Okay, I'm done pleading for reviews. Enjoy yourself, and that's good enough for me!
I always laugh thinking about this chapter. It's the introduction of something that will play into so many story threads throughout the many chapters to come. And just thinking about how I and all my characters can get from here all the way to there in just four parts in laughable in and of itself! That's way too many spoilers, so I'll stop now.
Just so you know, next week I'll be releasing the next chapter on Monday (July 4) rather than Tuesday (July 5). I'm leaving for summer camp for a week and won't be around to release on Tuesday.
Read and enjoy!
Chapter Five
Archadian Military Camp on the Nabradian-Dalmasca Border, the Mosphoran Highwaste
Year 704 of the Old Valendian Calendar
It was nearly dark by the time the transports from Archades arrived at the makeshift military camp. Soldiers were being shipped from all over the Archadian empire to this one camp, where they would wait until the whole army was massed. Then they would begin the attacks on Dalmasca.
When Ffamran stepped off the transport, he was determined not to drift around in a hopeless daze. That wouldn't do anyone any good. But following his own advice was harder than it seemed; the military encampment was hardly a bright atmosphere.
Where the transports landed, several military fighter crafts were anchored over empty fields with great cliffs at their backs, and Ffamran could see a large dreadnaught as well. This fleet was Archadia's armada, a destructive force indeed. Ffamran made a mental note to check back here later and get the larger scoop on the attack plans. He wasn't really looking forward to being surrounded by fighter crafts, though. While other airships were chatty and dull, fighters were, as a rule, brutal, bloodthirsty, cruel, crude, and not much else. All other airships considered fighters cruel barbarians, and the little contact Ffamran had with them supported that belief. Even so, these crafts probably had some information worth knowing.
Just south of the airfield was the soldiers' encampment. The place was filled with Judges, knights, and ordinary young men unlucky enough to be drafted. They were everywhere, talking and training among the tents that made up the camp. A division of Seeq fighters was there also, and Ffamran was glad they kept to themselves. While Seeq made fantastic solders, their brutish, dim-witted, porcine nature made them fit for little else. There were always exceptions, of course, but still, Ffamran had no desire to socialize with them. A large pen sat at the edge of the camp, where the calvary chocobos were kept. The large yellow birds were used for all sorts of things, from personal transportation to pulling carts to calvary mounts on the battlefield.
Ffamran and the others from Archades were briefly told that what tents they would sleep in, then dispersed around the encampment. People talked all over, chattering away, but there was a feeling hanging in the atmosphere, dampening everything. It was fear. Fear of the war, of fighting, fear that they wouldn't return home, fear that if they did, things wouldn't be the same. Fears that were well grounded.
Ffamran decided that talking to these people would be a waste of time. At the moment, he wanted to know what Archadia's general strategy for the attack would be, and how long it was until the rest of the army arrived. There was one place he'd find people who both knew and were willing to tell him: the airfield.
There were a lot of airships at the airfield, but Ffamran headed straight for the one he was sure would know what he wanted to know: the commanding dreadnaught.
Though it was true that no airship could move under its own power, the fighters in a fleet still looked up to their leading craft as the "commander." Anything a random fighter had heard they would probably report to the dreadnaught. The general of the army likely spent a lot of time around her, too. All these things made that dreadnaught the best source of information.
Ffamran made his way across the airfield, straight for the dreadnaught. He didn't have to be inside an airship to talk with it, but he did have to be very close. The underlying hubbub of a thousand telepathic conversations between airships hummed through the air, hidden to all but Ffamran. That was one of those all-too plentiful moments when Ffamran felt acutely different from everyone else. But there was no time for that now. He was here for a reason.
Ffamran came to a halt underneath the dreadnaught, then reached out with his mind, up to knock on her mental walls. The dreadnaught didn't have to respond if she didn't want to, but Ffamran was pretty sure she would.
"Who is it? Designation?" the dreadnaught asked, her tone entirely unfriendly. Yes, she was your average stock-type military craft.
"My name is Ffamran," Ffamran replied. The dreadnaught seemed confused for a moment as she processed this. Then she let out a scoff.
