Of Lies and Fantasies
Chapter 54: One Drink Later
- Blake -
Hand in my pocket gripping my cash supply, other hand hopelessly hanging off my side, and hair currently being nested by Nero, I walked behind a group of people in the Business District with no specific destination in mind.
Minutes after work I would have been back at the inn by now face down in my bed until the urge to eat becomes too overwhelming. And when I say the urge becomes overwhelming, I mean Alyssa drags me out of bed or Nero tweets hard enough in my ear so we can get some food. It actually feels strange not heading to the inn, especially when I managed to get out of work early after receiving that week's pay.
With this much money I could pay for this week's inn rent, probably get some new armor and a better dagger. Perhaps get an upgraded one or have someone synthesize me a better weapon. I could add the possibility of getting Nero better food or an actual chocobo home for our room. I bet he would like that.
"Mind still thinking about work?" I hear someone in front of me ask. Looking up I see one of the actors from the theatre looking back at me as the rest of their group stopped.
Okay, I lied about not having no specific destination in mind. Just by half though. I didn't have any destination in mind, but my companions did and I just didn't bother asking them what it is. These guys are actors from the theatre. They invited me to hang out just after they spotted me and Alyssa eating dinner. I usually didn't interact with anyone after work since I just went straight home.
True to form since my school days. Not that I don't want to hang out with anyone after school. I just don't want to trouble anyone after school since I'm usually drained afterwards. Andrew didn't care though since he'd just invite himself to my house and I don't have the heart to turn him away when he gives me that kind of look. The kind where it's hard to shut the door on his face all while he's making this mewling noise in his throat. It's also the same kind the actors gave me just as I was paying for dinner. It didn't help that Alyssa was encouraging them instead of helping me.
"Gonna head to the castle to see Dr. Thomas." Alyssa tells me why I'm going to be alone with a theatre group for some time. "Someone has to look after you while I'm out of the picture for an hour or two."
"I am not a child." I argued, crossing my arms on my chest. Annoyingly enough, my stance only helped her argument. Thus leading me to follow my theatre coworkers around the district for some 'fun'. As if my way of having fun is going to align with these guys.
"De-stressing will be the name of the game tonight! No need to keep your forehead twisted up in a big frown. Gods know you've been doing that all day." The actor talking to me punctuated it with a teasing poke to the forehead before walking on ahead. Not that I appreciated the slight jest.
True, Zidane's visit and inquiry about the Continental Conference brought a massive sledgehammer to my day's knees and bludgeoned it so it could no longer walk. I would have rather kept Alyssa in the dark about that darned meeting due to her inability to stand aside and let things happen as they are. Whatever she plans on doing is going to be all on her. I do not need to know—
My face collides with worn fabric. I look up to see one of the taller actors stopped in place as the others speak excitedly. Following their lead, I manage to see what the fuss was about, which then lead to me blanching at our destination.
"What better way to relax at the end of the day with a soothing beer!" My companions cheered, followed by a 'Yeah!' from the others. One of them wrapped their arms around my shoulder and directly escorted me to the entrance.
The place inside is lively, fitting for a bar for evening affairs, with someone playing a tune on the piano across from the bar. Conversation carried from table to table of varying number of occupants. Fortunately, the bar did not look too busy as the current bartender was currently cleaning a few glasses in front of her. Because of that, our seats were decided to be a table close enough to the bar. It was decent enough to seat five people on stools.
Soon we're met with mugs filled to the brim with yellow-ish liquid crowned by a steady foam by the mug's edges. The actors thank the waitress who brought us our drinks as they toast and get a sip from their respective mugs. I, on the other hand, stare at mine cautiously while keeping my hands to myself. This got Nero curious as he landed beside the mug and tried to nudge it toward me.
The last time I had a mug of beer in my hands I got drunk. I was barely able to walk straight and nearly threw up in the streets of Treno! And that's with Dagger admonishing me for even partaking in alcohol because I carelessly got drunk. I am not making the same mistake after that. Plus, being drunk sucks.
I slightly push the container away from me as Nero watched. This got the attention of my left seatmate.
"Aw, c'mon Blake! At least try it before you knock it." He nudged me with his elbow.
"I have and let me tell you it's overrated." I answer as I rest my left elbow by the edge of the table and put my cheek in my palm, all while the memory of my last drinking experience in Treno came to mind. "You try one beer, you've tried them all."
"Guess beer ain't your style then." He shrugs and then waves over the waitress again. "Do you guys have something else, probably with a little more flavor?" The waitress retrieves the drink from in front of me and saunters over towards the bar.
"So…" My other seatmate leaned towards me slightly. "I know you ain't stressed because of work since all you do is walk around and yell at everyone."
"Of course I yell. It's to get my point across since everyone not onstage gets distracted with you guys." I countered. Thank god I don't have the same trouble with the staff backstage and I can talk in a normal volume with them. At least they get their shit done fast. "I'll try turning down the shouting a notch."
"Much appreciated. We sometimes can't concentrate on our scenes when we hear you at stage left asking if the sets are done." Another actor raises his drink and gets a sip out of it. "But the question still stands. You were...a lot more agitated earlier."
Everyone in the table stared at me like they were trying to see signs of what was causing my earlier behavior. "Yeah...about that. Just some personal stuff, nothing that should overlap with work for long." They don't really need to know the specifics.
"True we don't need the specifics, but we won't understand why you looked ready to tear Carlton into pieces earlier."
"I didn't mean to say that!" Caught off-guard and my mouth is just letting my words spill out. "What I wanted to say was it is nothing important!"
Right after lunch Carlton was listing the things we need to purchase for supplies and I was present since Director Haverhill wanted to add something to the list. He was debating if they should send VIP invitations to nobles from Alexandria and Treno and if they should send invites to Minister Artania and Regent Cid. The mere mention of Lindblum's two highest authority figures, especially the very two involved in the Continental Conference, agitated me. They were probably too busy to attend the play. That slipped out as well and it lead to an argument with me shouting at Carlton to drop the topic before I stomped away.
The mere mention set me off. I guess I really was stressed about it, frustrated that it was such a big deal for everyone involved. It should be a big deal, but it's not for me. And it shouldn't be because it's not supposed to happen! It's just another result in our interference. Getting an invitation to that was like having Mr. Fuji throw salt into my face with literal handfuls of salt.
"Besides, like I said, it's a personal matter. Nothing you guys should think about." I insisted with a shrug.
"If you need any help, just ask of us. You've helped us plenty with sneaking us out of the theatre."
"Lowell's probably indebted to you because of that!" Laughter spread through the five of them, perhaps remembering the various plans we made and enacted just so we can get the famous actor past his rabid fanbase. "Remember when you guys dressed up in moogle costumes. They were so confused to see five moogles just running out of the theatre!"
"And to think he wasn't in any of the costumes. But they eventually all came running back, only to realize he was already gone." The guy across me reminisced. Yes, the ol' moogle switcheroo. It was just something I came up on the spot after seeing their surprising supply of moogle costumes. Why do they even need that many?
"How about that time you faked him losing a leg?"
"Yeah!" Another cheered happily. "The way the fake bloody leg dropped the moment someone said, 'It couldn't have been that bad', was hilarious! One of them even fainted!" Oh yes, that one. It might have been a little on the unbelievable side as we were doing it since there's only a small chance of losing a leg happening in theatre practice. Break a leg? Maybe. Losing one is a stretch. It did help from keeping Lowell's fanbase away from the theatre for a few days. The city was already going through the invasion recovery by the time they realized it wasn't true.
