Final Fantasy
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!
REVISION ALERT!: A profession change! Azelis is no longer a journalist but a biography novelist! Will edit later but for now this is an official revision warning!
Chapter Five
After the fifteen minute walk, complete with various stories of his youth told by Joe and numerous jokes which Seviata only found herself giving not-so-friendly glares toward, the three finally arrived to a small cottage, complete with a shed and a box shaped fencing pattern surrounding the entrance of a large barn. Surrounded by the dense forests and marshlands, a break in the trees allowed the sun to pour down and flood the little settlement. Azelis gasped in awe, taken in by the beauty of the scenery. Seviata on the other hand, simply crossed her arms and glanced around uninterested.
"Dis 'ere be de ranch. May be 'ere in de middle of de nowhere, but I like it 'ere all de same."
"It proves to be an advantage for you in the end Joe." Azelis began drawing a little map on his electronic notepad. "Not many ranchers would think to set up here, plus it's peaceful, and those who do travel through are guaranteed business for you."
"Smart one ye be tere. I mainly like de peace 'ere, can raise de Chocobo quietly."
Smiling to the journalist, Joe proceeded to bring a pair of fingers to his face. He stuck them into his mouth and blew, creating a loud whistle. Moments later, creatures appeared from within the barn and trotted up to the edge of the fence and cried out happily. Yellow feathers covered their bodies and ruffled as they shook. Large beaks stuck out from their heads, and their eyes darted back and forth, observing both their trainer and the newcomers to the ranch area. Azelis smiled and walked over, raising a hand to the one of the large creatures and gently stroking the top of the head.
"A well tamed Chocobo indeed."
"Aye, amazin' creatures tey are, don't ye tink?"
"Just dumb birds . . ."
Both men looked over to their left side, to see Seviata coldly staring down one of the larger Chocobo. She grumbled quietly to herself and leaned closer toward it, her hands on her hips in a commanding like fashion. The Chocobo stared back, tilting its head left and right out of curiosity toward the behavior of the S.P.I.R.I.T. Soldier. After a few moments the bird leaned forward and attempted to nuzzle Seviata, who immediately gasped and jumped back, now looking aggravated. "Hey!" she yelled. "The hell! Who said you could touch me bird!"
Azelis couldn't help but laugh at the scene. "I think that Chocobo likes you, Seviata!"
"Well I don't want to like it!"
"Chocobo's are smart, dat tey be." Joe walked over to join Seviata, and unlike her, reached out to pet the happy yellow bird. "Tey see good in de people, and if tey like a person it be cause tey tink tey be a kind person on de inside."
"Well then this bird is dumb, there's no kindness of that kind in me. Well . . ." Suddenly she shot a glare over at Azelis, sending a shiver down his spine. "I suppose there's enough to keep me from just killing people who annoy me."
The journalist simply let out a nervous chuckle at her comment. "I see . . ."
Joe watched the two for a moment, but after Seviata's glare he couldn't help but chuckle again. He had forgotten the last time he had been around young people like them, nor could he remember the last time one of his Chocobo was so eager to approach and attempt to nuzzle a stranger. He wondered if Seviata was the way she was due to hardship, that she was a kind person at one point in her life. He placed the thought aside, knowing it wasn't his business to ask.
"So, I'll get de two Chocobo's prepared for ye youngins." He smiled and pointed a thumb toward the little cottage. "I gots a wife who'd be willin' to make ye a meal while ye wait. De two of ye look quite hungry anyway."
"Thanks Joe!"
"Meh . . ."
The elderly rancher merely chuckled at Seviata's lack of enthusiasm once more and bowed kindly, before taking his leave to begin the preparations. Azelis watched him greet and bestow kindness upon his Chocobo's before turning back to the raven haired travel companion and sighed. He wondered how much more of her attitude would be seen on their journey, and if anything really exciting would even happen that he could put in a biography of her.
"You should really be nice to people who help you out."
"Helping out does not mean charging a fee."
"He needs to make a living you know."
"Then he needs to take his business to a more populated area." Turning her nose up at the novelist, she sighed heavily and turned to walk toward the cottage as Joe had mentioned before. She stopped a few feet before the door, turning back slightly so Azelis was in eyesight. Her eyes narrowed, she appeared very cold hearted as she made sure she was clearly heard. "He'll never make it here."