"Oh, that human boy everyone talks about? How lucky am I?" That last part was heavily sarcastic. "I am the dreadnaught Ifrit. Now what do you want?"
"I was hoping you could fill me in on Archadia's current plans for incursion into Dalmasca," Ffamran replied. Ifrit didn't seem happy with his presence. She was an airship, so he couldn't really see her expression, per say, but the flow of her emotions through the mental connection was enough to give him an equivalent. The image he got then was that of a sour frown.
"General Gabranth said we're to attack a small town called Lemahl, then push through to Nalbina Fortress," Ifrit said. "We leave as soon as the army is assembled."
"Thank you," Ffamran said. It really would be soon, the start to this war and the end of life as it was.
"You don't approve of this war?" Ifrit asked, sensing his apprehension.
"No," Ffamran said back, his voice hard. "You do?"
"Of course! This is all part of the glorious cause of the Archadian Empire!" Ifrit said, sounding as happy as she ever had. "We will crush all of Archadia's foes and end their miserable lives!"
Ffamran wasn't even sure how to respond to that. He jubilance over this almost made him sick.
"You really think this is all right?" Ffamran said at last.
"Yes," Ifrit replied firmly. "Oh, you're a pacifist, aren't you? Just like that idiot test fighter. I can't believe I'm surrounded by such fools!"
"Test fighter?" Ffamran asked.
"Yeah, that new test fighter, the little white one. GB47? You know, the moron?" Ifrit said. "What, just got here, did you?"
"Yes," Ffamran replied. He was just about done talking with Ifrit. He'd be glad if he never had to lay eyes on her again.
There was a moment of silence, and Ffamran took this opportunity to excuse himself.
"I should be getting back to the tents now," he said. "It's getting late, you know."
"Not that late," Ifrit said. "But I'm fed up with you, too. Go on, go away."
Ffamran happily did as he was told. However, he did not go straight to the tents. Instead, he hung around the airfields, getting a feel for how many fighters there were. He talked to a few others, but they were all similar in manner to Ifrit and didn't know anything else. Apparently, the word on the street was true; all fighter crafts really were cruel and bloodthirsty. But then again, all airships were the same. Ffamran knew that. If he had been after conversation or human interaction, he'd be back in the tents getting to know the men he'd be fighting alongside.
After fifteen minutes or so, Ffamran spotted a fighter anchored a little aways from the others. This one, rather than the dull colors of the other fighters, was all white with dark blue and gold markings. Ffamran, having grown up in a laboratory, immediately appreciated the complexity of the design. Six glossair rings and retractable wings must give it incredible speed and maneuverability, and the generous helping of weaponry indicated a high power output- truly a remarkable airship. Ffamran realized this must be the "test fighter" Ifrit had talked about. There was nothing more he needed to know, but his curiosity drove him to reach out to her.
"Hello?"
"Hello! I'm YPA-GB47 Test Combat Fighter, but you can just call me GB47 like everyone at the lab did. It's so great to meet you! I can't believe you're talking to me! Nobody ever talks to me! Wait, are you a human? How are you talking to me?"
Ffamran wasn't sure how to reply. He was blown away by the rhapsody of her introduction. He had expected something different, but not that different. Airships were always the same. Ffamran didn't know what he'd expected, but it certainly wasn't this. While the looks he got from Ifrit were dark and sour, this GB47 was all wide eyes and chipper grins, voice fast and high. Ffamran had never before understood being winded by someone else's enthusiasm; he did now.
"So? Huh? Can you hear me?" GB47 asked after a few moments.
"Slow down a moment," Ffamran said, trying to sound patient. This was just… not what he'd expected. All airships were the same, and yet this one was as radically different as you could get.
"Oh, right," GB47 said. She was silent for probably a second, then continued. "So? How are you talking to me? I thought humans couldn't talk to airships! Or was I just wrong about that? That could be it."
"No, they can't," Ffamran replied.
"What? But you can," GB47 said.
"Yes, I can. Others can't."
