A/N: In honor of the ruling of the Supreme Court in favor of the LGBTQ Community I am publishing this chapter early! *Throws confetti* I know as a society we still have a long way to go. But this means that by law peoples rights are now protected!
The King and the Lion Heart
Chapter Ten: South Figaro
My head was throbbing in time with loud humming outside the window and I briefly spent a moment trying to remember exactly where I was as I pressed a hand to my forehead. Ooooh right right, Setzer, wine, also Setzer passing out, it would explain why there was something weighing me down. 'Thank Ashura for small favors.' Leviathan said in my head, and for some reason it echoed- Oh god why? I groaned as I fought to to go back to sleep, knowing that I wouldn't succeed; opening my eyes slowly, regretting everything ever as I pushed Setzer over onto the other side of the bed. He moaned from the movement, but otherwise did nothing and I let him be, his hangover would be with him soon enough, and I wouldn't facilitate it any sooner- I sat up, pulling my bodice back into place. The red material was somewhat the worse for wear after the night of abuse, and I couldn't help but look sadly at the wrinkled garment.
I let out a sigh, and regretted the action immediately as my head protested; squinting in the bright daylight, I took in my surroundings and tried to adjust slowly into the waking world. The room it turned out, was much more interesting during the day, as brightly colored fabrics playing stark contrast to maps pinned on every wall and old portraits of Setzer, some strange man and a woman stared back at me as I contemplated being a bit nosy. But I knew I wouldn't have any peace until I bathed and found something to re-hydrate my body with, so I stood to go groaning as I realized that my money was literally scattered all over the bed, I gathered what I could, and wrote the rest off as a loss it wasn't worth it right now, bath and food in that order.
I was feeling exceedingly more human after I took a hot bath, and I thanked whatever gods that were listening that the crew member who'd washed my dress had delivered it to my cabin. Dressing in the purple fabric I felt more like myself as I moved to find the galley. The cook was thankfully in, and I praised Setzer good sense that he'd hired a man who loved to feed people.
It had been a long time since I'd eaten a full breakfast- travel fare did not count, so I munched happily, drinking large amounts of fruit juice re-hydrating my poor body, while avoiding re-hydrating the alcohol still in my system. After I'd eaten my fill, I grabbed a pitcher of the fruit juice and a clean cup before make my way back to Setzer cabin with a slight sway in my step.
The door was surprisingly easier to open when I wasn't stumbling drunk, and I closed it quietly behind me before moving further into the room.
"Ugh, go away Havic. I don't want any of your remedy. I will survive thank you." Came a miserable and muffled voice from the bed, and I smiled.
"I'm considerably prettier the Havic," I said setting the pitcher down on a nearby table, before grabbing a chair and moving it closer to the bed. "And I don't have any remedy, although this will help."
Setzer was lying face down on the bed now, and I was certain he'd been face up when I left him. His head turned and I was treated to a look of utter betrayal as he glowered at me.
"You're unnatural, no one should be so happy after drinking so much last night." He grumbled, and I couldn't help the giggle that escaped. He was pouting, and after all of Ifrit's grumbling and groaning this just seemed cute.
"And here I thought I would help," I said pouting at him. "I wont leave until you drink this you know."
He groaned again, before trying to bury his head in the blankets again.
"And here I thought it was over when I found you gone this morning- Oh why do you torture me so?"
"Because I care?" I hazarded, was that right? Should I say that eh, too late to revise that sentence, moving right along. He groaned again at this and I put the cup of juice down long enough to help him sit up. I got him to drink about half a cup as I gently ran a hand over his soft hair- It helped distract from the headache.
"So it did happen then?" He said as he sat gripping, "I thought I was dreaming when I woke up still clothed, although that leaves me with a lot of questions, and regrets. I don't remember anything."
I let out a dry laugh at his before taking pity on him.
"Nothing happened between us Setzer." I said with a smile.
"But I remember-"
"I bludgeoned you with my secret chest gold, and you fell asleep on me." I said with a shrug. "So, not much happened."
"Secret chest gold?" He paused for a moment, shaking his head and immediately regretting it. "I can't say if I am disappointed or pleased."
"I'll let you stew on that," I said before looking around the room, "I'll run you a bath, it should help you feel more human."
I stood and moved towards what looked like a bathroom, thankfully the bathrooms in the Blackjack were of the more modern variety and water was warm and ready when I finally left the bathroom. The inns I'd stayed in on my journey had all required buckets and buckets of water to be heated and carried into the room by servants- Ah modern conveniences how I missed thee. I moved out of the bathroom to find Setzer on his feet and shirtless.
