Chapter 11
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: Most (if not all) of the characters appearing within this story do not belong to me, but rather, are creations of the brilliant minds within Square Soft/Square Enix. I don't claim any of them.
"..."-Indicate Speech
'...'-Indicate Thought
...-Indicate Monster Speech
------
Cyril City, Marche's room
'We stayed at Cadoan City for quite a while. This room collected so much dust while I was away...'
Marche and his clan had finally decided to head back for Cyril after having stayed so long in Cadoan. After their trip back, Marche had divided his clan in two, one to go and accept missions and the other to help clean their rooms at the bar. Actually, the idea wasn't his, it had been Montblanc's idea.
'I wonder why Montblanc worried so much about me...no, I should just be thankful. He's only thinking of my well being.'
Marche assured himself. Only he and Worker No. 8 stayed behind, Marche stayed because it was Montblanc's wish, and Worker No. 8 was given strict orders by Mustadio to watch over Marche while the clan was away. Marche would have remained stubborn of having to stay, but Montblanc's words kept him from going.
:::FlashBack:::
Cyril City, Marche and Montblanc's table, previous day
"You want me to stay behind?"
Marche asked as he turned his head from the window towards his Moogle friend.
"Yes Marche, kupo. You came back from that portal at Roda Volcano half dead. The clan has done as you asked and came back here to Cyril City with you, so please Marche, on behalf of the clan, we want you to be as inactive as possible, kupo."
Montblanc pleaded with Marche. The two had been over this since Cadoan City. Marche had remained too stubborn to want to leave the clan because he wanted to hunt down the remaining Crystals.
"Montblanc...look, I am the leader, okay? I have to stay with the rest of you. My injuries can be taken care of by a Chemist or White Mage anyway, right?"
"Potions or curing spells can get rid of the injuries, but not the fatigue of constant battle, kupo. Listen Marche, you've been working harder then all of us, which is to be expected from a strong leader, however, at the same time a good leader like yourself must take the time to rest your body. A person always comes back stronger through normal healing rather than potions or holy magic. You know what I'm saying to be true, kupo. Plus, I've seen leaders of good clans die simply because they chose to try and reach it as top clan in Ivalice to soon. You and I both know that it's not speed that counts all the time, Marche, so please don't be stubborn about this, kupo."
Montblanc said. Marche knew it to be true.
'In my old days when I was still a inexperienced leader, I tended to jump head first into battle with little preparation. Luckily I learned quickly from my father and followed his advice. The greatest weapon of a great leader doesn't come from simply winning more battles than another one, it comes from knowing when to step down and rest in order to be more effective in the next battle and keep the leader and his troops alive to see yet another battle.'
"Alright, Montblanc, you win. I'll let you take care of the clan in my absence. If you have any trouble, talk to Mustadio or Cloud, since they have the most combat experience of the rest of the clan, alright?"
:::FlashBack:::
Cyril City, Marche's room
'I guess Montblanc had Mustadio order Worker No. 8 to make sure I don't exert myself or if I need help.'
Marche thought after thinking back to his conversation with Montblanc the previous day. Marche had decided to clean up everyone's room along with Worker No. 8 while they were away on missions since he had nothing better to do.
------
Near Geeza Plains
'It's been a while since I have just been out wondering.'
Marche thought to himself as he walked along the dirt road that lead towards Geeza Plains. Worker No.8 followed closely from behind. Marche now dressed in a violet colored sweater, since his old one was destroyed by Ultima. Upon reaching the plains, Marche's eyes widened in surprise. Several Goblins were cornering a Chocobo.
'Poor guy...why does this remind me of another time I saved a Chocobo's life?'
Marche thought as he turned to Worker No. 8.
"Save that Chocobo, Worker No.8."
Marche ordered. The Steel Giant complied as it stepped forth towards the Goblins. The Goblins turned to see the massive giant towering over them, but they refused to yield. The Goblins teamed up against Worker No. 8 but it was ultimately futile. The giant simply swatted it's massive arm and struck them out of the way. A goblin at Worker No. 8 right side tackled the giant but was not able to make any damage to the steel body, only earning a crushing elbow blow from Worker No. 8, killing the goblin instantly. The other goblins, having seen one of their own killed so easily, turned tail and ran away. Marche came beside Worker No. 8 as the two looked at the Chocobo. The Chocobo looked at the two in recognition.
"This is interesting. This does not seem to be an ordinary Chocobo, Worker No. 8."
