To Catch a Seagull

I explained the situation – or at least what I knew of it to Krilldog, Veloxe and Neelia. Neelia seemed some what concerned, Veloxe a little confused and Krilldog didn’t pay much attention at it seemed.

“So, what do you need to know then, Kal?” Neelia asked handing him a cup of whatever she was drinking.

“I’m guessing these Alzadaal Ruins aren’t anything Horutoto?” I smiled, “The people I’m with hired me from the Tenshodo to ‘escort’ them…but, from what I gather it’s more of a ‘get us in’ type thing.”

Veloxe chugged a little of his drink, “You’re right. Alzadaal isn’t musty and filled with sand like most of the old places on Quon. It’s…well, it’s bit more advanced even then a lot of Bastok’s stuff.” He strained a bit and tried to adjust his armor around his neck.

“You doing ok there big guy?” Neelia asked.

Before Veloxe could answer Krill slammed down another empty bottle, “Don’t be a pansy.” He snorted and Veloxe rolled his eyes.

“More advanced then Bastok? So…?” I asked.

“When they call it ruins.” Neelia explained, “It’s just in reference to the fact that they belong to some older, lost civilization.”

“Yea.” Veloxe added, “But there’s not really much that’s old about them. It’s like being in some…mechanical maze. It’s not the type of thing you’d expect to find around these types of lands. Whatever built or operated that place was so far beyond where we are today.” Veloxe was grinding his teeth as he pulled and yanked at his armor neckline again.

“Oh, Jeez!” Neelia reached over and pulled him down, “You really are a little pansy!”

Veloxe jerked back, “You weren’t the one being strangled by the damn thing!”

“Hold still and let me see!” she pulled him back down and put her hand further down about where the magical arm had it’s grip. She pulled her fingers back and they were covered in a dark crimson liquid. “Well…shoot. Yea, he got you pretty good.”

“Let me see.” Krill leaned over just enough to pour whatever booze he had down Veloxe’s neck.

“Gah! Damn you Krill!” The Paladin bounded up, nearly knocking Neelia off her chair, “What the hell man that burns!” Veloxe clawed at his neck and tensed his muscles taking the pain.

Krilldog frowned a bit, “…yea, you’re right. That was a waste of booze…I’m sorry.” He drank what was left.

I rolled my eyes, “Anyhow…what do you guys think? I don’t need you taking and showing me around, but is there anyone else I can talk to about getting into these ruins?”

“I’d say your choices come down to two people.” Krilldog spoke up as Neelia helped Veloxe mend up his wounds, “Naja Salaheem of the Sentinels, stationed right here in Whitegate. Or Qultada, leader of the Corsairs…you should have a hell of a time finding them.”

I smiled, “Corsairs, eh? That sounds like a group of gentlemen who would be right up my alley.”

I heard Neelia snicker, “Oh, yea…I’m sure you boys would get a long just great.”

“Can I go now?” TamTu asked tugging on my Scorpion Harness next to me, “Sooraya’s probably worried about me…actually…that makes me worry about me…” he said to himself.

“Not yet.” I sad, “So…any other information?”

Veloxe scratched his head, “To be honest Kallo…the Ruins are opened to the public, and if something that thing that cursed this Captain guy… ifsomething like that existed down there we’d know about it, you know?”

“Not necessarily.” Neelia responded, “There are still quite few parts of the ruins that haven’t been accessed or that are still closed off by the Empire.”

“Then how would my employers got that deep? Or…hell, even better why would they need me? If they got there to begin with…” I wondered aloud.

An all too familiar voice came from behind me, “It’s not that we don’t know out way back…” it was Gideon, “It’s that we cannot go back that way.”

I turned around and she was standing there with both hands on her hips, “You’re a pretty slippery little Thief aren’t you, Long Ears?”

Neelia laughed, “You’ve no idea.”

“So, when were you planning on filling me in on the rest of the information?” I asked standing up.

She shrugged, “When do you plan on ceasing your little Rogue act?”

Neelia laughed again, this time bumping Veloxe’s cup and nearly spilling it all over himself.

Krilldog piped up next, “It sound to me like you people need to find your ways into the Alzadaal Chasm.” He stood up, “I’m sick of this place. I’ll see you two later.” He said to Veloxe and Neelia before turning back to me and Gideon, “Your best bet would be to seek out Qultada…” the last part he whispered to us before lumbering away.

“…can I go home yet?” TamTu whined again.

I rolled my eyes and nodded, “Thanks kid.”

Gideon wouldn’t tell me anything about who or what Qultada was as we made our way through the city.

“Did Vael say anything before they left?” she asked.

“Only that they’d meet us outside of the city.”

“Mm, probably at the Bhaflau Bastion, I’d think then.” She smiled, “Here comes your Kitten.”

I turned around just in time to catch my beautiful fiancé as she came pouncing through the air and directly into my arms. A bewildered gaze on her face, “…you heard me?”

This was actually, the first time with or without help that Tara hadn’t gotten the jump on me, literally.

“How’d you hear me?” she gave me a playful whack on the shoulder as I set her down.

Gideon giggled a bit and started walking again, “Honey, you Mithra aren’t quite as quiet as you might think.”

We followed her to a small opening in the walls of the city that went underground a bit then opened out into the thickets of Bhaflau through a Bastion gate. Vael, Stitch and Katurian were all waiting outside. Stitch was giving Katurian a well deserved verbal beating.

“Yea! Sure Mr. Kills A lot! You can know how to melt a few adventurers, but what would have happened if the Immortals came a runnin’? Huh?! We’d all be put right where they think we are!” she gave him a slug in the stomach, “In the dirt!”

Gideon smiled, “Katurian getting into more trouble?”

The Shadow Priest rolled his eyes, “She hasn’t shut up yet…

“Wha?! Ooh!” Stitch stomped her foot down and hit Katurian again. “Gosh! You make me so mad sometimes!”

The other three seemed to smile a bit – even Katurian.

“So, do we have a destination then?” Vael asked.

“Yes, indeed.” She said, “Mr. Kallo Landis needs to visit with Qultada, Captain of the Seagull Phratrie, last of the Corsairs.”

“And how do we find them?” I asked.

“Oh, you don’t much have to worry about finding them if you’re waiting in the right place.” She smiled. “We’re off to Arrapago Reef.”

Arrapago Reef is dreadful place in every respect of the word. It houses creatures known as Lamia – which are by-products of the Empires genetic and alchemic experiments to make the denizens of Altana into super soldiers. There are one of two outcomes – Blue Mages, also known to the Empire as the Immortals, or Lamia. Half-man half-snake, completely beastmen.

Arrapago Reef covers a very large part of the land mass in north Aht Urghan, along with Caedarva Mire. Gideon assured me that if we hung out long enough in one place, the Corsairs would find us.

“This place is eerie…” Tarawath was by my side the entire time, her arm around mine. “No place back home quite this dark…”

“And be sure these lands house evils far darker then anything else you’ve yet to witness as well Lady Summoner.” Katurian hissed.

Stitch spoke next, “And that’s the truth more then it is Katurian tryin’ to scare you too!”

“The Lamia are nothing more then freaks…” he hissed, “But the Soulflayers…those abominations are made from nature.”

“Gid.” Vael called, “This is as good a place as any. Open access to the waters…” he pointed above, “Large alcove and ledges for an ambush. An invite to any pirate if there was one.”

“Ambush?” Tarawath asked.

“That’s right honey, we’re trying to draw these Seadogs out.” Gideon smiled, “Not scared are you?” she grinned. “Besides, they’re not blood-thirsty like you might read in the books…they’re more along the lines of freedom fighters around here. As much as the Empire might want to convince you otherwise.”

“It’s not so much an ambush from the Corsairs that worry me…” Tarawath corrected them, “You said this reef is home to Beastmen as well…and if that’s true, and they’re any fraction of the same type of cunning as the hordes back home, we’ve pinned ourselves up perfectly as bait for the Pirates and snakes.

Vael smiled a vaguely at Gideon, “That we did Gideon.”

There was barely a hint of dissatisfaction on Gideon’s face before it was replaced by a smile eerily as charming as mine. “Well, then maybe we’ll get lucky and have a little bit of entertainment while we wait.”

A Trio Of Sorts

“Hands off of him!” Neelia commanded as she outstretched her arm towards Veloxe, a silver streak of light shooting forth and striking the magical noose around the Galka’s neck. The dispel hit and shattered, causing no visible effect.

Katurian laughed as he opened his palm toward Neelia and from the ground beneath her feet long, black shadow-like tendrils began to curl up her legs and grab at her arms and weapons.

“Kat! Stop it right this instance!” Stitch yelled as she rushed up to Neelia with her dagger drawn and began hacking at the shadowy limbs.

“Priest!” Vael’s voice boomed, “Drop him now! This isn’t the place!”

Katurian growled deep as he gazed into the eyes of the Paladin in his grasp, “Right after I see how many different colors he bleeds…” the Shadow Priest began to grind his teeth and the arm on the neck of the Paladin started to squeeze and writhe.

I heard heavy foot steps behind me, both TamTu and I were separated and nearly shoved against the wall as a large Galka in a Scorpion Harness and Optical hat walked past us. He signed heavily as his arm outstretched, grabbing Veloxe by the back of his surcoat. Katurian saw the mammoth adventurer approach and his eyes narrowed.

“This sock puppet belongs to me.” The Galka spat out as he yanked him down, so hard and fast that the magical lock on his throat snapped and vanished.

Veloxe crashed onto the ground and coughed trying to catch his breath, “Thanks, Krill…love you too, man…” he managed to choke out.

Katurian grimaced in annoyance, “You’ll take his place then…” the Shadow Priests aura seemed to flare up.

Krilldog cracked his knuckles as he took a step closer, but Vael and Stitch both intercepted them.

Stitch grabbed around of Katurian’s arm and pulled him back, “Kat! That’s enough damn it!”

Vael put his and up in front of Krilldog, Vael towered even a few feet above this hard knock before him, “Please, control yourself…”

Krilldog looked up at him and let out a snort then a sigh of frustration, “I need a goddamn drink.”

“Kat, please stop!” Stitch finally got the Shadow Priests attention.

“Fine.” He hissed.

