Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Bleach and Final Fantasy Tactics
Feeling Doubt
The five men formed a circle and had brought out talismans and talked to each other in discussing their intent to use them.
"I really don't like this," One of the Akechi servants said, "I don't understand why we're doing this. Lady Tamayo is really trying to test the limits."
"We know she is but there's nothing we can do about it," Another Akechi servant said, "she wants it done and we can't defy our lady."
"Be quiet," Another Akechi servant said, "let's do what we came here do and get out here."
"But this is not good," Another servant said, "we'll be in huge trouble if we get found out especially the spells that we've been ordered to use are strictly forbidden. If a Shinigami finds us or worse, one of the district residents here find us… especially those damn Toga fools…"
"No one is going know," Another Akechi servant assured, "we were told that this is the best place and that no one in this district and no one in the Seireitei will find out. We'll be fine"
"Oh but that's where you're wrong!" Reddo's voice said.
The five servants were shocked and they turned and saw the Toga Clan with Reddo leading them.
"Your scheme to harm people ends," Reddo said as he drew his sword.
The followers followed suit and drew their swords as well. The five servants of the Akechi Clan were shocked and couldn't believe what was happening.
"No, no, no!" One of the Akechi servants said, "How… how did you find us?"
"You shouldn't worry about how we found you out," Yashiro said, "you should worry about how bad we're going to do to harm you."
"You should have never come here," Kosei added.
"Wait please whatever you may think, we didn't want to be here," The third Akechi servant said, "we're following orders. We don't have a choice."
"Hah, then don't hate us," Reddo pointed out, "Hate your Lady Tamayo for giving you your orders."
The five Akechi servants clenched their teeth and cursed themselves for having the worse luck.
"What now?" One of the servants asked, "We were told that no one was going to find out but look at this."
Ramza stepped forward a bit, "You can stop this right now. If you tell us what you're planning and for what purpose, we can solve this."
"A-Are you serious?" One of the servants asked.
"Ramza, what are you doing?" Reddo asked, "You don't get to make that decision."
"But—" Ramza spoke.
"I'm the leader and I get to decide the fate of our enemies and I decide that we're not going to give those chances," Reddo said, "in fact, we'll beat them and take their talismans. I'm sure we can get uses of those."
"No, you can't take them," One of the servants of Akechi said, "these belong to Lady Tamayo."
"It is not up to you to decide," Reddo said with a grin.
"What now?" Another servant asked.
"We have no choice, we have to get rid of them," Another servant said.
Wait, what?" Another servant asked shocked.
The others servants were shocked as well.
"You mean we have to kill them?" Another servant asked.
"That's exactly what I mean," The first servant said.
"Wait we can't do that," The second servant said, "it's just going to cause problems later on down the line."
"Nothing is going to happen," The first servant said, "and besides if we get found out, we will be the ones who will suffer and if not by the authorities then definitely from Lady Tamayo."
"I still don't understand how they found us out," The fourth servant said.
"Let's worry about that later," The first Akechi servant said.
"Fine!" The third Akechi servant said.
The third Akechi servant formed a Kido spell and fired at the Toga Clan members. Toga Clan members dodged the Kido spell and Ramza and Yashiro led the charge against the five Akechi servants who were firing Kido spells at the Toga Clan. As Ramza and Yashiro got close, the fourth servant erected a barrier against them and blocked their charge against them. The second Akechi servant pulled out a talisman and used it to form three fireballs and fired them at several Toga members who got hit and cried in pain. The first Akechi servant followed up by forming and shooting a blue blast. The blast headed straight to several Toga members but Ramza quickly got in front of them and was able to cut the blast with his sword. The servant was shocked and tried to perform another spell but Ramza rushed over to that servant and used his spirit energy and knocked out the servant. This surprised the other servant and worried about their colleague and it gave Yashiro, Reddo, and Kosei the opening to attack the other Akechi servants and didn't give any of them a chance to response and they were cut down. The last Akechi servant was shocked and tried to run but was stopped by Ramza and was cut down by Kosei who was quickly appeared in front of the servant and Ramza. It was over and all five servants of the Akechi Clan were cut down and were not able to move as they were dead. Reddo looked and was pleased in what he saw.
"Excellent," Reddo said, "you see, this is what happens when you have good information. It just makes the job that much easier."
