I do not own Final Fantasy XI or any other copyrights such as Square Enix. Characters are of my own designed base on myself and on friends.

I hope you enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please read and review. All criticism good and bad is welcome.

Honor

Matt walked through the Temple of Uggalepih, not paying attention to the archaic mechanical guards lumbering through the halls. The few passing tonberries paid him no mind either, past experience taught them better. The temple was a patchwork of small rooms that the tonberries lived and worked in. Matt knew exactly where he was going.

Going up some stairs there was an exit, which led to a ledge over looking the jungle. He stopped and watched the sunset over the jungle.

"I wonder what Yam is doing right now?" He thought about it for a while and caught himself blushing. Why though, loyalty and friendship aside, do I feel something else. With a shrug of the shoulders Matt took one last look over the jungle.

"Nice isn't it ninja?"

"Sozu I can hear you coming a mile away… I saw you before you spoke, I saw you before I entered the temple… I even saw you before you woke up this morning. So I assume you have something to tell me?"

"I see you have gotten better…" The tonberry, devoid of his lantern took a spot next to the hume. "… and what I have to tell you, is shocking really."

Matt raised an eyebrow. "How shocking… and why did your people try to infiltrate Norg?"

The small green creature took a seat and waited for the last of the sun to go down, he like the hume beside him, was also a ninja and was far more comfortable in the nighttime. He wondered what the hume was thinking, but quickly dismissed it.

"Remember when we first met? I immediately ran at you and attacked." He chuckled a bit. "Yeah that was a funny moment in time. I had thought no pink skin could defeat me, the master ninja of tonberries. What a fool I was, in a way, I believe I could have taken you out back then, but luck wasn't on my side. Ah well, no one to blame but myself, and fate."

Matt looked at the stars that were starting to show.

"Yeah that was amusing, and to think, I wasn't even after your katana, I was looking for some ridiculous paintbrush for some stupid reason or another, I can't even remember. Times were simpler then, the lines were clearly drawn in the sand. These people were on this team, and those people were on that team, but as time passed the line faded for me. I can barely tell who is who anymore… maybe it is time to go be a farmer somewhere?"

Laughter filled the hallway behind the two ninjas.

"You couldn't give this up if you tried. After you foiled my attempts to capture that pesky Red Mage, you are now on my list of people to kill… which I believe I will do tonight."

The voice came out of the shadows, the faint outline of a person, about Matt's height was visible, but no defining characteristics. The voice was the scary part though; it seemed to be many voices in one.

Both ninjas looked at each other and immediately took a ready stance. Both could smell it, a ripe smell, often the only thing smelled in the northlands… demons.

Now tonberries may look small and weak, but they have something pushing them to a greater level. A hatred for everything surrounding them. Of course some are different, but not a lot. Sozu Sarberry, a ninja(damn good too) is a bit different. He lives by a word that very few know in the temple. Honor, a ninjas honor, and a warrior's honor. Both himself and Matt had a fight that lasted most of the day, until Matt finally came out on top somehow. Instead of killing the tonberry and looting his body, like others would have done. He left a potion and continued on his way. This shocked the smaller ninja and made him wonder a bit. Was it a trick, was it poison? If so he had antidotes and would kill this pink skin. If not… hmmm… Things just sort of developed from there.

Some demons were coming down the hallway from behind the voice. A rain of shurikens from the two ninjas brought down some demons, however… the few shurikens that were aimed at the figure cloaked in shadows seemed to disappear. The ninjas kept up their barrage of shurikens at all on comers. While throwing with his right hand Matt pulled a katana with his left hand. As soon as his last shuriken was spent he leapt at the nearest demon going into a two-fold attack. First slashing across a leathery chest, then bringing the sharp end of the blade down on the demons head. Not a fatal blow, but leaving the demon without any senses for a short time. Drawing his other katana and slashing another demons hand in the process he jumped to the side. The tonberry was doing some slashing of his own. Looking at the small green ninja he could see something… something disturbing… the rancor. It was so strong, almost a physical manifestation. This was not just Sozu's grudge, it was everyone's grudge. With such power and force he came down upon the nearest demon and split it directly in two. The smaller ninja looked at the hume and looked back toward the ledge. Nodding Matt slashed at one more demon and then knelt down, and leaned backwards falling off of the ledge. Sozu did the same thing. There is a large moat surrounding the temple. The water is dark, but clean. Tonberries constantly tended to the grounds in and around the temple.