"While it was a cruel prank, it sure did get the job done." I nodded while remembering the reactions of the girls worrying over Lowell's lost 'leg'. That brings a big smile on my face. It's not as bad as my prank on Andrew of stabbing my eye with a fork as a trick. Nick Frost would have been proud of the reaction.
As they continued to reminisce about the ways we snuck Lowell out, the waitress came back with a different drink. While no one mentioned any specifics for the drink, seeing a pitcher of brown-ish purple liquid being put down in front of me made me gag a little. What kind of drink is brown and is not going to be caramel? I already had my suspicions about this drink. Would it even be an actual drink or is it the mess residue from the bathroom being given to me for even asking for a 'lighter' drink? That seems a bit too much.
I look up at the waitress and point to the pitcher, all while trying to decide on the words to properly convey why they chose this kind of drink. She manages to pick up what I was struggling with and finally says something about it.
"It's called a Dishwater."
"Obviously there's a reason why it's called that." I commented, rotating the glass. The consistency was at least smooth enough to act like water. It's the color that has me hesitant to even try it. The others seemed keen on to know how it tastes since they stared in anticipation. Is there a guarantee that if this kills me it will look somewhat of a dignified death?
Seeing as our table pretty much paused as they waited for me to drink, I finally succumb to the pressure and get the drink up to my lips. "Bottom's up then. I'll see you all in therapy if this goes bad."
I take in a breath of courage and take a good sip of the drink. Its taste catches me by surprise with its sweet lemonade flavor until the alcohol hits. There's like multiple alcoholic drinks mixed in here and its messing with my tastebuds, making me gag in confusion until I swallowed what I had sipped.
"What is this? It's like this drink is having an identity crisis?" I managed to ask the waitress.
"It's a mix of beer, vodka, gin, and some lemonade. Looks like dishwater, but tastes like a kick in the chin." She described with a cocky smile. I'm afraid of the latter part with my metaphorical chin being weak to alcohol as proven by the last time I had some. Thankfully it was only a small sip. That same smile starts to dwindle when I gently push the drink away. "Not good?"
"More like I'm not good with alcohol. Sorry if I wasted your time." It's always a waste to send back something. On the other hand though, I didn't order this. My companions did. Surely someone would like to drink this instead of me.
"Water it is then." The waitress shrugged and walked away, leaving the mix on our table for anyone to drink.
The refusal of alcohol didn't seem to bother the group that much. It just gave them more to drink actually as they tried the drink called Dishwater one at a time. They liked the flavor and the punch it had. Even I could still feel the effects. So maybe that worked out in their favor in the end? Honestly, anything with flavor is better than beer, even if it looks like dirty sink water.
The conversation continued to be more jovial before I cut their legs from out of them earlier, my contribution becoming less and less as it time passes. And they didn't even press me to talk too much, just nodding or 'chuckling' along was fine. Something about it is calming. Like the sound of voices close by and having a good time had an effect on everything. Even if it's like leaving the TV on as background noise while reading a book. I guess being surrounded by people having a positive experience is spreading to me as well.
I am not going to tell anyone that I missed them and that we should hang out. Not with Zidane's group. As fun as it would be to just lounge around them and talk about nothing, we all know that it will end up with talk about the future. Nothing will stress me out even more if that happens. Perhaps it is for the best that I avoid everyone from the party and just hang out with people like the ones I'm hanging out right now; Oblivious to the grand picture, knows little of who I really am, and just enjoying their lives.
The moment they finish the Dishwater was worthy of a cheer and a request for another pitcher. Seems like they like it so much despite how it looks. I'm glad I was able to accidentally introduce them to a great drink then. As our waitress returned with another healthy serving of their new favorite drink, I noticed one particular patron a few tables away from us all by their lonesome. I would have pitied them for being a loner in a public setting when I recognized them.
I excused myself from the table under the guise of visiting the washroom. Walking past the solitary table and realize that its occupant was already looking at me the moment I try to confirm their identity. She kept eye contact with me as I washed my hand and dried it off with the rag available by the sink.
"Good evening, my child. I see that you are not fond of alcohol, which might be for the best for you." Meguro greeted as I stopped by her table and took a seat across from her.
"Surprising to see you here with an actual drink since you tend to blink in and out of existence any time you want." I nodded over to her own glass. Unsurprisingly, it was some sort of juice since it had no fizzle and its minimal foam had already dissipated.
"They would have not allowed me to stay in here without an order." As if that would have stopped her. "I do wonder why you are terribly tense tonight. Usually you would only be caught off-guard by my presence. Anything not fitting into the routine you have made for yourself?"
I glared at her briefly before turning to look at my group. They haven't noticed my absence, which gives me some time to get some answers. "You would know better than me with your otherworldly wisdom and being able to see what I do without my knowledge. You're basically an omnipresent audience of one. So tell me what messed up kind of future waits for me or perhaps, in a weird twist of fate, finally offer safe passage home without the dangerous addendum or a challenge?"
She leans back on her seat with her hands folding on her lap. "While I have been observing you and Alyssa, your deeds may have been a pleasure to watch, but it is best to hear your thoughts directly instead of just guessing from context clues." That makes me wonder if she's just here to watch us squirm under the global pressure of not messing up this world. Did she even really put us here by accident? "You may be able to hide your misery under the guise of blunt sarcasm and deception when faced with your entourage, but it is plain as day for me to see."
"It's actually night outside…"
"Your shoulders alone cannot hold the troubles of the world." She adds while ignoring my technical correction.
"I'm more concerned about everything that has to do with me. That Continental Conference for one, the next event in the game's story for two, and Inoire coming from out of nowhere to get me for three. I could list my top ten worries of all time, but I'm sure you're more interested in those three. At this point anything you could say might make me feel better about this whole situation. And that's surprising coming from me."
"Indeed it is." Meguro takes a brief sip from her water. "The first one being a result of your actions has high potential to change the future. The second one, a consequence of knowing how events play out. The third one, an acceptable fear after your last encounter. All three stemming from one important thing that has a hold on your heart..."
She leans on the table once again, not breaking eye contact this time. Something with how quiet she became made me curious, leaning forward in case she was going to utter some big mystical secret. Seconds go by and she's just staring at me while I stare back at her in anticipation. I raise my eyebrow at her in the hopes she will stop extending the tension unnecessarily.
"...This is when you realize what your personal problems are and how they affect you." She whispered in an attempt to be helpful.
I deflate and let my face fall on the table. Nero tweets mildly near my ear, concerned if I had hurt myself. What a total waste of time.
"You should stop drinking whatever it is you're drinking." I said, pointing to her glass. Alcoholic or not, it might be messing with her, in turn messing with me. With no wisdom to impart to me, I finally stand and make my way back to my table as Nero jumps into my arms. I'm actually surprised they haven't tried to see if I got lost on my way to the bathroom—
"Perhaps," Meguro stopped me on my way to passing her, her hand gripping my wrist and made Nero move to my shoulder, "it is not enough to just consider your options. Should you anticipate change in order to brave through this journey, or continue to neglect your responsibilities that have found you the moment you woke up in this world? A critical moment in this journey of yours will soon come."
