Avatar of the Occuria
Chapter 9; Liberty Refreshed
Rabanastre
Harry glanced behind him as he walked towards the waiting escort. He'd notified the Rabanastre Garrison of his imminent arrival via private transport but not waited for a response from them. As he watched the Strahl rose up out of the private docks and twisted up and over an approaching passenger ferry and headed off up into the clouds. Harry had given them what advice he could offer and suggested that they go to Balfonheim and talk to the ex-Judge Reddas who knew the eastern oceans the best. If anyone knew the quickest way to the Cataract it was him.
Harry had known the man, he had been one of the supporters of peace before what had happened to Nabradia, and Harry had watched as he'd resigned his position in protest to what had happened. Harry had looked into it further and he knew that Reddas had been the one to lead the men that had carried the cursed stone into the city. He'd been told that it would disable the palin, he hadn't known it would wipe out half of the country of Nabradia with it.
"My Lord Judge Magister." The man bowed just enough to not be disrespectful and Harry gazed across at him from under his shadowed hood. The man was a politician, left here to speak for Vayne when the Consul wasn't in attendance. He'd slowly made his mark on the city by taking over control of the city's garrison. Not that he could fully wrestle it away from Harry though. At his back was a Judge, one of Harry's less than loyal soldiers as well as two soldiers that Harry couldn't recognise based on their simple armour.
"I expected a different escort." Harry intoned before heading towards the entrance.
"I'm afraid I can't let you move freely through this city, My Lord Judge Magister." The man called after him just as they all emerged onto the walkway leading up to the western gate. Six soldiers stood ready outside and they tensed at Harry's appearance. Harry came to a stop at the words and turned to look back up the steps at the Commissioner.
"Excuse me?" Harry asked even as his senses spread out to find out his tactical situation. He admitted to himself that he'd dropped himself in it by arriving in such a political situation without confirming his own loyal escort would be there to meet him. "This is Rabanastre. Need I remind you who is in command here, Commissioner?"
They were drawing a crowd now from the travellers who had been heading for the Aerodrome only to find their way blocked. The gates into the city were wide open and the four soldiers at the door were muttering to each other nervously. "I have orders from the Emperor that your movements are to be monitored. You may stay in your usual rooms at the palace until you feel fit to move on but you are not permitted to move anywhere without someone to escort you." The Commissioner demanded. He raised a hand and the soldiers nervously began to approach.
"I should not need to remind you that the acting Emperor cannot make any charges against a Judge Magister without the assistance of the Magisterial Council." Harry intoned simply even as soldiers started heading for them out of the city gates. Reinforcements for Harry or the Commissioner though he didn't know. "I command in this city and you have no authority to order around my men."
"These are my men." The commissioner argued.
"These soldiers are in Rabanastre. I know I don't need to remind everyone that only I can have military support in Dalmasca. They are soldiers so they are either under my command or have betrayed the Empire by being here under anyone else's orders. Which is it?" He turned sharply to the soldiers still surrounding him. "Are you part of the garrison?"
"Garrison, My Lord Judge Magister." A Soldier with Captain's stripes announced and took a firm step backwards and with a gesture the others stepped away. Harry reassessed the men even as the others arrived and this time Harry recognised one of the two Judges here that he knew were fully loyal to him.
"Your orders?" Harry demanded.
"The Consul ordered us to comply to the orders given to us by his Commissioner." The Captain informed him. "He told us we were here to apprehend a criminal."
Harry turned to the Commissioner who looked like he didn't have a backup plan. Harry raised his voice to reach everyone watching. "As Commander of the Imperial Sixth Fleet and custodian of Dalmasca I remove Consul Vayne Solidor from his position of authority over Rabanastre. Any of his staff that wish to return to his side in Archades have until midnight tonight to leave this city."
"You can't do that!" The Commissioner gasped.
"This city has been under Martial Law for over two years." Harry sneered dangerous as he drew his Katana warningly. "I assure you I can."
"He is the Emperor!" The Commissioner took a startled step backwards and the Judge at his side stepped between them and drew his sword against Harry.
"Acting Emperor." Harry commented. "Legally I am compelled to act. The Magisterial Council will judge my actions. Arrest the Commissioner and his guard."
The Judge leapt at Harry who took a half step to the side, deflected the broadsword without any real effort and slid his Katana through the gaps in the Judge's armour and split his heart in two. The Judge was dead in three seconds and his blood seeped onto the stone pavings outside the Aerodrome.
In all the commotion the two soldiers that had originally escorted the Commissioner and his Judge had grabbed the Commissioner by the arms. "My Lord Judge Magister?" One of them asked.
"Take him to the square and hang him." Harry announced emotionlessly. "Spread the word that the Consul's staff are to be out of the city by midnight or they'll share his fate. This city is under my control under declaration of the late Emperor Gramis and any attempt at treason by trying to usurp my control will be dealt with harshly."
