Disclaimer: I own nothing, but the plot and that's not a lot. So I'll end this rhythm and save us all a lot time.
Summary: She was supposed to be dead, but she lived. A witch, an outsider, casted out of her world for being 'impure' with a power that the world hasn't seen in eons. And it draws her into another war, only this time there is no escaping fate.
Fandom: Final Fantasy 12, slightly crossed with Harry Potter.
(Warning, while this is lightly crossed over with Harry Potter, no main characters will be anything more than possible mentions by the OC and will not have an active roll in this story.)
Pairings: Eventual BalthierOc VaanPenelo Ashe? Fran? Basch?
Warnings: Mentions of torture, blood, gore, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Sexual innuendoes and dirty comedy and foul language. And anything else I forgot to mention.
"Talking"
Thoughts
This is something I've been working on for a while and finally got the nerve to post up. This is my first time writing so I hope you all will be kind in your reviews, polite criticism will be taking under advise. Flames will be returned with sarcastic retorts of equal or greater value.
PREFACE
Ivalice
Estersands-
The desert sun was merciless stared down upon her as she trekked through the sands, stumbling with each step. Her breath sighed upon cracked and dried lips, her hands shaky as sweat slid down her back. Her deep red hair matted to her face and her dark brown eyes glazed over by pain and tiredness. She wished she could cool off…
Her eyes moved down to her right hand. Clasped tightly as if a lifeline was a wand. Yes. A wand. This young woman, was a witch. A smart one, she thought, but she couldn't really remember anything beyond that so maybe the smart thing was just wishful thinking. She waved her wand, a cooling charm on her lips…but the power wasn't there. She was drained, hurt and tired.
'London bridges falling down, falling down…' the song helped her keep walking forward even though her legs threatened to buckle and she struggled to stand upward. Why was she here again? She thought to herself, trying to think through the agony and fear throbbing through her body. Desperately, she tried to cling to the pieces of her minds, trying to keep them together.
"Hurry! Skylar! Hurry, they are coming!"—who is coming?—men. Terrible, horrid men dressed in black, dressed for death, but death they didn't deliver. Instead they delivered pain.
Chains-screams-pain-tortured.
"Crucio!"
Huh? That word almost sent her into a hysterical mood. What a horrid word. She closed her lips, pressing her lips into a line trying to remember more. Pain, white hot like an intense inferno…that's why I don't like that word. Blood—screams—all too much—school, magic, hopefulness and home turned into prison and agony—bad, bad, wicked man, hope he is dead—"Where did you get your wand?" A toad like woman in too much pink asked. Her smile was vile-they tortured her, tortured and took everything until she had nothing, not even memories. Then a veil—? She sighed, placing her head in her hands. She remembered it mostly, that was enough for today. Remembering made her head hurt badly.
Something glittered in the distance. Her head popped up and she looked more alive than a sitting buzzard bait for the first time in a while. Her eyes widened and she thought happily, Water? Water? WATER! All sense of reason was gone, she blames roaming the never ending desert for her slip up in sanity as she lunged forward, never noticing the small village she entered or its villagers. Instead, she threw herself into the water without a second thought. But then she had a third thought:
COLD! COLD! IT'S SO COLD!
Despite this, she didn't surface. Instead she relished the feeling on her skin for a good minute or so before surfacing when the need for air became too much to bear. Greedily she sucked the air in, feeling joy for the first time…in forever…She tilted her head, looking down at her reflection with a frown. It was her face, but things weren't right. The color was off. As if sensing that, her hair became a bright purple and her eyes a bright green. She frowned, No, that's not right either. But she left it as it was. Too tired to remember, how she got here or particularly where here was. Instead, the witch slid down onto the wet bank. Within seconds, she was out cold.
She never noticed the large ship with a red flag and snake like insignia, one that stopped and took notice of her.
—Eight months later
"You, there. Can you hear me?" A deep, booming voice questioned.
Reks Rastbane slowly opened his eyes. He blinked hard, trying to clear his vision and when the blurriness faded he stared at the knight crouching in front of him. He was a weary looking man, his blonde hair matted down in sweat and his eyes grim, seeing too much death. Another knight a few feet away said, "It's as I feared. They're slowing us down."
"Do not say that." The kneeling knight snapped at his companion. "Not all of us are here for love of battle. He fights to defend his homeland." The knight turned his gaze back onto Reks. "Your name?"
"Reks, sir." He replied. "My name's Reks."
The knight nodded. "Good. Reks. You bore a few cuts, but you are still whole. Can you stand?" He asked.
"I think so…" Reks shakily replied.
He held out his hand and Reks grabbed it, letting the knight help him stand. Reks looked around and forced the lump in his throat away as his eyes roamed over countless dead bodies scattered across the ground.
"Think you can fight?" The knight questioned.
Reks nodded, "I'm fine, sir."
"How old are you, Reks?" The knight held a troubled expression on his face.
"Seventeen, sir."
"Young." The troubled expression cemented on his face. "Family?"
"My brother is all I have left, sir. He's two years younger than I. Living in Rabanastre." Reks' shakiness and queasiness faded as he answered question. He felt a lot better now.
The knight shook his head lightly. "You're barely old enough to be a man. You shouldn't be forced to wield a sword."
"No, sir." Reks shook his head defiantly. "I wanted to fight. For my homeland and for my parents."
"Time, Basch!" The dark haired knight told him. "Save the discussion for later. We must reach the King before they act! Or all our efforts will be in vain."
Basch sent him a look. "I'm aware of the situation."
"We've found them!"
"Over there!"
A group of enemy soldiers, outfitted in armor and helmets, stormed out of the fortress with their swords drawn. Basch ordered quickly, "Vossler, go ahead! I will handle this rabble."
