Chapter 12
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.
------
Outskirts of Cyril City
"Marche, are you okay?"
Ritz asked after she returned from the shock of seeing Marche's face getting kicked into the soft ground beneath the grass. Marche let out a muffled groan before Montblanc got off of his head.
"Montblanc...oh, I have a serious headache."
Marche mumbled. Montblanc simply crossed his arms.
"I told you not to strain yourself, kupo. Remember our talk yesterday, kupo?"
"Yes, I remember. Ritz needed help, though, and the rest of our clan was away on another mission. I had to do something, but don't worry, I didn't really strain anything thanks to Boco."
"Boco...who is that, kupo?"
Montblanc asked with curiosity. Marche let out a loud wark sound, and Boco came running towards the three. Montblanc's eyes bulged.
"Clans can't own any Chocobos. Where did you find this one, kupo?"
"I had Worker No. 8 save him and he decided to repay me, that's all."
Marche said. Now Ritz jumped into their conversation.
"Wait a minute, you can speak in the monster tongue? I thought only Nu Mous could do that."
"Well..."
Marche just scratched his head, mentally kicking himself for having brought Boco come into the conversation. In the real Ivalice of his birth, humans learned to speak with the monsters, since Nu Mous never existed.
'What have I gotten myself into?'
"Hey Ritz, I'm tired. Let's return back to the rest of our clan, shall we?"
Shara declared walking up to the group. Ritz turned to her.
"Your right, we should be heading out. Okay, I guess we overstayed so we'll be going now. See you later, Marche."
Ritz said as she and Shara bid them farewell. Marche was glad that he wouldn't have to explain himself to her. Montblanc, unfortunately, was another story. Marche decided a change of subject was in order.
"Hey Montblanc, we should head back, too..."
"Why don't you answer Ritz's question for me, kupo."
Montblanc said firmly. He believed Marche's story about Boco being saved, but how Marche was able to learn the monster tongue and be so shortly aquatinted with this Ivalice got Montblanc curious. There was something being hidden from the clan by Marche, Montblanc knew it, but never questioned it until he witnessed Marche's mysterious powers against Famfreet. He never brought his questions to light until now, and he wanted answers.
"Look, Montblanc...I wish I could tell you that answer, but I can't. Please drop it, okay?"
Marche said. Montblanc didn't like it, but ultimately decided to stop the questioning.
"Alright, Marche. You are entitled to your secrets, kupo. Please try and get some rest, so you'll be healed up and ready to go sooner, kupo."
"Of course Montblanc. I'm sorry that I worried you."
"Apology accepted, kupo."
------
Royal Palace, Remedi's room
"You summoned me, Highness?"
The Nu Mou Royal Advisor, Babus asked as he bowed politely to the Queen. She nodded.
"Yes, Babus. Please listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you."
Remedi said. Babus nodded.
"Of course, your Highness."
"Good. I wish for you to take some of the troops to the Emerald Fortress in the Sarika Woods."
Babus looked a bit puzzled.
"Of course I can do that, but may I ask why?"
"The Divine Beast and second Crystal of Roda Volcano have been destroyed. The same clan who destroyed the first Crystal of the Yulei River also is responsible for the first one."
"A clan is destroying the Crystals? Why do we tolerate them to do as they please, your Highness?"
"There is one thing that bothers me more than what your telling me, Babus. I was able to speak to Ultima shortly before his passing. He told me that both he and Famfreet were defeated not by the entire clan, but just in a one on one death match with the leader of the clan."
Remedi said. Babus eyes shown with shock and disbelief. He became quiet and thought deeply about what he was just told.
"If I remember correctly, a Divine Beast should not be able to lose to mortal beings, correct? So how is it that just one person can defeat them?"
"That's what I would like to know. Babus, on the battle field, your analyzing skills are second to none. I have no doubt that the leader of the clan, Mache Radiuju, will soon learn the where abouts of the third Crystal in Sarika. I want you to be there and do battle with his clan, and you fight him personally. See if you can find how he has the power to defeat the Divine Beasts. How you find the answer is up to you, but I want you to find it. I'll let my husband take care of things afterwards. You must succeed, Babus. I have a feeling that Mewt is the center of this. With each Crystal's destruction, my son is being destroyed by that boy. Actions must be taken."
Remedi said as she clenched her fists tightly together. Babus understood fully, and after bidding the Queen farewell, he walked out of the room.
'I will not allow him to harm the Prince any longer. I'll find out everything about this Marche Radiuju and expose it to light.'
------
Cyril City, Marche and Montblanc's table
"Your serious?"
Marche questioned Montblanc as they sat at their usual table. Montblanc nodded slowly.
"I hate to say it, Marche, but our clan is starting be pin pointed as criminals, kupo. Some of the local traders had been talking about how they heard about the Royal Family preparing to apprehend a certain clan for violating the Laws of Ivalice repeatedly. There is no doubt in my mind that we are the clan being sought out by the Royal Family, kupo. The people of Cyril still allow us their protection from the Royal Family, but I do not want to burden them, kupo."
Marche let the words sink in. He knew it had not been a good idea of him riding onto a battlefield, nor was it a good idea by his clan members to engage into an all out war without calling a Judge. Plus their clan used Anti-Laws, just like Ezel did.
"Your right, we shouldn't burden them. I've got the latest mission information with me. Apparently the Royal Mage Academy has given up on their search of finding a fabled giant emerald. I think it might be a Crystal. Sarika is very far from Cyril, so I think the best thing to do is for us to hurry up there and investigate before any other clan does. Afterwards, we'll try and find some place to hide ourselves."