I stared back at her head as she kept her back to me. "Yes, please continue to be vaguer than usual. I'm sure I'll be able to handle this 'critical moment' like I have before: by barely surviving and making everyone else do the hard work and then claiming it was all part of my master plan."
She turns her head and looks at me over her shoulder. "You sell yourself short, my child. But perhaps once you figure out how to fix the weakness you hide in your heart you will finally admit your true part in this game. And the first step is this Continental Conference you mentioned."
Shaking off her hand from my arm, I shoot her a glare. "Like I told Alyssa, I am not going to that. It is not my problem."
"Continue to deflect your responsibilities and it will only come back and make things worse." Her attempt to be a wise sage tempts my temper to flare, and seeing as how I'm talking to the least helpful people in this place, I easily take the opportunity.
"What do you know about responsibilities!?" I demanded as I stand over her.
A hand strongly grips my unoccupied shoulder, the instant pain elicits a yelp from me right before I turn my head at the source. Due to my luck, it turned out to be a taller man than I expected and quite evidently much stronger with how built he was. I was about to let my knees buckle and hit the ground in prostration for my outburst when I finally got a good look at the man.
"Amarant?" I didn't realize I had spoken in such a high tone until my brain picked up on it a few seconds later. To be fair, the man is huge and physically intimidating even if I knew him in person. I cleared my throat to sound much more normal. "H-Hey there, buddy… What are you doing here?"
"Getting a drink." The red-haired mercenary answered, his rough voice pretty much indicating what he needed. "Being crazy again?"
"Now that's a heavy accusation if I've heard one. I was just talking to Meguro here. Not...a pleasant...uh...conversation." I put the brakes on my explanation when I notice this weird look on his face. "Why are you looking at me like that? Wait...no one's sitting on the chair beside me, is there?"
One look over confirmed that, indeed, no one was sitting there anymore. The table itself was barren as well. No solitary glass or any trace that a customer was here before me.
"Figures." I sighed, slumping slightly. "I guess I did make a scene after shouting like that. And no, I'm not being crazy. She was seriously here a moment ago."
Nero tweeted positively for my sake, but it seems that Amarant didn't care what he had to say either way as he let go of my shoulder and made his way to the bar. Eyes of the surrounding customers followed him instead of staying on me until they settled down and went back to their own business. As blunt as that exchange was, it made me curious as to what Amarant is up to. It's been a while since I have seen him since our arrival. He's a man of few words so I bet he can find a few more to answer my curiosity. Besides, it's not like the theatre group is looking for me right now.
I saddle up on an unoccupied stool beside him, Nero landing on the counter in front of me gently with a few flaps of his developing wings, before I start speaking. "Haven't seen you around or heard from you for a few days. Busy intimidating strangers with your death glare?"
He only spares me a grunt as the bartender deposits his drink in front of him before taking it into his hand and drinking some.
"Not that you have an obligation to speak with me...uh... or keep appearances. We did just work together... and probably saved the continent from a bigger war. No big deal, right? But that shouldn't matter for you."
My words were easily ignored as Amarant just looked forward into the wall of alcoholic drinks, all of my words seemingly similar to a buzzing mosquito hovering close by. All he needed to do was swing his hand in my general direction and I would be squashed faster than tomato in a hydraulic press.
"Was just wondering...I thought the Regent had gotten to you and hired you for security detail. Big guy like you could be greatly needed in the coming days. Should explain why we haven't seen you around, even though it makes sense that you stay away from the others since you're a loner type. Plus, the pay might be good if you do work for the Regent. Heavy pockets that man surely has!"
That finally gets a reaction when he looks at me again and actually raises an eyebrow. I could hear it rise like a mechanical crane raising debris to be smashed and destroyed in a junkyard. Ominous at most, interesting to say the least.
"I just remembered," he said, "My payment for helping you in the Iifa Tree."
Ah, that one. Shit. I did mention that reward back then with the Stellazios. Would the rewards connected to them even be enough for a mercenary like him? Obviously he cares about getting paid or getting rewarded. Thus is the life of a mercenary. We'll just have to check if the rewards are enough.
But the problem with that is I am nowhere near Treno. Getting the Stellazio rewards are not even enough motivation to go there. Plus, that place isn't even safe for regular people. How safe would Treno be for ME? Not only that but the way there is not as easy as it was before. Regular airships were disabled nowadays due to the lack of Mist in the continent. I heard people had to go the long way and actually walk or use a chocobo just to get there. The risk clearly outweighs the rewards.
"I'd give the Stellazios to you, but I'm not sure if it will reset the rewards for you or keep it the same." Besides, I hid them back in my room in case some genius tries to mug me in the middle of the street. Not even Alyssa would be able to find it if I just suddenly disappeared.
"Doesn't matter." He replies gruffly. "Reward's a reward."
I opened my mouth to counter, that his answer would not be the most optimal way of ensuring he gets the best reward, but decide against it since he would not care about what I have to say. He still has a good point though. The coins themselves could probably earn him a hefty price by themselves.
"Things are a little complicated right now, so I can't give it to you. Perhaps if I find myself in Treno then I'll be able to do so." I tell him after looking over my shoulder, only to see the theatre group waving over to me. "Guess I should get going. You enjoy your beer and—"
"What a coincidence. I'm going to Treno."
Amarant's words make me stop after taking two steps from the bar. Both Nero and I are looking at him as I tried to think of any possible reason why it was a coincidence. So far there wasn't anything I can think of from the game that could explain it. There's that card tournament that will happen before the attack on Alexandria. Regent Cid manages to get Zidane involved, which only happens because of him handling Dagger's sudden coronation poorly. Since that has not happened yet, I don't see why Amarant of all people has to go there.
"Have a job to do." He adds as if to inform me, only to continue boggling my mind with it as I returned to my seat.
"So this job, someone hired you for it?" I ask, he nods after taking a sip, curiosity taking over. That was pretty much a stupid question, but it is good to know it is an actual job than a personal 'job'. "Care to say who it is?" That didn't get a reaction. "Someone famous? Desperate? A personal favor?" Again, no answer. I guess he doesn't care enough to tell me. Plenty of people over there need a strong guy around nowadays so the range of possible interested folk who want to hire him could be possibly infinite. It makes me think it is an enforcer type of work though.
"Security?" Another nod.
"Alone?" That makes him shake his head. Now that's a surprise. You'd think he'd like to work alone after working with us. Must be a pretty expensive venture.
"Worth the risk?" He shrugs. "Is there even a risk?" Another shrug.
"Will you still need my reward after getting paid for this job?" He turns his head and gives me the deadliest glare that makes the hair on my neck want to stand and run away. Nero is even shivering into my injured arm because of it. "Yeah, that was a stupid question. Forget I said anything."
"Only an idiot would say no to money." The mercenary returns to his drink. Not even going to argue that the Stellazio reward could be a weapon instead. That Blood Sword is still coming home with me and no one is going to stop me.
"Agreed." I've already run out of questions I can ask without prying into his business too much. I've also cut into his personal drinking time with my questions.
"You want to come?" And just as I was about to stand, he pulls me back in.
"To work with you?" If it's a security job then I am going to be just a hindrance...Unless I can act as their "manager" with a disguise. I can still bind anyone with bad intentions with my bracer power to stop them in their tracks while I let the others handle the—
"No." Amarant clarifies. "Just for travel. No need to join the job."
