A Story to Tell

Disclaimer – I do not own Naruto

Chapter 1 – The Zodiac Braves, Part 1

He had arrived to the Oakes Estate after almost two weeks of traveling by sea, the trip through the waters of 'The Crystal Abyss' had been very difficult due to the inclement weather that had assaulted the Elemental Nations and seemed to travel all the way to the old continent of Ivalice. Naruto had been looking forward to traveling through the Crystal Abyss as a passenger and not unconscious as he previously had, to enjoy the views of the depths of the ocean floor.

The Crystal Abyss was famous and notorious for being able to see the ocean floor, several thousand meters deep at its lowest. The water was so clear, that the deepest fauna was discernable, if you had the correct lenses to peer to the depths. Famous for the above, notorious for claiming lives of people who misjudged the distance to the bottom due to how clear it was, thus losing their lives in expeditions to reclaim treasures from its depths.

Instead, he was wracked by inclement weather day and night, for close to thirteen days due to the storm. Several of the ship's crew had eyed him wearily, as if they knew who he was. He was still in his Gouki persona, but was still untrusted, as he heard through whispers that he was the cause for the storm. 'It's as if they knew me for my name's meaning, Spiraling Maelstrom' he thought throughout the trip.

Now, he was racing towards Orbonne Monastery, his legs burning through the pain of exertion by channeling his chakra for the better part of the day, through slick, muddy terrain, closing onto his destination. He sported the same dark gi with frayed sleeves and legs; his hair was now a burnt orange with the color fading in the constant rain, unkempt and no longer in a ponytail, dropping down to his shoulders. His makeup was long gone. He replaced the wooden geta shoes with his ninja sandals. He had stored the necklace away. The rain had gotten worse, lightning and thunder brightened the skies and crashed into his ears. In the distance, he could see the mountain path he needed to take to reach his destination. 'I'm almost there Agrias.'

At Orbonne –

Multiple reports from squires and messengers arrived to Alice and Lavian, who guarded the entrance to the Cathedral, throughout the eve. These were conveyed consolidated and provided to Agrias about once an hour. The more recent one had been elating, where the Royal Guards had managed to push back the rogues and thieves to the mountain passage. A second report had also mentioned good news; the Commander of the Order of the Eastern Sky, Goffard Gaffgarion had returned to the ranks of defenders, unharmed from the raiding parties he led against what seemed to be a large group of bandits who were currently their assailants.

Ovelia knelt at the end of a large platform which oversaw the lower levels of the cathedral. She was clothed in silken white robes. Her back was covered with a red cape that sported a golden triangle, pointing skyward; the symbol of the Atkascha's. 'O Father, abandon not Your wayward children of Ivalice, but deliver us from our sins, that we might know salvation.' The Princess prayed. 'Bless the Royal Lineage; provide me with your wisdom to ensure my rule is true, just, and…'

"Lady Ovelia, it is time." Agrias interrupted. "We must retreat to somewhere safe."

Raising her head, the princess responded "I'll not be much longer, Agrias" only to drop her head once more and continue her prayer.

"Princess, the guards have already arrived. We must make haste." The Holy Knight responded. She began to take a step forward towards her charge, when the elderly priest held up his hand to stop her from advancing and shook his head. It was he who took a step forward and spoke. "Please heed the good lady's words, your Highness. You must hurry."

Ovelia was motionless, deep in prayer. Agrias sighed and began walking forward to her charge, when the doors to the Cathedral opened. She immediately turned around, hand on the hilt of her sword.

Lavian and Alice were there, holding the portal open, allowing entrance to a white-bearded man armored in black steel and a horned helmet; grey sheepskin fleece covered the shoulder pads of his menacing full plate. He was flanked by two youths, one of which, Agrias' eyes immediately honed on. He was blonde and blue eyed. Her heart skipped a beat, for a moment picturing scarred cheeks and small fangs visible through a warm smile. She shook her head after a moment, realizing that the young man was not Naruto. 'For a moment…' she thought. 'Oh, to see him again would be wonderful.' She looked towards the other young man, a brunette wearing a red cowl and a breast plate. 'Just squires in service of Commander Gaffgarion, nobody of interest.'

"Why do you disturb us?" Agrias asked. "We are almost done here." She was not in a good mood. They were supposed to leave the cathedral and take shelter inside the hidden passages beneath the catacombs, and it seems the black knight in front of her felt the same.

"It's been the better part of an hour since the last report came through. I'm surprised that you're still wishing to be here." He said with an annoyed tone to his voice. He crossed his arms across his chest and tilted his head. "Are we leaving? As much as I enjoy your gold, my men have no need to die for nothing."