"I don't suppose I could convince you to join me? Give a poor soul a second chance?" He said with a charming smile and I half considered it before answering truthfully.
"I don't think either of us are up for the acrobatics required," I said honestly. "Now get in there before the water gets cold." I finished throwing a towel at his head, and leaving the room to the sound of his laughter.
I spent the rest of the morning on the top deck enjoying the air flowing through my loose hair, and watching the world pass by beneath the ship. It was for the most part waves, as we were flying over the ocean, but soon enough I saw the peninsula of Southern Figaro. I felt a hand rest on my head and I turned to find Setzer just behind me.
"South Figaro, as the lady requests." He said as he gave me a smile.
"Thank You Setzer," I said turning towards him. "You've helped me a great deal."
"Well, what can I say, helping damsels in distress works for me." He said before turning to go. The Blackjack landed just outside town limits, and I move to gather my stuff before disembarking when I realized that my belt pouches were missing. I strapped my sword on and moved to look for Setzer, finding him on the top deck with the missing item in question flung over his shoulder.
"I and the men thought we'd re-provision you before you left, our own way of saying you'll be missed. Apparently Cookie really likes you." He said handing me the leather pouches, adding as an afterthought. "I can't believe you actually use that sword."
"I'm not too shabby with it." I said as I handed him the sword to hold before belting the pouches in place. I strapped my sword on top as the gangplank was lowered.
"Its bigger then you are."
"Well, appearances are deceiving." I quipped back, and we spent a moment just looking at each other.
"If you ever need anything Fea, don't hesitate to ask." He said giving me a very serious look, one that I had yet to see on his face.
"Not even for a second," I said giving him a smile, and a peck on the cheek. He caught my shoulders in his hands, giving me a proper kiss and I sputtered a bit.
"Maybe next time we'll have a chance to revisit our midnight adventure." He said letting my shoulders go, and I gave him a grin.
"Maybe," I said, pushing a lock of hair behind my ear as I turned to go.
"Oh, and Fea?" He said, and I turned back towards him. "I hope you find your sister soon."
"Thank you." I said honestly. "So do I."
South Figaro was a quiet town, with a small market that was much more affordable than the one in Albrook had been. Again I came across the selection of lovely clockwork toys, and I had to resist buying one. When all was said and done, I would have to come back and get one. After perusing the market I decided I would ask around about a strange girl, and any imperial soldiers that may have passed through- Figaro was an ally of the Empire at the moment, something I confirmed.
But no soldiers had passed through recently, although messages had been carried to the people to be on watch for a 'Blade witch' whatever that was.
Well that was good, she hasn't been here yet so we can go ahead to Narshe, and wait for her there.
'Why go so far? If she and the returners haven't been through yet, why not wait here?' Leviathan asked.
Because above all else, I am still avoiding the Empire. Figaro is still their ally, if they come through here and find me, there is nothing that can stop them from taking me. Narshe is independent of the Empire still- There at least they won't be looking for me.
'Seems like a sound bet to me...' He paused uncertain, 'May I ask… What it is between you and that gambler?'
I took a moment to honestly think about this, I had been rather impulsive with him hadn't I? It was really uncharacteristic of me, really really uncharacteristic of me. But the truth was simple.
I found him rather attractive, that was certain but more than that I was attracted to his personality. I have this feeling that if I'd stayed with him, the world would have burned down around us and we wouldn't have cared less. You noticed it didn't you, we talked and joked like old friends and yet we'd never met before that. Its also why I left, I'm not certain that I'm ready for that sort of thing.
'I see.' He said before falling quiet. Setzer Gabbaini and I… Maybe one day we could have something, but for now I would have to settle for saving the world. It was far more likely however, that the man would find 'Maria' and fall in love with the woman. Isn't that the way it was in the game?
I was okay with that.
I traveled north to the entrance of the cave that lead through the mountain towards Figaro castle, and the interior of the Figaro continent. Debating on whether or not I should try the cave, or wait and try it again after resting. The creatures here had been more aggressive than the ones I'd encountered, more often than not I would be ignored by anything that wasn't a Leaf bunny or something similar in strength. Perhaps the lack of esper's had something to do with it, I had been pretty much unbothered by anything more than the Bunnies near Vector.
The same was true for my journey to Zozo, but my journey from Zozo to Jidoor had involved a lot of running and dodging. I couldn't hope to take on any of the other creatures near Jidoor. So now that I was unaccompanied I guess I was fair game- well mostly unaccompanied. I was stuck with Flipper for a while yet, and I wasn't sure how to feel about it. I was still glad for the company at least. He was somewhere between an annoying and protective older brother, and a niggling little voice in the back of my head that tells me to do things that I probably shouldn't. Not that he isn't responsible, it just comes and goes like the waves on the ocean.