The chill ran down his spine as he watched Seviata enter the house and slam the door behind her. He sighed, wondering how much of her attitude he would be able to put up between the present point and Ilincia City. He shook it off in the end, knowing he had an assignment from his publishing office to write her biography. Walking over to Joe near the fences, he wondered why he would be assigned to write the biography of such a soldier. Her name was only familiarized recently from the last town defense mission. She was cold, rude, and anti-social; he wondered why anyone would want to read about her. For some odd reason or another, he questioned sex appeal. He wouldn't deny that she was attractive, but he immediately dismissed the thought. Joining Joe at the open gates, he picked up a Chocobo saddle and grinned.
"Want a hand Joe?"
"Ain't ye hungry lad?"
"I'm good for now."
"Okay den. Just put de saddle on de back and strap it in place 'dere."
"Like this?"
Fiddling with the straps and beginning the process of harnessing and securing them in place, Joe gave thumbs up to Azelis and the two continued preparing the Chocobo's. Azelis smiled when the yellow bird chirped happily and shook its head playfully. He always seemed to have a soft spot for the traveling creatures. He watched and did the same things as Joe, making sure not to make any mistakes. Azelis also made a mental note to use the Chocobo he was preparing, in case he made any mistakes in the preparations. He didn't need Seviata getting on his case about a faulty saddle or harness.
"Ye be doin' a good job dere. Eva' done tis before?"
"No sir. First time and just watching you."
"Quick learner ain't ye?" He smiled and pulled on one of the straps, locking it in place. He proceeded to move onto the bridal. "So have ye and de lass known each oter long?"
"We just met a few days ago. I'm a novelist for a publishing company in Vistalonis. They do some work for the military academy there sometimes." He suddenly remembered Seviata's purpose as well. He was pretty sure it was top secret, so he decided not to reveal his true purposes as well. "Been sent to Ilincia for an assignment."
"I see." Joe smiled and held out a few Sylkis greens and watched his Chocobo eat them with pure content. "De lass has much anger inside?"
"Seems like it."
"She gonna get over it."
"I don't know. Apparently she's been like this for a while. Her friends say she has a lot of problems to sort out from her past. Her . . ." He hated lying but he did have respect, even if Seviata didn't give him any in return. ". . .her parents say stuff happened too, and she hasn't recovered yet."
"Ah. Troubled past eh?"
"Yes."
Both looked at each other for a moment, then returned to the Chocobo preparations. Azelis felt bad about lying to Joe, who despite Seviata's attitude had been so kind and generous to the pair. But as he reminded himself before, the information concerning the journey to Ilincia journey was possibly such that he shouldn't reveal without the permission of his S.P.I.R.I.T. companion. He frowned, wondering what the real cause of her sour attitude was.
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"Would you like some tea lass?"
"No, thanks anyway."
Smiling and pouring herself a cup, an elderly woman sat down at the same table that Seviata found herself seated at. She had been quite self-contained with her conversation since entering the house. Despite her lack of conversation, she did find herself somewhat curious to her surroundings. It was a simple household, much like a traditional cottage setting. The sights, the atmosphere, even the smells of the mean cooking nearby were nostalgic to that of her old house back in the village of Hebitaria. She wondered why Joe the Rancher would bring a seemingly delicate woman out to the middle of nowhere for something as the Chocobo Ranch. She would have normally been her usual self, demanding the reason behind what she considered a poorly planed choice, but she did know when not to speak. And if anyone was to be spared from her normal attitude and personality, she found she always had a soft spot for elderly women.
"Nice home you have Fiona."
"Thank you lass." She smiled again and took a sip of her tea. "It's nice to have company once in a while, especially for tea and even a meal, even if they don't enjoy tea."
"It must be lonely out here. Don't you wish you lived closer to town?"
"Many people ask me that." Fiona turned toward the window and watched Joe and Azelis preparing the Chocobo's for the next leg of the journey. "I enjoy it here, and Joe does too. He didn't choose to build our home here solely based on location, but it's quiet and peaceful here. Sure . . .going to the nearest town for supplies and groceries is difficult sometimes but, I wouldn't have it any other way. And neither would Joe."
Seviata watched her speak of her happiness and found herself wondering about it. She wondered why she didn't wish for companionship outside of her marriage. Everyone needed friends, though Seviata felt she didn't need them herself. She also realized too, that she was still young in a crazy and cruel world. She still didn't understand everything, but then who would at the age of 19? In a strange sense, she wanted to open up more, and allow herself to learn such things. But the thoughts of her past would always return to haunt and enrage her. She reminded herself that she would journey the world to learn such things, after her revenge was complete against the draconic humanoid, the one responsible for the death of her older sister.
"I must you one thing Fiona."
"What is that child?"
"How can you understand what your husband is saying half the time?"
