Well, first new chapter of 2008 here, I suppose. Took quite a while, at any rate. Enjoy.
Book I, Part II: Mortal Conflict - The Zodiac Brave Story
Chapter XII: Interdiction
[March 21, 2152 | Trabia Garden, Third Floor, Katanas DeValle's Office | 10:07 AM]
Ein Beoulve thought that if he heard one more 'tap' from the shoe of the person currently waiting to see Katanas DeValle he just might have to say something. Just too bad for him, really.
Mystique simply wasn't a very patient person.
"I've been waiting fifteen minutes now," Mystique muttered, partially to Ein, partially to no one in particular. "How much longer is it going to be?"
"...I'm sorry, but the rules are the rules," Ein said after a moment, seemingly unsure if he really wanted to speak at all. "Katanas-sama is already speaking with someone on important matters. You'll just have to wait your turn, ma'am."
Mystique just shook her head in annoyance, her foot continuing to tap on the marble floor. A moment later, however, a small light on the panel in front of Ein blinked, and he let out a sigh of relief.
"Katanas-sama will see you now," he said to Mystique, seemingly glad to be rid of the noise of her impatient tapping.
Mystique simply smiled, standing up and sauntering over to Ein before putting a finger under his chin.
"Such a good little boy you are, following orders and being helpful," she said, smiling in a way that made Ein's face go a light shade of red. "I'll make sure I ask Katanas to reward you for your diligence."
A moment later, she approached the door to the office, the automated door sliding open in front of her, then sliding shut a moment later to leave a now heatedly blushing Ein alone outside.
"Y-You're welcome, scary lady," he murmured, before turning his attention back to his work.
The Trabian SeeD Commander, seated behind his desk, looked over towards Mystique as she entered the office, making a gesture for her to take a seat in the room. Quickly, he reached over to straighten some of the scattered papers on his desk before addressing Mystique.
"I apologize for the wait, but I had to take a call from the Akatosh Chantry. Obviously, I can't tell you all the details, but it had something to do with an ex-Trabian SeeD who joined their ranks fairly recently," he explained. Mystique simply gave a faint smile, taking a seat in one of the chairs near the desk.
"They and I have an...interesting track record," she said after a moment. "So, what did you call me here for? Certainly not to simply exchange tidbits of information on a religious foundation?"
"Ah, of course not," he remarked. "I was more concerned about a matter that the head of the Thieves Guild might be able to clear up."
"RoyalThieves Guild," she corrected, leaning forward slightly and smiling with all the niceness of a hawk given fresh prey. "Alright, I'll bite. What can I 'clear up' for you?"
The barest hint of a smirk crossed Katanas' face.
"I'm curious as to what Conrad Synthetics would want with Zodiac Stones. Holy Stones at that, if you follow the story behind it."
Mystique's mask of emotion fell for just a brief instant as Katanas spoke, but she quickly stiffened her expression again. The rest of her body language, however, clearly showed that she was agitated by the question.
"I'd ask how you could have come across such a flight of fancy, but I've heard talk that you know everything. Of course," she said, winking at Katanas, "I know better." Katanas' only response is a light chuckle.
"We've known each other for...how long, now?" he asked Mystique, who gave no response. "Seems the old tricks won't work on me anymore. Just what is Conrad up to, Mystique?" he asked, his fingers interlacing.
Mystique made no motion to answer immediately, but sighed as she continued to look at Katanas.
"He was searching for the Stones in the hopes of selling them for some huge profit - apparently, he's got some big-time dealer lined up for the sale. At least, that's what he's using for a cover story. I think it goes deeper than that, and the corporate partnerships he has made so far suggest the same. There's speculation that he's working with Vector Industries, that big military tech company in Esthar, on some huge project, but it's all rumors so far - nothing definitive."
Katanas remained quiet for a moment, digesting the information that Mystique had just given him, before he let out a soft sigh and pressed a button on his desk.
"It seems things are going a bit faster than I anticipated. By the Balance..." he muttered, as the light on his console flashed green.
"Yes, sir?" Ein's voice chimed in, coming from his desk outside.
"Inform my father that I'm leaving. Zeo Conrad and I will be discussing the merits of a...merger, you might say," he said.
"Right away, sir," Ein said, before the line closed. Katanas stood up without a word, stepping over to Mystique, who also stood.
"After you," he said, sweeping a hand out in a friendly gesture.
"You're too kind," Mystique said, a mimic of Katanas' earlier near-smirk crossing her face as the two exited the office.
[March 21, 2152 | Trabia Garden, Knight's Hall, Training Grounds | 10:07 AM]
"Home sweet home."