"I bet you were thinking that I would want a percentage of your pay, eh?" I raised an eyebrow. "Thank goodness I don't have to work though. I already have a plain ordinary job, and I just work just to avoid current pressing matters." As if working even helps now. It's like my workplace is compromised and now they're hassling me with their worries. Visiting Treno might be a chance for me to fully let my mind rest from worrying. I'll just have to stay out of Amarant's way and get those Stellazio rewards.
And speaking of which, the other Stellazios could still be collected. I'll have to keep in mind the ones with specific locations, but if Amarant does want them he can get two more when he goes to Treno. There is one in the village of Dali and another in the dwelling of Vivi's grandpa. Visiting both could take two days if we really want to. I really just want the Blood Sword, yet on the other, hand getting more items would be nice.
If I really am interested in joining him just to get to Treno then I'll have to make preparations, excuse myself for a few days from my theatre job. Zidane and the others don't really need to know that I'll be leaving for a bit since I'm doing it to get away from them for some breathing room. As if sleeping at the inn isn't enough. I don't even know how many days I'll be in Treno. I should bring that up with Amarant.
A solid thud shakes me from my musings. Amarant rises from his seat as he signals to his now empty drink, which is now taken and is being refilled. "We leave tomorrow morning. Early. Be at the Lindblum Grand Castle if you want to go."
He doesn't bother waiting for a reply as he picks up the now full glass and easily chugs it in front of me, taking about just ten seconds to completely empty. He puts it down with a grunt and then walks towards the exit. Even I can't do that with water.
"Damn." One of the new customers at the bar muttered after watching Amarant down his drink easily. His clear glasses had slipped down his nose, only pushing it back up at the small "N" on the side after snapping out of it. "I think I just got second-hand drunk from seeing that."
"Me too, man. Me too." I guess I should tell my acting companions that I'll be out of town starting tomorrow.
- Alyssa -
You are not alone.
Hearing voices is the least of your problems.
Prepare for the future, drive away the darkness.
Man, I'd do anything to drive away these damned voices.
I was currently sitting in Dr. Thomas' office, rubbing my forehead with both hands the moment the voices came back. They were coming and going even more since I got here and it has made the wait a bit unbearable. The voices weren't even this bad a few days ago since it started, but apparently the thought of being drowned out by medicine seemed to scare them. Serves them right for taking a spot in my mind without my say-so.
Speaking of Dr. Thomas, he comes through the door like he'd just made a scientific discovery, presenting a glass container in his hand. I decided to play along and gave him my best 'ohhhh' and 'ahhhh'. He took it with good humor, bowing theatrically before taking a seat in front of me.
"After observing the results of your tests the other day, I have organized the best set of medicine for your mental delusions and sudden blackouts." He gives me the container before he continued explaining. "These are experimental, however, and while we've deemed them safe for consumption, I would suggest informing me of any odd feelings you get from it, or at least record them. We might be able to improve them if a problem arises."
I nod understandingly as I receive the small bottle of medicine from the doctor. There were a lot of stuff to be unpacked with experimental medicine as the good doctor continued to talk and mention some other important stuff, but it all boils down to consuming twice a day after a meal and noting if I feel anything off like motion sickness or nausea or changes in emotional levels. Stuff that would make me feel weird after taking the medicine. If that does happen, I tell him immediately.
Since I had already eaten dinner, I was about to take one of the pills. All I needed was just a glass of water, which should be plenty around here with all the thirsty patients they have.
One should be cautious of new experiences.
Do not trust him!
Who should you depend on?
Is it worth the risk?
Even if that last one had a point, I still didn't ask for random commentary in my head aside from my own voice. It's not a perfect solution, but it is a solution. That's better than going crazy from my own thoughts.
"Would it be okay if I take one now? I already ate." I asked as I tried to open it.
"There should be a glass available by the tap." Dr. Thomas said, nodding enthusiastically.
Listen to us!
You're already healthy.
The both of us walk out and immediately take a left where a sink was located as I ignore the voices. I see the referred cup and fill that up with enough water for the medicine. Strange that while this place doesn't have water dispensers they are okay with drinking through the tap. Not that I can complain since I haven't gotten sick drinking from one since coming here.
When I was given the all clear, I twisted open the cap and took one pill out. I give it a brief look, analyzing the plain look the pill looks, just like any other pill I've seen before at home, and pop it in my mouth before chugging down all the water in my cup. Sighing, I let the water and medicine roll down my throat and observe for a moment if there's gonna be any sudden effects.
Both of us are standing there in the darkened infirmary with no sound between us, silently staring at each other and waiting. I was thinking about the odds of me projectile vomiting all over this place or getting a sudden crippling pain in my head that makes it explode, which is not the best way to go, but cool to have as your last moment. At least if I die like that I won't have to worry about the clean up after.
Seeing as there's nothing happening, I straighten up and look around. The patients in the infirmary seem pretty asleep or relaxed right now and the nurses were quietly keeping to themselves. Nothing else is making a sound. When Dr. Thomas gives me a questioning look, I shrugged and pocketed the pills.
"Seems to be working." I tapped the side of my head and waited for one of the voices to speak up, only to have nothing else aside from my own thoughts be heard. "Yeah, nothing so far!"
"Excellent!" The doctor clapped happily, which was shushed by one of the nurses coming in. "Apologies…"
"Thanks again for helping me with this, doc! I thought you were going to put me in an asylum or something for making crazy talk about what's happened to me." I scratched the back of my head, embarrassed a bit with that thought.
"Nonsense, dear girl!" He gets hushed once again. "As a doctor, it is my duty to aid ones suffering from illness. While the solution is not perfect, it is best to nip it in the bud before it gets worse."
I smiled at his passionate reply, glad we got to the problem before it did get worse. There's other stuff to worry about and getting voices and blackouts out of that list is a bit of a relief. Not as a relief as knowing what will go down in the Continental Conference. Getting rid of the voices should give me some comfort though.
Bidding Dr. Thomas good night, I leave the infirmary and head to the aircab station outside so I can finally put this weird day behind me. A good night's rest is always a great way to end the day and start the next one. Maybe Blake will be in a better mood tomorrow. I know I will when I pop another one of these pills after a hearty breakfast. That just sounds like a great morning to look forward to.
The aircab came by after a short wait with only one passenger. Makes sense that there's not a lot of people around now since everyone else is basically sleeping or going to sleep. All I saw on my way here were three guards: one patrolling the infirmary, one guarding the elevator, and the one I just passed on my way out to here. But as I got on and said my destination to the guy in charge of the vehicle, I saw who it was and it dawned on me that being alone with this person was not a good idea.
"Meguro." The lady in brown merely nodded in acknowledgement as I walked over. She waved over to the seat beside her, but I decided to keep standing. Ignoring that, I continued with a question. "What do you want?"
"Why is it that whenever I decide to check up on you and your friend there is always this lingering resentment aimed at me?" She says with a wistful sigh, but easily regains her smile.
"Every time you show up you're either wasting our time or trying to make us do something drastic. Like murder." I told her.
"That was a poor attempt of mine to help this world regain its balance once again." Her excuse was as believable as Vivi going on a swear-filled rant. "That will have to wait as we are dangerously standing perilously on the edge of war. It will only be a matter of time before Inoire sets it off."
"We already stopped the war. Right now we're just wondering if Kuja's still going to do what he originally planned."