“Stitch.” Vael turned to her, “We need to leave now.” He said.

“Absolutely!” she grabbed Katurian’s hand. “Let’s go mister! You’re in so much trouble!”

You could sort of see his ominous yellow eyes roll behind those shadows for a moment. As they quickly made their way toward the entrance Katurian’s shadows disburse. Vael turned to me as they passed, “We’re waiting outside town…Katurian’s drawn to much attention to us as it is…find out what you need, let Gideon know. We’ll be waiting.”

“Yea, sure thing big guy.” I replied as they made their way out of the teahouse.

As I watched I felt something tugging on my sleeve, I glanced down at TamTu, “…those were your friends?”

I shook my head and smiled, “No.” I pointed to the two Galka’s and the Red Mage, “Those are my friends. The other three are my employers.”

TamTu let out a heavy sigh, like he had been holding his breath that entire ordeal, “I think I’d rather have the other three as my friends…”

“Kal?” it was Neelia’s voice that brought my mind back to the objective at hand. I smiled as I made my over to her.

“Hey, Doll!” I smiled arms open as I walked toward her.

“Bad idea…” I heard Veloxe mumble something, but it was too late.

Neelia planted her palm against the side of my cheek with perfect precision. The slap echoed in the teahouse for a good 3 seconds.

“Vel told me about that ‘old’ remark you made last month in the Tenshodo!” she smirked, “So, that’s what that was for…” she explained before giving me a small hug while I still held my cheek. She then proceeded to go take a seat with Veloxe.

Krilldog brushed past my shoulder with 3 drinks in his arms and sat down with them, “So what brings you to these parts, Kal?” Veloxe reached for one of Krilldog’s beverages, but Krill slapped his hands, “Mine.” Veloxe was about to say something, “Yes, all of them.”

The Paladin grumbled something and made his own way to the counter.

“Actually, doing a bit of sight seeing…” I said, Krilldog nodded knowing exactly what I meant, “But I’m not too familiar with the area…”

Veloxe called over from the counter, “Need a bit of a rundown on the surrounding territories, eh?”

“Something like that.” I replied, “I got a few people from back home interested in touring the Alzadaal Ruins?”

Neelia smiled, “I think we can help you out with that.”

Land Of Prosperity

After hours on board the ship, myself, Tara and Faction 5 had docked into the port town of Whitegate, Aht Urghan. The port area was alive and buzzing with traffic. More crowded then the three nations of Quon – even rivaling Jeuno’s number.

“So many people here.” Tarawath whispered as they walked through customs.

“Welcome to Aht Urghan!” Stitch pushed between myself and Tarawath, “Oh! You two should go visit the teahouse! They have the best hot chocolate every conceived there! Vael!”

The Galka came lumbering slowly past Tarawath and I, “Of course, Stitch.”

“Kat? Do you want to come?” she over and poked the Priest in his arm but he pulled away, “Please! Kat!”

He rolled his eyes under his hooded face, “Fine.”

Gideon adjusted her holsters as she came up beside me, opposite of Tarawath, “I’ll accompany you Kallo.” she smiled.

“Us.” I took Tarawath’s hand, “You can accompany us.” I forced a nervous smile.

“From what I understand, Rogue.” She smiled, “You’re here to help me. Your lovely fiancé is here on business from Windurst…she may want to seek out information from the Palace while we visit the Esteemed Salaheem’s Sentinels.”

“Or…” I proposed, “We could go from one place to the other.”

Gideon laughed, “They don’t let our kind into the Palace so easily, Long Ears.”

Tarawath rolled her eyes and kissed my cheek, “She’s right, Tiger. I’ll meet you at that Teahouse later. Behave yourself.” She smiled, “The Palace is?”

Gideon pointed in the direction and Tarawath bowed, heading off that way. Gideon leaned in close and stood up on her toes to whisper into my ear, “She never said I had to behave…”

“And we’re off!” I stormed away, with no particular destination in mind.

To tell you the complete truth, I still wasn’t very comfortable around Gideon. I don’t think she was really serious anymore about how she acted after finding out I was engaged to Tara, but it still kind of gave me the creeps. Regardless, when it came to information gathering this was something I did better on my own.

I let Gideon lead the way for a moment and she began to head toward some stairs. I gave her a little room, pretending to take in the sights and the smells and when we hit a big group of people, I slinked away quickly. I don’t know how long it took her to notice I was gone, but I made sure to be far enough away that I wouldn’t find out either.

There was so much going on as I walked, it was hard to even pay attention to my permanent surroundings. I think the thing that really surprised me the most was seeing the Automatons that Puppetmaster’s used. I was of course familiar with Cardians from Windurst – but we kept that technology pretty secure. So, part of me wondered about the little performers but I was quickly brought back to my task at hand.

I reach out quickly for the first person to get to close and pulled them towards. It happen to be a young hume, dressed in the garbs of a healer. He let out a surprised little yelp as I tossed him harmlessly toward the wall.

“I got some Questions, kid” I told him.

“I didn’t do it!” he spat out, “It was Soor—” whatever he was about to say, he seemed to catch himself, “I can pay for it though!”

I looked at him funny and shook it away, “I don’t care – I’m new in town, I just need some directions and a little bit of information.”

The hume nodded his head, “Sure…what…do you want to know?” he smiled, still a bit jarred.

“Your name?”

“TamTu…wait, why do you need my name?”

“Just in case anyone after me has some questions, you make sure not to answer them…Ok, Tammy?”

He nodded frantically, “…anything else?”

I lowered my voice to a bit more of a whisper, “I need to know where I can find out information regarding the Alzadaal Undersea Ruins?”

“Ok…” his voice also went to a whisper, “…why are we whispering? The Ruins are open to the public…so…you don’t need to make it a secret…”

My eyes slanted a bit and I let go of his shirt, “…anyhow, I’m looking for a guide or someone who knows their way around a bit?”

“Oh, well…I’d check the Teahouse!” he said pointing up some stairs, “Right up in there!”

“Great.” I took him by the shirt and pushed him toward the stairs, “Let’s go.”

“What? Why me!” he stammered as he stumbled up the steps.

“Because I’m western.” I pointed out, “You get to be my little cousin by marriage, that is if anyone asks. My names Kallo.”

We ascended the stairs and walked through a small hallway into the Shararat Teahouse. What happened next, I was only a spectator of, but really…knowing the three people I found there, I can’t say I was very surprised.

Vael and Stitch where sitting in the corner, an empty cup in Stitch’s lap and her reaching for Vael’s cup which was virtually untouched. The enormous Galka half-smiling. Katurian was standing alone near the corner, scowling around when a fairly attractive hume Red Mage with long black hair accidentally bumped into him. Her hands where full with three different beverages all of which toppled down to the floor.

“Oh! I’m so sorry—” the hume began, but Katurian cut her off with a piercing glare.

“Mind yourself…” he said, then muttered with a sneer as he was about to return to Stitch and Vael, “Elderly humes…”

She didn’t seem at all pleased with his demeanor, “Excuse me? Would you like to repeat that one?”

Katurian stopped dead in his tracks, I could see his face from where I was, but the Red Mage could not. He was very morose looking, disgruntled. However, her invitation to conflict spread a wicked grin across his face.

As he turned toward her, shadows seem to seep away from the corners and from under tables as they all began to snake towards the Shadow Priest, clawing at his limbs as they crawled around his body.

“I’ll reiterate.” Katurian smiled, “The Elderly are best suited as fertilizer. Allow me to demonstrate.”

“What’s the problem here, Neelia?” a large voice came from behind Katurian.

“Vel…” the Red Mage put a name to the Galkan Paladin who was at Katurian’s back, “This Elvaan wants to play.”

The Galka cracked his knuckles smiling, “And what’s the game?”

Katurian’s lips reached his ears in a sinister like grin, his eyes locked straight into Neelia’s as his began to a glow a bright yellow as the Shadow’s swallowed him – giving birth to his Shadow form and he spat out, “Hangman.”

He turned toward the Galka, his hand outstretched toward Veloxe’s neck. A long slender purple arm appeared out of the air behind him and wrapped around his neck, squeezing the Galka’s muscular neck as he gripped and pulled at it!

“Katurian!” Stitch yelled as she hopped over the small railing into the main floor taking notice of the fight.

I knew the Galka and the Red Mage. We met through various Tenshodo ties and dealings – I knew they where no match for Katurian’s magic and I prayed Stitch could stop him.

That’s not the part that worried me. Veloxe and Neelia are part of a trio, and right now I could only account for two of the three.

Dark Words

As Tarawath and myself made our way through customs we were welcomed by civilians put into a deep slumber, no doubt from Katurian’s magic. As we were about to come out the other side of the door the entire port was set ajar by what seemed like a loud blast!

I could screams from behind us, I hear commotion from down in the Kahzam Port. Then gunshots started to rattle off and I could hear fire hissing! Tarawath and I descended the steps quickly and outside I saw a terrifying scene.

High above the Airship we were to board was a large dark rip in the air, like a magical scar of some sort. Several feet from it was the terrifying part. It resembled Katurian in his Shadow Form, but seemed more tangible and it’s figured where a lot more defined. It looked like a man, a hume but was two times the size of a Galka and from his back sprouted monstrous wings. It also had four dark orbs gyrating around it from which long dark arms where emerging.

I quickly took stock of the situation. The abomination had Vael suspended in air, two of the orbs holding him tightly as they where strangling the life from him. Directly below him on the ground coughing and trying to catch her breath was Stitch – she was likely the first target but was someone rescued from the Orbs clutches by Vael. Gideon was close to the dock entrance, just in front of us. Her Darksteel revolvers drawn – which would explain the gunshots. Katurian was further back, still in shadow form, a long electric-like beam emanating from his outstretched hand which was connected to the large creature in the sky. The blue current was wrapped around its head and seemed to be seeping into his skull by way of his eyes and mouth. It roared in pain as the Shadow Priest seemed to be flaying it’s mind.

“Tara!” I turned to my love, “We need to help them!”

She was already concentrating, a very gentle light aura glowing about her as she whispered, “Guardian of Light…my friend, we require your aid…please come to us, Carbuncle.”