"You forget yourself, Gaffgarion! You are in the presence of the royalty!" Agrias hissed. It had somewhat of an effect that she wished. The two squires looked surprised and immediately fell to their knee in respect to the presence of royalty; however the black knight remained standing. He did uncross his arms and bowed his head. "Mayhap bowed heads would less offend. You would do well to waste less time with idle pleasantries."

"It's good to see that even the Order of the Northern Sky can rid itself of vulgar knaves." Agrias spoke with disdain in her voice. To their surprise, Goffard laughed at the snipe. "Yes, yes!" he spoke with mirth in his voice. "And it good time they did. I am but a simple mercenary commander, in charge of a new order, The Order of the Eastern Sky." He straightened to his full height and palmed his sword's hilt. "You would also do well to remember that a guard captain in these rain-sodden lands ought not to expect chivalry. We are employed by you to fight and protect. Our pay does not cover trite courtesies to the likes of anyone." His taunt was evident, insolence with every word spoken.

"Guard your tongue, cur." If the black knight was being antagonistic on purpose, his demeanor changed from spiteful immediately changed to stone cold silent. Animosity was clearly felt between both parties, causing Alice and Lavian looked at each other and nodded simultaneously, each one moving to Agrias' sides, flanking her, and coming between Agrias and the Princess. Should something happen to their commander, then it would be their duty to protect her Highness.

The two youths behind their leader tensed at the twin knights' movements and rose to become much more attentive and wary at the female trio in front of them. The blonde one's hand grazed the pommel of his blade, whereas the red-hooded youth laid his hands on the daggers that sat on each side of his belt. Tensions were high in the few minutes that passed; both parties stoic, unmoving, not wanting to be the first to incite a fight between employers and employees.

A slight move behind Agrias and the twins caused the two squires to drop to their knees once more, while Goffard Gaffgarion 'tsked' and withdrew his sword hand from his weapon. Turning around, Agrias saw the Princess rising to her feet and turning around to face them. "Enough" she said with the authority she commanded. "Let us be on our way." And with the grace only royalty can achieve, she smiled at all present immediately dispersing any and all stress of the last few minutes.

"As you command, your Highness." Agrias breathed a sigh of relief. She did not wish to fight in the Cathedral; especially not with the mercenary commander they hired. Her eyes turned to the man clad in black steel.

Goffard Gaffgarion, The Fell Sword of the North, as he was called; was a notorious Division Commander in the Order of the Northern Sky. He was one of the deciding factors in ending the Fifty Year's War, along with other legends in the realm like Thunder God Cid, Folmarv the Lion, and the 'Mystic Warriors' Aliste Rosenheim and Beowulf Cadmus of the Gryphon Knight Corps of Lionel. It came to no surprise to the Holy Knight that The Fell Knight had been relieved of his lands, titles, and boons provided to him by the Order of the Northern Sky and the Crown of Ivalice. He was known to be merciless and excessively brutal to his opponents on the battlefield, providing no mercy when his opponents yielded, taking no prisoners, and sparing no one. There were no innocents in his eyes, be it a knight or a child.

Now, he commanded a band of mercenaries who took the name of Order of the Eastern Sky, as a mockery to the two noble orders of Ivalice.

Agrias watched Ovelia walk towards the elderly priest of Ajora. She bowed her head in a sign of respect, to which he replied by bowing deeply at his waist. Agrias watched impassively at the exchange of pleasantries, while the twins grimaced at the deep bow the priest took. 'It cannot be well for his health to do so, sister.' One thought. 'I agree.' The other responded.

Simon struggled to raise himself once more, and retrieved a bottle of clear liquid from within the many pockets of his robe, to which he opened and sprinkled on his left hand. "The Father watch over you, child." He said as he traced a pattern over the Princess' brow. For a moment, the room glowed in a bright light as he removed his hand from her head. "As with you, Elder." Ovelia replied, only to close her eyes, startled at the sound of crackling lightning resounded throughout the Cathedral. Agrias, Simon, and Gaffgarion did not react to the bolt of energy that seemed to have struck very close to the holy grounds that encompassed the Monastery; however their assistants and Princess seemed startled for a moment.

"Ahh…"

Eight heads turned to the entrance of the Cathedral, spotting a wounded woman garbed in the Royal Guard's colors. She was clutching her side, crimson flowing like a river down her right armored leg. She staggered for a moment, her eyes glazing at the loss of blood. "Mi…milady…" Her limping form made her way forward to the occupants of the room.