"If that is still on the table."
That's a big concern. Chances are we might've steered this world's events to not make that happen. It could be replaced with something bigger, like Garland himself coming down to smite us, or something small in scale like just a riot happening in the streets. Who knows? I don't know exactly.
Strangely enough I bet Blake would be happy if Kuja's attack still happens. I might be too since that would be very easy to fix with us knowing what happens in that. If not, then we'll have to fix it on the fly. I don't want to pat myself on the back too hard, but I did help in pushing back an invasion. An attack on Alexandria could be easily fixed with the right people in the right places, some reinforcements, and a powerful eidolon on our side. Nothing could possibly go wrong from there.
"One should avoid trying to predict what happens next, my child." Meguro's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. "You have already pushed fate's hand too far. It will only be a matter of time for its reckoning. My recommendation would be to force the next step."
"You know, you should learn a thing or two from Inoire. He might be with the bad guys, but at least he has the gall to be subtle about how he manipulates the people on his side." I argued. This doesn't affect her as she just continues to look out of the window to her left.
"My words obviously have no power over you or Blake. That has been proven time and time again."
"I guess you should work on that too if you want us to trust you more." It's really surprising that we were really considering agreeing with Inoire more than Meguro back then. Like, the dude had already led a group to hunt us down for the special jewels we had on us, but was able to convince us to think about his offer to send us home. And he might've done whatever horrible stuff he planned with it if we didn't think about how stupid it was.
"Then perhaps now is a good place to start." The elder lady said as she once again patted the spot next to her. I opted to stay standing again and she obviously relented with a nod. "I know that you are encumbered with a mysterious illness. Those pills the doctor in that castle won't be of much help."
I raised an eyebrow at her. Her knowing I got medicine for it isn't surprising since her saying it won't work got my attention more. "And you say that because you're a doctor?"
"I am a lot of things, my child. I do know that simple pills will not be enough for the illness you brought to yourself." I was thinking more of an expert I can't closely trust, only to be interrupted before I could say it when she raised a finger. "What I do know is magic, not medicine. What has affected you comes from the remnants of raw soul energy. The science here has not matured enough to truly help you."
"Ah, now you're a scientist."
"What I can do is help."
The aircab slows to a halt and a quiet announcement from the man directing the vehicle tells us that we've arrived at the Business District. Meguro stands and just offers a smile as she walks by me. Weird that she doesn't even elaborate—
Negotiate your return!
Unsafe! Do not trust!
Stifling a gasp, the sudden shouting in my head got me so hard I nearly fell over anime-style. I had to hold on to the nearest railing just to catch myself.
How the—? What the—!? But why—!?
My hand immediately goes to the case of pills Dr. Thomas gave to me, looking it over if it was really the same one he gave to me. He wouldn't really try to trick me with fake medicine, right? That's inhumane! Someone would have to take his doctor's license away and I know that would break his heart if that happens. The guy loves being a doctor! He wouldn't risk that just for a few laughs!
The medicine probably just wore off! Right? Possibly! He did say that this was new medicine and that I should take note if anything happens. Literally just what the doctor ordered. I'll have to tell him about this. Is right now a good time or should I wait for tomorrow? Probably not since it's already late.
"Hey lady, you getting off or what?" In the midst of my panic, the guy operating the aircab didn't know if I was staying on or not and was getting annoyed with the delay. I rushed out to the platform with an apology and was left standing there embarrassed and confused. Just when I thought I had the perfect solution, it turns out there's still a lot to work on it.
Looking up I could see Meguro waiting at the entrance, staring at me until waving me over and walking out. Did she expect me to follow her out there and see what she meant earlier? There's nowhere else to go but out and it's not like she's going to block it if I don't follow her.
Sighing, I walked out of the station to see her seated in one of the many empty benches, quietly staring up at the Bobo Inn while waiting for me. Since I had more questions for her, I immediately take a spot beside her and speak up before her.
"How did you know the medicine wouldn't work? Did you sabotage them or something?" I demanded.
Hidden agendas.
Trust issues.
"Is this going to be like what you keep doing to Blake!?"
Too uncertain.
Too scared to act.
"You're just playing us for some sort of ultimate goal, are you!?"
"KID, SHUT UP OVER THERE!" A third voice, or was it fourth or fifth, suddenly broke through the air. I flinched at how loud the voice was. Looking to the left at the edge of the inn is an open window with a guy leaning out. "I GOTTA PICK AT ICE TOMORROW AND I DON'T NEED KIDS LIKE YOU WAKIN' ME UP BEFORE MIDNIGHT!"
Flinching again once he shuts the window closed, the street is surprisingly quiet after that. Even the stragglers still up froze for a second and were walking as quietly as they can to the station. Some of them looking like they were walking on eggshells so they don't get yelled at like me.
And speaking of quiet, Meguro hasn't said a word or answered me yet. I look over to her and see that she has her eyes closed like she was meditating. "If you have an open mind, more than your friend, then you might want to listen and consider any aid I can provide."
I stay silent. Any argument is just gonna fall of deaf ears anyway. The voices had come back in full force and I was not going to start arguing with them while doing the same with her.
"As people your age would say, it would be best to cut to the chase. Currently you are experiencing a mental distortion due to prolonged exposure to remnant soul energy." She explains while slowly shifting towards me. Those sounded like a bunch of words she just strung together that makes me think of weird magic. "These are best treated with magic, not temporary pills. And I happen to know that kind of magic."
I look at her carefully as she raises a hand towards me, quickly prompting me to lean away. "I sense a 'but' coming."
She lightly chuckles. "Life is not free, my child."
Yeah, I can tell. Why does she want to keep trading choices like her life depends on it? "Can you at least make this choice not a life or death situation?"
Dangerous magic!
Step away!
You must be feeling tired.
"Of course." Her hand starts to glow again. "There is no need to worry for this one. This will be 'on the house' as your people would say. A temporary clause as an apology to my previous actions."
I couldn't help but nervously focus on her glowing hand. "Yeah...Like Fullmetal Alchemist. Except I'm not trying to resurrect my own mom."
The closer it inched toward me, all I could think were reasons to trust her to do this to me. She did say it was 'on the house', and I'm hoping it meant the same to regular people as it did to her, After all she's not done for us and now she's trying bridging that gap. Strange that she didn't even do try to do this sooner with Blake. Not the treatment thing, but owing him something and helping him find a way back home.
But should I even trust her at this point?
Her hand inches closer…
And I stand up and take a few steps away from her.
Her reaction to my rejection…is barely a reaction at all. Her hand is frozen, like she's left hanging after asking for a high five. Her eyes are the only ones that move as they follow me and stare back for a few moments until she put her hand down.
"I understand your hesitation, my child." Meguro finally speaks to break the tension.
"Trust is a two-way street, lady, and you haven't really been worth of any since we met."
"Perhaps I should have offered more aid before…" Her words are light and wistful like she's wondering about her previous choices.
"You even nearly sabotaged Blake when we were detailing with the others about our secret! Why should I trust you after that?" I'm sure Blake finds it hard to even be in the same room with her after that.
"Like I said back then, if he wants to be truthful then why only do it halfway?" She slowly says, closing her eyes as she stands. "My offer of aid still stands if you need to think about it some more."
"Maybe offer me something Blake and I can use to get back home."