As more shells rang from Gideon’s firearm, the Demon seemed to become more and more frustrated. Katurian’s mind flay effect seemed to be diminishing and now the Demon was beginning to feel the presence of Carbuncle being summoned. Luckily, he could do nothing to stop it – several feet away from Tarawath over the top of the water there was a large flash of light as a small orb appeared and from it Carbuncle uncurled!

The Demon sneered at the sight and thrust his palm towards the small Celestial Avatar. Carbuncle bounded forward into the air at the same time, shattering the wave of darkness as I came toward him! Like a beam of light Carbuncle bounced from one dark orb to the other, each one shattering like glass as he hit it!

Vael dropped out of the sky and hit the dock with a thud! His neck had been sliced and shredded to bits somehow and his breathing halted. He tried to gasp and suck in air but it only furthered the flow of blood as he started to convulse gripping at his mutilated neck.

“VAEL!” Stitch screamed as she ran over to his side, collapsing next to him, “No! No! No! Stop it!” she slammed her fists down on his chest trying to pull his arms from his throat. As soon as she could she wrapped her fingers around the Galka’s enormous neck and began to apply all her wait to his broken trachea. A large splash of brilliant colors burst from her hands and as the haze faded she removed her bloodstained hands to reveal a revitalized Galkan Monk. “Vael?” she asked her voice quivering with fear.

“Thank you Child.” He said sitting up.

“Vael!” Gideon called out in warning.

The Demon spun around quickly, flaring his wings and spitting flames from the edges as he did! The maneuver caused Carbuncle to loose much ground and in that small moment the Demon managed to rain down upon Vael and Stitch a terrible array of twilight. As the darkness touched their skin, it began to dissolve, revealing the muscle tissue below. Vael grabbed Stitch in his arms and covered her petite body with his massive frame. He let out a loud bellow as his cycles evaporated with his skin!

Gritting her teeth as she prepared for the pain Stitch wrapped her arms as far as she could around the Galka, getting her finger tips into his wound. Her arms began to burn up and she cried through the agony as her back arched. Through the hissing and burning skin, however, specs of light began to pop and bubble restoring their bodies as they dissolved under the darkness.

“Halt!” came a commanding voice from behind us all, “Stay where – what in Altana’s name!” the rest of the Ducal Guard had shown up.

“Tara, keep that thing busy!” I commanded, “Katurian?” I looked to the Priest who sneered at me, but nodded and dropped his spell.

Katurian’s form suddenly fell to the ground in a splash of shadows as he vanished from sight and nearly instantly re-appeared further up the steps between all the guards. He reached his hands out and grabbed two by the throat – like hot iron through ice, his hands melted through their necks, dropping their heads to the ground and leaving a perfectly sealed stump in place.

Gideon flew past me, quick on her feet. She tossed an elbow into the nearest guards forehead sending him toppling backwards and unconscious under the feet of his comrades.

I joined in drawing my daggers – using only the hilts to render my victims unconscious as I parried their blades.

Behind me the Demon whipped his claws and his wings in furious anger as he tried to slice Carbuncle out of the air! The small creature was too quick for him, however. After several moments the Demon thrust it’s wings upward, sending it down wickedly fast into the water! Where it entered the surface of the water a small vortex began to swirl and bubble and an evil visage seemed to be coming from it – where the demon would emerge.

“Carbuncle!” Tara called to him, “Banish the demon back to the dark!”

Carbuncle nodded as he leapt higher into the air, the red ruby on his forehead shining brightly. From the water, the Demon erupted from the water bathed in dark blue flames as it headed straight for Carbuncle, roaring and brandishing it’s teeth. From Carbuncle, however, came a Searing Light which froze the demon in it’s path as it let out a blood curdling scream! After several seconds the image of the demon simply faded away and with it the twilight blanket over Stitch and Vael diminished, leaving them healed thanks to Stitch’s magic.

“Gideon!” Katurian hissed, “Get them on the boat…”

She nodded as she pulled me back away from the Ducal Guard. I in response, took Tara by the hand and led her along as Gideon helped Vael and Stitch to their feet. The last thing I saw was Katurian letting the Ducal Guard surround him as he spoke.

Like the frozen gales deciphering the branch work of trees on a nigh barren landscape his words whispered, “Know what it is you fear most…” there was a flash of blue light as all the guards eye were overcome with a azure glow as they began to scream, as though in pain an agony, falling to their knees, running for their lives, colliding with each other, the walls and running off the dock.

Katurian calmly walked down the stairs and onto the dock joining us at the small pathway to the boat.

I grabbed Gideon’s shoulder and spin her around, but she spoke before I could say anything.

“You’ll be briefed once we’re in the air, Rogue.”

It wasn’t long before the pilot got us into the air. Both he and the vessel we were aboard were commissioned by the Tenshodo. After this little rendezvous he was very likely to take us the long, less traveled route directly to Norg.

Stitch wanted to see giant propellers, so almost as soon as we were in the air she was up top already, Vael closely in tow of course. I hadn’t seen which way Katurian slinked off, but Gideon went in towards the Pilot in regards to our course. I had Tarawath wait in the back for me while I talked to Gideon.

“What the hell was that thing?” I demanded and answer.

“Our Leader.” She said it plainly, nothing else was in her voice.

I wasn’t sure what to say. I sure was not expecting that type of an answer, so I just stared at her for a moment waiting for some type of explanation.

“Not what you thought you were going to hear, Long Ears?” she said leaning against the wall, “Faction 5 was originally a 19 man team. We were literally recruited off the streets in Al Zahbi and sent out on a mission that night. No one knew about us…the Empire probably had that planned because the unit was massacred in the Arrapago Reefs by the Lamia. 5 of us survived. Myself, Vael, Stitch, Katurian and our Lieutenant.”

“Lieutenant? Your leader?”

“Yep. He never gave his name, he was elected lead Faction 5 from the start in Al Zahbi – but no one knew his name, so we all called him Lieutenant.” She said, “I don’t know if the Empire planned for Faction 5’s operation to fail as it did…but after leaving Arrapago Reef we were being hunted by Immortals. They chased us deep into the Alzadaal Ruins, we lost them at some point – but we also came upon some lost artifact.” She paused for a moment.

“Gideon?”

“That was years ago…” she continued on, “The Empire thought we had died down there…they stopped looking for us – Faction 5 was never spoken of again, we kept it that way. Didn’t need them knowing we were still running around. That artifact though…stayed with each of us, and several weeks ago when we were visiting to the north, the group made a unanimous decision…to go back to that Artifact.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.” She said, her eyes leading to the floor, “Something about it called to us. We had found our way back down there and when the Lieutenant touched it, he vanished. The walls and floors of the ruin began to move and shake – we managed to escape but as we did the path was altered, doors closed, others opened…it was an entirely different place. It was then that we were attacked by the Lieutenant in …that form. We don’t know much more then that – but the reason we hired you was to help us find that Artifact so we can free our Lieutenant from whatever ill fate seems to grasp him now.”

“And…what reason is he following you, I’m guessing that wasn’t the first time you were followed by it?” I asked.

“We’re not sure.” She let out an exasperated sigh, “We think it’s because we’re all he’s known for the past couple years, or that it’s because we’re trying to break whatever curse has been set upon him.” She shrugged.

“I see…” there was one more thing that hung on my conscious, “…you’ve all been with each other for quite some time?”

She nodded.

“…how is it that maniac hasn’t butchered any of you in your sleep?” I asked, referring to Katurian.

She seemed to get a chuckle of that response, “Firstly, Katurian really isn’t the type of person he seems to be. As for how we’ve managed to keep him with us this entire time – Stitch saved his life at the massacre in the reef. He swore a blood oath to her. So, she’s about the only one who can keep him in line most of the time.”

I nodded in response.

“My turn to ask a question…” she said, “…whose the girl?” I took of my glove and held my hand up to reveal the silver band around my finger, Gideon nodded and smiled, “No wonder you were playing so hard to get…this could get fun.”

“And on that note…” I turned and walked into the Airship corridors, paying no more attention to Gideon.

Knowing that Katurian was somewhere on the Airship, but not knowing where I got very concerned when Tarawath wasn’t in the back where I had asked her to wait. I searched everywhere below deck and as I bolted up the stairs to the top, I stopped once I was within view of the deck.

Katurian was standing near the railing, motionless and void of his Shadow Form as he looked out over the water. Tarawath stood several feet behind him, watching. Neither made any move, they didn’t notice me either. Before I could say anything Tara walked up beside him and put her hands on the rail, but she didn’t look at him or say anything.

It was Katurian who first spoke, “That was Carbuncle who came to your aid, was it not?”

Tarawath nodded shyly, “Yes.”

“There aren’t many Summoner’s around the Kingdom of San d’Oria. None that I remember…it’s been a long time since I’ve seen the avatar of light.”

Tarawath stood completely still, her eyes still turned downward away from Katurian.

“You did not fear that demon.” He said.

She shook her.

“Yet you fear me.” He looked down at her, I could tell she could feel his cold stare, “Why?”

Tarawath said nothing.

“I use to fear like normal men.” Katurian went on, “Losing friends, family…death. My greatest fear, however…was that the most sinister and devilish man in Vana’diel, was the same man who the most virtuous and saintly.

I use to be a man of the cloth. After watching a Knight cut down infant Orcs then reason that they would grow into what their parents would…I burned his house and family. I didn’t want his kids to grow into the bigot their father was…”

Tarawath was looking up at Katurian now, but Katurian was gazing out over the horizon.

“I was expelled. Deemed a heretic…I use to mend life, not I unravel it. To one, it might seem I’ve become that thing I use to fear most. However, I’ve only gained perspective. Within every soul on Vana’diel there is both Altana and there is Promathia. When one soul is expelled from this realm, there are still thousands that still breath.”

“Tara?” I called to her as I ascended the top step.

She jumped as I drew attention to myself. Katurian did not move or speak. Tarawath looked at him once last time then came over to me, putting her arms around me. She felt very cold.

Reality Check

It’s the same sad old story you hear all the time in cliché tales about Rogues and Thieves. Parents never being around, abandoned at birth, raised in the presence of crime and poverty. Growing up with no family, except those around you not bound by blood. I never got to know my mother, I’ve briefly met with my father but he always makes it a point to keep from life.

