Disclaimer: You know the drill. Suikoden is not mine. Never has been,
never will be.
A/N: parenthesis "" mean spoken words, apostrophes ' ' are thought. Sorry, I suck at html code so I don't know how to make italics. Shoot me.
Chapter 3: Time Stops for No Man.
'Vinay del Zexay, capital city of the great nation of Zexen, one of the most prosperous and powerful nations on the continent. Zexen was governed by the great and noble Merchant's Council, a group of benevolent and righteous guild merchants, and protected by the honor of the noble Knights of Zexen, the pride of this great land. Every citizen within this wondrous city was happy, every merchant cheered as their pockets rang with potch, every...'
"Heh...what a total crock of shit." The man said to himself, laughing lightly at his own inner-commentary that sounded as if read from a superficial pamphlet promoting this city to the rest of the continent. Sweeping his eyes over the port district where he had set up temporary residence for the Twelfth Unit of the Harmonian Southern Frontier Defense Force, there seemed nothing but unsavory and unconscionable dregs that made their living off the unsuspecting tourists who didn't know better. In fact, the only happy faces that might actually be found within Zexen were those of the fat councilmen themselves, though you'd never see any in this part of town.
He stretched his sore and aching arms as he gazed at the ocean beyond the docks, the horizon waking with the sunrise and setting the edges of the sea on fire. It was truly a beautiful sight, and he sighed deeply in appreciation of it, knowing full well Joker would have another week's worth of ammunition to harass him about should he witness this moment of sentimentality. Normally the sight before him would calm his mind and drive away any apprehensions he may have, but regrettably, he had too much to think about to feel at ease.
Not only was the rundown tavern he had booked the rooms for the SFDF fleecing the mercenaries by charging a great deal more than the rooms were worth, but Joker and Queen had pissed away a large portion of what little money they had left on cheap ale. But, he wasn't the resourceful one among the group for nothing.
Last evening was a testimony to his ingenuity, as a fine, upstanding young lady had been ever so kind enough to show him a memorable evening. And waking up in the middle of the night to the soft feather mattress and her long locks tickling the skin on his shoulder, he found himself sneaking ever so quietly from the residence, however, not before lifting the pile of potch that sat on her bureau. After all, if money was simply lying around for anyone to see, it must not be very important to person who had it. Of course it all fell back to the fact that if Joker and Queen weren't such raging alcoholics he wouldn't need to resort to such measures.
Not that he didn't feel bad about it; he always did, and would make a conscious effort to reimburse the exceptionally friendly lady, if he could only remember her name...or her face...or where she lived. But truth be told, he had more important things to worry about than pinching money from damsels or the gluttonous drinking habits of his fellow mercenaries. Headquarters had delivered another assignment, and he had no idea how the official messenger could find him within the overpopulated streets of Vinay del Zexay, but he did regardless.
The message was short and direct as always, and read simply:
To all members of the Defense Force,
Please be advised that repeated rumors and concerns regarding the once-
forgotten group of bandits known as the Fire Bringer have again begun to
surface from the Grasslands. We are instructing all available units to
explore the region and determine the validity of these reports. We
strongly advise against direct confrontation lest the fragile peace
between Grasslands and Holy Harmonia be threatened. Appropriate action
will be taken accordingly upon the advisement of all investigating units.
Yours in council,
Arturo val Dien
Section Head
Ace read through the orders again before folding the parchment and returning it to the pouch hanging at his side. He couldn't understand why headquarters would suddenly attempt to resurrect the ghosts of long-dead legends but a job was a job, and as the old man always said, he who pays the piper calls the tune.
Taking one last look at the bustling streets around him, he sighed inwardly and walked toward the tavern. He often thought...knew it actually, that none of his companions in the Southern Frontier Defense Force had anything remotely resembling a home, and though Ace had spent a number of years as a mercenary under the old warhorse Gilbert, he imagined Vinay del Zexay was the closest thing he had to a home. It was such a miserable thought.
He entered the tavern, the light from the outside quickly flooding into the dark room, causing the few conscious patrons to close or shield their eyes to the sudden offending light. Not surprising, Joker, Queen and Jacque were among the few awake at this ungodly hour, and even less surprising, Joker was already feeling a slight twinge of intoxication from the drink he was making no effort of hiding.
