Chapter 17
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: Most (if not all) of the characters appearing within this story do not actually belong to me, but rather, are creations of the brilliant minds within Square Soft / Square Enix. I make no claim over any of them.
"..."-Indicate Speech
'...'-Indicate Thought
------
The Materia Forrest
"I wonder if this is a good one? Hey Cloud, what do you think?"
Marche asked as he turned to his companion. Cloud had extensive knowledge of the value of Materia, since it was a source of energy in his world. Cloud inspected the piece Marche found carefully.
"This should do quite nicely. This area of the forest really does produce some of the best Materia I've seen in a while."
Cloud stated. Marche nodded.
"I guess we should take a bit more of this Materia to Nono and see what he can do with it. I should call Boco. I haven't really had the time to see him lately, anyway."
Marche said.
"I don't think he'll come to help."
Cloud stated. Marche turned towards him.
"What do you mean?"
He asked. Cloud folded his arms together to think.
"I should have brought this up earlier. Before Mustadio departed from the clan, he told me that not only he and Worker No. 8 were needed for your other eye, but all of your old companions. I have a feeling that means all the others we met from your previous life, like Agrias, Meliadoul, Beowulf, Reis, and even Boco. What exactly for is beyond me, that was all I was told."
Cloud explained. Marche put a hand to his chin in thought.
'Everyone who I saw from my previous life...I can't think of why they would all be needed...I guess I'll have to wait for Mustadio's explanation.'
"If that's what Mustadio said, then I guess your probably right. Hey everyone, over here!"
Marche called to the rest of his clan. Once everyone was in sight he began to explain the Materia to them.
"Alright, according to Cloud, this one should be the best Materia around. Were all going to have to haul chunks of it back to Nono. I'm sure the more he has, the better the gift will be!"
Everyone agreed. Their moment of joy wouldn't last however.
"Looks like that tipster's information was right. Seems you found quite a healthy Materia well spring too."
A Wizard said as he came from behind a tree. Marche narrowed his eyes.
'Damn it. Doned was able to track me and lure this clan over.'
Marche thought. An Assassin came from behind another tree.
"That Materia would fetch quite a lot of gil, too. Add that to the Bounty, and we'd be set for life."
She explained with a smirk. More Assassins came out from behind other trees.
"Is it just me, or are other clans starting to get so many members to create a miniature army?"
Marche asked as he looked from side to side. Assassins were some of the most dangerous of warriors, since they had special techniques that could kill someone in just one hit.
"Maybe your just to popular for your own good."
Cloud said jokingly. He drew his Buster Sword out and got into a fighting stance.
"All of you be careful. These Assassins don't play around. They could kill you in an instant, so keep your guard up and try and defeat them as quickly as possible."
Marche warned as he drew his blade forth. The Assassins came quickly towards the small surrounded clan. Being Viera, they were swift on their feet and almost soundless. Their overconfidence was going to prove to be their undoing, however. This is why Marche kept his clan small. Over the time spent with them, he helped the members of his clan to be able to fight one against great odds, and it had showed in their previous encounters with enemy clans almost four times their size.
'Here they come...'
Marche thought. One came swiftly to his left, her katana blades raised high. Marche brought his blade out forcefully to guard the twin blows of her swords, while catching her off balance with the shift in weight. While the Assassin was dealing with the weight put on her, she didn't notice until it was too late as Marche let his blade pierce the ground and he flipped over the blade, while his arms guided him as they stayed holding the pommel of his sword. The Assassin was struck from behind as Marche kicked her with both legs, sending her face first into the wide blade with a clang. As another Assassin came, Marche brought his blade out in a wide arch which smashed her form to the ground. While Marche fought with more of a counter attacking method of battling, Cloud's was much more offensive and to the point. His more experienced hands allowed him to wield his massive sword with more ease, if not more grace.
"I thought this would be more challenging."
Cloud muttered as an Assassin came towards him, only to be struck with a wide horizontal slash that broke through her swords and her throat, spraying blood on the ground. He turned to block another Assassins attacks as he ensnared her blades with his clawed hand, then pulling her roughly towards him to impale her on the blade of his sword. Victory could not match the Viera Assassins in speed, but his tough hide allowed him to absorb most of the blows from the swords. If the Assassins decided to use one of their killing arts to do away with him instantly, they were met with a complicated grappling counter maneuver. He was backed up mostly by Celine, who helped to hold some of the Assassins at bay with her quick sword skills to match the Assassins. Montblanc allowed himself to play decoy for a while as he would fly about some of the Assassins as they would get picked off by either Hedges spells, or Rooty's arrows.
'This clan must be inhuman...maybe we should retreat?'
Thought the Wizard clan leader as he watched his trained clan of Assassins being decimated by the lower odds. He had heard of the inhuman might of Clan Ruglia, but stories could not truly compare to the real thing. Eventually all of his clan members were either unconscious or killed.
"I guess that just leaves you."
Marche stated as he turned to face the Wizard.
"Seems you won this time. I'll retreat for now, but don't worry I'll be back."
Before the Wizard could turn around and run off, an arrow struck him in the throat, killing him instantly.
"I don't think so."
Rooty said. The clan members of Clan Ruglia lowered their guards. Marche looked around.
"Come out here, Doned. I know your here."
As if on cue, the Materia well spring exploded. Marche, who was the closest to it, was sent to the ground by the force of the blast, making the piece of Materia he held in his hand roll away on the forest ground. Before the piece of Materia rolled away to far, a foot came in front of it to stop it. Doned picked up the piece of Materia and inspected it closely as he turned it around in his hand.
"Wow, this is cool, brother. Thanks for finding such a big piece of Materia for me."
Doned said. His eyes gleamed with wonder as he stared at the shining stone. Marche got up to his knees.
"Hand it over, Doned."
Marche said firmly. He didn't like the feeling of this scenario. Doned smiled.
"You were planning on making a gift out of Materia for the Prince, weren't you, brother? I hear gifts made out of Materia are some of the Prince's favorite."
Doned stated.
"..."
Marche was about to say something be decided to remain silent as he stared intently at his younger brother. Doned continued.
"So what were you going to fashion out of this piece. A True Magic Gun, perhaps? Or maybe...a Calbrena doll? I want one, too!"
Doned said excitedly. Marche stood up fully and brought his free hand forward.
"Go get your own then. That one belongs to me, brother."
Marche said. Doned narrowed his eyes.
"I already know your trying to meet with Mewt and return the world as it was. I won't let you, though."
Doned brought his arm up, before swinging it downward with all his might, throwing the Materia onto the ground. The Materia shattered like glass on impact. Marche's eyes widened in surprise.
"NO!"
It was to late. The damage was done. Doned smirked in triumph. Marche narrowed his eyes dangerously. He wants so badly to strike his brother down, but miraculously restrained himself.
"You won't change this world back brother. I will always be there to stop your efforts. Understand?"
Doned asked. Marche growled.
"You won't be able to stop me forever, and you know it! This place isn't even real, so what's the point in staying, Doned?!"
Marche stated. Doned clenched his fists tightly in anger.
"Shut up! I don't want to go back! Sure...it's okay for you, you can walk to school and make new friends and play outside while I have to be confined in our house in a stupid wheel chair. Don't you stop to consider my feelings? Even if this world returns to normal, you'd still have everything while I'll be left with nothing!"
Doned was breathing heavily after his rant. He turned and ran from the clan as fast as possible. Celine was prepared to run after him, but Marche went first, leaving his sword discarded on the ground.
"You all stay here and let me handle this!"
