The Light in the Void



Chapter 1



Coming to Eorzea



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In retrospect, she supposed she should have seen the signs coming. The headaches, the uneasiness.If she told people she had gotten a good night’s sleep, she’d be lying. She wasn’t sure when she had finally fallen into slumber, but it had to be far, far later than she normally did. Even then, her dreams had been plagued with confusing nonsense that left her having woken up unsatisfied.Today was the day. The day of the Springtime Summoning Ritual. A sacred tradition dating all the way back to the time of the Founder, where a young mage would cast the spell summon their familiar. And Louise Francoise le Blanc de la Vallière, who had yet to cast a single successful spell, was about to attempt to cast the most important spell of her life.Her incompetence with magic was not for lack of trying. Oh Founder it wasn’t. She spent most of her free time in the academy Library, studying every book about magical theory she could get her hand on. She practiced for hours and hours every day, perfecting her motions and pronunciation. However, despite all this, what she got, was an explosion.At first, her peers had been shocked, but that had gradually given way to whispers, to stiffed giggles, and then laughter, and outright bullying. She tried to put it out of her mind. It would not do for a Vallière to rise to such base insults, but each barb was like a knife through the heart. She was a failure, a disappointment, shame upon her family.But that was all going to change today.Louise looked over to the side of her room, at the pile of straw she had gotten, in preparation for the familiar she would be receiving. She was certainly going to do this. There was no turning back, there had to be certainty. She had been studying this particular spell for months. Its extensive history, the proper incantation and motions, every possible variation she could get her hands on. She was ready. At least, that was what she kept telling herself.Instead, as she stood, she was suddenly beset with a sharp pain in her head. Her vision blurred, and she felt her limbs grow weak. She stumbled, falling back onto her bed, gripping her head and gritting her teeth in pain. She tried to move, to speak, anything, but her body wouldn’t respond. Strangely, throughout the experience, she heard the faint voice of a woman, though she couldn’t make out the words.Then, as suddenly as it started, it was over. She looked up, watching as the ceiling blurrily spun into place, her vision coming back into focus. She lay on the bed for a few more moments, wondering just what had happened.Briefly, the thought entered her mind that maybe she could get out of the summoning, citing illness. Almost immediately, that thought was accompanied by immense shame. Was she really so cowardly as to attempt that?No! She wasn’t going to let her cowardice get the better of her. Louise calmly dressed herself, and stood in front of the mirror, psyching herself up. She was ready. Today was the day she would prove herself a proper mage.“The day has come for the Summoning Ritual!” The balding Professor Colbert spoke to the students gathered before him. “This is the first exam of your second year, as well as the day you’ll summon your familiars, a companion with whom you’ll be spending the rest of your life!”As Colbert spoke, Louise heard someone shuffling through the crowd near her. Though she would never admit it out loud, just the presence made her heart twinge in fear. That smug, mocking, voice that grated on her ears.“I can’t wait to see what kind ofandandfamiliar you’ll summon, Zero.” Kirche von Zerbst said, agonizingly drawing out the words.Louise was about to respond when the pain in her head returned. She grunted and pressed her fingers to her forehead, stumbling slightly, Her vision went blurry again.“Oh my!” Kirche chuckled.“Is something the matter?” Colbert asked.“Miss Vallière appears to be ill!” Kirche said, trying to sound serious, and only partially succeeding. “I don’t think she should be attempting such an important spell today!”Louise thought. She attempted to speak, though the pain flared up again.“Miss Vallière?” Colbert asked.Louise struggled to speak, as several students around her snickered.“I-I’m fine.” She managed to say.“Are you sure?” There were more giggles.“Yes!” She finally managed to speak clearly, righting herself. “It’s nothing!”