Doing my own version of the Bravely Default story. I really do not know what compelled me to actually do this just like I don't know what compelled me to delete my file in Bravely Default even though I was on the final chapter.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own the plot of Bravely Default or it's characters. I just own Saffron and Charlie.
On with the show!
Chapter 1
Her whole body ached pretty badly when she woke up. She didn't know why or how, the pain just appeared. The only logical conclusion her brain can come up with was that she fell from a great height…again. Underneath her aching body was something that felt like her mattress but fluffier. 'Where am I?' she mentally asked while opening her tired eyes. In front of her, she saw a man clad in armour pouring water in a cup. The sun's blinding light flashed in her eyes, making her groan in pain.
The man noticed her awakening and said, "So, you're finally up?" he watched the girl sat up and said, "You've been out a full week."
"A… week?" Saffron repeated weakly as her head was spinning.
"Yes. My name is Owen and I am captain of the Caldislan guard. What is yours?"
Saffron took a while to say her name as she was clearing her head. Owen informed her that she was found unconscious in a ravine near Norende, a village that is now gone. A huge gap opened in the earth and swallowed the village whole.
"You were the only one who was spared," the guard continued to say, "The others…well…"
"I understand…" Saffron interrupted with a weak voice as she suddenly felt heavy with regret.
"You should rest. You can mourn later." Owen instructed her before leaving.
But the Celestrian did not rest. She couldn't rest, not with the overwhelming sadness and guilt clouding in her heart. She heard Owen talking to his father about her being alone in the world with the quilt of surviving. "Poor lass," Owen mumbled.
'No,' Saffron corrected, 'It's not the guilt of surviving…it's the guilt of not being able to save anyone.'
The girl then got out her bed and walked to a nearby mirror. By looking at her reflection, she saw that the only things that had changed were her clothes and her eyes. Instead the dress she was given by Patty along with a matching shawl, she was donned in a white collared shirt with crests on the shoulders, a brown ankle length skirt over her black stockings knee-length leather boots and a red sash tied around her waist as a belt. 'Pretty comfy,' Saffron thought with a smile, relieved that she was wearing something easy to move around in. On the downside though, her eyes were no longer slanted, making her look mortal. The innkeeper-Owen's Father- came to check on her and was worried about her moving so much. Saffron assured him that she was completely fine. "In that case, you should report to the king before heading out. He is worried about you." The elderly man instructed her.
"Sure thing." Saffron answered and left the inn. Once outside, the girl surveyed her surroundings. She was in a port town and it was much bigger than Stornway. Saffron looked to her right and saw a traveler dressed in red with a big bag and walked to him. "Excuse me, sir," she said to him, "Can you tell me where this is?"
The traveler looked at her with curious eyes before responding with, "You're in Caldisla, a port town that shipped goods to and from other lands…well…used to, anyways."
"What happened?"
The man pointed a finger at the sea and Saffron saw that the sea was rotted as it was black and slightly thick. The man continued, "As you can see, the sea has been rotted, preventing shipments for not only here but everywhere else too. All the fish here are dead too. They became this way a week ago, same day when you arrived. Heh, the females think that you are a witch that brought a curse upon us."
"I'm not surprised," the girl scoffed and she wasn't. The Celestrian has being accused of being a witch before so this wasn't new to her. She asked where to find the king and was told that his palace was at the northern part of town. Thanking him, Saffron rushed off to see the king.
The king of Caldisla was an old kind man. His gentle aura reminded Saffron of the Celestrian's ruler, Apus Major. "Ah," the king said kindly, "It's the Norende girl."
Before, Saffron forgot to mention that she was not from the village but now felt that it was too late to mention it.
"I am very sorry for your loss, my girl," the king went on to say, "Even though I can't ease the pain in your heart, time surely will. Caldisla can be your new home."
As much as the idea pleases her, the Celestrian curtsied and replied humbly, "I thank you for your generosity, Your Highness. However, I have already planned to return to the village."
King was startled by her rejection but admired her bravery. Yet, he was worried for her wellbeing as there are many monsters on her path to Norende. The girl argued that there might other survivours waiting to be saved which is another reason why she must return. The elderly man then gave his permission for her to go. "Normally, I'll send a small portion of my men with you but those blasted Eternian Sky Knights keeps on firing their cannonballs at us."
"Do not worry, I'll be fine." she assured him, bowed and left the palace. Since she only had a dagger, Saffron brought a Broadsword and a Staff with the small pouch of gold coins she found in her pocket before leaving the town and into the open.
