CHARACTER COUNTER: 5

Chapter 21: Warmth against theCold

'Just a little more Your Excellency.' Zargabath told Larsa who was being carried between Basch and Aquilis.

Larsa managed a small smile. He had awoken in the Hall with all the members of the Order of the Tournesol looking down at him, Aurea casting a simple spell of healing over his exhausted form. Basch had been drained of all power at the moment and Aurea only knew simple magicks, white magick not enough to heal all the party but enough to partly heal a person.

Despite the spell however, and the X-potion he drank, Larsa was not strong enough to actually walk and could barely manage to sit up. In the end, Sephyr suggested that some of them carry him; it was not a good idea to stay in one place for too long. And until they secure any place in the Cave Palace, they could not stop at all.

Sephyr and Olen took the job of scouting now and left Aquilis, Aurea and Anubys to guard over the weakened Emperor.

Larsa managed to give a weak smile now. "I have not laughed like that in a long while," he whispered indicating the moment before he fainted in exhaustion.

Basch gave a sort of chuckle, the best he could allow with his cracked ribs and the burden of carrying Larsa. "Laughing is best when all fails, I believe."

"How would you know?" Zargabath could not help retorting. "I have never actually heard you laugh before."

"Just because I do not show my emotions to you Zargabath, does not mean I do not show them to people of more importance." Basch replied smoothly.

Larsa laughed weakly but let the two at it. It was good that his companions were not dispirited from their encounter with the snake. Optimism went a long way. It took Larsa longer to realize that as seasoned warriors, they would not need optimism.

Zargabath and Basch went on sniping at each other until Aurea herself rolled her eyes at them and called the two of them an old married couple snapping at each other. That made the two shut up and the group focused in getting Larsa to secure place to let him heal more effectively.

They soon reached a section in the Cave Palace called Destiny's March and met up with Sephyr and Olen who had cleared a path for them. Laying Larsa against one of the stone edifices, Basch proceeded to cast a "Curaja" spell, could for all the party but Larsa waved him away.

"Save your strength, Basch" he said hoarsely. "It's still a long way." He had then produced a few X-potions, took one himself and gave the rest to his companions who took them gratefully and without complaint.

Larsa's next thought happened long after he took the potion and he realized he might have lapsed into unconsciousness again. He awoke to find that Basch was still carrying him, on his back now and they were moving steadily through a weirdly structured labyrinth of stalagmites and stalactites.

"Where are we?" he asked Basch, feeling some of his strength return after catching some sleep.

"Still at Sochen, Your Excellency." Basch murmured. "This place is called Doubt Abandoned. Zombies and other creatures infested this place when we first entered, it looks like Sephyr and his men are doing a thorough job of cleansing the place."

"Is everybody all right then?" Larsa asked, trying to ignore the fact that his arms were around Basch's neck.

"They are not exactly in excellent form, but we'll make it. They are hardy warriors as I have seen them. There is no need to worry; we are almost at the exit."

Larsa did not know if he nodded or said any reaffirmation, for his next tangible thought was feeling a soft breeze, caressing his face and returning some of his strength. They had reached the exit. Opening his eyes, he saw Sephyr and Olen standing at the cave entrance, looking back at the lot of them before walking along cautiously at grassy plains. The moon and the stars shone brightly up above as if they had stepped out into another world devoid of chaos and of bedlam.

"Tchita Uplands." Basch murmured, lowering Larsa down at his request underneath the tree that stood a few yards away from the Cave entrance.

"We've made it," Zargabath murmured, also looking back at Sochen Cave Palace. Larsa followed his gaze.

"What did I actually do, in that place?" the emperor asked Basch, who Larsa knew could explain a bit of the magick he used if not all. "I mean, what did I do with that snake?"

Basch was silent for a moment, looking up at the leaves of the tree as if deciding on what to say.

"It was a Mist technique, your Excellency." He said a while after. "There is no other term for it. You used a Quickening, one of the Intense Branches of Mist Handling. I am familiar with this branch, since I use this sometimes when the need arises, but always I am aware of my limits. I have not heard of any Quickening that would drain you of your strength so quickly." Basch tore his gaze away from Larsa. "Perhaps because that you are not trained in the art of handling such pure mist it took a toll on you. However, I believe the effects are not permanent. You will regain your strength soon enough."

