~Broken Wings~
Chapter 1
"Against the enemies who have fought me, I am their demise. To those who know me, I am without vice. To my lord and no other, I am most loyal. I go by many names, most of which make me into a creature of others' own design: a vulture, a goddess, a monster. But there is one name that stands above all the rest. I am Eve, the only knight in House Solidor. That is how I intend it to stay."
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy XII. None of its characters belong to me. I make no profit off this work of fiction. This story is only to amuse me in my spare time and to hopefully be enjoyed by the ones who choose to read it.
A knight's duty is to protect their lord at all costs.
The worn linen whispered over my skin as I slipped it over my head, the feel of the material as familiar as my own hands. This first layer of protection, fitted to mould to my chest and stomach, the long sleeves an extra layer of protection against swords and other weapons, was the lightest part of my ensemble. The chain mail, made for me alone, goes overtop the linen padding. I secured the second layer tightly with a belt before draping yet another shirt around me. With it, my armour is hidden.
A knight's loyalties are to their lord and no other.
I tightened my boots before securing my greaves and belting my sword to my waist. The weight of my blade is comforting, a reminder to those watching that I am not to be trifled with. With my armour and weapons with me, I am ready. On the bed beside me, Sabine lifted her head, yawning as she shook herself thoroughly. Being almost fully grown, she nearly took up the tiny space. Leaping off of the bed, she gave my leg a quick nuzzle before taking her place at my side. I stroked her head, schooling my features into an emotionless mask.
To guard a lord with one's life is the highest honour a knight could hope for.
The door slid open, and we made our way down the long corridor of the Ifrit. Imperials salute me as I pass, and I nod to them in return. As a knight in the service of the royal family of Archadia, I was above the rank of mere foot soldiers. I was second only to the Judges. Though I needed not bow to any save those higher in status, I made a point of acknowledging the Imperials. They were soldiers in the Archadian army, and they were my brothers in arms. To make it seem as though I cared not about their worth was tantamount to suicide. I needed them to protect the royal family, themselves, and even my own life if the situation called for it. Though they are not my equals in position, we are all alike in purpose: we serve Archadia, and to do so requires a bond of great trust. I have earned their trust, though it took me much longer to learn it from them in turn.
I reached the room I had been instructed to wait at, and did so, in Imperial guard position: my hands folded behind my back, my back perfectly straight, and my eyes forward. Sabine sat at my feet, placing her chin on her paws. As an Imperial passed, she gave a low growl of warning. The poor man shied away, muttering a not-so-subtle curse. I hid a smile as she looked up at me, her tongue lolling as she panted happily. Sabine has been my companion ever since I reached my tenth year. My lord had given her to me when she had been a squalling, furious pup. Few could claim to have tamed a wolf from the Paramina Rift, but I had done so, showing Sabine more patience than I had with most people. I suffered through her bites and gouges, patiently feeding her when she was too exhausted to fight, keeping her warm since her fur had been rubbed too thin to provide proper warmth. Eventually she stopped growling at me when I approached, instead showing me the same love and affection I showed her. She was loyal only to me, battling by my side and snarling at those she knew that I should not trust.
The door behind me slid open with a hiss of compressed air, and my lord stepped out towards me. I stepped to the side, bowing once I faced him, keeping my eyes lowered until his hand touched my shoulder, bidding me to rise.
"I have told you before that you need not bow like a common servant to me, Eve."
"And yet if I did not, those watching would think that you are not to be respected, my lord." He chuckled, shaking his head at me. It is an argument that will never have a victor between my lord and me. I have served him for nearly ten years, and I insist upon showing him the respect and loyalty I have for him. However, he believes that we, having known each other for as long as we have, are beyond the simple relationship of servant and master.
"We are friends, are we not?" He enquired softly, his eyes briefly fixing on Sabine before flicking up to meet mine. His eyes, the darkest shade of blue I've ever seen, possess both the iron will of the empire and a kindness that very few can see. When I first looked into his eyes I was filled with terror at their coldness. It was only later that I realized that coldness was a wall, keeping those he could not trust out. Few could claim to have seen the warmth that could illuminate his gaze. I was proud to be one of those few.
