What dreams I've had of late, and yet not a single nightmare. There wasn't any reason tonight would be different than the hundreds previous. The God I once knew had abandoned me. Tossed aside like a plaything that was no longer amusing. The night sky in the hills this time of year was actually very pretty, but there was no solace in it. I had once drew power from the God of Nightmares, but the haze of such a time was fading as it it were only a Nightmare.
Often I'd think about how easily we'd been swept aside in the end. The armies of Vector were strong enough to force a foothold and scare the Tripower into submission for years. Even with Kefka dead, they were perhaps now even more dangerous. Might is right. There's no denying it. The events of the last 10 years had hardened my heart. Not that I was weak before, I'd delighted in being the Nightmare of Magic, the Exile, the bringer of death. But there was nothing left to persue along those lives. The person who had championed the night may as well be dead. Even my own magical aura seemed to pulse with energy that was not of the Gods.
There was no more sleep left for tonight and I stood up from my small camp and began packing my things. I thought how strange it was that I should wait all this time before making this journey. It seemed unbelieveable that the old "hell hath no fury" line didn't quite apply. There were reasons far beyond the obvious for finding her place again. Perhaps, there were those who would take her in. It could just be that she would wind up the Exile once more. Searching for meaning in life.
But then again...
Perhaps, It was time to find some old "friends"...
Showing posts with label Kefka. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kefka. Show all posts
Plans
Meanwhile in Ror's office, Ror finished the last of the intel reports. The last one informing him that one of the esper tribes had a radical leadership change by murder. Keeping an eye on what remained of esper society here was something Ror valued. After all, Vector was always nearby. Always on the mind...
Done with his work for today, he stood up and started pacing around his room while thinking. He found that walking around improved thought. He was brooding on something. Something which he had discussed with Aneh before, but still...
All life came from the lifestream and was energy. Magic too came from the lifestream and was energy. Espers, highly magical, consisted out of energy as well. Magitek and makou were ways of harnessing energy. In his mind he drew lines between the facts, spinning a web of relations. Everything came from the same source. So then, he thought, so are you, Kefka.
It was a devious plan, one that had worried Aneh, but Ror had good faith in it as it was in essence fairly simple. After he had acquired many pieces of Kefka's armour, he and Psycho found out there was more to them than met the eye. Kefka had somehow latched onto them. And to prevent the bloody armour from re-assembling, Ror had boxed and locked away every piece separately and put under 24 hours surveillance. Safe and sound in the Tripower, but yet, it was a temporary fix. A final solution needed to be found. He had tried to destroy one piece, but it had been an extremely tough deal. A dangerous deal.
But there is a way, thought Ror, Kefka's soul is not the problem, but the key to the solution. Lifeforce is energy, and Kefka's power was stolen from the espers. All I need to do, is to take back what was never his...
He stopped before the map of Cruoris and narrowed his eyes when they fell on the Vectorian Empire on the map. When I have back what you stole, Ror thought, I will annihalate Vector along with ever man, woman and child that supports it. There shall be no quarter...
A knock on the door broke Ror's concentration and the rage ebbed quickly away. Fixing his composure, he said, "Enter." And the door swung open, revealing a young recruit.
"Sir! It is I, sir, Robin? " said the boy slightly nervous.
Ror waved his hand in the go-on-go-on motion and Robin explained he had been assigned to watching the DAQ in the basement during Rors shifts. Ah yes, thought Ror, "In case something changed, " interjected Ror. The boy nodded and Ror smiled. "Finally. " He took his coat off the peg and stepped past the boy into the hallway. "Well, what are you waiting for? Tag along and give me your report as we walk to the lab. I don't have all day, you know. "
The young recruit gulped, "Yes, yes, sir! " And hastened after Ror.
Done with his work for today, he stood up and started pacing around his room while thinking. He found that walking around improved thought. He was brooding on something. Something which he had discussed with Aneh before, but still...
All life came from the lifestream and was energy. Magic too came from the lifestream and was energy. Espers, highly magical, consisted out of energy as well. Magitek and makou were ways of harnessing energy. In his mind he drew lines between the facts, spinning a web of relations. Everything came from the same source. So then, he thought, so are you, Kefka.
It was a devious plan, one that had worried Aneh, but Ror had good faith in it as it was in essence fairly simple. After he had acquired many pieces of Kefka's armour, he and Psycho found out there was more to them than met the eye. Kefka had somehow latched onto them. And to prevent the bloody armour from re-assembling, Ror had boxed and locked away every piece separately and put under 24 hours surveillance. Safe and sound in the Tripower, but yet, it was a temporary fix. A final solution needed to be found. He had tried to destroy one piece, but it had been an extremely tough deal. A dangerous deal.
But there is a way, thought Ror, Kefka's soul is not the problem, but the key to the solution. Lifeforce is energy, and Kefka's power was stolen from the espers. All I need to do, is to take back what was never his...
He stopped before the map of Cruoris and narrowed his eyes when they fell on the Vectorian Empire on the map. When I have back what you stole, Ror thought, I will annihalate Vector along with ever man, woman and child that supports it. There shall be no quarter...
A knock on the door broke Ror's concentration and the rage ebbed quickly away. Fixing his composure, he said, "Enter." And the door swung open, revealing a young recruit.
"Sir! It is I, sir, Robin? " said the boy slightly nervous.
Ror waved his hand in the go-on-go-on motion and Robin explained he had been assigned to watching the DAQ in the basement during Rors shifts. Ah yes, thought Ror, "In case something changed, " interjected Ror. The boy nodded and Ror smiled. "Finally. " He took his coat off the peg and stepped past the boy into the hallway. "Well, what are you waiting for? Tag along and give me your report as we walk to the lab. I don't have all day, you know. "
The young recruit gulped, "Yes, yes, sir! " And hastened after Ror.
Family Life
Sanria had a moment to herself. Gilean was still at the temple, as he had been for many late nights. He would come back to the cottage worn out, the people of Westbridge still needing healing and help long after the battle with Kefka had passed. She had put Nioma to bed, tucked Matinus in after reading to him (a pasttime the boy seemed unable to get enough of), and settled herself in the library with her pack.
She found her unfinished note to the Keepers and cursed herself. In all her time with Gilean and settling in to a new life she had completely forgotten Ror's request. It was simple enough to finish the missive to her fellow leaders and send it off. After the last time in the cafe with Ror, she felt it best she remain as much out of his life as possible. Being strictly business with a past flame was never one of Sanria's strong suits.
Finished with the missive, Sanria opened her window and called to Ferin. Though it was dark, the falcon appeared on wings nearly as silent as an owl. "Take this to Vorcet and Kineada my friend." She sent a mental image to the bird and watched as he vanished into the trees.
As Sanria stared out into the star-studded night sky, a movement caught her gaze. She looked down into the trees and caught the small motion of a tiny red light move in a small arc. In the darkness it brightened, then dimmed as it went back down again. The motion repeated once again before it vanished. It was unsettling, not knowing what it was before her, and Sanria closed the window and drew the drapes. Something wasn't right.
She found her unfinished note to the Keepers and cursed herself. In all her time with Gilean and settling in to a new life she had completely forgotten Ror's request. It was simple enough to finish the missive to her fellow leaders and send it off. After the last time in the cafe with Ror, she felt it best she remain as much out of his life as possible. Being strictly business with a past flame was never one of Sanria's strong suits.
Finished with the missive, Sanria opened her window and called to Ferin. Though it was dark, the falcon appeared on wings nearly as silent as an owl. "Take this to Vorcet and Kineada my friend." She sent a mental image to the bird and watched as he vanished into the trees.
As Sanria stared out into the star-studded night sky, a movement caught her gaze. She looked down into the trees and caught the small motion of a tiny red light move in a small arc. In the darkness it brightened, then dimmed as it went back down again. The motion repeated once again before it vanished. It was unsettling, not knowing what it was before her, and Sanria closed the window and drew the drapes. Something wasn't right.
Aftermath (Part 2)
Vorcet gasped in a breath as he sat bolt upright off the floor. The vision already starting to fade. It wasnt a dream, the dead dont dream. Just enough remained to remind Vorcet of what he had been doing prior to the invasion.
Vorcet slowly stood up and walked to the window in the tower. The sun had travelled two hours in the sky since entering the tower after Kefka had breathed his last. The gates remained unmanned as the insurgents evaluated the damage to the city and began organizing themselves.
So much work was yet to be done with the city before Vorcet could return to his investigations. So many arrangements to be made. Vorcet openned a gate into the basement of Elbryan's house. He made his way upstairs to his room and his wardrobe. He pulled the bloodstained vectorian armor off and tossed it in the corner.
Vorcet had gotten a few strange looks at first as he waded into the combat directing his spells at vectorians but most simply seemed to understand. Vorcet had allowed himself to get too close to the front lines and his spells had attracted Kefkas personal attention. Only the prayers and spells of the priests had kept Vorcet standing through Kefka's onslaught. Every so often Vorcet would feel the rush of his magical powers returning only to catch a glimpse of a familiar halfling chanting arcane phrases in the crowd. Spells flew and weapons had flashed for what seemed an eternity. But in the end, the combined forces of the realm had ended the vectorian occupation.
Vorcet pulled a clean set clothes out of his wardrobe. Thankful for Elbryan's staff's diligence. He dressed slowly working out the stiff muscles and freshly healed wounds. It had been weeks since Vorcet had seen his own clothing, much less his own face. He stopped for a moment to inspect his appearance. Minus the blood and terribly uncomfortable vectorian armor, Vorcet felt almost human again, almost.
Taking a last glance in the mirror and muttering a quick prayer to Talos for letting him see another day, Vorcet opened another gate back to westbridge. The guard tower was still empty as he worked his way to the streets below. Vorcet wound his way through the crowd, taking in the damage that had been wrought by both sides of the conflict. Yes, it was indeed time to begin the healing of the town.
Vorcet slowly stood up and walked to the window in the tower. The sun had travelled two hours in the sky since entering the tower after Kefka had breathed his last. The gates remained unmanned as the insurgents evaluated the damage to the city and began organizing themselves.
So much work was yet to be done with the city before Vorcet could return to his investigations. So many arrangements to be made. Vorcet openned a gate into the basement of Elbryan's house. He made his way upstairs to his room and his wardrobe. He pulled the bloodstained vectorian armor off and tossed it in the corner.
Vorcet had gotten a few strange looks at first as he waded into the combat directing his spells at vectorians but most simply seemed to understand. Vorcet had allowed himself to get too close to the front lines and his spells had attracted Kefkas personal attention. Only the prayers and spells of the priests had kept Vorcet standing through Kefka's onslaught. Every so often Vorcet would feel the rush of his magical powers returning only to catch a glimpse of a familiar halfling chanting arcane phrases in the crowd. Spells flew and weapons had flashed for what seemed an eternity. But in the end, the combined forces of the realm had ended the vectorian occupation.
