Chapter 9
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: Most (if not all) of the characters appearing within this story do not belong to me, but rather, are property of the brilliant minds within Square Soft/Square Enix. I make no claim over any of them.
"..."-Indicate Speech
'...'-Indicate Thought
------
Royal Palace, Mewt's Room
"What a mess..."
Mewt heard the voice say. It was a very familiar one.
"Papa...?"
Mewt opened his eyes, to find himself upside down, about to fall of his bed, which had somehow been elevated ten fold from what it previously was the night before. He turned his head upon hearing the clank of metal against his marble floor.
'Marble floor...?'
Mewt was so astonished he fell out of bed face first, then stared at a figure dressed in full battle armor. The Knight took his helmet off to reveal Cid, his father. Mewt stared wide eyed at the man, never seeing his father look so strong and heroic in his entire life, and for once, sober.
"It's odd...Babus had this strange look in his eyes when he entered my room. He seemed very confused about something..."
Cid began, in a crisp and professional manner. Mewt just looked confused at what his father was telling him.
"Who is Babus?"
Mewt asked. He realized his voice sounded somewhat deeper, and as he got up form the floor, he found himself to be slightly taller than he used to be. Before he woke up, he only went up to about his father's waist, but now he was about up to his father's neck.
'What's going on...?'
Mewt wondered. Cid raised an eye brow.
"What's with you today, my son?"
Mewt looked himself over, finding himself to be dressed in royal red clothing the likes he had ever seen. He snapped out of his reverie, remembering the knowledge of his heritage and his title in the world of Ivalice.
'Of course, I'm the Prince of Ivalice...'
Mewt narrowed his eyes, going into deep thought.
"Then was that all a dream? That I was getting snow balls with rocks in them thrown at my head during school?"
"SCHOOL? What are you talking about, my son?"
Mewt began mumbling again, ignoring his father's question.
"Hah! No more getting bullied or picked on! I'm this country's prince, I'm the one in control...!"
The door opened again, revealing a woman in a black dress who Mewt recognized instantly.
"MAMA!!"
He rushed to the woman and hugged her close to him. His mother, Remedi, smiled tenderly while patting his head.
"Are you okay, dear? Where you having a nightmare?"
She asked him. Mewt didn't respond immediately as he felt hot tears roll down his cheek.
"Mama...it was horrible, the kids all picked on me...and you left me and Papa all alone..."
"It was only a nightmare, honey. I'm right here, with you and your father. He is the most brilliant Judge in all Ivalice, and he and all the other Judges are here to protect you."
She told him, easing Mewt's fears. Cid turned to the person who followed behind his wife; A Nu Mou dressed in fine silk robes.
"Thanks for finding her, Babus."
Babus nodded with a slight bow to the Judge Master, Cid. Mewt finally composed himself, believing that life he felt in the so called St. Ivalice to be a false one. He turned to his mother.
"Mama...Can we strengthen Ivalice's laws? Is that alright?"
He asked the Queen. Remedi nodded her head in approval.
"Of course it is. I'll do anything for my precious son."
Remedi said. Cid looked at her with surprise.
"My lady, it is not wise to abide by our son's frivolous desires..."
Cid began, but Remedi turned to him with her most serious face.
"Please...one of the Crystals has been shattered."
She said with urgency in her voice. Cid looked astonished.
"That can't be possible..."
He tried to reason, but the look his wife gave him made him realized she was being truthful. He straightened himself before bowing to her.
"I understand, My lady. Mewt's request shall be granted."
"I rely on you, Judge Master Cid."
"By your will, my lady."
With that, Cid left the room.
------
Yulei River, Camp Site
While the rest of Clan Ruglia was fast asleep, Marche was the only one still up. He laid against the support beam which held his tent up, his giant sword at his right side. His clothes were ripped beyond repair, so Cloud had offered his cape to the young leader temporarily. Marche's tent had it's flap open so Marche could peer out into the darkness of night as he let himself go deep into thought.
'Famfreet claims that the Crystals are what keep this world together. If the Points Of Binding vanish, the other world will appear...I can only think of two possibilities...Once all the Crystals shatter, this Ivalice will disappear and revert back to the Ivalice of my old life, or this Ivalice and the original will disappear, leaving St. Ivalice restored to how it was. Well, I'll need to pick up some clues first if I'm going to hunt down these crystals. I better get some new clothes for myself soon, too.'