"It is not that simple…"
"Why?" I asked, taking a few steps forward. If she doesn't want to help then she should just leave us alone, but she just keeps coming back and offering help we don't want. Meguro might as well be really straight with us if she doesn't want to get us back home. Only silence and a sigh meets my question, the old lady in question just looking down at the ground. "Then I guess I'll live with voices in my head for a little longer."
Meguro nods understandingly. "Very well. I will be around if you need me."
Like I need her help. I have Dr. Thomas' experimental pills. Even if they only work for a couple of hours. At least him I can trust on being a medical expert.
I turn around and head to the inn. Some good night's rest and a hearty breakfast should help me cheer up after all that's happened tonight. Plus, the medicine might work better after being exposed to it some more. But just as I was about to open the door, Meguro offers some more unneeded advice.
"Perhaps you might want to keep your friend in check as well. Who knows what is going on in that head of his?"
"What do you mean by that!?" Whirling around to glare at her, I find that she's not by the bench anymore.
If that's supposed to be prophetic or an attempt to drive a wedge between us then she's making a lousy attempt at both. With another of her cryptic quotes left hanging in the air, I try to put it in the back of my head as I head back to the room I share with Blake.
Already sleeping soundly in the darkness was Blake. He's already changed to his sleeping clothes and has occupied one side of the bed, dozing on his side facing the doorway with the bed's blanket under him, while on the other side had Nero nestled on another pillow beside Blake's head with his injured arm surrounding him. Only Nero noticed me come in as his head craned up when I closed the door. Doesn't feel like I need to keep him in check. Meguro's probably just messing with my head.
A shushed greeting got him back to sleep as I made my way over to the desk to put my stuff on and get my pillow and blanket. I did agree to sleep on the floor. It's not the softest and comfiest place to sleep on, but I manage to get through to the next day with not a lot of aching on my back and sides. Maybe Blake will find it in his heart to switch for at least one night?
Eh, he'll probably find it in his heart to consider eventually. Right now I should focus on sleeping. Maybe I'll hop on over to the castle and see what I can do for the Continental Conference. I close my eyes, adjust my head a bit and settle in…
Nothing extraordinary happens throughout the night and I get as much rest I can get. Early morning comes and I wake up with a start when I hear something around me. I would've sat up and grabbed my sword if I hadn't seen Blake freeze up as he entered the room. Wait...What time is it?
"Blake? What are you doing up?" I questioned him as he fully closes the door. He's already in his daily outfit and Nero was bounding up to me tweeting up a storm. "What's got Nero all bothered?"
"Nothing. He's just excited to start the day." He answers, but wasn't looking at me as he quickly crosses the room. "And I just got up early. Slept as soon as I changed out of my clothes last night. Can't say I blame myself for being a little too rested."
I raise an eyebrow at him. He's always the last to wake up whenever we all slept and he's really difficult to wake up. He's even threatened anyone who wants wake him up with bodily harm. To see him actually awake without anyone's body poorly hidden anywhere nearby is weird. What's up with this scene?
"Okay…?" I can't help but look him over in case he was trying to say something else.
"It's not like I'm planning to go to Treno and spend a few days there just to get out of this suffocating situation I found myself in when everyone is pressuring me." Blake dismissively said as he picked up his bag and checked his contents. "Because I am. Alright, I'm heading out. Seeyouandhaveagoodbeautysleepbye!"
The door closes after Nero runs out just under his legs. I stared at the door for exactly five seconds before falling back on my pillow. I do need more sleep. Maybe just a few more minutes…
"What!?" I threw off the blanket I was using and stood up, running up to the door and chasing after him once my sleep-addled brain finally put together what he had just said. "What do you mean you're going to Treno!?"
"Shhhh! People are still sleeping, you know." He admonished as I caught up to him down the stairs. "Just like I said. To get away from the pressure and expectations of everyone for a day or two." He pulls out his gil pouch and pulls out a note and his key. "It's not like I'm running away forever—"
"You ARE running away!"
Finally he meets my eyes with a defiant glare. "For just a day or two! I'm not going to miss your beloved Continental Conference. That's still a few days away, right?" Closing up the pouch, he walks over to the counter where normally there would be someone standing. They were probably still asleep, but that didn't stop Blake from putting his gil pouch over his note on it. "You can come along if you're so worried about me. Of course, I'm not pressuring you to. I already have travel companions along for the ride whether you come with me or not."
We can't go to Treno right now! We don't know what would happen since we haven't even received an invitation to that Tetra Master card game tournament that happens there. And it's weird that Blake's not even considering that fact! How far did he even think about this?
"I know that the Continental Conference is in a few days, but aren't you worried that something might happen in Treno?" I said, taking a hold of his sleeve, trying to convince him to stay. "And were supposed to go there when the Tetra Master tournament happens? I don't even think I've heard of anything about it since we got back."
He puts his able hand on my shoulder while he rolls his eyes. "I haven't heard a word about that tournament, so that means we don't need to worry about that one. Plus, Dagger's coronation isn't happening yet, meaning the attack still has a few days or weeks to go. Chances of the attack happening before the conference are very small."
"All of them being in the same place is an opportunity for a bad guy like Kuja to use to his advantage!"
"The castle is bound to be protected by their best people. Plus, they have people with summoning powers like Eiko and Dagger, powerful magic users like Vivi, and stubborn people like Zidane and Freya. And they have you here."
Shaking my hold over his sleeve, he walks out of the door with a wave and a kweh from Nero. I wouldn't be shaken off like that so easily; I was after him not even a second later.
"So you're not worried about anything unplanned happening in Treno?" I questioned him as we crossed the street. Because I am. Especially since he doesn't care that we're gonna be a kingdom apart. Or is it country? Whatever, my point still stands!
He stops right in front of the station building and turns around fast enough make Nero dizzy. "Honestly, I'm flying blind here that I can't even tell what Kuja would even plan for the next story beat! I don't have time to roleplay as an egomaniacal villain with an obsession for theatre tropes to even guess."
Blake huffs one more time, trying to keep his voice in check due to how early it is before moving towards the door. Something about what he said was making me think of a way to make him stay. "Aren't we together in this? Like a team?"
Stopping briefly, he sighs and looks over his shoulder before stopping near the platform. "Yeah, I guess. A team that bickers all the time and has threatened bodily harm before, but a team nonetheless I suppose."
"Then why would you say that you're flying blind in this now."
His eyes dart away for just a single moment before he tried settling for looking at something else in my direction instead. "Blind as in we don't know what tomorrow will hold because of our influence. Come on, this has been mentioned time and time again. Get with the program, Alyssa."
It feels like he was trying to dodge something I had said, but I couldn't tell what it was. If there was something I can say or do to make Blake not go to Treno then I was blanking on it.
"Look… If you want some peace of mind over it, Amarant is going to go with me. Actually in this case, I'm going with him since he's the one who offered it. He really wanted that Stellazio reward." He supplied with a sigh. "Safe will be the only thing I'll be with him around."
I think I can trust Amarant to keep him safe. Sure I haven't talked much with him and that he looks really intimidating (making Blake safe if he's always around) and that he used to work with Brahne that he almost tried to kill us for it. Two out of three ain't bad, right? Plus, he was just in it for the money then and he wouldn't want to waste a way to get money by letting Blake get into trouble. But how much should I trust the guy anyway? I know he's really a good guy and he just needs some guidance, but as he is right now he's just a mercenary. A mercenary that doesn't say no to money. And Blake looks like pocket change right about now.