Basch had looked at Larsa again at that point and perhaps he had read some of the frustrated look on Larsa's face because he added, "Mist Handling is a very difficult thing to master, my lord. Do not blame yourself for getting drained of strength. I myself would not the power to produce such a spell at such an early stage. I commend you for your courage. "

Larsa could only smile at this once more, and he rested his head against the trunk of the tree behind him. Sephyr and Olen soon regrouped with them, Olen still had his Tournesols unsheathed, but Sephyr was walking purposefully towards them. One look at the still recumbent Emperor, the Captain of the Order stated plainly that they would be staying here for the night. No one argued about this, since they could not very well cut through any distance with a weak Emperor, it would look very strange to any night time travelers. Basch left Larsa to sleep against the tree, while Sephyr soon ordered a watch on the surround. Basch himself produced a little fire for the night, he had regained most of his mist power, his glove glowing blue once more rather than the dull metal color they had sported when Basch had lost all his power.

With the warmth of the fire and the steady blowing of a soft breeze, Larsa let himself lapse into a deep sleep for the fourth time since he had defeated the gigantic snake.

XOXXOXOX

Emperor Larsa felt that he barely had laid his head against the tree trunk to sleep when a loud animal-like roar woke him up unexpectedly. His eyes snapped open, and he saw that he had been sleeping for a long time now, since the sun was already up and was shining brightly across the grassy plains of Tchita Uplands. He stretched and looked for the source of the sound.

He could not see where his companions disappeared to, but another roar coupled with sounds of metal and dull thuds announced that wherever that thing was, his guards were there as well. Looking if his Royal Edge was left with him, he was not disappointed to find it beside him. Larsa picked it up and tried to stand up. It seemed that he had gained enough rest because he felt strong enough to stand as well as walk to where one of the Order stood on the other side of the tree, obviously standing guard over him.

"Where are the others?" Larsa asked Aquilis, for it was the indeed the man with the red streaks in his hair who stood watching guard over the young Emperor. Aquilis looked at Larsa almost detachedly and nodded over to the other side of a large wall that separated the tree and the entrance to Sochen Cave Palace with the rest of Tchita.

Larsa followed the direction where Aquilis motioned over to and looked back at Aquilis. "What beast is it that they fight?"

"Wyrm." Muttered Aquilis, not looking at Larsa but towards where the others had apparently run off to.

"A wyrm?" Larsa demanded. It seemed as if their troubles were not yet over despite leaving Sochen Cave Palace. "Why did you not tell me sooner? We have to help them!" he bade to run towards where the roars originated from but Aquilis stopped him short. "I am supposed to protect you and make sure you don't over exert yourself, emperor."

There was such a condescending tone in Aquilis' remark that Larsa felt more anger than appreciation for his concern.

"I am fine." The young emperor firmly said. "Now if you intend to protect me, you have no choice but to come along." And with that Larsa turned around and began running towards where the others were.

When Larsa turned the bend to reach where the remaining members of the Order of the Tournesol and the Judge Majsiters were fighting the wyrm, Larsa was surprised to find that the wyrm seemed to be winning. It seemed as if even the tireless Order of the Tournesol and the Judges had lost most of their strength with the crusade inside Sochen. Basch had lost his magick power again and could barely hold his weapon steady. Same goes through the other members. Larsa watched helplessly as Aurea tried to aim a deathly blow with her Tournesols but was knocked before she could do anything. Aquilis had run straight to offer his help to her.

"Your Excellency!" Larsa heard Olen yell somewhere behind the dragon-like creature. "Go back! It is not safe for you to be here!"

Before Larsa could react, answer or do anything at all, a loud sound, like that of a gun shot came from behind him, just whizzing pass his ear and landed with a satisfactory thud on the wyrm's flesh. The beast began to roar and thrash about, swinging his tail and knocking Olen and Anubys out of the way. Sephyr had jumped just in time and had poised his swords to bring down the death strike when the wyrm reared on its hind legs and swiped the air with his claws, catching Sephyr mid jump and bringing him to the ground with a bone-crunching fall.