"Of course." I say this as quietly as I can. There are countless ears around us, countless mouths that could spread words like wildfire within a matter of seconds. I could never be ashamed of the friendship I shared with him, but if any were to know the full extent of it we could be used against one another at a critical moment. "But I would rather my reputation be thrown to the dogs than have you disrespected, my lord." He smiled, his eyes showing his approval.
"Walk with me, Eve." Sabine looked at him with animosity in her bright blue eyes before rising to her feet and falling in step on my right side. My lord walks on my left. I relished this, the moment when we become a pair, known throughout the empire and to the lands beyond as knight and master.
Lord Vayne Carudas Solidor, the eldest son of the Archadian Empire. I have served him since my earliest years, ever since my parents were killed. He found me when I was just a child, wandering through Old Archades, nearly dead from starvation. He took me into his own family, fed and healed me, and raised me to obey the rules of Archadia. Through his influence I learned to fight, to become the best so that I could stay at his side and protect him. I owed him my life and much more.
"My lord!" An Imperial came to us, bowing at the waist. "The Judges ask that you oversee their plan of action for the insurgents."
"Very well." Lord Vayne followed the Imperial, and I followed him, Sabine right on my heels. We entered the spacious bridge, where two of the Judge Magisters and the Judges of lesser rank crowded around the large holographic map that showed all of Ivalice. I stared in awe at the armour-bedecked men, again hoping for the day that I would join their ranks and earn the title Judge Magister myself. Not allowing myself to let the dream sweep me away, I scanned my surroundings. At the moment the location on the map was centered over the Dalmascan capital of Rabanastre, our destination. The small country had been in thrall the past two years, ever since their king had been slaughtered by one of his own, and so Lord Vayne had been appointed to become consul of Rabanastre. He had many plans for the conquered nation, ones that would give the Dalmascans a hope for the future.
"We need to draw out the insurgents," Judge Ghis, one of the Judge Magisters, explained to Lord Vayne as he examined the map himself. "Yet no matter our methods, they continue to evade us. The Imperials stationed within Rabanastre cannot find any trace of them." I stayed in the shadows, knowing that unless Lord Vayne summoned me, it was not my place to state my opinion on the matter. Judge Ghis continued by telling of the situation in Bhujerba, where many more insurgents were fighting against the empire.
"The insurgents must be brought to heel, but we cannot do that if they manage to slip through our fingers," Judge Zargabaath murmured. Lord Vayne is silent, a slight frown on his lips. His dark hair fell to his shoulders in length, one side swept away from his face while the other drifted over his eye, hiding it from view. Sabine stirred restlessly beside me, wanting to move. I reached down to pet her, silently urging her to be still.
"Eve. Tell me what you make of this." Lord Vayne gestured to me, beckoning me forward. I joined the circle of Judges and look carefully at the pixel-created images before me. The map had been expanded to show all of Ivalice, containing the capital of Archadia and the long flight between Archades to Nabradia, and a step further to Dalmascan lands, was crowded with many tiny figures that represented the fleet hovering over Rabanastre. The First fleet, consisting of nearly a thousand small airships, five hundred greater ships, and the Ifrit, the pride of the Archadian Empire, nearly blackened the Dalmascan royal city from sight.
"Our forces are too conspicuous, my lord."
"Explain," he said, his eyes narrowing as several Judges sneered at one another, mocking me. They quietened, but I hardly gave them the attention they craved in the first place.
"The insurgents strike fast and hard. The last seven attacks upon our fleets and strongholds have been when either the Imperial count was low or the defenses were not as they are in Archades. When we have tried to retaliate, they disappear into the shadows, under our radar because we bring out our troops in force." I paused, letting my words sink in. One of the Judges cringed at the mention of the failed attempts to hunt down the renegades. "I suggest that we move the fleet-"
"Do you wish to have the insurgents come upon us like rats?" Judge Ghis demanded, his mouth twisted into an ugly grimace.
