Chapter 1 – Preparations for Battle
The galka waved to Vivel as he made his way out of the mines. Unlike most humes who treated him like an outcast, the galka generally looked out for him.
"Pull in anything good today, eh Viv?" said Scarp, Vivel's closest Galka friend. Scarp was a hardened Dark Knight, a warrior who trained in the black magic arts. He spent most of his time far away honing his skills in harsh climates, but visited Bastok every now and then. He had slain many beasts during the invasion of Quadav beastmen 5 years past, but still treated his friends with gentle care. As Vivel was a fellow magic user, the two became friends instantly through discussions and training together.
"Found a darksteel, and got ambushed by a leech," said Vivel, brushing the ash off of his faded doublet.
"With all that inflation, you can bring in a hefty sum for your DS, kid," said Scarp, with a hint of jealousy. "So, did you slice and dice the leech?"
"Yeah, and I found this," said Vivel, taking the ruby out to show Scarp. Scarp stared intently and turned to Vivel, "That there… that there's a keeper. You hold on to that one." Vivel shrugged and put it away. Little prizes like that were found all the time, most of them not worth too much at all. Plus, Vivel didn't want any undesired attention.
"Going to the big ballista match tomorrow, Scarp?" asked Vivel. Ballista was an annual event in which two countries went head to head in a fierce battle exercise. Bastok would be put against its old rival; the Kingdom of San D'Oria who had beat the Bastokans that last time they dueled. This year, plenty of Bastokans were excited at their chance for a comeback.
"Nah, just more political garbage for the would-be heroes out there," said Scarp, sighing. "I'll use my blade for more important matters, not the president's pride. I'd like to see these so called fighters take out 5 quadavs at once." Vivel was too young to fight during the Quadav conflict, as it was now referred to as. But from what Ignatious had told him, the Quadavs were part of the beastmen, terrible creatures that lived to see the destruction of civilizations such as Bastok. However, because of brave warriors and the Quadavs' mistake of attacking off of their own turf, the war was ended within 5 months and almost every Quadav was eliminated. "See you tomorrow, but hey, you should join the Ballista. You got more power than you give yourself credit for, Vivs." Said Scarp, and then he turned back around, heading towards his house in the mines district.
Vivel entered his humble home, made of two moderately sized rooms: The kitchen, where Ignatious did his best at cooking, and the bedroom with two beds. Vivel sat down in the kitchen, and observed Ignatious making the usual pebble soup, an unappetizing meal to say the least.
"That darksteel got us enough gil to go out to eat once in a while, even though I'm sure you prefer my cooking," said Ignatious with a smirk. Vivel laughed, and got up to hang up his backpack.
"So tomorrow when you're at ballista, want me to hit the mines?" said Vivel, trying to be helpful. Ignatious' short dark brown hair looked almost grey in this light, and from his rugged clothes and dirty skin, Vivel could see how overworked he was. Usually the two had terrible luck mining, and they barely made ends meat. Hopefully their will be more darksteel in our future, thought Vivel. Ignatious turned to Vivel with a big grin.
"How about you join me for ballista? It's an adrenaline rush bro, you won't want to miss out." But Vivel wasn't like that, unlike all of Bastok, he had no thirst for battle and bloodshed. He trained in swordsmanship and magic for self defense, and though he liked to imagine himself laughing in the face of fear, he would much rather hide from it. "Gee, I don't know Igs… I'm not tough enough to fight alongside you."
"That's not what Azurion thinks; he requested you come to the briefing. It starts in 10 minutes; let's go check it out at least?"
Azurion was Bastok's hero; a hume with long wavy brown hair and a scar over his left eye. He was a warrior that could wield almost every weapon imaginable with flawless form. He rose to fame after killing the adamanking in the quadav conflict and ending the war, in a battle so fierce it is said they fought for 12 hours without rest. It was during this battle that Azurion received the scar, and Bastok admires him for that alone. Now Azurion, was the leader of the Bastokan military which included organizing a ballista team. Vivel now knew he had no choice, if Bastok's hero wanted him to fight, he would fight. Not that he wasn't afraid, but at least he had a purpose. Vivel solemnly nodded his head and the two headed to the auction house for the briefing, leaving two bowls of pebble soup on the table.