Vorcet pulled a clean set clothes out of his wardrobe. Thankful for Elbryan's staff's diligence. He dressed slowly working out the stiff muscles and freshly healed wounds. It had been weeks since Vorcet had seen his own clothing, much less his own face. He stopped for a moment to inspect his appearance. Minus the blood and terribly uncomfortable vectorian armor, Vorcet felt almost human again, almost.
Taking a last glance in the mirror and muttering a quick prayer to Talos for letting him see another day, Vorcet opened another gate back to westbridge. The guard tower was still empty as he worked his way to the streets below. Vorcet wound his way through the crowd, taking in the damage that had been wrought by both sides of the conflict. Yes, it was indeed time to begin the healing of the town.
Bits and Pieces
The makou burners were switched off and four lab employees lifted a large package upon the long lab table. They folded back the cloth that wrapped it and revealed the inside to Ror. 'Excellent,' he said. Ror studied the scraps, pieces, flints and large remains of had once been Kefka's armour. 'I'm impressed that you were still able to salvage so much from the site.' One of the employees coughed, then said, 'Well sir, frankly we were lucky to find this. Most of it was gone.'
Ror nodded, picking up a shard of metal with a pair of tweezers and holding it against the light. 'I understand. We can assume that most of the suit was destroyed following the explosion,' Ror paused, 'However, the majority of the remains are not on this table. I'm sure they were cartwheeled off by locals or Radiant Heart troops.' He nudged another employee as he placed the shard back amongst the rest of the remains, and disposed of the tweezers.
'Go find me Alsin, I think I'll need his help on this one. As for the rest of you, commence the analysis of the parts. When you're done, I want a report. Once I've talked to Alsin, I'll try and see if I can contact the Radiant Heart.'
With that Ror walked off to the library, leaving the employees busy in the laboratory.
Ror nodded, picking up a shard of metal with a pair of tweezers and holding it against the light. 'I understand. We can assume that most of the suit was destroyed following the explosion,' Ror paused, 'However, the majority of the remains are not on this table. I'm sure they were cartwheeled off by locals or Radiant Heart troops.' He nudged another employee as he placed the shard back amongst the rest of the remains, and disposed of the tweezers.
'Go find me Alsin, I think I'll need his help on this one. As for the rest of you, commence the analysis of the parts. When you're done, I want a report. Once I've talked to Alsin, I'll try and see if I can contact the Radiant Heart.'
With that Ror walked off to the library, leaving the employees busy in the laboratory.
The fall of General Buxbaum (Revelation 3 of 3)
Alsin examined the pet shop only to find that the only exit was where he had entered from. Alsin turned and peered out the window and saw General Buxbaum rushing towards the shop. Alsin shrugged and once again grasped his weapons. General Buxbaum kicked the door open and stepped into the shop his eye locked on Alsin. "There is no where to run, and Lord Kefka is dead. There is nothing to save you now." Alsin looked at the general, "If the Vectorian Lord is dead, there is no reason for us to fight. I'll give you a second chance, sheath your weapon and just let me go."
General Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and then lunged forward to attack. Alsin dodged the attack and was hessitant to fight back. The two fought for several minutes, but it was obvious Alsin was holding back. As the two circled General Buxbaum managed to catch Alsin slightly off guard and his blade caught Alsin on the side of his chest. The wound was slight, merely flesh this time, but enough proof for Alsin that only one of them would walk away from the fight. Alsin began to counter attack and General Buxbaum started to reel. The General had seen many battles but he had never encountered a combantant such as Alsin. Alsin pierced General Buxbaum's leg then sliced his left arm causing him to drop his weapon. Alsin kicked the General to the floor, and stood over him ready to deliver the final blow when out of the corner of his eye he could see a swarm of heroes rushing into the pet shop. Alsin stepped back, worried the mob of heroes would attack him, but to his surprise they began to assault General Buxbaum. Wounded and disarmed the General stood no chance and was killed quickly. His corpse was looted and left laying in a puddle of blood on the ground and the mob of heroes rushed off. Alsin sighed and sheathed his weapons. The walk home for Alsin seemed much longer this time, but his mind was filled with one thought, "Perhaps now, with Lord Kefka dead, there is a possibility of peace if I join the Tripower. Perhaps now is the time to approach Mason Stonehammer."
General Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and then lunged forward to attack. Alsin dodged the attack and was hessitant to fight back. The two fought for several minutes, but it was obvious Alsin was holding back. As the two circled General Buxbaum managed to catch Alsin slightly off guard and his blade caught Alsin on the side of his chest. The wound was slight, merely flesh this time, but enough proof for Alsin that only one of them would walk away from the fight. Alsin began to counter attack and General Buxbaum started to reel. The General had seen many battles but he had never encountered a combantant such as Alsin. Alsin pierced General Buxbaum's leg then sliced his left arm causing him to drop his weapon. Alsin kicked the General to the floor, and stood over him ready to deliver the final blow when out of the corner of his eye he could see a swarm of heroes rushing into the pet shop. Alsin stepped back, worried the mob of heroes would attack him, but to his surprise they began to assault General Buxbaum. Wounded and disarmed the General stood no chance and was killed quickly. His corpse was looted and left laying in a puddle of blood on the ground and the mob of heroes rushed off. Alsin sighed and sheathed his weapons. The walk home for Alsin seemed much longer this time, but his mind was filled with one thought, "Perhaps now, with Lord Kefka dead, there is a possibility of peace if I join the Tripower. Perhaps now is the time to approach Mason Stonehammer."
The fall of Lord Kefka (Revelation 2 of 3)
Alsin was surrounded with no where to go. A Vectorian Soldier knocked him to the ground. He rolled about the floor trying to regain his wits. Alsin managed to stand up while avoiding many strikes. He made a few swift movements with his blade killing a couple Vectorian soldiers before again being caught from a blindside and knocked to the ground. The situation seemed a bit helpless, he found himself in a sea of purple. Alsin again made his way to his feet but he stagged back from the blows that the Vectorian soldiers directed at him. Once again Alsin was knocked to the floor, and just as another Vectorian Soldier was about to strike a Radiant Heart Soldier appeared and deflected the blow.
Alsin looked around and realized he was at Market Square. The Radiant Heart army and several heroes were engaged in combat with Lord Kefka in the center of the square and around them were many more heroes and Radiant Heart soldiers attacking the little bit of the Vectorian Army that was left. Alsin stood up and just as he was about to sheath his weapons Lord Kefka's armor shot a powerful bolt of lightning toward him. Alsin dodged the bolt and decided to join the rest of the heroes in battle against Lord Kefka. It wasn't long before Lord Kefka fell to a vital strike delivered by a Radiant Heart General, the amount of heroes and soldiers combating him was astonishing, and watching him fall even more so. Alsin was relieved that the fighting was done, but the sight of all the fallen and the blood that filled the streets was all too familiar to him. He has seen such death and war before, but in the past it was his family, his kin, and his men that covered the streets. "I need to get out of this....." Alsin muttered to himself as he sheathed his weapons and started his walk to his house. As Alsin made his way past Festival square he could see Radiant Heart soldiers were finishing off what was left of the Vectorian guards. Alsin lifted his cloak over his head and made it a point to avoid the combat, yet in the distance he spotted General Buxbaum. Alsin turned the corner and made his way to the Pet Shop in an effort to stay hidden, but General Buxbaum spotted him in the distance and there were no more soldiers to fend him off.
Alsin looked around and realized he was at Market Square. The Radiant Heart army and several heroes were engaged in combat with Lord Kefka in the center of the square and around them were many more heroes and Radiant Heart soldiers attacking the little bit of the Vectorian Army that was left. Alsin stood up and just as he was about to sheath his weapons Lord Kefka's armor shot a powerful bolt of lightning toward him. Alsin dodged the bolt and decided to join the rest of the heroes in battle against Lord Kefka. It wasn't long before Lord Kefka fell to a vital strike delivered by a Radiant Heart General, the amount of heroes and soldiers combating him was astonishing, and watching him fall even more so. Alsin was relieved that the fighting was done, but the sight of all the fallen and the blood that filled the streets was all too familiar to him. He has seen such death and war before, but in the past it was his family, his kin, and his men that covered the streets. "I need to get out of this....." Alsin muttered to himself as he sheathed his weapons and started his walk to his house. As Alsin made his way past Festival square he could see Radiant Heart soldiers were finishing off what was left of the Vectorian guards. Alsin lifted his cloak over his head and made it a point to avoid the combat, yet in the distance he spotted General Buxbaum. Alsin turned the corner and made his way to the Pet Shop in an effort to stay hidden, but General Buxbaum spotted him in the distance and there were no more soldiers to fend him off.
Playing both sides (Revelation 1 of 3)
Alsin awoke to a thunderous noise outside his house. He stagged out of bed and opened his door to examine the noise. Soldiers were marching, two armies colliding outside his door. Alsin shook his head and muttered under his breath, More violence, hasn't this land seen enough wars.... As he was closing his door two soldiers wearing red and yellow garments yelled at him, "You there, we have come to end the Vectorian rule. Help us bring down the tyrrany that is upon us."
Alsin shook his head in disgust and began to shut his door when out of nowhere another soldier appeared, this one jamming his foot inside the doorway. Alsin stepped back and let the door swing open, his hand swiftly shifting to his weapons discretely. Alsin examined the soldier and noted his ensignia was that of an officer a general. The man began to speak, "I am general Buxbaum of the Radiant Heart Army, lend us your home. We have many wounded and could use an aid station." Alsin shrugged and quickly responded, "If will lend nothing and neither do I support your war. You soldiers have no place here so leave before I'm forced to make you regret your choice in coming here." Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and huffed, "So you're a Vectorian, and thus you shall die with the rest of the scum that lay dead in the streets." General Buxbaum reached for his sword but before he could even unsheath it, Alsin had slipped passed him into the entryway. Alsin quickly dispatched the two weaker footsoldiers lurking in his entryway and before their bodies could hit the floor Alsin turned around and kicked Buxbaum square in the ass. As General Buxbaum staggered forward regaining his balance Alsin spoke again, You have no place here, this is your last chance to leave peacefully. General Buxbaum turned towards Alsin and yelled "KILL HIM, HE IS VECTORIAN SCUM!"