"I really want to go and make sure you'll be alright, but there's a feeling in my gut that says I should stay here and help out."
"Do you always trust every gut feeling you have?" He asks, slightly perking up when the sound of the aircab about to get here reaches us. I shook my head. "There, you see? You don't need to worry about lil' ol' me. Shouldn't you be glad I'm actually doing something?"
"You mean running away."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night." The mention of sleep was like a trigger for my body to make me yawn. "Speaking of which. You should go back to sleep."
"I'm not leaving you until I see Amarant." I'm gonna have to say something just to put my point across with him.
"You're not going to talk him out of bringing me with him." He told me as the aircab stopped at the station, the driver announcing where its next destination would be. The doors open and he steps inside. I quickly follow behind him and take a seat beside him.
"Not stopping me."
"Yeah? What are you going to do? Intimidate him with just a glare? I'd like to see you try."
That sounded like a challenge and that its one way to convey my thoughts in this whole 'going to Treno' thing. And to make it a point, I narrowed my eyes and settled the look at him. A few seconds is all it takes for him to notice what I was going for. "This is my test run."
Rolling his eyes, he and Nero settled in for a quick ride over to Lindblum Grand Castle. Seeing as it was still super early with only hints of sunlight in the horizon, there wasn't much purpose stopping at the other empties platforms. That made our ride much shorter that we found ourselves at our stop in five minutes.
We're greeted by the early morning shift guards with a casual wave when we get inside. It's as quiet inside as it was outside that we can hear someone try to walk quietly from a floor below. By the time Blake cracked a joke that Sam Fisher could sneak in and out of this place we've already reached the elevator, where a head of flaming head of hair turned to us.
"You made it." His low voice sounded a little annoyed. "Plus one?"
And yes, I was still glaring at Blake. But with Amarant's acknowledgement, I transferred my glare to him. He raised a red eyebrow and stared back. So here I am, eye to eye, looking up to the massive mercenary, giving it all I have that my glare could possibly make Amarant make Blake stay. Doing everything I can. Holding on to what I am. Pretending I'm a Super...wait.
Amarant leans down and shifts his stare into something more curious. "You're staring."
"Glaring, actually." Blake corrected him before turning to me. That didn't affect him though as he kept his eyes steady at me.
"You're going to make Blake stay." I raise both my hands at him and made the necklace around my neck glow for a much needed special effect. "I compel you, very tall man who could easily kill us both, with the power bestowed upon me by an old lady with an agenda, to release him from your control and leave him here where he can be safe!"
His raised eyebrow dropped immediately and was followed by an eye roll so deadly I shrunk in embarrassment. That was a quick victory for him. And just to punctuate said victory, he rapped his large knuckles on the top of my head.
"Stupid." He said while I rubbed the spot he tapped, the light from my necklace dying down. "Tell that to him. He's the one who wants to come along."
"And be quiet. People are still sleeping." Blake added before walking on the elevator. "C'mon, your people are waiting."
Amarant boards the elevator without any additional remarks, leaving me stranded and alone on this side of the elevator. It didn't help that the hallway was slightly darker than usual because of the current time and amount of people being a lot less. Glaring him down was obviously a stupid and immature method I went for and now I have no more options. He only stared back like he knew I wanted to say something. Might as well.
"Tell me the truth then, Blake. You just don't want to be here. Is that it?" The question makes Amarant and Nero look at Blake. The elevator remained where it was as Amarant stood by the control panel. Was he giving me time to talk Blake out of this?
"What do you mean by 'here' anyway?" The injured teenager answers with his own question. "Here in this castle? Here in this city? Or here in this reality?" He takes a step back and finds his back pressed against the elevator's metal railing. "I didn't ask to be here. You probably didn't too, but at least you're making it work. Here I am getting pressured for responsibilities I don't want and then getting hurt for being in the wrong place at the right time."
"Then I'll help you make it work." I reach out to him, arm extending towards him directly. "I once read online something about a college professor saying something to their students. He said, 'You all have a bit of 'I want to save the world' in you. That's why you're here. I want you to know that it's okay if you only save one person, and it's okay if that person is you.'
"And if that's the case, that's fine. We don't need to be heroes, but we can still fight. I mean we'll suffer wounds and fight more monsters while we're still here, yet we've made it work with everyone, right? And we're a team. We support each other and I'm here for you."
He looks at my hand, soaking in all I said. He didn't seem as confident in joining Amarant now as he was when I woke up. But then he takes a step forward. That's definitely a good sign! Maybe then he'll help out and give the regent a hand to make sure Alexandria stays safe in the upcoming attack. We're already here at the castle. All we need to do now is head on up to Regent Cid and talk to him.
Blake continues to walk to me, going past Amarant, his good hand rising close to mine that makes Nero make an excited sound. He's already had time to think about this whole thing when he started living in the inn again. Hopefully it was my words now that nudged him a bit towards the right direction.
But just as I was going to take his hand, his hand moved away and instead reached for the control panel.
"I need time away from this whole thing." He says, concentrating fully on the control panel. "Even if it's just a few days."
"Blake, hold on a sec!" He presses a button and the safety metal railing divides the floor and the elevator. Its engine starts whirring to warm up. I was about to press the stop button on the panel as Blake pulls away, but he stops my hand and pushes me away from it. I stumble back long enough for the elevator to pass the floor, passing the point of no return. Blake's already made his mind. There was nothing he could do to change it. Nothing I can do to change it.
All I can do is look down at it and watch it keep going down until it got to its destination. There goes Blake, going away without me. I don't know whether to say 'I can't blame him' or 'wish I could've tried harder'. This is reminding me about the Festival of the Hunt when we decided to go on our separate ways to follow the plot, but this time there's no certainty that we're following the original plot.
Sighing, I turn around and make my way back to the aircab station. He's made his choice and he's gonna be away for a few days. Nothing I can do now. Even if I did try and think of another long speech about how the goodness of his heart and how deep down he knows he wants to help, find a secret stairway to the exit and filibuster him to submission, chances are he won't bat an eyelash and just walk away because his mind's made up. Similar to what he's doing now.
All I can do now is probably move back in to the castle since he's paid for our room in the inn and mentally prepare for the Continental Conference. I just hope Amarant keeps Blake on a leash so he's safe all the time.
What a hard-headed, stubborn guy. Damn it, Blake.
- Blake -
Silence. No words were exchanged on the way down to the Dragon's Gate between me and Amarant. He just stood there as still as a statue with nary a comment from what had just happened. Perhaps he's just being respectful and letting that awkward air pass so we're prepared when we meet up with the others. Who knew a mercenary could be so polite and thoughtful?
One elevator stop and a ride in that underground cart-car thing later, we find ourselves getting close to the exit. By then I could already hear voices arguing already.
"What's takin' so long anyway!? We'd be by Treno now if we weren't waitin' forever!"
"Calm down, boss. Who wouldn't be having trouble being on time this early in the damned morning?"
"Can we sleep on the way there?"
"You can if you don't hit the ground the minute you do fall asleep."
Our ride fully stops and I finally have the faces to associate the faces. And they're just as surprised to see me as I am of them.
"That's who we were waiting for? The cripple!?" Baku shouts, exasperated, to his cohorts. Being pointed out like that ignited something in my brain.