Simon, the elder, was the first to break out of the shock of seeing a wounded knight and rushed to her aid. "Milady," she raised her voice. "The enemy…they are upon us!"

"Who, child?" Simon asked. "Who is upon us?" Lightning struck once more, a huge sense of foreboding crept into all those present. The injured soldier lips moved, her voice overpowered by the resounding boom of the thunder behind the bolt. The priest seemed to pale, having been close enough to listen to the dying girl's words.

"Duke Goltanna's men, The Order of the Southern Sky…"

Agrias rushed out of the Cathedral and made her way to the Monastery's main entrance hall. Lavian and Alice wasted no time following her commander. Simon retrieved a small flask of green liquid from his robes and slowly drizzled drops down the knights blood-caked and cracked lips. She seemed to shudder for a moment, her breath hitched and slowed down from that of a woman in pain to that of a sleeping one. Simon pressed his hands to the hideous wound and began praying to Ajora, praying to the Father, praying for his mercy to be channeled through him and help the dying girl.

Goffard Gaffgarion simply stared. He stared at the dying girl, stared at the shocked princess who seemed to close into herself, stared at the priest who was channeling the holy energy to heal the woman he placed in a drug induced sleep to ease her pain, stared at the Holy Knight and her Shield Maidens who ran out the door.

He tilted his head to his right and then to his left in quick succession, a loud crack reverberated inside his helmet as his neck realigned itself. He turned to his two squires who were looking at him intently, waiting on orders. "This is what we are paid for. It is time to earn our keep." He turned to the teenager in the red hood, "Lark, show me your dagger work you're so proud of." Lark smiled and pulled his daggers, swiftly from his sheathes and saluted with daggers in hand. Goffard turned to the blonde one. He noticed the young man seemed uninterested in the fight outside. "What is it, Ramza?" he asked. "Are you above getting paid to do kill a man?"

The blonde man named Ramza replied with a shake of his head. "No, I am no longer a knight. Just another sellsword." He unsheathed his blade from his scabbard and turned around. "I wonder how many more lives will die by my hand today?" He said as he walked to the entrance with Lark by his side, his purple half-plate armor glinting in the flickers of candles.

"Right then," Gaffgarion said in a guttural, almost feral tone. "To battle." The Fell Knight unsheathed his own blade, a sword of red steel with a cross guard fashioned in the shape of demon horns and a handle wrapped in black leather. The pommel was a garnet the size of a baby's fist, blood red. Lightning struck outside, bathing the Cathedral in light and shadows, which turned Gaffgarion's smirking visage into that of a smiling demon. The three men followed the three women heading outside, ready to confront their charge's persecutors.

The princess whispered a blessing to her people. 'Deliver us, o Lord…'

In a room without walls –

"The time has come, Olan." Verre of the Green Way spoke. "All that you have foreseen, Olan, has begun to take place. The wheels of fate have begun to turn."

The circle of seven mages sat at their massive throne-like chairs, viewing the events that were currently unfolding in Orbonne Monastery. "This is the reason you brought us together, correct?" asked Maria of the Black Way. "To ensure that the fate of this Ivalice does not suffer the fate you fear it may befall unto it?"

"Let us discuss this later." Spoke Rydia of the Violet Way. "Our first order of business for us being gathered today is to have the explanations from the Black Way and the Blue way as to why we should allow the Maelstrom to be free to roam Ivalice and interfere with the pre-set plan." Rydia turned to Maria the Black and to Strago the Blue. "Which one of you is to talk first? The floor is open."

Rosa of the White Way struck her staff onto the stone floor, eliciting a sharp crack, which caused the large crystal orb to float up to the ceiling, where it affixed itself. Its glow stopped a moment after; the images it was showing, fading from its form.

"I will speak first." Maria stated as she rose to her feet. The massive table groaned, shook, and glowed; parting as Maria began walking forward. In a moment, the glow of the oaken table died down, revealing an open area in its center, where one could talk and turn to easily address all of the present. "We were gathered here by Olan Durai," She began "we who do not belong, we who come from other times, other places, we who should not exist in this time and place." She looked at each one in their eyes as she spoke, turning and pointing with her hands. "By the power of a mage who can control Time and Space, we have been brought to Ivalice, a kingdom that shares the ocean with a powerful continent," her arms pointed to a map that appeared behind her, hand pointing north-eastwards. "The Elemental Countries."

The table was silent. All but Strago and Olan world would glance at each other and to Olan. The Mage of the Grey Way, however, did not show any signs of noticing the looks he would receive, while the Blue Mage seemed to not care.