Akeem was the last thread to a life that I remembered being innocent. He was a link to my past before I became the Kallo Landis of today. In the sense, that you die in the same way you’re born; he was the only thing I had left.

As I made my journey back to Jeuno, I kept thinking about what Motai told me as soon as Akeem left. You see, every family has their quarrels, and brothers fight all the time. Yet, both Motai and I knew that this was something else. At the moment, I hadn’t realize just how severe the ramifications would be. I think Motai foresaw the level of intent, but he never could have guessed how it would come to be.

Akeem spoke, “I don’t ever want to see your face ever again. Your dead to me.”

After several long moments of silence, Motai was the first of us who said anything since Akeem walked off.

“…good bye Keemie.” He whispered.

I had washed the earlier events from my mind as best as I could. Once Jeuno was within sight I had another thought, one which helped to clear my mind of previous fears and add to the list new ones. What if Tara had already met Faction 5?

As I got to Port Jeuno, there was a very suspicious murmur about the crowd and it all seemed to be floating toward the port to Kahzam. None of this helped to put my worries at ease, I decided to head straight for the Tenshodo in hopes I’d find Tara there.

“Kallo?” her voice suddenly rang in my head, “Kallo! Over here!”

Making her way through the crowd was my lovely kitten. She weaved and pushed her way toward me as the crowd of people began forming large clusters toward the Kahzam port.

“Tara, what in Altana is going on here?” I asked as the murmur of the crowd started to grow louder.

“I’m not sure, I just came from the Tenshodo. Aldo said that the people you were taking to Aht Urghan would be waiting there and when you showed up he’d send you to us.” She said looking around, trying to get some clue as to what was going on, “Oh! How is Akeem? Was he ok?”

I shook my head, “Not now.” I said, “If Gideon and her friends are at the dock where an entire port full of people are heading…I don’t even want to imagine.” I said as I took Tara’s hand and led her through the crowd.

As we neared the bottom of the stairs we found just what I thought we would, some of the Faction 5 members, Katurian and Stitch. I was willing to bet with Stitch being there that Vael had to have been close by. Also in attendance among this large cache of people was Wolfgang and two other Ducal Guards as well as a shop owner from Upper Jeuno.

“Ok! Stop!” Wolfgang and the two guards where trying to keep the crowd under control, “We can settle this without all these wild accusations of devilry and witchcraft flying around!”

Stitch piped up, “I’m telling you! You’ve got the wrong guy! Kat here couldn’t hurt a fly!” she seemed very nervous and very frustrated.

“That’s him!” the shopkeeper said, “I’ve no doubt! He just touched my customer on the shoulder and he – he – he just turned into ashes! Magic like that isn’t natural!”

Katurian, who prior to all of this stood leaning against a wall behind Stitch as though he had no interest in it, finally spoke, “Death…is a very natural truth…” he spoke low, in a hushed voice directly at the shop keeper, their gazes locked.

“Katurian! Stop it!” Stitch turned towards him and grab him by the shirt trying to pull his eyes away from the shopkeepers, but it was already too late.

I could see the shop keepers Adams apple fall up and down as he swallowed hard. His breathing started to become erratic. His skin was turning red as sweat began to form on his brow and his arms at an alarming rate. His eyes widened and became bloodshot as his hair grew thinner by the minute. Within seconds everyone was starting to back away from the shop keeper as he began to wobble on his legs. His skin was beginning to crackle, bubble up and pop…as often happens when water is being boiled. From his throat came hisses as he tried to scream in pain, but his lips where already starting to fuse together.

“Kat stop it!” Stitch pounded against him, but his eyes still stared hard into those of the shopkeeper as his tissue began to slide off his body.

It continued for a couple more seconds, the effects increasing at an exponential rate until what was left was a pile of bones and burnt, melting skin and organs.

The entire crowd was silence.

“By Promathia…” Wolfgang stuttered as he viewed the remains, “What on Vana’diel are you…”

Whispering Stitch tried to pull him away, “Kat…let’s go, now!”

“No!” Wolfgang and the two Guards drew their swords, “We can’t let that happen.”

Katurian put his hand in front of Stitch and pushed her back, “It’s time to play, Kid.” His voice hissed with malcontent as Shadows consumed his figure. Draping himself in a black aura it seemed as though his body became intangible, like a living shadow. His eyes glowing bright yellow from beneath his hood.

“Katurian!” the crowd, which was slowly dissipating as people realized how much danger they were in, was suddenly split open by a large Galka, Vael. “Cease this violence now!”

Katurian kept his eyes on the Ducal Guards, “No.” he said, “They want it.”

Snapping out of the shock of seeing Katurian butcher the shop owner without so much as blinking, I finally intervened.

“Katurian!” I shouted toward him, my voice took his attention from Wolfgang and the other two guards.

I could see his eyes twitch at the sight of me, “Thief…” he really did despise me.

“That is enough!” yet another voice commanded, it was Gideon, “Everyone to the ship now! Katurian – immobilize the guards.”

“…as you wish…” he said through gritted teeth as his arms rose into the arm.

“What?! Guards seize them all! Stay where you are!” Wolfgang tried to take control of the situation, but Katurian was quick with his magic.

A slight fog had settled on the staircase of the port and almost instantly, the three guards were asleep on their feet.

“To the ship now!” Gideon commanded, “We’ll have a few words there…”

Vael, Stitch, Katurian and Gideon headed quickly toward the boat, I quickly went to Tarawath who stilled seemed to be in shock.

“Kallo…who are these people?” she asked.

“Faction 5, hun.” I took her arm and urged her along, “We have to go now.”

“Kallo…” she pulled away from me, “I don’t know.”

“Tara…I have to go. I have to go now…” my voice was hushed, but urgent, “You don’t have to come, but I need to know now.”

She hesitated for a moment then took my hand without saying a word.

Betrayal

No matter how much I tried, I just couldn’t shake the feeling I got when I thought of putting Tara on the same boat as that of Faction 5. The Galka, Vael, didn’t concern me to much. Neither did their White Mage Stitch. My real worry was in Gideon, for obvious reasons and more so then her, Katurian. When I’m around him all I feel is this foreboding sense of death, like it follows his gaze, works with his hands. I’m their contact from the Tenshodo, they need me. Tarawath though, I didn’t want her anywhere near those people.

“Kal?” Tarawath asked shaking my arm, “You ok, Tiger?”

“Yea, I’m fine.” I smiled, “Just doing a bit if thinking.”

She grinned and wrapped her arms around my waist as she looked up at me, “Thinking about what?” she asked playfully.

“Unfortunately,” I gave my voice a mock-official quality, “As a representative of a very esteemed—”

“Notorious.” She corrected me.

“And high-class…”

“Looooooow…” she mocked.

“Establishment…”

“Band of no good thugs…”

“I can’t leak such valuable information relating and regarding to my mission.”

“And I don’t suppose there’s anyway for me to pull that information out of you?” she raised her eyebrows innocently and purred.

I thought for a moment, “Perhaps…” I smiled as I leaned down and she licked my lips.

“Mmm?” she asked wondering if that was the ticket.

“Nope!” I kissed her forehead and then let her go walking toward the airship.

She rolled her eyes behind me and sprinted a bit to catch up to me on the docks. However, something caught both our attentions.

“KA~LLO~WA~LLO~!” came a screeching loud yelp from behind us, “DO~N’T GET ON THAT BO~ATY~WO~ATY!”

As we turned around we saw a Tarutaru White Mage scurrying down the docks toward us. Both Tara and I recognized the short young Mage of course. He was the apprentice of one of our good friends, Motai.

“Fabreezio?” I couldn’t help but laugh as he came to a halt near out feet and collapsed out of breath, “What’re you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in San d’Oria with Motai? Wait, he’s not done with…I mean, has he gotten it to work?”

Fabreezio looked up at me huffing and puffing, “I didn’taru…catchy-wetchy…a thingy-wingy-dingy you said…” his eyes were glazed over with exhaustion.

Tarawath and I both kneeled down next to him.

“Ok, Fabby.” Tara helped sit him up and put his hat back on his head, “Take your time now, what’re you in such a rush for?”

“Master Momotai needs you…to-taru come to-taru Sandy d’Oria…” he forced out in between gasping breaths. “Akeemy has been locky-wocked up in the Bos-taru-nieux-deux O-tarubliet-taru!”

“…O…k.” Tara turned to me confused and concerned at the same time.

“The Bostaunieux Oubliette, Fab?” I asked and he shook his head in confirmation.

“I came running-wuning as fastaru as my lit-taru-le legs would take me when Master Momotai said to-taru!” Fabreezio was starting to settle down a bit, but his speech was still slurred with Taru-ism, “He didn’taru tell me anything-wing else butaru get to-taru Kallo-Wallo and have him come! So…here I am, and there you are-taru…I need a nappy-wappy…” he fell over onto his side and closed his eyes.

“Kal?” Tara put her hands on his shoulder, “I can go to Jeuno and let Aldo know you’ll be late. You do what you need to do…”

“Thanks, Tara…”

“But!” she stopped me, “…you be careful. I mean it this time!” she said, “It’s probably just a misunderstanding…do not try to break your brother out of that prison…it’d only be trouble for both of you!”

I leaned over and kissed her cheek, “I love you Tara.” I said, causing her to blush slightly. “Let’s go Kid.” I grabbed Fabreezio by the collar and he squeaked as I tossed him to his feet.

Fabreezio was a unique kind of Mage, though in training, unique all the same. In fact, Motai once told me that he picked up Fabreezio as an apprentice not because of his skill, but because of his potential. I could defiantly agree with that.

“Sorry-worry Kallo-Wallo.” Fabreezio hung his head low as we pushed through the giant puff-balls of the La Thiene Plateau’s valleys.

“It’s ok Fab, I’ve been with lots of White Mages that missed the Crag on their Teleport spells.” I reassured him.

“Really?! Like who?”

“Uh, their names escape me at the moment…” I dropped the topic, “Besides, we’re actually a lot closer to Ronfaure now then we would be had we landed at the Crag.”

“Of course we taru!” he exclaimed, “That was my plan all along!” he scurried on ahead up the ledges that would bring us to the top of the Plateau.

“Kallo?” he asked several moments later, “Whataru made you wantaru be a Thiefy-Liefy?”