There was a large crowd gathered around. Vivel recognized a few close hume friends, such as Mot, the cunning female ninja. And Stryder, the agile Ranger. Stryder pushed his blonde hair out of his eyes and waved to Vivel. Mot looked over and smiled warmly. There were very few Galka there, as most Galka weren't enthusiastic about fighting for the Humes, as they saw it. The door of the Auction house opened and Azurion came out, making a stunning appearance as always. He was dressed in his ballista uniform, an all red suit of armor he designed himself, missing only the slender mask that didn't fail to show off his face. Everyone roared with applause and cheering, while Azurion stood there smiling. Vivel couldn't help but clap too, as he looked so cool and powerful standing up there. Azurion cleared his throat and began talking. The crowd fell silent, ready to hear his booming voice.
"Greetings, my fellow Bastokans. It is a pleasure and an honor to see each one of you. I see many new faces, so I will go over the basics first, listen carefully my brothers. We are facing off against the San D'Orian Kingdom in a battle exercise called ballista. Old Sandy has exclusively one race of creatures, Elvaan. The elfs are easily spotted by their crooked posture and long ears." Azurion paused as the crowd started "boo"ing the elvaan and laughing at his wisecrack. Vivel looked away in embarrassment, as his ears were pretty long too. He cleared his throat and began again. "The object of this match will be to thwart as many long-ears as you can, first off. Now don't worry, the white mages will be sealing each one of us with a spell that will make us unable to be seriously injured. However, the battles will still be intense and fierce… so the weak need not apply." The crowd roared again and started chanting, but quickly stopped to listen to Azurion continue. "Once you defeat an Elvaan, their bodies will be sent to the designated home point and they will be unable to fight any longer. The same goes for all of us, so basically kill or be killed. Fighting is only one element of the game. Small spheres called petras will be buried amongst the La Theine Plateau, our battlegrounds. You can carry up to three of these at a time, and they are our key to winning. Once you defeat someone, you will achieve gate breach status. This status is indicated by the glowing of any petras if you have one. Your gate breach will last for a limited time, roughly 5 minutes. Now, scattered across the plateau will be rooks, large basket like structures. Tossing a glowing petra in to the rook will give our team one point. The match will last for three hours, and whoever has the most points at the end wins!"
Vivel shuddered at the thought of giant elf people chasing him down with their swords and spears. His fear was cut short, as Azurion's voice rose above his thoughts and began again. "We lost last year 53 to 39, and I'll tell you why. The elvaan outnumbered us, plain and simple. We fought bravely, but were overwhelmed, and it looks like their team is even larger this year. But this time around we have a few new tricks up our sleeves. I have recruited a vital member to our team, a Bastokan who will surely bring victory. I would like to call Vivel up here!" The crowd softly clapped, many people didn't know Vivel by name, just as "that tarutaru who lives here." Vivel pushed past everyone and made his way up to Azurion. He was sweating in fear standing next to one of the greatest fighters of all time. Azurion held out has hand for Vivel to shake, and he hastily shook it, feeling his face grow red.
"Vivel is a tarutaru, born in Windurst. However, after a tragic event he moved here to Bastok, and since has been training his immense magical skills. He has a natural ability to use magic, and he will join us proud Bastokans in battle tomorrow! The crowd started cheering and chanting Vivel's name. Vivel smiled and felt his face grow even redder. "Do not feel embarrassed, comrade. These are your fans and you are a highly respected member of our country!" said Azurion, with a sincere smile. Vivel couldn't help but smile back.
"There is another surprise though. From Windurst, two mages have traveled here to fight on our behalf! Please welcome Shirokaze the White Mage and Dreanoc the Black Mage! The auction door opened and two tarutaru walked out, Vivel had never really seen another member of his race, it was almost frightening for him. Right away he recognized Dreanoc as the friend Ignatious had told him about, the one who introduced him to Vivel's parents. Dreanoc had hair like Vivel's, only darker, and his eyes were a light blue in contrast to Vivel's dark green. He was taller as well, but still half the size of a hume. Vivel could sense the magic inside him, and was taken aback at how great it was. He sensed a different type of magic in the one called Shirokaze. He had almost mystical brown eyes which complimented his light brown hair. He had shorter ears than Dreanoc, but the two were similar in shape and size. Azurion continued praising the two mages for choosing to help them, and the crowd continued to cheer.