"We were originally brought to this place as a request to assist him with an oncoming threat to his world," she continued after a pause. "However, I have deduced that while this was the same Ivalice where Olan claims he belongs to; it will no longer be the same Ivalice that he came from." Olan seemed to perk up at the comment. "Our appearance in this realm has caused a divergence in the timeline, where while the events will take place in the same manner they could have played in his time; this timeline seems to have taken an additional turn of events not encountered in his."

She waved her hand and a closed book appeared in front of each mage present with a bookmark standing out from its top. "This is the History of the Elemental Nations, kept current through some contacts I left there since our introduction to Naruto Uzumaki." With a flick of her wrist, the book opened to the marked page. "You will find here, that after the event known as the Fourth Great Ninja War against a man named Tobi and a reincarnated being named Madara Uchiha who managed to kill several of their Village Leaders. There was peace for three years after they managed to vanquish them; Naruto left the village to move to the Land of Waves, and we all know his story…" she waited for the nods of her peers before she continued. She turned to Olan and spoke to him. "I'm to assume what happens next, did not happen during your time?"

Olan was reading the bookmarked page of the History of the Elemental Nations, and nodded in agreement. "Yes," he said tiredly. "The resurgence of the man…known as Danzo Shimura and the…overtaking by…force of the Hidden Leaf Village…did not happen. Per the Annals of History…acquired by myself…before my return to this time…the man known as Danzo…Danzo Shimura…from the Elemental Nations died…at…at the hands of a man…named Sasuke Uchiha." He waved his own hand and a dusty tome appeared in front of Maria. Reading the spine, it was also named 'The History of the Elemental Nations', however it was much old and the style of it was different. The book opened to the page where Danzo Shimura was killed by Sasuke. Maria read out the information to the present, closed the book and continued talking.

"This means" Maria took over. "That Naruto was the one to originally engage him in this timeline, not the man named Sasuke." She paused and turned around. "We have been here in Ivalice for about seven years. Our simple presence could have altered the time stream, changing the events that happened in this history, not only here; but in Naruto's homeland."

She snapped her fingers and the map disappeared. The books stayed. "Maybe the events that lead to Olan's reasoning to bring us here will be the same." She shrugged. "Maybe not, however we now have an extra player in this timeline, he man known as the Spiraling Maelstrom. If we follow him, we will be able to see the results of his actions without our interference. We know he was the pivotal point in the Fourth Great Ninja War; who knows? He could be a pivotal point in the war to come." She walked to her chair and sat, the opening to the table shifted to Strago of the Blue Way. He blinked, he smirked.

He pulled out a dagger and proceeded to clean the dirt under his nails.

"Dun need ta stan' fer my reas'nin," He said. "I jus' wan' ta 'ave a good tussle wit' da kid an' his summ'ns, 'tis all. Who knows? Mebbe ev'n help da welp wit' win'n da war."

Outside Orbonne Monastery –

Agrias, Lavian, and Alice broke the threshold of the Monastery, entering the rain just beyond the portal. They were greeted to the sight of five men; three archers wearing blue cotton shirts with boiled leather armguards, brown leather pants with long bows in hands; arrows aimed at the entrance to the Monastery 'Now, definitely aiming at us three' Agrias thought grimly. One man was in brown leather pants and a blue colored jacket and cap. He had several satchels on his person; the clinking of crystal came from within the bags, resonating with his every move. The last man was wearing a full suit of plate armor sans helmet. A long sword and shield in each hand. 'Three archers, a knight, and a chemist,' she thought. 'Just my luck...' Her frown was apparent on her face as she unsheathed her blade. Lavian and Alice followed suit, Alice with her own long sword and heavy steel shield, while Lavian brandished a long sword on her main and short sword on her off hand. They positioned themselves a foot behind Agrias, one to either side.

"You there, wenches!" called out a blonde man with grey eyes. "You three cannot hope to defeat us!" he pointed his blade at them. "You will surrender the princess! If you do, we will let you go, otherwise..." his eyes shone with maliciousness and the smirk that adorned his face turned sinister. "Pretty women like you will be begging for death after our entire division has had you a couple of times over."

To their credit, Agrias and the twins did not react to his taunts. "You five bear the crest of the Black Lion over a Red Field. You are Duke Goltanna's men." Agrias called out. "The Order of the Southern Sky is far from home." She was buying time, she knew. Maybe if they survive this battle, they could bring accusations to the King about the attempted kidnapping by the Duke. She smiled. "Is your Duke mad?" she said, "Do you mean to start a war? The Southern Knights were the losers of the previous war that lasted fifty years! History is to be repeated if you do not learn from your mistakes!"