Larsa was about to run towards the wyrm to help his companions, but someone got to it first, running pass him in a blur of black and metal. Larsa stood still shocked as the warrior that had run passed him made quick work of the wyrm. Standing there, the person who fired a shot drew level with him and Larsa managed to tear his gaze away from the wyrm and look at the man standing beside him.

He was tall, almost as tall as Captain Sephyr, and almost had the same length of hair as the captain save his was ebony black. The eyes that stared at the wyrm were crimson red, like that of a Viera but there was nothing friendly in his gaze. It was distant, aloof and detached; He was dressed in a blood-red tattered cloak that partly hid his face and matched the red bandana that was wrapped around his forehead, keeping most of the stray locks away. The rest of his armor was the same colors as his hair, midnight black, save for one of his clawed gloves and boots which were a dull yellow. The gun he carried was a specially customized Sirius, with three barrels, and had a three wolf headed cross chain dangling from the handle.

This man gazed at Larsa now, and it was an intelligent gaze, as if dissecting his true identity with his solid red eyes. Larsa was not one to be unnerved by gaze alone but this man had true power behind his eyes and Larsa was the first to break the gaze.

Presently, Larsa looked over to what was the remains of the wyrm, which had fallen after a few swipes from the warrior who overtook Larsa. If the man with the Sirius was strange this other man was stranger.

He had chocobo-yellow hair that stood up in every direction by some strange force or another. His eyes were a brilliant sky-blue that were less cold than the man with the red eyes, but still unattached. He looked at Larsa curiously though, but not without a raised guard. His armor, was like the gunsman, all black and it was strange armor as well. For in his left there was a shoulder pad as well as a sleeve than ran down his whole arm and partly covered his gloved hands. On his right however, there was neither pauldron nor sleeve and exposed tanned skin until the mid-arm length gloves. The pauldron on his left held a wolf buckle which in turn secured the sheath of his sword which was strapped to his back. The sword was unsheathed at the moment, which was a Defender, large and bulky but not without power. Looking at Larsa and the others who were regaining their balance, the blond-haired fellow sheathed his sword and walked over to the young emperor.

"You should know better than to confront a wyrm with such weakened states." He told Larsa, standing over him. His voice was surprisingly soft and calm.

"And aren't you a little too young to be out here?" the man with the red cloak added, his voice hoarse. Larsa turned to look at him.

"I would have you know that I am fully capable of fighting, with or without your help." He could not help snapping. Why is it that strangers, such as these, who first sight him think him worthless?

The blond smiled a fraction of a smile that was almost unrecognizable. "Looks like we found ourselves some Archadians, Hollow." He told his companion, who merely nodded and looked over to the others.

"How did you know?" Larsa asked surprised. The blond walked over to Olen and helped him stand up.

"Your accents," he replied to Larsa who ran over to Zargabath and Basch and helped them up also.

The blond walked over to Aurea and offered his gloved hand, and she accepted gratefully, a more than a bright smile on her face. Aquilis, who had not sustained any damage just shook his head and stood silent once more. The stranger was about to help Sephyr stand up but the silver-haired Captain waved him away. "I can still stand for myself, thanks." He said none too rudely which earned him the scandalized looks from both Aurea and Larsa.

"It does not matter." The stranger shrugged and walked over to the body of the wyrm.

"You people were unlucky with this wyrm. Here in Tchita they are very rare. You could almost never find them here."

"Really?" Aurea asked with more fascination than the remark needed. "How can you say that?"

The man seemed not to notice this sudden eagerness for he looked over his shoulder and said quite calmly, "That's because we're Wyrm slayers. Hunters stationed at Phon Coast." He straightened up now.

"Wyrm slayers?" Sephyr asked doubt laced in his voice.

"Did you say Phon Coast?" Larsa said at the same time, his voice absent of doubt but more of eagerness.

Before the stranger could reply however, his companion, who had turned his back on the group, looked at him. "Iris comes." He said simply and the blond nodded.

"Who?" Zargabath asked out loud who had lapsed out of the majority of the conversation. Again, his question was not answered for at that moment, another hunter came running towards them.

This hunter was a young woman, smaller than both men but considerably looked friendlier than her companions. She was dressed in an old rose-colored dress with a darker colored short-sleeved vest over it and carried a small wicker basket. She smiled as she drew level with them, her brown hair that was fashioned in a long plait down her back bouncing as she went. Her green eyes sparkled as she smiled, placing a hand over her chest to steady her breathing.

