VANADIEL
TRAGEDY
Chapter Nine: Lu Shang and the King of
Thieves
Nice day it was. Shinato opened his eyes slowly, staring at the ceiling of peeling white paint. On his shoddily built bed with broken springs and worn out sheets, Shinato awoke. He gave a loud yawn and pulled his body up, in a sitting position. The Hume's black hair was wild and unshaped. His stomach rumbled. Of course the organ would not get what it wanted: Shinato was a little too poor for breakfast. "By the Goddess, why is it so damn hot in fall?" he mumbled to himself. Nice, hot day it was.
Shinato was quick to put on some commoner clothing: black tee shirt with old blue jeans and brown boots. With a small, wooden comb, he styled his hair in a downward fashion. 'Windsday' Shinato reminded himself, the moon would be light green that night. He yawned loudly before he stepped out his door. The sun was bright as always, burning its light to the city in the middle of a wasteland. Ore Street was full of Galka getting ready to head to work: mining. Picks and sacks in hand they headed to Zeruhn Mines. Ore Street was a poor, aged road with two stories of apartment houses along each side. The upper floor was made of cheap word and iron.
Shinato's eyes couldn't escape one of the Galka's pickaxes. "Has been awhile since…" he muttered under his tired breath. Shinato remembered the walls of ore and rock that he spent so much time beating at with an iron pick. It was cheap pay and hard work, but at the time Shinato was living in poverty.
On the higher floor of the Zeruhn Mines, an area made of bronze walls and floors laid for the miners to rest and work. Shinato was slapped with a flashback thinking back to those halls.
"So Shinato, me and the boys heard you live on Ore Street?" a Hume with slight facial hair oh his chin and a short haircut, blond. His eyes were a light brown. He wore a green vest and pants with tan leather gloves and boots. A white shirt was under his olive vest. The other workers dressed akin to that as well.
"Yah, I'm poor, but inherited the house from an old friend. It's the only place I got to call home" Shinato nodded. He was busy arming himself with some picks, controlling his view of sight. It was five in the morning and the mines had a fog to it. The miners with early shifts were getting ready to do their job.
"With all those…" the Hume said with a disgusted face and moved a little further, "Galka?".
"I wouldn't talk bad about Galkas, buddy" Shinato said as he turned to the Hume and gave him a slight nudge. Shinato's short-fused temper just caught fire.
"Psh, those hairy idio-" the Hume said cockily until a fist walloped his entire right cheek. Two of his teeth, accompanied with some blood, few out of his mouth. He fell back stunned. Before he could think what had happened, he was given another jab to the belly, knocking the wind out of him. Shinato had snapped.
The Hume dropped to the ground and Shinato kneeled down after the body. Punch after punch delivered to the Hume's face, Shinato did not even pause. The other miners, two Galkas and three Humes started to pull him back by grabbing his body and arms. Shinato yelled some random curses and spat at the fallen Hume's much damaged body before he was pulled into the distance.
"Yup… mining sucked a lot" Shinato nodded to himself, breaking from the flashback. A stray cat, with a black coat and white haired underbelly strolled peacefully to Shinato. Shinato crouched down and gently scratched its round head, causing it to purr and brush against his hand softly. The cat couldn't have been older than two years. 'I really want to do something fun'.
In a nest of the Yagudo based in Sarutabaruta's small range of mountains, Giddeus, a Yagudo inquisitor kneeled in front of shrine. With the claws and beaks of the Yagudo, Giddeus was carved out of the mountains of Sarutabaruta itself. Houses and tall idol-like shrines were formed, along with a few streams. The Beastmen would take treks around the seven shrines that stood erected in their small town. It was all to pay service to the ancient demigod Tzee Xicu the Manifest. On the shrine was the sign of the Yagudo, a vertical branch of feathers with four tiers, in red paint.
"Quu Xuchi" a Yagudo's voice called from behind, bathing in the dawn's light.
Quu Xuchi got up slowly. With an x-crossed scar just below his eyes, he turned to see who it was: Zhuu Buxu, current leader of Giddeus. He was slightly older than the average Yagudo; his hide of feathers was somewhat larger and wore a red-bead necklace with the emblem of the Yagudo in steel on the bottom bead.
In the far corner watching from the distance was Zhuu's bodyguard: an even larger Yagudo named Eyy Mon the Ironbreaker. He kept his presence in unbroken peace; soon Quu forgot he was near them.
"Old friend, kawk" the red-kote wearing Yagudo replied with a smile.
"We are hosting a welcoming party in your name, kyah. It is going to happen once you come" Zhuu told him quickly. The rushing water of a river near by filled their ears. Through out the mountain walls of Giddeus were large holes, where the Yagudo's slept and lived.
"Sounds good, I am done with my daily pilgrimage" Quu nodded.
They walked through the courtyards of Giddeus, a maze of tunnels, hidden trap-holes, and small valleys with a few trees. Quu Xuchi spotted a large, stone podium, surrounded by black-feathered Yagudos. "Wow… didn't know my arrival would be so important" Quu looked around to the crowd. Zhuu Buxu led him up a small set of stone stairs to reach the top of the podium. Looking into their eyes, they must have been between thirty and forty Yagudo. Only a handful of the crowds were priests, with red Yagudo emblem fabric over their long beaks and necklaces of five diverse feathers.
"Here is Quu Xuchi! Give your respect to the greatest inquisitor to ever live in the Theomilitary! Kawk!" Zhuu Buxu cheered and the crowd clapped with their talons. Quu Xuchi approached the center of the stage and cleared his throat.
"Hello residents of Giddeus, gawk… I am Quu Xuchi, Chief Inquisitor of the Yagudo Theomilitary. My job is to keep our people pure and always respectful, kyah" he said slowly, but loud, "I am going to test Giddeus' piousness". The crowd simply cheered and listened. Before Quu Xuchi could speak again, a song filled the air its sound. A requiem.
Quu face was filled with confusion. From the crowd, a red flute playing Yagudo marched forward in a slow-paced march. On his back was a large staff with a square flag baring the flag the Beastmen wore twenty years ago in the war. The residents grasped and chaos broke out. "Who do you think you are? Kawk!" Zhuu Buxu roared to the flute player, quickly bringing peace back to the mob.
He was committed to playing his flute then lowered it when the song was complete. Quu Xuchi felt his body shiver and ache. An almost invisible aura of magic covered his body, sealing the curse. His face did not react to the pain though. In a moment he focused his strength and resisted the spell. He had been attacked, but parried it with his will.
"I think I am Hoo Mjuu the Torrent. I think you are Zhuu Buxu the Silent and I think he is Quu Xuchi the Judgment" his voice was calm and spiteful, looking at Zhuu and pointing at Quu. His voice was soft like he was singing.
"Why do you interrupt our ceremony?" Quu Xuchi looked at the bard, slightly offended.
"Why did you kill those two Yagudo soldiers! Gawk!" Hoo Mjuu yelled back ignoring his words, angry, "My friends!"
The crowd went silent, as did Zhuu Buxu. "They were about to kill a defenseless Tarutaru merchant, which is against our laws. I pray that doesn't happen every day here, kyah" Quu Xuchi gave his response swiftly, looking to Hoo Mjuu.