"Isn't it too early to be drinking old man?" Ace asked, walking into the heart of pub to confront his slightly swaying companion.
"I have a perfectly natural medical condition which requires my consistent drinking Ace." Joker said, knocking back another gratifying swig from the pint. "I have to fend off the hangover. Besides, it's not like I haven't seen you wasted before lunch."
"Before lunch...not before breakfast you lush." Ace said. "Besides, we've got a job. You should be thankful at least one of us still has the motivation to see to it we make enough money to pay for your depravity."
"Yeah, like your depravity with women?" Joker said.
'Touché' Ace thought to himself, unwilling to admit Joker bested him in their usual verbal duel and opted to change the subject. "So...where's the captain?"
"I think he's upstairs." Queen responded halfheartedly as she continued sipping her own drink that Ace was sure would have killed Joker had he tried it.
"Mmm...think he's in a...bad mood?" The administrator of the SFDF asked, looking cautiously at the second level where the rooms they paid entirely too much for were at. He knew his captain as well as any of them, that is to say, as a secluded and emotionally distant man. It was hard to read his mood from moment to moment, and though he never showed anger, his one good eye always seemed to shine in a lost and haunting way that somehow made them all feel that he suffered emotionally every moment of his existence.
"Hard to say." Queen took another drink from her glass before responding. "Since your so indispensable why don't you go check on him?"
Ace sighed and turned away from his fellow mercenaries; his shoulders slightly slumped. He knew their teasing was merely affection, but he couldn't deny it wore on him after a while. Finally reaching the second floor landing, Ace steadied his resolve before knocking on the door. He didn't know how much negotiation he'd have to partake in to convince his captain this was a necessary assignment, but that was his job after all.
"Excuse me Captain." Ace said, opening the door and peering around the corner before entering the cramped, untidy room. "Sorry to bother you but we just got instructions from headquarters."
"What do they say?" The tall man inquired, his back still to the man who entered the room, staring out the window to gaze at the ocean.
"They say...and I quote, Find the Fire Bringer." Ace responded, watching the man before him turn his body partly and craning his head to fully look at his subordinate. Confusion seemed to echo from his eye, his face and his very body as he digested the information on the new assignment. Ace was not a man to miss much, but this confusion from his commander was overly obvious. "It's odd that they'd be trying to stir up rumors of an old legend, but a job is a job...and if you don't mind my saying, we're all be getting a little soft."
Geddoe took a deep breath and nodded his head once. "It's necessary right? Get everyone together, we're leaving." The one eyed mercenary captain said, watching as Ace nodded his head and left the room.
Turning his back on the door again, Geddoe stared into the distant ocean, his visage trying to capture sight of something the remained invisible to him. "The Fire Bringer..." He said, the name bringing a flood of unwanted memories to his tired mind. "Why now?"
# # #
Captain of the Zexen Knights. The title itself was a grandiose term that demanded respect and received honor everywhere within the Zexen district. But the young woman in the unlit study, sitting at the desk that had belonged to Captain Galahad before his untimely death, could find neither honor nor respect with the title. Captain Galahad and Vice-Captain Pelize, both noble and honorable knights, both gone from this world. How could the world so fully betray her in such a cruel way?
For the daughter of the Zexen hero Wyatt Lightfellow, having grown up without a father after his apparent death so many years ago, she was now forced to mourn for a man who was becoming as close to a father as she had ever known. Captain Galahad had taken an immediate interest in her while she was at the academy. She was never exceptionally studious in her lessons, but she had a gift of unpredictable tactics that, as she grew older, gave her an advantage over many of the knights much larger and stronger than her.
She found it odd even now, sitting behind the desk of her former mentor and captain, that of all the knights he would chose as his lieutenant, he would select, not a man to fight in what many called a man's war, but a woman. Perhaps it was her independence, her spirit of wanting to prove herself to no one but herself that made him see something within her that even she could not determine. Or it could be something as simple as the fact that Captain Galahad owed the great Wyatt Lightfellow a debt he'd never be able to repay, and took the man's daughter under his wing.
