"We should wait at least a LITTLE bit." Ian replied, stepping back. "There's no way of knowing if Babus has been released from prison, or if he's even read the note. Did we post it at the pub or send it via courier?"
"Tara is making certain the right ears hear." Ezel nodded. "Heh...I didn't mean immediately, my boy. Why, you only just got back."
"Yeah..." Ian relaxed, sitting back. "...but which ears are the right ones?"
"The Judges Babus brought into town." the hermetic winked. "They're still deep into their cups at the Frog, without their commander. Toasting his bravery, of course."
"Of course. Fantastic." Ian sighed. "...we'll leave tomorrow morning. That'll give them enough time. I suggest that we all get a BIT of sleep for now."
Ezel's grin grew wider. "Just one bed, my boy."
Behind Ian, Pallanza grinned wide as well.
"Hey, I slept on a rocky cave floor, I can take this floor." the human shrugged between them, suddenly realizing how the bologna in a sandwich must feel.
"And I will take a chair." Ezel chuckled, hat bobbing with his nod of agreement. "One of you needs a break from cold stone."
"Lopears and I will take it." Marlette giggled abruptly, cheeks nearly red as her hat. The Bangaa's amused hissing quavered to a gagging rasp.
"Very well..." Ian's voice was neutral as he moved to a sitting position against the wall. No way was he getting in the middle of THAT, either.
The blood that flushed the Viera's cheeks seemed to have been Darios's, who let himself be half-pulled toward the tiny bedroom, face whitened.
"You're taller than I expected, Highness." Marlette said with a grin before she shut the door.
Ian chuckled softly as he leaned down slowly to lie on his side on the floor, eyes just blankly staring.
Mewt blinked after the giggling behind the door and moved away, cheeks brightening as well.
"They'd better not be too loud." Ian muttered, folding his hands over his stomach.
Mewt looked down at him sheepishly. "This happen before?"
Ian looked up. "Hell if I know. Just a fairly decent idea of what goes on inside."
Mewt flushed further, then sat back, trying to seem as casual as the older boy. "Think you can rest, this time...?"
"I can give it a shot. Sorry if we woke you up."
The young boy shook his head. "You didn't."
"Okay..." Ian nodded slowly, "Well, find a comfortable spot and snug in for it now... big day tomorrow."
"Bessst hope I don't ssstep on you, pinkssskin." Pallanza hissed in amusement, taking another seat nearby.
He squirmed about, closing his eyes, "Why would you anyway?"
"Kupoku...because he's Pallanza." Crozet replied, plopping directly onto Ian's stomach to curl in.
"Reason enough?"
"Want me to move and find out, kupoho?" the moogle snuggled his wings tight and closed his eyes, breathing soft as his fur against the human's midsection.
Ian merely chuckled and slid his arms behind his head, getting a bit more comfortable. Easy enough. The tiny Mog gunner was light enough he was barely there at all.
"What'sss thisss about Sssiena, again?"
"That's where we're meeting Babus for the Prince's ransom." he explained.
The Bangaa shook his heavy head. "I sssupposssed. Asssking a bit much to trussst him, isssn't it?"
"Babus won't do anything that would hurt me." Mewt said softly.
"I meant you alssso...Highnessss." the Bangaa's voice was venomous.
"We're gearing up for a conspiracy, Pallanza." Ian replied, "If anything, trust ME on this."
"What'sss there to trussst in you?" The Bangaa's voice was too hard to be the tease it tried to be.
"You tell me." Ian replied with a light chuckle. It was becoming easier and easier to ignore the lizard.
"I didn't sssee much of you." He grinned at the human at his clawfeet, shot and resheathed the curving talons.
"Thankfully." Ian uttered.
"Ssso what did I misss, besssidesss your kidnapping the Princcce?"
"...Nothing interesting..."
Mewt shifted uncomfortably, noticing the Bangaa deliberately avoided his eyes.
"Kupoho...says you." Crozet chirped dryly.
Ian shook his head and sighed, slowly moving his head back to the floor.
"You're comfy." the Mog chirped.
"I aim to please."
"Kupo...one day, we're not even a clan. Next day, we're going to be the heroes of Ivalice!" he chirped. "You sure pleased me, kupoho!"
