CHARACTER COUNTER: 2 (Hehehe..finally..some progresss)
Chapter 18: Fight and Flight
Dear Larsa,
How are things there in Archades? I hope that things are going well in all aspects of your rule. Vaan and I are great. We hit the road an hour after you did and we immediately went to Feywood to go hunt that mark we were supposed to neutralize for Clan Centurio. Needless to say, we brought down that beastie though I suffered a few scratches, no thanks to Vaan.
We never heard from Ashe after the fete when we dropped her off at Dalmasca. Vaan is more than angry with her now, though personally I can understand, since she is almost as busy as you these days.
How's Basch? Give him our regards as well and tell to lighten up a bit. He may be the eldest of our party but it wouldn't kill him if he could relax at one point.
Remember what we talked about during the fete? I hope that things are going well for that as well, I won't mention it here, since I know how dangerous intercepted letters may be. Basch was the one who taught me all about safety and security measures. I am sure he will be proud.
If circumstances may happen and you may need our aid, remember what Vaan told you before you left. All you need to do is go there, and we will meet you. Remember the instructions though, it will be very useful for you.
But that plan is only for emergencies. There is no need to use it, when it is not necessary.
I really hope you're all right.
Love,
Penelo
Emperor Larsa could not help being pleased about the letter that he received. It was the only thing that perked him up from all the hassles of the day. He almost forgot about all what happened beyond two weeks before. It has been a week since he visited Archades and things were definitely not going as planned. Senator Pluto Dece had steadily voiced out his opposition regarding the change in government, garnering more supporters than Larsa had expected. Larsa was now beginning to wonder if Dece was the head of this. Judges Zargabath and Basch had voiced out their suspicions about someone being behind Dece and was the real head of the opposition.
Larsa sighed now, folding the letter and tucking it in an inside pocket. His blue eyes traveled to the moonstone pendant that was on his desk. He had met a young couple during his adventure into Old Archades, where the passage in the library led to. He remembered that day clearly, all his promises to the people and the hope he had manage to give them.
The three of them had emerged in an abandoned alley in Old Archades that day and who to see them but Jules, an acquaintance of Basch's from Balthier, and an expert in information. The man had not been surprised to discover Larsa there.
'It seems that the Fermon's tales are true this time. The Emperor fancies his walks a bit adventurous.' He said with a sly smile at the group. 'What brings you in this part of your kingdom, your Excellency?' he asked Larsa, his every word impudent.
Zargabath had been insulted by Jules' manner, but Larsa managed to ease him. 'I desire very much to learn from you, Sir Jules.' The young emperor had said. His words seemed to shock Jules into subservience. 'Never heard of a royal who calls his subjects 'sir.' ' Was all he said and he was an extremely helpful guide around old Archades.
The four of them had spent much of their time talking to most of the residents of Old Archades and the more time Larsa spent with them the more he was surprised how far his country had fallen.
'How could Archadia spend time governing other countries when her children linger on streets, unable to seek shelter under their mother's own wing?' Larsa had asked despondently at Zargabath who was the eldest among them and therefore should have knowledge of such happenings.
The Judge Majister however, was as surprised as Larsa about the whole situation. 'I have heard rumours of these from Gabranth and Drace but I never took it seriously.' Zaragabath admitted shamefully. Basch had raised his eyebrows at that.
'Why didn't you?' Basch asked sharply. Zargabath had turned a shade appropriate for a plum.
'If you must know, the Majistrate at that time was divided. I myself did not want it, but the circumstances were unavoidable…and…don't look at me like that!' he cried at Basch whose frown could only be described as sinister.
'I do not understand how you could possibly not control the situations that surround you.' Basch had replied though quite evenly. 'I would have done everything in my power if I could.'
'Yes,' Zargabath replied, his voice sarcastic. 'It is just so unfortunate that you had been hanging in a cage ordered by your twin brother at that time weren't you? Otherwise, you could have solved the dispute inside the Majistrate!'
'Gentlemen that's enough.' Emperor Larsa cleanly interrupted. 'We can no longer change the past. What we can do however is change the course of the future. I need you to stand together with me, we are allies, we cannot have dispute amongst ourselves. That is not the way to a peaceful government that we are hoping to achieve.'
That silenced the two of them and the remainder of the journey was absent of any more arguments.
