This story belongs to me and my creative mind. However, many 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...
:A Moment of Discord:
Pre-Story ramblings: This story contains within it many characters, settings, and ideas that I had created in my previous fan-novel, Faraway Dreams. I recommend reading Faraway Dreams first, if only to get aquatinted with the characters and places that will be seen within this story. It will, however, stand on it's own, which is why I shall refer to this as its own story rather than a sequel.
To anyone who already read Faraway Dreams, welcome! Thought I disappeared on you all, eh? I did, and fully expected to continue with other stories and not bother retouching on a finished novel. As time went on, however, ideas kept popping into my head and wouldn't go away. One day I just started writing, and I ended up with half of this chapter done! Needless to say, the further I ventured into this new plot, the more I fell in love with it and the more I wrote. Time for heroes from all paths to step back into the spotlight for one more round.
Okay, time to quit prattling and get on with it!
Introduction: The Past
It was known, like the remnants of some distant dream, that a drastic event had taken place on that particular day. However, like a dream, it was quickly forgotten and ignored. Only one man knew what happened, and when he beheld the effects of his work, he smiled grimly and hoped it was enough. If it wasn't, gods above, then he would know it soon enough. Yet as each day passed, he found that more and more his efforts were not in vain. On one particular afternoon, resting on his heels in the cleared streets of his hometown and homeland, he breathed a sigh of relief.
He had cheated the future of its massacre.
And so he let the anxiety go, and also the memory of the dream. He involved himself in the daily battles his people struggled against, earning friends and enemies as they days went on. He earned himself a lover and a great number of faceless enemies at the same time, all because he dared take a human as a mate. It was worth the glares, though; the whispering threats of pain and death, broken windows and near physical brawls. He had love, and what man would wish not to have it? So the days went on, the sun rose and fell and the city picked itself up from the ruins it was before. They bought their own house near the mountainside, a lofty habitat with wide windows and a private deck to watch the city and it's rain. They did their best to eke out a living, and did quite well at that.
Things, however, continued to move. While his dreams remained aimless and base, it wasn't the only way to foreshadow an event that would need a drastic solution. If one looked hard enough, you could see the future coming and the dangers locked within that impossible to predict frame of time. Was it something worse than before? Could it be prevented? It was, once.
Why not again?
Part One: The Present
"So what's for breakfast?" Ruthy slung her arms over his shoulders as he stood by the stove.
"Eggs with spiced cheese, bread, and butter." He replied, leaning his head back to nuzzle her own. "That good enough for you?"
"It's sufficient, but I might need something extra." She stole a kiss off his cheek, then walked to get a fresh pitcher of water from the cistern outside.
Fedrich grinned, unable to feel anything less than blessed by the gods to be where he was. Dragon Knight. The title was familiar to him after the years, a title he bore with pride and honor. From a Regulator to a Hunter to a Knight, his rise from humble beginnings was a testament to the gains one could reap if determined enough. It was in Lindblum those six years ago that he met his friends, became as strong as he was, and met the love of his life in a most unexpected source. A burman and a human, together as close as lovers could be. Such a mixing of races had never been socially acceptable, and was so rare that most people didn't know what to do with themselves. Most simply scorned them while a few tried their best to be happy for them.
His parents were divided between those camps. Mother was happy while father just fumed. He wished his son would earn recognition by being a great warrior, not a social misfit.
"You gonna let them burn, Fed?" Ruthy asked.
He looked down, noting the eggs were shriveling badly. "Oops." He lifted the pan from the fire and quickly slid them onto the metal flatware plates for him and her. He took a loaf of bread and broke it between them, then took a mug of water for himself and sat down.
"It's a good thing someone pays attention to cooking here." She smirked as she took a tentative bite of the egg. "Still good, though. You're getting better."
"I've got the best teacher for the task." He ate slowly, savoring the spicy flavors the cheese added. "You're still better at it."
"Then why cook yourself?"
"I might as well learn something from you, if not a sarcastic wit. Without new training at the court, I'm in a slump of routine. That's exactly why we're going to spend the day wandering the city and doing as much as we can."
"I'm glad you got a day off, but are you sure about going out together?"
He frowned lightly. Ruthy was always uncertain of herself whenever out in the public these days. It used to be her favorite thing to do, walking amidst society and maintaining a cheery attitude towards everyone. Not that she now feared the people or their words, but rather that it would be a constant for them regardless of where they went. Some days it was evident that she needed to get some time away from Burmecia and visit her sister and all of humanity in Lindblum.
"We'll go." He insisted.
"Right." She sighed. "Can't let them win, you know. If they want to be pig-headed about it, let them!"
Fedrich finished his tankard of water, wiping his mouth with a cloth. "True enough, love. I've always liked playing the radical."