"Heh... that's Ezel's doing, not mine."
"Kupoho...but he used you to do it." The gunner grinned sheepishly.
"Shh, no more talk of me being heroic in the least way." Ian opened his eyes to the ceiling, sharing the wry expression.
"Kupoku...all of us will be! Like Gaol and Lini, kupo!"
"Sssleep if you want to dream, sssqueaker." Pallanza snapped.
"Heh...before that bonbon of yours bursts with excitement." Ian replied softly.
The Moogle pulled a comical face before closing his eyes. The Bangaa's closed as well, but his heavy clawed feet continued tapping against the floor.
Ian's head rested against the floor, eyes still staring up past the Bangaa to the ceiling, mind perkilating with thoughts. About tomorrow. About the meeting. About Babus. About Mewt. About Ezel. About his clan. About home.
Home... Hudson. ...there was still a home waiting for him.
Mewt watched him.
"Do you...miss it?"
"...Meh..." was the halfhearted reply. Mewt bit his lip, instantly sorry he had asked.
"...I do..." Ian whispered at last. "I just care about this place more."
Mewt blinked down. "...so do I."
Ian closed his eyes again. Home away from home, this place was. And where the heck was Jesan?
"Marche...says that we're wrong to want to stay." Mewt continued softly, glancing uncertainly to the Bangaa. Crozet had already begun to snore, adorable high-pitched chirps.
"Wish I knew how he thinks." Ian murmured. "...I want to understand him..."
Mewt nodded. "I...thought he would try to understand me."
"We'll get the opportunity to do so." Ian assured. Might take a little violence, a brick or two to Radiuju's head, but it would happen.
"Th-thank you again..." Mewt lowered his head. "Even with Babus and my Dad...I felt alone, kinda. Until now."
"...Heh... certainly glad to be of service, your highness." he smiled softly.
"I won't let you down. Promise."
"And we won't let you down."
The Bangaa grated a rattling snore at last. Mewt flinched. "I hope...I can make it up to everyone else."
"Trust me, if we do this? We'll call it even." Ian chuckled.
Mewt shivered a slight but certain nod. "I trust you."
Ian was silent for a few moments, and the younger boy looked down to see if he'd fallen asleep like his companions. But his eyes met the older boy's, both of them haunted by the same strange loneliness. "...thank you, Mewt."
"Heh. I'm the one that owes you."
"I already told you, you don't owe me a thing."
"How about a good night's sleep...?"
"Sleep, yes... sleep..." Ian dropped his head back again.
Mewt tried to curl into the chair. It was low for a Nu Mou, and wide in the seat, so he had some success. He rested his chin on the armrest. "Sounds good, doesn't it...?"
Eyes closed, Ian slowly settled on the floor. So much yet to be done... so many hours to go...
Mewt closed his eyes. He wanted to say so much more...but Ian was tired, he could tell.
What are you doing here...? a voice flashed through Ian's mind. His eyes opened immediately, looking around.
What...!? Jesan??
You are a creature that was not intended to be here. Just like the boy Marche, his brother, and the red-head. the voice continued, far too cold to be the Viera buck's. I cannot let you destroy this world with your thoughts. I will not.
Who is this!? Ian retorted.
I am the protector of this world. I protect its inhabitants... and Mewt.
He frowned. Queen Remedi...? Or is it LeGrim?
Silence.
What is it that you want me to do, then?
You will leave... the voice pressed, ...or you will die.
The silence then was absolute.
Mewt shivered at the sudden chill he felt.
Ian's eyes were locked on the ceiling. So much for sleep. Damned creepy cliched voices.
The prince opened his eyes reluctantly, and sat up to see Ian's were still open, too. "What is it...?"
The older boy shook his head wordlessly, and the younger relaxed slightly. The chill was gone.
"Good night, Mewt."
"Good night, Ian..."
Sharu downed the last of his drink. Warm but weak stuff. Then again, he needed a clear head tonight. Word of Babus Swain's arrest spread through Ivalice quickly. As Marche's scout for Cadoan, he knew the pub would be the prime location to pick up any information.
The Viera entered silently, turning no heads...but she expected to turn ears, soon enough. Babus Swain could bend over for a Death Sickle for all she cared...but the Prince's disappearance had Ritz worried.