Before the three of them returned to the palace however, Larsa spotted a couple who were seated on a broken wall. He would not have seen them if he had not cast one last look upon Old Archades, with thoughts of reformation for the ruined city.
They wouldn't have attracted Larsa's attention, after all he was not innocent about the affairs regarding romance and love and he would have preferred not to interrupt them with his gaze, but the couple themselves caught his attention. The man was dressed impeccably, obviously a gentry. The woman on the other hand, she was obviously not of the same class as the man. Larsa was surprised why there was need of them to hide when he had news that Archades' society was already mixed now and not divided into the three major classes.
His gaze drew their attention. The woman gasped when she saw him, obviously recognizing him for who he was despite the attire. She quickly whispered in her companion's ear and the two of them cast anxious glances in his general direction before quickly standing up and trying to move away.
'No wait! Please!' Larsa had called to them as he tried to catch up. The couple could do nothing but obey his order and they stood together, their fear clear on their faces.
'Please, your Excellency.' The man said when Larsa drew level with them. 'We have not disturbed anyone in the area. We only beg for a few moments together.'
'Why would I prohibit you from doing so?' Larsa was surprised at the man's tone. 'I have never practiced discrimination among my people. If you desire each other's company there is no law prohibiting you to do so.'
The girl looked skeptical and looked at her companion for help. 'We beg your pardon, your Excellency. However, the new ordinance that was released by the Senate separated the classes once more. We can not be seen together.'
Larsa was shocked, but he could not look so in front of them. After all, he could not admit to them that their was dispute among the government of Archadia at the moment, it would only alarm the people and would make it more difficult to convince them of reform.
Instead, he sighed deeply. He looked into their eyes and took each of their hands. 'This I promise you, the word of a Solidor and as your Emperor. You will see these days renewed. I cannot say anything to make you believe this except my previous actions and my desire for peace.'
The two had stared at him, shocked by his speech, or the sincerity of it. The girl looked at her lover once more and whispered in his ear again. The man nodded. The girl had turned to Larsa, removed something from her neck and placed it on his hands.
'This is a moonstone medallion. A Nu'Muo gave this to Otto,' she said softly. 'He told us that they bring the wearer luck. I give it to you know, Your Excellency. To wish you luck on your journey.'
Larsa had smiled gratefully at them. 'Thank you. I wish you happiness as well.'
The two of them smiled at him. 'We will be behind you when you need us, Emperor.'
Larsa was struck with their loyalty. 'It would be my honor.'
With that, Larsa had returned to the palace, a lot more troubled than before.
The minute he stepped out of the library, Zaragabath asked him if he would like a meeting with the Senate, Larsa had declined.
'Your Excellency…' Zargabath started. 'I must advice that appropriate measures should be taken. Our people expect it of us.'
'Lord Larsa,' Basch began and Zargabath feared he would oppose him again, but the younger man did not look at him and merely directed his gaze at Larsa. 'Judge Majister Zargabath may be correct in this. Perhaps it's time we take an offensive strike. Subtle though it might be, I would not like it if we are caught with our pants down.'
Larsa had been walking silently towards his office as the two Judge Majisters attempted to convince him of a more direct move. It was only when they had returned to the office and when Larsa stood behind his desk once more did he address his two companions.
'You once said that it was best for us to be on our guard, to be on the defensive.' Larsa said looking at them with serious blue eyes.
'That was before we knew the extremity of their opposition, Your Excellency!' Zargabath was quick to interrupt. Larsa had raised a hand for him to be silent. 'Let me finish.'
'If we become offensive, would it not risk our garnering support for democracy? If I exercise my powers as Emperor, would it not show the people that I might still use such powers in a reformatted government to sort things out? We are treading thin ice, gentlemen.' Larsa had sighed now. 'There must be another way. If I go to Dece now, which I'm sure you suspect that he or any of his supporters are behind this, they might retreat into their shells and fight on the sly. We may never catch them red-handed and we might get caught in our own net.'
Minutes of silence followed after his announcement.
'No.' Larsa had said at that time. 'I refuse to be caught my pants down. We must win this. For the people.'
'I agree, your Excellency.' Zargabath had answered passionately. 'We have come too far to back down now.'