Matt kept his eyes closed until he felt the cool water surround him. Scrambling for the shore he quickly pulled himself up and got to his feet. The small green ninja was doing the same a few meters away. He quickly called to the other tonberries around that were tending the grounds to call for help or join the fight. No coaxing was needed, hatred burned within the entire race on tonberries. Chaos was soon everywhere, blood of both races covered the ground. Deep wails of agony and anger erupted from demons, while shrill cries of hatred and pain came from the tonberries.

Within minutes more and more tonberries flowed from the temple, the demons, which numbered about thirty, were soon all cut down in the green swarm. However the shadowy figure was nowhere to be found. Matt scanned the area, and except for the large amount of tonberries, nothing was out of the ordinary.

"Sozu, I need some answers, such as why Norg was infiltrated, who that was, and why I am not being attacked right now. It was a tonberry that infiltrated Norg, and this is the only place I know of with you guys."

Sozu sighed and looked at the hume.

"There were some that broke off from the temple. They live somewhere else. Strayed from the teachings we really didn't care where they went. As long as they left us to do things as we have for centuries. They are the ones that tried to sneak into Norg. We tend to stick to the temple, it is our way, it always has been and always will be. You can count on that. As for who that was. I am not sure, but he came before, and tried to temp us from the temple. Something about a plan to make us rulers of all of the land. I immediately dismissed him, along with most of my brethren… but there are always a few who think different. So we exiled them and told them not to return, until they have found their way again. It seems they are straying further and further… now, MG, if you don't mind answering some of my questions, since I answered yours."

Matt seemed deep in thought for a long time before nodding slowly.

"Why is that man after you, and what is going on that would cause you to become so wanted by so many, because there is something else I forgot to mention. Word around the tribes is that your head will get any of the tribes more gil than they could ever use, for weapons and whatnot. When we got word of this it was immediately dismissed. We need no money, only our rancor to make us strong. And goblins, well you know how they are, foolish creatures, but also incredibly well suited to invention. They need no gil, so they have also rejected it. The other tribes though… watch your back Matt."

Matt nodded again, this time more sharply in a thank you for the warning.

"He is after me because I am protecting my friend. Yamaroo, who recently lost her fiancé, Tarutopharoo… also a friend of mine. As for what I did, I am not…"

"I know those names, and I know where the summoner is being kept."
"Alive!"

"Very much so, they keep him in full health actually, they need his magic."

"They? Where is he?"

"Matt my friend, even you cannot get in there, you would need an army of people on par with yourself."

"Let me worry about that, where and who is keeping him!"

"Where, is the desert, Altep. The anticans were placed in charge of him, and a few others. Why is the question though, I am not sure. I only found out so much from the spies who came here."

"I see you have your own problems here too… is it this bad all over?"

"Worse in places, like the goblins, their numbers are so large and unorganized, that they are having it the worst. You might want to check out Newton Molo… whatever that place is before going anywhere else."

"That I will do, and Sozu… thank you."

The Tonberry smiled and started heading back into the temple. He turned around as the hume disappeared into the jungle.

"Honor, it is something that puts you above all else hume… never lose that."

With those words he returned to the temple.

On the way back to Norg Matt had a lot of time to think. All the beastmen tribes were after him and Yam. Goblins and Tonberries aside… none of them were too much of a threat… still the Anticans, they numbered so many. No one can even guess how many of them there are. That might be difficult. Something Sozu said though, "The spies who came here" Even beastmen were suffering from this new enemy. At least some are. Putting those thoughts out of his mind for now he thought of Yam and how he had to protect her. Again blood rushed to his cheeks. Silly boy, what are you thinking… do you even know.

