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Episode 2 - Viper's Venom

Author's Note: This is Mace's official design. I edited the first episode to rectify any errors, including Brendt being actually a Midlander and there being 3 brass blades. In any case here's the second episode! Also, author notes in the story will be in parenthesis. Donations are highly appreciated! Please enjoy the story!

In the Seventh Umbral Era, two adventurers going by the names of Mace Reed and Suiren Mizukawa have entered the great city-state of Ul'dah. It is there that they wish to explore the realm for thrill and excitement, but a darkness looms around in the form of the Viper Band, who wishes to bring Suiren for their leader's wants. Be that as it may, with enough determination, the light shall shine onward, brighter than ever before.
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(Opening Theme: Innocence by Eir Aoi)

UL'DAH - THE STEPS OF NALD
THE QUICKSAND

The Adventurer's Guild is as lively as ever as adventurers walk around and discuss on what to do next. At one of the tables is Mace Reed, the hot-blooded adventurer who chased out the Viper Band recently. Coming towards him is Suiren, who happily sits down with him, still wearing her cloak but with her hood down revealing her long blue hair, done in a hime cut now.

Suiren: "I did it! I'm now an official adventurer!"

Mace gives a smirk and a thumbs up.

Mace: "Nice, Suiren!"

Suiren cheerfully giggles.

Suiren: "So your full name is Mace Reed? Reed is your surname?"

Mace: "Yea, Mace Reed II, named after my father with the same name! And your full name is Suiren Mizukawa, right?"

Suiren: "Indeed. Where I come from, my name is said as Mizukawa no Suiren, but with the Eorzeans' naming standards, it's Suiren Mizukawa.

Mace: "Eh, seems complicated. I think Suiren is fine. You know what I think that needs changing?"

Suiren: "What?"

Mace: "Your hair. It's pretty and everything, but it's long and it can be tangled and be a hinderance at times."

Suiren: "What are you saying?! I love my hair I don't want to cut it!"

Mace: "I'm not saying to cut it, I mean that when you're adventuring, you don't want your hair to get in the way. Why not tie it up?"

Suiren: "You mean...like a ponytail?"

Mace: "Yep exactly. Here let me do it for you."

Mace comes over with an ornamental hair band, causing Suiren to panic and sweat.

Suiren: "A-ah what are you doing?!"

Mace: "Relax, girl I'm helping ya."

Suiren: "No no no I can do my own hair! S-Stay away!"

Mace then ties Suiren's hair with Suiren squirming around panicking. The hair then turns into a ponytail, albeit a bit ragged due to the squirming around. After Mace finished Suiren quickly slapped him hard in the cheek.

Mace: "OW! What in the seven hells did you do that for?!"

Suiren: "What do you think!? Boys don't forcibly mess with girls' hair!"

Mace: "Look I just did you a favor! You actually look more fit for adventuring with that 'tail, Suiren."

Suiren: "You...you really think so?"

Suiren blushes causing Mace to blush a bit as well.

Mace: "W-well sure!"

There is a bit of silence for a couple of seconds between the two adventurers.

Suiren: "...So what do we do now, since we are both officially adventurers now?"

Mace: "Um well for starters, we can walk around Ul'dah, get to know everything and where everything is...right? I can accompany you if you want!"

Suiren: "Ah that would be nice!"

Mace nods with both him and Suiren smiling.

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UL'DAH - THE STEPS OF NALD
RUBY ROAD EXCHANGE


Many adventurers are walking through the busy streets of the Ruby Road Exchange, where merchants sell their wares to those who want them. One of these people is a blonde-haired male Midlander wearing white formal-like wear, with two men wearing black uniforms at his sides, one being a Highlander and the other being a shorter Midlander, all bearing a unique viper emblem emblazoned on the back of their shirts. All 3 approach a flower stand named "Sami's Floral Beauties" managed by a petite Keeper Miqo'te.

Sami: "Ah Mr. Stark, welcome!"