'What do you propose we do?' Larsa had proceeded to ask. 'On one side there is us, desiring for Reform, on the other, our enemies, who desire nothing but to prove us wrong not caring if innocent lives will pay for their ways.'
' Let us not also forget that their may be very well another party in this, Lord Larsa.' Basch now spoke. 'What of Scipio? What of outside forces? We must also take into consideration of what consequences will happen for other nations. Of Rozzaria, Bhujerba and Dalmasca. We cannot risk another full-blown war. Scipio holds our Army under his belt. It would be dangerous on either side if he chooses to side. He might already have done so, but I pray him still neutral.'
'Judge Majister Scipio is very enigmatic.' Larsa had said. 'I cannot determine his character. I wonder exactly how he got appointed into the Majistrate. I do not recall Father or my brothers ever mentioning him.'
'He was a type of person who kept to himself, my lord.' Zargabath supplied helpfully. 'He has not changed. I wonder if he has any allegiance. A Judge Majister's loyalty can never be fully determined after all.'
Larsa had seen a look pass between the two Judge Majisters at this remark but he let it pass.
'I agree that perhaps it's best if we keep an eye on him,' Larsa spoke. 'But that doesn't answer the rest of our problems, gentlemen.'
'What if go on with most of our plan, my lord?' Zargabath asked.
'Which is what, Judge Majsiter?' Larsa had asked.
'To continue to pursue our chances with the Senate to approve of this law to reform.' The Judge replied. 'Meanwhile, we strike another plan. We discover who really is behind all this negativity towards your plans and take him out. I'm sure that our opposition has planned to do this upon you my lord. If we do not get the approval of the Senate, we let the people decide. There is a law that a strong unanimous cry from the masses is enough to approve a law.'
'I like this suggestion, Your Excellency.' Basch had agreed once more. 'We are shielding ourselves and pricking our enemies through spaces that we alone know in our defense.'
'While we follow this plan, we are on constant vigilance. We must never lose our focus.' Zargabath added. 'It would do us no good if you get assassinated, Your Excellency.'
'Well put, Zargabath.' Basch had piped in.
So that had been their plan. It had sounded so simple to Larsa then, but a week later, it was becoming a lot more difficult for him to keep up the innocent façade. Meanwhile Basch and Zargabath as well as their allies inside the Bureaus were trying to assuage rumors against him, as well trying to find out who was spreading them in the first place. They were also trying to catch their opponents in their own deeds, but it was proving to be difficult. Fighting against men who were older and more experienced in political warfare was beginning to look like an impossible feat. It was thanks to letters from Penelo or the medallion which reminded Larsa that there is a world that was not woven with lies and deceit.
He stood up from his desk now, knowing full well that it was very late. His two Judge Majisters who were taking up more time becoming his bodyguards had been dismissed by him, though Larsa knew full well that they were just nearby, ready for any kind of danger that will be set upon their Emperor. He stretched up now; finally glad that he could get a few hours sleep if he could. He had been inflicted with insomnia, a family trait, and since his return from Bhujerba, he could never get a decent night's sleep.
His bedroom was strategically placed away from his office. Like all Solidors, he was often called a workaholic and having a bedroom away from the office meant the Emperor could not very well walk the distance from the room to the office. But it made the Emperor spend nights in the office. Tonight however, his mind told him that it was not a good idea to spend the night in his office.
Larsa extinguished all the lights in his office, got the medallion and made sure Penelo's letter was with him and left the room. He never really did remember how he managed the solitary walk to his spacious bedroom, and that he had dropped at the bed the minute he walked in, not bothering to remove his clothes, but the next minute he was being awakened by a rapid knocking on the door and a hurried voice calling his name.
'Larsa! Larsa! Are you in there? Open the door!'
The young Emperor groggily opened the door, glad that he was dressed. He had never presented himself to any of his subjects in his sleeping things.
'What is Basch?' he asked as he pulled the door open. 'Can it not wait?'
'No it cannot wait.' Basch replied sharply, he was dressed in his travel clothes, his sword unsheathed. 'Dece is dead.'
'What?' Larsa asked, fully awake now. 'When? How?'
'He was discovered in his room, stabbed dead.' Basch said.
'How could this happen?' Larsa half-asked himself, not noticing the hurriedness in Basch's voice.
