Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated with Final Fantasy
Chapter Twenty-Five: Knighthood: One of His Many Paths!
"So… How did it go?" Midahn asked Mirabelle cheerfully when she came back into the room. She glared at him.
"That was a funny joke, Midahn…" She said. Her arm was around Neal. He was half asleep, and limp.
"Did you have fun?" He asked. She blushed.
"We didn't do anything!" She said quickly.
"Man, he looks so out of it." Midahn said, and laughed. They set him down on a bed, and he passed out immediately.
"He was…" Mirabelle said, looking down at his sleeping face. "For starters, he was actually talking to me…"
"Yeah, I guess you're right!" He noticed. "Well, at least he thinks about you when he's drunk!" He said, laughing.
"But I'd rather him think about me when he's not drunk…" She sighed.
"Don't you remember what he said when they all got back? He immediately apologized for making you worry and fell into your arms…!" Midahn reminded her.
"I-I know what he did!" She said, embarrassed.
"You do like him… right?" Midahn asked.
"...Yes." She said a few moments later. "Why are you so interested in that anyway?"
"In what?" Midahn said jokingly. She was getting irritated now.
"You know!" She said. He didn't say anything. "About… Neal and I?" She said hesitantly.
"You're saying that like you're together." Midahn said, and chuckled.
"Rrgh… Just forget about it!" She told him.
"I'm sorry. I'm just messing around…" Midahn said, looking down. "But honestly, it's better than nothing at all…" He sounded melancholy now.
"What does that mean?" Mirabelle asked, confused.
"For some reason, I think the only one who can bring Neal back to who he was is you." Midahn said. She opened her mouth in shock.
"Wh...why do you say that?" She asked him.
"I know I've figured it out, and I'm not sure about Sev, but he has a special relationship with you." Midahn said. She didn't say anything.
"Think back to the times we've been in danger. If a monster or something targets you, it makes him angry. He keeps an eye out for all of us, as we all do for each other, of course, but seemingly more for you." Midahn continued.
"Well, maybe it's because I'm a girl, and not as strong as you guys…" Mirabelle thought.
"That could be true, but those times when that demon was still inside him, and when he went mad, he always calmed down when he saw you. Sev or I couldn't stop him when he was like that. Only you. You guys have a… special connection!" He said that last part jokingly.
"How could you sound so serious and suddenly sound like that?" Mirabelle asked.
"Okay, okay. But all joking aside, you know what I'm saying?" He said.
"Yeah, I do. You want me to help him get back to normal. I know." She said, then gazed at him sleeping soundly.
"I've been doing a lot of research and studying lately." Midahn said. "About our legend. I also study a lot about each of us."
"Wh-what does that mean?" Mirabelle asked.
"Our individual skills, behaviors, and cooperation." Midahn said.
"Oh, that sounds so… smart! Are you working on becoming a tactician?" Mirabelle asked, impressed. He nodded.
"We've gotta have brains too, not just brawn." Midahn pointed to his brain. Mirabelle nodded.
"Yep! I totally agree." She said cheerfully. "That's great for you, Midahn!"
"Thanks. Those two aren't the only ones who have gotten stronger." Midahn said, looking at Neal and Sevrin.
"H-hey! I haven't just been messing around these past two years!" Mirabelle protested.
The next morning, everyone woke up fairly late. Neal, , and Tarin, of course, because of last night. But Midahn and Mirabelle were up late talking as well.
"Ungh… My head hurts like crazy…" Tarin grumbled, and sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"Hm? Yeah… me too… I don't remember a thing…" Neal said, and chuckled. Sevrin kept opening and closing his eyes.
"I'm so… thirsty!" He said.
"Well, that's what you all get for drinking…" Mirabelle said. "Now get up, everyone! We've got a whole day ahead us, you know!"
"Huh…" Neal grumbled, and slowly climbed off of the bed. "Speaking of which…"
"What are we going to do?" Midahn finished.
"Well, I'm sure you all must be going." Tarin said. "You've got a mission, of course. I'm sure this was probably all the fun you are able to have for a while."
"Yeah, we should get going." Neal said.
"But where to?" Mirabelle asked.
"We should start heading north as soon as possible." Neal replied.
"Why north?" They asked.
"I need to send a warning to Rothguard." He said. Their eyes widened.
"Rothguard, huh…" Sevrin said. "It's been a long time since we've been there… Why do we have to contact them?"
"Well, I kind of have a duty there, I suppose." Neal said.
"Huh? What kind of duty?" Midahn asked, confused.
"I'm a knight of the Royal Rothguard Court Guards." He answered.
"Wha?!" Mirabelle said, astonished. "Why didn't you tell us something like that?!"
