A Soldier Seeks the Truth . . .
Disclaimer: Though this is an original story, I don't own the concept of Final Fantasy. I own most of the original characters, but the Gaiden Spirits (Guardian Forces, Aeons, Summon Creatures, etc.) belong to Square Enix, as well as the names Biggs, Wedge, and Cid. I now own the new weapon Seviata uses too and thanks to my friend Nobara-kun, the official name of the new weapon is the Nostos (Dark Energy) Edge. Thanks Nobara-kun!
Chapter Four
The stench of the Tziayro Swamp was completely overwhelming to Azelis. He appeared quite green in the face and it appeared that he was close to losing whatever meals he had consumed that day. Seviata appeared completely unaffected by the affects of their new surroundings. She proceeded to walk over toward the edge of the earth they stood upon, kneeling down after stopping to get a closer look at the swamp waters. A bubble suddenly emerged from the slimy muck, floating upward and in front of Seviata's face. It remained suspended for a moment before slowly descending downward and disappearing back into the slime from which it came from. Standing back up, she turned back to Azelis, only to find him kneeled over in a bush.
"Ugh . . ." Seviata's eyebrow twitched as she crossed her arms in front of her. "This guy is hopeless!"
After a few moments of waiting, Azelis finally returned to where he was originally standing, still feeling a little queasy from the odors all about him. Seviata released another growl of frustration and as she once again pondered the reason for allowing the reporter to accompany her, she removed her compack and began typing in a series of keys and buttons. Various images appeared on the small screen, resembling headlines and newspaper photos by the color tints.
"Looks like construction isn't finished yet on the railway system between Vistalonis and Illincia, and . . ." She paused for a moment as she scanned for more articles. "The pedestrian bridge that was to be constructed first has been delayed for safety precautions."
"So, any way of getting through the swamp by foot?"
"No. The water's too toxic to human skin. Only specific animals and monsters can make it through without harm, but the best way it seems is by Chocobo." she said before releasing a frustrated sigh. She closed her compack, and then narrowed her eyes as she turned to face Azelis. "Unfortunately Chocobo are scarce to this side of the swamp. We're going to have to go around but that'll take four more days."
"Damn . . .well, guess we better start walking huh?"
Seviata nodded, and after putting her compack back under the metal shoulder pad the two travelers turned and began heading left to find a way around the swamp. Staying along the edge, the two glanced around and studied their location to see it was more than just a hole full of toxic muck. Traces of solid slime hung from bare branches which were seem growing both out of the earth and out of the grimy waters nearby. Azelis could feel himself becoming more and sicker to the stomach again, and quietly he cursed himself for not having a stronger mental barrier against such an odor such as that of the surrounding swamp lands. Seviata took notice to both his quietly moans and grumbles, as well as the sick gurgling sound coming from his gut. She released another sigh of frustration as she began to walk just a little faster.
This guy wanted to come along, and I warned him against such an action. Maybe next time he'll listen to people . . .
Suddenly, Seviata found herself stopping her tracks when something came up her attention alone. She knew Azelis was still distracted by his own weak stomach, when she found herself stumbling forward after he bumped into her. Apparently he did not see her stop, and after spinning around she shot him an annoyed glare. He simply began to exert a nervous laugh until she dropped down and slapped her hand across his mouth, signaling that he needed to become silent. He was a little confused at first at her actions, but once he saw her eyes darting back and forth quickly, he knew something was up.
"Something's coming." whispered Seviata, removing her hand from his mouth. "I can hear their footsteps clearly . . .though it's a bit of a distance off."
"I don't hear anything, are you sure?"
"Trust me . . .I'm trained for this." Suddenly she gasped and instantly she was on her feet. "Quickly, find a place to hide. We should be prepared just incase its a monster . . .or a rogue warrior. Either way we want the advantage here in case it is something we should worry about."
Nodding in agreement with her logic, Azelis looked around for a place suitable to hide himself as Seviata immediately spotted a suitable place for herself. After he quickly found himself a good spot within a large bush on the ground, he watched as Seviata pushed the tip of her Nostos Edge into the large truck of a tree, and upon de-strapping the weapon from her arm she leapt up to land her feet on the metallic part of the blade. She then proceeded to grab an upper trunk and pull herself up onto it. After she was secure, she wrapped her knees around the branch and swung downward one last time to pull the blade out of the trunk before she brought herself forward and up out of view from any passing travelers. As she sat with her back against the tree, she proceeded to re-strap the blade back onto her arm, using only her right hand and in some cases her teeth.
I know I heard something, despite what Azelis may think of me. I mean, I can't explain why I'm able to hear things better . . .it's an odd trait but I guess it must have developed when I was wandering for that long while. I guess though it's just my heightened ability, like some people are faster or stronger then normal. Maybe I shouldn't worry about it . . .
Suddenly she released a gasp as her hearing picked up the footsteps again, realizing that they were indeed much closer than when she had first picked up on the sound. She leaned inward toward the center of the green leaves surrounding her, and adding in the color of her shirt she was thankful for having the perfect camouflage. Slowing her breathing rate down to an extremely faint breeze like pitch, Seviata continued to listen as the footsteps indeed came closer and closer toward her present location.
Come on . . .appear already.
"Hey is anyone out here? I thought I heard voices."
That very voice was somewhat of a signal to Seviata. She calculated the pitch and the volume of the voice quickly within her mind and realized that the speaker was almost underneath her position in the tree. She gripped the handle of the Nostos, which was securely strapped back onto her arm again. Leaping upward, she swung the blade down at the branch she was previously standing on and severed it completely from the tree. Crashing down to the ground, she heard a cry of shock and the stranger's body hitting the ground. It was a perfect opportunity to eliminate the possible danger to her, and as she leapt down the blade was brought back behind her head in preparation for a clean strike. However as she was halfway to the ground, Azelis suddenly emerged from the bushes and tackled the female soldier to the ground before she could attack. A moment passed as both warriors lied on the ground before Seviata jumped to her feet, fists and teeth clenched tightly in anger.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR YOU BASTARD? YOU RUINED MY STEALTH ADVANTAGE!"