"Oh good," she said breathlessly, her voice soft and melodic, like a wind chime catching a slight breeze. "I thought you had teleported back to Phon coast, but then I remembered we had some business here." She addressed her companions. She turned to Larsa and the others. "Oh, did you meet fellow hunters?"

The red-eyed man gave a doubtful noise. "Not with their looks they are not."

It was Zargabath's turn to give a scandalized gasp at this remark. Olen, who noticed the tension between the two groups quickly, answered the young woman.

"We are travelers, and are grateful to your companions who helped us out in a spot of trouble. One of your companions said that you are Wyrm slayers?"

The woman nodded. "That's right. This is Nimbus," she pointed over to the blond. "And Hollow." She pointed to the guns man.

"And what is your name, fair maiden?" Sephyr smoothly cut in, whose eyes seemed to show as much interest as Aurea was showing to Nimbus.

"Her name is Iris," Nimbus cut in just as smoothly, and his tone was not as detached as it was before. Iris, who seemed not to notice anything, simply nodded.

Sephyr narrowed his eyes at Nimbus now. "I believe you are not the fair maiden whom I asked."

Glances passed between both groups. Zargabath exchanged glances with Basch and Hollow's eyes flickered over to Olen. It was Larsa who first cut the silence however.

"Yes, hello." Larsa quickly said. "I am Lamont, and we are on our way to Phon Coast, to uhmm…seek some Marks. They told us that Phon was the place to go for such."

Iris moved forward and shook his hand. "Pleased to meet you Lamont. Well, you were right, Phon is the place to go." she looked over to Larsa's companions. "Do you know how to get there?"

Larsa shook his head, glad that the tension was slowly dissolving somewhat. "Unfortunately no. We lost our map down at Sochen Cave Palace when we were fighting off the beasts there."

The Wyrm slayers turned over to the direction of Sochen at these words and an identical look came over each of their faces.

"You have been through a lot. " Iris noted and it was not a question.

"I can see why you were not able to defeat the wyrm so quickly," Nimbus added, and he did not see the frown that appeared on Sephyr's face as he said this, but Larsa did.

"Could you be so kind to point us to the direction?" Larsa asked hurriedly, remembering Penelo's letter and Vaan's advice.

Nimbus turned to look at Larsa now. "I'm afraid we can't."

"What?" Aurea butt in, surprised. "Why not?"

"You see, you have to be a hunter to enter Phon Coast without trouble. And I'm afraid that since you are not hunters yet, we cannot point you the way." Iris answered.

"Is it not that civilians who are escorted to the Camp by certain qualified hunters are allowed passage as well?" Basch now asked and Larsa remembered. The young Emperor looked at Nimbus' gloves and sure enough the Phon Coast Hunter insignia, one like that of a comet falling out of the sky was engraved in Nimbus' right glove.

Iris had nodded to Basch's question, and Larsa said almost excitedly. "But you could lead us there. You are qualified to escort us to Phon Coast since you bear the insignia!"

They did not know who looked more startled at this declaration, the members of the Order of the Tournesol or the Wyrm slayers. Nevertheless, Iris congratulated Larsa for he had somehow had passed the test. To be able to know who to talk to, to point out where the Hunters' Camp was, was something of a feat. With that settled, Iris and the Wrym slayers began leading Larsa's group through Tchita towards Phon Coast

XOXOXOXOXO

The journey towards Phon Coast compared to their earlier journey through Sochen Cave Palace was uneventful, in terms that there were fewer creatures to fight off and they were not constantly running for their lives. Admittedly, however, there were more opportunities for the group to snap and argue with each other.

Captain Sephyr, who obviously did not trust Nimbus or Hollow, would lapse into silence whenever these two ask him questions about their journey. However, whenever Iris asked a question he was unbelievably vocal and friendly. Larsa noticed that his team, the other members of the Order of the Tournesol was exchanging looks of disbelief between each other whenever they thought no one was looking. Aquilis seemed more silent and more reticent than ever though his eyes would frequently flicker to where Aurea was walking very closely beside Nimbus, who unbelievably seemed oblivious of the attention. If Larsa had not been fleeing for his life away from his empire, he would have thought the whole situation was hilarious. It seemed that even if the Order was considered as the most skilled fighters of Archades, they seemed to fall short when it came to interacting successfully with other people or other warriors for that matter.

