Editor(Chapter 5 and up): Hinatakun of Midgardsormr
VANA'DIEL TRAGEDY
Chapter One: Common Acquaintances and Total Strangers
Many ages after five tears were shed…
In a walk to unknown lands...
Young of the ancients awaken the shadow...
Giving life to their sleeping fathers…
The beasts are seduced by the power of decay...
Finally the kingdom of the evil falls thanks to heroes...
Years since the great rage that scarred many...
The shadow is reborn by the temptation of strength...
Only those affected by the chaos could stop it...
Behind the evil is the true darkness...
The light of the fallen ancients will cast the final curse...
The land to be eaten alive by the souls of the people…
The violent eyed man will see into the red eyes of his brother
Only the mortals can end the damnation...
And Reveal The Final Truths.
-A ripped article found on the expedition in Xarcabard ten years before the Crystal War.
"How far is it, papa?" a child boy Tarutaru's voice said in question, somewhere in the total blackness.
"Notaru far" a grown male Tarutaru's voice responded with a hint of happiness.
"Run! It is a Yagudo! It has a sworrrrd!" a young Mithran girl shouted with fear.
"Papa! Whaty you doing! We got to run!" the child's voice screamed in related panic.
"Run my son. Protect your mother as I will protect you two and Koshii's family"
"Papa!"... "Papa!"... "Papaaaa!"
The loud thunder exploded in sound.
Kurin-Juran jumped out of his warm bed with a gasp. He was out of breath and in a cold sweat. The room was in total darkness. Heavy rain pounded on the roof and windows with roaring thunder could be heard from outside. Kurin wiped the sweat off his forehead. Those words and the darkness, he never stopped getting that nightmare. It was a true occurrence: the last moments of his father's life. His head ached and he rubbed the sides of his skull.
'That Yagudo with that long, curved sword, he... it... killed my father' Kurin-Juran thought to himself. 'Yet I still avoid hunting them now that I have gathered the strength to do so. Why?' Kurin questioned his own beliefs while his face lay buried in his tiny hands. The ache ended slowly. Kurin-Juran was a Tarutaru, very short in the standards of a Hume. His head was big, like others of his race, with untidy silver hair and bright blue eyes. Two long ears sprouted from the sides his head. A piece of his silver hair was spiked up out of randomness. In the obscurity his tan skin color seemed almost black.
Those were memories of when he went to Mhaura to avoid the war, now titled the Crystal War or the Great War, with his family and a Mithran family. A Yagudo attacked and killed the Mithran father with a single slice. Before the Yagudo could finish the whole Mithran family, Kurin's father tackled the Beastmen. The Yagudo's blade impaled his father as Kurin watched in horror with his mother's hand pulling him away. With the little of the strength the heroic Tarutaru had left, he cast a spell of thunder that electrocuted and killed them both. Once they reached Mhaura, they prayed for the lives lost.
Kurin-Juran slid out of the red sheets of his simple bed and walked to his armory. He changed out of his green pajama-like commoner clothing into an adventurer's attire: A brown tunic with black designs and a small leather pack located on the back, lined purple slops, small worn out shoes, a leather belt worn by shamans, and a well-cut wooden rod. He then went over to a small round table crafted for Tarutarus' size. On the furnishing were two amber jewel earrings, two bone-like rings, and two silver armlets. Kurin put them all on. The Tarutaru walked to his fountain and rinsed his face and his hands. He waited for the rain to end as he sat in a small chair, in the night's blackness. Once the rain stopped shortly soon following the thunder, he opened the rosewood door and walked out. After shutting the door behind him he traveled through the Windurst residential area on wet ground, wooden and dirt. On his way to the Port district, Kurin saw many small wooden houses and one large Jeuno-style building for foreign adventurers.
Windurst was a city carved out of rock and grassland. No iron or steel streets and structures. Trees and grass was everywhere in the huge city. The roads were dirt or rock tile and the buildings were wood. From almost any point in Windurst or near it, one could see Heaven's Tower. Heaven's Tower was a magical tower with a very large tree growing right out of it. Its size is legendary and seems one would be close to the moon if they stood to the very top. Also noticeable in Windurst was its battle scars from the Crystal War. Entire districts had been sunken into lakes, with long bridges connecting the islands that remained.