'There's more you need to know, Larsa.' Basch said coldly.
'What?' Larsa looked up now, definitely noticing the chill in his voice. 'Who else is dead?'
'Haussen.'
'Dhujan?'
'He was discovered in the room with Dece.' Basch said hurriedly. 'Apparently, the evidence seemed to point that Haussen killed him in your honor.'
'What?' Larsa seemed to freeze up in the inside. 'How could you possibly arrive at that conclusion?'
'There was a note. With your seal.' Basch spoke fiercely. 'How could I be so stupid? We should have appointed new guards at your office. We have not been careful enough!' the judge had slammed his fist upon the door frame as he said so.
'Basch, you could not have possibly known.' Larsa said, trying to soothe the man. 'We shall get through this. I shall speak to the Senate tomorrow…'
At those words, Basch seemed to return his focus. 'You can no longer stay here, your Excellency. This plan was carefully brought out. There is no possible way we can get out of this situation unless we flee.' Already as he said this, he reached out to grab his wrist and pull the young Emperor to move.
Larsa resisted. 'I cannot run away!' he carried. 'After all I've done! Our plans, we cannot just throw them away! I cannot leave my people in the hands of whoever sadist is behind this!'
'You have no choice!' Basch replied just as sharply. It was the first time the Emperor saw him lose his temper. 'You will die if you stay here, Larsa! Already your soldiers are searching for you! The Senate has even ordered your immediate arrest! '
' Scipio..' Larsa stammered. 'He's in charge of the Imperials. If we convince him…'
'Scipio is nowhere to be found!' Basch yelled now. 'They will find you! I was tasked by my brother to look after you! I will not break my promise!! Now come on!'
Larsa had just enough time to grab his robe and weapons before Basch pulled him again and the two of them were running down the still-deserted corridor.
'Where's Zargabath?' Larsa asked, struggling to keep pace with Basch, who had relinquished his grasp on Larsa's wrist once the older man was sure he was following.
'He will meet us at the library.' Basch said shortly, stopping at a corner to peek around if there were any soldiers. Surely enough there were; it seemed that the Army was now following the Senate's command. He motioned over to Larsa to stay quiet.
'Do not kill them.' Whispered the emperor when Basch had raised his arm to perform some majicks. Basch merely gave Larsa a look before focusing on the spell he was about to perform. The Judge Majister muttered under his breath and like what happened in the library, his gloved arm glowed and the spell erupted from his palm. Seconds later, Larsa heard the slumping of soldiers and the sound of metal hitting the floor of the corridor.
'What did you do to them?' Larsa asked suspiciously, kneeling beside an unconscious body of an Imperial.
'I made them sleep.' Basch replied curtly. 'We had best be going, I did not use too much mist upon them. They will be waking soon.'
Larsa nodded and stood up. Basch met his eyes and a look came over his face. He place his hand on the young man's shoulder. 'This is not a retreat, Your Excellency.' He told him firmly.
'We will return.'
Larsa sighed and cast a look over the sleeping soldiers. 'I just wish it looks that way.'
Footsteps behind them prompted the duo to run.
When they reached the library, it was Basch's turn to lead the Emperor through the many shelves.
'We credited this way to you, Emperor.' Basch spoke in hushed voice.
'Glad to be of service.' Larsa remarked dryly, noticing the attempts he was trying to ease him.
'Emperor.' Zargabath had already opened the passage when the two met up with him. He too was wearing light armor an unsheathed sword. ' Take heart, your Excellency. Your life is good hands.'
'It is my life I am afraid of, Judge Majister.' Emperor Larsa admitted. 'But those who will try to stand before mine.' He looked around them. 'Are we waiting for someone?'
'A number of people actually,' Basch remarked, folding his arms and looking to where they had come from.
'Who are they?' Larsa was apprehensive.
Neither of the Judges could reply however since footsteps announced the arrival of these people.
'So sorry we are late.' A cool calm voice said by way of greeting as they drew level with the trio. 'Those Imperials are better trained than before.'
'It must be the workings of the nutcase, Scipio.' Muttered another of the newcomers.
'Gentlemen, please.' Zargabath interrupted.
'Excuse me?' a completely feminine voice said this time. 'We are not all men here, you know.'