------
Cadoan City, Near the Yulei River's location
Marche stepped out of the Clothing shop, now dressed in a in a navy blue sweater rather than his old sky blue sweater which had been ripped off by Famfreet, and a new set of pants, boots and armor padding. Except for the darker blue piece of clothing, Marche was back to his normal clothing style, and all rested up. Marche decided to head to the Cadoan Bar, where his clan will most likely be. Upon reaching the bar and stepping inside, he realized it was almost identical to the bar in Cyril. Marche saw Montblanc at a window seat table, much the same as their table at Cyril City.
"Hey, Marche, kupo. Feeling better, kupo?"
Montblanc asked him. Marche nodded as he sat down and ordered a glass of milk from a waitress.
"So what's up, Montblanc? Any new missions or anything?"
Marche asked. The Moogle nodded.
"Yeah, kupo. It seems one of the bar's customers wants a clan to check out the town oasis, because the frogs have stopped croaking."
"Sounds like an odd mission, but oh well. Let's get everyone and head out.
------
Cadoan, Oasis
"Huh? There are only three lamias here? You think they ate all the frogs?"
Marche asked as he stared at the three snake like creatures. Marche knew that there may have only been a few of them, but since the terrain was so high to climb up with it's steep hills, he knew they could pose a valid threat. However, what happened next was unexpected by Marche; Upon seeing Cloud step forward and draw his sword, they all slithered away from the oasis.
"What was that all about?"
Marche asked Montblanc, as the whole clan saw the three lamias slither away in a hurry. Hedges chuckled.
"They are probably the sole survivors of that battle with Cloud at the Yulei River."
He offered as an explanation. Marche shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh well...I guess the frogs will return soon enough now that those lamias are gone."
------
Cadoan City, Marche's temporary room
"That must have been the most easiest amount of gil we got from a mission."
Mustadio claimed as he fine tuned Worker No. 8 in the corner of the room. Marche just smiled.
"After what happened at the Yulei River, I'm glad there was no battle. I still feel a bit sore when I fought with Famfreet."
"I'm sure you would, what, taking that guy on by yourself. With your new powers though, you were able to defeat him by yourself. Well that should take care of Worker. No 8. See you in the morning, Marche."
Mustadio said as he and Worker No. 8 left the room. Marche stared up at the ceiling.
'I have a feeling something big is going to happen in this city, but I wonder what it is...'
------
Cadoan, outside of the bar
"Marche, kupo! You won't believe this, kupo, but we've been challenged!"
Montblanc said while flying quickly towards Marche who just left the bar.
"A challenge? From who?"
"Clan Baham, kupo!"
"Clan Baham? Never heard of them."
"Neither have I, kupo. It's to be expected, though. When a clan like ours is as popular and well known as its become, we're going to have to expect other clans to challenge us for popularity, kupo."
------
Ivalice, Outside Cadoan City limits
"We've been expecting you, Clan Ruglia."
Said a Soldier on the highest rock on the field. Below him on the ground were a human Archer and Thief, a Nu Mou Black Mage, and a Viera White Mage. Marche looked at the leader.
"Listen, I've got a lot of things to do right now. Why don't you retreat quietly, Clan Baham, and you won't feel the agony of defeat."
Marche claimed, hoping they would just leave. He was in no mood for being challenged by a weak clan and wanted to get to his main objective of finding the other Crystals. The leader drew his sword, pointing it at Marche.
"It WILL be you who experiences the agony of defeat Clan Ruglia. I, Vice President Mintz, will make sure of that."
The soldier boosted cockily. Marche sighed.
"Fine, let's make this quick. ENGAGE!!"
A Judge appeared on his ever present armored Chocobo.
"A clan challenge, huh? Alright...today's law will be..."
He brought out a yellow card.
"Clan Ruglia is restricted from moving on the battlefield. If you move to directly intercept your opponents, you will be fined 100,000,000,000 gil."
Marche face faulted at the steep payment.
"Whoa, since when have they had a fine that big?"
Mustadio came up.
"Let me and Worker No. 8 take those guys down, alright?"
Marche nodded. Mustadio and his gun, plus Worker No. 8 and his laser system could easily take out the enemy without having to move at all, since the clans are so far away from each other.
"Be my guest Mustadio."
Clan Baham looked at Marche like he was crazy, but Marche already knew they would.
"Let this Engage commence!"
The Judge signaled. Mintz smirked.
"Let's do this!"
Before Mintz could boost about anything else, however, Worker No.8's chest compartment opened as he let loose his turrets of crimson lasers upon the Soldier, knocking him off the rock in a trail of energy. Mintz lay motionless on the ground a little while before lifting up his head.