"Uh… I don't know." Neal shrugged. "Wasn't that important, I guess." Everyone sighed.
"Anyways, what do you need to warn them about?" Sevrin asked.
"About the attack that's coming." Neal said.
"Shouldn't you have told us that sooner?!" Everyone said angrily.
"Well, now that the tournament is over, it's time to continue our quest." He said seriously.
"There are no more distractions."
Oh… Tarin thought gloomily. So this tournament was just a silly distraction to you…?
"You're avoiding the question." Sevrin told him.
"There is supposedly going to be another monster invasion in Isthal soon." Neal answered.
"Hmm… Why would monsters invade them again? And what was the purpose of the first one?" Sevrin wondered.
"Even more north of Rothguard is just pure wilderness. It's cold, so hardly anyone lives up there. There isn't an established society up there." Neal informed him. "It's a perfect habitat for wild monsters and creatures. They're probably trying to expand their territory. But monsters wouldn't do that on their own, no matter how many of them there are. They must be influenced or ordered by humans."
"Woah… Who would do something like that?" Midahn thought.
"Well, there are people who live up there, but not many. And people don't know much about them, too. Based on this, Rothguard has suspicions that those people have dark affiliations." Neal continued.
"They couldn't just attack them for having suspicions, though…" Midahn said. "There isn't enough evidence, and it could cause even more trouble up north…"
"Good thinking. But the King sent me on a quest to investigate them." Neal said.
"Really? What did you discover?" Midahn asked.
"The monsters are being controlled." He said. "... By a dark guild."
Midahn raised an eyebrow. "A dark guild? As in a magic guild?" Neal nodded.
"Hmm… I haven't seen many of those lately." He said, scratching his chin.
"The last one I saw was a long time ago in my hometown." Mirabelle said.
"They're known to wear black robes with hoods, right?" Neal asked them. They nodded.
"Yeah, that's them then. I saw 'em there. All of 'em. They've got a neat little hideout too. Heavily guarded, despite not making any contact with any regions nearby. Well, so we think…" Neal said.
"So you think our next job is to stop these guys?" Sevrin asked.
"Yeah. They could cause some trouble. I don't know how powerful they are, so I'm not sure if the Royal Court Guard or Fleet could handle it on their own. I don't want the King or Princess Rhea in any danger." Neal said, clenching his fist.
"You've… seen Rhea recently?" Mirabelle asked quietly. Neal nodded. Midahn glanced at her, and smiled a little. 'Jealous?' was the look he gave her. She blushed and shot an 'As if!' look back.
"Yes. She looked happy to see me again, I guess. She was bummed not to be able to see you guys, though." Neal said. "But we're going to visit soon, so that's okay."
Mirabelle remembered how fond Rhea was of him. She wondered if she tried to do anything with him while he was there, and it indeed sparked a bit of jealousy inside of her. She remembered how pretty Rhea is, and how Neal bragged that he went on a date with her when they journeyed to Isthal so long ago. But she shook it off. None of that was as serious as the possible threat that was looming over the kingdom.
"Well, I suppose we should get going, then." Sevrin said. Everyone cleaned up and prepared for the weeks of travelling ahead of them. Their destination was far from Amur.
"It was a pleasure to see you all again." Tarin said, smiling as they were walking toward the city gate.
"Man, it's hard to say goodbye to friends… We have to do that a lot, you know…" Midahn pouted. Neal looked away when he said the word friend.
Tarin placed his hand on Midahn's shoulder. "Ah, I'm sure it won't be long. We must clash blades again sometime." He said, looking at Neal. "I'm going to train hard in the meantime. It looks like I have to catch up to you, this time."
"Hah! Guess so… Yeah, we'll come back soon. I look forward to that match." Neal replied. Everyone else said their goodbyes, and the Warriors finally departed Amur.
"Whew… I'm pretty tired of walking…" Mirabelle grumbled. It's been hours since they left.
"Doesn't it bring back memories, though?" Midahn said cheerfully.
"Ungh… I guess… But can we take a little break?" Mirabelle replied.
"Wait. If we go a little further, and branch off from the trail for about a mile, there's a place that we can go to make travelling much easier." Neal said. Mirabelle looked up hopefully.
"Huh? Where? What place? Let's go there!" She said. They abandoned the trail they were walking on, and started following Neal. He led them into a forest.
"Is there really some place around here?" Midahn asked after a few minutes of stepping over many branches and thorns.
"Yeah. Don't you smell it?" Sevrin asked him. Confused, Midahn sniffed the air, but didn't smell anything unusual.
"Not really. What is it?" He replied.
