Final Fantasy XII : The Tides of Darkness
Disclaimer - I do not own Final Fantasy XI or the world portrayed in it. I do, however, own the following characters – Arielyanna, Trevernous, Pter, Romulado, Loannthalas, Dasi, Lasi, Flowing Wind and Wyreema. Also the characters – Raido, Siflan, Acacia, Shannon, Gleamingblade and Baldur are characters of my creation as well.
The characters – Akujunkan, Enkidoh, Xylia, Leod, Kainvalkin and Orcrinvalkin are actual members of the Linkshell I'm a member of, on the Midgardsormr server of Final Fantasy XI.
The characters – Nanaa Mihgo, Bope Greso, Naji, Ayame, Lucius, Star Sibyl and President Karst are owned by Square Enix (SE).
Any italised text between ( ... ) is linkshell chat.
Any italised text between ) ... ( is the character's own thoughts.
Chapter 7 -
Windurst Woods -
Enkidoh sighed to herself as she readjusted the corsage in her hair once again, and looked at her reflection in the fountain. She smiled to herself, today was the day. Of course, she would of liked for her friends to be there, especially Arielyanna, however as this was more of a spur of the moment decision she and Lokkii had made, only Akujunkan and Xylia would be in attendence.
She looked at Xylia who smiled at her Mithra friend.
"Enki, you look beautiful."
Enkidoh blushed as she once again smoothed down the front of her wedding dress.
"I knew one day this would happen Xy... just not like this."
The Taru White Mage smiled as she leaned against the fountain.
"Well, when two people are in love, eventually they marry. Besides, you and Lokkii are a nice couple."
The Mithra blushed even more and bowed her head, smiling to herself. Akujunkan approached them, smiling.
"Well Enki, Lokkii and the Star Sibyl are waiting for you at the location... let's not keep them waiting eh?"
Enkidoh nodded, as she headed towards the Chocobo stables, where her own special breed of Chocobo was waiting. A very rare, pure white Chocobo, was being held by one of the Chocogirls, resplendent in the ornamental saddle and harness. There were two other Chocogirls there, each holding a Chocobo, one for Xylia, the other for Akujunkan.
The three mounted their Chocobos as Akujunkan led the way to Starfall hill, in West Sarutabaruta. As they made their way to the wedding site, another Chocobo came bounding along after them. Xylia smiled as she recognized the rider.
"Looks like Wyreema got permission to attend."
Enkidoh, Akujunkan and Xylia waited patiently as the Mithran Warrior rode towards them. She smiled and waved to them.
"Looks like my airship managed to get me here in the nick of time!"
Xylia laughed as Enkidoh smiled.
"I'm glad you could make it Wyreema."
Wyreema chuckled.
"Hey Enki, firstly we're all friends. Secondly, it's not every day a friend of mine gets herself married, and thirdly I wouldn't miss this for the world!"
Akujunkan smiled.
"Well, let's get this show underway. I'm sure Enki can't wait for her wedding night..."
The Bride blushed bright red, as Xylia scolded Akujunkan lightly and Wyreema laughed again. The wedding group continued on their way to Starfall hill, where Enkidoh gasped in surprise. Standing there with the Star Sibyl, her guards and Lokkii, was Loannthalas, Dasi, Flowing Wind, Romulado, Pter and some other Linkshell members. Even the Dark Knight Trevernous's wife, Nanaa Mihgo was there, lounging in a chair one of her Mithra companions had brought. She stopped playing with her dagger and smiled at Enkidoh, as the Mithran White Mage dismounted from her Chocobo.
As Akujunkan and Xylia took their positions, Enkidoh faced Lokkii and the Star Sibyl as she walked towards them, a big smile on her face. She stopped in front of the Star Sibyl, Lokkii by her side, as the leader of Windurst began the ceremony.
Nanaa Mihgo stifled a yawn as the ceremony continued, her own wedding ceremony to Trevernous was nothing special like this. In her mind simple is better. Her assistant, Bopa Greso, leaned down close to her.
"There's a problem."
Nanaa frowned slightly, and devoted her whole attention to what Bopa had to say.
"Continue."
The Mithra swallowed.
