Part XVI: The Chain of Battles Begins
"Cecil, are you alright?" Rosa's asked, her soft voice full of worry when Cecil returned with Yang from a skirmish they had insisted on fighting alone.
"Fine," he answered flatly. He was growing tired of Rosa's constant anxiety, but she was either ignoring him or not catching on.
In either case, the concern in her eyes remained unaffected by his response, and she stood her ground waiting for a better explanation.
"They were hardly a match," Yang assured her as her eyes locked their attention on the monk. "Swordrats are common here--nothing that can't be handled."
Rosa glanced coldly at Cecil for a brief moment, then nodded. "I'm sure you're right," she answered as lightly as her anger would allow. "I'd just prefer if you'd let us help you once in a while."
Cecil shrugged his armored shoulders, not entirely sorry.
"How far away is the castle?" Rydia asked, changing the subject; she hated to see Rosa and Cecil like this.
Yang walked away from the arguing pair, and stood a short distance away from the group, shielding his eyes from the sun.
"Some distance still, but I have an idea."
Cecil disengaged himself from the irritated white mage and approached Yang from behind. "What did you have in mind?"
Yang held a finger up to his lips, indicating silence, and pointed to a large stand of trees in front of them.
"I don't understand—" Rosa began before Yang silenced her.
Yang quietly moved forward, practically stalking the trees. Rydia watched him and noticed him produce a small pouch from his pack. Curiously, she watched and waited to see what he would do with it.
He vanished into the trees for a few minutes and after some rustling, emerged with a large long-legged yellow bird, followed by four others.
"A chocobo?" Rydia exclaimed, giddy with excitement.
"Chocobos. Here?" Rosa had to ask to verify what her eyes were seeing.
Yang's smile was bold and confident. "There's a forest on the far side of the kingdom, but every once in a while they venture out and can be found hiding in groups of trees," he explained. "I thought I saw some nesting here when I traveled through this area a few weeks ago. Luckily for me I happened to have greens to secure their cooperation."
"Now I'm beginning to understand your plan," Cecil acknowledged with a slight chuckle in his voice.
Yang's smile quickly changed to a shrewd one. "Always know your surroundings," he said, waving a finger at them.
"We should be able to reach the castle much faster now!" Rydia announced, as it had been a day and a half already since they left Mt. Hobbs.
"She's right," Edward chimed in, breaking his silence, and walking bravely up to one of the incredible birds.
Taking Edward's example, everyone approached and mounted their own chocobo; though it was Cecil who lifted Rydia up onto hers.
Once they were all situated, Yang rode out ahead and began to lead them across the vast landscape of his country.
As they watched the plains and forests of Fabul slip past them, Rydia found it remarkable how fast the birds could run--nearly as fast as the hovercraft, she imagined. Even though she could summon them, she'd never been able to enjoy what it was like to ride a chocobo, and she enjoyed every minute of it.
The farther into the country they traveled, the more things started to change, from the feel of the air, to the smell of the earth. Even the trees began to change from the large leafy ones Rydia was accustomed to, to tall exotic ones, with branches that stuck straight out and were covered in gray-green spines.
All of the plants Rydia saw looked like ragged wisps of cloud—wide on the sides but not very tall, almost as if they grew sideways instead of up with the exception of the trees.
Rydia was so caught up with observing the unusual plant life, that she almost didn't notice when they came to the road that would lead them to the castle—long and laid with red brick.
They followed the road for many miles, and finally saw the castle sitting up above the trees in the distance. It looked impressive, even from so far away, and Rydia stared at it in awe.
When they drew closer, Rydia was able to get a much better look at it. There was a forest directly to the castle's west, and all around the castle was a river, no, a moat, but much larger and more beautiful than any moat she had ever heard about in stories.
"This is my kingdom, the pride and joy of the east," Yang announced reverently.
At his words, the group slowed their chocobos to gaze upon the city in its entirety—at what they were trying to save.
Rydia gasped when she saw the elegant towers and spires that reached up to the heavens; along with the statues, fountains, and shrines that surrounded the city's base. It looked like a beautiful garden at first inspection until you realized it was an armed citadel that housed some of the finest warriors in the world.
"Yang, your city is beautiful," Rosa murmured.
"I appreciate the sentiment, Rosa of Baron; however, it also comes to my attention that it is your people who are trying to destroy my city."
Rosa glanced over at Yang, determination settling into her features. "That's why we're here--to stop them."
Yang nodded and returned his eyes to the road ahead. It seemed to Rydia that he was taking one last look at the city, as if he'd never be seeing it again. She looked again at the city before them, wondering if it would be the last time she'd ever be seeing it either.
