So Garrett and Big previously teamed up after the attack of ahrimans in the airship, and they finally landed on Limsa Lominsa! Read as those two spend time together, as they learn of each other steps by steps!
As always, enjoy!
[Big]
Limsa Lominsa, the city-state of La Noscea. It is probably the most memorable place since I started to go in adventure. A city where it is made of tiny islands linked with bridge made of wood and iron. La Noscea is also my homeland, and I'm proud to be born here.
Garrett asked me to travel with him since we arrived the city-state. I would go in my own if I wanted to, but he seems like a nice guy. He's also a strong ally that I can count to whenever I'll go in a mission. What fascinates me is him just being a white mage. From my knowledge, only padjals were allowed to be white mages. I guess I was wrong.
To be as loyal as possible, I decide to give Garrett a quick tour of Limsa Lominsa, as he told me he was not really familiar with the city. As we walked in the city, he was looking at me intensely whenever I was talking.I feel like he acts strangely when he looks at me. When we shook hand in the airship, he looked at me with passion, and his face was tomato red, like he was blushing. I guess i'll ask for more details later.
As we walked, we could hear voices of people, shouting at us, precisely at Garrett. Two people, to be exact.
?: "Garrett! What a surprise!"
Garrett: "Hey, guys!"
Garrett ran away and left me all by myself, in the middle of an alley. As I was interested a bit of where he was going, I followed Garrett as I saw him with two people. One is a young male seeker of the Sun, having long garnet-red coloured hair, yellow eyes and a tanned skin. The other person Garrett was with is a female keeper of the moon, having black long hair and a whiter skin. She had a green and a blue eye, with a scar on her blue eye. Looking at them, both of them were probably in the 20's.
Garrett quickly noticed me and turned to face me, as he was going to tell me something.
Garrett: "Oh, Big! Sorry if I left you behind. I got distracted by some friends here."
Big: "It's all fine. Just tell me when you have to go for a bit." I looked at the two people, there were probably half of my height, considering that I'm very tall… "So … who are those nice people there?"
Garrett: "As I said, they are my friends!" Garrett then looked at his friends. "Shado, Noah, this is Big, my … teammate." He then looked at me. "Big, this is Shado Walker and Noah Makutu." I assumed that Shado is the young lady and Noah the young boy.
Shado: "Howdy, mister!"
Noah: "Salutations, friend!"
Big: "Hey there! So … How did you guys met?"
Noah: "We've met in missions, and since we were such a nice powerful trio and we were friendly, we decided to stay together for a bit!"
Shado: "Noah, I don't think it happened like this. We were in missions, and Garrett and us had a good talk. After some missions, we started to meet again and be friends." Shado then smiled at Noah and giggled.
Noah: "Umm, probably. I just remembered that you and I were killing things so fast". Noah smiled back at Shado and looked at me. "So how did you guys have met?"
Garrett: "I was about to depart from Gridania in the airship, but them Big came out super lately. He stopped the airship from going off the aerodrome and Big went in the airship."
Big: "To make this short, it was pure hazard."
Shado: "Ohh. I would have imagined something else, but I guess this is fine." Shado then smiled at me. "You look like a cool guy."
Big: "I'm sure am!"
Noah then gripped Garrett's right shoulder, as he wanted to tell something important.
Noah: "Garrett, there's something really important that I have to tell you real fast! Mind if Big can go out for a bit? It won't take long."
Garrett: "Does Big absolutely need to not be here?" I'm not against the idea to go for a bit, but why does Noah needs to talk in private?
Big: "I'm fine with that. I can do some shopping meanwhile."
Noah: "Great!" Noah then looked at me. "See you soon, Big!"
I waved at the three friends as I went away to do some shopping. I walked to the repairer as he repaired my gear. Repairing your gear is very important, as a broken gear makes you less effective in battle. Repairing can be made in any moment, but as long as it won't break, you're good with that.
I then went to the apothecary and bought some elixirs, which will be useful if I need backup heals. I then bought mind potions for Garrett, to make his curative power more effective. I had enough money to buy them, since I did a lot of missions. Good thing that I'm saving money for useful things like this.