Reddo and his followers including Ramza sheathed their swords. Ramza looked and had a sad expression seeing the fallen servants and shook his head.
"With this, we have succeeded in what we have done," Yashiro said.
"Exactly, this should make the message clear that we of the Toga Clan will protect Takame and will cut down anyone who dares set foot here," Reddo said with excitement, "if Tamayo Akechi is stupid enough to try again or if she dares to set foot here again, she will share the same fate as her servants here. We won't let them come here and do whatever the hell they want. We are guardians, the Toga Clan are the Guardians of the people here."
"Guardians, huh…" Ramza spoke.
Ramza looked at the dead servants and had a sad expression and he remembered a time back in Ivalice that he had an unexpected counter with deserters of the Order of the Southern Sky. He remember of their desire of not to fight but when Ramza tried to assure them that he had no desire to fight them nor even looking for them, they did not listen and decided to attack him and his party. He and his party defended themselves and killed them in response. It was not a pleasant feeling for Ramza back then and he looked at the servants who laid dead. Later on, the Toga members returned to their base. They were in the large room and Reddo met with his follower as he was pleased.
"We succeeded," Reddo said, "the job was a success and we prevented a repeat of what happened ten years ago," Reddo then frowned, "however, we cannot relax because we don't know if they will try again and not only that, I'm sure that there is no way that woman is just going to let things go when she learns that five of her vassals were killed and by us no less," Reddo grinned, "but there's no need to worry. We have our reliable source from the inside and they will take care of things for us and inform us on their next move so that we can make our own next move."
The other members were pleased and spoke highly of their leader and felt confident that the Toga Clan was invincible.
"Our source will brings us our secret weapon and with it, we will be able to even stand against the Shinigami," Reddo continued, "even they will fall before us and we will take over the Seireitei."
"Yeah!" Most of the Toga Clan members responded in excitement.
"Wait, take over the Seireitei?" Ramza asked surprised.
"That's right," Reddo said, "it's only right."
"Hold on," Ramza said, "when was it decided to take over the Seireitei? Don't we exist to defend this district and the people here?"
"Wait a minute, were you not informed?" Reddo asked confused and then he turned to Yashiro, "Yashiro, why didn't you tell him? I made it clear to you that I wanted you to tell him."
"I was going to get to it," Yashiro said, "I thought that I would tell him later on."
Reddo sighed, "Oh well, I guess it can't be helped," Reddo turned to Ramza, "defending this district is all well and good for us but it's too small to really defend and beat the nobles. We will defeat the nobles and the Shinigami and when we do, the Seireitei will need to be run by a body that is not corrupt."
"You deem the Toga Clan as the ones worthy to rule the Seireitei and I'm guessing you would sit as the ruler," Ramza guessed.
"Hmph, well if I'm called upon it," Reddo said with grin.
"It'll be fine," Yashiro assured, "we're a lot better than the people there now and when we control the Seireitei, we'll be able to help everyone in every district of the Rukongai."
"The Seireitei will be ours and we will change it for better," Reddo declared, "We will be the ones to be in charge in the aftermath."
"Yeah!" Most of the Toga Clan members responded again in excitement.
Ramza was getting concerned about the direction that the group he was part of was taking and he was looking around and seeing his fellow members were actually in agreement and being pleased with the idea of what it sound like they planned to take over and rule over the Seireitei. Afterwards, the meeting was adjourned and most of the members left and scattered and many stuck by within the base. Ramza was walking and he was concerned as it was something that Yuji had brought up regarding Reddo's intentions. It seemed more likely for Ramza that Reddo was looking to regain power and return to the Seireitei and he wanted to live in the Seireitei as a ruler. Ramza stopped and did not like what was happening.
"How is it any better from the nobles that have caused tragedy here?" Ramza asked himself in his head, "Reminds me of Argath and his intentions…"
Ramza frowned and shook his head and continued walking.
"Ramza," Yashiro called.
Ramza stopped and turned to see Yashiro approaching him.
"Yashiro," Ramza said.
"Excellent work tonight," Yashiro said as he was pleased, "I was impressed with your performance. You really do have great skill. I'm going to enjoy seeing you continue to use your skills for the cause of the Toga Clan. Our leader was very pleased with you as well."