Stark: "Ah the beloved Sami. Your flowers bring happiness to me always. I trust you have the flower I'm looking for?"

Sami: "A-a-ah well about that...um..."

Stark: "...You don't have it? The rose I ordered??"

Sami: "T-There has been a problem concerning the carriage carrying the rose...I-it has been ransacked by the Amalj'aa."

Stark: "...So it's all thanks to those wretched beastmen that I don't get my beloved rose...how disappointing...send an order for another rose at once."

Sami: "S-sure Mr. Stark! I don't want to disappoint anymore!"

Sami quickly hurries to a nearby delivery Moogle to send the order for the rose, all the while Mace and Suiren go towards the Ruby Road Exchange.

Suiren: "Wow this city is huge!"

Mace: "Yep and there's so many people here!"

Suiren spots the flower stand nearby and smiles, but gasps as she sees the two masked men from before, Ralph and Ricky now with their leader Stark, catching Mace's attention as well.

Mace: "Gods not them again..."

The three men then notice Mace and Suiren, with Mace receiving gasps from Ralph & Ricky.

Ricky: "Boss it's them!"

Ralph: "The guy who beat us up, and the blue-haired girl you want!"

Stark: "I am well aware of who they are."

Stark gives a grin as he glances at Suiren, who is hiding behind Mace, scared.

Stark: "She looks even more beautiful in person...Such beauty should only belong to me! Get her!"

Ralph & Ricky: "Aye sir!"

Ralph and Ricky quickly rush towards Mace and Suiren, with Mace giving a sigh as he quickly pounces the two men, prompting Stark to give a slow clap.

Stark: "My oh my...those two idiots did not lie at all. You must be Mace Reed, or to be full, Mace Reed II (pronounced the Second),am I correct.

Mace: "You are."

Stark: "Perfect. Ah but this is hardly the place to be discussing stuff, so let's have a walk around, huh? I promise I won't harm you."

Mace: "...Fine but only so we don't cause a scene."

Mace and Suiren give a skeptical look as they follow Stark until they are alone in the Steps of Thal. Ralph and Ricky get up and follow them trying not to be noticed.

UL'DAH - THE STEPS OF THAL
THE GOLD COURT


Mace: "So what is this all about? Why do you guys want Suiren for?"

Stark: "Ah nothing...but before I talk more...here's A GIFT!"

Stark quickly goes over and grabs Mace's arm with his gloved hand, which electrocutes Mace causing him to yell in pain. Suiren gasps as Mace falls to the ground.

Suiren: "Mace! (to Stark) You bastard!"

Suddenly Ralph and Ricky appear and grab a hold of Suiren. Stark laughs in victory towards the fallen Mace.

Stark: "You are SO NAIVE!!! I hope you enjoy my little electric venom, Mace Reed! Hahaha!"

Mace groans as Stark, Ralph, and Ricky runs off with Suiren.

Mace: "What...is this...poison...?"

After a while, Mace falls unconscious to the venom.

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Mace regains consciousness and slowly opens his eyes, a small brunette green-eyed female Elezen in front of him, wearing a white and red-colored mage cloak with the hood down, holding a wooden stave on her right hand.

Elezen: "Ah! He's awake! Ryan, he's alive!"

Mace shifts his gaze to his left to see a white-haired, brown-eyed male Hyur the same age as him, wearing a black jacket and faded blue breeches with black shoes. Holstered on his side appears to be a small scepter and a carbine & ammo holder, leaning on a nearby wall. Mace picks himself up into sitting down.

Ryan, sarcastically: "Hooray."

Mace: "Where am I...what happened?"

Ryan: "You were unconscious."

Mace: "Yea I know that. I meant what happened?"

Ryan: "I dunno. Ask Enie here?"

Ryan points to the Elezen near Mace, causing her to panic a bit.

Enie: "R-Ryan I-I..."

Mace: "Enie huh? I can tell you're a mage. What's going on?"