"My Lord Judge Magister." The soldiers around him snapped out a quick salute and started running off into the city. The Captain he recognised that had arrived late left him with two Mages and three soldiers to escort him through the city to the palace and word had spread faster than he was able to walk and soon the entire city was talking about how the Judge Magister of Death had seized back control of their city.
The Commissioner was already hanging on the end of the rope as he crossed the square outside the walkways that crossed the lakes to the Palace. He hadn't even started in on what he needed to do today before he left for Nalbina.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Four hours later
It had been a while before Harry had finally finished reorganising the defences of the city and responding to calls from the Empire about his moves. Some were in support but there were a few that were in outrage but he used law to back himself up and knew the Magisterial Council would be forced to see his way. He'd been placed in command of Dalmasca, Nabradia and Bhujerba by the late Emperor Gramis which meant nobody could trump him in those countries without Imperial Edict and Vayne couldn't make those yet. He'd been well within his rights to hang the Commissioner for treason and they knew it.
Eventually though he'd told the Captain to take any messages that came through and had walked through the city and out of the gates and through the high walls that protected the graveyard from animals. He ordered his escort to keep their distance not wanting anyone to know which grave he was visiting before he headed for where he knew Vaan's brother, Reks, had been buried.
It was rare for people to be buried, generally it was preferable but when the fees for burial couldn't be afforded most people went for cremation and scattered the ashes in the desert. Harry knelt at the foot of the grave and with a wave of his hand the wind swept through and shifted the sand and mess from the green grass of the tended graveyard. Vaan had been too caught up in grief to wonder why the undertakers had been happy to have Reks buried and never questioned who had paid for the ornate headstone. It hadn't been enough in Harry's mind but he'd done what he could for the brave boy that had tried to protect his King.
He had felt the undying urge to pay his respects to Reks' grave since arriving back in the city. "You gave up your childhood to raise Vaan." Harry told the grave as if he were talking to Vaan's older brother face to face. "I don't really know why I need to be here either only that you're the only family that he had and because I wanted to say thank you. In a way your actions, your choices, brought us together and I just wanted to come and promise to you that I will protect him and love him because you can't any longer." Harry looked down at the grass between his knees and felt his eyes burn. The Song took on a saddened tone. "I wish I could give Vaan what he really needs, his older brother, and perhaps Balthier can give him that in a way. Vaan certainly looks up to him like an older brother and as much as Balthier complains I know he does want to look out for Vaan."
After a good ten minutes of silence he eventually straightened up. "Anything Vaan needs I'll get for him." Harry promised. "I'll be what he needs. I promise you that."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
That night
Harry slipped through the shadows in Lowtown. Originally Rabanastre had been the hub of central Ivalice, a crown of a city for traders especially and Lowtown had been filled with twisting passageways and warehouses for rich merchants. Even though Rabanastre was still a major trade hub it wasn't as busy and most of the poorer Dalmascans had moved down into the cheaper accommodation under the city where richer Arcadians had moved in. Harry's soldiers patrolled the underground passageways but few of them could find their way around as well as the Dalmascans and it was almost impossible to find thieves or resistance members down there.
Unless you'd been told by their leader where to find them.
Harry appeared out of the shadows, his features hidden under his hood and his dangerous figure hidden by the darkness. The two young men lounging, supposedly at ease, looked up at him with bored expressions though Harry watched as they assessed him for danger. "I want a meeting with Rupert Sepher." Harry announced.
The two young men straightened up but Harry saw the worry there. "Who are you?" One of them asked.
"Princess Ashelia told me where to find you." Harry stated simply. "She only sent me here out of courtesy to you. She told me where to find your leaders so I could just go there instead. Escort me and you can keep an eye on me."
They glanced at each other and then back at him. "This way." The same one muttered and opened a door near where they'd been lounging. Harry was led through twisting passageways by one of the men, memorising the layout as he went, while the other ran off ahead to announced his arrival.
Finally they stepped into a large warehouse lit by numerous torches. The room was filled with people of all ages eating scraps of food and finally Harry walked into enough light for his uniform cloak to finally be recognised. The man that had escorted him swore and backed up while the men in the room drew weapons and shoved the children to the back of the room. Harry pulled his Katana from its sheathe in his back and tossed it into the ground digging it in between the cracks in the paving stones.
"Judge Magister Baltheon." An old man greeted with something close to amusement in his voice. Though there was concern there too. "To what do we owe this supposed pleasure?"
"I bring word from your Princess." Harry announced simply.
"What have you done with her?" A man called.
"Subtle." Harry snorted without looking at him. He strolled across the room to the table where the old man was sitting. "This is my city as far as the Empire is concerned. I don't want to see it harmed any more than you do."
"Are we supposed to believe you're here in good faith?" The old man asked.
"Like I care?" Harry snorted. "I'm here because there's a chance that this city is in danger."