Alsin turned and only had a few seconds to respond as several Radiant Heart soldiers began to rush towards him. Alsin drew them away from his home and into the streets and the bloodshed insued. Alsin laid waste to several Radiant Heart soldiers, but the sheer numbers were causing him to flee farther and farther into the center of the city. As he retreated he soon found himself amoungst Vectorian Soldiers who were helping him fend off and kill the Radiant Heart soldiers. In the distance, Alsin could see General Buxbaum had given chase to him and the General put down several Vectorian Soldiers with ease, he kept a keen eye on Alsin the entire time. Alsin took advantage of being surrounded by Vectorian Soldiers to fall out of combat. Alsin made his way to Festival Square, it seemed that Vector still held it firmly, but General Buxbaum and his army were advancing quickly. Alsin let out a sigh, knowing he'd be pressed to fight alongside Vector....or so he thought. In the distance the voice of Lord Kefka could be heard, "KILL THEM ALL, KILL EVERYBODY!", and with that single command the Vectorian Soldiers turned towards Alsin.........
Alsin shook his head in disgust and began to shut his door when out of nowhere another soldier appeared, this one jamming his foot inside the doorway. Alsin stepped back and let the door swing open, his hand swiftly shifting to his weapons discretely. Alsin examined the soldier and noted his ensignia was that of an officer a general. The man began to speak, "I am general Buxbaum of the Radiant Heart Army, lend us your home. We have many wounded and could use an aid station." Alsin shrugged and quickly responded, "If will lend nothing and neither do I support your war. You soldiers have no place here so leave before I'm forced to make you regret your choice in coming here." Buxbaum grinned at Alsin and huffed, "So you're a Vectorian, and thus you shall die with the rest of the scum that lay dead in the streets." General Buxbaum reached for his sword but before he could even unsheath it, Alsin had slipped passed him into the entryway. Alsin quickly dispatched the two weaker footsoldiers lurking in his entryway and before their bodies could hit the floor Alsin turned around and kicked Buxbaum square in the ass. As General Buxbaum staggered forward regaining his balance Alsin spoke again, You have no place here, this is your last chance to leave peacefully. General Buxbaum turned towards Alsin and yelled "KILL HIM, HE IS VECTORIAN SCUM!"
Alsin turned and only had a few seconds to respond as several Radiant Heart soldiers began to rush towards him. Alsin drew them away from his home and into the streets and the bloodshed insued. Alsin laid waste to several Radiant Heart soldiers, but the sheer numbers were causing him to flee farther and farther into the center of the city. As he retreated he soon found himself amoungst Vectorian Soldiers who were helping him fend off and kill the Radiant Heart soldiers. In the distance, Alsin could see General Buxbaum had given chase to him and the General put down several Vectorian Soldiers with ease, he kept a keen eye on Alsin the entire time. Alsin took advantage of being surrounded by Vectorian Soldiers to fall out of combat. Alsin made his way to Festival Square, it seemed that Vector still held it firmly, but General Buxbaum and his army were advancing quickly. Alsin let out a sigh, knowing he'd be pressed to fight alongside Vector....or so he thought. In the distance the voice of Lord Kefka could be heard, "KILL THEM ALL, KILL EVERYBODY!", and with that single command the Vectorian Soldiers turned towards Alsin.........
Log: 27012013 - Ror and Sliver
OOC commentary: Second attempt to roleplay with a PK'er at market square was with Sliver and went much better!
Everything Changes (1-3)
Orn stood with a group of Radiant Heart reinforcement soldiers on the edge of the Hoan Dor forest. He gripped his battle staff nervously as he looked about at the soldiers around him. They all looked so calm, standing there chatting quietly with each other. Some talked about strategy, some technique, others, the night they spent before and the lady they spent it with. Orn felt Reggie's large head nudge his arm.
The bear spoke into his mind, 'Brother, relax. You must stay calm. You are using too much energy before the battle has even started.'
Orn looked into the eyes of the bear and saw deep caring there, where there was normally just joy and mischeif. Orn took a deep calming breath and nooded. Orn reached his mind out to the surrounding trees, listening to their ages old calm. The petty squabbles of men were like the buzzing of a passing fly to them and Orn gathered that serentiy within himself.
'You're right Reggie. We've been training for this for weeks. I am strong. I am ready. I told my Mom... my clan, I would help and that's what we're going to do. This is the right thing, for the people.'
Regggie nodded to Orn with a hint of a smile on his bear face. 'You are strong Orn and I am proud to be your brother. Even though you aren't a bear, you have the heart of one within you... Now when can we go kick these Vectorian intruders out of our territory?' Reggie bared his teeth in a grin.
Orn couldn't help but return the grin. 'We're just waiting for General Buxbaum to...' At that moment the booming voice of the General sounded from somewhere before them.
'Troops assemble! We're moving out! It's time to cleanse the city of these Vector swine!'
Orn took a deep breath and steadied himself as a cheer sounded from the soldiers around him. It was time.
The west gate was open for them when they arrived, thanks to the undercover work of Vorcet, yet the Vectorians were far from caught unaware. Troops from both sides swarmed the streets but Orn and Reggie were trained and ready. Orn would gave a command and Reggie would launch his massive bulk at a Vectorian, sending the soldier reeling toward Orn where he would find Orn's staff buried deep in his gut.
Orn was in awe of Reggie's ferocity in battle, yet the bear never once took his eye off the young man. No soldier could hardly get within two feet of Orn without catching a massive paw across the face or a mighty shove in the back. The pair felt unstoppable until they rounded the corner onto Market Square.
Orn had heard of Kefka before, but the man had seemed more like a myth than a real person. Like a story told to young children to keep them in line, yet here he was. Dressed like some kind of deranged clown and mounted upon a two legged mechanical monstrosity. Already, many of the liberation force were headed directly into the fray to face this greatest threat. Orn and Reggie looked at each other and no words needed pass between them. With a simple nod, they charged ahead.
The fight was tougher than anything Orn had envisioned during their training. Powerful beams of magic shot from Kefka's armor, and the mad clown fought toe to toe with the liberators despite it being one against many. However, Orn could see they were having an effect. Blood tricked from Kefka's mouth and his magitek armor staggered with blow after blow.
Just as Orn thought they were about to taste victory, something horrific happened. Kefka's armor shattered as a bolt of lightning struk down from the heavens upon him. The mad clown lifted into the air amongst a gathering of dark clouds. When they cleared, what came to rest before them could only be described as a god.
Orn looked to Reggie, dirty sweat dripping from his brow and already panting in exhaustion. The bear looked back and spoke into Orn's mind, 'Orn, go. When you said you would help, this isn't what you agreed to. I'll stay. I'll see this through.'
Orn shook his head without hesitation. 'No Reggie, we will both see this through.'
The pair turned to face the newly ascended Lord Kefka even as more brave souls joined the fray. The battle seemed to rage for an eternity and the atrocities were endless. Massive swarms of meteors fell from the sky upon the liberators and Orn saw lives simply sniffed out with but a flippant quip from Kefka.
Yet they persisted, all of them. This was the time. Orn pushed through his exhaustion, calling upon reserves he didn't even know he had until finally, miraculously there was a brilliant flash of light as the god Kefka exploded in a shower of magical fragments.
Orn dropped to his hands and knees in exhaustion, his chest heaving. 'Reggie... we did it.'
There was no reply.
Orn looked over to where he expected Reggie to be, where Reggie had always been since Orn was a small boy, right beside him, but the bear wasn't there.
'Reggie?'
Orn scanned the square and spotted a large smoking lump of fur about 20 yards away. He ran over, his exhaustion forgotten, and rolled the lump over, taking a large bear head into his hands. Tears streamed down Orn's cheeks as he looked upon the face of Reggie.
Orn looked about frantically. 'A priest! I need a priest here! Please!!!'
'Orn... brother...'
Orn looked into the fading eyes of the best friend he had ever known as tears clouded his vision and sobs hitched in his chest.
'It's ok... don't cry... we did it... we...'
Then Reggie was gone and Orn's life changed forever.
The bear spoke into his mind, 'Brother, relax. You must stay calm. You are using too much energy before the battle has even started.'
Orn looked into the eyes of the bear and saw deep caring there, where there was normally just joy and mischeif. Orn took a deep calming breath and nooded. Orn reached his mind out to the surrounding trees, listening to their ages old calm. The petty squabbles of men were like the buzzing of a passing fly to them and Orn gathered that serentiy within himself.
'You're right Reggie. We've been training for this for weeks. I am strong. I am ready. I told my Mom... my clan, I would help and that's what we're going to do. This is the right thing, for the people.'
Regggie nodded to Orn with a hint of a smile on his bear face. 'You are strong Orn and I am proud to be your brother. Even though you aren't a bear, you have the heart of one within you... Now when can we go kick these Vectorian intruders out of our territory?' Reggie bared his teeth in a grin.
Orn couldn't help but return the grin. 'We're just waiting for General Buxbaum to...' At that moment the booming voice of the General sounded from somewhere before them.
'Troops assemble! We're moving out! It's time to cleanse the city of these Vector swine!'
Orn took a deep breath and steadied himself as a cheer sounded from the soldiers around him. It was time.
The west gate was open for them when they arrived, thanks to the undercover work of Vorcet, yet the Vectorians were far from caught unaware. Troops from both sides swarmed the streets but Orn and Reggie were trained and ready. Orn would gave a command and Reggie would launch his massive bulk at a Vectorian, sending the soldier reeling toward Orn where he would find Orn's staff buried deep in his gut.
Orn was in awe of Reggie's ferocity in battle, yet the bear never once took his eye off the young man. No soldier could hardly get within two feet of Orn without catching a massive paw across the face or a mighty shove in the back. The pair felt unstoppable until they rounded the corner onto Market Square.
Orn had heard of Kefka before, but the man had seemed more like a myth than a real person. Like a story told to young children to keep them in line, yet here he was. Dressed like some kind of deranged clown and mounted upon a two legged mechanical monstrosity. Already, many of the liberation force were headed directly into the fray to face this greatest threat. Orn and Reggie looked at each other and no words needed pass between them. With a simple nod, they charged ahead.
The fight was tougher than anything Orn had envisioned during their training. Powerful beams of magic shot from Kefka's armor, and the mad clown fought toe to toe with the liberators despite it being one against many. However, Orn could see they were having an effect. Blood tricked from Kefka's mouth and his magitek armor staggered with blow after blow.
Just as Orn thought they were about to taste victory, something horrific happened. Kefka's armor shattered as a bolt of lightning struk down from the heavens upon him. The mad clown lifted into the air amongst a gathering of dark clouds. When they cleared, what came to rest before them could only be described as a god.
Orn looked to Reggie, dirty sweat dripping from his brow and already panting in exhaustion. The bear looked back and spoke into Orn's mind, 'Orn, go. When you said you would help, this isn't what you agreed to. I'll stay. I'll see this through.'
