.Cherish the Day.
L'Otage - The Hostage
Disclaimer: I Do not own anything related to Star Ocean 3. blah blah...
Okay finally Chapter one! This is gonna be probably boring, but hang in there! I tried to lay off most of the descriptions so I could get right to the point but make it not too rushed at the same time. This is Sophia's point of view again; sometimes it'll be in third person or another person's prospective, but not this time.
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Le plus bref est le meilleur - The shorter the better
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I realized how different this world was from my own. Everything about it... the crisp fresh air, the sweet scent of blooming flowers and little creatures such as rabbits hopped around the grassy wet earth peacefully, as birds chirped in the morning dew. These things were alive... living and breathing.
Not one artificial intelligent around, that's what was so different about it, something I never had gotten accounted to. Maybe that's what I liked about Elicoor. It was so much like the seventeenth century Earth I have read and studied about in various world history and social studies class text books in Bachtein High.
It's completely amazing how this planet even exists and stays this way... and amazing how Fayt and I escaped Hyda safely those three weeks ago. I was so sure we'd be goners, I hadn't been so frightened in my entire life to tell the truth. What a horrifying experience it was, going in an escape pod alone and to what ever power up above gave me the chance to land in the same place as Fayt... I am forever indebted.
We landed on Vanguard III. A planet similar to Elicoor but one century behind you might say. We met two young children there, Niklas and Meena. The youngest one, Meena, helped me and Fayt who were utterly exhausted and lost in the Pesotto Forest. The older one, Niklas, helped me carry the passed out Fayt to their village, Whipple, not too far where he had gone wary. Who would've thought Fayt would tire out before me, huh? I totally remember what I had told him as he rested upon Nikla's bed,
"See? You playing games too much is not healthy. I told you, you needed to get out more!"
Well so much has happened on Vanguard, I don't think I would like to repeat and reminisce those moments again, all I can say, we were in a pickle and you can guess who saved the day, it was Cliff Fittir. I was a little skeptical at first, saying he needed Fayt for some reason. In any case, the leader of Cliff's anti-federation group, QUARK, wanted to see Fayt for something "very imperative". Cliff has been with us ever since that time he came to the rescue and that's all I can say on that. He is a true ally now.
And well, what do you know, Cliff had us out of Vanguard in a jiffy. He and a fellow co-worker (by the name of Mirage) had a undersized Klausian ship named the Eagle. But of course, something had to go wrong and we crashed right into another planet. On top of that... it was snowy city filled with lots and lots of people. The central city of Airyglyph which held the throne of king Arzei. Speaking of which, that was right here. Here on Elicoor.
This will certainly not seem as much as a surprise to you but, we were thrown in the dungeon. For having this ship, see. It violated the UP3, and they thought it was a new technology from their rivals in Aquaria. I really thought I was gonna die there with Fayt and Cliff but were we lucky when a daring young woman by the name of Nel, who arrived just in time. As you can see, Nel was a spy for Aquaria and of course she had to ask for our help against the war with them and these inhabitants from Airyglyph. I really wanted to get it over with, Fayt on the other hand, really didn't want to see so many people suffer. Well he does have a heart of gold, and I'm certainly proud of him, it's just that I thought it would be best to make it end as quickly as possible instead of postponing it.
Getting closer and closer to Nel's home of Aquios, our journey was put to a stopping point as we reached the small river front village of Arias. This is where Clair (she seems to be the leader of Nel's assembly.), told us their situation with the government of Airyglyph. The silver haired woman, who had a gentle aura about her, told us we should get some rest after traveling so far and wide. And well, that's where I was then, greeted by the sounds of a few faint voices from downstairs.
I opened my eyes slowly as I stretched and rose from the soft inviting guest bed. My head was still pounding after the intense conversation with Clair. Will we say yes and help? Or say no and let them deal with their own misfortune? I hardly knew anything about Airyglyph at that time.
Suddenly, my door squeaked open quietly with Cliff's head peeping out.
"Yo, Sophia. Raise and shine, get ready to go."
"Go where?" I asked gradually squinting my eyes from the wave of light that flooded my room. The Klausian man shook his head with discernment.
"The Kirlsa Training Facility, to rescue Farleen and Tynave. Apparently, Nel had already been there long ago in hopes of doing that. But who knows what dangers she'll confront. So me and your boy toy Fayt decided we'd check it out for ourselves."
I jumped up from my bed upon hearing this. I thought it was against her duty to set free her comrades and only care for herself. So, the mysterious woman does have a spirit after all. Not the cold killer I suspected her to be.
"What!? By herself?"
"Yeppero." He crossed his arms and looked up to the ceiling as if waiting for me.
"...Oh no. Where is Fayt, anyway?"
