Specialists of Lindblum
Chapter Two
South Gate Showdown!
"Affirmative, commander Saint. I'll get a ride from here and make to the South Gate with haste. I'll shoot the flare, when I'm at the top... see you soon, commander", Mana spoke into her radiotransmitter and hung up the conversation, adjusting the box back on her waist. She looked around the small village. It was peaceful... calm. Mana just hoped that the girl she brought won't change that... and neither the soon arriving Lindblum military force.
"Uh... I need a fast ride in the name of regent Cid Fabool IX! Can someone help me?" Mana said aloud as she stood up. Soon a raggy, fair-haired farmer came to her.
"Young lady, you can take my chocobo, anything to help", the man said and Mana's eye flinched.
"Chocobo... you say? Is it... uhh... domesticated? Not a wild one?" Mana asked.
"Oh yes, yes, young miss. He's calm and friendly... and quite smart on top of that! Just as much of a friend as a pet!" the farmer spoke and Mana sighed deep. "What is it, miss?" The farmer asked and Mana just shook her head.
"Nothing really, childhood trauma. I'd better get over it now. Where is he?" Mana asked and the farmer showed her the way.
"Here he is, this one here is Boco. I hope he proves helpful", the man said. Mana was shocked as he saw high standing, huge, yellow chocobo. The bird lowered its head and pecked Mana gently.
"It must sense my fear..." Mana muttered as she patted the bird and got on its back.
"Thank you... umm... who are you?" Mana asked the farmer who smiled slightly.
"I'm Jonathan, Jonathan Rogers. I'm happy to help. To tell the truth, my brother is part of the Lindblum military. Good luck, whatever you'll be doing!" the farmer nodded and Mana left, with pale face and her hands shaking.
"Okay, you dimwit chicken, giddyap and move! I'm in a rush today", Mana commanded Boco. The bird shook its head in disbelief and ran on. Meanwhile, within the thick forest were Inna, Castus, Ryu and Faust. Castus dropped down from a tree, holding a spyglass and got a curious glares from the rest.
"Well, we are close. There is a quite large pre-camp before South Gate itself. From what I saw, they were mainly bandits, but what's more curious, is the fact that there were bandits from several different gangs. Someone's rounded up and united local bandit clans, maybe some even from north, the Treno's domain", Castus spoke and Ryu glared at him oddly.
"How'd you tell that?" Ryu asked and Castus grinned.
"The banners of course. Bandits are an odd bunch and have a sense of 'pride' despite everything", Castus explained and Ryu gave a nod.
"So, any ideas getting in?" Faust asked and Castus smiled.
"Good you asked, there's a small unit coming our way, probably some routine check. Let's take uniforms", Castus said and Inna grunted loudly.
"What?! You should have told THAT in the first place!" She yelled and Castus shook his head.
"Well, we would have found that out sooner or later nonetheless. Now the luck's only on our side. Although, there were five of them and we are four", Castus said and Inna nodded, thinking.
"Simple, 'one of us' died due to the local wild beasts. Although, that will most likely separate us from each other within the base, but hey: We are the team 02", Faust said without an expression.
"That's the best we can round up right now. Inflintration it is then. Ryu, Faust, find a nice little bush and grass to hide in, I'll climb up to a tree with Castus. There's five of them so we have to move fast and try not to damage the uniforms too much", Inna told and all of them nodded.
"Inna, you can get a clear shot right? Try to shoot so that they won't figure it to be an ambush right away, same goes for you Castus, we'll aim for the head and... Faust might try to do some internal injury without damaging the surface nor the uniform", Ryu spoke taking a good grip from the hilt of his sword, then leaving to find a hiding spot with Faust. Inna and Castus looked at each other firmly and got up to the trees. Carfully waiting, waiting. Inna loaded her rifle and looked through the sniper scope, she saw the enemy unit, but they were a bit too far to shoot... not that Inna wouldn't have hit them, but it was inconvinient for Faust and Ryu. After five, slowly marching minutes they were in a perfect spot. One clear shot and a man was down, the other four – one woman and three women started glaring around, pulling out their weapons and checking the body on the ground.