Orn shook his head without hesitation. 'No Reggie, we will both see this through.'
The pair turned to face the newly ascended Lord Kefka even as more brave souls joined the fray. The battle seemed to rage for an eternity and the atrocities were endless. Massive swarms of meteors fell from the sky upon the liberators and Orn saw lives simply sniffed out with but a flippant quip from Kefka.
Yet they persisted, all of them. This was the time. Orn pushed through his exhaustion, calling upon reserves he didn't even know he had until finally, miraculously there was a brilliant flash of light as the god Kefka exploded in a shower of magical fragments.
Orn dropped to his hands and knees in exhaustion, his chest heaving. 'Reggie... we did it.'
There was no reply.
Orn looked over to where he expected Reggie to be, where Reggie had always been since Orn was a small boy, right beside him, but the bear wasn't there.
'Reggie?'
Orn scanned the square and spotted a large smoking lump of fur about 20 yards away. He ran over, his exhaustion forgotten, and rolled the lump over, taking a large bear head into his hands. Tears streamed down Orn's cheeks as he looked upon the face of Reggie.
Orn looked about frantically. 'A priest! I need a priest here! Please!!!'
'Orn... brother...'
Orn looked into the fading eyes of the best friend he had ever known as tears clouded his vision and sobs hitched in his chest.
'It's ok... don't cry... we did it... we...'
Then Reggie was gone and Orn's life changed forever.
Psycho slays Kefka.
Psycho called to his troops to turn their focus on Kefka.Kefka was here in front of the mob calling out taunts and literally vaporizing the crowd around him from time to time. The mob had weakened him and his forces were all but bodies in the streets, yet Kefka continued to fight. When the Order bore down upon Kefka the main goal was to allow no escape. Even some of the people that had been attacking radiant heart members saw that Kefka was a shell of his former self, this was not a mad man but a flesh and blood human being just like them, and that guy was about to get killed in front of everyone.
Psycho knew it must be him to slay Lord Kefka here before the crowd of witnesses. Psycho reached out an landed the final killing blow to Kefka for himself. With the final slash dealt Kefka let loose a loud howl that was said to echo in the dark clouds. Kefka's Forces were no more. They vanished with the fading of the bright light that passed over the crowd with the slaying of their general. Order had been restored to the city of Westbridge and things could return to a simpler less oppressive time for the people of the cultural mecca. It would take a lot of time and effort to erase the pain that vector had carved into the faces and hearts of the people of Westbridge. But everyone could breathe a sigh of relief as things would get easier without the Vectorian force terrorizing the people of Westbridge.
Original's other team had not been successful in locating the Door that the scroll had detailed. They would now have to wait until the scroll had been fully translated before they might be able to understand how they might be able to Open the door. Maybe the Scroll might even tell them more of what lay beyond the door. They would return, next time with more muscle.
Psycho knew it must be him to slay Lord Kefka here before the crowd of witnesses. Psycho reached out an landed the final killing blow to Kefka for himself. With the final slash dealt Kefka let loose a loud howl that was said to echo in the dark clouds. Kefka's Forces were no more. They vanished with the fading of the bright light that passed over the crowd with the slaying of their general. Order had been restored to the city of Westbridge and things could return to a simpler less oppressive time for the people of the cultural mecca. It would take a lot of time and effort to erase the pain that vector had carved into the faces and hearts of the people of Westbridge. But everyone could breathe a sigh of relief as things would get easier without the Vectorian force terrorizing the people of Westbridge.
Original's other team had not been successful in locating the Door that the scroll had detailed. They would now have to wait until the scroll had been fully translated before they might be able to understand how they might be able to Open the door. Maybe the Scroll might even tell them more of what lay beyond the door. They would return, next time with more muscle.
Aftermath
Vorcet Looked around at the carnage. The death and destruction that visited the city. It was worth it. He leaned down and closed the eyes of a defender and placed platinum coins over its eyes. Hopefully platinum would buy a better way accross the river than gold. Kefka had put up a fight, almost godlike in his power. Vorcet doubted that it would be the last anyone had seen of the lord of the vectorian lands. He may have been insane but he was far from stupid.
The ruins of the west gate of westbridge lay in the distance, a testament to Vorcets work there. There were several boddies on the wall with holes in their sides along that wall, along with the smoking ruin that was the gate mechanism. Liberators flooded the city, rounding up all of the remaining vectorian troops and killing them or restraining them.
Vorcet made his way to the western gate tower. No defenders were present due to his work. Vorcet sat in the middle of the floor and began to chant. He focussed on his likeness before the invasion and set the image in his mind. it was a clear picture due to his two centuries of life. When Vorcet let loose the power of his spell it slammed into his body beginning to return it to his origional shape.
Vorcet whimpered in pain as his bones snapped and re-shaped themselves as the spell ripped its way through his body. Blessed blackness closed over him as he slipped into unconciousness, still thrashing with the changes. The last thougt he had was for Talos to give him the strength he needed before he succumbed to the darkness and the dreams.
The ruins of the west gate of westbridge lay in the distance, a testament to Vorcets work there. There were several boddies on the wall with holes in their sides along that wall, along with the smoking ruin that was the gate mechanism. Liberators flooded the city, rounding up all of the remaining vectorian troops and killing them or restraining them.
Vorcet made his way to the western gate tower. No defenders were present due to his work. Vorcet sat in the middle of the floor and began to chant. He focussed on his likeness before the invasion and set the image in his mind. it was a clear picture due to his two centuries of life. When Vorcet let loose the power of his spell it slammed into his body beginning to return it to his origional shape.
Vorcet whimpered in pain as his bones snapped and re-shaped themselves as the spell ripped its way through his body. Blessed blackness closed over him as he slipped into unconciousness, still thrashing with the changes. The last thougt he had was for Talos to give him the strength he needed before he succumbed to the darkness and the dreams.
The Invasion of Westbridge
The reinforcement forces of Vector marched into Kefkaburg, or as Ror preferred it, Westbridge. Fairly quickly a suited Kefka took position on Market Square. The invading forces began their offensive not too long after that to liberate Westbridge once and for all of Vector.
In the streets beyond Market Square, Vectorian and Radiant Heart reinforcement troops were battling it out. The streets turned red and above the sound of battle the lunatic cackle of Kefka rose each time a life was ended by disintegration, Kefka was in joy, 'You're all dead anyway, better sooner than later, yes?' he cackled.
Ror observed the scene from a distance. Grinding his teeth, he was forced to watch but not to act. He had his orders, sour orders. He knew the official stance of the TriPower and this was not his fight... Stay away Ror.
Watching Kefka's every move and the familiar faces of various clans battle it out. Ror shook his head in disbelieve. He had heard the stories of Kefka's insanity, but even those were mild. Kefka's behaviour seemed unreal. Even the Long Death had more respect for the circle of life and death than this guy.
Waiting and watching was all Ror could do. And as time went by, it became harder to obey his orders. Frowning, he thought back to Alsin's words. That when the time came the leaders would show themselves and lead. This was not the time for thoughtless action. He refused to disobey previous orders, but Ror could not help but notice that he stood there alone.
'I'm a god! I'm all-powerful! Uwee-hee-hee...' yelled Kefka as he cast one gruesome spell after another. How many had died for those powers Kefka so greedily spilled today? wondered Ror.
The more Ror witnessed the more his mask of calm broke down, until eventually only anger fueled by internal rage was left. Ror's knuckles turned white from clenching down on the railing in front of him.
Then Kefka went down.
Ror had seen enough. He let go of the railing, turned and walked away. Behind him the metal railing distorted where his hands had been.
In the streets beyond Market Square, Vectorian and Radiant Heart reinforcement troops were battling it out. The streets turned red and above the sound of battle the lunatic cackle of Kefka rose each time a life was ended by disintegration, Kefka was in joy, 'You're all dead anyway, better sooner than later, yes?' he cackled.
Ror observed the scene from a distance. Grinding his teeth, he was forced to watch but not to act. He had his orders, sour orders. He knew the official stance of the TriPower and this was not his fight... Stay away Ror.
Watching Kefka's every move and the familiar faces of various clans battle it out. Ror shook his head in disbelieve. He had heard the stories of Kefka's insanity, but even those were mild. Kefka's behaviour seemed unreal. Even the Long Death had more respect for the circle of life and death than this guy.
Waiting and watching was all Ror could do. And as time went by, it became harder to obey his orders. Frowning, he thought back to Alsin's words. That when the time came the leaders would show themselves and lead. This was not the time for thoughtless action. He refused to disobey previous orders, but Ror could not help but notice that he stood there alone.
'I'm a god! I'm all-powerful! Uwee-hee-hee...' yelled Kefka as he cast one gruesome spell after another. How many had died for those powers Kefka so greedily spilled today? wondered Ror.
The more Ror witnessed the more his mask of calm broke down, until eventually only anger fueled by internal rage was left. Ror's knuckles turned white from clenching down on the railing in front of him.
Then Kefka went down.
Ror had seen enough. He let go of the railing, turned and walked away. Behind him the metal railing distorted where his hands had been.
Redemption
Gradak had been in Kefkaburg for at least a year, his talents wasted on the idiotic peasantry that called the place home. Back in Vector, he was a talented spy, he had been rewarded by Lord Kefka himself on one occasion. It had been the first time he had seen the man - all dressed up like a clown with a party to attend. He had considered commenting on it later to his fellow spies, until he heard his Lord and master's laugh and looked into his crazed eyes. Of course, there were the rumors that Kefka was more than the human form that he chose to wear. And those rumors were downright terrifying. So Gradak had bitten his tongue, but backbiters being what they were, when a mission with his "friend" Terlon went wrong, Terlon had thrown him under the caravan so fast he didn't even see the wheels coming.
He had been stripped of his medals and barely escaped the label of traitor. Kefka's generals did with him what they did with all the Vector military wishing to get back into good graces. They sent him to Kefkaburg and left him to languish there - content that the only force needed to control the swine was a few desperate soldiers. Sure, he did some things that might be questionable by other militaries, but the people in Kefkaburg were worthless. The only reason he knew of that they held onto the garbage heap was its location in the Great Realms. Trade. Money. And, of course, they couldn't easily walk into Torregiano without having a fire at their hides.
So, Gradak waited. He patrolled. He instigated. He made indiscriminate slaughters of bums that were too drunk to know not to ask him for change. He didn't know how long he was going to be stuck in this hell, but he would show, he would prove he was worthy, and once back in Kefka's good graces, he would punish Terlon.