"Oh my." She couldn't help but burst into laughter at the question. "I suppose it's an acquired taste."
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Some time later, Azelis and Joe returned to the small cottage and made themselves comfortable. Their timing was excellent, as Fiona was finished making the evening meal. All four sat down to eat the well cooked roast, though conversation was mainly limited to Azelis, Joe and Fiona. Their subjects of choice were random, from the simplicity of the weather to worldly issues and rumors. Seviata found no need to take part, save for the occasional question that she would answer with the shortest and most clear cut answer she could think of to avoid further discussion.
"So, once we're done here Seviata and I will probably head out and get going, if we're lucky we should be able to get out of the swamp in a few hours right?"
"I don't tink it be wise to be crossin' de waters at dis time of de day lad." Joe coughed, then pulled over a bowl of potato salad and served some to himself. "It be dangerous and fatal."
"What do you mean?"
"I be speakin' 'bout de Swamp Hydra. It be a horrible beast!"
Seviata found herself nearly chuckling at the warning. "A Swamp Hydra huh? What's so dangerous about it?"
"Dis creature, it has four heads and each has its own element. You know, Fire, Water, Lightnin', Ice. If you encounter it destroy a head as soon as possible otherwise it use a special attack called de Quad Delta, where it combines all four elements for a powerful attack."
"I've fought worse . . ."
"Don't mind Seviata. Being a . . .mercenary . . ." Azelis saw Seviata's face at the comment, and decided it was a good answer due to her lack of response. " . . .she's seen and fought a lot of things. Bit cocky sometimes."
"De creature only come out after de sun starts settin'. Sometime it come into de ranch area for a snack, but it always change its mind and leave de Chocobo's alone."
"A lot of people have been killed by the hydra." Fiona looked sad suddenly as she cut off a piece of roast. "Mercenaries, traveling merchants, even two members of that global academy in Vistalonis were killed by it."
S.P.I.R.I.T. soldiers killed by a mere hydra? Must of been amateurs . . .
Azelis rubbed his chin out of contemplative thought. "So traveling by night isn't the best option."
"Dat's right lad. You youngins best be spendin' de night here, wait until mornin' before ye be travelin' to de city, 'specially if ye both value ye lives."
"We have extra bedding for you both. We're always prepared for overnight travelers because of the threat of the hydra."
"Thank you both, Fiona and Joe."
He looked over at Seviata, who was quietly chewing on some of her food. He was nearly appalled, seeing that she wasn't even making an effort to express any sign of gratitude for the offer of free lodging. Maybe she was eager to get to the city? He wondered if all S.P.I.R.I.T. soldiers were this impetuous and one track minded. He kicked Seviata's leg under the table, causing her to cry out in shock. She immediately got the hint and bowed politely.
"Yeah . . .thank you." She immediately leaned over toward Azelis and hissed through her teeth. "You'll pay for that." she whispered.
Azelis couldn't help but chuckle quietly. "You're welcome."
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Late into that night, the entire ranch property was settled in for the regular routine of slumber. The Chocobo's were in their shared stall, all cuddled together to keep warm on the large stacks of loose hay. They quietly cooed and emitted various sounds as they slept. Inside the cottage, Joe and Fiona were settled into bed and resting peacefully and quietly. A small cat too slept on the bed, curled up in a ball quite contently. In the living room, Azelis was sprawled out on the floor and lying on his back, occasionally letting out a random snort of relaxation. Seviata however, seemed the most restless out of all those sleeping away. Laid out on the couch and lying on her side, her eyes were closed tightly and her teeth slightly gritted. Cold sweat rolled down her head and onto the pillow below. She appeared to be in a world of pain and horrific dreams.
"Mesmizka!"
A grassy field could be seen. It was a clear and sunny day and the wind was just perfect; not too strong but not too light. The effects it created as it blew across the grass was nothing short of beautiful. A little girl in a red kimono, with shoulder length black hair ran through the grass on an old and beaten path, giggling contently without a single care in the world. She held her arms out as she ran, as if she pretended to be a bird upon the winds.
"Look at me! I'm Bahamut! I'm gonna fly like Bahamut!"
She continued running across the path between the tall grass, making her way toward a cliff side. It was a beautiful and scenic sight. High above the waters and overlooking the seemingly endless ocean view. Waves crashed and pounded the base below and spray flew up and reached any whom would stand upon the edge and be taken in by its beauty. The little girl headed for said cliff, seeing an older woman up ahead wearing a white kimono. She too had black hair, only it came down to her waist and was tied back in a simple ponytail. Her back faced the little girl, and she stared out toward the vast ocean.