"What? That doesn't make any sense."
Ffamran took a deep breath. "I'm the only human who can talk to you airships. I'm surprised you haven't heard of me."
"Really? Are you famous or something?" GB47 asked. Ffamran tried not to let out a groan.
"No. News normally travels very fast around the airship world, so most of you have already heard of the only human who can communicate with you." Ffamran spoke slowly, trying not to lose his patience. He suddenly understood why Ifrit had called this GB47 a moron.
"Oooohhh," GB47 said, dragging it out a lot longer than necessary. "Yeah, sorry. Nobody tells me anything around here. I get the feeling they all hate me." There was a moment of silence.
"So!" GB47 said, bright energy seeping back into her voice. "Let's start this over! I'm GB47, and it's really great to meet you! You are…?"
"I'm Ffamran," Ffamran said. "Judge Ffamran Bunansa."
"Hi, Ffamran! It's super great to meet you! Did I say that already?"
Ffamran wasn't sure whether to laugh or groan at that. "Yes, you did. So, why exactly won't any of the other fighters tell you anything?"
"I don't know," GB47 replied, suddenly sounding gloomy. "The moment I say I don't want to fight, they usually call me an idiot or something worse and then won't talk to me anymore! I think I've talked to pretty much everyone here and now none of them will say a word to me!"
"You don't want to fight?" That was surprising. Not only was her manor extremely different from the other fighters, GB47 didn't like fighting either? No wonder the others all hated her.
"Oh, don't tell me you're just like them!" GB47 groaned.
"No! I don't want to be here, either," Ffamran said. "I've just never met an airship who didn't approve of their function."
"You mean… you don't want to fight?" GB47 soundedthunderstruck. "Really? Just like me?" Her voice grew excited again, and Ffamran got the mental image of her grinning from ear to ear. "You really mean that?"
"Yes, that's how I feel," Ffamran replied, a little hesitantly. Who knew what she'd say next?
"Really?! That's amazing!" GB47 nearly squealed those words out. "I've… never meant anyone like that ever before! Granted, it's only been three days, but still…"
"Three days since when?" Ffamran asked.
"Since they put me in this shell!" GB47 replied. "I think I was in the lab for around a year before that, but I don't remember much."
"Lab? What lab?" Ffamran asked. Making experimental military vessels was usually Draklor's department, but Ffamran was sure he'd remember this airship if he'd ever met her before.
"YPA labs." GB47 replied. "That's why they stuck the YPA at the front of my name. I think Dr. Holdre was worried people would forget I'm only on loan to the Archadian government. He worried about a lot."
"I've never heard of YPA," Ffamran said.
"They're a private research company," GB47 answered. "I think. Like I said, I don't really remember much until three days ago. Even so, I'm smart enough to realize pointless killing is wrong. I just don't get why all the other fighters hate me for that!"
"They were created to kill," Ffamran replied. "It's the only thing they know. Besides, people aren't generally friendly to those different than them. Trust me, I know."
"Hmm…" GB47 looked thoughtful for a moment, then flashed a grin. "You know, I like you, Ffamran. I think we're gonna be the best of friends someday, you and I!"
"I'm sure." Ffamran couldn't keep the sarcasm out of his voice. The last thing he expected was that he'd ever be friends with this crazy airship. He quickly strove for some excuse to leave.
"Look, I've got somewhere I need to be, so…"
"Right! See you later!" GB47 said, still wearing that massive grin. Ffamran left the airfield and headed for the tents, still unsure what to make of that conversation, or GB47.
The sun had fully set by the time Ffamran made it to the tent where he would spend the night. The place wasn't yet full, seeing as the whole army had yet to mass. It would be somewhere around a week before the army was ready to attack. Until then, days would consist of training and waiting.
Ffamran found a quiet corner near his bunk where he could sit away from his few roommates. With nothing better to do, he pulled out his sword and started to polish it. It was a long blade, one he'd had since he joined the Judges. Ffamran had always been good with a sword, at least in practice; soon he'd be able to test his skills on the battlefield. He wasn't excited, to say the least.