Enie: "W-well we just found you here on the floor unconscious and you had some sort of poison in your body, s-so I just healed you and removed the poison. You'll be alright, um..."
Mace: "Mace...Mace Reed."

Enie: "Mace Reed?!"

Ryan: "So it's true huh? The son of the Flame Champion himself. What a bother."

Mace: "Excuse me? Who's Mr. Sunshine over here?"

Enie: "That is Ryan Snow, you'll um...get used to his behavior. And I'm uh...Enie Heuloix."

Mace: "Oh nice to meet...you......"

Mace jolts back up on his feet in sudden realization, with Enie quickly moving to the side.

Mace: "Suiren!!! She's in trouble!"

Enie: "Who's Suiren?"

Mace: "A friend I made today. She got nabbed by this weird blonde man with these two idiots..."

Ryan: "Nedrick Stark, leader of the Viper Band."

Mace: "You know that crazy guy?!"

Ryan: "Let's just say he has something I own. Looks like we both need to pay a visit to Mr. Stark. Luckily for you his home is nearby, and I know where it is."

Ryan gives a smirk with Mace and Enie smiling as well, knowing pretty well on what to do.

MEANWHILE...
UL'DAH STEPS OF THAL
NEDRICK STARK'S RESIDENCE


The outside of the house is shown to be rather extravagant and clean, normal for a noble and rich man of Ul'dah. The inside is just as extravagant with the throne being in the middle, the Viper Band emblem in the back, and many pictures of Stark and his family around the walls.

Suiren is thrown onto the floor tied up in bondage, as Stark walks beside her.

Stark: "My oh my look at what we have here: a real life beauty."

Stark crouches and holds Suiren by the chin so that she looks into his face, his gazing blue eyes.

Stark: "We even share eye color. Perhaps this is fate's doing..."

Suiren: "Leave me alone...what do you want from me? I just got here...I have nothing to give to you..."

Stark: "Oh? What about your...body...?"

Stark gives a nasty grin as he squeezed Suiren's breast, causing Suiren to gasp and give a big headbutt to Stark, reeling him back a bit.

Suiren: "You pervert!"

Stark chuckles as he feels the spot where he got headbutted, before looking back at Suiren with a crazy glare.

Stark: "My you did quite a number...we'll have to fix that."

Stark snaps his fingers with Ralph quickly picking Suiren up, who is screaming as Stark goes behind her, and prepares to spank her when the front door bursts open, revealing Mace, Ryan and Enie standing side by side.

Mace: "Hey sorry to crash the party, but no one's getting spanked on my watch!"

Stark: "YOU!"
Suiren: "Mace!"

Ryan: "Long time no see Stark."

Stark: "Mr. Snow...I assume you're here to get...[brings out carbine]...this back?"

Mace: "A gun?! I thought you two were mages!"

Ryan: "Hmph. [brings out his carbine] We are. But I prefer to use these babies. You could call me a gun mage if you want."

Stark: "I just want a simple plaything and you people want to keep me from it! I'm sick of it!"

Suddenly Stark gets kicked by Suiren's still bounds legs. Mace then punches Ralph in the face, letting go of Suiren. Mace then crouches down and unties Suiren, who immediately hugs him with tears.

Suiren: "Thank you!"
Mace: "Don't mention it."

Ricky then goes for Ryan, carrying two spiked cesti.

Ricky: "Hey 'ere, gun boy, time to die!"

Ryan merely just whacks Ricky on the head a couple of times with the butt of the carbine and kicks Ricky out of the way. Ricky gets up but then get whacked in the head by Enie, who rapidly hit him with her huge stave. Ricky then overpowers Enie who stumbles back against a wall. Ricky is about to stab when Ryan shoots him in the chest, causing him to fall over unconscious.

Enie: "R-R-Ryan...is he..."
Ryan: "Dead? No. I just shot a tranquilizer bullet into him. He'll live."

Ryan then blows the smoke off his carbine, giving off a slight "Hmph." in the process. Meanwhile, Stark gets back up with a really angry look on his face.