Vossler nodded, "Godspeed."
Vossler and most of the Dalmascan fleet head into the fortress while Basch rushed forward with a deadly grace taking out all the soldiers in a matter of seconds. Reks gasped at the sight of such power. Basch turned back, gifted him with a small smirk. "Steady, Reks. Keep your wits about you and you'll make it. We move!"
Basch rushed into the fortress and Reks followed without hesitation. They found more bodies lying askewed, as they moved through the gate and they found themselves at a bridge. "It is time," Basch announced. "We will drive back any Imperials standing between us and the King. Dalmasca's future hangs in the balance. Stay focused on the foes before…" He trailed off, looking perplexed and halted in the middle of the bridge.
Reks asked after a moment of silence, "Captain?"
Basch's head snapped and he gasped as a floating mechanical unit hastily flew towards them. It rapidly descends, one of the group said in shock, "An Air Cutter!"
Reks pulled out his sword, wondering how a sword could beat such a thing. He followed Basch's example doing as he did, and he thought maybe with all of them working together, this Air Cutter might not stand a chance.
He dodged as it shot another round of lasers' at him. He flinched as he didn't dodge quickly enough and the laser hit his arm. Crying out in pain, he fell to his knees and struggled to stand. Meer seconds later, he felt air ripple of energy wash over him and then relief from the pain. A strong hand landed on his shoulder pulling him up and he looked up seeing Basch standing there. As soon as he helped Reks to his feet, Basch stepped forward and a dark energy curling around his arms before he pushed out into a beam of incredible power. It hit the Air Cutter, tearing through it as if paper.
The pilot's voice was high with panic. "Antlion, this is Tonberry! My engines are hit. She'll not hold much longer!" After receiving a reply, "My thanks, Antlion! Tonberry disengaging!"
The Air Cutter quickly flies away, sparking and quaking all the way. The group ran ahead, but Basch paused for a moment, looking around with a dark expression. He asked quietly, "Vossler. Where are you?"
Reks frowned. "What if Captain Azelas has fallen?"
Basch turned to face Reks. "Don't talk such nonsense!" He barked. "Vossler's laughed in the face of Death far too many times for him to stop now. Men like him don't die in places like this." He turned and walked forward. Reks watched him for a moment before following. "We must make haste to reach the King. We will take him to safety."
"Is his majesty unharmed?" Reks asked, fearing the worst.
"He'll agree to an unconditional surrender." Basch informed him. "They would not dare touch him until the wax on his seal is dry."
"But if we arrive after he's signed the treaty-" Reks questioned as they all raced up the stairs. Basch stopped suddenly, holding out his arm causing them to do the same.
"Wait." Basch said, his brows furrowing. Realizing it was clear, he nodded, "Quickly, Reks!"
The ran into the fortress, but if they had stayed a moment longer, they would have seen the large doors slam open and a person run on to the other bridge just a good quarter of a mile away. This person was draped in white robes, floating around them almost making them look ethereal being in the moonlight. Like a ghost.
"Stop in the name of the Empire!"
The white robe person turned around, flicking their wrist towards the guard and red beam shot out striking the guard down. The white robe person pulled their hood farther over their face and started walking across the bridge when the sound of metallic footfalls became louder and louder.
White Robe slowed down and the doors busted open reveal six or seven guards. "There! There!"
White Robe turned intent on going back the way they came when they came face to face with more guards. White Robe looked back and forth at the approaching guard, a sick realization filling them. They were trapped. A wave of tension moved across their body before they back up into the railing. A small gasp escaped White Robe's lips, as they glanced over the edge. It was a long way down to the ocean, with sharp rocks sticky up out of it ominously.
The metallic footfalls of guards gaining on them grew louder and louder and the person did the only thing they could. White Robe got up on top of the railing and the guards shouted, "Stop! Don't!"
White Robe, without hesitation, jumped.
Chapter One
'Waterways, Shake Up and Gil'
2 and half years later
The streets of Rabanastre were always busy. People shopping and out and about despite the Imperial Guards always standing waiting to cause them trouble. But today it was more busy than usual, because today the New Consul would be visiting. Of course, a feast and dancing and celebration must be prepared for such things. However several Rabanastans were not happy about this. One in particular was Vaan Ratsbane, a boy just a year shy of being a man with short blondish white hair, bleached by the desert sun and his skin tanned and toned. His brushed off his black legging, after slipping on his new armored boot he had finally saved enough for. He fixed his vest and stepped down further into the cool dark waterways when the gate behind him slammed shut. He hissed turning to the young boy following him, "Kyte!"
"Sorry, I tripped." Kyte whispered back. His cherub like face covered in panic and apology, as the eight year old boy shuffled his feet nervously.
"We have to be quiet if Mig—" Vaan began.
"—Migelo finds out you were sneaking down here?" Finished an amused female voice. Vaan and Kyte both jumped and turned to find a slender, short female standing in their path hands on her hips. She had a short, pixie cut dark brown hair the very tips were white and seemed to be glowing lightly. Her deep blue eyes alit with mirth as a subtle smirk curled upon her soft lips. Her white sleeveless shirt with golden trimming clung to her, and black legging similar to Vaan's except stopping at mid thigh, and more form fitting. She also had red belts (one wrapped around her waist and one on her right leg) attached to the red bag for supplies out of the way and safely secured. Her boots were up to her knees and covered in armor. She said, looking from Kyte to Vaan, "Do you want to explain yourselves?"
Vaan crossed his arms and snorted. "To you?"
The young woman raised an eyebrow, an amused tilt to her mouth. "You want to explain it to Migelo?" She asked, sweetly.
"No," Vaan quickly lost the attitude. "No…I'm training for the desert."
"Oh." She nodded in understanding.