"It's a farm of some kind." Sevrin said.
"Bingo." Neal said. Mirabelle breathed a sigh of relief.
"Eh? Horses? That'd be so great…" Mirabelle said dreamily.
"Not horses." Neal told her. She hung her head.
"Aww…" She pouted. "Then what is it?"
Damn… She actually sounds kinda cute when she pouts like that… Neal thought. He shook his head.
"You'll see." Neal said.
"Why do have to keep a secret? Awhh..." Mirabelle whined.
Stop it… Stop it… Neal thought. I feel like I just said that just so she would use that voice again… What the hell is up with me lately…
"Here." He said. They passed through the last patch of branches and leaves, and saw a farm sitting on a small area of clearing. This whole area was surrounded by the thick forest they just traveled through.
"Woah. This place is completely hidden… How'd you know about it?" Sevrin asked Neal.
"You pick up on these kinds of things as you travel around long enough." He replied.
"Uwah! What are those?!" Midahn pointed to the group of animals walking around in the small field.
"Those are chocobos." Neal said.
"I've never seen them before!" Midahn said.
"I know the owners of this place. I'll see if they can lend us four of them to ride on." Neal said.
"They're… not horses that's for sure…" Mirabelle said.
"Well hello there!" A man in a straw hat said. He was working right by the side of the farm house. He noticed Neal and the others come in through the forest.
"Who do we have here? Ah! Neal m' boy! It's good to see ya again!" The man said cheerfully.
"Hey there, Stahl." Neal replied in a friendly matter. "How have you been?"
"Oh just fine and dandy! Farm's doin' just fine. My chocobos here are the finest. You just can't find any up to m' caliber." He said proudly. Neal leaned over toward Sevrin's ear.
"He always says that, no matter how many conversations you have with the guy." He whispered.
"Ah." Sevrin replied.
"So what brings ya here? And who are these other lads… and lass, if I may ask?" Stahl asked, nodding toward his friends.
"These are my… friends Sevrin, Midahn, and Mirabelle." Neal said. "This is Stahl. He's a chocobo farmer."
"With the finest chocobos around!" Stahl added, pointing his finger up.
"Eh heh…" Mirabelle thought it was funny how he's said that again already. "Nice to meet you."
"It's a pleasure!" Midahn said. "They're so cool!" Sevrin gave Stahl a friendly nod.
"Well, we're here to see if we can use a few chocobo. We're travelling to Isthal from here, you see." Neal requested.
"Gods, lad! That's far! No wonder you seek the aid of my chocobos, which are the finest, of course." Stahl said. Midahn and Mirabelle snickered.
"Would you mind loaning us four, for… a few weeks, perhaps?" Neal asked. "How much would that be?"
"Oh no no…" Stahl waved his hands back and forth and shook his head. "For you, m' boy, it'll be on the house!"
"Huh? Why?" Neal tilted his head.
"Did ya get yer teeth knocked in or somethin'? Ya saved me and m' farm from those damn bandits!" Stahl said.
"Oh, yeah. It was nothing, really…" Neal scratched his head.
"Well if ya weren't there to protect this place, I'd have no chocobo to call the finest, now would I?" Stahl said.
"Well, alright, I guess. Thanks." Neal said. He didn't expect that at all.
"Neal, m' boy, you're too humble. You stopped all of them bandits with those five swords of yers-" Stahl started to say, but Neal quickly cut him off.
"It was nothing, really!" He quickly repeated. "So which ones should we use to ride long distances?" He started looking out into the field.
"Before that, why don't you all come inside the house for a while? Supper'll b' ready soon! Eat and rest up a bit here, lads. You look tired!" Stahl offered.
Eh… Don't really have time… Neal groaned.
Ooh… That sounds amazing! Mirabelle thought dreamily.
"Ah, how can I refuse?" Neal answered after hesitating. "I suppose we can take a rest and prepare the road ahead."
"Excellent, excellent, lad!" Stahl said. "My wife just loves company, I tell ya!" He quickly ran toward the house. "Honey! We've got guests!" He called out through the door. "Four of 'em!" He walked through the door, but quickly stuck his head back out. "Oh, how rude a me! Come in!" He said to the Warriors.
"Damn. He always drags me into this I swear." Neal said, shaking his head.
"What do you mean? They sound like really nice people." Sevrin said.
"They are, don't get me wrong, but once you enter that house, it's extremely hard to come back out." He replied.
"Eh?" Mirabelle asked.
"They live alone, secluded in this forest, because it's a natural habitat for the chocobos. So they don't really see people too often. I don't blame them, really. But they're really hospitable." Neal explained.
"What's so bad about that?" Mirabelle asked.