"Sounds good, kupo. Still, how will we be able to reach Sarika so quickly when it is so far away, kupo?"
"Just leave the transportation to a certain feathered friend of mine."
------
Emerald Fortress, Sarika Woods
"Alright, were here."
Marche said. Thanks to his friendly connections with the bartender, Marche was able to purchase a travel wagon for a very cheap amount of gil. With Boco's power, it was easy to transport the entire clan across the terrain between Cyril and Sarika in about day, where it would take about two normal chocbos hauling a wagon about a week of travel to reach this far.
"There's lights in the Fortress, kupo. Do you think another clan beat us to it, kupo?"
"I doubt it. The mission report we got today is suppose to be released tomorrow. I wonder...Montblanc, do some scouting around. Find out what's going on up there. The rest of us will set up camp."
Everyone obeyed. Montblanc flew towards the lonely stone fortress on the hill near the other end of the Forrest. Marche decide to set up camp far away so that whoever the Fortress residence were, they would most likely not see the smoke rising from their camp fire.
Two hours into the night...
Montblanc had returned from his scouting mission. Everyone laid near the fire for warmth. Montblanc sat next to Marche and began explaining the situation.
"I have the feeling we've been set up, kupo. It looks like a Royal Mage member is leading a sizable amount of troops within the Fortress, however, I don't think their treasure hunting for the fabled emerald, kupo. I think they may have already found it and are guarding it. I'm sure it's at the very end of the back of the Fortress, the last two rooms were not penetrable, though, kupo."
Montblanc said, finishing his report.
"So the Fortress is fairly welled guarded then...I think were going to need a distraction."
------
Emerald Fortress, The second to the last room
"Sir, we need reinforcements out there. The three treasure hunters want to get in and search for the emerald."
A guard addressed to Babus.
"Only three of them? What do they look like?"
"I'm not sure. They were garbed in long tattered robes that obscure most of their bodies. One is using a giant single bladed sword, the other has a gun and the last is a giant of a man using his bare fists. That is all I can gather."
The guard finished. Babus stroked his chin with thought.
"Fine, take about half the remaining guards here. The rest stay with me."
"Yes sir."
------
Emerald Fortress, Half way through
"Cloud, Mustadio and Worker No. 8 were the perfect distractions."
Marche said as he rushed in the lead of the rest of his clan, who were following what appeared to be the best route to rush past with out walking into the reinforcements. Marche had planned the infiltration perfectly, as they totally avoided the guards rushing past them in another hall, who were making their way to the battlefield outside of the Fortress. It wasn't long before Marche and clan made it to the second to the last room. two large wooden doors was all that guarded their sight of the contents of the room.
"Hey Celine, do you hear anyone in there?"
Marche asked as he stepped aside and let the Viera pass him and put a long ear to the door and listen intently for a little while.
"I'm guessing that there are about twenty or so."
She concluded. Marche thought for a bit.
"Let's go."
He said lowly, before stepping up to the door once more. Marche pushed the left door while Montblanc pushed the right. The room was lit brightly with candles, and it was easy to make out the armed guards of various races with spear in hand.
"Marche, let us take care of these soldiers and you go ahead to the final room, kupo. The Crystal should be there, kupo."
Montblanc said.
"Over our dead bodies"
An armored Viera said as her grip tightened on her spear. With no more words to be exchanged, the remaining Clan Ruglia, minus Marche, and the Royal guards battled in earnest. It had been very good practice for Clan Ruglia when they fought the large amount of thieves back in Koring Woods. Even with the long reach of the spears, the guards were no match as the small clan fought, creating a path for Marche to walk through and get to the final room. Marche turned back to the battle, simply wishing his clan good luck, before proceeding onward. The final room was dimly lit, and a large crystal loomed in the center of the room. Marche looked at it suspiciously.
'This is not a true Crystal...it must be a replica of sorts...huh...?'
Marche narrowed his eyes
"Show yourself right now. I don't have time for these games."
Marche said as he looked around. He could feel someone's presence. He soon heard clapping as a white mist rose up from the ground , before disappearing suddenly. The room's candles brightened the room considerably as it blinded Marche slightly. In place of the Crystal was a simple, tall, stone pillar.
'The pillar was put under magic to give it the illusion of a real Crystal...'
Marche thought as a Nu Mou dressed in fine royal robes stepped from behind it. The two stared at each other for a moment.
"I'm rather impressed. I thought my presence was completely masked from the senses. It's good to finally meet you, Marche Radiuju."
"I guess I don't need to introduce myself. So then, who are you?"
Marche asked calmly. The Nu Mou appeared rather old and frail but Marche was not convinced that he was helpless.
"Forgive me, I'm being rude, am I not? I am Babus, a magician of the Royal family, and the Court of his young Highness, Prince Mewt. I am here investigating this place by royal orders."
Babus said with a slight, regal bow.
"So, your a retainer to Mewt, huh?"
"And you came here to try and destroy the emerald Crystal, correct? Unfortunately, it isn't here. It resides farther north of here, at the desolate cave of the Nelgae Cavern. We've simply stated it was here in hopes that you and your clan would come here. You've simply fallen into a trap, that's all."
"Yeah, I figured as much before I got here. Still, it was the only promising lead I've had for a while. Before we start, let me just thank you Babus, for telling me where it really resides."