It was that thought that depressed her most, that she was selected as lieutenant, not for her talents but for her name. The captain always told her never to second-guess herself, but could she do otherwise? She knew many of the knights talked and whispered behind her back, often in regards to her "stunning looks" to put it eloquently, that perhaps Captain Galahad preferred to look at her than some male subordinate. Was that all she was?
Yet now, with both Captain Galahad and Vice-Captain Pelize gone, she was named Acting Captain, and began to receive grandiose titles as the "Lady of Zexen" and the "Silver Maiden", none of which endeared her to her more boisterous rivals. She had spurned many knights in her sudden promotion over more qualified candidates, and wondered what, if anything could be done to help unify the order. If the Grasslanders chose to attack so shortly after the loss of both commanders of the knights, divided as they were over her pending promotion, could they stop the advance?
If anyone could help it was Sir Lanchet who, in her mind, greatly deserved the promotion over her. He had made it no secret that he had no intentions of serving under a woman, and should he chose to abandon the knights; she knew many others would follow. At times like these, the weight of the unknown future seemed almost crushing to her, as she was both the pinnacle of Zexen purity for some, and a symbol of the Council's direct attempt to take command of the knights for others. For those critics, she was nothing more than a political tool, and deep within her soul; she felt those critics were correct in their assumptions.
There were times she thought about running away from the knights, giving up on those few people who seemed to support her, but it was their support that seemed to draw her back. She wasn't sure why so many had faith in her and so many didn't. Under Captain Galahad, the knights were united by his presence, his spirit, by his very strength, and she wanted desperately to know and have that strength. If she were to become captain, she'd want those to follow her to do so not out of duty or orders, but because they believed in her.
She recalled now, a memory long hidden in the recesses of her mind, forgotten all this time. It was a few years after her father disappeared, a visitor had come to the mansion to see him, and though the butler was preparing to turn him away, she asked that he be allowed to enter. She can't remember much about the mysterious man, not even his face, but if her memory served correctly, he had only one eye, and she remember the butler refused to allow him to stay in the same room with her alone.
Regardless, the man told her he was an old friend of her father's, and that she would see him again, when the time came. He also told her, "I've fought beside Wyatt, even when we were sure to lose. But he never believed in failure, because no one ever loses, they simply have yet to succeed. You have your father's spirit, and that same sense of determination. I can see it in your eyes. No matter what, never give up faith." That part she remembered exactly as he said it. She also remembered that she never saw that man again.
She allowed herself a small smile at her own indecisiveness. If she were truly her father's daughter, she would not give up. Even without the strength to believe in herself, to believe she belonged as captain of the Zexen Knights, she would find that faith, find that spirit possessed by the two most important men in her life, both gone from this world. She swore also that she would not shed tears for them. Their power would be her power, and in that she would honor them.
Rising from her seat behind the captain's desk, Acting Captain Chris Lightfellow turned to prepare her armor and weapon for today. She would be leading her knights into the Grasslands to sign an armistice with the Six Tribes. The conflict between her and the other knights, particularly Sir Lanchet, would have to wait until the treaty was sighed and they returned. She needed the support of the knights, and as stubborn as he may be, Sir Lanchet loved Zexen as well. She would make him see that they would accomplish more together than as rivals. But for now...she had the future to forge.
# # #
The Caleria Inn had little to offer except privacy, but for the four people seated at the round table in one of the rooms they had rented, it was enough. For final strategies were being laid out and discussed amongst them, ensuring their plans would not be hindered by uncertain orders.
"Is that all there really is to it?" Yuber asked, his long, braided hair hanging behind his back and black suit and fedora shadowing him from all around him, as if he himself were the absence of light. He stared out from under the brim of his hat and looked purposefully at the man in the white trench coat across from him, his arrogance as recognizable as that of the Black Knight himself.