"Mesmizka!" The girl continued giggling and pretending she was the king of the Gaiden Spirits. "I'm Bahamut! I'm gonna fly just like him!"
Suddenly the clear sky clouded over and the sun disappeared from the Earth, bringing a frightening darkness. The little girl stopped running, standing a few meters now behind the one deemed Mesmizka. Her eyes were wide with concern and nervousness. Soon, rain began to fall and the winds began blowing hard, tossing her loose hair around her wildly until it was too wet to move so freely. Now soaked, she continued to stare at Mesmizka's back , who was still staring out at the now stormy ocean.
"Mesmizka?" The little girl took a step forward, then another before she stopped. "What's happening?"
"Seviata . . ." The older woman brought her hand in front of her. She continued to stare forward as she coughed quietly. "Why did you kill me . . .?"
Her eyes wide with fear and shock, the young Seviata could only scream out as Mesmizka turned around and revealed why she brought her hand in front of her. She clearly saw the giant stab wound on her stomach, the blood soaking through her white kimono. Seviata looked down, suddenly feeling an object in her left hand. She could only scream again when she saw not only a blood covered blade, but blood stains on her own hands. She dropped the sword and then too dropped to her knees, wailing and screaming at the harsh vision before you.
"NO I DIDN'T KILL YOU! IT WASN'T ME! IT WAS THE DRAGON MAN! HE DID THIS?"
"I'm afraid not little cold-heart."
Seviata gasped, the voice which spoke to her seemed so horrifically familiar. She slowly brought herself to look up again at Mesmizka, only now to find her fallen on he ground. A large oddly crafted blade protruded from her back, and at the hilt of the weapon was a scaly and clawed hand. She followed it up an equally scaled arm, to see a face cast in shadow. While she could not make out most of it, she managed to see an evil, fanged grin. Thunder and lightning crashed all around them as the creature pulled the blade out of the dead woman's body. It was the draconic humanoid.
"There you are." He licked his lips in anticipation and began approaching Seviata. She fell back onto her bottom and began crawling backwards, unable to muster the strength she needed to run away. He continued to approach her with haste. "You bad little girl, killing your own sister like that."
"YOU DID IT! NOT ME!"
"Then explain the blood on your blade, vile female."
"YOU DID THIS! I KNOW YOU DID THIS SOMEHOW! IT WASN'T ME!"
"It's your fault. Do not deny it. You're a cold-hearted killer. Your own sister! How could you?"
The creature took great enjoyment in torturing her. Seviata finally was able to get the courage and strength she needed suddenly, allowing herself to scramble to her feet and begin running away on the path she had taken before. She screamed for help and cried out of fear, but suddenly found herself being pushed into the mud and a large weight on her back. She was rolled onto her back, now face to face with her sister's killer. She screamed again, only to have her mouth covered by the claws hand of the assailant. He licked his fangs and lips once again, and brought his blood covered blade over and above where her heart resided.
"This world doesn't need a young murderer." He proceeded to bring down the blade toward Seviata's small body. "Now die!"
"NO!"
Sitting up quickly and screaming out the declaration, Seviata nearly lose her balance but managed to avoid falling off the couch she had made her temporary bed. Her face and hair drenched in cold sweat, she finally regained enough of her composure to make out her surroundings of the ranch cottage. She was not near the fields of her home village, nor was she on the receiving end of the dragon's blade. She looked around, her eyes finally falling on the now awake Azelis. He looked dumbfounded and concerned for the young soldier, whom had awakened him with her screams.
I can't stay here. I need to get out of here. I can't let him demand what happened. No . . .I can't tell anyone I was accused and exiled for murder!
She immediately went for her Nostos and traveling pack, then raced for the door and put on her boots as quickly as she could without much worry about the laces. Azelis was overwhelmed and thrown off by her actions, but before he could shout at her to stop, she had opened and rushed out the door to the stables. The novelist knew he had to catch her right away, find out what exactly was the cause for her sudden nervous reaction. He too leapt off the floor and proceeded to grab his belongings when Joe and Fiona raced downstairs and into the same room.
"What happened!" Fiona looked completely petrified with worry. "We heard a scream and a rushed ruckus!"
"Something set Seviata off!" He made a rush to strap on his boots. "I think she's going to try and make a run for it!"
"Ye need to stop her! She cannot be goin' out dere at this time of de night with de hydra roaming de swamp!"
"I know, I plan to try and calm her down Joe!"