"Don't tell Migelo," Vaan asked. "Please, Sky."
Skylar 'Sky' Bey looked over them before nodding. "Fine, I won't tell. But hurry so Migelo doesn't find you down here and then he'll find out that I knew about it…" She admitted with a sheepish grin. "I don't wish for another lecture."
Vaan grinned. "Thanks, Sky." His grin slipped and he peered at her curiously, "What are you doing down here?"
"Just gathering my thought." She waved off the question before heading up the stairs. "Kyte, I think Migelo has work for you. Don't dawdle down here with Vaan all day, alright?"
"Okay!"
Sky just shook her head in amusement at the pair before jogging up the stairs and left the waterways. Looking back and forth, making sure no one saw her she continued up to the city streets. Not that she didn't like Low Town, but the darkness and the looming gloom that settled here especially today of all days, made the hair on her neck stand on end. Rolling her shoulders in restlessness movement, she got up to main street, glancing at the imperial guards warily before continuing on in a cool and confident stride. If you walk like a guilty man, you'll be treated as a guilty man, she thought, head held high. Not that Sky was guilty of anything. Much.
Okay. That was a blatant lie. She loved torturing the guards. Playing pranks, harmless pranks! Mostly harmless, she grinned. There was this one time, they were hauling in cannons for reasons the citizens of Rabanastre were still unaware of, and they were all new and shiny! And Sky may have wandered near one and accidentally set it off.
But that was so not her fault. Seriously, how was she suppose to know that the cannon used magicks? And magicks hated her. The next time was however on purpose. A guard had shoved Migelo down and Sky as well as others were furious. The next day the man found his armor filled with a mysterious powder and he broke out in a terrible rash.
And then there…well, you get it.
Apparently the guards didn't appreciate her brand of humor because she saw a wanted poster (that looked nothing like her thank heavens) for the Trickster. It took her ten minutes to stop laughing after discovering this. And then twenty more to listen to Migelo who was far more clever than any bucket head, to lecture her on not getting in trouble.
Sky's fingers twitched. Today was a big day, guards would be even more on edge, it wouldn't be a good day to mess with them. It just wouldn't. Too bad her conscious sounded like Migelo, and she rarely listened to him.
A target. It was what she needed.
Few imperial soldiers weren't half bad, and actually did what they were supposed to without stomping on the people of Rabanastre's feet while doing it. It a true rarity to come across such a soldier. More than few however, went out of their way to bully people for no good reason. And Sky was walking through the market place when she found her targets.
Two guards who shuffling along, shoving citizens out of the way as if they had the right of way. Sky's expression became more and more stony with each assault. She glanced around and saw a man selling some cockatrice, her hand twitched prepared to do her thing when she caught sight of a familiar blond.
About a few feet away sat Vaan (Sky thought, Either that was the quickest training ever or I've just wasted half of the day looking for prank victims) who tossed a fruit into the air, caught it, and took a bite out of it. His eyes, she realized were on the same two imperial soldier that she had been following. The soldier grabbed a vendor by his throat. Sky's eyes narrowed watching no one stop, in fact, they all seemed to quickly shuffle away.
"Huh? What'd you say?" The soldier snapped, his Arcadian accent coming out slurred.
"Sir, you haven't paid, and-" Before the vendor finish speaking, the soldier tightened his hold on the man's throat. The soldier got into the vendor's face and sneered, "What? Haven't paid?"
"On second thought, please, sir," the vendor choked out, terrified. "Take it. It is a gift."
Sky glowered at the soldiers, feeling the urge to slip her wand out of her wand holder and throw a Bat-boogey jinx at him. She bit the inside of her cheek to try and resist the urge. The other soldier just shook his head, "Leave the poor sod be. We don't want trouble today."
Don't want trouble? Sky's eyebrows rose at the incredulity of the statement. You are the one causing it!
The first soldier removed his chokehold, "Your luck, peddler."
As the soldier walked away, Sky jumped when Vaan bumped into the snide soldier before running off, giving a shout of, "Sorry."
"Watch where you're going, churl!" The soldier snapped.
"What? My pouch! It's gone!"
Sky fought a smirk when she realized what Vaan had done. The soldier realized, "The boy!"
She paused, shooting a worriedly glance back, but the worry left as a group of Bangaa and Seeq and humes blocked the way. The soldier snapped demanding the group move.
They didn't. The soldiers were stuck. Smirk back in place, she went to find Vaan forgetting her mission. It didn't take long. He was standing on the narrow way from east side of town to the west side and turned to make sure he wasn't be pursued. He blinked in surprise at seeing her and Sky smiled before saying, "Look out."
He about jumped a foot in the air, causing Sky to chuckle when the peppy blonde-hair girl, not much older than Vaan took the money pouch from him. Vaan whirled around, sending the blond a slight glare, "Hey, that's mine!"
The blonde, a head short than Vaan, put her hands on her hips, scowling at him. "What do you mean, yours? You've been stealing again," she snapped then sent Sky a glare too. "And you didn't stop him!"
"What? When did I become responsible for him?" Sky demanded while at the same time, Vaan snapped, "I don't need babysitter, Penelo!"
Penelo pursed her lips. "What happens if they catch you? We need you to be there for us, Vaan. You're no good to anyone if you're locked away in a dungeon! That goes for you too, Sky! Don't think I don't know what you've been up to."
"I haven't done anything too bad…" She had earlier this week stolen from a guard, but no one knew that. That left the hunt she had gone, which Migelo had strictly forbidden her from doing. But it wasn't like everyone knew that. Sky wondered however, "Who talked?"
"Tomaj," Penelo said, turning back to Vaan as Sky muttered under her breath about 'nosy and talkative bar owners that needed to shut their mouths'.