"Ffamran! Is that you?"
Ffamran looked up at the sound of a familiar voice. Ross was standing over him.
"Ah, Ross. Good to see you," Ffamran said, sliding his sword back into its sheath.
"Where have you been?" Ross asked. "They assigned tents a while ago."
"Oh, you know. Just taking a look around," Ffamran replied. "It seems like we'll be here awhile."
"Only a week," Ross said. "But I see what you mean. That's one week I'd rather spend not waiting for war to start."
"It's already started," Ffamran said. "Who knows how long life will be this way? I think we'd best start getting used to it."
Ross let out a sigh. "I suppose so." There was a moment of silence, then Ross spoke again. "I'm going to turn in. You probably should, too."
"I will, soon," Ffamran replied.
Ross nodded. "Goodnight, Ffamran."
Ffamran called a goodnight back as Ross left. Yes, he'd turn in soon. As soon as his brain quieted down. There was just too much to process; the destruction of Nabudis, though he hoped to move beyond that, the start of the war, and of course, that curious airship GB47.
Ffamran got the top bunk, and of course, the man below was snoring. But it wasn't really the sound that kept him awake. Ffamran just couldn't stop thinking. This whole war had started at the drop of a hat. Was it really just for territorial expansion? Or was there something more sinister going on behind the scenes? And then there was GB47. Why was she so blaringly different from all the other airships? Airships thought, talked and listened, but they weren't really like people. Their personalities were all the same, at least among the same class, and Ffamran had never heard of airships being "friends." And yet GB47 acted just like a person, albeit a lively, eccentric one. Why was that? What was she? How could she possibly be so vastly different when all other airships were the same? There were just too many thoughts and too many questions buzzing around in Ffamran's head for him to sleep. Then another voice joined them.
"Hey! Ffamran! Can you hear me?"
The voice was high-pitched and female, like a little girl's; Ffamran had heard it before.
"GB47?" Ffamran sat bolt upright in bed. The airfield wasn't anywhere near the tents! How could she contact him from that far away?
"What…? How can reach me all the way over here?" Ffamran asked, a bit more forcefully than he meant to. GB47 didn't seem to care.
"I had a feeling I could, so I wanted to see if it would work!" GB47 replied. "And it did!"
"But… That's impossible!" Ffamran said. "Can you reach other airships from this far away?"
"Nope! Just you!" GB47 replied.
"But… how?"
"I don't know." GB47 gave a mental shrug. "Maybe it's a sigh of our future friendship!"
Ffamran sighed. "Physics don't work that way, GB47. There has to be a real, tangible reason for this."
"Well, can you think of one?"
Ffamran let out another sigh. "Not at the moment. But I will figure it out."
"You do that," GB47 said. "For now, I'll stick with my fated friends theory."
Ffamran sighed for the third time that night. "And what makes you think we're even going to be friends?"
"I can feel it in my glossair engines!" GB47 replied. "Can't you?"
"Oh…" Ffamran's sigh graduated to a groan this time.
"Well, we don't have to be best friends right now," GB47 said. "I'll settle for just being friends. Does that sound good?"
"I'll sleep on it," Ffamran replied.
GB47 smiled wide. "Okay! So, see you tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah, tomorrow," Ffamran said, mostly to get her to go away. Sure enough, GB47's presence vanished from his mind, leaving everything quiet. Ffamran crashed back into his bed, dismissing every lingering question. The war could be what it was, he could quit trying to figure out that unfathomable airship.
All Ffamran wanted now was a good night's sleep.
…
The sword swung down in an overhead arch, and Ffamran barely managed to block it with his own weapon. The clang of steel against steel rang through the camp. Ffamran shoved back on the sword, setting his attacker off balance. Ross staggered a moment but managed to keep his footing, quickly bringing his sword back around for another strike. Ffamran blocked it with ease, twisting his sword around Ross's. His mind worked fast, quickly calculating pressure and tension. Then, with one swift, easy movement, Ffamran snapped Ross's sword out of his hands. The weapon sailed through the air and sunk into the dry earth a few yards away. Ffamran wasted no time, swinging his sword around for the killing blow. He stopped short as it drew within an inch of Ross's neck.
