Author's Note

Don't worry! I didn't forget about this Fanfiction. I've just been working my butt off over summer. I thought things would slow down by September but we're short staffed where I work so I basically have a second home! I've been working on this every spare moment due to all the reviews and people who are keeping tabs on it (everytime I log on here there's a new reader!) I didn't want to disappoint.

Also the Orgain-Cent book is actually in the game. It's one of the loot items that you can sell, although I did alter it's description a bit!

Disclaimer

I don't own Final Fantasy XII. I do own Edie, my OC.

Chapter XI: Caught in the Crossfire

"So how exactly do you draw the energy from the dark crystal?" Penelo asked as we stood near the looming, ragged pillar of light.

"I think you just hold it up to it and the shadestone draws energy from it. It can't be that hard to do if a little kid can do it."

"Then think of it as a back-up career for when your dreams of being a sky-pirate don't come true." I snickered. My suggestion was rewarded with a dirty look.

Once he refocused his attention back to the task at hand, Vaan held aloft the shadestone. We watched with fascination as the black pebble began to change colour. The molten gold from the dark crystal was seeping into the stone and churning together with the other hues until it devoured them. Once it had absorbed enough power, the stone was a deep golden brown tone. Vaan held the energy gauge against it. The three of us watched as the thermometer like device measured the power now nestled in the stone. It reached 50 percent.

"Well that was easy, we're halfway there." Penelo smiled.

"Yeah now all we have to do is walk all the way over there." I mumbled pointing out the next nearest dark crystal that scraped the horizon.

It was a fair distance to the other stone and I was tired from my encounter with the hyena. As I trudged onwards, slightly behind Vaan and Penelo, I sighed and looked down at my feet. Each step I took disrupted the dry earth and caused it to become airborne. A dry, dead shrub came into view. I wouldn't have paid it much attention if it weren't for something fluttering around one of its withered branches. I bowed and plucked the material free from the grasp of the shrub. The moment my fingers touched the wiry hair I knew what it was.

"Kaiser." It was his fur, his thick black fur. He had been here. I stopped in my tracks, my eyes scanning the plains for him. "Kaiser! Ven chico!" (Kaiser! Here boy!)

"Edie! What are you doing?" Hissed Vaan, obviously nervous that my shouting would gain unwanted attention.

"Look. It's Kaiser's fur. He's here somewhere."

"That could be hyena fur for all we know."

"No, no it isn't. Hyena's aren't black and their fur can't be this thick and wiry."

"So? There are plenty of other fiends it could belong to."

"We have to find him, he can't be far." I said turning away from him to once again search the horizon. "Kaiser!" I began to walk away from them both. It wasn't long before I heard quick, light footsteps starting after me.

"Edie." Penelo's voice was calming. I felt her hand on my arm. "We should keep moving towards the next dark crystal. If we stay here we'll attract fiends."

"But I have to find him." I sighed as I turned to face her.

"And you will. You're one step closer to finding him because now you know he isn't in Rabanastre anymore. It's just we haven't got enough supplies to go looking for him today."

"So you'd rather help Vaan with another of his harebrained plans, huh?" I asked her in a low voice as Vaan was evidently eavesdropping.

"If I get involved he'll get bored soon, trust me." She said. "We'll ask around at the camp when we return with a sunstone, okay?"

"Fine."

I loosened my grip on the tuft of fur. It was whisked away by the desert breeze.

The rest of the task had past in a blur due to my head swimming with thoughts. We had only had to travel to three of the dark crystals to fully charge the shadestone. Before I knew it we were back at the Crystal Glade. I guess that's the upside of fretting, it makes time fly.

"You did it already? Lemme see if it's any good." Said Jinn when we returned.

He held his hand outstretched, waiting. Vaan fished out the newly made sunstone from his pocket. It was now the same hue as the dark crystals. As Jinn went about turning the stone over and scrutinizing it, I pondered how much money it could fetch. Surely Vaan could just sell it and make do with the money he gained, instead of going through with this madman's mission.

"It will do." Praised Jinn, retuning the sunstone back to Vaan.

"How's the leg?" Penelo asked.