"Then why did you kill your parents, one year ago?" Hoo Mjuu continued, with a bitter grin. Quu Xuchi was flabbergasted. He couldn't speak for moment, and then rested his eyes. The Yagudos just watched the two.
"You are trying to prove something?" Quu Xuchi asked bitterly, looking at the lower birdman.
"Why would Castle Oztroja send a murderer of his own people to help us? I am starting to question their ethics" Hoo Mjuu shrugged as he talked.
"You are to never challenge the word of the Avatar. Unless you are some weakling still loyal to the Shadow Lord! Kawk!" Quu Xuchi almost ready to pounce off the stage, hand grabbing the red hilt of his great katana.
"Well, whatever my answer is" the bard began to walk away, out of sight, "More than half the Yagudos who live here agree one-hundred percent, kawk".
Quu Xuchi gazed at Zhuu Buxu, concerned. He looked to the sun-bearing sky. 'Am I in a land of heretics? Could the rumors of people wanting the Shadow Lord to return be true? He was a false idol' he thought to himself.
Shinato laid his back against a stonewall facing the streets of Bastok Markets. To his right were some stairs that directed down to Gold Street: an area with a Goldsmith's guild, instrument store, and some rich merchants' houses. Bastok Market was a man-made island of stone and iron holding itself up through the ocean. In front of Shinato was a large fountain with a beautiful centerpiece. Behind that was the Auction House, filled with adventurers and merchants. 'Hmm, I wonder where Bleeding Wolf has been these days' Shinato looked to the ground.
"Excuse me" a Galka in full Iron Musketeer armor, a white breastplate and heavy gear with a helmet that hid the face, said nicely as he walked by Shinato almost bumping into him. Two other Musketeers were with him, both Hume, as they escorted a senator. It was a known man, with long red hair braided down to his shoulders. He had black tinted glasses, very small so that they only covered the very center of his eyes. He wore a fancy, sky blue robe with red designs and slops. Shinato knew the name of the mysterious government official: Jud'Oriulo, the extremely quiet senator who always supported wars. It was said that he had strong ties to the Jeunoan science group called the Armathrwn Society. Shinato watched as he passed. Jud'Oriulo turned his barely covered eyes to Shinato, for a moment they watched each other. Then he was gone, along with his guards.
"What a weird vibe I got from that guy…" Shinato said under his breath. The silence in his head broke soon after by a shouting man a few minutes later.
"Do you think you are tough! Want to make five-thousand gil? Then step up and escort a priceless artifact to San d'Oria!" a fat Hume with a hat covering his gray hair. His hat and heavy outfit was a lime green. His face was big and round, with a wide smile.
'Hmmm, there has to be a catch. Five thousand big ones just for playing baby-sitter? Well, I am bored… I'll do it' Shinato debated in his head. He began to walk up to the fat man. "Sir! You got your hero right here!" Shinato shouted, grabbing his attention. His yell was louder than all the random talking by the Auction House.
"Hello adventu-" the older Hume tried to say but was quickly cut off.
"Shinato, and yes I want to do the quest for five-thousand gil" Shinato told him with a smirk.
"Uh, okay! We are meeting at Mines' Gatehouse in about an hour. Don't be late!" the heavy man almost began to scold.
"Yah yah!" Shinato brushed him off and began to walk back to his small house. After crossing a small bridge and making some turns in Mines he walked through Ore Street and entered his house. Shinato donned his heavy blue and white scaled armor. He strapped on his substandard Scythe to his back along with the Deathbringer. Slowly he placed on his centurion, blue and white scaled, helmet. 'Finally'.
He waited for a few minutes at the gate; he was the only one apart from the guards there. Then came a Mithra, from seemingly nowhere, in mage clothing: black robe and black slops. Her white hair and cat ears were under a tall hat. It was the legendary Fungus Hat. Its powers were unknown but it was made years ago by concentrating the magic in poison mushrooms. Her hair was short with very light brunette highlights. Her tail hung out, wagging back and forth very slowly.
"So uh, you herrre for the quest too, eh?" the Mithra got close, in an interrogating fashion, giving Shinato a curious eye. Shinato just watched her face for a second, surprised.
"Yes, I am. So I guess we in the same party for it?" Shinato smiled, slanting his head back.
"Yep! My name is Roni Aha. My friends are lazy though. They call me Ronia" she said, partly sighing.
"Okay, Ronia" Shinato laughed, getting Roni Aha annoyed, "My name is Shinato".
"What a plain, borrring name" she shrugged.
"Was that suppose to hurt my fe-" Shinato almost said till he noticed an Elvaan in blue leather-covered chain mail. His straight long black hair shined in the sun's light.
"Hello!" both Shinato and Ronia focused at the Elvaan's fair eyes. He wore a scythe just like Shinato's.
"Hi, my name is Baramunk. I am a Dark Knight, I am sure I can help. Uh… unless you guys are not here for the mission, then I just made myself look very dumb" he was ready to look embarrassed.
"At least he admits it" Ronia laughed. Baramunk eyes keened on the sarcastic Mithra.
"Wait, Dark Knight! How is that possible? Zeid die… disappeared after training me!" Shinato yelled at his soon-to-be companion as if he was some kind of spy.
"You've met the original Dark Knight? You liar" Baramunk rolled his eyes with those words.
"This man who claims to have a dead style of fighting only I can use appears in front of me… and has the balls to call me a liar? This is some kind of dream world" Shinato looked to the ground, confused.
"I am from the school of Dark Knighthood in San d'Oria. My master trained me well in elemental black magic. I can destroy anything with magic alone" Baramunk moved forward, forming a circle with the Mithra and Hume. Ronia just kept quiet, not knowing what they were talking about.
"Damaging elemental magic? What the hell? Dark Magic consist of draining the enemies' magic and body and adding it to yours!" Shinato yelled at him.
"Like some kind of a undead? That's unheard of" Baramunk looked away, not believing.
"You want to go right now!" Shinato lost his composure, getting ready to bring out his weapons.
"Guys! Guys! Break it up! Shesh" Ronia sighed.
"I am not even doing anything…" Baramunk said innocently.
"Shinato…" it was a Galkan voice: Bleeding Wolf's.
"Wolf! You took request too? Ah, cool, at least now I am working with one professional" Shinato smiled to the plain-faced Bleeding Wolf. The Galka slowly walked to the other three of his party.
"You calling me unprrrofessional?" Ronia shook her head at the Hume.
"I don't like this guy one bit…" Baramunk said with a grimace, "far too cocky for his own good".
"Bleeding Wolf, we haven't even left Bastok yet and they are exiling me" Shinato turned his face away in shame.
"You three grow up. I need that money" Bleeding Wolf said simply.
"Why?" Ronia asked, for no reason. Shinato was stunned that some stranger would ask Bleeding Wolf about his reasoning. Shinato couldn't even get an answer out of him.
"Let's just say…" Bleeding Wolf began to say then walked away, as if it was a joke to begin with. Ronia missed out on the humor. Shinato and Baramunk couldn't help but laugh a little bit.
The fat, older Hume man from Markets approached the four, distant from each other. "Hello! Hello! We got some party here. Bleeding Wolf, check. Shinato, check, Baramunk, check. And Ronia-" the was looking through a piece of paper.