Marche said as he ran off to catch Doned.
"Doned, wait for me."
Marche kept running further but unfortunately lost sight of Doned. Marche eventually stopped, knowing he lost his brother once again.
'Doned...if you think I have everything, your wrong...you still have something I lack...you just don't know it...your power to endure will always be greater than my own...'
------
The Royal Court of the Randell Family, Outside the building
"You seem a bit nervous, Marche, kupo. Just relax, or you may blow your cover, kupo."
Montblanc told Marche. The two of them were waiting in a big line of races who were all dressed formally for the occasion. Marche and Montblanc themselves were not dressed for battle. The two wore matching black suits with white tuxes. Marche scratched the back of his head nervously.
"That's easy for you to say Montblanc. Don't forget that the Royal family did put a bounty on my head. This could be one big set up, you know?"
Marche stated. Montblanc shook his head.
"Remember that you were the one who decided to go with this plan., kupo."
Montblanc said. Marche nodded.
"Alright, that's true. Still...I have to admit, Nono is one amazing Moogle. Even with those fragments of Materia he was still able to create an amazing gift."
Marche stated with joy as he pulled out a wrapped box that housed the gift to be presented to Mewt. Montblanc smiled.
"Of course, kupo. He's great at overcoming adversity, kupo."
Montblanc said beaming. Marche grinned.
"This Lugae Borg doll will definitely please Mewt. Of that, I'm sure."
Marche said. Montblanc fluttered in the air briefly looking ahead of everyone, or so it seemed.
"What's up, Montblanc?"
Marche asked as he looked to the flying Moogle.
"Hey, I think I see Ritz! Wow, that is some dress..."
Upon hearing that, Marche jumped up in the air to see if he could see what Montblanc was talking about.
"What? Ritz is here? Where?"
Marche said, interrupting the Moogle. He soon heard Montblanc laugh.
"Ha, made you look, kupo!"
Marche grabbed the Moogle by the head and glared at him.
"Why you little..."
Marche began. Montblanc waved his arms in front of him apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Marche, kupo. I won't do it again, kupo."
Montblanc pleaded. Marche sighed.
"You better not."
Marche warned as he blushed slightly.
------
The Royal Court of the Randell Family, Inside the building
"That's strange. He's taking his sweet time. All the other guests have already made their exchanges..."
Marche said as he looked around the empty room.
"I've got a bad feeling...something must be up, kupo."
Montblanc said. Marche put a hand to his chin in thought.
"I wonder what, though...maybe there was some kind of trouble with the audience or..."
Before Marche could say anything else, several Royal Guards came from the door opposite of them as the doors behind Marche and Montblanc closed and locked automatically.
"...your cover's been blown, kupo."
Montblanc finished for him. Marche gritted his teeth together.
"Apprehend that young man!"
One of the guards stated. They all pulled out weapons, mostly spears and swords. Some brought out the occasional bow or crossbow. Montblanc sighed.
"We come this far only to fall into a trap, kupo."
Montblanc said.
"Actually, a good Samaritan gave us the lead of your arrival. Too bad for you two, the main figure heads of Clan Ruglia."
A guard said. Marche narrowed his eyes.
"I'm sure that's Doned's doing again."
Marche said. Since no guests brought any weapons, neither did Marche or Montblanc. Regardless, the two got into fighting stances, prepared to combat the guards bare handed.
"You two are indeed stubborn. Oh well, not my problem. Capture them!"
A guard ordered. Marche and Montblanc wasted no time. They quickly advanced on the armed guards. Being that the Guards were heavily armored, they could move quickly. Marche and Montblanc quickly swayed between their ranks to strike down the Archers first, so they wouldn't get damaged from behind and unprepared. Once the Archers were down the two faced off with the close ranged guards. Marche and Montblanc made quick work out of them by striking the armored opponents with break techniques to easily access their weak points and defeat them quickly so reinforcements wouldn't swarm the two.
"Come on, Montblanc. Let's hurry and find Mewt!"
Marche said as he knocked the last guard unconscious. Montblanc only nodded before he was flying by Marche's side. They got the doors opened and prepared to navigate through the palace and find Mewt.
------
The Palace Halls
Marche and Montblanc tried to find Mewt with little success. They would always have to hide behind draperies or statues as more guards headed towards the court to try and find the two fugitives.
"Damn, this isn't good. They'll begin searching through the halls soon and we have yet to find Mewt."
Marche muttered. He and Montblanc stopped as a flash of light came across their visions. Marche and Montblanc looked in surprise to see the one who stood before them.
"Babus...are you going to catch us?"
Marche asked as he brought up his fists to prepare for a fight. Babus brought his hand up.
"Time is short. I'll take you with the Prince, but you must trust me."
Marche eyed the aged Nu Mou briefly before nodding.
"Fine. But may I ask why your doing this?"
Marche asked him. Babus shook his head.
"Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not here to help you, Marche. I simply want to know what the Prince's wishes are. I need your power for that."
Babus explained. Marche raised a questioning eye brow.
"My power...?"
Marche began. Babus nodded.
"I understand next to nothing about this other world that you hail from, Marche. It is very unfortunate, but I need you. You who lived in the same world as he did..."
Babus stated. Marche looked oddly at Babus.
"Babus..."
Before Marche could finish, the three heard the fast approaching footsteps of reinforcements.
"We have no time. Let's be off..."
Babus said as he made a complex series of gesture with his hands before teleporting all three of them to where Mewt would be.
------
Mewt's Room
"Babus, where were you?"
Mewt demanded as he saw The Nu Mou step in. Babus sighed heavily.
"I was calling on someone."
Babus said. Mewt's eyes perked up when he heard that.
"Was it Mama? Were you calling Mama?"
Mewt said with twinkling eyes. Babus sighed before he stepped to the side of the door. The one that greeted Mewt was not one he wanted to see, however.
"Marche...!"
Mewt turned his hated gaze over to Babus.
"You...your going to betray me now, too, Babus?! Just like Papa did?!"
Mewt's voice grew with fury. Marche stepped further into the room, followed closely by Montblanc.
"Your wrong, Mewt. Babus did this out of genuine concern for your well being."
Marche said. Mewt glared at the one he used to call friend.
"You lie...why would he bring you before me like this? He was ordered to kidnap you!"
Mewt said angrily. Marche shook his head.
"Babus wants to know the truth. You know what I mean, Mewt. You keep trying to run away from yourself, Mewt!"
Marche stated. Mewt glared at Babus.
"Spill it then, Babus."
Mewt ordered.
"Well...it's just that I heard this world was created as just an escape for you. I believe that you are carrying problems that continue even in this Ivalice from this other world. I simply believe that you must face the truth in this other world..."
Babus was soon cut off by Mewt's words.
"SILENCE!! I've heard enough from you!"
Mewt growled. Babus stepped forward, unaffected by Mewt's outburst.
"Please bare with me a bit longer, your highness. I can understand now how this world came into existence..."
Again Babus was interrupted.
"SHUT UP!! That's an order, Babus! Or can't you follow that anymore? You don't know anything about me!"
Mewt said, as he began to clutch his head, as if in pain. Babus lowered his head sadly.
"While your like this, I can't understand your suffering. That is the reason...the only reason I brought him before you, so that I may understand more clearly."
Babus said. Mewt began shaking his head violently.
"Why do you have to go back Marche...why can't you just be happy here? What's so good in the real world that would make you go back...? Whatever it is...I'll never have it...all I'll get is a beating from all the other kids at school...all I'll get is a drunken father who can't be there for his own son...all I'll get is a mother who had to die and leave me..."