"Oh, what, am I the leader now?" Vaan asked, crossing his arms over his chest. He turned away from Penelo's stare, feeling a slight pang of guilt. "We're orphans. The first thing you learn is you gotta watch out for yourself. C'mon Penelo. You know it as well as I do."
Vaan turned back around to face his friend when he catches Penelo peering inside the money pouch. "Hey, you give that back!" Vaan said, startled. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I thought that this money was the people of Dalmasca's property." Her voice was slightly smug, pink lips turned up amusement as her brown eyes dared Vaan to contradict her statement. Vaan glared at Sky who chuckled.
"Well," Sky stated grinning, "you do say that."
Penelo's lip curled up and she continued still smugly, "The Imperials stole it from us, so it's only fair that we take it back. It's our duty as Dalmascans."
She took out a silver coin; Vaan grabbed the pouch back from her with a slight pout. "Yeah, but I never said anything about taking it back from me!"
Penelo raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed trying to fight off amusement. "This is for that bread you took the other day. Just because I help Migelo out every now and then…" She paused trying to figure out how to say the next words as gently as she could, "it doesn't mean that you get to eat for free, too, you know."
Vaan's face fell. "I know that." His voice sounded so defeated. "You think I like living like this?"
Before Penelo or Sky could say anything a giant shadow passes over the them. The trio looked up to see a airship overheard, eclipsing the sun. Vaan gazed at it longingly and Sky nudged him in the ribs with her elbow gently. He looked at her, she assured him, "You'll get there one day."
The downtrodden expression was replaced with an eager grin. "You're right. One of these days I'll fly an airship of my own. I'll be a sky pirate, free to go where I will."
Penelo looked at him with a wistful smile, and Sky thought with a shake of her head, Those two are so oblivious.
Penelo turned walking away, "Well, be careful. You'll never fly anything if you're rotting in a dungeon! Oh, Migelo had some errands that need doing. He wanted you to drop by his place. It might be a good idea to lend a hand!" She added when Sky moved to go her own way, "Both of you!"
Sky wrinkled her nose and said sullenly, "Yes, mother hen."
Penelo shot her a look, entertained by her response rather than angered before disappearing around the corner. Sky turned Vaan, "You lead the way."
The two sprinted in a race, weaving through people and causing more than a few curses to fly into the air. Sky caught sight of a familiar green sign and then smiled as she caught sight of the elderly blue Bangaa is standing in front of his shop. "Hello, Migelo."
"Ah, Sky, Vaan, I was waiting." Migelo nodded at the two of them.
Vaan rubbed the back of his neck. "Penelo said you needed something?"
"Had me some packages supposed to be arriving by courier in the morning," Migelo informed him. "Perhaps he ran into some trouble out in the desert. Now I've no foodstuffs to prepare for the banquet tonight!"
"So you want me to find this courier?" Vaan asked, excited for the challenge. "Hey, no problem!"
"No problem? The desert teems with trouble. I'd be sending you to an early grave, m'boy." Migelo said, as if the thought were outrageous and Sky winced, watching as Vaan's pride deflated. "No, I've arranged for some replacement goods from Tomaj over at the Sandsea."
"So you want me to go to the tavern to pick 'em up?"
"Actually, I asked Kytes to do that. Wouldn't you know he's gone missing on me, too. Bah." Migelo ran a hand down his scaly face. "I can't leave my shop, and I've got Penelo on another chore at the moment, you see. I want you to run over to the sandsea and fetch Kytes back! What do you say?"
"Sounds wild." Vaan said, blandly.
Sky elbowed him in the gut and he sent her a glare.
Migelo pointed out, "It's easy work, and you'll thank me for it someday."
Vaan walked off and Sky looked at the Bangaa. "What do you need me to do Migelo?"
Migelo looked at her. "Oh, nothing. Yuji just informed me that your order is in and that if want it today, you need to get it before they close up shop."
"Oh," her eyes widened in surprise. "Right. Thank you. See you later, Migelo."
"See you later, Skylar. And stay out of trouble."
"Don't I always?" Sky didn't want for his response as she dashed back into the chaos. She hurried down to the magic store, dodging the building crowd who were eagerly awaiting the festivities. She with out hesitation shoved the magic shop door open, apologizing to the small Moogle she almost hit, who squeaked at her ignored. She practically bouncing up to the counter.
"Hey, Skylar," Yuji's voice boomed through the magic shop causing all his customers to jump. Sky however just grinned. Yuji knelt behind the counter who was searching around for something. "Gotta something for ya…where are you rotten little…there!"
He seized something from under the counter and held out a red envelope. It was an inch thick and about a foot in length. She reached out, unable to believe that it was finally here. She stared at it in disbelief while pulling out the correct amount of gil.
"Thanks, Yuji," she handed over the gil. "You're a life saver."
She took the package, thanking him again before turning around to head towards the exit when the pull on her magic became too much. She glanced at all the scrolls: fire, blizzard, cura, and much more. This world's magic was so finicky…when it came to her that is. Almost as if temptation was too great, she lifted her hand out and her fingers ran over the parchments covered in runes. The symbols glowed upon contact and a terrible chill ran through her. She felt as if she would never be warm again.
"Holy crap!"
"It's freezing."
Sky jumped away from the scroll and shivered, looking around the shop. Everything was now covered in a small layer of frost and more than a few shoppers had icicles hanging from their nose. A nervous chuckle rose from her as she realized she was the only one not covered in frost. Slowly, she moved towards the door, carefully not to trip on the random pile of snow on the floor then when a voice said, "Hey, she isn't frozen!"
"Skylar…" Yuji bemoaned, knowingly.