"Roni Aha!" the Mithra snarled.
"Roni Aha, check" the Hume said with a corrective tone.
"Please explain why you couldn't just do this via Airship?" Bleeding Wolf asked directly.
"Well due to a terrorist incident which caused the Bastok to Jeuno Airship to fall a few months ago, all passengers can not access any luggage while on the Airship. This would leave our little relic very unguarded and easy to steal. The company behind the request, Bastokian International Storage of Historic Relics, doesn't get any special privileges until our license is passed. That's it in a Quadav's shell" the Hume explained lengthily.
"I see…" was Bleeding Wolf's only response. He covered his eyes from the sun.
"The leader of the organization, the man I work for, is waiting in San d'Oria, by our personal storage house. You will be driven by a wagon and chocobo. The driver, Marcus, is waiting outside. Good luck!" the man finished, and started to walk away, but stopped. "Oh and one more thing… the self-proclaimed King of Thieves if after the relic"
"What is this relic?" Baramunk questioned just before Shinato was about to ask.
"The legendary Lu Shang's Fishing Rod! Its priceless" the fat man explained, wearing his green clothes.
"Sounds easy" Shinato nodded back.
"I am not afrrraid of any King of Thieves" Ronia smiled.
"I like to fish" Baramunk said, no one listening.
They walked out the gate to see a wooden wagon with a large cloth roof. In front was a tall Hume with blond hair, spiky, with red-orange trousers and vest on. In front of him were two yellow-feathered Chocobos with rope tying their harnesses to the wagon. "Hello! My name is Marcus. I will be your driver, please get in the back and make yourself comfortable. It's going to be a twelve-hour ride to San d'Oria if we get no intrusions" he explained in his older than appearance sounding voice. The party of four got in and sat on the inner wagon's oak floor. Two crates lay near them, a third that looked very special lying against the back wall. With a loud "Kweh!" from both birds they were off.
Walking through the dusty wasteland full with hills, the wagon went on. A few lizards and birds watch them as they go. No Quadavs were out, even though they passed a burned out camp. Gustaberg was a depressing land without rain and little life. Abandoned windmills filled the area right outside the gate. A land filled with ore and rock with desert like conditions. They reached North Gustaberg, passing some hot pools of water and crabs.
"Shinato, I was speaking to Dalzakk the other day" Bleeding Wolf whispered to the Hume. Before Bleeding Wolf's faint voice, the entire trip had been silent. Shinato nodded. Dalzakk was an adventurer like them, of high ranking as well. Shinato was best friends with him growing up. Now Dalzakk had two homes for his adopted Elvaan daughter and a Galka boy who loves to follow him around, side by side in Markets. "He brought up the topic of someone named Aritomo: A legendary thief who calls himself the King of Thieves. I think this is the guy" Bleeding Wolf finished.
"Bah, Thieves are nothing once you get them face to face" Shinato unconcerned himself.
"This Thief is different. His skills are like a Red Mage and can fight with a whole range of weapons" the Galka with spiky black hair went on, "They say he was a great thief since he escaped from Tavnazia at age fifteen".
"T-Tavnazia? He is from Tavnazia?" Shinato said with directness in his tone, surprising Bleeding Wolf of his sudden attention to the matter.
"Uh, yes or at least that's the rumour has it" Bleeding Wolf said quietly.
"What are yah rrrreading there?" Ronia tilted her head towards Baramunk to get a glimpse of what was on the white sheet of paper, a letter Baramunk was reading.
"My cousin sent it to me. San d'Oria was attacked. I can't believe I missed it. I read it often, cause my disbelief is strong" Baramunk said as he folded the letter and gently placed in his bag of goods.
"So what you arrre you going to do once yah reach San d'Oria?" the Mithra placed he head back.
"I don't know really, I'll figure that out after this little escort" he smiled back to her.
They reached a long bridge that let out of Gustaberg and to Konschtat Highlands. It crossed over a valley and a river. Drachenfall, a giant waterfall left from the wagon, raged beautifully. It was one of the great wonders of the world, giving life to the valley-bound Zeikt Creek. Shinato could only remember his training with Zeid that took place here. The waterfall didn't impress him, as it did Baramunk and Ronia. Bleeding Wolf was just quite the whole time.
Soon enough they were in Konschtat. The grassy hills and bone-white, giant crag became visible after passing through a series of valleys, the Aulgung Pass. The ancients knew the crag as Dem. Just like last time Shinato and Bleeding Wolf were here; they saw the herd of wool-covered white sheep and a few windmills. It was peaceful with a gentle wind, a dust storm had gone and past hours earlier. The dirt roads the wagon and chocobos' feet were guided by were slightly spoiled due to the storm. The rider was quiet the whole time directing the two yellow birds forward to Valkrum Dunes.
"Hmm… its quiet" Baramunk whispered. The passengers weren't talking. They looked to the ground or out of the back to see the scenery.
"Too quiet" Shinato giggled, "how cliché…". Baramunk and Ronia smiled and gave laughs as well. Bleeding Wolf just watched them with one eye open. He turned his open eye to the sturdy, six foot long, skinny black case with golden locks. It was a custom-made box for the fishing rod.
A little white calf started to follow the carriage. It had a small snout and beady eyes. Its fluffy coat was just growing in. It was adorable.
"Cute…" the Mithra smiled at the sheep, while adjusting her tall hat.
"Hehe, I'd say so…" Baramunk agreed, now looking to the following baby, "I am guessing Shinato doesn't find animals… cute and adorable".
"You got that rig-" Shinato was about to say before the wagon took a sudden stop. The baby calf had fallen out of sight.
"Marcus what's the deal!" Baramunk called over, not happy about the backlash.
"There is something right on the road… a small basket" the Hume's raspy voice called back. He got out of his rider's seat. Baramunk and Shinato slid out the back, to join the rider to find out what was in the basket. They marched on the dirt road, right up to the wooden weaved square case. Shinato and Baramunk were a few feet away from it as Marcus crouched down and opened it. "Um… nothing" he said and shrugged. Baramunk and Shinato looked blankly for a moment. Then he showed up.
With a single elbow thrust to the face, Marcus flew off the road, hitting the muddy grass. Like a blur, he appeared with the attack. He had been invisible the whole time. Marcus was out cold, but not dead. When they got a good view of the Hume, they noticed his short black bangs leaking out of his red hat. He was skinny, but muscular and attractive. His entire uniform was red, with buckles and a belt. His red chapeau had a feather sticking out. On his holster were an unused, blue steel blade and a metal, long spiked-club with a bright red handle. With breath he introduced himself: "Hello, I am Aritomo, the King of Thieves. The Lu Shang Fishing Rod, place it in my hand". He held his black glove-wearing palm out.
"Is this guy serious?" Shinato barely questioned, offended.
"I guess its time I show you how I fight" Baramunk smiled. Bleeding Wolf and Ronia hopped out now too. All four of their eyes examined the man who had just injured Marcus.
"And I'll show you what a Dark Knight really is" Shinato took out his scythe. Bleeding Wolf didn't plan on touching Aritomo yet, so he barely moved. Baramunk pulled out his scythe, slightly better condition than the Hume's. Ronia was ready to cast a few spells.