Marche said calmly as he got into his fighting stance, shifting the large blade from his shoulder to his side effortlessly. On a number of levels, Babus was impressed by Marche.
'This Marche...he has fine insight...I can see why he has lead his Clan so high up in the ranks of those other would be Clans. I know he's very dangerous, however, I don't feel like he would have the power to defeat a Divine Beast all by itself. He may be hiding it from me...I must find a way to push him to his limits...'
"Tell me something, Marche. Why is it that you seek the Crystals and destroy them?"
Babus asked, eyeing the young man critically. Although Marche felt the subject to be rather touchy, he kept his emotions from getting the better of him, and kept the mask of calmness on his face.
"Look, Babus...I really don't have any true evidence as to why Mewt would want to reshape this world as it is now from what it used to be, but it should not be in his right to do so. That 's the reason I want to return everything to normal..."
Marche would have tried to continue, but he knew his words were not very well received by Babus by the look of anger that rose up within the Nu Mou Mage, if only for a brief moment.
"What do you mean by that? Reshape this world into something it didn't used to be? What are you babbling about?"
"I didn't think you would understand me..."
Marche said but was cut off by Babus.
"Enough. Your claims are far fetched, even if you make a superb leader to your clan. All I know is that you are hurting the Prince. I don't know whether that's your intention under that false claim but I will find my answers from you. Let's begin."
Babus backed away from Marche and started to cast any and all elemental spells known to Ivalice. Marche dodged all of them quickly as he made his way closer to the Nu Mou. Babus was not oblivious to the fact that Marche was coming up closer, and in turn would move to be farther out of harms way, knowing full well that Marche's attacks would be the end of him. When Babus could not hit him with such spells as the Firaga or Thundaga, he resorted to the more powerful ones, like Demi and Flare. With all his battle experience, Marche already knew how to avoid them with ease.
"How frustrating you are, Marche."
Babus said before casting a Flare spell at the young man, the words were Marche's cue that the Nu Mou was losing his focus, and found that he was at a good enough distance to dash up and strike Babus. As the Flare spell went out, Marche escaped the blast, using the momentum of it to head straight to a very confused Babus, who soon bowed over in pain as Marche struck him like he would a base ball, sending the old Nu Mou into the wall. Babus slumped down to the cool stone ground breathing heavily, and mentally cursing himself for letting Marche get the better of him, and use his Flare spell to work against him. Marche kneeled down to the Nu Mou, producing a potion from his dark violet sleeve and handing it to Babus.
"Here, take this."
Marche said. Babus took it wordlessly, and Marche got up, ready to leave. Before he was about to open the door and exit the room, Babus asked him something.
"You said you wanted to return this world to normal. What do you mean by that?"
"I told you..."
"I know, but I'm willing to listen fully now."
"Fine..."
Marche let out a sigh, still not turning to face Babus.
"...Ivalice, this world, is not originally a country. It started out as a small town in a snowy region. Mewt, myself, and the other two lived there. Mewt is not a real Prince, he's only a child, same as me, stuck in adult versions of ourselves. It's the same for the other two..."
Babus had drunk the potion, but was not at full strength. He lifted himself up with the support of the wall.
"You would dare insult the Prince...well, I am no longer in condition to do battle, but...in my eyes, you will always be an enemy to the Royal Family and Court, Marche Radiuju."
The Nu Mou said before teleporting within dots of light. Marche sighed.
"It's time to head to the place Babus mentioned. He and Mewt will be dealed with later."
------
Sarika Woods, Nelgae Caverns entrance
"Let me go on ahead and deal with the Divine Beast while you all rest up from the battle at the Emerald Fortress, okay?"
Marche said as everyone nodded. He entered the dark cave wordlessly.
'Damn it, I might need a candle...'
A misty sphere of light flickered in front of him. It started moving slowly ahead, casting it's light around the dark cave.
"A human soul...does it want me to follow...?"
Soon the soul and himself met with a dead end. Marche narrowed his eyes. Suddenly the cave went totally black as Marche felt himself being propelled forward into the murky darkness.
------
Ruins of a temple, Ivalice(?)
'Here we go again.'
Marche thought, mentally preparing himself. The soul floated in front of him.
"The human soul...?"
Before Marche could say anything else, a giant, lion headed green beast appeared suddenly, swallowing the soul in it's gaping maw. Marche narrowed his eyes as his body stiffed, ready to do combat. The lion beast Divine Beast looked down at him.
"An intruder...I have waited for this. You are the very one I seek. The Marche Radiuju who defeated my other brethren single handily."
The Divine Beast grinned ferally at Marche.
"I'm sure your aware that I'm here to destroy that Crystal and in turn, the Point of Binding. So who are you, Divine Beast?"
Marche asked with a calm manner.
"I am known as Adrammelech, the Sprit God of Wrath. Show me the power that defeated the first two."
Marche's eye again went crimson. The two sized each other up for a moment before attacking at once. Blade and claw met as the two felt the jarring impact from each blows strength. Retreating a little, Marche waited as Adrammelech hurled forward, spinning into a ball and rolling towards the swordsman. Marche dodged to the right, but was caught by a swaying claw as Adrammelech got out of his rolled up form and slashed into the man's back. Marche only grunted before twisting his body and swinging out horizontally and catching the beast in the cheek and making it reel back slightly by the force of the blow.
'Impossible. Where did all this power come from...he still seems normal to me.'
