This story belongs to me and my creative mind. However, most of the characters, names, and places all belong to their respective companies, so don't yell at me for copyright infringements! Remember, Italics represent a person's thoughts or the telling of past events.
Enjoy...
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:Faraway Dreams:
Chapter Ten:
"It's a shame to waste a nice day like this hunting monsters." Ruthy commented, taking a deep breath of the late morning air.
"I agree." Fedrich nodded.
"It pays enough to let you two think about wasting a day to relax, so don't complain." Illis reminded.
"Ah sis, you wouldn't even care if the day was bad or not." Ruthy chuckled.
"I might care if it was raining."
"Don't go jinxing things!"
"Come on, look at the skies, it's been clear today."
"You never know. Weather's a strange thing here, remember?"
Illis harrumphed a reply, turning back to the plains ahead. The sun shined down across the grassy fields in gold patches, clouds slowly meandering through the skies. The temperature was already getting warm, the summer heat promising a long term stay over the plateau.
"I wonder why she's cranky today?" Fedrich pondered quietly.
"I think she's still sore over the whole incident with Claire." Ruthy answered.
Fedrich's expression fell, reminded of the unwanted memories.
"Hey, sorry if I upset you. I know it was tough on you, too." The redhead apologized, seeing his somber expression.
"It's alright." He said, waving it off.
If only it were okay...I still don't know why Claire betrayed us, and there's been no word about her for four days already. I'll never be able to rest easy until I find her and make her pay for her crime...
Shaking the morose thoughts from his head, Fedrich resumed his observation of the land ahead, ears alert for any out of place sounds. The past few days had been easy, few monsters at all appearing around Lindblum despite the warmer temperatures. He would be worried about earning his pay if it weren't for the fact that they took down that dragon days before, his pouch of Gil still considerably thick with coins.
Coins I earned alongside her...
"I don't like this." Gerick's rough voice commented.
Everyone stopped at his vague statement, the elder Regulator stroking his beard idly as he paused in thought.
"How so?" Gordan asked.
"Come on, you can all tell it's been quieter here than normal! Somethin's got the monsters all spooked enough to keep outta plain sight." Gerick explained.
"Maybe they're all taking a mid-summer vacation." Illis suggested with a hint of humor.
"Unlikely, the heat of the summer season normally draws them out in greater numbers, not diminish them." The nobleman corrected, ever serious. "Gerick is right, this is unusual behavior, something must be wrong."
"But what could it be?" Fedrich asked.
"I dunno, but it's sure gettin' me nervous." The elder man mused.
"Well, I personally think it's a good thing they aren't around." Illis declared, walking ahead on their normal trail. "It's not like we can do anything about it, so let's just enjoy the moment."
The others hesitated over her opinion, but agreed to it and continued with their patrol after a second. The warm air on the plains whispered by, telling of hotter sunlight to come.
"That's got to be a new record, not a single monster around." Fedrich commented, removing his hat to shake his hair around, loosening captive sweat.
"Better than being overrun by them." Ruthy added in.
"That's true." He nodded.
"Still, it means no money for the day." Illis groaned, shaking her head. "Maybe we should have gone on a break instead of killing our legs in this heat."
"No use in complaining, ladies!" Gerick reprimanded. "I guess we get 'ta have an early break this time."
"I'm gonna go splurge for once, you coming, sis?" Illis asked of her younger counterpart.
"Sure!" She agreed quickly. "You want to come, too, Fedrich?"
"I'll come later. I'm going to take a quick nap, this heat's getting to me."
"We'll be waiting at the Red Riot Cafe, then." Illis informed, walking off with her sister.
Fedrich stretched idly, looking at the two remaining. "Either of you two have anything planned?"
"Nope." Gerick chuckled. "Probably just gonna have myself a drink."
"The Regional Library is my destination for the meanwhile." Gordan answered.
"Well, see you later, then!" Fedrich spoke, waving them off as he left for the Hall.
The Hall was just as warm as the rest of the city, but lucky enough to have a weak cross breeze drifting through it's windows to cool off the interior slightly. The Burman took off his vest and hat, tossing them onto the dresser and flopping down onto his bed. Sighing heavily, he crossed his arms behind his head and let his muscles relax, his mind slipping into random thoughts. Invariably, his thoughts traced back to the incident a few days ago, and his mood fell sourly as a face and name came up in his inner vision.
"Claire..." He whispered, recalling the whole series of events involved with the treacherous woman.