"I think it's better.." He rose like he had done the previous time, using the rock for support. "So here's what happened. Masyua's always warning us to stay away from the werewolves, right? Well, a bunch of us decided we'd have a little contest-see who's the bravest. It started out as a lark, but Tott said that none of us kids living on the plains should be scared of monsters... I guess I got carried away. Don't let any of the grown-ups know, though, okay?"

It seemed Jinn was a mini Vaan in the making, he even had that cheeky smirk plastered on his face. He tried his leg once more. This time it managed to bare his weight well enough. "Anyway's... my leg's feeling better now. Let's head back to the village. I'll race ya- try to keep up!"

With that he was off, he only paused once to turn and wave at us before dashing onwards towards the nomad camp. We all glanced at each other before breaking into a sprint. Although there was no chance we would catch him up, we were racing against each other.

I was wheezing by the time I caught up with them at the camp. Vaan smirked as I approached them.

"About time. It's a good job you weren't running away from werewolves. They'd be picking you out of their teeth by now!"

"It wasn't an entirely a fair race. Edie had been doing a lot of running beforehand." Penelo justified for me, seems as I was still recovering my breath.

At that moment Jinn and a dark haired woman who assumed was Masuya, approached us.

"Jinn made it back safe and sound. He is a good boy, but how his mind wanders! He never thinks of the worry it causes me! I'm sorry if he was any trouble. Please, take these with my thanks." She held out a small knapsack. Penelo gratefully accepted it.

"Thank you. Really, it was no hassle."

"Yeah, we're used to dealing with troublesome boys." I said jokingly whilst gesturing to Vaan.

"Jinn gave you a sunstone, yes? I hope it will be of help to you."

As Vaan and Penelo were saying their goodbyes to Jinn and the other children, I walked over to the tent where Elder Brunoa was sat.

"Excuse me, Elder?"

"Yes?"

"By chance have you or any of the other members of your camp seen a black dog in the plains?"

"The black dog." She sighed heavily. "Some of the children had befriended it when out making sunstones, they wanted to bring it back to the camp but Terra disagreed saying it would frighten the Cocktrices so they brought the matter up at one of our assemblies. Some of the camp thought it would be wise to have a dog around to ward off fiends and guard the grounds. Terra still wasn't convinced. However, I decided to allow a trial, if the dog proved worthy and didn't hassle the livestock it could live with us."

"So what happened? Where is he?"

"The children were mistaken. That was no dog. T'was an entity in the guise of a dog. It is most dangerous. Luckily, it was confused and was easily frightened away from our camp. I had the children stay within our grounds for a week before they were allowed to once more venture out and make sunstones and even now there are watchmen position just beyond this plain in case it returns."

"Why.. Why is it so dangerous?"

"Edie! Come on! We've got to get back to town!" Shouted Penelo from the camp's gate. I noticed a nomad man with a bow and arrow leaning against the wooden post that marked the entrance to the camp. I whirled back round to face the old woman.

"Have you ever read the Orgain-Cent, Edie?"

"No.."

"Perhaps you should. Now go, your friends await."

All the way back to Rabanastre I mulled over what the Elder had said. It couldn't be Kaiser. He wouldn't harm anyone, not even a Giza Hare. I hoped he had moved on from the plains because it was clear if the camp came across him, they would kill him. It just didn't make sense, if only I had had more time to talk with the old woman.

"Penelo?"

"Hmm?"

"Have you ever read the Orgain-Cent?"

"My mother used to read it to me when I was a child. It's a book of fables, fairytales and folklore all written by a wayfarer who travelled throughout Ivalice. How come? Did you just remember something?"

"No... Elder Brunoa recommended that I read it to help restore my memory."

"Well it's a good suggestion, perhaps your mother read it to you when you were young." She said with a reassuring smile.

"Yeah... Maybe." Was all I could muster.

When we reached Rabanastre, Penelo halted causing me to pause and look over my shoulder at her. She was waiting for Vaan to catch up with her. He had lagged behind since she had gone into an in-depth explanation how the teleport stones Masuya had given us worked and how they differed from the city's Moogling service. I had never used either before.

"Hey, Vaan?"

He looked up from his bounty that we had gained this afternoon.

"It's been a long time since we did anything together. Too long. I had a really good time. Well, I should probably get back to the store. Actually, I was kind of supposed to watching the place for Migelo. And Vaan- stay out of trouble. For me? I don't know what I'd do if you weren't here... If something happened to you." The last bit sounded sad, thoughtful, a tone Penelo didn't use often with him.