Mewt said, with obvious strain in his voice. He sounded as if he were talking more to himself than anyone else.
"...all I'll be is alone...Mama, where are you? Please hurry back, Mama..."
Mewt began. He soon found himself in a comforting embrace.
"There, there sweetie...Mama's here now. As long as you wish it, I'll always be here."
Remedi said. Mewt hugged her close to him.
"Mama...Mama..."
Mewt sighed happily. Marche narrowed his eyes.
"Don't believe that Mewt. That woman may look like your mother, but she isn't."
Marche told him. Remedi glared at Marche.
"Why do you insist on trying to take him back? That's not very nice at all."
Remedi said. Marche narrowed his eyes.
'I know that presence...'
"Where is he?"
Marche asked bluntly. Llednar made himself known as he stepped out from behind Remedi, saber in hand.
"Llednar...!"
Babus said in surprise. Marche gritted his teeth, knowing things were definitely not in his favor. Remedi turned her head from Llednar to Mewt.
"What do you want, dear? Do you want your guardian Llednar to take care of the mean boy?"
Remedi asked Mewt. Mewt calmed down significantly now that his mother and his guardian were here. He turned to Llednar.
"Llednar, destroy him. I want to see him suffer."
Mewt said, his voice dead serious. Llednar smirked.
"Well Marche, my highness has declared his wish and so he shall have it. Let us begin round two."
Babus and Montblanc looked wholly intent on fighting Llednar along with Marche, but he stopped them.
"You two get out of here."
Marche said.
"But..."
Montblanc began before he was interrupted harshly by Marche.
"No buts. Now get out of here."
Montblanc gave in. He turned to Babus.
"You heard him, kupo. Let's get outside, kupo. The clan's waiting."
Both Montblanc and Babus left quickly. Now only Marche, Llednar, Remedi and Mewt remained.
"Llednar..."
Marche said softly.
------
Outside the Royal Palace
The entire structure began falling apart. All the guests of the Present Day watched in fascination as it collapsed in a mass of brick and dust. Since all the guests were mostly from clans, all went to the collapsed ground to se what was going on.
"Hey, Ritz, you really are here, kupo."
Ritz turned her head to see Montblanc.
"Your...Montblanc, right? From Clan Ruglia?"
She asked. The Moogle nodded.
"Yeah, that's me, kupo."
Ritz turned to the remains of the castle.
"What's going on in there?"
She asked. Montblanc shrugged.
"Don't know, but I hope Marche is alright since he was still in there, kupo."
Ritz now stared wide eyed at the Moogle.
"WHAT?! Great, what's that idiot got himself into in there..."
Ritz muttered as she began walking towards the fallen structure.
"Whoa, where are you going, kupo?"
Montblanc asked. Ritz turned to face him.
"Hey, he's your leader, you and your clan should be the ones looking, not me."
Ritz stated.
"Ritz, what's going on?"
Shara came up to the woman and the Moogle.
"Seems Marche got himself into a fix in the castle."
Ritz said.
'Probably talking with Mewt...'
She thought as she walked through the remains of what used to be the Royal Court.
"Ritz, why are you here? Never mind, just get as far away as you can."
Ritz heard Marche say. He was a little further up ahead of where she, Shara and Montblanc were.
"What's going on, Marche?"
Ritz asked, ignoring his warning to go away. It would not have mattered, as she didn't get far.
'What the..there's some kind of barrier...'
Many other curious clan members came through the castle remains only to run into this barrier as well. Marche sighed.
'Curiosity is going to get them all killed...'
Marche didn't keep his head on the clan members long as he turned to face his main focus. Llednar stood in front of Remedi and Mewt with his saber drawn.
"You made me knock the whole castle down because you refused to remain still, Marche."
Llednar said with a smirk plastered on his face.
"Can it, Llednar. Let's get this over with."
Marche brought his fists up on a fighting stance. Llednar shook his head.
"Don't want to make your worthless life last a little longer? Well, it's fine with me."
Llednar brought his saber forward as he too assumed a fighting stance.
"Isn't that Clan Ruglia's leader? He must be crazy if he thinks he can take on Llednar and his barrier."
One random Clan member said.
"And look, he's going to try and take Llednar on bare handed...I know he's good and all but surely he doesn't expect to beat Llednar down with his fists..."
Another said. Many random comments came from the crowd of on lookers. Clan Ruglia was cursing because the barrier prevented them from giving Marche his sword.
"Give it up, Marche Radiuju. Llednar's an opponent you will never be able to defeat, not even in your dreams."
Remedi stated as she and Mewt watched closely. Marche did not say anything as his expression remained void of any emotions. Llednar was already overconfident, and with his barrier, he had a right to be. The two combatants side stepped in a circle, seeing any faltering in the others stance. To Llednar's slight surprise, Marche's stance faltered first. Llednar took initiative and dashed towards Marche, reeling his sword back and then swinging forward with a wide horizontal slash. To everyone's surprise, Marche jumped on his blade and ran along the length before he jumped over Llednar's head, sending a kick to the back of Llednar's head and making him stumble forward. Llednar quickly regained balance, but kept his back turned to Marche.
"What's wrong? Why don't you attack? Stalling for a Judge? Don't worry, Marche, I'll make sure you won't be in reach of a Judge this time around."
Llednar said in amusement. Marche was already well aware of this but knew something could happen if he stalled and waited for Judge Master Cid.
"Marche, kupo..."
Montblanc said sadly. With the barrier in the way, there was no way in or out. Marche was trapped, and their was no Judge Master to help. He had called for a Judge to see if there was any mean to get rid of the barrier, but the Judge had said it was beyond him and that Cid could do it, but was running an errand he couldn't ignore. Marche was truly alone for this one.
"Damn it..."
Marche muttered as he narrowly dodged a swipe of Llednar's blade. He counter attacked when he could to slow Llednar down, but Llednar seemed to only speed up and grow more powerful, as he tried to land a hit on the nimble Marche. Marche grunted when he finally felt a sting of pain. Llednar had cut a long gash on Marche's right arm before he followed with another on the chest. Marche retreated quickly enough so that he didn't take the full extent of the attack. Marche struck the ground hard with his fist, letting the ground crack in front of him. Llednar loss balance with the sudden Earth Slash Marche pulled off. Marche then tackled Llednar to the ground and some how enabled Llednar to let go of his sword as it slid across the ground. Marche tried to restrain Llednar, but he simply increased the size of his barrier, causing Marche to fly off him. Marche sailed through the air before flipping and landing on his feet. Llednar had been quicker and already retrieved his blade.
"Llednar, kill him already."
Mewt ordered. Llednar looked at Mewt for a moment before he turned to gaze at Marche.
"Such impatient people. Well, an order is still an order. It's time you felt my attack one more time before you die permanently..."
Llednar then turned to Clan Ruglia, seeing that Cloud held Marche's sword.
"You, toss the sword in here. Only your arm and the sword will be able to make it through, so don't even try and get in here if you don't want to be killed."
Llednar told him. Cloud tossed the sword as he was told. It penetrated the ground a little ahead of Marche's feet. Marche grabbed it slowly.
'Can I really defend against the Omega Crush...?'
The thought rushed through Marche's head repeatedly.
'Will I fail to carry out my vendetta...?'
He could feel the darkness rising. Llednar smiled cruelly.
"It's time insect...time to be crushed. No matter how many times we face each other, you won't be able to win."
Llednar said smugly. His eyes narrowed in focus as he kept gathering the dark energy into his blade.