"You… are going to fight me?" Aritomo's voice was calm and blank. He withdrew his palm and brushed his dirty blond hair. He almost reached for his sword, but hesitated. 'These guys will not be hard' he thought to himself calmly.
Shinato raced forward and swung as hard as he could. The blade cutting wind filled their ears in a sharp and short-lived sound. Aritomo simply shifted his body back a few inches, avoiding certain death. Shinato's body was pulled forward by his own effort, leaving him open. Aritomo thrust forward with the tip of his right fingers. Each finger stabbed into Shinato's neck. Shinato gasped for air in a moment, then dropped to the ground, like he was shoved. He couldn't stop wheezing, grasping his neck.
"I've never seen Shinato taken down this fast…" Bleeding Wolf looked with almost worry on his face, "One… attack?". Ronia got a chill, but Baramunk didn't hear him as he centered his scythe. The Elvaan started to chant black magic with his hands almost in together, with scythe between them. When he finished a small ball of fire exploded on Aritomo. Just as the flames attacked Aritomo, a dark shadowy version wrapped around it, burning away. Aritomo was never touched.
"Blink!" Ronia shouted to him, confused.
"Actually… Utsusemi, but that doesn't matter" Aritomo smiled. Baramunk became infuriated. Grabbing his weapon, he did the same as Shinato, but used the butt of the wooden handle to block off Aritomo from countering. He slashed away at Aritomo. None hitting him; the one that got close only destroyed another shadowy version. Baramunk began casting another spell in the same position, as Aritomo was ten feet away. Suddenly a strange sensation filled his body and he stopped casting. He became numb for a moment and couldn't move. His brain went blank and he was perfectly still. Two magical, orange shaded rings of light tied around Baramunk's body before disappearing. They emitted the strange, stunning feeling. He couldn't even breathe for a moment. As of time had stopped. With the given chance Aritomo yanked down Baramunk's arm to pull down his body.. The stunning feeling went away as Aritomo held him down.
"Stay down" he said delivering a kick to the back of his neck, knocking him out. Baramunk had been defeated. Aritomo, literally standing on Baramunk's body, was shoved to the ground: a revived Shinato wanted revenge.
"I don't know what you did… but it hurt… like hell. Before I smash your face in, I have a question…" Shinato rubbed his neck as he said. The moment was still. Aritomo was sitting on the ground a few feet away from Shinato.
"What?" Aritomo got to his feet, quickly.
"What happened to…" Shinato tried to say, but couldn't get the words out of his mouth, "Forget it. Let's go". Aritomo smiled, as he was ready to knock out the second Dark Knight. Shinato cast a spell, in the same way Baramunk did. The air around Aritomo became tight, almost like a vacuum. Without thinking, Aritomo felt his soul being drained. In a large clump, a ball of purple light busted out of his chest without causing a small wound and flew into Shinato's. The Hume embraced his stolen energy as curing spell. An old scar on Aritomo's left hand began to bleed.
"That was annoying…" Aritomo frowned. He ran forward rushing his knee at the Dark Knight. Moving his head, Shinato was able to dodge the high knee kick. Shinato slashed forward again and again. Aritomo was too quick and read his moves easily. Aritomo grasped the scythe's handle just before the blade and swung him into the ground. Shinato landed on his back into the dirt and grass. Before he could finish anything, Aritomo was forced to dodge yet another attack from Shinato, who pulled out the Deathbringer. Shinato had more skill with the black blade, his thrusts and slashes were quick. Giving all he had, he landed a dead on cut into Aritomo's shoulder. Before even be happy about his attack, he noticed something wrong. The area around the wound turned to stone, as if Aritomo was a rock golem.
"Stone Skin spell!" Ronia growled. Both her and Bleeding Wolf watch Shinato give his best. Shinato heard Ronia's warning and gave a frown. He knew what the spell was: turns one skin to stone just as they are attacked.
Aritomo grabbed Shinato by his neck and threw him back. The stone appearance disappeared, but the King of Thieves' coat was ripped "This coat is worth more than your life… but you serve as a good opponent. I'd like to fight you again, when you get better" Aritomo smiled. With that he cast a spell. A slow, depressing sound filled Shinato's ears. He felt his eyes get heavy and head become less active. He blacked out, falling back. "Have a good rest" Aritomo said to the sleeping Shinato. He turned to the Galka and Mithra.
"Your shadows won't protect you if I blow up everything around you!" Ronia roared and cast spell as soon as she could. 'Firaga' she planned for the spell.
"You talk too much…" Aritomo complained, he cast his own spell, twice as fast. With a shining light flashing in her face, Ronia felt her mouth shut. Her spell was canceled, as she couldn't complete the chant. She tried to yell out in confusion, but it only came out as a smothered cry. Ronia was useless now. She could not cast without speaking.
"You are quite good" Bleeding Wolf complimented.
"Thank you" Aritomo nodded, "Could you give me what I seek?".
"Sure, wouldn't be a problem" Bleeding Wolf nodded his head. Ronia was shocked. The Galka jumped on to the wagon, grabbed the black box, and jumped off. He slowly walked to Aritomo. Ronia held him back, screaming with her mouth closed, but Bleeding Wolf gently shoved her back, causing her to hit the ground. Aritomo grabbed the black box.
"At least you are smart" the thief smiled.
"You know we going to fight later today, right?" the Galka looked deep into the Hume's eyes.
"Really no need, now that I have this" the Hume smiled, holding it up. "Well I'll be off" he said and waved goodbye. Just as he was leaving, Ronia voice became free.
"What the hell!" she screamed at the Galka.
"What?" Bleeding Wolf looked at her angry face.
"The box! You gave him the box!" she yelled angry.
"Well, the old man in Bastok never said to deliver a box" he smiled at her.
"But, the Lu Shang rod!" she was getting frustrated.
"Is inside the wagon… it was never in the box" with those words, Ronia was puzzled, but no longer angry.
"Weren't you curious why they would bring two other crates on this trip? The Lu Shang fishing rod is in one of them. Its real box, in the other" Bleeding Wolf explained.
Baramunk and Shinato got up after a moment. "What the hell… why do I have a headache?" Baramunk rubbed his head.
"You got the crap kicked out of you, that's why" Ronia laughed.
"I lost the fight?" Shinato was sad for a moment.
"He put you to sleep with a spell, if that makes you happy" Ronia informed him. Shinato's expression didn't change.
"Did he get the fishing rod?" Baramunk asked.
"No, but he got the box" Bleeding Wolf said, as he jumped on to the wagon. He tore open the crates. He put the Lu Shang in its fishing box.
"So we thought a dummy was the real thing, eh?" Shinato asked, unanswered, as he too hopped on to the wagon.
'I can't believe I was defeated so easily. Next time I will kick that cocky Hume's ass… both of them' Baramunk thought to himself, in silence.
Ronia and Baramunk revived the fallen Marcus and he was unhurt. After a short discussion, they decided to head through the dunes, and complete the quest.
"You know… he is going to be back for the fishing rod right? And he is probably going to beat us up if we don't have a plan" Bleeding Wolf told the other three.