Albert sighed at the overly simplified summary Yuber questioned about. His plans were never easy, and this would require exact timing for all of them in order to succeed. "Do not worry Yuber, you will have the blood you desire. When we attack the Lizard Clan, it will appear as though the Zexen Knights are behind it, and will spark the war between the Grasslands and Zexen. Once the war between Grasslands and Zexen breaks out, Harmonia will move to invade and obtain what they desire, the conquest the Grasslands. With all the confusion, we'll be able to obtain the four remaining True Elemental Runes before Hikusaak can successfully begin looking for them. You needn't worry."
"Hmph...If I were to worry about anything," The black knight said shifting his gaze to the masked man before them, "I'd concern myself whether Luc...forgive me, The Bishop, had any second thoughts regarding the death he was about to bring out on the continent. For me, it's a cleansing of the soul, but I can't help but wonder if you'll actually have the nerve to follow through with it Luc."
"Yuber, your out of line..." Sarah said, her voice spiking slightly at the outrage the dark swords master taunted towards the True Rune Bearer. But Sarah fell silent as Luc raised his hand to quiet her. That was the gift of the mask, Yuber could not see how agitated Luc was by his words, and Sarah knew it bothered him, but the young mage showed no indication as such.
"You needn't worry about me Yuber, I've committed myself to this goal. You of all people should know that when I decide on something, I see it through. After all, how many battles have we fought against each other?"
"Not enough for me to put faith in your resolve. But if you say you're committed to seeing this through, then I'll remain content until I see otherwise. As long as I can have the body count I so desire, that will satisfy me."
"Fine, if we're all in agreement then," Albert replied, a bite of impatience in his voice. Though he was the least powerful among the circle of conspirators, he was in his own way, the most important. They could not complete this task without him, and he knew it. After all, and he quoted himself regarding this, 'Was true power found in the man who had the strength to change the world, or in the man who would have others change the world for him?' "We should finish our final preparations. We haven't time to discuss our possible restrictions; we must act immediately. For time is of the essence, and if we miss this opportunity, we may not get another. If everyone understands their assignments, we'll head to the Lizard Clan and wait until the ceremony for the peace agreement is underway. Then we will lay the ambush for the Lizard Clan that will anger them into war against the Zexens."
With a nod of agreement from three others seated at the table, Albert stood and led the way from room, trying desperately to hide the smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. This was working better than he planned. He knew with a certain sense of satisfaction that he would achieve his final goals. Whether Luc, Yuber and Sarah succeeded in finding what they intended was of little consequence...for they were but tools. "Provided there are no further delays, all should go well."
# # #
Deep within the forest just south of the Charisa Village, a lone figure stalked through the underbrush of the overgrown woods, snapping the branches of trees and breaking saplings at the trunk as he walked forward, ripping aside all that barred his way. He had finally reached the Grasslands and would not let his quarry escape him this time, for he would finally fulfill his task and bring an end to the black knight.
He had walked for what seemed days, yet had no need for rest, his obsession gave him the energy to push forward. And as he exited the trees to find the vast field before him, he took a moment to breath deeply, relishing the scent of war that permeated the air. It wasn't here yet, but it was coming, and that meant Yuber was here as well.
Tearing his sword from its scabbard, the man in the heavy black armor lifted the blade until its tip pointed at the heavens, letting lose a cry of battle that terrify the very gods themselves. "Yuber!" The shadowy figure called out, his voice deep and foreboding, as if he were the essence of death himself. "You cannot run forever Yuber. I've finally found you. Know this Yuber, I know you can hear me...I will not rest...I will never rest until I cut your black heart from your chest. Know that I've come Yuber. Pesmerga has come...and I've brought Hell with me!"
-To be continued
# # #
A/N: Well, there you have it, the newest chapter. I'd like to thank everyone so far for your great reviews and catching some of the mistakes I've made in grammar. Honestly, I must confess that I'm normally more astute with my stories, but fan fiction I don't give much attention too. I do apologize if that's a problem and I'll work on fixing that in the future. OH, and I also noticed that I'm starting to fan this story out too much. I counted earlier this week and I think I have about eight or nine different story arcs in this fan fic so far, so just fyi, I'm not going to focus too much on Hugo, Chris or Geddoe unless necessary, they are after all the heroes of the game and you know their stories. This chapter was merely setting them up for what is to come. Well anyway, as always, if you've read this far please review. Your comments really help motivate me to continue this story. Danke my friends.