Before Azelis could reach for his own traveling pack, the three heard a loud cry from one of the Chocobo's and then saw a yellow blur fly by one of the windows. Panic stricken, they rushed out of the door and watched as a fully saddled Chocobo rushed to the entrance to the Ilincia side of the swamp. Azelis cried out in shock, as he was sure that he saw Seviata on the back of the now vanished Chocobo. Joe, now wearing his boots and a coat, rushed out to the open stables as Azelis continued prepping for the emergency departure.
"Your lady friend is in serious trouble if the Swamp Hydra finds her." Now back in the house, Fiona was rummaging through her drawers and shelves, placing random items out on the dinner table. "Especially if it uses the Quad Delta attack!"
"I know!" Azelis strapped his whip onto his belt, and pulled his vest on. "I'll get to her as fast as I can!"
"LAD!"
Completely ready for the chase he was about to embark on, Azelis rushed outside to greet Joe at the fence. With the elderly man was the Chocobo that Azelis himself had prepared earlier that day. It fluttered its wings with anticipation of a brisk run and let out a loud cry through its bridal.
"Dis Chocobo is ready for a good chase! You best be careful and take care!"
"I will Joe."
"Wait!" Fiona, now wearing shoes to, rushed out with a small bag. She raced over to Azelis and handed it over to him. "There are healing herbs and potions, and a capture jar with a Barrier spell. Use it to protect each other from the Hydra's attacks if need be."
"Thanks Fiona!"
Azelis quickly stuffed the fresh supplies into his pack and boarded the saddled Chocobo. Grabbing the reins and making sure he was seated securely, he kicked the sides of the large yellow bird and took off, racing in the same direction as his spooked companion. He turned back quickly and waved at the elderly couple before he disappeared into the thick swamp forest. The speed capabilities of his Chocobo were very impressive. He knew it would be enough to catch up to Seviata, but he wondered if he would be able to get her to stop.
"SEVIATA!" He had brought his hand up to his mouth and attempted to use it like a megaphone, hoping his voice would amplify enough. "STOP THIS AND COME BACK TO THE RANCH! WE CAN'T ENCOUNTER THAT HYDRA!"
Up ahead and speeding through the swamp waters with great haste, Seviata ignored the pleas of the novelist for stopping. She couldn't bring herself to stop nor did she want to. In the end, no matter how much good she did, she was considered a criminal by those of her hometown, even though she did nothing to earn such a title. She didn't wish to speak about to him, for she knew he would publish it. No one at the academy knew about the trials and the exile. No one knew she was accused of murder. She wanted to keep it that way. She could only count on herself in what she considered a cruel and crazy world. Experience taught her that, and that very motto was one she would continue to forever live by.
Suddenly she saw a bright flash from a nearby thicket of trees, but before she could make any reaction a large bolt of lightning struck her. She cried out, accidentally releasing the reins. The Chocobo cried out and bucked, not liking the sudden surge of electricity one bit. Seviata gasped and screamed, finding herself being bucked off the Chocobo. She fell and landed on her side, rolling a little ways until she stopped near the waters edge. A few coughs escaped her mouth before she lifted her head and looked around. Her Chocobo, continuing to screech and wail rode over to Seviata and nuzzled her body forcefully, seemingly telling her to get up quickly. She did manage to get onto her feet, though feeling a bit sore from the sudden and forced dismount.
"I don't think we're safe yet bird." She checked the straps on her Nostos, tightening them around her arm before gripping its handle. She entered a fighting stance and faced the direction of the origin of the lightning attack. "Looks like we're about ready to party."
Emerging from the thicket, Seviata's eyes narrowed at the sight of what she quickly figured out to be the attack assailant. As Joe had previously warned of, four heads emerged from a large snake like body. Each was decorated in different colored scales, representing elements of Fire, Ice, Lightning and Water. All four heads flailed wildly and it screeched many times. The Swamp Hydra lashed out and snapped at Seviata, though not in enough range to even bite into any part of her. She knew the movements most likely meant it was challenging her. She smirked, entering a strong battle stance and bringing her blade up and in front of her.
"You want a piece of me?" Slashing the air before her, she glared hard at her new opponent. "BRING IT ON!"
To Be Continued . . .
Author's Notes: Once again, it took a while but here is another chapter. Who would have thought Seviata was so sensitive about her past? I mean sure she harbors a great anger toward it, but I bet no one would have ever guessed she could be set off in that kind of way. As Azelis rushes to her aid, will he make it in time to help Seviata? And do these two even stance a chance against such a feared creature? Tune in next time to find out yo!