"Move the fleet," I continued, "to Bhujerba. The reports from the Imperials stationed there, as well as our spies upon Marquis Ondore, have suspected that there may be several groups supporting the insurgents in their fight. With the increased soldiers, the rebels will not be able to make their move as they intended, and it will be all the easier to find them. Though the marquis's law states that our army cannot breach Bhujerban soil, we can let this rule slide by placing false investigations." I took a breath, placing my words carefully. "One Judge Magister can bring a troop in and claim to be looking into the reports of Ondore giving assistance to the rebellion. Another troop can go into the city and ask questions about how the rebellion has managed to slip past our defenses. That should be more than enough to even the numbers in Dalmascan soil and Bhujerba.
"As for the insurgents in Rabanastre-" I moved my fingers over the map, gripping the image of the Ifrit between my fingers and lifting it until it reached the shimmering haze that indicated clouds. "We move the Ifrit, but only up far enough so that the cloaking device upon the ship cannot be detected.
"If we make it appear as though we are arrogant, that we believe we are powerful enough that we don't need the fleet to keep the Rabanastrans in line, the insurgents will come out of their hiding places. As they emerge, the Ifrit will drop down and launch all of its firepower, decimating them before they can make a move." Silence followed my suggestion before Judge Zargabaath nodded.
"That is a sound plan. Even without the fleet, the Ifrit has enough weapons to protect it from harm and bring down our enemies. We can use the extra soldiers in Bhujerba to keep Ondore in line as well."
"Thank you, Eve." Lord Vayne placed a hand on my shoulder. I bowed my head before retreating back to the wall. I kept my happiness at pleasing him disguised. Judge Ghis, his face hidden beneath a helmet of pure gold, shaped into that of a creature with horns, stared at me. He'd quickly slipped the helmet over his head to hide his expression. I'd little doubt that he was silently loathing me, hating me for taking away Lord Vayne's attention. Judge Ghis has never approved of me, but he dares not say it in front of Lord Vayne. That is one of the many reasons why I have no respect for him. He may wear the armour of a Judge Magister, but he is truly a coward at heart.
"We will begin moving the fleet immediately," Judge Zargabaath said. "The Ifrit will be above Rabanastre in a matter of moments, my lord. Will you need anything else?" Lord Vayne smiled as he straightened, turning his back on the Judges and facing me.
"I have Eve. That is enough." His lips curled into a strange, sensual smile, his eyes growing bright with something I couldn't recognize. Sabine growled low in her throat. I shushed her, confused as I always was by her behavior towards him. I understood why she showed her displeasure towards Imperials and certain Judges, but Lord Vayne was someone I could trust without doubt. The man had given me a life, a future. I knew him as well as he did me. He would never betray me.
We left the bridge, a troop of Imperials escorting us to a smaller ship within the hanger bay. The Ifrit was far too large to fit into any aerodrome. We took an Atomos, even though it was hardly complimentary to Lord Vayne's status. I learned long ago that to complain was to earn scathing words of contempt, so I kept quiet, focusing on keeping Sabine still and my eyes alert. Even surrounded by Imperials, even being piloted by a Judge that I knew personally, I couldn't let my guard down. Doing so was inviting either someone who was against the empire or a radical within Archades itself, somehow damaged by the royal family's will, to bring a dagger to Lord Vayne's back.
Sabine whined happily as the thick doors of the ship opened, a blast of heavy, stiflingly hot air rushing out at us, making my hair billow out behind me. She would have bolted out if it weren't for my hushed murmur. She pranced at my side, but did not run. Six Imperials, marching two-by-two, guarded our front, while the same number of men watched our backs. I didn't let my guard drop, instead searching every nook and cranny of the long path that led towards the great city of Rabanastre.
It once was even greater, although two full years had passed since that time. Dalmasca was a small – compared to Archadia and Rozarria, respectively – kingdom, once ruled by King Raminas. We had been at war with the Rozarrians, and Dalmasca, as well as many smaller nations, stood in the way of both armies. The warlords, including Lord Vayne, had seen conquering Dalmasca as a way of protecting them from the savagery of the Rozarrians. Of course, to the Dalmascans we were nothing more than invaders, and retaliated. Compared to Archadia's might, the Dalmascans never had a chance. Lord Vayne's plan was to have a peaceful surrender. There were plans to sign a treaty with King Raminas's seal and his own upon it. He wanted Dalmasca's cooperation, but the actions of one man changed everything.