"The wench speaks true!" Gaffgarion's voice resounded throughout the storm. Agrias shot him a murderous look as he stepped to her side. The soldiers of the Southern Sky stared dumbly at the new contenders.

'Damn it! Damn it to Hell!' thought Sir Lezalas. 'He was NOT supposed to be here! He was supposed to have been lured away in the skirmish let by Bart!' he spat to one side. He steeled his gaze at the new opponents. 'Dealing with an anointed Holy Knight and her squires will be trouble enough; but the Fell Sword's presence…' Sir Lezalas looked to his archers and his chemist. They seemed to not care about the much greater danger that they were now in. 'Fuck it.' He thought as he turned to look at his men. They all seemed unfazed by his appearance, confidence brimming in their eyes. 'Either we win or we die, and the rewards outweigh the risks.' his eyes lingered on the three beautiful women to the left of the entrance to the Monastery then to the weaponry they all carried, and finally to Gaffgarion. 'To be known as the man who took down Goffard Gaffgarion and an anointed Holy Knight…uncle will pay me handsomely for the man's head.' His resolve strengthened at the thought, and smiled.

"A head-on assault, it seems." Goffard spoke to Agrias and her knights. "These swords of the fool Goltanna…lack wits, one and all." His sword point rose slightly in the direction of the obvious leader, "That man is Lezalas Fairview, nephew of Duke Goltanna Fairview. I've had a bone to pick with him since when he tried to ambush me last year." Agrias and the twins raised her eyebrows slightly. "He's more interested in gold and his political position than sword fighting. He prefers to strike from the shadows like a coward than to meet a man in the battlefield. I bet he didn't expect me to be here."

"If they are as weak as you say, Gaffgarion…" said Alice. "Your services may not be needed after all…" finished Lavian. "We will take care of them swiftly." They both said in unison.

"I would prefer if you let us deal with them." Spoke the Ramza as he appeared next to Gaffgarion's right and Lark to his commander's left. "We do have to earn our meal tonight." He said, claiming his right to fight.

"That's right!" guffawed the Fell Sword with a mirthful smile. He slammed his gauntlet against his breast plate and at the ring of steel on steel, Ramza and Lark stepped forward.

"You ladies have nothing to worry about." Spoke Lark as he winked at the twins. "I'll make sure you three are safe, or my name isn't Lark Swift!" his daggers spinning around his index fingers, displaying incredible dexterity in a flourish of panache. The twins, however, didn't react to his flair.

"Always the ladies' man, aren't you, Lark?" Spoke Ramza, a bastard sword held in two hands raised, blade parallel to his eyes, pointing to where his sight was locked into.

"Aye, we will definitely participate in this;" Spoke Gaffgarion. "You have already promised us gold for protection, so now, we protect. Lark, Ramza, show no mercy; kill them all, leave no man standing." Gaffgarion's look went from mirthful to vicious. "ENGAGE!"

In the mountain path –

Naruto encountered what seemed to be a retreating band of thieves. They didn't move like common cutpurses though. They seemed trained in the same manner she had seen Agrias train, with heavy armor, sword and shields; spears, bows and crossbows. 'Something isn't right.' He thought.

With a chakra enhanced jump, he spun in the air, while pulling out a large piece of cloth from a storage seal on his arm and landed on the side of the muddy mountain. Channeling chakra to his tool, he immediately disappeared amongst the mud and rocks, entirely blending with his surroundings. He saw he wasn't detected by the warring parties, armored knights versus the retreating unarmored knights. 'They're acting as bait, retreating on purpose. It's basic hit-and-run tactics.' Remaining motionless, he inspected the battlefield below. 'The 'brigands' seem to purposely be missing on their attacks, luring the armored ones farther back into the mountains. They must have a trap set up somewhere.' He turned back to where he came from. 'I was up on the side of the mountain, jumping from rock to rock, avoiding the sliding mud and running water as best as I could in this weather…' His eyes widened. 'Ah, there was a bridge a few hundred meters back, around a bend. Good positioning could cut their target's retreat then engage in all out combat…' His thumb reached his lips when he realized what he was about to do and resisted the urge to summon one of his toads.

He was dead, after all.

'I'll go.' A deep voice sounded inside Naruto's head. 'I want to stretch my legs for a bit.'

'Ok, Andalarán. Stay hidden and keep your ears and nose open. I want to find out what's going on to see if we need to lend an unseen hand to either side. Engage at your own discretion, but do not let yourself be seen.'

'You got it, kit.'