"Hmm, so a battle plan" Shinato approved.
"I got a good one to protect the fishing rod" Ronia smiled brightly.
"I like to fish" Baramunk said, no one listening.
The wagon pulled into the Valkurm Dunes. To the east of the sandy strip of land, was a small town named Selbina. They couldn't stop there, but Shinato vowed to once. Valkurm Dunes was hot and bright. Its sand and tropical trees seemed out of place with most of Quon. Giant flies and even gangs of Goblins roamed these deserts. Shinato had been here once before, a long, long time ago. They rid in the hot sands, without error.
They drove into a short cave. The heat didn't bother the Chocobos, but the cold shade seemed to please them just a bit. Ronia, Shinato, Bleeding Wolf, and Baramunk had finished the plan. It was flawless in their minds, but all of them saw and felt how powerful Aritomo was. In little more than an hour, they left the dunes.
Now in La Theine Plateau, the valleys and trees became numerous. Sand was replaced with grass and dirt. They saw another crag; this one was named 'Holla' by ancient text. "So what are you going to spend your money on?" Ronia asked, curiously.
"I think… I will buy a new scythe with it. Do some more adventuring, and make some more money, more efficient" Baramunk smiled.
"Hmm… I'll spend it on… I'll probably just waste it actually, on alcohol" Shinato laughed. Bleeding Wolf ignored the question.
"We are just about at Ronfaure! Close to San d'Oria!" the driver shouted back. It had been at least four hours since the fight with Aritomo, their wounds healed.
As they left the dale filled land, the trees got more common. Before they could really notice the change, they were in the woods. The mighty trees towered the party and their cart. Everything was darker, as the sun was barely getting by the leaves. Some of the more open areas of the woods shed light. As they traveled the path they noticed tiny birds and rabbits inhabiting the woodland.
"Its quiet…" Bleeding Wolf smirked.
"Too quiet…" Baramunk laughed. Ronia looked dead into Shinato's eyes.
"Don't mess up, alrrright?" she warned him.
"Psh, no need to worry" Shinato smiled.
They were getting closer and closer to San d'Oria. They passed a large lake and even an outpost. A second passed before they noticed something wrong.
"Marcus! I think you are making a wrong turn!" Baramunk yelled loudly to the driver, there was no response.
"Do you think…?" Shinato didn't need to finish his sentence as he stood up.
"I'll check with you…" Ronia said and got up as well. They hoped off, side by side, to check the driver's seat. There was a tied up Marcus, and a grinning Aritomo waiting for them to appear.
"Hello, my guests. Let's do this one more time" he said with a smile, once the running Mithra and Hume came into sight. His coat was repaired. The spiky club and fancy sword still were at his side. With a sudden gesture, the Chocobo's were let free and ran off. Aritomo slid off the side of the seat and walked back a few yards. Shinato quickly grabbed Marcus and untied him.
"I'll go to San d'Oria to get help!" Marcus said, as he was ready to run.
"No need, but get somewhere safe" Shinato ordered, and Marcus went off running. "Ronia go get the others. Don't worry, its working" he turned to her, then to Aritomo. "Tavnazia, huh?" the Hume spoke to the other in a calm tone.
"Yes… how did you know that?" Aritomo looked questionably at the Dark Knight.
"Rumor on the streets… were you there when it was blown to bits?" Shinato asked like they were not enemies at all, but two common people chatting about a recent event.
"Yes… it was horrible… Orcs flooded the walls of the Marquisate, killing everybody. Child, elder, royalty, or women, it didn't matter to them" he began explaining. "The horror lasted for hours. Behemoths entered the walls and crushed any army we had. Then it happened" Aritomo looked to the ground. A white flash, and then everything was gone. Land, water, people, Beastmen, buildings, and streets whipped away in an instant, total oblivion. Aritomo shivered, but was quick to regain his cool.
"What happened?" Shinato moved forward, slightly.
"Why do you ask?" Aritomo looked back to him. Shinato's features seemed a little clearer to him. 'Just who is this Dark Knight?'
"I… had family there" Shinato turned to his right. Baramunk and Ronia approached slowly, by the side of the wagon, hidden from Aritomo.
"Did you-" Aritomo said as he noticed them. He ended his thoughts. "Okay, no more chit-chat. Hand over the fishing rod again, this time for real" he said, his face was deadpan. Shinato brought his scythe to hand. Bleeding Wolf appeared behind the Dark Knight.
"Hmm, going to attack all at once? Not if I can do something about that…" Aritomo said as he started to cast. Ronia couldn't recognize the spell. Suddenly a magical seal appeared on three of their feet, leaving only Shinato. "And for you… good night" Aritomo cast a spell of sleep once again on the Dark Knight. Shinato felt the sensation of tiredness, his eyes closing. Within a second later, his eyes blinked open. "What the hell?" Aritomo said, surprised.
"Hard to sleep when you've been poisoned" Shinato smiled and coughed.
"You mean… you let Ronia poison you! That's maddening… don't you feel the terrible pain?" Aritomo questioned at the Dark Knight.
"I've had better days…" Shinato gave that as his war cry and was off. His first attack was a whirlwind of a slash, destroying three of Aritomo's shadows at once, while the thief barely got away; sliding his feet in the dirt, bringing up a small cloud of it into the air. Shinato didn't give him a second to recover as he scythed up, cutting into Aritomo's left arm, breaking through his Stone Skin spell.
"Argh!" Aritomo grabbed his arm, in shock. Shinato let another array of swipes, but Aritomo ended it by grabbing the handle and taking it away. He held it up, ready to use it. Shinato retreated, reaching for his Deathbringer. Aritomo let out a cure spell, healing his wound. The stolen scythe and great sword clashed in a tied match. Both of them retracted their weapons and slashed again, and again. Their weapons kept on getting caught into each other. Aritomo tossed the scythe and pulled his azure blade and gold-hilted sword out. They met with force, but Aritomo was able to land a stab into Shinato chest, not deep at all. Given the advantage, Aritomo threw the Hume away. While on the ground, Aritomo quickly chanted a spell of Bind. Shinato was trapped to the ground.
"Don't forget about me!" Baramunk roared as he slashed his scythe at Aritomo. Aritomo blocked the blade with his. Baramunk shifted the end of the handle to smack Aritomo in the face. The Red Mage fell to the ground but quickly returned to his feet. His swordsmanship was fast and furious. Throughout the course of the melee, Baramunk received many wounds as he tried to parry, and counter with his own attacks. Baramunk was quick to let out a spell of thunder at Aritomo. With a short chant, a large thunderbolt hit Aritomo's back. The Red Mage gave a cry, and shoved his body into the Elvaan's. Baramunk was knocked the ground as Aritomo stabbed into him. The Elvaan pummeled the Hume's right cheek with his fist as he fell. Aritomo, knocked away, swiftly began to cast a spell. A shrieking sound grew loud and a light green aura burned Baramunk's skin. Suddenly the air of Baramunk's lunges emptied and he couldn't breath. Baramunk grabbed his chest as he began to choke. A large wave of fire engulfed Aritomo and the spell on Baramunk ended. With a hurried slash from Aritomo, the flames departed and burned out. His Red Mag uniform was faintly burnt.