"Power of eradication...gather upon the tip of this blade...Hoist yourself into the brightest light...then plunge yourself into the deepest depths of the darkness..."
Llednar chanted.
"...OMEGA CRUSH!!!"
For Marche, it was deja vu all over again. He felt that familiar darkness creeping into him, preparing to devour his soul.
------
Eternal Darkness...
'Will I really fail...?'
Marche thought.
"This is no time to give up Ramza. Never give in to fear."
Marche recognized that voice. He opened his eyes. No one was there. He turned around to see an odd sight.
'What the...that's me...being engulfed in the darkness of his final attack...has time stopped...?'
A Voice entered his head.
'Maybe...'
Marche turned around suddenly, relief showing in his azure eyes.
'Mustadio...'
The Engineer smiled. Marche saw others appearing along side Mustadio. All familiar faces.
'Agrias...Meliadoul...Beowulf...Reis...Boco...and Worker. No 8...Your all here...'
Marche thought with excitement. He didn't know what was occurring but it felt like a similar experience he had when he first met his father.
'No... now were all here...'
Marche turned to see some more familiar faces.
'Rad...Lavian...Alicia...Rafa...Malak...even Orlandu...Why are you all here?'
Marche asked. He never thought he'd see all of his old allies again. These were people who had been his family as Ramza. They had all fought beside him to the bitter end to save the world once.
'You know why their here, brother.'
Marche turned again to see someone he didn't expect.
'Brother Zalbag...huh, Orlan, your here too...No wait, you all can't be...'
He didn't want to believe it was going to happen. Somehow he knew it in his heart that things would turn out this way.
'It's time brother...to become your old self once more...the Savior of Ivalice...'
He heard his sister's voice now. He turned to face her and also met face to face with his true father once more.
'Please Alma...don't do this...'
Marche said as he lowered his head. Alma let out a sad sigh.
'This is what they chose...they are sacrificing their souls so that you may save the world once more...you will have their help, just in a different way...'
Marche shook his head violently.
'No, please...not for me...If you all go through with this...when it's over what will become of you when I don't need to be him anymore...?'
Marche asked.
'Don't worry...it may take a while to reverse the effects from this process...but when you finally truly pass on to the next realm...we'll all be waiting...'
Orlandu spoke out.
'But...'
Marche began. He was interrupted by his father.
'Remember my son...as unfortunate as it may be...sacrifices must be made for the greater good...'
Marche sighed as he heard this.
'Sacrifices must be made...'
Marche looked up to gaze at his long time comrades and family of old one last time.
'Your right...all of you...even if the world forgets all your deeds...I shall never forget...'
He received a serene smile from them all. This would be good bye. Marche would not fret anymore. Even if this good bye would be a long one, it was still just temporary. They would all meet again in the next life and be a big happy family once more. Someday.
'We will all meet again...'
Marche thought as a smile graced his lips. Each of his friends and families forms became shrouded in a white light and began to emerge into one. Marche had to shield his eyes from the blinding light as it engulfed him in warmth. Even as the light and warmth subsided, Marche still felt blinded. Soon a pain seared his eye. It left almost as soon as it came and a strange feeling came over him. A feeling he couldn't quite describe but it was pleasant...like finding oneself.
'It is finished...'
He felt tears forming in his eyes.
'Their really gone...for now...'
His eyes slowly opened.
'I will still mourn for their loss...even if it's only temporary...'
His crimson eyes glowed eerily in the darkness.
------
On the outside of the Omega Crush...
"There's nothing I can do now...I'm sorry."
Cid said. He got here but Llednar's Omega Crush had already been in effect. There was no stopping it now.
"What can we do...?"
Ritz thought. She didn't like what she heard about Marche's first encounter with Llednar's ultimate attack. The thing she hated most was the feeling of helplessness welling up inside her. Not just her, Judge Master Cid and the rest of Clan Ruglia all felt the same.
"It will all be over soon, my son. Llednar's ultimate attack will soon decimate that mean man."
Remedi told Mewt.
"Don't worry Mama, I know."
Mewt said with a smile. Llednar smirked.
'He should be dead anytime now.'
A heavy silence seemed to emanate all around as everyone waited for the Omega Crush to end. It would not last long, however.
"What...?!"
Mewt and Remedi couldn't believe their eyes as a beam of light seemed to cut through the darkness.
"What is this light...?"
Llednar asked. Something was wrong. Llednar rarely used his ultimate attack, but when he did, a light never appeared like this. More and more light cut through. An explosion of white blinded everyone for a brief moment.
"HE'S ALIVE, KUPO!!"
Montblanc's scream cut the silence as everyone peered in awe. Marche indeed remained, alive and well, yet their was something different somehow...
"This can't be..."
Llednar's face showed the greatest surprise.
'H...how...? Where did this strength come from...? When...'
His thoughts were soon interrupted.
"I'll let you go for now. Hide where you will, but I'll come for you eventually..."
Marche said. His voice was soft but firm. With a wave of his hand, the barrier that kept him encaged with Llednar shattered.
"You are no ordinary human...Marche Radiuju...!"
Llednar, for the first time, felt an emotion other than satisfaction. Rage welled within him. Somehow Marche was able to break his greatest attack, without hardly a scratch on him, when a while back the same attack left him for dead.
"And your not ordinary either, Llednar...now were even..."
Marche said. He walked off after hefting his large blade over his shoulder and keeping his head low and his bangs in his eyes.
"Let's go Llednar..."
Llednar turned to Remedi. Mewt's eyes were as shocked as Llednar's. He knew it as a side effect of their hidden connection with one another, even if Mewt didn't know. Remedi's face was surprisingly neutral as the three teleported away. Marche walked closer to his clan and stopped slightly in front of them. Since his eyes were covered, no one could see the emotions running through his eyes. After a brief moment, Marche simply walked past them. Montblanc was going to follow but found Cloud's hand on his shoulder. He turned to look up at Cloud, who shook his head as he looked at Marche and then turned his attention to the morning sky.
"Don't. He is dealing with a great loss within him and simply wants solitude."
Everyone from the other clans backed out of Marche's way. They didn't know what to think. Admiration for his draw with Llednar? Fear because he performed such an inhuman feet? Whatever would come to mind was lost to Marche. He cared for one thing right now. One thing he would keep within him...for now.
------
Cyril City Bar, Marche's Room
He was never much for religion, but he did believe in praying. Ramza prayed for the people in his life that would be irreplaceable. The people who would do anything for their leader. He lighted sixteen candles, each carved with a name for an important person who decided to sacrifice him or herself to Alma to create the final piece that would allow the Savior to walk the ground of Ivalice once more.
"Father, brother, Orlan, Orlandu, Mustadio, Beowulf, Reis, Agrias, Meliadoul, Boco, Worker No. 8, Rafa, Malak, Rad, Alicia, Lavian...As I said before...even should this world forget your deeds...your very existence...I will never forget..."
He clasped his hands close as he knelt before the lighted candles.
"...Farewell...for now."
***TBC***
Note: Damn, that was a long chapter. It may be the longest one I've typed up so far. And this story still has some ways to go. Well...hopefully this chapter came out okay...I felt as if some emotional elements may have been lacking, but I'll let the reader decide for him or herself. Oh yeah, before it slips my mind, any player of the original Final Fantasy Tactics may be wondering why Cloud wasn't part of the whole thing with Ramza's eye. Well, unlike the rest of the characters from the original, Cloud is still actually alive in his time when he was summoned again. Hopefully that will answer that (if it even was a mishap...). Well, until next time, see ya.