With a puff of smoke, the Kyuubi appeared next to Naruto in his human form. He proceeded to transform to a one tailed fox and blurred out of sight with a burst of chakra enhanced speed. Naruto kept his eyes on the fight below. They were nearing the bend, and just after that, the bridge.

Naruto turned towards the direction where they came. In the distance, he could see the outline of a building. 'The Monastery...' The river that cut a path through the mountain flowed directly to it. 'I could make my way through the water…' He saw an armored man pierced with a crossbow bolt through the eye slit of his helmet. His hands in gauntlets went up to it, but fell to his sides, followed by the man. He tumbled down into the river where the armor sank him to its depths. The death of their comrade incited the armored group to push forward.

The brigands seemed weary. Unlike those with steel skins over their own flesh, they were easier to hurt. They broke off, several simply turning away and running back to the bridge while others would still employ hit-and-run tactics.

Naruto remained motionless. He knew he should act, but he didn't know who to assist. He resolved to investigate further south-east, at the Monastery. There was a reason the fake brigands were luring the knights away. So he did, he waited until the last soldier past him and sped towards his final destination, one woman's safety on his mind, hoping this delay meant nothing.

In the battle of Six on Five –

Arrows flew the moment Ramza and Lark separated themselves from the other four. The blonde youth tilted his head slightly, allowing an arrow to graze his cheek, drawing blood. His shoulder was nicked by the second arrow, bouncing harmlessly due to the angle it struck. He positioned himself with the knight commanding the archers and chemist between him and the ranged assailants, smirked, and charged in; swords clashing together in a ring of steel. Lark, on the other hand, seemed to simply dance across the battlefield. His moves were swift, precise, agile, and acrobatic. The archers shifted from attacking Ramza to focusing his attacks on the smaller target, which began making a broken charge to the support of the enemies, the chemist. His movements were erratic, breaking step at inopportune moments for the archers, who shot arrow after arrow at him, nicking flesh, leather, and cloth; but their arrows never found their mark. With a smile on his face, his left dagger missed the Chemist's side with a thrust, while his right parried the man's own short blade.

Both were engaged with their own targets, interposing them between the ranged attackers. This led the archers to focus on the four remaining targets that had weapons drawn, but still at the Monastery's portal. Each one had their arrows in the ground, easily accessible to draw, aim, and fire in rapid succession. The moment the first volley was let loose, the four began their trek into the midst of the fight. Goffard seemed to not care about the projectiles that fell on him. Several pierced his armor, biting the flesh underneath the exterior shell of iron and steel. He pulled the shafts out of himself, all the while; his eyes seemed to glow red with bloodlust. His pace was steady, unflinching, and determined.

With the Holy Knight –

Agrias shuddered at sensing the bloodlust that emanated from her counterpart. 'It won't be long before he reveals the reason as to why he's so feared…' she told herself.

She split herself from Lavian and Alice, drawing fire away from the twins. She was grazed several times during the first volley of arrows but wasn't as lucky with the follow up one, suffering a hit to her shoulder. The blonde knight grimaced at the pain, yet continued forwards.

As she approached the archers, her left hand reached and pulled the arrow from her wound. She dropped the projectile and using her left index and middle fingers; she struck the flat side of her long sword and ran them to the tip of her blade. The sharp ring was followed by a glow of the weapon itself. Agrias spun, allowing two arrows to miss her body and a third arrow to miss her head. "Life is short, bury…Judgment Blade!" she called as she finished her rotation, sword in motion swinging down in an arc of white light. Time seemed to slow down to almost a crawl. She saw an arrow pierce her left leg; another, her sword forearm, and the third bounce off harmlessly on her shoulder guard. Agrias stumbled and dropped to a knee in blinding pain.

Then the heavens answered.

Light enveloped one of the archers; Lezalas turned to see Diesch be lifted off his feet by a about the length of his own arm, before violently being slammed down with what seemed to be a mass of crystals that crushed the man and enveloped him in a massive diamond, his visage stuck in pain and fear. The two other archers jumped out of the way, or at least tried. The light fell on them both as well, lifting and crushing them. The diamond claimed another one within it, yet the third man was fortunate enough to being spared by the divine crystal.

"Shit, Wezleft!" he scrambled to his feet and pulling a dagger, he struck at the diamond that enveloped the second archer. "I'll get you out of there!" Biggs cursed as he fruitlessly as his weapon snapped in half against the divine crystal. It was then that he noticed the shadow that loomed over him. He spun around, chipped blade in hand and stopped. He was standing directly in front of him. 'No, Gaffgarion! Fu-' The Fell Knight's sword slid through the man's throat, ignoring flesh, muscle, and bones; exiting through the back of his neck with a sickening squelch. The archer gurgled his curses, as he saw his own lifeblood snake from his death wound to around the Fell Knight's sword and up through the man's armor. In a flash of lightning, he saw through the holes where his and his fellow archer's arrows had pierced his skin, to notice the wounds weaving back together with the blood he was stealing from him. 'He takes my life to extend his…demon…' He fell to the ground, exsanguinated, a death rattle in his throat, then dead.