"Yeah? Fuck you too for not remembering my name." I said, glaring at Baku as I exited the car-cart and marched over to the furry oaf. "I woke up way too early in the morning to be called a cripple, you fat dumbass. And I'm not even crippled! I can still move my fingers! I'm temporarily left-handed at best, injured at worst! Crippled isn't even the technical term to call me! Read a fucking dictionary!"
The three members of Tantalus stood there with clear shock after my mini-rant. Baku had looked away halfway through it and didn't have a sarcastic comment or dismissive remark for it. I recognized the other two he brought along and they were awkwardly shuffling to the side just to get away from the scene. Blank and one of the gas-masked brothers tried to check their equipment and only looked up to acknowledge me when I had stepped away from their boss.
Take a breath. Don't let everything that's happened to you recently overwhelm you. Jumping the gun with Regent Cid, being pressured by Dagger, forcefully invited to that stupid conference, and being kept an eye on for the past few days. Looking back on it now, it is a clear miracle that I didn't go crazy until now. Baku probably didn't deserve being called out like that, but sacrifices have to be made.
And like hell I'm apologizing for that. I'm not a cripple. He heard me and hopefully everyone else in the world did.
"Shall we get going?" Amarant asked everyone in attendance. He's already standing by the opened gate and had rope in his hands. What's that for?
The answer to my question is provided to me when we all step out into the open field. Five adult chocobos were waiting for us with the addition of a chocobo rider on a black one. It must have been my eyes having a problem due to still not used to accepting that Mist presence is significantly lowered, because that one particular chocobo rider looked familiar.
"Here you go, fellas! Five perfectly healthy chocobos ready to get you to the mountain summit faster. All paid by the regent himself. You'll be there before you can even say freshly picked gyashl pickles- Wait! Y-YOU!"
She immediately zoned in on me with her chocobo when our eyes met, cornering me against the now closed Dragon's Gate. I didn't like being this close to giant animals before and being suddenly close to one made me very tense. It didn't help that the woman riding it had just pointed at me.
"You! You were one of those guys who saved me and my cart of chocobo eggs!" And the recognition finally makes sense. Perhaps I should have also noted that Nero was getting a little too excitable in my arms since we saw the chocobos. That rescue felt like an eternity ago too. Seeing her here is severely unexpected.
"Y-Yes, that was me and the group I traveled with. Nice to see you again." I confirmed to her. When she heard Nero make a sound, her face softened like she had just seen a baby. "This is Nero. He hatched from the egg you gave us. He's been very attached to me ever since."
"Oh wow! Isn't he the cutest thing! Such a healthy little chocobo!" She mewled at the sight of Nero, reaching forward and feeling his feathers. Her chocobo even kweh'd at me and leaned towards me, rubbing the side of its face against mine. The chocobo felt almost as soft as Nero's feathers, and it reminded me a few times he tried to wake me up by jumping into my face, but this adult one was brushing up against me a little too roughly. The rider noticed my discomfort and had her mount pull away slightly by gently redirecting it. "Sorry about that. Got excited at seeing hatchlings, especially out of nowhere. Anyways…"
She explained that each of us were going to have a chocobo to ride towards the summit and that she was going to come with us. We were basically going the same way Dagger's route from Disc 2 went since all the airships can't function well without the Mist. Good thing this time is that the higher-ups actually know where we're going. As for the chocobos once we reach our first destinations, we can just leave them to her since she has other clients waiting at the summit gate. After that we're on our own.
That second half of the journey shouldn't even take that long after all that. At least here in the beginning we're cutting down an hour and a half of walking, even more so with the reduced amount of monster fighting we're expecting. We should get to Treno safely by lunch time.
And speaking of reduced monster fighting, which meant a much quieter walk at an even pace, which is a plus compared to how paranoid I was on my first foray in this field. Meaning it was a much more calming experience. We passed the time differently despite traveling in a group. The Tantalus trio with us were talking amongst themselves. I'm going to have to apologize for that outburst later. Amarant was basically scanning the area with his sharp eyes and keeping to himself. The chocobo rider and I ended up talking and she was catching me up with what has been up with her.
It was a wide contrast compared to how we met. Before she was desperate to keep her chocobo and its eggs safe, pleading for help from the massive Python group that had attacked her. Now she's looking a lot more composed and bright. The Chocobo Lady's name was Evalina, a pleasure it was to finally get a name since our last meeting, and since the Mist started going away she has started getting more business helping people ride this route among others. At least there is an upside for some other people about this current situation we had.
Our chat was lively enough that I didn't notice we've arrived at our destination safe and sound until Amarant nudged me. He had already dismounted along with the others. As the Tantalus trio checked in with the guards at the entrance, I bid farewell to Evalina. Nero and the adult chocobo shared a few kwehs before the former jumped on my shoulder and latter once again leaned into my face for another rough brushing.
"She really likes you, you know?" Evalina giggles as she watches me pat her mount on the neck.
"Like I said before, t-t-the feeling is mutual." I reply before stepping away.
"Take care of Nero. I'm sure he'll grow up into a fast flier someday." We both waved goodbye while I went up to join the others. I hope Nero will see that day. Perhaps I won't be around for that day if I ever find a way home or in the off chance my luck really declines to its worst I might be here for that day too. Now I don't know which one would be the worst or the best thing of those scenarios.
As the doors open for us to enter, we could see another group waiting at the other side of the gate. At least a dozen of people stood there armed with either swords or spears in a circular formation. The color of their garbs looked like a familiar shade of purple. Once the gate fully opened and we've cleared it, they started moving out in such an organized manner. In the middle of it all was this lady in white. Dressed with regal ruffles, a widely-brimmed hat sitting tilted on her head over a braided fair shaded hair. It might as well be a lookalike of Princess Peach if she looked at everyone down her nose and had actual security. She addressed the guards kindly and slowly before proceeding down the steps to the field where Evalina stood. Were they the people she was waiting for?
"This way, Fair Lady." Someone in their group spoke. It was another man, but different looking compared to the other soldiers. He had this bright orange coat and brown hair combed upwards. Compared to everyone else, he was somewhat familiar. "We should reach the city of Lindblum in half an hour if we keep this pace."
"Prepare the chocobos so we can move post haste. We did not travel this early for nothing. Hopefully this Continental Conference will be worth departing so early in the morning." She pretty much hissed at him, who quickly bowed and went on ahead.
Continental Conference… Is she a representative? And this early? I thought the conference was supposed to happen in a few days and not today. Did someone fuck up the info spread?
I shake my head and look away from the departing posse. Not my problem right now. If she is part of the conference then it's not my problem right now. I'm on this trip to forget about that and that is what I am going to do.
Breathe deep and let all of the slide off your back, Blake. Focus on your break and let everyone else handle everything until you get back. They're the more responsible ones anyway.
A/N: Hello there, everyone! April came by so fast. Where does the time go? Not a lot of stuff happened on my front. Aside from Avengers Endgame coming out the week of my birthday. Saw that blockbuster of a movie twice, adding that to a short list of movies I've seen multiple times while it was out. Just damn, that movie hits hard right in the end. End of an era, man.
Anyways, thanks for reading through this chapter! Hope ya'll enjoyed it. Not sure when I'll update next since I haven't finished the next chapter (one segment of it is done though). Maybe next month of the month after. Who knows? No promises though. Hopefully you will all join me when that next update comes. See you then.