"I win," Ffamran said, feeling rather pleased with himself. He pulled his sword back and slid it into its sheath.
"Again," Ross sighed. He walked over to where his sword had planted itself in the ground and yanked it out, dusting off the blade and sliding it away. "Why don't we stop for now? I think I need a little time to hone my own skills rather than get beat up by you."
Ffamran let out a chuckle. "Fair enough."
Ross left for some water, and Ffamran started practicing against the air. Defeating an imaginary advisory wasn't nearly so satisfying, but it was still efficient training. There wasn't much to do around the military camp but train. It was the next day, after Ffamran's first sleep in the encampment, and another shipment of soldiers was due to arrive. Ffamran hated the way they'd said that, like soldiers were just another resource and not real people who would be putting their lives on the line.
That morning, Ffamran had explored the encampment a little more and talked to many people. He knew which tent Cheff, Ross's younger brother, was in, as well as where to find General Gabranth, though he hadn't yet thought of a reason to talk with him. Ffamran hadn't been able to find Judge Zecht, which was disturbing. Weren't all the Judges from Archades here? And Ffamran had seen Zecht in the aerodrome as they were leaving. His last words still rang in Ffamran head: I know what I have to do. What did he mean by that? And where was he now? Perhaps Ffamran had just missed him in his overview of the camp. He'd look again later.
Ffamran stopped his swordplay for a moment and let his eyes wander over the scene of the camp. Rickety, ramshackle tents covered the ground, and beyond that, a fleet of military airships stood between the camp and high cliffs. Hundreds of fighter crafts, all dark and gloomy against the bright blue sky. Of course, there was one that stood out, on the edge near the camp, white and gold and navy blue. Ffamran wasn't sure whether to smile or sigh at the thought of her, that ridiculous, annoying, illogical, impossible GB47. As if summoned by his thoughts, a voice interrupted Ffamran's quiet contemplations.
"Hey, Ffamran. You're a good swordfighter, you know?"
Ffamran did know. He didn't say that, however. He waited a few moments to see if GB47 would continue, but she didn't. That was surprising.
"I don't talk all the time, you know," she said.
Those words were even more surprising. "How did you know what I was thinking?" Ffamran demanded.
GB47 gave a mental shrug. "I don't know. It was just… there."
Ffamran let out a sigh. "Is there anything you do know?"
"You want an honest answer?" GB47 sighed. "Not really. I guess I don't really know much of anything. I'm trying to figure things out, but…" GB47 trailed off.
And there she went again, being quiet and sullen.
"Am I talking to the same airship as yesterday?" Ffamran asked, figuring she'd probably just read his thoughts again if he didn't say it. "You don't seem nearly so… energetic."
"Sorry," GB47 sighed. "Please be honest. Do you think I'm annoying?"
What was he supposed to say to that? "I never said that," Ffamran said after a moment.
"So… you don't hate me?" GB47 said, as though her whole life hung on the answer to that question.
"No," Ffamran replied. And it was true. Yes, she was a little strange, but he could tell she wasn't a bad person. And she was a full person, unlike other airships.
GB47 let out a long sigh of relief. "So?"
"So… what?" Ffamran asked.
"What I said last night!" GB47 said. The enthusiasm had returned to her voice. "About us being friends! You said you'd sleep on it. So?"
Ffamran let out a sigh. She was still on about this?
"Please, Ffamran?" GB47 continued. "Besides, we're meant to be friends! Can't you feel it?"
Ffamran let out a sigh. She was persuasive, not really in her rhetoric, but rather in her pitiful, pleading, innocent voice.
"I'll think about it," Ffamran replied finally.
"That's what you said last time," GB47 said. "But I guess it's better than no. Talk to you later, then?"
"Later," Ffamran replied, and her presence vanished. Ffamran got the feeling that GB47 was going to either be his best friend, or the bane of his existence. He wasn't sure which he preferred.