Marche said as he inspected it. It's feathers were not the simple type of yellow, but shimmered like gold in the sun. Marche was almost blinded. His attention turned to the Chocobo's beak when it started talking to him.
Long time no see, Master. You do remember who I am, right?
Marche's eyes widened in realization before he started speaking to the Chocobo in it's native tongue.
Is that you, Boco? The same Boco from so long ago?
Who else would I be, Master?
Boco warked. Marche hugged the giant bird around the neck. He never expected that Boco would be revived just like his other friends. Boco was back, however, it seemed the Chocobo was very different with it's golden feathers.
You look amazing, Boco. Your feathers are so clean they shimmer.
Sorry Master, this isn't just because I'm clean. I've been revived as a legendary monster type, the Golden Chocobo.
Are you serious? That's incredible. I've only heard of the legendary Golden Chocobo, but I never thought I'd see one.
Well Master, I guess your in luck. Anyway, I'm hungry, do you have any greens?
Sorry Boco. I can probably get some in the Cyril City market.
Works for me, hop on.
------
Cyril City, outskirts
I'm sorry Boco. It seems only Judges and Traders are allowed to own Chocobos.
Marche said sadly to the chocobo after having gone to the market.
I see. Oh well, thanks for trying Master. I'll survive off the greens of the land, but I was hoping to get those seasoned greens humans make. Anyway, I'm going to bestow upon you with a means of communicating with me.
Boco raised he feathered wing and left it hovering above Marche. A golden light enveloped Marche for a brief minute.
Hey, what happened, Boco?
I've given you what I like to call the Golden Signal. All you have to do is think of me Master and a telepathic line will connect us. You just have to tell me where you are and I'll be there.
Alright thanks, Boco. I'll use it well.
------
Koring Wood Forrest
"This tree looks pretty good, kupo."
Said a Moogle thief as he touched the tree's bark. A Summoner stood besides him.
"It does, doesn't it? The size of this one is also quite suitable. Let's chop it down then."
"Agreed, kupo. After cutting this one down gently, we can be saved, kupo. With all those other allies, our team wasn't nearly as well off, kupo."
The Moogle said. The Summoner nodded.
"Indeed. If we sell this tree, it'll fetch a handsome price and be able to keep doing this to insure a definite income from now on."
The two laughed heartily. But it wasn't going to last.
"So you are the ones cutting down the trees here, kupo."
Montblanc said. The Moogle thief looked at Montblanc with annoyance.
"Crap, we've been found, kupo."
"Calm down, my friend. They won't pose any problem, we'll just have to teach them the virtue of silence."
The Summoner said confidently.
"We'll see about that kupo. EN..."
Before Montblanc could make it an Engage battle, the Summoner called up the Ice Queen, Shiva. Cloud narrowed his eyes.
"This is not good."
He muttered as the frozen entity turned towards the small clan and held her arm outward with her palm facing them.
"DIAMOND DUST!!"
The entity bellowed as an avalanche of ice engulfed the small party. The entire area Clan Ruglia stood on was covered in ice, with only the trees standing. The Summoner smirked.
"Well, that takes care of that."
The large team of tree thieves behind the two clapped and whistled for their success, but it was not to last. A large violet colored beam emerged from the ice, but it wasn't just a beam, Cloud had performed his Climhazard limit break to emerge from the icy prison. The SOLDIER now glared dangerously at the thieves.
"Allow me to just say that you have really pissed me off now."
Cloud held up his hand, summoning the flame beast, Ifreet.
"HELLFIRE!!"
Cloud roared out as the beast engulfed itself in it's own flames before diving down at Cloud. The entity hit the ice structure, melting it away and freeing Cloud's allies. As Summoning magic was so well controlled by the entity performing it, the one who summoned it and the allies of that person or the environment could not be harmed.
"What just happened?"
Rooty asked as he and the rest of the clan looked around in confusion.
"I'll tell you all later, just hurry up and fight."
Cloud said. The thieves were in a state of shock, and Cloud wanted to capitalize on the opportunity. As the first order of business, Cloud held his sword steadily behind him, before swinging it downward and sending a beam along the ground straight for the Summoner, hitting her solidly and sending her back first onto the ground. Upon impact with the Summoner, the beam dispersed, striking down all the other thieves.
"There, that should lower their numbers a bit."
Cloud said. Not waiting, the rest of the small clan attacked, making sure to do away with the insanely large group of thieves. Mustadio fired away with precise aim, as he manipulated his gun with ease. Montblanc, Rooty, Celine and Cloud attacked the enemy up close with their swords, while Victory used his fists, and finally Hedges evened out the battlefield with a flurry of elemental spells. The thieves desperately tried to fight back, but their battle experience paled in comparison to Clan Ruglia. They still had the advantage of pure numbers on their side, however, and they started to close in on the clan, pushing them together.