What is it about her that I can't let go of? She was a traitor and a killer just as bad as that assassin, as bad as Elric. She killed off Gordan's uncle without remorse, even broke off all ties with us by running. She never even gave us her true name until she betrayed us...
Fedrich rolled onto his side, burying his muzzle into the thin feather pillow.
The Claire I knew, that I called a friend...was all a lie...
A sudden knocking at the front door, muffled by the walls, sounded in Fedrich's pointed ears. Standing and throwing his vest on again, he left his small room to the door, the person knocking much harder than before and pouring words into the wooden barrier. Opening it, he came face to face with Cecil, the captain looking worn out and excited over something.
"Cecil?" Fedrich stated, arching an eyebrow at his appearance.
"Fedrich, good enough, I got news!" The captain blurted, grabbing at the Burman's vest. "Come with me, we got a witness who saw Claire leave Lindblum!"
Fedrich's tired mind snapped into action immediately, and he nodded. "Lead on."
"To the Armory!" He declared, taking off down the streets to the Aircab terminal.
The two warriors ran hard down the staircases, dodging past groups of people and offering apologies on the fly. Cecil gasped for breath as he pushed his legs on, Fedrich maintaining his energy, as his legs weren't pressed for such exertion. They only slowed and rested once they boarded an Aircab, taking the chance to reclaim their strength before again running to the Armory. After ten minutes, the two barged into the crowded structure and walked into a small room with a guard and a castle mechanic sitting at a table.
"Captain!" The guard saluted.
"At ease, Bremen." Cecil said, dismissing the man.
"Sir!" He replied, leaving the room.
"Now...Mr. Verner." Cecil began between gasps for air. "Tell him what you told me."
The mechanic shifted around. "Just yesterday, I saw this strange looking Burmecian boarding one of the Exodus Airships on B level. She looked odd because she was dressed sparsely and was looking everywhere, like she was expecting someone, 'cept no one met her before she boarded."
"Did she have blonde hair and light gray fur?" Fedrich questioned.
"Yeah, yeah!" He nodded. "I've heard that there are some people from Burmecia who live in their deserts and dress like that because of the heat. Maybe she's from there?"
"That's not important." Fedrich pressed. "Do you know where that Airship was going? When it left?"
"Well, I wasn't stationed around the ship, but I heard one of the attendants say it was bound for South Gate. I don't know when it left, but it's long gone now."
Fedrich and Cecil shared a knowing look.
"She couldn't have gone far from there, but it's out of my district now. I can't follow her with my men without causing problems at the border." The Captain explained.
"She's going back to Treno, there's no where else for her to go except there." Fedrich grumbled. "Goddess damn her, she'll be able to hide in there forever."
"Not if we act fast," Cecil corrected. "That's why I rushed over to your Hall. She may be gone from our eyes, but her trail might stay warm enough to follow. We can alert the local authorities and they can back your hunt where I can't."
"Would they really?" The Burman asked, recalling the guards lack of concern for people's needs.
"For an assassin of one of their greatest industrial leaders? You bet they would, the money invested in that is more than enough to keep the nobles interested, and the nobles interest is the guards interest." Cecil explained with a knowing smile.
"Yeah...yeah, yeah!" Fedrich repeated under his breath, the pieces falling into place. "This is it, we finally have a chance! Does Gordan know? Anyone?"
"No, I only came to the Hall once he told me the news, and I didn't see any of your friends on the way."
"Of all the luck." Fedrich muttered. "I know Ruthy and Illis are at the Red Riot, so I'll get them. If you can get Gordan at the National Library and go back to the Hall, we can meet there and try to work out something."
"Alright." Cecil nodded, looking back at the mechanic. "You've been a great help. We don't need you any longer, so you can go."
"And the reward? There was a thousand Gil reward for information leading to her capture." The mechanic spoke with an eager tone.
"Keep in touch with the Guards, if we get her based on your word, we'll deliver." Cecil rushed, leaving the room and Armory with Fedrich alongside.
The two stepped outside the armory, a moderate wind crossing their paths as they hesitated a moment to collect their thoughts. Nodding, they split apart and ran off to their destinations.
* * *
"You couldn't find Gerick anywhere?" Ruthy asked.
"No." Fedrich replied. "He said he was going for a drink, so who knows if he's home or still out?"
"Hell, that's perfect." The dark clothed woman swore.
"I'll go and see if he's at the Hall." Fedrich spoke, jumping ahead.
Leaping quickly up the flights of stairs winding along the Theater District, the Burman looked across the city at the passing Airships and rushing populace. Despite his constant drama that seemed to pick his life up and shake it around, the city never changed, a constant among changing times. Finally landing at the entrance to the Hall, he stepped inside and looked around, Gerick's bearded face absent from the room.