The young human soldier looked up as Shara entered, and held his breath slightly. She was revered among the Viera for her strength, beauty, and prowess as a Sniper. In an engagement, he met her as a member of Clan Nutsy, when Nutsy and Ritz met to battle a larger rival clan. After seeing her skills as a sniper, he was very wary of the day that could come that he and she would meet on the battlefield as enemies, when Nutsy and Ritz clashed head-on -- as that fiery red-head Ritz had threatened.
The Viera barely paid an ear-flick in greeting to the pubmaster as she took a seat alongside the soldier, and not even that to Sharu.
"Heard the laterst rumors?" she asked, voice soft and rich.
"Who hasn't?" Sharu replied softly.
She blinked, turning to the soldier's interruption with a slight frown. "And what are they?"
"We can't track this guy fast enough." he sighed softly, pushing the glass away slowly, "First, he appears from nowhere in the Bervenia Courtyard, tried to either attack or kill the Prince, now he's supposed to have kidnapped him, and Babus Swain is in prison. Rumors or not, quite an interesting situation."
"Too damn interesting." she muttered.
"...Aye..." he agreed softly.
"Any word on where they might be holding the Prince?"
Sharu shook his head, "None, ma'am. But..." he glanced about, speaking lowly to her, "...the assassin he pursued is here in Cadoan."
The doe bent her ears forward in annoyance, looking ahead to the mission box behind the bar. "I knew that much."
"He was assisted by a Viera summoner... the same one who runs the mission box for Berbier."
She startled, looking to him at last. "How do you know this?"
"Babus sprang from the bar after he noticed someone spying on him." the soldier explained, "I followed to the window to see just what was going on. The spy ran into the dark alleyway and Babus followed... only to spring back, facing off against a young man, dressed in the clothes of a Viera Saboteur, without the mask."
Shara gasped, bolting from the stool so sharply it fell over. Human in Viera garb...
"DAMN IT!"
Sharu looked up in surprise, "Ma'am...?"
She turned quickly for the doors. Damn it...that fool boy that was beating up on that tree near their last camp...!
Sharu stood and followed behind her, "What is the matter?"
She waited until she was in the darkened street before hissing a reply. "I know where he is."
Sharu widened his eyes, "Where?"
She laughed, looking back in disbelief. "Why would I tell you that? So you can try for the reward?"
"Then why did you bother replying?" he frowned slightly.
She cocked an eyebrow. "Who ARE you?"
"Sharu Winn." he replied, "Clan Nutsy."
The latter, she'd already known. She paused. "...you're looking for Mewt, too."
"It is strange..." he rubbed his forehead, "...Marche works to destroy these crystals and shatter the Royals' power... yet he wants his scouts to try to find him and liberate him."
The doe watched carefully, but could detect no deceit. So much for the theory Marche might have been involved.
"I have not seen him as such since your leader threatened to fight him the last time our clans met." he added.
"We saw a human in Saboteur garb in the Siena Gorge, days ago." she said at last, softly, looking about for other ears listening.
"I see..." Sharu pondered a moment, forehead creased. "...perhaps it is there that the Prince is kept."
"That's what I'm thinking. And that's where we'll be heading, if Marche wishes to help." she met his eyes. "But if you think to do anything against us, we'll hand you your tails on a plate."
Sharu gulped, "O-Of course not, Ma'am."
The doe nodded curtly, then turned to dash down the shadowy street.
Sharu headed northeast, heading back toward Cyril. Marche would definately want to hear this.
A few rays of sunlight pierced through the heavily overcast sky. Ian wondered on the fittingness of the weather. Despite the fact that he was confident in Mewt, he still had a great deal of reservations about dealing with Babus. That guy's head was harder than his, and that's saying something. Plus, he also was quite nervous about what had transpired the night before with LeGrim. His mind had been flooded with terrible nightmares. He blamed his tired demeanor on the floor, saying nothing of these dreams. Worst thing he could do would be to make the OTHER clanners nervous about an all-powerful being gunning for him.
Ezel had opted to stay behind in case the deal went south. Ian couldn't help but wonder what may have happened if the old Nu Mou had joined them. He doubted it would be the easy forgiveness Mewt had wanted.