"I'm not going anywhere. Okay?" I heard him reassure.

"That's what I wanted to hear." Penelo's perkiness was once again restored, making me relax my shoulders. I hadn't even realised how rigid I had been holding them throughout their brief exchange. "See you later!"

"Bye!" I chimed in an equally cheerful tone, just so he knew I had been listen in. He scowled at me.

Penelo once again joined my side, ignoring the hateful stare Vaan was firing in my direction. We left and entered the gates of Rabanastre, leaving the would-be sky-pirate with his thoughts.

"What was all that about?" I asked.

"Just making sure I made him feel guilty about his harebrained plan." She replied with a shrug.

"So all that I don't know what I'd do without out you stuff was all smoke and mirrors, right?" I said, trying my hardest to hide my amusement.

"What are you implying, Tomaj's pet?' She asked with a smirk.

"Oh, nothing, nothing. I was just thinking perhaps we could double date." Her smirk soon faded, which in turn made mine become all the more evident. It was surprisingly easy to wind her up about this sort of thing.

"What are you talking about?"

"I thought you and Vaan had agreed to some kind of dinner together, remember?"

"Well Vaan's word is never set in stone, you know."

"Shame." I laughed, "It would have been entertaining."

We soon reached the merchant's district, which was still bustling with activity. Once we reached the Low Town door we stopped to say our goodbyes.

"I better get over to Migelo's." She sighed.

"Why did you ditch work? It's not like you."

"I don't know.. I guess lately all I've done is work and sleep- I might as well be a monk!"

It was true, all work and no play was a tedious combination.

"Well, the fete will be over and done with tonight so maybe your workload will ease up."

"You mean like yours has." She said, jokingly.

She was referring to my lax time schedules that Tomaj let me get away with. I suppose it was partly my fault, I should have just kept on working when he tried to dismiss me.

"You know what? I'm going back to the Sandsea to finish my shift."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I can't be classed Tomaj's pet if I work the same hours as everyone else."

It was decided. I'd go back and work until the tavern closed. The other waitresses might even be grateful that I was helping out. It was bound to be hectic due to most of the Imperial guards having to attend the fete for security.

I stopped by the apartment to pick up some things before work. I entered to find Filo, Johm and Fidget sat around the table. Nearly all the kids had a key to our apartment so they could come and go as they pleased. I had soon come to discover that was why Migelo donated so much food to us all the time, it was for everyone. They were playing a card game and as usual, Filo was winning.

"Hi, Edie! Wanna play?" She beamed.

"And lose a week's wage again? No thanks! I got to get to work, anyways."

"I thought Tomaj gave you the afternoon off?"

The one thing about the Low Town that you could depend on was that news travelled fast and in the close nit community, nothing went unnoticed.

"Yeah, well, I thought I'd help out anyway." I shrugged.

"Okay. See you later."

"Penelo shouldn't be too long, why don't you guys wait for her seems as Vaan's probably going to be back late."

"Yeah, I heard about his harebrained plan..."

I said goodbye and left them to their game.

As I was walking back, I paused outside Old Dalan's house. The old man had already given me a book on Dalmasca and the country's history, perhaps he had a copy of the book Elder Brunoa had mentioned. I entered the cramped living quarters to be greeted by the pungent scent of smoking tobacco, which smelt much sweeter than regular cigarette smoke. Old Dalan always had a pipe in his mouth, as if it were an extension of his being. I had come accustom to the smell when I had been taught how to sing Dalmascan folksongs.

"Ah, if you are wanting to hinder our dear sky-pirate in waiting's plan, you have come too late." He greeted.

"I knew Vaan was too well informed. Why help him Dalan? It's just going to cause us all more bother."

"His is a restless spirit. It must be quenched now and then with adventure."

"I think you mean stupidity."

"Do not be riled so easily, girl. The boy can handle himself well enough for this escapade, I assure you. Now, how are you? Is your memory still ill?"

"Actually, that's why I came to see you." I suddenly felt slightly insecure that I was the one now under scrutiny, not Vaan. "I was with Vaan when he made the sunstone. When we were at the nomad camp in the Giza Plains, I spoke with Elder Brunoa... She told me I should read Orgain-Cent."