Stark: "RICHILL! KILL THEM!"

Richill the female Highlander stands in front of Mace and Suiren with a smirk.

Mace: "Ah dear...I don't like to hit women..."
Richill: "Unfortunate for you, I love to hit men."

Richill quickly kicks Mace in the face sending him across the floor, with Suiren standing up to the much taller Richill. (Suiren is 4'8" and Richill is 5'9")

Suiren: "Stop! If you want to fight someone, then fight me!"

Richill: "Hahahaha! I'll finish you in one blow!"

Suiren quickly throws off her cloak, revealing herself wearing a blue kunoichi outfit and in possession of two small curved blades in their sheathes, as she takes a fighting stance. Richill lunges over for a punch, when Suiren sidesteps guiding Richill's fist out of her way. Confused yet angry, Richill goes for a backfist when Suiren grabs her hand and twists the hand so that the opponent's thumb points away from the opponent. Richill gasps in pain as she looks into Suiren's now cold-blooded blue eyes as Suiren throws Richill over on her back, breaking Richill's wrist, elbow and dislocating her shoulder. She can only groan in pain as Stark watches in horror.

Stark: "What...what is this?! What did you do?!"

Suiren, serious: "I just did kote gaeshi, or in your language, a wristlock. Her wrist, elbow are broken now and her shoulder is dislocated. She shouldn't keep up for the rest for the fight now, and Mace is safe.

Mace: "Nice one, Suiren! Least you know how to defend yourself!"

Mace and Suiren both smile as Suiren's eyes return to when they were before. Mace, Suiren, Ryan and Enie now surround Stark who is in the middle with his angry expression.

Mace: "Looks like we win now, Stork. Any last words before we turn you in to the Brass Blades?"

Stark's eye snaps wide open suddenly.

Stark: "What did you call me...?"

Mace: "What, Stork?"

Stark growls ferociously as he stands up with his gloves charging electricity.

Stark: "My name is not Stork......it's STARK! NEDRICK....[tears off his vest revealing a harness charged with electricity, the gloves carrying poison-tipped spikes]...STAAAAAAAAARRRRRRK!!!!!!"

Stark rushes over to Mace to electrocute him again, but this time Mace delivers a hard blow to his torso, with a serious gaze in his red eyes.

Mace: "Not this time...arsehole!"

The blow appears to spark flames for an instant, as if it was enhanced by fire, causing Stark to cough up blood and keel over unconscious. Suiren and Enie sigh in relief as Ryan goes over to Stark to get his carbine back, sheathing it on his right side.

UL'DAH - THE STEPS OF THAL
THE GOLD COURT


Mace and the others are sitting at a fountain in the Gold Court, which is below the Hustings Strip.

Suiren: "My humble thanks to you, Ryan and Enie, and to you too, Mace. I didn't realize there would be such wicked men in Eorzea."

Mace: "Well you don't have to worry about that Stork guy for a couple of moons, probably a year at least.

Ryan: "I'm just glad to have my gun back. Stark stole it from me when I wasn't looking."

Enie: "I, uh, am glad to have helped you, Lady Mizukawa."

Ryan: "So what now? We already got what we came for."

Mace: "Hmm....how about you guys join us? That way we form an adventuring party!"

Ryan: "Ha! Me, adventure with a hothead like you? Not interested."

Mace gives an obviously ticked glare at Ryan who shrugs it off.

Enie: "I wanna join!"
Ryan: "Enie..."
Enie: "Oh Ryan it will be fun! Just think of the many adventures we can have together!"

Mace: "Hahaha that's the spirit! Suiren how about you?"
Suiren: "That would be great! It's always good to make new friends! I'm in!"
Enie: "Me too!"
Ryan: "Not interested."
Mace: "Majority rules!"
Ryan: "Oh gods...[facepalm]"

Mace: "As of this sun, the four of us are now an adventuring party!"