“Alright then.” The professor gestured, and a student stepped forwards to perform the ritual. As it was completed, there was a flash of light, and a floating purple eyeball appeared before him“A bugbear! Then you are a Wind Mage!” Colbert announced.Louise watched as one by one, her peers summoned their familiars. Just looking at it, it seemed so simple, the sheer ease with which they had done it. And yet, Louise could shake her own anxiety.She grimaced again.And then there was the headache. It was back, again, and with it, her vision blurred. She heard that woman's voice again, still muffled and indistinct. Her vision flashed and she saw… stars? The sun? She gritted her teeth, attempting to focus through it, today was an incredibly important day, she couldn’t let it be ruined by something like-“Miss Vallière?” Louise was snapped back to reality.“Huh?” She asked, looking around to see that the others had already participated in the ritual. Tabitha had summoned a, while Kirche stroked her new salamander while smiling smugly at Louise.“It’s your turn. Please step forwards to summon your familiar” Colbert said.“Oh, um… right.” Louise rubbed her temples. Why did this have to happen today of all days?As she stepped forwards the students gathered around took steps backwards, whispering all the while.“Louise the Zero...”“I wonder what she’ll summon.”“There’s no way she’ll summon anything, it’ll just be another explosion as usual.”The mocking whispers continued, each comment like a hot knife stabbing into her. She was a Zero. A failure. A disappointment.Outwardly, she kept up the mask of calmness, though she gripped her wand tighter and tighter.The students braced themselves for an explosion. Colbert braced himself for an explosion. Even Louise, on some level, braced herself for an explosion.Nothing happened.Nothing continued to happen.Louise stared in shock. Had she done something wrong? She couldn’t have! She had been studying everything she could about the ritual for. Her chanting, her movements, it had been practiced again and again. But nothing had happened. Not even an explosion.Louise felt weak. Her legs trembled as she struggled to hold her own wand in her hand.Nothing, not even an explosion. Why?Then the laughter started, softly at first, but then it spread, until it seemed the entire academy was roaring in mockery.Louise’s strength gave out as shock and confusion gave way to grief. She felt it welling up inside of her, the rawness in her throat, the sting of her eyes as she slumped to her knees, her wand falling to the ground. She cried. She cried hard, roaring in confusion and grief.At this, some students stopped, awkwardness and shame on their faces. Others, however, laughed even harder, shouting taunts and jeers.Though her tear-clouded eyes, she saw someone approaching her. Briefly wiping her tears, she looked up to see Colbert approaching her, sadness on his face.She almost wished he was more accusatory, or mocking, but not this… this. She was a. Daughter of the famed Karin the Heavy Wind. And she couldn’t perform a single spell correctly. She really was a disappointment. A failure.“Miss Vallière? If you would come with me… We should go speak with the headmaster...” He said gently.They were going to expel her, weren’t they? But they! She was a. AThere was no way she couldn’t be! She tried to object, but all that came out was a sob.“Miss Vallière?” Colbert placed his hand on her shoulder and-Louise’s vision split, as the headache she had been feeling suddenly escalated into blinding pain. She couldn’t even cry out. Though the shards of her fractured vision, she saw the other students gripping their heads in pain as well.Before she could truly even process this thought, there was a flash of color, and everything went dark.When the pain subsided, Louise was nowhere to be found, anywhere in the academy. To the confusion of all present at the Summoning, all that was left where she was standing was her wand, and a faint shimmer of light, that slowly faded away, along with a gentle voice, softly drifting on the wind. Was this a dream? Louise could think of no other explanation. She was drifting through glowing sea of stars lit by a pink light, until she alighted down on an invisible platform.This had to be a dream. Yes! It had to be! There was no way she could have failed so utterly at the summoning! This was just a nightmare brought on by nervousness. Yes! That was it!What was that? The woman’s voice she had heard earlier? It sounded more distinct now, more intelligible. It also felt… pleasant... calming, reminding her of the comfort of her big sister, Cattelya. She had always been supportive, generous with hugs, and hers was the only voice that didn't