"Getting ready, like you should be." I could tell I was becoming a nuisance and I should have done what I was told right away like a good little girl, but I couldn't believe what was going on at the time. Why didn't Nel tell us? Did she not fully trust us over the few weeks we had gotten to know her?
"H-hold on. I'll be there in just a second!" Cliff sighed and the shut door as I rushed putting my jean capris and light pink tank top on despite the chilled air, I had nothing else but these. Which made me look a little silly in an underdeveloped civilization, I'll admit. I ran past the corridor and down the stairs meeting up with Fayt and Cliff.
"You ready, now?" The Klausian asked once more, tapering his gauntlets.
"Yes, all set."
"Then let's go." Fayt said, putting a hand on my shoulder. I smiled and nodded with acknowledgement. It was a bit rushed how it happened all of a sudden but I did my best to keep up with the two guys as we journeyed yet again through countless hills and plains, with enemies abound of course. I stayed behind healing the two strong willed fighters with my symbology powers whenever needed, since I had no weapon to claim my own.
After countless hours, we finally made it. The whole facility looked worn down and aged. It smelled like must and burning wood. The three of us decided to split up and look around for Nel. I went through the east section, while Fayt and Cliff went to the west and northern areas. The place was huge I admit, I broke into quite a sweat. Just like Fayt said, more exercise! While walking along the tiles I heard a small weak cry coming from the door nearest to me. Taking a gulp of air, I opened it without warning and dashed to where the mild screams were coming from.
And you can guess who I saw there. It was Lady Nel. She was leaning against the wall, surrounded by motionless Airygylph soldiers scattered across the ground.
"Nel!!" I shrieked to get her my attention. The red haired woman turned her head in my direction, her eyes were heavy and she had this helpless look to her.
"Is that you, Sophia!? What in the world are you doing here?"
"I came here with Fayt and Cliff. I'll explain later! Hold still, you're hurt!"
Holding my hands out and concentrating on my symbology spell, a soft light loomed over Nel as she recovered her strength.
"Nel, why did you come here all alone? When you need help, just ask."
Nel shook her head and sighed at my remark.
"You don't understand, Sophia. I didn't want you people to come here. It doesn't concern any of you. Now that have you have come, well... you can say that I have become a burden and I am sorry."
"There's nothing to apologize for... You know, I'm actually glad that you came here. You came to save your comrades, no, your friends. There is nothing I see wrong with that. Nel Zelpher... I see you in a whole different light."
The older woman smiled at this and looked away from me, as if she was shying away from my comment.
"A different light, huh? How could you possibly see me before?"
"To tell the truth, I thought you were a cold, heartless woman that was bloodthirsty for a fight. You always talked about the plans with much detail in a very serious tone. And well, it kinda scared me. I never met someone so stern."
Nel faced the opposite wall and gave a soft laugh, not even taking a look at me.
"Bloodthirsty...? Far from it, but faithful to my country? Yes."
Before I could say another word I heard footsteps that turned out to be my two companions.
"Way to go, Sophia. Ya found her." Cliff's voice was right behind me as it echoed through the halls.
"Nel, are you alright?" Fayt looked at the bodies of the soldiers, then down at Nel as she nodded diligently.
"I'm fine. But I'm more fretful about Tynave and Farleen."
"Alright, we'll go with you."
"You know of the dangers, right? I'm just warning you, Fayt. You can't be the hero all the time."
Nel crossed her arms with authority and cocked her head at him.
"I know that, but..."
The muscular Klausian man patted my "boy toy" on the shoulder.
"Aw, nothing to worry about. It can't be too bad. Besides with Sophia's healing powers we're top shelf. Call it... a hunch."
Nel gave an exasperated sigh and began to walk forward to a rusted steel pulley.
"Fine. We'll use this elevator to reach the top floor. Tynave and Farleen should be up there. Just make sure you're all prepared. Who knows what we'll find in the training area."
We all nodded and followed her, unaware of the peril up ahead. Soon, the elevator came to a screeching halt and you could say we all ran ahead thoughtlessly Nel almost tripped herself as she stopped all of sudden and I could see the hurt and terror in her deep blue orbs.
"Tynave! Farleen!"
They were hanged up abnormally, yet gracefully in a painstaking way on the stone walls surrounding the unadorned quarter.
"How horrible..." I sighed, lowering my head with lament. Why would someone do this to a human being? Treating them like some kind of animal, this must be a lame thing to say but who could do such a thing? I had second thoughts on Airyglyph. Nel darted to her associates with her quick speed untying them from their custody.
"So, the early bird catches the worm, eh?"
A boisterous booming voice beckoned behind us. I twisted my body to face where it came from and to my astonishment, I saw a large man in chain mail flailing a mace like a madman.
"Who the heck are you!?" I dare said, my hands quivering in fear of him slicing my head off with that ridiculous weapon, really now.