Suiren and Enie cheer as Ryan groans and holds his hand against his face.

It is on this day that the four adventurers that would make legends of themselves have banded together, to face a realm reborn.

(Ending Theme: Life is Like a Boat by Rie Fu)
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The light shines even more in this party of four, led by Mace Reed. Their first foray takes them into Western Thanalan to make gil, but with the upcoming Bloodsands tourney, Mace puts it on himself to give himself and his new friends some well-earned gil.

Only the Crystal knows what fate has in store for this adventurer.

Next time on Hydaelyn Unlimited: "Close to Home"

Episode 1 - Blades in the Dark

Hydaelyn, a vibrant realm blessed by the light of the Crystal. Amid azure seas, encompassing the westernmost of the Three Great Continents, there lies a realm embraced by gods and forged by heroes, her name: Eorzea. The annals of Eorzean history chart the rise of a succession of great civilizations, each one enjoying an age of peace - the Astral Eras. To date, all have proven ephemeral. In the year 1572 of the Sixth and most recent Astral Era, the northern empire of Garlemald amassed a great army at the heart of Eorzea, seeking dominion over all. Rising in desperate resistance, the forces of the Eorzean Alliance met their would-be conquerers in the field. Yet even as the battle raged, the lesser moon, Dalamud, was plucked from the heavens through imperial machination. From its core emerged the elder primal Bahamut, who unleashed his fury upon the realm. The devastation brought Eorzea to its knees, and the era to its end. Five years have come and gone. The light of life stills shines upon Eorzea. Man labors tirelessly to raise himself from the Calamity's ruin. The realm is forever changed, a stranger to him once more. Yet heedless of what lies ahead, he shall press on. Spurred by the promise of peace and prosperity. Amid this period of great change, an adventurer arrives in Eorzea...one whose tale is yet unwritten. May she ever walk in the light of the Crystal.

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CENTRAL THANALAN

SPINELESS BASIN

A dust storm resides over the desert of Thanalan, presiding in the southern reaches of the continent of Aldenard. The dust clouds barely reveal it to be midday, with the sun being blocked by said clouds. The gales of the storm blow to the north, as a carriage can be seen in the distance as a shadow. The carriage draws near to reveal two chocobos pulling said carriage, and said chocobos being handled by a tall Highlander. Inside the carriage are four people: A dark old male Midlander, a hooded young female Midlander, and two young Elezen twins. The hooded midlander starts to moan as a voice is heard only to her.

"Hear..."
"Hear...Feel..."
"Hear...Feel...Think..."

She looks up to see a meteor shower coming from the sky, but another voice is heard as the shower just disappears out of nowhere.

Old Man: "...Hey. Hey, you! Y'all right, lass? You were moanin' somethin' fierce for a while there."

Hooded Girl: "O-Oh...forgive me sir...I'm just tired..."

Old Man: "Feelin' the effects of the aether, I reckon. You'll get used to it, though, don't worry."

The girl nods as three Brass Blades go up to the carriage.

Brass Blade Captain: "You there─halt!"

Carriage Driver: "What's all this about!?"

Brass Blade Captain: "Inspection! Men, search the carriage!"

Old Man: "I'm just an honest peddler, friend. So, er...don't be too disappointed if you don't find nothin', eh?"

Brass Blade: "Mind your tongue, old man, lest I cut it out!"

The Brass Blades go to check the items in the carriage while the hooded girl looks around.

Brass Blade: "Sir, look! Somnus!"

The Brass Blade finds a crate of somnus in the carriage, attracting the attention of the captain.

Brass Blade Captain: "Honest peddler, was it? Since when do honest peddlers deal in prohibited herbs? You're in a lot of trouble, old man. You'll rot in a dungeon till the end of your days...unless you can afford the fine."

Old Man: "Heh, business as usual... Uwaaah!"

A group of huge lizard-like beastmen wielding weapons such as lances and bows, going towards the carriage.

Brass Blade Runner: "Amalj'aa! Amalj'aa! To arms! To arms!"