His name was Sir Basch fon Ronsenburg. He was Dalmasca's finest captain, and also its downfall. Even those in Archadia had respect for him until he betrayed King Raminas. The night of the treaty-signing, Ronsenburg turned on his king, slaughtering him on his own throne. Because of this Raminas's daughter, Princess Ashelia, killed herself. Basch was taken into our custody and swiftly executed, but his deeds could not be undone. I hadn't been there to see it. But Lord Vayne never lied to me, so I believed him when he told me he regretted having to see King Raminas lying in a pool of his own blood. He regretted killing one of the few men outside of Archadia that he respected as a warrior.
But the past was the past. I had to focus on the present, where my attention was most needed. I felt the burning sun's heat pressing down on me, sweat beginning to trickle down my temples and the back of my neck. Sabine darted away, only to leap back to my side moments later, and then begin the cycle anew. We entered through Rabanastre's western gates, where the scorching blaze immediately increased. It was not only the sun's rays that felt as though they were cooking me in my armour, but the proximity of all the inhabitants of the city, the warmth of their bodies adding to the stifling pressure. Humes, viera, bangaa, moogles, seeq, and even nu mou lived in the once-royal city. Add the Imperials stationed here, and Rabanastre was almost as unbearable as the desert beyond it. The locals seemed not to notice the heat, although Archadia was much colder than here.
"I must speak with those who are running the fete," Lord Vayne said, bringing his mouth close to my ear so the ones near us could not hear his words. "Search the city for any suspicious activity, and return to report your findings. Search the surrounding desert if any citizens have recently left Rabanastre."
"As you wish, my lord." A small knot of anxiety tightened in my chest. It made me feel uneasy, being away from him. I knew Imperials were skilled – they were trained to be the moment they joined the militia. But they did not possess my prowess, nor did they have the experience I did. I wanted to be the one at his side, not some fool who decided that he could defend Lord Vayne as I could. Orders were orders, however, even if I did not like them. I turned to leave, whistling softly for Sabine to follow. Before I could take a single step, he grasped my arm, surprising me into stillness. "Sir?"
"Be safe." He smiled, his thumb brushing over the pulse in my wrist. His lips held the same peculiar smile he'd given me aboard the Ifrit. I feel my cheeks redden at the strangely intimate touch before nodding. He released me, stepping back. Several Imperials move in to take my place. Lord Vayne's gaze lingered before he turned towards a man approaching him, one whose skin was tanned and muscle defined each ounce of his chest, stomach, and arms.
"Sabine." She yipped in reply, happy to walk instead of sitting around. As we left the central gates and moved towards the northern part of the city, I touched the place where Lord Vayne's hand had just been. This had not been the first time Lord Vayne has done so. Before we left Archades, I began noticing that he looked at me whenever he thought I wasn't returning his gaze. When I handed him reports or bowed, his touch on my hand or shoulder would last longer than necessary.
My thoughts couldn't remain on Lord Vayne for long. Just a moment later, screams and curses suddenly blared out from the steady chatter coming from the civilians. Everything, except for the low, guttural grunts of pain and the pleading voice of a young boy, became deathly quiet. I feared for the worst, and nearly groaned at the sight before me. Two Imperials, clearly those of upper rank, were holding down a boy no older than twelve. Gil was scattered over the ground, a slitted purse lying near one of the Imperials' feet.
"I swear, I didn't do anything!" The boy screamed, thrashing wildly in the Imperials' grip. One of the soldiers released the boy, only to pull out a dagger from his belt. The second Imperial pinned the boy down against a cart laden with fruits and vegetables, stretching out one of the skinny arms. The boy wailed in fright, pleading for someone to help him. The people around him were angry, but they did nothing to interfere. Any attempt to do so would only secure their punishment. I looked again at the purse, realizing that the cut was too clean for it to have been a thief.
"You'll know the price for stealing from an Imperial," one of the armoured men said smugly, lifting the dagger up above his head. The crowds of people looking on were unable to do anything but watch.