"Damn the Black Mage!" Aritomo cried and charged at Ronia. Ronia panicked for a second as Aritomo slammed her against the wooden wagon, shaking the wagon, holding her up by her coat with his left hand then throwing her to the ground. She cried as she landed on her tail. He cast a spell of silence on the Mithra, as before. Shinato grabbed Aritomo by the hair, from behind, and pulled him to the ground. In another direction, Aritomo's red hat flew to the dirt floor wildly. Shinato raised his sword up and stabbed down to Aritomo, but the Hume caught it with both hands. He rolled away, picking up the sword he dropped. Shinato and Aritomo dueled again.
Shinato's scythe slashed to the right, blocked. Aritomo punched forward, pounding Shinato the ground. He delivered a kick to the side of the fellow Hume's head. Shinato, with the dirt on his face, slashed his scythe up, cutting Aritomo and his outfit up the center. Aritomo retreated back slowly as he felt he bleeding abdomen. Shinato got back to his feet and they continued the fight. They hacked at each other, leaving no seriously damaging blows. Shinato knocked Aritomo's sword away with a quick parry. Aritomo, panicked, shoved his palm into Shinato's stomach, knocking the wind of him. He grabbed Shinato's helmet and pulled it off. With all his force, Aritomo shoved knee into Shinato's head. The Dark Knight was bleeding as he fell back to the ground.
Ronia started to chant again, with the enfeebling silence magic off her. She finished, summoning a giant stone. It came down on Aritomo knocking him back. Baramunk, right behind the just-attacked Aritomo, slashed at his back. Aritomo felt the blade pierce and slash his skin. He gave a kick to the back of Baramunk's knees, sweeping him off his feet. Aritomo chanted another black magic spell. A dark purple aura absorbed him with a shrieking sound. He was gone. Ronia and Baramunk looked around franticly.
He appeared standing upon a strong branch of an aged oak tree several yards away. He looked at the three with an expression of frustration. His hair was now free. The front and back of his coat was ripped, and he was bleeding from the wounds inflicted. "Who are you people?" Aritomo couldn't help but ask.
Shinato slowly got to his feet and rubbed his head. "None of yah damn business!" the Dark Knight taunted. Baramunk and Ronia agreed, smiling.
"Apparently you have taken my mercy for granted. Not once has my prey gotten away from me. I've never lost…" Aritomo looked down, from the thick, sturdy branch he stood on, "I've stolen from Orc warlords, Yagudo High priests, Quadav generals, San d'Orian royalty, Windurstian scribes, and Bastokian musketeers! Not a single one posed a challenge! It was easy! I've stolen from the greatest dragons and demons of the land! Not once have I failed! And… and I won't let some half-assed baby sitting squad outdo me!". Aritomo ripped out his spiked club. "They say this club is worth more than a thousand bricks of gold… and you are about to face its power. Good day" he calmed his tone. A second past, and they watched him focus. He cast a short spell and warped like before.
Seven thumps were heard and Ronia fell to the ground. It had been the sound of a bludgeon beating flesh. Shinato and Baramunk spun around quickly. Ronia was too stunned to feel the pain instantly. More attacks were heard and it was Shinato who had fallen victim. Baramunk stood, not shaking. "Try it…" he smiled.
Ronia and Shinato lay on the ground, aching with pain. The attacks had been so fast, almost as if Aritomo had eight-hands. Baramunk blinked for a second, but he heard him warping in behind him. Aritomo raised the club to hit Baramunk. Baramunk smiled as he spun around as fast as he could, swinging his scythe. Cutting everything around him, Aritomo was slashed away, spilling his blood into the air. With Aritomo's blood, chopped grass flew wildly in a tiny tornado around the Elvaan. The collected cuts now made a cross on Aritomo's chest.
"Argh!" Aritomo grasped his wound. Baramunk charged forward to finish the match. Aritomo couldn't express his frustration in words. He screamed loud into the air and swung his club furiously. For each swing he made, seven or eight actually attacks landed, like he recalled the club back and hit him again that many times in an instant. Baramunk felt the blows to his face, back, ribs, and knees. He coughed out blood and fell to his knees, then to his side.
Aritomo was out of breath and grabbed his multiple wounds. The three adventurers had fallen, once again. "So that's that…" the Hume smiled, but then a thought hit his head. 'Wasn't there a Galka?' he thought and began to swiftly peek all around the woods. Before he could say anything, a large fist punched into the side of his head. Aritomo flew into the dirt road, sliding.
Aritomo was fast to get back up, his ripped coat now tarnished with dirt. Bleeding Wolf had appeared. He brushed his black, spiky hair back. His wool doublet of tan and white colors and his black slacks stole Aritomo's entire attention. "Sorry for using your trick" he said with no emotion.
"You really think you can do something that your friends couldn't?" Aritomo asked pointlessly, casting a cure spell on himself.
"Who said they were my friends?" the Galka stretched his limbs. He was getting ready to fight. Shinato heard the comment. He gazed at his 'friend's face. He was speechless. Bleeding Wolf didn't notice him and just looked at the King of Thieves.
Aritomo let out a sigh. "Just because you are nearly double my size, you think you stand a chance? Get ready for a deep lesion to your silly Galka pride" he spat blood to the ground. Bleeding Wolf looked down to his right palm. He focused for a long moment, leaving Aritomo confused. A wind blew past Aritomo and whirled around Bleeding Wolf. With that the tension erupted causing a loud sound of energy. Bleeding Wolf's muscles grew and debris as pebbles and stones shattered into the air. An aura of power, like a distorting wave of heat, consumed the Galka. The ground he stood on trembled slightly. He swung his hand back. A faint light glowed on his palm. It grew, bigger and bigger. Soon it consumed his entire hand.
"You can have this" he said lightly. He punched forward, into the air and the ball of light was released. Flying through the air, Aritomo delayed his dodge, studying it. Within a second from impact, he ducted to the ground. The ball continued, hitting a study tree. A loud boom echoed the forest as the truck was blown to chunks and the upper portion of the tree swung to the ground.
"Impressive" Aritomo looked at the ruined plant, "Never seen a Chi blast that strong before, and so quick". He turned to where Bleeding Wolf was, but the Galka was missing. A flying kick came at his face, giving Aritomo little time to block. Aritomo pressed forearms against the kick, but was overpowered. His boots slid back into the dirt. He pulled out his sword, swinging as he did. Bleeding Wolf was in front of him ready to punch and kick. Aritomo stabbed forward and made a direct hit into Bleeding Wolf's abdomen, breaking through the flesh and entering deep. Bleeding Wolf didn't show any pain, but strode forward and landed a forceful punch into Aritomo's upper chest. Then he let out another one, to the side of Aritomo's ribs. Aritomo retreated quickly, exhaling loudly and bleeding from the mouth.