Once in Port, the smell of salty seawater was summoned to Kurin's small fuzzy nose. He noticed the sky, now clear of dark clouds, was getting lighter. "Day is coming-moming soon" the Tarutaru caught himself saying quietly. He walked over to the fishing guild's dock. He had about one hour until it would open. He looked at the everlasting sea slowly giving birth to the sun and he smiled. Today would be his first mission with his friend Cronin, so beginning the alliance that a legend will be based around.
Many regions away... across the Bastore sea... two Bastokian warriors stood in the streets of the Metalworks district. Day seemed even farther on the other side of Vana'diel, Bastok. They were clad in blue plated chain mail armor and guarded the President's Office as Iron Musketeers.
"So, heard about these two low ranked Bastokian adventurers?" the bald Hume one said to a fellow Hume with blond spiky hair.
"Hmmm… ranked low and important? I never heard anything about them" answered the young Iron Musketeer interested as he kicked his unfitting boot in, using the stone ground below.
"Well they are quite the impressive ones... a Hume with skills said to be similar to and as strong Zeid himself!" the tattooed bald Hume described.
"Wow... the Galkan swordsman who gave his life in the Crystal War to fight the Shadow Lord! What about the other one?" he asked with a shock.
"The other one is named Bleeding Wolf or something... a Galka who claims he served the Tale-Keeper in his past life and will do so again. Both of their fighting abilities are said to be superb. In fives days they already have become 'Rank Three'!" the Hume storyteller finally finished being as fascinated himself as if he heard it.
"Centurion status in five days? That is amazing... truly amazing" the listener was stunned for a second and then continued, "Speaking of the Tale-keeper. Rumors among the miners say that he has returned".
"Yes, it seems a lot of strange happenings are in play. Also they say the Quadavs and the rest of the Beastmen seem more active than ever. I think the Mythril Musketeers will be needed soon" the bald Hume said glaring up toward the stars that graced the black sky. "Rare sight in Bastok to see the stars..."
The republic named Bastok was a city built on the mountains and mines, half of it over the salty sea. Using the newest technology of carpentry and building, Bastok looked very modern. The roads and houses were built with white and gray stone. At the center of the city were a large factory house and a series of giant smokestacks that rose out of the roof. Bastok's air was muggy and dense due to the blacksmithing and engineering constantly being done.
On the other side of Bastok, the Mines, two adventurers walked the shadowy streets.
"Shinato... we will be late" a Galka said quietly who was very big even contrasted to any other Galka. His pale and gray skin was under a tan doublet, black slacks, a white martial arts belt, and no weapons or footwear. His black hair, both on body and head, was spiked up on the very top of his head. Sticking out of his doublet was his thick tail.
"Bah, screw them. Stupid president officials!" a black haired Hume said with a growl. His brunette hair was in a bang and messy fashion. He wore the armor of a Centurion: Blue and white scaled breastplate and mail, gauntlets, leg ware, boots and helm. On his back were a large wooden-handle scythe and an even larger black-bladed great sword at the same time. Shinato's was able to hold both weapons on his back as if it was one. Very slightly engraved on the great sword close to the handle was the word 'Deathbringer'.
"Shinato, pesky as they may be in your eyes, we should respect our leaders and their whims" the Galka said looking forward at their inclined destination.
"Yeah... yeah... respect that! Bow to him! Don't kill it!" Shinato mimicked the lawful Galka while they rapidly walked down some stairs. His voice was pretty spiteful.
"I only speak the virtuous word. We are heroes and people expect us to act so" the Galka responded with almost no emotion: obliviously grown numb of his Hume partner's whining.
"Wrong my friend. I am an adventurer... a mercenary. On that topic, I pay taxes! I don't even have a real house... rather crap if I could say so myself. I would like to see the president slaughter hundreds of Quadavs like we have" Shinato kept on complaining as they went down another set of stone stairs.
They reached the in-house tunnel entrance to the Market district. "Well Shinato you go protest to our president while I get our information. Then we do it" he said with his fur glowing from the lunar light like a wolf singing to the moon.
"Bleeding Wolf... don't be the government's dog!" Shinato scald his friend looking away in disgust.