Mewt finally dared to peek from beneath his heavy cloak at the gorge. Still no sign. He clenched his small hands, pressing the parchment bearing Babus's reply to his chest.
He moved nearer to Ian. "Want me to talk first...?"
"Probably a good idea..." he replied softly, "...Just get this done quickly that way."
He nodded. He still wasn't sure what he'd say...but he knew he had to say it. "I hope he can forgive me...really."
"You're kidding me, right?" Ian shook his head, "He'd probably find a way to take blame himself. He seems the type."
"He'd better not. He does that enough."
"Prepare for another." he chuckled softly, "...But, either way, I'd want this to go smoothly." He yawned a bit, rubbing his eyes. He was tired. "I'm not in the mood for any more surprises."
Mewt nodded, hating to think of the surprises Ian had already suffered. "What will you do...after this?"
"...Well... I don't know." he replied, "Ezel said he wanted me to try to get you, Marche, Ritz, and Doned all talking and on the same side... there's apparently a rebellion brewing that's threatening to throw everything into chaos."
"You got me talking..." he bit his lip. "I meant...what about after everything's settled, kinda."
"...I... I really don't know." Ian rubbed the back of his neck, "We'll see what happens at the end."
Mewt glanced back. The members of Mianjenku all watched the gorge rather than where they were walking, jumping at the slightest noise. "It must be cool to be in a clan."
"I don't really know too much about them." Ian shrugged. "Marlette's the leader... Darios isn't in it officially... Crozet's the youngest... and Pallanza..." he glanced to the Bangaa, "... ...he's a mystery all to himself... but he brings the most muscle." He sits back, "...I suppose I'm just the 'problem solver'."
"You sure are good at that." he agreed, smiling crookedly.
Ian shrugged, "I'm just lucky... that's all I've gotten by on so far."
He hesitated, then reached out. "Even...even when I made you mad...you still weren't mean to me. Back in the Palace."
"...I didn't want to be mean..." he sighed softly, "...I figured I cruised down dangerous avenues by the time YOU were getting upset..."
The young boy looked over again to assure himself Mianjenku had other things on their minds. "I...I didn't want them to know..." he hushed.
"...I know. I should have thought about what I was saying before I said it."
"I understand, though..."
"...heh... I suppose I can blame that on my tiredness, though. Not thinking clearly."
Mewt's fragile smile faded. "Yeah. But...you know what's stupid...?"
"What?"
"When I saw you...I...I was almost happy to see someone else from home."
Ian paused. "...really...?"
"See what I mean?" he pressed his chin to his drawn-up knees. "But I don't want to go back."
"And I don't want to force you back." he shrugged, "Are we even?"
"Heh...yeah. Kinda." he shook his head. "I still owe you a lot."
"I told you that you don't owe me a thing."
"He just spared you becoming an arrow pincushion." a sharp female voice interjected. "You owe HIM."
Mewt scrambled to his feet as the small clan readied their weapons with curses of frustration.
"Who's there?" Marlette demanded.
Ian pulled his daggers slowly from his sheathes. He actually remembered them this time! "Yes, do speak up!" he frowned.
A slender, redhaired figure emerged from the rocks above. "Someone who caught you by surprise."
"Ritz!" Mewt cried out.
Ian blinked. What the hell was going on? "What are you doing here?" he asked the girl, "Here for Mewt or to take the reward?"
The girl fixed him with harsh emerald eyes. "To save him and cash in on you...as I thought you deserved."
"You aren't the only one who thought as such, so I won't hold it against you." he replied, running a hand through his hair somewhat nervously, "Welcome to the fray."
"We were worried about you, Mewt!" a smaller boy slid from the spot Ritz had hidden, followed by an aghast Viera doe.
"Doned!" Shara snapped.
Ian blinked again, peering at the boy, "...Doned Radiuju?" He then glanced to Mewt, "Hey, part two may be easier than we thought."
Doned blinked back at Ian. "Do I know you?"
"No, but I know you, Ritz, Mewt, and your brother." he replied, "...now I suggest all of you just stay where you are for now. Babus Swain will be here shortly to collect Mewt and I'd rather not have it go south with him thinking that it's a whole conspiracy between Mianjenku and Ritz."
