A/N: Even though Chantal and Sky didn't answer my question for SnowEmbraces "Ask my OC's", I got the idea of writing a story for that question. Those of you who are unaware, the question I ask the two is...a bit eventual. But long story short is my character Patrick is on a business trip in Paris and Chantal and Sky are coming along for a Romantic Getaway...But that's not the reason that's the title.
Romantic is Chantal and Sky's time together and the Getaway is me hunting down a wanted criminal...who's trying to get away. Huh? Am I right?
*Crickets chriping*
...Yeesh. Tough crowd. Let's just get to the story...
The airship flies over seas. All of us are riding in it. Sky. Chantal. Hope and I.
Chantal is an old pen pal of mine, and Sky is some boy she is crushing on. I feel almost sick to my stomach meeting the guy. He's not bad, it's just that he reminds me so much of that moron Snow Villiers. In fact, Chantal flustered when she was first around Snow back when she was visiting Grand Pulse on Christmas. Of course that was the least of her worries, since Hope was crushing on her as well.
But that's a story for another time.
Two months ago, I have learned an old enemy of mine is still alive, and he's hiding out in Paris. I fear he could be rebuilding his criminal Organization: The Abduction Agency.
The Abduction Agency is a group of sexist perverts who kidnap women and train them as sex slaves. I brought down the organization long ago when they hired me as a Mercenary, but that was a grave mistake they made. Hiring me as one of their own, I sabotaged their plans until the entire building rotted and collapsed.
Before the explosion, I had a final showdown with Rufus Zero, the men who lead the organization. It nearly cost me my life, from both his strength and power and the explosion, but I won and made it out barely alive, and back then I was just an 18 year old human boy with nothing but a bow for a weapon, and a blood steined dagger I only used to cut myself. But that's a story for another time I'd rather not talk about.
I thought he was dead all this years, now I've learned he's still alive.
For Chantal and Sky...well, Chantal's been having trouble expressing her feelings to Sky. The worst one was when she gave him...or Katryx I should really say, a letter that says her true feelings for the guy she's crushing on. Katryx ended up receiving it and she thought it was for her. I just hope that pretty little blonde head doesn't get any funny ideas. I've alway endured enough from everything I saw from that dark organization.
Anyways, I promised Chantal I'd so something, so I talked to Sky, with Vanille doing some blabbering as well. And he agreed to go out with her. Since I'm going to Paris, the city of love. I figured it's a good opportunity for the two of them.
I'm killing two birds with one arrow. I get to do my mission and they get their romantic getaway. It's a double win. A win-win.
Hope is watching Chantal and Sky sitting close together, by the window seat of the airship. He's a bit miserable. The poor boy is crushing on Chantal and he has no shot at her, even after he saved her from being crushed on a Cie'th mission back in Grand Pulse on Christmas Eve.
The two of them are having an enjoyable time with each other, and when Sky wraps an arm around her, Chantal gets flustered, blushes even. That's when Hope has seen enough and proceed to the back room.
In the back room, I'm sitting on a crate, doing some adjustments to the BH Type 21, a Bow fashioned as a Sniper Rifle. Of course it's more of a Crossbow then a regular bow. "Come on! Work!" I say through the frustrated groaning.
That's when Hope comes in. He sits on the crate in front of me and sighs depressingly. "What's eating you, kid?"
"I think you already know." Hope says.
After a hard tight on the bolt, I set my sniper weapon on my lap and look at him. "Let me guess: Chantal?" Hope nods. "Listen, you are a nice kid and all, and Chantal loves you for that...But she's just not THAT into you. She already has Sky."
"I know. You and Chantal keep saying that, even thought she promised me a date before she left on Christmas...and didn't you say Sky already has another girlfriend?" Hope says.
"Yes, yes. Katryx. But she is not here. This is suppose to be Chantals time with Sky." I say.
"But wouldn't they just get in the way with the mission...I just don't see why I have to come along with it." Hope says.
"Cause you're the only one I can bring. Sazh wouldn't come along. Fang would just mess around, mostly in teasing." Hope can understand that feeling since Fang likes to make funny of him as well. "Vanille wouldn't come cause Fang won't allow it. I can't risk putting Serah in danger since we're dealing with criminals that target women, and I think you already know the reason for Villiers."