But Larsa was grateful for these moments, no matter how trivial they maybe. For it seemed that at least his life would have some semblance to normalcy, away from the political wars that plagued his mind. He could think of nothing but how funny it was for Zargabath attempt to talk to Hollow, who would edge closer to Aquilis who was equal with him in silence; how Aurea, who seemed like a very capable warrior throw dagger looks over to Iris who seemed to have a special bond with Nimbus and how Sephyr would also do the same towards Nimbus and made the Captain look more menacing than ever. It reminded Larsa of the short time he had spent traveling with Vaan, Penelo, and the others. Basch had been there, but Larsa had spent more time with Vaan and Penelo, who were closer to him by age but further from him it seemed of cares and woes. It had been refreshing to talk with them, everything seemed so light hearted and carefree. It made Larsa wonder, hours later when they rested beside a stream, how he would react to this whole situation if he was just any other fifteen year old denizen of Ivalice.

Nothing that comes to what my reaction now, probably. He thought to himself, looking absently as Aurea sneakily pushed Zargabath into the stream and made for the first time, Basch chuckle out loud. He was still thinking to himself when Nimbus silently walked up to him and sat beside him, his blue eyes also looking out into the stream.

"So, you are aspiring hunters," Nimbus murmured. Larsa nodded at him. "You have heard my story."

"Actually no," Nimbus answered. "All we know about you is that you are obviously Archadians, with that accent and those clothes, but that you look nowhere close to a hunter despite age or size was guessed by me and Hollow. Unless of course, you would like to clarify that last bit?" he turned his eyes to Larsa whose brow had furrowed in surprise but was otherwise silent.

The two stared at each other, blue meeting with blue and this time Larsa did not break the gaze. Nimbus sighed and looked away, back where Zargabath was being dried up by Iris.

"I have a sense about people," Nimbus started. "A gift, if you will. I can tell if a person is trustworthy at not just by looking at them."

"A gift worth envying." Larsa commented dryly and Nimbus gave an amused shake of the head, his spiky blond hair immovable.

"You must know that the only reason why we are leading your group is that I think you are trustworthy." Nimbus added.

"I am," Larsa found himself saying.

The older man looked at him. "Are you? After all, we just met you. What can you say to me that will ease my doubts if you have ill intentions towards Phon Coast or any of its hunters? I'm sure you know that the only person who could have told you about the insignia is another Phon Coast hunter?"

Larsa sighed. His troubles were coming back once more. He suddenly felt wearied, like an old man that had been forced to carry too much wood for his age. He looked at Nimbus wearily. How much can he tell this man? As of this moment, he did not know exactly how much bounty was on his head and what was exactly happening at Archades. He did not know how the Senate explained his absence and the deaths of Haussen and Dece to the people. He did not know if he could tell Nimbus about his informers about the insignia without risking Vaan and Penelo's safety. Larsa did not even know if he could return to Archades in the near future.

He sighed again. Looking at Nimbus once more, he began. "You have saved us, and I am grateful. However, I can not tell you everything about us, for it will not only endanger us, but possibly bring you into the line of fire. What I can tell you however is that the person who told me about the insignia is a close and trusted friend of mine. He told me that if I am in ever need of trouble, and need his help, all I need to do was find a Phon Coast hunter and he will lead me to the coast. I am hoping that Vaan was not wrong about this."

Nimbus' eyes started at this last remark. "Did you say Vaan?"

Larsa nodded now, relieved that there seemed to be no evil meant for his friend by these Wyrm slayers. "He is a member of the Clan Centurio, under the moogle Montblanc. His partner is Penelo, a young woman from Rabanastre."

Nimbus nodded now. "I am convinced. No one would know so much about Vaan and Penelo unless they are personally acquainted with them." He placed a hand on Larsa's shoulder. "Do not worry, we will get you to Phon Coast, Lamont."

Larsa smiled softly now. "I would be eternally grateful."