I then walked off the market as I sat on a bench. I took out my personal diary from my bag, completely new, and I opened it to the first page. I started writing for a bit, as I was able to write about two pages. I then saw Garrett coming to me, so I closed my diary and putted it back in my bag. He then sat on the same bench as I seat and looked at me.
Big: "Welcome back, teammate!"
Garrett: "Don't call me like that!" He smiled at me, as he knew I was teasing him. "Anything good in the market?"
Big: "Simple things. I bought elixirs and mind potions."
Garrett: "Oh, you thought about me, that's nice." He then smiled at me.
It was around evening, and Garrett seemed a bit uncomfortable.
Big: "What's wrong, Garrett?"
He looked at me with a discomfort face "...I'm starving a bit. You know a place where to eat?" It's probably the only time where he didn't blush while he looked at me. "You know the place better than I do."
Big: "I sure am hungry too. Why don't we go eat at the Bismarck? It is one of the finest restaurant in whole Eorzea!"
Garrett: "As long as we eat, i'm okay with that."
We took an elevator that lead to the upper decks, and walked for about five minutes in direction of the Bismark. As we arrived to the little restaurant, a waiter assigned us a table for two, seats face to face, where we could see the boats who were parked for the night.
Garrett: "To be very honest with you, I feel like we're on a date today. I mean, we've been visiting this city the whole day and everything."
Big: "That's nice." Thinking about it, I think I found out why does Garrett acts strangely near my presence… And I don't really feel comfortable of talking about this right now.
A waiter gave us menus and then asked us if we would like anything to drink. I already know what i'm going to order, but Garrett never came here.
Big: "We'll take a bottle of Chilled Red, and bring us two glass of wine, please."
The waiter then went away and let us more time to think about what we will eat.
Garrett: "So many interesting choices… I don't really know what I'll take."
Big: "I can't choose for you." I then smiled at him. "So, what did you talked of with your friends … Noah and Shado." I almost forgot their name, that's a bit disappointing, considering that I've met them today...
Garrett: "While I was talking to both Shado and Noah, they told me about a mission that requires a healer and someone that can protect others. I was wondering if you could come with me for this one. We're a team, right?"
Big: "Sure, why not. What's the mission?"
Garrett: "You know that there's an imperial base in Eastern La Noscea, named Castrum Occidens, right? Well, There's rumours that this base are in a huge mass productions of magitek weapons, and they could deploy them in any moments." A raid in an imperial base, that seems fun, and dangerous. "Our goal is to destroy as many as we can."
Big: "That sounds like an interesting mission. I'm in!"
Garrett: "Oh, i'm happy to hear this!"
Suddenly, the same waiter came back with a bottle of Chilled Red, and then asks us for our orders.
Waiter: "May I take your orders, sir?"
Big: "I'll take a plate of salmon meuniere"
Waiter: "Great, and for you, sir?"
Garrett: "I'll take an alligator salad."
As the waiter went away, Garrett looked at me and then poured himself a glass of Chilled Red. He then did the same thing in my glass as well.
Garrett: "So, Big, tell me about yourself. It's not everyday that I meet paladins, nor people who possess job crystals…"
He was pretty much right. Job crystals were only given by people who were solid fighters in battle, as well as completing trials and get fame. Not everyone could have the chance to be successful in fighting.
Big: "I did told you that I am a Paladin of the royal family of Ul'dah. Once I was about 14 years old, I heard about those gladiator fights, so I moved to Ul'dah from Limsa Lominsa and got registered in the gladiator guild…"
And so on, I explained to him that the royal family noticed my ability to fight and defend others, as they recruited me to be a full-fledged Paladin. They said it would improve my skills to defend my allies, and also to be able to use more than physical strength. Paladins can also use holy magic, such as be able to cast pillars from the ground, or be able to cast a powerful cure spell on someone. Paladin is also known for their defensive durability, which is a huge advantage for teams.
Garrett: "...So you were a gladiator… I never thought about that. If i knew about this earlier, I wouldn't mind watching one of your fight." Garrett smiled at me and then looked at the parked boats. "I wish I had such a nice past…"
When I'm talking with Garrett, there's something mysterious about everything he does. Without stepping in something major, I simply said: "You can't have everything you want in life.", then I smiled to him.