"As it has not been for the last two years?" Another man snapped.
"My men have protected this city loyally for two years against all manner of enemy." Harry countered.
"A task that laid with our own army previous to that." The old man pointed out calmly.
"I was not responsible for the war that claimed your lands." Harry said truthfully.
"You were however responsible for the death of our King." The old man raised an eyebrow.
"That crime lays with Vayne Solidor and his father." Harry said simply. "I was to find a way to prevent further loss of life and chose negotiation. They chose a different path and Vayne Solidor still does."
"And you fear he threatens this city now?" The old man asked simply.
"He threatens all of Ivalice." Harry stated simply. "My duty is to protect those living within Dalmasca, Nabradia and Bhujerba. That is my duty from my late Emperor."
"Vayne is soon to be your Emperor now." The old man pointed out.
"Civil war will be all he is able to reign over." Harry shook his head. "And no matter the loss of life Vayne will welcome that war and all that it means."
"And why are you here?" The old man shot everyone in the room a look and it seemed that most relaxed just a little.
"I understand that my authority means little to any of you here." Harry shook his head. "But if the city comes under attack the leaders of my garrison here are under orders to fight against the cities common enemy and not the Resistance."
"Meaning?" The old man raised his eyebrows.
"Any of your men that appear to fight for the city will not be in danger of retribution for any actions previously taken against the Empire or my garrison." Harry stated. "When Vayne is gone and Larsa is Emperor your men will be able to walk free. The Empire will change."
"We will heed your words and you had better honour your promises." The old man narrowed his eyes. "We will fight for the protection of our city if it comes to it." Harry bowed his head and turned to retrieve his sword and was escorted back out the way he'd been let in.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Two days later
Harry had spent the night in the Palace at Rabanastre sorting out orders for the two Judges he left before he departed from the city. He needed to know it was in safe hands. Already he'd spotted a greater number of the Dalmascans walking around the surface city and even interacting with his own soldiers on occasion. He'd flown by Remora to Nalbina before noon and dealt with what he could in the city including freeing the Resistance members still imprisoned there and arranging their safe return to Rabanastre. He spoke to Drace while he was in his own fortress and told her most of what was happening and she agreed to pull more ships from her own First Fleet to strengthen the Sixth and he arranged for the Hades to escort him to Arcades secretly to be there in case he needed his own ship.
He got a late evening passenger ferry from Nalbina overnight to Arcades and apart from two soldiers in way of a personal bodyguard he travelled alone. Dawn was breaking when a frantic knocking alerted him to guests at the lounge he'd hired on the ferry. His guard opened the door even as Harry took in the sight out of the window, probably the reason the man had come for him.
"A message from the Captain for his Lord Judge Magister. We've inbound contacts not responding to hails and approaching on an attack vector!" The man panted out.
"Take me to the Bridge." Harry ordered and scooped up his Katana and slotted it into the back of his cloak.
"My Lord Judge Magister!" The man gasped and hurriedly led the way up through the ship passed crew getting the passengers safely into the centre of the ship. It was merely a few minutes before Harry was walking out into the Bridge with its large windows.
"My Lord Judge Magister." The Captain greeted. "We have five small craft on an attack pattern who aren't responding to our calls."
"I'm afraid my presence here may have caused you some trouble, Captain." Harry frowned. "Spies loyal to me reported that pilots they knew had been ordered to attack and kill me before I reach the city."
"You believe they really are going to attack us?" The Captain grew more concerned before he turned to start to address him communications staff.
"Wait." Harry ordered before moving closer. "Open circuit." He ordered and was granted a nod to say an open channel had been established. "Incoming vessels, this is Judge Magister Baltheon. State your intentions."
"No response." The man at the controls shook his head after a moment.
"If you fire upon this vessel you become a pirate." Harry warned through the open channel.
"Captain, My Lord Judge Magister!" A man gasped from the front of the bridge. "Sensors confirm, Imperial Naval Remoras."
"As I expected." Harry nodded.
"We're under attack from our own military!" The Captain gasped.
"Be calm, Captain." Harry intoned before nodding at the communication's officer again to reopen the transmission. "This is the only warning I shall give you. Turn away now by my order or commit treason."
"Nothing, My Lord Judge Magister." The officer shook his head again.
Harry sighed and glanced at the Captain who was merely pale and panicking. "Open a communication to all Imperial vessels." Harry ordered and received a nod quickly. "All Imperial Vessels this is the Aradia Two in transit to Arcades, eighty-five miles to run, under threat of attack from five fast attack ships. We require assistance from any Imperial vessel in range."
"My Lord, we've got a response!" The officer gasped and opened a communication instantly. "It's the Frigate Hades!"
"Aradia Two, this is the Imperial Frigate Hades of the Sixth Fleet." A voice came back sharp and clear.