Those were the first words out of Andréa Beoulve's mouth as she walked into one of the expansive training grounds of Knight's Hall. It had been a long time since she had stepped foot in Gaia. Her home village, Arias, lay within the northeastern Estharian Mountains. It was there that she grew up with her mother and younger brother, Ein Beoulve, but it never felt like home. Even with characters like Tetsuya and his younger sister around, the village never felt like more than a place to live for Andréa.
It didn't take her long before she ran away. Months later, after surviving the long trek through the mountain range, she found herself at the gates of Trabia Garden. The next seven years of her life were spent training to become, eventually, a SeeD.
She had never felt more at home than when she was at Garden.
Her time spent in Spira had been useful, however, just as Katanas had predicted. While her official assignment was to gather information in Spira itself, Katanas had prepped her to expect a number of "potentials."What she hadn't expected was for him to be right about every single one, down even to the Powell kid.
The SFA Grand Championship had been a fantastic challenge for her. The many combatants who had entered had put up a fierce fight, much higher than her initial expectations had been. Her final battle against Ben was nothing short of fierce confrontation, and she looked forward to another one like it. One in which, of course, she would win.
Smiling softly to herself, she looked around, hoping to find a familiar face before she reported to Katanas and began the long and tedious duty of filling out her paperwork. Things had changed, including herself.
Her outfit had changed completely since the tournament; she now wore a flowing brown and tan oriental-style sleeveless shirt and skirt combo, both lightly decorated in ornate jewelry. Strapped to her back was a wicked-looking scythe, her katana and wakizashi nowhere to be seen. Along her arms, shoulders, legs, and neck were extensive shaman-like tattoos, but the most unusual change was that most of her head was now hooded. Only her nose, mouth, and cheeks were visible, leaving her effectively blind.
Seeing, or rather sensing, no one nearby, she began to walk towards Garden. Her stride was still confident and balanced, even without the use of her eyes to guide her. While her vision may have been impaired by the hood she now wore, she had trained her other senses to make up for the deficiency. She didn't make it far before she stopped, turning her head to the left slightly.
"I'm blind, not deaf. Please, show yourself. You don't need to hide," she spoke softly. A moment passed in silence before the air moved just slightly, the only warning as a blur of black and red holding a pair of daggers leapt to the attack from above her.
She spun quickly, whipping her scythe from her back to parry the attack deftly and knock her opponent back as she herself leapt back a distance. The barest hint of a smile was visible as she made a sweeping low-cut with the blade, attempting to catch her assailant as they landed. And indeed, they did land - right onto the flat of the scythe's blade, Andréa's junction-enhanced strength holding both scythe and assailant in the air.
In response, she let the scythe drop, lifting a hand in the process before blasting her attacker from near point-blank range with Thundaga magic. She smirked with satisfaction as the attacker flew away, landing with a pained grunt on the dirt in front of her. Taking up a relaxed battle stance, she waited, listening for any sign of motion, feeling the air for any vibrations from sudden movement. She wasn't disappointed as the figure got up sluggishly, brushing himself off and sighing.
"Okay, so you're faster, but I think the lightning was a bit over the top."
Andréa smiled more fully, replacing her scythe and bowing gracefully. "Is that you, Dias? As much a troublemaker as ever, I see."
"Yeah, yeah, it's me," the figure, a young boy, replied. "The greatest thief of all time, Alva Dias Vincent!" the boy said proudly, thumbing his nose. Looking no older than twelve or thirteen, he wore indigo blue shorts that fell to his knees, a black undershirt and charcoal-colored vest, black shoes, and a red bandanna that revealed several thick tufts of spiky, dark purple hair framing his face. "I just thought I'd play greeting party. And try to steal your new stuff, of course," he continued, beaming.
Andréa just shook her head and chuckled. "Well then, little thief, lead on."
[March 21, 2152 | Trabia Garden, Front Gates | 10:19 AM]
As soon as the duo reached the gates of Garden, Dias split off from Andréa, likely to cause mischief somewhere else. The first thing Andréa noticed as she approached was the state of high alert, the sounds of boots crunching snow and orders being given coming from in front of her. The second thing she noticed was a distinct smell - the smell of death. Accenting that were the many SeeD officers at the gates, seven of which were in the process of carrying away three body bags from the scene. As she presented her SeeD ID card to a Captain on the scene that stopped her, she could see several other officers and SeeDs recalling events to the highest ranking person on the scene - Albel Nox. Snow crunched underneath Andréa's feet as she approached the General of the Sphere in hopes of finding out details of just what was going on.
"Sir, what happened here?" Andréa asked, saluting Albel as she approached. Albel glanced at the bodies being carried off before turning his gaze to Andréa.
"Some maggot attacked the front gate. Fiend managed to kill three SeeDs stationed there; a fourth just barely survived. Only a few people saw what happened after that, but apparently some fool decided to try and take the thing on alone, and nearly got himself killed if not for two other cadets. They did kill the worm, though, and will be questioned about it as soon as things are finished here," Albel replied, his tone one somewhere between boredom and irritation.
