"The others didn't take your resignation from the caravan too well." I noted as we trudged through the Westersands.
"Eh. Doesn't matter to me." Coela responded dismissively.
I hefted the single duffle bag on my back, my new sword strapped to my waist.
"So exactly what do you plan on doing when you get to Rabanastre?" Coela spoke suddenly.
"I don't know. All I do know is for some reason…my purpose lies there." I mused quietly.
"We could try to find some work. The inns won't let us stay without gil, and we don't have an infinite supply. Hunting is always a good option." She suggested.
"That…sounds like a good idea." I smiled at her.
She carried two bags, both of which she had insisted upon carrying the whole way. I had no idea what was in them, but my bag held supplies.
"So…where do you come from?" She asked curiously.
"…I suppose I should tell you." I responded after a few seconds.
So I told her. The Esper I served. The foolish adventurers I had slain to protect The Wroth. How long I had done so. And finally the old man that had taken my life away from me.
"…I'm sorry to hear that. Most people wouldn't be able to stand after having that happen to them, much less manage to walk across a desert without any supplies or clothes." She put her hand on my shoulder supportively.
"Elijah. That was his name. I read the symbols on his robes." I growled, clenching my fists.
"I may not know you that well, but now we're family. I promise I'll always be with you. Always." Coela squeezed my shoulder, and hugged me for an awkward moment of silence before continuing to walk.
"Thank you." I whispered the unheard words before following.
Only a few miles away was the city of Rabanastre.
Little did I realize that my destiny was also there.
We walked into the city, unhindered by the guards who stood stoically at the gates.
Citizens went about on their business, some working and others playing.
"…Funny to think that was once us." I heard Coela, and turned. She blushed with an embarrassed smile.
"Can't disagree with that." I finally replied and returned her smile.
A few people glanced at us uneasily, in part because of my weapon (the sheath bore several symbols)) and because most did not see a Viera in such Hume-like attire.
"Do you know where in particular we're going?" I asked suddenly, and she nodded.
"The Sandsea. They should have a room. Not to mention, they've got a job board." She suggested.
"Sounds good to me." I nodded in agreement, and we continued down the streets.
"Rabanastre's the capital city of the nation of Dalmasca. It's a major trade center, the location of the Palace, and is very large. Here on the upper streets the prosperity is evident…" She told me as we walked along.
However, as we turned a corner, something caught my eye.
Another street below us was darker and vacant.
With a single exception.
A woman was screaming for help, unheard by anybody but us.
A Bangaa was pushing her against the wall, and it took me a moment to realize he was raping her.
"…But as one gets lower…so does the quality of life. And society. Things happen on a daily basis there that would make one ashamed of their kind." Coela finished, staring as well.
We looked at each other, and sighed.
Before continuing on our way.
Her screams only grew louder as we walked, until they stopped abruptly after the sound of a single gunshot echoed through the streets.
No pangs of conscience formed within me. Nothing.
It wasn't my place to interfere.
Not yet.