"This is Judge Magister Baltheon." Harry spoke up. "Protect and escort the Aradia Two. Weapons free."
"You had a ship escorting you?" The Captain gasped.
"I'm no fool." Harry walked up to the Bridge windows and watched with a little pride as the clouds roiled between them and the attacking ships and the large bulk of a Frigate exploded into view cutting between the five Remoras and the ferry. Harry had ordered it to remain in such a position as to go undetected since he'd wanted to flush out the attack and find out from which direction it would emerge and because by coming under illegal attack like this it gave him leverage in the Magisterial Council.
"Incoming vessels, you are approaching a civilian ship so as to involve risk of collision. Alter your course immediately." The Hades started simple before continuing. "By Imperial Edict you are to identify yourselves to us. Failure to do so before coming within a mile of this vessel is in contradiction of Imperial Standing Orders."
"They're not responding, My Lord Judge Magister." The officer at the communications terminal told him.
"Incoming vessels, you are entering our air space. Surrender immediately or be destroyed." The Hades ordered and seconds later a wave of Remoras launched from her bays and twisted around between the Hades and the ferry. Harry smirked knowing the tactics. The Frigate would take the shots but the Remoras would catch what she missed.
Harry watched as the five Remoras broke up over the top of the Hades and watched as kinetic energy shots launched up from the edges of the hull. The frigate was specifically designed to take out smaller craft and even though she was using fire-and-forget weapons they did their work. The air around the Remoras turned into a minefield of explosions and two were ripped apart in such a way that nobody could have survived. The other three banked, two out to the sides and the last shot straight up. Two missiles fired out of the top of the Hades, one shooting up after the vertical climber while the other shot after the two that had tried to circle around to hit the Aradia. The lower missile slammed into its target just before the friendly Remoras closed with the other and shot it down.
Harry watched as the other missile took off the balance wing under the last Remora and watched it streak down towards the ground trailing fire and smoke. He watched the escape pod launch and motioned to the communications officer. "Hades, this is Judge Magister Baltheon, pick up that escape pod and the pilots and hold them. Send a Remora to pick me up. We'll escort the Aradia Twothe rest of the way."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
A few hours later
Harry walked down the Atomos ramp and onto the landing platform at the First Fleet base. He was instantly met by a very familiar Judge. He hadn't really bothered to check who was basically running the First Fleet but he figured Drace would have entrusted her eldest son. "Lyle." Harry greeted and the young man his own age bowed to him formally. Lyle glanced passed him at the low hovering Hades even as the two Frigates of the First Fleet that had escorted them in appeared and moved over to their docks. It would be common right now for Judge Magisters to use entire Frigates as transport rather than anything small.
"Word of the attack has spread remarkably fast." Lyle told him as they walked together off of the landing platform. "So fast it was obvious that some knew it would happen before it actually did. The distress signal was picked up by most of the commercial sector. Everyone knows you were attacked by members of our own military. It's given you a massive boost in support from the public sector. They're outraged already."
"It's become evident to them that certain Judge Magisters are behind the attacks on others." Harry nodded. "Something they can't tolerate because the Magisterial Council is supposed to keep the peace until the Emperor is finally sworn in."
"Did the captured pilot tell you anything?" Lyle asked after a few moments quiet.
"Not much I couldn't have already guessed." Harry shrugged. "They were told that I had been declared a criminal and had seized the Aradia to attack the city. They were stupid in that they didn't take the Hades into account."
"What about the one that gave the order?" He asked.
"Impossible to find normally." Harry paused. "However I have a little edge in that department."
"You have a spy." Lyle stated more than asked.
"I have many spies, Lyle." Harry snorted before gesturing for Lyle to proceed him into the transport waiting for them with two Remoras to escort them. He'd already called a meeting of those Judge Magisters that were his allies and they'd probably already be at his home.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Twenty minutes later
Harry had relaxed out of his uniform black cloak almost as soon as he'd walked into his home in the Upper Echelons of the city. He handed it to Lit who was waiting patiently. "Call..." He started but then spotted the look on Lit's face. "What?"
"The Council beat you to it. They've called an emergency meeting of the Magisterial Council." Lit told him softly. "Those that were here to meet with you have already left to prepare."
"Any idea why they've called it?" Harry asked.
"I'm sorry." Lit shook his head. "I've sent word to our usual contacts but none of them have had time to get back to me yet."
"Perhaps they were hoping I wouldn't be back in time." Harry supposed. "How long do I have?"
"An hour." Lit assured him.
"Send word to the Hades. Have them send me a transport and heavy escort." Harry ordered. "And Lit?"
"Yes?" Lit looked up at him.
"Make sure you and everyone else is ready to leave on short notice." Harry told him. "I think if I were them and Vayne was about to make a move I'd try to have me arrested on some sort of charge and since they attacked me on the way to the city they probably want me waylaid. If they manage to leave me with no other choice then to run or fight then I don't want you or the others to be caught by my enemies. They will force my secrets from you."