"Well...what about Lightning? Or Noel and Yeul?" Hope asks.
"Lightning's been banned from Paris. Remember? Recon mission, six months ago?" How can Hope and I forget:
[Flashback]
Lightning is struggling in rage in my arms are I drag her and run. The soldier girl is screaming at the top of her lungs. While we were in Paris, many men keep trying to woo Lightning, no matter how many times she told them to leave her alone, go away, or threatened them.
"I TOLD YOU! I'M NOT INTERESTED! SHUT UP OR I SWEAR I'LL SHOVE MY GUNBLADE RIGHT UP YOUR-"
"Okay! Okay! Lightning! You made a point!" I shout in all the loud yelling.
[Flashback ends]
Just thinking about everything Lightning did to all those men terrifies us, and that's saying something from me since there's only one thing in the whole world that scares me, and it's related to my painful past with my fathers death.
"As for the others, Yeul is still recovering from being asleep in crystal all these years, and Noel can't leave her side since he's her new guardian." I say.
Hope looks down and sighs. "Guess that just leaves me, doesn't it?"
"Don't worry about it, we'll be in and out in no time." I say.
"Well...are you sure we should bring Chantal? I mean...if we're targeting this Abduction Agency, and if they're as bad as you say, wouldn't she be targeted?" Hope slightly looks away, blushing and rubbing the back of his head. "S-she is...uh...very...beautiful and...I'm just worried that she'll-"
"Hey, I'm as worried as you are, but I've got this under control. Trust me: Chantal is the very last girl they would dare kidnap and train. Just focus on the mission at hand." I return my attention back to my weapon. "If only I can get this stupid thing working!"
I bang it a few times, and it automatically fires a metal arrow right through the window. Hope and I are both shocked then we quickly look out the window.
The metal arrow flies towards the Russian helicopter and hits directly at the main rotor. The entire upper helicopter shatters and explodes, and the helicopter starts falling. Both of the Russian pilots are panicking, shouting in Russian, as the alarm blares.
Once they are thirty feet above the water, they hug each other in fear and scream loudly, until plummeting into the deep blue sea silences them.
Hope and I are both shocked to see all that. "Oops." I say. "If anyone asks: We saw nothing."
"I didn't even see anything." Hope says, meaning he agrees.
By sunset, the airship lands at the airport. We have finally arrived in Paris. The hanger door opens and we all walk right out. Chantal is pretty amazed at the very sight of the city. Sky is amused as well, only not as much as Chantal is.
"Welcome to Paris." I say. "Or as the French say: 'Les poulets sont brillants chaussures'."
Hope isn't impressed. "Patrick, nobody is Paris says 'The Chickens are shining the shoes'."
"Sorry if I only took Spanish back in Middle School." I say defensively. I take out my phone, scrolling through the pages. "Stupid language app. Waste of 100 Gil."
"Hope, I didn't know you took French." Chantal says, surprised.
"Y-yeah. I use to take French class before the whole l'Cie incident...It was either that or Gym." Hope says.
I slowly shook my head, reminding all that time when I've known Hope as a weakling during our l'Cie travels. "That explains so much." I put my phone away and take the lead. "Anyways, we should be heading to the hotel. This way."
After we grab our bags, we made our way to the hotel we're staying in. The second we left the airport, a suspicious man who was handling the luggage is eyeballing us, then makes his leave. He's on to something.
Chantal admires the scenery as we wonder. "This is completey incredible. I've never been to another country."
"Wondrous, is it not?" I ask. "Big festivals. Lovely boat rides. Beautiful flowers. Bright lights in the night. Fresh scent of baguettes. Smoothing chines of the holy bells of Notre Dame." The bells of Notre Dame ring at a far distance as I finish the sentence. Sky feels a bit unease at the 'Holy Bells' part since he's half demon.
"That's unexpected coming from you." Hope says.
"Don't me rude, kid. I maybe cold-blooded, but I can still admire a few things." I say.
"It's not that, just that I didn't except you to be so relaxed." Hope says.