"Sure thanks," Ramza said with a somber expression.
"Hmm? Ramza, is something wrong?" Yashiro asked, "You don't seem happy."
"I guess I'm concerned," Ramza replied.
"Concerned?" Yashiro replied back confused, "What's there to be concern for? Things are going our way and it won't be long before we deliver justice against the nobles of the Seireitei."
"I think I can guess what's bothering our newest member," Kosei said suddenly.
Ramza and Yashiro looked and saw Kosei who was approaching them and stopped and faced them.
"Kosei," Ramza said.
"With the way you were acting Beoulve," Kosei said, "you're finding it hard to just go along in what the Toga Clan is doing. You must be thinking, 'Is this really the group and their cause that I want to be part of?' Add the fact that our leader Reddo Toga made it clear that he actually want to rule over the Seireitei, you're questioning the direction that we as a group is going. Well not that I blame for you for it."
"Hold on Kosei," Yashiro said getting a bit upset, "you are way off. In fact you're just telling a bad joke."
"You know I'm not one for jokes Yashiro," Kosei replied, "and I think you know what I just said is true. You can see it in Beoulve's face."
"No," Yashiro said and then he turned to Ramza, "Come on Ramza, say it. Say that Kosei is way off and you believe in what we're doing."
"Yashiro, I'm afraid that I would be lying if I was to say that I agree with every single thing," Ramza said, "I agree with the fact that we need to prevent harm to the people here and I'm willing to defend the people here like what we did earlier… but talks of taking over the Seireitei. I can't help to feel that if Toga Clan succeeds and power that Reddo would take as he takes over the Seireitei, who is to say that Reddo and the Toga Clan would not do the same thing as the nobles before them. I'm just worried about that."
"You can't be serious," Yashiro said getting upset, "You're making it sound like we of the Toga Clan and our leader would eventually be the same as those damn nobles."
"Hmph, can you really blame him?" Kosei asked as he folded his arm, "After all, our leader was a noble himself in the Seireitei."
"That doesn't matter," Yashiro said upset, "That was a long time ago."
"It does actually," Kosei said, "I know you don't want to hear it Matsuzaki but you need to face with the reality that our leader is no different from any other noble in the Seireitei. It's just his family fell in disgrace and lost their status which forced him to leave the Seireitei and come here."
"Kosei, you bastard!" Yashiro responded angrily, "I can't believe that you're standing there and saying this. Reddo Toga is a just man and a great leader and the Toga Clan works for a just cause to defeat the nobles, their servants, the Shinigami working with them, and changes things for the better for everyone in not only here in Takame but with all the districts of the Rukongai."
"Just cause?" Kosei asked, "Don't be naïve. The real purpose of the Toga Clan is for the leader of the clan is to regain his noble status, no I should say it's more than that, he wants to rule over the Seireitei. He's not interested in bringing justice against his former fellow nobles there, he wants to really invade and take over the Seireitei as king," Kosei looked at Ramza, "I'm sure Beoulve agrees with me and now he feels that he made a mistake in joining us. The only thing Reddo Toga is interested in is helping himself regain power."
"Kosei!" Yashiro said angrily again.
"If you don't believe me, why don't you ask him yourself and see what he says," Kosei suggested.
"You are full of it," Yashiro said, "I don't need to ask him. I already know that he has the people in the district in mind for his actions especially when he is leading this clan."
"Yashiro," Ramza said.
"I can't believe I'm hearing this crap," Yashiro said shaking his head, "I did not expect this from you Kosei and Ramza, you disappoint me. I thought you two were better than this."
"The problem is that you only see what you want to see," Kosei said, "You blind yourself of seeing the big picture. It's sad to say that both of your brothers were right in that regard."
Yashiro clenched his teeth and looked at Kosei with hate.
"You have some nerve to mention my cowardly big brother and my traitorous younger brother to me," Yashiro responded angrily, "Forget it, I don't need this. You better decide whose side you're really on."
Yashiro left and Ramza and Kosei just looked on seeing Yashiro leave.
"Oh well," Kosei said, "I guess that's it for now."
"Kosei, I want to ask you something," Ramza said.
"Hmm, what is it Beoulve?" Kosei replied.
"It sounds to me that you had already knew beforehand and yet you're still part of this," Ramza said, "I must ask, why is that?"