"I...don't know you." Ritz frowned. "Who is he, Mewt?"
"Um..." Mewt looked to Ian.
"I'm in the same situation as the four of you." he replied.
"He's a friend." Mewt said. Ritz seemed hesitant to believe.
"Ssstay where you are, he sssaid." Pallanza hissed through bared fangs. "Thisss isss none of your busssinesss."
"Pallanza..." he said quietly, "...it will be their business soon, if we're going to unite."
The Viera that emerged with Doned flattened her ears. "We aren't the only members of our clan here...and we already proved we're sharper than you."
"Fantastic." Ian said, "Then, if you can, do make yourselves useful and keep a sharp lookout. I don't want any other clans getting involved that would harm Mewt."
"HEY!" Ritz shouted angrily at the stranger.
"He's right about that at least, Ritz."
"Trust me." Ian called up to her, "If this works out, it'll be worth it for all of us!"
"You DON'T talk to Shara like that, though." the redhair answered coldly.
"Nor shall she talk to me in the same fashion." he shrugged.
"Ritz..." Mewt blinked at the older girl. "You...came to save me?"
"Of course! Don't be silly." she looked to Mewt, still flushed with indignation. "I hate bullies, remember?"
"Wonder if Marche'll show." Ian mused.
"What is this you're doing, anyway?" Ritz asked.
"Mewt was never kidnapped." Ian replied, "He left the palace to find me after Babus nearly killed me."
Her lips parted as she goggled at Mewt. "Mewt?"
Doned grinned. "About time you tried adventuring!"
Mewt half-smiled. "It was a lot different..."
"Right now, we're just waiting for Babus to show up so we can explain our plan to him."
"What IS the plan?" Doned asked.
"There's a force at work that threatens to tear Ivalice into a full-blown civil war... and before you ask, no, it isn't Marche."
Doned tensed at his brother's name. "He's not helping." he muttered.
"Then...what force?" Ritz asked.
"He WILL, once I get to him." he replied sternly, then looked back to Ritz, "As of right now, we're not entirely sure. Ezel Berbier has eyes and ears everywhere... most of the engagements that happen now start with different ideas about how to run Ivalice. I would imagine those with the same ideas would be grouping together in larger numbers."
Shara looked pointedly at Mewt, withering the boy with her gaze. "We could use a change."
"Either way-" he cut her off, "We're not going to let them succeed. From what I hear, one of the contenders is Clan Marble. I'm sure you know their reputation." he glanced back to Pallanza, "As do you."
"We've never faced them before." Ritz said thoughtfully. "Heard enough about them to avoid them."
"People like Marble are the ones that are heading this. Quite frankly, we're not worrying about change, we're trying to avoid COMPLETE chaos. Will you join us?"
"...I-I'm sorry..." Mewt stammered.
Ritz sighed. "Actions speak louder, Mewt." a rare soft smile crossed her lips, then. "And you've said enough. Count us in!"
"Thank you." Ian replied with a silent sigh of relief. Good... two clans. Ezel would be pleased with that.
"You gonna repeal all these stupid laws, Mewt?" Doned grinned impishly. "So we can REALLY cause trouble?"
Mewt nodded, shaking slightly.
Ian rubbed Mewt's back gently. "...Once everyone is on the same side and these punks are dealt with, there won't be a need for laws."
"Sounds like a plan to me, then." Shara said reluctantly.
"Good..." Ian nodded slowly, then sat back down on the rock slowly.
Doned giggled. "So is it true Babus got sent to Sphrom?"
"Yes." he replied, "Were it not for the NoDmg2: Human law, I would not be standing here now."
Mewt closed his eyes. "Least the laws helped, that time...sort of."
"I'm not about to complain." Ian muttered.
"What's Ezel like?" Doned continued eagerly.
"He's a crafty sort." Ian explained, "Always got some reason to have that cheeky grin of his on his face. Once you think you're alone, BAM, he's under your bed, when you least expect it."
Doned blinked, eyes round. "U-under your bed?"
"Well... not LITERALLY, but his ears are sharper than he claims."
The boy scrubbed the back of his neck. "Aha."
"Where could Babus be...?" Mewt frowned, looking again over the rocky expanse around them.