"You've just like playing anything but normal." She countered, finishing her meal. "You want to stoke the fire for a bath?"
"Yeah, I still feel matted from yesterday."
He stood and cleared his plates into the wash basin, then snatched a small torch from the stove and walked it to the bathhouse in the rear of their home. He thrust it into a brick enclosure below the iron tub, igniting the dry kindling and starting the flames strong. Pulling a lever up top, it opened a pipe to let water fill the tub half full. It took a few minutes until the water was steaming hot, and he stripped and lowered himself in. Hot baths in a private home were a rare luxury for the land of eternal rain, and took a lot of money to afford. Public bathing was most common, but one look and Ruthy was too embarrassed to even step in the ladies house. She was so pink compared to everyone's gray, silver, or sandy fur.
'It's a good thing I earn so much as a Knight. Ruthy was practically red when she first went there. Heh, brings memories of boiling water in pots over the stove and getting a bath done in an hour.'
He scrubbed himself clean with a bar of old soap, grooming his fur precisely and getting the snarls out of his silver-blonde hair. He only cut it once since he came back home, and it was currently down past his shoulders and tied with a red twist of cloth. Finished, he drained the tub and dried himself as best he could, humidity making everything permanently damp. He donned a pair of old leather breeches and a shirt and vest of roughspun wool, bound his feet, and combed through his hair one last time. It was almost reason enough to cut it again, but he preferred it long.
He found Ruthy sitting by the fireplace, reading one of her many thick tomes. She was dressed in a conservative pair of pants and blouse, a long leather coat across her shoulders to cover her from the rains. It was one of the few things she bought while in Burmecia, the rest she had to get on a special trip to Lindblum.
"You ready to go?" He asked.
"Just a sec." She replied, hastily reading the lines before marking the page and placing it down. "Okay."
"Let's be off, then."
They unlocked the front door and stepped into the chill morning air, a light rain pouring on the mountain city. Closing it and locking it secure, they stepped into the rains and down the avenues to the business streets and the Daines Market. The sky was covered by a solid layer of dark clouds, the rain apparently unable to decide between staying put or leaving. Everything was bathed in the grayness, illuminated by the sun yet casting no shadow in a sort of happy medium between light and dark.
"So you have anything in mind to get?" Ruthy asked.
"Nothing in particular. I'm sure I'll think of something to get while we're about."
"I need to get some more ink and parchments, so I'll need to stop by Grenda's, too."
"That's right! How is your play coming along?"
"As well as to be expected." A reply with no real answer.
Fedrich knew it mostly meant that she hadn't made as much progress as she hoped to make. Since moving in with Fedrich, she had found herself with a great deal of free time to spend. Fedrich's salary as a Dragon Knight paid for all their expenses and then some, so she wasn't forced to work out a living. Instead, she kept her efforts up with crafts and reading, earning much knowledge in the fields. She had actually started her own play several months ago, yet all she seemed was disappointed in it. He hoped that she would get past whatever obstacles that barred her.
"It's hard to believe that this place looks so rebuilt." Ruthy commented. "I remember that it was a ruin when I first came."
"Just goes to show that Burmecia won't stand to be left in pieces. Even if it was just a few, we'd still try and make the best of things." Fedrich looked around the streets, seeing that many houses were still abandoned. "It still feels empty, through."
"It'll take time for everyone to come back home."
"Hopefully."
Half-finished homes stood by the dozens as they walked, waiting for someone to complete them and move in. Men and women alike heaved stones into place for the walls and foundations of new buildings, stonemasons cutting the rock to precise dimensions. What once was a city renowned for blacksmithing and forging had become a center for architects, masons, and anyone with a knack for raising a house up from the wet earth. It had been four years since Burmecia fell, and there was still much to be done before it fully recovered.
They entered one of the primary streets that cut through Burmecia like a knife, a central path of commerce and travel. Already it was filling with people in the daily rush for fresh food and materials to continue their work, and the two picked their way through them. They stepped into a small tavern to escape the crowds and to get a listen to the local news.
"Good mornin' to you, Sir Fedrich!" The barkeep saddled up next to the counter, resting thick limbs on the wood. "Come for an early drink, eh? Or is it just news?"
"Just news, Gavin." Fedrich rested on the counter as Ruthy waited by the door.
"Well, rumors are still flying about that damn beastie up in the high hills making trouble for the castle guards."
"Ah, the pale dragon."
Gavin arched an eyebrow. "A pale dragon? Last I heard it was a nasty ol' Ironite."
"Nope. I hunted that dragon along the crags and stones just yesterday. The thing ducked into a cave and lost me. It must be a smart one to think of that. I've never even seen a dragon that looked like it, all pearly and white like it'd seen a ghost."