"What is it?! He's dead! What killed him?!" One of them shrieked and checked the body more closely.
"It's – it's an am-!" He cried out, but was shot to the head by crossbow-fire, soon a rifle round took down the woman and Ryu's blade rose from the ground, slicing through a man's head as Faust struck his quarterstaff in the last man's groin as he chanted out fire, heavily burning the man's face and lungs. The four gathered around the bodies, searching and stripping them. Soon Faust seemed to be a bit appauled.
"What about me?" Faust asked, as the rest figured out him referring to his eyes. Ryu snapped his fingers soon with a light smile.
"Here, this chap has a quite large hat, as well as a taller neck-piece. It'll help you hide a bit, and you should still be able to see with your specialities", Ryu grinned. Then they disguised themselves in the woods, soon looking more like what they should. One body they mutliated to work as 'the dead one due to attack of a wild beast'.
"So, let's move shall we? Yeah", Castus said lifting one of the bodies on his shoulder. Soon the quartet moved swiftly towards the pre-camp of the South Gate. Meanwhile, Mana was making her way in the mountains riding Boco. Mana was deadly scared, of the bird and for the sake of her friends. Boco was simply bored because of Mana's trembling and tumbling on his back. Suddenly, Mana pulled the bridles.
"Stop, stop you chicken!" Mana yelled and Boco did as told. Mana noticed an empy camp. Also she noticed the dead plants and silence some time ago. What was going on? Bandits left the camp hastily, too hastily. Mana didn't like it. She pulled out a spyglass and looked around the camp. Yeah, rigged! And plenty up to that. But how'd she get over with Boco? She didn't have the heart to leave that gigantic chicken there, although she was sure that Boco would have eaten her alive without pity or remorse if needed. But of course, these chicken had quite strong feet and jumping power. There was a shack about the middle of the camp... the roof wasn't rigged. Boco could jump on it and then safely to the other side.
"Okay, you muscular turkey! Do you see the shack in the camp? Jump ON it. On the TOP. Do you see? Now, then jump to the othe--" Mana spoke to the bird, which just ran on without letting Mana finish. The woman yelled loudly and took a tight hold. In a manner of seconds, she noticed that she was already on the other side of the camp. Now, that was easy!
"Okay, let's continue, chicken!" Mana said and the chocobo started running. After some time, Mana noticed something, there were arrows in the trees. Inna didn't trust her after all, but it was okay, she left her clues and signs. Such a nice sister.
"You, pigeon, see those signs in the trees? Follow them", Mana said and was shocked again as the creature was smart enough to do so. The forest truly flew by as they moved. Nothing at all... until Mana noticed four stripped bodies on the ground. Three men, one woman.. oh, guys!
"Stop!" Mana told Boco, who quietly followed orders. Mana took a closer look at the bodies... thank god, they weren't the guys... but... something was odd. Why were they there? Wait! There really IS something going around the South Gate. They were with the bad guys? So Inna and the guys probably took their uniforms to disguise. Now, Mana had to be careful!
"Okay, let's keep on going, we're close. But... it's late, sun's already setting", Mana said as Boco started moving onwards. Before soon, Mana saw lights. There must have been something! But as she tried to tell Boco to stop, words didn't come out... ot maybe they did, but a terrible, terrible smell took over her lungs. Greens! Gyshal greens! Even though Mana couldn't stand them, Boco obviously loved them! Rushing onwards, without hesitation. Soon the two broke through a badly crafted gate. Mana calculated it to be a pre-camp for the South Gate, lot's of bandits and stuff. But, it didn't really help her as she fell of Boco as he rushed to the gyshals. Mana was now helpless, on the ground , dozens of bandits around and a warking chocobo just few feets away. Shit!
Some time before. Inna, Castus, Ryu and Faust arrived to the pre-camp, carrying a body. The gatekeepers were seemingly exhausted and didn't pay too much attention, although they of course noticed the body.
"What in the hells happened?" Asked a ugly man right in front of them.