A/N: parenthesis "" mean spoken words, apostrophes ' ' are thought. Sorry, I suck at html code so I don't know how to make italics. Shoot me.
Chapter 3: Time Stops for No Man.
'Vinay del Zexay, capital city of the great nation of Zexen, one of the most prosperous and powerful nations on the continent. Zexen was governed by the great and noble Merchant's Council, a group of benevolent and righteous guild merchants, and protected by the honor of the noble Knights of Zexen, the pride of this great land. Every citizen within this wondrous city was happy, every merchant cheered as their pockets rang with potch, every...'
"Heh...what a total crock of shit." The man said to himself, laughing lightly at his own inner-commentary that sounded as if read from a superficial pamphlet promoting this city to the rest of the continent. Sweeping his eyes over the port district where he had set up temporary residence for the Twelfth Unit of the Harmonian Southern Frontier Defense Force, there seemed nothing but unsavory and unconscionable dregs that made their living off the unsuspecting tourists who didn't know better. In fact, the only happy faces that might actually be found within Zexen were those of the fat councilmen themselves, though you'd never see any in this part of town.
He stretched his sore and aching arms as he gazed at the ocean beyond the docks, the horizon waking with the sunrise and setting the edges of the sea on fire. It was truly a beautiful sight, and he sighed deeply in appreciation of it, knowing full well Joker would have another week's worth of ammunition to harass him about should he witness this moment of sentimentality. Normally the sight before him would calm his mind and drive away any apprehensions he may have, but regrettably, he had too much to think about to feel at ease.
Not only was the rundown tavern he had booked the rooms for the SFDF fleecing the mercenaries by charging a great deal more than the rooms were worth, but Joker and Queen had pissed away a large portion of what little money they had left on cheap ale. But, he wasn't the resourceful one among the group for nothing.
Last evening was a testimony to his ingenuity, as a fine, upstanding young lady had been ever so kind enough to show him a memorable evening. And waking up in the middle of the night to the soft feather mattress and her long locks tickling the skin on his shoulder, he found himself sneaking ever so quietly from the residence, however, not before lifting the pile of potch that sat on her bureau. After all, if money was simply lying around for anyone to see, it must not be very important to person who had it. Of course it all fell back to the fact that if Joker and Queen weren't such raging alcoholics he wouldn't need to resort to such measures.
Not that he didn't feel bad about it; he always did, and would make a conscious effort to reimburse the exceptionally friendly lady, if he could only remember her name...or her face...or where she lived. But truth be told, he had more important things to worry about than pinching money from damsels or the gluttonous drinking habits of his fellow mercenaries. Headquarters had delivered another assignment, and he had no idea how the official messenger could find him within the overpopulated streets of Vinay del Zexay, but he did regardless.
The message was short and direct as always, and read simply:
To all members of the Defense Force,
Please be advised that repeated rumors and concerns regarding the once-
forgotten group of bandits known as the Fire Bringer have again begun to
surface from the Grasslands. We are instructing all available units to
explore the region and determine the validity of these reports. We
strongly advise against direct confrontation lest the fragile peace
between Grasslands and Holy Harmonia be threatened. Appropriate action
will be taken accordingly upon the advisement of all investigating units.
Yours in council,
Arturo val Dien
Section Head
Ace read through the orders again before folding the parchment and returning it to the pouch hanging at his side. He couldn't understand why headquarters would suddenly attempt to resurrect the ghosts of long-dead legends but a job was a job, and as the old man always said, he who pays the piper calls the tune.
Taking one last look at the bustling streets around him, he sighed inwardly and walked toward the tavern. He often thought...knew it actually, that none of his companions in the Southern Frontier Defense Force had anything remotely resembling a home, and though Ace had spent a number of years as a mercenary under the old warhorse Gilbert, he imagined Vinay del Zexay was the closest thing he had to a home. It was such a miserable thought.
He entered the tavern, the light from the outside quickly flooding into the dark room, causing the few conscious patrons to close or shield their eyes to the sudden offending light. Not surprising, Joker, Queen and Jacque were among the few awake at this ungodly hour, and even less surprising, Joker was already feeling a slight twinge of intoxication from the drink he was making no effort of hiding.