Within the shadows of the ceiling, Babus watched what he could, but the combatants moved very fast, and Babus found it hard to keep up with either of them. He had told Marche the location of the next Crystal so he would know where to head and fight the Divine Beast. This was all part in Babus's plan to analyze Marche's power. However, Babus could not deduce any changes within the young man as he clashed with Adrammelech.
"You have great power, Marche Radiuju. I felt all the pain from those blows you dealt me."
Adrammelech commented as he grabbed Marche quickly and brought him in a bear hug, hoping to crush Marche. Marche saw it coming, and brought out his feet and implanted them in Adrammelech's chest, not allowing it to fully squeeze him. The beast then tried to bite Marche, since his bear hug failed, but Marche struck Adrammelech in the throat, making the beast cough up blood and release him. When Marche touched ground, he made a wide sweeping motion with his blade and tripped Adrammelech, making it fall to it's side.
"DIE!!"
Adrammelech roared as he jabbed quickly up at Marche and striking the young man back before he could retaliate while it was on the ground. It rose quickly, staring at Marche as he landed a safe distance away. Adrammelech reeled it's claws back before slashing in a diagonal motion, sending red beams of energy at Marche. They came quickly as Marche brought up his sword to defend the attack, but the boomerang shaped crimson energy went right through the blade, slashing Marche and uplifting him up on the ground. The Defender split into three pieces from the cut made by the beam. Adrammelech grinned as he saw Marche still airborne. He slashed out through the air quickly, causing a wave of beams to appear, and struck Marche repeatedly into the wall. Adrammelech did not stop, just continued striking at the young man as dust and debris covered the Divine Beast's vision of Marche.
"You will be shredded to pieces, Marche Radiuju."
Adrammelech declared as he kept the projectile attack going for a while longer. Once satisfied it halted it's attack and waited for the dust cloud to disappear. Babus also looked down with anticipation. Marche lay on the ground in one piece, much to the dismay of both Babus and Adrammelech. Marche's clothes, however, where even worse off then the first two Divine Beast battles as there were only a few shreds left to cover his bare essentials slightly. Otherwise, Marche was almost completely naked. Large red whelts and bruises lined Marche's body, but other than that, it seemed Adrammelech ruthless onslaught hadn't cut the young man into pieces as originally thought. Adrammelech went and held the body up.
"His body should be in tact. What is happening here."
Adrammelech questioned, but suddenly, Marche's body was no longer in his arms. Adrammelech felt to it's knees as deep cuts soon ran along it's body. The unseeing blows Marche caused along the Divine Beast's body was strong enough to penetrate through it's tough flesh. Adrammelech cursed as he turned his head, seeing Marche standing behind him.
"I am defeated. I though you would have a weakness if your sword was removed from combat, but it seems you body alone houses your true strength. Without your sword to weigh you down, I did not even see or feel as you ripped through my body."
Adrammelech declared before it's body became beams of light which exited the ruin.
------
Sarika, Nelgae Caverns entrance
Victory's body twinkled brightly as he inherited the power of the Divine Beast. He smiled at all the others.
"He has succeeded once more."
------
Ruins of a temple, Ivalice(?)
"How long are you going to stay up there?"
Marche asked. Babus knew he had been sensed and floated down from the ceiling.
"So why were you here, Babus?"
Marche asked weakly as he lay on the ground and panted heavily. Before Babus could say anything, another image of Mewt appeared, but the figure was so distorted, the two could barely make it out.
"...ma, ma...wh...ere...ar...e...yu...o...?"
Even the voice was distorted. Soon the image cleared up and Babus stared in surprise.
"What in Ivalice..."
He began but couldn't finish his sentence as the whole temple turned into a snow invested town. Mewt was there, as a little boy with clothes Babus had never seen before. The image of the mysterious young Mewt looked around anxiously.
"Babus!"
The boy said in a commanding tone. As it was customary, Babus spoke.
"Prince?!"
The words came out more as a surprise to Babus than anything else. Mewt looked around again.
"No one's here...where are you? Huh? Babus, where are you!"
Babus looked strangely at the image.
"He's searching for me..."
Babus began as the area returned to normal. Marche looked at Babus.
"Do you understand now? That's the world we belong to, not this one."
"It was as you say..."
Babus began. The image of the young Mewt looking so afraid, especially in that odd world Babus saw made him look sternly at Marche.
"...That world, what value does it hold for you? Money? Power? To get it back, you would hurt the Prince like that?"
Marche could hear the angry tone arising in Babus's voice.
"Well..."
Marche was about to sum up the words to say but Babus would hear none of it.
"Can't answer it, can you? You are more pathetic than I thought. Hurting not only the Prince, but this entire world...I will stop you someday."
Babus teleported away. Marche growled deep in his throat.
"I don't care about money and power. All I want is to help my friend realize that he'll keep on running if he can't face reality. He's still running, even in this dream world, Babus. Rather than face the people of his country head on he just makes Laws to keep them away from him. Is that true living?"
Marche said to himself as he sat on the cold floor. He knew the majority of the residence here was against him. He would stand strong to his beliefs, however, because it was what he followed from the heart. Even if the whole country went against him, he would not falter. It was his own heart he believed to be right, and no one else's heart to sway him differently.
***TBC***
Note: Sorry for not updating sooner. I have no excuse except I was being lazy. Next chapter won't be up for a while, unfortunately. Anyway, Llednar is making a guest appearance for a while in that next chapter, but he'll probably really figure in the story more towards chapter 14 or 15. Sorry about that, for anyone( especially Feral Claws) who was hoping he would have figured into the story more in chapter 13. Be patient though, he'll be there. He has to be, right?