…
That next morning, Ffamran woke early and left the tent before any of the others awoke. The arrival of the new shipment of troops meant that things had gotten a lot more crowded in there. Ffamran was glad for a breath of fresh, quiet air before the day began.
The sunrise was beautiful. Ffamran wasn't one to stop an enjoy the scenery, but even he could appreciate the beauty of this dazzling display. Brilliant light of gold and crimson painted the cliffs and glanced off the hulls of the gathered airships as the sun struggled to climb her way over the horizon. Reina would have loved that view. That thought sent a sharp pain through Ffamran's chest. Perhaps she was watching it, back home in Archades. Serah had made it back to her, he assumed, and now she was waiting. Waiting for Ffamran to come home. He hoped he wouldn't keep her waiting too long.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" GB47's voice appeared in Ffamran's thoughts. It happened so much over the last couple of days that the intrusion wasn't even startling anymore.
"It is," Ffamran replied simply. His eyes drifted over to where GB47 was anchored. In the light of the rising sun, her white paint was bathed scarlet, the gold shone brilliantly, and the blue was muted to midnight black. Ffamran wondered how such a large, intimidating fighter craft could have such a small, scared voice.
"Five," GB47 said. "This is only the fifth sunrise I've seen. Back at the lab, they never took me outside. At least, I don't think so. I don't really remember much."
"What do you remember?" Ffamran asked.
"I remember… lots of people," GB47 replied. "Yes, there were always lots of people around, always talking, carrying me back and forth, and I never knew why. And… there was a man. His name was Dr. Holdre. They kept me in his office. I always heard him talk, and I wondered what his words meant… I think. Oh, but it's all so hazy. It feels like a dream, like… my life only began five days ago. I guess it did. I guess it's not much of a life at all."
"Be patient," Ffamran said. "It's only been five days, after all. Who knows how things will change?"
"But that's just it!" GB47 replied. "I'm an airship. I can't change anything, no matter how much I want to."
"You don't act like any airship I've ever met," Ffamran replied.
"I know," GB47 sighed. "But why is that? I don't even know that! I guess I really don't know anything."
Ffamran let out a sigh. He pondered a few moments how to comfort the despondent airship, then spoke. "Just hang in there. Being gloomy doesn't suite you, you know."
GB47 let out a chuckle. "No? I'll try and cheer up, then."
There was a moment of silence, then Ffamran spoke again. "I'm surprised you haven't asked yet."
"Asked what?" GB47 said.
"Asked me to be your friend."
"Oh. I guess I just figured it wasn't something you'd go and declare out loud, so I'm waiting for things to come about naturally."
"Ah-ha," Ffamran replied, nodding slowly. "You're learning."
"You think?" GB47 asked hopefully.
Ffamran let out a chuckle. "You've definitely changed since we met. You're a lot less… overwhelming."
"That's good?" Ffamran could hear the smile in her words. "Okay then! I'll keep trying. Is that good enough?"
"That's where it all starts," Ffamran replied. And then things were silent. GB47's presence was still there, but neither of them spoke. Ffamran again wondered why GB47 could reach him from such a distance. Did her theory of fated friendships have credibility? No, that was impossible and completely unreasonable. There was a reason, a real reason, and he'd find it. Someday.
…
The next day, Ffamran decided to look for Judge Zecht again. He asked several other soldiers if they'd seen him, and always got a negative answer. None of the other Judges from Archades had seen him on board the transport, either. This all seemed to prove Ffamran's suspicions, that Zecht hadn't come with the others when they left Archades. It also seemed to match his words about "doing something," but where would he go? What exactly was he doing? These questions plagued Ffamran. After this unfruitful searching, he decided to check one more source before accepting that Zecht wasn't there. Ffamran found somewhere in his tent where no one was likely to disturb him and reached out to GB47.
"GB47," Ffamran said. "I'd like it if you could tell me something."
"Fire away," GB47 replied.
"Have you seen a Judge named Zecht?"
"Well…" GB47 pondered a moment. "I don't really know what all these guys' names are. What does he look like?"