"It's a convenience for me," Kosei said.
"Convenience, what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Ramza responded confused.
"You'll know soon enough," Kosei said, "and that's all I'm going to say."
Kosei left to the other direction and Ramza was left alone confused and he sighed. Ramza left the base and headed back to his home. He arrived near his small home later on and he stopped as he heard voices. They were two voices and they were both females. Ramza was curious and went to where the voices came from. Ramza didn't get far from his place and he saw two women and was surprised to see who he was seeing talking to each other and it was Satsuki and the long black haired woman wearing the white and pink kimono that he first met when he was walking through the marketplace who he was told was Tamayo Akechi.
"I have nothing to say to you Tamayo," Satsuki said upset, "Why are you here at this time?"
"Why wouldn't I be here?" Tamayo replied smiling, "I came to see you to make sure you're still safe."
"I'm amazed you would say that after what you did," Satsuki replied being offended, "after you cast me out."
"I didn't cast you out," Tamayo replied, "you left me on your own and you were just acting like a spoiled brat not understand what the Seireitei, no, what the Soul Society is really is."
"It doesn't justify how horrible you are," Satsuki said, "and it doesn't justify the things that man has done and how heinous and sadistic he is and yet you have no problems associating with him and doing his biding."
"It can't be helped," Tamayo said with a shrug, "his family is so much higher in ranking than ours. I can't exactly oppose him."
"Yes you can," Satsuki said, "you just don't want to and you're just as horrible as he is."
Tamayo looked and smiled and Satsuki was confused.
"I just want you to come home my dear sister," Tamayo said.
"Stop that," Satsuki responded.
"I'm just concern for you," Tamayo said, "after all family is important. I'm sure you would agree, wouldn't you?"
Tamayo looked elsewhere and Satsuki was confused and suddenly got worried as she turned and was surprised to see Ramza.
"Ramza," Satsuki said shocked.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop," Ramza said.
"I'll be heading back," Tamayo said, "Satsuki, you should really think about your future. If you refuse to come back to me, then I'm afraid things will get worse for you."
Tamayo walked past Satsuki and Tamayo approached Ramza with a smile.
"How interesting to see you again," Tamayo said.
"I suppose so," Ramza said.
"You must have had an interesting night," Tamayo said still smiling, "although I'm sure it wasn't for five of my incompetent vassals."
Ramza was shocked at the implication of what Tamayo just said.
"Oh don't worry about it," Tamayo said, "I'm not mad at you or your new friends. It can't be helped."
Tamayo left and Ramza was stunned and turned to watch Tamayo who stopped and smiled as she waved at both Satsuki and Ramza and used Shunpo to disappear. Afterwards, Ramza turned to face Satsuki who looked ashamed.
"Satsuki," Ramza said "I'm sorry. It was uncalled for me to eavesdrop. I shouldn't let my curiosity get the better of me."
"No, no, you don't need to apologize," Satsuki said, "so don't worry about it."
"So um…" Ramza spoke nervously, "that woman, Tamayo Akechi…"
"I know what you're going ask," Satsuki said, "it's true, that woman and I are indeed related. My full name is Satsuki Akechi, that woman Tamayo is my older sister."
"So you're from the Akechi Clan," Ramza said.
"Yes but I left the house and came to live here ten years ago," Satsuki said, "several months before that terrible incident here occurred."
"I see," Ramza said.
"Please Ramza, promise you won't tell anyone," Satsuki pleaded.
"Satsuki?" Ramza replied.
"The only other person in this district who knows about my background is Yuji and he promised to keep quiet," Satsuki said, "no one else knows."
"Not even Takeshi?" Ramza replied, "But I thought you and Takeshi are siblings."
"We're not actually siblings," Satsuki said, "we just lived together and looked out for each other but Takeshi's hatred for nobles is the same as the others. He would hate me and accuse me of being just like them and especially with the fact that I'm the sister of one of the nobles who planned and caused the problem here. Takeshi would lose it and would hate me for it and I don't want that."
"…I understand," Ramza said, "don't worry Satsuki, I'll keep your secret."
"Thank you Ramza," Satsuki said feeling relieved, "I really appreciate it."
"You're welcome but if you don't mind me saying," Ramza said.
"Hmm, what is it?" Satsuki asked.