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.
------
Outskirts of Cyril City
"Marche, are you okay?"
Ritz asked after she returned from the shock of seeing Marche's face getting kicked into the soft ground beneath the grass. Marche let out a muffled groan before Montblanc got off of his head.
"Montblanc...oh, I have a serious headache."
Marche mumbled. Montblanc simply crossed his arms.
"I told you not to strain yourself, kupo. Remember our talk yesterday, kupo?"
"Yes, I remember. Ritz needed help, though, and the rest of our clan was away on another mission. I had to do something, but don't worry, I didn't really strain anything thanks to Boco."
"Boco...who is that, kupo?"
Montblanc asked with curiosity. Marche let out a loud wark sound, and Boco came running towards the three. Montblanc's eyes bulged.
"Clans can't own any Chocobos. Where did you find this one, kupo?"
"I had Worker No. 8 save him and he decided to repay me, that's all."
Marche said. Now Ritz jumped into their conversation.
"Wait a minute, you can speak in the monster tongue? I thought only Nu Mous could do that."
"Well..."
Marche just scratched his head, mentally kicking himself for having brought Boco come into the conversation. In the real Ivalice of his birth, humans learned to speak with the monsters, since Nu Mous never existed.
'What have I gotten myself into?'
"Hey Ritz, I'm tired. Let's return back to the rest of our clan, shall we?"
Shara declared walking up to the group. Ritz turned to her.
"Your right, we should be heading out. Okay, I guess we overstayed so we'll be going now. See you later, Marche."
Ritz said as she and Shara bid them farewell. Marche was glad that he wouldn't have to explain himself to her. Montblanc, unfortunately, was another story. Marche decided a change of subject was in order.
"Hey Montblanc, we should head back, too..."
"Why don't you answer Ritz's question for me, kupo."
Montblanc said firmly. He believed Marche's story about Boco being saved, but how Marche was able to learn the monster tongue and be so shortly aquatinted with this Ivalice got Montblanc curious. There was something being hidden from the clan by Marche, Montblanc knew it, but never questioned it until he witnessed Marche's mysterious powers against Famfreet. He never brought his questions to light until now, and he wanted answers.
"Look, Montblanc...I wish I could tell you that answer, but I can't. Please drop it, okay?"
Marche said. Montblanc didn't like it, but ultimately decided to stop the questioning.
"Alright, Marche. You are entitled to your secrets, kupo. Please try and get some rest, so you'll be healed up and ready to go sooner, kupo."
"Of course Montblanc. I'm sorry that I worried you."
"Apology accepted, kupo."
------
Royal Palace, Remedi's room
"You summoned me, Highness?"
The Nu Mou Royal Advisor, Babus asked as he bowed politely to the Queen. She nodded.
"Yes, Babus. Please listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you."
Remedi said. Babus nodded.
"Of course, your Highness."
"Good. I wish for you to take some of the troops to the Emerald Fortress in the Sarika Woods."
Babus looked a bit puzzled.
"Of course I can do that, but may I ask why?"
"The Divine Beast and second Crystal of Roda Volcano have been destroyed. The same clan who destroyed the first Crystal of the Yulei River also is responsible for the first one."
"A clan is destroying the Crystals? Why do we tolerate them to do as they please, your Highness?"
"There is one thing that bothers me more than what your telling me, Babus. I was able to speak to Ultima shortly before his passing. He told me that both he and Famfreet were defeated not by the entire clan, but just in a one on one death match with the leader of the clan."
Remedi said. Babus eyes shown with shock and disbelief. He became quiet and thought deeply about what he was just told.
"If I remember correctly, a Divine Beast should not be able to lose to mortal beings, correct? So how is it that just one person can defeat them?"
"That's what I would like to know. Babus, on the battle field, your analyzing skills are second to none. I have no doubt that the leader of the clan, Mache Radiuju, will soon learn the where abouts of the third Crystal in Sarika. I want you to be there and do battle with his clan, and you fight him personally. See if you can find how he has the power to defeat the Divine Beasts. How you find the answer is up to you, but I want you to find it. I'll let my husband take care of things afterwards. You must succeed, Babus. I have a feeling that Mewt is the center of this. With each Crystal's destruction, my son is being destroyed by that boy. Actions must be taken."
Remedi said as she clenched her fists tightly together. Babus understood fully, and after bidding the Queen farewell, he walked out of the room.
'I will not allow him to harm the Prince any longer. I'll find out everything about this Marche Radiuju and expose it to light.'
------
Cyril City, Marche and Montblanc's table
"Your serious?"
Marche questioned Montblanc as they sat at their usual table. Montblanc nodded slowly.
"I hate to say it, Marche, but our clan is starting be pin pointed as criminals, kupo. Some of the local traders had been talking about how they heard about the Royal Family preparing to apprehend a certain clan for violating the Laws of Ivalice repeatedly. There is no doubt in my mind that we are the clan being sought out by the Royal Family, kupo. The people of Cyril still allow us their protection from the Royal Family, but I do not want to burden them, kupo."
Marche let the words sink in. He knew it had not been a good idea of him riding onto a battlefield, nor was it a good idea by his clan members to engage into an all out war without calling a Judge. Plus their clan used Anti-Laws, just like Ezel did.
"Your right, we shouldn't burden them. I've got the latest mission information with me. Apparently the Royal Mage Academy has given up on their search of finding a fabled giant emerald. I think it might be a Crystal. Sarika is very far from Cyril, so I think the best thing to do is for us to hurry up there and investigate before any other clan does. Afterwards, we'll try and find some place to hide ourselves."