fill Louise with anxiety. She hadn't heard from her in a while, a thought that made Louise feel somewhat guilty.She looked up to see a light shining near her, like a miniature pink sun. It was so warm and invigorating.She wanted to get closer to it, to embrace it, it was… beautiful, welcoming. However, the instant she stepped forwards, the air took on a sudden chill. The sun was obscured by a cloud of darkness. Out if that darkness stepped a being in a dark cloak. They wore an ominous red mask. Just their very presence made Louise’s skin crawl. Her heart quickened as she took a step back.The glowing sun moved out from behind the intruder, and floated towards Louise. Upon touching her, she was engulfed in an aura of light.When she could see again, she saw that she was wearing…? There was another flash of light, and suddenly, a wand was in her hand!The dark stranger was clearly not pleased by this. A glowing red rune appeared over their face while they snarled. They then dashed towards Louise, who raised up her wand in defense, a blinding light shining forth…“...Hey.She first heard the voice, rousing her from her sleep. She awoke, looking around, confused for a moment before realizing she was in a carriage.“Y’all right lass?” Said a male voice. “You were moanin’ somethin’ fierce there.”She cleared her head. That was right. It had been a dream. And a strange one at that. She turned to where the voice came from, seeing a Hyuran male with blonde hair. The only others in the back of the carriage. were a pair of young Elezen twins.“Feelin’ the effects of the Aether, I reckon? Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”That was right. Eorzea was a land unusually awash in what was locally referred to as “Aether”. She supposed that might have been the cause of the bizarre dream. Certainly, she’d never had anything of the like before. Drifting through a pink sea of stars with strange voices and shrouded dark figures.She was about to reply, when she noticed some men on Chocobo’s riding up to the carriage. She tensed slightly, their posture wasn’t a friendly one.“You there, halt!” Another man called out, this time from the front of the carriage.“What’s this all about?” The driver demanded, sounding outraged.She heard the sound of a blade being drawn, and instinctively reached for the scepter at her waist. She relaxed slightly when she heard the words. “Inspection. Men, search the carriage.!”“I’m just an honest peddler, friend. So don’t er… be to disappointed if you don’t find nothin’, eh?”“Mind your tongue, old man, lest I cut it out!” The armored man threatened.She then watched as, during his search, the armored man deftly planted a small bag among the merchants wares. She immediately knew what he was up to, especially when he smugly stated.“Sir, look!!”“Honest peddler, was it? Since when do honest peddlers deal in? Thinkin’ to make a little coin off the books, eh? Not give the Monetarists their due after all they’ve done for Ul’Dah? You’re in a lot of trouble old man. You’ll rot in Masaraja for the rest of your days.” The captain sneered. “That is… unless you can pay the.”Her hands tightened on the scepter. These guards were clearly corrupt, planting evidence to extort money from hapless passersby. Disgusting.For his part, the merchant grimly chuckled. “Heh, business as usual.”She contemplated simply blowing up the corrupt guard. They were clearly no match or her. She was weighing the possible consequences when, all of a sudden, an arrow came streaking directly into the cart. She stood up, gripping her scepter, a spell already on her lips, while scanning her surroundings. She then heard one of the guards cry out.As she looked outside, she saw several reptilian creatures stalking towards the carriage.“Consider this a warning!All of you!” The captain shouted before rushing into battle.The carriage driver didn’t need to be told twice, immediately urging the chocobo to rush, and the carriage. sped away from the battle.Once they were a safe distance away, she relaxed the grip on her scepter, leaning back.“Phew…” The merchant said. “That kind of excitement ain’t good for the heart. You be careful around the Brass blades, lass. Bastards’ll have the shirt of your back if they fancy it. Like common bandits, only less honest.”“Noted.” She replied. She was no stranger to men such as these.“Thank the gods for sending some beastmen to the rescue, eh.”“I wouldn’t be so sure about thanking them.” She replied.! True that! Hey, seein’ as we’ve still got a long ride ahead of us, mind keepin’ me company until we arrive, lass? Them young’uns don’t care much for conversation, unfortunately.” The merchant gestured to the Elezen twins.She shrugged, before nodding, it couldn’t hurt.