"Nope, no clue, but that can wait." He said out loud.

Norg was just ahead, he would be back where he could rest easy again. Gilgimesh had to know about this right away. Matt picked up some speed as he entered Sea Serpent Grotto. The undead in here aren't picky, they attack anyone who is injured. Matt checked himself for any open wounds or anything, nothing, good. Flipping the lever to the secret passage a rock moved opening the view to Norg. Moving quickly past the gates and nodding to the sentry Matt saw Yamaroo sitting by the water fishing and singing to herself. Quietly moving behind her he sat down.

"Hey there, I'm back."

Yamaroo jumped at Matt's voice behind her. Jumping to her feet she hugged him around the neck.

"I am glad you are okay. How did it go?"

"It was interesting." Should I tell her about the attack? "I got some good information. Toph, is alive and well, and being held prisoner down in Altep." Her eyes lit up. "But. Anticans are the guards… lots and lots of them. We need a lot more people to help… a lot. Anyway I am going to talk to the big man, see if he can help."

"Alright, I will be around somewhere, find me when you are done."

She smiled as he walked off.

He was back, but smelled funny, something sour smelling. Not the tonberries, they had a different smell. What is that smell. Best not to worry about it. He is back and in one piece. Now… to do something nice for him. He should know how I feel, however it turns out, I want him to know.

"Ryoma? Are you over there."

The bald hume stood by the water scowling out at it, as he always does.

"What do you want?"

"I need some things, and I want them to be a secret. Can you help me?"

"Secret huh… I am not sure, what is going on? Are you finally going to tell him?"

"W… what? How did you…"

"Lil missy, I know everything. Especially the blatantly obvious, but considering who we are talking about, I don't doubt he missed it. Smart boy, but… not exactly quick in the ways of the heart."

"So can you help me?"

"Hmmm… no."

"I thought you said you could do anything!"

"I said I knew everything, there is a difference."

"I see, do you know how I could come across what I need?"

"You catch on quick. Yes, and I know how you can do it quickly and secretly. Now follow me, we are going to meet Lion."

As they walked off to prepare for later that day elsewhere in the world things weren't so great.

"Psoleus, are you there? Psoleus?"

"Keep your damn voice down you idiot."

"Sorry, but how are we going to get out of this one?"

"Not sure yet, but we are getting out. MG needs us for something. I got the letter and so did you, we are going to get out of this city and get to Norg."

"Yeah, I suppose we have to."

"It is your fault for always being here… you should stay in Jeuno like anyone else not retarded."

"Sorry I said… damn"

"Dumb ass dragoons… bunch of idiots, hand in your brain for a pointy stick. Zidan come on there is our ticket out."

The taru white mage pointed to some untended chocobos. He was still in disbelief that the hume dragoon, Zidan, still stuck around San D'Oria. Even though things are getting bad here. Demons come and go at will, the guard refuses to stop them. Just goes to show that Dragoons aren't the brightest crystals in the stack.

The two snuck to the chocobos and mounted them quietly. It was approaching dawn, so if they needed to move, now was the time. With a light kick to the sides the chocobos took off running. At least Jeuno was still somewhat safe. If they could only make it there, things will start to get better. If being the key word though.

Matt walked down the hallway to his room. He saw Lion leaving Yams room very quietly. Almost like she was sneaking out. That is interesting, Lion is always doing strange things though. He shrugged and went into his room. A sealed letter was on his bed.

"Come see me later please."

Yamaroo

"I don't understand, but meh. Change first… it is going to get rough from here on out." He looked around to see if anyone was spying. Moving some floorboards a chest was revealed. After opening the chest a brilliant red armor was removed. It has been a while. A harness made from the venomous claw of the giant scorpions that are found through out the world. Very few are powerful enough to have a fully mature claw though. Serket, the terror of the Citadel has a mature claw. However, if you cross him… you better be prepared for a fight. The claw for this one was a gift from an old friend. The harness itself was made by Darkdreamer, and bears his insignia.