"We'd never betray you." Lit frowned.
"I know." Harry nodded. "I still don't want you having to deal with that. Monitor my burst transmitter. I'll have an Atomos ready for you. If you receive my signal then get to the Hades."
"Of course." Lit bowed his head. "We will serve you wherever you go."
"I know." Harry nodded slowly before touching Lit on his shoulder.
"Please, My Lord. Be careful." Lit made him promise.
"I'll try. I've got too much to live for." Harry nodded. "Call that escort and get me the Captain of the Hades on a secure line."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
A few hours later
"My Lord Judge Magister Baltheon." The clerk intoned rather emotionlessly from the open doorway. "The Council is convening."
Harry turned his head in the dark room to look at the white robed cleric but didn't respond and the cleric backed out of the room, his body betraying his fear of Harry like his voice hadn't. Harry pulled his Katana from the table and raised it above his head, twisted it and slotted it into its sheath without needing to guide it with his other hand. It was time to make his move.
He walked out into the corridor and the cleric's hands were shaking in fear as Harry swept passed him and down the dimly lit corridors of the Magisterium and finally was introduced by the quavering voice of the cleric. Not many people could stay emotionless and calm in Harry's presence and Harry had a palpable air of strength and danger lingering around him. The room was only about three quarters full and Harry knew the ones that were missing but the clerics would know who could vote for another. Harry himself could vote on Drace's behalf.
Around six of the twenty-two Judge Magisters were missing, having duties that they couldn't shirk. Drace of course was overseeing the rebellion in Harry's lands on his behalf and in return the First Fleet would answer to any of Harry's orders without question. The First Fleet was the only fleet permitted in the air above the capital city of the Empire and that gave Harry weight while he was in the city and questionably made Harry and Drace the most important of the Magisterial Council. And the most influential especially under the late Gramis' rule since they were his trusted advisors as well.
Another of Harry's supporters was missing as well being one who held lands between the city and the Rozarrian borders and in this political climate he couldn't afford to leave his fleet under the command of men with less experience. Four of the opposition were also missing, the most obvious being Vayne's strongest military supporter which boded ill for Ivalice.
His own supporters greeted him with nods as he moved into the middle of the chamber. The clerics announced that all were there and Harry decided to get things started. "Judge Magister Palli, step forwards." Harry ordered and the small man in the opposition flinched at being addressed so suddenly but he pulled himself up and moved forwards, still remaining within the perceived safety of the other Judge Magisters. "Although I didn't call this meeting to session myself I find myself with a point to add to the agenda, whatever that might be."
"Speak plain." Judge Magister Dreaden ordered in return. It wasn't surprising that Vayne hadn't ordered Dreaden away to do something underhanded. Dreaden was the most capable when it came to political manoeuvring.
"Very well." Harry nodded. "Judge Magister Palli, I order you to explain how five attack Remoras attacked a civilian passenger ship under your direct orders."
Palli paled and Dreaden's eyes narrowed even as Harry's own supporters glanced at one another and drew together a little. "Explain." Kresden ordered from behind Harry. Even firmly entrenched on Harry's side of this argument he was the most neutral.
"Whilst utilising private transport to reach the city the Aradia came under attack from five attack Remora later identified from interrogation as being from the ninth coastal fleet." Harry stated simply. "Two were destroyed by the Hades and the third disabled. The pilot confirmed under questioning that their orders were to kill me regardless of the damage to private property or civilian lives. Orders that came directly from Judge Magister Palli."
"Do you admit to giving such orders?" Kresden narrowed his eyes at Palli. Everyone on his own side knew that Harry didn't joke around or lie about things like this.
"This is ridiculous!" Dreaden scoffed. "What assurances is he providing that he didn't just force a confession from this pilot? If the pilot even exists!"
"Let's ask Judge Magister Palli then." Harry chuckled and lowered his hood in a smooth gesture taking in the looks of shock once more as everyone was reminded of his youth and ethereal beauty and predatory look. "For the record. Judge Magister Palli, did you order my death?"
The power behind Harry's words stopped Palli from denying the accusation and Palli whimpered as his body tore against his lie forcing his body to remain still and slowly cave to the demand to tell the truth. He knew his life depended on him lying but Harry's gaze lay fully on him and all of the power at Harry's control was forcing him to tell the truth. More and more of the Judge Magisters on Palli's side looked at him in horror as they realised that Palli wasn't going to deny it like they expected.
"Yes..." Palli finally choked out and Dreaden's expression tightened. Harry's gaze flicked over to land on Dreaden challenging him and Dreaden assessed the situation. A fight now would do serious damage to both sides and Dreaden had the advantage of numbers but Dreaden knew that most of his own men would flee if they were forced to face Harry. Harry's side would win any fight, declare Dreaden and his supporters traitors and seize control of the Magisterial Council and thus the Empire. War would ensue almost instantly between the fleets but most of the Empire feared Harry and eventually they'd fall into line behind him and his supporters.