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: Most (if not all) of the characters appearing within this story do not actually belong to me, but rather, are creations of the brilliant minds within Square Soft / Square Enix. I make no claim over any of them.
"..."-Indicate Speech
'...'-Indicate Thought
------
The Materia Forrest
"I wonder if this is a good one? Hey Cloud, what do you think?"
Marche asked as he turned to his companion. Cloud had extensive knowledge of the value of Materia, since it was a source of energy in his world. Cloud inspected the piece Marche found carefully.
"This should do quite nicely. This area of the forest really does produce some of the best Materia I've seen in a while."
Cloud stated. Marche nodded.
"I guess we should take a bit more of this Materia to Nono and see what he can do with it. I should call Boco. I haven't really had the time to see him lately, anyway."
Marche said.
"I don't think he'll come to help."
Cloud stated. Marche turned towards him.
"What do you mean?"
He asked. Cloud folded his arms together to think.
"I should have brought this up earlier. Before Mustadio departed from the clan, he told me that not only he and Worker No. 8 were needed for your other eye, but all of your old companions. I have a feeling that means all the others we met from your previous life, like Agrias, Meliadoul, Beowulf, Reis, and even Boco. What exactly for is beyond me, that was all I was told."
Cloud explained. Marche put a hand to his chin in thought.
'Everyone who I saw from my previous life...I can't think of why they would all be needed...I guess I'll have to wait for Mustadio's explanation.'
"If that's what Mustadio said, then I guess your probably right. Hey everyone, over here!"
Marche called to the rest of his clan. Once everyone was in sight he began to explain the Materia to them.
"Alright, according to Cloud, this one should be the best Materia around. Were all going to have to haul chunks of it back to Nono. I'm sure the more he has, the better the gift will be!"
Everyone agreed. Their moment of joy wouldn't last however.
"Looks like that tipster's information was right. Seems you found quite a healthy Materia well spring too."
A Wizard said as he came from behind a tree. Marche narrowed his eyes.
'Damn it. Doned was able to track me and lure this clan over.'
Marche thought. An Assassin came from behind another tree.
"That Materia would fetch quite a lot of gil, too. Add that to the Bounty, and we'd be set for life."
She explained with a smirk. More Assassins came out from behind other trees.
"Is it just me, or are other clans starting to get so many members to create a miniature army?"
Marche asked as he looked from side to side. Assassins were some of the most dangerous of warriors, since they had special techniques that could kill someone in just one hit.
"Maybe your just to popular for your own good."
Cloud said jokingly. He drew his Buster Sword out and got into a fighting stance.
"All of you be careful. These Assassins don't play around. They could kill you in an instant, so keep your guard up and try and defeat them as quickly as possible."
Marche warned as he drew his blade forth. The Assassins came quickly towards the small surrounded clan. Being Viera, they were swift on their feet and almost soundless. Their overconfidence was going to prove to be their undoing, however. This is why Marche kept his clan small. Over the time spent with them, he helped the members of his clan to be able to fight one against great odds, and it had showed in their previous encounters with enemy clans almost four times their size.
'Here they come...'
Marche thought. One came swiftly to his left, her katana blades raised high. Marche brought his blade out forcefully to guard the twin blows of her swords, while catching her off balance with the shift in weight. While the Assassin was dealing with the weight put on her, she didn't notice until it was too late as Marche let his blade pierce the ground and he flipped over the blade, while his arms guided him as they stayed holding the pommel of his sword. The Assassin was struck from behind as Marche kicked her with both legs, sending her face first into the wide blade with a clang. As another Assassin came, Marche brought his blade out in a wide arch which smashed her form to the ground. While Marche fought with more of a counter attacking method of battling, Cloud's was much more offensive and to the point. His more experienced hands allowed him to wield his massive sword with more ease, if not more grace.
"I thought this would be more challenging."
Cloud muttered as an Assassin came towards him, only to be struck with a wide horizontal slash that broke through her swords and her throat, spraying blood on the ground. He turned to block another Assassins attacks as he ensnared her blades with his clawed hand, then pulling her roughly towards him to impale her on the blade of his sword. Victory could not match the Viera Assassins in speed, but his tough hide allowed him to absorb most of the blows from the swords. If the Assassins decided to use one of their killing arts to do away with him instantly, they were met with a complicated grappling counter maneuver. He was backed up mostly by Celine, who helped to hold some of the Assassins at bay with her quick sword skills to match the Assassins. Montblanc allowed himself to play decoy for a while as he would fly about some of the Assassins as they would get picked off by either Hedges spells, or Rooty's arrows.
'This clan must be inhuman...maybe we should retreat?'
Thought the Wizard clan leader as he watched his trained clan of Assassins being decimated by the lower odds. He had heard of the inhuman might of Clan Ruglia, but stories could not truly compare to the real thing. Eventually all of his clan members were either unconscious or killed.
"I guess that just leaves you."
Marche stated as he turned to face the Wizard.
"Seems you won this time. I'll retreat for now, but don't worry I'll be back."
Before the Wizard could turn around and run off, an arrow struck him in the throat, killing him instantly.
"I don't think so."
Rooty said. The clan members of Clan Ruglia lowered their guards. Marche looked around.
"Come out here, Doned. I know your here."
As if on cue, the Materia well spring exploded. Marche, who was the closest to it, was sent to the ground by the force of the blast, making the piece of Materia he held in his hand roll away on the forest ground. Before the piece of Materia rolled away to far, a foot came in front of it to stop it. Doned picked up the piece of Materia and inspected it closely as he turned it around in his hand.
"Wow, this is cool, brother. Thanks for finding such a big piece of Materia for me."
Doned said. His eyes gleamed with wonder as he stared at the shining stone. Marche got up to his knees.
"Hand it over, Doned."
Marche said firmly. He didn't like the feeling of this scenario. Doned smiled.
"You were planning on making a gift out of Materia for the Prince, weren't you, brother? I hear gifts made out of Materia are some of the Prince's favorite."
Doned stated.
"..."
Marche was about to say something be decided to remain silent as he stared intently at his younger brother. Doned continued.
"So what were you going to fashion out of this piece. A True Magic Gun, perhaps? Or maybe...a Calbrena doll? I want one, too!"
Doned said excitedly. Marche stood up fully and brought his free hand forward.
"Go get your own then. That one belongs to me, brother."
Marche said. Doned narrowed his eyes.
"I already know your trying to meet with Mewt and return the world as it was. I won't let you, though."
Doned brought his arm up, before swinging it downward with all his might, throwing the Materia onto the ground. The Materia shattered like glass on impact. Marche's eyes widened in surprise.
"NO!"
It was to late. The damage was done. Doned smirked in triumph. Marche narrowed his eyes dangerously. He wants so badly to strike his brother down, but miraculously restrained himself.
"You won't change this world back brother. I will always be there to stop your efforts. Understand?"
Doned asked. Marche growled.
"You won't be able to stop me forever, and you know it! This place isn't even real, so what's the point in staying, Doned?!"
Marche stated. Doned clenched his fists tightly in anger.
"Shut up! I don't want to go back! Sure...it's okay for you, you can walk to school and make new friends and play outside while I have to be confined in our house in a stupid wheel chair. Don't you stop to consider my feelings? Even if this world returns to normal, you'd still have everything while I'll be left with nothing!"
Doned was breathing heavily after his rant. He turned and ran from the clan as fast as possible. Celine was prepared to run after him, but Marche went first, leaving his sword discarded on the ground.
"You all stay here and let me handle this!"