"Well, a beast attacked us, we tried tah d'fend against it, but... this poor fella couldn' make it", Castus said with a made up accent.
"Oh boy, those bloody beasts. We've told da boss mill'ns o' times 'bout it, but he wouldnt't listen, no-no!" The man said and let them pass, suddenly looking at Inna and Faust.
"You two, head to da South Gate, report to the commander", he said and then turned to Ryu and Castus: "And you two, take that body to da infirmary, sumone's do an autopsy or something as stupid."
So, they had to separate, but it was okay, they were ready for it. Castus and Ryu went to the left, Inna and Faust to the right. Both duos yucking at the strong smell of gyshal greens.
"How are we ever gonna find infirmary?" Ryu wondered and Castus grinned.
"These bandits aren't smart. There are signs all around, so those dimwits wouldn't get lost in their own camp. This should be easy", Castus said and Ryu grinned. The travel through the camp went somewhat okay, they got only few off looks and that's all. Soon they were in front of a huge tent, signed with a large, red cross. They went in and the place was oddly empty, there was only one, single person. A woman. Unique sight within bandits, even more unique was the fact that she was actually had pleasant looks and seemed fairly intelligent. She had a black headband in her scarlet, thick and curly, shoulder-lenght hair. She had large, green eyes, full lips and a roughly tanned, yet clean skin. Her bust size and hip easily defeated those of Mana and Inna – although this fact was noted by Ryu only. This woman had a loose skirt, shirt and leather boots.
"A dead one? That's new", the woman said walking to them.
"You two...? Aren't from here?" She asked as she calmly took the body from Castus and put it on a surgery table.
"What? Bu'course we're from 'ere, ma'am!" Castus claimed and the woman laughed.
"Quite the spy you are. You didn't learn that in Lindblum, I can tell. I'm Miranda, the doctor and Jill-of-all-trades around here. You guys are here to find out about what's going on around here", she spoke and Castus shook his head.
"Don't worry boys, no one's gonna come here. Not many dare to venture here as you might've noticed. I'm not someone to play with, altough... too many have tried. Come clean, we can still find an agreement. If you disagree, I'll scream. You'll have two dozen blades at your throats more than soon", Miranda spoke and Castus sighed.
"Yes, we are part of the lindblumian military, we were sent here to investigate what was happening here", Castus explained.
"Oh? What kind of a unit. I doubt that Lindblum would send mere little soldiers here, especially that few", Miranda asked.
"Yes, we are a part of semi-secret branch, known as the Specialists. We perform duties from mere spying to assassination, though the latter is extremely rare case", Castus spoke and Miranda was nodding, slightly smiling.
"Well then, I think I just found our agreement", she said.
"What is it?" Castus asked.
"I want to get the hell out of here. Almost twenty years have I spent my time with these bandits. You are my ticket out of here. I'll help you to get to places and to find out little this and little that. In turn, you take me with you to Lindblum", Miranda said. Ryu and Castus glared at each other, then nodding.
"Very well, it's a deal. Now, speak", Castus said and Miranda grinned deviously.
"Well. The whole operation is held up by a used-to-be noble from Treno. Baron von Schtrömfel. He had some not-so-legal activities and lost everything. He got a bit bitter or something and started round up some crime and power, he's been at it for three years by now. I know only so little, but I do know that he is selling people, mainly children, to someone. So if your branch's been investigating the odd disappearances, these two cases are connected", Miranda spoke and the two men looked at each other.
"Wait... he's been doing trade of that sort for three years and no one has noticed?" Castus asked and Miranda nodded.
"Yup, I've been wondering the same. I've met the bugger and he's clearly not smart enough for something like this by just himself. But, I don't know and can't think of anything or anyone that he might be working with", Miranda spoke, "and as to why did he come here and shut down South Gate is a complete mystery, not a clue. It's just so stupid that maybe the baron is really working by himself."
"Okay. Then, can you think of any way to deal with all these bandits in one hit?" Castus asked and Miranda thunk for a moment.