Without another word, Yang led them down a gently sloping hill toward the moat where they crossed at a long, but elegant wooden bridge into the gardens that surrounded the city. There were statues of proud cats sitting with their fangs bared to ward off unfriendly visitors, and a few villagers walking among the trees of the gardens as the group of five continued their journey. All of the villagers that could be seen were wearing long robes bearing ornate stitching, and they all had black hair; the men with shaved heads with the exception of one long braid, and the women either with their hair up in tight buns or down completely in flowing cascades of ebony.
Rydia felt her cheeks redden as she watched the women of Fabul go about their daily business. If being around people with brown and golden hair wasn't bad enough, how was she going to avoid stares among people with such fine black hair?
Yang dismounted his chocobo at the portcullis of the city gate. It was enormous, and the metalwork on the gates alone showed extreme skill and ingenuity, a taste of things to come. There were intricate patterns shaped into the metal, forming irregular squares and rectangles instead of straight crossbars.
Everything in Fabul appeared to be the result of patience and careful study, perfected by both time and practice. It made Rydia feel very small to be in such a place. Mist was such a far cry from this meticulously built city.
The city itself was built within the walls of the castle, tier after tier of streets and buildings that grew off of each other and surrounded the main towers of the keep. Everything had been constructed to a tee.
As they traveled the main street of the citadel, towards the king's chambers, Rydia looked at the sights around her. Beautiful wares were on display in windows and on the street; elaborate tapestries and blankets hung from beams and flapped gently in the breeze. Fabul was full of rich sights, sounds, and scents, and Rydia was astounded by them all. What it would be like to live here…
Their small group attracted a fair amount of attention as they climbed the city levels to the citadel's center, where the great hall was situated. Men and woman stopped to bow when Yang passed; others simply stared at the company he brought with him. Some even began to weep because the warriors of Fabul who set off with Yang had not returned. Sadness crept into Rydia's eyes as she watched the mourners, not knowing how they knew without being told that something was wrong and their men were not coming home again. She wondered what kind of homecoming this must be for Yang as she gazed ahead at her companions through blurry emerald eyes.
She didn't have long to think on it, because they had already crossed into the main courtyard and been greeted by guards who wanted to lead them to the king directly.
From then on it felt to Rydia that time suddenly accelerated, and the events between entering the courtyard and being brought before the king occurred in not much more than the blink of an eye. She didn't even remember how they'd gotten to the throne room; she just remembered the sense of urgency and the rush to climb the steps of the keep.
She simply stood a bit dumbfounded in the throne room and intently watched as the king of Fabul rose from his throne and slowly walked towards them.
He was an older man with flecks of gray in his black hair and a long pointed beard that also showed his age. He had the fierce features of the Fabulian people, but what set him apart from the others was that his head was not shaved, but he had a mane of long black hair with a braid tied behind his head. His robes were a deep red, a wine color, and they fell to his feet when he walked, giving him a graceful quality, as if he walked on air. His eyes rested on Yang first, a sad smile on his lips, when he noticed the grim look on Yang's face.
"Yang, at last," the king began, outstretching his arms in welcome.
"Sire, we must prepare for battle immediately," Yang said as his reply. "Baron will attack us at any moment to relieve us of our crystal."
The king's shrewd eyes studied Cecil and the others. Rydia shivered when his dark eyes fell on her and she stepped behind Rosa to shield herself from their sharp scrutiny.
"How do you know this, Yang?"
"These two are citizens of Baron who came to warn us," Yang answered, indicating Rosa and Cecil who bowed upon introduction.
"And these others?" the king asked, inclining his head in the direction of Edward and Rydia.
"Sir, we haven't much time," Cecil interrupted, stepping forward for Edward and Rydia. "This city's defense must be tightened immediately."
The king's eyes narrowed suspiciously and turned again towards Yang. "Can we really trust this dark knight and his companions?"
Yang bowed. "Yes, your majesty. They risked their lives to help me. The men and I were attacked on the summit of Mount Hobbs, and while I fought alone, they joined the battle and aided me. Without them I would not be here to warn you of what is coming."
As Yang straightened, Edward stepped away from the group and towards the king. "Your majesty, it is good to see you again."
Seeing the young man by himself, the king's eyes suddenly brightened with recognition. "Prince Edward!" he said in surprise.
"Sire, Baron's fleet destroyed Damcyan and stole our crystals only days ago. We lost many, including my parents, and one whom I loved deeply. Damcyan's tragedy must not be repeated. I do not want to see the people of Fabul suffer as we did."
The king's expression softened. "Forgive my suspicions. Yang, mobilize the men for battle. Dark knight, Prince Edward, would you help us defend the city? I know it is a mighty request, but it seems our forces are seriously depleted."
"Yes, your majesty, it would be an honor," Cecil replied, bowing once again.
"They have already offered to help, sire. They can join me at the main gate to help the forward defenders."
"Very well. Ladies, I'm afraid I cannot ask you to do the same. It would not be right of me to ask you to defend a foreign city when there are men to do the task. But will you assist our menders during the battle?"