"The surviving SeeD?" she questioned.
"Critical condition in the infirmary, severe burn wounds."
"Fire magic?"
"Bystanders said it was Flare."
Andréa resisted the urge to grimace.
"I see...orders, sir?"
"I have no orders at the present time. Dismissed," Albel said, causing Andréa to nod and begin to head inside Garden as Albel turned his attention back to the task at hand.
[March 21, 2152 | Esthar, Hokkaido Museum, Royal Thieves' Guild | 11:04 AM]
The hideout of the notorious band of thieves known only as the Royal Thieves Guild, in reality, wasn't really "hidden" from anything. On the contrary, it was actually in plain sight.
The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art in Esthar. A prestigious and conveniently located museum accessible to the general public, for a small fee...and yet, simply a front for one of the best-organized criminal organizations in Esthar. While the Royal Thieves Guild may lack in overall size compared to other organizations, it more than made up for it in efficiency, discretion, and most importantly, connections in all the right places.
Wilhelm of Vector Industries, Takomashi U'dashika of Videlic Arms, Zeo Conrad of Conrad Synthetics. The very best the business world had to offer.
Darius DeValle, Sr. of House DeValle, Vinzer Deling, Jr. of House Deling, Shiro Matsuda of the Green Dragon sect of the Hachikyuusan, Nicholai Seer of the Anarak Syndicate. The very best the criminal world had to offer.
A cloaked figure stepped lightly into the main entranceway, quickly and politely showing the receptionist at the desk a card. The receptionist nodded, motioning to the figure quietly to proceed, which they did with barely a nod as acknowledgment. Making their way to the elevator, the figure entered with a host of others, the elevator quickly and silently making its trip up to the fourth floor, where the figure departed along with several other passengers. However, unlike the others who entered the floor, the figure took a turn into a back hallway with a single door labeled "Employees Only." Ordinarily, nothing about this action would raise suspicion.
However, on the other side of the door wasn't a room...but a hallway with yet another door. One with a tall, heavily built and incredibly imposing man guarding it that the figure knew only as "The Doorman."
Without a word, the figure removed their cloak, revealing a head full of white hair that hangs down in front of their face, and a smile that gives their face and facial structure itself the look of a fox. A white scarf around his neck, decorated yellow and brown sleeveless shirt, brown knee-high boots and cloth gauntlets finished off the attire of the man known as Seeker.
"You've returned, Fox-Face," the man said to Seeker, nodding lightly. "Was your mission a success?"
Grin widening at the nickname, Seeker nodded quickly.
"It really was like taking candy from a baby, although the lead on the Stones turned up false. But what I do know will make the Boss very happy."
The "Doorman" nodded also, contemplating something before he responded.
"Lady Mystique seems a bit off lately. Be careful with the news you impart upon her."
Seeker remained quiet, mulling over the man's words - he knew that if it was one thing the man could be counted on for, other than being good at his job, it was his honest ability to read people.
Minutes later, after more exchanging of small talk with the "Doorman," Seeker entered the elevator behind him, inserting a card into a small slot in the panel beside the door and descending to the subterranean level.
The operation run by the Royal Thieves Guild was headed by Mystique, often referred to simply as "Boss." She ran a tight ship, one of the many reasons why such an otherwise small and innocuous group as the Guild was able to prosper thus far. Seeker exited the elevator after it slowed to a stop in the bottom-most level, looking out into the basement level before heading towards the other side and a door that lay there. Only two other members of the Guild were there presently, he noticed as he walked.
Lancer, an Earth Alchemist of stature rivaling the Doorman's, was shadowboxing in a spacious section of the room, his immense height and muscular frame not seeming to slow his movements down in the least. Frosty, a Flame Alchemist of a suitably frigid demeanor, however, was lazily tossing a small ball of flame up and down in the air while seated in another part, her face the picture of absolute boredom.
Ignoring the two for the moment, Seeker made his way through the expansive basement level, moving through several desks and chairs, a locker room, a makeshift barracks and armory section, a kitchen, and a moderately-sized library before reaching the door that led to Mystique's office. Rapping on her door, he waited patiently for confirmation to enter before opening the door, his smile perfectly in place.
Mystique was sitting in a plush nook of the office as he entered, thoughtfully peering at what might've appeared to be a large window at first glance - if not for the fact that quite obviously, there were no windows this far down. Rather, it was a multi-panel television of sorts, one of the best in Esthar.
"Report," she said, without looking up at Seeker.
"It's true," Seeker replied, nodding curtly. "All of the Holy Stones are gone. It seems that someone managed to swipe them all when we weren't looking. If I might make a recommendation...?"
Mystique turned to face Seeker, something akin to a blank expression across her features.
"Saying 'no' has never stopped you before, has it?"