I looked down at the little Taru a bit surprised by the question, “What makes you ask a question like that?”

“Well…whenever I travel-wavel with Master Momotaisai, he always talks about you and Akeemy. Butaru whenever he does, other people always have bad-taru things to say aboutaru you, not Akeemy.” He pointed out.

“Just one of the perks of the profession.” I gave him a half smile.

“And you knew this before becoming a Thief?” he asked.

I nodded, “I sure did.”

“So…why?”

“Well…I guess I never really thought about it Fabreezio.” I answered, “It just happened. I could say it was the environment that I grew up in, always looking up to the Mihgo family and what not…hell, I could even say it was because of my parents.”

“Your momma and papa was in a band of thieves-taru?!” Fabreezio exclaimed.

I gave a more authentic smile to his excitement, “They were…among the most…they were a class-act alright. But it wasn’t really any that…I think when it gets right down to it, I just enjoy it.”

“Stealing?”

I nodded to him and he gave me a very concerned look. “See Fabreezio…being a thief isn’t all about taking things that don’t belong to you. It’s a very narrow term in most people’s minds…but, it’s more of a tool then it is anything else.” I explained, “If, for example you have one man who takes gold from another…is it wrong for the second man to take his gold back?”

“I suppose not…” Fabreezio said.

“If one were to give a poem, or write a song for the person he most adores…” I began, “Then in the glow of the Rhinostery flowers, recite those lyrics for her…and unknowingly snatch her heart and her love for his own…would you call that man a thief?” I looked down at Fabreezio.

Fabreezio shook his head as he looked up at me and pushed his little legs to keep up with my own.

“Some people would.” I answered him. “Being a Thief, is…there’s just more to it that some people will never see. Those who do see it, though, they make it worth it.”

“Wow…thataru sounds a lot more fun then being a White Magey.” He rolled his eyes, “All people every wantaru is cure this and cure that! Oh-noes! Fabreezio! Erasey me! I tell you, it really gets old, super-duper quick!” he caught himself suddenly, “But don’t tell Master Motai I said any of that!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the tiny taru at my side.

“Motai would be less forgiving then you think Fab.” I said, “He see’s through talent, and recognizes potential. If you think you’re better suited to be a Thief, or a Rogue…or a even a Corsair, I’m sure Motai’s just waiting for you to realize it.”

Fabreezio thought about it for a moment and I saw a smile slide across his face, but before he could say anything, he suddenly dropped to the ground and started wiggling about.

“…what are you doing Fabreezio?” I asked confused looking around.

“Rollin’!” he managed to get out as he plopped around.

“Well, I can see that but—”

“Try it!”

“Why are you rolling?”

“I have an itch…” he grunted as he shimmed around by my feet.

It was nearly sundown by the time we had reached Ronfaure. As soon as we had left the open fields of the plateau and entered into the lush greens of the Ronfaure, Motai had already spotted us.

“You’ve come!” he exclaimed as he came running up to us. “Fabreezio you did greataru! I need you to head back into-taru Sand d’Oria now! Kallo-Wallo, come with me quickly!”

“Master Momo—” Fabreezio tried to argue.

“Notaru now! No questions, just do as I say-way, please!” Motai said as he started heading off in the other direction with myself in quick pursuit and Fabreezio kicking dirt as he walked back towards San d’Oria.

“Momo?” I asked, “What the hell happened?”

“Keemie’s been imprisoned.” He said as his taru legs seemed to glide over the terrain, I actually found myself in a hurry trying to keep up.

“Wrongfully, I’d assume?”

“Yes, yes, of course!” he said, and hesitated to finish his sentence, “Butaru I’m afraid it’s a little more then that.”

He didn’t say anything else until we had come to a small cliff in West Ronfaure, at the top of which was a barely noticeable cliff face.

“This…” Motai said, “Is a hidden entrance into-taru the Bostaunieux Oubliette.”

“Motai…I don’t understand what’s going on.” I told him flatly.

“Akeem, two-taru days ago was found with some young man, some pickety-pocket from San d’Oria, nothing more then a common thief. Akeem’s told-taru me about him before, his father is a retired-wired Royal Knight – Akeem’s been trying to put-taru the boy back on the right tracks, so to speaky-weaky. He was spotted trying to consul the boy after catching him dead-red handed…and, well you know these Elvaans are more the strikey first, forget the questions partaru. The boy got away, Akeem was arrested…” he stopped short.

“What is it Momo? What else?”

“You.” He said.

“…Destin wouldn’t do that.” He said, “I don’t care how…it doesn’t matter who they…even Trion and the younger one! No matter what anyone says – why would they link us together like that? That doesn’t make any sense!” I was yelling by this point.

“Calm down!” Motai said trying to get my attention back, “I don’taru know what the problem is…but right now, yes, you’re wanted as well and your brother-wother was imprisoned more or less for that reason alone…being your brother.”

“…so what now?”

“Go talk to him.”

“To Akeem?”

Motai nodded, “I was able to-taru talk to him in the time I sent Fabreezio to fetchy-wetchy you. He…they haven’t been very hospitable. All I could get out of him was thataru he wanted to talk to you.”

“And I can’t very well go in through the front gate, can I?” I said, already knowing the answer.

I left Motai to wait for my return and after climbing up the small rock face, made my way into the sewers of the Bostaunieux Oubliette. The underground tunnels of this forsaken prison is littered with the restless dead, vicious bats and giant gelatinous oozes. Luckily enough, it’s not I couldn’t easily make my way through until I reached the more inhabitable, but just slightly, prison area.

I’m not afraid to admit that this wasn’t the first time I had been in the prisons of the Oubliette, so I was quite familiar with how things were ran and I can tell you now that they’ve always been severely under staffed.

After I subdued the one guard they have overlooking nearly the entire Oubliette it wasn’t long before I found my brother hunched over in one of the cells.

“…Akeem?” I whispered through the darkness. “..Keemie?” I spoke up a bit.

He stirred a bit, “…Kal?” he looked up at me, his face was pale. He looked as though he hadn’t eaten for days.

“Akeem are you alright?”

He tried to smile slightly, “…you came…” he slowly pushed himself to his feet and began to shuffle over towards me using the bars to hold himself up, “You need to go talk…with Destin, Kallo…” he muttered as his eyes fluttered open and shut slowly.

“I’m wanted, Akeem.” I said, “If I go…they’ll have us both.”

“They’ll…let me go.”

“No they won’t Akeem, I don’t think it’s that simple.”

“It is! …that simple…” he shuddered a bit and slid down to his knees, “It is…simple…”

I kneeled down next to him, “You’re hallucinating, bro.” I told him, “You’re not thinking straight at all.”

“…simple…let go.” He mumbled as his eyes drifted close again.

I cursed myself for what I was about to do, and I knew I’d be feeling repercussions from so many different sources, but I did what felt right at the time. I picked the lock with ease and tossed my now unconscious brother up over my shoulder as I made my way past the guard and back down into the sewers. It was a bit more difficult dodging the inhabitants the sewers this time, but I took my time getting out and before I knew it I was back with Motai who was waiting eagerly for my return.

“Oh, by Altana…” Motai moaned, “You didn’taru…”

“What else should I have done?” I asked him setting Akeem down.

“There wasn’taru anything else to do, I’m afraid…” the Tarutaru spoke, “But I was hoping-woping you’d think of something else…” he finished as he walked up next to Akeem, “Luckily is state isn’t anything a little white magic can’t fix until we get some real nourishment for him.”

Motai ran his hand across Akeem’s forehead and then drew small runes across his chest. Within a few moments the air around Akeem was a glow with tiny particles of light which all drifted toward his face, creeping into his ears, eyes, mouth and such and suddenly he took a deep gasping breath and opened his eyes. His pale skin began to fill up and he seemed to be charge suddenly with more strength.

He looked around for a moment, his eyes saw the setting sun, “I’m…in Ronfaure?” he asked looking at Motai.

The Red Mage nodded slowly without saying any words.

“…how…” I could sense the anger rising in his words, “Did I get…into Ronfaure?”

“Akeem…” I said slowly.

“You didn’t…” he looked up at me, genuinely infuriated. “This is all a dream, a mirage…I’m still in…”

“No. Akeem.” I said, “I brought you out.”

He stood up, “You ‘broke’ me out.” He spat.
I nodded slowly as I looked down, though happy knowing he was healthy again I still felt ashamed and bringing him out. I was pulled abruptly back into reality by a hard left hook to my jaw. I staged backward a bit, completely stunned by Akeem’s sudden attack and was then directly afterwards sent spiraling to the ground from his right fist.

“Akeem!” Motai shouted at him.

He ignored the Tarutaru and began screaming, “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?! You’ve sealed my fate Kallo! ‘Rescuing’ me from that prison, you just admitted my guilt!”

I couldn’t say anything, I didn’t know what to say.

“You’ve taken my home away from me! Where am I suppose to go now? Back to Windurst with you, where they can throw me out as well? To Bastok?” he laughed, “You…you’ve taken it all away. Just like the all forsaken thief you are.”

“Akeem!” Motai spoke up, “Silence!”

A strange mood fell about both of for a moment, I heard Akeem try to speak but nothing came from his lips. I was still currently on the ground, resting on all fours tasting the blood that was leaking from my lip.

Akeem took a deep breath and I could hear him trying to calm himself. I turned around to face him, still on the ground.

He spoke, “I don’t ever want to see your face ever again. Your dead to me.”

That was the last time I’d ever see the man who was my brother.

The Flower’s Glow

By the time I had returned to Windurst, I heard word that Tarawath was out of bed moving around the city. It was night so I visited her Mog House only to find the Cardians were gone, her Moogle was absent and of course, so was she. I didn’t bother to ask if anyone had seen her or where she went, at this hour of night I knew exactly where she was.

In you head into the Windurst Waters district from Port Windurst you can take a right across a small bridge to the Rhinostery. The Rhinostery is one of the five ministries of magic in Windurst, they specialize in plants and their different properties.

If you walk under the archway of the Rhinostery you’ll come to a small pond with a long bridge leading out to a platform, and surrounding this platform in the water are giant flowers. Now on any normal occasion this isn’t too out of the ordinary.