It was as he stood, dwelling on the favorite form of torture (slivers of bamboo beneath fingernails), when he felt the tremors in the air. Not real tremors, no, but the tremors of change. Something wasn't right, and his elven blood sensed it. "Hey, Rhay, can I take a break?"
"For what? And don't tell me for a piss, you can use the goddamned street for that, this whole place is a toilet."
"No, I have some needs to tend to."
"You have fifteen minutes then I better see your ass back at the gate or so help me, Kefka, you're going to be roasted."
"Right. Right."
Gradak entered the tower and slipped off his armors, putting his cloak on once more. He uttered a word and vanished. With stealth, in his element, he slipped through the streets, his half-elf ears pricked. At last, Nisstyre's Tavern, he heard the voices. He heard the tremor. "Word is they're getting ready."
"Ain't they been gettin' ready for years? Ain't nobody comin' Lou. No one gives two," here the man held up a drunken three fingers,
"shits bout this place. They came and left and came and left."
"Well this time it's real I tell you. Those fanatics and hell comin with em."
"Friend, you need another shot. You're delusin... delusun... crazy."
"I swear it's true. Brock said he heard Frey say he heard Howie say that they was gonna come. They was gonna stop these bas-"
Gradak looked up as the men went into sudden silence. Is'Kal had strolled in for a before shift drink. Is'Kal - the golden boy of the sky guard. Gradak wouldn't be sad to see something bad happen to him. Even the sound of his voice... no matter. The threads of the web had been disturbed. Perhaps if he could take the information back to Vector, he would be rewarded. If something was going to happen and they were ready... he'd be adored.
He slipped from the tavern and back to his heap of armors. He slipped them back on and went back to his post at the gate. Tonight, he would inch around the town, he would listen, he would do what he did best, then he would take all his findings straight back to Vector. This would be his redemption.
He had been stripped of his medals and barely escaped the label of traitor. Kefka's generals did with him what they did with all the Vector military wishing to get back into good graces. They sent him to Kefkaburg and left him to languish there - content that the only force needed to control the swine was a few desperate soldiers. Sure, he did some things that might be questionable by other militaries, but the people in Kefkaburg were worthless. The only reason he knew of that they held onto the garbage heap was its location in the Great Realms. Trade. Money. And, of course, they couldn't easily walk into Torregiano without having a fire at their hides.
So, Gradak waited. He patrolled. He instigated. He made indiscriminate slaughters of bums that were too drunk to know not to ask him for change. He didn't know how long he was going to be stuck in this hell, but he would show, he would prove he was worthy, and once back in Kefka's good graces, he would punish Terlon.
It was as he stood, dwelling on the favorite form of torture (slivers of bamboo beneath fingernails), when he felt the tremors in the air. Not real tremors, no, but the tremors of change. Something wasn't right, and his elven blood sensed it. "Hey, Rhay, can I take a break?"
"For what? And don't tell me for a piss, you can use the goddamned street for that, this whole place is a toilet."
"No, I have some needs to tend to."
"You have fifteen minutes then I better see your ass back at the gate or so help me, Kefka, you're going to be roasted."
"Right. Right."
Gradak entered the tower and slipped off his armors, putting his cloak on once more. He uttered a word and vanished. With stealth, in his element, he slipped through the streets, his half-elf ears pricked. At last, Nisstyre's Tavern, he heard the voices. He heard the tremor. "Word is they're getting ready."
"Ain't they been gettin' ready for years? Ain't nobody comin' Lou. No one gives two," here the man held up a drunken three fingers,
"shits bout this place. They came and left and came and left."
"Well this time it's real I tell you. Those fanatics and hell comin with em."
"Friend, you need another shot. You're delusin... delusun... crazy."
"I swear it's true. Brock said he heard Frey say he heard Howie say that they was gonna come. They was gonna stop these bas-"
Gradak looked up as the men went into sudden silence. Is'Kal had strolled in for a before shift drink. Is'Kal - the golden boy of the sky guard. Gradak wouldn't be sad to see something bad happen to him. Even the sound of his voice... no matter. The threads of the web had been disturbed. Perhaps if he could take the information back to Vector, he would be rewarded. If something was going to happen and they were ready... he'd be adored.
He slipped from the tavern and back to his heap of armors. He slipped them back on and went back to his post at the gate. Tonight, he would inch around the town, he would listen, he would do what he did best, then he would take all his findings straight back to Vector. This would be his redemption.
Utter Confusion
'I AM NOT AN ESPER!'
The shout rang loudly and echoed against the city walls. Claire looked over at Velentham, remembering him instantly from the time she arrived in his plane, but finding herself startled at the glowing silver that came from his eyes and the rage that floated on his features. This did not bode well. He was surrounded. 'You'll be powering Lord Kefka's airships soon enough!' one of the guards yelled.
'I'll take every last one of you down if you try anything, do you hear me?! '
'I'm going to grab him,' Gilean said. 'Help cover me?'
Claire agreed and as soon as Gilean stepped away, her entire body lit in brilliant lavendar flames. 'He's not an esper. If you're looking for an esper, you've found me.'
'There's another!!!' yelled the guards.
Claire smiled and began to chant, around her fingers began to dance the crackle of electricity, the charge tingling within her.
'CASTER! SHE'S A CASTER!!!'
The barely let off the spell before one of the guards arrived with the full intention of knocking her off her feet. Quickly, she sidestepped the blow only to be grabbed from behind. She sent electricity into her assailant and looked over, noting for the first time that the guards had indeed gone into the city for their own caster. The wizard stood well back, chanting as the skies began to darken. 'Gilean! Hurry!!'
Claire watched, horrified, as Gilean and Velentham ran toward her with meteors screaming from the skies. 'Clare, go!' Gilean shouted.
'NO! Not without you!'
It was sudden and swift as Velentham took to the air, gripping Gilean in one arm and sweeping Claire from the ground with the other. They sailed high into the sky at phenomenal speed, dodging lightning as it flashed around them. 'Claire, get us home,' Gilean said.
Only with her full concentration did Claire manage to get the spell to function in just the last moment. The arrived high above the Druid's Grove, staring down at the tiny cottage that was home.
The shout rang loudly and echoed against the city walls. Claire looked over at Velentham, remembering him instantly from the time she arrived in his plane, but finding herself startled at the glowing silver that came from his eyes and the rage that floated on his features. This did not bode well. He was surrounded. 'You'll be powering Lord Kefka's airships soon enough!' one of the guards yelled.
'I'll take every last one of you down if you try anything, do you hear me?! '
'I'm going to grab him,' Gilean said. 'Help cover me?'
Claire agreed and as soon as Gilean stepped away, her entire body lit in brilliant lavendar flames. 'He's not an esper. If you're looking for an esper, you've found me.'
'There's another!!!' yelled the guards.
Claire smiled and began to chant, around her fingers began to dance the crackle of electricity, the charge tingling within her.
'CASTER! SHE'S A CASTER!!!'
The barely let off the spell before one of the guards arrived with the full intention of knocking her off her feet. Quickly, she sidestepped the blow only to be grabbed from behind. She sent electricity into her assailant and looked over, noting for the first time that the guards had indeed gone into the city for their own caster. The wizard stood well back, chanting as the skies began to darken. 'Gilean! Hurry!!'
Claire watched, horrified, as Gilean and Velentham ran toward her with meteors screaming from the skies. 'Clare, go!' Gilean shouted.
'NO! Not without you!'
It was sudden and swift as Velentham took to the air, gripping Gilean in one arm and sweeping Claire from the ground with the other. They sailed high into the sky at phenomenal speed, dodging lightning as it flashed around them. 'Claire, get us home,' Gilean said.
Only with her full concentration did Claire manage to get the spell to function in just the last moment. The arrived high above the Druid's Grove, staring down at the tiny cottage that was home.
Things to Consider
Emalia found herself walking briskly to the Jihad compound. She carried her pack with her and thought about Colin the whole way. At least now she was able to leave the house claiming the need for alone time. The last argument they had was over the ridiculous Vectorian invasion and the danger she had been putting herself in. Then, like an idiot, she had attempted to use what her father had taught her, telling Colin to swing his sword so she could encase herself in her power. When Thasmudyan had done it, he easily deflected her blow. When she had Colin swing at her... she ended up with a cut and an angry red welt the width of his broadsword. Luckily, he had turned the blade flat. Luckily, she was a healer. But the incident had served to knock her down a peg. She was shaken now about her ability to protect herself and her child, and so, after finding Grobnak's office empty the first time, she decided to go back - renewed in her conviction that the answer was action. "Enter."
The hissing voice from beyond unnerved her a bit, but Emalia opened the large oak door with confidence. "Greetings, Child," Grobnak said after removing the spectacles from his black eyes.
"Hello Grobnak. I have to speak with you."
"If this is regarding the matter with the fellow you were with last time, I have offered my apologies." Indeed, that was the whole reason Emalia had avoided Grobnak. After his attempt on Colin's life, Emalia felt unsure about Grobnak's motives, and uncomfortable about the two of them ever meeting again.
"No, it is not in regards to Colin. It's in regard to the Vectorian invasion. Something must be done."
"The Pax Faerunis, who would save the people of the Realms lies back and does nothing while Kefka runs over their people. Yes? This is the hypocrisy I spoke to you of once before."
"Kefka must be stopped."
"We are already in the midst of negotiating with Kefka, in the hopes of alleviating the taxes he levies."
It was a relief for Emalia to hear this, though it left her wondering the extent of the things she didn't know. The Jihad was negotiating with Kefka and she had no idea. Still, it was nice to know that the group she also considered family was making moves to stop the invasion. Still, her thoughts drifted to the people of the realms. "It's terrible. The people need to unite, but no one has made move to do so."
"And you think that the Jihad can unite them? We must operate in shadow, Child. The world at large believes us to be evil..."
"Well we must show them we are not. If we show the people we are not evil, more may join with us," Emalia claimed. It was a stretch, she knew it was.
"All that we do is shadowed by questions because of our beliefs. Our motives will never be thought of as 'pure'."
"Then why will we not operate openly and do something? If we get Kefka out of here, who could say otherwise? People couldn't possibly question our motives."
"And if we succeed, Child? What then? Will the Pax regain control and then attempt to remove us, as well? Or will another tyrant stand in Kefka's place?"
When Emalia heard Grobnak's chortling laughter at her suggestion that the Paxian's might look at them differently, possibly ally with them, she felt a bit crushed. Grobnak admitted he was willing to try, but as Emalia found out, his trying was different from hers. Her thoughts went to what Epson had said about Kefka, and as a last ditch effort, she threw it out to Grobnak. "Kefka has threatened unborn even! I won't let my child be taken if I refuse his taxes."