Just as his arm began its descent I caught the wrist of the man holding the dagger, my muscles straining to keep him from cutting the boy's hand from his arm. The Imperial snarled wordlessly before he turned to me, his curse dying on his lips. The other Imperial stuttered a greeting, releasing the boy, who huddled against the ground sobbing.
"Lady Eve," the first Imperial said, bowing hastily, his companion doing the same. "We weren't-"
"Shame." I glared at both of them. "Shame on you for pretending this boy did you wrong. Shame for trying to set an example where none needed to be made." Sabine trotted forward, growling at the Imperials. "You shame the empire which you serve. Get out of my sight." They left without another word, leaving me, Sabine, the onlookers, and the poor child scrambling to his feet. I knelt down, taking hold of his arm. He flinched, trying to pull away. There were several bruises on his wrist and forearm, almost black from the Imperials' unforgiving hold.
"I didn't do anything," he whispered, tears still falling. I looked at him, took in his dirty face and patched clothes, and murmured a spell of healing. White light pooled into my palm before sinking into the boy's skin, erasing the bruises. He gaped at me, his bright brown eyes wide with disbelief. I rose, turning towards the vendor beside us. He was open-mouthed in astonishment, rotted teeth peering out behind thick, chapped lips.
"Does this boy have family?" I asked. The vendor swallowed, slowly shaking his head. I unhooked my purse from my belt, shaking out a good handful of gil before placing it in the boy's hands. "Keep this and yourself safe. Do not go near the Imperials anymore." His eyes widened further, and before I knew what he was doing he threw himself forward, wrapping his little arms around my legs and squeezing me tightly before he bolted into the busy streets. He disappeared almost instantly into the crowds. The silence from the astonished civilians was soon filled with chatter and gossip. I went on my way, Sabine following close behind.
Imperials do not share my views on being fair to citizens, whether they were merchant class, rich or poor, Dalmascan or Archadian. Because of their status in the militia, they believed they could get what they wanted whenever they desired. It made my stomach curl to even think of the unfairness Imperials had done to the Dalmascans. What honour was there in demeaning an already broken kingdom? What could be gained from lording power over people who had no hope?
I searched all of Rabanastre for activity that could have alerted me to the rebels, but there was nothing. I knew Rabanastre well enough from my books, but written descriptions and reality often didn't coincide. The deadened vibrancy of the once proud city was disheartening to witness. The lower levels of the city were crawling with people who looked balefully at me as I passed. I could hardly blame them. I was Lord Vayne's right hand. In their eyes, I was a murderer and a tyrant.
Somehow, even after that lesson had been learned all those years ago, it still hurt.
The last place I had to search was a pub called the Sandsea. It was filled with normal customers, a variety of species gathered to share a drink or catch up on the latest news. What caught my eye, amongst the variety of colours and the distraction of different scents – food, the tang of ale and beer, perfume and cologne mingling until it became a cloud of noxious fumes – was the giant notice board on the back wall. With Sabine at my side, we steadily made our way through the crowds until I could see the different signs depicting creatures and where to find their petitioners.
Hunts were notorious and extraordinarily dangerous in Ivalice. The idea was simple: someone who wanted a monster killed posted a notice, and hunters came to claim the hunt to kill the beast. That simplicity ended when the marks themselves were before them, ready to tear their throats out. The monsters that were meant to be hunted were affected by Mist, which usually made them larger, stronger, faster, or a deadly combination of all three. Hunts were meant to gain prestige, to show that one could face the most lethal creatures in Ivalice and still stand strong. I'd faced my fair share of monsters over the years. It was part of my infamy, my skill in hunting.
At this moment there were several unmarked bills, though many had been scratched out with red paint. The most prominent mark at the moment was called Rogue Tomato. I looked at the picture carefully. It looked like a fiend from the Deadly Nightshade family, a group of fiends that resembled vegetables and were filled with poison in their little bodies.