Bleeding Wolf continued his pursuit, swinging down his heel above Aritomo's head, but the Red Mage barely dodged. Aritomo couldn't help but feel powerless. He delivered a slash across the Galka's doublet, scratching his chest. Bleeding Wolf let out a howl of pain, his first sign of injury. The pain did not stall him however; he forced his elbow into the lowly in size Hume's chest. The force knocked him back. Aritomo quickly released a black magic spell at the Monk. A chilling feeling covered Bleeding Wolf's body. His fingers became numb and frost emitted from his skin. He shivered painfully. Bleeding Wolf had never been so cold. Aritomo smiled as he controlled the temperature of his body. Bleeding Wolf focused all he could, and stepped closer to his adversary. Then another step, as he felt the spell lifted. His body began to burn with the sense of his own strength and sweat, dispelling the frosting effect. The ball of light appeared around his right palm again, faster than Aritomo could realize. He threw it forward, hitting Aritomo with the massive amount of will energy. The Hume flew into the air, being stopped by the trunk of a tree. He cried in pain.
"What the hell was that" he collapsed to his knees. 'This one… is a lot stronger than the others' he looked up to the Galka. Aritomo's sword was out of reach. He pulled out his club quickly.
"The mythical Kraken Rod" Bleeding Wolf said as he gazed at Aritomo's weapon.
"So you know… that his weapon can and will crush you" Aritomo picked himself up with help of the tree next to him. Bleeding Wolf didn't answer. They charged at each other, with swings and punches. Bleeding Wolf couldn't believe what he was feeling, like an infinite amount of hits. Even his rock hard body was going to fail. He thrust his shoulder forward, crashing into Aritomo. It was too late, Bleeding Wolf collapsed to the ground, incredibly wounded. Aritomo backed off slowly. Bleeding Wolf was able to get up to one knee.
"Oh Altana! Give up!" Aritomo commanded and looked in disbelief. Bleeding Wolf was bleeding from his forehead and bruised all over. His doublet was tore apart.
"That… was nothing" he said, a bit woozy. Bleeding Wolf hurried to pick himself up, but his exhausted body wouldn't let him.
'I got to… I got to…' Baramunk couldn't stop shaking, as he lay defeated on the ground. He looked up to the close by Aritomo. 'Bleeding Wolf can't lose'.
"I will just finish you off…" Aritomo slowly moved forward to do so. He was ready to bash in his Galka opponent's skull. Within an instant, Baramunk got to his feet and rammed into him. Aritomo, while falling back, grabbed the Elvaan's left arm and held him down. He pushed him deeper into the dirt. Baramunk was pinned to the ground, facing down, and his left arm held up backwards, twisted.
"Get off of me!" Baramunk cried up. Bleeding Wolf helplessly watch his Elvaan companion being man-handled.
"I hope you enjoyed your left arm" Aritomo said lightly, hiding his intense anger. With that he pulled it back. A snap echoed through the woods. Baramunk let out a horrific bellow. Aritomo had snapped Baramunk's elbow out of place. Bleeding Wolf was stunned and the burning sensation of anger burned throughout his body. His stolid facial expression was gone. Aritomo dropped Baramunk's dead arm to the ground, hitting the grassy floor with no resistance. Baramunk bit his lip as hard as he could. He released a moan as the pain was intense. Bleeding Wolf was out of his mind with fury. Aritomo gave a slight kick to Baramunk's broken arm. Shinato and Ronia watched in horror, as did Bleeding Wolf. The Elvaan let out another cry.
"You… you scum-eating piece of crap! I am going to break you into countless pieces" Bleeding Wolf roared and stepped up. Aritomo looked at the Galka with little concern. "Prepare for the beating of your life!" he shouted and ran forward to kill.
You shall be burned by the rage that controls you.
"Dogs never learn" Aritomo signed and readied his metallic mace.
They met each other in a tied strike of weapon and fist; Aritomo and Bleeding Wolf continued the battle. Something was different as Aritomo could notice. Bleeding Wolf fists were almost invisible, moving so fast. He was actually punching away each strike of Kraken Club, an even match. "Faster!" Aritomo was stunned as he felt Bleeding Wolf make an impact into his chest, pushing him back. The Kraken Club's speed had been outmatched and parried.
'The last time I saw Bleeding Wolf act like this…' Shinato recalled in his mind, deep in thought and pain.
Aritomo tried his best, but Bleeding Wolf was attacking with unrivaled speed and stamina. 'How could… this Galka be so fast and strong?" Aritomo's mind echoed as he flew back a few feet to the ground. Shinato and Ronia watched astonished. The King of Thieves was quick to get up, but very disoriented.
"Now! Do it, Shinato!" Bleeding Wolf shouted, while Aritomo was still unbalanced. Shinato's pain disappeared and was ready to fight without hesitation. He ran up, grabbing Baramunk's scythe as he did. Aritomo only just turned around to see Shinato raising his friend's weapon in the air. A draining feeling made Aritomo shiver as Shinato and Bleeding Wolf flanked him. A ball of darkness formed at Aritomo's half turned back
'To harvest one's sins and use them against you' Shinato focused his mind. He slashed the orb of evil and dread exploding on Aritomo. Shinato's blade cut into him as the darkness burned his body. Bleeding Wolf counted to three in his mind. With that he gave two punches and a kick to Aritomo almost instantly, all on his back or sides. Each attack caused him to wail and ache. Energy flowed through the woods, with its axis emitting from Aritomo. A giant spark of electricity burned through out Aritomo's body. He gave another loud cry, almost collapsing. The large ball of electricity stayed alive all around the beaten King of Thieves.
"Ronia! Give the final blow!" Bleeding Wolf ordered. Ronia focused. She watched the Hume. The aura around him, it was clear to her. A thread-thin yellow line divided down the middle, like a door about to open. It was apart of some larger flow of electricity. She chanted a few words and released a spell of lightning, aimed for the very center: the vertical yellow line. As it impacted on Aritomo, an explosion of voltage erupted as the yellow line expanded, opening into a gate from the plane of thunder elemental magic: a black void pumping thunder into the material realm. Aritomo's scream was silent compared to the violently earsplitting shriek of the thunder. Shinato and Bleeding Wolf were blown back at the might, but unhurt. The radiant elemental aura of destruction disappeared. The fight was over. With the burst of magic, Aritomo fell to the ground. His dead-like face and eyes watched the fatigued Bleeding Wolf. His coat had all but been blown to pieces, with the remaining parts burnt. Everything was quiet for a moment, as the fallen Aritomo's body rested on the ground, between Shinato and Bleeding Wolf.
Bleeding Wolf sat back and so did Shinato. Ronia gave a large sigh of relief. Aritomo's mouth spilled a painful moan. Lifting the elbows up, palms on the ground, he started to push himself up. He focused all his will, and jumped up. He could barely stand, but he was. "No way…" Ronia jumped back.
"Damn it!" Bleeding Wolf cried, getting to his feet. Aritomo kicked him down, preventing him. With each movement Aritomo felt pain throughout his body. He cast a spell of sleep on Shinato, now without the poisonous magic, and Ronia. His spells were done nearly instantly. Both of them fell to the ground, sleeping. He paid no attention to the lifeless Baramunk. Bleeding Wolf retreated a few feet and got ready to fight again.
"No… I am tired of this" Aritomo said slowly, in pain. He grabbed his ribs with his left hand, ready to only fight with his right arm. He began to chant another black magic spell. A light purple aura covered Bleeding Wolf's body and disappeared. Electricity filled Bleeding Wolf's veins, as soon as the aura vanished. He was in shock as he felt his body tremble without control. He couldn't think straight. The pain was dreadful.