At last, a reaction. Grobnak's black eyes turned to her, and in them, Emalia thought she sensed shock. "Your child?"
"Mine, and Colin's"
It was not the reaction Emalia had hoped for, but it did spark a discussion about the events that had transpired between Colin and Grobnak. It then evolved into the reasons for Emalia's even coming back to see him. I'm almost ashamed to admit I came here to ask about assassinating Kefka."
"That task would be far too difficult for us to accomplish, I'm afraid," Grobnak hissed. "The lunatic is well protected."
Emalia knew immediately what an assassination of Kefka would look like to the rest of the realms. It would only serve to reinforce the idea of the Jihad as murderers, and if the Guardians only knew one of their own was thinking of assassination... it was something she didn't really want to dwell upon. Still, Grobnak continued. "We have attempted to make contact with Kefka. He has not responded as yet."
Emalia nodded, hoping that Kefka would reply. If so, she wouldn't have to flee in order to save her family. The subject then went to Nephesh, with Grobnak's asking how their journey had gone. "Did you find the answers you sought?"
"I was only told to seek out the Balefire Mountains...And that after much travel and peril." Emalia's head was bowed, but when she looked up, she was a bit taken aback. Grobnak's normally deep green skin was paled, his mouth was pulled into a frown. "Do you know where they are?" Emalia asked.
Grobnak merely nodded, and Emalia's heart lept into her chest. Suddenly, Kefka and the Vectorians didn't matter. Her search for herself was nearer now than ever it had been before.
"You do?"
"I do, I was born there."
Of all the incredible coincidences, Emalia was utterly unprepared for this one. She inhaled a gasp, her eyes wide with excitement. "Then, you can tell me how to go... I mean, how to get there."
"I have not been there since my youth, I'm afraid."
"Mountains do not move so quickly. Can... can you draw me a map or give me a bit of guidance?"
Indeed, Grobnak pulled out a piece of yellowed parchment. Upon it was a map, and gingerly, Grobnak placed upon it a red "X". "You must seek out the ruins of my village. It is a frozen wasteland filled with orcs and barbarians, and other... creatures."
"What should I do when I get there?" Emalia asked with a heightened voice.
"I can't tell you that. I don't know the exact location of the Temple you seek."
Emalia nodded, looking at the "X" again while Grobnak spoke, "Is it any wonder that I, of all people, would be called to serve The Apprentice, when I am the last of my people? And born of these very mountains..."
"You are the last?"
Grobnak nodded as he handed the scroll case to Emalia. She slipped it into her pack, almost wishing she could set off immediately. That soon changed, however. "Child, you have come closer to solving a great riddle than any other since before the Sunite left."
Emalia stopped, turning her puzzled eyes onto Grobnak's face. "... What... riddle?" The question ignored, Grobnak pulled out the ritualistic dagger at his side and indicated his request for Emalia to kneel. Slowly, she did, but her mind was reeling. Riddle?
Grobnak spoke in a voice of officiation, "It would be better for you to throw yourself upon this dagger than for you to betray your family. Do you still believe in this oath?"
Suddenly, all of Emalia's conviction left her. She was there, kneeling on the ground, a dagger to her throat at the question of loyalty. 'What Riddle?!?" her mind screamed. Her face suddenly flushed, her breathing quickened, she swallowed, and her mouth hung open. 'What Riddle!!!?' Emalia's heart pounded in her chest, the rushing blood rising to her ears like the movement of waves upon the sea. "I... I don't know that I can say that right now..."
Grobnak looked upon her, his face clearly angry. Emalia bowed her head, cowed by the look of anger upon the face above hers. "I'm sorry..." she whispered.
"The map, if you will."
Emalia's head jerked up suddenly. "But..."
"We will not send someone out in search of the Temple who is not certain where her loyalties lie. There is too much at stake."
Again, the question of the riddle resurfaced. First riddle, now 'we will not send someone out, too much at stake. "Wait, I undertook this journey to find myself. Am I to understand I was sent for other reasons now?"
"Did I not suggest that you might find your answers at the temple? It was the journey that was important, Child. Not the destination."
"Yet you mention a riddle. What is the riddle. Tell me."
"The location of the Temple."
Emalia stared at Grobnak, shaken inside as he spoke the next words, "I did not lie to you, Child, if that is what you believe." Indeed, she did think that very thing. She reached into her pack and held toward Grobnak the oaken case containing his map. "All this talk of loyalty and betrayal," she whispered. "I thought you were trying to help me. Now I don't know what to think."
"We are trying to help."
"Are you?"
Emalia let the case be taken from her hand. She watched Grobnak slowly set it upon his desk and he calmly spoke, "The Temple of Light holds the power to destroy the RoK and leave it for another generation, or to resurrect The Apprentice and bring about the Rebirth. Would you leave it in the hands of someone uncertain where her loyalties lie, if she was also a member of an organization who would undo what we are working for?"
Emalia's whole world dropped onto her like a giant sack of bricks. She had been completely naive, completely blind, and completely foolish. She thought of Dorian in Luskan and how worried she was about Emalia asking after Keldon, now... it all became clear. She had been used. This, however, she couldn't even voice. Her body was numb, her stomach clenched with the threat of losing its contents. Grobnak went on, "I suggested the Temple of Light because you did not know where you were going, and because you needed to take a journey. It was your idea. I only gave you a very small hint at a direction. I never imagined that you would come close to finding it. I only imagined you would come close to finding the answers you sought."
"Why, did I not know this then?" Emalia asked, leaning heavily now upon the cherrywood desk.
"It should be in the book I gave you, Child."
The book, the damnable book. The one she sifted through only lightly, the one she thumbed through and never bothered to *truly* read. She set the volume on the desk - too weak even to hold it. "What am I to do? If I find this place... I have betrayed one family for the other. To not go, I have betrayed this family in favor of the other... Am I not first a Guardian? Or... or..."
"We are prisoners first to the world, second by the choices we make, Child. Oft because the world thrusts these choices upon us."
"I don't know what to do..."
"You will find the Temple, and you will be the savior of a generation, or of a world."
Emalia's stomach again revolted. Suddenly, her trip meant nothing. Her aim had been predestined, and the weight of the knowledge threatened to destroy her. "Then... I cannot remain with my Guardian family... if I go forth... I... I will have to l...leave them..."
"No, the Guardians would also want you to seek out the Temple. But for their own aims."
"Is that not what you seek?"
"Both the Guardians and the Jihad seek to stop the RoK and save the world. We just don't agree about how to do it. The Guardians are still young. They have not seen the generations and the destruction the RoK has caused when it has been stopped once but not forever. They do not understand Ao's treachery. I truly wish they did, Child. Sadly, it is the nature of time that those who have seen the past grow fewer as time passes, and new peoples take the stage and overrule those of us who have come before."
"It seems my only choices are to refuse and bring anger to both families... or go... and let them each fight for themselves... I will not choose sides... no." Emalia stood staring at Grobnak, her face red. "Do you want me to go, or do you fear my loyalties or lack thereof?"
"You will go whether I wish it or not, Child. That is your destiny"
Emalia had never been so disgusted with the word 'destiny' as she was at that very moment in time. The thought of having no choice, at least that she felt was of her own to make, sent her into reels of irritation and self-loathing. No matter what, death would be arriving in the realms, it only seemed that now she would be the one bringing it. She thought of her child, a poor child doomed to a world where the fate was bringing down the RoK early and possibly coming back, or having the RoK most likely fall altogether. She wanted to cry, but her soul seemed frozen.
Grobnak then spoke of a plane where she could go, where time flowed differently, where she could have her child, and be spared. This, however, only sent Emalia into a deeper chasm. Leave all she knew to spare her child? It was unacceptable.
She had made up her mind then to go to Jayden. He always knew what to do, it seemed, but this idea was thwarted soon after she mentioned it. Grobnak had a point, "There will come a time when you must choose, Child. I will not force it upon you, but I suspect that they will. As before, they will force this choice upon you, as they always do. I am sorry."
Oddly, it made some sort of sense. "Perhaps... you are right..." she whispered. "We are prisoners first to the world, And second to the choices that we make."
Emalia walked out, her steps sluggish upon the ground. Her boots caught on what felt like every branch and limb, every leaf seemed to hold her back. She truly did want to cry, but she couldn't. She felt more alone now - with a child in her, a loving companion, and two families - than she had ever felt in her entire life in the forests of Haon'Dor. Inside, her heart trembled... she was alone and the only thing it seemed that was ready to guide her way... was destiny.
The hissing voice from beyond unnerved her a bit, but Emalia opened the large oak door with confidence. "Greetings, Child," Grobnak said after removing the spectacles from his black eyes.
"Hello Grobnak. I have to speak with you."
"If this is regarding the matter with the fellow you were with last time, I have offered my apologies." Indeed, that was the whole reason Emalia had avoided Grobnak. After his attempt on Colin's life, Emalia felt unsure about Grobnak's motives, and uncomfortable about the two of them ever meeting again.
"No, it is not in regards to Colin. It's in regard to the Vectorian invasion. Something must be done."
"The Pax Faerunis, who would save the people of the Realms lies back and does nothing while Kefka runs over their people. Yes? This is the hypocrisy I spoke to you of once before."
"Kefka must be stopped."
"We are already in the midst of negotiating with Kefka, in the hopes of alleviating the taxes he levies."
It was a relief for Emalia to hear this, though it left her wondering the extent of the things she didn't know. The Jihad was negotiating with Kefka and she had no idea. Still, it was nice to know that the group she also considered family was making moves to stop the invasion. Still, her thoughts drifted to the people of the realms. "It's terrible. The people need to unite, but no one has made move to do so."
"And you think that the Jihad can unite them? We must operate in shadow, Child. The world at large believes us to be evil..."
"Well we must show them we are not. If we show the people we are not evil, more may join with us," Emalia claimed. It was a stretch, she knew it was.
"All that we do is shadowed by questions because of our beliefs. Our motives will never be thought of as 'pure'."
"Then why will we not operate openly and do something? If we get Kefka out of here, who could say otherwise? People couldn't possibly question our motives."
"And if we succeed, Child? What then? Will the Pax regain control and then attempt to remove us, as well? Or will another tyrant stand in Kefka's place?"
When Emalia heard Grobnak's chortling laughter at her suggestion that the Paxian's might look at them differently, possibly ally with them, she felt a bit crushed. Grobnak admitted he was willing to try, but as Emalia found out, his trying was different from hers. Her thoughts went to what Epson had said about Kefka, and as a last ditch effort, she threw it out to Grobnak. "Kefka has threatened unborn even! I won't let my child be taken if I refuse his taxes."