"Don't let them snare us, hurry up and push them away."
Mustadio ordered as he kept shooting. Eventually the clan was able to halt the large number of enemies and push forward.
four hours later...
"I...think...that's...the...last...one...kupo..."
Montblanc fell to the ground face first in exhaustion.
"I...didn't...realize...their...reinforcements...would come so soon..."
Cloud answered as he leaned against a tree, breathing heavily.
"I...want...to...go...home..."
Celine said as she laid on the ground, looking up at the trees.
"Are you the ones responsible for this?"
All of Clan Ruglia lifted their heads to see a Judge on a chocobo.
"Good work, Clan Ruglia, you got all the thieves in one fell swoop."
The Archer who hired them, said. The Judge looked around.
"No, this isn't good work. Clans are not allowed to engage in such a giant battle, it is against the Laws of Ivalice that you do so."
The Judge said. Montblanc got up and turned towards the Judge.
"You don't understand. Their numbers kept us from calling one of you, kupo."
"No excuses. I'll have to place your Clan under arrest for violating a Law along with the rest of these thieves. Where is the leader, Marche Radiuju?"
"He's not here, kupo. He's recuperating from injuries sustained in a battle, kupo."
"I see. Well it doesn't matter I guess, you'll all come along with me."
The Judge pulled out a white card.
"An advanced Law?"
Mustadio questioned. However, before the card could take effect, Montblanc took a black card from his sleeve.
"I'm sorry, Judge, but we can't go to prison, kupo. We only did what was right at the time, so please reconsider, kupo."
Montblanc said, not holding the card up yet. The Judge shook his head.
"I'm sorry, but the Law is the word around here and I can make no exceptions."
The Judge held out his white card, and Montblanc followed soon after with the black card. The Judge's advance Law card was rendered ineffective as the clan disappeared in waves of light.
"Where did they go?"
The Judge asked himself as he looked around.
"They did do the right thing, Judge. I don't think it's fair of you to..."
The Archer began but was cut off by the Judge.
"Do you wish to join them when I find where they're at."
"No sir."
"Then keep quiet."
------
Cyril City, Bartender's lounge
"WHERE DID MARCHE GO, KUPO!!"
Montblanc yelled as he looked at the Steel Giant.
"I believe he's headed towards Koring Woods Forrest in order to rescue Ritz."
Worker No.8 said.
"Save Ritz, kupo?"
"Affirmative. An injured Viera came into the bar asking for clan assistance to help her own clan in Koring Woods Forrest to stop Lost Ones. Master Marche had me stay here to wait for your return."
"You were suppose to keep an eye on him, kupo."
"He will be fine, just wait for his return, Mr. Montblanc."
The Steel Giant said as he turned his attention to the injured Viera in bed. Montblanc left the room with a scowl on his face.
'I hope Marche doesn't get caught by a Judge if there is one still hanging around Koring. Why did he go if his injuries haven't had time to heal, kupo?'
------
Koring Woods Forrest, other side
"Damn it, what's with all these Lost Ones? Kill one and another just replaces it."
Ritz muttered as she stabbed through the neck of one with her rapier. Another one snuck up behind her, but an arrow was implanted into it's head, courtesy of Shara. The two were breathing heavily, and unfortunately, thanks to the Judge's Law, they could not use any special techniques to do away with the Lost Ones once and for all.
"RITZ!!"
A voice yelled to her. A very familiar voice. As she kicked off another Lost One from her rapier she took the time to look around.
"Ritz, look!"
Shara said pointing towards a small hill across from the one the Judge was staying on. Riding what appeared to be a very bright colored chocobo, Marche dove from the hill like a mounted knight in a fairy tale, as his chocobo rushed into the fray. Marche held his sword out, clipping off the heads of Lost One's closet to him, while Boco reared up and slammed his powerful beak into the ones directly in front of his trail. It wasn't long until Marche rode up to the two females.
"Hey, are you two alright?"
He asked with concern. Ritz just stared at Marche strangely. Shara waved her hands in front of the redhead's face, but Ritz didn't even blink.
"Hello? Ivalice to Ritz, can you hear me?"
Shara asked. Ritz finally blinked and was shaken out of her reverie.
"Huh? Shara?"
She looked confused, as if she lost her train of thought.