"Just received word from the operative in Bastok. Seems Karst, contrary to his outspoken pacifistic ways, did indeed send a small group of adventurer's to infiltrate San d'Oria, to gather information about what is happening there."
Nanaa stroked her chin as she listened.
"Hmmm... sounds like something Lucius would do. I can't imagine Karst coming up with the idea to send a scouting party like that."
Bopa nodded.
"Indeed. The Iron Musketeer, Ayame, was placed in command of the group. The rest of the party included another Iron Musketeer named Naji, a Galka Dark Knight called Orcrinvalkin, Leod a Hume Ranger, the party White Mage is a hume named Kainvalkin and a Hume Red Mage..."
Nanaa's ears twitched and she glanced at Bopa.
"Arielyanna."
Bopa nodded again.
"Yes. According to the operative, the party made it's way to La Theine Plateau, but were ambushed near Ordelle's Caves. The operative suspects that the whole party has been taken to San d'Oria, and most probably being interrogated as we speak."
Nanaa frowned as she faced Enkidoh and Lokkii. She knew how close Arielyanna and Enkidoh are, and even though a part of her wanted to inform the White Mage about her friend's current situation, she decided not to. She spoke to Bopa in a quiet voice.
"Get Gleamingblade and Baldur, they should still be in Norg with Gilgamesh... I want them to break into the Chateau d'Oraguille, and rescue that group immediately. While they are there, to get as much information as possible. I want to know what's happening there, and I want that information yesterday!"
Bopa nodded, then quickly headed off, as Nanaa turned back to watch the ceremony, her good nature having completely faded away.
)This doesn't look good. However, with only rumour and gossip running around concerning San d'Oria's current situation, it's not wise to go rushing in. I would've expected better of Lucius, still, one can not help but admire his resourcefulness.(
Enkidoh and Lokkii had finished their vows to each other, and with the Star Sibyl announcing them as husband and wife, the two kissed sealing their bond of devotion and love to each other. The others there were clapping and applauding the newlyweds, as Nanaa Mihgo's frown grew deeper.
)Trevernous, where are you? Trouble is abound here, and I could really do with you being here with me...(
As Enkidoh and Lokkii walked towards their Chocobo's, the White Mage caught a glimpse of the dark look on the Cat Burglar's face, and, after speaking quietly to Lokki, approached Nanaa. The Cat Burglar motioned for Enkidoh to follow her to the side, away from the group.
As soon as the two were apart from the others, Enkidoh stopped Nanaa.
"What's wrong? You've heard something?"
Nanaa nodded slowly, folding her arms across her chest.
"Bastok sent a party to investigate the rumours about San d'Oria. On their way there, they were ambushed by a San d'Orian battle group. The current whereabouts of the Bastokans isn't known, but I suspect they're imprisoned in the dungeons under the Chateau d'Oraguille."
Enkidoh frowned, her happiness starting to fade away.
"Do you know who was in the party from Bastok?"
Nanaa nodded slowly.
"I do, two Iron Musketeers, a Dark Knight, a Ranger, White Mage and..."
Enkidoh gasped loudly, causing her husband and the others to look over at Enkidoh and Nanaa. The Cat Burglar studied the White Mage as the others drew near, the Elvaan Dark Knight comforting his wife. He looked at Nanaa Mihgo.
"What's going on?"
Nanaa Mihgo sighed and repeated what Bopa Greso told her. She studied the faces of the people there, taking particular note of the look on the Star Sibyl's face. The Corsair, Pter looked at Akujunkan, drawing his own Bandit's Gun, checking it closely
"Aku... can you teleport me to the Crag of Dem?"
Akujunkan faced the Corsair, as Flowing Wind and the others joined him.
"You sure about this Pter?"
Before Pter could respond, Nanaa spoke up.
"I've already set in motion a rescue attempt. No need for you all to go rushing into harm's way."
Loannthalas faced the Mithra Thief.
"Unlike you, we do not intend to sit here, while our friends are in danger!"
Lokkii and Enkidoh shared a look and nodded to each other as Enkidoh started to cast Teleport Dem, when Nanaa cleared her throat. The Mithra White Mage faced Nanaa Mihgo, anger in her eyes.