She threw herself out the door and ran down the street dodging people, feeling laughter bubbling up in her throat. Gods, she was an accident waiting to happen. She shouldn't have gone in there. It was tempting fate, this world's magic was difference from hers. More restraint where hers more wild and when they clashed…well…it didn't work out. Especially when Sky tried the thunder spell. Penelo's hair wasn't always that short and Sky was fearful of the little blonde's wrath ever since.
Looking at the red envelope in her hands, she gently opened it revealing a sketchbook with black leather bidding as well as a charcoal pencil. It was hard to come by such things here in Rabanastre. The Empire had such tight restraint on everything, even silly things like drawing paper. She wondered idly if they wanted to break Rabanastre's spirit which, even after its surrender, was still strong.
But she digress, when she found Yuji had connection to get such supplies, she took the chance. Biting her lip, she closed the envelope and headed towards the Eastgate wanting to find something to draw. It had been so long since she had the opportunity draw. Only when she got to the Eastgate, her happiness went spiraling down. As she approached the doors, she was grabbed by a harsh hand.
"Where do you think you are going," the soldier's tone freaked her out sending chills down her spine and made her blood freeze, "you filthy mud blood!"
Suddenly Skylar wasn't at the East Gate, instead she was in a horrible prison. Rats running just past her feet and she hastily pulled her legs up her chest, trying to get away from them. Why was she here? Why did she have to come back to this horrible place?
As the Death Eater drew closer, Sky wanted to cry.
But she didn't have tears left.
"Answer me whelp!" The Death Eater shook her violently by the shoulders. "An-"
Sky forced her eyes closed, squeezing them tightly as she forced herself back into reality.
"Oh, gee, that's too bad." Vaan's voice pulled her away from the cell and she realized, she was hanging limp in the soldier's grasp. "You see, it just so happens that your provisioner for the fete tonight…" Sky refrained from commenting that 'provisioner' wasn't a word as the numbness slowly drained from her mind, and Vaan stepped to her side. "He sent us to pick up a few choice morsels for the, uh, Consul's dining pleasure. He wants 'em quick. I got the writ of transit right here." He held it out. "See? Signed: Migelo. I'd just hate to see the Consul upset because his food wasn't ready on time. And I'd sure hate to see him take it out on you."
You clever, smug little bastard. Sky looked at him, with pride. You just went up in my esteem. Vaan as if he could hear her thoughts (which hopefully not because that would be awkward) smirked a little broader.
The soldier stumbled over his words. "The Lord Consul is a great man...and not one to take offense at such trifling...matters…" He glanced behind him to see the other two soldiers approach him. He grumbled, with an aggravated sigh, "Move along, you two! Wouldn't do to keep the Consul waiting. Right! Gates are closed after this!"
The guard let her go, and she scrambled after Vaan as he ran out of the gates. She stopped for a moment to catch her breath, and Vaan asked, "What happened back there? You totally froze."
Sky flinched. Froze didn't even cover it. It had been a while since she had such an episode like that, grateful that Penelo and Vaan had never seen her on such a day. The only person who had seen her flip out was Tomaj and he sported a black eye for a week when he tried to help her. Meeting his worried gaze, she said, "I'm…sorry. I didn't mean to…worry you." Steeling her resolve, she lied through her teeth, "I'm not feeling well lately."
"Have you seen a healer?"
"No. It's nothing for a healer." She gave him a wan smile when he frowned down at her with a too serious expression, especially on him. "Don't worry, Vaan. I'll be my old self in just a few minutes."
"Fine…but we'll have Migelo check you out," Vaan said firmly.
"Channeling Penelo much?" Sky retorted. "One mother hen is enough, don't need two."
"I am not a mother hen!" Vaan looked horrified at the thought that Sky laughed so hard that she fell to her knees not caring at the people who was looking their way.
"I don't know…" she got up and sent him mischievous grin. "I think I see some feathers." He tried dodging her attempts at poking his sides, a reluctant laughter building him.
"Okay! Okay! I'll stop worrying," Vaan held up his hands in surrender.
"That's all I ask," Sky said, arms falling down to her sides.
Vaan wanted to point out she didn't ask, but it would probably lead her back to poking his sides again and he didn't want that. "Think you well enough to go to the Eastersands with me?"
"Why do you need to go there?" She asked, blinking.
"Why do you need to go there?" Vaan replied in kind.
"Nothing important. Just a walk," Sky shrugged.
"So I put all that effort into saving you for a walk?" Vaan asked, grinning when she sent him a scowl.
"If that's what you call saving," she sniffed.
"Oh…I do." Vaan informed her smugly as the brick road turning into shifting sand. Sky shook her head, letting him have the last word and put her hand on her dagger, turning her attention to any approaching fiends.
She tried to appear unfazed as Vaan kept sending her concerned glances, but she was far from unfazed. In fact, she more rattled than she had been in a long time. She hated those memories, those nightmares, and every time she thought herself better, every time she thought herself okay…they came back worse than ever. Part of her wanted to forget everything, she had already forgotten a lot, why not loose it all? And the other part of her clung to those brief flickers of her past, because it was all she really had.
Her fingers moved across her left forearm, moved across the scar hidden by clothing. She remember a lot of things, and she didn't remember a lot of things. She remembered (or perhaps relearned is a better term) were spells, enchantments. A small blue pouch hidden on her with the word TARDIS knitted on it, where she had stashed her sketchbook and pencil in, that was bigger on the inside than it was on the outside held books, pictures, rations, tents and other random things. When Vaan found out about the pouch, he had tried stealing it and when Sky caught him, he asked her to make him one. She pointed out that she didn't know how. She laughed at the memory of him sulking around like she kicked his puppy.
Sky's finger ran over the bag, hidden beneath the thin layer of armor, right above her heart. She had spent hours pouring over those books, hoping for some clue to her past and found nothing save her name. Skylar Bey.