"Are you okay Ritz? You weren't blinded by a spell or something were you?"
Marche asked. He hacked away at the Lost Ones, but they kept coming back, one after another.
"Hey, your not allowed to use a chocobo."
The Judge said but his words went ignored.
"So Clan Ruglia has come to our rescue?"
Ritz asked hastily, covering her face out of embarrassment. Luckily for her, however, Marche's head was turned away from her so he didn't see her expression.
"Well, not exactly Ritz. I'm...no, we're the reinforcements here."
Marche said talking about Boco.
"Where is the rest of your clan?"
Shara asked him as she shot a Lost One who had gotten in to close.
"Well, they were taking care of another mission when one of your clan members came to the Cyril City bar asking for help from Koring Woods Forrest. I was the only one there at the time, so I took the offer. Still, why do you need help can't you use any exorcising techniques to just kill them?"
Marche asked. Ritz shook her head.
"Sorry, but the Judge's Law forbids any techniques of any kind on the battlefield."
"What kind of card was it?"
"A yellow one. Why?"
"I have the perfect solution then."
Marche declared at last as he pulled a green card from his sleeve. The battlefield was lighted briefly before fading back to normal.
"What was that light?"
Shara asked as she turned her head to look around. Marche smiled.
"I've just used an Anti-Law card. You can use your techniques now."
Needless to say, the Lost Ones which annoyed Ritz and Shara for so long were made quick work out of, and the Engage battle was concluded. Well, almost.
"You are the Ruglia Clan leader, Marche correct? I must place you under arrest on account of two violations. One, using an Anti-Law, and two, using a monster in battle to fight on your side. I'm sorry but your coming with me."
The Judge said. Marche cursed silently.
'That's right...chocobos can only be owned by Judges and Traders, not by clan members. If Montblanc finds out I've been imprisoned, he'll torture me to death.'
"I'm sorry Judge. I will not be taken by you."
After saying those words, Marche took out a black card just as the Judge pulled out a white one. The Anti-Law card transported the four away, leaving behind a very confused Judge.
------
Outskirts of Cyril City
"Where were Agrias and Meliadoul?"
Marche asked Ritz as the two of them sat in the grass. Shara said that she would go to the city and get Clan Ritz's member who had carried the S.O.S message. Boco ran off after Marche got off of him and ran into the distance.
"They were taking care of a mission, same as your clan had been."
"Just those two?"
"Yeah, they're incredibly powerful, Marche. They have Sword Skills I have never seen before."
Ritz said. Marche nodded, although he was already well aware of the two female knights' power.
"So what are you, Marche? An Anti-Judge or something?"
Ritz asked suddenly.
"Huh?"
Marche looked at her in confusion until he realized what she meant.
"Oh, you mean the whole riding the chocobo deal and taking out Anti-Law cards to counter the Judge's Law, right? Nope, sorry. But that would be a very interesting Class for a warrior, eh?"
Marche chuckled, but soon became serious again.
"It's good to see you again, Ritz."
"You, too. Tell me Marche, are you still planning on restoring the world?"
She asked as she turned to get a good look at Marche's face. Marche closed his eyes and nodded slowly.
"I probably don't have to ask but seeing as were on the subject, do you still plan to stay here?"
"Yeah. I don't see what's so wrong with staying here Marche."
She said. She wanted to know what Marche had against this world, what with all the incredible things that could be done here. She would have thought Marche would have loved it here, but his reaction had been the exact opposite, or so it seemed that way to her.
"There is nothing wrong here Ritz..."
He began slowly, however, she caught what appeared to be a hint of guilt in his voice.
"...I like this world very much. But..."
He lowered his head so the bangs of his hair covered his eyes.
"But what, Marche?"
Ritz asked, trying to coax the answer from him.
"...This world...it..."
Marche had been in his little world for too long and soon found himself face first in the grass as an angry Moogle stomped on his head.
"And where WERE you, kupo?"
Had it not been for the cute little voice combined with the honorific Kupo, Marche would have thought it was Boco who kicked him in the back of the head, not Montblanc.
'Crap, I've been found out...'
***TBC***
Note: Well this chapter was pretty short but I hope that's okay. Now to answer Feral Claws question: Yes, Babus will be making an appearance very soon. In fact he will be in the very next chapter, and after that, if my prediction was correct, Llednar should appear in the chapter afterwards. Llednar MIGHT make an introduction appearance in the next chapter, but for the most part, it'll mostly be Babus in that one. Anyway, hope all you readers out there have a Merry Christmas.