"Yeah, well, here I'm not dealing with that moron Villiers or Fang's button pushing sassiness." I say.
"Fair point, and I can relate to that." Hope whispers the second part to himself.
Chantal just can't wait to get started on her little date with Sky, even the very thought of it makes her fluster. Even so, nothing can ruin her one chance to be with Sky. No Katryx or Spud to meddle in or Violet to interfere and make her feelings suffer. Just her and prince charming standing right next to her, alone in the city of love.
We all arrive at Le Grand Hôtel. "Here we are." The hotel is a five story building. Chantal and Sky are a bit surprised to see the hotel.
"Wow...that sure is going all out." Sky says.
"Yeah, well, when you're in the Guardian Corps, and you saved an entire planet from its own destruction...it goes a long way." Hope says.
"Don't brag about it. It's bound to have limits. Never let arrogance cloud your mind." I say, then we all walk right in.
The lobby in the hotel is pretty large, about as big as three rooms. A bit rich for my taste. Then again, I'm living in a large house that's like a mansion with ten other people. I approach the desk with Hope while Chantal and Sky take a look around. I just hope they don't touch anything, I can't afford anything they might break. Not that I'm assume they will, just don't want to risk the thought.
Nobody's behind the counter so I rang the bell on the desk. "Be right there." Someone says in the back room. I wait patiently for the manager, then he finally comes out from the back room. "Welcome to Le Grand Hôtel, finest hotel in all of Paris. How am I-" The second he gets a look at me, he is suddenly in fear. "Oh no! You're back!? Not OPRHAN! Not here! NOT NOW!" He ducks, hiding right underneath the desk.
I'm a bit irritated. I know what he's worried about. "You can relax. Lightning's not here."
The second he hears that, he sticks his head out from behind the counter. "Oh...she isn't?" I nod, then he looks to search for the pink haired soldier. He stands back up. "Thank goodness."
Everyone else heard that little conversation I had, even since the manager was yelling. "What did Lightning do when you guys last came here?" Chantal asks.
"You have to trust me when I say you do NOT want to know." Hope says.
"You're on a business trap? should I be concerned?" He asks.
"Only if an agent of the Abduction Agency is in one of your rooms." I say, seriously.
"Oh, well in that case. I'm off the hook." Even saying that, it doesn't take my eyes off of him suspiciously. So he is off the hook...for now. "Okay...so, three rooms...Are the...young couple over there sharing a room?" The manage asks as he looks over my shoulder at Chantal and Sky.
"No. And they're not...exactly a couple. Hope and I will be sharing a room." I say.
"Oh...well, that's quite the Odd Couple." He managers with a laugh in the add.
I'm offended, cause that would make it sound like I would be in a relationship with a 15 year old boy. I don't even want a Girlfriend, this is where I draw the line. "You take that back or I'm gonna make you into a crambula!"
The manage is now nervous. "Okay. Okay. Just relax." The manage takes out three keycards. "Here are your keys."
I accept the keycards and then I hand Chantal and Sky theirs. We escort Sky and Chantal to their rooms. In secret, I slip a small bug right in Chantal's purse. That way, I can do my mission an keep an ear on her incase of any danger.
Once we escort Chantal and Sky to their rooms, Hope and I go to ours. Hope does most of the unpacking while I do some adjustments to my Sniper Bow and Bowblades. Once Hope is done, he slumps on the bed, sighing in exhaustion.
"By the way. You said that Rufus is a dangerous man. Just how exactly are we gonna face him? We may still have our powers as a l'Cie, but I'm pretty sure we're still out matched." Hope says.
"Don't worry. I have a plan to apprehend this criminal." I say, cocking the Sniper Bow.
"But it's just the two of us. We don't have an army." Hope says.
"I'm well aware of that. I know a group of Mercenaries here in Paris that'll help us." I say. "We just need to meet them at their hideout."
"Okay. If you say so." Hope says.
While all of us are settling in at the hotel, an enemy awaits in the dark side of Paris.