Brass Blade Captain: "Seven hells... Consider this a warning! Now go─all of you!"

The Brass Blades draw their weapons and head towards the Amalj'aa beastmen, all the while the carriage continues on their way. Brendt the old man turns his gaze to the hooded girl.

Old Man: "Phew... That kind of excitement ain't good for the heart."

Hooded Girl: "Do events like that happen everyday around here?"

Old Man: "Not everyday, but aye, it happens much."

He glances back to the Brass Blades they passed.

Old Man: "You be careful 'round them Brass Blades, lass. Bastards'll have the shirt off your back if they fancy it. Like common bandits, they are, only less honest. Thank the gods for sendin' some beastmen to the rescue, eh!? Hey, seein' as we've still got a long ride ahead, you mind keepin' me company till we arrive? Them young'uns don't much care for conversation, see."

The hooded girl looks to her side to see the two young Elezen twins.

Brendt: "Brendt's the name, an' peddlin's me trade. An' judgin' by your unusual garments, I'll wager you're one of them new adventurers.

The hooded girl happily nods.

Hooded Girl: "Indeed I am.."

Brendt: "I knew it! Goin' wherever the wind blows, seekin' fortune an' glory─now that's what I call livin'! So long as you can avoid dyin', I mean. Ain't no secret that adventurin's a risky business─these days especially. What was it that first attracted you to adventurin'?"

Hooded Girl: "I...don't know. Possibly just the thrill and excitement. I only adventure to be free and explore."

Brendt: "Ah, I see. No need for fortune, glory, or power."

The hooded girl nods.

Hooded Girl: I currently have no excessive need for those things as of now. If I want power, it would be so I can protect others in need."

Brendt smiles.

Brendt: "Just remember, though: there're more important things than fortune an' glory. Such as breathin'. Ain't no profit in bein' dead, an' that's a fact. By the by, is this your first trip to Ul'dah?"

The hooded girl nods.

Brendt: "It is!? Well then, let this journeyed itinerant tell you the ins an' outs of your destination."

The dust storm passes by, revealing a huge array of structures coming in the horizon, a big city-state in the middle of the Thanalan desert.

Brendt: "Ul'dah's ruled by the sultana in name, but as most folk know, the Syndicate holds all the real power. Them and their Monetarist cronies would happily get rid of Her Majesty altogether, but that won't happen while she still commands the loyalty of the Royalists─an' the Royalists are nothin' if not loyal. These factions have long fought over power, throwin' the weight of their wealth against each other, an' they show no sign of stoppin'. Course the lizardmen─that's the Amalj'aa─couldn't care less about Ul'dahn politics. They have their own interests, see─an' they ain't afraid to use force to serve 'em. They say war is a gift to peddlers─need breedin' profit─an' though it shames me to say it, I'm inclined to agree..."

The hooded girl looks at the city-state coming up and points.

Hooded Girl: "Is that Ul'dah up ahead?"

Brendt: "Ah, at long last. Behold Ul'dah, jewel of Thanalan, where folk turn sand into gold!

The carriage stops at the Gate of Nald connecting Thanalan to Ul'dah. The hooded girl and Brendt get off the carriage together.

Brendt: "An' here's where we part ways, lass. I'm off to the markets to deliver me wares, then it's on to the highroad for me. Here, I want you to have this─by way of thanks for puttin' up with me prattle."

Brendt gives the hooded girl a ring, which she smiles at and puts on her right hand.

Brendt: "You never did tell me your name, though. Hey, but here's an idea... Become the sort of storied personage I can brag about havin' met, an' I'll consider us square."

The hooded girl respectfully bows at Brendt as he goes inside the city to the markets. She looks up at the Gate of Nald and smiles, walking inside as well.

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UL'DAH - THE STEPS OF NALD

OUTSIDE THE QUICKSAND

Commotion is abound in the plaza near the Gate of Nald as the hooded girl arrives inside, amazed at the sights around her.