'Enough.' Interrupted another voice. This was calmer and perhaps cooler than the first speaker. He moved into the light to present a clearer light to the Emperor. 'Order of the Tournesol reporting for duty, Emperor.'
Larsa was silent now. He had completely forgotten about the Order of the Tournesol. They were the elite group, apart from all Bureaus and the Army, assigned to protect the Emperor, and his family at all costs in the event that the Judge Majisters could not. They did not answer to the Judge Majisters but took orders directly from the Emperor. Any previous Emperor was allowed to give them lifetime orders that they are forced to obey until the present Emperor chose to say otherwise. He remembered Vayne using this power to the maximum in his brief reign. Larsa now feared what lifetime orders his older brother bade the Order to follow.
The standard number of members of the Order were five. But sometimes it could exceed at the desire of the Emperor. Larsa himself had never met with them before since he had absolute fate his Majisters and his skills could protect him. This Order of the Tournesol did not exceed the standard number. They were indeed five and all of them looked highly skilled.
The one who spoke to seemed to be the leader of the group, with the aura of authority and contained calm. He had long silver hair that fell past his shoulder and emphasized his high cheekbones and rather pointed chin. His eyes, which were the same color of his hair seemed lifeless at first, with calculated looks and hardly any life but his thin mouth was expressive enough. It was curved in a way that seemed to be sardonic rather than friendly. What was strange was as the light that the torch Zargabath was carrying cast across them, the leader's shadow seemed to distort and displayed what looked like a wing from his left shoulder blade. Nevertheless, there was a certain feeling from him that he very well what he was doing and what he was capable of.
The first one who spoke among the group had a friendlier disposition, though he looked serious enough. His dark brown locks were short however and the scar on the other side of the bridge of his nose gave a look of toughness. His navy blue eyes were cold as well, as if fighting for so long had deprived him of any other emotion except detachedness. He was wearing a necklace that resembled a wolf.
The next one, who spoke about Scipio being a nutcase, was the only one who did not emit an aura of skilled elegance. He was heavily scarred, far worse scars than the first speaker bore. His eyes were full of life though, which were hazel and sparkling with sarcastic humor. He smiled at the Emperor. His black hair was rather cut badly, with hair flopping over his eyes which made him constantly push them back.
The female of the group stood as proud as any of them. Her flaming red hair was gathered at the back of her head in a Viera hairstyle, pulled away from the face but let loose at the back. Her bottle-green eyes spoke that she was a force to be reckoned with. Nevertheless though, she smiled at Larsa as well.
The last member who had not spoken at all stood behind the female. His jet black hair was streaked liberally with red locks and Larsa wondered if that was his true color. His eyes were also green but not as friendly as the female's were. He stood stoically apart but close enough to be in the group.
All of them were carrying two Tournesols each.
'I hope you didn't kill any of the soldiers,' were the first words that came out of Larsa's mouth, looking at the stained swords they carried. A look passed through all of them.
'Excellency, you must understand, our job is to protect you. We can not do that very well if we can't attack your enemies.' Spoke the leader in a condescending tone.
Larsa raised an eyebrow at him. 'I never told you not to attack them. I merely stated that you should not go killing your countrymen just like that.'
Again another look. Larsa ignored them and turned to Basch and Zargabath.
'Had we not best be off?' Larsa asked them, not sure if he liked the Order of the Tournesol very well.
'Yes, your Excellency.' Zargabath replied. He turned to Basch and the others. 'We're going through Old Archades into Sochen Cave Palace. Basch knows the place so he will lead us. Followed by the Captain of the Order, Sephyr, then Emperor Larsa, then myself and corporeal Olen. The rest of you shall bring in the rear.'
There was plenty of opportunities for sarcastic remarks but there was none. The whole group new the gravity of the matter. Captain Sephyr promptly stepped forward and entered the passage first. Basch quickly followed after looking back at Larsa. Emperor Larsa, however, hesitated entering the dimly lit passage for a moment. He turned to look behind him, at the dusty library, not knowing if it was the last look of his home he would see. It was hours later when the group managed to weave through the old city's streets and finally begin to enter the dangerous Sochen, did Larsa realized that whatever made Archades his home was already gone.
Here it is! Another chapter! Our offer about spotting certain characters and get a cameo with dialogue still stands! Stay with us till the end!! -Comet-