The grassy fields would have fit with the peaceful seen before her if it wasn't overrun by Goblins and Slimes. Nevertheless, the monsters were no match for Saffron's strength they all seem to carry money with them (just like the monsters in her world) which immediately takes care of her financial problem. She made her was to the cave that lead her to the ravine. The ice cold air rushed past the girl's body, instantly making her squirm and hug herself. 'Gah! It's just like the Hexagon: bloody cold!' her mind screamed. She walked down the narrow path that was overrun by Goblins. The coldness of the ravine slowed her walking speed, so she had a hard time getting through without wishing to turn back.
After walking for what felt like forever, the Saffron's red eyes saw a light through a gap in the wall and the traveler from Caldisla but wearing green instead of red. The traveler gave a strange hourglass to her that is said to help her on her journey. When the girl went through the crevice, she grunted as the sun's light temporary blinded her. Quickly shielding her eyes from the bright rays, the Celestrian's eyes recovered but soon widened at the sight before her.
It was the chasm.
Yet, it was not the chasm she had been expecting. It was much much bigger than she thought it would be. Comparing its size to anything is impossible. Saffron felt drawn to the hole and when she got near enough to see inside, she slumped on her knees. 'This…this is the chasm!?' Saffron mentally screamed while holding back her tears, 'This is…this is…this is WORSE than what the Gittish Empire did. A…And this many people died because of it. What kind of black-hearted bastard did this!?'
At this point, Saffron released her tears and sobbed in her hands. She may not come from this village of this world, but the screams of adults and cries of children was enough to break her heart. Thinking back, she now understood why she felt heavy with regret.
"Can you hear my prayers?"
"Huh?" Saffron sniffed and wiped her tears. She thought she heard a voice of a young boy.
"Wherever you are, whoever you are…can you see the wound torn open before me?"
The girl looked for the source of the voice and looked at the cliff next to hers.
"Please, let the walls of the world collapse no further."
There, in the distance, was a boy about her height with wavy blonde hair flowing in the wind.
"Let me be strong enough to stem this flood."
The boy's white robe danced around his matching pants and his face held tranquility and peace. Without realising what she was doing, Saffron walked to where the boy was and said softly, "Hey."
The boy spun around and gasped at her surprise appearance. He slightly stepped back and toward the chasm, fear showing in his big green eyes.
"Whoa!" Saffron suddenly called out, scaring the boy even more. Regretting her actions, she went back to her soft voice, "I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to know if there is any survivours, any at all. These people were living their normal everyday lives until this happened. So, please tell me, is there anyone else who is alive, tell me."
The boy calmed down and stared at the girl with utmost sympathy. He then bowed and apologised, "I-I'm sorry. But you're the only survivour."
Stunned by the news, Saffron staggered a few steps back before hearing an engine roaring above them, "Wha?"
The two looked up in the sky to see an airship with a symbol fly by. "An airship?" Saffron wondered. With her vampiric hearing (she was lucky to have that), Saffron could hear a man and woman bickering about taking orders. The boy, on the other hand, mad a sharp gasp and muttered, "The Eternian Sky Knights! I thought I covered my trail!" he then said to Saffron, "Go! You must leave!"
"What!?" Saffron shrieked. She may have awoken in a new world but she already knew that the airship was bad news, "Why!?"
The boy glared at her and ran away. He did not get far when the airship started to fire cannonballs at him. Shielding herself from the flying gunfire and dirt, Saffron could see through her arms the boy won't last long on his own so she ran to him and yelled over the cannon fire, "Come with me!"
"Unacceptable!" the boy argued, "I will not involve an innocent lady in this matter."
Suddenly, the girl grabbed the boy's wrist and replied with a cocky grin, "Good thing I'm not a lady."
"What!?" the boy exclaimed as he was dragged away.
Explosions erupted all around them as the Eternian Sky Knights tried to blown them up. "Eek!" the boy squeaked as a cannonball flew over his head. A knight the fell from the sky and landed in front of the running duo. The boy rushed in front of Saffron and spread out his arm. "This girl has nothing to do with-"
Saffron then slashed the knight with her sword. She understood the boy was trying to be noble and protect the innocent but if these Eternian Sky Knights are monster enough to try and blow up a scared, unarmed boy, then they are definitely not going to listen to reason. The girl kept on running, holding the boy's hand in one hand and her sword in the other to keep the knights from attacking. They came around a corner and pressed their backs against the pointy rocks. They waited for the explosions to die down before peeking to see the airship retreating.
Saffron sighed in relief. It's been a long time since she was panting because she was tired but half of the reason is to release the breath she was holding. Her red eyes lay upon the boy who was panting as well. They then snaked down his arms where she found that her was still holding his. Quickly, releasing her grip, the girl cleared her throat and introduced herself, "My name Saffron Ryudo."
The boy gave her a stoic expression and responded in a serious manner, "My name's Charlie…Charlie Mizu."