"Yeah, simplest way is to get into the South Gate, deal with the baron and then leaders of the bandit clans. There are seven clans, so you'll need to take out eight people in total. And you know bandits, without leader, they can't do anything as they'll soon be at each others throats, fighting over the leadership", Miranda said, "I happen to have on authorization, I'll be able to get you up there."
Castus nodded and again, he glanced at Ryu and Ryu glanced him back. It was all too convenient, but they didn't have too many other choices.
Back at the gate, some time before, Ryu & Castus and Inna & Faust separated, Inna and Faust went to the right, following the signs. Inna was rather amazed at them, but soon accepted the universal stupidity of ruffians and bandits. Before soon they were at the commander's tent, number six it said, stepping in.
"We are here to report, sir", Inna said looking at a large, muscular man sitting be a table, eating. He glared at them and grinned.
"So, what could it be, little miss?"
"We were on a patrol outside the camp. One of our unit was slaughtered, two of us went to the infirmary", Inna spoke and the commander bandit got up, taking a closer look at the two.
"Oh-ho-ho", he laughed, "I think you should take a report of that kind to the big boss around here, baron von Schtrömfel!"
"Yes", Inna said, realizing two things at the same time. Firstly, Schtrömfel! She had heard the name before, lastly about three years ago. Secondly, they were just found out. Inna had also noted that the guy was a clan commander, she had to move quickly now.
"Sir, could you come a little closer", Inna asked and the large man did so. Then, Inna struck a small blade in the man's gullet.
"Sir, I am sorry, but I can't let you inform of us", Inna said calmly, struggling the man down. Goof! No one was around, luck has truly been by their side. Inna dragged the body to the back of the tent and put it on a decorated chair, then turning it around.
"Faust, let's go", Inna said and the two left the tent, heading to the South Gate itself. Soon they met a bandit, who looked at them oddly, noticing blood on Inna's clothes.
"What'cha dat?" He asked and Inna hastily thought up the original excuse.
"We were on a patrol, bloody beast hit us. And hey, don't bother the commander, he just got to sleep", Inna said and went on. She now thought, was it really necessary to kill the man, but well, yes. She bought them a bit of time. Also... the baron. Inna remembered. About three years ago, baron von Schtrömfel lost technically everything, as he was caught in some illegal business, but she couldn't really remember what it was. She and Faust progressed through the camp and finally got to enter the huge gate. Within were control room for the gate, also Inna knew that military used to have some spare weaponry there, but... it most likely was in the hands of the bandits.
"What is it, what are you doing here?" Watchman questioned as Inna cleared her throat.
"We were sent here and report personally to von Schtrömfel. Captain in the tent number six sent us", Inna spoke.
"Oh, ve- very well, do go in. But be fast, that snob doesn't like company", the watchman sneered as Inna and Faust went pastt him.
"Inna, sun's going down, isn't it?" Faust whispered and Inna nodded.
"Yup, it's getting dark. I just hope that Mana's okay", Inna said just as she stopped for a moment and turned to look back.
"What is it?" Faust asked.
"Nothing... I just think as if I just heard a scream... a chocobo", she said and started climbing up a stairway. Inna saw a large door in the back of the corridor, words CONTROL ROOM embedded on it.There it was! Inna rushed and knocked on the door.
"Come in, it is open, but be quick with it!" She heard a high-pitched voice and carefully entered.
"Umm, I am sorry sir, but I was sent here to give a report", Inna said and then she saw the baron. But he was a mere, blurred visage from what Inna remembered from years back. The baron had lost all his extra weight, and had started going bald. His ever-so-gorgeous clothes had turned into some cheap, but extremely bright and colourful garbs. He held a rapier in his left hand and a stylished revolver in his right.
"Report? You are meant to report to your commanders, stupid, dimwitted bandits! I didn't hire you for a chat!" The man squeaked as Faust entered after Inna and closed the door.
"Then, I am sorry sir. My humblest apologies, we shall leave at once", Inna spoke, bowing, then turned away.
