Author's Notes: Look at that! I did another chapter and it wasn't a year in between. I think if I focus on one story at a time, maybe two, I could actually finish this one of these days. I feel like I have a purpose and know where I'm going so that makes me excited enough to want to keep writing. Hope some people are still reading and enjoy it!
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy is not mine, etc.
The Promise
Chapter 6: Festival of the Hunt
Perhaps it had been foolish of her to think that Cid would listen to her with the same interest as he would have her father. But as Dagger sat quietly in the guest suite that had been set aside for her, she couldn't help but feel as if she were being treated as a child who had no understanding what was going on around her. Solemn amber eyes lifted to the ceiling. Would things have been different if she had been born as a son instead of a daughter?
"Dagger?" Vivi asked hesitantly from the doorway, his hands clasped together. "They said that we should be escorted to our seats for the Festival soon."
Dagger's soft lips lifted into a sad smile. "But of course, Vivi," she murmured, slowly turning to face him. "Have you been settling in to Lindblum alright? I fear that I have not been giving you the attention you deserve after all you did to help me reach our destination. I do apologize, my friend."
Vivi shook his head, nervously adjusting his hat just so on his head. "I'm alright, Dagger. Everyone has been super nice to me. Regent Cid gave me a room so I could stay close by if you need me. I never expected him to do that." He hesitated for a second. "Are you okay? After what happened with Blank…"
The mention of Blank was enough to fill Dagger's eyes with tears again. "It will take time, Vivi. I do not even remember when he became so important to me in our journey but when I saw him fall to his death, it was as if my heart had been ripped from here." A hand lifted to rest on her chest. "I will never forget Blank, but I will be able to carry all that he taught me with me as we continue on this journey."
"Do we have further to go on our journey?" Vivi asked. There was no question in his mind that if Dagger had somewhere she had to go, he would stay by her side.
Even Dagger could see the determination flare up in his golden eyes and it made her smile for a moment. "My mother still runs unchecked, Steiner remains in captivity and the political arena is fraught with turmoil. Once the Hunt is completed, we will find our way to the next destination."
He moved across the room, taking Dagger's hand in his. "I'll be with you when you go," Vivi promised. Loyalty shined bright and fierce.
Touched beyond words, all Dagger could do was squeeze Vivi's hand in return and whisper, "Thank you."
X.X.X
Cheers and screams echoed through the ancient architecture of Lindblum. The spiraling towers and sweeping arches of the neighborhoods were filled with fans wanting to encourage their favorite to victory. Despite her own reservations and grief, Dagger couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement all around her.
From her prime position where she could see the differing sections of the Hunt, Dagger silently cheered for two people, occasionally reaching out to grasp Vivi's arm as it seemed as though someone would be overpowered by a monster. Her heart silently cheered for the Tantalus member who was valiantly hanging on to third place. But more vocally, she cheered for the fierce female Burmecian knight who had come out of nowhere to jump into a fast closing second place.
With five minutes remaining, Dagger's eyes remained riveted on the woman, adding her voice to the cheers. Even Vivi couldn't help but get caught up in the action, gasping with worry as he tugged on his companion's arm. "Dagger, look!" he whispered. "There's the monster everyone has been hunting for. You get over one hundred points for it and usually that guarantees the win."
Dagger's gaze swept across the open courtyard where the Zaghnol had nested down. Her brow wrinkled as she stared at the hideous creature, the bright teal mane waving in the light breeze. After having experienced so many fights at Blank's side, she silently analyzed the strengths of the monster and began to formulate a strategy against it. With its razor sharp tusks and deadly bulk, it would be a difficult challenge for anyone who came it.
The Burmecian seemed to hold no hesitation upon seeing the creature, however. Leaping lightly down from the rooftops she had been scouring for any hidden Trick Sparrows, she threw herself at the Zaghnol. Wielding the traditional spear of the Burmecian knights, the woman moved swiftly, using her extreme agility to leap high into the air and rain down terror against the Zaghnol.
"Look," Dagger whispered to Vivi, pointing down. "She's using the creature's own strength against it. It relies on its bulk to do damage but because she's so agile, all it's been doing is thrash about and hurt itself in its rampaging."
