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Aftermath, Part I
Approximately two weeks following Dalamud'€™s descent...
Kylin slowly opened his eyes, his focus blurry for a long moment before the ceiling above became clearer. It was painted an immaculate white, feint circular designs created by the dried paint. Still groggy from his long slumber, the midlander slowly turned his head to take in the rest of the surroundings as his focus gradually improved. He was in a bed, a large one not too dissimilar from the one he slept in at his old mansion. He was shirtless, though he seemed to still be wearing pants from what he could tell. The room itself was a large and elaborate bedroom, though still slightly smaller than he was used to.
A golden banner hung near the open window where a gentle breeze entered in unison with the sun'€™s luminous rays. On the banner was the etched image of a five-pointed star draped in upside down angel wings and wrapped in an elegantly designed circular pattern, the crest for House Felstar. Various types of bedroom styled furniture appeared perfectly positioned within the chamber. This wasn'€™t his home, yet it had all the markings of his family. Kylin quietly pondered where he was and how he got here. His mind instantly returned to the Full Cold Moon gala, the hyur's eyes bolting open as he shot straight up in his bed upon finally remembering the vivid details. He recalled the horrid screams and flying bodies, the falling meteors, the frenzied beasts, and the aether opening up and taking him. Then he remembered Gerik.
Without hesitation, Kylin quickly climbed out of bed. A dizzy spell came over him as he grabbed the nearby dresser for balance, waiting for the spell to pass before he opened a dresser drawer and pulled out a cotton shirt. As he slipped the shirt on and began to put on his shoes, Cartius walked in. "€œKylin! You'€™re awake! Thank the gods!"
The Felstar patriarch, wearing an elegant dark blue half robe with a ruby gem brooch near his neckline along with expensive looking slacks, rushed toward his son and embraced him tightly. "I was so worried, even after the medics assured me that you'd make a full recovery!"
A middle-aged dark-haired woman entered as well, her hair wrapped around her left shoulder. She wore the white robes of a priestess, smiling and sighing in relief upon seeing Kylin fully recovered.
Kylin reluctantly returned his father's embrace before taking a step back. "Father, where are we? How long was I out?"
"We are safe, my son. We'€™re on a small island retreat that my brother owns, far from the madness unfolding in Eorzea. You'€™ve been out for nearly a full moon now. You suffered quite a blow from that aetherial explosion."
Kylin's eyes widened in complete disbelief. "€œNo! I have to go back!"
With that, Kylin rushed past Cartius and the dark-haired woman in the doorway. Cartius quickly went after him as the woman gently grabbed his arm. "He's going to go regardless of what you say, love. Just let him see with his own eyes."
Cartius frowned heavily. "Are you mad, Nefron?! It could still be dangerous out there. And he still needs his rest!"
Nefron shook her head and smiled warmly at Cartius. "€œWe both know the danger seems to have mostly passed. Besides, Kylin is old enough to make his own decisions. Any objections will surely only fuel him further. So let him see with his own eyes what has happened to our home. I'm sure Vertigo can accompany him for extra safety."
The Felstar patriarch stared down the empty hallway outside the bedroom, sighing in defeat as his wife lovingly wrapped her arm around him with a weak smile. "€œHe's his father's son. Why are you so surprised?"
After nearly getting lost outside the island manor, Kylin finally found the dock where a couple of expensive looking ships were stationed. A leather clad miqo'€™te with long white hair turned to meet him, her eyes widening upon her bluish hued face. "Kylin! You'€™re finally awake!"
"Vertigo, take me back to Eorzea." The hyur wasted no time as he started to board the nearest boat, paying no heed to Vertigo'€™s surprised expression.
"€œKylin, you know I can'€™t do that. Your father has strictly--"€Â
"Either you take me or I'll get there myself,"€ the young noble stated abruptly. "Your choice."
Vertigo let out a deep sigh, reluctantly boarding the ship and preparing to disembark with a faintly audible mumble. Kylin stared up at the sky, as if to seek something that'€™s been there forever. Seeing nothing, he bit his lower lip nervously and quietly murmured to himself. "€œI'm coming, Gerik..."€