???: "Oi, 'venturer! Over here!"

The hooded girl looks around for the source of the voice before turning her head towards her right to see a tall Hyur wearing sunglasses leaning on a lightpost.

Hooded Girl: "Who, me?"

Wymond: "Aye, I mean you. Fresh off the carriage, by any chance? Eh? How can I tell? Heh! Name's Wymond, an' my business is knowin' every bugger else's! Now then, what if I was to offer you some invaluable advice by way of welcome to our fair city? Free of charge, even─just this once, like."

Hooded Girl: "That would really help."
 

UL'DAH - THE STEPS OF NALD

THE QUICKSAND

Many adventurers are hanging out in the Quicksand, the Adventurer's Guild of Ul'dah. One of these adventurers just came through one of the doors leading inside. This tan Midlander sports a red bandana on his forehead, underneath his dark brown hair. He bears fiery red eyes and a cheerful grin. His top is a light red, gold-trimmed vest, showing his abs, and some dark blue breeches, kept in place with a brown leather belt and with a red sash tied once at the side. He wears black fingerless gloves and brown leather boots, both bearing gold-plated armor as protection. And finally he carries with him a red-bladed greatsword with a gold-trimmed hilt bearing blue jewels, strapped together within its sheath to his back.

Hot-blooded Adventurer: "Ah feels good to be back here in the grand Ul'dahn air. So many new faces..."

He spots a Lalafell managing papers at the front desk, and walks toward her, sitting down in front of her with a grin.

Hot-blooded Adventurer: "You must be Momodi."

Momodi turns her gaze towards the red-haired man in front of her.

Momodi: "Aye, yes I am. Who might you be?"

Hot-blooded Adventurer: "Just a person wanting to adventure."

Momodi: "Ah wanting to sign up? Here you...go..."

The hot-blooded adventure quirks a brow.

Hot-blooded Adventurer: "Something off?"

Momodi: "Have we...met before?"

Hot-blooded Adventurer: "Eh?"

Momodi: "There's something familiar about you."

Hot-blooded Adventurer: "Hmm? How so?"

Momodi: "I don't know...forget I mentioned it."

The adventurer quirks his head to the side before coming back as Momodi brings out the registration form.

Momodi: "Anyway, I'm going to need you to sign here, full name, neat and simple."

He does so, putting his name, "Mace Reed II", in the appropriate spot. Momodi looks at the name with surprise.

Momodi: "Mace Reed...?! You can't possibly be the Flame Champion Mace Reed!"

Mace: "No I'm not...but he is my father."

Momodi: "Your father?? I heard rumors that he retired cycles ago to start a family..."

Mace: "They were true. If you don't believe me, try telling that to this."

Mace points to his red bandana, and Momodi shows a skeptical look.

Momodi: "Ah in any case...welcome to Ul'dah!"

Meanwhile, the hooded girl from earlier enters the Quicksand through the front door, initially overwhelmed by the amount of adventurers inside, and starts looking for someone.

Hooded Girl: "Where's the front desk?"

She walks around until she hears some doors being kicked open, a couple of masked men in black rugged uniforms looking at the ladies all around, with sinister grins. One of the masked men appears to be a burly male Highlander, while the smaller one is a lean male Midlander. Both men bear an emblem similar to a viper.

Masked Highlander: "Well well! Hello adventurers! How ye all doing this day?"

Adventurer: "It's the Viper Band!"

A couple of adventurers, mostly the female ones, panic as the masked duo walk around, eyeing the lady adventurers, until the smaller one spots the hooded girl, walking towards her.

Masked Midlander: "You there!"

Hooded Girl: "M-me?"

Mace spots the hooded girl being hounded on by the masked midlander and goes towards them at a distance. Meanwhile the midlander checks out the hooded girl, finding her beautiful blue eyes underneath her cloak.

Masked Midlander: "My my, you have pretty eyes under there. Oy Ralph ol' buddy! I think we found our lady for Mister Stark!"