"Sounds good, kupo. Still, how will we be able to reach Sarika so quickly when it is so far away, kupo?"
"Just leave the transportation to a certain feathered friend of mine."
------
Emerald Fortress, Sarika Woods
"Alright, were here."
Marche said. Thanks to his friendly connections with the bartender, Marche was able to purchase a travel wagon for a very cheap amount of gil. With Boco's power, it was easy to transport the entire clan across the terrain between Cyril and Sarika in about day, where it would take about two normal chocbos hauling a wagon about a week of travel to reach this far.
"There's lights in the Fortress, kupo. Do you think another clan beat us to it, kupo?"
"I doubt it. The mission report we got today is suppose to be released tomorrow. I wonder...Montblanc, do some scouting around. Find out what's going on up there. The rest of us will set up camp."
Everyone obeyed. Montblanc flew towards the lonely stone fortress on the hill near the other end of the Forrest. Marche decide to set up camp far away so that whoever the Fortress residence were, they would most likely not see the smoke rising from their camp fire.
Two hours into the night...
Montblanc had returned from his scouting mission. Everyone laid near the fire for warmth. Montblanc sat next to Marche and began explaining the situation.
"I have the feeling we've been set up, kupo. It looks like a Royal Mage member is leading a sizable amount of troops within the Fortress, however, I don't think their treasure hunting for the fabled emerald, kupo. I think they may have already found it and are guarding it. I'm sure it's at the very end of the back of the Fortress, the last two rooms were not penetrable, though, kupo."
Montblanc said, finishing his report.
"So the Fortress is fairly welled guarded then...I think were going to need a distraction."
------
Emerald Fortress, The second to the last room
"Sir, we need reinforcements out there. The three treasure hunters want to get in and search for the emerald."
A guard addressed to Babus.
"Only three of them? What do they look like?"
"I'm not sure. They were garbed in long tattered robes that obscure most of their bodies. One is using a giant single bladed sword, the other has a gun and the last is a giant of a man using his bare fists. That is all I can gather."
The guard finished. Babus stroked his chin with thought.
"Fine, take about half the remaining guards here. The rest stay with me."
"Yes sir."
------
Emerald Fortress, Half way through
"Cloud, Mustadio and Worker No. 8 were the perfect distractions."
Marche said as he rushed in the lead of the rest of his clan, who were following what appeared to be the best route to rush past with out walking into the reinforcements. Marche had planned the infiltration perfectly, as they totally avoided the guards rushing past them in another hall, who were making their way to the battlefield outside of the Fortress. It wasn't long before Marche and clan made it to the second to the last room. two large wooden doors was all that guarded their sight of the contents of the room.
"Hey Celine, do you hear anyone in there?"
Marche asked as he stepped aside and let the Viera pass him and put a long ear to the door and listen intently for a little while.
"I'm guessing that there are about twenty or so."
She concluded. Marche thought for a bit.
"Let's go."
He said lowly, before stepping up to the door once more. Marche pushed the left door while Montblanc pushed the right. The room was lit brightly with candles, and it was easy to make out the armed guards of various races with spear in hand.
"Marche, let us take care of these soldiers and you go ahead to the final room, kupo. The Crystal should be there, kupo."
Montblanc said.
"Over our dead bodies"
An armored Viera said as her grip tightened on her spear. With no more words to be exchanged, the remaining Clan Ruglia, minus Marche, and the Royal guards battled in earnest. It had been very good practice for Clan Ruglia when they fought the large amount of thieves back in Koring Woods. Even with the long reach of the spears, the guards were no match as the small clan fought, creating a path for Marche to walk through and get to the final room. Marche turned back to the battle, simply wishing his clan good luck, before proceeding onward. The final room was dimly lit, and a large crystal loomed in the center of the room. Marche looked at it suspiciously.
'This is not a true Crystal...it must be a replica of sorts...huh...?'
Marche narrowed his eyes
"Show yourself right now. I don't have time for these games."
Marche said as he looked around. He could feel someone's presence. He soon heard clapping as a white mist rose up from the ground , before disappearing suddenly. The room's candles brightened the room considerably as it blinded Marche slightly. In place of the Crystal was a simple, tall, stone pillar.
'The pillar was put under magic to give it the illusion of a real Crystal...'
Marche thought as a Nu Mou dressed in fine royal robes stepped from behind it. The two stared at each other for a moment.
"I'm rather impressed. I thought my presence was completely masked from the senses. It's good to finally meet you, Marche Radiuju."
"I guess I don't need to introduce myself. So then, who are you?"
Marche asked calmly. The Nu Mou appeared rather old and frail but Marche was not convinced that he was helpless.
"Forgive me, I'm being rude, am I not? I am Babus, a magician of the Royal family, and the Court of his young Highness, Prince Mewt. I am here investigating this place by royal orders."
Babus said with a slight, regal bow.
"So, your a retainer to Mewt, huh?"
"And you came here to try and destroy the emerald Crystal, correct? Unfortunately, it isn't here. It resides farther north of here, at the desolate cave of the Nelgae Cavern. We've simply stated it was here in hopes that you and your clan would come here. You've simply fallen into a trap, that's all."
"Yeah, I figured as much before I got here. Still, it was the only promising lead I've had for a while. Before we start, let me just thank you Babus, for telling me where it really resides."
Marche said calmly as he got into his fighting stance, shifting the large blade from his shoulder to his side effortlessly. On a number of levels, Babus was impressed by Marche.