"Hard to resist a spell, when your mind is totally focused on the pain" Aritomo said and grinned with his bloody mouth. He cast one last white magic spell. Bleeding Wolf felt his muscles tighten. He couldn't move his forearms or knees. "Enjoy being paralyzed" Aritomo taunted as he paced to the wagon. He grasped a black box, like the one before, with gold locks. He opened it hastily, and checked what was inside: an ancient fishing rod of divine wood and shiny string.
"Yup this is it…" Aritomo wiped the sweat from his head and closed the box.
"We are going to meet again…" Bleeding Wolf warned angrily, pain in his voice, causing Aritomo to focus his sight on him.
"I hope we do. Next time we fight one on one, to the end. Then I'll prove to you I am the strongest" he smiled, "Start training". He cast the spell Warp and was gone. The woods were quiet, after the large storm of battle. They had lost.
A few minutes passed. Ronia and Shinato awoke. Bleeding Wolf was lifted of the two curses bestowed to his body. Baramunk's arm was wrapped in a soft cloth. The morale was inexistent.
"Winning isn't everything… don't worrrry about it" Ronia said to the quiet crowd.
"I know. It's just that… we let that thief get a priceless relic" Baramunk sighed. Shinato didn't speak.
Bleeding Wolf's words echoed in his mind: "Who said they were my friends?". 'Did he really mean that?' he looked annoyed at the Galka, but Bleeding Wolf was busy looking east, towards San d'Oria.
"Let's head to San d'Oria" Bleeding Wolf ditched the wagon. The three began to follow as the Monk began to walk. Their wounds still hurt, especially Baramunk's. But outside the Elvaan's, none of the damage was serious.
"Home is home, defeated or not. I wonder what Baramore will say when he sees this arm of mine" Baramunk laughed.
"Hehe, I am happy you aren't letting yourrrself get down" the Mithra smiled to Baramunk.
The walk to the city was silent. The big trees watched in peace, dropping their leaves. One could tell that the Orc's offensive strength had dropped since the attack on the city. As they approached San d'Oria's Ranperre's Gate, Baramunk was confounded. It was partly demolished and being rebuilt. "Holy crap! What did I miss?" he gazed at the wall.
"Nothing important" Shinato kid. He left his disappointed mood at the wagon. They entered the gates. Two knights met them, to Baramunk's dismay that neither of them was Baramore. After the party described their troubles and their reasons, Marcus showed up. He was sadden to hear the thief stole the rod, but not surprised.
"Come on guys, my boss wants to speak with you" he said with his raspy voice.
"I hope we are not in trouble" Ronia sighed, "I've had enough crap go bad today".
"I think we can all agree with that, Roni Aha" Baramunk laughed. Ronia was a bit surprised the Elvaan remembered her real name.
Marcus led them through Laborman's Way. It was the northern most part of North San d'Oria. It was also the liveliest street of the district. The road had two floors, and was built on top of water. Its top floor was made of strong, tan wood and gray brick stone; as the bottom floor and left side of the upper area was just like the rest of San d'Oria. The Blacksmith and Carpenter's guilds were based in that part of town as well. Passing a few kids and busy Elvaans, they ran down a few stairs at the end of the street.
They stood in Port San d'Oria. It was a port off the lake that the city lived on. It was totally in housed, like a large cave of stone bricks and wood. The sound of an airship flying out of the docks could be heard in any part of the district. An auction house, just as busy as some others, was also heard from the stairway entrance. They didn't need to get far into the dungeon like district to see a chubby, yet tall Elvaan. He has dead, white hair and a large nose like a bird's beak. He wore a light blue aketon, half cut off, and a set of black slacks. He waved at the arrival of the adventurers. Marcus walked away, once they reached him.
"Hello, my name is Avagratis" the old Elvaan bowed.
"I wouldn't be so happy…" Bleeding Wolf frowned.
"It was stolen right? I know" Avagratis said with a smile.
"How?" Ronia questioned.
"You see… I paid Aritomo to steal the fishing rod" he said and looked a little embarrassed, "I paid him less than all of you together. I save money and keep my fishing rod safe, it was a good deal". The old Elvaan revealed the black box.
"That's freaking ridiculous!" Shinato was annoyed. Bleeding Wolf looked spitefully at Avagratis.
"That's business" Avagratis laughed.
"Oh really?" a voice familiar to Baramunk called from behind. It was Baramore in his white Temple Knight armor, shield and sword included. The old man flinched. "You know its illegal to pay someone to commit a crime, even if it is against yourself" the Temple Knight went on.
"Cousin!" Baramunk cheered at the sight.
"I see that you broke your arm" Baramore said and eyed the old man.
"He wasn't… I… Oh dear no" Avagratis began to sweat and couldn't breath well.
"Don't worry I am a reasonable man. I know you are extremely wealthy. It would be a shame if you got sent to prison. So you should pay a fine: to the adventurers, their gil and an extra amount to a healer to examine Baramunk's arm, no harm done to anyone" Baramunk smiled. Ronia, Shinato, Baramunk, and Bleeding Wolf looked on happy.
"I suppose that is the best thing to do" the older Elvaan bowed. The ordeal was over. Baramunk and Baramore headed off after being payed, leaving Bleeding Wolf, Shinato and Ronia sitting on a set of stairs a few minutes later.
"So where you heading to next Ronia?" Shinato asked.
"I got this job in Mhaura. I am going to join this raid to get rid of ecological threats" she answered beaming, "Sounds like a lot of fun".
"Hehe sure does… I guess I will see you around?" Shinato started to wave goodbye. Bleeding Wolf joined in late.
"Of courrrrse" she said with one last look and ran up the steps, back into North San d'Oria. It was just about night with the sun setting.
Bleeding Wolf got up.
"I could tell you were holding back against Aritomo. Want to tell me why?" Bleeding Wolf asked, not looking at Shinato's face.
"I don't know…" Shinato answered slowly as he looked to the ground, "I guess I don't kill people?".
"Shinato, hang out here for a day. I got a feeling Bastok will want us to do something" the Galka advised.
"Uh sure…" Shinato nodded as he talked. Bleeding Wolf was gone, just the way Ronia disappeared. Shinato picked himself up and walked through the halls, deeper into Port San d'Oria. He reached an open area, sky being blocked by a large ceiling. Shinato was bewildered by the constructed sky. It stole his sight as he walked slowly. The moment of observation ended violently as he bumped into a taller Elvaan.
Both of them almost tripped to the ground, but were able to keep their stance. The Elvaan had armor similar to Baramunk's but with an iron face guard on. His hair was a straight haircut of silver curls, just as long as Baramunk's cousin's. At his side was a red-hilted sword in a black leather sheath. He looked at Shinato angry.
"Watch where you are going!" the Elvaan adventurer shouted at Shinato.
"What! Who do you think you are?" Shinato fumed and moved closer, ready to begin a brawl.
"My name is Auricant. Get the hell out of my sight, Hume" Auricant just as furious replied, ready to pick up his fist as well. Two very different people had just met, as destiny had intended.