Ch. 1
Hushed whispers filled the corridor of one of the Planet's most powerful kingdoms. Servants darted in and out of the elaborate doors that stood at the end of the long hallway. Light from the candles danced on the intricate designs of the tapestries hanging from the stone walls. Scenes of great battles and beasts were sewn into the fabric; a knight standing atop a mound, sword held high as he released a cry, or a great sea serpent that wrapped itself around a globe. No one took notice of the artwork as they scurried in and out of the great doors.
A man of medium stature strode down the hall, his leather boots padding softly on the cold floor. Despite his quick pace, he managed a slouching posture. His grimy woolen cape streamed slightly behind him, revealing a wand of wood at his hip. His hair flared brilliant crimson and on his face were tattoos equally red. The small slash tattoos ran along his high cheek bones, seemingly like fresh cuts in his skin.
As he reached the end of the hallway, he stopped before another man who stood beside the doors. This man's trousers and tunic were meticulously cleaned and straightened, giving him the air of a perfectionist. While his skin was very pale, his oil black hair was slicked back, revealing eyes just as dark and a small dot in the center of his head. His straight posture brought him a couple inches above the other man. As the redhead approached, the new man's arms crossed in front of his chest. He stared at the other's filthy clothes pointedly and gave a short sigh. The redhead simply gave a smirk.
"The king called. What's this I'm hearing about an illness? Surely His Majesty and that rumor aren't connected?" the red haired man asked, his eyes boring into those of the black haired man.
"They are. King Shinra has developed a sickness in the past two months. Even if you have just returned from spy duty, Reno, you know you must keep yourself up to date on matters involving your king," the black haired man chastised him. "Despite the efforts of our best healers, sorcerers, and other magicians, nothing has worked and the king's health is on the serious decline. We have been searching the lands for other options to get our hands on a cure at Prince Rufus' orders. We've come out empty handed so far, but a special visitor arrived not long ago. She spoke of something that has potential to be a treatment for the king's condition." During the long explanation, the red head fidgeted as he waited for the other man to finish.
"Well, what is it?" asked Reno impatiently, as the man stopped to take a breath.
"We have been ordered to discuss it only in the presence of the king and higher officials. That is why you were summoned back here from Wutai. You've kept everyone waiting long enough, although your timing at the moment is impeccable; we were just gathering the others to meet with the king. Rude will arrive any moment, and then we will head into the king's chamber. Speaking of which," – the other man looked Reno over in disdain – "I hope you weren't planning on wearing that filthy piece of cloth in the king's presence."
Reno gave another smirk.
"If you insist, I'll leave it out here, Boss," he sneered. The other man's brows lowered slightly. His hand drifted down to his right hip where a danger hung from his belt. His hand wrapped around the hilt and lifted the dagger an inch from the sheath, baring a silver gleam of metal.
"Speak to those ranked higher than you with respect, Reno," the other man murmured in warning, "or else I will give you a lesson you won't soon forget."
Reno's smirk died away, leaving a disgruntled look on his face. He shook off his cape and tossed it into a corner, turning away from the other man. He glanced down the hall to see another man hurrying toward them.
The newcomer was a large man. Included with his great height was his powerful build. His tanned chin was covered in dark stubble, while his scalp was completely devoid of hair. Large muscles filled his leather jerkin and linen sleeves, giving him an imposing presence. A sheathed sword bounced on his left hip. He came to a stop before the other two men. A deep voice rumbled out of his throat. "It appears I'm late. My apologies."
Reno perked up at the bald man's arrival.
"Hey, Rude! Long time no see, eh?"
The black haired man cleared his throat, the sound he gave off obviously fake. It sounded similar to a strangled dog.
"Now that you have your other half here, Reno, we'll enter the meeting," he said shortly before marching to the doors and pushing his way through. Reno and Rude slowly followed his footsteps. Reno leaned over to Rude, whispering behind his hand.