"Nanaa, we have to go and help them..."
Nanaa Mihgo sighed to herself, and removed from her pocket a coal black linkpearl. Enkidoh relaxed her posture slightly as she recognized the linkpearl in the Cat Burglar's hand.
"Trevernous..."
Nanaa nodded slightly as she focused her thoughts. She frowned slightly and looked intently at the linkpearl. Her brow knitted in thought she as concentrated again... and received no response. Cursing she drew another linkpearl and sent her thoughts to her assistant. A frown appeared on her face, from what she was told.
The Star Sibyl then spoke in a soft, gentle voice.
"Have no fear... you're friends will be safe. I have foreseen it."
Enkidoh and the other Windurstians faced their leader, while the non Windurstians wore looks of skepticism. The Star Sibyl faced Nanaa Mihgo.
"Your Husband will return to your side in due time." she proceeded to where her Chocobo was waiting "Dark times are coming, but there are those who will stand against the coming darkness."
Enkidoh frowned as thoughts ran in her mind. She looked at her husband and smiled sadly.
"Looks like we picked a bad day to do this..."
Lokkii put his arm around her shoulders.
"I promised to stay by your side Enki... I intend to honour that vow."
As Enkidoh and her husband faced each other, the others were talking amongst themselves. The Hume Corsair, Pter stood to the side, a worried look on his face.
) Ariel... please be safe... (
Below the Chateau d'Oraguille -
Arielyanna groaned as she slowly opened her eyes. She tried to move her arm, but found it was tied to the wall. She tried to move her other arm and found that it was tied to the wall as well. The Red Mage glanced around the room and saw her companions were all tied against the wall as well.
The door opened and in walked three Elvaan Knights, followed by the Mithra Black Mage who had captured her and her friends. Behind the Mithra was a male Hume, wearing royal robes. Arielyanna's eyes narrowed as she stared at him.
"Well, look what the Mithra dragged in... a Hume with delusions of grandeur."
The Mithra Black Mage cast Choke on Arielyanna, as the Hume smiled. He waited, and then nodded at the Mithra, who ended the spells effect. He smiled as the Red Mage gasped for breath.
"Well, it seems you Bastokan spies aren't students of manners now..."
Arielyanna glanced at him, swallowing.
"And who are you supposed to be... the ruler of San d'Oria now?"
He smiled and bowed.
"I am Emperor Raido of San d'Oria... and you are a spy. Tell me what you and your friends here are looking for, and I may let you live."
The Red Mage narrowed her eyes and spat in his face.
"Why don't you go and suck face with a Malboro!"
Raido wiped the spittle from his face with one hand, and drew a dagger with his other hand.
"Temper, temper my dear.. behaviour like this will get you punished..."
He stopped in front of her, grasping her face tightly and with the tip of his dagger he traced it along Arielyanna's forehead.
"You know, you are a beautiful woman... I could get to like you... if you weren't so disobedient..."
The Red Mage grimaced as he ran the dagger over her left cheek.
"I would never, want to be near a carrion spawn like you! I'd rather be dead!"
Raido smiled as he removed the dagger from her face.
"You know, you have very pretty eyes... very pretty indeed..." an evil smile appeared on his face "A woman like you needs to take care of herself..."
With a slash of his arm, the dagger bit deep into her right eyebrow, continuing down, destroying her right eye and leaving a bloody trail across that side of her face. Her scream woke the others from their magic induced sleep. Kainvalkin gasping in horror at Arielyanna's face. He struggled in his bonds as he yelled at Raido.
"YOU BASTARD! TRY THAT ON ME!"
Raido smiled as he walked over to his Mithra Black Mage, who handed him a circlet.
"My, my, these Bastokans certainly are a noisy lot aren't they. Still, we have ways of getting information from you."
He stopped in front of Orcrinvalkin, who wore a deathgrin on his face as he stared at Raido.
"I'm gonna enjoy killing you... slowly and in immense pain..."
Raido laughed an evil laugh.
"You must be a real barrel of laughs, when you can move. However, I've just had a particularly evil thought." he grinned as he placed the circlet on Orcrinvalkin's head "I do hope you will indulge me."