At that moment, in a small flash, a tiny girl with white butterfly wings appeared and cheered, "And I'm Airy~!"
'Greeeat, another fairy mascot.' Saffron's mind said sarcastically, 'I'm sooo gonna enjoy this.'
"I'm a cryst-fairy." Airy announced, "There are four pillars that hold the world: fire, water, wind and earth. Four pillars, four crystals."
Saffron already learnt this back in her childhood since her mother, Goddess Nubian taught her once. Airy then explained that Charlie is the Pillar of The Wind and he tends the Wind Crystal. The Celestrians knew of the Pillars and the crystals but only through the old scriptures she found in the Observatory. Charlie then explains that to make sure that the crystal is still in its eternal glow, he prays to them everyday as they purify the crystal and prevent the world from any harm. This information was interesting to Saffron but she was kind of skeptical when Airy said that the crystals and their Pillars guide the world as what she had witnessed so far begged to differ.
"Let me guess," Saffron said after their explanation, "The reason why you are here is because of the-"
"Chasm," Charlie finished, "That is correct. A week ago, on the same day that chasm opened, the Crystal of Wind was overtaken by unnatural darkness."
Those words took Saffron back to what Celestria told her. This must be what the Celestial ruler was talking about.
"The wind is still, oceans rot, fire going berserk and the earth-"
"Is collapsing." Saffron finished, "If this continues then this world will be plunged into eternal darkness, wiping out everyone and everything living here."
Charlie nodded. He said that he knows the way to undo the damage and stop the darkness from spreading but he needs to get to Ancheim. With that said, the trio went on to exit the cave. As they across the field, Saffron said to Charlie, "Let me help you."
Charlie turned to her and stared with his big green eyes, "What?"
"It's obvious that this a huge responsibility that you cannot take on by yourself. Besides, I too need to get rid of the approaching darkness. So why not work together?"
Airy looked at the Pillar with questioning eyes. Charlie just kept his stoic expression and shook his head, declining her proposal as he sees it as his burden and his burden alone. All Saffron had to do is escort him to the city and their paths would separate from there. Saffron obviously did not like the idea but knowing Charlie, persuasion is near impossible.
Once they got back to Caldisla, the first thing they did was report to the king. He was delighted to see Saffron safely returned. "What happened to Norende?"
"It's just we feared, Your Majesty," Saffron replied, shaking her head, "The village of Norende is replaced by a vast hole. Nonetheless, I plan to rebuild the village."
The king immediately approved of her idea and offered her his support and gave her role of chairman of the restoration project.
"Thank you." Saffron said with a bow. She knew that her main goal was to save the world but she could not leave the village as a distant memory, "Your High Highness, do you know a way to drive away the Eternian forces?"
Charlie glared at the girl for her question.
The old man frowned, telling them that the Eternian military has been bothering the kingdom lately and they had been searching for the Wind Pillar. They have been getting desperate to the point of threatening the kingdom. "They have an airship at the lake, just waiting to fire their cannons at us." the king sighed, "As long as they us have on gunpoint, we can't do anything."
The green-eyed boy stepped forward and announced, "I deeply apologise for this danger I have place upon you, Your Highness. I am the Pillar of Wind, Charlie Mizu."
The king jolted in shock. He never expected the Pillar to be a boy, a young one at that.
"I promise you that I will resolve the matter and cause you no more grief."
'He's gonna do something crazy again, isn't he?' Saffron thought.
Of course the king was please to hear that but he was uncertain.
"You don't have to worry about the matter anymore." Charlie said before he bid the king farewell.
The king gave Saffron a look that told her to go after the boy before any harm comes to him. The Celestrian bowed to him and left the castle.
"Hold up!" Saffron called after Charlie as she dashed to his side to stop him, "What did you mean…when you…you'll resolve the matter."
The boy did not answer. He just stared at her with his dull green eyes.
"It's something crazy, isn't it?"
"Don't be preposterous," Charlie replied as if he was offended, "I know that I am no match an airship. But as long as these people are held captive, there's not other way but to hand myself in."
"What?! They'll kill you!"
"I will not tell you again, Saffron. Leave. You have nothing to say in this matter."
The girl tried her best not punch the boy for his stubbornness. She had a hard time since her anger was almost halfway. She watched as Charlie walked away and smirked. "You do know that that path leads to a dead end, right?" she asked, not hiding her smug.
Charlie stopped suddenly and slowly turned around. He squirmed and fidgeted with his fingers and asked, "U-Um…which w-way is the lake?"
'Aww! How cute.' Saffron thought and chuckled, "Seems you don't know your way there. I can take you there."
"Unacceptable." The Wind Pillar frowned.