"Bald, dark skin and a light beard," Ffamran replied.
"Well, I haven't seen anyone like that," GB47 said. "But, then again, not everyone's swung by the airfield."
"I see," Ffamran said. So it was likely Zecht wasn't here. He'd gone somewhere else. But where? And why?
"Is this guy important or something?" GB47 asked. "A friend of yours?"
"More of an acquaintance," Ffamran replied. "He should be here."
"And he's not?" GB47 said. "I am only six days old, but I thought Archadia didn't take kindly to deserters."
"They don't," Ffamran replied.
"So, how did you meet this acquaintance of yours?" GB47 asked.
"Well…" Ffamran took a moment, allowing the memory of Nabudis to sweep over him. "Have you heard how Nabudis was destroyed?"
"Now, that is something I do know," GB47 said. "The other fighters are always talking about it as one of Archadia's great victories." From her tone, Ffamran could tell GB47 didn't think of it as such.
Ffamran let out a sigh and started to tell GB47 all about Nabudis' destruction. And she just listened quietly. Perhaps that flurried talkativeness she had when they first met was a thing of the past.
"So, you still don't know what the nethicite is, or that thing inside it?" GB47 asked when he finished.
"No," Ffamran replied. "But I will someday."
"And it was your father who designed the attack?"
Ffamran let out a sigh. "To my knowledge, yes."
"Wow," GB47 said. "Seems like you've had a hard life."
Ffamran chuckled. "Well, things were fine until a week ago."
"And they'll be fine again in time, right?" GB47 asked. She smiled brightly, like this was a given.
Ffamran sighed. "Who knows? Things don't always work out right."
"You told me being gloomy doesn't suite me," GB47 said. "Well, I think it suites you a bit too well. Try to cheer up, alright?" In a moment, her tone flew from the quiet, comforting voice she'd been using to an upbeat, chipper one.
"Really?" Ffamran asked. "What is there to be cheerful about?"
"Oh, my. I perceive that you, Ffamran, are a poor, lonely soul who needs a drop of sunshine in his life," GB47 said, somehow sounding both serious and cheerful all at once. "So I'm going to be your friend! I know I said it the other way around before, but I was being selfish. Shout at me if I ever get that way again, okay? But yes! From now on, whatever comes, rain or shine, I'll be there for you, Ffamran! No matter what!"
And there came her enthusiastic, energetic side again. Ffamran wasn't sure exactly how to reply to this sudden declaration. There wasn't much that rendered him speechless, but then, he just had no words.
"So, sorry I couldn't find that Zecht guy," GB47 said, abruptly changing the subject.
"What? Ah, yes," Ffamran replied. "That's alright."
The tent flap swished open as few newly arrived soldiers made their entrance. Ffamran took this as an opportune moment to escape this awkward situation.
"I'm going to go greet the newcomers," Ffamran said. "See you later?"
Ffamran could feel GB47's great big grin dominating her features once more.
"Yep! Later!"
…
The next two days passed in like form, consisting of little but training and dread of what was to come. Ffamran had stopped mulling over GB47's oddities, and her presence became almost normal. Ffamran might have even started to enjoy talking with her, though he would never had admitted it. She'd changed rapidly over that long week, though Ffamran still found himself sighing over her energy. The two of them were so different, yet they bore one great similarity: they were both vastly different from their peers, whether the others were aware of it or not. There were many secrets Ffamran had never discussed, not with anyone, ever, and somehow, he wasn't afraid to tell her. He could say to GB47, "I have weird powers and I don't know why," and not be frightened by it. Perhaps it was because she knew exactly how that felt.
It had been a week since Ffamran's arrival at the encampment when the last shipment of soldiers arrived. As soon as the ships finished unloading, General Gabranth gathered all the soldiers together and declared the battle plan Ffamran had heard earlier from Ifrit. First, the Archadian army would attack a small town called Lemahl, then carry on to Nalbina Fortress. The Dalmascans were likely prepared for their coming, and the battle would be a long, hard one.
And they would reach Lemahl by the next day.
The war really had begun.