Marche said as he ran off to catch Doned.
"Doned, wait for me."
Marche kept running further but unfortunately lost sight of Doned. Marche eventually stopped, knowing he lost his brother once again.
'Doned...if you think I have everything, your wrong...you still have something I lack...you just don't know it...your power to endure will always be greater than my own...'
------
The Royal Court of the Randell Family, Outside the building
"You seem a bit nervous, Marche, kupo. Just relax, or you may blow your cover, kupo."
Montblanc told Marche. The two of them were waiting in a big line of races who were all dressed formally for the occasion. Marche and Montblanc themselves were not dressed for battle. The two wore matching black suits with white tuxes. Marche scratched the back of his head nervously.
"That's easy for you to say Montblanc. Don't forget that the Royal family did put a bounty on my head. This could be one big set up, you know?"
Marche stated. Montblanc shook his head.
"Remember that you were the one who decided to go with this plan., kupo."
Montblanc said. Marche nodded.
"Alright, that's true. Still...I have to admit, Nono is one amazing Moogle. Even with those fragments of Materia he was still able to create an amazing gift."
Marche stated with joy as he pulled out a wrapped box that housed the gift to be presented to Mewt. Montblanc smiled.
"Of course, kupo. He's great at overcoming adversity, kupo."
Montblanc said beaming. Marche grinned.
"This Lugae Borg doll will definitely please Mewt. Of that, I'm sure."
Marche said. Montblanc fluttered in the air briefly looking ahead of everyone, or so it seemed.
"What's up, Montblanc?"
Marche asked as he looked to the flying Moogle.
"Hey, I think I see Ritz! Wow, that is some dress..."
Upon hearing that, Marche jumped up in the air to see if he could see what Montblanc was talking about.
"What? Ritz is here? Where?"
Marche said, interrupting the Moogle. He soon heard Montblanc laugh.
"Ha, made you look, kupo!"
Marche grabbed the Moogle by the head and glared at him.
"Why you little..."
Marche began. Montblanc waved his arms in front of him apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Marche, kupo. I won't do it again, kupo."
Montblanc pleaded. Marche sighed.
"You better not."
Marche warned as he blushed slightly.
------
The Royal Court of the Randell Family, Inside the building
"That's strange. He's taking his sweet time. All the other guests have already made their exchanges..."
Marche said as he looked around the empty room.
"I've got a bad feeling...something must be up, kupo."
Montblanc said. Marche put a hand to his chin in thought.
"I wonder what, though...maybe there was some kind of trouble with the audience or..."
Before Marche could say anything else, several Royal Guards came from the door opposite of them as the doors behind Marche and Montblanc closed and locked automatically.
"...your cover's been blown, kupo."
Montblanc finished for him. Marche gritted his teeth together.
"Apprehend that young man!"
One of the guards stated. They all pulled out weapons, mostly spears and swords. Some brought out the occasional bow or crossbow. Montblanc sighed.
"We come this far only to fall into a trap, kupo."
Montblanc said.
"Actually, a good Samaritan gave us the lead of your arrival. Too bad for you two, the main figure heads of Clan Ruglia."
A guard said. Marche narrowed his eyes.
"I'm sure that's Doned's doing again."
Marche said. Since no guests brought any weapons, neither did Marche or Montblanc. Regardless, the two got into fighting stances, prepared to combat the guards bare handed.
"You two are indeed stubborn. Oh well, not my problem. Capture them!"
A guard ordered. Marche and Montblanc wasted no time. They quickly advanced on the armed guards. Being that the Guards were heavily armored, they could move quickly. Marche and Montblanc quickly swayed between their ranks to strike down the Archers first, so they wouldn't get damaged from behind and unprepared. Once the Archers were down the two faced off with the close ranged guards. Marche and Montblanc made quick work out of them by striking the armored opponents with break techniques to easily access their weak points and defeat them quickly so reinforcements wouldn't swarm the two.
"Come on, Montblanc. Let's hurry and find Mewt!"
Marche said as he knocked the last guard unconscious. Montblanc only nodded before he was flying by Marche's side. They got the doors opened and prepared to navigate through the palace and find Mewt.
------
The Palace Halls
Marche and Montblanc tried to find Mewt with little success. They would always have to hide behind draperies or statues as more guards headed towards the court to try and find the two fugitives.
"Damn, this isn't good. They'll begin searching through the halls soon and we have yet to find Mewt."
Marche muttered. He and Montblanc stopped as a flash of light came across their visions. Marche and Montblanc looked in surprise to see the one who stood before them.
"Babus...are you going to catch us?"
Marche asked as he brought up his fists to prepare for a fight. Babus brought his hand up.
"Time is short. I'll take you with the Prince, but you must trust me."
Marche eyed the aged Nu Mou briefly before nodding.
"Fine. But may I ask why your doing this?"
Marche asked him. Babus shook his head.
"Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not here to help you, Marche. I simply want to know what the Prince's wishes are. I need your power for that."
Babus explained. Marche raised a questioning eye brow.
"My power...?"
Marche began. Babus nodded.
"I understand next to nothing about this other world that you hail from, Marche. It is very unfortunate, but I need you. You who lived in the same world as he did..."
Babus stated. Marche looked oddly at Babus.
"Babus..."
Before Marche could finish, the three heard the fast approaching footsteps of reinforcements.
"We have no time. Let's be off..."
Babus said as he made a complex series of gesture with his hands before teleporting all three of them to where Mewt would be.
------
Mewt's Room
"Babus, where were you?"
Mewt demanded as he saw The Nu Mou step in. Babus sighed heavily.
"I was calling on someone."
Babus said. Mewt's eyes perked up when he heard that.
"Was it Mama? Were you calling Mama?"
Mewt said with twinkling eyes. Babus sighed before he stepped to the side of the door. The one that greeted Mewt was not one he wanted to see, however.
"Marche...!"
Mewt turned his hated gaze over to Babus.
"You...your going to betray me now, too, Babus?! Just like Papa did?!"
Mewt's voice grew with fury. Marche stepped further into the room, followed closely by Montblanc.
"Your wrong, Mewt. Babus did this out of genuine concern for your well being."
Marche said. Mewt glared at the one he used to call friend.
"You lie...why would he bring you before me like this? He was ordered to kidnap you!"
Mewt said angrily. Marche shook his head.
"Babus wants to know the truth. You know what I mean, Mewt. You keep trying to run away from yourself, Mewt!"
Marche stated. Mewt glared at Babus.
"Spill it then, Babus."
Mewt ordered.
"Well...it's just that I heard this world was created as just an escape for you. I believe that you are carrying problems that continue even in this Ivalice from this other world. I simply believe that you must face the truth in this other world..."
Babus was soon cut off by Mewt's words.
"SILENCE!! I've heard enough from you!"
Mewt growled. Babus stepped forward, unaffected by Mewt's outburst.
"Please bare with me a bit longer, your highness. I can understand now how this world came into existence..."
Again Babus was interrupted.
"SHUT UP!! That's an order, Babus! Or can't you follow that anymore? You don't know anything about me!"
Mewt said, as he began to clutch his head, as if in pain. Babus lowered his head sadly.
"While your like this, I can't understand your suffering. That is the reason...the only reason I brought him before you, so that I may understand more clearly."
Babus said. Mewt began shaking his head violently.
"Why do you have to go back Marche...why can't you just be happy here? What's so good in the real world that would make you go back...? Whatever it is...I'll never have it...all I'll get is a beating from all the other kids at school...all I'll get is a drunken father who can't be there for his own son...all I'll get is a mother who had to die and leave me..."