"I personally don't think your origin and where you came from defines you," Ramza said, "Your actions is what defines you. You may be from the noble family that is perpetuating the problem but I know you're not like that. You were nice and helped me when we first met and you were supportive of me. I know we've only known each for only a mere few days but that's what I got out of you."
Satsuki was surprised and smiled as she was touched by Ramza's words.
"Thank you Ramza," Satsuki said feeling happy.
"You're welcome Satsuki," Ramza said with a smile.
Satsuki left and turned and waved at Ramza happily and Ramza waved back with a smile.
"I should really think about how I should move forward," Ramza said, "I need to decide what I really want to do."
Ramza went back to his small home and went inside. There he sat on the floor and sighed as he started at the ceiling.
Flashback: Earlier at the large room within the Toga Clan's Base
"Defending this district is all well and good for us but it's too small to really defend and beat the nobles," Reddo said, "We will defeat the nobles and the Shinigami and when we do, the Seireitei will need to be run by a body that is not corrupt."
"You deem the Toga Clan as the ones worthy to rule the Seireitei and I'm guessing you would sit as the ruler," Ramza guessed.
"Hmph, well if I'm called upon it," Reddo said with grin.
Flashback End
Ramza frowned at the idea of what Reddo was planning to do.
Another Flashback: Toga Clan Base
"Hmph, can you really blame him?" Kosei asked as he folded his arm, "After all, our leader was a noble himself in the Seireitei."
"That doesn't matter," Yashiro said upset, "That was a long time ago."
"It does actually," Kosei said, "I know you don't want to hear it Matsuzaki but you need to face with the reality our leader is no different from any other noble in the Seireitei. It's just his family fell in disgrace and lost their status which forced him to leave the Seireitei and come here."
"Kosei, you bastard!" Yashiro responded angrily, "I can't believe that you're standing there and saying this. Reddo Toga is a just man and a great leader and the Toga Clan works for a just cause to defeat the nobles, their servants, the Shinigami working with them, and changes things for the better for everyone in not only here in Takame but with all the districts of the Rukongai."
"Just cause?" Kosei asked, "Don't be naïve. The real purpose of the Toga Clan is for the leader of the clan is to regain his noble status, no I should say it's more than that, he wants to rule over the Seireitei. He's not interested in bringing justice against his former fellow nobles there, he wants to really invade and take over the Seireitei as king," Kosei looked at Ramza, "I'm sure Beoulve agrees with me and now he feels that he made a mistake in joining us. The only thing Reddo Toga is interested in is helping himself regain power."
"Kosei!" Yashiro said angrily again.
"If you don't believe me, why don't you ask him yourself and see what he says," Kosei suggested.
Flashback End
Ramza frowned and was concerned for Yashiro.
"He truly believes in Reddo," Ramza said, "too much that he reminds me of me, the way I used to be…"
Ramza recalled back when he was alive in Ivalice when that he had complete trusts in his brothers and how everything was shattered for him after what happened in Ziekden Fortress with the death of Delita's sister, Tietra who was killed by Argath by orders of his brother Zalbaag. Ramza had a sad expression and wondered how things were at Ivalice although it would not matter for him since he was still branded as a heretic. He figured that even if he had survived the battle against Ultima, he was still branded a heretic and add to the fact that he really had no home to go back to so it figured that he would have just left Ivalice regardless and go a journey. Ramza was getting tired and laid in his futon and started to sleep.
"Alma, everyone," Ramza spoke softly, "I pray that you are well. I hope that the rest of you actually survived."
Meanwhile Kosei was walking and went up a hill. There he saw someone and it was the dark skinned Shinigami with the pupil less eyes wearing clear googles.
"So you have come Kosei Kotobuki," The Shinigami said.
"Well met," Kosei said, "I've come just as you instructed Kaname Tosen."
The Shinigami Kaname Tosen turned to face Kosei.
"He's here sir," Tosen said.
"Very good Kaname," The male voice said.
Another Shinigami came out of the shadows and it was a tall man with brown hair and he wore squared glasses.
"Everything is going as planned," Kosei said and then he grinned, "Sosuke Aizen."
"Very good Kosei," Aizen said with a smile, "you have done well following every bit of my directions."
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Ramza does various tasks in helping the people in Takame.