Death's Doorstep

by RedKnightV13

For nearly all his life, Ares, a young Paladin Warrior, has lived his life on death's doorstep. But one day, when he is forced to return to his homeland of Bastok, he must go through the door of death to save himself, as well as Vanadiel.

4. You believe me now?

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Ares, Riki, finally released from Kiana's hold, composed themselves and looked around to find them standing before the Bastok Mines Chocobo Stables. Kiana walked right in and Ares and Riki came in behind her, Ares catching her by the shoulder and stopping her in her tracks. "Where are we going?" he asked, turning the young Ranger to face him. "Why, Jeuno of course! Then on to Qufim! I'd like to try hunting some Gigas, haven't done that in a while!" She said, pulling out of his grip to talk to the lady standing before one of the Chocobos. Ares just shrugged and followed after her, Riki hopping up on his shoulder. "Jeuno'll be fun!" he squeaked, grinning wide. Ares flicked him off his shoulder, saying, "Let's just hope your enemies there have forgotten you by now, though I doubt they have." Riki paled at the thought, but shook it off and stood up.

"Hey, Ares, Kiana-Wana, wait up a minute, ok?" he called, running out the door. Ares and Kiana watched him go, and then turned back to the lady. "Let's just leave him," Ares offered, earning him a strong fist to the back of the head. "Ares! How could you say that? He's our friend!" Kiana shouted, glaring at him. Ares just sighed and shrugged

Riki headed for the auction house, intending to buy a few potions, but suddenly ran into a pair of Galka blocking his path. He looked up at the two imposing creatures and squealed in surprise and fear. "Hey! Where's that ten thousand gil you owe us, eh?" one of the barked, reaching for the Taru. Riki jumped up and ran back to the stables, blasting past his two surprised Hume friends and hopping on a small chocobo. "Let's go!" he shouted, tossing some gil to the lady and kicking his chocobo into high gear. Ares and Kiana stared at each other, then saw the Galka burst through the doors behind them. "There he is!" one shouted, pointing at the retreating Taru. Ares, being right by the door at that moment, decked him in the face, laying him low, then grabbed Kiana's arm quickly and sprinted for the two waiting chocobos. "You believe me now?" Ares shouted as the two rode away after their Taru friend, away from the two pursuing Galka.