Mewt said, with obvious strain in his voice. He sounded as if he were talking more to himself than anyone else.
"...all I'll be is alone...Mama, where are you? Please hurry back, Mama..."
Mewt began. He soon found himself in a comforting embrace.
"There, there sweetie...Mama's here now. As long as you wish it, I'll always be here."
Remedi said. Mewt hugged her close to him.
"Mama...Mama..."
Mewt sighed happily. Marche narrowed his eyes.
"Don't believe that Mewt. That woman may look like your mother, but she isn't."
Marche told him. Remedi glared at Marche.
"Why do you insist on trying to take him back? That's not very nice at all."
Remedi said. Marche narrowed his eyes.
'I know that presence...'
"Where is he?"
Marche asked bluntly. Llednar made himself known as he stepped out from behind Remedi, saber in hand.
"Llednar...!"
Babus said in surprise. Marche gritted his teeth, knowing things were definitely not in his favor. Remedi turned her head from Llednar to Mewt.
"What do you want, dear? Do you want your guardian Llednar to take care of the mean boy?"
Remedi asked Mewt. Mewt calmed down significantly now that his mother and his guardian were here. He turned to Llednar.
"Llednar, destroy him. I want to see him suffer."
Mewt said, his voice dead serious. Llednar smirked.
"Well Marche, my highness has declared his wish and so he shall have it. Let us begin round two."
Babus and Montblanc looked wholly intent on fighting Llednar along with Marche, but he stopped them.
"You two get out of here."
Marche said.
"But..."
Montblanc began before he was interrupted harshly by Marche.
"No buts. Now get out of here."
Montblanc gave in. He turned to Babus.
"You heard him, kupo. Let's get outside, kupo. The clan's waiting."
Both Montblanc and Babus left quickly. Now only Marche, Llednar, Remedi and Mewt remained.
"Llednar..."
Marche said softly.
------
Outside the Royal Palace
The entire structure began falling apart. All the guests of the Present Day watched in fascination as it collapsed in a mass of brick and dust. Since all the guests were mostly from clans, all went to the collapsed ground to se what was going on.
"Hey, Ritz, you really are here, kupo."
Ritz turned her head to see Montblanc.
"Your...Montblanc, right? From Clan Ruglia?"
She asked. The Moogle nodded.
"Yeah, that's me, kupo."
Ritz turned to the remains of the castle.
"What's going on in there?"
She asked. Montblanc shrugged.
"Don't know, but I hope Marche is alright since he was still in there, kupo."
Ritz now stared wide eyed at the Moogle.
"WHAT?! Great, what's that idiot got himself into in there..."
Ritz muttered as she began walking towards the fallen structure.
"Whoa, where are you going, kupo?"
Montblanc asked. Ritz turned to face him.
"Hey, he's your leader, you and your clan should be the ones looking, not me."
Ritz stated.
"Ritz, what's going on?"
Shara came up to the woman and the Moogle.
"Seems Marche got himself into a fix in the castle."
Ritz said.
'Probably talking with Mewt...'
She thought as she walked through the remains of what used to be the Royal Court.
"Ritz, why are you here? Never mind, just get as far away as you can."
Ritz heard Marche say. He was a little further up ahead of where she, Shara and Montblanc were.
"What's going on, Marche?"
Ritz asked, ignoring his warning to go away. It would not have mattered, as she didn't get far.
'What the..there's some kind of barrier...'
Many other curious clan members came through the castle remains only to run into this barrier as well. Marche sighed.
'Curiosity is going to get them all killed...'
Marche didn't keep his head on the clan members long as he turned to face his main focus. Llednar stood in front of Remedi and Mewt with his saber drawn.
"You made me knock the whole castle down because you refused to remain still, Marche."
Llednar said with a smirk plastered on his face.
"Can it, Llednar. Let's get this over with."
Marche brought his fists up on a fighting stance. Llednar shook his head.
"Don't want to make your worthless life last a little longer? Well, it's fine with me."
Llednar brought his saber forward as he too assumed a fighting stance.
"Isn't that Clan Ruglia's leader? He must be crazy if he thinks he can take on Llednar and his barrier."
One random Clan member said.
"And look, he's going to try and take Llednar on bare handed...I know he's good and all but surely he doesn't expect to beat Llednar down with his fists..."
Another said. Many random comments came from the crowd of on lookers. Clan Ruglia was cursing because the barrier prevented them from giving Marche his sword.
"Give it up, Marche Radiuju. Llednar's an opponent you will never be able to defeat, not even in your dreams."
Remedi stated as she and Mewt watched closely. Marche did not say anything as his expression remained void of any emotions. Llednar was already overconfident, and with his barrier, he had a right to be. The two combatants side stepped in a circle, seeing any faltering in the others stance. To Llednar's slight surprise, Marche's stance faltered first. Llednar took initiative and dashed towards Marche, reeling his sword back and then swinging forward with a wide horizontal slash. To everyone's surprise, Marche jumped on his blade and ran along the length before he jumped over Llednar's head, sending a kick to the back of Llednar's head and making him stumble forward. Llednar quickly regained balance, but kept his back turned to Marche.
"What's wrong? Why don't you attack? Stalling for a Judge? Don't worry, Marche, I'll make sure you won't be in reach of a Judge this time around."
Llednar said in amusement. Marche was already well aware of this but knew something could happen if he stalled and waited for Judge Master Cid.
"Marche, kupo..."
Montblanc said sadly. With the barrier in the way, there was no way in or out. Marche was trapped, and their was no Judge Master to help. He had called for a Judge to see if there was any mean to get rid of the barrier, but the Judge had said it was beyond him and that Cid could do it, but was running an errand he couldn't ignore. Marche was truly alone for this one.
"Damn it..."
Marche muttered as he narrowly dodged a swipe of Llednar's blade. He counter attacked when he could to slow Llednar down, but Llednar seemed to only speed up and grow more powerful, as he tried to land a hit on the nimble Marche. Marche grunted when he finally felt a sting of pain. Llednar had cut a long gash on Marche's right arm before he followed with another on the chest. Marche retreated quickly enough so that he didn't take the full extent of the attack. Marche struck the ground hard with his fist, letting the ground crack in front of him. Llednar loss balance with the sudden Earth Slash Marche pulled off. Marche then tackled Llednar to the ground and some how enabled Llednar to let go of his sword as it slid across the ground. Marche tried to restrain Llednar, but he simply increased the size of his barrier, causing Marche to fly off him. Marche sailed through the air before flipping and landing on his feet. Llednar had been quicker and already retrieved his blade.
"Llednar, kill him already."
Mewt ordered. Llednar looked at Mewt for a moment before he turned to gaze at Marche.
"Such impatient people. Well, an order is still an order. It's time you felt my attack one more time before you die permanently..."
Llednar then turned to Clan Ruglia, seeing that Cloud held Marche's sword.
"You, toss the sword in here. Only your arm and the sword will be able to make it through, so don't even try and get in here if you don't want to be killed."
Llednar told him. Cloud tossed the sword as he was told. It penetrated the ground a little ahead of Marche's feet. Marche grabbed it slowly.
'Can I really defend against the Omega Crush...?'
The thought rushed through Marche's head repeatedly.
'Will I fail to carry out my vendetta...?'
He could feel the darkness rising. Llednar smiled cruelly.
"It's time insect...time to be crushed. No matter how many times we face each other, you won't be able to win."
Llednar said smugly. His eyes narrowed in focus as he kept gathering the dark energy into his blade.