'This Marche...he has fine insight...I can see why he has lead his Clan so high up in the ranks of those other would be Clans. I know he's very dangerous, however, I don't feel like he would have the power to defeat a Divine Beast all by itself. He may be hiding it from me...I must find a way to push him to his limits...'
"Tell me something, Marche. Why is it that you seek the Crystals and destroy them?"
Babus asked, eyeing the young man critically. Although Marche felt the subject to be rather touchy, he kept his emotions from getting the better of him, and kept the mask of calmness on his face.
"Look, Babus...I really don't have any true evidence as to why Mewt would want to reshape this world as it is now from what it used to be, but it should not be in his right to do so. That 's the reason I want to return everything to normal..."
Marche would have tried to continue, but he knew his words were not very well received by Babus by the look of anger that rose up within the Nu Mou Mage, if only for a brief moment.
"What do you mean by that? Reshape this world into something it didn't used to be? What are you babbling about?"
"I didn't think you would understand me..."
Marche said but was cut off by Babus.
"Enough. Your claims are far fetched, even if you make a superb leader to your clan. All I know is that you are hurting the Prince. I don't know whether that's your intention under that false claim but I will find my answers from you. Let's begin."
Babus backed away from Marche and started to cast any and all elemental spells known to Ivalice. Marche dodged all of them quickly as he made his way closer to the Nu Mou. Babus was not oblivious to the fact that Marche was coming up closer, and in turn would move to be farther out of harms way, knowing full well that Marche's attacks would be the end of him. When Babus could not hit him with such spells as the Firaga or Thundaga, he resorted to the more powerful ones, like Demi and Flare. With all his battle experience, Marche already knew how to avoid them with ease.
"How frustrating you are, Marche."
Babus said before casting a Flare spell at the young man, the words were Marche's cue that the Nu Mou was losing his focus, and found that he was at a good enough distance to dash up and strike Babus. As the Flare spell went out, Marche escaped the blast, using the momentum of it to head straight to a very confused Babus, who soon bowed over in pain as Marche struck him like he would a base ball, sending the old Nu Mou into the wall. Babus slumped down to the cool stone ground breathing heavily, and mentally cursing himself for letting Marche get the better of him, and use his Flare spell to work against him. Marche kneeled down to the Nu Mou, producing a potion from his dark violet sleeve and handing it to Babus.
"Here, take this."
Marche said. Babus took it wordlessly, and Marche got up, ready to leave. Before he was about to open the door and exit the room, Babus asked him something.
"You said you wanted to return this world to normal. What do you mean by that?"
"I told you..."
"I know, but I'm willing to listen fully now."
"Fine..."
Marche let out a sigh, still not turning to face Babus.
"...Ivalice, this world, is not originally a country. It started out as a small town in a snowy region. Mewt, myself, and the other two lived there. Mewt is not a real Prince, he's only a child, same as me, stuck in adult versions of ourselves. It's the same for the other two..."
Babus had drunk the potion, but was not at full strength. He lifted himself up with the support of the wall.
"You would dare insult the Prince...well, I am no longer in condition to do battle, but...in my eyes, you will always be an enemy to the Royal Family and Court, Marche Radiuju."
The Nu Mou said before teleporting within dots of light. Marche sighed.
"It's time to head to the place Babus mentioned. He and Mewt will be dealed with later."
------
Sarika Woods, Nelgae Caverns entrance
"Let me go on ahead and deal with the Divine Beast while you all rest up from the battle at the Emerald Fortress, okay?"
Marche said as everyone nodded. He entered the dark cave wordlessly.
'Damn it, I might need a candle...'
A misty sphere of light flickered in front of him. It started moving slowly ahead, casting it's light around the dark cave.
"A human soul...does it want me to follow...?"
Soon the soul and himself met with a dead end. Marche narrowed his eyes. Suddenly the cave went totally black as Marche felt himself being propelled forward into the murky darkness.
------
Ruins of a temple, Ivalice(?)
'Here we go again.'
Marche thought, mentally preparing himself. The soul floated in front of him.
"The human soul...?"
Before Marche could say anything else, a giant, lion headed green beast appeared suddenly, swallowing the soul in it's gaping maw. Marche narrowed his eyes as his body stiffed, ready to do combat. The lion beast Divine Beast looked down at him.
"An intruder...I have waited for this. You are the very one I seek. The Marche Radiuju who defeated my other brethren single handily."
The Divine Beast grinned ferally at Marche.
"I'm sure your aware that I'm here to destroy that Crystal and in turn, the Point of Binding. So who are you, Divine Beast?"
Marche asked with a calm manner.
"I am known as Adrammelech, the Sprit God of Wrath. Show me the power that defeated the first two."
Marche's eye again went crimson. The two sized each other up for a moment before attacking at once. Blade and claw met as the two felt the jarring impact from each blows strength. Retreating a little, Marche waited as Adrammelech hurled forward, spinning into a ball and rolling towards the swordsman. Marche dodged to the right, but was caught by a swaying claw as Adrammelech got out of his rolled up form and slashed into the man's back. Marche only grunted before twisting his body and swinging out horizontally and catching the beast in the cheek and making it reel back slightly by the force of the blow.
'Impossible. Where did all this power come from...he still seems normal to me.'