After the harness was donned, 2 katanas were taken out of the chest. The Sairen, won from 4 demons that were not happy to meet a ninja in need of the legendary katana. The other, the Hocho, a gift from defeating Sozu and letting him live. On the sheath to the Hocho is the word "Honor" in the tonberries written language. Checking over his gear, and finally being satisfied, he left his room and headed to Yamaroos. People walking through the halls stopped and stared at the brilliant red armor and legendary katanas. Stopping in front of Yams room he knocked on the door.

"Come in"

He walked in, curious to what was happening. A bouquet of rain lillies. They are very rare, but also very beautiful. Almost glowing a soft white light. They drew attention from everything in the room… almost.

Yamaroo stood by her bed. A long(for a taru) dress and a rain lily in her hair. The dress was white also. Everything was so white and pure in the room. Matt felt out of place. Blushing a bit looking at her he turned away.

"What is all of this for? I have never seen you all dressed up. Did I forget your birthday or something?"

Laughing, "No, I just wanted to talk to you. About something that I have wanted to for a while. Come sit down."

She sat on the bed motioning for him to come over and sit next to her. All the sudden Matt was nervous. For the first time in many many years he was nervous. Why! Confusion filled his mind at the moment. After hesitating for a minute he sat down and folded his hands in his lap.

"So what did you want to talk about?"

"Matt… I um…" She blushed and took a minute to gather herself. "… you are more than a friend to me… more than a brotherly figure. I am in love with you. And before you say anything, let me finish. I know it will probably never work, but I just wanted you to know how I felt. I have felt it for some time, and I really needed to tell you. If you hate me after this, I understand, but just as long as you know." She looked up at him with questioning eyes.

"Yam, how could I ever hate you. In fact, I was wondering if I had any deeper feelings for you earlier today, but I am still not sure… my feelings have been a mess for a while now. I hope you understand, I am not angry, or upset. Sort of shocked, but not in a bad way. My mind is just too messed up right now for me to know what I am thinking."

"I understand Matt, and I will give you as much time as you need." She smiled up at him laying her head on his arm. "When you figure it out, let me know."

"Um… what about toph, what will he say when we get him back?"

"Me and him have been drifting apart recently. We are still very very good friends, but nothing more. He will understand."

Matt put his arm around her in a friendly manner and sighed. Things just got more complicated, not just to rescue his friend, but in his head too. Timing was never on his side.

"I should get some sleep, it has been a while. By the way, you look amazing tonight."

She didn't say anything, just smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Rubbing his cheek and blushing he got up to leave.

"Thank you" was all she said, but it held so many meanings in those two words at that moment.

For the first time in years he didn't have "That" dream. No cold sweats, no shaking. Why, why not tonight. Then he remembered that he had talked to Yam, and she had told him of her love for him. It was comforting in a way, and disturbing in another. He didn't know what he was feeling, but might have feelings towards her. He wasn't sure. Damn this is confusing.

Sitting up in bead and having a quick breakfast Matt headed out to survey the Norg scenery. Nothing out of the normal. Good, but boring. Ah well other things to do.

"Hey there sweet cheeks."

"Lion, how are you?" He said without turning around.

"Bored, things have gotten a lot tighter after what you told my father yesterday. Want to do something to kill time?"

"Nah, not really, unless you are ready to get your ass kicked in sparring."

"That wasn't what I had in mind, and you know it."

"I know, but I don't want to think about that right now… and besides, you know, you helped set it up."

"Yeah, I was just testing your loyalty to her. It is obvious you love her… well obvious to everyone but you and her. Just go with it. If not I will steal you away and make you into my play thing." She winked at him and walked off.

"Hmmm, obvious it is? Obviously not, heh."

A scout collapsed at the feet of the guards. It seems the cities have changed… the rulers, are… different. Shit another problem Matt thought to himself. San D'Oria is no longer the Sandy he knew… he hoped his friends got out in time. It would be trouble in the long run if they didn't. Wonder how that letter he dropped off at Neptune's Spire is going…

R&R let me know please.