XOXOXO

Phon Coast was generally a coastal region lying along Phon's Straits, which divided Larsa's homeland, Archadia from Basch's homeland, Nabradia. It was often praised for its beautiful beaches of white sand and lush greenery. But aside from this, the main attraction of Phon, was the Hunters' Camp, though popularly known, is difficult to enter except for hunters and their guests.

The Hunters' Camp is different from a Clan, both in location and in members. The best of the best of hunters, who seek out the rarest of marks, are only known to gather along this camp. The hunters that collect there have no leader, unlike a clan. The information exchanges, activities to support the camp, and payments for such are handled on an individual basis. As a result of this, many of the hunters rarely know each other, save for those who have truly risen above the ranks. Vaan and Penelo were such hunters, though Larsa did not know this until they entered the camp.

It was not as Larsa had expected. It had a very friendly ambience and the sunny beach, white sand and tall trees added to the paradise-like effect the Camp emanated. There were few buildings around, most of them made of wood and were mostly for public use. The largest of these wooden buildings, according to Basch was where goods could be bought, provisions and sundries. Larsa saw the owners calling out on the platform outside, urging the hunters to come and buy. In front of this building, in a shaded area, were a makeshift stage and the notice board, which Larsa recognized contained marks, and was hung against two trunks of coconut trees.

But what the Camp lacked in architecture they made up for it with tents. There were tents pitched all over the Camp, some bigger than the others, some fit only to fit one person. This was where the hunters who stay at the camp obviously sleep. The Wyrm slayers led them through this labyrinth of tents, and once and a while, Iris would wave at hunters and Nimbus would nod acknowledging hunters who recognized him.

" Every night there is a big bonfire, just a little away from the notice board," Iris told Larsa's group. "All the hunters gather here because we exchange stories about our hunts for the day, and occasionally a new hunt for all hunters is posted and we make it like a contest that gets to it first." She pointed over to the smaller board where the hunters had a list of the highest scorers were. "Our very own Hunt Club." She said smiling.

"You see it gets boring after a while, just hunting and earning bounty." Nimbus added. "The hunt contest adds a bit of challenge because there is a certain time limit for hunters to neutralize a mark. Unlike ordinary marks, the only challenge is getting to it first. The Hunt contest demands that you get to the mark first and kill it just in time. Otherwise, you forfeit your chance and others are given a go."

"Impressive." Anubys remarked. "Might be fun,"

Larsa nodded. "It is certainly a complicated but effective system," he was wondering where Vaan and Penelo were and they were indeed in the Camp. Looking over to Basch, Larsa saw that he too was keeping out for their two blond friends.

Nimbus soon led them to an area with large tents. Reaching the nearest one, he pointed at it. "That's our tent. Since we stay here almost every night, the guy who rents out tents has allowed us to let it stand." He turned to Basch. "If you're planning to stay for the night at least, it is best if you go rent out tents in that building." He pointed over to the largest wooden structure.

"Don't worry, the tent doesn't cause much, but it is more expensive the larger it is." Iris added.

Larsa looked at Basch now. Are they going to stay the night? After all they had already spent an extra night out in Tchita, could they afford to lose one more. Larsa looked at his men, and he was sure that an extra night, though highly dangerous was highly needed by them as well. He nodded at Basch.

"Perhaps, I should go inside the tent for a while." Larsa murmured to Basch and Zargabath and the Judges nodded.

"It will be difficult to spot you around here, but you never know," Basch answered.

In the end, Olen was sent to rent the tents, since Aurea seemed keen in staying with Nimbus, and Anubys was keen to stay close to Aurea and Sephyr seemed keen as well to stay close, both to the Emperor and the Wyrm slayers. Anubys had bounded off towards the notice board after Sephyr ordered they checked the surround and Hollow had wandered off on his own.

"Would it be possible to check if my friends are here?" Larsa spoke to Nimbus after Olen and the others had left the tent, leaving them with Basch.

Nimbus nodded. "I will see what I can do. But know that if you don't meet him today, surely you will meet him tonight at the bonfire."

Larsa nodded gratefully and Nimbus left the tent. Basch watched the tent flap even after Nimbus left before turning towards Larsa.

The young Emperor was wandering around the tent, examining the little things around the tent. His hands skimmed across beds and unlit lanterns and flower vases before he met Basch's eyes.