"Feh! Well, I guess I'll be havin' to change my story then. Anywhile, there's nothing but the usual things floating around, thieves along the walls and maidens accusing the guards of improper advances. Also heard one about you. Apparently you enjoy sleeping with humans, burmans, and Qus, and that you're secretly a ringleader for the whores in town."
Fedrich had to restrain himself from laughing. "Oh goddess, the things they come up with!"
"I guess the old women gotta have something to gossip about."
"True enough." He slid a ten piece to the barkeep. "I'll be around later, perhaps."
"Then have a good day, Sir, and don't be enticing any Qus, neither!"
Fedrich stepped outside and tugged his vest around his shoulders, looking at Ruthy. She was staring out at the crowds, reflecting on the hustle of Lindblum's own streets. He couldn't blame her. Even he missed the rush of the Grand Castle, the constant din of Airships and bartering patrons lining the Business District streets. Only the patter of rainfall was a constant in Burmecia, and that wasn't a suitable replacement for the redhead's childhood home.
"You ready?" She asked.
He nodded. "Yep."
They entered the current of people moving up and down the street, heading towards the Daines marketplace. Located near the primary gate into Burmecia, it was the essential center of commerce for the city. It was also the only place that merchants from other nations and lands set up shop. For Ruthy, it was a necessary place to go to whenever they went out.
"So do you have any idea about what your new assignments are?" She asked.
Fedrich shook his head. "No."
"I just hope you aren't assigned to Gizamaluke's Grotto again. That place was just too dark to live in."
"It wasn't all that bad, was it?"
She gave him a sidelong look. "Not for you, maybe, but for those of us who get nervous in cramped spaces it can be. I swear you couldn't take a single step without whacking your leg on a rock."
He chuckled. "Don't worry. I think I'll end up being assigned to the King's Guard again since Lady Freya is spending so much time abroad. I'm surprised that our King Hiryuu allows her to wander the continent so freely."
"Well, she is a renowned hero for fighting Alexandria's mage army and stopping them from killing the prince."
"I suppose..."
"Guess being a hero gives you all kinds of perks."
Fedrich pursed his lips. 'Only if you ever are recognized for what you do. I can't very well tell everyone that I averted a disaster that would've meant the end of Burmecia forever.'
The crowds around them suddenly parted, and a formation of ten guards came jogging up the street in full battle attire. Fedrich's eyes spotted the crest of Gizamaluke's battalion sewn on their chest, a simple blue patch with a yellow arch in the center. The lead man hurried ahead, shouting for everyone to step aside.
"You there! Move over!" He barked at the two.
"What's going on?" Fedrich asked, stepping to the side.
The lead man broke away from his unit, waving the others on. He flinched when he recognized the person he spoke to. "Oh, Sir Castor! We're en route to the royal court to alert the council of a danger rising in the lands."
This sparked Fedrich's attention. "What kind of danger? Another military threat?"
"No, Sir! Some of our people within Lindblum and its neighboring cities have been hearing talk from the nobles about their rights being impressed on. Somehow those nobles are thinking that the three great nations are too strong, and that there needs to be a redressing of the balance between royalty and nobility."
"That doesn't sound dangerous at all. The nobles are always complaining that they aren't given the respect due to them."
"I would've passed it off as the same, except for this report." He pulled out a parchment from his travel cloak. He opened it up and read. "Reporting from Kohlingen, eastern territory of Lindblum. A large number of hirelings have been flooding the streets, simple men-at-arms and professional soldiers for hire. The Highguard family has made a public speech against the Regency, talking of restoring statehood to Kohlingen from east of the Ceebel River and all of the Metalark shores. The local militia, the Nanten, has been on active training and formation marches. All signs point to an eventual march, destination uncertain."
Fedrich absorbed the information as best he could, wondering what kind of danger this Nanten militia proved to be. Most noble houses only employed small garrisons to their manors, making them only a paltry defense against any sizable army. "So what does this have to do with Burmecia?"
"That's why we're going to the royal council with this. It may be an internal problem for Lindblum, but it could also be a good chance to strengthen ties with them by offering help."
"I see..." He reflected for a moment. "Alright. Your name is?"
"Kyrk Tandoor. Sergeant." He snapped a quick salute.
Fedrich returned the gesture. "Be on your way, Sergeant, and leave a note with the Dragon Knights about the council's decision."
"Yessir!" He turned and ran to catch up with his men, the streets returning to normal.
"A war against Lindblum?" Ruthy looked nervous. "Why would the nobles want to do that?"
Fedrich was also at a loss. He thought of Gordan and Illis Fulmen, his noble friends from Lindblum that he met back in his youth during his time as a Regulator. Both were competent warriors, Gordan working to restore his family name from its failures and Illis merely looking to earn money for an easy life after a harsh childhood. Now Gordan was merely concerned with the finances of his business and the welfare of his family and friends, and Illis was always doting over their children, whatever quest for danger she had dulled by motherhood. They didn't seem the types to want a war against the Regent. However, he knew that one man alone wasn't a good means to base his opinion of all nobles on. There were plenty of greedy men in the world, and greed was rarely easy to sate.