"Isn't it too early to be drinking old man?" Ace asked, walking into the heart of pub to confront his slightly swaying companion.
"I have a perfectly natural medical condition which requires my consistent drinking Ace." Joker said, knocking back another gratifying swig from the pint. "I have to fend off the hangover. Besides, it's not like I haven't seen you wasted before lunch."
"Before lunch...not before breakfast you lush." Ace said. "Besides, we've got a job. You should be thankful at least one of us still has the motivation to see to it we make enough money to pay for your depravity."
"Yeah, like your depravity with women?" Joker said.
'Touché' Ace thought to himself, unwilling to admit Joker bested him in their usual verbal duel and opted to change the subject. "So...where's the captain?"
"I think he's upstairs." Queen responded halfheartedly as she continued sipping her own drink that Ace was sure would have killed Joker had he tried it.
"Mmm...think he's in a...bad mood?" The administrator of the SFDF asked, looking cautiously at the second level where the rooms they paid entirely too much for were at. He knew his captain as well as any of them, that is to say, as a secluded and emotionally distant man. It was hard to read his mood from moment to moment, and though he never showed anger, his one good eye always seemed to shine in a lost and haunting way that somehow made them all feel that he suffered emotionally every moment of his existence.
"Hard to say." Queen took another drink from her glass before responding. "Since your so indispensable why don't you go check on him?"
Ace sighed and turned away from his fellow mercenaries; his shoulders slightly slumped. He knew their teasing was merely affection, but he couldn't deny it wore on him after a while. Finally reaching the second floor landing, Ace steadied his resolve before knocking on the door. He didn't know how much negotiation he'd have to partake in to convince his captain this was a necessary assignment, but that was his job after all.
"Excuse me Captain." Ace said, opening the door and peering around the corner before entering the cramped, untidy room. "Sorry to bother you but we just got instructions from headquarters."
"What do they say?" The tall man inquired, his back still to the man who entered the room, staring out the window to gaze at the ocean.
"They say...and I quote, Find the Fire Bringer." Ace responded, watching the man before him turn his body partly and craning his head to fully look at his subordinate. Confusion seemed to echo from his eye, his face and his very body as he digested the information on the new assignment. Ace was not a man to miss much, but this confusion from his commander was overly obvious. "It's odd that they'd be trying to stir up rumors of an old legend, but a job is a job...and if you don't mind my saying, we're all be getting a little soft."
Geddoe took a deep breath and nodded his head once. "It's necessary right? Get everyone together, we're leaving." The one eyed mercenary captain said, watching as Ace nodded his head and left the room.
Turning his back on the door again, Geddoe stared into the distant ocean, his visage trying to capture sight of something the remained invisible to him. "The Fire Bringer..." He said, the name bringing a flood of unwanted memories to his tired mind. "Why now?"
# # #
Captain of the Zexen Knights. The title itself was a grandiose term that demanded respect and received honor everywhere within the Zexen district. But the young woman in the unlit study, sitting at the desk that had belonged to Captain Galahad before his untimely death, could find neither honor nor respect with the title. Captain Galahad and Vice-Captain Pelize, both noble and honorable knights, both gone from this world. How could the world so fully betray her in such a cruel way?
For the daughter of the Zexen hero Wyatt Lightfellow, having grown up without a father after his apparent death so many years ago, she was now forced to mourn for a man who was becoming as close to a father as she had ever known. Captain Galahad had taken an immediate interest in her while she was at the academy. She was never exceptionally studious in her lessons, but she had a gift of unpredictable tactics that, as she grew older, gave her an advantage over many of the knights much larger and stronger than her.
She found it odd even now, sitting behind the desk of her former mentor and captain, that of all the knights he would chose as his lieutenant, he would select, not a man to fight in what many called a man's war, but a woman. Perhaps it was her independence, her spirit of wanting to prove herself to no one but herself that made him see something within her that even she could not determine. Or it could be something as simple as the fact that Captain Galahad owed the great Wyatt Lightfellow a debt he'd never be able to repay, and took the man's daughter under his wing.