Ralph, the masked Highlander goes to the two of them, when he forcibly removes the hood on the girl's cloak, revealing a beautiful face and wondrous long dark blue hair, done in a sort of hime cut.

Ralph: "Yea Ricky, she will do. Sorry lady you're coming with us!"

Ralph picks up the hooded girl with Ricky, the masked midlander, following along, as the girl screams also catching Mace's attention, as he follows the three outside into Pearl Lane.

 

UL'DAH - THE STEPS OF THAL

PEARL LANE

 

Hooded Girl: "Let me go! Help!"

Ralph: "Hahaha! Mister Stark will sure be pleased with the lady 'ere!"

Ricky: "You said it!"

The two keep running until Mace comes from behind and jump kicks Ralph right into the ground, causing him to let go of the girl in mid-air. Mace catches said girl by hopping up to her. As Mace holds the girl in mid-air, they exchanged looks.

Mace: "Hey there."

Hooded Girl: "Hi..."

Mace lands on two feet, carrying the girl, princess-style, all the while with a serious glare on his face. As Ralph recovers from the blow to the back of his head, Ricky looks at Mace in surprise and anger.

Ricky: "O-Oy! Ye have a death wish there, bud?! No one kicks a member of the Viper Band and gets away with it!"

Mace: "Oh is that so? Sorry I don't intend on dying any time soon."

Mace puts the girl down as she stands up behind Mace.

Mace: "Neither of you will be taking this girl anywhere. Only thing you're doing...."

Mace cracks his knuckles and readies a stance, showing a confident grin and his fiery red eyes.

Mace: "...is getting your arse kicked by me, Mace Reed!"

Ralph gets back up, showing an immensely angry look with his bloodied nose, growling as he and Ricky rushes toward Mace with intent to beat up. Mace however merely punches both of them in the gut, rearing them back coughing up blood as he does a roundhouse kick that sends the two of them flying to the side, with Ricky landing on top of Ralph. The two of them look at Mace with fear as they run off, leaving him alone with the girl.

Mace: "Are you alright there?"

Hooded Girl: "I am now, thanks to you."

Mace: "What's your name?"

Suiren: "Suiren. Mizukawa no Suiren, or in the order of your Eorzean names, Suiren Mizukawa."

Mace: "Suiren...exotic..."

Suiren: "I came to be an adventurer and explore the realm."

Mace grins at Suiren.

Mace: "Same here! Let's get you signed up then, and then let's talk some more after, mk?"

Suiren shows a happy smile on her face as she cheerfully nods, with her and Mace coming back into the Quicksand.

 

THANALAN

UNKNOWN LOCATION

Ralph and Ricky enter a dark room, with the only light in the room shining an extravagant looking chair. On the chair is a Midlander dressed in white formal attire, looking regal, and the same viper emblem on his vest. On his side is a female Highlander who is garbed in similar black attire to Ralph and Ricky, who are now bowing in respect to the man in white.

Ralph: "Mister Stark, we have found the perfect lady for you."

Stark: "You have?"

Ricky: "Indeed we do, but we have been prevented from getting her by a man named Mace Reed."

Stark: "I've heard all from Richill here."

Stark glances at Richill, the female Highlander before turning his gaze back to the duo in front of him.

Stark: "Normally, I'd punish you for your imcompetence, but since we are dealing with the son of the Flame Champion himself, I'd understand that you'd have your arses kicked."

Ralph and Ricky: "What?! The son of the Flame Champion?!"

Stark: "Indeed. But he is only a blade in the dark. A fledgeling. A mere ember. And like all small embers, he too can be extinguished..."

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Five years have past since the Calamity, and Eorzea still bears light in the form of Mace Reed and Suiren Mizukawa. But light is eternally contested by darkness, currently in the form of the Viper Band, led by Nedrick Stark. The Crystal only knows what the future has for these two young heroes-to-be.

Next time on Hydaelyn Unlimited: "Viper's Venom"