Airy disagreed. "That's a great idea." she said happily, "It's much better than going with Charlie's bad sense of direction."
Charlie scolded the fairy the girl in front of him laughed merrily. He then pouted, "A-Alright. Take to the lake and then our paths diverge from there."
Saffron walked past Charlie saying that it will most likely not happen.
On their way to the lake, Saffron noticed the often glances Charlie gave but though nothing of it. Not long after, they arrived to the lake where a woman in white and a buffed man were waiting for them. The woman sneered them and demanded Charlie to surrender. The boy showed no resistance and began to walk to them. "Saffron," he whispered sadly, "I'm afraid this goodbye."
The girl said nothing. Instead, she grabbed Charlie's arm and yanked him back to her side. The woman then growled, "What do you think you're doing, girlie?"
"Do you actually think I'm gonna give this boy up to a twisted woman like you?" Saffron asked as if it was obvious.
The man burst out in laughter at the insult but stopped when the woman snapped, "Shut up, Barras!"
"Yes, Holly." the man grumbled.
Holly huffed and turned her attention back to the two, "Look kid, that brat had been dragging us around this backwater for weeks. Surely, I am allowed to lash out on him. Don't worry, I'll make sure the beatings aren't fatal."
'B-Beatings!?' Charlie thought. The mental image of scary guards beating him until he was cover in blood made the poor boy's legs tremble in fright and he clutched Saffron's sleeves as a silent plea for help.
Glancing back at the scared boy, it was crystal clear to Saffron that talking was not going help at all. The Celestrian brought out her sword and got into a fighting stance. Holly was not amused and sent Barras into battle. "Ha ha ha!" the buffed man laughed, "Yes! No this is more like! More action!"
He lunged towards Saffron, drawing back a huge fist. He then threw his fist in the air and barely missed and bit the ground. 'Whoa!' the girl thought looking at his hand with shock, 'That one punch made a dent AND cracks?'
Barras threw another punch and it was blocked by Saffron's sword. He laughed as an outburst of his love for action packed battle and each punch was met with her sword. The girl was holding up pretty good so far but she wished she had a lighter weapon for her to move about in.
Meanwhile, Charlie watched in fascination as Saffron fought against the big scary man until a wand zipped past him. He screamed and fell on his bottom. He looked to see Holly laughing at him as she stood above him.
"Y'know…for a black heart sorcerer, you are pretty weak." she pointed out, "Why don't you save us the trouble and surrender?"
Charlie was scared enough that he could cry. Yet he didn't, he grabbed his dagger and lashed it toward the white mage. The woman was surprised but her reflexes helped her block the attack with her staff. She then waved it about like a sword and the boy dodge all her attacks. Charlie then slashed the sword against her chest and the woman slumped to the ground, breathing heavily. "Heh," she panted, "This…not…a good way…to…die…"
Holly the closed her eyes as she lost conscious. Charlie, even more scared than before, dropped his weapon and took a few steps back. His voice wavered, "I-Is she…did I…is she…"
"She's still alive, just knocked out." Saffron explained walking to side, "The same with the big guy. Hey, you okay?"
"Saffron…" Charlie mumbled. He took the girl's hands into his and said, "I'm ashamed to say that I was gullible. Foolish. I swore I would involve no one else on my journey. It is my duty as Pillar and mine alone. I thought I had prepared myself for anything that comes. But…I was scared. I trembled when I faced my fate. If I confronted those two on my own, my journey would have ended much sooner. I am grateful for what you have done."
Charlie looked down with a faint tint of pink dusting his cheeks as he asked meekly, "Will you…join me? I would…like you to join me."
Saffron giggled and patted Charlie's head saying she had joined him for a while now. Charlie's tears were peeping out of his eyes and he hid himself in the girl's shirt. The girl giggled again and kept on patting his head.
As they made their way back to the town, in her head, Saffron wondered how they were going to get to Ancheim since their 'plan' backfired.
"Hey! I got a better idea," Airy announced, "If we cannot be the captive, why not the captain?"
"You want us to steal an airship?" the Wind Pillar exclaimed.
Saffron agreed with Airy since it was their only choice. Charlie said that the ship was nowhere to be seen and the Celestrian suggested to head back into town and ask around.
They reported to the king who jolted after hearing they defeated two the Eternian Forces and drove off their airship. "As expected from the Pillar and a miracle girl," the king laughed joyfully. Saffron questioned on the ship's whereabouts and according Owen, the airship has returned to it's hold, the Lotano Villa. Charlie wanted to go there straight away but the captain of the guard informed them that the bridge to get there is still broken so while it's being repaired, the two should go and rest.
Stopping there for now. This gonna be a lot harder than I thought.
See you in next chappy!