"There is no need to leave. Not for you two. Miss, no matter how stupid those bandits are, I've got eyes on my head. That rifle", the baron spoke, closing in. Sliding his finger down the pipe of Inna's gun.
"What are you doing sir?"
"A wonderful craftsmanship, isn't it. Miss Antares?" The baron asked, grinning.
"How'd you-?!" Inna whimpered and the baron burst into manical laughter.
"You stupid girl! Did you forget? Your rifle has your family crest on it! I still remember that crest, so, so well. Did you know, girl? An Antares ruined me, he must've been related to you?" The baron spoke and Inna nodded simply.
"That was my uncle, but what of it?" Inna asked.
"You could call me a bitter man, I want revenge. And what would me more perfect than the head of his niece?" The baron asked.
"You'd start a war, you'd die", Inna said.
"We all die someday, don't we?" The baron asked.
"Maybe. But, tell me one thing", Inna spoke.
"What would you like to know, miss?"
"What is your goal? Why did you take over South Gate and shut it down?"
"Revenge? Does it really matter. Let us assume that I was deeply bittered. Why can't a rich man have a little bit of fun? I lost everything because of you and your stupid laws. I curse Alexandria. I curse Lindblum, I curse all", the baron spoke.
"And now, fare thee well, miss Antares and lackey. STOP!" He yelled and the two felt magical energy around them. Their bodies froze. At the same time, there was a knock on the door.
"Yes?!" The baron spat.
"We've got a prisoner. Some idiot wet-behind-ears rushed in with a chocobo", said a male voice and the door opened. The man pushed Mana in and closed the door.
"Hiya!" Mana grinned and noticed two odd bandits.
"Hell, girl. From Lindblum, are you? I just froze your friends, you'll join them soon, I guess. I'll just have to... drink this ether", the baron said and pulled a small bottle from his pocket. Mana didn't ask, she acted. She pulled a similiar bottle from her belt and tossed it at Inna and Faust's feet.
"That remedy should have worked!" Mand yelled and rushed to Faust.
"Master Ciel, freeze my handcuffs!" Mana yelled and now able to move, Faust chanted out: "Blizzard!"
Mana's shackles froze and she struck them violently on ground, breaking them apart.
"Be happy I always take counter measures, use these star curtains. They'll cast reflect on us! He can't throw spells at us", Inna said and gave two, odd packets to Mana and Faust. The trio put up the reflective spell.
"You challenge me? Foolishness! Stupid children!" The baron yelled, laughing.
"Well, we've got no other way", Inna said.
"Yeah. And as they say. When there's no way: Force your way!" Mana grinned.
"Yup, this seems to be the decisive battle around here!" Faust sneered, throwing away his hat.
"Why do that, master Ciel? It looked cute!" Mana asked and Faust shook his head.
"Say Faust. And I hated that hat. It smelled and was tight, now, take position!" Faust said taking a tight grip from his quarterstaff. Inna loaded her rifle as Mana pulled out her rapier.
"Inna, I forgot all of my materia home. Do you have any?" Mana said, tightening her grip around the sword's handle.
"Yup, I've got two, I bet they'll help. And Faust?" Inna spoke.
"As you remember, my magic's innate. I also use the draw techniques", Faust spoke calmly, as the baron struck. "L'epée du lance!" Aiming at Mana, but she managed to evade most of it, getting only a scratch on her side.
"Oh? Dueling arts, I can do that too! Master Ciel, support me", Mana grinned.
"Faust", the man commented, "Thunder Blade." Magic cloaked Mana's sword, as she charged at the baron.
"Rayo Espada!" She chanted out as she struck. Although most of the piercing damage went to waist, the thunder still burned the baron.
"Take this", Inna said and threw a potion to Mana. Then the baron held his revolver up, aiming and got a shot at Faust's arm.
"Geh! Wait... why are we just standing? This isn't a video game!" Mana cracked and Inna shook her head. The trio spread out in the room, as it had plenty of space.
"Care to support me now, master Ciel?" Mana asked and Faust simply shook his head, "you do something by yourself, I just got a personal idea."