It was that thought that depressed her most, that she was selected as lieutenant, not for her talents but for her name. The captain always told her never to second-guess herself, but could she do otherwise? She knew many of the knights talked and whispered behind her back, often in regards to her "stunning looks" to put it eloquently, that perhaps Captain Galahad preferred to look at her than some male subordinate. Was that all she was?
Yet now, with both Captain Galahad and Vice-Captain Pelize gone, she was named Acting Captain, and began to receive grandiose titles as the "Lady of Zexen" and the "Silver Maiden", none of which endeared her to her more boisterous rivals. She had spurned many knights in her sudden promotion over more qualified candidates, and wondered what, if anything could be done to help unify the order. If the Grasslanders chose to attack so shortly after the loss of both commanders of the knights, divided as they were over her pending promotion, could they stop the advance?
If anyone could help it was Sir Lanchet who, in her mind, greatly deserved the promotion over her. He had made it no secret that he had no intentions of serving under a woman, and should he chose to abandon the knights; she knew many others would follow. At times like these, the weight of the unknown future seemed almost crushing to her, as she was both the pinnacle of Zexen purity for some, and a symbol of the Council's direct attempt to take command of the knights for others. For those critics, she was nothing more than a political tool, and deep within her soul; she felt those critics were correct in their assumptions.
There were times she thought about running away from the knights, giving up on those few people who seemed to support her, but it was their support that seemed to draw her back. She wasn't sure why so many had faith in her and so many didn't. Under Captain Galahad, the knights were united by his presence, his spirit, by his very strength, and she wanted desperately to know and have that strength. If she were to become captain, she'd want those to follow her to do so not out of duty or orders, but because they believed in her.
She recalled now, a memory long hidden in the recesses of her mind, forgotten all this time. It was a few years after her father disappeared, a visitor had come to the mansion to see him, and though the butler was preparing to turn him away, she asked that he be allowed to enter. She can't remember much about the mysterious man, not even his face, but if her memory served correctly, he had only one eye, and she remember the butler refused to allow him to stay in the same room with her alone.
Regardless, the man told her he was an old friend of her father's, and that she would see him again, when the time came. He also told her, "I've fought beside Wyatt, even when we were sure to lose. But he never believed in failure, because no one ever loses, they simply have yet to succeed. You have your father's spirit, and that same sense of determination. I can see it in your eyes. No matter what, never give up faith." That part she remembered exactly as he said it. She also remembered that she never saw that man again.
She allowed herself a small smile at her own indecisiveness. If she were truly her father's daughter, she would not give up. Even without the strength to believe in herself, to believe she belonged as captain of the Zexen Knights, she would find that faith, find that spirit possessed by the two most important men in her life, both gone from this world. She swore also that she would not shed tears for them. Their power would be her power, and in that she would honor them.
Rising from her seat behind the captain's desk, Acting Captain Chris Lightfellow turned to prepare her armor and weapon for today. She would be leading her knights into the Grasslands to sign an armistice with the Six Tribes. The conflict between her and the other knights, particularly Sir Lanchet, would have to wait until the treaty was sighed and they returned. She needed the support of the knights, and as stubborn as he may be, Sir Lanchet loved Zexen as well. She would make him see that they would accomplish more together than as rivals. But for now...she had the future to forge.
# # #
The Caleria Inn had little to offer except privacy, but for the four people seated at the round table in one of the rooms they had rented, it was enough. For final strategies were being laid out and discussed amongst them, ensuring their plans would not be hindered by uncertain orders.
"Is that all there really is to it?" Yuber asked, his long, braided hair hanging behind his back and black suit and fedora shadowing him from all around him, as if he himself were the absence of light. He stared out from under the brim of his hat and looked purposefully at the man in the white trench coat across from him, his arrogance as recognizable as that of the Black Knight himself.
Albert sighed at the overly simplified summary Yuber questioned about. His plans were never easy, and this would require exact timing for all of them in order to succeed. "Do not worry Yuber, you will have the blood you desire. When we attack the Lizard Clan, it will appear as though the Zexen Knights are behind it, and will spark the war between the Grasslands and Zexen. Once the war between Grasslands and Zexen breaks out, Harmonia will move to invade and obtain what they desire, the conquest the Grasslands. With all the confusion, we'll be able to obtain the four remaining True Elemental Runes before Hikusaak can successfully begin looking for them. You needn't worry."