Harry and Dreaden fought their silent battle with just their stares and Harry knew he'd won. He turned to Palli even as Dreaden backed down and probably started preparing to deal with the fallout. "Who instructed you to order the attack?"
Palli's eyes shot wide in panic and fear as again he couldn't find a lie to give. He struggled and finally opened his mouth and that was when chaos started. One of the other Judge Magisters drew a small knife and launched it at Palli's back. Harry threw himself into the air, drew his Katana and intercepted the blade half a foot from the back of Palli's neck. He shoved Palli down to the floor, raised his right arm to deflect a sword strike from the same Judge Magister and then without bothering to find out who had attacked he released his magic.
The air throbbed and grew dark and heavy and the dark green tint of Harry's spell glowed around the Judge Magister and instantly the dark power seeped through armour, skin and body and destroyed the life in his body. The scourge spell vanished leaving the taint of death in the room even as the body slumped to the ground. Harry raised himself to his full height and let his Katana settle at his side. The threat there for all to see and the magic lingering in the air even as his eyes took on their cat-like fury. The man on the ground was Judge Magister Talbot, commander of the second fleet.
The other Judge Magisters had fled back against the walls out of harms way and Harry turned to Palli and with a flick of his hand lifted him up into the air and held him there tightly. "Answer my question. Who ordered the attack on me?"
"Emperor Vayne." Palli gasped out and there was a tense shift in the room and things moved too fast for anyone to plan their moves. Harry, however, was in his element, fuelled because he could finally do something to give Vaan his perfect life.
"Acting Emperor Vayne." Kresden sneered moving closer to Harry in support. "An Emperor may be able to order the execution of a Judge Magister with support of this council but Vayne has no such power and neither do you unless this Council agrees that Baltheon deserved such a fate. This Council therefore automatically finds you guilty of treason against this Council and you are sentenced to death."
Dreaden's eyes narrowed as he tried to plot his way out of trouble but Harry cut off any plan he could find. "By confession this Council finds Palli guilty." Harry eyed the room. "Any due cause for argument?"
Nobody could find anything to say and Harry blurred forwards even as he continued to restrain Palli by magic. His Katana sliced through the air with a whistle and Palli's head rolled right off of his shoulder and onto the untouched table of fruit that was always in the centre of the room. It looked horrific staring up at the ceiling lifeless but the sound of the body dropping to the ground with a wet thud drew everyone's attention away from the grotesque sight.
"These are dangerous times." Harry announced. "There is too much corruption in this Council and in the acting Emperor. We have seen the evidence of that this day and action must be taken to correct this fault. We must bring this Empire out of its state of war. Vayne is a mere war monger and I declare him a traitor to the Empire."
"You can't!" Dreaden gasped in shock. He clearly hadn't expected Harry to take it so far.
"All those before me, who once stood with Judge Magister Palli, are ordered by this Council to lay down their swords and order their fleets to stand down and return to their home ports." Harry ordered and received a round of agreement from those behind him. "If you do not then we will vote and declare you traitors."
"You can't claim us as traitors!" Dreaden sneered finally grasping at something.
Harry glanced at Kresden and the others and received a nod from Kresden who was actually managing to keep up with Harry's plans even as Harry made them. "I am declaring a state of emergency. I am placing the city of Archades under martial law under the First Fleet in Judge Magister Drace's authority. As of this moment Vayne is declared a traitor by those you see before you."
"There'll be war!" Dreaden gaped at him.
"That's what Vayne wants!" Harry snapped. "And so he'll have it." Harry finally pressed the summons and instantly the room flooded with soldiers.
"A coup?" Dreaden gaped.
"The records will show that I am acting legally." Harry countered. "I have not broken the law. You and your men will surrender yourselves and your fleets will stand down."
"You can't!" Dreaden lost his cool.
"He can." Kresden nodded. "This Council recognises the law in this case. There is no need to vote. Under confession the acting Emperor illegally ordered the murder of a Judge Magister. There is only one path for us to follow."
"Take them into custody." Harry ordered the men filling the room. A brief scuffle erupted but only three of the Judge Magisters tried to fight and Harry subdued one of them when he almost killed one of the soldiers. Harry didn't kill him like he was tempted to though. "For the record let it be stated that the Empire is now in the hands of the Magisterial Council. All military decisions must pass through this Council."
"And Vayne?" Kresden asked as he stared at the eight men on their knees before them.
"Send a broadcast to all Fleets and to the civilian broadcast centres. Vayne is declared a traitor and is to be apprehended immediately. Let the people know that the Magisterial Council is now in command and united."
"You call this united?" Dreaden snarled from where he was being held down on his knees.