"Hmmm, I have been called worst, even by you" answered Bleeding Wolf humorlessly, though not without a smirk, as they entered the dark gate leading to the Market district.
On the same continent, but several miles and miles away; past the Konschtatt Highlands, the Valkrum Dunes, and the La Theine Plateau... in the center of mighty forest Ronfarue, was a proud kingdom: San d'Oria. It was night there too. Most of the long-eared Elvaans were asleep in their beds, crude or royal. The Temple Knights stood at the Ranperre's Gate, blocking off any Orcs who would wish to slaughter this kingdom's peoples.
Auricant, an adult Elvaan in his tan lizard leather armor and helm with a large sliver shield strapped to his right arm, was having a conversation with one of them. His long, near hair was silver. San d'Oria was a kingdom with castle-based design. People often called it a fortress more than a city. The city had much plant life living within the gate walls unlike Bastok, but nowhere as much as Windurst had. Gray brick and black wood built houses and dungeon-stone like buildings graced this kingdom. North of the center, a tall castle stood erect into the sky and southeast from the heart was a beautiful cathedral where the prayers of many were made.
The Temple Knight wore a Temple Knight's long sword and a set of blue and white Temple Knight armor of scales, even a Temple Knight crest embedded shield to his side, a winged shield. His hair was like Auricant's, silver and long but was not so neat and less visible with his helm. The sun was due to appear soon and the skies were picking up a light blue color. In Windurst it was morning and Bastok was almost the same.
"Interesting... a knight in blue armor at the King's grave. And even more so, he talked of an object that was to be at rest there. That is quite the bizarre occurrence" the Temple Knight Baramore said to the adventurer, his words were not without deep concentration.
"Yes, well on the other note, I did found proof that his majesty's final resting place was indeed disturbed by foul scandals." Auricant said in his young charming voice. He quickly handed Baramore evidence of Orcish intrusions, a handful of armor scales.
"Thank you; your efforts will not be a futility. Please do me a favor though..." the Temple Knight said unfinished.
"What is that good sir of this state?" Auricant flattered the knight.
"Forget everything about this blue armored knight, it is better off you not know him" Baramore asked awkwardly. It seemed Baramore didn't know a thing about this mysterious figure gazing the King's tomb but he had a feeling. He was not a mere, unmemorable person.
Auricant looked questionably at the Temple Knight for a moment. "Of course sir, I will return the next day to do another task. I am tired and I seek some rest before the beginning of the day." Auricant walked away after a short exchange of waves. The memories of that past quickly came back to his head. He was the one of many heroes who lost their fathers in the war.
'It has been twenty years since the war. My father battled along side many great soldiers. In his little time returned, spent with his family, he told me of special knights who wore rare armor. This could be what I have been looking for: What killed my father in battle and does it still dwell on this plane' Auricant pondered to himself. 'Whatever be the creature sent my father to the Paradise shall die and the blue knight knows it's name' Auricant stated in his mind. It wasn't a false threat.
He sat on a stone bench for a short second, still a little weary from his mission, which wrapped around the town square's fountain: the Parade Grounds. He watched at the rising sun with his unforgiving eyes. "Lightsday" he said under his breath. He pulled out an inch of his stainless sword from its sheath then quickly placed it back, admiring its craftsmanship.
"I am so lost in this fortress city!" said a girlish Hume voice Auricant heard and what caused him to immediately retreat his blade.
He turned around to see an annoyed female Hume with short blond hair and seemly commoner clothing, which was still stylish. "Are you new to this state, traveler?" the Elvaan said and stood up.
"Yes, but your friends won't give me any help!" she nagged, pushing back one of her blond locks of hair.
"Well, we San d'Orians do not like foreigners. It is just our isolated ways. I am sorry... maybe I could help you to where you seek?" Auricant said and smiled. He was always a flirt, even to Hume females.
The girl was joyful for the response. "Can you tell me where one would get a Rent-a-Room?" she asked.
"Why it is on my way, of course I can... please follow me" Auricant stretched his long limbs. She was overwhelmed with delight.
They walked on their way upon the stone tiles, passing the church. "What is this rose's name?" he asked shifting his eyes at her.
She gave a blush, "Teria" said the girl.