'I see what you did there, very clever.' His voice sid
I do try.
I decided to go for it, I could always take a moment to stop in the caves if I needed it. If I remembered correctly, the route necessary was mostly straightforward. I'd made certain of it, asking for directions to the cave first, and then the route through the cave that was quickest and most likely to get me to where I needed to go. I'd stocked up with oil for my lamp, even going so far to purchase candles. I admit I had a fear of dark places, and caves could be the worst.
But I needed to pass through this place to get to Narshe. At least I wouldn't be alone. I lit the lamp wick before closing the glass cover and latching it snuggly. The flame flickered a bit, as flame is want to do, and I moved slowly passed the well marked entrance and into the darkness beyond. Best just to get this over with.
I emerged from the cavern near sunset worn, tired, and out of sorts because of the inevitable jump scares that I'd gotten from the creatures in the caves. I'm sure I looked as wilted as I felt to be entirely honest, although neither guard at the entrance said so.
"Ma'am!" Said one and both saluted, I nodded to them with a smile.
"Gentlemen." I pulled my map from my pouch perusing it quietly. I intended to pass up Figaro castle entirely and head straight to Narshe, it meant alot of camping but it was also the safest bet. Kefka had officially made the top slot on my list of creeps to avoid, which is funny because under the clown makeup and crazy, he was actually attractive. But once you hit that creepiness you were as put off by it as you would be by road kill.
I wonder what kind of person he was before the transfusion, shaking my head clear it of thoughts as I sighed, moving to put the map away. While I might have time to muse in the future, right now I had to focus on the journey ahead.
"Miss?" Questioned one of the guards, an average sized man with blonde hair under his helmet.
"Oh, yes?" I said turning towards him.
"May I ask, are you heading towards Castle Figaro?" He ventured, his voice fluctuating slightly.
"Oh no, I was actually planning to head straight towards Narshe," I said smiling.
"I see, well if I may make a suggestion?"
"Of course."
"The Desert has grown most perilous as of late, as has the Narshe forest, it may be to your advantage to rent a chocobo- a beast has been seen roaming the wilds." He said as he looked to his partner who only nodded in agreement. I frowned at this, I knew that there was a chocobo stable, but not where.
"If my lady would allow it, I would gladly escort you to the stables that are not to far from here?" He ventured nervously.
"I would be eternally grateful." I said finally, nodding at him. He turn nodded at his partner, before offering me his arm. I shook my head and took it, and I swear as I turned that I saw his partner give him a thumbs up. The walk there was entirely uneventful with the exception of a bit of small talk, and even the creatures of the area avoided us for which I was thankful. Night was falling quickly, but I was eventually left on the front step of the stable even as I waved goodbye to the guard who was oddly red.
He was sweet though, and I was grateful for the help after facing the cave alone. Well, alone with the exception of Leviathan for moral support- He was probably really tired of my constant freakouts, and hadn't said boo about it. BFF's for life. After checking with the man at the stable owner, I pitched my tent out in an area nearby. I figured it was for the best if I pace myself, and I was far too fatigued from the cave to care about much outside the realm of sleep.
The day dawned bright and clear as I broke down my tent, stowing away the pieces in my pouches. I thanked the espers every day for this gift, it was by far the most practical miracle of storage ever invented. I was doubly grateful because I remembered just how heavy all of this crap could get if stuffed in a hiking pack. The packs themselves were wondrous for making things seem lighter, but they didn't actually reduce the space or weight of an item. Which could get awkward things in the pack decided to shift oddly.
I knocked lightly on the door to the stables before walking through, smiling at the kind man behind the counter before inquiring after a mount. He thankfully had one available, and was all too willing to show me how to ride a chocobo, both astride and side saddle and after a bit of practice I managed to get the hang of it.
Riding a chocobo isn't all too different from riding a horse, which I've done before. I'd been a bit worried about it, as riding a horse isn't like riding a reindeer, and riding a reindeer isn't like riding an elephant. Different animals, different gaits, different ways of riding them properly.
I spent some time getting to know my chocobo as the handler showed me how to strap items to the saddle so that they were readily accessible, whispering nonsense to the bird, slipping him treats and giving him scratches. I had a habit of spoiling animals when I could- I loved them. So this was not a new development.
The man also briefed me on setting up the saddle for when I sent the chocobo back to him, and making sure the feathers, claws and beak were properly taken care of. They usually did fine on their own, but if something did happen I would rather know how to take care of it. I wasn't just renting the chocobo, I was responsible for its health and well being. I gave the chocobo a nuzzle before mounting the saddle and we set off.