"Are you all right, Your Excellency?" he asked gruffly, reminding Larsa that he was a much older man and much more experienced regarding such affairs as these.

"I'm wondering if I did right, Basch. I wonder if it was right I told Nimbus about Vaan." Larsa whispered.

"They would know sooner or later, whether or not you told them." Basch answered. "I'm sure news of whoever met with the legendary killers of Yiazmat will spread throughout the camp."

Larsa nodded, acknowledging the wisdom behind this remark. "Will we see this through Basch?" he now asked the older man. "Will we see Archades again?"

Basch stared at Larsa now, seeing that it was not an Emperor who was asking this question from his Judge Majister, but a fifteen-year-old boy asking an older man for reassurance. A dangerous promise Basch could make if he chooses to do so.

"I believe so, Larsa." Basch spoke his name without the title now. "You will walk in the streets of Archades once more. And when you do, it will be a time of the greater peace you have dreamed."

Larsa stared at Basch now, surprised at the gravity of his words. "You have told me what I wanted to hear," the young emperor said shaking his head and breaking his gaze from Basch. "But not, I think, the truth." A small sigh escaped his lips.

"Only if you do not see it that way." Basch replied smoothly and Larsa looked up. "You will get through this," the Judge Majister added. He nodded firmly at Larsa and the emperor had no choice but to nod back.

" This is my duty, and I am forced to walk it," Larsa whispered now. Looking at Basch once more he added, "It does not mean that you shall walk the same path as I do."

Basch shook his head. "If by my life or death I could protect you, I will. I am with you to the end, Your Excellency."

Larsa gave a small smile of gratitude. "I am grateful," he looked at the tent flap where most of his companions had disappeared through. "Though I will not have the same for Sephyr and his men. This is not their fight."

The young Emperor half-expected Basch to disagree and insist to him that the Order of the Tournesol would be needed, but to Larsa's surprise, Basch nodded his head in agreement. " I would say the same for Zargabath. Though they are worthy fighters and loyal comrades, they do not know the lands as Vaan, Penelo and I do. If we are to travel through Ivalice on foot, it is best to not draw attention to ourselves."

Larsa agreed. "Yes; five people who carry Tournesols for weapons and a man who speaks in the noble speech would be noticed immediately. "

It was Basch's turn to give a smile, but how quickly it disappeared. "What would you have them do, your Excellency? We cannot just leave them here; even our path is clouded and unclear."

Larsa nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps the way will show itself within our time here; I still have faith in the Gods, as strong as my faith with my people."

Though Basch admittedly did not think this answer was good enough, he was still Judge Majister and therefore loyal to his Emperor, that's why he did not react save another nod.

Presently, Nimbus returned to the tent and he did not bring good news. Vaan and Penelo were not in the Camp at the moment. It seems their mark was giving more trouble than it ought and the two were making sure they killed it before they join the bonfire that night, of which Nimbus assured Larsa that Vaan and Penelo were never absent.

"You will see them then."

Larsa nodded and thanked Nimbus. "Let me express on behalf of my group my thanks, Nimbus. You have saved us from a fate far worse than death."

Nimbus gave a slight shake of his head, as if to say it was nothing and offered to help them pitch their tents. Olen had rented a couple already and was looking for a campsite. Larsa thanked him again and made to follow Nimbus before Basch stopped him shortly and said softly about the possibility of recognition. It was Nimbus who assured Larsa however. "Everybody's too busy around here to notice that you are from Archades. Don't worry about it."

Despite other nagging doubts on the back of Basch's head, he was forced to let Larsa go because he knew that despite Larsa's appreciation and understanding of his security measures, he was still an adolescent who craves for space more than an adult. The older man contented himself with the thought that he would not lower his guard until all this is over and followed Larsa and Nimbus out of the tent.

XOXOXOX

Many are we in a circle,

Many men are we,

Many come to join us,

The Merrier are we!

Come round! Come all!

There is no reason for you to stall!

Whether tired or weary or healthy,

Come join us, we welcome you, big or small!

Come far! Come near!

You are all welcome here!

'Tis the Hunters' Bonfire of which we sing,

Come join us in this ring!