"Could have snipers lurking in the trees with arrows aimed at our heads." he said casually.
Shara sniffed disdainfully. "No one else is here but us."
"Huh." he replied, "...then again... 'tis early in the morning. Doubt he slept a wink in Sphrom."
Sudden bright lights flared amid the rocks below the impromptu camp. When they faded, there was a host of Judges on Chocobos, and...
"Babus!" Mewt cried out.
"Here comes the storm..." he muttered to the others, standing to face Babus and the Judges, "Right on time, I see, Babus."
The retainer didn't seem to even notice any save the Prince. "Your Highness! Are you well?"
"I-I'm fine." Mewt stammered, knowing the time was now. "Babus...I..."
"...am a lot braver than you give me credit for." Ritz finished disapprovingly.
"I am a civilized person, Babus, more than you give me credit for." he frowned, stepping forward, "As I said before, I never kidnapped Mewt. Turns out, he came to find me."
"What!" Babus exclaimed, turning shocked eyes to Mewt.
The boy nodded, blinking hard. "Babus...I'm sorry..."
"After your attack in the courtyard, he came to find me... and he did. He found you first, though... in the pub in Cadoan."
The retainer looked as though he'd been dealt a mortal blow as he looked back to Mewt, clutching at the cloak the boy still wore, recognizing it at last. "...m-my Prince..."
Mewt gripped the small white pawhand. "It's all right...all of this has been my fault."
Ian sat back. He knew of the effect that realization would have on Babus. He had wanted to get that out of the way before they proceeded.
Babus blinked dully at the rough fabric held tight in his paw. "I...I could have..."
Ritz nodded. "I think the Palace needs to relax just a little, don't you?"
"No time for THAT." Ian stood, "Babus, yes, you could have, be thankful you didn't."
"Come on, Babus." Mewt said gently. "We're back together, and I'm not leaving your sight again."
Ian folded his arms slowly. Good to get it out now.
The Nu Mou returned the grip at last. "What do you wish, my Prince?"
"We were just about to get to that." Ian replied.
The blue eyes that had been so proud looked utterly beaten as Babus glanced to Ian.
Ian stared back at him. He really looks like hell... "I am sorry that we had to deceive you, but after our first encounter and the subsequent confrontation, you seemed quite obstinate."
"Thanks to me." Mewt shook his head, knowing the confusion the Nu mou surely felt besides his guilt.
"No editorials." he glanced to Mewt, "In any case, there are things to be discussed. There is a larger problem brewing than Marche Radiuju."
Almost on cue, a stirring came from the top of the other side of the hill. The soldier, Sharu, peeked up slowly.
Shara's ears twitched in amusement. "Took them long enough."
Ian turned quickly up to the hill as another figure rose, clad in a modified soldier's outfit, another ray of sunlight reflecting off the young man's shining blonde hair.
"Marche Radiuju." Ian grinned slightly. All the parties here at once. "I was wondering when you'd get here."
Mewt shuddered, gulping. Babus bristled.
"What do you want?" Ian asked casually.
Marche stared. "...I came to find Mewt... to save him from YOU."
"Why am I always the bad guy?" Ian rubbed his hands together.
"Marche..." Mewt stepped to Ian's side. "Ian's trying to help!"
"So I hear, now." Marche replied.
"Marche, you really came to save Mewt?" Ian asked cautiously.
"Of course."
Ian licked his lips slowly. Good... "Okay... Clans Nutsy and Ritz, get on down here. Babus, you too. It's time I revealed the purpose for this."
"It'd be nice to know, kupoho." A tiny Mog Juggler flittered from hiding, followed by several more Viera.
"Definately." The Sniper Sera muttered as she moved down the embankment, followed by Marche and the rest of the clan.
"So tell." Colette was an Elementalist, but her gauzy veils did nothing to conceal her impatience. "In words the rest of us can understand."
"What was so hard to understand about a "bigger problem than Marche"?" Ian looked at her with an annoyed glance. He shook his head then stood on the rock, "Okay, listen up. Right now, there's a movement at work that seeks to completely destroy the monarchy. We believe that Clan Marble is involved with this rebellion. Right now, it not only threatens rebellion, but it threatens complete civil war."
