. And on that day, I expect a feast, eh? One fit for a crown. "

He said before his entire body was engulfed in a brilliant lavender inferno and he soared away like a comet in the far distance. Leaving Tal'm and the soldiers to watch his departure with a mix of awe and concern.