"Impossible...I, the Vice Captain, defeated in one shot...?"
His head fell back to the ground. Everyone on Clan Baham turned fearfully to the Steel Giant. Mustadio smirked.
"Hah! What do you think about that? Worker No. 8, show them your Revolver Destroy Beam!"
Mustadio ordered. Worker No. 8's three mini cannons in his chest compartment started to spin clockwise, picking up speed until it was a blur, before shooting his lasers, blasting the battlefield within a wide radius as explosion after explosion shook the ground. The Black Mage yelled to all his fellow clan members.
"TAKE COVER!!"
Everyone started dashing behind rocks or anything that could serve for protection, but the lasers would just blast them away, leaving the targets vulnerable. The rest of Clan Baham ran fearfully from the lasers as quickly as possible.
"Alright Worker No. 8, that's enough."
Mustadio commanded. Worker No. 8 obliged. Marche scratched the back of his head slowly as he peered at the battlefield: rock and grass alike were uplifted leaving several large craters in the plains.
"Don't you think you went to far with that, Mustadio?"
The Engineer shrugged.
"Oh well. I wanted to end this battle quickly so you could get back to your original objective, Marche."
The Judge came closer to the victorious clan.
"That was an amazing display of light work. Regardless, you should probably not get into to many Clan Challenges, Marche of the Ruglia Clan."
The Judge warned before teleporting away from the field.
"What's he mean by that?"
Marche questioned to himself silently.
------
Cadoan Bar, Bar entrance
Marche, Montblanc, Victory, Hedges, Rooty, and Celine came back to Cadoan after a session of training. Since his old life team mates had joined his clan, Marche realized the rest of his clan was a little out of practice, so he had them all train so they would remain in tip top condition. Marche decided to camp out in the wilderness for about a week so he and the clan could train in solitude, while he left Mustadio in charge of any Clan missions while he was away training. While walking through the door of the entrance, Marche heard another Clan talking to each other.
"Why did the Laws toughen up so suddenly?"
He heard a human Archer say to a Nu Mou Sage. The Nu Mou sighed.
"True, I've never seen the Laws so harsh as they have been lately."
"Man, what's up with that? The Queen must be PMSing or something..."
"I wouldn't say that so loudly, my friend."
Marche walked up to the two Clan members talking. The Clan recognized Marche instantly.
"Your Clan Ruglia's leader, Marche, right? You also interested in this Law strengthening issue?"
The Nu Mou asked politely. Marche nodded.
"I've been away from civilization for about a week, so..."
"That's fine. I'll be honest with you, these powerful laws won't do a bit of good. Although one person won't have to worry about it."
Marche looked at the Nu Mou strangely.
"One person?"
The Archer also looked at the Nu Mou.
"You don't mean the Anti-Law specialist, Ezel Berbier, do you?"
The archer asked. A Blue Mage looked at the archer and scoffed.
"That's a load of crap, man. To just render Laws ineffective like that."
The Archer turned to the Blue Mage.
"Yeah, but if someone had such a powerful..."
Marche looked between the two before interrupting.
"To render Laws ineffective?"
He asked.
'I would never dream something like that to be possibly.'
Marche thought. The Nu Mou nodded at the young leader.
"It's as they said."
Do you know how to find this Ezel Berbier?"
Marche asked. The Nu Mou shrugged.
"You want to meet him? It is said to be nearly impossible. The Brilliant One is always being followed, being the busy Nu Mou that he is. I'd say to give up, but that's up to you."
"Your pretty well informed about him, aren't you?"
"Well he is famous amongst our kind as The Brilliant One."
Marche thanked the Nu Mou for the advice before he turned to his own clan members.
"The Anti-Law Specialist, Ezel Berbier...I think it's time for me to pay him a visit."
------
Cadoan Oasis, By the Well, night time
"Give up already, Ezel Berbier, you don't stand a chance of escaping. Give up quietly."
A female Illusionist said. Marche recognized the Nu Mou, but kept himself and his clan hidden for a little bit.
'Those guys are all dressed in fine clothing...who are they?'
Marche thought. The Nu Mou, Ezel, smirked at the Illusionist.
"Ever since birth, I have never been very good at keeping still and quiet, I'm afraid. Sorry to disappoint you.
Ezel said. The Illusionist smirked.
"You, The Brilliant One, Ezel...to capture you would truly be a savory victory, indeed."