"I have come up with a new strategy this year." Azurion boasted. "Sandy surely knows about our recruits, and will make it their priority to take out our tarutaru friends. We will use their arrogance to our advantage. When the match begins, we will send in Vivel, Shirokaze, and Dreanoc to take on their team alone. They will be eager at a chance to take out our key players right away, and will give chase. Now, Dreanoc, Shirokaze, and Vivel, this is the most important part. You are to run North past the old Holla crag, and we will be waiting. There we will ambush all of the elvaan and swiftly take them down before they can fight back. Fear not about being defeated while running away, I am dispatching our best rangers to protect you, but you still must find it in yourself to survive. We will gather back here tomorrow at 6:00 sharp. Now go on and prepare for tomorrow, Bastok. We will have victory!" The crowd began cheering one last time, louder than ever now. It slowly thinned out until only a few remained. Vivel shook hands with Shirokaze and Dreanoc and introduced himself. Ignatious greeted them, and offered to have them spend the night at their house so they could catch up.
That night, Vivel tossed and turned on the floor next to Ignatious while Shirokaze and Dreanoc slept in the beds. He was afraid of his task in the match. Shirokaze and Dreanoc seemed able to handle it, but he knew he would mess it up, and let Bastok down. He stood up and quietly walked in to the kitchen, grabbing his backpack. He then exited the house without making a sound, and walked in to the bare streets of the markets. There was a lot to ponder, and the cool night breeze helped Vivel clear his mind. He looked out towards the Port, and saw an airship departing towards the Grand Duchy of Jeuno. There was an old saying that all roads lead to Jeuno. It was the center of the world, as it seemed. Vivel wanted to travel there one day, where all types of people lived. He enjoyed Bastok, but wasn't a fan of feeling like an outcast.
"Hey, Vivel right?" said a voice. Vivel turned around to see Shirokaze, looking awake and lively.
"Hey Shirokaze, yeah, it's Vivel. You saw me leave?"
"Yes, something must be bothering you; you haven't been at ease since I met you."
"It's the match tomorrow. I have never done anything of that importance, I'm sure you and Dreanoc can do well, but I'm not well developed in my black magic. And everyone's counting on us."
"Well you aren't the only one, kid. I'm not too thrilled about our mission, but let's make the best of it. I'll keep you protected, I promise." Shirokaze smiled and patted Vivel on the back. "I can sense a powerful energy inside of you; don't count yourself out just yet." Vivel smiled and set his backpack down, then sat on a bench to continue talking. Suddenly, his ruby rolled out of the pack and glimmered in the moonlight.
"What's that?" asked Shirokaze with wonder in his eyes.
"Oh, I found it while I was mining today, it sure looks cool out here I guess. I didn't think it would be worth anything though," Said Vivel, shrugging.
"I doubt it's worth anything, but it could be a good luck charm. Bring it to the match tomorrow. But for now, the both of us need sleep. Let's head back." Shirokaze put the ruby in Vivel's pack and held it out for him.
"Just one more thing," said Vivel shyly. "What's it like, living in Windurst. I was born there, but have no memories of it."
"Oh, it's very peaceful," said Shirokaze with a faint smile. "We Tarutaru live with the Mithra, a race of cat-like humans who are quite kind, but also sly. It isn't as busy as Bastok, more laid back I suppose. And there is vegetation everywhere. Green is the color you will think of, rather than the gray Bastok. Of course, living here must be rewarding, you work really hard I know, but it will pay off." With that, the two friends returned home and peacefully went to sleep. Shirokaze was very comforting in his words, and he helped relieve Vivel of some of his fears.