Knowing one's name, was a priceless thing. It was an identifier, a word that meant who you were and perhaps it should be enough. But for Sky it just wasn't. She shook her head away from depressing thoughts, turning to Vaan and caught him holding a piece of paper. Seeing the crudely drawn monster, Sky asked, "You're out on a hunt?"
Vaan nodded.
"Aww! Vaan, you're first hunt! I wish I had a camera!" Sky felt like a proud sister, smiling broadly at the Dalmascan boy.
He blushed. "Cut it out." Then it fell into puzzlement, "What's a camera?"
"It's a thing that captures pictures," Sky informed him. Vaan nodded though she sensed she confused him more than before. She took his mind off of it, by antagonizing a wolf like fiend.
Okay, it wasn't antagonizing as it was an accident. She slipped on a rock and landed on top of one like it was horse. It jumped, trying to snap at her and throw her off at the same time. Vaan for a moment stood there before bursting out in peels of laughter. Sky finally fell off the beast and onto the sand, before snapping as the fiend trying to pounce on her as revenge, "A little help!"
It was a quick kill, with the both of them working together. Vaan wanted to keep the pelt and Sky told him, serious, "I'm not carrying it."
"Why not? Your bag can hold anything!" Vaan argued back.
"No way that is going in the Tardis! It'll make it stink!"
After more than a few pointed glares, and eye rolls, Sky finally relented. Vaan had the nerve to look smugly at her and she glare him I'll-kill-you later glare which of course wiped it off his face.
"There!" Sky pointed out see the red tomato with a body dancing about. "There's the Rotten Tomato."
"Rouge," Vaan corrected, looking amused. "Rouge Tomato."
"Whatever." Sky rolled her eyes then ordered, "Go kill it."
"Alright, bossy," Vaan dodged the slap she sent at him.
Vaan rushed towards the Rouge Tomato, Sky followed behind lazily and watched carefully, just in case she had to lend some help.
Vaan went straight to the point, literally. He brought out his sword and lunged it at the tomato thing. No sneaky up, no preamble, just slice and dice tomato head. She had to admit, she was impressed and envious at the same time. She had to work hard at being half as graceful in fighting, and Vaan, well, it just seemed he was born to be fighter. Just like his brother, she thought with a bitter sweet sorta smile.
She had never gotten the chance to meet Reks, but she had heard so many tales from Migelo and Penelo and others. It took a long time before Vaan (who had been angry at Migelo after the bangaa gave Sky a job, stating he was replacing Reks) opened up to her.
"Ah!" Vaan hissed as a jagged tooth split open his side.
Sky's eyes widened in panic and in an instance she was by her friend's side, dagger out. When the Tomato tried to lunge at Vaan again, Sky slashed at it causing it to leap backwards.
"Oh, bring it on Tomato head," Sky told it as it went to go after Vaan again. The Dalmascan boy had pissed it off something fierce. "I eat your kind."
The Rotten Tomato froze in attacking Vaan and slowly turned towards Sky. A sudden sensation of foreboding filled her as she stared into the red eyeless face when it's mouth opened really long pointy fangs that it apparently stole from a saber tooth tiger. Its grin said, Let me return the favor.
Sky let out a scream as if lunged towards her.
Several minutes later, and after lots of slashing and hitting, the victors stood tall…well, Vaan did. Sky was on the ground nursing the bite wound on her leg and the burns on her arm. "Stupid, ugly tomato…why the hell does it need to breath fire anyways?" Sky looked to Vaan and demanded.
Vaan down a potion, after Sky declined one saying her wounds were superficial then sent her a toothy grin. "Maybe it wanted you toasted."
Sky favored him with a flat look, "That's not funny."
"Yes, yes it is," Vaan laughed.
"Oh…go choke on your potion!" Sky said, putting the ointment in her bag and stood. She turned and marched up the sandy hill, eyeing the giant tyrannosaurus type monster of in the distance with a shudder when Vaan grabbed her arm, pulling her to an abrupt halt. "Dude! What the-"
He knelt down and she looked right where she was about to step. A wave of sadness washed over her, as she saw the red flower and Vaan whispered out, "Galbana lilies…Never thought I'd see them growing out here." He picked them. "This'll make a nice souvenir."
Sky felt as if she need to do something. It was obvious the flower was bringing up painful memories of his brother Reks, but she also knew that Vaan wasn't one to be coddle. He didn't like feeling weak, so instead, she gifted him a small smile, "Let's head back to town. Have to get them in some water soon or they will wilt."
Vaan nodded and the trip back to the gates was filled with silence. Once they came upon the gates, Sky paused at the seeing the large crowd. Sharing a look with Vaan, she wondered out, "Wonder what's going on."
"Probably guards being jerks," Vaan replied.
Sky snorted, but didn't disagree with the very true statement. Then she spotted a familiar face running towards them.
"Vaan! Sky!" Kyte gave Sky a hug, and Sky returned it. The boy pulled back and hurriedly told them, "I guess I'm not the only one who got locked out of the city! I told Penelo about the mark you were going after, and I guess I got her worrying." Sky smirked as a light blush found its way on Vaan's face. "So the two of us headed out here to find you. As soon as I stepped out, the guards closed the gates and things got crazy. I haven't been able to find her since."
"Stand back, there! Back! This gate's closed until the ceremony's over, do you hear?" The guard snapped at the crowd.
"Are you serious?" Sky sighed, putting her hand to her forehead, feeling a headache forming. A loud sqwack made every turn to see a fancily-garbed white chocobo. The guard shouted, "Open the gate!" He then told the crowd to get out of the way.
"Wait a second! How come you let these chocobos through the gate and not us?"