"Hmm, yes. A good choice of literature. I assume you know nothing of the book, no?"

"Only that it's tales written by a traveller who journeyed all over Ivalice."

"That it is. It is also now considered a rare book. Many volumes were destroyed due to its author writing about how the Kilitas' religion was hypocritical in its teachings. I'm afraid I do not have a copy."

"Do you have any idea where I could find one?"

"I can only suggest you search the Technick shops and venders. They sell an array of literature, some to do with the art of war and combat, others to tell tales of travellers past."

"Thank you, Dalan." He slowly nodded, still staring. "I have to go."

"Pity, I was hoping to hear you sing." He chuckled. "My luck I bid to you."

"Thanks." I said before leaving him.

"Edie, what are you doing here?" Tomaj asked whilst he was skilfully filling four tankards, one straight after the other without cutting the draught flow. I gestured to the mob of civilians. "Okay. Fine. Table 8, 2 and 4 need clearing, table 10 needs cutlery and take these tankards to 1." He loaded the four tankards onto a tray and gave it to me.

The night whirled by. I always enjoyed shifts that were like this, sure it was chaotic but it was fun. By closing hours the crowd slowly diminished into the usual rabble of regular customers. This meant I could slip away into the kitchen and begin cleaning up. As I stood polishing cutlery, Mido, one of the waitresses, entered. She was carrying plates all of which were skilfully stacked up her arms and as usual she didn't bother regarding my presence.

"Oh, you're still here then." She said eventually after one of her usual icy silences, which was only filled with the sound of her scraping the plates.

I had a feeling that it was Mido who had given me the nickname I loathed. She was of a similar age to me however she acted like a catty teenage girl most of the time. I think it was because she had a soft spot for Tomaj.

"I'm here until closing." I shrugged.

"Good, you can clean the coffee machine." She said before exiting the kitchen.

I hated cleaning the coffee machine. I almost always managed to scold my hands. I sighed and continued buffing up some spoons.

After all the cutlery, plates, appliances and surfaces where clean I untied my pinafore and hung it up beside the others, then reached for my shoulder bag. I was tired but it was worth it, all of the girls had said goodbye before they left, something they had stopped doing around the same time I acquired my nickname. I was making headway, at least. A couple more shifts like this I might even have some new friends. The thought reminded me of Penelo. I had better hurry home, she'll be worried about Vaan.

"Goodnight, Tomaj!" I called over my shoulder, He was sweeping the balcony.

"'Night" He grunted.

As I was about to open the door, a distant sound caused me to hesitate. It sounded like the faraway rumble of thunder. However, it was still the dry season, the rains weren't for another couple of months.

"What is it?" Questioned Tomaj, who sounded puzzled by my actions.

"I don't know." I said quietly, still straining to hear the noise. Tomaj's footsteps broke up the strange faint roar. "Something's not right."

I opened the door. The night air only confirmed my suspicions. It was tainted with the smell of gunpowder and fire. We both stepped outside and dumbly looked around trying to find the source of the commotion. Two Imperial guards rushed past us surprisingly swiftly for men who were clad in heavy armour. They hadn't even acknowledged us as they flew past. "What's going on?" I thought aloud. I was a little taken back how small and fearful my voice had become. The sound of a distant explosion caused the two of us to whip round and look in the direction of the palace. My eyes grew wide at the sight of the orange tinged night sky.

"The Resistance is attacking." Tomaj said. "I guess it wasn't just a rumour."

"B-but Migelo is in the palace!" I gasped before bolting in the direction of the upper-class district.

"Edie!" I heard Tomaj shout. I ignored him. He soon caught up with me and seized my arm.

"Come on, let go! We've gotta go find him!" I tried futilely to jerk my arm free of his grasp.

"Calm down! He'll be safe. He was dinning with Vayne Solidor, himself. I'm sure Archadia's finest won't let anything happen to his Excellency or his guests."

He was right. Migelo was probably in the safest spot in Rabanastre right now. Still, it didn't appease my worrying. But what could I do? It was a pretty dumb idea to walk blindly into the crossfire. I would probably end up needing to be saved myself.

"We should head back to the Low Town. If any guards come across us here they'll probably accuse us of being in cahoots with the Resistance." He slowly released my arm, still unsure if he had convinced me. I sighed and nodded.