Vivi rose on his toes to get a better view of the fight, nodding in agreement. "It's wearing itself out and has no clear target," he said. They both lapsed into silence waiting for the moment when the woman finally downed the monster.
"She did it!" Dagger gasped with delight, eying the scores as she was placed firmly in the lead. "She's going to win!" A smile appeared. Even with the two remaining minutes, no one would be able to surpass her score.
X.X.X
"On behalf of the people of Linblum and the Regent Cid, I congratulate you on your amazing victory," Minister Artania said in the official ceremony to commemorate the winners of the Festival of the Hunt. The tall Burmecian woman, introduced to the crowd as Freya of the Dragon Knights, bowed at the waist, all to happy to collect her prize money and custom made accessory.
Dagger stood to the side with Vivi, dressed in the fine clothing that would befit the Princess of Alexandria. After the ceremony was completed, Freya would be taken to the banquet where Dagger would actually have a chance to speak with her. Curiosity made the Princess want to know this woman better. Outside of the traditional history of Burmecia, she knew absolutely nothing of the other kingdom or its people. In many ways, it embarrassed her that she knew so little about her neighbors.
Vivi shifted uncomfortably next to her. He had been no exception when it came to dressing nicely and even now was quietly grumbling over the tight collar and the restriction of his pants. "Do all noblemen dress like this, Dagger?" he complained. "I don't understand why they would want to. It's so awful."
Dagger giggled softly behind her hand and nodded. "You must understand that fashion always overtakes comfort for the nobility, Vivi," she whispered as they both checked out on the long rambling speech from Artania. "But these are the men and women who know nothing of battle or labor. It is something that I wish to change when I one day begin my rule as Alexandria's queen."
It was a thought that she so very rarely let wander into her head. What would it be like when she one day ruled Alexandria? Despite her father's early demise, her mother was still young and healthy. If all went according to plan, her mother would continue to rule for several more years while the Princess gained experience and grew her own contacts amongst the other kingdoms. It would only be when she was ready and the current queen was ready to step aside that Dagger would be crowned queen.
With a sigh, Dagger, tugged absently at her dark hair. "Thank the Eidolons that it is finished," she murmured, taking Vivi's arm as she slowly dragged the young mage away from the crowds and toward the secret passage she knew would take them immediately into the banquet hall. She had been exploring these halls since she was a small child and knew the ins and outs of the palace as well as her own home. "You'll thank me when we don't get crushed by those wishing to get in to eat."
As they took their seats at the head table, Dagger folded her hands neatly in her lap and took in a deep breath. It would take a few minutes for the crowds to make their way in and she was glad for a moment of silence. Turning inward, she reached for her power. It was a habit that she had been developing since Blank's death. It was a promise that she would never truly be alone so long as her Eidolons were with her.
Do you still grieve for the thief, child? Bahamut whispered in her mind. Ever since her first summoning of him, the great King of Dragons had been slipping into her consciousness more and more often.
I do. Will I always feel the empty pain in my heart where there used to only be laughter and happiness? Dagger replied.
The Dragon hesitated for a moment too long. It is not the way of the Dragons to grieve as you do but loss is still loss. It will be what makes you grow and become the Queen that you people will require. You have lost but you will laugh and feel happiness again.
Can you be so sure?
I have lost more times than you will ever understand, little one. My kind is long gone and I remain the last of the Dragons who once soared through the open skies. It is only within the power of the summoners that I have been able to live on. But even that comes at a terrible cost.
What cost is that?
A burden you are not ready to bear yet. But one day, perhaps…
Unbidden, tears clung to Dagger's lashes as she slowly opened her eyes. The great sorrow of the Dragon King had crashed down upon her, mingling with her own sadness until it felt as though she might drown in its vastness. A small gasp caught on her lips, barely making a sound but burning in her chest.
"Are you okay, Dagger?" Vivi asked. "You zoned out for a minute and now you're crying. Were you thinking about Blank again?"