"Ah, Teria, a pretty name... From what nation do you born from?" Auricant said now turning a corner as she followed close behind.
"Bastok" she answered directly and quickly. Her tone didn't reflect she was embarrassed about it, but only shy.
"Bastok, no wonder my kin gave you a sour attitude" the Elvaan began to explain, calmly. "Since the 'Second Battle of Konschtatt Highlands' San d'Oria have a disliking toward Bastok. They crushed our glorious empire's pride and which led the civil war that would scar us with a mark to never let us return to such greatness. To this day we have never fully recovered from that scar" spoke Auricant, almost depressed by what he said himself.
"Hehe, you are pretty smart" she smiled with those words, "Must have studied all that in class".
"We Elvaan follow our battles like you follow your name" Auricant said and winked. He always said garbage like that.
They reached the end of the street and an arch was ahead. Next to the gate was a guard. "Temple Knight! Please help this lady to a temporary room. I better not hear of any annoyance she receives" Auricant said with a sober face to the knight. Auricant always believed to follow your country to death, but it was okay to give it a disrespectful slap or two to test if its loyalty was as an echo of your own. More garbage.
The Temple Knight, a female with short brown curls, laughed, "Your words are wasted, if I ever acted so my job would not be a guide, nor a guard".
Auricant and Teria bowed to each other and Auricant left them two to enter his home. While many knights of San d'Oria were waking up to the sun, one was laying his head to slumber.
In Jeuno, the great metropolis many roads end to and many begin from, two figures walked towards the embassy of Windurst on the Ru'Lude Gardens district's white tiles, both of them Humes. High in the sky was Ru'Lude Gardens, the very top of the tower-like Jeuno. One was in a light gray gi and matching uniform and his dirty blond hair was very messy. Behind him, a lighter skinned Hume with a red and brown robe and relating clothes made of linen threads. His black hair had thin sides and a ponytail. The sun was clear and bright about.
"Renza, how long do you think it will take us to reach the embassy?" the one in linen clothes asked. His voice was humble, soft and one could say weak.
"I am not sure, Mercutio. Less than two minutes" Renza said in a relaxed tone. People who knew of Renza said his voice sounded it was only a shadow to warrior within him.
"I was wondering... well" Mercutio said hesitantly. "Go on" Renza encouraged his friend's words.
"Well when you, Wolfgang, and Cyz found me, in Battillia Downs, so many months ago..." Mercutio went on, "What was I doing? I am starting to forget that day".
"Hmmm, well, you seemed to have just been done fighting a tiger, well... uh, at least something that had big claws and teeth that doctors wouldn't treat. You were a bloody mess with most of your clothes in shreds and it looked like if we didn't find you... you would have been dead" Renza answered, but unsatisfying his friend. Mercutio just looked at the ground, thinking, while he followed him down some stairs.
When they arrived outside the embassy Renza told him clearly "Stay outside for a second while I talk to the ambassador".
Mercutio nodded and rested his back against a wall not too far away as Renza went in. Mercutio waited and he started to try to remember. He was not able to tell what happened to his life past one and half years ago. Where did he get these great fencing skills and masterful magic spells? Where was he going? Why was his memory slowly dying away again? He asked himself in vain. His head started to ache at the thoughts as he rubbed his temples. Since that fateful day in Battillia Downs, Mercutio had been dependant on Renza. He followed his busy life.
A couple of minuets past and Renza walked out of the embassy, his expression still calm. Mercutio stopped his wondering immediately and walked towards him. "We are going to Mhaura, the sea port not far from the capital city of Windurst. It seems I am the new Initiative Director of V.E.R.M.I.N. and our first task involves Windurst, Mhaura, and the strange tunnels between Tahrongi Canyon and Buburimu Peninsula... I am to get further instructions at the location" Renza enlightened.
"I hope I can find something I remember there" Mercutio said as both of them made their way to the Port District where they would get on chocobos, or simply "birds" as adventurers and bounty-hunters would call them.
"That would be nice, but it is very unlikely" Renza said and covered his eyes from the newly born sun.
Like a beating heart, the past echoes thunderously into the future. On that day four stories of Vana'diel began, but on another they met as one. With such pointless desires in the task they did, only later could they have understood their real purpose… and the final truth they were destined to reveal.