Seeker's grin grew slightly.
"Afraid not."
Mystique rolled her eyes, but motioned for him to continue.
"I think that we should call off this deal with Conrad. Outside of the immediate issue of not being able to deliver the goods, the Stone that I did manage to get him was quickly and easily taken from him a day later by Senior. I get the feeling that those two don't like each other very much, and I would very much like not to be caught up in that."
Mystique nodded slightly, tapping her chin with her index finger, before nodding again.
"I'll inform Conrad that the deal's off and reimburse him...some of his money," she said, prompting Seeker to chuckle softly. "Now, about the children you fought to get the Sagittarius Stone."
Seeker took a moment to compose what he recalled of his encounter before speaking.
"There were three of them, two girls and a boy. The first girl seemed...short-tempered. She liked fire," he said bluntly, pausing momentarily. "The other girl I found very agitating, mostly due to her competence. She used Phantasm Magic on me, or at least tried to at any rate. The boy also seemed quite competent. He used Symbology and Ninjutsu against me, as well as doing something to his eyes. I didn't notice any real advantages, however."
"...We'll keep our eyes on them," Mystique said after a long pause. "Word is they're looking for you - we can use that to our advantage. They may have useful information, perhaps other valuables. If not, they're good sport."
If anything, Seeker grinned more, before his expression moved to one of more seriousness. "One more thing, if I may?"
Mystique had already turned away from Seeker, distracted by something on one of the panels of the television. She jumped slightly as she felt Seeker's hand on her shoulder, glancing up to see him standing over her.
"Whatever it is that's botherin' you, don't keep it all in. We're all in this together. Least, that's what I keep tellin' myself. For you 'ta be worried like this must mean it's big, whatever it is."
Mystique noticed belatedly how he had slipped out of his normal, professional accent, but didn't comment on it.
"The Inquisitor contacted me, shortly after Katanas did," she said, sighing and rubbing her eyes tiredly. "Big things are about to go down. The order is to hold up on the heists, see where things go. We're pretty squared away, so don't look at me like that," she added a moment later, looking at Seeker's expression.
"You're the boss," he replied, a toothy grin back on his face. Mystique's grin a moment later easily matched his, for once.
"And don't you forget it."
[March 21, 2152 | Trabia Garden, Third Floor, Darius DeValle's Room | 3:51 PM]
It had only been a few days since Darius and Silvia had enjoyed a meal at the Café du Nord, but since then and now, he mused, a lot had happened. Most predominantly, the recent attack on Garden. However, Darius knew that before that Silvia had spent a little time talking to various cadets and SeeD members, getting a feel for Garden as a whole, picking up fresh gossip and news...and maybe a few phone numbers.
Never hurt to have a friend inside Garden. At least, that was her story.
After the attack, she had spent a little bit of time calling up some friends, setting up dates, and getting an idea of just who or what had attacked and who had beaten them. According to eyewitnesses, a little girl and a pet monster unlike any SeeD had encountered before were the ones who struck. If the stories were to be believed, three cadets fresh out of training had taken the monster down after the girl had just...vanished.
After cross-referencing what she knew with what she didn't between as many people as she could, she had left to go see the cadets for herself.
Darius, on the other hand, already knew who was behind the attack. That wasn't easy knowledge to come by, especially since the only one who really knew was Katanas. His older brother must've been in a good mood, because he divulged the name and more. Idly, he glanced down at the notes he'd taken.
Fayt: Pillar of Reality, solely responsible for guiding the fate of all beings stationed below her position. Seems to have a grudge against SeeD Cadet Benji Powell; is extremely dangerous.
He had other notes, some of them describing the other Pillars and a little bit more about the realm they resided in - the Ethereal Realm - but he decided that he'd read those more carefully later. He had other things to do.
Darius had also kept a close eye on Silvia as she talked to people the previous day and earlier today, noting who she was meeting and who she had contact with during her outings. He then made sure that each one of them knew whom she was, whom her friends were, and what they were and weren't allowed to tell her. He had a plan...and it needed to go off without a hitch, no matter what.
Folding the piece of paper, he stuffed it back into a pocket of his pants before starting to grab several things from his room. His rifle, signature pistols, and other miscellaneous items found their way onto his person, in either holsters or a small bag, before he moved over to his desk. Removing the same wooden box that contained the Aries Holy Stone, he opened it and pocketed the Stone before replacing it into the drawer of his desk.
'Everything is fitting in where it should,' he thought to himself. Silvia would be meeting Ben and his group of miscreants, and he would be able to sneak out of Garden and wait for Fayt's next arrival.
The game was afoot...and he had all of the pieces.
Special thanks to Peptuck for allowing the use of Shiro in the story.
And now, it seems that we'll soon get to see just what Darius is planning with the remaining Holy Stone. Only time will tell for sure...
As always, please read and review.