“Brendt’s the name. Peddlin’s me trade.” He said. “Though what’s likely more interesting is you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen much similar to you.”Brendt indicated to her tall, leoporine ears. Ah, right, they likely didn’t see many Viera in this part of the world.“My name is Lachelle, formerly of Kisne.” She said. “And I am a Viera.”“Ain’t never heard of a Viera. You really aren’t from Eorzea, are you? Must be one of them new adventurers, right? Sounds like a life. Goin’ wherever the wind takes you, seekin’ fortune an’ glory. Nowwhat I call livin’!” Brendt said. “So long as you can avoid dyin’, I mean. Adventurin’s a risky business always, these days especially!”“I’m no stranger to this life.” Lachelle said confidently, gesturing to the scepter she carried at her side. She had made it herself, to her own specifications.“That I can tell, lass.” Brendt chuckled. “So what then, brought you to Ul’Dah? Fame, glory?”Lachelle paused for a moment, remembering the arduous road that had brought her to this desert.“Knowledge.” She’d show them for sure.Brendt looked slightly taken aback by that.“Can’t say I’ve heard that one from an adventurer before.”“Knowledge is power. I want to hone my craft. Thus, the Thaumaturge's guild.” She said.“Ah.” He said. “Can’t say you’ll have an easy time of it, but it’s certainly a worthy endeavor. You’ll certainly have no shortage of work, that’s for certain. What with the Amalj’aa in the desert and the Empire looming in the distance, they’ll be plenty of opportunities for an up and coming Thaumaturge to make her mark.”“Indeed.” Lachelle said.……A warm breeze roused Louise from her dream, though she kept her eyes shut, attempting to cling to the last vestiges of sleep. Had she left the window open? She had spent most of last night studying, so she might have forgotten to. But she still breathed a sigh of relief. It had to just be a nightmare, brought on by her nervousness about the Summoning Ritual. She hadn’t failed it.However, Louise began to notice a few things that felt wrong. Her bed felt hard…, and was she wearing her academy clothes? She began to feel hot, like the sun itself was shining on her, which shouldn’t be possible, she was in her bedroom right?Louise opened her eyes.This wasn’t her bedroom.Still not fully comprehending what she saw, she closed them tightly, and then opened them again.Yep, it was still there. She was in the middle of a. How? This… couldn’t be real.Louise stood up, realizing that yes, she was still in her Academy outfit. Shirt, skirt, stockings, cape. It was all there. Her wand, however, was nowhere to be seen.The dry wind blew her long hair back, billowing out her cape, and blowing sand into her face, cementing the fact that yes, shein a desert.” She called out. “There was no answer. She had no idea what to even do.So she began walking, hoping to find something,, that might help.As she walked, questions formed in her mind. Where was she? Louise had never been to a desert. The most she knew of them was the vague things she had read about Rub' al Khali. All that reading however, had not prepared her for the sheerThe blazing sun cast its cruel gaze down upon Louise. The wind was doing nothing to help, instead, making it hard for her to keep her cloak over her head.Louise wondered as she traveled across the desert. The last thing she remembered, she was at the academy, performing the Springtime Summoning Ritual. There had been that splitting headache, and then that weird dream she had. She must have passed out… but then… how did she get here? Wherever hereLachelle and Brendt continued to talk as the carriage. traveled across Thanalan. Their conversation turned towards Ul’Dah, the locales and it’s people. A city-state ruled by a Sultana though the real power came mostly from the Monetarists, a council of the most wealthy businessmen. Despite being a merchant himself, Brendt clearly didn’t have a very high opinion of them, a sentiment that Lachelle could respect.She then noticed the carriage. slowing down.“It seems we’ve arrived.” Brendt said. He looked out and said (somewhat sarcastically), “Behold Ul'Dah! Jewel of Thanalan, where folk turn sand into gold!”She followed his gaze. Ul'Dah was certainly an impressive and sprawling city. However, in their immediate vicinity, what she saw was decidedly less impressive. A shantytown of tents and crudely built shacks spread out far and wide. There, dirty and glum looking people moved about, some looking at the carriage as it passed. For all the talk of gold, they certainly seemed to have little.The refugees from Ala Mhigo and the Calamity, Lachelle noted. Their living conditions stood in stark contrast to the glistening city nearby.Soon enough, the carriage. stopped, and its passengers disembarked.