I hadn't been planning on setting foot in the desert initially, but now my course lay directly across it and through the forest beyond. The land was dry and hot, dusty with small green plants giving way to more and more sand the further north we traveled. Boko- or the lovely chocobo I secretly named Boko was doing pretty well, even as I was sweating, and I had to envy the chocobo. I was short and compact in build, not made for the heat of the desert.
The sun rose and fell, and I found myself setting up a tent for the night as I hobbled Boko and fed him some well deserved greens. I'd stopped to give him some mid day treats, but chocobo's had a pretty strict once at night once during the day meal. I slept fitfully in the rapidly cooling night, and was up again before dawn to start off early.
Boko seemed to enjoy this and we made good time, as something in the distance caught my eye. Castle Figaro. It was the official halfway point in the desert, and I ended the view as Boko picked his way over and around dunes. He was the expert in this arena, so trusting him to find his way around dunes and outrun creatures was for the best. Really the rider only picked the direction and the destination, chocobo's did the rest.
So when Boko paused I thought briefly that perhaps he was tired, or maybe considering his next steps carefully. What I did not expect was for him to suddenly spook- I also didn't expect to find myself eating sand as he tore off in the opposite direction as if his tail feathers were on fire. I paled as I realized that Boko had my sword and canteen strapped to his saddle, checking my waist for my pouches even as I looked around wildly.
What could have spooked Boko? He'd been so calm, even when approached or even chased by other monsters. I stood and tried to dust my dress off with a bit of dignity. This was not good, and after a minute of consideration, I climbed to the top of the nearest dune to gain some idea of where I was, and found myself swearing. My side was sore from hitting the ground, I was frazzled, weaponless, thirsty, and I was stuck in the middle of a desert.
Putting my face in my hands, I took a deep breath and looked around once more. Boko's tracks led off back the way we came, and in theory I could follow them and find him. But I was also without any source of hydration in the desert- My eye caught on the distant and proud visage of the castle, and I muttered a curse. I would have to backtrack and see if anyone there would be willing to help me track Boko down.
I couldn't very well go wandering around the desert without a weapon, I was good with magic, but I wasn't that good. There was a reason people called mage's squishy.
As a side note, I would like to mention that being stranded in the desert at any point is a major downer, and potentially fatal. At least I was within view of the castle, and in turn the guards of the castle could see me coming. Even if they couldn't quite make out what it meant.
"Hail!" I said frowning as it came out more as a croak then a greeting. Hand to my head as I came into the shadow of the castle with a sigh. I stumbled on a small hillock cursing under my breath the small hike had been a bit misleading, dehydrated and more than a bit flustered. One of the guards came forward in concern as the other moved inside, and I let out a flustered sigh.
"My lady, whatever are you doing in the desert so?" He said half worry half reprimand. He helped me to the steps, and I slid down to sit on the top one.
"My chocobo spooked," I said around the pounding headache "He threw me, and all of my supplies were strapped to my saddle. I don't suppose you've seen a stray chocobo around?"
"No my lady," He said as he pulled a canteen from his belt, "Here, please drink you are dehydrated."
I obliged, it was tepid but it tasted like nothing else. I finished the water off, coughing a bit as I finished I apologized for this, but the guard merely patted me lightly on the back glancing at the door.
"This is most unfortunate, I've sent Ivan to find the guard captain."
"Oh I don't want to be a bother," I said with a frown.
The man only shook his head and helped me stand, and another guard took his place as he helped me inside. At this point I was regaining some of my lost strength, and the guard gradually let go, prepared to offer assistance when, or if it might be needed. I was escorted to a room that looked very much like a parlor, and asked to make myself comfortable. The room itself was somewhat of a solarium, with wide windows to allow sun in thought the curtains were tightly drawn.
I slowly made my way to a seat near the small round table at the center of the room, sitting with relief as my headache persistent. I was also sick to my stomach, and drowsy. Heat stroke no doubt; I looked up at the sound of a door, only to find a woman dressed in a dull gown carry a tray into the room and set it on the table before me.
"For you my lady, please drink." Said the woman before bowing and turning to leave.
"Oh, thank you." I said quietly with a grateful smile, this in turn seemed to surprise her. But she said nothing more. I set myself to slowly drinking the water set on the tray before me, and slowly eating some of the fresh fruit. Man, that must have been a bear to bring to a place like this.
Ending Notes: Alright that's it for now. I'm going to go back to working on my other fic for now.