The Galka Dark Knight flexed his muscles, causing the chains that held him against the wall to creak ominously. Raido stroked the pendent around his neck, and Orcrinvalkin ceased to move, and wore a blank expression on his face.
"Acacia, release him."
The Mithra Black Mage produced a key from her robes and unlocked the Galka's bindings. Orcrinvalkin stepped forward, then fell to bended knee in front of Raido, his head bowed. Raido laughed, as the others gasped. Arielyanna grimaced.
"So... that's how you control the San d'Orians... how pathetic..."
Raido glanced over his shoulder at her, and grinned.
"I think it's time to re-educate you my dear... the hard way."
The circlet around Orcrinvalkin's head glowed briefly as he stood and approached Arielyanna. As he stood in front of her, the Red Mage taunted Raido again.
"Oh... you're a real man aren't you. Sending others to do your dirty work! Calling you scum would be an insult to scum itself!"
Raido's response was savage. The Galka Dark Knight, being manipulated by Raido himself, raised his right arm and hit the Red Mage in the face with a closed fist. Raido grinned as the Galka proceeded to punch Arielyanna continuously.
As Kainvalkin, Leod and Naji shouted at Orcrinvalkin to stop, Ayame glared at Raido. He laughed loudly as Orcrinvalkin continued punching the Red Mage. The Bastokan Ninja snarled.
"Damn you! What do you want!"
Raido smiled and stopped Orcrinvalkin's assault on Arielyanna. The Red Mage hung limply on the wall, blood pouring down the right side of her face and from her mouth. Raido nodded at Acacia, who smiled and cast Thunder on Orcrinvalkin, destroying the circlet.
The Galka blinked rapidly, then saw in front of him the beaten Red Mage. He looked at his hands, and saw the blood caked on them, as his eyes went wide with shock. Raido smiled as Acacia cast Gravity on the Galka, the spells effect forcing the Galka to be pinned to the floor.
Raido walked over to Ayame, grasping her face.
"Now, tell me why you are here... and please, be truthful. Otherwise, I'll have our Galka friend start his little hobby again on that Red Mage."
Orcrinvalkin growled as rage ran through his body. Struggling against the weight being pressed down upon him, he managed to get to his knees. The Mithra Black Mage struck the Galka in the side of his head with her staff, destroying the weapon, but rendering Orcrinvalkin unconscious. Raido smiled and faced Ayame.
"My question my dear... I'm waiting for an answer."
Ayame swallowed, and was about to respond when once again, Arielyanna managed to speak.
"Ayame... tell... tell... him... nothing..."
Raido faced the Red Mage and threw his dagger, the blade biting into Arielyanna's left thigh, spilling more of her blood. Kainvalkin was struggling madly in his bonds, then glared at Raido. Then someone spoke.
"You want to know why we're here? Fine! We were sent to find out what's going on here!"
Ayame looked at the speaker.
"Naji! No!"
Raido smiled as he clapped his hands together.
"Finally, there's a spy here, who knows proper courtesy." he walked over to the young Iron Musketeer "So, you were sent here to find out what's going on, hmmm? And let me guess, that fool Karst sent you, right?"
Naji wore a proud look on his face.
"I am an Iron Musketeer, I follow the orders given to me by President Karst and..."
He didn't get to finish his words, as Raido, with another dagger, had thrust it deep into the left side of Naji's chest. Directly in his heart. The young Iron Musketeer gasped, blood bubbling forth on his lips, as his head slumped forward, dead.
Raido smiled as he saw the looks of outraged horror on the faces of his prisoners. He held his hand out towards Acacia, who handed him another circlet. He approached Ayame with it and placed it on her head.
"Now, I want to verify what that young man said. This circlet will make you tell me everything..."
Leod snarled at him.
"Why didn't you use that before?! Instead of torturing our friend!"
Raido smiled as he faced Leod, engaging the spell on the circlet.
"Where's the fun in that?"
Ayame's face wore a blank expression as Raido faced her.
"Now... tell me why you are here..."
Deaths-Head -Please R&R. The next chapter should be ready in a week or so.