“An’ here’s where we part ways, lass.” Brendt said. “Off to deliver me wares then hit the highroad. I’d have to say thanks for putting up with me prattle.”“The honor was mine.” Lachelle said. “I’ve learned quite a bit on this trip.”Brendt grinned. “Then if you want to repay me, why not become the kind of adventurer I’d brag about havin’ met, and I’ll consider us square.”He waved, and then continued on his way, carrying his merchandise with him.Lachelle briefly stretched. That carriage must have been using ice crystals to keep it cooler, because she was completely unprepared for the desert heat. A far cry from the snowy forests of her home.But, regardless, she had already come this far, and she wasn’t going to be dissuaded now. She stepped forwards towards the city, and towards her new life.Louise looked up from her musings to realize that she had found her way into a strange valley of sorts. Looking around, she could see some sort of metal structures, indicating that somebody must live here. She rushed ahead, past the archway, further into the valley.“Hello?” She asked aloud. She then heard shuffling from around the corner. Finally, a person! They could explain where she was, and possibly get her home! Louise picked up her pace, and rounded the corner, only to freeze at what she saw, her blood running cold.Standing before her was a massive reptilian creature, walking on two legs. It’s upper body was shaped almost like a caricature of a human, with massive bulging muscular arms and legs that seemed rather undersized in comparison. The creature had a long tail extending from it’s waist and another from it’s head.It paused, briefly looking like it was as confused to see her as she was to see it. Then, it’s face twisted into a snarl, baring it’s razor sharp teeth.“Trespassing heathen!” The creature roared and brandished a massive spear.Louise screamed. Heedless of the blazing heat, she turned and ran, hearing the pounding footsteps of the monster behind her. However, she very quickly lost her way in the valley, unable to find her way back to the entrance and instead going through turn after turn. She didn’t care right now, her only thought was toAs she ran, Louise looked back to check on her pursuer, only to perform the act at the worst time. Her foot hit a rock and she tripped, plummeting down the side of a hill. As she rolled, she passed through a scraggly bush, eliciting several cuts and splinters, as well as tears in her clothes.She finally came to a stop at the bottom, and curled up into a ball at the pain from the scrapes, cuts and bruises.She was shocked into alertness by the sounds from around her. She looked up, and paled as she saw more of the lizard creatures approaching her. She tried to stand and run again, but tripped, falling to the ground.“Stay away!” Louise screamed as she desperately hurled nearby rocks at the nearest of the creatures. It didn’t care, instead, the projectiles simply bouncing off of it’s scales. It reached out, grabbing her around the waist and lifting her up.“Resistance is pointless, Hyur.” The monster hissed. “Submit.”Louise was having none of that however, she screamed, kicked, punched, and clawed. Her blows did nothing until she managed to strike the creature in the eye. It grunted in pain and dropped her to the ground. She attempted to run, only to smack straight into another of the monsters.It grabbed her by the arm. She tried to punch it again, but her small fists did nothing to it’s massive, scaly grip. She heard a growl and looked up, just in time to see the monsters gauntleted fist smack into her face. She stumbled to the ground, gripping her face in pain. She fell the warm flow of blood down her cheek.Adrenaline still surged through her, and she attempted to rise and fight back. Her enemies were too fast however, and she gasped in pain as a fist slammed into her stomach. Louise collapsed to her knees in agony, only for the creature to kick her in the face. She was lifted off her feet and sent rolling to land painfully on a rock. Her vision blurred and she felt dizzy and nauseous.Before she could react, she was lifted up into the air by one hand, and the last thing she saw, was a lizardman's armored fist about to once more collide with her face.