"Sorry, but that mark's been taken. By a friend of mine, in fact." A young man with darkly tanned skin, cropped brown hair and a cheerful smile sauntered up to me. The smile faltered when he noticed Sabine, but brightened after a moment. "His name's Vaan. Mine's Tomaj." He held out his hand. He looked expectantly at me, waiting for my hand and my name. When I gave him neither he shrugged, retracting his arm. "I'm guessing you're a hunter yourself. You wouldn't mind doing me a favour, would you?"
"That depends on the favour," I replied.
"Vaan went out to get the Rogue Tomato. He's a good fighter, but it's his first time out there in the desert by himself. Would you mind checking on him? You don't have to bring him back or anything," Tomaj assured me. "Just make sure the kid's still breathing." I considered this, my eyes roving over the hoards of drinking humes, bangaa and seeq. I spotted an unlikely pairing: a hume and a viera sitting close together, their lips moving as they spoke to one another. The viera was tall and beautiful, as all her species are, with cocoa colored skin and rabbit-like ears on the top of her head. She was a Rava Viera, judging by the shade of her flesh. White hair cascaded down her back despite being tied into a complicated knot, drawing attention from more than just myself. Male eyes examined her greedily, their eyes alight with lust.
There was nothing spectacular or different about the hume, despite him being with a viera. He was tall by most standards, wearing clothes that were more for style than travel. Rings glittered on his fingers, a single piercing dominated his left ear, and his light brown hair was just long enough to not be considered cropped. I supposed that he could be called handsome, though he had a mischievous look that I was certain would cause trouble for the one he gave it to. He looked up suddenly, noticing me. I narrowed my eyes, waiting for him to be startled and avert his eyes. Instead he met my gaze easily, a small smile curling his lips. He winked, then turned his attention to his companion. Feeling slightly uneasy, I recalled Tomaj's request. Lord Vayne did say that I should investigate anyone who had left the city. This would be a good chance to see the surrounding deserts as well.
"Very well."
"Great!" He exclaimed. "Just send him back here, if he's heading in." I nodded, Sabine yelping as I moved towards the exit. "He's probably in the Estersand!" Tomaj yelled to my back. I didn't acknowledge him, but that would help me to narrow down the mysterious Vaan's location. There were three different sections of the vast desert in Dalmasca: the Estersand, the Westersand, and the Giza Plains. From what I'd read, the Westersand held monsters more prone to violence while the Giza Plains had times where it rained for days and days. The Estersand was by far the more tame area of the desert.
"Lady Eve!" The Imperial at the gate saluted me when I arrived, as did his two companions. "What can we do for you, milady?"
"I'd like to be let through."
"As you wish." A loud chorus of complaint came from citizens on both sides of the gate as the Imperials opened the thick doors that led to the desert. A single snarl from Sabine had them quiet within seconds. I kept my eyes ahead, not looking at anyone, keeping myself focused on the sight ahead of me. It was part of who I was: Eve, the knight of House Solidor. Nothing could touch me. I was strong enough to fight any enemy, whether they were monsters or those battling the empire.
The desert, seeming as blazingly hot as the sun, stretched out as far as I could see. The sand shifted with the wind, tiny plants vibrant against the beige-colored grains and the rocks. Sabine howled happily, sprinting away from me. I allowed myself a smile, enjoying the sight of her running, looking as though just another few steps would allow her to fly through the air. Sabine was graceful and beautiful, a true master of the hunt. Her feet pounded against the sand as she honed in on her prey, a large cockatrice on an outcropping of rock. The cockatrice squawked in alarm, hunching downward to try and defend itself. Sabine bunched her leg muscles together and leaped, pouncing on the bird and tearing out its throat. I winced as she pinned one of its wings down and began feasting. Sabine was a wild animal, even with my attempts to tame her fully. She obeyed me but no other, and I could hardly tell order to stop being who she was. It was her instinct to take down prey when she was hungry.
I moved on, waiting for the rhythmic pounding of her feet to begin again. It didn't take long, and soon Sabine was sprinting north, out of sight. I heard a startled shriek, the sound that only a monster from the Nightshade genus could make, in response to her presence. What surprised me was the undeniably hume sound coming from the same direction. I quickened my pace, stopping on a large rock and looking over the steep drop from where I stood.