"Right", Mana said, rushed at the baron, "Ráfaga de Viento!" She chanted, landing a flurry of blows at the baron, they weren't strong in damage, but strong in amount. She got at least a dozen of good hits.
"Fire!" Faust yelled, chanting a ball of flames and threw it at the baron.
"That was your idea?" Mana said in a mocking tone.
"No, I reconsidered", Faust said calmly.
"I'm aiming, cover me, I'll cut his nerves with this", Inna said and the other two nodded. At the same time, thet felt something. The effect from those star curtains started fading off. The baron still didn't seem to notice it, but it wouldn't probably take too much time.
"Support me, fire!" Mana said to Faust.
"Right. Flametongue!" Faust chanted and Mana rushed at the baron, "Fuego Opera!" Piercing the barons abdomen as if it was butter. Pulling the blade out and jumping back. The baron held the wound shouting madle.
"Stop, stop!" He yelled and threw a spell at Faust, soon suprised that it actually worked.
"Well, well. Bye bye, miss Antares", he said smiling, and aimed at Inna, shooting. Then, in a matter of seconds. Time seemed to run several times slower. Mana shook her head and ran. And ran. Jumping in the air, taking the bullet in her stomach.
"Stupid", Inna mumbled and shot at the baron, "I almost lost my focus."
"Remedy", Inna muttered, throwing a bottle at Faust's feet, then looking at Mana, groveling on the floor. Then, at the baron. He had collapsed, his nerves were cut. He was barely able to move.
"Mister, your nerves will heal in time, don't worry", Inna said and then moved to help Mana up.
"Wait, wait!" Mana mumbled as she saw the baron, using all of his strenght to rise his gun and shoot. Two bullets rushed into Mana as she screamed in pain.
"Mana!" Inna shrieked pulling down a sofa and hid Mana behind it.
"Faust, watch her", Inna said as she carefully moved towards von Schtrömfel. He didn't seem to be able to do more, but Inna thought the same thing just half a minute ago. As she got beside the man, she almost literally flew to the wall, shocked and unable to see for a moment. As she got her sight back, she saw a tall figure beside the baron. It was definetly a man, but Inna couldn't really see anything under all of his rags and robes.
"Dear baron, you have miserably failed in the task given. And you even dared to perform trade with one of our enemies", the man spoke, with deep and strong voice.
"W-wait! I can explain... there's still something I can do for you right?" The baron whimpered as the dark figure laughed.
"As a matter of fact, there is still something you can do for us, Schtrömfel", the figure said, Inna couldn't make out his expression under the clothes.
"Yes? Whatever you wish!" The baron begged.
"Die", the man said, pulling out a revolver and shot the baron's head.
"You three children can still live. You are no threat. But if we cross our paths again, it's the end of you", the figure said, chanting a spell and disappeared, into thin air. Inna had to think, but fast. At least for now it she had time, but it all broke down as she started hearing clashing of swords and gunshots from the hallway.
"Shit!" She cried out, beating the floor. Calmly, got up and walked to Mana.
"Are you still here?" She asked. Mana was shaking, biting her lip so it bled. Inna shook her head. Although Mana was part of the team 02, was a formidable fighter and had intelligent to match, she had hard time handling pressure and pain. Inna just took the radio box from Mana's hip and called the headquarters.
"Saint here! What's you status?! I've been worried!" Inna heard a male voice.
"Commander Saint, we've got a situtation here. I'm with Kross and Ciel in the control room of South Gate. Yokoshima and Dejan are.. undercover, though I have my suspicions of it, there's fighting outside. I'll open the South Gate, commander, send reinforcements", Inna spoke, waiting for answer.
"Very well. First, tell me, what was going on?"
"Commander. Do you remember von Schtrömfel? He had taken the hold of this place and rallied several bandit clans together. But... there's something else, a mysterious figure appeared, he killed Schtrömfel and escaped. Over", Inna said.
"Good luck, over", Saint spoke. Inna ran to the control panel on pulled a few switched. The gate started slowly opening, then the door flew open. Faust and a weird redhead came in and looked around.