"This here's a pedigreed parader, boy. Cost tens of thousands of gil, this one did." The soldier snapped, staring at Vaan as if he were something on the bottom of his shoe.
"That's such a shame," Sky stepped in before Vaan could say anything else, "the Empire would spend money on birds when it would be better suited to get hire a more intelligent militia."
"What was that, you cur!" The soldier got into Sky's face. She didn't even flinch when his spit hit her cheek, instead she wiped it off with the back on her hand trying not to gag.
"I thought I was pretty clear with what I said," Sky said, conversationally. The soldier shoved Sky harshly back and Vaan grabbed her. In doing so he dropped the Galbana lilies, and he gasped when the chocobo stomped all over them.
Vaan angrily glared at the soldiers and snapped, "That does it!"
Sky grabbed his shoulders as he tried to lung forward and pulled him back. "Vaan-" He slipped out from her fingers.
Before Vaan got to the soldier, Migelo appeared in the nick of time. Sky let out of relieved sigh, not bothering to hide how her shoulders slumped. "Ho ho! A fine, fine chocobo you have there. Yes! Tchita Downs stock, if I'm not mistaken. Change the soil, change the chocobo. Am I right?"
Penelo dodged around Migelo and grabbed Vaan's hand, sending him a concerned look when she noticed his glare. The blonde girl looked towards Sky, whose hair was now jet black and the bouncy curls fallen straight, and Sky shook her head.
"Yes, yes. Different soil means different banquet, too. Take a Dalmascan Barose wine, eh? It may lack the flavor and depth of some of your Archadian wines…" Migelo was in a discussion with the guard and held out the bottle of wine. "But it has a certain strength of character. It's not bad, really, once you get used to it. Care for some, sirs? There's more than enough for all to cool their throats, of course."
Sky watched the first soldier grab the wine and turn to his second in command, "You, let these carts through then we close this gate as ordered."
Her eyebrows rose as she came to stand behind Penelo, Vaan was taller than her and blocked her view. "Note to self…carry wine."
Vaan's shoulder shook as he repressed a laugh, knowing that laughing right now would be bad. Penelo sent Sky a little glare, but she was fighting down a grin of her own.
Migelo nodded, as the people gathered in front of the gate pass through. Migelo turned to face the group of orphans, "Don't you give me a scare like that. Especially you Sky." Sky looked down as he sent her a pointed glare, a sad pang hitting her chest. She didn't like upset Migelo, after all he had done for her. "You're lucky that ended where it did."
Sky nodded slowly. Vaan did too.
A loud bell rang, making Sky jerked her head towards the city. Migelo turned, "Ah, the ceremony'll be starting soon. I'd best be hurrying."
Vaan rushed inside. Penelo stared for a second before Sky grabbed her arm, urging, "Come on, or he'll leave us in the dust!"
Penelo started running and shouted, "Vaan! Wait! What is it? Vaan?"
It took them a few minutes to shocking realize that Vaan was heading to where the new Consul would be giving his speech. Sky wrinkled her nose in confusion, knowing Vaan must have some weird reason for wanting to go there.
A float ventured through the streets of Rabanastre. Vaan spotted and ran faster to chase after it. Penelo and Sky quickened their pace to follow him. Sky eyes roamed over the float. It was way over the top, golden and silver. Whoever was on it must be someone important, Sky found the man. He had a tall, strong, and intimidating look. Definitely not a man one would want to go toe to toe with-or meet in a dark alley. His long dark hair moved as he glanced over their way, reveal a strong handsome face and Sky felt her blood turn into ice as her mind swirled into dread.
She halted, neither Penelo nor Vaan noticing their friend falling into panic mode. Her lungs seized not letting her catch her breath as her mind suddenly felt fuzzy. And as soon as the panic came, it went. She was left, barely able to stop herself from falling over as all the energy left her. Taking in a much needed breath, she shook her head. It must be lack of sleep. That's got to be it.
Sky turned her gaze from the parade to the crowd trying to pick out Vaan and Penelo when the Judge stood up at the podium letting everything settle before shouting, "We will have order!" All noise died down, and Sky could feel the tension so thick, one could cut it with a wooden spoon. "I give you your new consul...His Imperial Highness Lord Vayne Solidor... Commandant of the Archadian Empire's Western Ar-"
Vayne walked towards the crowd, leaving the Judge to sputter after him, "Your Excellency!"
He approached his float, and Sky turned her gaze to the bleachers to see Vaan and Penelo sitting there. She hurriedly sat beside them and Penelo whispered, "Where did you go?"
"…the crowd got in my way," she didn't look Penelo in the eye as she made the false excuse, feeling horrible to lying again to one of her friends.
Penelo didn't have time to ponder her friend's guilty expression for Vayne's voice grabbed their attention, "People of Rabanastre! Is it with hatred you look upon your consul? With hatred, you look upon the Empire?"
His voice made Sky physically ill and she felt it crawl across her skin like oil making her feel dirty or unclean. But she shoved it away and answered his question while looking at him as if he were stupid. "Duh!"
"Spit on your Empire!"
"Go back to Archadia!"
Vayne bowed his head slightly as if grieved by this and spoke his voice commanding yet softer, drawing everyone in, "There was little point in asking. But know this: I harbor no idle hopes of frustrating that hatred. Nor shall I ask your fealty. That is the due of your fallen king, and rightly so." The people listened to words, their faces falling in surprise and the anger melting away. Sky raised an eyebrow at them. "King Raminas loved his people. Strove to bring you peace. His was a rule worthy of your devotion. Even now, he remains among you, protecting you. His ardor for the peace and weal of Dalmasca falters not. I would ask only that you do your king honor. Together, let us embrace the peace His Majesty would surely desire. Two years now divide us from war's bitter end. Yet still its shadow looms over all, stifling the infant peace. A pall only you may cast off! Achieve but this one thing... and your hatred of me, and of the Empire, will grieve me not!"