Ezel sighed at her words.
"Please, are you singing that old tune? You only think of your success. Such a boring way of life you must live."
"Shut up! All we need is his head everyone, so don't hold back."
Ezel scoffed at the woman.
"Such harshness. If you want to capture me, it should be done gently, my dear."
Marche decided to make himself know, so he rushed out of the cover of darkness, flipping over the well and landing in a dramatic pose in front of Ezel. Marche then turned to Ezel and smiled.
"So we meet again. I'll just call you Ezel from now on."
Ezel smirked.
"So you've come to my rescue? Seems your the only one who ever listens to me. While I'm flattered, there was no need to worry about my, Marche, allow me to show you why."
With a snap of his fingers, Ezel cast a powerful sleep spell of the enemy party.
"And now for the finishing touch. ALL ULTIMA!!"
Marche was astonished. He knew of only one person in his past life who could pull off such a powerful spell. The Oasis was covered in a field of absolute energy as the enemy party was engulfed by it's power as a blue steak of light exploded, nearly blinding Marche. When the spell ended, to Marche's surprise, none of the terrain had taken any damage, while Ezel's enemies were all faced down on the ground.
"Where did you learn that?"
Marche asked. Ezel shrugged.
"What can I say, I'm a powerful wizard."
"Okay...then can you at least tell me who those people were?"
"Well, they are royal warriors under the Ivalice royal family. They've placed a 100,000 gil bounty on my head for being able to overturn the power of their Laws."
Ezel said. Marche's eyes widened.
"That's a lot of gil just for one person."
"I still think it's an insultingly small price."
"Well, I guess so..."
Marche said. The rest of Marche's clan came out of hiding.
"Well, I guess it's time for a proper introduction. Ezel Berbier, at your service."
The Nu Mou said, bowing his head.
"You already know me, but I'm Marche Radiuju. It's a pleasure to meet you again, Ezel."
"Marche, I would like to do you a favor, if only my time was not so full of other business."
The Nu Mou said. Marche heard a armored Chocobo coming from behind him and turned around. Although he could see that it was probably a Judge, Marche was not certain.
"Amongst other Nu Mous your called The Strange One, are you not, Ezel Berbier?"
The rider said, coming into view. Marche instantly recognized the Judge as Cid Randell.
'So Mewt's father really is the Judge Master here...'
Ezel turned to Cid.
"To put it bluntly, yes I am referred to that name a lot. I still would like to be called The Talented One as well some day."
Ezel said, bowing slightly. Cid smirked at the Nu Mou.
"Since I came here personally, perhaps you can indulge me. Tell me about these Anti-Laws you've been creating."
Cid demanded in a polite yet still threatening manner. Ezel looked up to the Judge Master.
"Many apologies, Judge Master Cid, must I must refuse the request. This is to awkward of a situation that I'm in, you see."
Cid drew a white card from his cape. Although Marche didn't know what kind of Law card it was, Ezel recognized it instantly.
"I see...your going to threaten me with a card of your personal advanced Law. If I'm not mistaken, that card will instantly send me to jail no matter what, correct? How scary that you should possess such a powerful card in your deck."
"I dislike the use of violence. Please tell me about these Anti-Laws of yours, Ezel, or face the consequences."
Cid warned. Marche stepped in front of Ezel, looking at the Judge Master.
"Sorry, Judge Master Cid, but I can't allow this."
Marche told Cid, holding his sword at the ready. Ezel put a hand on Marche's shoulder.
"There's no need to worry Marche. Now close your eyes while I use this. I don't want to, but I have no choice..."
Ezel said, before turning to Cid, putting one of his hands into his thick sleeve, taking out a black card.
"Now to cancel out your advanced law, Judge Master!"
Ezel said, throwing the card up into the air. it flashed brightly, engulfing the entire area in white light, making everyone cover their eyes. When Cid opened his eyes, he saw no trace of Ezel, Marche, or Marche's clan members. Cid narrowed his eyes in thought.
"So he was able to cancel my advanced Law...he really is The Brilliant One!"
Cid rode off, seeing no more use in staying in the abandoned area.
***TBC***
Note: A lot of story in this chapter I'm afraid, but oh well, it had to be done. I want to thank all the readers who have enjoyed my story so far, especially Feral Claws. The story still has some ways to go before Llednar appears. I predict he'll probably appear somewhere within the twelfth or thirteenth chapter or so, in case your wondering. Anyway, to all readers, hopefully this chapter wasn't to boring for you with all of it's story telling.