However, if you come to this place at nighttime, when it’s dark, because of the research and experiments of the Rhinostery the flowers glow a very chilled blue color, very soft.

As I made my way under the Archway I could already see the slender silhouette of a Mithra sitting on the edge of the platform, swaying her feet in the water. The moon and the glow from the flowers bathing everything in a mixture of ice blue and gentle yellow.

She was purring a slow, soft tune as her toes made tiny splashes in the water. As I approached she paid no attention to me. A little smile crept across her lips as I sat down behind her, sliding my legs on either side of her and putting my now bare feet into the water as well.

“You’re suppose to be in bed…” I whispered into her ear as I put my arms around her stomach.

She closed her eyes and rested her head back on my shoulder, “Mm, but I’m feeling much betterrr.” She purred against me. “What’d Aldo say?”

I leaned back a bit and sighed as I glanced up at he sky, “…I’m all set to go to the East.”

“Good.” She smiled, “I’ve already met with Shantotto and the Star Sibyl…when are we leaving?”

“We?” I asked. “We are not leaving. I’ll be leaving when I return to Jeuno…probably in a day or two. You will be staying here and getting better.”

“But I am all better.” She stuck her tongue out at me as she looked back over her shoulder.

“Tara…” I sighed with discontent.

“Kalla…” she mocked me playfully.

“…I’d toss you into that water if I was sure you wouldn’t pull me in with you, you know.” I kissed her forehead.

Smiling widely she made herself comfortable in my arms, “I know! That’s the way I like it.”

We sat there for a long time just watching the flowers glow, it’s what we did on most of the nights we had free when we both managed to be home in Windurst at once. In fact, that little retreat behind Rhinostery was where I proposed to Tara. It’s always served as our getaway from the rest of the world when we want to be alone.

“Tara..” I said after awhile, “…I can’t take you on this trip.”

She sighed, somewhat contently as she moved in my arms comfortably, “And is why is that?”

“The reason Aldo agreed to send me to Aht Urghan is because he needed a job done there.” I reported to her, “And the clients I’m going with are…”

“Women?” she smiled.

“And two men, for your information.” I said squeezing, “That’s not the point though. These people are…the type of people they are, I’ve never seen before, I’ve never met anyone like these people.” I tried to explain my concern to her.

“Oh, Tiger, I’ve met a couple ruffians in my time. Now, if I tried to avoid ever ill-minded rogue and thief with bad intentions, I never would’ve met you would I?” she tipped her head back and looked up at me.

I couldn’t help but smile, “It’s not like that, Tara.”

“Then what is it like?” she turned around and scooted over next to me so she could face me straight on.

“These people…they’re dangerous.” I let it drop out, knowing that it wasn’t going to convince her. I just couldn’t find the words to describe how I felt about Faction 5, “Please Tara…I don’t want you on the same boat as them.”

She crossed her legs and looked down for a moment before she answered, “You know you’ve never lied to me before…” she said. “Which is a pretty amazing feat knowing you…but, I’ve been charged by the Federation of Windurst to travel to Aht Urghan by way of the Tenshodo…which was secured by you. Kal, I have too.”

I nodded solemnly, “…ok. Alright.”

She climbed back into my arms, “Stop worrying so much, Tiger. You and I can handle any old group of eastern evil doers. You’ve got nothing to worry about as long as we’re together, ok?” She looked up at me purring.

I smiled back and nodded, “Ok.”

Tarawath looked out toward the water, noticing one of the flowers gliding gently toward the platform. She leaned over the edge a little and reaching out for it, the large petals and the gentle green and blue aura of the floral creation just out of her reach. She strained a little more and was almost about to take a spill into the gentle waters below her, but I wrapped my arm around her waist pulling her up and little, and with the other arm reached out past her hand and pulled the flower gently across the water toward her.

“I didn’t think you’d show up.” she smiled softly as she plucked one of the soft petals from the flower then leaned back against my chest.

“Well, you know me…” I smiled.

“Which is why I was questioning my even being here.” she giggled along with me.

The two of us sat there a moment, her fingers gently tearing the flower into smaller little petals and dropping them into the water, giving it a speckled glow. I rested my head in her blonde hair, sighing gently, very contently against her.

She began to hum that same tune from earlier but this time she put words along with it,

“In the glow of the flowers,
I can feel your gentle reach.
Our hearts synch,
We will learn, we will teach…

Through the soft aura,
I can see past your mask.
A future offering a past,
Memories will be made to last.

In the light by the water,
Hold me close and keep me still,
We both know, we share a will,
Our glow will keep us un-ill.”

The gentle, almost hushed voice of the Mithra faded out as she closed her eyes, and I holding her tight finished the final line.

“Always in the glow of the flowers.” I squeezed her tighter as we watched the flowers, stars and moon dance in the reflection of the Rhinostery’s waters.

Playing With Fire

As I made my way to Port Windurst I started to put this whole Yagudo and Mamool Ja thing into perspective. I had a very difficult time believing that the Mamool Ja wanted to create any type of permanent bonds with the Yagudo. Otherwise why would they send just one ambassador to the smallest of the six main Beastmen encampments. At most the Mamool Ja must have been looking for some type of distraction.

Regardless, I’m sure Aldo could tell me something about it without sending me all the way over to Aht Urghan. Even if I did have to make that boat trip, it wouldn’t have been much more then some recon in the city, I’m sure.

“Hey! Giraffe-neck!” my ears twitched at the sound as I stood near the Airship Agency in Port Windurst. My eyes scanned quickly around me for the source. I heard something above me but I was too late.

From on top of the Airship Agency something came down swift, I stepped to the side but she managed to catch my shoulder and swing herself around onto my back, covering my eyes.

“Guess who Dhamel!” she hissed triumphantly, a young, yet very skillful Mithran Thief.

I tried reaching behind to grab her off, but she was too slinky-like, shifting away from my hands each time. “Damnit, Miryoku! You rotten fur ball!”

She swatted her paw down onto my head, “Hey! That’s no way to talk to a lady!”

“Gah!” I finally got my hand on her collar and whipped her over my head in front of me, holding her helplessly in the air. “Good thing I’m just dealing with a mouse then, huh?”

“Oooh….!” She growled as she swung a couple times at me, but her fists hit dead air. “You are so dead when I…when I…!”

“When…when you what?” I taunted.

Her arms crossed and her nose turned up, “When I get bigger! Dhamel neck!”

“Well, we don’t have to worry about that for a long, long time, huh?” I smirked, “Now what did you want?”

“…Aldo sent me.” She hissed, “You’re wanted in at the Tenshodo HQ.”

“Ah, splendid. Just where I was heading.”

Another voice came from behind me, that of a Moogle, “Oh, Mister Kalloooo!” I recognized it right away as Tarawath’s house keeper, and so did Miryoku.

As I begun to turn around the mischievous Mithran Thief swung herself toward me wrapping her arms around my neck and swinging her legs into my other arm. As the Moogle came floating within view I stood there awestruck and taken off guard with Miryoku in my arms and purring happily against my chest, “Oh, Kallo…”

“Oh…my…” the Moogle looked as surprised as I was and very upset, without another word she turned and made her way quickly back to the Mog house.

I frowned angrily and looked down at Miryoku in my arms, she smiled up at me very pleased.

“Play with fire, Kallo…” she began to taunt up at me, but I smiled back down at her.

Her sly grin quickly turned to a frown as my grip on her legs and upper body tightened.

“Why are you smiling!?” She barked, “I hate it when you smile! You’re smile is never good! Put me down right now!”

I walked over to the edge of the dock as Miryoku desperately tried to free herself from me, until she figured out what I had planned “Don’t you dare even think about it Kallo!” she had to scream over the sound of the incoming airship, “You’re so dead giraffe man!”

“Best way to play with fire, is with water fur ball!” and I tossed her out with a large splash as I hopped aboard the airship to Jeuno.

As the Airship docked with Jeuno I made a beeline for the Tenshodo. Officially, I didn’t have any type of business or work to do for a couple weeks now, so other then Tara sending me here to find out some information I planned on staying in Windurst; with her.

Now something you have to realize about the Tenshodo is that everyone in there is amongst some of the hardest thugs, most ruthless assassin’s and most vile sinners this side of Vana’diel. So, naturally when I walked past the receptionist at the Neptune Spire and through that door into the Tenshodo HQ, and the first couple men I saw in the hallway looked as though they’d just seen a ghost…something told me to turn around and leave at once. However, I had always considered myself above most of the rogues and corsairs in this establishment.

“Kat!” his voice was commanding and could stop a Marid in it’s tracks, “Let him alone.”

A hiss-like voice answered, “Why…no one around here will miss him.”

I opened the door standing in the center of the room were two Elvaans. One bent backwards, awkwardly over a stand. The other with his hand around the first ones neck, was shrouded in a menacing shadow aura. Sinister-looking yellow eyes shining out from behind the cloak of night.

Yards away from him was Vael, relaxed against the wall. Gideon and Stitch were no where in sight.

Both Vael and Katurian noticed me at the same time. Vael didn’t even so much as shift his weight, Katurian on the other hand let go of the Elvaan he had, who slid to the floor then crawled out of view, pale as parchment. The Shadow Priest, as he calls himself, took a few steps in my directions.

“Well…if it isn’t the Pick Pocket.” He said, capitalizing on the consonants’.

I smirked, “Yep. It’s me.” I said as I attempted to walk past him.

Those long, slender fingers, like lightning were around my throat. An overwhelming coldness suddenly overtook my entire body. I felt my limbs turn numb just from his touch, I tried to bring my hands to his wrist but couldn’t lift them. My eyes turned to meet his. He spoke but his lips didn’t even move. It was like a whisper only meant for me.

“Seems you’re a pretty fair acquaintance of Aldo…” his eyes widened in excitement and my numb body began to sting, “I don’t like…liars.”

“OH! MY! GODS!” a dainty female voice came from behind me, “KAT!”

His grip released and I fell to my knees, my body quickly returning to normal. I felt stunned, but completely fine. No coughing to get my breath back, everything just sort of faded from me and I felt fine again.

“I told you no killing while we’re in town!” I recognized the voice now as Stitch’s, “You promised me!”

