Final Fantasy XIV

Summary

The Warrior of Light's past haunts her dreams. (This technically takes place after the main Dawntrail MSQ, but has more spoilers for the climax of Endwalker. I’d advise against reading this one if you don’t know what happens in the last zone of that expansion.)

They appeared before her, arrayed in an echelon. One by one, they spoke.

“I died before your very eyes.” Moenbryda.

“I left all I held dearest so that you might prevail.” Minfilia.

“Come now. A smile better suits a hero.” Haurchefant.

“I did what must be done. Was I right?” Papalymo.

“You survived. As I had planned.” Thancred.

“You endured what I couldn’t.” Estinien.

“I gave my knowledge to you.” Y’shtola.

Bzzzzz.

“There is no subterfuge in mine actions.” Urianger.

Bzzzzz.

“We gave it our all.”Alisaie.

Bzzzz.

“And you did not stop us.” Alphinaud.

She awoke with a startle, chest heaving. As she steadied her breathing, the soft buzzing sound became incessant.

On her nightstand, her linkpearl was gently vibrating.

She picked it up and affixed it in her ear. A familiar voice said, “Hey, stranger!”

The Warrior sat up fully. “Lyse?”

“Sorry for calling so late, I couldn’t sleep. I hope I didn’t wake you?”

“Not from anything pleasant.” And she relayed to Lyse the dream.

“Yeah,” Lyse said when she had finished. “I’ve dreamed of Papalymo a hundred times myself. Did we do what was right?”

“We’re still here.”

“So we are,” Lyse said softly. A pause, then: “You know, I don’t think I could have done it. If I had been on Ultima Thule… Not that I don’t believe in you, of course! Just… I’ve accomplished so much in Ala Mhigo. I couldn’t just give that up. Even if I knew I would return. You know?”

“I do,” she said. “And Lyse… that… makes me feel better. Oddly.”

Lyse laughed. “Well, I’m glad! I thought I might be more of a downer! Hey, if neither of us can sleep anyway, why don’t you come for a visit? I can tell you about the latest squabbles here, and you can tell me more about Tuliyollal and Alexandria.”

“…see you soon, then. And thanks.”

Notes

Written for the FFXIV Write 2026 Day 3 prompt - Echelon. I had to look up the meaning of the word!