"The Magisterial Council has been greatly reduced this day." Harry sneered before nodding to the Captain of the guards. "Take them away and lock them up. They'll be held until the situation can be resolved without further loss of life."
"Monster!" Dreaden cried as he was hauled back out of the room.
"We need to find Vayne." Harry told the room in general as the occupants watched four soldiers carry out Palli's body whilst another gingerly extracted Palli's head from the fruit.
"We need to take control of the other fleets." Kresden sighed.
"Order them back to their ports." Harry nodded. "If they resist then we'll deal with them. Move the First Fleet out from the city to force them to comply if necessary. Watch Dreaden's fleet. He's the only one likely to have planned for this. The rest of the fleets should answer to our command. Make sure they know what crimes Vayne and Palli are charged with."
"Public impression is in your favour." One of the Judge Magisters pointed out. "The attack on the Aradia is well known. The people were calling for justice in your defence."
"We will have to rely on the military's desire to protect their country." Harry looked up at the ceiling. "With the rebellion from Bhujerba and the Rozarrians chomping at the bit the Captains of the ships will see that they need to be consolidated for the protection of the country. Make Vayne out to be the criminal and the outcast and they won't rally to him against us."
Harry felt sick rather suddenly and he drew in a sharp breath and took a step back away from the others. His foot skidded in blood but he barely noticed as he felt as if a blade had slid into his shoulder. He gritted his teeth even as Kresden caught him on the other arm. "Baltheon?" Kresden gasped.
"It's nothing." Harry shook his head.
"We need you right now. We can't afford you to get hurt. If something's wrong we have to know." Kresden snapped at him. "You're the only reason that this worked today."
"I know." Harry gritted his teeth. His arm still hurt and he needed to get out of there as soon as possible. For Vaan's sake. "It's nothing to do with my own health."
"What are you talking about?" Kresden started to press him but Harry cut him off with a curt gesture.
"See to your fleets and the fleets of our enemies. Get them under our control as soon as possible." Harry ordered and crossed the room in quick strides. As soon as he was back in his own office he tore off his robes as he locked the doors. Lit appeared out of the shadows unexpectedly but Harry ignored him as he ripped the buttons off of his shirt in his haste to bare his right shoulder. The wound wasn't bleeding and he wasn't in any danger from it. Lit gasped and grabbed a cloth but Harry put a hand on Lit's chest to stop him from touching the wound even as he put his left hand on it and bled magic into his own shoulder.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Meanwhile
Vaan gasped as the Gigas slammed into his chest flowing into him. He let out a small laugh at having yet another overly powerful being within him but the euphoria quickly wore off and the pain in his shoulder quickly re-emerged. Hasmal couldn't help him and none of the others could either. Hasmal had gotten off a skilled strike and put his sword across Vaan's shoulder, cutting down to the bone and it roared with pain. Penelo appeared at his shoulder and tried to clean up some of the blood.
"In trouble again, Vaan?" A voice whispered making him jump.
"Vaan?" Penelo frowned.
"I can hear Harry!" Vaan gasped.
"I feel your pain." Harry spoke into his mind and even before he finished talking warmth flooded him. Foreign yet familiar magic rose in him, more powerful than even one of the Gigas' within him. It filled him and made him rather aroused but he didn't let that become obvious. Penelo gasped as the wound closed over under her hands.
"What was that?" Ashe stared in shock as Penelo poked at the perfectly healed flesh.
"Harry felt my pain and healed it. He's in my head right now." Vaan told them.
"This takes almost all of my power and concentration. I cannot keep it up." Harry told him gently. "Love you. Be careful."
"Love you too." Vaan whispered quietly hoping that not everyone would hear it but not knowing whether just thinking it would work or not. "What's happening?"
"Oh..." Harry whispered. "Tell Balthier that the Empire is under martial law under the Magisterial Council. My opposition is under arrest and Vayne an outlaw. He'll explain what I have done."
Vaan gasped as he suddenly felt a chill settle through him and he knew without having to guess that Harry had gone. He looked up at Balthier. "He said you'd know what he meant."
"About what's happening?" Balthier asked and Vaan nodded. "Tell me."
"He said that the Empire is under martial law and the Magisterial Council is in charge." Vaan frowned. "And Vayne's an outlaw."
Balthier hummed and tapped his chin. "It seems my little brother is now the most powerful person in Ivalice." Balthier mused getting shocked looks from around them. "Except perhaps the ruling family in Rozarria. Definitely he has the ability to do most anything he now wishes. From any other man I would be worried."
"What's he done?" Vaan asked.
"He has confronted the Magisterial Council with enough evidence that they have ordered the arrest of Vayne. In such circumstances the Council will take control of the Empire under martial law." Balthier announced. "It is a dangerous state for the Empire to be in and Harry will not keep it in such a state for long."