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: Most (if not all) of the characters appearing within this story do not belong to me, but rather, are creations of the brilliant minds within Square Soft/Square Enix. I don't claim any of them.
"..."-Indicate Speech
'...'-Indicate Thought
...-Indicate Monster Speech
------
Cyril City, Marche's room
'We stayed at Cadoan City for quite a while. This room collected so much dust while I was away...'
Marche and his clan had finally decided to head back for Cyril after having stayed so long in Cadoan. After their trip back, Marche had divided his clan in two, one to go and accept missions and the other to help clean their rooms at the bar. Actually, the idea wasn't his, it had been Montblanc's idea.
'I wonder why Montblanc worried so much about me...no, I should just be thankful. He's only thinking of my well being.'
Marche assured himself. Only he and Worker No. 8 stayed behind, Marche stayed because it was Montblanc's wish, and Worker No. 8 was given strict orders by Mustadio to watch over Marche while the clan was away. Marche would have remained stubborn of having to stay, but Montblanc's words kept him from going.
:::FlashBack:::
Cyril City, Marche and Montblanc's table, previous day
"You want me to stay behind?"
Marche asked as he turned his head from the window towards his Moogle friend.
"Yes Marche, kupo. You came back from that portal at Roda Volcano half dead. The clan has done as you asked and came back here to Cyril City with you, so please Marche, on behalf of the clan, we want you to be as inactive as possible, kupo."
Montblanc pleaded with Marche. The two had been over this since Cadoan City. Marche had remained too stubborn to want to leave the clan because he wanted to hunt down the remaining Crystals.
"Montblanc...look, I am the leader, okay? I have to stay with the rest of you. My injuries can be taken care of by a Chemist or White Mage anyway, right?"
"Potions or curing spells can get rid of the injuries, but not the fatigue of constant battle, kupo. Listen Marche, you've been working harder then all of us, which is to be expected from a strong leader, however, at the same time a good leader like yourself must take the time to rest your body. A person always comes back stronger through normal healing rather than potions or holy magic. You know what I'm saying to be true, kupo. Plus, I've seen leaders of good clans die simply because they chose to try and reach it as top clan in Ivalice to soon. You and I both know that it's not speed that counts all the time, Marche, so please don't be stubborn about this, kupo."
Montblanc said. Marche knew it to be true.
'In my old days when I was still a inexperienced leader, I tended to jump head first into battle with little preparation. Luckily I learned quickly from my father and followed his advice. The greatest weapon of a great leader doesn't come from simply winning more battles than another one, it comes from knowing when to step down and rest in order to be more effective in the next battle and keep the leader and his troops alive to see yet another battle.'
"Alright, Montblanc, you win. I'll let you take care of the clan in my absence. If you have any trouble, talk to Mustadio or Cloud, since they have the most combat experience of the rest of the clan, alright?"
:::FlashBack:::
Cyril City, Marche's room
'I guess Montblanc had Mustadio order Worker No. 8 to make sure I don't exert myself or if I need help.'
Marche thought after thinking back to his conversation with Montblanc the previous day. Marche had decided to clean up everyone's room along with Worker No. 8 while they were away on missions since he had nothing better to do.
------
Near Geeza Plains
'It's been a while since I have just been out wondering.'
Marche thought to himself as he walked along the dirt road that lead towards Geeza Plains. Worker No.8 followed closely from behind. Marche now dressed in a violet colored sweater, since his old one was destroyed by Ultima. Upon reaching the plains, Marche's eyes widened in surprise. Several Goblins were cornering a Chocobo.
'Poor guy...why does this remind me of another time I saved a Chocobo's life?'
Marche thought as he turned to Worker No. 8.
"Save that Chocobo, Worker No.8."
Marche ordered. The Steel Giant complied as it stepped forth towards the Goblins. The Goblins turned to see the massive giant towering over them, but they refused to yield. The Goblins teamed up against Worker No. 8 but it was ultimately futile. The giant simply swatted it's massive arm and struck them out of the way. A goblin at Worker No. 8 right side tackled the giant but was not able to make any damage to the steel body, only earning a crushing elbow blow from Worker No. 8, killing the goblin instantly. The other goblins, having seen one of their own killed so easily, turned tail and ran away. Marche came beside Worker No. 8 as the two looked at the Chocobo. The Chocobo looked at the two in recognition.
"This is interesting. This does not seem to be an ordinary Chocobo, Worker No. 8."