"Gerick?" He called out. "You here?"
Silence.
Fedrich walked around the central table to the end of the room, staring up the corridor to the second floor of the Hall. Fedrich stepped up the stairs slowly, realizing that this was the first time he had ever set foot up there. He made the final step and was presented with a small hallway, two doors at the end and a single window open to the outside winds. Only the droning background noise of Airships greeted his sensitive ears, so he walked down the hall with a gentle pace.
"Gerick?" Fedrich continued.
The Burman stepped to one of the doors and knocked, then opened it a crack just as the opposing door followed suit. Fedrich looked into the room, seeing a collection of furniture and materials meant for a woman under a layer of dust and muted sunlight. A thick hand fell onto his shoulder, giving Fedrich a start as he looked back to see Gerick with a serious expression.
"Goddess, you gave me a scare!" Fedrich commented.
"You needed me fer something?" Gerick asked in a cut and even voice.
"Er...well, I..." The Burman started, looking back to the obviously untreaded room. Gerick stepped forward against the Burman's body and reached out, taking the handle and closing the door with a gentle pull. The elder man then stepped back and looked at the Burman, the two remaining silent over the unspoken questions.
"I'll ask again, you needed somethin'?" Gerick repeated.
"I wanted to tell you something..." Fedrich drifted off, mind filled with questions about the strange room.
"Next time be sure 'an keep outta other people's rooms."
Fedrich nodded, then watched Gerick step down the hall for the stairs. The bearded man hesitated at the top of the staircase and looked back, seeing the Burman still standing where he was, his eyes betraying the obvious flood of questions in his mind. He sighed, knowing well what was on his mind.
"You gonna play statue all day?"
"Oh, sorry!" Fedrich again apologized, moving to him.
The two descended the stairs, both silent until Gerick sat down at his chair and picked up his mug of cold coffee, holding it protectively in thought.
"Um, Gerick..."
"I suppose yer curious about the room?" He finished.
"Well, yes..." Fedrich admitted.
Gerick heaved another sigh. "It's alright, you deserve ta hear the story that goes with it."
"Okay." Fedrich said cautiously, taking a seat next to the leader of the Regulators.
"Ya see, long ago, when I first started up the Regulators, I was always in a pinch for members. I couldn't offer pay that was better'n than the Security teams, so I'd get those who were jest out to make a difference, not a paycheck."
"After a long while, a wholesome and hearty woman came 'ta my door and asked for a place in the Regulators. I agreed, so long as she could beat me in battle. To my surprise, she drew out the biggest mother 'o a sword I'd seen, damn near as long as she was tall. So we fought 'n she lost, but I still let her on. At the time it was jest me as the leader, Gordan, who was a bit 'o a veteran of the group, Macky, and two other guys named Jon and Darvin. The lady's name was Precilla, 'though she preferred being called just Cil."
"Well, as time went by, her and I got 'ta know one another pretty well, although we did fight a lot over things. It was one afternoon back about a year 'n a half ago that we got into some big trouble."
I thought I had seen it all. Legions o' monsters in an exodus from a forest fire. A damn near legendary war between the Goblins'n Vices. Imps by the hundreds declaring war against the humans and the bloody fights from it. This took the cake, all of it, and the drinks and present included. We were chasin' down a rogue Coral Dragon that wandered onta the plains when we heard a roar from above. I looked up, and death itself came flying down from the low clouds and crashed to the earth, it's size standing five times my own height.
A Grand Dragon.
The Grand Dragon used a mere swipe of it's paw to sent the Coral Dragon runnin', and it then turned it's black eyes on us. I hefted my hammer, ready to go after this demon will my all, but Cil, she put a hand on my arm and stopped me.
"Leave," she said sternly.
"Not without you, I ain't," I called back.
She looked at me, her eyes serious and pretty, then gave me a knock on the head with her knuckle.
"See now, either you go and get help while I die, or we all die, simple, eh?" She told me.
I nodded and ran, my brain betrayin' my heart at the moment, the others all alongside me in retreat.
The Grand Dragon stamped forward, and I looked back to watch Cil. She hefted that behemoth of a blade with her callused hands, and I could just imagine that perky smile on her lips jest taunting that dragon to no ends. She then charged with a heart wrenching cry, her strike carving a bloody groove in it's scaly hide. The Grand Dragon lurched in it's movement, and I watched with my palms sweaty and my heart racing.