At last, a reaction. Grobnak's black eyes turned to her, and in them, Emalia thought she sensed shock. "Your child?"
"Mine, and Colin's"
It was not the reaction Emalia had hoped for, but it did spark a discussion about the events that had transpired between Colin and Grobnak. It then evolved into the reasons for Emalia's even coming back to see him. I'm almost ashamed to admit I came here to ask about assassinating Kefka."
"That task would be far too difficult for us to accomplish, I'm afraid," Grobnak hissed. "The lunatic is well protected."
Emalia knew immediately what an assassination of Kefka would look like to the rest of the realms. It would only serve to reinforce the idea of the Jihad as murderers, and if the Guardians only knew one of their own was thinking of assassination... it was something she didn't really want to dwell upon. Still, Grobnak continued. "We have attempted to make contact with Kefka. He has not responded as yet."
Emalia nodded, hoping that Kefka would reply. If so, she wouldn't have to flee in order to save her family. The subject then went to Nephesh, with Grobnak's asking how their journey had gone. "Did you find the answers you sought?"
"I was only told to seek out the Balefire Mountains...And that after much travel and peril." Emalia's head was bowed, but when she looked up, she was a bit taken aback. Grobnak's normally deep green skin was paled, his mouth was pulled into a frown. "Do you know where they are?" Emalia asked.
Grobnak merely nodded, and Emalia's heart lept into her chest. Suddenly, Kefka and the Vectorians didn't matter. Her search for herself was nearer now than ever it had been before.
"You do?"
"I do, I was born there."
Of all the incredible coincidences, Emalia was utterly unprepared for this one. She inhaled a gasp, her eyes wide with excitement. "Then, you can tell me how to go... I mean, how to get there."
"I have not been there since my youth, I'm afraid."
"Mountains do not move so quickly. Can... can you draw me a map or give me a bit of guidance?"
Indeed, Grobnak pulled out a piece of yellowed parchment. Upon it was a map, and gingerly, Grobnak placed upon it a red "X". "You must seek out the ruins of my village. It is a frozen wasteland filled with orcs and barbarians, and other... creatures."
"What should I do when I get there?" Emalia asked with a heightened voice.
"I can't tell you that. I don't know the exact location of the Temple you seek."
Emalia nodded, looking at the "X" again while Grobnak spoke, "Is it any wonder that I, of all people, would be called to serve The Apprentice, when I am the last of my people? And born of these very mountains..."
"You are the last?"
Grobnak nodded as he handed the scroll case to Emalia. She slipped it into her pack, almost wishing she could set off immediately. That soon changed, however. "Child, you have come closer to solving a great riddle than any other since before the Sunite left."
Emalia stopped, turning her puzzled eyes onto Grobnak's face. "... What... riddle?" The question ignored, Grobnak pulled out the ritualistic dagger at his side and indicated his request for Emalia to kneel. Slowly, she did, but her mind was reeling. Riddle?
Grobnak spoke in a voice of officiation, "It would be better for you to throw yourself upon this dagger than for you to betray your family. Do you still believe in this oath?"
Suddenly, all of Emalia's conviction left her. She was there, kneeling on the ground, a dagger to her throat at the question of loyalty. 'What Riddle?!?" her mind screamed. Her face suddenly flushed, her breathing quickened, she swallowed, and her mouth hung open. 'What Riddle!!!?' Emalia's heart pounded in her chest, the rushing blood rising to her ears like the movement of waves upon the sea. "I... I don't know that I can say that right now..."
Grobnak looked upon her, his face clearly angry. Emalia bowed her head, cowed by the look of anger upon the face above hers. "I'm sorry..." she whispered.
"The map, if you will."
Emalia's head jerked up suddenly. "But..."
"We will not send someone out in search of the Temple who is not certain where her loyalties lie. There is too much at stake."
Again, the question of the riddle resurfaced. First riddle, now 'we will not send someone out, too much at stake. "Wait, I undertook this journey to find myself. Am I to understand I was sent for other reasons now?"
"Did I not suggest that you might find your answers at the temple? It was the journey that was important, Child. Not the destination."
"Yet you mention a riddle. What is the riddle. Tell me."
"The location of the Temple."
Emalia stared at Grobnak, shaken inside as he spoke the next words, "I did not lie to you, Child, if that is what you believe." Indeed, she did think that very thing. She reached into her pack and held toward Grobnak the oaken case containing his map. "All this talk of loyalty and betrayal," she whispered. "I thought you were trying to help me. Now I don't know what to think."
"We are trying to help."
"Are you?"
Emalia let the case be taken from her hand. She watched Grobnak slowly set it upon his desk and he calmly spoke, "The Temple of Light holds the power to destroy the RoK and leave it for another generation, or to resurrect The Apprentice and bring about the Rebirth. Would you leave it in the hands of someone uncertain where her loyalties lie, if she was also a member of an organization who would undo what we are working for?"
Emalia's whole world dropped onto her like a giant sack of bricks. She had been completely naive, completely blind, and completely foolish. She thought of Dorian in Luskan and how worried she was about Emalia asking after Keldon, now... it all became clear. She had been used. This, however, she couldn't even voice. Her body was numb, her stomach clenched with the threat of losing its contents. Grobnak went on, "I suggested the Temple of Light because you did not know where you were going, and because you needed to take a journey. It was your idea. I only gave you a very small hint at a direction. I never imagined that you would come close to finding it. I only imagined you would come close to finding the answers you sought."
"Why, did I not know this then?" Emalia asked, leaning heavily now upon the cherrywood desk.
"It should be in the book I gave you, Child."
The book, the damnable book. The one she sifted through only lightly, the one she thumbed through and never bothered to *truly* read. She set the volume on the desk - too weak even to hold it. "What am I to do? If I find this place... I have betrayed one family for the other. To not go, I have betrayed this family in favor of the other... Am I not first a Guardian? Or... or..."
"We are prisoners first to the world, second by the choices we make, Child. Oft because the world thrusts these choices upon us."
"I don't know what to do..."
"You will find the Temple, and you will be the savior of a generation, or of a world."
Emalia's stomach again revolted. Suddenly, her trip meant nothing. Her aim had been predestined, and the weight of the knowledge threatened to destroy her. "Then... I cannot remain with my Guardian family... if I go forth... I... I will have to l...leave them..."
"No, the Guardians would also want you to seek out the Temple. But for their own aims."
"Is that not what you seek?"
"Both the Guardians and the Jihad seek to stop the RoK and save the world. We just don't agree about how to do it. The Guardians are still young. They have not seen the generations and the destruction the RoK has caused when it has been stopped once but not forever. They do not understand Ao's treachery. I truly wish they did, Child. Sadly, it is the nature of time that those who have seen the past grow fewer as time passes, and new peoples take the stage and overrule those of us who have come before."
"It seems my only choices are to refuse and bring anger to both families... or go... and let them each fight for themselves... I will not choose sides... no." Emalia stood staring at Grobnak, her face red. "Do you want me to go, or do you fear my loyalties or lack thereof?"
"You will go whether I wish it or not, Child. That is your destiny"
Emalia had never been so disgusted with the word 'destiny' as she was at that very moment in time. The thought of having no choice, at least that she felt was of her own to make, sent her into reels of irritation and self-loathing. No matter what, death would be arriving in the realms, it only seemed that now she would be the one bringing it. She thought of her child, a poor child doomed to a world where the fate was bringing down the RoK early and possibly coming back, or having the RoK most likely fall altogether. She wanted to cry, but her soul seemed frozen.
Grobnak then spoke of a plane where she could go, where time flowed differently, where she could have her child, and be spared. This, however, only sent Emalia into a deeper chasm. Leave all she knew to spare her child? It was unacceptable.
She had made up her mind then to go to Jayden. He always knew what to do, it seemed, but this idea was thwarted soon after she mentioned it. Grobnak had a point, "There will come a time when you must choose, Child. I will not force it upon you, but I suspect that they will. As before, they will force this choice upon you, as they always do. I am sorry."
Oddly, it made some sort of sense. "Perhaps... you are right..." she whispered. "We are prisoners first to the world, And second to the choices that we make."
Emalia walked out, her steps sluggish upon the ground. Her boots caught on what felt like every branch and limb, every leaf seemed to hold her back. She truly did want to cry, but she couldn't. She felt more alone now - with a child in her, a loving companion, and two families - than she had ever felt in her entire life in the forests of Haon'Dor. Inside, her heart trembled... she was alone and the only thing it seemed that was ready to guide her way... was destiny.
A Private Message
Our Emperor Lord Kefka,
May it please you to know that the Jenovese hereby offer our support in your rightful claim over the town of Westbridge. As loyal servants of The Apprentice, we feel it is our duty to offer arms and guardsmen in support of the defense of Westbridge against the pretentious Pax Faerunis and their allies.
Though the strength of your forces suggest that you are not in need of our humble supplies, what we can offer you is a secure and remote base from which to run your operations. All that we would ask in return is shared access to munitions and military apparatuses with which you operate.
Rumor would suggest that your wealth is great, so we cannot imagine that this arrangement would be of detriment to you, and one can never underestimate the value of a covert base in a war such as is sure to follow recent events. You may not need us, but we can certainly be of service to you.
If you should agree to this arrangement, you need only look to the RoK above and swear your allegiance to The Apprentice. We will seek you out after.
Ever Your Humble Servants,
The Jihad
May it please you to know that the Jenovese hereby offer our support in your rightful claim over the town of Westbridge. As loyal servants of The Apprentice, we feel it is our duty to offer arms and guardsmen in support of the defense of Westbridge against the pretentious Pax Faerunis and their allies.
Though the strength of your forces suggest that you are not in need of our humble supplies, what we can offer you is a secure and remote base from which to run your operations. All that we would ask in return is shared access to munitions and military apparatuses with which you operate.
Rumor would suggest that your wealth is great, so we cannot imagine that this arrangement would be of detriment to you, and one can never underestimate the value of a covert base in a war such as is sure to follow recent events. You may not need us, but we can certainly be of service to you.
If you should agree to this arrangement, you need only look to the RoK above and swear your allegiance to The Apprentice. We will seek you out after.
Ever Your Humble Servants,
The Jihad
A Study in the Way of The World
The Uktar air was crisp as Emalia walked toward Market Square. She had gotten herself out of the house, again with a white lie about needing to visit clan hall. "I'm going to have to do better than that," she thought. "Really." She took in a deep breath, thinking over her recent life changes, when the sign hanging up on Main Street, well, what was Main Street, caught her attention. "Main Street, Kefkaburg" it read. "What in the world..." Emalia continued on until reaching Market Square.