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: Most (if not all) of the characters appearing within this story do not belong to me, but rather, are property of the brilliant minds within Square Soft/Square Enix. I make no claim over any of them.
"..."-Indicate Speech
'...'-Indicate Thought
------
Royal Palace, Mewt's Room
"What a mess..."
Mewt heard the voice say. It was a very familiar one.
"Papa...?"
Mewt opened his eyes, to find himself upside down, about to fall of his bed, which had somehow been elevated ten fold from what it previously was the night before. He turned his head upon hearing the clank of metal against his marble floor.
'Marble floor...?'
Mewt was so astonished he fell out of bed face first, then stared at a figure dressed in full battle armor. The Knight took his helmet off to reveal Cid, his father. Mewt stared wide eyed at the man, never seeing his father look so strong and heroic in his entire life, and for once, sober.
"It's odd...Babus had this strange look in his eyes when he entered my room. He seemed very confused about something..."
Cid began, in a crisp and professional manner. Mewt just looked confused at what his father was telling him.
"Who is Babus?"
Mewt asked. He realized his voice sounded somewhat deeper, and as he got up form the floor, he found himself to be slightly taller than he used to be. Before he woke up, he only went up to about his father's waist, but now he was about up to his father's neck.
'What's going on...?'
Mewt wondered. Cid raised an eye brow.
"What's with you today, my son?"
Mewt looked himself over, finding himself to be dressed in royal red clothing the likes he had ever seen. He snapped out of his reverie, remembering the knowledge of his heritage and his title in the world of Ivalice.
'Of course, I'm the Prince of Ivalice...'
Mewt narrowed his eyes, going into deep thought.
"Then was that all a dream? That I was getting snow balls with rocks in them thrown at my head during school?"
"SCHOOL? What are you talking about, my son?"
Mewt began mumbling again, ignoring his father's question.
"Hah! No more getting bullied or picked on! I'm this country's prince, I'm the one in control...!"
The door opened again, revealing a woman in a black dress who Mewt recognized instantly.
"MAMA!!"
He rushed to the woman and hugged her close to him. His mother, Remedi, smiled tenderly while patting his head.
"Are you okay, dear? Where you having a nightmare?"
She asked him. Mewt didn't respond immediately as he felt hot tears roll down his cheek.
"Mama...it was horrible, the kids all picked on me...and you left me and Papa all alone..."
"It was only a nightmare, honey. I'm right here, with you and your father. He is the most brilliant Judge in all Ivalice, and he and all the other Judges are here to protect you."
She told him, easing Mewt's fears. Cid turned to the person who followed behind his wife; A Nu Mou dressed in fine silk robes.
"Thanks for finding her, Babus."
Babus nodded with a slight bow to the Judge Master, Cid. Mewt finally composed himself, believing that life he felt in the so called St. Ivalice to be a false one. He turned to his mother.
"Mama...Can we strengthen Ivalice's laws? Is that alright?"
He asked the Queen. Remedi nodded her head in approval.
"Of course it is. I'll do anything for my precious son."
Remedi said. Cid looked at her with surprise.
"My lady, it is not wise to abide by our son's frivolous desires..."
Cid began, but Remedi turned to him with her most serious face.
"Please...one of the Crystals has been shattered."
She said with urgency in her voice. Cid looked astonished.
"That can't be possible..."
He tried to reason, but the look his wife gave him made him realized she was being truthful. He straightened himself before bowing to her.
"I understand, My lady. Mewt's request shall be granted."
"I rely on you, Judge Master Cid."
"By your will, my lady."
With that, Cid left the room.
------
Yulei River, Camp Site
While the rest of Clan Ruglia was fast asleep, Marche was the only one still up. He laid against the support beam which held his tent up, his giant sword at his right side. His clothes were ripped beyond repair, so Cloud had offered his cape to the young leader temporarily. Marche's tent had it's flap open so Marche could peer out into the darkness of night as he let himself go deep into thought.
'Famfreet claims that the Crystals are what keep this world together. If the Points Of Binding vanish, the other world will appear...I can only think of two possibilities...Once all the Crystals shatter, this Ivalice will disappear and revert back to the Ivalice of my old life, or this Ivalice and the original will disappear, leaving St. Ivalice restored to how it was. Well, I'll need to pick up some clues first if I'm going to hunt down these crystals. I better get some new clothes for myself soon, too.'