A man in a mask, a mask that symbols the face of Bhunivelze the evil grand Fal'Cie who once ruled the world, and metal armor sits upon his throne. Before him is the suspicious man from the airport. He kneels before him, explaining what he has saw. ORPHAN l'Cie's have arrived in Paris. They figured that Hope and I are here to bring down the criminal organization they are trying to restore.
In the end, the man shows a hologram of the group that arrived.
The evil leader has his eyes focused on me. "Leave me." He says. The man stands, bows then leaves. Once he is alone, he continues to speak. "So...my old enemy returns, and he comes to try and stop the Abduction Agency once again. At last. I will finish what we started all those years ago."
Three years ago
I sit on my desk, in my small house in Bodhum. I am eightteen years of age, living alone as a Mercenary. I've been through horrible events and was forced to drop out of school, run away from my home of Leronde and then became a Mercenary in a new town.
It's not too bad. My mastery in Archery and my few skills of Karate manage to get me this far. I just wish business would be able to take me further.
As of right now, I'm desperate to finding jobs. It's been weeks since I last got a mission and I'm running low on funds and supplies. I push the button on the recording machine, only to receive the same old message:
"No new messages"
I sighed depressively and slump my head into my arms.
I decided to go for a walk. It's a lovely sunny day on the beach side city of Bodhum. I head for the NORA cafe. Normally, I'd hate being here cause of Snow, but back then, my hatred is only slim cause of few times Snow has feed it.
I sit on bar right in front of Lebreau, who is working behind the counter. "Hey there, Patrick."
"Lebreadu." I say.
"How's business going?" Lebreau asks.
"Slow as usual." I say. "I'm just hoping I'll be able to find a job."
"I'm sure something will turn up. Snow's always looking for openings." Lebreau says.
I think about it for a moment. "I'll...think about it. I'll just have my usual."
Lebreau goes to the back and then returns shortly with a cup of Hot Chocolate. "On the house."
I appreciate her offer. After getting my drink, I continue taking a walk around the city, setting up fresh "Mercenary for Hire" posters. Once I got home in the afternoon, I have received a message. I was thrilled, even though my expression doesn't show it. I play the message and listen to what it says:
"Greetings, Patrick. I am Rufus Zero. I have heard of your Mercenary job openings and I have an offer for you: I run a secret organization known as the Abduction Agency. I sure you have heard of us since you are our brother. I would be my honor to help out a fellow brother in need. Connect me as soon as you get this message-"
I cut off the message in offensive frustration. I have heard of the Abduction Agency. Throughout town, people, mainly girls, assume I'm some kind of sexist pervert, few them of believe I work for the Abduction Agency. All because of one very stupid reason: I'm a boy.
It's bad enough citizens would think this, now that criminal organization now believes I'm one of them. I just hate it!
No more job openings came throughout the day. I practice my shooting in the afternoon, and by evening, I made myself some dinner with the last bit of food I have. I still have some money to buy more, but it's not gonna last me long.
After dinner, I have a chat with my friend Serah over the phone. We just talked a little and I told her about my struggle at work. She feels sorry for me and talks about how I would be more fitted to work for the Guardian Corps. Maybe she's right, but I have no qualifications to apply there. I may have started out as a smart kid who skipped a grade in Middle School, but I never graduated from High School, unlike her sister Lightning.
After the call, I turn on the TV and listen to the news.
"This is the Sanctum Bulletin. over the past week, citizens of Bodhum have been disappearing constantly, mainly women. Many families and other citizens are panicking as people wonder who are the criminals behinds the kidnapping and who or when they will strike next."
I know the criminals are most likely the Abduction Agency. I even glare at the screen at the very thought of those animals. The news continues next with an interview of PSICOM director Yaag Rosch.
"It has come to the attention of PSICOM and the Guardian Corps that this criminals are becoming a grave threat to the very peace of Cocoon. We have worked so hard over the centuries since the Transgression War with Pulse to mention peace throughout the world. The criminals are at large and there are no tracks of who they are or any signs of where they are hiding out. There through, if anyone knows anything of these kidnappers, report it to the Sanctum and a large reward maybe granted."
Hearing that has me on alert. The Sanctum are looking for the Abduction Agency, and those Perverts have given me a job opportunity to work for them.
Mixing them both together, I have a plan that will fix everything.