People glanced at each other in disbelief. Sky felt the exact same way while Penelo and Vaan, true teenagers looked about to fall asleep.
"I will stand fast. I will endure your hatred, suffer your slings and arrows. I will defend Dalmasca!" He promised with such a fierceness that the people couldn't help but believe him. "Here I will pay my debt! I swear it now! Though King Raminas and Lady Ashe be gone, they stand ever at the side of their people. In honoring peace... you do honor to their memory, and to Dalmasca. What I ask, I ask plain. My hopes now rest with you."
Vayne bowed to them, and then slowly crowd began to cheer causing Penelo and Vaan jumped in surprise at the positive reaction. Sky stared at the man, repressing a shudder and muttered, "A true politician."
"Huh?" Vaan looked at her.
"Knows all the right words," Sky pointed out, "to the crowd on his side. Who knows if he will deliver on them, to me its doubtful."
Penelo blinked at the cynicism. "We can always hope, right?"
Sky looked at the young girl, before giving a small nod. "Suppose those no harm in hope." Except when it lets you down.
Vayne stepped off the float. A soldier asked, "Is Rabanastre to your liking, my Lord?"
"It is magnificent! Take this cathedral, for instance," Vayne gestured to a massive cathedral looming in the distance; the soldier turned around to see it. "Elegant, yet whimsical in its execution. A stunning example of Galtean architecture. I hope Lord Gramis might one day look upon it himself."
Sky watched Vayne intently as Migelo was introduced to him. She couldn't help, but feel bad for her Bangaa friend. Vayne gave her the creeps even from here, she couldn't imagine what Migelo felt.
"How can he stand to bow to him like that?" Vaan asked, angrily. So angry that Sky's head snapped towards him and stared at him in shock.
Penelo defended Migelo, "Vaan, you just do not get it, do you. He's not doing it because he wants to."
"I know. It's just-" Vaan began but Sky cut him off.
"So, what would you do different?" Sky demanded. She held her hand up to point at him, she shook her head before stating, "Think hard, Vaan. These guard when we," she gestured between the two of them, "disrespect them get pissed. Can you imagine what they'd do if we disrespected…the Consul?"
The last words were spat out like a curse.
The young boy stood up. "Well, I'd do something."
I would want to also,
she thought returning the sentiment. Throwing her arms over her friend's shoulder, Vaan to her right, Penelo on her left, she said, "Come on, let's get out of here."
Sky had bought them lunch from a little, not so known about restaurant hidden at the end of the market place and after they had eaten, they went for a stroll. Sky was quiet, half listening to the conversation, half thinking.
"Vaan? Vaan!" Penelo said, sending him a look. "You haven't heard a single word I've said, have you."
Sky smiled lightly, at not being the only one feeling far off. She was rubbing her hands together, she was worried about her sudden attacks.
"The place has changed so much. It's like it's not even Rabanastre anymore. Like the Empire is swallowing it whole." Penelo whispered looking around at the buildings and the people.
Sky could only imagine what Penelo was seeing as she looked around. The only Rabanastre Sky had ever known was the one under Imperial control, arriving in Rabanastre only two short weeks after the surrender. All she knew of the old Rabanastre was what Migelo, Vaan, Penelo and others told her. Each tale left her sad, and angry for them.
"Hey, Penelo. That feast tonight. You think they'll let us in?" Vaan asked suddenly.
"Are you crazy?" Penelo saying the words that Sky thought. "It's in the palace, and we don't have an invitation, if you hadn't noticed."
"So...How are we getting in?" He asked.
"Why would we want to?" Sky looked at him, eyebrow raised in slight disbelief and she tried to gauge his expression. His lips were pursed and his brows furrowed.
"Why not ask Migelo to get you in? Or go see Old Dalan in Lowtown. Why the sudden interest, Vaan?" Penelo placed her hands on her hips.
"I told you! I'm going to take back what's ours! Give back to Dalmasca. C'mon, what do you think? If I find something, and it fetches a good price, how 'bout I, uh... I buy you all dinner!" Vaan said, excitedly.
"Oh, no, Vaan," Sky laughed lightly. "Not another one of your schemes."
"This one will work," Vaan assured her so confidently that Sky didn't have the heart to tell him otherwise.
Penelo didn't either, instead she said, teasing, "Oh please! You know as well as I do the first thing you'd buy is an airship! All hail Vaan, sky pirate of Dalmasca!" She started to run off, but not before throwing her a grin over her shoulder at Vaan. "It's got a nice ring to it! Stay outta trouble!"
Vaan smiled cheerily after her and then frowned looking at Sky who was shaking her head. "What?"
"Oblivious," she muttered under her breath and started down the street. "More oblivious than Eric and Ariel with Sebastian singing 'kiss the girl.'(1)"
"What?" Vaan called after her, confused.
But Sky was already walking away. It didn't take long for her to get lost in the crowd, and in her thoughts. Skylar wrapped her arm around her midsection, and pondered for not the first time, what happened to her memories? She had met a few, ex soldiers, who had lost their memory due to the trauma of battle or torture. But had she been in a war? Or a battle? She certainly hadn't been in a good place, as brief flickers of blood and screams came to the forefront of her mind. With a sigh, she repeated her motto, The past is in the past. The present is the now, and the future is what you must look towards. You have to let it go.
A simple thought.
Then why was it so damn hard?
END OF CHAPTER
Hope you liked it and enjoyed. Please review, and I'll give you an imaginary cookie, any kind you want. :)
REFERENCES
1.) Little Mermaid reference
RRs will make me update faster, lol