The same waiter came back with our plates, as he deposit the two plates on the table. Mine consist of a grilled salmon breaded in flour, then friend in butter, with spiced topped on it, with a lemon on the side and vegetables. Garrett's plate was simply salad with slices of alligator on top, mixed with paprika and blue cheese alongside a dark vinegar and olive oil for dressing.
As soon as I saw Garrett eating his salad, I realized how fast he ate, considering that he was super starving since a while. I think it's probably the first time when I see someone eating that fast.
Big: "Enjoying yourself, Garrett?" I smiled and then continued eating.
Garrett: "Pretty much. It tastes so good!"
After eating, we pretty much talked about anything that we had in mind, nothing really specific, but I just know that Garrett really looks amazed of everything I said. It's like he was some kind of fanboy of mine.
I'm starting to be more familiar with him, perhaps we could be good friends.
Time passed like a rocket while we were talking. Suddenly, Garrett looked at the clock on the wall of the restaurant.
Garrett: "Oh damn, I didn't saw the time passing!"
Big: "What's wrong, Garrett?"
Garrett: "We should head over to an inn and be ready for the raid. The mission will start near the afternoon."
We went out of the restaurant and we walked to the Drowning Wench, Limsa Lominsa's adventurer's guild. Here, adventurers can go to the inn to rent a room and sleep for the nights and nap.
Big: "So … What's the plan for tomorrow's raid?"
Garrett: "There will be two other people waiting for us to enter Castrum Occidens. Since it's full of guards, we will try to sneak in the base without being noticed. If the imperials see us and try to attack us, we're going to strike back."
Big: "You won't have any trouble healing through the thousands of attacks drawn at me? Who knows how many soldiers will be there tomorrow…"
Garrett: "Then, you'll need to trust me on that one!"
Big: "Alright then! Now, we just need a room for both of us."
We both walked in direction of the innkeeper to get a room with two beds for two people. As the innkeeper gave me the keys, Garrett then walked to me and went through the gate to have access to the inn rooms. I followed him as he walked to our room. In front of the door, Garrett gripped my shoulder before entering.
Garrett: "Big, I just want to tell you something before we go sleep…"
Big: "Hmm?"
Garrett: "I just want you to know that I had a great day today." He then genuinely smiled at me and looked at the floor. "Except for the attack on the airship… But I'm happy that I have company now."
Big: "That's great." I then smiled back at him and opened the door of our room.
As I opened the door, I could see a room with a big window that can easily let the light pass through. There was queen-sized beds with clean sheets, a nightstand between the beds with a lamp and a plant pot on it. There was also a wardrobe in the corner and a table with chairs. There was also a bathroom with a shower and a toilet, but I didn't really pay attention to it.
Big: "Well, that seems like a nice room for me".
I then walked to the wardrobe and then removed my heavy armor, and then some simple clothing that I'm wearing under my armor, leaving me with only underwears. I tend to sleep in a pajamas, but since I'm not at home, I'll have to sleep with what I can. I then put my gear in the wardrobe.
Garrett looked at me with some kind of fascination. He looked at my body, which is pretty much a pack of muscles and some hair everywhere. He then went to the bathroom with a blush, probably to change clothes like me.
At this point, I am certain of what's happening in Garrett's head…
I then sat on the left bed and removed my glasses, then deposit them on the nightstand. Garrett came back with only some simple clothing on him. He walked to the wardrobe to put his gear in it, then walked to the right bed and sat on it.
Garrett: "Well then, I wish you sweet dreams. Don't forget that tomorrow we need to be ready for evening."
Big: "Don't worry, I know. Good night, friend!"
I close the lamp on the nightstand and we both lied down on the bed. Knowing that Garrett has a crush on me without telling me is kind of surprising, but I'm sure he will tell me someday. Maybe the time he'll tell me will make him happy…
I then closed my eyes and hoped for a good adventure with Garrett...
[Garrett]
It was about ten in the morning, as I woke up, comfortable in the bed. I can't stay here forever, we have a mission to do in the evening.