The Grand Dragon stood it's ground without a problem, then reached down and took her in it's jaws and clenched down. I turned away, but the blood still stained my mind's eye. I fell apart, the beast still lived, and Cil died. With a mighty whip of it's wings, the damned monster took to the skies and flew off like nothin' happened. I didn't bother to go find her body, I didn't want to face up to the truth. The other Regulators all stood by me, and I merely walked away. They followed me, no questions. They understood.
"I came back to 'ta Hall and closed her door, and it's never been opened since then."
Fedrich swallowed deeply. "I'm so sorry, I never-"
"Don't." Gerick ordered. "Cil was never much fer apologies, and neither am I. Leave the past where it is."
"Why didn't you ever talk about her?" A voice asked.
Gerick looked around, seeing both Illis and Ruthy standing at the door, quietly waiting for their leader to finish his sad reminiscing. He snorted a chuckle, shaking his head.
"No reason to, 'ya never asked."
"But it's better to talk about your sorrows instead of keeping them inside." Ruthy added in her sister's defense.
Gerick lifted a hand to quell any other statements. "Let's leave it be, I've moved on since, and thinkin' on it isn't gonna make me feel any better."
Illis nodded an agreement, then took a seat at the table while Ruthy went for a drink.
"Now Fedrich, 'ya said you had somethin' to tell me?" Gerick asked, going back to the original topic.
"Oh, that's right!" The Burman barked. "Cecil found someone who knows where Claire has gone off to!"
Everyone went silent at the surprising news, so Fedrich continued. "One of the mechanics at the Docks said that he saw someone who looked like her boarding an Airship bound for South Gate. If it is her, then she's definitely going to Treno. If we hurry, we can make arrangements to get there and hunt her down!"
"Does Gordan know?" Gerick questioned.
Fedrich shook his head. "Cecil's looking for him, and they'll come here once he's found."
Silence held tight in the room as everyone took in the information. Fedrich's eyes glanced from person to person, hoping to see a reaction that met his own. A deep crack sounded in the air, the Hall settling on it's foundations.
"Treno..." Ruthy muttered. "That place...can we really find here in there?"
"The odds are slim, but Cecil said that if we go quickly, we might be able to find her trail and bring her to justice! If it wasn't for some border laws, he'd go with us and bring his best men as well." Fedrich waved his hand about, trying to illustrate his words.
"That place is a cesspool of criminals and thieves, they say. She'd fit in there perfectly." Illis commented. "We just have to wait for Gordan to come, he's got the most to gain from catching the traitor."
"Agreed." Fedrich added. "Though I'm willing to chase her down alone right now."
"Eager still, eh?" Gerick asked.
"She betrayed my trust...all our trust. I want to find out why, and make her pay for her crime."
For a while, the Regulators sat in uneasy silence, waiting for Cecil to arrive with Gordan and a decision on their plan of action. The sun drifted closer to the horizon, clouds flowing farther along the skyline and bringing thicker puffs of moisture to the region with the look of rain. The incessant ticking of the small clock above the front doors sang out the progression of seconds and minutes, and after a half hour, the two awaited people burst into the Hall.
"Got 'yer guy, Fed!" Cecil announced, Gordan stepping into the house.
"Captain Cecil already informed me on the situation. Has anything else new come about?" The nobleman asked.
"We're just waiting to know what your thoughts are about it." Illis answered. "I think all of us are at least thinking about hunting her down."
Gordan walked over to the central table and took a seat, folding his hands in thought. "On the eve of uncle Setzer's death, I informed my parents about the situation at hand. Mother and father both agreed that action must be taken, that the mercenaries and assassins of the continent must be taught that the Gestahl name is not to be treaded upon in such a manner. By now messengers have arrived in Treno to alert Setzer's subordinates about the situation, and that mother shall be assuming command of the Gestahl Industries."
"Really?" Illis blurted, eyes wide. "I thought they were still reeling from the money scandals."
"It seems that they have been working much harder to repay their wrongdoings than I suspected." Gordan spoke, motioning with his hands. "Already the family name has regained much of it's former reputation. Besides, with no surviving members of the Gestahl name able to assume the title, then mother is automatically in place to do just that." He paused a moment, picking his next words carefully. "My parents have thus decided to relocate to Treno, using the Gestahl manor as their new home to run the business. They have asked me...to return back home and to take control of the business divisions here in Lindblum."
That made everyone forget their comments on the matter. Gordan stared at the table surface, knowing that he would have to quit his role as a Regulator, something his colleagues wouldn't be happy about. For a long minute silence dominated the room, even Illis unable to find her voice.