With the Twins -

Lavian and Alice saw Agrias fall, wounded, and changed their direction. They were heading to assist the man who had engaged the leader, but the chemist and Lark were closer to their commander. Alice stopped on a silver coin, crouching slightly and leveling her shield above her. The moment she felt Lavian's leg place the full extent of her leg, she pushed. With a grunt of exertion, Alice boosted Lavian sending her sister in a somersault towards Lark and his target while she took two more steps and stood behind Lark and crouched, shield over her body.

Lavian soared for a moment, and completed her rotation, feet landing softly on Lark's shoulders, whom seemed surprised for the split second it happened, until he felt the push. Lavian, in part of her controlled fall, used her feet to fling the boy backwards, which seemed to trip on the unexpected obstacle that was Alice. She fell on the surprised chemist pushing him down to the wet stone ground, long sword biting flesh through the soft layers of cloth and leather, piercing the man's left leg; while her short sword pierced the man's chest. She herself was straddling the man's legs. The chemist had only managed to raise his weapon in a frantic flail, slicing a deep cut on Lavian's face that trailed her cheek bone to close to her ear, as she surprised him with the attack; missing her eye by the length of a thumb. He swung once more, hoping... The maiden's off hand left her sword and caught the chemist's dagger hand that was coming back for a second swing. He looked at her with fear in his eyes, blood leaking from the corners of his mouth. "You die today, yet you will not be forgotten. What is your name?" Lavian asked.

With the Roguish Type –

Lark yelled in surprise as his back landed on the metal shield, only to be boosted backwards once more. The woman underneath him had easily converted her sister's push of him unto a backwards somersault. As he flew in the air, gearing up for a good landing, he noticed the shield maiden was already standing up, while the other girl had raised her left hand to stop a dagger from reaching her throat.

Lark landed and moved to assist, only to be stopped by the shield-bearing twin. She nodded. "A warrior dies today, a warrior we will remember tomorrow." He raised his eyebrow and looked over her shoulder, to see the man's throat sliced, and Lavian rising from the ground, cheek red with blood. They both moved at the same time, walking next to Agrias, and kneeling to assist their commander. "It's good to see we were able to defend you." He heard the shield maiden say as she stepped away from him. "It would have been a shame if you had died. Who would have saved little ol' us?"

Lark didn't see her face. 'Either she likes me or not.' He watched her leave. For a moment, he thought she was swaying her hips. It could have been the rain in his eyes, though. 'Nah, she likes me.' He turned and smirked as he saw his own commander perfectly safe and injured. Not that his injuries didn't mattered; he would usually be as good or better at the end of any confrontation in which he unsheathed his blade. He saw Gaffgarion focusing on the two men trapped in crystals, and turned to assist his blonde companion, who seemed to be struggling with his own opponent.

With a flash of his dagger, he signaled and struck.

Ramza and Lezalas –

"What is your objective with kidnapping the Princess?" asked Ramza as swords met and came to an impasse. "You should be aware, that you will lose here. Your vanguard has been routed; it is only you who remains." Ramza grunted as he was pushed away by the older man. A true prodigy he was, but still a child. He knew that.

"I have nothing to answer to you." He said as he swung his sword. Metal clashed with metal as Ramza parried his weapon. "Our reasons are our own, and when we're done with you, we will have no witnesses to who have kidnapped the girl." He smiled sinisterly. "Who knows? We may have a couple of rounds with her before she reaches her final destination." He thrust his blade, aiming to pierce his opponents' belly. Ramza parried the attack, but lost his breath as the shield's edge rammed onto where his ribs met his stomach. He felt his feet leave the ground and blood pool in his mouth. The blonde lost grip of his sword and fell to his knees, and bent over clutching his stomach. "Good bye, little shit." Ramza looked up and saw a flash of steel, then saw Lezalas had raised his sword and was about to strike him down.

With a grunt of effort, he managed to throw himself out of the way, his opponents' sword sparking against the stone ground. He heard the man curse, shift towards him; and then his weapon dropped to the ground. The shield followed next. Lezalas fell to his knees, and then to his side, blood flowing from the new mouth carved onto his neck that spread from ear to ear.