"Yes, sire," Rosa agreed, although she did so reluctantly.
The king returned to his throne where he paused briefly before turning around to face them again.
"Fabul's fate rests in your hands. May we be victorious."
"We will assemble at the main gate, come with me," Yang instructed, beginning to lead Cecil and Edward from the throne room.
Rosa impulsively shot forward, determined not to let Cecil out of her presence without a word.
"Cecil!" she called out.
He turned and simply stared at Rosa for a moment before nodding his head. After that, Rosa seemed a bit more at ease, as if they had just shared something that only the two of them understood. But before Cecil could resume Yang's orders and join the defenders, he looked at Rydia. She stared back at him, wondering what his eyes were trying to tell her from beneath his helmet.
"Rydia, take care of Rosa for me," was all he said.
She smiled and nodded, watching him quickly leave the room. She looked up at Rosa beside her and saw that the white mage's eyes were brimming with tears. She took the woman's left hand in her own and squeezed it.
"He'll be alright," she assured the older woman. "I'm sure of it."
Rosa fought back a sob, but smiled despite a tear rolling down her cheek. "Thank you, Rydia."
The two of them stood there together for a couple minutes, Rosa trying to collect her nerves, and Rydia wondering where exactly they were supposed to be going.
A servant appeared shortly after, as if to answer Rydia's thoughts, and gathered both of their attention.
"Excuse me, but I'm to take you to the mending wing," the servant directed, beckoning them to follow her out of the throne room.
Once out of the throne room, they were led along a long corridor and towards a set of stairs. They climbed what seemed like an endless set of stairs, and when Rydia felt that she couldn't take anymore, they reached a landing that contained many beds and an entire group of menders.
Fabul's menders stood on one side of the room and watched Rosa and Rydia enter the room. For a few minutes no one said a word. Rydia felt her unease growing and knew that she wasn't the only one.
"You're from Baron," one of the menders spoke up, distrust evident on her face. "Why have you agreed to help us?"
Rosa straightened herself and looked the other woman in the eye. "I can't bear to see any more loss of life. I became a white mage to help, not to harm. You can take my services or leave them, but I'm not leaving until this is over."
The mender backed down and there were some murmurs among the other women. For a moment, Rydia worried that they would be forced to leave, but one of the menders stepped forward, smiling.
"I like you. You've got a good head on your shoulders, and we could certainly use another experienced healer."
"Thank you," Rosa replied.
"What about you, young one?" the woman asked Rydia.
Rydia was so surprised at being addressed that at first she couldn't say anything. "I—I'm a summoner, but I can use some white magic."
"Good. If anything comes this way I'm sure you can stop it."
"I'll try my hardest," Rydia answered, blushing.
"What do we do now?" Rosa asked.
"We wait, white mage, and hope our men fare well in battle."
Rosa pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Rydia, are you still sure that they'll be alright?" she asked, glancing at Rydia.
Rydia paused, doubt creeping into her mind. She had never imagined Cecil could fail at anything, and it was hard for her to think it now. He hadn't failed at anything in all the time they'd spent traveling together, but she was young, and Rosa knew more about battle than she did. Rydia suddenly found herself afraid for Cecil and the others.
Despite her fear, she ultimately refused to let Rosa see it and still answered as bravely as she could. "He's a good fighter. I'm sure he'll be alright."
Rosa nodded with a far-off look in her brown eyes and sat down at the foot of one of the beds. "I suppose we have no other option but to wait."
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Author's Note: Hallo, beastie. This chapter was one of those… "what am I going to put into you?" chapters. First I couldn't quite find the motivation to write it, then my computer's modem got zapped in a lightning storm and I was without internet for a week, and then an ant invasion occurring in my room kind of took up a bit more of my attention. Here at last it is finished…thank goodness. Sorry it took so long once again. HOWEVER, we are almost at the end (I know I say that a lot, don't I)!
Chapter notes: I tried to give Rosa a bit more scope in this chapter, and I think I did so at the expense of Edward. I'm not really too sorry about that either, haha. But sorry to any Edward fans out there. I just don't feel that he plays too much of a significant part in this scene except to get shot later on.
Yang was another character that I tried to give a few more quirks to. I have him speaking very formally. I don't know why…but whenever I try to picture him, he comes off as the wise old grandfather with his quirky wit, blunt replies, but overall politeness. (even though he's not really that old)
Kind of random, but I gave Rydia green eyes if anyone picked up on that…I went along with her face shot from the SNES version of the game.
About Fabul…I increased the scope of the city so instead of it just being a small town inside the castle, I made it a large citadel. I wanted to give it more oomph, because it is the only city in the game where the town is inside the castle, and, well…I like Fabul.
I believe that was all there was to remark on this chapter…
(just to let you all know, the following chapter to this is well on its way to completion, so you'll get the last chapter sooner than you think )
Til next chapter!