“…my apologize little one.” He grimaced as he looked down at me, “…my apologies.”

His apologies weren’t for me, however, only for Stitch.

“Vael…” she whined, “I told you we should’ve walked through the Marshlands instead of taking that dumb airship.” She walked over and sat down next to his feet as she opened a small bag she was carrying popping chocolate out of it.

“And why is that?” he asked still eyeing me.

“So Katurian could’ve got his fill of carving open Beastmen before we got here!” she answered, cutting the air with her fingers as though to mimic the slaughter.

Katurian had also receded to a corner where his shadows fell from his body, revealing his normal pale Elvaan figure, but like Vael, his eyes stayed on me. This gave the room a quick chance to clear out. I slowly made my way to my feet.

“You people sure know how to bring the party to a place don’t you.” I dropped as I walked past a frowning Vael and smiling Stitch towards Aldo’s door.

I was just about to knock when the door swung open.

“Well, well…” it was the smooth voice of Gideon herself, “Just couldn’t stay away could you Long Ears?” she smiled as she reached out and brushed her fingers along my ear.

My eyes went wide and my breath lost itself for a moment, I even might’ve smiled just a bit as I fell against the door frame, “I need!” I grabbed her hand out of mid air and shimmied around her, “I need to go…in here.” I said as her eyes, along with Vael, Katurian and even Stitch’s, all followed me into the room as the door shut and I sighed a long breath of relief.

“You know they’ll still be out there when you leave.” It was Aldo, he didn’t even look up from his papers, “Interesting bunch, aren’t they?”

“If you think a place like Hell is interesting.” I retorted.

“Don’t all of us who work in this business?” he looked up. “Why are you back so soon? I thought you had a few weeks off before your next contract?”

“I do.” I said as I took a seat opposite his desk, “Tara and I were attacked by Yagudo in Giddeus on a trip to improve relations…you know how Windurst works with it’s Beastmen.”

“Yes. I’ve also heard that the Yagudo in Giddeus are, what? Trying to pull away from their brethren in Oztroja?” Also laughed.

“Yes, well…we found out why.” I responded, “The Mamool Ja have crossed the Gugru Blue and began consorting with the Yagudo.”

“…really?” Aldo took a moment to analyze the situation. “But they chose Giddeus? Over a more formidable host such as Oztroja? That doesn’t make sense Kallo.”

“I know it doesn’t. I don’t think they’re plans were to help the Yagudo in any way.”

“Then…why?” Aldo asked thinking to himself.

“There was only a single Mamool Ja ambassador in Giddeus, just enough to sway the Beastmen into doing whatever they need them to do.” I spoke of Fleetfinger.

“Mhm…the Eastern Nations have always been uneasy with out another. Not to mention, they’re being attacked by Trolls, Mamool Ja and …some other abomination all at once.”

“Aht Urghan, from what I’ve always heard is constantly on the brink of war and are just barely holding their own.” I pointed out.

Also finished my thought, “And interference from the Quon or Mindartia nations would cause that balance to shift.”

“Those are my thoughts. But to be honest, I don’t think Windurst, Bastok or San d’Oria would be too quick to help out Aht Urghan. It’s small chance…which is why the Mamool only sent over such a small unit.”

“So?” Aldo asked, “Then why are you here? You didn’t need me to tell you all that and even so…it’s none of our concern” he smirked, “A war like that might actually bring in a bit more business.”

I laughed, “Tara…wanted me to come. She’s still worried, regardless of what I would tell her or not. I’m sure she plans on bringing up what happened in Giddeus to the Federation but she was afraid that they’d do nothing to follow up on it.”

“So she sent you here to get the low-down…and if need be transportation to Aht Urghan?” Aldo queried and I nodded, “Well…you’re in luck my friend.”

Something in me died at that moment and my breath, once again escaped me, “…what?”

“You wouldn’t want to disappointed Miss Jayles now would you? And I’m always looking to help out a friend in need.”

“Of course you are. When it benefits you or the Tenshodo.” I was a bit upset now, I was pretty sure I knew exactly what he was planning.

“Those people out there, that Faction 5—”

“Absolutely not!”

“—they need an escort of sorts back in Aht Urghan!”

“I don’t know my way around Aht Urghan!”

“I said of sorts. Something about infiltrating some old ruins.”

“Aldo, I’m not doing it!” I stood up and walked for the door.

“Kallo! You’re the best we’ve got when it comes to things like this.”

“Be that as it may…” I turned back around, “…those people are dangerous, Aldo. More so then this building is use to housing.”

“And if you’re their guide…they work for you.” He said. “800k now, and another 800k when you return plus whatever spoils you find along the way.”

“…1.6 Mil?” I asked, my attention was caught now.

“You’ll no doubt want to travel back to Windurst to give some goodbyes to Tara and what not – that’s fine. I can entertain our guests until then. But don’t be long!” he said. “Gideon didn’t tell me much about what they want to do…that girl has a way with—”

“Men.” I said, “She has a way with men…I know.” I nodded. “So she’ll probably brief me on the way over?”

“Long boat trip.” He smiled.

I rolled my eyes and put my hand on the door knob. I took a deep breath and pushed it open…but there was no one on the other side. I breathed a sigh of relief as I made my way for the exit, not really caring where the hell they went.

Lovers

A few hours after Shantotto had arrived and seen to Tarawath, they had moved her back to her Mog House. I managed to avoid the good Doctor the entire time, waiting to see Tara until all they had positioned at the doors was a few Cardians. The Star Sibyl had sent someone too me letting me know she was going to be fine, but told me I should keep my distance.

Always the notorious Thief from the slums before her fiancé…it didn’t matter. It was the former that got me into her room anyhow. I slipped unnoticed past the Cardians and opened the door to her room with ease, sliding in and closing it shut.

It was silent, save for the relaxed sound of her breathing. From across the room I could see her chest rise slowly and then fall back down. She seemed so peaceful, so at rest. Like nothing from earlier this morning had ever even happened. The small falls in the back of her Mog House trickled down gently. Everything about Tara always seemed to gentle to me. It was like the rest of Vana’diel wasn’t even there when I was around her.

I made my way across the room silently. However, even in her current state there wasn’t enough silent oil to render me soundless. Before I even reached the bed, she began to stir gently. Pain-filled little groans escaping her perfect lips.

I had to smile to hold back my frown, I hated seeing her pain but she managed to handle it just as any other adventurer would.

Her voice was soft, “…hey Tiger.” She smiled with her eyes closed.

I sat on the edge of her bed, her closest hand reaching for mine, “How’d you know it was me?” I choked out.

Her eyes fluttered open, the green-hue seeming as though it could light the entire room, “It’s always you, silly.”

“I’m sorry, Tara…”

“…ha!” she wouldn’t have it, “It’s not your fault. I know that…and it’s not Akeem’s eit…” she closed her eyes as her face grimaced and she held my hand tighter, “…either. I’d be much worse off had events unfolded in any other way…” her eyes opened back up. “Have you seen Shantotto yet?”

I shook my head smiling, “I thought it’d be best to avoid her for a few more days…months…”

She couldn’t help but let you a small chuckle, amidst her sore muscles, “That’s probably for the best.”

I took her hand into mine and lean down brushing her bangs away with my nose and kissing her forehead, holding back my tears I rested my head against hers, “…I’m so sorry, Tara…” I laughed a little as small weep escaped.

“…I said stop that…” she licked my chin and smiled, “I’m fine…and I need you to do me a favor…”

“Anything.” I said smiling at how much strength such a fragile frame could posses.

“I need you to talk to Aldo for me…”

I already knew was she was going to ask, I shook my head against hers, “No, no, no…not yet. You need time to rest.”

“We don’t have time Kal…” she whispered, her voice was so gentle even when her body ached with pain, “…we don’t…just talk to him. Windurst isn’t going to allow any ferries to cross to the East.”

“…fine. I’ll go…but you’re staying here, do you understand?” I sat back up and looked down at her.

She closed her eyes and smiled as she nodded, “Mhm…”

That’s what made her such the perfect symbol for Windurst. No matter the situation she was always putting her country before herself. Tarawath was always thinking of others even if her own times of need.

“I’ll be back soon, ok?” I said and she nodded up at me as pushed her bangs away from her forehead again, “You get better while I’m gone.”

“I prrromise.” She purred against my hand. “…don’t you have something for me?” she asked looking up.

“Ah…” I had almost forgotten given all that had transpired, “Of course…”

I reached into my pocket and dug out a small ruby-pendant on silver chain, Carbuncles Ruby. All Summoner’s have to go through certain trials in order to be granted the trust and the gift of the Celestial Avatars. The Carbuncle’s Ruby is part of that trial, it serves as a symbol of the Summoner’s strength and endurance and also as a relic of their power. There are very few Summoner’s who part with their Ruby for fear that losing it would mean losing the blessing of the Avatars.

“Thank you, Tiger.” She said as I placed it into her hand and leaned down putting my lips against hers one last time as she closed her eyes and slipped back into slumber.

Brothers

With Tara’s limp, still body between us, Akeem and I kept our backs to each other as we picked off the remaining Yagudo as quickly as we could.

I’ll admit now that I wasn’t my usual self, but under those conditions I don’t see how anyone could blame me. I was filled with this intense anger and rage at the Yagudo, Akeem, hell even with myself. That, mixed with the sadness, it all boiled into this lust-like passion to not only kill those who were trying to take Tarawath from me, but to make sure they felt the type of pain I did, or at least as close as I could get them, before they died.

As I parried a Ninja’s katana, I swiftly brought my other dagger up from under their wrist sever their talon and weapon from their arm. That mangy bird cried out in pain before I flipped my dagger in hand and brought it straight down into its avian shoulder and repeated the process with my other dagger into the other side. With both daggers lodged firmly between the Yagudo’s shoulder and collar bones, I pulled with all my might, tearing and ripping the bone from its flesh-like prison. The eyes of that bird seemed to ignite with pain before I turned both daggers upright in my hands and buried them into the stomach of the crippled bird.