I looked at Big, still sleeping in his bed. I don't know why, but Big is that kind of person that seems super huggable. I mean, he has the muscles, the hair on his body, his nice beard all over his jaw. I have to tell him that I have a little crush on him someday … I'll probably tell him after the raid in Castrum Occidens.
I walked to the wardrobe and opened it. I then took my gear off the wardrobe and closed it. Walking to the room's bathroom, I could hear Big waking up.
Big: "Hey, morning person." He then yawned and then stretched his arms in the bed. "No time for more sleep?"
Garrett: "You thought we were going to wake up in the evening? First of all, ten in the morning is not very early, and secondly, I would take this time to be prepared. I'm assuming that you are a last-minute person?"
Big: "...Probably. I'll just get in the shower real quick!"
Big jumped off his bed and walked to the bathroom. He then locked the door and started doing his business. I put my clothes on and closed the wardrobe.
Wasting some time in our room, I looked at what Big bought in the market yesterday. Elixirs and mind potions, just what he said. I then looked at Big's personal stuff. It was a simple bag made out of hippogryph leather. There were nothing much. I could see a case where he can puts his glasses in, a book and a bottle of water. What truly took my interest is this book. I took the book out of the bag and opened it in the first page.
"Dear diary"
Oh damn! It's a diary! I don't know if Big want it to be a secret, and I don't like being a stalker… But then I turned the page and I realised that there were only two pages. Two pages won't kill me, so I decided to read those two pages.
"My mission in the Shrouds was probably the most infuriated thing i've experienced in my life. As I was doing a short expedition in the depths of the Tam-Tara Deepcroft, which is certainly not the most welcoming place in the universe, our healer died during the fight before we were able to quit. As usual, this healer died because of the resource management. Not enough aether in her body.
I got blamed by the other teammates because I were not able to protect her. They yelled at me like I did the most disastrous thing in life. I begged them that it was not my fault, that it happened naturally. How can people be so hard on others when they don't even know the basic of healing?
Healing is the reason that people sacrifice their lives for others, which I have no problem with this. But people blaming me of those incidents, I can't accept this. I decided to quit this team and move on. I haven't met some healers that don't have this problem.
Until I met Garrett.
Garrett is a white mage, which means that resource management won't be a problem, since it's almost unlimited. If people were just like him, people wouldn't mind to go in missions without risking their live.
I just don't want that people die of sacrificing their lives for others… that's why Garrett is such a rare and precious person. I won't be blamed of others because I couldn't do anything for them.
I'll protect him, no matter what. I won't fail this time…"
I slowly closed the diary and I putted it in the bag. I only know Big for a day, but I never knew he had such a hard time with people… Big must have lived this scenario many times in his life if it's such a big problem. I'm probably his last hope…
The bathroom's door opened, as I saw Big with only a towel wrapped around his waist. I assumed that he's done with the bathroom.
Big then walked to the wardrobe and took out his armor to put them on. He then closed the wardrobe and walked to me.
Big: "Well, I guess I'm ready to go."
Garrett: "Great."
We both walked out of the inn's room. Big locked the door and we both walked to the Drowning Wench's tavern. I ordered something to eat for breakfast. Nothing too complex, just eggs and bacon. We then sat at a table and talked a bit of things. Big talked me about his dream from last night. I seemed fun, but since I have no memory, I don't remember my dreams.
After we finished our breakfast, Big and I walked to the fisherman's bottom, as there was a transit boat in direction of Costa Del Sol, a place near Castrum Occidens. We took a trip to the boat as the boat were about to go.
In the middle of the ocean, I looked at Big as he looked at me.
Garrett: "You're ready, Big?"
Big: "Always."
I then looked at the bright sea and waited for the trip to finish. I then remembered of what Big wrote in his diary, where he said he will protect me no matter what.
You won't fail, Big, I promise…
… I feel like I went WAY too cheesy on Big's body description, but that's doesn't really matter! Right? … Yes? No? Probably?
Right, so Garrett presenting his two friends to Big, Shado Walker and Noah Makutu. Actually, these person actually are my in-game friends!
Next chapter, we'll see Garrett and Big, as they prepare a raid in the imperial base, as knows as Castrum Occidens!