In the morning they all had a quick bite to eat before heading out. Bread and butter were all, but they didn't want to fill up. At 5:45, they arrived at the auction house, and there was Azurion, dressed for battle as always. He had two axes at his sides, so those would be his weapons of choice today. The crowd was considerably smaller; almost a fourth of the size. Perhaps many from yesterday were just there to listen, thought Vivel. Azurion called all of the white mages up. Four Humes approached, and Shirokaze followed.
"Welcome, one and all. I hope you are all well rested and ready to go. I have just gotten word that Prince Ramyrez will be competing in the match, but do not fear his royalty. We will slay anything in our path! Now, form in to five groups and gather around a White Mage for teleportation to the Plateau."
"They can do that?" whispered Vivel to Ignatious.
"Mages are capable of a great number of things," Ignatious replied. He looked very determined on this day. He had told Vivel of an old rival of his, an Elvaan Monk by the name of Oopy. The two always secretly dueled during the ballista, and Ignatious was defeated terribly last year. He had a more personal revenge on his mind than the rest of the country. Dreanoc patted Vivel on the back. "We got this, just stay with me and it will be cake." Vivel smiled, feeling more secure now. Ignatious, Vivel, and Dreanoc gathered around Shirokaze. They were joined by Mot, who was wearing her ninja chain mail. Her long black hair was braided, and she seemed like a tough competitor.
"Vivel, don't be nervous. Ballista is a fun game, so enjoy it," she said. Azurion quickly counted everyone there.
"There are twenty-six of us. This is a great turnout. I expect to see thirty long-ears, so the scales are close to even. All right, mages begin teleportation!" Shirokaze closed his eyes and started focusing, just as Vivel did when he used magic. Before long, Shirokaze lifted his right arm in to the air and Vivel felt himself lifting off the ground. He hovered for a moment, and then in a blink of the eye, returned to the ground, or a floor of some sort.
"This is the Crag of Holla," Shirokaze explained. There was a giant blue crystal in the center of the platform everyone was on, and the floor was shining red. Vivel looked out across the Plateau. He saw fields of green, many different elevations and many trees. It was a wonderful place. The group walked down the steps, and soon the others all appeared at the crag. Azurion stepped out.
"This will be where our "bait" runs to. We will hide back here and spring a surprise attack. All rangers know their positions, and Vivel and company know their job. Now we are to meet the Elvaan South towards the Valkurm Dunes. Let us move out! Strength and honor!" Azurion began swiftly walking and everyone followed him.Vivel noticed Dreanoc and Shirokaze paying close attention to the path so they knew the way back. He quickly tried to take notes too, but everything looked the same. After a good twenty minutes, Vivel could see figures across the horizon. As he got closer, he saw them clearly. They were the Elvaan. Standing tall and proud, each and every one of them. Vivel immediately noticed Ignatious tense up and begin sweating. He was looking at a particularly tall Elvaan wearing an orange gi with iron knuckles at is sides. That must be Oopy, he thought. In the center stood their leader, who Azurion identified as Prince Ramyrez. He was wearing a golden breastplate, shining in the rising sun. His long gray hair and cold eyes struck fear in to Vivel. At his side was a long sword that was shimmering with gleam. Suddenly Vivel's temporary confidence faded, as he realized what he was getting in to. Azurion was correct, exactly thirty Elvaan were standing. Vivel noted two with mage-like robes. He immediately became self-conscious of his shaggy doublet. Azurion nodded to Ramyrez, who just shrugged and laughed.
Shirokaze began casting a protect spell on the Bastokans while an elvaan mage protected his team. Vivel felt the surge of energy go over him, and then he felt normal again. "The stage is set!" exclaimed Ramyrez, raising his sword in to the air. The mages then began casting invisible spells on everybody. In no time, Vivel couldn't see a single person.
"In two minutes, the spell will wear off. At that point, the fighting will begin!" declared Ramyrez. "Good luck to you, Bastok, we're sure you will try your best."
Vivel heard running footsteps. It was his team retreating to the crag. He took a few steps back, and contemplated running away with them. Before he had a chance to flee, he noticed Dreanoc and Shirokaze standing next to him. The spell had worn off.
"Hope you brought your running shoes," said Dreanoc pointing to the San D'Orian team as they began their chase.
"Here goes," said Vivel, more nervous than he was trying to let on.