"Kupoho. Bold oaths to a mug of ale, lad." the grizzled little Juggler flitted around Ian like a leaf on the wind. "Been there, heard that."
"Said that." Colette nodded dryly.
"It would explain why membership in Marble's jumped." Sharu mumbled.
"What's that?" Ian looked over at him.
"Marble isn't a pushover clan anymore." he said, "Membership has grown, they've won all their engagements, and they've been gobbling up territory like wafers."
"Not ours." Shara corrected.
"I don't know... but they're the only ones that have managed to completely take over the Jagds."
Ritz shook her head. "Who else wants those, anyway?"
"Cutthroats, dear lady!" a voice from the treed embankment called out, "Cutthroats, scoundrels, and murderers!"
All heads looked up, all hands went to their weapons.
"Who says?" Marlette demanded.
A human male, dressed darkly in a ninja's outfit, crouched low in the trees, face covered by his mask. However, the mask could not cover the smile that he had. ""Rook" of Clan Mianjenku... also called Ian Jenkins, I must commend you! To have figured it all out, even before knowing who Marble was!"
"And you are...?" Ian asked, nonplussed.
"I am Set Klenn, son of Eisen Klenn, the Butcher of Sphrom." he stated proudly.
""Butcher of Sphrom"?" Ian blinked.
"Jussst asss it ssssoundssss." Pallanza stepped forward, scales rippling along his neck threateningly as he fixed baleful amber eyes on the newcomer. "Mad throat-ssslitter."
"Sandath..." Set frowned at him, "Devange was very unhappy with your departure. But, you and my brother know all about cowardice, no?"
"Of courssse. We clanned with it for ssso long." A steady, menacing hiss rolled in the Bangaas's throat as he spoke. "Going to ssstay up there and ssshow them too?"
"What need have I to kill you, when you're already dead?" He smirked and gave a nod.
The sound of bowstring being released and an arrow hitting its mark seemed to happen all at the same instant. Ian turned quickly at the sound and his eyes widened in horror to find an arrow deep in the Prince's back. "MEWT!!"
The scream was echoed by Babus, as Mewt stagged forward into his horrified retainer's arms. But almost nonchalantly the Judges fanned out, one of them shrilling the whistle of engagement.
Sera, safely away from the group, slowly lowered her bow with a smile. "Right on the first shot, not bad."
"Sera! Traitor!" Shara snarled. But the other Viera had already leapt up into the trees beside Set, holding him gently.
A flurry of shots rang out as Crozet took to the air, both tiny paws filled with his guns. "Cowards is right, kupoku!"
Ian wasn't paying attention to them, instead looking after Mewt. He looked sharply over to Darios, "Darios, hurry, please!"
Babus gingerly entrusted Mewt to the other Nu Mou, his eyes slitted blue fire as he began to chant the call to his most deadly magic.
"Bastards... ...those bastards..." Ian growled, standing. Damnit... why did he only have daggers? He could pluck the ears off that traitor bunny if he had a gun.
Explosion. The spell was aptly named, for as soon as the retainer finished, violent energy gathered and burst where Mewt's attackers stood.
When the explosion cleared, the trees on the leaves were gone... and now, there were clanners. Almost three dozen, of all races. "Behold!" a voice from behind them said. Set's voice. "This is just a small sample of the next regime of Ivalice! The Set Syndicate!"
"Craven bastards!" Babus held his mace ready, turning to the voice. "Your delusions end here!"
Darios was whispering the words of his own spell, fighting the panic that would surely lose the magic it so desperately needed. The Prince was dead...only by these ancient words, his own will, could he reach out and gently lead the spirit back, hold it tight, until the body could mend.
A sharp, shrill whistle cut through the air like a knife. The judge beside Darios announced, "Red Card for Darios Alcest for use of White Magic!" Quickly, the red strike was laid down, and Darios disappeared.
Ian turned quickly to them, "WHAT the HELL!?"
Just as quickly, Pallanza roared and launched himself into the Judge, Chocobo shrieking in panic as his rider was hurled from the saddle.
"Hope I finisssh you before the Royalsss do!"
Another one of Babus' escorts rode up quickly and slapped a card down on Pallanza. "Red card for Pallanza Sandath for attacking a Judge!"
