The Directive

When the following morning arrived, the tone felt completely different. 

Itsuki and Yuna arrived back at the large viewing area near the top of Evermere's tower, but the decor had been changed. The comfortable seating areas from yesterday were gone. Instead, a large executive table, surrounded by several large chairs, sat forebodingly within the space. 

Amane sat at the head of the table, her chair more ornate than the others, with four other people seated at the table. They wore regal robes of white and gold, and their faces were indistinguishable underneath the uniform masks that they all wore. 

"Interesting attire," Itsuki noted aloud, taking in the scene. 

"These are my most trusted advisors and counselors," Amane retorted. "While this meeting is private, many meetings are held and broadcasted to the public. To retain anonymity and avoid recognition within the city, they wear these masks."

A strange choice, but nothing that Itsuki was going to push on about. He and Yuna took the open chairs on the far side of the table, and got themselves comfortable for what was to come. 

"Let's start with the simplest item," Amane began. "What is the update on the Directive?"

"Of course, your Highness," one of the advisors spoke. "Over the last several days, we've seen an uptick in their activity. Several more kidnappings have been recorded across the Fallen Lands, and the Cataclysm was active in three separate locations, which is a record number. While there have been no invasion efforts on Evermere, we suspect that preparatory activity will begin again in the near future. We are diligently keeping scouts on-patrol for such an event."

"I see," Amane acknowledged, turning her attention towards Itsuki. "Do you have any thoughts on this, Itsuki? You are the Judge, after all. I'm curious to get your input..."

Itsuki thought for a moment, considering the situation that they had presented. 

"I know nothing about this 'Directive' organization," he admitted. "I see no reason why I would distrust you, though. Given that, we need to try to get some read on what they're after. Is there any patterns that have popped up with this uptick in activity?"

"The kidnappings seem random, as is typical," the advisor replied. "The Cataclysm targets seemed a bit more focused than typical. The locations were Rustfall, Yeonido, and Brightmoor."

Itsuki's heart skipped a beat. He looked over to Yuna, who had wide eyes and a pale face at the news. 

"As expected, the fatality in all cases was over 90%," the advisor concluded, the words slamming down like a coffin lid. 

Itsuki watched Yuna intently, wanting to ensure she was going to be okay. The simple answer was that no, she was not going to be. Brightmoor was a prison for her, but it had also been a prison for others from her village. If a Cataclysm had struck there, it was likely that there was going to be nothing left...

"Brightmoor is where you're from?" Amane asked her. "I'm sorry to have to bring the news to you in this way. Do you need to step out and rest?"

"No," Yuna replied, her voice empty and her face stoic. "There will be time for that later...I wish to be present for this meeting, and understand more about this Directive..."

"Very well..."

Amane then turned her attention to Itsuki. 

"All three of those settlements were located in very close proximity to each other. Given that coincidence, and the prior Cataclysm that affected Velmoria, I have a theory..."

Itsuki met her gaze. He didn't need her to speak aloud to know what she was hypothesizing. 

"You think they're after me," he noted grimly. 

"I do. Velmoria survived the Cataclysm, and you left soon after that. If they had lost track of you, for one reason or another, it would make sense that they would plan assaults against nearby settlements to try and rediscover your location."

"Let's assume that's true for a moment," Itsuki chimed in. "If that is the case, then it's safe to assume that they also know about my role as the Judge. That is the only reason they would have to come after me in that manner, is it not?"

"Yes..." Amane mumbled as she thought for a moment. "When was the last time we had a larger invasion against us from the Directive?"

"A little over one month ago, your Highness."

"What is the typical frequency?"

"Roughly every two weeks. They are quite overdue, if we are taking 'routine' into account."

"You said you arrived just about one month ago, right?" Amane asked Itsuki. "I'm curious if the Directive learned about this early-on, and that is tied to the lack of invasions on Evermere. Perhaps they had reason to believe you were being kept here all this time - in the one place where they don't have much intelligence..."

"Why would they be so hellbent on me?" Itsuki asked plainly. "I understand what my role is, but still..."

"I think it's obvious," Yuna chimed in, her voice still empty. "If they can control Cataclysms, and you have the power to extend the Cataclysm another thousand years, why wouldn't they want to capture you? They likely know that the Starbeasts won't attack you directly. Maybe they are waiting for an opening to kidnap you, as well."

"A logical conclusion," Amane acknowledged. "It is the same one I arrived at yesterday, and I believe I have a plan in mind."

"I'm all ears," Itsuki said as he sat back, interested to hear Amane's thoughts.

"While it may sound slightly counterintuitive, I think we need to draw their attention here to Evermere. We are not impacted by ther Cataclysm, and holding off their invasions is not nearly as difficult for us as it is for the settlements of the Fallen Lands. Rather than your presence remaining hidden, we should make it a known fact that you are here and plan to fight with us against their goals."

Itsuki listened intently, also monitoring the advisors that were present. Their focus was fully on her. It appeared that they had no qualms or objections to the suggestion of using Evermere as bait. 

"How would you propose we do that?" Itsuki asked. "Is it unreasonable to think there are spies here in Evermere? Perhaps a simple speech from the Goddess would be enough."

"There may be spies, but the Directive is very cautious," she replied. "Such a proclamation would likely be seen as bait and may not get acted upon. We need to push for something more drastic. Something that really catches attention - and also can't be ignored by the Directive as a throwaway comment."

"I assume you have an idea?"

Amane slowly stood, her radiant aura glowing over the table. It was as if the sun was there only to illuminate her presence as the Goddess. 

"I do..." she spoke gently. "If you agree to it, Itsuki, then I believe you and I should take our vows and get married."