Marche said as he inspected it. It's feathers were not the simple type of yellow, but shimmered like gold in the sun. Marche was almost blinded. His attention turned to the Chocobo's beak when it started talking to him.
Long time no see, Master. You do remember who I am, right?
Marche's eyes widened in realization before he started speaking to the Chocobo in it's native tongue.
Is that you, Boco? The same Boco from so long ago?
Who else would I be, Master?
Boco warked. Marche hugged the giant bird around the neck. He never expected that Boco would be revived just like his other friends. Boco was back, however, it seemed the Chocobo was very different with it's golden feathers.
You look amazing, Boco. Your feathers are so clean they shimmer.
Sorry Master, this isn't just because I'm clean. I've been revived as a legendary monster type, the Golden Chocobo.
Are you serious? That's incredible. I've only heard of the legendary Golden Chocobo, but I never thought I'd see one.
Well Master, I guess your in luck. Anyway, I'm hungry, do you have any greens?
Sorry Boco. I can probably get some in the Cyril City market.
Works for me, hop on.
------
Cyril City, outskirts
I'm sorry Boco. It seems only Judges and Traders are allowed to own Chocobos.
Marche said sadly to the chocobo after having gone to the market.
I see. Oh well, thanks for trying Master. I'll survive off the greens of the land, but I was hoping to get those seasoned greens humans make. Anyway, I'm going to bestow upon you with a means of communicating with me.
Boco raised he feathered wing and left it hovering above Marche. A golden light enveloped Marche for a brief minute.
Hey, what happened, Boco?
I've given you what I like to call the Golden Signal. All you have to do is think of me Master and a telepathic line will connect us. You just have to tell me where you are and I'll be there.
Alright thanks, Boco. I'll use it well.
------
Koring Wood Forrest
"This tree looks pretty good, kupo."
Said a Moogle thief as he touched the tree's bark. A Summoner stood besides him.
"It does, doesn't it? The size of this one is also quite suitable. Let's chop it down then."
"Agreed, kupo. After cutting this one down gently, we can be saved, kupo. With all those other allies, our team wasn't nearly as well off, kupo."
The Moogle said. The Summoner nodded.
"Indeed. If we sell this tree, it'll fetch a handsome price and be able to keep doing this to insure a definite income from now on."
The two laughed heartily. But it wasn't going to last.
"So you are the ones cutting down the trees here, kupo."
Montblanc said. The Moogle thief looked at Montblanc with annoyance.
"Crap, we've been found, kupo."
"Calm down, my friend. They won't pose any problem, we'll just have to teach them the virtue of silence."
The Summoner said confidently.
"We'll see about that kupo. EN..."
Before Montblanc could make it an Engage battle, the Summoner called up the Ice Queen, Shiva. Cloud narrowed his eyes.
"This is not good."
He muttered as the frozen entity turned towards the small clan and held her arm outward with her palm facing them.
"DIAMOND DUST!!"
The entity bellowed as an avalanche of ice engulfed the small party. The entire area Clan Ruglia stood on was covered in ice, with only the trees standing. The Summoner smirked.
"Well, that takes care of that."
The large team of tree thieves behind the two clapped and whistled for their success, but it was not to last. A large violet colored beam emerged from the ice, but it wasn't just a beam, Cloud had performed his Climhazard limit break to emerge from the icy prison. The SOLDIER now glared dangerously at the thieves.
"Allow me to just say that you have really pissed me off now."
Cloud held up his hand, summoning the flame beast, Ifreet.
"HELLFIRE!!"
Cloud roared out as the beast engulfed itself in it's own flames before diving down at Cloud. The entity hit the ice structure, melting it away and freeing Cloud's allies. As Summoning magic was so well controlled by the entity performing it, the one who summoned it and the allies of that person or the environment could not be harmed.
"What just happened?"
Rooty asked as he and the rest of the clan looked around in confusion.
"I'll tell you all later, just hurry up and fight."
Cloud said. The thieves were in a state of shock, and Cloud wanted to capitalize on the opportunity. As the first order of business, Cloud held his sword steadily behind him, before swinging it downward and sending a beam along the ground straight for the Summoner, hitting her solidly and sending her back first onto the ground. Upon impact with the Summoner, the beam dispersed, striking down all the other thieves.
"There, that should lower their numbers a bit."
Cloud said. Not waiting, the rest of the small clan attacked, making sure to do away with the insanely large group of thieves. Mustadio fired away with precise aim, as he manipulated his gun with ease. Montblanc, Rooty, Celine and Cloud attacked the enemy up close with their swords, while Victory used his fists, and finally Hedges evened out the battlefield with a flurry of elemental spells. The thieves desperately tried to fight back, but their battle experience paled in comparison to Clan Ruglia. They still had the advantage of pure numbers on their side, however, and they started to close in on the clan, pushing them together.