"This is insanity!" Ian exclaimed taking a fighting stance, daggers aimed toward the Judges.
"Master Ian." Babus growled, "Concern yourself with these traitors. We cannot allow them to leave!"
"I don't think they're planning on leaving." Ian replied, clenching his daggers hard as he spun to face them, "...they want to run us over." He glanced over to the group, "Whoever's got a Phoenix Down or potion, get it on Mewt NOW!"
"They may try!" Babus replied, swiftly following the direction where the hared voice had sounded.
Sera, in the tree, took aim once more, this time at Babus.
Another arrow interrupted Sera's...fired by Shara, with deadly aim.
Sera stopped, cold, bow gripped in her hands. Releasing it slowly, she fell from the high tree and down into the canyon.
Babus rushed on. "Show yourself!"
Another arrow whizzed through the air to catch Babus. Trembling slightly, Set gripped Sera's bow as tightly as he could.
"Babus!!"
The retainer gripped at the arrow jutting from his breast as he fell to his knees. Bright red bubbled down his snowy-pale jaw as he kept his darkening eyes on his attacker, gasping out the spell of Explosion once more.
Set grunted out something before the Explosion spell ripped through the area, throwing him from the trees to the ground far below.
"Kill... them!"
Ritz's clanners gathered in close, as Ritz herself darted after Mewt, bearing a feather in her hand. Phoenix Down. It cost a fortune, contrary to the games she'd played. Shara and the others had carried it for years. But now...this was far more than the sporting engagements she'd previously took part in, even with the infuraitingly impartial presence of the Judges. No one had ever been killed...
Another shrill whistle and another red card out. "Red Card for Ritz Malheur for violating the No Items Law!" the judge announced before giving the red-head a red strike.
"What the hell is this!?" Ian exploded at him, "You're ruling out all healing options!!"
Shara spat a Vieran curse. "Ruling it out for them, too." she hissed, bringing up her greatbow. "We'll kill them first."
"K-kupopo...the Judges will revive everyone after, and carry the traitors to Sphrom." Crozet reloaded nervously, hovering close to Ian.
"We have to revive the Prince and Babus!" he replied, "If they're down too long..."
"Judge magic is absolute." Colette shook her head, watching the rocks above with her ears slicked into her pale hair. "Doesn't matter. They can negate Death itself."
They won't survive much longer, if they're alive right now at all... he thought, And if Judge magic can bring them back...
"Worry about keeping yourself alive!" Marlette snapped, gray eyes frightened on Ian.
"Speak for yourself!" he replied, rising.
Marlette strode ahead. Trying to concentrate for one spell was damn impossible, and she was trying a Doublecast. But in moments, lightning cracked and surged on the enemies prowling down the canyon walls, then again.
Arrows and bullets were fired off by both sides. Sounds of steel clashing rang through the canyon as blades struck each other. The Syndicate forces seemed to keep coming. For every one that fell in battle, another showed up to take his or her place, plus one. Where were they all coming from?
The magic-users were strained to their limits, and fell back behind the physical attackers, who tried to create a barrier of blades and bullets.
Another fresh hail of arrows fell upon the trapped clans from the tops of the trees. Above, both Set and Sera fired off rapidly.
"They're back...!" Marche uttered, stunned, "But items and white magic were banned...!"
Crozet chirped with fright, looking to the Judges circling them in disbelief. "K-kupoku...did they use an Antilaw...?"
The Judges sat on their Chocobos in stony silence.
"Which one?" Marlette demanded, glaring at the polished helms. "You're supposed to announce changes to the rules!"
"There's been no change." Ian growled, "You're a part of this whole thing, aren't you?"
"What!?" Marche exclaimed.
"It makes sense." Ian replied, still glaring, "Mewt and Babus are taken out, then you outlaw all methods to save them. But you allow the other side to revive their forces." He pointed toward them, "You're the goddamn traitors!"
A bright flash abruptly blinded all in the canyon. When the traitors regained sight, their prey had vanished.
"What!?" Set growled, looking about frantically. Gone! ...but... how...!?!? "Find them!!" he ordered his forces. Looking to the Judges, he said, "You know what to do. Make yourselves scarce."
Judge Teqian regarded Set impassively before doing just that.