"Hmph...If I were to worry about anything," The black knight said shifting his gaze to the masked man before them, "I'd concern myself whether Luc...forgive me, The Bishop, had any second thoughts regarding the death he was about to bring out on the continent. For me, it's a cleansing of the soul, but I can't help but wonder if you'll actually have the nerve to follow through with it Luc."
"Yuber, your out of line..." Sarah said, her voice spiking slightly at the outrage the dark swords master taunted towards the True Rune Bearer. But Sarah fell silent as Luc raised his hand to quiet her. That was the gift of the mask, Yuber could not see how agitated Luc was by his words, and Sarah knew it bothered him, but the young mage showed no indication as such.
"You needn't worry about me Yuber, I've committed myself to this goal. You of all people should know that when I decide on something, I see it through. After all, how many battles have we fought against each other?"
"Not enough for me to put faith in your resolve. But if you say you're committed to seeing this through, then I'll remain content until I see otherwise. As long as I can have the body count I so desire, that will satisfy me."
"Fine, if we're all in agreement then," Albert replied, a bite of impatience in his voice. Though he was the least powerful among the circle of conspirators, he was in his own way, the most important. They could not complete this task without him, and he knew it. After all, and he quoted himself regarding this, 'Was true power found in the man who had the strength to change the world, or in the man who would have others change the world for him?' "We should finish our final preparations. We haven't time to discuss our possible restrictions; we must act immediately. For time is of the essence, and if we miss this opportunity, we may not get another. If everyone understands their assignments, we'll head to the Lizard Clan and wait until the ceremony for the peace agreement is underway. Then we will lay the ambush for the Lizard Clan that will anger them into war against the Zexens."
With a nod of agreement from three others seated at the table, Albert stood and led the way from room, trying desperately to hide the smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. This was working better than he planned. He knew with a certain sense of satisfaction that he would achieve his final goals. Whether Luc, Yuber and Sarah succeeded in finding what they intended was of little consequence...for they were but tools. "Provided there are no further delays, all should go well."
# # #
Deep within the forest just south of the Charisa Village, a lone figure stalked through the underbrush of the overgrown woods, snapping the branches of trees and breaking saplings at the trunk as he walked forward, ripping aside all that barred his way. He had finally reached the Grasslands and would not let his quarry escape him this time, for he would finally fulfill his task and bring an end to the black knight.
He had walked for what seemed days, yet had no need for rest, his obsession gave him the energy to push forward. And as he exited the trees to find the vast field before him, he took a moment to breath deeply, relishing the scent of war that permeated the air. It wasn't here yet, but it was coming, and that meant Yuber was here as well.
Tearing his sword from its scabbard, the man in the heavy black armor lifted the blade until its tip pointed at the heavens, letting lose a cry of battle that terrify the very gods themselves. "Yuber!" The shadowy figure called out, his voice deep and foreboding, as if he were the essence of death himself. "You cannot run forever Yuber. I've finally found you. Know this Yuber, I know you can hear me...I will not rest...I will never rest until I cut your black heart from your chest. Know that I've come Yuber. Pesmerga has come...and I've brought Hell with me!"
-To be continued
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A/N: Well, there you have it, the newest chapter. I'd like to thank everyone so far for your great reviews and catching some of the mistakes I've made in grammar. Honestly, I must confess that I'm normally more astute with my stories, but fan fiction I don't give much attention too. I do apologize if that's a problem and I'll work on fixing that in the future. OH, and I also noticed that I'm starting to fan this story out too much. I counted earlier this week and I think I have about eight or nine different story arcs in this fan fic so far, so just fyi, I'm not going to focus too much on Hugo, Chris or Geddoe unless necessary, they are after all the heroes of the game and you know their stories. This chapter was merely setting them up for what is to come. Well anyway, as always, if you've read this far please review. Your comments really help motivate me to continue this story. Danke my friends.