"They're… really hospitable. Like, they'll smother you." Neal said.
"Come on… Let's go in then! Aren't you hungry at least?" She moped.
"Rgh… Fine, woman. Let's go, then." Neal gave in. He was the only one who didn't want. Sevrin and Midahn already went inside. Mirabelle started to head for the door, but she turned around. Neal didn't move.
"Is it really that bad, Neal?" She asked him. She then walked around behind him and tried pushing him. But he wouldn't budge. She started laughing.
"Are you afraid to go in there? Hah!" She giggled. She was still trying to make him budge, but he wouldn't. "Okay seriously, come on, Neal." She giggled again. "Just go!" She started laughing from how stubborn he was being. She was laughing so hard that when she tried to push him forward again, her hands slipped from behind his back and she fell into him. She wrapped her arms around his stomach. Neal looked up, eyes wide and red-faced.
H-her chest…! He thought, after she pressed herself against his back. "Okay, okay. I'm going!" He yelled, and then dashed toward the door faster than she'd ever seen him run before.
"What the?" Mirabelle wondered. Then she looked down. So he really didn't remember anything from last night…
"Ah, there you are, m' boy!" Stahl said when Neal entered the small house. He was met by a pleasant aroma coming from the kitchen. Despite the warm, friendly atmosphere inside the house, he knew he had to keep his guard up.
Oh no… Any second now… She's gonna… He started to panic.
"Oh goodness me! Neal!" Stahl's wife appeared in front of him.
No… Oh gods no… It's begun… Oh crap, what happened to Sevrin and Midahn…? They came in just a minute ago… He began sweating as the woman raised her arms and began walking toward him, grinning ear to ear. He braced himself for the worst, and she grabbed him and gave him a painfully squeezing hug. She even lifted him off the ground. From the moment she did that, he could see into the kitchen. There, Sevrin and Midahn were lying on the ground, curled up.
I'm sorry… They have fallen from her death hug… I'm gonna get pounded later, hah… He thought, and tried to laugh, but winced in pain from the gleaming housewife's embrace.
"H...Hello… Mrs…. Agatha… Urgh!" Neal managed to say. Finally, she set him down.
"Oh you look so handsome! What a fine, charming young man you've grown into! I'm so glad you've came to visit us, dear! Your friends came in already. They were such handsome boys too. Especially that cute red-haired one!" Agatha said. Neal prayed that Midahn was still alive. She was a very kind, passionate woman, but doesn't realize that her friendly hugs could practically kill. Then Mirabelle walked in.
"Ooh! Who is this young lady? She's so adorable! Is she your girlfriend?" Agatha asked loudly. Both of them blushed immediately.
"Uh, n-" They both started to say, but the lady grabbed them both and hugged them tightly each with one arm, lifting them both off of the ground.
"Urk!" Neal gasped. Not again! And Mirabelle is only inches away…!
Mirabelle was completely surprised, but she was embarrassed more. When the woman set them both down, she was smiling and looking back and forth between them. "Ooh you two look so cute together! What's your name, sweetie?" She leaned forward and asked her. Neal looked away, scratching his head.
"Uh… Mirabelle." She replied shyly.
"Oh good to meet you dear! I'm Agatha! Now come come, children, it's time for supper!" She quickly turned around and walked back into the kitchen. She looked down at Sevrin and Midahn on the floor. "You too, boys~! I know you must be tired from all of that travelling, but we're going to eat soon! Go wash up!" She said cheerfully.
Ugh… It's not that we're tired… Sevrin thought, and slowly got back up on his feet.
...You almost killed us with that hug… Midahn groaned. This is what Neal meant, huh…
"Agatha, dear. We have enough food for everyone tonight, yes? If not, cook some more! We'll have a feast to celebrate Neal's return!" Stahl said.
"Oh yes! We have plenty, honey! It must have been fate that these wonderful young ones joined us tonight!" Agatha replied, and began finishing up cooking. The aroma of the food was much stronger in here, and Neal admitted that one thing that wasn't so bad about Agatha's death hugs was that her apron was always so warm and smelled like good food. Midahn almost began drooling.
The four Warriors quickly walked over to the washroom, and started washing their hands.
"Aw jeez… My back hurts so much…" Midahn groaned.
"I warned you…" Neal croaked. He was hit by two of those embraces of destruction.
"But they're such nice people…" Mirabelle said, feeling bad that they were complaining.
"Well, I'm kinda glad we're joining them, actually." Neal said. "They grow all of their fruits and vegetables, and take great care of their cattle, so their food is astonishingly healthy and wholesome."
"Hm. That's good to hear." Sevrin nodded.