Dagger shook her head. "No, it's alright, Vivi. It was… old memories. Not Blank." She pushed a smile to her face, smoothing back her hair and dabbing the tears from her eyes before it made her makeup run. "But do not fret over it now. We have a victor to greet and get to know."
They both turned their attention to those entering the banquet hall, rising from their seats to join in the resounding applause that thundered through the room. Freya looked embarrassed, rubbing her long fingers over the rough red coat she wore.
Definitely not a woman of style, Dagger noted silently to herself. But she is one of power and grace. That should stand for more than if she knows what accessories look pretty with each other. Blank would have liked her.
It had taken a little pleading with Cid, but he had seated Freya next to Dagger and Vivi during the actual Feast, allowing them the opportunity to talk, even though the Burmecian seemed very uncomfortable.
After their initial introduction, Freya's head dipped down and she focused on the food that was being offered. Some were Burmecian delicacies such as roasted roots and seared meats, but others hailed from Alexandria and Lindblum cultures.
"Tell me, Freya, what brought you all of the way to Lindblum for the Festival?" Dagger inquired politely as she nibbled as a roasted leaf. She wasn't entirely certain what she was eating but the other woman seemed slightly more at ease so long as the Princess's entirely attention wasn't focused on her.
"Oh, I travel the continent," Freya half mumbled. "It was no hardship to arrive in Lindblum for the Hunt. I try to participate every year."
"Where did you travel from?" Vivi asked curiously. "We just came over the mountains and through Dali and Treno ourselves," he said proudly. "Fought our way free of the Evil Forest and out of the Mist."
Freya swiveled her gaze to look closer at the little mage. She had heard of their kind and the powers that they could wield but she had doubted the validity of the stories when she'd seen the size of him. "Oh? Who is we?" she couldn't help but ask.
"Dagger and me and Blank," Vivi returned.
"Blank! How is that old rogue?" Freya exclaimed with delight. "That scoundrel still owes me ten gil for a bet we made years ago."
Dagger's face lit up and then dropped all at once. "You knew Blank? We had the great fortune of coming to know him when we were in Alexandria," she explained. "He was a good man even though I didn't know him for very long. He… he died protecting a ship from an attack."
Freya shook her head. "It's a real shame. That one was special. A real good man despite his past." But she looked at the Princess inquisitively. She'd been a little skeptical of the Princess and her interest in the fighting. It wouldn't have been the first time she'd seen a woman who wanted to live vicariously through someone else's adventures. But perhaps this one had seen her own adventures. "Tell me a little of your travels if you don't mind."
And so they did. Dagger and Vivi took turns telling their long story where the mage would rush in to keep the tale going even when Dagger's voice would falter as she would remember some small event that happened with Blank on their journey.
By the end, Freya looked sufficiently impressed. "I'll admit that I never expected you to be more than another noble who dreamed of adventures and stories but would never risk stepping outside of the safety of their palace. But you have done so much more than that and for a good cause." She smiled. "Princess, you are truly one of the more remarkable royals I have had the pleasure of meeting."
Dagger actually laughed. "But how many royals have you met that had a true need to step outside of their comfort zone?" she returned. "If it had not been for my own needs and Blank, I would be one of those that you have described. Before everything happened, I was happy to stay within the comforts of my castle and dream of one day having the adventures that I have had."
Freya looked ready to say something else when a loud scream caught their attention. It had come from the top of the hall where the doors were swung open, inviting anyone and everyone in who had the clearance for this part of the Palace.
In stumbled a Burmecian soldier, already half dead from exhaustion and pain. "REGENT CID," he half screamed, clutching at burn wounds that had already begun to fester into infections. "Please, I must see Regent Cid!"
Dagger immediately rose to her feet, Vivi right behind her. Freya was half stunned at seeing one of her countrymen come into the room in such a state that the pair were already halfway down the hall before she gathered enough of her wits to follow them.
A small cluster of people had already gathered around the soldier, including Minister Artania and the General of the Lindblum army. The soldier was muttering to himself in broken sentences, all of them focusing on his need to speak with the Regent. As Dagger approached, Artania rose to try and escort her away. "Please, Princess. This is not a sight for your gentle eyes," he insisted, trying to take her arm.