"Don't let them snare us, hurry up and push them away."
Mustadio ordered as he kept shooting. Eventually the clan was able to halt the large number of enemies and push forward.
four hours later...
"I...think...that's...the...last...one...kupo..."
Montblanc fell to the ground face first in exhaustion.
"I...didn't...realize...their...reinforcements...would come so soon..."
Cloud answered as he leaned against a tree, breathing heavily.
"I...want...to...go...home..."
Celine said as she laid on the ground, looking up at the trees.
"Are you the ones responsible for this?"
All of Clan Ruglia lifted their heads to see a Judge on a chocobo.
"Good work, Clan Ruglia, you got all the thieves in one fell swoop."
The Archer who hired them, said. The Judge looked around.
"No, this isn't good work. Clans are not allowed to engage in such a giant battle, it is against the Laws of Ivalice that you do so."
The Judge said. Montblanc got up and turned towards the Judge.
"You don't understand. Their numbers kept us from calling one of you, kupo."
"No excuses. I'll have to place your Clan under arrest for violating a Law along with the rest of these thieves. Where is the leader, Marche Radiuju?"
"He's not here, kupo. He's recuperating from injuries sustained in a battle, kupo."
"I see. Well it doesn't matter I guess, you'll all come along with me."
The Judge pulled out a white card.
"An advanced Law?"
Mustadio questioned. However, before the card could take effect, Montblanc took a black card from his sleeve.
"I'm sorry, Judge, but we can't go to prison, kupo. We only did what was right at the time, so please reconsider, kupo."
Montblanc said, not holding the card up yet. The Judge shook his head.
"I'm sorry, but the Law is the word around here and I can make no exceptions."
The Judge held out his white card, and Montblanc followed soon after with the black card. The Judge's advance Law card was rendered ineffective as the clan disappeared in waves of light.
"Where did they go?"
The Judge asked himself as he looked around.
"They did do the right thing, Judge. I don't think it's fair of you to..."
The Archer began but was cut off by the Judge.
"Do you wish to join them when I find where they're at."
"No sir."
"Then keep quiet."
------
Cyril City, Bartender's lounge
"WHERE DID MARCHE GO, KUPO!!"
Montblanc yelled as he looked at the Steel Giant.
"I believe he's headed towards Koring Woods Forrest in order to rescue Ritz."
Worker No.8 said.
"Save Ritz, kupo?"
"Affirmative. An injured Viera came into the bar asking for clan assistance to help her own clan in Koring Woods Forrest to stop Lost Ones. Master Marche had me stay here to wait for your return."
"You were suppose to keep an eye on him, kupo."
"He will be fine, just wait for his return, Mr. Montblanc."
The Steel Giant said as he turned his attention to the injured Viera in bed. Montblanc left the room with a scowl on his face.
'I hope Marche doesn't get caught by a Judge if there is one still hanging around Koring. Why did he go if his injuries haven't had time to heal, kupo?'
------
Koring Woods Forrest, other side
"Damn it, what's with all these Lost Ones? Kill one and another just replaces it."
Ritz muttered as she stabbed through the neck of one with her rapier. Another one snuck up behind her, but an arrow was implanted into it's head, courtesy of Shara. The two were breathing heavily, and unfortunately, thanks to the Judge's Law, they could not use any special techniques to do away with the Lost Ones once and for all.
"RITZ!!"
A voice yelled to her. A very familiar voice. As she kicked off another Lost One from her rapier she took the time to look around.
"Ritz, look!"
Shara said pointing towards a small hill across from the one the Judge was staying on. Riding what appeared to be a very bright colored chocobo, Marche dove from the hill like a mounted knight in a fairy tale, as his chocobo rushed into the fray. Marche held his sword out, clipping off the heads of Lost One's closet to him, while Boco reared up and slammed his powerful beak into the ones directly in front of his trail. It wasn't long until Marche rode up to the two females.
"Hey, are you two alright?"
He asked with concern. Ritz just stared at Marche strangely. Shara waved her hands in front of the redhead's face, but Ritz didn't even blink.
"Hello? Ivalice to Ritz, can you hear me?"
Shara asked. Ritz finally blinked and was shaken out of her reverie.
"Huh? Shara?"
She looked confused, as if she lost her train of thought.