"Without others to rally to our cause, this may all be for naught..." The man who spoke the words had a golden hue to his skin and a pair of wings that caught Emalia off guard for a moment.
"I am a bit disturbed by this, profound number they seem to yield." This man Emalia knew as Sir Epson, a member of her own clan. Seeing the sign in the center of the square asking for taxes, as well as the renamed streets, Emalia ventured to ask what had been going on. "This is the work of the Vectorians," Epson stated.
Emalia knew very little of the Vectorians, and nothing at all of Kefka, but when Epson spoke of the collection of unborn children in exchange for taxes unpaid - it was all she could bear.
"Has no one begun a resistance?" Emalia asked.
"We have repulsed the attempts to obtain tax money thus far," spoke an Elven man.
"We have been doing what we can," Epson spoke, "Sammian, Khyron, Fflar, and I to stop their little waves here and there."
"I assume you two are Sammian and Khyron?" Emalia asked, looking from the winged man to the elven one. With this correct affirmation, introductions were made shortly before Jayden walked into the square.
A small surge of happiness overcame Emalia as she rushed to the man she called Grandfather, but the conversation that resumed sent Emalia into a bit of a depression. Jayden wanted for prayer and faith to resolve the problems. Epson, Khyron, and Sammian wanted some sort of action - though the more Emalia listened, the less convinced she became that they had a clear idea of exactly what to do. In fact, the more she listened to the conversation and the immortal power held by Kefka and the ruthlessness of both he and his followers, the less Emalia felt there was anything to be done.
"Perhaps... we should just pay them... perhaps if we just pool together money, they'll leave," Emalia suggested.
"That is not an option! They will return for more and more," Epson retorted.
"Hmm," Sammian began, "Faith, might provide the resolution we need to calm the masses."
Again with faith, thought Emalia. Faith obviously would not be enough for this wild man. "Sir Epson... what other option do we have? If we don't, have they not threatened to kill? Platinum is nothing compared to life."
"Give an inch and they will take a foot, Emalia. It's what they desire. You cannot honestly think they will stop once they are paid? Because I know differently."
"I would prefer death to life under the rule of that tyrant," Khyron said.
Emalia sat quietly, her mind ticking as the others spoke. She would not allow anyone to take her unborn child, nor would she allow anyone to harm those she cared for. She had heard Jayden's words on faith, prayer, and meditation - but she also knew from her own travels that faith, prayer, and meditation wouldn't stop an orc from slaying you if given the chance, nor stop the RoK in the sky. It was this thought that made her think of Grobnak, and the spies that once had followed her. She thought of the murders that had been committed by necessity, and it dawned on her that this was necessity. "I suppose, then, there will have to be death to prevent death. Perhaps... done in a subversive manner."
To speak of such a thing was unnerving to Emalia, but the knowledge of her child being in danger from a mad man, the knowledge of her family - both Jihad and Guardian - being subject to such torments had driven her to consider darker measures. "I could speak to Grobnak, he has many that engage in such... actions." Emalia lowered her head, detesting the fact she could even speak such words. "If they are assassinated... they can't lead... right?"
"We have no need to turn to Jihad," Khyron objected.
"I am of Jihad," Emalia answered softly. "Besides, something must be done. I am not one to wish death for any, but if we have nothing else but to wait on these vultures to pick off everyone around us, what other choice is there? The God's won't fight our petty battles for us. History is evidence of that."
"Why bother fighting Vector when the city would be destroyed by the RoK anyway?" said Khyron.
"Because, Sir Khyron," Emalia spoke calmly, "that will not bring about the rebirth of the Apprentice."
"Though we may not see eye to eye in terms of faith, we are all threatened by this tyranny," Sammian said.
"At any rate, if the Jihad become involved to stop Kefka... would you refuse the aid?" Emalia asked.
"Nay," said Sammian, "we need all the assistance we can muster."
It was settled in Emalia's mind. She would go to the compound and find Grobnak. She'd face him and talk to him and attempt to get the Jihad to help quell the Vectorian forces. The remaining group scattered at the spotting of a Vectorian Bomb, and Emalia cast a spell, landing her at the Compound gates.
She rushed to the chapel and down the stairs, but as she ran, something slowed her down. On her way to Grobnak's office were tapestries and portraits. Jenova's history was here, as well as some of the snarling and smiling faces of Jihad past and present. For reasons unknown they slowed her, but still, she walked on.
Knocking on Grobnak's door met her with no answer. She cracked the door and looked inside. No one. Though she had been in the room other times, she had not really noticed the tapestries that hung here, too. Jenovese and Talosians fighting battles and destroying their opposition. Quickly, Emalia reached into her pack and pulled forth a book given her long ago by Grobnak. She thumbed through a few of the pages until her eyes rested on a passage that read:
"The Vectorian Empire:
Though their bigotry toward espers is despicable, this empire seems the most likely resource to grant us the technology we need to overcome our foes. Convert them when you can. Destroy only those you must. Treat themas you would an ally, but never turn your back on them,or you will discover their treacherous ways."
Emalia slowly closed her book and sat heavily in the chair in Grobnak's office. She leaned her head on the back of the seat and looked upward to the ceiling and closed her eyes. She suddenly had the answer to any Jihad rising up against the Vectorians... and the book held the clearest warning she had regarding this takeover. For the first time, Emalia was afraid. For the first time, she saw just how opposing her loyalties were. For the millionth time, she found herself wondering... "What now?"
"Without others to rally to our cause, this may all be for naught..." The man who spoke the words had a golden hue to his skin and a pair of wings that caught Emalia off guard for a moment.
"I am a bit disturbed by this, profound number they seem to yield." This man Emalia knew as Sir Epson, a member of her own clan. Seeing the sign in the center of the square asking for taxes, as well as the renamed streets, Emalia ventured to ask what had been going on. "This is the work of the Vectorians," Epson stated.
Emalia knew very little of the Vectorians, and nothing at all of Kefka, but when Epson spoke of the collection of unborn children in exchange for taxes unpaid - it was all she could bear.
"Has no one begun a resistance?" Emalia asked.
"We have repulsed the attempts to obtain tax money thus far," spoke an Elven man.
"We have been doing what we can," Epson spoke, "Sammian, Khyron, Fflar, and I to stop their little waves here and there."
"I assume you two are Sammian and Khyron?" Emalia asked, looking from the winged man to the elven one. With this correct affirmation, introductions were made shortly before Jayden walked into the square.
A small surge of happiness overcame Emalia as she rushed to the man she called Grandfather, but the conversation that resumed sent Emalia into a bit of a depression. Jayden wanted for prayer and faith to resolve the problems. Epson, Khyron, and Sammian wanted some sort of action - though the more Emalia listened, the less convinced she became that they had a clear idea of exactly what to do. In fact, the more she listened to the conversation and the immortal power held by Kefka and the ruthlessness of both he and his followers, the less Emalia felt there was anything to be done.
"Perhaps... we should just pay them... perhaps if we just pool together money, they'll leave," Emalia suggested.
"That is not an option! They will return for more and more," Epson retorted.
"Hmm," Sammian began, "Faith, might provide the resolution we need to calm the masses."
Again with faith, thought Emalia. Faith obviously would not be enough for this wild man. "Sir Epson... what other option do we have? If we don't, have they not threatened to kill? Platinum is nothing compared to life."
"Give an inch and they will take a foot, Emalia. It's what they desire. You cannot honestly think they will stop once they are paid? Because I know differently."
"I would prefer death to life under the rule of that tyrant," Khyron said.
Emalia sat quietly, her mind ticking as the others spoke. She would not allow anyone to take her unborn child, nor would she allow anyone to harm those she cared for. She had heard Jayden's words on faith, prayer, and meditation - but she also knew from her own travels that faith, prayer, and meditation wouldn't stop an orc from slaying you if given the chance, nor stop the RoK in the sky. It was this thought that made her think of Grobnak, and the spies that once had followed her. She thought of the murders that had been committed by necessity, and it dawned on her that this was necessity. "I suppose, then, there will have to be death to prevent death. Perhaps... done in a subversive manner."
To speak of such a thing was unnerving to Emalia, but the knowledge of her child being in danger from a mad man, the knowledge of her family - both Jihad and Guardian - being subject to such torments had driven her to consider darker measures. "I could speak to Grobnak, he has many that engage in such... actions." Emalia lowered her head, detesting the fact she could even speak such words. "If they are assassinated... they can't lead... right?"
"We have no need to turn to Jihad," Khyron objected.
"I am of Jihad," Emalia answered softly. "Besides, something must be done. I am not one to wish death for any, but if we have nothing else but to wait on these vultures to pick off everyone around us, what other choice is there? The God's won't fight our petty battles for us. History is evidence of that."
"Why bother fighting Vector when the city would be destroyed by the RoK anyway?" said Khyron.
"Because, Sir Khyron," Emalia spoke calmly, "that will not bring about the rebirth of the Apprentice."
"Though we may not see eye to eye in terms of faith, we are all threatened by this tyranny," Sammian said.
"At any rate, if the Jihad become involved to stop Kefka... would you refuse the aid?" Emalia asked.
"Nay," said Sammian, "we need all the assistance we can muster."
It was settled in Emalia's mind. She would go to the compound and find Grobnak. She'd face him and talk to him and attempt to get the Jihad to help quell the Vectorian forces. The remaining group scattered at the spotting of a Vectorian Bomb, and Emalia cast a spell, landing her at the Compound gates.
She rushed to the chapel and down the stairs, but as she ran, something slowed her down. On her way to Grobnak's office were tapestries and portraits. Jenova's history was here, as well as some of the snarling and smiling faces of Jihad past and present. For reasons unknown they slowed her, but still, she walked on.
Knocking on Grobnak's door met her with no answer. She cracked the door and looked inside. No one. Though she had been in the room other times, she had not really noticed the tapestries that hung here, too. Jenovese and Talosians fighting battles and destroying their opposition. Quickly, Emalia reached into her pack and pulled forth a book given her long ago by Grobnak. She thumbed through a few of the pages until her eyes rested on a passage that read:
"The Vectorian Empire:
Though their bigotry toward espers is despicable, this empire seems the most likely resource to grant us the technology we need to overcome our foes. Convert them when you can. Destroy only those you must. Treat themas you would an ally, but never turn your back on them,or you will discover their treacherous ways."
Emalia slowly closed her book and sat heavily in the chair in Grobnak's office. She leaned her head on the back of the seat and looked upward to the ceiling and closed her eyes. She suddenly had the answer to any Jihad rising up against the Vectorians... and the book held the clearest warning she had regarding this takeover. For the first time, Emalia was afraid. For the first time, she saw just how opposing her loyalties were. For the millionth time, she found herself wondering... "What now?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)