There was a small crowd in front of the gates to the Low Town and voices were raised high in panic. Tomaj and I hurried over to see what was problem. The crowd were all shop or tavern owners and workers, everyone who had an extended curfew. The gate had been locked, trapping everyone else in the Low Town. People were huddled around the door calling to loved ones to check if they were all right.

"They locked the gates, those bastards!"

"They're trapped down there like rats!"

"This is why they wanted us all underground because they knew if the Resistance attacked, us common folk would be fighting alongside them!"

"We should rip these gates open! Come on, somebody lend a hand!"

"No! Wait!" Boomed Tomaj, silencing the crowd on either side of the gates. "If we do that, they'll see to it we're punished saying that we destroyed public property."

"They can't do any worse to us than they already have!" One man growled. It was Yurgi, the magick shop owner.

"Someone will bound to be injured if we break the gate down."

"So just what do you suggest we do, Tomaj? My wife is down their alone and scared half to death!"

"Look, the attack won't last long and when it's over the first thing the guards are gonna do is check we've been good, law abiding citizens. I say we lie low, act as they would expect us to act."

"What? Just roll over and let them treat us like this?" Yurgi spat.

"Whatever. Do as you please, break down the gate, comfort your wife, but I can guarantee you they'll strip us of our businesses and livelihoods as punishment."

Yurgi paused, obviously weighing up the matter. Everyone had been listening to the debate. We all remained silent, only the far-off crackle of the war between the Imperials and the Resistance could be heard.

"Fine. You speak sense." Yurgi said eventually. "So what now?"

"We get off the streets for tonight. I open my doors for you all, come."

The crowd agreed with Tomaj and soon started to move away from the gate. That was when I noticed a familiar face pressed up against the bars of the wrought iron doors.

"Kytes!" I quickly moved towards the gates. "Kytes are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was lookin' for you, actually. Penelo's worried."

"Where is she? Go get her, please." He nodded and pushed his way back through the crowd, who were lingering to say goodnight to loved ones on the other side of the gate. I waited for what seemed like an eternity, impatiently drumming my fingers on one of the gate's bars.

"Edie!" Came Penelo's voice from amongst the swell of people.

"Penelo!"

She pushed through and soon was right in front of me on the other side. I was so glad to see her, even though it had only been a few hours since I last saw her.

"Thank the gods you're safe!

"I'm fine, don't worry. We're all going to the Sandsea for the night."

"Okay.." I could tell she was fretting about something, that little frown line was back again.

"What is it? Are you okay?"

"I don't know where Vaan is..."

I couldn't believe it. That little bugger had gone ahead with his harebrained plan afterall!

"Oh, don't worry, Penelo." I said softly and slipped my hand through the bars to find hers. She held it with a fierce grip. "Vaan can handle himself pretty well. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"But the battle... what if he.." Her eyes were glassy and her hand was shaking.

"Come on, it's Vaan we're talking about. He can worm his way out of any sticky situation!" I said light-heartedly.

"I lied. I lied earlier... I really wouldn't know what I'd do without him."

Anger churned in my stomach. How could Vaan do this to her? I wanted to inflict a good deal of pain on the adolescent idiot.

"He probably didn't even make it to the palace. I bet his wandering around the waterways trying to distinguish up from down! Now go back to the apartment and get some sleep... I'll see you in the morning, okay?"

She nodded and let go of my hand.

"Goodnight." She said.

"Sleep tight." I replied.

I moved along with the rest of the crowd. Tomaj had gone ahead to open the tavern. When I entered the Sandsea the atmosphere was grim. Gone was the cheerful drunken banter, cigarette smoke and split beer and in its place was a sombre silence. Everyone made themselves comfortable for the night. I approached Tomaj who was leaning against the bar.

"You enjoyed that didn't you?" I asked with a smirk.

"You know I kinda did. I'd make a great leader. Forget Vayne, I'd be twice the consul that aristocratic waste of space could ever be!"

"All hail Tomaj, man of the people." I said sarcastically. "'Night your Excellency."

I found a spot near the bar where I could comfortably curl up and sleep for the night. I used my bag as a pillow. I couldn't sleep. My mind was alight with anxiousness and for once it wasn't about if I'd ever manage to get home. It was about Penelo.

In memory of Luna, who died earlier this month by the hand of another.