"Well excuse me if I didn't want you killing that old man over there!"
"Huh?"
Looking up from the journalist on the ground as he rubbed his head, Seviata turned around to look behind her, suddenly gasping when she saw an elderly gentlemen sitting up from the ground and looking around utterly bewildered. His slightly messed up grey hair outlined all around his head but left a bald spot on the top, while dull green eyes glanced around with a nervous indication within his sockets and behind a pair of thick lens. His attire consisted of black overalls, a white turtleneck and knee high galoshes. He walked over to the two fallen people upon the ground, kneeling downward and crossing his arms upon his bent knees.
"Take it easy there youngin's," His voice seemed to radiate an age old kindness, one that could only come with years of existence. "Never tought someone would be so excited to rent a Chocobo dat tey'd go 'n' hide 'n' surprise me like dat."
Two sets of eyes widened at the sentence as it reached their ears. Rising up from the ground, both Seviata and Azelis advanced forward a couple of steps, continuing to stare at the elderly man before them. He looked at them oddly, placing a curious and rather nervous smile upon his face until he found himself backed up against a nearby tree. He appeared harmless enough it seemed. Seviata scanned the man, finding no signs of any hidden weapons or tricks, and upon studying his face she could see he meant no harm whatsoever. But what seemed to intrigue her and Azelis the most was the mention of the magic word that proved elusive of the two up until that moment.
"What's this you said about Chocobo's?" Seviata's eyes burned with inquiry, still looking hard upon the old man. "You better not be pulling our-"
A nervous laugh suddenly came from Azelis as he pulled Seviata over and clasped her mouth closed with his hand. "You best let me do the talking miss; you are not a people person it seems."
All she could do was glare at the journalist as Seviata pulled away quickly, causing Azelis to stumble slightly in the opposite direction. She kicked a small stone lying on the ground before walking over to the edge of the toxic waters and finding a suitable spot to seat herself. As she checked the barrels of her Nostos Edge, Azelis released something of a nervous laugh and returned his attention toward the elderly man beside him, who looked on with curiosity at the scene which just unfolded.
"De lass don't like people huh?"
"Starting to believe she doesn't sir, but she probably has her reasons . . ." Azelis shook his head in disbelief, wondering why Seviata was such as she was. "So what was this you mentioned about renting Chocobo's?"
"Ah yes, I see you kids are interested in my business," The elderly man pushed his glasses up against his face via his extended finger upon pausing between sentences. "So you be desirin' to cross de swamp waters before the railway construction is finished eh?"
"Yes. We have urgent business in Illincia and we won't be able to wait until the construction is completed."
"'N' of course you know people can't just walk trough on account of de toxic in de waters. Only monsters 'n' Chocobo's can make de trek to de other side safely. By de way, de name is Joe."
"I'm Azelis. My companion was aware of that fact, and if you can rent us Chocobo's then your assistance would be greatly appreciated." Suddenly something Seviata had mentioned earlier struck his mind, causing inquiry to build. "But Chocobo's . . .aren't they scarce in this region?"
"Dat's why we Chocobo Rancher's exist. We breed 'em to adapt to de scarce regions." Joe smiled and pushed his glasses up once again. "I knew people would be wantin' to cross dis 'ere when I came to dis region all dem years ago so I figure I could make ends meat by openin' a Chocobo Farm. Business is pretty darn good. Lots of crazy folk like you be wantin' to cross 'ere waters to Illincia 'n' back."
Azelis smiled at his explanation. He had always admired entrepreneurs. "So how much is it to rent a Chocobo from you sir?"
"Well, I be figurin' I can rent out a couple Chocobo's to ye folks for about 500 gil. What you be sayin' tere lad? Dat's a pretty fine deal for two Chocobo's and you can ask anyone. Tey be agreein' wit ye."
"That is a pretty good deal. Shall you lead us to your ranch then?"
"Aye lad! You best be followin' me dis 'ere way den."
Smiling warmly and waving a hand toward the direction he was turning in, Joe began walking off and whistling a tune in rhythm with his steps. Azelis turned away for a moment to whistle himself, only doing so to alert Seviata's attention and cause her to walk over toward the young journalist. Her left eyebrow was raised in a rather peculiar manner.
"That man sure talks weird. Dis and tat? Please . . ."
"You should watch it Seviata. That 'weird man' just gave us a good deal on two Chocobo's. And since I figure you'll think any price is too much I'll pay out of my own pocket."
"It's your gil lose." She snorted and proceeded to follow the rancher, stopping for a moment to turn and face Azelis once more. "And good thing we got two. It'll be a cold day on the Edge before I share a saddle with YOU."
Turning once again, she continued her way along the edge of the swamp waters in following of Joe. Azelis simply chuckled at her attitude, shifted his whip so it wouldn't unravel, and then proceeded to follow the two toward the elderly man's Chocobo Ranch. They disappeared in the distance, just as a rustling and a loud hiss could be heard within a gathering of nearby brush along the waters.
Author's Notes: Sorry it took me so long again, a lot of my stories have been suffering hiatus due to a very bad writers block. So that's why this chapter is a bit longer, because I made you all wait so very long and once again I am sorry. I hope to write a little faster on this mainly because I am now blocked in my main story at So of course, leave a review; tell me what you think please. See ya later!
P.S. Joe the Chocobo Rancher talks like that normally. They're not typos or anything. This just helps you all in hearing how he sounds like.