"Oh… It smells so good!" Midahn said. After they finished washing up, they returned into the kitchen, where the table also was.
"Sit, sit! Let's eat!" Agatha ushered them to sit down. Stahl had brought in four more chairs, and they had extended the table. Tons of warm food covered the table.
"Oh, wow Mrs. Agatha. You went overboard! You didn't have to do this…" Neal said.
"Oh be quiet, son! There's no such thing as overboard in this house! Besides, I was already in the midst of preparing this meal before you even entered the forest!" She waved him off.
They began eating the delicious meal that the farmer couple had prepared. They also chatted about the adventures they'd been on, and of the tournament that Neal won. After the meal was over, they helped wash the dishes and clean up.
"Wow. That was amazing!" Midahn said, patting his full stomach.
"Thank you very much for the food." Sevrin bowed his head.
"Thanks as always." Neal smiled, and nodded. Mirabelle did the same.
"Ooh, you young ones… You have so much ahead of you… Enjoy your youth while you can, now! This is the time to learn, experience, and grow to become fine adults. You hear me?" Agatha said. They were by the door, getting ready to leave.
"Yes, of course." Neal said. He knew the routine.
"One more, before you all go!" She shouted, and grabbed all four of them into one large bear hug.
"Urk!" They all said. They were all full too, so it felt even worse to be hugged so tightly. They said goodbye to her, and followed Stahl back out toward the chocobo stables.
"Alright lads, and lass, who here does not know how to ride one of my fine chocobo?" Stahl asked. Everyone but Neal raised their hand.
"Huuuuhh?! What's this?!" Stahl was taken aback.
"Um… I've never even heard of chocobos before." Midahn said. The other two nodded their heads. Stahl shook his head.
"It's a damn shame, I tell ya. Where are ya all from, anyways?" He raised an eyebrow. "Well, no matter. A chocobo is the most convenient companion to ride on, I tell ya. Neal will show ya the ropes. He's rode 'em plenty before."
There were four chocobo lined up, each complete with a saddle and bag.
"Hm! Convenient!" Sevrin said when he noticed the bags strapped to the saddle. "Now I don't have to lug all of this stuff on my back anymore…" Sevrin was the one who had always carried their gear when they would have to travel.
"Hey, you can't complain!" Midahn pointed at him. "You were the one who insisted on always carrying it all in the first place!"
"Tch… True." Sevrin said.
"Hah! Har har!" Stahl bellowed. "You lads crack me up! Anyways, show 'em how it's done, Neal."
"Right." Neal said. Then he walked up to the side of the chocobo, and climbed up onto the saddle. He leaned forward and grabbed hold of the reign that was attached to the chocobo's leather harness. "This is the riding position. The more you lean forward, the faster it will run. These birds have strong legs, so they move quick. It's not much different from riding a horse, if you think about it, besides you know… it not being a horse."
"Couldn't have said it better m'self! You all ready? It might be a little tough to get back out of the forest, but after that it'll be smooth and fast! After all, my chocobo are the finest!" Stahl said.
Of course… Sevrin, Mirabelle, and Midahn thought. Neal jumped down from the bird.
"Thanks for everything, Stahl. Sorry for just springing up on you like that." Neal said. Stahl put his hand on Neal's shoulder.
"Anything for a friend, m' boy. Use the chocobo as long as you need to." They shook hands, and Neal climbed back onto his chocobo. They said goodbye to Stahl, and raced off toward the forest. Stahl pointed out which direction north was after they had packed the bags with their gear.
"Woah! They are fast!" Midahn said. They were back on the trail they had started on that morning.
"At this rate, we'll make it in no time…" Sevrin said.
Good… The sooner the better… I have an odd feeling about that guild up there… Neal thought.
Instead of weeks of travelling, they made it into Isthal in only days. They rode through the town of Rothguard, and made way for the castle.
"Wow… It's been so long!" Mirabelle said, looking around at the place where their first real mission began. The town didn't change at all. The townsfolk were still lively and active as usual, being watched over by the grand castle sitting atop the hill up ahead. When they arrived and dismounted from their chocobo, they were approached by two guards, lances on standby. But when they realized who they were, they immediately became at ease.
"Sir Neal! It's you! Welcome back, m'lord!" The guards said.
Author's Note: Thanks for reading! I had to add chocobos, of course. Who doesn't love chocobos? Also, Midahn seems to be the only one know really knows how Mira feels about Neal. He likes to joke around and tease her about it, but thinks that she will be the only one who will help Neal become normal again. Lastly, Neal really did become a knight of Rothguard! A new mission begins next time, when we visit old friends, and meet new foes!