"I, before joining the Regulators, was training myself daily to take on this job, to manage the business deals with Lindblum as local representative of the Gestahl Industrial company. My goal suffered greatly when the scandal came, but now I have a chance to claim this position after so many years of dedicating my life to it."
"You can't. You're part of the Regulators, Gordan, part of us." Illis spoke, staring at the nobleman with sad eyes.
"Illis, I knew you would take this hardest of anyone here. Please try to understand that my whole life was leading to this chance, that the Regulators was my own small means of keeping occupied while I could not get ahead under my family name."
"But...Gordan, you can't..." The dark clothed woman sputtered, emotions seeping into her voice.
"Know this, I say, that I will go and hunt down the traitor Claire myself. Her deeds shall not go unpunished."
Gerick stood up with a cough. "Gordan, are you sure about this?"
"Absolutely, old friend."
"Then..." He began, voice unsure. He gathered himself up, then put his hand against his forehead in a stiff military salute "Gordan Fulmen, it has been a pleasure 'ta have you fight alongside me as a fellow Regulator. You'll be missed."
Gordan smiled, then copied the gesture. "I will treasure my time with you eternally, old friend."
"Wait...wait a moment!" Fedrich gaped. "Gerick, aren't we going to chase her down?"
The bearded man shook his head. "It's no longer our problem, Fedrich, it's Gordan's to deal with, and he's got the help of local guards and his family's men as well."
Fedrich's expression fell. "But...what about all our talk before? I thought you were going with us, too!"
"I don't recall agreeing to that." He spoke evenly.
Fedrich gripped the table tightly, his expression shifting from confusion to anger. Growling, he stood up and glared at him with his pale green eyes. "I'm going to go hunt her, Gerick, she hurt me as badly as she did Gordan."
"Fedrich, I jest said that it's not our problem 'ta worry about!"
"It is my problem! I haven't been able to sleep well or even think clearly because of her! Ever since that moment, I've been tearing myself apart to understand why she did it. She lied to me, betrayed me...and I want to know why!"
"Fedrich, calm down, please." Gerick insisted, waving the Burman off. "You're soundin' as flustered as Illis was that night."
"And she was right to be angry!" The Burman pressed. "I can't let this go, I have to find my answers or I'll go mad with the want to know!"
"Fedrich..."
"I've got the money to pay for this. I can hunt monsters there just as good as I do here, earn my board and keep. I won't need help from anyone, I can do this myself."
"Come off it, Fedrich!" Gerick begged, anger again edging into his voice. "You've got yer place here in the Regulators 'ta think of."
"You won't reconsider?"
Gerick crossed his arms.
"I'll quit, then." He pressed, stunning the others who had remained silent as they watched the verbal fight progress.
"Now you're bein' unreasonable." Gerick sighed.
"No, I have to do this, Gerick!" Fedrich pressed, leaning down to stare at the table. "I don't know what it is, but something about this whole thing has me on edge. I'll never be able to move on unless I find out the answers to my questions."
Gerick stared at the Burman for a long moment, then chuckled. "To think, you came 'ta me without knowin' a thing about being a warrior. You've grown, Fedrich, stronger than I thought."
"Then?..."
"If you want 'ta go, I won't hold it against you."
Fedrich bowed lightly. "Thank you."
The Burman left the main room and went into his room down the hallway. After a quick minute, he came out from his room decked in travel clothing and his large pack across his shoulders. Glancing to everyone around, he forced a smile.
"Everyone...I will return once my answers are found. Wish me luck." Fedrich spoke, taking quick stride and leaving the Hall behind.
* ^ * ^ *
The Author Speaks!
Alright everyone, gather 'round and get ready for a talk with 'ol uncle Sol. One of the reviewers, tereterhomdark2003, raised a good question in regards to the beginning chapters of this story, so I figured I would only be fair to let everyone know my thoughts on it.
Originally I wrote this story with the intent that the characters in the story would have a role to play in the actual events of the game. Whether or not it would go so far as to having them interact with the game's characters is something I didn't plan yet, I just knew they would change how the game ran along at first. However, as I've been writing this story out, I've become far too attached to the plots I've been working on, and I don't think I want to mix them into the plot of the game. As it stands now, even if I were to continue with that original idea, it would be so far into the future that I doubt it would fit in with the rest of my original work.
So, tereterhomdark2003, I have you to thank for forcing the issue on me instead of letting it go unspoken of. If you want, you could leave an email or IM name so we could talk more about it. Perhaps some outside ideas could help me keep the original story idea afloat amidst my current ones.
Until next time, everyone.