"Power of eradication...gather upon the tip of this blade...Hoist yourself into the brightest light...then plunge yourself into the deepest depths of the darkness..."
Llednar chanted.
"...OMEGA CRUSH!!!"
For Marche, it was deja vu all over again. He felt that familiar darkness creeping into him, preparing to devour his soul.
------
Eternal Darkness...
'Will I really fail...?'
Marche thought.
"This is no time to give up Ramza. Never give in to fear."
Marche recognized that voice. He opened his eyes. No one was there. He turned around to see an odd sight.
'What the...that's me...being engulfed in the darkness of his final attack...has time stopped...?'
A Voice entered his head.
'Maybe...'
Marche turned around suddenly, relief showing in his azure eyes.
'Mustadio...'
The Engineer smiled. Marche saw others appearing along side Mustadio. All familiar faces.
'Agrias...Meliadoul...Beowulf...Reis...Boco...and Worker. No 8...Your all here...'
Marche thought with excitement. He didn't know what was occurring but it felt like a similar experience he had when he first met his father.
'No... now were all here...'
Marche turned to see some more familiar faces.
'Rad...Lavian...Alicia...Rafa...Malak...even Orlandu...Why are you all here?'
Marche asked. He never thought he'd see all of his old allies again. These were people who had been his family as Ramza. They had all fought beside him to the bitter end to save the world once.
'You know why their here, brother.'
Marche turned again to see someone he didn't expect.
'Brother Zalbag...huh, Orlan, your here too...No wait, you all can't be...'
He didn't want to believe it was going to happen. Somehow he knew it in his heart that things would turn out this way.
'It's time brother...to become your old self once more...the Savior of Ivalice...'
He heard his sister's voice now. He turned to face her and also met face to face with his true father once more.
'Please Alma...don't do this...'
Marche said as he lowered his head. Alma let out a sad sigh.
'This is what they chose...they are sacrificing their souls so that you may save the world once more...you will have their help, just in a different way...'
Marche shook his head violently.
'No, please...not for me...If you all go through with this...when it's over what will become of you when I don't need to be him anymore...?'
Marche asked.
'Don't worry...it may take a while to reverse the effects from this process...but when you finally truly pass on to the next realm...we'll all be waiting...'
Orlandu spoke out.
'But...'
Marche began. He was interrupted by his father.
'Remember my son...as unfortunate as it may be...sacrifices must be made for the greater good...'
Marche sighed as he heard this.
'Sacrifices must be made...'
Marche looked up to gaze at his long time comrades and family of old one last time.
'Your right...all of you...even if the world forgets all your deeds...I shall never forget...'
He received a serene smile from them all. This would be good bye. Marche would not fret anymore. Even if this good bye would be a long one, it was still just temporary. They would all meet again in the next life and be a big happy family once more. Someday.
'We will all meet again...'
Marche thought as a smile graced his lips. Each of his friends and families forms became shrouded in a white light and began to emerge into one. Marche had to shield his eyes from the blinding light as it engulfed him in warmth. Even as the light and warmth subsided, Marche still felt blinded. Soon a pain seared his eye. It left almost as soon as it came and a strange feeling came over him. A feeling he couldn't quite describe but it was pleasant...like finding oneself.
'It is finished...'
He felt tears forming in his eyes.
'Their really gone...for now...'
His eyes slowly opened.
'I will still mourn for their loss...even if it's only temporary...'
His crimson eyes glowed eerily in the darkness.
------
On the outside of the Omega Crush...
"There's nothing I can do now...I'm sorry."
Cid said. He got here but Llednar's Omega Crush had already been in effect. There was no stopping it now.
"What can we do...?"
Ritz thought. She didn't like what she heard about Marche's first encounter with Llednar's ultimate attack. The thing she hated most was the feeling of helplessness welling up inside her. Not just her, Judge Master Cid and the rest of Clan Ruglia all felt the same.
"It will all be over soon, my son. Llednar's ultimate attack will soon decimate that mean man."
Remedi told Mewt.
"Don't worry Mama, I know."
Mewt said with a smile. Llednar smirked.
'He should be dead anytime now.'
A heavy silence seemed to emanate all around as everyone waited for the Omega Crush to end. It would not last long, however.
"What...?!"
Mewt and Remedi couldn't believe their eyes as a beam of light seemed to cut through the darkness.
"What is this light...?"
Llednar asked. Something was wrong. Llednar rarely used his ultimate attack, but when he did, a light never appeared like this. More and more light cut through. An explosion of white blinded everyone for a brief moment.
"HE'S ALIVE, KUPO!!"
Montblanc's scream cut the silence as everyone peered in awe. Marche indeed remained, alive and well, yet their was something different somehow...
"This can't be..."
Llednar's face showed the greatest surprise.
'H...how...? Where did this strength come from...? When...'
His thoughts were soon interrupted.
"I'll let you go for now. Hide where you will, but I'll come for you eventually..."
Marche said. His voice was soft but firm. With a wave of his hand, the barrier that kept him encaged with Llednar shattered.
"You are no ordinary human...Marche Radiuju...!"
Llednar, for the first time, felt an emotion other than satisfaction. Rage welled within him. Somehow Marche was able to break his greatest attack, without hardly a scratch on him, when a while back the same attack left him for dead.
"And your not ordinary either, Llednar...now were even..."
Marche said. He walked off after hefting his large blade over his shoulder and keeping his head low and his bangs in his eyes.
"Let's go Llednar..."
Llednar turned to Remedi. Mewt's eyes were as shocked as Llednar's. He knew it as a side effect of their hidden connection with one another, even if Mewt didn't know. Remedi's face was surprisingly neutral as the three teleported away. Marche walked closer to his clan and stopped slightly in front of them. Since his eyes were covered, no one could see the emotions running through his eyes. After a brief moment, Marche simply walked past them. Montblanc was going to follow but found Cloud's hand on his shoulder. He turned to look up at Cloud, who shook his head as he looked at Marche and then turned his attention to the morning sky.
"Don't. He is dealing with a great loss within him and simply wants solitude."
Everyone from the other clans backed out of Marche's way. They didn't know what to think. Admiration for his draw with Llednar? Fear because he performed such an inhuman feet? Whatever would come to mind was lost to Marche. He cared for one thing right now. One thing he would keep within him...for now.
------
Cyril City Bar, Marche's Room
He was never much for religion, but he did believe in praying. Ramza prayed for the people in his life that would be irreplaceable. The people who would do anything for their leader. He lighted sixteen candles, each carved with a name for an important person who decided to sacrifice him or herself to Alma to create the final piece that would allow the Savior to walk the ground of Ivalice once more.
"Father, brother, Orlan, Orlandu, Mustadio, Beowulf, Reis, Agrias, Meliadoul, Boco, Worker No. 8, Rafa, Malak, Rad, Alicia, Lavian...As I said before...even should this world forget your deeds...your very existence...I will never forget..."
He clasped his hands close as he knelt before the lighted candles.
"...Farewell...for now."
***TBC***
Note: Damn, that was a long chapter. It may be the longest one I've typed up so far. And this story still has some ways to go. Well...hopefully this chapter came out okay...I felt as if some emotional elements may have been lacking, but I'll let the reader decide for him or herself. Oh yeah, before it slips my mind, any player of the original Final Fantasy Tactics may be wondering why Cloud wasn't part of the whole thing with Ramza's eye. Well, unlike the rest of the characters from the original, Cloud is still actually alive in his time when he was summoned again. Hopefully that will answer that (if it even was a mishap...). Well, until next time, see ya.