Wrath of Fate
Chapter the Ninth
Heroes
Bethla Wetlands
Cloud sat atop a hill looking out eastward to the rising sun. It cast a faint glow on everything. His soldiers continued to sleep aside from the ones designated to keep watch. In the distance Cloud could see smoke rising. A large group seemed to be heading from the southeast. He sighed and tilted his Materia Blade.
Murond Dark City
The wyverns could be seen in the distance, their wings flailing. Their riders brandished their spears menacingly. On the ground the foot soldiers of Biran marched in a steady rhythm, the sun glistening off their armor, bathing them in light, making them seem like a force driven by the will of Heaven itself.
The bishop of Murond stood beside the red mage. He looked rather uneasy, somewhat nervous even. The red mage wasn't doing too well either. After the arcmage discovered their separation plans he had been sent off to Murond. The red mage swore the arcmage was trying to kill him.
"Do not worry, Bishop. I am completely competent in my abilities. I am sure the arcmage has a good reason for sending me here." The red mage said, his voice stuffed to the brim with confidence.
"Yes, I know. I am simply concerned with the citizens' safety. Tell me, young man. What is your name?" the bishop asked.
"Hmm. I'll get back to you on that if we live." He replied.
"I see…"
Fort Zeakden
The ninja lounged lazily on the ledge of the dilapidated fort. In the distance smoke rose from Igros Castle. She shook her head. If Ramza were alive they'd be dead. So dead. She thought.
"And that they are." Ramza said.
"I learned to expect the unexpected years ago…Are you there or have I finally lost it?" She asked.
"I am gladdened to see you Apristina. If you would join me now…" Ramza trailed off.
"The others? Have you found them?" Apristina asked.
"Alyssa stays in the keep… I have need for a rear guard." Ramza said uneasily.
"What of Voltaire and Southerland?" Apristina asked, flicking her tsurugi out.
"I have not heard from them." Ramza replied, sadness evident in his tone.
"Regardless. My loyalty shall not falter. I am at your service again, my lord."
Ramza sighed. She was so formal for a ninja. He shook his head in amazement. Despite all the changes in the environment, she was still the same.
"We'll sleep here for tonight. We leave tomorrow." Ramza said with strengthened resolve.
Northern Keep, Yuguo Woods
"Master Voltaire, you are a welcome sight. Of course in your absence I did not once doubt you would return. It is now the manner of your return that troubles me." The old man said.
"Forgive me, Count Durai." Voltaire said as he bowed.
"Bah! Call me Cid, dammit! I won't shame a name my son still carries. I am a heretic now." TG Cid said.
"Yes, Lord Cid. The enemy force is headed here as we speak. Since my return it seems the enemy has been active. They waste little time to breach the walls." Voltaire said.
"Hmm. Problems as always! You young ones always seem to bring trouble. In any case, they shall have to deal with both of us." Cid said. "If only there were more of us, though."
"Well, I have heard rumors…" Voltaire said softly.
"Tell me."
"Beowulf…A temple on the mountains… Many stories are told about a temple-cave hallowed by a couple, protected by dragons. It can only be Lord Beowulf and Lady Reis." Voltaire said.
"Go to them." Cid said.
"What?... My lord, I will not leave your side!" Voltaire said with much indignation.
"Go, damn it!" Cid shouted. "We need more help! We won't hold them here even with you. Besides, I can damn well take care of my self."
"…" Voltaire departed to the stables in silence.
Orbonne Monastery
"Alicia, Lavian what time is it?" Agrias asked.
"Seven, my lady." They replied in unison.
"Six hours. I've been here six hours again." Agrias said. "I waste too much time don't I?"
"Of course not! We know you miss her…" Lavian said.
"It's fine." Alicia said.
"…Thank you. But the capital summons. We must leave soon." Agrias said as she rose.
Moogle Colony
"So war is coming?" Lini asked.
"Yeah." Montblanc replied.
"That is sooo unkupo…"
"Yeah…Well, no choice. We're the guards around here." Montblanc said, staring out at the desert.
"We'd better be ready for anything." Lini said. He stood up and walked back into the colony proper.
Eastern Ivalice
"Looks like there are some people up on that hill. A large number, too." Raven said to Karel, pointing to a large hill in the distance.
"Yeah. Might be hostiles. Get your mercenaries ready." Karel replied.
"Yo! Suit up everyone. Potential encounter." Raven shouted to the group of mercenaries behind him.
The mercenaries began loosening their swords from their sheathes and strapping their armor and belts, preparing for what was to be a great battle.
Author's Note's
Okay. Well, next chapter this will be in the games crossover section. And thanks to Kenshkrix for your support…