------
Cadoan City, Near the Yulei River's location
Marche stepped out of the Clothing shop, now dressed in a in a navy blue sweater rather than his old sky blue sweater which had been ripped off by Famfreet, and a new set of pants, boots and armor padding. Except for the darker blue piece of clothing, Marche was back to his normal clothing style, and all rested up. Marche decided to head to the Cadoan Bar, where his clan will most likely be. Upon reaching the bar and stepping inside, he realized it was almost identical to the bar in Cyril. Marche saw Montblanc at a window seat table, much the same as their table at Cyril City.
"Hey, Marche, kupo. Feeling better, kupo?"
Montblanc asked him. Marche nodded as he sat down and ordered a glass of milk from a waitress.
"So what's up, Montblanc? Any new missions or anything?"
Marche asked. The Moogle nodded.
"Yeah, kupo. It seems one of the bar's customers wants a clan to check out the town oasis, because the frogs have stopped croaking."
"Sounds like an odd mission, but oh well. Let's get everyone and head out.
------
Cadoan, Oasis
"Huh? There are only three lamias here? You think they ate all the frogs?"
Marche asked as he stared at the three snake like creatures. Marche knew that there may have only been a few of them, but since the terrain was so high to climb up with it's steep hills, he knew they could pose a valid threat. However, what happened next was unexpected by Marche; Upon seeing Cloud step forward and draw his sword, they all slithered away from the oasis.
"What was that all about?"
Marche asked Montblanc, as the whole clan saw the three lamias slither away in a hurry. Hedges chuckled.
"They are probably the sole survivors of that battle with Cloud at the Yulei River."
He offered as an explanation. Marche shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh well...I guess the frogs will return soon enough now that those lamias are gone."
------
Cadoan City, Marche's temporary room
"That must have been the most easiest amount of gil we got from a mission."
Mustadio claimed as he fine tuned Worker No. 8 in the corner of the room. Marche just smiled.
"After what happened at the Yulei River, I'm glad there was no battle. I still feel a bit sore when I fought with Famfreet."
"I'm sure you would, what, taking that guy on by yourself. With your new powers though, you were able to defeat him by yourself. Well that should take care of Worker. No 8. See you in the morning, Marche."
Mustadio said as he and Worker No. 8 left the room. Marche stared up at the ceiling.
'I have a feeling something big is going to happen in this city, but I wonder what it is...'
------
Cadoan, outside of the bar
"Marche, kupo! You won't believe this, kupo, but we've been challenged!"
Montblanc said while flying quickly towards Marche who just left the bar.
"A challenge? From who?"
"Clan Baham, kupo!"
"Clan Baham? Never heard of them."
"Neither have I, kupo. It's to be expected, though. When a clan like ours is as popular and well known as its become, we're going to have to expect other clans to challenge us for popularity, kupo."
------
Ivalice, Outside Cadoan City limits
"We've been expecting you, Clan Ruglia."
Said a Soldier on the highest rock on the field. Below him on the ground were a human Archer and Thief, a Nu Mou Black Mage, and a Viera White Mage. Marche looked at the leader.
"Listen, I've got a lot of things to do right now. Why don't you retreat quietly, Clan Baham, and you won't feel the agony of defeat."
Marche claimed, hoping they would just leave. He was in no mood for being challenged by a weak clan and wanted to get to his main objective of finding the other Crystals. The leader drew his sword, pointing it at Marche.
"It WILL be you who experiences the agony of defeat Clan Ruglia. I, Vice President Mintz, will make sure of that."
The soldier boosted cockily. Marche sighed.
"Fine, let's make this quick. ENGAGE!!"
A Judge appeared on his ever present armored Chocobo.
"A clan challenge, huh? Alright...today's law will be..."
He brought out a yellow card.
"Clan Ruglia is restricted from moving on the battlefield. If you move to directly intercept your opponents, you will be fined 100,000,000,000 gil."
Marche face faulted at the steep payment.
"Whoa, since when have they had a fine that big?"
Mustadio came up.
"Let me and Worker No. 8 take those guys down, alright?"
Marche nodded. Mustadio and his gun, plus Worker No. 8 and his laser system could easily take out the enemy without having to move at all, since the clans are so far away from each other.
"Be my guest Mustadio."
Clan Baham looked at Marche like he was crazy, but Marche already knew they would.
"Let this Engage commence!"
The Judge signaled. Mintz smirked.
"Let's do this!"
Before Mintz could boost about anything else, however, Worker No.8's chest compartment opened as he let loose his turrets of crimson lasers upon the Soldier, knocking him off the rock in a trail of energy. Mintz lay motionless on the ground a little while before lifting up his head.