Lark kneeled to wipe his bloodied dagger off on the fallen man's cloak, then approached Ramza and extended a helping hand. "Another day, another gold coin, right partner?" he said with a cheeky smile.

Ramza took the offered hand and stood up. "You said it, Lark." He observed the battlefield around them. Combat had been quick and brutal, out of their makeshift group; it seemed that only the Holy Knight, Agrias was her name, had been significantly wounded in the fight. His eyes turned to his commander, who had finished disposing of the encased men and was now walking back to the three women. 'Our job is done…'

He regretted thinking those words a minute later.

Inside Orbonne Monastery –

"Unhand me!" the Princess yelled. She struggled fruitlessly at the grasp of a slicked-back brown haired man in a gold colored armor, gilded in lion motifs, as she was dragged to the back of the monastery. She turned to look at Simon, but the man lay on the ground, unmoving, each step she took taking her father away from the wounded man. "Do you know what you are doing?" she turned to her captor. "My knights are outside! They will come in any second and save me!"

Delita kept walking, his gauntlet not giving the Princess an opportunity to escape. "I do know what I'm doing," he said. "I also know that I would prefer if you would do a little less noise." He never turned to face the girl. "What I'm doing is for the benefit of Ivalice; that is all you should concern yourself with." He opened a door and stepped through onto a wooden deck. The rain began slowing its fall, thick droplets of water dwindling down. On the deck, a war-barded Chocobo waited for its rider and charge.

The Princess saw the mount and resumed her attempts to escape. "I'll not take orders from you!" Ovelia said, slapping her kidnapper, and then proceeding to let out a cry for help at the top of her lungs.

"You've quite the mouth on you, princess…" he said as he abruptly turned to face her. "Forgive me," he said in a sorrowful tone. Ovelia was surprised that the man was kidnapping her could actually show remorse for his actions in his face; however her thoughts turned into pain "…'tis your birth and faith that wrong you…not I. Again…forgive me…" were the last word the Princess heard from him before her world turned black.

At the monastery entrance –

Agrias' blood ran cold as she heard the scream coming from somewhere in the monastery. She was useless, hurt, and unable to move without being in excruciating pain. "Go!" She commanded her knights. "Go and protect her! Save her!" They nodded and rushed to the building, weapons and shield brandished in their respective hands. 'Oh Ajora be merciful!' she prayed. 'Let them be on time! Let them save her! Protect her, oh Lord! Pl-!' her prayer died in her thoughts as her heart began beating erratically and a deep sense of dread and fear enveloped the area. She turned her head side to side, trying to find the source. Lark and Ramza rushed to her, assisting her getting up. Gaffgarion walked to her, bloodied sword dripping the fresh rivulets from his recent kills.

"What is this…" he hissed. "This aura…the bloodlust…"

In a split second, all four began having problems breathing, they clutched their chests; an oppressive sensation befell on them. Lark and Ramza staggered for a moment, before supporting Agrias to her feet once more. She had gone deathly pale with fear, her arms holding onto the two men as a lifeline.

"私はあなたを殺します!" A voice boomed in the area, speaking in a language that no one understood.

No one save one.

Lark and Ramza recoiled backwards, landing on their backs several meters away. Their chest plates cracked from whatever flung them away.

Agrias began to fall, unable to stand by her own two feet when she felt a pair of strong arms around her, carrying her away. She felt weightless, for a moment, the sensation of not being subjected to gravity took her by surprise, stirring her stomach; but that past as quick as it came. She felt whoever had carried her land, and saw the portal to the entrance of the monastery directly in front of her. The rain seemed to quiet down, the torrential downpour slowing to a trickle. The oppressive feeling went away.

She then dared to look at his face.

The face that she had been dreaming for several months now, the face that she loved, the face that always had a warm smile for her, the face of the man who had come back for her. It was not a kind and loving face, however. This was the face of a man who was ready to kill, ready to exact revenge. She did not like this face, but she understood. She grasped her loves' tunics with her good hand and felt herself be hugged protectively. 'I will not cry' she told herself. 'I don't want him to be worried. I want him to smile, smile for me…I..I won't.'

"I'm here, Agrias." He said in a soft, protective voice. "I've returned and I'm not going away ever again."

'Damn him.' She thought, as she smiled and began sobbing uncontrollably to his chest.

Chapter 7 – End

A/N

Another chapter is up. I'm resigned to not interrupt the flow that I'm currently experiencing. The possibility of going back and addressing my previous mistakes will have to be done at a time where either I encounter my muse leaves me, or when this story is complete.

Don't judge my mistakes. Flames will be used to heat my cold apartment.

-seilif