"Can't say I know for certain."
"Does this mean you have to go to the castle?"
He smirked and patted her shoulder. "Normally, except today is my day off."
> > >
Ulrich Bronzehands rested against the wall of the establishment, legs crossed as he waited for his meal to arrive. The cafe was a well-known stop for travelers in Kohlingen, especially to those who preferred taking the coast to Alexandria rather than the interior of the plains. It was one of the few truly safe places for the burman to relax and not worry about looking out of place. Being an agent for the Burmecian advance guard unit gave him the freedom to do as he please, but kept him in constant danger. The letter he just sent was more than enough evidence to get him arrested for spying on another government. At least, that is what the noble court would declare, despite that they weren't yet an official state.
"Here's your meal, Sir." A waitress declared, setting a platter of roasted duck and greens before him. "Is there anything else you need?"
"No, but you have my thanks."
"You traveling?" She pried, staring.
He ignored the look. To him, humans with their pale skin and lack of fur was as odd as being coated in silver fur and having a tail. His ears twitched in annoyance. "Just making my way to Treno is all."
"Oh...Well, have a pleasant stay."
"That I will." He muttered, turning to his meal and ending the discussion.
The meal was sub-standard, another of the minor details about his current mission in this small town. For once, he'd like to enjoy a thick black ale straight from the breweries in Burmecia, but there was naught to be found but the pale stuff. He swilled it down, at least thankful that it didn't choke too badly. Once done, he stood and left the building, glancing around the busy intersection.
'Soon I'll have to make my final report and leave. This place is turning into a military outpost on short notice.'
He took a leisurely stroll through the town, always amazed that it was little more than a business center and housing for the noble's workforce. Everyone seemed to work in the afternoon and the nights were filled with rambunctious noise as everyone relaxed from their days labors. He often wondered if there was someone here that didn't do work for the nobles.
He turned to an alley and rested on the cool wall, drawing out a wood pipe stocked with smoking weed. He took a match and struck it sharply, but the tip didn't light. He discarded it and tried another with no luck. Several more followed.
"Damn, can't a man have a smoke?"
"Smoking isn't good for your health, my good fellow." A feathery voice replied.
Ulrich spun to face the voice, and he saw that there was someone in the entrance of the alley. He, at least it sounded like a he, was dressed in thin breeches and a silken shirt, a pair of white leather shoes on his feet. He lifted a jewel-crusted glove to slip a lock of deep purple hair behind an ear, his grin small but menacing on his lips.
Ulrich frowned. "I'll smoke if I feel like it."
The feminine man crossed his arms. "Well, I can't very well tell you what to do or not to do, can I?"
"No, so be a good boy and leave a man to his peace."
"I would, except you're guilty of something that cannot be overlooked, my dear spy."
"Spy? What could I want to spy on here, the dirt?"
"Oh, don't try and play innocent with me, my friend. You see, I have spies of my own, and they all agree that you've been here far too long for a mere traveler. Isn't Treno but a short hop from here?"
Ulrich slid his pipe back into his pocket, hand caressing the pouch containing his weapons. Flipping it carefully, he fingered a number of thin metal slivers. With a flourish thanks to his limber muscles, he gripped and threw one of his many throwing knives. The man ducked to his side and avoided the attack, the blade clattering against the wall. He threw one after another, yet the purple haired man avoided each as if dodging a blind man's advance. Ulrich's final knife sailed with no effect, and he then gripped a dagger from his belt and charged. A rush of cool air crawled over his fur, and something impossibly frozen erupted through his chest. He looked down and saw a spire of ice had pierced his body, blood running slowly down its crystalline surface. He looked back to the man, and he was sauntering over with a smile.
"You see, stopping to smoke can be more dangerous than it seems." The man chuckled again.
Ulrich tried to defend himself, but was unable to act outside the numbing pain in his body. The man smiled wider, stopping exactly three steps from the injured burman. He lifted a hand up, and a dazzling flurry of sparkling dots swirled around his body and focused on his palm.
"From the plane of life to the plane of death." The man incanted. "X-Zone."
A sudden gust of wind rushed through the alley, and Ulrich felt the ground shift and slide. He looked down, and the cobblestone below him was covered in an inky blackness that swirled and writhed as if alive. Suddenly the black began pulling him down, and he sank into the morass of tingling darkness. He gargled out in panic, unable to form words as the darkness began sucking him downwards. He stared with wide eyes it stole him away from the alley and into another place absent of sensation.
Something in that place moved, growled like thunder, and he knew that he wasn't alone.