Within the shadows of the ceiling, Babus watched what he could, but the combatants moved very fast, and Babus found it hard to keep up with either of them. He had told Marche the location of the next Crystal so he would know where to head and fight the Divine Beast. This was all part in Babus's plan to analyze Marche's power. However, Babus could not deduce any changes within the young man as he clashed with Adrammelech.
"You have great power, Marche Radiuju. I felt all the pain from those blows you dealt me."
Adrammelech commented as he grabbed Marche quickly and brought him in a bear hug, hoping to crush Marche. Marche saw it coming, and brought out his feet and implanted them in Adrammelech's chest, not allowing it to fully squeeze him. The beast then tried to bite Marche, since his bear hug failed, but Marche struck Adrammelech in the throat, making the beast cough up blood and release him. When Marche touched ground, he made a wide sweeping motion with his blade and tripped Adrammelech, making it fall to it's side.
"DIE!!"
Adrammelech roared as he jabbed quickly up at Marche and striking the young man back before he could retaliate while it was on the ground. It rose quickly, staring at Marche as he landed a safe distance away. Adrammelech reeled it's claws back before slashing in a diagonal motion, sending red beams of energy at Marche. They came quickly as Marche brought up his sword to defend the attack, but the boomerang shaped crimson energy went right through the blade, slashing Marche and uplifting him up on the ground. The Defender split into three pieces from the cut made by the beam. Adrammelech grinned as he saw Marche still airborne. He slashed out through the air quickly, causing a wave of beams to appear, and struck Marche repeatedly into the wall. Adrammelech did not stop, just continued striking at the young man as dust and debris covered the Divine Beast's vision of Marche.
"You will be shredded to pieces, Marche Radiuju."
Adrammelech declared as he kept the projectile attack going for a while longer. Once satisfied it halted it's attack and waited for the dust cloud to disappear. Babus also looked down with anticipation. Marche lay on the ground in one piece, much to the dismay of both Babus and Adrammelech. Marche's clothes, however, where even worse off then the first two Divine Beast battles as there were only a few shreds left to cover his bare essentials slightly. Otherwise, Marche was almost completely naked. Large red whelts and bruises lined Marche's body, but other than that, it seemed Adrammelech ruthless onslaught hadn't cut the young man into pieces as originally thought. Adrammelech went and held the body up.
"His body should be in tact. What is happening here."
Adrammelech questioned, but suddenly, Marche's body was no longer in his arms. Adrammelech felt to it's knees as deep cuts soon ran along it's body. The unseeing blows Marche caused along the Divine Beast's body was strong enough to penetrate through it's tough flesh. Adrammelech cursed as he turned his head, seeing Marche standing behind him.
"I am defeated. I though you would have a weakness if your sword was removed from combat, but it seems you body alone houses your true strength. Without your sword to weigh you down, I did not even see or feel as you ripped through my body."
Adrammelech declared before it's body became beams of light which exited the ruin.
------
Sarika, Nelgae Caverns entrance
Victory's body twinkled brightly as he inherited the power of the Divine Beast. He smiled at all the others.
"He has succeeded once more."
------
Ruins of a temple, Ivalice(?)
"How long are you going to stay up there?"
Marche asked. Babus knew he had been sensed and floated down from the ceiling.
"So why were you here, Babus?"
Marche asked weakly as he lay on the ground and panted heavily. Before Babus could say anything, another image of Mewt appeared, but the figure was so distorted, the two could barely make it out.
"...ma, ma...wh...ere...ar...e...yu...o...?"
Even the voice was distorted. Soon the image cleared up and Babus stared in surprise.
"What in Ivalice..."
He began but couldn't finish his sentence as the whole temple turned into a snow invested town. Mewt was there, as a little boy with clothes Babus had never seen before. The image of the mysterious young Mewt looked around anxiously.
"Babus!"
The boy said in a commanding tone. As it was customary, Babus spoke.
"Prince?!"
The words came out more as a surprise to Babus than anything else. Mewt looked around again.
"No one's here...where are you? Huh? Babus, where are you!"
Babus looked strangely at the image.
"He's searching for me..."
Babus began as the area returned to normal. Marche looked at Babus.
"Do you understand now? That's the world we belong to, not this one."
"It was as you say..."
Babus began. The image of the young Mewt looking so afraid, especially in that odd world Babus saw made him look sternly at Marche.
"...That world, what value does it hold for you? Money? Power? To get it back, you would hurt the Prince like that?"
Marche could hear the angry tone arising in Babus's voice.
"Well..."
Marche was about to sum up the words to say but Babus would hear none of it.
"Can't answer it, can you? You are more pathetic than I thought. Hurting not only the Prince, but this entire world...I will stop you someday."
Babus teleported away. Marche growled deep in his throat.
"I don't care about money and power. All I want is to help my friend realize that he'll keep on running if he can't face reality. He's still running, even in this dream world, Babus. Rather than face the people of his country head on he just makes Laws to keep them away from him. Is that true living?"
Marche said to himself as he sat on the cold floor. He knew the majority of the residence here was against him. He would stand strong to his beliefs, however, because it was what he followed from the heart. Even if the whole country went against him, he would not falter. It was his own heart he believed to be right, and no one else's heart to sway him differently.
***TBC***
Note: Sorry for not updating sooner. I have no excuse except I was being lazy. Next chapter won't be up for a while, unfortunately. Anyway, Llednar is making a guest appearance for a while in that next chapter, but he'll probably really figure in the story more towards chapter 14 or 15. Sorry about that, for anyone( especially Feral Claws) who was hoping he would have figured into the story more in chapter 13. Be patient though, he'll be there. He has to be, right?