Anger immediately flashed on Dagger's face. "The man lies close to death and has a desperate message for the Regent," she said furiously. "This is hardly the time to worry over improprieties. My magic could stabilize him if you cease your interruptions." She jerked her arm free and instead knelt before the soldier, her soft blue gown pooling around her. A quick assessment of his wounds had her taking in a sharp breath. "We must take him somewhere more quiet." She rose to her feet, looking around her. "Someone fetch me remedies and elixirs if you can find them." When no one moved, her voice became a whip crack command. "At once."
People scrambled to meet her needs. Two Lindblum guards stepped forward to help Dagger carry the man from the room. They chose a quiet sitting room right off of the Hall and as she worked, someone was sent for Regent Cid. He had been conspicuously absent from the proceedings but Dagger supposed that with her oglop condition, it couldn't be helped.
Freya stood silently to one side, her respect for the young Princess growing even more. She had handled herself with far more grace and presence than the ministers and courtiers more than three times her age. But her concern clouded her admiration and all she could focus on was the hope that her countryman would survive long enough to tell them what was happening.
Dagger worked tirelessly, snarling the court healer away upon looking at the pitiful tools the man called his potions and elixirs he had mixed himself. Instead, she poured her own magical energies into her patient, silently casting esuna on each wound, injecting remedies once they arrived and doing everything within her power to try and tame the blood infections that was currently frying his brain. Cures and esuna could only do so much but after an hour's effort, he was conscious and coherent.
Vivi stepped up to aid Dagger back toward a couch, sending someone to fetch tea and food for the exhausted young woman. He fretted nearby, unable to actually do anything to help but too worried to leave her alone.
As Regent Cid entered the room with Artania at his side, he cast a quick glance at Dagger and her companions before moving over to the soldier.
"Your Majesty, please. You cannot allow him to see you in such a state," Artania whispered, seeking to shield the Regent with his body.
But Cid merely shook his head. "Despite all that Garnet has done, the poor soul has lost his eyes. It's a wonder he even made it this far before collapsing." His moustache twitched with a smile. "Garnet, my dear, you have worked nothing short of miracles." But his attention was forced to return to the soldier as he began to speak.
"Regent, please. Please, I come from the King of Burmecia…"
Freya took in a sharp breath to the side.
"We have been attacked by strange doll like men. They attack as though mindless puppets and with a magic stronger than we have ever seen before. Please. Please, the King begs you to send aid as soon as possible before we are crushed…" The soldier released a peaceful sigh, contentment washing over his face. Despite Dagger's hard work, he was dead.
"Dolls?" Vivi whispered. "More Black Mages like me? No…"
"Uncle Cid, it must be my Mother," Dagger implored immediately. "We must do something to stop her. She has now gone so far as to attack one of the Triumvirate."
Cid paced back and forth on his little oglop legs, moustache twitching irritably. "We must send aid to the King of Burmecia at once. He is an old friend and I cannot ignore his call."
"It will take several weeks for us to mobilize any force of substantial size, Majesty," Artania intoned from the corner. "Most of our men are spread out to the borders because of the Festival's traffic."
"Then I will go now!" Freya jumped in immediately. "I must aid my King and people."
Cid looked kindly at Freya, shaking his head. "You are but one woman, Freya," he replied. "While you fight with the strength and skill of ten, what can one Knight do against armies?"
"She will not be alone," Dagger interjected. A quick glance toward Vivi was all she needed before she continued. "For we will be going with her. Perhaps we can do nothing but delay any further attacks but if we could even delay the next wave by a day, it is the more refugees and innocents that we can save. Freya, will you accept our company on this journey?"
Ignoring Cid's immediate protests, Freya dropped to one knee before the Princess and nodded. "By my spear and honor as a knight, I welcome you to my party. I swear to protect your back and trust that you will guard mine. Now until death, we are brothers and sisters in arms."
Dagger smiled and dropped to one knee as well, followed immediately by Vivi. They both stumbled over a similar pledge, sealing their fate and the next step of their journey with a solemn promise.