A boy was there, chasing after Sabine with a crudely made sword. His skin was tanned like all Dalmascans, but his hair was such a light shade of blonde it was almost white, flopping over his eyes. His face was effeminate, the way many boys were until they grew into their bodies. He wore pants that were meant to cover his skin from the sun, but he merely wore a skin-tight vest on his chest, a silver pendant dangling from his throat. I watched the strange spectacle, briefly looking at Sabine. She had something red in her mouth, and she was vigorously shaking it. The thing was screaming in pain, wiggling its tiny arms in an attempt to get free.
"Give it back!" The boy demanded. My lips twitched. I jumped off the cliff, landing as lightly as possible. The boy backpedalled, cursing in surprise. Sabine pranced away, intent on her prize. A muffled squall was all I could hear of the thing now. "Hey!"
"If you value your limbs, you shouldn't try to take something from her," I informed him. He whirled around to face me, shock and anger warring on his face.
"Who're you?" He demanded hostilely, his hand clenching on the hilt of his blade. "Who do you think you are?"
I knew the correct answer to both these questions, yet I hesitated. It had been so long since someone had spoken to me in such a way that I, oddly enough, found myself intrigued. This boy didn't know who I was. He knew nothing of what I had done. He would not immediately assume things from the stories he had heard.
"Saya," I said. He scowled, looking in the direction where Sabine had trotted off. "She won't give it back, if that's what you're thinking."
"That was my mark!" He said angrily. The notice for the Rogue Tomato flashed in my mind. "Your dog just ran off with it!"
"Sabine is a wolf," I told him evenly. "And I sincerely doubt that she is going to take the bounty for it. You can tell Tomaj you killed it. I'm sure you spent enough time tracking it down-"
"Damn right I did!" He growled in frustration as Sabine raced back towards us, depositing the monster at my feet. Like the picture on the notice, it resembled a giant tomato attached to a sack body. It twitched feebly before becoming still. Vaan sighed, kicking the sand dejectedly. Sabine whined softly, moving up to him to smell. He scowled down at her, his nose scrunched up as his eyes betrayed his nervousness.
"You must be Vaan. Stay still," I instructed as he made to step away. His head jerked up at my words, his mouth gaping open in astonishment. Sabine sniffed at his hands and his stomach. She hadn't growled or snarled, a very good sign. It meant that I wouldn't have to worry about Vaan as a threat. Sabine usually bit people instead of sniffing them.
"How'd you know my name?"
"Tomaj informed me that you were out here hunting this mark. He was concerned over your safety." Vaan scowled again.
"What, he think I can't handle it?" He challenged, sheathing his sword with a huff. Vaan was so defensive and guarded that he put my own caution to shame. He jammed his hands into his pockets, his eyes hard as he waited for me to respond.
"He seemed perfectly happy with your skills. He was worried because he is your friend," I replied. Vaan's expression faltered, his lips curving downward in a frown.
"Whatever."
"I assume you can make it to Rabanastre on your own?" Sabine turned around, nuzzling my leg. She yipped as Vaan sighed loudly in annoyance.
"I got out here, didn't I?"
"Very well. It was nice meeting you, Vaan, despite Sabine interrupting your hunt. Good day." I headed back towards the city, wondering what Vaan would do. After a moment he jogged up to me rather sulkily, not saying a word. I noticed him looking at me, but he spoke before I could tell him to stop. In his hands were two red flowers. Galbana lilies.
"So, what, you use her to hunt?" He jerked his head towards Sabine. When she turned to him he hunched his shoulders, holding the lilies protectively. I admit that I am unfamiliar with most normal hume activities, as I was raised and taught that to remain silent and stoic means to never be caught in a moment of weakness, but even I was certain that boys finding flowers precious was an oddity. Perhaps they have some significance for him.
"She is my companion, and she fights alongside me. But I do fight," I replied, resting my hand on the hilt of my sword. His eyes traveled to it. I admired the scenery of the desert, taking in the brilliant colors of the plants and the sheer blue of the sky. Archades was admirable in the way of machines and technology; here, everything was of nature. Even Rabanastre seemed part of the desert, as though it had risen out of the sand. "Do you hunt out here often?" I inquired. His cheeks flooded with color, accenting the freckles across the bridge of his nose.