"Impossible...I, the Vice Captain, defeated in one shot...?"
His head fell back to the ground. Everyone on Clan Baham turned fearfully to the Steel Giant. Mustadio smirked.
"Hah! What do you think about that? Worker No. 8, show them your Revolver Destroy Beam!"
Mustadio ordered. Worker No. 8's three mini cannons in his chest compartment started to spin clockwise, picking up speed until it was a blur, before shooting his lasers, blasting the battlefield within a wide radius as explosion after explosion shook the ground. The Black Mage yelled to all his fellow clan members.
"TAKE COVER!!"
Everyone started dashing behind rocks or anything that could serve for protection, but the lasers would just blast them away, leaving the targets vulnerable. The rest of Clan Baham ran fearfully from the lasers as quickly as possible.
"Alright Worker No. 8, that's enough."
Mustadio commanded. Worker No. 8 obliged. Marche scratched the back of his head slowly as he peered at the battlefield: rock and grass alike were uplifted leaving several large craters in the plains.
"Don't you think you went to far with that, Mustadio?"
The Engineer shrugged.
"Oh well. I wanted to end this battle quickly so you could get back to your original objective, Marche."
The Judge came closer to the victorious clan.
"That was an amazing display of light work. Regardless, you should probably not get into to many Clan Challenges, Marche of the Ruglia Clan."
The Judge warned before teleporting away from the field.
"What's he mean by that?"
Marche questioned to himself silently.
------
Cadoan Bar, Bar entrance
Marche, Montblanc, Victory, Hedges, Rooty, and Celine came back to Cadoan after a session of training. Since his old life team mates had joined his clan, Marche realized the rest of his clan was a little out of practice, so he had them all train so they would remain in tip top condition. Marche decided to camp out in the wilderness for about a week so he and the clan could train in solitude, while he left Mustadio in charge of any Clan missions while he was away training. While walking through the door of the entrance, Marche heard another Clan talking to each other.
"Why did the Laws toughen up so suddenly?"
He heard a human Archer say to a Nu Mou Sage. The Nu Mou sighed.
"True, I've never seen the Laws so harsh as they have been lately."
"Man, what's up with that? The Queen must be PMSing or something..."
"I wouldn't say that so loudly, my friend."
Marche walked up to the two Clan members talking. The Clan recognized Marche instantly.
"Your Clan Ruglia's leader, Marche, right? You also interested in this Law strengthening issue?"
The Nu Mou asked politely. Marche nodded.
"I've been away from civilization for about a week, so..."
"That's fine. I'll be honest with you, these powerful laws won't do a bit of good. Although one person won't have to worry about it."
Marche looked at the Nu Mou strangely.
"One person?"
The Archer also looked at the Nu Mou.
"You don't mean the Anti-Law specialist, Ezel Berbier, do you?"
The archer asked. A Blue Mage looked at the archer and scoffed.
"That's a load of crap, man. To just render Laws ineffective like that."
The Archer turned to the Blue Mage.
"Yeah, but if someone had such a powerful..."
Marche looked between the two before interrupting.
"To render Laws ineffective?"
He asked.
'I would never dream something like that to be possibly.'
Marche thought. The Nu Mou nodded at the young leader.
"It's as they said."
Do you know how to find this Ezel Berbier?"
Marche asked. The Nu Mou shrugged.
"You want to meet him? It is said to be nearly impossible. The Brilliant One is always being followed, being the busy Nu Mou that he is. I'd say to give up, but that's up to you."
"Your pretty well informed about him, aren't you?"
"Well he is famous amongst our kind as The Brilliant One."
Marche thanked the Nu Mou for the advice before he turned to his own clan members.
"The Anti-Law Specialist, Ezel Berbier...I think it's time for me to pay him a visit."
------
Cadoan Oasis, By the Well, night time
"Give up already, Ezel Berbier, you don't stand a chance of escaping. Give up quietly."
A female Illusionist said. Marche recognized the Nu Mou, but kept himself and his clan hidden for a little bit.
'Those guys are all dressed in fine clothing...who are they?'
Marche thought. The Nu Mou, Ezel, smirked at the Illusionist.
"Ever since birth, I have never been very good at keeping still and quiet, I'm afraid. Sorry to disappoint you.
Ezel said. The Illusionist smirked.
"You, The Brilliant One, Ezel...to capture you would truly be a savory victory, indeed."
Ezel sighed at her words.