"What about Vayne's supporters in the Council?" Ashe asked. "Surely they would not have agreed with this."
"I doubt they would have." Balthier nodded. "Either they have been forced to agree or Harry has removed them from the Council."
"How?" Penelo frowned.
"I imagine he either had them arrested for crimes or he killed them." Balthier shrugged.
"Harry wouldn't..." Vaan looked down with a frown. "No, he wouldn't kill them. He'd know that wasn't how to deal with the situation. Too much blood and the civilians would reject the Council's control."
"Very astute." Balthier nodded with a small smile. "You are learning. Vaan is right. He must have found enough evidence to have them arrested. Or enough of them to be arrested so he could strong arm the others."
"We have much to accomplish." Fran reminded everyone and offered a hand to Vaan who let her pull him up. "We have not far to go."
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Soon after
Harry slammed through the halls of the Imperial Tower. There'd been a small scuffle in the entrance hall between his troops and the Elite Guard who had confused orders from Vayne to defend the tower and not let him enter. Really the Guard just didn't know what to do with themselves. Law stated that they were to stand down in this situation, they had no actual Emperor to protect and Vayne had never been sworn in. Harry had beat down a half dozen of them before their Captain had called a stop to the fighting.
Harry had given them orders to continue to protect the Imperial Seat and it's heir who he had declared to all to be Larsa by right of birth. That was when the Elite Guard had told him that when Vayne had left the city he'd taken Larsa with him. Harry had been furious because now he really was scared. Vayne had the power to kill Larsa any time he wanted and he knew that Vayne had it in him to be able to kill his little brother without even feeling guilty about it.
He'd been searching Larsa's room, not that he'd known what he was looking for, when a call had come through from the western front. Six ships declaring themselves part of the Resistance had crossed the airspace over Nabradia and exchanged broadsides with the Imperial third fleet, luckily one of the ones firmly on Harry's side. They'd repelled the attack by sheer numbers but the six ships had fled before major damage had been done. The whole thing seemed rather forced but he needed to move.
He thumbed his communications to the First Fleet and ordered the ships into action and then called up Drace on secure systems. "Baltheon."
"Drace, put the fleet on high alert and keep an eye on the Resistance fleet. Check your secure communications for updates. I'm taking the First Fleet and collecting the second, seventh and ninth on the way south. I'll bring the fleet straight to you." Harry explained.
"The second?" She asked.
"They're between me and you and I'll strong hand them if I have to. The seventh and ninth will give me a three on one advantage over the second and they'll be forced to comply. Especially since I killed their Magister earlier." Harry shook his head.
"My Lady Judge Magister!" Someone yelled and the screen shook at Drace focused elsewhere.
"In all of Ivalice, what is that!" Drace gasped.
Light flooded the screen and the communication went dead and just then Harry felt it ripple up through his body. He knew then that whatever had affected Drace and reached him. Pain flowed up through him and it felt like a rip tide had struck him and was tearing apart his body. It exploded up through him and he heard his cry of pain and then felt hands on him, paining him just by touching him. He heard shouts from his men calling for medics but all he could feel was pain and then he knew what had happened. Vaan and the others had done what they'd set out to do. They'd destroyed the Cryst and the explosion had hit the Sixth Fleet and then swept the entire span on Ivalice.
If it wasn't for the flow of power protecting him he'd had worried for his own life but something in him told him that Vaan was protecting him once again and the reassuring trill of the Occuria's song told him that he'd survive. He slumped into complete oblivion as the ripple in the magic of Ivalice drifted away into the distance.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Meanwhile
The ship shook as the blast ripped around the hull. Balthier swore and tugged her up into the air and Vaan gripped the back of the pilot's chair tighter even as the others struggled to secure themselves into seats. The ship gave a lurch and finally the ripple passed over them and Vaan sighed out and flopped down onto the chair just behind Balthier only to gasp as something twisted inside him. He heard a strange tune fill his mind and his mind automatically snapped to Harry even as he felt himself tip out of the seat.
"Vaan!" Penelo gasped and somebody stronger than his childhood friend caught him. Basch. He turned blurred eyes up as the pain rippled through him and found himself staring up into Balthier's concerned eyes filled with brotherly love and worry.
"Can you talk?" Balthier asked. Vaan tried but only a pained whimper came out. Balthier looked up at the others. "It's Harry."
"What?" Ashe's voice gasped.
"The blast must have hit him. You saw the way he collapsed on the Shiva." Balthier looked down again. "Go to him, give him all the help you can, Vaan. I'll keep you safe."
Vaan felt Balthier's strong arms around him and felt himself being lifted up but took Balthier's advice to heart. A part of him was drawing him towards the link he had to Harry and as he focused on it he felt drawn along it. The pain grew but he felt strong arms cradling him and knew that Balthier would keep his body safe. He let himself flow to his soulmate knowing that he'd give anything to help him right now.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
End Chapter