"Your friends, Castus?" The redhead asked.
"Yup, they seem to have handled the baron. Mana's wounded. You stay here and help", Castus spoke, Inna stared at them in amazement.
"Castus?! What in the name of Gaia is going on?!" Inna asked and Castus shook his head.
"I made a deal with a bandit doctor, she helped us here alive and we'll take her to lindblum", Castus said.
"She's a bandit! We can't just trust her like that!" Inna yelled after Castus as he left the room. The redhead moved to Mana and examined her wounds.
"Piece of cake", the redhead grinned and pulled out a knife and bottle ol liqour, thrusting the knife into Mana, pulling out the bullets one at time as Mana screamed in pain.
"Shut up, I'm helping you", the redhead snarled, pushing her first into Mana's mouth to quiet her. After the bullets were out, the woman poured liqour on Mana and then pulled out some bandages from her bag. Wrapping it quickly around Mana.
"That's first aid, you'll be handled later", the woman said as she stood up.
"What'cha staring at?" The woman asked Inna.
"Just who do you think you are?" Inna asked.
"Call me Miranda, that's what everyone else does", she said.
"I'm watching you", Inna said.
"Too late, I'll go help Castus and Ryu. They're in helluva trouble", she said and ran through the door, slamming it shut after.
"Faust, watch Mana", Inna said and ran out of the room as well. As Inna got into the hallway, it was infested with bandits, Ryu, Castus and this Miranda were feinding against them.
"How did this happen?!" Inna asked.
"Someone killed one of the bandit commanders. In a matter of moments, accusations spun across the camp and the rest six were down as well. They are mainly at each other's throats, but we were caught in the crossfire and they followed us", Castus said, loading his crossbow. Damn! It all turned to such mess. Inna held her rifle up and fired. Again and again, until the empty clip sprung out of the gun. After few clips and curses, all bandits in the hallway were dead. Inna fell on her knees.
"This isn't our fault, Inna. There was nothing we could have done. Don't worry", Ryu said.
"Yeah.. b-but... it's... it's all so crazy", Inna stuttered. Then, loud voice was heard, it came from the sky, "All of you bandits, drop you weapons and surrender! This is the lindblumian military, we are not afraid to use force, if necessary!"
And so... all the chaos halted. Sky was full of airships, savior angels! Within an hour, the bandits were taken care of, one way or another. The team, including Miranda, got onto an ariship. Mana was taken down to infirmary as all the rest washed themselves and took care of their scratches. It was deep in the night when they heard Saint from the ship's speakers: "Team 02, come to the bridge now. And take your friend with you."
Inna helped Mana up from the bed and walked beside her. And finally when the two got to the bridge, Castus, Ryu, Faust and Miranda were already there. Inna still wondered, why did Saint let her on. She's a bandit!
"Good work you all. Although, this only rose up even more questions. We've searched the place through couple of times and have found only so little. Beginning upcoming morning, we'll be interrigating the bandits we caught", Saint spoke. He had thin, lightbrown hair and large, hazel eyes. His skin was rather pale, but he seemed to have both physical and mental strength in him. He wore his fabulous captain's jacket over his rather simple and humble clothing. Beside him was a thin man, he had shoulder-lenght, black hair and glasses on his nose. He wore a white beret, white, long coat and black boots, his badge said 'Gairan Shade, Specialist Supervisor'.
"You will get your regular 1500gil salary for this mission. Also, Mana will get 500gil bonus for her actions in taking the little girl to safety", Saint spoke looking at the team.
"Also, I must thank you for another task", Saint said and turned his eyes to Miranda.
"You, team 02, have succesfully caught one of the most wanted criminals in the past ten years", he spoke and glared even more deeply at Miranda, "it is nice to meet you, Highroad Devil."
What is this?! Highroad Devil? Who might Miranda actually be?
In the next chapter, we will take look into the pasts of our heroes. Their mysteries shall be then revealed.
Remember to read, Specialists of Lindblum, chapter 3: "Memories".