"Are you okay Ritz? You weren't blinded by a spell or something were you?"
Marche asked. He hacked away at the Lost Ones, but they kept coming back, one after another.
"Hey, your not allowed to use a chocobo."
The Judge said but his words went ignored.
"So Clan Ruglia has come to our rescue?"
Ritz asked hastily, covering her face out of embarrassment. Luckily for her, however, Marche's head was turned away from her so he didn't see her expression.
"Well, not exactly Ritz. I'm...no, we're the reinforcements here."
Marche said talking about Boco.
"Where is the rest of your clan?"
Shara asked him as she shot a Lost One who had gotten in to close.
"Well, they were taking care of another mission when one of your clan members came to the Cyril City bar asking for help from Koring Woods Forrest. I was the only one there at the time, so I took the offer. Still, why do you need help can't you use any exorcising techniques to just kill them?"
Marche asked. Ritz shook her head.
"Sorry, but the Judge's Law forbids any techniques of any kind on the battlefield."
"What kind of card was it?"
"A yellow one. Why?"
"I have the perfect solution then."
Marche declared at last as he pulled a green card from his sleeve. The battlefield was lighted briefly before fading back to normal.
"What was that light?"
Shara asked as she turned her head to look around. Marche smiled.
"I've just used an Anti-Law card. You can use your techniques now."
Needless to say, the Lost Ones which annoyed Ritz and Shara for so long were made quick work out of, and the Engage battle was concluded. Well, almost.
"You are the Ruglia Clan leader, Marche correct? I must place you under arrest on account of two violations. One, using an Anti-Law, and two, using a monster in battle to fight on your side. I'm sorry but your coming with me."
The Judge said. Marche cursed silently.
'That's right...chocobos can only be owned by Judges and Traders, not by clan members. If Montblanc finds out I've been imprisoned, he'll torture me to death.'
"I'm sorry Judge. I will not be taken by you."
After saying those words, Marche took out a black card just as the Judge pulled out a white one. The Anti-Law card transported the four away, leaving behind a very confused Judge.
------
Outskirts of Cyril City
"Where were Agrias and Meliadoul?"
Marche asked Ritz as the two of them sat in the grass. Shara said that she would go to the city and get Clan Ritz's member who had carried the S.O.S message. Boco ran off after Marche got off of him and ran into the distance.
"They were taking care of a mission, same as your clan had been."
"Just those two?"
"Yeah, they're incredibly powerful, Marche. They have Sword Skills I have never seen before."
Ritz said. Marche nodded, although he was already well aware of the two female knights' power.
"So what are you, Marche? An Anti-Judge or something?"
Ritz asked suddenly.
"Huh?"
Marche looked at her in confusion until he realized what she meant.
"Oh, you mean the whole riding the chocobo deal and taking out Anti-Law cards to counter the Judge's Law, right? Nope, sorry. But that would be a very interesting Class for a warrior, eh?"
Marche chuckled, but soon became serious again.
"It's good to see you again, Ritz."
"You, too. Tell me Marche, are you still planning on restoring the world?"
She asked as she turned to get a good look at Marche's face. Marche closed his eyes and nodded slowly.
"I probably don't have to ask but seeing as were on the subject, do you still plan to stay here?"
"Yeah. I don't see what's so wrong with staying here Marche."
She said. She wanted to know what Marche had against this world, what with all the incredible things that could be done here. She would have thought Marche would have loved it here, but his reaction had been the exact opposite, or so it seemed that way to her.
"There is nothing wrong here Ritz..."
He began slowly, however, she caught what appeared to be a hint of guilt in his voice.
"...I like this world very much. But..."
He lowered his head so the bangs of his hair covered his eyes.
"But what, Marche?"
Ritz asked, trying to coax the answer from him.
"...This world...it..."
Marche had been in his little world for too long and soon found himself face first in the grass as an angry Moogle stomped on his head.
"And where WERE you, kupo?"
Had it not been for the cute little voice combined with the honorific Kupo, Marche would have thought it was Boco who kicked him in the back of the head, not Montblanc.
'Crap, I've been found out...'
***TBC***
Note: Well this chapter was pretty short but I hope that's okay. Now to answer Feral Claws question: Yes, Babus will be making an appearance very soon. In fact he will be in the very next chapter, and after that, if my prediction was correct, Llednar should appear in the chapter afterwards. Llednar MIGHT make an introduction appearance in the next chapter, but for the most part, it'll mostly be Babus in that one. Anyway, hope all you readers out there have a Merry Christmas.