"Tseng is a bit high strung. Is this meeting that important?"
Rude gave his friend a suffering glance.
"The king is dying and this meeting is discussing something that could save him. Of course it's important, you fool."
Reno just shrugged and entered into the king's chambers, Rude only a step behind.
The room was ornate and filled with signs of great wealth. Thick, rich tapestries of much higher quality than those in the hallway hung from all the walls, and numerous animal furs were spread across the floor as well as the sick king's bed. Gold covered everything: the bed posts, the door knob, even the tapestries had gold strands glinting through their tassels. In the center of the room was a large bed. Nurses swarmed around it, but at the sight of the three men who had entered, they all gave a bow as they dismissed themselves from the room. They knew a meeting had been called. As they left, the sick king became visible as well as his son who was seated in a chair next to his bed.
Reno, Rude, and Tseng walked to the foot of the bed and each kneeled with his head bowed. The sick king gave a hoarse cough and his shoulders began to shake. His large wrinkled hands scrunched up the covers as he struggled to breathe. The blond Prince Rufus stood up, doing nothing to comfort his father.
"The king is sick," he stated matter-of-factly.
"Like we didn't already know that," whispered Reno under his breath. Rude jabbed him in the ribs. Rufus' face twisted into a grimacing smirk before he continued.
"We discussed possible healing sources and techniques with all of our doctors. Every single one has been executed and every single one failed. However, one of our guest healers mentioned a very interesting rumor. Supposedly in our neighboring land of Midgar, there is a spring that contains water with powerful healing properties. Because all of our ways of healing have failed, we have decided to use this spring water as a last resort."
"So you're gonna send us east to Midgar to fetch some water? I got it, this is gonna be a piece of cake!" crowed Reno. Rufus smirked again and shook his head.
"It is not that simple. The spring is guarded by a village that many travelers call Nibelheim. According to them, the village has a powerful spirit warrior who guards the spring. Some of the people we have interrogated about the spring have said that it is even protected by the gods."
"Whose gods? Surely not ours," Reno exclaimed. Tseng sighed from the left.
"Of course not, you simpleton. The gods he is referring to are the gods of that region, not our gods of Ivalice. Do you even know anything about Midgar?" The redhead just shook his head, earning another huff of annoyance from his leader. "It seems you're going to have quite an educational trip."
Reno turned back to Rufus. "Seems like you'll have to send more men than just us three to get this done! We can't fight off a whole village for the water!"
"You aren't going to fight of the villagers," Rufus explained. "You are to go there peacefully and politely request the water. Force will not work for us here; it would be a waste of time and money to send our army into rugged mountain terrain. Mount Nibel is infamous for the number of people who slipped and met their demise on its slopes. We need to have the villagers cooperate with us, and to get the best results you must be courteous and respectful. You need to contact the spirit warrior. According to our source, he is called the gothar. Be quick because the time left for the king is short, but remember to tread carefully with these strangers. Our country's wellbeing will feel all the results from your decisions and actions. It is in your best interest to not fail this mission."
Rude broke his silence. "Will we be given provisions and mounts for this trip?" To everyone's surprise, the king spoke up instead of his son.
"We will provide our fastest and most surefooted chocobos," his low tired voice was barely heard by the men. "You will receive enough provisions for both trips up and down the mountain, but it is up to you to make sure the mission is finished before they go bad."
A sudden coughing fit seized the king and he fell forward, coughing into his hands as his face went white. Rufus made a motion to help him as the other three men jumped to their feet in alarm. Before anyone could lay a hand on the king his coughing fit ceased just as abruptly as it had appeared. King Shinra pressed a hand to his chest as he gasped for air. He slowly raised his head to meet the eyes of the three men at the foot of his bed. His dull blue eyes glinted fiercely through hanging strands of blonde hair.
"You are Turks. You will succeed this mission. You will bring back the water and heal me. You have no other choice."