"I don't utter my name to those who are about to die!"
Nel stepped in front of me in a protective manner.
"Well, that's just too bad.... Shelby the Heavy Handed."
"Ah, so you're the Crimson Blade I've been after. Slaying you will make my rank go to greater achievements. Soon to be captain by the looks of it."
Cliff stepped up to the plate as well. "That just ain't gonna happen, buddy. Me and you have a problem."
Nel swiftly took out her daggers, "Everyone be careful, he's known as the Heavy Handed for a reason!"
Fayt eyed me vigilantly, "Right! Sophia, take care of Farleen and Tynave!"
"Okay."
I hurried and rushed to their side healing any wounds I found as I heard the battle cries of my cohorts and the so called Shelby.
"Are you two alright? How long were you up there?"
"It felt like forever to me. I'm so glad you guys came." Tynave bowed at me thankfully.
"We're fine, miss." Farleen added giving a grateful nod.
"That sure is a relief. Phew..." The sun beated on me like a mallet. Wiping the sweat from my forehead I squinted to see a shadow from above where we were sitting.
"Huh..?"
Tynave looked at me with concern as she dusted off her uniform. "What is it, Miss Sophia?"
"Don't you see it!?" I nearly shouted, I was in such a panic and didn't know what to do with myself.
"What are you talking about..? See what?" Farleen bobbed her head around; it seemed that she was seeing nothing at all.
I shook my head, confused at myself. Maybe it was the heat that made me see the dark outline.
"Oh, I was probably just imagining things..."
"Maybe you should take a rest. You do look beat." Tynave offered a hand. I grabbed it and pulled myself up.
"Yeah, thanks. I'll rest up when we get back to Arias." Giving a faint smile, our small talk was interrupted by a loud yell. Sir Shelby was laying face down on the pavement, stock-still.
"That outta take care of that helmet head for the time being." Mr. Fittir dusted off his clothes casually.
Fayt rested his hands on his knees and coughed lightly. "He sure put up a fight."
"Well then, it's certainly NOT like those virtual reality games is it, Fayt?" I nearly spitted it out, putting my hands on my hips.
"Heeey, why bring that up during a time like this, Sophia!? Sheesh."
"Humor me, Fayt. Humor me." And I'll tell you, that gave one big smile on Cliff's face. We had our happy moment but something awful always has to ruin the moment.
"Aaaahhh!" A shrill cry came from the back of us. Most likely, it belonged to Farleen.
Of course, Nel was the first one to find out what caused the fearful girl to scream like that.
"More soldiers from Airyglyph!?" And believe me, when Nel had said that, she sounded afraid herself. There was about 20 black armored men surrounding us. A complete ambush, and out of nowhere. These people from Airyglyph were sure darn persistent. Cliff also seemed displeased at this.
"Fayt, Nel and I can handle these guys. Take Sophia and get outta here!"
Fayt was a struggle with this, as always, "No way! I'm helping."
I grabbed his arm roughly just wanting to drag him out of this heck hole. "Fayt..."
He looked at me with a great understanding; it was incredible how I could change that boy's mind so easily,
"Alright Sophia. Let's go."
Still holding on my boyfriend's arm we hastened to the door when abruptly something yanked my free arm, releasing me from Fayt.
"Ah!" The soreness was indescribable mainly, because it happened so fast.
"Sophia!" Fayt sounded so desperate that time, I remember it so clearly.
With all the might I had left within me I moved violently in the person's grasp, screaming until they put a hand on my mouth, so well, it become a weak muffle.
"Show any resistance and you'll die by my hand, you reckless wench." The voice was so full of abhorrence and rage. I could say I sure was terrified.
I tried to break free once more and it was all cause and effect after that. Something banged me on the head, firm enough to make me unconscious for the time being. The only thing I remember during that time was Fayt's face so full of fright and pain; from the looks of it he could nothing to save me.
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Hmm, that's it for chapter one gotta love cheesy cliff hangers, right? Sorry to bore you with this I kinda rushed it so I could get to the good stuff, so don't flame it! lol and I tried to make everyone as in character as possible. Now I have something to say to my lovely, loyal, fans! Well... reviewers. Eh heh heh heh.
Chakaska – Thanks for the praise. Hope you review next time! I take all these reviews to heart, ya know. lol
CodenniumRed – Really, really glad you liked it. I betcha can't wait for what Albel has to say, huh? Well there's quite a ways to go. Yeah, I thought the letter idea would work out perfectly, with a hint of a spoil since it' scoming up later. Thanks for your comment!
Suzuno Oosugi –You really like it? It means a lot! Thank you very very much.
Event – Hiya! I'm very happy to be you're beta reader, ya know and I'm glad you honestly like my story. I'm so pleased to hear it was in character. You have my gratitude. lol