"Not really. That was my first real hunt. But I've fought before," he added hurriedly. "What about you?"
"I've been on several hunts. I focus more on the protection of other humes." Vaan's eyes lit up. Sabine prowled over the Estersand while Vaan and I talked. Despite his initial hostility, he was now much more relaxed and willing to open up. He began drilling me on all of the fights I had been in, how many I had won, my choice of weapons, my armour, and whom I had fought. He seemed astounded when I told him of my encounters with Gilgamesh.
"The legendary swordsman?"
"The very same," I answered, feeling amused and strangely happy over his awe. "He was a strange opponent. Very powerful, but strange. Throughout the fight he continued telling me that he'd faced harder opponents, yet his entrance caused him to fall over the edge of the bridge we were standing on." Vaan laughed, shaking his head in bewilderment. "Just as I was about to deliver the final blow, he ran away."
"Really?"
"He did. He ambushed me months later, demanding another fight. I defeated him again, but he continues to deny that I won." I was on the verge of laughter myself, so surprised by how easy it was to talk with him. Perhaps it was because he was one of the few who didn't know who I was. Part of me knew I was deceiving him, and when he found out he wouldn't be so friendly. But I wanted this simple camaraderie, one I hadn't ever been able to have, whether it was a Dalmascan or an Archadian.
"I wish I could fight like you," he said enviously. "I wanna be a sky pirate someday. Till then I gotta sharpen my skills." I stiffened. Those words made a bitter taste form on my tongue. I looked at Vaan, wondering if, one day, I would drive my blade into his heart, executing him for his crimes.
"Oh?"
"Yeah," he said, nodding eagerly. "I wanna go wherever I want, whenever I want. I don't wanna be trapped in Rabanastre with all those Imperials. You know?" I knew the game was over, then. I'd allowed myself to dream for far too long.
"Sky pirates often have bounties on their heads for the crimes they've committed." I kept my tone even, but Vaan somehow sensed that I was angry. He shifted uncomfortably
"I won't be like them. I'll be different."
"Of course." We entered the city in silence. I didn't want to dislike Vaan, but my long-held grudge wouldn't end because of a Dalmascan boy. Even if Vaan was young and eager to get out of a life of lying down and letting Imperials kick him further into the dirt, he wouldn't understand my reasons for hating pirates. Vaan frowned as a cacophony of noise assaulted us. A group of people were huddled together, shouting in anger.
"Stand back, there! Back!" An Imperial shouted as the crowd of protesting people surged forward. "This gate's closed until the ceremony is over! Understand?"
"Now what?" Vaan said with a disgusted look. I closed my eyes before striding forward, Sabine at my heels. "Saya, what're you doing?" The Imperials spotted me, immediately snapping to attention. Sabine growled, the hair on her neck lifting. Great chocobos were approaching, their beaks sharp, their feathers golden. They were prime specimens, but for Sabine they were nothing more than annoyances. A chocobo had nearly trampled her on one occasion, and she's never liked them since.
"Lady Eve, Lord Vayne is waiting for you," an Imperial called. "Open the gate!" I heard a strangled gasp from Vaan but refused to look back. I moved forward with the chocobos, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach. I walked through the gate, nearly bumping into a girl who looked to be about Vaan's age and an elderly bangaa. Like all bangaa, he was reptilian in appearance, with long drooping ears and sharp eyes. His scales were colored blue, and he wore simple but clean clothes.
"My apologies," I said distractedly, continuing onward. I was fighting against the guilt I felt over tricking Vaan, and I slowly won, schooling my face into an emotionless mask. It doesn't matter. He isn't your concern. Lord Vayne is. Nothing else matters now. Yet, as I looked back one last time, I saw Vaan being pushed away, the lilies he'd held so closely fallen and flattened by careless feet. That insignificant detail somehow made my guilt worsen, though it was no fault of my own.
I stared at the broken red petals for a moment longer before finally turning away. I was needed elsewhere. Galbana lilies weren't worth the distraction and neither was Vaan.