"Please, are you singing that old tune? You only think of your success. Such a boring way of life you must live."
"Shut up! All we need is his head everyone, so don't hold back."
Ezel scoffed at the woman.
"Such harshness. If you want to capture me, it should be done gently, my dear."
Marche decided to make himself know, so he rushed out of the cover of darkness, flipping over the well and landing in a dramatic pose in front of Ezel. Marche then turned to Ezel and smiled.
"So we meet again. I'll just call you Ezel from now on."
Ezel smirked.
"So you've come to my rescue? Seems your the only one who ever listens to me. While I'm flattered, there was no need to worry about my, Marche, allow me to show you why."
With a snap of his fingers, Ezel cast a powerful sleep spell of the enemy party.
"And now for the finishing touch. ALL ULTIMA!!"
Marche was astonished. He knew of only one person in his past life who could pull off such a powerful spell. The Oasis was covered in a field of absolute energy as the enemy party was engulfed by it's power as a blue steak of light exploded, nearly blinding Marche. When the spell ended, to Marche's surprise, none of the terrain had taken any damage, while Ezel's enemies were all faced down on the ground.
"Where did you learn that?"
Marche asked. Ezel shrugged.
"What can I say, I'm a powerful wizard."
"Okay...then can you at least tell me who those people were?"
"Well, they are royal warriors under the Ivalice royal family. They've placed a 100,000 gil bounty on my head for being able to overturn the power of their Laws."
Ezel said. Marche's eyes widened.
"That's a lot of gil just for one person."
"I still think it's an insultingly small price."
"Well, I guess so..."
Marche said. The rest of Marche's clan came out of hiding.
"Well, I guess it's time for a proper introduction. Ezel Berbier, at your service."
The Nu Mou said, bowing his head.
"You already know me, but I'm Marche Radiuju. It's a pleasure to meet you again, Ezel."
"Marche, I would like to do you a favor, if only my time was not so full of other business."
The Nu Mou said. Marche heard a armored Chocobo coming from behind him and turned around. Although he could see that it was probably a Judge, Marche was not certain.
"Amongst other Nu Mous your called The Strange One, are you not, Ezel Berbier?"
The rider said, coming into view. Marche instantly recognized the Judge as Cid Randell.
'So Mewt's father really is the Judge Master here...'
Ezel turned to Cid.
"To put it bluntly, yes I am referred to that name a lot. I still would like to be called The Talented One as well some day."
Ezel said, bowing slightly. Cid smirked at the Nu Mou.
"Since I came here personally, perhaps you can indulge me. Tell me about these Anti-Laws you've been creating."
Cid demanded in a polite yet still threatening manner. Ezel looked up to the Judge Master.
"Many apologies, Judge Master Cid, must I must refuse the request. This is to awkward of a situation that I'm in, you see."
Cid drew a white card from his cape. Although Marche didn't know what kind of Law card it was, Ezel recognized it instantly.
"I see...your going to threaten me with a card of your personal advanced Law. If I'm not mistaken, that card will instantly send me to jail no matter what, correct? How scary that you should possess such a powerful card in your deck."
"I dislike the use of violence. Please tell me about these Anti-Laws of yours, Ezel, or face the consequences."
Cid warned. Marche stepped in front of Ezel, looking at the Judge Master.
"Sorry, Judge Master Cid, but I can't allow this."
Marche told Cid, holding his sword at the ready. Ezel put a hand on Marche's shoulder.
"There's no need to worry Marche. Now close your eyes while I use this. I don't want to, but I have no choice..."
Ezel said, before turning to Cid, putting one of his hands into his thick sleeve, taking out a black card.
"Now to cancel out your advanced law, Judge Master!"
Ezel said, throwing the card up into the air. it flashed brightly, engulfing the entire area in white light, making everyone cover their eyes. When Cid opened his eyes, he saw no trace of Ezel, Marche, or Marche's clan members. Cid narrowed his eyes in thought.
"So he was able to cancel my advanced Law...he really is The Brilliant One!"
Cid rode off, seeing no more use in staying in the abandoned area.
***TBC***
Note: A lot of story in this chapter I'm afraid, but oh well, it had to be done. I want to thank all the readers who have enjoyed my story so far, especially Feral Claws. The story still has some ways to go before Llednar appears. I predict he'll probably appear somewhere within the twelfth or thirteenth chapter or so, in case your wondering. Anyway, to all readers, hopefully this chapter wasn't to boring for you with all of it's story telling.