This was the song that filled all of Phon Coast, or at least the Hunters' Camp once the sun had set and the blanket that was night was dotted with stars. It was a cheerful song, made to encourage others to join in, for it was simple in verse as well as tone. This was the song that Larsa and his companions were greeted with when Iris came to fetch them for the Hunters' bonfire that night. She praised them with their outfits, (Larsa thought it was best that they get disguises for everybody) and said that she would never have guests they were not hunters in their outfits.

Once they had joined the large ring of hunters around the huge bonfire, a wonderful contrast to the cold of the beach, Iris ushered them to empty spaces in the sand and went to find Nimbus and Hollow.

"They always seem to ignore the opening song," she explained. "I don't know why" she smiled at them reassuringly and bounded off somewhere.

Once the song ended and another cheerful song took its place, Larsa allowed himself to look for the hunters he knew. His blue eyes scanned the people around the ring, but there were just so many people he could not distinguish the blonds he knew and…

Larsa gave a strained gasp that Basch and Zargabath looked at him with concern.

"What is it your Excellency?" Zargabath asked leaning towards him. Larsa was silent, but he frantically double-took towards the other side of the bonfire and kept looking around him as if he was searching for someone.

When it seemed he did not see it he turned to Basch and Zargabath who were looking at him expectantly. He made himself shake his head; he did not want to alarm them as much as he was alarmed by an image that could very well be a figment of a much stressed mind.

"Nothing," he then said that must not have sounded so convincing because the two judges continued to look at him with concern, so he also added. "I thought I saw a Seeq and a Bangaa doing…" he shook his head. "Let us just forget I said anything, all right?"

Zargabath nodded an affirmative but Basch raised his eyebrow at him before turning his gaze back to the bonfire. The songs were now mixed with other hunters playing musical instruments as well were encouraging the female hunters to join in a dance.

Larsa turned his sight at this start of the dance, particularly since Iris was one of them and she looked as if she was enjoying herself. However, he still could not take the image of what he was sure he had seen standing amongst the hunters…

He had thought he had seen Judge Majister Scipio standing there amongst the hunters, dressed ever in his black and red and enigmatic mask. But what was more surprising for Larsa, was that this image of Scipio or if he was real, saluted to him in a lazy kind of way, as if he met with his Lord Emperor in the middle of cheery and otherwise simple bonfires such as this Hunters' Fire, everyday.

What was more; Larsa could not shake the image of Scipio sneering at him in a way the young man did not like. As if the Judge knew something he did not.

But that was impossible. How could Judge Majister Scipio be in Phon Coast? How could he be anywhere outside Archades for that matter? Larsa began thinking that if it was not Scipio, then who did he see? Seeing an image of Scipio reminded Larsa of a conversation with Basch during that night when they left Archades. Basch had said that Scipio was nowhere to be found and that his soldiers were the ones hunting for them. Was this why nobody could find him that night of Dece's assassination? Because he was trailing Larsa? Why would he if that is the case?

So submerged was Larsa in these thoughts that he was no longer paying attention to the dancing hunters, until Basch leaned over and whispered in his ear.

'Tis Penelo."

Hearing Penelo's name made Larsa come flying back down on earth and he looked at Basch startled. "What did you say?"

Basch motioned over to the dancing hunters, and sure enough, Penelo could be seen amidst Iris and the other female hunters, twirling and spinning with the music.

Larsa sat there, watching Penelo, his eyes transfixed at her dancing form. He had forgotten how graceful she moved whenever she danced; as if every piece of music was made for her and that her every step was more than a dance step but a story in itself. Seeing her dance; it was if all his problems had disappeared and that there was nothing to do but to watch her.That night in Bhujerba when they had danced together seemed so far away and from another person's life.

He continued watching her, even after the dance was finished and saw that she had not changed much since he last saw her. Her eyes were still sparkling the same and her hair was still arranged in the same way, and her smile was definitely unchanged, still full of life and cheer.

Presently, he saw Nimbus, it was easy for he was the only one with hair like that of a chocobo, approach Penelo after she danced and stood with Iris away from the fire. He saw her look concerned as Nimbus whispered something in her ear and saw her nod and watched Nimbus draw away. He knew it was time to stand and leave the circle discreetly. Larsa did not have to look back to see if his guard was following; they clearly were.

It was time to leave the cheerfulness of the fire and embrace the coldness of the world in which he was forced to tread through.