Akeem wielded his lance with razor-like precision, the long polearm swaying quickly and effortlessly through the air as it’s sharp point shredded Yagudo flesh. One of the Monks dropped down to Akeem’s left side as a Samurai slipped up to his right shortly after he felled a Ninja in front of him. The Yagudo, believing they had the upper hand cackled manically, and without response to their heckling Akeem took the initiative. Tossing his left elbow toward the monk he thrust the butt of his polearm into the Yagudo’s throat with a soft crunch. As the bird to his left gasped for air he pulled his left arm down and swung his lance up into the air turning his attention to the Samurai, Akeem brought the polearm down quickly and swiftly the weapon aiming for the shins of the Samurai Yagudo. The bird wasn’t to underestimate the Dragoon, however, and dropping his blade, parried the attack. Akeem gave him no time to counter, and mimicked the same maneuver to the Yagudo’s other side, but once again the bird parried with ease. Letting go of the pole with his left hand, Akeem’s fingers launched the lance into a small spin and after getting his left hand into pushing the momentum of the weapon the butt of the staff came whirling up towards the beak of the Yagudo, making solid contact with his chin, splintering the bone. As the Samurai staggered backward, Akeem used the force of the polearm to bring it around full tilt toward the recovering Monk. The polearm tore through the flesh of his throat and he crumbled to the ground in feathery heap. The Dragoon whipped back toward the Samurai Yagudo who was now holding his talons to his shattered beak, and with one quick thrust, put the Yagudo with the rest of his brethren.

As Akeem fell the Beastmen to my back, I too began to provoke multiple opponents at once. Keeping my guard low and daggers at length I drew in four of the beasts around me at once. Foolish, I know, but again, that lust for their blood was driving me in a way I’ve never felt before. Steel hissed all around me as they lashed out, attempting for my life, but this rage that was awakened seemed to heighten my senses and my skills. I fought like I’ve never fought before. I could see my assailants raising their weapons and feel their presence before even looking toward them.

From behind me a katana descended to my right shoulder, easing to the left I raised my arm in evasion and as the Yagudo’s limb swept down past me I locked his arm under my own and with my left dagger sunk the blade through his wrist. Twisting my body I swung him into the Yagudo to my immediate right as I flipped the dagger in my left reverse and quickly jabbed it into the Yagudo’s throat to my left. Continuing to the spin, the Yagudo in my grasp stumbled into the next Yagudo who was in front of me – I let go of the bird and turned to face the three of them, now all directly before me. I wasted no time, jumping for the center one who couldn’t move with his kindred at both his sides. All three of them where still a bit disoriented, so the two on the left and right just stood there and watched as I showed their friend how to wear his guts as a girdle. As my flurry of stabs ended and the Yagudo staggered backwards holding his stomach slashed from left and right, splitting open the other two Yagudo’s chests, I then brought my daggers back the way they came creating fine slits in their necks, and they too joined their departed kind on the grounds of Giddeus.

Within moments the remaining birds were either dispatched, or attempted to run, calling for reinforcements. I quickly resumed my position at Tarawath’s side.

“Is she…” Akeem came up behind me holstering his lance behind him.

“She’s fine…” I mumbled, “Unconscious…but still breathing. We need to get out of here now.” I gently slid my arms under her legs and back lifting her through the air. She seemed so weightless.

“I know a way – it’ll bring us close to Balga’s Dais deeper in, but we’ll come out into Sarutabaruta very close to the Federation.” Akeem said as he turned to lead the way.

With Tarawath in my arms I clasped her close to my body. My heart was racing faster then a Chocobo on speed apples, but her pulse was slow, steady. I tried to think of other things that were slow and steady in the world; I thought of the Galka, funny enough. They were slow, steady, but strong and adamant as rock.

Akeem was natively from San d’Oria but he managed to guide us out of Giddeus unnoticed, despite how much of an uproar the Yagudo were in. We made a hasty trek across Western Sarutabaruta and into the gates of Windurst Waters.

As soon as we were through the gates the War Warlock on duty recognized me and more importantly Tara immediately. He turned to one of the guards across the archway and shouted as he pointed.

“Fetch the Sibyl Guard at once!” he barked then came trotting up to Akeem and I as we hurried rapidly past. “Whataru happened!” he exclaimed, “What did you—” he stopped short as he realized we were paying him absolutely no mind.

Awe struck and dumbfounded by worry and disbelief, he just stared for a moment then began to follow behind us as did other concerned residents who recognized both the beloved Summoner of Windurst, and the notorious Thief from the Tenshodo. Some even recognized Akeem as my brother from San d’Oria, former Temple Knight.

By the time we were nearing Windurst Walls a group of Cardian’s came around the bend headed by Apururu and her even her brother Ajido-Marujido.

“Gah! So it’s they spoke the truthy-wuthy!” Ajido exclaimed, “I never-wever…Cardians! Take Tara at once!”

“PlEaSe*HaNd*OvE—” The first Cardian approached me with his arms outstretched reaching for Tara’s still limp body, but Akeem moved in quickly and decisively, his fist crushing the Cardian’s strong framed head.

“Hands off them!” he exclaimed as he drew his lance and used it to push the other Cardians off to the side. By now we had drawn quite the crowd.

Myself walking through the front gates of Windurst Waters with Tarawath in her condition was one thing. But now Akeem, a foreigner from San d’Oria drawing his weapon and assaulting Manustery sanctioned Cardians was just adding to the fire. I didn’t care though, I had to get Tarawath to Heaven’s Tower and no one was going to stop me, or get in my way.

Apururu took her brother by the arm and pulled him to the side as I rushed past, leaving Akeem behind to keep the Cardian soldiers a little at bay.

It wasn’t long after that I was in Heaven’s Tower, Tarutaru and Mithra alike crowding behind me as we ascended the stairs to the Star Sibyl’s chamber. Kupipi had already sent for Doctor Shantotto, something had I been in the right mind set had them not do. Just as we made it to the archway leading into the Star Sibyl’s chamber, the giant stone doors flew open and standing there to let me in was Semih Lafihna, captain of the Sibyl Guard. Her eyes were on fire and I could see the anger put her fur on end.

“Therrre!” Semih pointed to the bed, “Put herrr therrre.”

I quickly made my way the bed and laid down Tarawath, kneeling next to her.

“Now, leave!” she said.

I didn’t even look at her, “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Grrr…” she growled deep, “Curse Prrromathia, Kallo! What in blazes werrre you doing!”

A soft voice came from the stairs in the middle of the Star Sibyl’s chambers, “It’s not his fault, Semih.” Star Sibyl descended down the stairs to the bed side, “Neither is it the fault of the San d’Orian. Kallo…I need you too leave.”

Before I could even protest she had her reasons drawn out, “There is nothing more you can do for Tara…” I could tell she was holding back her worry and concern, “Right now, Akeem needs you. Go to your brother.” She said looking up at me. “Please.”

“You’ll send for me when she awakens?” I asked still holding Tara’s hand.

“At once.”

I was escorted back down Heaven’s Tower where Akeem was waiting, standing secluded in the corner. He looked very upset, perhaps the gravity of the situation had finally settled on him. Being a former Temple Knight from San d’Oria, reputation was everything.

“How is she?” he asked when he saw me approach.

“She’ll be fine.” I said, “The Star Sibyl is with her now and Doctor Shantotto will be along shortly I’m sure.” I took him by the arm and led him toward a secluded hallway, “Speaking of which, we don’t want to be here when she arrives.”

He pulled away from me when we were alone, “Look Kallo…” he seemed agitated, much more then I think he should’ve been given the situation.

“What’s wrong? She’s going to be alright, Akeem. It wasn’t anyone’s fault what happened, the Star Sibyl knows this.”

“I know, Kallo.” He turned back to face me, “But Leaders of our nations don’t determine the fate of it’s people. The people do.”

I wasn’t sure what to say. I wasn’t even sure what the hell he was talking about to be honest.

“Kal…those people out there…the way they look up to Tara, what she means to them…it’s irreplaceable. I realize she’s your fiancé but to them…” he paused for a moment, “They hate us, Kallo.”

I tried my best to hold back the laughter, but it escaped as a snicker and Akeem didn’t look at all pleased, “Akeem, they’ve always disliked me.”

“That’s different Kallo.” He said, “That’s your occupation…the way you deal things – even I got flak for that coming up in the Temple Knights, just being your brother. But this is different! She almost died out there today and you and I are going to feel the grunt of it! Regardless of what your Star Sibyl or Tarawath tells people.”

“Akeem!” I took him by the shoulders, “Stop. Just calm down for a minute.” He pulled away from me again, this time turning his back to me. He didn’t say anything, he took a couple deep breaths and we stood there for several moments in silence.

I finally spoke up, “Look, Akeem…I’ve been boo’d out of more pubs then I can count. I’ve been shunned out of my own Mog House more times than there are Mogs in those houses. Now, I haven’t came to the point where I’ve been beaten or chased by a mob…but all those times it’s been for the best. The people may not agree with the way we get things done…”

“You…” Akeem said, “They may not agree with the way you get things done.” He turned back to face me still listening.

“…ok, the way I get things done – but in the end they realize that these things have to be done regardless and if it means people disliking, even hating me…so be it.

“Tara was hurt today…and she was hurt real bad, yes. But had I not been there…no, had you not shown up, instead of you and I carrying in her injured body…had the scene not been, Notorious Thief and meddling foreign bring broken body of Windurst’s most beloved star home…then it would have been, Tarawath Jayles Summoner of Windurst slain by the Yagudo.

“On that same night, word would be stirring around the drunks of the Timbre Timbers Tavern about some rotten Tenshodo thief who ended up bird feed as well. I’ll admit Akeem, I don’t like the way today ended up…but it could have been much worse.”

He swallowed hard and let out a long shaky sigh, “I’m just not used to it…” he said, “And, it may have been an accident – but it was me who took out the wrong Avatar.”

I took him by the shoulders again, he didn’t try to pull away this time, “It’s fine.” I told him. “She’s going to be fine.” I pulled him against me for a moment, not as a thief and dragoon, or a Windurstian and San d’Orian, but as brothers.

After a few seconds he let go and straightened himself out, “It’s about time I got back to San d’Oria.” He said, “I’ve been in town a couple days waiting for you…just too bad I didn’t catch you before you left.” He said as he made for the door.

“Akeem!” I called after him.

“Mm?”

“I love you, bro.” I said honestly, he nodded and smiled.